You might spend a significant portion of your day at your desk. So it’s probably a good idea to make it a place that looks as fashionable as you. Let me promise you one thing, having a nice desk is extremely powerful and it will make you feel more positive and creative about your work.

Pencil case and measuring tape set by FENDI
Fendi’s pink stationery set will make a feminine and preppy addition to your day-to-day routine. Crafted in Italy from butter-soft leather, it consists a compact pencil case with a zipped top and black canvas lining and is hallmarked with a polished gold-toned F logo plaque that echoes the measuring tape – note the push button and soft retractable tape.

Cork and stainless steel globe by BRUNELLO CUCINELLO
Keep track of your world travels with this khaki-brown globe from Brunello Cucinelli’s classic homeware collection. It’s crafted by artisans in Italy from a combination of natural cork and stainless steel, then lasered to depict a map of the world, which can be marked with the provided pins. Perfect for your desk for textural appeal.

Cobra brass bookends by HOUSE OF HACKNEY
Depicting the label’s eclectic sensibilities, these brass cobra bookends reference the serpent as the guardian of sacred spaces. They’re hand-painted in gold, green and black tones to accentuate the sculptural shape and realistic texture of the engraved scales. 

Intrecciato-leather letter holder by BOTTEGA VENETA
Look to Bottega Veneta’s brown letter holder for a refined homeware piece for your desk. It’s woven with the label’s signature Intrecciato technique, and crafted with two sections defined with sculptural separators that increase in height.

Gekko gold-plated magnifying glass by L’OBJET
This 24kt gold-plated gekko magnifying glass is crafted with red Swarovski-crystal set into the eyes, and set with a rounded magnifying lens. Keep it on a desk next to other equally statement-making pieces.

Deco pen-shell paperweight by BLUE CARREON
This black and gold paperweight features elongated stripes across the curved body that take inspiration from the simplicity of Art Deco interiors. It’s crafted by hand with inlays of natural cracked pen shell to offset the polished gold-tone metal hardware. Use it to bring a decorative, vintage accent to your desk.

Eye-print porcelain tray by GUCCI
Gucci’s exquisitely crafted white tray takes the shape of a pair of hands held closely together to create a cupped silhouette. It’s made from Richard Ginori porcelain, adorned with pink tassels and decorated with an alluring eye print framed by red lightning bolts and yellow stars. Place it on your desk to hold trinkets.

Brass letter opener by CARL AUBÖCK
Handmade from polished brass, the sophisticated piece has a flat edge on one side and features a looping grip on the other to double up as a bookmark.

Valentina large velvet photo frame by AERIN
Aerin’s green Valentina photo frame is from the label’s romantic velvet collection. It’s crafted with a wide border and gold-plated brass edges for an elegant mood. Choose it to display your most cherished memories.

Popotin ceramic vase by ANISSA KERMICHE
This grey speckled ceramic Popotin vase will bring a joyful note to minimalist or maximalist interiors alike. It takes the shape of a woman’s derrière with a tactile uneven surface and is finished with a printed logo on the base. Place it on your desk as an artistic flourish.

Milan cube box by BLUE CARREON
This cube box is crafted using stone inlays by artisan craftsmen in the Philippines, showcasing the eponymous designer’s love for naturally occurring materials. Spruce up your desk by using it as an aesthetically pleasing organiser.

Intrecciato leather paper basket by BOTTEGA VENETA
Crafted from the house’s hallmark Intrecciato handwoven leather, this brown paper basket imparts Bottega Veneta’s discerning and contemporary aesthetic. Let it bring an artisanal riff to a simple desk setting.

Rossetti Flora-scented porcelain diffusing sphere by FORNASETTI
This diffusing sphere offers floral notes of ivy, lily of the valley iris and sandalwood and is housed in an elegant porcelain vase, printed with a Pop Art rendition of Lina Cavalieri’s lips – opera singer and the house’s enduring muse. Place it as focal point of your work space and let it fill your desk with the welcoming scent.

I hope that you have enjoyed my ideas for your desk …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

No doubt about it: 2019 has been the year of the clutch and The Pouch is the It-bag everyone is dying to get their hands on thanks to Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta, who is also responsible for the It-shoes of both seasons. He created this ultra modern must-have with its slouchy, oversized silhouette that’s big enough to hold your phone, wallet, sunglasses and more. Show it off in-hand or tucked in the crook of the arm.

The Pouch comes in many different colour options

Celebrities and street style stars have been carrying the new The Pouch’ bag on repeat, undoubtedly the reason why clutch bags have become a fashion staple. Whether worn with jeans and a sweater or a red carpet look, the clutch reached new levels of outfit possibilities.

My favorite: The Pouch in dark blue

It also comes in crocodile, metallic and intreccio.

It’s not just The Pouch that everyone is loving… there are many more Bottega Veneta bags you should have a look at. Keep scrolling to discover how the Italian Maison made its way back to become the label of the year! And the see the preview for S/S 2020 at the end of the post…

The Pouch fits a lot of things in the must-have large size.

Good news is that Net-à-Porter and Matchesfashion are expecting some serious restock of The Pouch. Stay tuned and keep on checking by clicking on the highlighted text or contact your personal shopper!

LoL, Sandra

For S/S 2020, The Pouch will also be available with a chunky chain. Very cool!

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta / Getty, @newbottega, @black_mag

In the end of last month, when I attended the opening of the BOSS flagship outlet (for the previous post, please click here), I told you already a little bit about the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN in Germany, located close to the city of Stuttgart. High end brands such as Breitling, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni and soon also Moschino and Alberta Ferretti can be found here alongside many others for a great price. Personally speaking, some of the stores look better and are bigger than in Zurich…

Just opened on September 26, 2019: Fendi at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Superlative is the magic word when you want to talk about this shopping village that stands for one thing above all else: the exciting combination of supposed contrasts. If you appreciate unusual and exclusive shopping experiences for a great budget, this will be your new shopping destination. At OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, you can immerse yourself in a world of exclusive brands in an authentic inner-city atmosphere within award-winning architecture and take advantage of discounts of up to 70% all year round. Whether you want high fashion or outdoor clothing, exclusive It-pieces or just the thing for the whole family, the outlet’s wide range of premium and luxury brands makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Award-winning architecture at OULETCITY METZINGEN makes you feel visiting an amazing US mall.

This weekend would be a great opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most popular outlets as OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is celebrating in a big way on October 11 and 12, 2019. The so-called FASHION CITY EVENT offers special highlights, great promotions, shopping on Friday until midnight and the start of the outlet’s own club for customers. The different celebrations seek inspiration from shopping metropoles such New York, Paris, Milan or Shanghai. Sightseeing from a new perspective – all dedicated to fashion – and for a great budget! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Inside the Gucci outlet store.

Inside the new Valentino outlet store.

Don’t miss the gigantic Prada outlet store on two levels.

Welcome to Jimmy Choo at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Free- spirited, 70’s inspired and romantic are all words to describe the bohemian fashion style that I truly adore. When it comes to conquering this kind of look, it can be quite a daunting task. Think flowing dresses, paisley prints, combined with some fancy accessories so that you don’t look like you just got back from a music festival.

My look: Amari tiered cotton-blend cropped top, and matching Amari high-rise tiered cotton-blend maxi skirt, both by Zimmermann, waist bag with chains and pearls by Chanel, red leather sandals by Bottega Veneta, gold-tone crystal earrings and gold-tone crystal cuff, both by Etro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s the ruching on those leather belts that gives them a vintage charm without losing sight of the respective brand’s leatherworking history. The finishing touch on so many of the latest runway pieces, it is the perfect way to temper a billowing dress or oversized blazer. Use it to define the waist for a smart occasion, the choice of the buckle is all yours…

LoL, Sandra

Green ruched leather belt by Gucci

Black ruched leather belt by Gucci

White ruched leather belt by Bottega Veneta

Black ruched leather belt by Bottega Veneta

White ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Gold ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by Dolce & Gabbana

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
Photo in the collage: © David Biedert Photography 
(For the complete outfit post, click here please).

