Here you see me in Florence, Italy at the famous Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge“) overlooking the Arno River before leaving to the gala evening with Salvatore Ferragamo for the launch of their Signorina Misteriosa fragrance that I told you yesterday about.

My look: Dress with long sleeves and wide skirt and laser-cut leather waist belt, both by Azzedine Alaïa, white mink shrug by Prada, cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals and suede sandals with embellishments, both by Miu Miu, diamond rose ring by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – A huge thank you to my fellow Marionnaud blogger and friend Katrin Roth for taking all the photos of me! 

While you are reading this post, I am in the plane on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Independent Spirit Awards and many more adventures. Last year’s outfit for this outstanding ceremony can easily translate into 2016 with those amazing little creatures on the skirt. Don’t forget – it is the year of the monkey. Delpozo is a brand to watch as the house combines couture techniques with a contemporary silhouette for a thoroughly elegant allure.

My look: Black organza top and monkey print relief effect jacquard skirt, both by Delpozo, satin clutch by Prada, Janis suede platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring and Mediterranean Garden earrings, all by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Piaget Mediterranean Garden Earrings
Earrings in 18K white gold set with 84 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 8.20 cts), 26 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 5.55 cts), 2 marquise-cut emeralds (approx. 1.45 cts), 2 cushion-cut green tourmalines (approx. 2.83 cts), 2 cushion-cut emeralds (approx. 2.62 cts), 1 round green tourmaline (approx. 0.26 ct) and 1 round emerald (approx. 0.22 ct).

Aren’t these earrings absolutely amazing? Cannot wait to choose my jewelry for this year’s Spirit Awards. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently I spent for the first time one day in snowy Arosa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is a famous winter tourist resort and I was curious to explore it.

My look: Mink coat with fox fur collar by Prada, Louisa ribbed cotton-jersey tank by Étoile Isabel Marant, star intarsia cardigan by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, silver and purple aviator sunglasses by Chanel, studded scarf by Gucci, white fur boots by Prada Sport, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin, hat by Dolce & Gabbana with gamsbart and brooches by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

One of my New Year’s resolutions has been to do everything with good vibes only, which means also things that I hate such as grocery shopping. Never forget… good vibes attract good lives! With this in mind have a wonderful day!

My look: Brown leopard print duffle coat by Saint Laurent, black dress by Prada, black cardigan and crystal embellished biker boots, both by Miu Miu, Dionysus Blooms print shoulder bag by Gucci, green wool hat by Stella McCartney and necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The fall colors were amazing this year. Yes, it was that beautiful. The leaves were crunching under my feet as I strolled along on these crisp Zurich days, enjoying the sunshine.
Fall 2015- we wished you would never leave us…

My look: Tweed jacket, tweet print cardigan and matching dress, all by Dolce & Gabbana, suede boots by Prada, wool-felt trilby by Gucci, tricolor tote bag by Céline, necklace by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, «Sidereal 2» sunglasses and earrings, both by Dior and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. Let’s be honest, there is nothing really new, but that is the beauty of our century. Everything is possible!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2016 TREND 1: SWEET GIRLS
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dries Van Noten

S/S 2016 TREND 2: SLEEPWEAR
Balenciaga – Loewe – Alexander Wang

S/S 2016 TREND 3: ARM CANDY
Dior – Fendi – Céline

S/S 2016 TREND 4: OFF THE SHOULDER
Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

S/S 2016 TREND 5: ROMANTICISM
Alexander McQueen – Saint Laurent – Etro

S/S 2016 TREND 6: TRIBAL
Balmain – Prada – Valentino

S/S 2016 TREND 7: JUNGLE
Roberto Cavalli – Versace – Bottega Veneta

S/S 2016 TREND 8: TIE-DYE
Narciso Rodriguez – Altuzarra – Paco Rabanne

S/S 2016 TREND 9: FINE LINES
Salvatore Ferragamo – Stella McCartney – Tommy Hilfiger

S/S 2016 TREND 10: STARS & STRIPES
Lacoste – Marc Jacobs – Max Mara

S/S 2016 TREND 11: BOYISH OVERALLS
Louis Vuitton – Isabel Marant – Ralph Lauren Collection

S/S 2016 TREND 12: NEW DENIM
Derek Lam – Chloé – Chanel

S/S 2016 TREND 13: DISCO SPARKLE
Lanvin – Vetements – Nina Ricci

S/S 2016 TREND 14: SILVER
Victoria Beckham – Tom Ford – Courrèges

S/S 2016 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT EMOTIONS
Dolce & Gabbana – Emilio Pucci – Burberry Prorsum

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

This cardigan has truly reinvigorated my wardrobe. It works perfectly day and night and it is a comfy way to wear sequins. I wore this outfit to the Hilfiger dinner that I posted about recently.

My look: Sequined polka dot cashmere cardigan and Janis suede platform pumps, both by Saint Laurent, white leather dress by Tom Ford, satin clutch and earrings, both by Prada, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Twenties stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, the 24th Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom Boom au Lac party is a great way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park.

My look: Sea foam beaded tulle and navy lame dress and embossed lizard leather lace up booties, both by Rodarte, python leather buckle belt and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, white cuff by Chanel and Pasha C watch by Cartier, earrings by Prada and sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht