Paris Fashion Week is a series of fashion shows, designer presentations and events that takes place twice a year. It is held semiannually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events. There is also Couture Week and several designers also create capsule and resort collections during the year.
SECTION 2: Why is Paris Fashion Week important?
Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the Fashion Industry. It concludes the “Fashion Month” which takes place across the 4 main fashion capitals: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Fashion Week is a way for brands to present their new collections to fashion buyers, editors and critics. It is a key moment for fashion creators to connect during the fashion month that takes place twice a year.
SECTION 3: The History of PFW
Paris is the capital of France, hailed for its architecture, gastronomy, culture, history and of course, fashion. The Paris Fashion Week is actually longer than a week, it usually lasts between 10 to 12 days.
The first official Paris Fashion Week took place in October 1973, with the formation of the Fédération Française de la Couture. It was called the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show. The event was a cultural fundraiser that aimed to help restore the iconic French landmark: The Palace of Versailles. The show included iconic designers who still host their own fashion shows today each season during Fashion Month. The most recognisable names at The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show included designs from Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin and Hubert de Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta.
Between the very first Fashion Show in Paris, a multitude of iconic fashion moments took place during Paris Fashion Week. From Karl Lagerfeld’s otherworldly Chanel shows to Alexander McQueen’s performance pieces. Fast forward to today, at Paris’s shows are more dramatic than ever, a spray-painted Bella Hadid at Coperni for SS23 is living proof that fashion shows remain well and truly performance pieces.
Today, The Fédération de la haute couture et de la mode (FHCM) is the governing body for the French fashion industry. The Federation contributes to consolidating Paris’ role as the world capital of fashion, in particular through the Paris Fashion Week® that it coordinates. La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode is a group of French fashion industry associations created in 1973. It brings together fashion brands that focus on creativity and cultural development.
SECTION 4: What makes Paris Fashion Week so special?
What you need to know in a nutshell: It is called a fashion show because that is exactly what it is: a blend of theatrical performances and sartorial style. With festoons of fabric fluttering by, air kisses between guests, and flashes of cameras at every turn. With the digital age advancing rapidly, both Instagram and TikTok are official partners of Paris Fashion Week. Today, with the selfie era in full swing, the fabulous, flamboyant style can be seen both from the runway and nestled on the front rows of fashion shows. Paris Fashion Week is the epitome of Parisian drama at its finest.
This year it ran from the 26th of September to the 4th of October 2022. It presented the new collections for spring-summer 2023. In total there were 105 brands, of which 64 physical shows and 41 presentations.
The most iconic fashion houses present their new collections at the Fashion Week in Paris, it is one of the most important events of the year for the industry. Then key appearances on the calendar include: Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Givenchy, Loewe, Az factory, Gianbattista Valli, Stella McCartney, and this season’s unforgettable Coperni fashion show performance staring Bella Hadid. Iconic fashion brands whose shows are a must, are those of Chanel, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton, which closed the week (and the Fashion Month) on the last day.
Two of the most anticipated fashion shows of this season that had their first debut on the PFW calendar, where the Victoria Beckham and Zimmermann fashion shows. Presenting for the first time in Paris during the Fashion Month is a huge honour for fashion designers because Paris is such a historical and iconic location for fashion.
Milan fashion week is a biannual event that takes place between January-February and then again in September-October each year. MFW occurs in the third week of Fashion Month. The fashion month of madness always opens in New York, heads then to London, next to Milan, and finally wraps up in Paris.
Industry insiders, VIPs, and the press all flock to the Italian fashion capital to attend exclusive events, runway shows, and fashion presentations. This said, if you happen to be in Milan city at the time of the event, there is a Fashion Hub that is open to the public, which means you can still experience the artistic and fashionable ingenuity of MFW.
Milan Fashion Week
Italians are known for their style, craftsmanship and ability to combine clothes to look impeccably chic. Famous Italian fashion brands include Prada, Loro Piana, Tods, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Schiaparelli. Prints and textiles are also incredibly important emblems of Italian heritage. Luxury Italian fashion brands known for this include MISSONI, Pucci and Versace.
Milan Fashion Week: ones to watch
Of course, the big names are very exciting and generate a lot of buzz and press coverage. There are also smaller and lesser-known fashion brands that present their collections. With this in mind, here is a quick breakdown of the emerging designers at Milan Fashion Week with innovation and forward-thinking fashion lines to keep an eye on:
DHRUV KAPOOR
DHRUV KAPOOR the dreamer presentation: This Prêt-à-Porter line was founded by the Indian fashion designer Dhruv Kapoor. Think mesh sets, floor skimming flared sheer trousers and graphic, oversized athletic pieces. My favorite aspect of the new Spring Summer 2023 collection were the circular, crystal-embellished top handle mini bags.
YUME YUME
YUME YUME means “dream” in Japanese. Just like its name, the Dutch brand, founded in 2018 by Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks present at Milan Fashion Week, offers shoes with a style that are at the same time futuristic and inspired by Japanese traditions. What is truly innovative about their footwear, is that they feature insoles and outsoles made entirely of reused materials such as recycled nylon and rubber or samples of unused products. With an environmentally conscious framework, YUME YUME uses its traditional craftsmanship to ensure sustainability in an innovative manner.
SHUTING QIU
SHUTING QIU – AS A BUTTERFLY CHASING THE SUN. Fashion forward and fun: A complex contradiction in each piece with bold prints combined with softer touches of ruffles and tulle. Colour, textures, and print combinations are all combined in a feminine yet sporty manner. Each piece in the collection is worthy of a conversation with dramatic silhouettes that stand out.
Fashion Fun Fact: The designer has collaborated with Uggs changing the soles and adding hand-sewn sequins in her capsule collection. So her work stretches to footwear as well as fashion.
What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?
Of course, Italy is slightly warmer and milder than its other two European counterparts where Fashion Week takes place. Paris and London are freezing and rainy by comparison and you really have to plan your outfits in terms of warmth and comfort if you want to survive there. This means that in Milan, during Fashion Week you can get away with fewer layers and really rock out the latest trends you’ve been itching to try on. In terms of Street Style, you do not need to wait for Milan Fashion Week to get inspired in the city. Simply sit outside a coffee shop in a busy street and sip an espresso whilst watching the incredibly stylish Italians trot past each one oozing more class than the last. This said Milan Street Style Trends that will be making some noise this season include:
Noughties nostalgia: 90s Grunge, think Kate Moss meets the Matrix. Everything that made the 90s what they were: Latex leather, cutouts, thin straps, platform sandals, chokers, With this trend, the return of the cool girl is well and truly here.
Gilded glamour: sequins, rhinestones and feathers on everything. Euphoria eye makeup is the easiest way to adopt this trend. I tried and loved it personally but “il faut oser !” You might look like your crying glitter tears but that’s the idea. It is such a fun look for an evening fashion event for example.
Child’s Play & Y2K are here to stay: Barrette clips, baby blue eyeshadow, lipgloss and plastic jewelry are the easiest way to hop on this trend. Think Moschino fruits, low waist jeans and cartoons – this childhood daydream is what makes this playful trend so easy to adopt.
Gucci Grandma: I am not sure how I can name this trend, basically imagine an incredibly stylish grandma who rocks her designer oversized glasses, costume jewelry, and couture on a daily basis. Think lacy frills, chiffon with sequins, prints on prints, ruffles, pearls, and chunky gold with gelato hues.
Fashion Faux Pas Made Mainstream: Lastly (and possibly most questionably) Pants paired with dresses, visible lingerie, socks with sandals – essentially all the fashion rules you can imagine, break them. In my days at art school they actually had a themed party exactly in line with this trend (talk about avant-garde!). This anti-fashion fashion in certain circumstances, can be just the look you need.
Who to follow on Social Media during fashion week
Even if you are not able to attend Fashion Week, in this digital era you can happily hop onto your preferred social media outlet and enjoy the digital version of the show. Both TikTok and Instagram are official Fashion Week partners. Many of the Fashion Houses also host live runway streaming sessions. So you can tune in no matter where you are in the world.
There are also all the behind the scenes and street styles which are fun to look at. Here are the top bloggers and fashion accounts to follow:
Want to know how to survive fashion month? No stranger to fashion shows, I have worked at Paris Fashion Week, and Couture Week, illustrated live at fashion shows, captured runway looks in the fashion pit as a fashion photographer and attended my fair share of fashion shows around the world as a member of the press, as an art director and a fashion influencer. With that in mind, here’s my two cents if you are headed to fashion week and want some prepping tips:
Mini miracles: always have a small mirror compact, a flat comb, your favourite lip product and a hair pin or two handy (easy to add into all your handbags and pretty useful for a quick pic op)
The holy grail: A phone charger, because there is nothing more heartbreaking than being at a show with a dead phone. This has happened to me one too many times!
Stomping ground: if you absolutely want to wear heels then opt for heeled boots with chunky heels, platforms also support well – you’ll thank me later.
Power pack: protein bars, a mini water bottle and chewing gum are going to be your best friends along with a ton of coffee.
Logo mania is dead: You would be very much mistaken if you’re planning to wear head to toe designer logos. Unless you are representing a designer, the majority of fashion week people wear unbranded, edgy looks rather than plastering themselves with visible logos. It’s much more of a “if you know, you know” vibe so definitely look at the design quality of what you choose to wear and avoid looking like a walking billboard for a brand.
Take your pills: Daflon is going to be your lifeline along with magnesium tablets in the evening.
The Future of Fashion & Italian Designers:
Last but not least, I wanted to touch upon what is next for the Fashion Industry, in particular for Italian fashion designers. With the steady shift linked to digital trends as well as interesting advancements have been adopted by some of Italy’s most loved fashion designers, such as augmented reality collections and fashion gamification.
Fashion and Web3: the Metaverse at Fashion Week
In March there was the first ever Metaverse Fashion Week and it featured luxury brands, household names and digital-native designers. The early adopters include the Italian Fashion designer Dolce & Gabbana who launched a bespoke collection of 20 looks of Metaverse wearable pieces. This season Dolce & Gabbana’s muse consisted of the the ultimate internet celebrity, the OG of social media influencers: Kim Kardashian. Other notable designers with a Metaverse presence include Hugo Boss, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Balenciaga. The latest addition to this list includes Vogue Business that launched their Metaverse Atelier on the 22 of September 2022. A members-only event which brings you behind the scenes and up close to view fashion at its finest.
J’adore by Dior Parfum d’Eau launch party in Traumgarten by Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story
In early September I was invited to attend the new Dior fragrance launch on the Swiss market. The event took place in Traumgarten Thalwil, just a short ride outside of the Zurich city center.
The event was a celebration of the new parfum d’eau.
Traumgarten actually means “dream garden” in German, and this could not be more accurate. The setting was breathtaking, with koi fish curling around the bottom of a pond, Dior goodie bags piled high on lush green bushes, and flowers, and the new Dior parfum d’eau.
Why Parfum d’eau, not eau de parfum? This is indeed the unique selling point of this new Dior fragrance. It is the first-ever water-based fragrance. It is an alcohol-free fragrance. Instead of alcohol, it is an oil-based fragrance that needs to be shaken before being applied. The new Dior fragrance is a concentration of water and flowers.
In terms of advertising and imagery, the Dior J’adore fragrance has become synonymous with the famous actress Charlize Theron. She has been the face of numerous of the J’adore fragrance campaigns (and before her, Carmen Kass in the 90s). Charlize Theron continues to star in the international campaign launch for the new J’adore Parfum d’eau. But did you know that there will be local digital stars for this Dior Parfum launch? Earlier in the day, the Traumgarten served as a backdrop for the upcoming Dior digital campaign for the perfume in the Swiss market. They shot the most stunning images of the beautiful Swiss influencers Anna Maradan, Elvira Legrand, Lisa Starchak, Sindi Arifi, andSvenja Elena Steness.
The evening event started at 6, there was a garden quiz with prizes to win, delicious food and on each table, there was a white bouquet of Dior flowers along with the new J’adore Parfum d’eau for guests to sample. There was also a pop-up booth with makeup where you could try out the latest Dior Makeup collections with the help of professional makeup artists. There were also several backdrops where you could take your picture including a super fun photo booth, which I loved. Later on, there was a full official presentation of the new Dior fragrance along with a speech from the heads of the markets in the evening.
The theme of the evening reflected the new look of the Parfum d’Eau’s opaque white bottle with its elegant gold neck – the Dress Code was white with a touch of gold. For the event, I wore a Miu Miu white dress with a delicate bow detail along with a cream white tweed blazer, threaded with gold and embellished with a pearl trim. In terms of shoes, I wore a pair of white loafers with gold details. This is because we had been asked to wear comfortable shoes, this is because the garden setting meant that heels would be a tad more complex, and I am so happy I had flat shoes as it allowed me to explore the garden fully. For the event, I had done my makeup using only Dior products. In terms of the look, I did a soft glam look inspired by Lily-Rose Depp’s MET Gala makeup from 2019, so iconic and elegant.
The event was a wonderful moment, and I am so thankful to have been invited. Not to mention because when I was an illustration design student at The University of Edinburgh, my dissertation thesis was in fact on Dior and the iconic perfume ads created by the famous Franco-Italian fashion illustrator René Gruau. In this way, Dior will always truly hold a special place in my heart.
How to make the most of your stay at the Chedi Andermatt by A Stylish Story
The Swiss Alps are a breathtaking destination for a summer getaway, and there’s no better place to stay than the luxurious Chedi Andermatt. This five-star hotel, designed by minimalist architect Jean-Michel Gathy, is part of the elite GHM group and offers an unforgettable hospitality experience.
The Chedi Andermatt is known for its Asian simplicity in the Alps, with Asian-inspired decor and an excellent Japanese restaurant. Located in the Urseren Valley and surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel is a haven for travelers looking to recharge their batteries. It’s no surprise that the Chedi Andermatt is a proud member of General Hotel Management, Leading Hotels of the World, and Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
The rooms at the Chedi Andermatt are spacious and beautifully decorated, with large balconies overlooking the outdoor pool and the stunning Swiss mountains. The bathrooms are fully equipped with top-quality amenities and the beds are comfortable and inviting.
But the Chedi Andermatt isn’t just about the luxurious accommodations. The hotel also offers a variety of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy. The outdoor pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, and the hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors at the Chedi Andermatt. The hotel is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, making it the perfect base for hiking and mountain picnics. And for those looking for a more leisurely pace, the hotel offers guided tours of the surrounding area.
When it comes to dining, the Chedi Andermatt doesn’t disappoint. The hotel’s Japanese restaurant serves delicious, authentic cuisine, and there are also a variety of other dining options to choose from.
Overall, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to spend a summer getaway in the Swiss Alps. With luxurious accommodations, a variety of activities and amenities, and excellent dining options, it’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
But what are the top 10 reasons to visit the Chedi Andermatt in the summer? Here are just a few:
1. The stunning location in the Swiss Alps: The Chedi Andermatt is located in the heart of the breathtaking Urseren Valley, surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Luxurious accommodations: The rooms at the Chedi Andermatt are spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with top-quality amenities.
3. A variety of activities and amenities: From the outdoor pool to the spa to guided tours of the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone at the Chedi Andermatt.
4. Excellent dining options: The hotel’s Japanese restaurant serves authentic cuisine, and there are also a variety of other dining options to choose from.
5. A peaceful and relaxing atmosphere: The Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and escape the stresses of everyday life.
6. The opportunity to explore the great outdoors: The Swiss Alps are a paradise for hikers and race car drivers, and the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area.
7. A unique and unforgettable experience: The Chedi Andermatt is unlike any other hotel, with its Asian simplicity in the Alps and luxurious amenities.
8. The chance to indulge in a luxury wellness retreat: The hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
9. The opportunity to experience Swiss culture: Andermatt has been a popular destination for the bourgeoisie since the early 19th century, and the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to experience Swiss culture and luxury.
10. The chance to make lasting memories: Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or relaxing at the hotel, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to create lasting memories of your summer getaway.
Why the Chedi Andermatt is the best luxury hotel in Switzerland.
How to enjoy the Swiss Alps as a luxury traveler.
Spending the summer in the Swiss Alps is an unexpected yet extremely peaceful way of recharging one’s batteries. This is why the Hôtel Chedi Andermatt is a hidden gem for those looking for a unique and peaceful ambiance. The luxury 5-star deluxe resort oozes Asian zen with alpine chic.
This summer, I was invited to one of the most luxurious hotels in Switzerland, the legendary Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. Along with Bella, we enjoyed a summer Swiss alpine experience at their stunning resort.
About Andermatt & The Chedi Andermatt Hotel
The Chedi Andermatt was designed by the minimalist architect: Jean-Michel Gathy. This luxury five-star hotel is part of the elite GHM group of hotels and is one of the most carefully curated hospitality experiences I have had. Indeed, the Swiss Alps is certainly an unexpected destination for the summer one might say – given that it is such a hot spot in the winter months. However, with the heatwave that ran through all of Europe this summer, it was the perfect place to get away from the city swelter and reconnect with nature. What is more, did you know that the enchanting winter wonderland of Andermatt has been the chosen destination for the bourgeoisie since the early 19th century? Today it is most known for The Chedi Andermatt Hotel. This luxurious hotel draws in a flurry of international visitors regardless of the season. Every year Andermatt shrugs off its snowy white coat and the sun streams down the picturesque village. In the summer months, the Chedi Andermatt becomes a playground for exotic car tours, and hiking enthusiasts with a penchant for delicious dining experiences as well as being the ideal place for a luxury wellness retreat.
The hospitality of the Chedi Andermatt revolves around the following statement: Asian Simplicity in the Alps. The Chedi is in fact an alternative term for a Buddhist stupa, mainly used in Thailand. The name underlines the Asian influence that is omnipresent throughout the hotel. With the dark paneled wood, excellent Japanese restaurant, and Asian-inspired decor.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Urseren Valley, situated in the Swiss Alps, dark panels of wood soar up to the sky and form a huge complex known as the Chedi Andermatt. It is a captivating five-star escape in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. The hotel’s Egyptian owner, Samih Sawiris, has created world-class accommodations, services, and amenities for his hotel guests. This architectural gem and prestigious hotel are one of the most ideal destinations in Switzerland for travelers who want to recharge their batteries.
The Chedi Andermatt opened in December 2013 and is part of the General Hotel Management Group (GHM). It is the group’s first resort in Europe and is situated in the Urseren Valley in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
This was a truly magical experience in terms of wellness and gastronomy. I highly recommend the Chedi Andermatt as a hotel to stay in if you are looking for a little rest and relaxation, and are in search of an exceptional level of Swiss luxury hospitality. As the Chedi Andermatt is a proud member of General Hotel Management, Leading Hotels of the World, and Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
About the Hotel Rooms at the Chedi Andermatt
The room we got was beautifully decorated, very spacious, and had a large balcony overlooking the outdoor pool, set against a beautiful backdrop of the Swiss mountains. I loved the huge bathroom which was fully equipped with my favorite Acqua di parma beauty lotions and potions. I really liked the rain shower and deep soaking bathtub. Indeed, each of the hotel rooms comes with a balcony, a Bose surround sound system, and a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies (we watched Crazy Rich Asians to keep in theme with the hotel).
There are serval types of Room Categories available at the Chedi Andermatt, including:
Deluxe Room
Grand Deluxe Room
Junior Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite
Gemsstock Suite
Furka Suite
Gotthard Suite (which is the most prestigious category at The Chedi Andermatt. It stretches across 330 square meters and includes its own Private Spa with a Steam bath, Jacuzzi, and Sauna as well as a private wine cabinet)
The whole room that we stayed in at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel was “connected” and you could program the lighting, the fireplace, room temperature, etc all from a single iPad. What’s more, a little welcome package was waiting in the room along with a handwritten note (which always makes it so much more special). The gifts were carefully placed on the low table which was decorated with super soft floor pillows – adding an Asian aesthetic to the dark wooden chalet. This was one of my favorite spots in the room. I also loved the walk-in wardrobe which I immediately filled with my chalet chic attire. We freshened up after unpacking and headed down to the hotel lobby for the Chedi Afternoon Tea experience.
The Chedi Afternoon Tea at the Chedi Andermatt
We had the traditional Afternoon Tea on the ground floor of the Chedi Hotel. It was such a cozy setting, despite the size of the hotel. We selected a soft plush daybed and settled into the ambient space to enjoy the Chedi’s signature afternoon tea. It arrived on a beautiful silver 3-tier cake stand which was laden with stacks of sandwiches, delicious pastries, as well as an array of local delicacies. Depending on the guest’s preferences, the hotel’s afternoon tea can also be swapped for champagne as the bar is stocked with a range of Taittinger champagnes to choose from. I enjoyed a glass of Champagne Taittinger Rosé as well as a fragrant pot of tea from Dammann Frères. If Afternoon Tea is not your scene, there is also a cigar room for gentlemen to enjoy. It is also an ideal location if one is looking for a more private area to conduct their business exchanges, for example. Indeed, The Cigar Library at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel holds the world’s largest variety of cigars in the hotel industry (with over 800 different types of cigars from sixteen countries).
About the Chedi Andermatt Luxury Spa, Hydrotherapy & Pools
Our next stop in the hotel was The Spa and Health Club. I must say, this was one of my favorite aspects of the Chedi Hotel. It is based on a holistic concept and is spread over two floors. There is a beautiful 34-meter interior pool which I did serval laps of before dipping into the heated outdoor pool. I loved the 12-meter outdoor pool as I could gently relax whilst listening to the twittering of birds that swirled around the stunning alpine valley, punctuated by helicopters flying overhead. It was pure bliss and really allowed me to feel replenished and renewed.
The Spa is also equipped with a Tibetan Relaxation Lounge that offers an assortment of Far Eastern treatments customized to suit your personal needs. The Chedi Andermatt also has its own private Health Club filled with the latest TechnoGym equipment. Personal trainers are also available for individual coaching. They also offer both private and group classes including yoga and Pilates.
The Chedi Cocktail Bar & Tasting Experience
In the evening I slipped into a long slinky dress and a pair of heels before heading down to the Chedi cocktail bar. This bar actually won the Best Hotel Bar at the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2021. With around 500 different spirit items, including limited liquid editions, regional gins, and fruit brandies from renowned Swiss distilleries, you are sure to find the perfect beverage adapted to your palette. What is more, they offer both signature drinks and non-alcoholic drinks, and this includes non-alcoholic cocktails as well as wine. I loved how relaxing yet luxurious the setting was. With several circular fireplaces, soft leather sofas dotted with soft pillows, and a full-service bar in dark wood. We then enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal complete with a wine flight selection best suited to each dish.
The Luxury Pit Stop Experience in a Morgan 4/4 and a Scenic Picnic in Andermatt Valley with The Chedi Hotel.
A true 007 Bond Girl adventure: during my stay at the Chedi Andermatt Hotel I really had the feeling of being on set for a James Bond film. Indeed, if you are a fan of James Bond, fast cars, fine wine, and dining, then this is the hotel for you. Why James Bond, you ask? Well, the iconic car chase from the James Bond Goldfinger was filmed in Andermatt itself. Indeed, the Chedi Andermatt Hotel pays tribute to this historic moment in cinema in the summer months by offering its guests a unique 007 experience known as the Luxury Pit Stop. The Chedi hotel organized a fantastic Luxury Pit Stop experience for me and Bella, and we had the most marvelous time. We tucked ourselves into the beautiful Vintage 4×4 Morgan and rode up into the mountains. It was truly like being on the set of an old movie and I adored every second of it! This experience is only available during the summer months, and I really recommend it. Indeed, you can also have the option at the hotel to have a picnic with the experience as well. This is what we did, we drove up and then set up our little picnic that was previously prepared by the hotel staff beforehand. Then once we had found the perfect spot, we took the little wicker picnic basket and blanket up with us and set up the picnic, and enjoyed a delicious late lunch against the stunning backdrop of the Urseren Valley. Complete with delicious spring rolls, fresh sandwiches, and delicious desserts.
In Conclusion
In total at the Chedi Andermatt, there are 123 elegant rooms and suites, five outstanding restaurants and bars, a modern Health Club, and an exceptional spa area. You really are spoilt for choice and pampered in terms of culinary experiences. This said, my personal favorite aspects of the Chedi Andermatt were:
⁃ The exceedingly professional, helpful, and polite staff (especially Chris who helped us set up the picnic in the perfect spot tucked away on a hillside that overlooked the valley).
⁃ The tranquility of the outdoor heated pool area. Possibly the most serene and connected to nature that I have felt in a long time.
⁃ The balcony area with a stunning view from the 6th floor.
⁃ The Morgan 4/4 Luxury pit stop experience, was truly unforgettable.
⁃ The gastronomical aspect: from the wine flight to the Asian delights, the endless choices in the morning at the breakfast buffets to the cheese room, it was a real strong point of the hotel stay.
As you can see, the Chedi Andermatt is the perfect place to visit in the summer. With its stunning location in the Swiss Alps, luxurious accommodations, and variety of activities and amenities, it’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. So why not book your stay at the Chedi Andermatt today and start planning your summer getaway in the Swiss Alps?
The other Chedi Hotels in the world are:
The Chedi Hotel & Residences, Luštica Bay, Montenegro
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, UAE
The Chedi Muscat, Oman
Useful Information
The Location:
The Chedi Andermatt
Gotthardstrasse 4,
6490 Andermatt, Switzerland
Contact Details:
Distances
125km/80mi from Zurich Airport
200km/120mi from Malpensa Airport
184km/114mi from Milan Airport
0.1km from Rail Station.
The Chedi Andermatt: An unforgettable experience and a must-visit holiday mountain resort in the Alps by Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story
Watches and Wonders 2022 in Geneva as told by Anna Blachut.
The annual watch fair called Watches & Wonders just took place in Geneva. This is the equivalent of fashion week for the watch industry. Geneva is the ideal setting for such an event as it is home to numerous prestigious watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Roger Dubuis, to name a few. The Watches & Wondersannual event takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. It consists of an impressive lineup of brands that come together to announce their new watches, unveil their newly launched timepieces and innovations. There are also many local watch brands who host private events during this week.
I was lucky enough to attend several of the exclusive watch events in Geneva, which I wanted to share with you today.
SEVENFRIDAY at The Fairmont in Geneva
The first event I attended was a private watch viewing and dinner at the luxury hotel, the Fairmont in Geneva. The Zurich based brand showcased their new pieces. We met the founders who have successfully launched SEVENFRIDAY as a global lifestyle brand that creates industrial inspired watches as well as super funky eyewear pieces. The pieces are designed for individuals “who live everyday like its Friday”.
HYT Watches Moon Runner & Hastroid at Antiquorum Geneva
The next event which I greatly appreciated was hosted at the auction house Antiquorum. For the 2022 edition of the Watch and Wonders, Antiquorum in Geneva hosted the Swiss manufacturer HYT watches. HYT is known for their unique and innovative approach to time.
HYT introduced two truly remarkable timepieces: the Supernova Blue Moon Runner and the New HYT Hastroid. Davide Cerrato, CEO and Creative Director of HYT, presented these two new models to press and industry members from the 30th of March to the 5th of April. The whole auction house was transformed into a space world. With black-out curtains, one steps through to see a holographic projection of the new Supernova Blue Moon Runner. Headphones in black and neon green were available, once you placed them on your ears echos of the iconic Blade Runner soundtrack envelop you and embark you into the HYT fluidic concept of time and space.
Indeed, space is intrinsic to the watchmaker. HYT’s two new watches celebrate the ‘Heroes of our Time’ such as astronauts and visionary entrepreneurs. Technology is intrinsic to travelling in space, a characteristic HYT shares. How so you may ask? Well, HYT watches are made using mecafluidic technology. This is a the symbiotic marriage of science and micromechanics that means that the HYT timepieces tell time in a manner unlike any other watches in the world. This is because the watches have a fluid that circles around the dial and moves, in order to indicate the passage of hours. This fluid, in its extra-fine capillary, is the remarkable unique feature of the mecafluidic timepieces designed by HYT.
What is more, only 27 copies of the new HYT Moon Runner are available in the world. Why only 27? Well this links back to outer space, where the number 27 is commonly found. For example, Uranus, the seventh planet of the Solar System, has 27 known moons. It is also highlights the rarity of such a unique timepiece.
WPHH – Franck Muller 30th Anniversary Gala
Watches and Wonder is traditionally rounded off by Gala evenings.
I was invited to the WPHH Franck Muller Gala. The WPHH stands for World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie.
The Gala was hosted at the historic Domaine du Grand Malagny. This is a majestic estate owned by Franck Muller. In this stunning location, the watch brand has presented truly exceptional timepieces and laucnhed exciting world premieres. Including the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega which is the most complicated wristwatch in the world.
This was a particularly special event, as the Gala was held in honour of Franck Muller’s 30 years of success in the watch industry. A milestone for the Master of Complications.
