Sandra‘s Closet

During Milan and Paris menswear S/S 2012 fashion weeks, the streets have been filled with people wearing all sorts of fruits. Prada’s bananas (especially loved by the stronger sex, Tim Blanks rocked the print) plus Stella’s lemons and oranges were  seen everywhere. Remember, I have warned you before that this might happen. Please click here for the previous post in February.

And with the EHEC virus going around, wearing vitamins seems a lot more healthier than consuming them.

Photos: © Tommy Ton, Streetfsn, Upscale

I love my fruits. Recently at the Lovers Lane party with Bex Rox, I wore my Stella McCartney citrusy print dress with my Prada bananas earrings. Python Palais shoes by YSL, necklace Bex Rox.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Kevin McHey

This week, I have had some pretty cool things happening. First of all, one of my favourite websites Lyst.com (have look, it is worth it) did a Q&A with me.
Please click on the photo to see it.

Secondly, I was asked to be in the committee for the Who Is Who of  Zurich magazine which will be launched in November this year.

And last but not least my new column in the SI Style is available from today which tells you all about the campaign shoot for Closed.

More to come!

LoL, Sandra

While being in Florence for LuisaViaRoma’s Firenze4Ever event, I was able to meet Laudomia Pucci, the daughter of Emilio Pucci who serves as deputy chairman and image director of her family’s fashion house.
(For further information on Pucci, I recommend a previous post. Just click here).

Laudomia with me

The charismatic lady was very delighted to see me in head-to-toe Pucci and answered all my questions enthusiastically. Please enjoy my little interview with her:

Laudomia, how was it to be the daughter of Emilio Pucci? Was he a strong character?

The more I go ahead in life, the more I think that those people in general to leave such a legacy behind them, they must have worked very hard and been very very strong.

I also worked with Hubert de Givenchy. That is of course a different kind of person but an esthete to the last tip of his finger. These people had a vision of everything, a culture to die for and a very very fascinating life.

When you think of my father, there was the war, the upbringing in America, a fashion career, his politcal career and his success as a skier. It was basically five lives in one. Of course, those people who survived and who had seen so much, they had to be special.

So to be the daughter of all of that was normal because that was my life. But the story is that he wanted me to work in his business. He adored women. So to have a little woman was the best thing that could have happened to him.

You are a mother yourself. How do you balance being a mum and a business woman?

I have three kids. A girl, a boy, a girl. I have just added my kids to my life. It was a fabulous accessory to have and it became much more of an accessory (laughs…). It just completed my life. I was a late mother and my children are just so precious for me.

Emilio Pucci

Was your father similar to you being a parent? How did your father prepare you to take over one day?

My father had me also quite late in life. It must have been totally alike. So for example, when we launched perfumes. I went back to research  how my father did perfumes and I remembered. He was in my room when I was sick at the age of four . He was in there mixing perfumes and asking me: “Laudomia,  do you like that or do you like this?”

He was always putting me in his vision. I think when you have children, you see yourself moving on. So he saw his fashion move on and that was the message I got. I started working with him in the early 80s when I just had graduated. In the late 80s when he was not feeling well, we decided let’s move on, let’s bring the company where he wants it to be. And that is what I have done. Basically for the past 25 years of my life.

You sold 67% of the company to LVMH in 2000. How do you feel today about your decision?

First of all, I would have never thought that I would have sold and it feels funny enough very much the same as before. The reason for this is more than the influence, there is a mutual respect. That is very very important.

When you are with a partner, when people see there is a point in what you are doing. When you both hardly object it. When you have the patience in life to make it happen. I realised after ten years of managing the company, that I didn’t have the creative talent of my father. I realised that very early. It became such a competitive business, such a difficult business, you couldn’t find talents and production facilities.

And to have that know-how behind you with LVMH now all around the world, is just fantastic. We have great designers. We have been able to open beautiful shops. We have been able to save so much.

Peter Dundas

You worked with many well-known designers like Christian Lacroix and Matthew Williamson in the past years. Today, the enchanted slumber seems completely over and Peter Dundas has taken Pucci back on a fast ride up to the top. How  do you see him?

Peter is a very different approach. All the designers I worked with, I am grateful to. I needed a lot of input, a lot of energy. But Peter is a different approach. He is a dream! Peter gives all his time, all his energy to the company.

He is good with the girls, with the fashion, with the company, with the feeling. When you see him, he is big, he is blonde, he is sexy, “the blonde beau”. He has got all that and he gives that image to the company. When you asked about my father before, my father had a total different energy, but  also the same strong energy. But one thing that I like a lot is seeing the difference now 50 years later between my father and Peter. My father would ask if I had gained weight and Peter just loves bodies.

It is all about the body looking sexy. Women, the moment you make them look sexy, they are smiling, they are happy. And that is our job! The buzz at the moment is amazing. Peter is happy, I am delighted. So it is not the influence, it is what everyone of us can bring in to make Pucci the most succesful.

Thank you Laudomia for taking your time!

It was such a pleasure to meet Laudomia in person and I was so happy to see this on the official Emilio Pucci Facebook page:

As you already know, I am a huge Pucci fan and love Peter’s designs. For F/W 2011, he has seeked inspirations from Tyrolea and hunting, a little like Romy Schneider in Sissy or Anna Karenina. The beautiful embellishments and the corset-style dresses are absolutely divine. He laid the emphasis on the bust and the outcome is a collection that will make every Bavarian jump up with joy. Be prepared to see me at the next Oktoberfest in those suede knickers with the matching jacket. Love, love, love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Pucci

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news: H&M has announced that its F/W 2011 designer collaboration will be with Versace.

Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include ranges for women, men and selected pieces for the home. It will be available from 17 November in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line.

In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.

Donatella Versace was already wearing one of the dresses from the Versace for H&M collection at the Versace men’s fashion show in Milan June 20^th, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere!” – Donatella Versace

Versace is a brand that is steeped in glamour to its very core. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, his daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion, creating provocative styles from classical themes which were all cut with an impeccable design eye. Since 1997, Donatella Versace has continued Gianni Versace’s work as creative director, evolving the brand into a global fashion house at the forefront of what luxury means today. Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace is the epitome of everything the Versace house stands for.

Here is your sneak preview at the collection:

Versace is the latest house to collaborate with H&M on an exclusive designer collection, following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin.

For H&M, Donatella Versace has looked back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men, too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, © Johan Sandberg

On Saturday, you were able to watch the Burberry Prorsum Menswear S/S 2012 show live on Sandra’s Closet. Today, I would like to show you whom I saw at the show in Milan and give you a little more insight into the collection.

The lull before the storm.

Anna Dello Russo with Bryan Boy…

…and with me.

Front Row: Julian Morris, Cara Delevingne, Rob Pryor and Jake Cooper

Christopher Bailey celebrated craftsmanship and laid the emphasis on the artisan spirit:

“This collection started with our iconic heritage as the foundation, we really wanted to emphasise this feeling of handcrafted pieces, celebrating craftsmanship but always with this playful element. We have taken our icons and played with texture to personalise and give them a real character and charm using colour to highlight the intricate detail that goes into crafting them.”

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer BURBERRY PRORSUM

There were lots of ikat prints, beautiful raffia trims and wooden paillettes. Those embellishments will make those T-shirts the next summer’s must-haves.  The crocheted details and the bobble caps were reminscent of the `70s and the hippie era. I am pretty convinced that those ethnical influences, the maxi bags and the earthy colours will be liked a lot by the stronger sex. Don’t forget, you can order some of the pieces now online until June 27, 2011.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Burberry

Yesterday, I was invited by Daniele Cavalli to see the Roberto Cavalli Men S/S 2012 show which took place in the beautiful garden of the Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan. It was truly amazing. Every single look screamed gorgeous. This is how men should look like, crisp cuts, great fabrics and a sexy allure.

Roberto Cavalli’s son Daniele is the designer for the men’s line and a real talent. The handsome Italian knows how to flirt with clothes, colours and women. Stripes were used in interesting ways, from a bold all-over-look to a more subtle tone-on-tone pattern on the cobalt-blue jacket. I especially liked the python trims, “very Cavalli” but with a young twist. The collection had a lot of `70s references and rock appeal. No wonder, as the 25-year-old draws a lot of inspiration from his probably biggest passion, the music.

As for me, it had a very nice Italian Riviera feel. Well done, Daniele! I would like him to dress the women as well. Probably we won’t need to wait too long…as the wind of change is blowing in the house of Cavalli! And it is a young and fresh one.

LoL, Sandra

Daniele had to give a lot of interviews before the show, here with his father Roberto.

Speaking with International Herald Tribune‘s Suzy Menkes.

A proud mum, Eva Cavalli

Me at the show with Carmel from the LuisaViaRoma team.

In the end, when the applause started, Daniele left the runway with a generous gesture to his parents…

…who then applauded their son. Their proud faces were really sweet to watch.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Watch the Burberry Prorsum Menswear Spring/Summer 2012 Show Live from Milan here on Sandra’s Closet, today at 5pm (Milan Time)!

Be among the first ones to see the hot male models parading down the runway in the next summer must-haves by Christopher Bailey.

The Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 menswear collection will be available to purchase immediately following the show through the “Runway to Reality” concept developed by the brand. You can go on burberry.com and buy outerwear and bags from the collection.
Orders that are placed immediately after the show on Saturday 18 June until Monday 27 June 2011 will be delivered within 8 weeks.
After that you will have to wait until December 2011, when the collection will hit the stores.

More from Italy’s fashion capital to come!

LoL, Sandra

Probably you were like me and loved playing dress-up with your dolls when you were little. In case that you haven’t outgrown that phase or you are a mom already, I truly recommend a visit to American Girl Place.

American Girl is a line of dolls, books, and accessories based on ten-year-old girl characters that originally focused  on various periods of American history from the viewpoint of girls. Today, the brand, that was founded in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland and is currently owned by Mattel, includes dolls and stories about contemporary girls with one special edition each year, the so-called “Girl of the Year”.

It is truly an amazing experience to enter an American Girl Place store. Girls can choose their doll according to their own look and get the matching outfits for both. The dolls can go to the hairdresser, get their ears pierced and enjoy many more activities.

Girls can visit different camps with their doll, from a cooking class to a night at the museum.

Girls can also buy a pet for their doll with all sorts of accessories.

The historical characters tell the story of their time and kids can learn a lot about American history.

The “Girl of the Year 2011” is Kanani and she comes from Hawaii.

The “Bitty Babies” are for the smaller children. Girls can even choose a twin couple.

The café is loved by kids and the parents, a very unique experience. The dolls get their own chair and little china. Kids who don’t bring their own doll, can borrow one.

The flagship and first store debuted in Chicago followed by shops in New York and Los Angeles among other US cities. I truly hope that they will expand to Europe one day. In the meantime, have a look at their website by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos taken in the American Girl Place stores in New York and Los Angeles by Sandra Bauknecht
© Sandra Bauknecht

Bex Manners with me

Yesterday, I was so happy to meet Bex Manners, the designer behind BEX ROX, the It-jewelry brand from London. She came to launch her beautiful collection with Lovers Lane who will exclusively carry the little treasures in Zurich.

If you are looking for a killer statement necklace, for deco inspired jewelry or for animal shaped rings, you will instantly fall in love with her creations. The entire range is bold and very unique, combining chain mail techniques with ancient Chinese knotting.

Since the launch of BEX ROX in 2006, the rise has been unbelievable. BEX ROX has not only done acclaimed collaborations with MADE Africa, and with Browns Focus, it has also been celebrated with the Coutts New Jewellers award 2009.

Please enjoy my interview with Bex Manners below. All the photos I took show the pieces that are available now at Lovers Lane.

Donkey Ring

You were raised in Menorca. What is your nationality? Your cultural background?

I am English but born and raised in Menorca- my mother is Austrian and my father is British but my soul is definitely Spanish!

How much has the lifestyle of the Balearic Island inspired your work?

I would say a great deal.  My collections are about a feeling, being a free spirit, youthful and colourful with a sexy undertone which for me sums up the Balearics…

Since when do you live in London? How do you like the city?

I’ve been living in London since 2007 –  I love it – it’s edgy, diverse and full of constant inspiration – people aren’t afraid to show off their style.

What is your favourite place on earth?

Right now my bed!!

Elephant Collar

How did you come with the idea of creating jewelry? What did you do before?

I was fashion stylist in NYC  and used to constantly make pieces for photo shoots and then would wear them afterwards- people in the streets kept stopping me to ask me where I’d got “that necklace” or “that bracelet” and I would literally sell them off my neck- et voila I started BEX ROX.

What is your most iconic piece? Your signature?

My Eivissa Cuff and the Natalie Ring are my most iconic pieces but then again I believe in my identity and make sure that every season screams BEX ROX.

Eivissa Cuff

Natalie Ring

Gold Tribe Pendant

I like your idea of a necklace that you can take apart with your magnetic clasp to get a bracelet and to be able to mix and match with other pieces so that the customer himself can become creative. Will this always be part of the collection?

Always.

What is your style advice? How would your perfect outfit with Bex Rox jewelry look like?

Walk out the door feeling all woman and believe in yourself, this way you’ll make anything work.

Do you only wear your own jewelry? If not, what else do you wear?

I also wear lots of vintage jewellery and pieces from other designers that are friends of mine.

Do you have a muse? Or an icon?

Most of my best friends are my muses!

Bex Manners in 3 words.

Individual, freckly and pretty temperamental ( but I suppose that comes with being a redhead! )

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will we see more BEX ROX, probably handbags or even clothes?

I have already started collaborating and creating but for now that would be telling.

Thank you, Bex!

And now ladies, run to Lovers Lane and get your Rox on!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht