Sandra‘s Closet

AMEDEO TURELLO is one of the most renowed photographers in the world. Since 1999, he has dedicated himself to fashion photography and I have been admiring his work since then. Therefore you can surely imagine how honoured I felt to meet him during the St. Moritz Art Masters 2012. Born and raised in Italy, Amedeo graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Torino and in Fine Art from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. His involvement with photography grew from a natural love of the visual arts and from his strong background in sociology, history of art and design.

Through his lens, the charming Italian has revealed the individual personality of a wide range of celebrities, such as Naomi Campbell, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli. Amedeo was one of the first image makers to believe in Dita Von Teese as a fashion icon and it is largely thanks to him and his shooting “The Mistress and her Pupils” that she was launched in the fashion arena. Moreover, he was the author for the now iconic official photograph of HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco (one of the most published pictures of the year, seen on Sandra’s Closet in May 2011).
Can you imagine how amazing it felt to be in front of his camera?!

Amedeo is a true professional. He has a great team working with him who took care of my hair and the outfits. Rosanna Trinchese, Fashion and Creative Director of RENE’OLIVIER PRODUCTIONS had some S/S 2013 looks for me to wear.

The dark long dress in the first photos is by Lila Morency, the jewels are by Azhar.

The second look further down is a combination of Rosanna’s pieces and my own: Fringed top by Avaro Figlio, jewels by Azhar, and my structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

All these photos of the shoot were just randomly taken. I am so excited to see Amedeo’s final result and of course, I will keep you posted the minute I have received it. In the meantime enjoy those “behind the scene shots”.

Amedeo has a unique way of portraying the individual character. He is very passionate for his work, extremely concentrated and told me exactly what to do which I appreciated a lot. It was so much fun working with him.

There is a beautiful quote on his website which suits him very well: ” …to my father, who taught me to understand, appreciate and see the small, important things in life.”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos of the first Collage: © Amedeo Turello

Before leaving for Venice to interview Blake Lively, I spent two days in the mountains for the fifth edition of the St. Moritz Art Masters. So-called SAM has become an integral part of the annual art calendar, attracting many contemporary artists from all over the globe.

Steve McCurry
The Pirelli Calendar 2013
Original making of image printed on Canvas

I was invited to the “Tribute to Photographers” event where I met some of the most distinctive photographers of the world, such as Albert Watson, Amedeo Turello, Steve McCurry, Matteo Basilé and many more. Each artist gave an introductory speech in the afternoon at the Posthaus before being honoured themselves during the “Tribute to Photography” evening at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. This was very exciting for me because I had the honour to present Yossi Loloi with the award. More about the night to be posted soon.

At the Posthaus: Albert Watson and Steve McCurry

The next day, the two-day photo workshop “The Expression of Identity” started in which renowned photographers such as Jock Sturges, Steve McCurry and Amedeo Turello gave their insights on portraiture, figurative and fashion photography. It was such an amazing experience and I will be showing you so many photos during the next days.

The most exciting part: Famous photographers, Steve McCurry and Amedeo Turello, did each a photo shoot with me which felt like a dream. Experiencing their individuality and visual expression of identity and style was photography in its most exquisite form of art.

Monty Shadow, founder of the St. Moritz Art Masters, is a true visionary. We had tea at Badrutt’s Palace hotel together and I was deeply impressed when he showed me some of his work. He used to be a very successful photographer himself, shot a lot for the Playboy magazine and Anna Wintour started her career as his assistant.

As Leica being one of the main sponsors, there was a photo booth inside the lobby of the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains where you could have your photo taken.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, wool and silk-blend sweater and printed modal and silk-blend scarf, both by Stella McCartney, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Steve McCurry

My visit to the Biennale des Antiquaires last week was absolutely amazing. I was surrounded by outstanding beauty, extraordinary antiques and exquisite jewelry. Karl Lagerfeld has staged, decorated and created the visuals for the event as well as the backdrop. And being such a talented artist, he came up with a temporary world within the Grand Palais (the home of his Chanel shows) that was as beautiful as the thousands of objects d’art.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, floral and cherub-print dress by Dolce & Gabbana, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford, Rockstud suede and leather ankle boots by Valentino, cuff by Céline, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette earrings and ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie plus Velvet de Luxe 66 tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, the House of Piaget completely developed and crafted in-house, the new Couture Précieuse collection that pays homage to feminine beauty. It was such a pleasure, a true feast for the eyes, to see those magnificent high jewelry creations.

I absolutely loved the decor of the booth. David Downton, famous fashion illustrator and confidant of the world of Haute Couture, created eight sketches immortalising some of the models presented by Piaget. His work that is involving the use of gouache, acrylic paint and Indian ink, created splendid showcases for the jewelry sets.

The Couture Précieuse collection was inspired by three different motifs:

Radiant Laces:
The jewelry sets borrow from the field of corsets and ribbons and celebrate the beauty of feminine curves.

Diamond Embroidery:
Piaget dresses the skin with diamonds, as light and vaporous as a breath of air. Like sumptuous lace or stunning guipure dresses, the creations reveal the smoothness of a glimpse of skin beneath golden fabric and stones.

Magnificent adornments:
In these elegant and refined models, Piaget draws its inspiration from men’s dress suits, with the precious “brandebourg” motifs.

The quintessence of seduction is embodied in a sumptuous necklace embroidered with gold filaments and diamonds. Its entirely openwork, articulated structure makes it look like lace. This centrepiece of the collection is made in the same way as a Haute Couture dress, on the bias and finished with a smooth cut. It took more than 800 hours of work to create.

Gorgeous Embroidery Necklace (Ref.  G37LJ938)
White gold with 1513 brilliant-cut diamonds (44.19 ct), 133 baguette-cut diamonds (16.77 ct), 11 rose-cut diamonds (5.96 ct) and 4 pear-shaped diamonds (7.55 ct).

And the absolute star of the show is the necklace inspired by a traditional fan which merely hints at what its wearer wishes to reveal. The contrast between a delicate central rubellite motif and the finely fashioned net motif on the fan creates a transparent play on light and shade. Each of the fan sections was separately crafted being assembled, and which looks as if it is ready to open and close with the next passing breeze.

Fan Temptation Necklace (Ref.G37LJ240)
White gold with 728 brilliant-cut diamonds (47.13 ct), 5 pear-shaped rubellites (10.95 ct) and 1 cushion-cut rubellite (20.95 ct).

A re-edition of a vintage 1970s model, the cuff-watch is inspired by knit dresses. Its bracelet highlights the historical expertise of the chainmaker-jewelers of the House of Piaget. Gold is hand twisted, knit and formed into a mesh entirely by hand, much like the work of a fashion couturier. This provides an opportunity to emphasise the know-how of the Piaget artisans who, after patiently fitting each gold link on very tiny pins, give rise to these wonderfully supple and unique gold fabrics. It is a real nod to Piaget’s of the 1970s.

Gold Chain Cuff Watch (Ref. G0A38211)
White gold (189.5 g), Calibre 56P, Piaget Quartz movement
400 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.9 ct), diamond-paved dial and white gold bracelet

Personally speaking, my three favourite pieces are the ones below. I have especially fallen for the Lace Mystery Necklace. Its shape enhances the feminine curves of the body and draws all eyes to its dazzling brilliance. It is such a sensual piece of jewelry that could transform every evening gown in seconds to show-stopping appearance.

Lace Mystery Necklace (Ref. G37LM942)
White gold, 303 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.43 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (0.53 ct), 30 pear-shaped rubellites (7.34 ct), 29 round rubellites (6.03 ct), 50 round pink sapphires (4.17 ct) and 1 pear-shaped rubellite (10.61 ct).

Sublime Embroidery Earrings (Ref. G38LK800)
White gold with 378 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.44 ct).

Splendid Embroidery Necklace
White and pink gold  with 2395 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.54 ct), 10 square-cut diamonds (2.03 ct), 5 marquise-cut diamonds (2.21 ct), 1 triangle-cut diamond (0.09 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (1.50 ct), 1 cabochon pink sapphire (0.86 ct), 146 round pink sapphires (14.21 ct) and 3 pear-shaped pink sapphires (8.19 ct).

Seeing all the craftsmanship that has gone into those outstanding creations, it makes you appreciate the work even more. Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures from the Biennale des Antiquaires 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Making of Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

The Yves Saint Laurent woman moves through Paris as if it were an urban jungle. Dressed in a tuxedo jacket, leopard-print silk crepe de chine top and stretch-leather leggings, she strides at a determined, steady pace along the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Près, clutching her Cabas Chyc alligator-effect bag close to her, like a talisman. The totally liberated, enticing YSL woman is radiant in her stiletto pumps. She releases a disarming tension created by playing on contrasts to more effectively reveal herself.

Yves Saint Laurent’s fall makeup look “CONTEMPORARY AMAZON” created by Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up Yves Saint Laurent, has the same power. It “expresses a desire to get back to the basics, a desire for a luminous matteness that is both natural and sophisticated, with effects that can be tailored to a personalized look. Khaki, black, gold, red, the classics of the contemporary Rive Gauche woman who has a daring approach to colour and a free spirit combined with true Parisian chic.”

STAR PRODUCT

Palette Couture – An alternative to blush, another way to sculpt the cheekbones.
CHF 89.-

Pure Chromatics
CHF 79.-

Harmony N°10 and Harmony N°11

Mascara Volume Effet Faux
CHF 49.-

N°19 Graphite Green

Rouge Pure Couture – The Mats
CHF 48.- each

N°201 Orange Imagine, N°202 Rose Crazy, N°203 Rouge Rock, N°204 Rouge Scandal, N°205 Prune Virgin and N°206 Grenat Satisfaction

La Lacque Couture
CHF 36.- each

N°31 Khaki Arty (on my nails below) and N°32 Rouge Expressioniste

Dare to Glow – A silky complexion illuminator, between a highlighter and an enhancer.
(Limited edition)
CHF 34.- each

N°1 Tempting Gold, N°2 Fatal Red and N°3 Naughty Pink

And don’t miss the following product:

Le Teint Touche Éclat
CHF 67.-

One word: Amazing! Classical foundation formulas contain varying amounts of opaque powders that result in a diffused reflection – a “masked” effect that leaves skin looking grey and dull, especially on darker complexions. Now, for the very first time with LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT, Yves Saint Laurent resolves this dilemma by replacing the powder with a soft focus gel. Through a diffusing and translucent texture on the skin’s surface, this unique soft focus gel smoothes away imperfections without ever masking the skin, ensuring skin colour purity for a natural-looking and sophisticated glow.

Available in 22 shades, organized in colour families, from beiges to golden and rosy hues, from the lightest to the darkest tones, corresponding to the 7000 skin tones identified in the world.

In stores now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sparkling fashion label Swarovski launches a new scent for women, so-called SWAROVSKI EDITION. After the huge success of last year’s launch AURA, the brand presents its new delightful limited edition fragrance that will hit stores this month. The design of the bottle is reminiscent of the house’s clutch evening purses.

A fruity-floral fragrance created by perfumer Sonia Constant.

Top notes: Clementine and red currant jam
Middle notes: Wild rose and gardenia
Base notes: Cedar and musk

Available now as a limited edition Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 71.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski

While we are getting our wardrobe ready for the upcoming winter, designers are already showing their S/S 2013 collections. Here is a summary of the most important collections and trends seen at New York Fashion Week. Stay tuned as a detailed report from London, Milan and Paris will follow soon.

In New York, stripes were having a moment this S/S 2013 season. From Marc Jacobs, to Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the American majors are getting in line to consider a fashionable life behind bars. Floral patterns and digital prints stay for the next summer, the best ones were seen at Altuzarra and Thakoon. Layering is all about getting this slouchy chic style. My favourite: Prabal Gurung. A must for summer is a pair of strappy, knee-high summer boots, such as spotted at Proenza Schouler.

Enjoy my little runway reviews!

LoL, Sandra

Joseph Altuzarra came up with a clever way to transform a jacket into a more airy piece by using vents for your arms like a cape, so that the jacket stays in place on your shoulders, even so it comes with sleeves. “It’s how editors wear their coats,” he said of the genesis of the idea to the US Vogue. The draped dresses, the interesting prints and the knee-high Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra sandals make it my favourite NYFW runway collection.

