Sandra‘s Closet

Happy Halloween 2011 – it is time to be bewitched! For all fashionistas around the globe, add a little humour and carve your pumpkins with your favourite logo or dress up as your beloved designer.

In a season of dark glamour, gothic looks make an impression wether you wear them at night or during the day. Just change the accessories and off you go. My absolute favourite is this knit dress by Lanvin with puff sleeves below.

LoL, Sandra

A big hello from my hometown Frankfurt/Main in Germany where I am at the moment. Here you see me in front of the Alte Oper.

My look: Patchwork coat and earrings by Louis Vuitton, black and white dress by Dolce & Gabbana, grey cardigan by Stella McCartney, blue scarf by Gucci, Boston bag by Céline and booties by Miu Miu.

On my nails: 607 Blue Denim by Christian Dior.

Have a lovely Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The German GQ Men Of The Year awards 2011 took place last night in Berlin. As I had told you already yesterday morning, it was Daniele Cavalli who walked away with GQ’s Man of the Year award in the category “fashion”, handed over officially by his father Roberto Cavalli. The laudatory speech was held by Elisabetta Canalis.

For the interview with Daniele Cavalli, please click here.

Daniele and Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli, Elisabetta Canalis and Daniele Cavalli

Jared Leto

While Jared Leto was awarded Most Stylish Man of the Year, it was model Daisy Lowe, daughter of Bush-frontman Gavin Rossdale, who led the women in style stakes, rocking a red, voluptious gown. She was also the „First Lady“ of the night and won the GQ’s Woman Of The Year award which was introduced by fashion designer Wolfgang Joop.

Wolfgang Joop

Daisy Lowe

Dionne Bromfield

Musical highlight of the event was the performance of 15-year-old Dionne Bromfield who dedicated her song to her late godmother Amy Winehouse.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fuhr für GQ, © Tinnefeld für GQ

Here is your heads-up on the upcoming Versace for H&M collection (in stores November 17, 2011). I thought that you might like a closer view on the very vibrant and colourful pieces.
The creations are definitely not for the faint-hearted and minimalists among you. For all others, enjoy this crazy mix! And gentlemen, get your pink suits for the next “Pink Party”, no more excuses please!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of H&M

Daniele Cavalli with me, Photo: Olivier Zahm

Meet the Man of the Year: Daniele Cavalli. The 25-year-old son of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli who is in charge for the Italian house’s men’s line, is not only an extremly interesting person, but also highly intelligent, down to earth, beautiful from the inside and outside, with a wonderful vision of life. I met with him recently in Milan and he told me some very interesting things, enjoy the interview.

After the huge success of your S/S 2012 presentation, which inspiration do you have for your next menswear F/W 2012 collection?

It will be an evolution, not a revolution, but totally different in the concept. The last two collections I did were connected with the same concept made in different ways. This is going to change for F/W 2012.

Summer gave me lots of inspirations. I turned off the phone and went to Africa. I started in Morocco and from there through the Sahara, where I met pythons and scorpios.
We went with camels, which was pretty adventurous. If something bites you, you die. You don’t have time to go to the hospital. We, my friend and I, travelled with Tuaregs. I love the nature and the adventure. And if you are respectful to death, nothing happens.

In the desert, you can’t have a fire. Fire would help you to scare away the animals. The gas lights we had were even worse as they attract the animals. At one point, I stood up, looked under my matress and found five scorpios. The Turag took a piece of a dry plant, and killed them like with it. Done! You have to know nature to survive. We slept in the dunes, totally covered because of the wind and the sand.

I know that you love music. Did you bring an instrument to the desert?

I brought a small guitar, a sort of mandolin.

What do you think about the relaunch of the Just Cavalli brand, of the S/S 2012 collection?

I liked the Just Cavalli show, strong and a very good way to relaunch the brand.

Do you prefer the main line Roberto Cavalli or Just Cavalli?

It depends on the show. The S/S 2012 Just Cavalli show was really good and it is great to see that the Just Cavalli brand is coming back. It is perfectly coordinating with the soul of the brand.

How would you dress women? Sexy like your father or more covered?

Both ways. I have my own vision of women. It would be really smart, chic and elegant. But believe me, I am telling you the truth,  I have never really thought about it. I think that I would do it the same as for the men, I would work on the tailoring, on the colours, on the  fabrics, always in a very chic way.

Yes, I would cover, but in the right way. I like to imagine. I love the dream. When the things are too obvious, it is less tempting. As a man, I like to use my imagination.

Have you studied fashion design?

I am lucky that I didn’t do it. I learnt everything from scratch.

Your father is Italian, your mother Austrian. What are you, more Italian or more Austrian?

I am really Italian, I am not Austrian. Actually, I am Florentine. My hometown is a historical, charming city, that sees the future, but keeps its treasure. Gardens, flowers, nature… Florence is a Rennaissance city. There is also something really dark. It is the contrast. My dark side is my blues side, meaning the music. I always like to work with opposite things and make them happen. Princess meets the bohemian women for example. I do it with everything in my life. The fusion is the most interesting part.

How is your German doing? Does your mum speak German with you?

No, my German is bad and whenever I saw my grandparents in Austria, it was pretty tough to understand them.

Was it a curse or a blessing to be Roberto Cavalli’s son?

Of course, a blessing! When I grew up, my father wasn’t popular at all. He was a pirate of the sea. We were riding in the summer times on small boots and he was protecting his family in the cabin when the weather and the waves were getting too tough. I like to see him like that. He is my father. The rest is part of the game.

Do all your siblings work in the company?
(Roberto Cavalli has two kids, Cristiana and Tommaso, from a previous marriage and three children, Rachele, Daniele and Robin with his wife Eva.)

My first sister Cristiana has a baby now and enjoys being a mom. She works just a little. My brother Tommaso takes care of the vineyards and trains the horses. Rachele designs the bags and has a little baby, too. My youngest brother Robin is still very young.

Would you like to move to another city? Or do you prefer staying in Florence?

Not to a big city like New York City. As for me, the horizon is so important, meaning it metaphorically, as a strong point of view. To live in a big city, it is always hard to see the horizon.

I am attracted to Asia. Moving for me would have more the impression of escaping. Maybe a girl would make me move (smiles).

Are you a heartbreaker?

Always, I live my life to break my heart. To be conscious, I fall in love with everything. What scares me in Milan sometimes is the following: I was at a friend’s party, where I said  hello to a lot of people. So many of them were asking me if I will be in Paris next week. And I was thinking why do they do that? People are working for Milan fashion week all year, and then they don’t even enjoy it because they are thinking already of the next thing. People are not appreciating what is in front of them. Florence saved me from such an attitude! I love Rome as well!

Do you like to do sports?

I was a sporty person. Until I was eigtheen, I was a soccer player, and I was a pretty good one. One day, I just put my shoes on the hook and stopped.
But I like sports. Your mind and your sould can only be powerful in a healthy body.

How do you see yourself in 25 years?

In the music industry. That is my biggest dream! I will do something important for myself in the music industry. I am ambitious. A great album would be amazing, producing, doing it by myself, but just if I am convinced of it. If I opened a music label, it wouldn’t be connected with the Cavalli universe, it would be mine.

Thank you, Daniele!

The photos are taken by André Saraiva for l’Offciel Hommes September 2011. The editorial is called “After Hours” and shows Daniele Cavalli in is his own collection of  S/S 2012. Tonight he will receive the GQ Man of the Year Award in Berlin and I am sure that for him there will be so much more to come…

LoL, Sandra

A symphony of red, gold and light. Majestic and refined, gold adds a sumptuous touch to delightful festivities. On the face, it becomes one with the skin, reflecting the light in an exceptional way. LES SCINTILLANCES DE CHANEL is composed of eyeshadows and sparkling powders. Ivory, black, golden beige and red: Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, uses the iconic colours of the House of CHANEL for a makeover scintillating with gold and light.

Mixing fine jewellery and costume jewellery are an integral part of the style of Gabrielle Chanel. She loved their sumptuous radiance or the touch of lightness that they added to an evening gown or simple knit. For his Exclusive Creation, Peter Philips drew inspiration from a belt buckle worn by Mademoiselle in a photo taken in the 1930s:

LUMIÈRE SCULPTÉE DE CHANEL – Highlighting Powder, CHF 84.-

A simple brushstroke adorns the face with an iridescent halo of beige sprinkled with gold. The sheer powder catches the light on cheekbones and sweeps lightly over the forehead or chin to accentuate the structure of the face.

Rouge Allure in 197 Enivrée and 207 Famous – CHF 48.-
Lèvres Scintillantes in 297 Sweet Beige and 307 Sparkle d’ Or – CHF 41.-
Rouge Allure Laque in 707 Empire – CHF 51.-
Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 517 Triomphal – CHF 48.-
Le Vernis in 587 Rouge Carat – CHF 35.-

Ombre Essentielle in 407 Blazing Gold and 417 Beige Lamé – CHF 43.-
Ombre Contraste Duo in 27 Noir-Ivoire – CHF 60.-
Ligne Extrême in 307 Or – CHF 45.-
Poudre Universelle Libre in 47 Féérie – CHF 67.-

My beauty must-haves: Lumière Sculptée de Chanel Highlighting Powder and Le Vernis in 587 Rouge Carat.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, © Solve Sundsbo

During the next days, I will show you the newest makeup looks for the Holiday 2011 season. The festive time of the year stands mostly for shimmering, dramatic colours. Giorgio Armani‘s Creative Makeup Director Linda Cantello has seeked inspiration from the ’30s. An inspiring era…which is setting the tone for the season. Pure lines, sophisticated colours, luxurious details… Art Deco in all its glory with one of its iconic materials: Madre Perla. Madre Perla inlaid in a precious case, heralding a must-have product. Madre Perla, too, in Linda Cantello’s colour inspiration, with subtle reflections and iridescent effects.

“Like a 1930s’ boudoir… A touch of lacquer and patinated metals add a sophisticated feel to satiny, pearlescent tones. Delicate shades reminiscent of the silk lingerie of the time.” (Linda Cantello)

FACE & EYES PALETTE
CHF 77.- (black lacquer case)

Inspired by Art Deco style, Giorgio Armani’s famous black case is decorated in real Madre Perla. Precision work done entirely by hand in the purest tradition of luxury craftsmanship. Inside are found three luminous, satiny powders in sand, champagne and aqua. Silky shadows that skilfully combine a featherlight texture with radiant colour. Blended over the eye area, the three shades sculpt and illuminate the eyes. Lightly dabbed onto the facial contours, the sand and champagne tones catch the light to increase the radiance of the complexion. The Face & Eye Palette is also available in Giorgio Armani’s iconic black lacquer case.

Eyes to Kill Gold Silver

EYES TO KILL EYESHADOWS
CHF 48.-

Giorgio Armani’s most spectacular shadow is revealed in a limited edition of three metallic shades subtly patinated: a gold, as an echo to antique gilt, a toned down silver plutonium, and an intermediate shade blending gold and silver. Thanks to Colorfil color matrix, these creamy, powder-free shadows adhere to the eyelid like a second skin, without ever fading or flaking.

Eyes to Kill Silver

Gloss Armani Pink

GLOSS D’ARMANI
CHF 41.-

A play of light and shade for the eyes… while the lips are adorned in vibrant lacquered shades. A real weave of colour, Gloss d’Armani offers comfortable, long-lasting hold, expressed in four limited edition shades: barely iridescent rosewood enhances the natural colour of the lips, while a velvety “amaranth” red and sienna intensely emphasise their shape. And an unexpected choice: a bold amethyst, which is vivid yet so translucent on application that it matches any skin tone.

Gloss Armani Purple

Gloss Armani Red

The beautiful collection will be available starting this month.
My must-have: Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow in Gold Silver.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Trish Summerville with models in her collection.

Trish Summerville is behind the costumes for one of the year’s most eagerly awaited films, David Fincher’s version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. To celebrate, costume designer Trish Summerville has created a women’s collection for H&M, full of pieces inspired by the film’s anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander.
The 30-piece collection has the dark urban feel that defines her character, with leather jackets and trousers, torn jeans and slouchy hoodies all in industrial shades of black, grey, worn white or dark red.

The collection debuts exclusively at Colette in Paris on November 28, with its own dedicated in-store area and will be available from December 14 in Divided departments in around 180 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of H&M, © Andreas Sjödin

Working in fashion can be quite contradictory. While I am telling you all about the upcoming Christmas treats, special holiday collections and beauty must-haves during the next weeks, I am already exploring the S/S 2012 showrooms, like yesterday evening at Replay.

Needless to say, there was a lot of denim and an iconic mix and match of fabrics and patterns. Very bohemian with a lot of floral embroideries and prints plus a nice array of vibrant colours with green, orange and blue leading the way.

The sweetest thing was the give-away bag (see photo below)…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my Swiss based readers, some good news: There has never been a better time to shop Christmas treats than now at Globus. There’s only nine weeks to go until the most wonderful time of the year and the Swiss department store  is tempting us with sweet treats and magical decorations. Knitted Christmas ornaments and beautiful vintage details are bringing alpine charm to your living room. Vienna with its famous icons Mozart and Princess Sissi has served as a huge inspiration. Enjoy the photos that I took during the press preview in the showroom.

Shop the finest fare from the famous Globus Food Halls with yummy delicacies from Austria and other countries.

I love the Austrian chocolatier Bachhalm. They make the most amazing creations with dark chocolat. My favourite one is with rose petals.

With the festive season just around the corner, I am already in the mood for decorating. And with a Pucci oufit from the F/W 2011 collection, you will perfectly match your Christmas decoration.

See you at Globus!

LoL, Sandra