New York Fashion Week has officially started with the presentations of the S/S 2017 shows but one man is swimming against the tide. It is no other than Tom Ford who has chosen to prioritize consumers with a “see now, buy now” format this season, meaning he sent his F/W 2016 collection down the runway that is now available online and in stores immediately – (you can shop it now at mytheresa.com and net-à-porter.com for example).

 “WE HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH A FASHION CALENDAR AND SYSTEM THAT IS FROM ANOTHER ERA. OUR CUSTOMERS TODAY WANT A COLLECTION THAT IS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. FASHION SHOWS AND THE TRADITIONAL FASHION CALENDAR, AS WE KNOW THEM, NO LONGER WORK IN THE WAY THAT THEY ONCE DID. WE SPEND AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY AND ENERGY TO STAGE AN EVENT THAT CREATES EXCITEMENT TOO FAR IN ADVANCE OF WHEN THE COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER. SHOWING THE COLLECTION AS IT ARRIVES IN STORES WILL REMEDY THIS, AND ALLOW THE EXCITEMENT THAT IS CREATED BY A SHOW OR EVENT TO DRIVE SALES AND SATISFY OUR CUSTOMERS’ INCREASING DESIRE TO HAVE THEIR CLOTHES AS THEY ARE READY TO WEAR THEM.” – Tom Ford

I find it a very interesting approach especially as I am coming from a print media background. It will be very tough for the magazines to work ahead of time. Digital will become even stronger than it already is which I truly enjoy. Below you can shop my four favorite looks from last night directly. Have fun!

And by the way Tom Ford is not the only one. A wave of designers showing in-season will follow in the days to come, Thakoon, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and others, among them.

To a new era in all ways…

LoL, Sandra

Get Look 13: Herringbone wool and cashmere-blend tweed top, gold-plated necklace with leather, sequined pencil skirt and leather over-the-knee boots.

Get Look 22: Printed crepe dress, leather over-the-knee boots and leather waist belt.

Get Look 48: Embellished velvet gown and velvet-trimmed leather sandals.

Get Look 51: Sequined silk gown and patent-leather and velvet sandals.

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Saturday one week ago, there was Street Parade in Zurich. It is the most attended technoparade in Europe, since the end of Love Parade in 2010. I prefer leaving the streets to the ravers as I find it too crowded but I still enjoy the music very much. Therefore personally speaking the place to be is the Boum-Boum au Lac party in the exclusive garden of the Hotel Baur au Lac.

My look: Giselle bandage halterneck jumpsuit by Hervé Léger, rock leather bracelet by Miu Miu, studded leather bracelet, Candy suede platform sandals and metallic patchwork camera bag, all by Saint Laurent, «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace by Chanel, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Tonight will be the Rive Gauche Party at the Baur au Lac garden, so stay tuned. More will be coming up shortly from this hot spot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography 

On the S/S 2016 runways, oversized florals burst into full bloom. Large in scale, the blossoms have been seen in all ways, preferably on wide-leg pants and tops. Here you see me wearing the trend on a business trip in Bali last month. Comfortable and stylish in one.

My look: Jessie poppy-print top and Maude printed crepe de chine wide-leg pants, both by Stella McCartney, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag and suede and metallic peep-toe sandals, both by Gucci, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co,
pearl earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Cartier, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen

The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.

Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.

Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).

Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010),  Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).

My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news, it is this time of the year: the sale has officially started and you can find amazing pieces that are marked down up to 50%. Below you can find my selection of my favorite 10 with a little explanation why I have chosen them.

Ruched knitted sweater by J.W.Anderson (40% off)
A great sweater for every day in a stunning colour combination.

Embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs (30% off)
You will be the star at every 4th of July party.

Bandage mini dress by Hervé Léger (50% off)
A true classic in dark blue.

Embroidered wool-blend cardigan by Saint Laurent (30% off)
A fun cover-up for those rainy days and later for fall.

Suede knee boots by Gianvito Rossi (50% off)
Already an investment for the upcoming winter season.

Icon medium leather tote by Tom Ford (40% off)
If you get a Tom Ford bag on sale, you better do not hesitate.

Henrietta rabbit-fur felt hat by Maison Michel (30% off)
Couture millinery Maison Michel was founded in 1936 and is now owned by Chanel, do I need to explain more?

Embellished printed brocade pumps by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)
With this discount, it feels good to add some color to your wardrobe.

Embellished bomber jacket by Saint Laurent (40% off)
A treasure from the runway.

Crystal embellished ring by Gucci (30% off)
Fashion jewelry by Gucci will stay a huge trend next season. This is an amazing opportunity to get it on sale.

I hope that I could inspire you a little… have fun shopping the sale!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

So extremely pretty. When I received the box with the press material, I was immediately taken by TOM FORD‘s new summer products.Unexpected. Sultry. Addictive. Remote private islands where summer lasts all year.
Tom Ford has a history of beautiful summery scents and this new addiction doesn’t disappoint as well. SOLEIL BLANC embodies everything you might be looking for in a scent for warm temperatures. It is an addictive solar flora amber fragrance, seductive, decadent and refreshing at once. It excludes the endless pursuit of sun. I was immediately drawn to it and can only recommend getting it, especially the Shimmering Body Oil.

SOLEIL BLANC

Top notes: Cardamom, Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot and Pistachio
Middle notes: Ylang Ylang, Egyptian Jasmine, Tuberose and Orpur™
Base notes: Amber, Tonka Bean and Coconut Milk

In stores now as Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml (CHF 250.00), 100ml (CHF 380.00) and Eau de Parfum Decanter 250ml (CHF 660.00)
Shimmering Body Oil 100ml (CHF 113.00)

When you are at the counter, check out the new make-up products as well. Especially the ones pictured.

Soleil Conturing Compact CHF 98.00
The Afternooner

Bronzing Powder (Large) CHF 93.00 and (Small) CHF 79.00
Available in three shades: Terra, Gold Dust and Bronze Age

Moisturecore Lip Color – CHF 65.00
Available in Scandola, Mustique, Otranto, Cala Di Volpe, Pipa and Carriacou

Ultra-Rich Lip Color – CHF 62.00
Available in Temptation Waits, Le Mèpris, Aphrodite, Solar Affair and Revolve Around Me

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Give your wardrobe a new season update with a denim bag. An array of different choices is waiting for you. I am in love with those classics that are re-interpreted with embroidered butterflies or flowers. For a night out, denim clutches are perfect when you only want to carry your essentials.

1 Natalia medium leather-trimmed denim shoulder bag by Tom Ford
2 Monogramme medium denim shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
3 The Falabella mini embroidered denim shoulder bag by Stella McCartney
4 My Rockstud embroidered denim and textured-leather tote by Valentino (my favourite!)
5 The Pashli mini denim and textured-leather trapeze bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim
6 Milla denim clutch by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Oversized sweaters worn as dresses add a certain coolness to your look. I couldn’t resist Christopher Kane’s “Lovers’ lace” – entwining bodies in coral and cream lace, that are inspired by life drawing lessons. Worn on the F/W 2015 runway, this oversized style is woven from a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere guaranteed to keep me warm when the weather cools here in Zurich.

My look: Hooded camel-wool wrap coat with belt by Chloé, lace-paneled wool and cashmere-blend sweater dress by Christopher Kane, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, leopard-print Boston tote by Céline, Rockstud leather-trimmed knee boots by Valentino and Linda round-frame acetate sunglasses by Tom Ford.

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

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