Sandra‘s Closet

Today’s Burberry Prorsum F/W 2011 show took place in a massive tent in London’s Royal Park of Kensington Gardens. It was a true spectacle with many celebrities attending the event., including among others Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth, Alexa Chung, Stella Tennant, Maggie Cheung, Anna Wintour, Samantha Cameron, Mario Testino, Laura Haddock, Lily Donaldson, Julia Restoin Roitfield, Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal, Sophie Kennedy-Clark, Poppy Delevingne, Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon.

My invitation

I was photographed many times

What a spectacle!

People are watching the arrival of the celebrities

Caroline Daily

Lily Donaldson...

...on her way in.

Stella Tennant in Burberry studs with Tim Blanks

Duran Duran arrives: Nick Rhodes & Simon Le Bon

A "catwalk" for the celebrities to be interviewed and photographed

Me at Burberry Prorsum

Photographer Mario Testino

Poppy Delevigne

Me inside

Natalie Massenet, founder of net-à-porter, with me

Christopher Bailey named his F/W 2011 collection after the icon of the Swinging Sixties “Jean Shrimpton”. The look and sound of her golden era shaped the show. The Shrimp once did advertising for Burberry so she had history with the house.
Trim coats with matching bags, drop-waisted tulip-skirted dresses, bold colours, check at its best, the designer played with the silhouettes. Two thumbs up!

Bergdorf Goodman's Linda Fargo in front of me

Loved this mink coat!

Gorgeous pants

Beautiful silhouettes

Outerwear

Black and white moments

Check

The finale of the show was divine. Snow was falling of the ceiling and the models were protected with little rain capes. Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Live stream at Piccadilly Circus

As part of 40 events, the show was broadcasted live globally in Burberry flagship stores from Boston to Beijing, creating ‘buy from the runway’ in-store virtual trunk show events across 4 continents
.
The 40th venue, London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus, streamed the show live onto the famous 32 metre digital screen viewed by an estimated 1.2 million people a week – a first for any brand.

LoL, Sandra

This afternoon, I went to Matthew Williamson’s F/W 2011 presentation in the Philips de Pury building in London that was absolutely amazing. Matthew at his best – soft versus sharp, bold colours in gorgeous combinations, cobalt blue on feathers , divine embellishments and to-die-for fur pieces. The Mongolian wool gilets, the modern biker jackets and the fabulous red and pink outfits were my favourites.

New French Vogue Editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt who was spotted front row, commented that she really liked it. Also seen was Alexa Chung and many more. Enjoy the gorgeous photos that I took before the show, of the beautiful collection and of all the celebrities.

And ladies, here at London Fashion Week, one trend is major on the streets, maxi skirts and red nails, they are everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Matthew Williamson smoking a cigarette with Olivia Palermo before the show.

Beautiful Olivia giving an interview...

...a natural beauty.

Gorgeous mix of prints

Climbing the stairs in a maxi dress can be challenging...

Yasmin Le Bon in the Stella McCartney tuxedo jacket gave an interview...

...very charmingly.

Diane Pernet in her typical outfit and hairstyle.

Society girl Poppy Delevigne

Loved her outfit!

London Fashion Week shoe trend

What a bag!

A beautiful back can also delight.

Kim Hersov, Editor at Large at Harpers Bazaar and ex-girlfriend of Jude Law

Champagne before the show, wonderful!

After the show, I took some night shots outside of the models rushing to the next show and some street style photos. The new camera is really great to experiment with…

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I took the flight at 7am to London and hadn’t gone to bed at all before. Too much excitement and packing stress… it is London Fashion Week.
I still don’t look like a zombie thanks to those lifesaving products. Let me introduce you to my 5 minutes radiance treatment:

Lancôme Rénergie Yeux Multiple Lift

This amazing eye care product combines 2 formulas for 6 different results. A unique treatment that addresses both wrinkles and lost firmness, featuring the GF-Volumetry™ complex, shown to help support cellular communication

A dual action lift: The cream texture helps to prevent sagging eyelids and to recover a young, lifted look. The natural firmness is visibly regained and the eye contour appears redefined.
The tinted texture (works like a highlighter) makes dark circles and puffiness to disappear.
Youthful eye contours return: skin is visibly lifted, firmer, and reshaped.
Available in Switzerland in March 2011, (15ml, CHF 125).

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Emulsion SPF 30

A gossamer-light, skin-brightening, moisture-replenishing lotion with a high level of SPF protection and multiple anti-aging benefits.
Quartz crystals and reflective pigments, imbedded in La Prairie’s Radiance Complex, filter environmental light through miniscule prisms to soften the effects of harsh lighting and give the skin a subtle radiance. This action is intensified by the presence of colloidal gold, which has a warming effect on these radiant substances.
The product will be in stores in Switzerland end of March 2011, (50ml, CHF 570).

Origins Vita Zing™ SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer

This multi-tasking moisturizer handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energizing and protecting to maintain skin’s momentum all day. Gives skin the refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen. And adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week’s vacation. All in 10 seconds max. Slip it on first thing tomorrow – you’ll look like you eat right, sleep tight & don’t
have a worry in sight, (50ml, $35.-).
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tinted Release Moisturizer SPF 15

You won’t believe your eyes once you have tried it. The light texture that smells so lovely like cucumber, transforms into an ultra sheer tint when applied, enhancing any skintone with a healthy, even-toned glow. Moreover, the moisturizer is a super effective anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum sunscreen protection to help prevent and diminsh the appearance of the first signs of aging.
Apply as your last step. Available now (50ml, CHF 72).

You don’t need to use all of the products together. I do so in case of a facial emergency like today and believe me, those products work their magic…

Stay tuned, will be heading to Matthew Williamson’s F/W 2011 show this afternoon.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

„Every time you look at a great painting, you’ve literally took a piece of the artist’s soul.“
– Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone with me in front of his artwork "Best of Life", 1989, which is my absolute favourite, a collage of fan letters.

This morning, I attended a very interesting opening at the well-known Galerie Gmurzynska in St. Moritz in the presence of the artist himself: Sylvester Stallone 35 Years of Painting. In case that you are wondering, I am talking about the “Stallone”, the “Rambo”.

The exhibition is a retrospective of his work. About 30 pictures will be presented, documenting different periods of Sly’s creative work.

The  famous actor has started painting in his teens. His early pieces, which he signed “Mike Stallone”, were experimental. Due to financial reasons he then worked as an author until he started a career as an actor. In 1976 he made his breakthrough as “Rocky”, started painting again and continued to do so until today. During the seventies and eighties, Stallone’s art was very expressive and morbid. Amongst others, his paintings were influenced by the death of his manager  to handle the stroke of fate. The work he made during this period was graphic, flat, often brightly coloured and still quite illlustrative.

"Finding Rocky", Mixed media and artists frame, 1975

A change in his style began 1989/1990. He got deeper into art, studied closely contemporary art and painters like Picasso, Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer. He looked into abstract work of Mark Rotho and developed a unique style for himself: He produced expressive, profound and expressionistic works, sometimes modified self portraits, sometimes pictures playing with words.
Smooth strokes instead of hard blows…

"Best of Life", Mixed media and artists frame, 1989

"Best of Life", Details

Donald Kuspit, one of America’s most renowed art scholars, wrote an essay about Stallone’s art in which he states that Stallone is no longer acting or pretending when he is painting, but honestly and openly himself. He is no longer Rambo , the straight-shooter who never misses, or Rocky, an everyday guy who made it, but in search of his missing self – the self he may have lost when he played those proud creations. His paintings are more emotionally realistic than his unrealistic heroes.

"Never Ever Land", Mixed media and artists frame, 2010

Stallone told Donald Kuspit that the cutting of the frames symbolizes the cutting of frames and scenes from his movies by various editors. It upset him greatly, which is one reason he does not completely frame nor edit his paintings –does not hem them in.

"Hercules O'Clock", Mixed media and artists frame, 1991

The artworks will be exposed at Galerie Gmurzynska in St. Moritz from February 19th until March 15th. Subsequent to the show in Switzerland, Stallone’s art will be exhibited at the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg. The prices for Stallone’s artworks are approximately between $50.000-$150.000.

Photo: Richard Avedon

Stallone is a very impressive and expressive man with a voice that is truly to die for. The father of five children will turn 65 in July and is said to have an IQ of 141.

He was very sweet and answered the question if he could imagine to start painting with Arnold Schwarzenegger like this: „Wouldn’t that be something?! Arnold paints, too but he is not showing his artwork to the public. I painted once with my wife, but this was already complicated enough…”.

In 1995, he modeled for Gianni Versace to promote his new home collection. The photos were taken by Richard Avedon and I still love that one of Claudia Schiffer and Sly both stripped down.

A little trip down fashion memory lane…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

The ubiquitous zoo trend continues. From monkeys at Prada to tigers at Louis Vuitton to full-on leopard prints at Blumarine, Giambattista Valli and Dolce & Gabbana, this season’s runways resembled an episode of Wild Kingdom.

My absolute favourites are Louis Vuitton’s giraffe heels. Those sandals are pieces of art and will definitely find their way through the fashion jungle into my closet. So stay tuned for the sequel.

LoL, Sandra

Today, I am very proud to announce that starting this month, I will have my own monthly fashion column in the SI Style, the well-known Swiss fashion magazine.
I will give you insights in the world of fashion, talk about whom I met and tell you all about some funny incidents.

My first story „With Love to Paris“ is about a very hilarious flight with Courtney Love on board. Get your copy now, read what she wore and how she kept the plane pretty busy.

To my little Carrie Bradshaw moment!

LoL, Sandra

The Hermès S/S 2011 collection for men by Véronique Nichanian is a dream. Classic pieces like the well made pants and the colours in hues of white and beige are combined with skin revealed with subtlety. The look has what it takes to please both, men and the women who love them.

I came across two accessories for men that I find absolutely amazing. MUST-HAVES!

Belt-tie or tie-belt? Made of printed or woven silk to match the men’s S/S 2011 collection, this belt is presented in a gift box with two bands of silk and a removable Etrivière buckle. Vary the way you wear it to match your mood. CHF 730

This boot with its assertive personality dares cool green for a refreshing summer look. A British elegance is paired with a sensual modernity. I just love them! CHF 950

For further information, please visit the Hermès boutique nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

It is that time again, when fashionistas from all over the globe mingle to spot the newest trends for the upcoming season. And it starts with New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

To start you off, I have a real eye candy for you from yesterday’s presentations. Derek Lam showed his F/W 2011 collection with a modern and dramatic makeup look designed by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. Enjoy the first-hand details on the look by following Tom Pecheux and his team backstage.

Derek Lam’s collection focused on new combinations of fabric to make the clothes look fresh, fluid and weightless, the bulk is eliminated and the pieces fit effortlessly together.
Walking in the show were Estée Lauder Global Spokesmodels Liu Wen, Constance Jablonski and Joan Smalls dressed in bold textures and patterns mixed with seamlessly flowing and sharp accents.

Tom Pecheux framed by Constance Jablonski, Liu Wen and Joan Smalls

Working with Derek and Estée Lauder for a third consecutive season, Tom created the sleek leaden eye and muted lip and skin with new products from his upcoming Pure Color collection launching in Fall 2011.

Eyes: Silver (metallic finish) and black (shimmer finish) shades
Two NEW Estée Lauder eye shadows tested backstage – both launching Fall 2011
Highlight Shade: NEW Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder tested backstage – launching Fall 2011
Eyebrows: Automatic Brow Pencil

Tom started with shimmering black eyeshadow and dramatically winged out towards the temples and then used an intensely pigmented metallic grey eyeshadow to produce a silver foil finish in the center of the lid.  Finishing the eye with a swipe of a new highlighting powder on the brow bone created the focus on the bold eye that perfectly complemented the soft richness of the clothing.

Lips: NEW Estée Lauder Nude Matted Lipstick tested backstage – launching Fall 2011

The skin and lips evoked an almost blurred effect, using a new matte nude lipstick and soft contouring under the cheekbone.

Cheeks: Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer – below cheek

Face: Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder

Skin: NEW Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator – launching Summer 2011
DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15

Nails: NEW Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Porcelain –launching Fall 2010

Famed manicurist Jin Soon Choi was also on-hand to polish the toes and fingers of the models in the new limited pale shade.

“This look is very versatile, it almost changes with your movement. The silver metal on the eye reminds me of modern architecture, hard and strong and plays delicately against Derek’s minimal but sophisticated collection. These clothes, you want to keep forever.” described Pecheux, “This look is very confident and lovely, it evokes the fantasy of the Derek Lam woman.”

I am always a big fan of smokey eyes and pale lips and love Tom’s look for F/W 2011. We just have to wait a little longer for those amazing metallic and shimmering shades…
But isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

LoL, Sandra

Happy Valentine’s Day, my dear readers!  Today is the perfect day to express your love. And what a lovely way to show your affection with an outfit that says: „I love you and want to look beautiful for you!“

Sweater (photo left) by Wildfox, red dress and coat, both by Giambattista Valli, stingray-heel Tribute sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, bag by Valentino, bracelet by Louis Vuitton and ring by Max and Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Kate Moss is the new face of Dior Beauté, specifically Dior Addict Lipstick. The English supermodel is proving that at 37, the girl’s still got it.

Dior Addict Lipstick N°578 Diorkiss

The advertising campaign will include a very cool TV-spot that shows Kate during Paris Spring Fashion Week last October, applying Dior Addict Lipstick in Diorkiss N° 578. She was spotted front row at Dior wearing already the new make-up look.

Therefore the fashion world had begun speculating about Kate’s possible advertising contract with the luxury fashion house months ago. What a clever idea, well done, Dior!

The Dior Addict Lipstick collection will hit the shelves on March 1st in a revised look. I was lucky to try them out. The new texture is amazing. Aside from the iconic lipstick, the high shine will offer more translucent shades. 
Creamy, opaque but still very shiny and light. So modern. I am in love with them. Below you can find my favourite shades for summer.

LoL, Sandra

N°745 New Look

N°881 Fashion Week

N°762 Paris

John Galliano has drawn a portrait of his muse, Kate Moss, on a limited series, collector’s edition T-shirt, designed exclusively for the launch of the Dior Addict lipstick. My gift from Dior, thank you!