This summer, I promise you that you won’t be able to walk outside without seeing someone wearing those mesh heels or strappy sandals. Just released, they already have the fashion world at fever pitch scrambling to buy a pair before they’re sold out.

Leather sandals (available in different colors, such as turquoise, white and black)

The shoes in question are created by Bottega Veneta, the Italian designer label put firmly back on the map upon securing an alum of Phoebe Philo, the former Director of Ready-to-Wear at Céline, 32-year-old Daniel Lee, as its new creative director.

Embellished leather-trimmed mesh pumps

Daniel Lee’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta focused on an «elevated way of dressing for real life» – the designer referenced Milan’s elegant street style as his starting point. His new footwear has outstanding details thanks to the angular square toe and the rubber-injected base to add stability to the fluted heel. If your size is sold out, stay calm, restocks are expected later this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottega Veneta

Espadrilles are a summer classic, a comfortable choice for exploring local markets on vacation or when you’re running errands back in the city. Today’s post is dedicated to the most sophisticated designer versions for the ultimate luxury.

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Red and black leather espadrilles by Chanel

Logo-embossed metallic leather espadrilles by Saint Laurent

Metallic intrecciato leather espadrilles by Bottega Veneta

Leather-trimmed floral-print canvas espadrilles by Gucci

Lauren scalloped suede espadrilles by Chloé

Kenda crochet-knit espadrilles by Castañer + Missoni

Tabitha leather-trimmed logo-detailed canvas espadrilles by Burberry

Canaee leather-trimmed denim espadrilles by Isabel Marant

Grosgrain-trimmed textured-leather espadrilles by Brunello Cucinelli

The Rockstud Double textured-leather collapsible-heel espadrilles by Valentino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This week, Kering announced that Tomas Maier, who has been creative director of Bottega Veneta since 2001, is leaving the Italian brand.

Tomas Maier with Lauren Hutton

The reason? Kering has been dissatisfied for quite some time as Bottega Veneta’s sales have struggled and younger consumers are not interested enough in the brand that focuses extremely on craftsmanship. Compared to another label of the luxury conglomerate, Gucci, Bottega Veneta has been all about understated luxury and still lives up to its motto from the 1970s: «When Your Own Initials Are Enough.»

On the S/S 2017 runway: Gigi Hadid arm in arm with Lauren Hutton

Lately, Tomas Maier made headlines with the model casting for his S/S 2017 runway show. He sent out 73-year-old Lauren Hutton together with 21-year-old Gigi Hadid, confirming that beauty has no age. The same year, the brand reissued the iconic intrecciato clutch worn by Hutton in the 1980 film American Gigolo.

Lauren Hutton carries a Bottega Veneta clutch in American Gigolo.

Reissued: Lauren 1980 intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta

In a statement, Francois-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, thanked Tomas for his work in the past 17 years: «It is largely due to Tomas’ high-level creative demands that Bottega Veneta became the house it is today. He put it back on the luxury scene and made it an undisputed reference. With his creative vision, he magnificently showcased the expertise of the house’s artisans. I am deeply grateful to him and I personally thank him for the work he accomplished, and for the exceptional success he helped to achieve.»

The new creative director has already been named. It is former Céline director of ready-to-wear, Daniel Lee. Until now, Lee has maintained a low profile at a number of historic design houses. He graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2011, worked at Maison Margiela and Balenciaga, before heading to Céline under Phoebe Philo.

I think that is an interesting choice. Kering has a track record of hiring lesser-known designers to top houses, which worked amazingly in the case of Alessandro Michele and Gucci.

TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta, via Grazia Magazine

This week, I was in London for Fashion Week and treated myself to the legendary Prêt-à-Portea designer afternoon tea experience at the Berkeley Hotel which is inspired by the world of fashion. I had already done it once 6 years ago (for the previous post click here please) and was curious to see the Collins Room after it had undergone renovations.

You might be wondering what is Prèt-à-Portea exactly? It is a menu of couture cakes especially designed for the respective season gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For F/W 2017-18, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has sent out a brand new collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways.

YOUR FASHIONISTA’S TEA INCLUDES
A delicate collection of cakes and fancies inspired by the world’s finest designers:

Gucci’s kimono, complete with a charming parasol, transformed into a pomegranate and grenadine bavarois, with cassis and apple compote topped with a crystallised edible flower and a chocolate parasol.

Balenciaga’s effortlessly luxe black-and-white flouncy dress reimagined as a moist chocolate cake, layered with white chocolate Grand Marnier mousse, crunchy ganache and a sexy orange leg.

Gianvito Rossi’s red-heeled boots, recreated as a fennel seed biscuit iced with burgundy red royal icing.

Bottega Veneta’s daring mustard-coloured suit, gracing the cakewalk as an iced speculoos chocolate biscuit.

Anya Hindmarch’s orange leather clutch as a dulce and ginger cake sandwiched within foxy orange chocolate.

Burberry’s sleek white feathered cape, recreated as a tonka bean cheesecake with cinnamon crumble base, covered with glossy white glaze and finished with a curvy white chocolate feather.

Miu Miu’s luxuriously warm coat transformed into a bûche of pistachio crémeux set on hazelnut sable and topped with waved meringue.

Christopher Kane’s ‘LBD’ taken to another level with stunning flowers and transformed into a chocolate moelleux cake with lacte café and Bailey’s cream, finished with sugar flowers.

Dolce & Gabbana’s stand-out dress, now an almond génoise complete with a mango & passion fruit insert and a cocktail caraibe mousse, topped with a rainbow of chocolate disks.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose from a large selection of loose leaf teas (I personally recommend the Ceylon & Rose tea) from the hotel’s extensive collection and treat yourself to a glass of bubbly like I did. Raise a toast in style!

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £70.00 per person.
A 12.5% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill.

Bookings
Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

THE PRET-A-PORTEA BOOK
There is also a great coffee table (I meant tea table book :-)) that I can recommend: «Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits» was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berkeley’s iconic afternoon tea with 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat. To buy the book, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Runway Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Photos Cover: Courtesy of the Berkeley Hotel

This F/W 2017 season is all about having fun and exploring new territories! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, fishnets are back, boots sparkle, and this winter you definitely need three bags at once. Red is the color to buy and don’t store your overknee boots, they are hipper than ever.

The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2017 TREND 1: FISHNET STOCKINGS
Lanvin – Jason Wu – Cinq à Sept

F/W 2017 TREND 2: GLITTER BOOTS
Oscar de la Renta – Chanel – Saint Laurent

F/W 2017 TREND 3: FURRY HATS
Marni – Prada – Miu Miu

F/W 2017 TREND 4: CRAZY HATS
Emilio Pucci – Moschino – Maison Margiela

F/W 2017 TREND 5: STUFFED ANIMALS
Dolce & Gabbana – Loewe – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2017 TREND 6: WIDE BELTS
Tod’s – Bottega Veneta – Michael Kors

F/W 2017 TREND 7: LOGOMANIA
Proenza Schouler – Christian Dior – Balenciaga

F/W 2017 TREND 8: COMBAT BOOTS
Altuzarra – Rodarte – Hermès

F/W 2017 TREND 9: HEEL ART
Mary Katrantzou – Salvatore Ferragamo – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2017 TREND 10: TRIPLE THREAT
Coach – Gucci – Fendi

F/W 2017 TREND 11: OVERKNEES
Balmain – Nina Ricci – Ellery

F/W 2017 TREND 12: WHITE OUT
Victoria Beckham – Marc Jacobs – Narciso Rodriguez

F/W 2017 TREND 13: FOCUS ON THE JEWELRY
Isabel Marant – Alexander Wang – Céline

Photos: Via Vogue.com