If you don’t know the “Louis Vuitton Travel Book” collection illustrated by artists from all around the world yet, be sure to check it out. It’s such a great way to keep your favorite travel moments and they make also a great gift. This May, Louis Vuitton adds the Arctic and Edinburgh to its destinations.

Two very surprising titles, somewhere between the travel journal and the sketch book, it’s now the turn of Floc’h, the most bristish of French illustrators, to capture Edinburgh with his famous style called ligne claire.

While the Irish artist Blaise Drummond recounts his discovery of the Arctic through his own vision of beauty.

Exhibitions of original drawings and book signings in Paris and in Europe will celebrate the launch of these two publications.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Don’t we all love to play around with fashion jewelry? This summer, it’s a tough job to choose which pieces you will be getting: from Chanel’s slogan bracelets and Valentino’s ring stack; to Fendi’s feather watch and Saint Laurent’s dainty hearts, they are all just fabulous. Enjoy my edit of the new must-have jewelry pieces of which some are already available in stores. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The heart charm by Saint Laurent

Make love no war – the dainty necklace makes its comeback! Saint Laurent is one of the hottest tickets of the season – and so is this jewelry must!

The dreamcatcher necklace by Etro

A ’70s inspiration with folky fabrics blend with talisman jewelry, something fashionistas around the globe will want this summer.

The choker necklace by Balmain

It’s not the first time, Balmain has sent chokers down the runway, but this summer they are extremely outstanding, playing with email, transparency and architectural lines.
Pre-order the enameled choker by Balmain here.

Layered gold chains by Moschino

Cheesy and tacky, the Moschino girl pays tribute to the plastic superstar Barbie, and Jeremy Scott vamps us up with a multitude of gold chains.
Pre-order some statement gold chains by Moschino here.

Multiple earrings by Dior

Back to the ’80s when multiple earrings were all the rage! Dior combines long hair tucked back behind the ears with many  piercings – a look that is to become cult again.

Disc hoop earrings by Louis Vuitton

Inspired by the flair of the ’70s, Camille Miceli created retro hoop disc earrings for the French Maison that will complement the hippie luxe trend perfectly.

The safety-pin earrings by Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani celebrates the luxurious punk and sends stylized safety-pin pendants down the runway along with his iconic silk ensembles.

The cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

The designer duo took advantage of summer’s inherent punk rock potential and brought the cross earring to La Dolce Vita.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana’s cross earrings here.

Slogan bangles by Chanel

Inspired by Chanel’s finale fashion manifestation, the must-have bangles in silver and vibrant colored leather  come with some  demo slogans such as “Make Fashion Not War” and “Ladies First“.

Wide lacquer cuff in black by Céline

How fabulous are tanned arms accented with a glossy black PVC cuff – something that you will definitely wear a lot next season.

The horsebit bracelet by Gucci

A true classic and a great investment, the golden age of the Seventies was brought back by Gucci with the iconic horse bit bracelet.
You can shop the beautiful horse bit bracelet by Gucci here.

Multiple rings by Valentino

Mix and match this season, Valentino offers the right selection to get really creative.

Stacked cuffs at Lanvin

With 125 years design history to draw on, Alber Elbaz plays with the amount of cuffs you will wear. The more the merrier – that is his style motto for S/S 2015.

Statement piercings by Rodarte

Seeking inspiration from the punk-era, the Mulleavy sisters created a row of faux piercings along each brow for an eye-catching effect.

The feather watch by Fendi

Fendi watches have been on my watch list since some time and this delicate feather version is just breathtaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of the Brands

Classic woolens have had a runway makeover. Silhouettes in XL sizes; long cardigans paired with even chunkier scarves; and as a surprise mixed with a chiffon skirt. Sound toasty? Yes, it will be. But it’s also an ultra-stylish approach to layering up this season.

My look: High-low intarsia cardigan, matching wool-blend scarf and silk-chiffon and satin mini skirt, all by Prabal Gurung, white cady top and patent-leather ankle rain boots, both by Miu Miu, hat by Louis Vuitton and small ‘Ricky’ tote in nude pink by Ralph Lauren.
On my lips: Carmine Rouge clean true red (matte) by Prabal Gurung x MAC.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As always, I would like to keep you ahead of the game and put together the most important S/S 2015 runway trends! Scroll through my forecast to see what will stay and which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season.

S/S 2015 TREND 1
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Tom Ford – Saint Laurent – Louis Vuitton

Sequins and metallics are here to stay and will surely make you feel sexy under the disco ball next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 2
PRIMA BALLERINA
Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet

Soft and pastel, the long tutu tulle skirts and dresses seen gracing the runways were inspired by ballerinas. A must for your next red carpet moment.

S/S 2015 TREND 3
LUXURIOUS HIPPY 
Chloé – Emilio Pucci – Etro

70s inspired looks seemed like a common theme throughout the fashion weeks. Long, light and flowing dresses or lace materials are the way to work the luxury bohemian trend. My favorite!

S/S 2015 TREND 4
JUMPSUITS 
Christian Dior – Céline – Sonia Rykiel

Fashion-forward utilitarian looks, the jumpsuit might not be the most comfortable piece of clothing but next summer definitely the the most up-to-date one.

S/S 2015 TREND 6
KIMONO GIRLS 
Gucci – Marni – Alexander McQueen

Ethnical prints and long silhouettes tied at the waist, the kimono was a huge source of inspiration for a number of fashion houses this season.

S/S 2015 TREND 7
KHAKI – THE HUE TO STAY 
Chanel – Marc Jacobs – Ralph Lauren

Call it haute safari gear for the wilds of the shopping streets. Khaki has become a fashion classic and is here to stay. It is up to you if you opt for for a safari-style or military-inspired look.

S/S 2015 TREND 8
DENIM – HEAD TO TOE 
Prada – Burberry Prorsum – Fendi

It is all about denim head to toe. Next season the beloved fabric is reinvented in in all sorts of blues and with eye-catching stitchings.

S/S 2015 TREND 9
POP ART
Peter Pilotto – Balmain – Junya Watanabe

Some of the world’s leading pop-artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Mondrian and Sonia Delaunay were the force behind a lot of collections. Circle motifs, bright colors and bold, intersecting stripes gave the runway an energetic vibe.

S/S 2015 TREND 10
POLKA DOTS
Marc by Marc Jacobs – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

A simple and extremely joyful print, the polka dot, hasn’t lost its impact over the last seasons.

S/S 2015 TREND 11
ANDROGYNOUS & ASYMMETRIC TAILORING
Anthony Vaccarello – Jean Paul Gaultier – Maison Martin Margiela

Conquering the male wardrobe, the designers used the codes of masculine suits, but added a touch of sexy. The trend reveals itself in the asymmetric cuts which are a must next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 12
PATCHWORK BABYDOLLS
Rodarte – Stella McCartney – Mary Katrantzou

The babydoll makes its comeback in an array of fabrics and lace patterns. Patchwork is the key to success!

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK MESH
Balenciaga – Akris – Proenza Schouler

Worn all-over or a as a single piece, mesh is next summer’s answer to sportswear. The sheer fabric works day and night and has been spotted all over the catwalks.

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK AND WHITE
Narciso Rodriguez – Givenchy – Thakoon

Black and white – the probably most classic color combination. This season, designers set about experimenting with the codes of femininity through black and white suits and used this ultra-refined palette for maximum optical effects.

S/S 2015 TREND 14
MIX AND MATCH
Giambattista Valli – Fausto Puglisi – Prabal Gurung

Conceptual and experimental, the next season silhouettes take center stage with pieces in an array of different colors and all sorts of materials. The probably most modern trend of all.

S/S 2015 TREND 15
HEMLINES
Matthew Williamson – Versus Versace – Elie Saab

Business in the front, party in the back, the new hemlines play with length.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com

This was my outfit that I wore to the Tiffany T collection launch party and the Louis’ restaurant opening last Thursday in Zurich. Brocade fabric mixed with animal print – when it comes to making a statement this season, nature is answering the call. If you are a risk taker, you will definitely take a walk into the wild in those glitter boots.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat, brocade dress and gold glitter leather boots, all by Saint Laurent, envelope leather bag with pink calf hair detail by Céline, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and earrings by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During my recent visit to the 27th Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, I spotted a wonderful jewelry trend: the Opal is a stone on the rise. Gleaming with all the shades of the rainbow, the colour spectrum that these spectacular gemstones cover is breathtaking. The world’s finest opals originate from the Australian outback. Their constantly changing play of colour is known as “opalising“, and the versatile combination of colors is key to the stones’ enduring appeal.

Dark or light, pale or bright, here are the most opulent new opal jewelry pieces to fall in love with this season:

BOUCHERON Indian Palace Ring
Inspired by the colored pools found on the grounds of ancient Indian palaces, this opal ring from the house’s new Fleur des Indes collection sparkles like the surface of water.

PIAGET Extremely Piaget Cuff Watch
Set with 1,699 brilliant-cut white diamonds that are surrounding an opal dial, this outstanding cuff watch houses a Piaget 56P quartz movement, with no doubt one of the highlights of the 70s-inspired Extremely Piaget collection.

CHAUMET Lumieres d’Eau High Jewelry Ring
The opal as the center stone glistens with a pale, almost iridescent, wash of color and is offset by the intense violet of the sapphires. The white gold cocktail ring is part of the Lumières d’Eau collection and set with a 18.58ct cabochon-cut white opal from Ethiopia, an oval-cut violet sapphire, round violet sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds.

LOUIS VUITTON Acte V Genesis Earrings
Featuring Australian black opals, star-cut diamonds and sapphires, those earrings belong to the house’s fifth high jewelry collection, so-called Acte V.

CARTIER High Jewelry Royal Bracelet
Cartier is a passionate observer of beauty throughout the world, always hunting for rare, unique stones. Now the house has created a new collection of High Jewelry: the Cartier Royal Collection. Part of it is this breathtaking bracelet in platinum with a 57.95 carat opal from Australia, colored sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds.