I love this Oscar de la Renta collection. Punk hair, combined with a ’50s silhouette and pop colors. So much fun and sophistication!

After four years in business, Victoria Beckham‘s designs have evolved. The iconic sheath dresses have got company, separates and suits are now part of her collection as well.

Stylists, editors and bloggers have been buzzing about Rodarte continuously. The eccentric designs of the Mulleavy sisters are truly outstanding. For the next season, the précis described Kate’s and Laura’s inspiration as “medieval and fantasy role-playing games”. Please reserve one of those fashionable armors for me!

Alexander Wang‘s runway show for S/S 2013 was ultra-strong with cut-out dresses and footwear to die for. The audience was kindly asked to remain from flash photography which was wishful thinking because when the lights were dimmed down to reveal white looks glowing in an ecclectic shade of yellow, people took their cameras to share this magic moment.

Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez have a young and visionary approach to fashion. This season, they have experimented with leather and print. Very interesting, you have to study the outfit to see all the innovative details.

Viva Espagña! For Ralph Lauren, the next season is all about Matador suits, serapes, ruffles and fringes. Especially, his gowns will be loved by celebrities all around the globe. Olé, fashionistas!

Very preppy, lots of stripes and the four basic colours, this was Michael Kors‘ recipe for his S/S 2013 collection. A subtle ’60s vibe and clean tailoring finished the sophisticated looks. Not new, but very wearable and very American.

Another true prep is, of course, Tommy Hilfiger, who celebrated stripes with a collegiate beat in the all-American shades of red, blue and white. A must for those who are spending their summers in the Hamptons.

The bold spirit that Marc Jacobs had been pushing for fall, has transformed into a more calm and artistic vibe. Lots of black and white stripes and wearable cuts, a wind of change is blowing at the American designer, at least for this season.

Thakoon Panichgul has been inspired obviously by an architectural Japanese feeling. Beautiful blooming floral designs and bird prints dominated this feminine collection. So pretty!

This season, Prabal Gurung channeled Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Layering was a key element, such as dresses worn over pants. The Kapoor inspiration was also evident in the extraordinary prints and delicate sheer fabrics.

It was Sophia Kokosalaki‘s last collection for Diesel Black Gold, and probably her best. I truly like this 90’s aesthetic, cool, contemporary with an interesting twist. Her successor, Andreas Melbostad, the former Phi designer, is now in charge to bring the label to the next level.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the designer duo behind Rag & Bone, showed their refreshing collection at New York’s dramatical and beautiful old US Post Office building, a gorgeous backdrop. The inspiration: A desert traveler.

Reed Krakoff is the new king of intellectual minimalism with a very sexy twist. Strong and sportif, he used a colour palette of nudes, browns and blacks. Those see-through deconstructed dresses will be seen on many editors, for sure.

Edun, the beloved fashion label, run by Irish rocker Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, is based on the commitment to encourage trade in Africa. For S/S 2013 the collection is about the contrasting worlds of the Edun girl – intimate and extroverted, utilitarian and outerworldly.

Personally speaking, the most stunning evening and bridal wear for S/S 2013 is designed by Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig. Last week, they announced that they had designed Blake Lively’s wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ dresses. For summer, they take their fans on a stunning journey through India by way of maharani’s wardrobe with the bridal motif certainly at the forefront.

Zac Posen focused on gowns and a ’40s silhouette. The biggest surprise happened on the runway, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall and Karolina Kurkova walked in his show.

As promised earlier, here are the details of my outfit that I wore to visit the Château de Malmaison with Piaget. The floral pattern of my sweater totally matched the Yves Piaget roses that were surrounding us with their beautiful scent.

My look: Rose-patterned wool sweater by Dolce & Gabbana, bib necklace by Matthew Williamson, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford and flat bow embellished ankle boots by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Lancôme has got my favourite makeup look for this fall: MIDNIGHT ROSES. The colours, designed around a purple spectrum, are so feminine and seductive.

Imagine midnight in Paris, the hour of untold possibilities…

In fall 2011, Lancôme introduced 29, Saint Honoré, a collection paying homage to Lancôme’s emblematic address. Today, marking the next chapter in this beautiful story, the French house invites us to number 29 on a secret street. A magical, coveted address. A perfect location that opens its doors at the hour when purple roses come into bloom…

It is here that the “Midnight Roses”, women among the most elegant in the world, emerge just after midnight. Somewhere between mystery and magic, the “Midnight Roses” collection showcases nocturnal seduction through each of its “purple-tinted” dimensions.

When night-time becomes a magical celebration… and as I just spent four magic days in Paris, I exactly know what Lanôme is talking about!

Let’s unveil purple’s deepest secrets:

L’Absolu Rouge Mat

For the first time, the mythical Absolu Rouge is as matte as velvet…
As comfortable and replenishing as ever thanks to its formula enriched with Pro-Xylane™, it caresses lips in three new seductive purple tones.

360 Rose Aphrodisia, 361 Rose Sortilège, 160 Rouge Hypnôse (All three one shots)
CHF 44.- each

L’Absolu Crème de Mat

For the “Midnight Roses” collection, L’Absolu Crème de Brillance has undergone a transformation and become completely matte. The smoothness of a gloss, the coverage of a lipstick, the comfort of a cream texture.

100 Potion d’Amour, 300 Magie Pourpre, 301 Prune Élixir (All three one shots)
CHF 44.- each

Blush Highlighter

Like reflected moonbeams dancing on the banks of the Seine…
The Blush Highlighter captures the unique light that bathes Paris at midnight. Crafted thanks to a new technology combining a high-comfort “marshmallow” texture with an illuminating effect, this extremely fine, light-infused powder is adorned with an embossed emblematic Lancôme rose. The powder feels whisper-soft on application, leaving just a veil of sheer pearly radiance.

Tips:
– Applied in delicate strokes following the lines of the shoulders, the Blush Highlighter beautifully emphasises a low-neck dress.
– Delicately applied using a sponge applicator, it catches the light, playing with “matte and gloss” contrasts.

001 Moonlight Rose (One shot)
CHF 65.-

Vernis In Love

A manicure resonant with the colours of Parisian night-time…
This season, Vernis In Love plays with a trio of shades infused with mystery: an intense purple, an urban khaki and a timeless powdered beige. Lancôme also creates a magical formula: a top coat that completely transforms nails, instantly turning them velvet-matte.

453 Infusion de Prune (One shot), 250N Beige Poudré, 280N Cosmopolitan Kaki, 030 Givre Magique – Top coat (One shot)
CHF 25.- each

Le Regard Pro

A must-have to enhance eyebrows and eyes in a handbag-friendly case. Le Regard Pro contains three universal shades of brown for made-to-measure mixing to redefine eyebrows, as well as a highlighter to apply just below the eyebrow arch for added depth. Created to suit all skin tones, the four shades can also be blended on the eyelid.

The crucial detail: the compact also contains a pair of tweezers. For perfect brow-grooming.
(One shot) CHF 75.-

Hypnôse Brow Shaper

In one simple step, this transparent gel structures eyebrows. To be used alone for a natural effect, or combined with Le Regard Pro to ensure make-up lasts through to the early hours.
(One shot)
CHF 35.-

Le Crayon Khôl

Incredibly creamy and highly pigmented, Le Crayon Khôl casts a spell on eyes with this season’s it-shade: bewitching purple.

014 Prune Crépuscule
(One shot) CHF33.-

Hypnôse Drama

A true essential to perfect eye make-up: The iconic mascara, the instant and full body volume expert, in its “timeless black” shade.

01 Black
CHF 44.-

Lancôme Midnight Roses makeup collection for fall 2012 is available now. For a night of untold possibilities…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Lancôme

Wander West with Isabel Marant this fall, be the first to get your hands on her cool, city-ready cowboy shirts, embroidered jeans and more covetable footwear.

For the next three days, you have the privilege to shop exclusively these F/W 2012 runway items before they are available to all customers.

Just click on the highlighted product description below each item.
Happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Primo printed fur jacket

Kurt suede cut-out pumps

Rodwell tasseled mid-rise skinny jeans

Manet cropped jeans

Lauryn embroidered blouse

Berry ankle boots with cut-out appliqué

Lauryn embroidered blouse

Eminoy cropped suede trousers

Loli mini skirt

Photos: Courtesy of Mytheresa