The new watches that Franck Muller Genève presented at the WPHH 2022, included:
Grand Central
Vanguard Revolution 3 Skeleton
Vanguard Racing Skeleton
Vanguard Yachting Crazy Hours (my personal favourite)
Crazy Hours 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
Vanguard Rose Skeleton
Cielo
Galet Moonphase
Double Mystery
The Franck Muller Crazy Hours model was one of my personal favourites. It is a watch like no other thanks to the unique numerals on the dial. Like a surrealist painting, a melting clock by Salvador Dali, this is a wonderful work of art for your wrist. I adored the Crazy Color Dream one in particular.
It was a wonderful way to wrap up Watches & Wonder. The week was filled with exciting new launches in the watch world. So it was a true honour to attend and be a part of such a special moment for the watch brand Franck Muller.
Firstly, Happy First Day of Spring! So it finally the sun is out and the flowers are beginning to bloom which makes me so happy. I caught the nasty flu after traveling to Paris for Fashion Week and completely lost my voice. So I was extremely happy when I became healthy again to see that the season change was in full swing here in Geneva.
About NA-KD Fashion
With the shift into spring, I usually take time to do my Spring Cleaning and look for fashionable staples that I can wear through spring into late summer. Which is why I want to share with you may latest spring shopping haul from NA-KD. With the temperatures rising it means that it’s time to bring out those traditional transitional pieces such as classic trench coats and lighter layers. So today I wanted to share with you how I combine them with three Spring looks I styled from the Scandinavian brand NA-KD.
NA-KD is one of my favorite fashion brands when it comes to shopping online. They always have super cool collaborations with big Danish and Dutch fashion bloggers and influencers such as Claire Rose Cilteur, Hanna Schönberg, Josefine H. J., and even the ever so stylish former Victoria Secret model, Romee Strijd. What’s more, I have a discount code for -20% off the whole NA-KD website: AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today).
Baby Blues: I love the cut of this blue slip dress in satin from NA-KD’s new spring collection. The waterfall neckline is so flattering and easy to wear in the warmer months. What’s more, the back is open with very thin straps that crisscross into a bow and are adjustable. This is a detail I find so pretty and feminine as well as being very practical. I really like the of cornflower blue with the tiny printed white flowers. It reminds me of classic Norwegian textiles in blue and white. I paired it with white boots, my Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace, and an oversized cashmere coat in blue from Maje. Which was an easy, fresh weekend look. Ideal for grabbing a mocha at my favorite local coffee shop and strolling around in the sunshine.
Satin cream: Then there is this luscious lace-up slip dress in off-white with a small blue floral print all over it . It reminded me so much of the English Rose, Cottage Core Aesthetic, and the Netflix series Bridgerton, with the puffy sleeves, romantic empire waist, and soft cream color. I love the slit leg detail as well which is very practical for walking with ease. It feels like the perfect picnic dress for spring. I styled it with a pair of white leather high-top converse shoes and a light cream-colored suede coat.
Pink Paradise: Lastly, I opted for a satin pink printed skirt. This is actually part of a set. I will probably get the matching top as I love Co-ord sets so much. The pink and purple circles are so cute and girly, and I like that there is a bit of white and black in the print so you can combine the skirt with either color. For this final outfit, I went for a simple white top to make sure the satin pink skirt remained the focal point and paired it with my white Chuck Taylor’s and super 90’s square shaped black sunnies.
So there you have it, three easy spring looks for the weekend with NA-KD fashion.
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, I definitely recommend checking out their website as they have super stylish springtime looks, from uber-trendy styles to timeless wardrobe staples. Also if you do find something you absolutely love from the website don’t forget you an enjoy -20% off the whole NA-KD website with my discount code AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today). Wishing you a wonderful start to the new season.
Another great thing about NA-KD is that they have free climate-compensated shipping and returns. The fashion brand has a large variety of sustainably sourced clothing. To top it off, customers can sell their old clothes directly on NA-KD.com by clicking the “pre-loved” menu at the top of the website. Integrating the circular fashion economy. This is a marketplace for pre-loved fashion. On part of the NA-KD website you can find all available second hand items. I find this super cool because sometimes there are pieces from older collections that you wish you had gotten and NA-KD circle ensures you don’t get shopping FOMO. Plus the way it is set up, you just shop as usual. Simply put the item in your basket and check out just as easy as buying new products. How cool is that?
