Sandra‘s Closet

Meet Pascal Millet and his first collection for F/W 2010 in his own name. Contemporary, modern with a couture allure- that would be the perfect description.
The designer began his career as the assistant to Michel Goma at Balenciaga, stylist with Givenchy, then continued to work with John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, before taking over as artistic director of Carven in 2001.

Now he has fulfilled his dream and opened his house in Paris. “La Parisienne” in all her splendor is anyway his greatest source of inspiration. The style is evening cocktail. I love the colour combination of blue and black in particular.

Available at Galeries Lafayette in Paris or for more information visit his homepage.

LoL, Sandra

As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.

From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.

As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2010 collection will be in stores in the end of next week, around June 5th. The inspiration behind the mid-season designs was the idea to find a cowweb-covered heritage trunk filled with grandma`s goodies and to play dress-up with everything you find.

I love that mixture of attic chic and luxe collegiate. The tweed skirtsuits with a 60`s silhouette worn with cashmere lace socks are to-die-for.

I am also crazy for the fox fur vest, my personal object of desire!

It would not be Louis Vuitton, if there was not a must-have bag topping the collection off. This time it is the Monogram Aviator bag that will come in three different colours navy, bordeaux and khaki, all with a bright fluorescent orange lining. Like always the bags will be very limited, at approximately CHF 3400.-.

I wished my Granny had a similiar treasure chest hidden somewhere and I would find it before the moths! As this is very unlikely, probably better to go the Vuitton way…

LoL, Sandra

There was a lot of movement in the fashion world during the last days, some very interesting announcements were made. The probably most unexpected one is Jean-Paul Gaultier`s departure from Hermès seven years after his jump-start of the house`s ready-to-wear line in 2003. If the reason was the  seven-year itch or the death of former president and chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas a few weeks ago, we will never find out. Fact is that Christophe Lemaire, the designer behind the resurgence of Lacoste, is headed to Hermès and will present his first collection for F/W 2011 next spring.
Gaultier is reportedly leaving to focus on his own collection of which 45%  is still owned by Hermès. Like a real divorce… somebody is always keeping a stake.

The second news was not so surprising for me. After different speculations over the future of the Alexander McQueen brand, the creative director has officially been named. Sarah Burton, who had worked alongside McQueen for sixteen years and oversaw the completion of the F/W 2010 collection after the designer`s death in February will definitely keep his spiritual heritage.
The first McQueen underwear collection for men will launch in June. Might be a nice gift for your boyfriend or hubby.

Finally we have two more designers who landed themselves a job. First, former wunderkind Olivier Theyskens, who worked for Rochas and Nina Ricci, will design a capsule collection for Theory that will be released next spring.
And last but not least, Alessandro Dell`Acqua is making a return to fashion with a new collection dubbed N°21( his lucky number), after having lost trademark rights to his namesake line last year. Moreover he will take reigns at Brioni and design their womenswear.

Somebody else seems also ready for a fresh start: Giles Deacon has been confirmed as Emanuel Ungaro`s new creative director. After tumultous times and the Lindsay Lohan episode, the French fashion house will try to skyrocket right up to the point where Balmain and Balenciaga already are. One thing is certain, Ungaro has a fancy name and a lot of potential. Let`s see if Deacon along with the help of his stylist friend Katie Grand can come up with some zesty ideas.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, Matthew Williamson celebrated his collaboration with Belvedere at his flagship London store in Mayfair with many of his famous friends that were mostly dressed in his amazing F/W 2010 collection. His muse Sienna Miller showed up in one of my favourite dresses from his winter runway show. I just love the foiled chiffon twist dress. The cut and fabric is divine in combination and Sienna looked absolutely gorgeous in it.

Matthew Williamson with his muse Sienna Miller wearing F/W 2010 Foiled Chiffon Twist Dress

The reason for the party was the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, the newest to the brand`s popular line of  maceration vodkas. Matthew Williamson designed an exclusive kaftan and all-in-one „inspired by the vitality of sultry high summer evenings“ and „incorporating a vibrant sun drenched palette“. The Matthew Williamson for Belvedere limited editions are available at his flagship stores in London and New York and online.

