Sandra‘s Closet

GABRIELLA SCARPA

The CEO and President of Acqua di Parma, Country General Manager for LVMH Italy Perfumes and Cosmetics and Dior Couture lives in Milan and travels a lot. Her favourite destination, of course, her home country: Bella Italia
“Wherever you are, the lifestyle is there.”

Your favourite region: TUSCANY
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There you have everything you want: The wonderful panorama with stunning hills, flowers and colours. You breathe good air and have fantastic restaurants, trattorias and nice people.

Your favourite restaurant: DA CAINO, Via della Chiesa, 4, Montemerano, 58050 Manciano (GR), + 39 3273594882
I love to go to Da Caino in South Tuscany, which is close to the Hotel Terme di Saturnia. It is rated two Michelin stars and very famous. It is in Montemerano, a pictoresque old little town where you can also find fantastic family-managed trattorias.

Your favourite place to stay in Italy: RELAIS TENUTA PALAZZACCIO, Asciano, +39 0577 718600
It is an old, recently restored tower of the fifteenth century, managed by a family with only few rooms that offer all the modern comforts without missing the charm and magic of its secular history. The panorama is to die for with the unique contour of the Crete Senesi embracing you. The best is to go there with friends and to take all the place. Moreover you have fantastic places to eat being in the midst of the Chianti and Montalcino area, the home the best red vines.

Your favourite souvenir: LOCAL PRODUCTS like red vine, prosciutto and olive oil

Your must-see in Italy: CAPRI
It is very fascinating.When you visit this small, beautiful island, you are going to live an experience. It’s different from other places, there is no mass tourism.

Your favourite hotel in Capri: HOTEL QUISISANA CAPRI SPA RESORT, Via Camerelle, 2, Capri, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite city in Italy: ROME
It has so much culture and an inspiring atmosphere.

Your favourite travel accessory: An ACQUA DI PARMA BAG, of course!
Those luggages are so easy to use, very practical, of great quality while being very elegant.

Thank you, Gabriella, for sharing your insider scoop on Italy with us!

LoL, Sandra

Finally, I can tell you very exciting news for all fragrance aficionados and Chanel lovers among you: COCO NOIR is here, Chanel’s newest fragrance. The famous French house didn’t want any information to go public before and journalists and bloggers had to sign a press embargo not to post the information earlier.

COCO NOIR is the third fragrance named after house founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, joining Coco (1984) and Coco Mademoiselle (2001). Created by Chanel’s master perfumer Jacques Polge, it represents Coco Chanel’s love of the “dazzle of black and Venice”.

1936 – Gabrielle Chanel on Roussy Sert’s yatch in front of the Lido of Venice

Jacques Polge on his creative process: “For Coco Noir, I thought of Coco and of Coco Mademoiselle too, because it’s also part of the history. I wanted to continue exploring an entire esthetic range of CHANEL perfumery, a range that distinguishes itself from the Florals, one that is illustrated by Bois-des-Iles and Cuir de Russie. I took it up with Coco. It’s what I like to call the CHANEL Coromandel culture, what you see and feel in her apartment. The night vision of the ‘Orient that starts and ends in Venice’ imposed itself upon me and that is where I wanted to go.”

Top Notes: Grapefruit note and Calabrian Bergamot
Middle Notes: Essence and Absolute of Rose, Absolute of Jasmin, Narcissus Note and Rose Geranium Leaf
Base Notes: Brazilian and Venezuelan Tonka Bean, Indonesian Patchouli, New Caledonian Sandalwood, Bourbon Vanilla and White Musk

Available in 50 ml (CHF 146.-) and 100 ml (CHF 210.-). In Switzerland from August 20, 2012.

COCO NOIR has an “animal sensuality – a great nocturnal Baroque”. The perfect scent for the next season to finish off you opulent winter looks. If you like oriental fragrances, this will definitely be something for you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: V.H. Grandpierre © All Rights Reserved / Courtesy of Vogue Paris, Courtesy of CHANEL – Julien Claessens et Thomas Deschamps

The pearl is one of the oldest gems in the world. There have been many ancient legends handed down from one generation to the next on those precious jewels. The Roman Empire considered pearls to be status symbols. According to the myth, Cleopatra bet her lover Marc Anthony that she could provide him with the most expensive banquet the world had ever seen. The day of the feast, Cleopatra, who was wearing an enormous pair of extremely precious pearl earrings, dropped one of them in a vessel containing vinegar that dissolved it completely which was more expensive than most lands.

For the ancient Greeks the pearl was a symbol of love and marriage. Thanks to Coco Chanel, they stand today for the ultimate statement of style. Coco loved pearls and used several necklaces of various sizes for a more dramatic effect.

Pearls can make you look more radiant. In Europe, the most popular shades have been white and pink-rose to flatter fairer skin tones whereas in Asia, natural-coloured golden pearls have enjoyed great popularity since many years.

Finally, pearl farmers have succeeded to cultivate golden pearls in a shade that suits all skin tones, “Vanilla Overtone” is lighter and more radiant. Bucherer is the first European jeweler, that is offering this new colour in a large selection. To celebrate the launch, I was invited to a Golden Pearl High Tea in collaboration with Falcon Private Bank at the Haute restaurant overlooking Zurich’s rooftops. Everything matched the golden tone of the pearls, from the shimmering pastries to the sparkling champagne and the exclusive tea.

And as a diamond is a pearl’s best friend, enjoy how beautiful the two look in combination.
Available at Bucherer, Bahnhofstr. 50, CH- 8001 Zurich, Phone +41 44 211 2635.

LoL, Sandra

RING with one natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearl (15,2 mm), brown brilliant diamonds (total 2.65 ct), and brilliant diamonds (total 0.69ct), CHF 21000.- / € 13990.-

NECKLACE – Yellow gold with 12 natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls (10 – 11mm), CHF 6600.- / € 5900.-

PEARL NECKLACE with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls and interchangeable clasp with brilliant diamonds (11 -14.9mm), CHF 15800.- / €13300.-
Interchangeable clasp, CHF 4800.- / € 4300.-

EARRINGS – Yellow gold with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls and brilliant diamonds (10.4mm), CHF 2850.- / € 2550.-

BRACELET – Yellow gold with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls (8 – 8.9 mm), CHF 12800.- / € 11400.-

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Honouring the 120th anniversary of Vogue, Anna Wintour took a trip down memory lane and shared her Vogue story. While working on this September’s cover (which will be the biggest one ever, be prepared to weight-lift) of a Marc Jacobs–clad Lady Gaga made her think about her first one as the editor of Vogue in November 1988 which starred the Israeli model Michaela Bercu, photographed by Peter Lindbergh and styled by Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele.

As the model couldn’t fit in the skirt, she had to wear jeans which made their first ever appearance on the cover of Vogue, and thus fashion history was made.

“Michaela was wearing a Christian Lacroix jacket with a beaded cross and stonewashed Guess jeans. The jacket was part of a suit, but the skirt didn’t fit Michaela; she had been back home and had gained a little weight. Not that that mattered. In fact, it only reinforced the idea: Take couture’s haughty grandeur, playfully throw it headlong into real life, and see what happens. What none of us expected was to run that picture on the cover, least of all the magazine’s printers, who asked if there’d been some mistake. It was so unlike the elegant close-ups typical of Vogue’s covers back then. This one broke all the rules. It looked easy, casual, like a moment snapped on the street, which was the whole point. Afterwards, people applied all sorts of interpretations: It was about mixing high and low, Michaela was pregnant, it was a religious statement. None of that was true. I had just looked at that picture and sensed the winds of change. And you can’t ask for more from a cover image than that.” – Anna Wintour

She also shared some of her favourite images from Vogue:

Vogue, July 15, 1928 – Photographed by Edward Steichen

Vogue, July 1, 1930 Swimmers – Photographed by George Hoyningen-Huene

Vogue, September 15, 1939 Manboochers corset – Photographed by Horst P. Horst

Vogue, May 1, 1947 One of Irving Penn’s most famous tableaux, often referred to as “The Twelve Beauties.” At this sitting Penn first fell in love with wife-to-be Lisa Fonssagrives, sixth from left. – Photographed by Irving Penn

Vogue, June 1, 1948 Cecil Beaton’s iconic image of Charles James ball gowns, photographed in the salon of French & Co., New York.- Photographed by Cecil Beaton

Vogue, December 1989 Naomi Campbell, Mike Tyson and Don King were all part of a feature on Tyson called “Fight Knight” – Photographed by Bruce Weber

Vogue, August 1990 Cleopatra’s Eye – Photographed by Irving Penn

Karl Lagerfeld’s “city ballerinas” shot in Paris. – Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth, Vogue, October 1991

I hope that you have enjoyed this little retrospective as much as I did. Such beautiful images!
For the complete slideshow, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue

While being in Texas, I went to a rodeo event in Mesquite, the so-called rodeo capital of Texas. At the beginning, I was excited to see this Southern tradition and loved watching everybody dressed up in Western style. Inspired by all the stetsons around me, I bought myself another cowboy hat at one of the booths in front of the arena. Unfortunately, during the event, I started to realize that this sort of entertainment is not very kind to the animals. It is an icon of Texas but I wouldn’t go there again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Oktoberfest is not only about drinking specially brewed beer. The biggest folk festival in the world is also a showcase for beautiful dirndls – Southern Germany’s traditional dress. Guaranteed to make every woman beautiful, turn up the wow factor in a LANZ dirndl.

Based in Salzburg, the Austrian brand is synonymous with exquisitely made, traditional and classic dirndls. Founded in 1922 by Josef Lanz and Fritz Mahler, the company has grown into a world-famous brand worn by A-listers like Caroline of Monaco, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Elisabeth Taylor, among others. Long or short, complete with signature blouses and pinafores, a Lanz Dirndl is a timeless investment, destined to become a forever piece in your wardrobe. Personally speaking, I have never seen a woman who doesn’t look absolutely stunning in a dirndl. Such a feminine addition to your wardrobe, refine your Oktoberfest repertoire no matter where you are living.

Choose from among six pieces, four of which have been created exclusively for mytheresa.com.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

DIRNDL 1
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 2
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 3

DIRNDL 4
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 5

DIRNDL 6
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

Photos: Courtesy of mytheresa.com and Lanz

The story of La Petite Robe Noire began in 2009, when the house of Guerlain launched an exclusive and limited edition fragrance which was only available to a very selective clientele, followed by La Petite Robe Noire 2 last year.

This fall, Guerlain will offer this very chic scent to broad market. Fresher, more radiant and passionate, in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser has modified his big love, La Petite Robe Noire slightly. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan from the very first beginning. Inspired by the eternity and sophistication of a little black dress, it exudes the essence of Parisian elegance.

Left: The first La Petite Robe Noire. Right: The new one.

The ‘heart-shaped’ bottles of the La Petite Robe Noir collection are inspired by the legendary vials of the house, such as L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. The dress illustration has been altered every time so that each of the three fragrances shows a different shape of this clothing. The animated ad campaign was created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas.

Top notes: Red berries, black cherries, almond and bergamot
Middle notes: Licorice, Bulgarian and Turkish roses and smoked black tea
Base notes: Anise and the famous Guerlinade (A mix of the Guerlain’s beloved ingredients: Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and patchouli)

The new La Petite Robe Noire is available as 30 ml (CHF 90.-), 50 ml (CHF 129.-) and 75 ml (CHF 179.-) Eau de Parfum
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 66.-) and Body  Lotion 200ml (CHF 77.-)
Available in Switzerland from August 27, 2012.

An absolutely captivating and utterly irresistible perfumed creation by Guerlain. Like the cut of an iconic little black dress, this fragrance is shaped with all of the French house’s finesse.

I am convinced that we will hear much more of La Petite Robe Noire in the future. This uber-cute illustration translates so well into all aspects of Guerlain; from makeup to body products, to conceivable further versions such as cosmetic cases and more. The possibilities are endless…

This would be the perfect look for your new scent, elegant and sophisticated, stylish and playful.

Diana brocade little black dress by Roland Mouret, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, croc-effect leather clutch by Alexander Wang and resin and crystal necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Illustrations: Courtesy of Guerlain

Charlotte Ronson, has become one of the most sought after American womenswear designers and her New York Fashion Week runway shows are a must see. Born in London into an artistic family – her older brother is Mark Ronson, the face for Fan di Fendi pour Homme – and raised in New York, Charlotte followed the tradition by developing her own unique style at an early age.

In 2000, Ronson launched her first collection, C. Ronson, which gained instant recognition and the attention of renowned publications. In May 2002, Ronson opened her flagship boutique in New York’s hip Nolita neighborhood.

In 2005, Aaron Nir joined C.Ronson as president and the collection was re-named “Charlotte Ronson” – a natural evolution of the brand and an accurate reflection of who Charlotte is and what she and her customer want to wear. In late 2009, Charlotte and Aaron became partners and established Charlotte Ronson International headquartered in New York City. With Charlotte Ronson’s sense of style and Aaron Nir’s savvy business sense this dynamic team has created a powerful brand with widespread recognition and huge potential.

Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson’s clothing and accessories have quickly become a favourite among such fashion forward celebrities, models and influencers including Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester, and Nicky Hilton, whom I spotted at the show.

Below are some photos I took at the F/W 2012 fashion show in NYC. Her musts for the next season are bohemian prints, an iconic staple. Alongside the Alpine-inspired knits and proper pencil skirts, they look absolutely sophisticated. A modern wardrobe for a real girl. The collection is available at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

A little goody spotted front row at the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show:
A fluo pink Céline Boston tote.

LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Ronson and © Sandra Bauknecht

American actress Jessica Biel definitely belongs to the Giambattista Valli fan club. Accessorising the refined animal print with simple black accessories for a television appearance in NYC during her “Total Recall” press tour, I think Miss Biel looked extremely elegant.

Get Jessica’s look:
Animal-print silk-charmeuse dress from Giambattista Valli‘s Pre-fall 2012 collection, 2Jours textured leather tote by Fendi and Blade pumps in black patent leather by Casadei.

LoL, Sandra

OMG!!! Today, Sandra’s Closet hit 40.000 facebook likes which makes me so happy. In March 2012, Sandra’s Closet had 10.000 likes, so 30.000 fans in 5 months is pretty awesome.

Thank you for reading and following my blog that has taken me on such an exciting adventure!

If you are not a facebook fan yet, you can become one by clicking here.
Let’s hit the 50.000 soon…

LoL, Sandra