Sandra‘s Closet

I am part of a very interesting and extraordinary project for the launch of the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid with different events taking place during the next days.

Starting today until this upcoming Monday, June 11th 2012, Volvo Switzerland is turning Zurich Main Station into an open street art studio. Seven Chinese artists will constantly repaint, respray and restyle the new car, expressing their interpretation of the sustainable mobility of tomorrow. Stop by if you get a chance to get an exciting insight into China’s contemporary art scene.

Tonight’s opening night presented an amazing live art and dancing performance. Volvo’s brand ambassador, Melanie Winiger, former Miss Switzerland winner and model, was dressed and painted all in black, followed by strokes of gold. Famous guest of the night was Andres Andrekson aka Stress, (see last photo below).

Richard Monturo, Volvo Vice President of Global Marketing, and Swiss chef Pascal Schmutz with me in the middle.

Stay tuned for more to come – especially if you are curious how the “three-dimensional canvas”, the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, looks like. The two of us went on a little adventure trip today. The whole event is also streamed live via webcam at volvoartsession.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One of the biggest trends at the moment is SUSTAINABLE LUXURY and Gucci has hopped on board the green side of life by launching a new “Sustainable Soles” line of footwear made with biodegradable plastic, which is part of its pre-fall 2012 collection and said to hit stores by the end of June.

The collection will include two styles, both designed by Frida Giannini, Gucci’s Creative Director:

The “California Green” men’s sneaker, available in both low- and high-top versions, includes bio-rubber soles, vegetable-tanned calfskin uppers, bio-shoelaces, and tongues with the Gucci logo printed in green on recycled polyester labels.

The “Marola Green” slip-on, which features cutout details and Gucci’s trademark interlocking Gs, will be sold in a variety of glossy hues, including blush, taupe, and black.

The shoes are made from bio-plastic, a biodegradable material in compost which is used as an alternative to petrochemical plastic. The material also has a shorter degradation process compared to that of traditional plastic.

“This new project conveys the house’s mission to interpret in a responsible way the modern consumer’s desire for sustainable fashion products, all the while maintaining the balance between the timeless values of style and utmost quality with an ever-growing green vision.”

The news comes on the heels, as it were, of Gucci’s biodegradable “Liquid Wood” sunglasses, which are manufactured by Safilo with wood fibers from sustainably managed forests, lignin from the paper-manufacturing process, and natural wax. I was able to explore one of the first prototypes (see photo below) and I truly liked them.

“Biodegradable” is a new catchphrase at Gucci – an inspiring example of how to combine sustainability with luxury.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, Safilo and © Sandra Bauknecht

In celebration of the spirit of craftsmanship, the Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts) made its first stop in Zurich – Switzerland. The French house’s first world-travelling exhibit invites you to meet with the artisans responsible for creating some of the world’s most luxurious leather goods, silk scarves, china and more.

Ever wondered what goes into the making of an Hermès product? Or why the Kelly bag is such a coveted item? Discover the Hermès universe your own way and enjoy the passion that the craftsmen put into every item. As one of them told me, their effort and long hours spent making those pieces is all worth it, once a customer wears and treasures their handiwork.

Open to the public, this free admission event is located at EWZ-Unterwerk Selnau (Selnaustr. 25, Zurich) starting today through June 10th, 2012 from 11 am- 6pm every day. It is a great experience for kids as well.

For all of you that are living abroad, here are some photos that I took yesterday at the pre-opening. Enjoy the craftsmanship!

Hermès has very high requirements for leather and the artisans will take time to find the best one to use. The difference lies also in how the bags are made by hand. It will take approximately 30 hours to create one single piece with only 3 produced per week. This explains the long waiting list for their iconic Birkin or Kelly bags.

It is pretty impressive to watch the craftsman assemble the really tine pieces of the movement for a mechanical watch.

The artwork for the famous silk scarves is designed by an artist, but the Hermès artisans will need to engrave the silkscreens by hand before starting the printing process.

At the printing station, you can see how each silkscreen, one for each colour, are precisely aligned and printed onto silk. Every single aspect of a silk scarf is done by Hermès: They rear their own silkworms, produce their own twills and mix their own dyes. After the printing, the scarves are left to dry, then the colours are locked in during a steam bath. After that, the silk scarves are washed to make them smooth and coated with a protective finish. Finally, they will be hand-rolled and hand-hemmed along the edges by craftsmen.

Every carré (the French name for it) has its own name, as for example the famous Brides de gala that was sketched in 1957 by Hugo Grygkar and which is still used these days.

Perfection and quality is essential to Hermès, the same applies to the tie making process. A craftswoman explains how the twills are rolled, folded and subsequently stitched into ties, using the same silk as for the scarves.

There are not many artisans in the world who can perform this process. Those silk scarves are only made by special order. It is a thicker kind of twill that comes with a velour-like coat. The craftswoman takes away parts of it with a sharp pointed tool. Just to do those red flowers takes her six weeks. She needs to be extra careful in order not to destroy the precious fabric.

The artisan uses real gold to paint the beautiful embellishments of the crystal glasses. The brown colour of the gold will change in the oven. To achieve the shiny effect, each glass has to be buffed by hand.

The fabulous china and porcelain products are also carefully hand-painted by artisans. After watching the process, you feel guilty for every piece you dropped in the past.

Also of interest is the house’s glove-making. When I asked the glover what is the best material for a glove, he said velour leather is his favourite to work with.

Hermès first started with horse-riding accessories and saddles. The equestrian heritage has been celebrated ever since. A saddle by Hermès is like a piece of art, especially when you look at those special editions with wings or leopard print that the saddler showed me yesterday.

I hope that you will enjoy this eye-opening exhibit as much as I did!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The official sale at mytheresa.com has started and there are some fab pieces marked down up to 50%. I always recommend not to shop too season-oriented. For example, look out for some iconic prints like this long dress by Emilio Pucci to the left or shop an amazing gown for your next black tie gala such as this stunningblack and white silk one by Marchesa Notte to the right.

A pair of animal print pumps by Rupert Sanderson will last for many seasons to come.

To shop the sale, just click on the banner below! Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

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Yesterday, I flew for one day to Paris for the launch of a beautiful new fragrance which will be launched officially in September. Stay tuned as, of course, I will tell you all about it in the next days to keep you ahead of the game.

Unfortunately, the weather was not so good with some scattered showers during the day. The event took place at the Louvre and before that I had some coffee with other journalists at the charming Hotel Regina across.

My look: Pink rain coat by Chloé, Mathilda wool-twill blazer by Stella McCartney, rosette-embellished silk top by Lanvin, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci, Crossword tote bag by Fendi, Daisy necklace by Dior Haute Joaillerie, cowboy ankle boots and thin red patent leather bow belt by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Yolanda Di Mambro – © Sandra Bauknecht

French couturier Madame Carmen de Tommaso established Carven in 1945 with an atelier on the Champs-Élysées, and her clientele quickly grew to include screen stars and royals alike. Now, with former Givenchy designer Guillaume Henry at the creative helm, the fashion house is opening an exciting new chapter in ready-to-wear and accessories. Look out for statement cocktail dresses, perfectly embellished skirts and super cool sunglasses for amazing prices.

I am in love with Carven’s cuteness and you?

LoL, Sandra

Cutout cotton-poplin dress by Carven

Cady sable skirt by Carven

Linen and patent-leather slingbacks by Carven

Anastasie flip-up round-frame acetate sunglasses by Carven

Multicolour cotton clutch bag by Carven

Let me introduce you to Dior‘s Summer Mix 2012, a charming new pop color collection that captures the spirit of summer with four fun shades for the nails and lips.

Dior Vernis Nail Gloss

A new slightly translucent, glossy formula with a sorbet-like finish that complements summer wardrobes and golden skin.
$37 / CHF 37

Cosmo (178) Cheerful watermelon pink
Calypso (158) Bright candy apple red
Acapulco (118) Tart lemon yellow
Lagoon (198) Cool swimming pool blue

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss

Four glosses in orange, red, pink and gold enhance lips with irresistible shine.
$45 / CHF 44

Rouge Croisière (854) Happy red
Rose Bikini (664) Perfect pink
Gold Sunrise (224) Gold
Orange Paréo (542) Orange

Available June, 1st  2012 in the US and June, 15th 2012 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

The evolution of the Rockstud collection continues with new explosive bags from the Va Va Voom series to must-have shoes, like the new pony hair iconic sling-backs below. Be the first to add an elegant edge toy our style this fall.

For the next three days you have the priviledge to shop these items before they are available to all customers. Just click on the highlighted text below to be transfered directly.

The booties shown on the photo above will be on every fashionista’s shopping list, so stay tuned as I will keep you posted once they hit the stores. In the meantime, enjoy these must-haves:

Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

Already a fashion classic since this must-have kitten heel was first spotted on all editor’s feet in the front row. Click here for some photos.

Animal printed Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

This newly introduced version will surely make your heart leap with joy.

Va Va Voom leather satchel in a rich shade of bordeaux by Valentino

I could not think of a better name for this lady-chic bag.

Textured leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino

Forest green is the It-shade for the F/W 2012 season. So you better get started now…

Rockstud patent loafers by Valentino

Such an amazing silhouette, stylish and comfortable in one.

Rockstud small leather tote by Valentino

Structured, sleek and with a cool-girl edge, Valentino’s Rockstud tote has been the editors’ bag of choice since its launch. What a stud. My must-have for F/W 2012.

LoL, Sandra

For its upcoming highly anticipated ‘fashion meets art’ collaboration, Louis Vuitton has teamed up with avantgarde painter, pop art artist, fashion designer, sculptor, street performer and poet, Yayoi Kusama. At the age of 82, she is an artist of many talents.

The preview is not even on the official website, the Louis Vuitton press offices keep everything secret. But thanks to WWD and Stylerumour, the first photos have emerged.

Here is your very exclusive and so exciting preview of what the Japanese dot-enthusiast and Marc Jacobs have come up with. Personally speaking, I am crazy for those polka dots, especially the red and white ones that remind me so much of Minnie Mouse. Also included in the collection are wave prints. The colours are yellow, red, black and white.

The collection will be unveiled Mid July 2012 in Louis Vuitton stores around the globe, with a second wave of goods arriving in October.

Ladies, get yourselves on the wait lists now!

LoL, Sandra

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity black

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Monogram Shawl Dots Infinity black

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Sunglasses Waves Rond White

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pareo Monogram Waves white

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Lockit GM Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Cuff Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Lockit MM Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity red

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Ballerina Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity red

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Montre Tambour Dots Infinity 28 mm

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Bangle GM Dots Infinity red

Photos: Via Stylerumour and Franck Mura via WWD

Two years ago I wrote about Lounge Lover for the first time (for the previous post, please click here). Today, I would like to show you their newly launched website. The London based brand was created by Sylvie Gabriel in 2005 as a response to the growing need of sophisticated women for clothing in which they could feel comfortable and look beautiful while taking back those precious moments of relaxation, without giving in on style.

Lounge Lover is an affordable luxury collection of wearable classics and minimalist styles which transport the wearer from their busy lives, allowing them to embrace life in a more relaxed way. Not just an easy chic lifestyle label, more a relaxed state of mind, Lounge Lover creates urban and luxury clothing with a subtle fashion content and an emphasis on softness. Everything you need for the beach, travelling, your yoga practise or for just being comfy at home.

Below you can find some of my favourites. To shop, click here or on the banner at the end of this post and enjoy global free shipping until June 6, 2012.

LoL, Sandra