Singer Little Boots in F/W 2010 Metallic Lace Embellished Shoulder Dress with the Pyramid Crystal Belt

Enjoy the party pics!

LoL, Sandra

Peaches Geldof with Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie

Model Tolula Adeyemi in F/W 2010 Wool Crepe Frill Jacket and S/S 2010 Orchid Silk Top

London`s It-Girl Alice Dellal

If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.

But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.

Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for  winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.

In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!

Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.

Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.

I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.

Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!

LoL, Sandra

Those killer heels are by far some of the most colourful and extraordinary shoes for F/W 2010. The breathtaking models are true works of art and should definitely remain the centre of attention. So keep the rest of your outfit subtle and make sure you know how to walk in them. And if you think there are too much, then just enjoy looking at them.
One thing is certain: This footwear provokes and can cause justifiable credit card debt.
As to me, so worth it…

LoL, Sandra

Sex and the City 2 hits the theaters next week on May 27. Enjoy my insight into the much discussed, long-awaited movie that is a must for every fashionista.

What happens if you say yes? It is two years later, Carrie is living the life with Big which lost a little its sparkle, Samantha has become a pill-addicted, Charlotte is struggling with the pressure she is experiencing as a mother of two, only Miranda seems to cope with her life as a  mom and a professional woman. Still all girls look fantastic in their to-die-for outfits once again put together by famous stylist Patricia Field. Guest stars are Penelope Cruz, Liza Minelli and “Hannah Montana” actress Miley Cyrus.

A little excitement comes in when the girls jump at a chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. The glamorous, sun-drenched adventure surprises with some mysterious coincidences like Carrie bumping into her ex Aidan. The desert looks are so vivid, luxurious and divine. Fashionistas, grab your turbans!

Last week, the book to the movie “Sex and the City 2 – The Stories. The Fashion. The Adventure” was released. It is a great buy as you can find most of the foursome`s outfits with detailed descriptions.

The new must-have accessories will be sweatbands, preferably in neon colours. As spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker – just gorgeous!
Moreover for your evenings out, Skyy Vodka offers “cocktail couture” with a special designed SATC 2 bottle designed by Patricia Field.

The hype has no end in sight. Bergdorf Goodman asked Patricia Field to style the windows of their department store on 58th street. Each of them celebrates a familiar Sex and the City moment. That is New York City!

The four actresses are the cover girls for the recent June edition of American Marie Claire magazine. Get your issue now.

One last anecdote. The buzz began last summer when tons of fans followed the crew around the city to get the best views on the first location shoots. Rumors had it quickly that Samantha will tie the knot in the sequel after her appearance in a bridal gown. There had been many memorable weddings on the show. Think about Charlotte and Trey in the kilt, or that beautiful little ceremony between Steve and Miranda, not to forget Mr. Big and Carrie.

In case you thought Samantha would be the last girl to put the ring on it, you got duped. Kim Cattrall who plays the maneater Samantha had the devious idea to set the fans on the wrong track. There is going to be a ceremony indeed, but it will be a gay one between Stanford and Anthony. Carrie will wear a smoking, don`t you think that this is probably a little too cliché?!

If you cannot get enough of Carrie, I recommend Candace Bushnell`s newest book. “The Carrie Diaries” is about the young protagonist as a high-school senior. A nostalgic look back, an addictive story and a nice way of getting to know our iconic “Sex and the city” fashionista a little better.

Get carried away!

LoL, Sandra

Spotted on the Gucci F/W 2010 runway: Python tights! The new season`s look is ultra seductive and I cannot wait to have this snake-patterned lace on my legs.

When it comes to hosiery, my favourite brand is by far Wolford. The quality is just amazing, the designs are up-to-date and the products provide maximum comfort. The F/W 2010 collection, which will be in stores approximately mid-June, includes wonderful python legwear similar to the catwalk ones above but with a much better price-performance ratio.

To keep my promise and you posted, here is also the preview of Wolford`s leopard hosiery. Aren`t those divine? Available in four different colour combinations: sahara beige/black, black/black, green/black and fuchsia/black.
This is so appealing to my animal instincts. What about yours?

LoL, Sandra

Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.

The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.

Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.

Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.

Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.

LoL, Sandra