The shape of the first Vanitas took inspiration from a Louis XV chair bought by Gianni Versace from a French antique dealer for his house in Miami. It was launched in February 1994 and has since then been an ongoing bestseller of the Versace Home collection. Available in silver or gold-foil wood structure and several lacquered colours, it can be combined with the upholstery in all the textiles from the Home collection. The extremly vibrant colours and baroque prints that are Versace`s signature give this piece of furniture an outstanding decorative power.
The magic alchemy of contrasts can be found in the “New” Vanitas (please see the photo to the right) perfectly that presents itself in a new contemporary way without loosing its Maison`s DNA. The sharp-cut remodeled version will be exhibited at the Salone del Mobile 2010 in Milano this week.
My suggestion would be to have one or two of those chairs as an eyecatcher in a rather modern room but not to go over the top with a complete baroque-style ambience. It is like dressing yourself, you don`t want to look disguised and neither wants your home to appear like a museum. Remember: It is all about that special unexpected twist!
LoL, Sandra
In the last two weeks, after the release of the Weltwoche Style edition, I have received so many lovely e-mails from my Swiss readers asking me about the black leather jacket that I am wearing in the photo.
It is from Balmain`s last F/W 2009 collection and definitely one of my favourite pieces in my closet. The sleek cut is divine and emphasises all the good parts of the body. The metal chain adorning one sleeve gives it a rock-chic appearance and can also be removed. Stylists around the world love this motorcycle jacket in supersoft leather as you can see above.
But no worries if you missed that one, Christophe Decarnin designed two other interesting variations for this summer. The cut has remained the same, but colours and materials follow the newest trends: military and denim. I can recommend both as those are the perfect stylish addition to your wardrobe.
Beyoncé was seen recently at a basketball game wearing Balmain`s canvas version in olive green paired with a pair of Balmain`s camouflage jeans and some rivet suede pumps by Brian Atwood. This military jacket is one of the season`s It-pieces. But be aware, there is no chance to hide in this stunning look !
Style icon Kate Moss was spotted several times in Balmain`s denim jacket that she combined with her beloved Superfine Blondie skinny jeans and her Kate Moss for Longchamp zebra print bag that she created in collaboration with the French house.
The Balmain pieces are available through www.net-a-porter.com or for the Swiss fashionistas at Trois Pommes and Designer am See.
LoL, Sandra
Chanel`s new lipstick Rouge Coco is based on Gabrielle Chanel`s first lipstick designs in the Fifties. It is replacing the exisiting Rouge Hydrabase and comes in 30 shades, each named after an influential time in Coco`s life like “Camelia” (a deep rose), “Paris” (a bright red) or my favourite colour “Mademoiselle“ (a soft pink). I combine it with the lip pencil “Tulip” for a lighter look during the day and with the deeper tone “Griotte” for a nice pout at night. You can see the new bestselling shade in action on Vanessa Paradis who is the face of the campaign.
Peter Philipps (Chanel`s art director of make-up) made an interesting point as he has intended to bring the lipstick back into the lipgloss generation`s life. I am very happy with the new formula that provides softness along with the right amount of colour.
What I totally adore that you get a Chanel button with each lipstick`s purchase. You can collect or combine them with others. Pinned on a denim jacket, sweater or like I did on a black little bag, you have a trendy Eighties look with almost no money.
For my Zurich based readers, Jelmoli has some nice ones left. Hurry up!
LoL, Sandra
When Karl Lagerfeld lost almost 90 pounds in the beginning of the Nineties, rumors attributed the weight loss to his consumption of only Diet Coke and steamed vegetables. From April 24th, the Parisian trend department store Colette sells a limited edition of the famous drink especially designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. He dressed the light aluminium bottle in white, black, pink and gave it a new slim silhouette. The bottle is €3.50 and the chic special box, accompagnied by a bottle-opener hidden in a drawer, is €60.-.
As I am totally addicted myself to this wonderful zero-calorie treat, I am completely in love with its new look. Diet Coke should keep it the Lagerfeld way. So much better!
LoL, Sandra
Easter marks the first appearance of spring colours and dresses for the stylish fashionistas. Even if there might me snow on the ground, the appetite for ruffles, florals and brights is big at this time of the year. Easter has this wonderful element of spring fever and romantic pastels belong to that festive day. Here is my suggestion for the perfect Easter Egg Hunt outfit: The pink beaded drape dress by Temperley London is so lovely in combination with the trendy strappy satin ankle boots by Burberry Prorsum, the reflector-embellished leather clutch by Maison Martin Margiela and the rose cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.
All the chocolate eggs will be yours as your stunning look will distract the others from focusing on the game. Happy Easter!
LoL, Sandra
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At the moment, I am in paradise, at a very quiet and calm place:
The Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, 150 km away from Abu Dhabi. When I drove to the new Quasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, I was wondering the whole time if I probably took the wrong direction. There were no houses, people or plants. The only thing to see was sand – almost having a hypnotising effect on me. But the moment I arrived at the hotel, I couldn`t believe my eyes. In front of me lay a temple blending indigneous traditions with outstanding luxury. The tranquility of the desert had embraced me.
The photos show the views from my villa.
What do you wear at a place like that? Missoni would be my answer, especially this S/S 2010 collection that is an hommage to the nomads. A sense of lightness is indispensable, layering the key to a comfortable and breezy look. I always love to pack my Missoni outfits for travelling as their signature knitwear doesn`t crinkle and you can dress it up or down. It works perfectly both ways. Missoni pieces have always been a good investment despite their high prices. They are seasonless and you can wear them for many years.
Many greetings from a very peaceful place!
LoL, Sandra
Welcome to shopping heaven! The Dubai Mall is the ultimate experience for shopaholics with over 1200 stores meeting every possible desire. Most of the major designer brands in the world are located in the 440.000 square feet Fashion Avenue. In February, the first Bloomingdale`s store outside the US opened here a gigantic location. The mall is divided in different areas for sports & outdoors, kids, perfumes & beauty and many more.
The Dubai Mall is also home to the world`s largest indoor gold souk. You can experience the traditional custom of trade in an authentic wonderful surrounding.
Beautiful restaurants and cafés are located inside and outside along the waterfront promenande. There, with a stunning view on the world`s tallest tower: the Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy the Dubai Fountain show whilst having dinner.
The best is that there are so many attractions for the whole family so your husband and kids don`t get bored of your shopping fever. A huge indoor ice rink is the perfect entertainment area for your little ones along with the underwater zoo. My favourite part was the aquarium. You can park your hubby in the tank scuba-diving with sharks. He will have such an adrenaline shock in there that will lessen the one after when he spots you with all your shopping bags.
A lot of superlatives – this is shopping heaven on earth!
LoL, Sandra
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