So much beauty in one post… I hope that you have enjoyed looking at it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

LOUIS VUITTON’s “Celebrating Monogram” project takes place in honor of the house’s 160th anniversary. As announced this week in a previous post, six creative visionaries Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry and Marc Newson reinterpreted the iconic Vuitton Monogram with a series of accessories. Finally the designs that will hit the stores Mid-October 2014 have been revealed.

Enjoy and better get yourself on the wait list now!

The Shopping Bag ($5150.00) and Shopping Trolley ($23,300.00) by Christian Louboutin

For his contributions to ‘Celebrating Monogram,’ Christian Louboutin achieved a rather amazing mind-meld of his own signature codes – red (of course), metal studs, feminine bows – with those of Monogram.

Camera Messenger ($4450.00) and Studio in a Trunk (Price on request) by Cindy Sherman

Perfect for globetrotters, visual artist Cindy Sherman drew on memories of the colorful hotel labels affixed to vintage Vuitton trunks. Her designs evoke Sherman’s own journey as a photographer.

Twisted Box ($4400.00) by Frank Gehry

Renowned for his designs on a grand scale – the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Vitra Design Museum near Basel, among many others – architect Frank Gehry applies his avant-garde mastery to the construction of this sculptural bijou of a bag in Monogram canvas.

The Punching Bag ($3400.00), Suitcase ($5900.00) and Punching Trunk (Price on request) by Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld’s extravagant Boxing suite is surely the most flirtatious of this collaboration celebrating the French Maison’s grand tradition of special-order luggage.

The Fleece Pack ($5900.00) by Marc Newson

Acclaimed as the most influential industrial designer of his generation, Marc Newson’s work ranges from concept jets to jewellery. When he accepted the invitation to join ‘Celebrating Monogram’ project, he set out to create a truly functional object; the result is this pure, sculptural backpack. My favorite!

The Bag with Holes ($2790.00) by Rei Kawakubo

Upon seeing Japan’s first Louis Vuitton store in 1978, Rei Kawakubo discovered the allure of French craftsmanship and art de vivre. Today, the creator of Comme des Garçons applies her radical, refined aesthetic to a House icon, revisiting the Sac Plat with boldly conceived asymmetrical cutouts and raw-edged details to produce this provocative ‘Bag with Holes.’

For more information, please visit the dedicated website.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Steven Meisel and © Karl Lagerfeld

LV gets a new meaning… Lagerfeld Vuitton, Louboutin Vuitton… sounds too good to be true?! It is reality, on September 10, 2014, Louis Vuitton will reveal the amazing collaboration with the group of six famous creatives as part of THE ICON AND THE ICONOCLASTS project.

Among those visionaries from the worlds of fashion, art and design are Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawabuko, Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Marc Newson and Frank Gehry, who has also designed the window displays for September.

Each of them has been given ‘carte blanche‘ to to reinterpret the brand’s iconic monogram bag or luggage. The limited edition pieces will go on sale from mid-October in a very select number of Louis Vuitton stores and range between €2000 – 4000.

Classic Monogram Keepall 45 by Louis Vuitton

The monogram was launched with worldwide patents on it in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his late father Louis, who had died in 1892, and was considered revolutionary in its time. Its graphic symbols, including quatrefoils and flowers (as well as the LV monogram), were based on the trend of using Japanese and Oriental designs in the late Victorian era.

Today, Louis Vuitton revealed some exclusive behind the scene photos of the creative process!
Cannot wait to see the results on September 10, 2014! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Karl Lagerfeld

Christian Louboutin

Frank Gehry

Cindy Sherman
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

World-renowned architect, Frank Gehry, winner of the 1989 Pritzker Prize, is turning his talents to the design of window displays for the first time. In September, Louis Vuitton store windows will feature Gehry’s sculptures alongside its F/W 2014 collection.

Passers-by and visitors will be able to view exclusive content when they scan the window displays with their mobile phones using the Louis Vuitton Pass app.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

I was still in Shanghai for Omega’s amazing event with George Clooney (post coming up soon) when in Monaco around 300 fashionable people moved their way up the steep, winding streets of the city to enter the transparent tent with custom-made Pierre Paulin seats in the Place du Palais to attend Nicolas Ghesquière‘s second show for Louis Vuitton: his Cruise 2015 presentation.

CEO of Louis Vuitton Michael Burke, Delphine Arnault, fashion designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Princess Charlène of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco

On the runway appeared beautifully embellished but still very wearable pieces, mismatched prints, embroidered lace with tiny seed beads, and a very well played game of colors that established Ghesquière’s very own key LV codes that he had started back in March during his F/W 2014 show.

The French powerhouse is always about accessories and those spiky silver belts, gladiator boots and the new, wide-opened bucket bag will surely find their fans all over the world.

I attached you my favorite looks herewith!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Jürgen Teller and © Rindoff/Le Segretain/Getty Images for Louis Vuitton