Sandra‘s Closet

At the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, another premiere took place. Gucci is breaking into the rarefied world of couture with the launch of Gucci Première. But the Florentine luxury goods house does not intend to show haute couture on the catwalk, the capsule collection that will be renewed twice yearly by Creative Director Frida Giannini is more a response to the rising demand for outstanding red-carpet outfits and will only be available on a limited basis to their top clients and celebs.

No wonder that sultry actress Salma Hayek debuted the new line at the opening night Wednesday as her husband François-Henri Pinault happens to be the chairman and CEO of Gucci`s parent company PPR. But she has been beyond question a good get for the Italian luxury house. She kicked off Cannes and Gucci Première at the Robin Hood premiere in a slinky burgundy one-shoulder dress. A real showstopper!

The next evening at the premiere of Wall Street: Money never sleeps, Salma Hayek wore another one-of-a-kind gown from Gucci`s new couture division – a result of beautiful craftsmanship. The designs are executed in Parisian ateliers, the traditional home of the couture.

And Salma was not alone this time, Kate Beckinsale looked like a fairytale princess in her antique-white dress with a silver embroidered belt and bow from the Gucci Première line. So radiant with a subtle sparkle, that one was my favourite.

As couture houses have been dying out in the last decades, Gucci`s modern approach might create a new dimension and lay the foundation for their raison d`être. Taking Gucci to Hollywood is definitely an interesting advertising concept as there will be a lot of press about their red-carpet wear in the future.

Giorgio Armani has lead the way and is probably the most successful with his couture gowns. Let`s see Gucci do that…

LoL, Sandra

My favourite “Desperate Housewife” Eva Longoria Parker arrived at the Côte d`Azur last Wednesday to celebrate the 63rd Cannes Annual Film Festival in great style. No doubt was she aware of the many photographers awaiting her touchdown at Nice Airport when she tottered on her blue suede “Tribtoo” pumps by Yves Saint Laurent out of the gate, well accessorized with her Hermès bangles and Birkin bag. Her assumingly travel-weary eyes covered with a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses.

At the opening night premiere of “Robin Hood”, Eva caused a stir in a white silk chiffon gown by Emilio Pucci. Her long train added the right amount of red carpet drama. A silver Swarovski clutch and coral jewelry by De Grisogno completed her breathtaking look. Absolutely gorgeous was that she kept the make-up natural and her updo classy-elegant. She looked so radiant without trying too hard.

The next day, Eva went shopping swarmed by paparazzi and fans. When it is time to pose and show, Eva delivers. The petite actress was very fashion-forward and enhanced her toned small body in a gray Hervé Léger by Max Azria F/W 2010 bandage dress with beautiful details like peplums on the hips and a lace-up neckline. Her Birkin bag and her YSL pumps that she had already worn upon her arrival, along with classic aviator-style shades topped off her look perfectly.

In the evening, the lovely Mrs. Longoria Parker wowed again at the “On Tour” Premiere at the Palais des Festivals in a nude crystal-encrusted gown by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. Eva is known to be a huge fan of his ornate, intricately detailed works.

Eva with me

To me, Eva was one of the best dressed actresses at the opening days of the Cannes Film Festival. But not only the stunning outfits made me think that as they would look probably great on others as well. It was more her pose and striking attitude that demonstrated her powerful allure. My Fashion Award goes to little Eva!

LoL, Sandra

Nina Arnold-Shah

Bracelets, preferably many different ones worn together, are absolute must-haves. Celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie do not leave the house without being heavily armed. If you dream of stacking it like the stars, visit Nina and her Kids and the City shop. The charming mother of two sells a huge variety of those It-pieces.

Bracelet "Biscuit" CHF 79.-

Kids CHF 69.-

Charm Bracelets, CHF 79.-

Elastic Bracelets, CHF 79.- each

Sautoir "Biscuit" CHF 235.-

Sautoir "Medailles", from CHF 400.-

If you are looking for the perfect little special gift, Kids and the City is definitely the place to go. Most pieces can be personalized like the engraved medals “sautoirs” , passport covers or hand painted Swedish clogs for Mums and their little ones. I love to order my gifts for newborn babies at Nina`s.

Clogs, CHF 115.-/160.-

Personalized Bags, CHF 59.-

Necklace, CHF 95.- per engraved pendant

Bows, CHF 8.-/10.-, Hairpieces CHF 10.-

Scarfs by TANK, CHF 510.-

Personalized Baby Cushions, CHF 75.-

Passport Covers, CHF 54.-

If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact Nina at or +41 79 7683723. In case you are living in the Zurich area, you are more than welcome to visit her next week on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th of May from 10am – 6pm (or by appointment) as she is having a special “May Shopping Spree” on those days. Her address is Breitackerstr. 4, 8702 Zollikon. See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos:© Sandra Bauknecht

A little reminder for my Swiss and German based readers: The third Weltwoche Style Edition is available from now. Inside you will find my must-haves for different vacation destinations.
Get your summer feeling.

LoL, Sandra

As Chanel`s Cruise 2011 will take a while to arrive in stores, I have some yummy news to brighten up your day: The new Chanel Cocoon handbag line. The padded bowling and shopping bags are perfect for daily use.

The advertising campaign stars Vanessa Paradis and is shot by the master himself, Karl Lagerfeld. Available from May 15th, 2010.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

In 2005, Alexander McQueen had collaborated for the first time with Puma to design a special line of sneakers for the German brand. A symbiosis of fashion and sportswear, his innovative creations have broken the mold.

After McQueen`s death last February, his last stylish trainer collection for F/W 2010 will be in stores on August 20th, 2010. Please enjoy the preview of those future collectibles.
I am in love with the ones in the middle. And you?

LoL, Sandra

CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-

CHF 520.-

CHF 520.-

The recent edition of German Vogue is dedicated to womanhood. A good reason to show topmodel Claudia Schiffer during her last days of her third pregnancy. The beautiful blonde was photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and nine other famous photographers.

Moreover she is talking about her style favourites and beauty secrets. That she is a real “profashional” prove the paparazzi photos of her in London during her pregnancy. Always trendy and never without her Balenciaga patchwork bag.
Claudia- a complete artwork made in Germany.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue