Versace Store Opening in Soho

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Another blockbuster fashion event took place this week in NYC. One evening after the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M launch party, Donatella Versace hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the opening of her new Versace boutique in Soho on 160, Mercer Street followed by a dinner at the Waldorf Towers.

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A huge variety of celebrities chose to attend both events, with everyone from Gerard Butler and Kanye West to supermodel Linda Evangelista and close friend of the House Lady Gaga.

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Carrying both menswear and womenswear ready-to-wear collections in addition to accessories, the store will also house special collaborations.

Kicking off the shop’s opening, Donatella Versace tapped Christopher Kane, who also creates the Versus line, to design a capsule collection of tees and other items with iconic Versace images pulled from the archives, which will be sold exclusively at the Soho store. With printed T-shirts being so à la mode, be sure that those tops will activate another fashion hype!

Below, find a complete list of celebrities who chose to wear Versace:

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Donatella Versace entered the cocktail party at the boutique in a Fall 2012 black corset top with a Swarovski encrusted jewelled cross emblem on the front with a velvet pencil skirt (see photo below with Princess Charlene of Monaco).  She changed later for the dinner into another look from Fall 2012 (as you can see above with Lady Gaga) – she was perfect in a black Versace leather top with crescent-shaped neckline with Swarovski crystal details and Versace leather pants, completely embedded with Swarovski crystal details from the knee down.

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Princess Charlene of Monaco wore a chic black Versace cocktail dress paired with thigh-high leather Versace runway boots with a gold capped-toe. She finished her look with a black Versace cashmere waistcoat with leather inserts.

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Linda Evangelista wore a black velvet Versace coat from the Fall 2012 runway enriched by Swarovski crystal crosses.

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Doutzen Kroes wore a Versace Fall 2012 black coat with flared skirt covered entirely in Swarovski crystals.

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Bar Refaeli looked amazing in a fitted black leather cocktail dress with Swarovski crystals detailing with a matching leather jacket and black Versace booties.

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Coco Rocha wore a black dress with metallic detailing from Versace Fall 2012 paired with black Versace Fall pointed toe pumps.

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Alexa Chung here with Christopher Kane wore a look from the Versus Fall 2012 runway: a burgundy knit turtleneck top paired with a matching leather miniskirt.

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Karolina Kurkova wore a black leather bomber jacket with intricate floral detailing with a pencil skirt with a matching pattern, paired with black Versace pumps and a black Versace clutch.

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Leigh Lezark sporting a yellow cocktail dress with leather cutouts at the hem and on the side with a modern crescent shaped neckline. She completed her look with black Versace shoes.

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Tali Lennox, daughter of Annie Lennox, wore a full look from Versus Fall 2012 – she looked fabulous in a fuchsia top, miniskirt, and huge fur coat. She completed her outfit with blue booties with fuchsia inserts.

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Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig chose a Fall 2012 look – he wore a blue floral printed suit with matching tie. He completed his look with Versace Fall boots with gold buckles and a black Versace belt with a medusa buckle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

My Look: NYC Party Time

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This was my look that I wore to the amazing Maison Martin Margiela with H&M launch party this week in NYC: Millie tweed and wool-crepe dress by Stella McCartneybow-embellished suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots iconby Miu MiuSwarovski crystal necklace iconby Lanvin, cocktail rings by Roberto Cavalli and vintage ’70s style bag by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

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Maison Martin Margiela with H&M Party

Margiela_WITH_HM_COVER1Yesterday night, the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection was celebrated in New York. Mena Suvari, Chace Crawford, Alan Cumming, Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Selma Blair, Doutzen Kroes, Alexander Wang, and my humble self were some of the over 1 000 guests at the spectacular party on 5, Beekman Street.

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The derelict and raw nine-story historical building in the city’s financial distric, housed around a glass-roofed atrium, was the perfect setting for the celebration of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M, decorated in the label’s signature white-painted style. As you can see, people were slack-jawed looking at the gorgeous location.

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All celebrities wore already the new Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.
Enjoy my photos!

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Chace Crawford with me

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Me with the beautiful and overly sweet Julianne Moore who said: “It’s an amazing collaboration! Margiela is a beautiful brand – arty, iconoclastic and always edgy. And the quality is always amazing with H&M. Fashion is great because it’s an expression of who you are.”

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Sarah Jessica Parker stated: “It’s incredible, so exciting to celebrate one of my favourite designers. They are mysterious and compelling and I’ve been a great fan of Margiela for many years. H&M, well, look at the lines of men and women lined up! It’s a great opportunity for people to have access to great designers. It makes luxury available to everyone. It’s very democratic and I’m all for it.”

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Mena Suvari impressed with her lion tattoo.

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Gorgeous Selma Blair talked a little about her beautiful newborn baby boy Arthur with me. Mums united!

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Selma’s amazing shoes from the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.

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Me with Alan Cumming who said: “I’m here to see the lovely Margiela collection. I love the way H&M is doing collaborations with other designers. It’s a great thing, to make clothes stylish and affordable. The collaborations are a great idea, they are really amazing!”

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Fashion designer Olivier Theyskens with me

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Elena Perminova with me

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“I’m a huge fan of Margiela and I love H&M – it’s a great collaboration. I never get surprised by H&M’s choices, every designer they pick I’m interested in. I’m always standing in the queue with my mother in the early mornings. I’ve been a fan of Margiela since the start”, said Helena Christensen.

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Topmodel Doutzen Kroes

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The collection was shown in an art and dance performace by choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker in squares of sand and further revealed in special art installations on various floors: artists Daniel Arsham, Frederique Chauveaux and Noemie Goudal, created sculptures, projections and photographs exclusively for the event. After that, DJ’s kept the party going into the early hours.

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On the 9th floor of the buliding, a special pop-store was located where guests could shop the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection before its official launch on November 15th in around 230 H&M stores worldwide. Unfortunately, when I had finally arrived on the top floor, the best pieces were gone.

What an amazing night and a gorgeous collection – it was all about superlatives! Thank you, H&M, for having me! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

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CANDY_WALLET_MARGIELA_WITH_HMPhotos of the first collage: Courtesy of H&M – All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Girls Have More Fun

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Girls have more fun – finally young ladies can also wear the gorgeous colourful, hand-painted bangles by Sal y Limon.

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The first Miss SYL collection for girls is now available in six colours, seven designs and two sizes: Miss SYL small for CHF 24.90; Miss SYL medium for CHF 31.90 each. In Switzerland at Globus and Loeb.

My daughter wears them with great pleasure at her arm…

LoL, Sandra

Sal-y-limon_bangles for kidsPhotos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

Up Close: Maison Martin Margiela with H&M

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Here we go: Your exclusive preview of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M really up close! Today, I was able to browse through and try on the amazing collection at Mondrian Soho‘s penthouse suite. Personally speaking, I was truly impressed.

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Before talking you through the collaboration, let me tell you a little more about the house of Margiela: The influential Belgian designer Martin Margiela founded his brand Maison Martin Margiela in 1988. He is the fashion scene’s ghost, compared to other eccentric designers, he has never granted an interview or even considered to being photographed. His employees are wearing lab coats and have also never been seen in pictures. I met some of them today. You will see their white uniform in the photos but I am not allowed to show you their faces. Margiela’s main focus is on the product and not on the individual behind it.

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The label on his clothes is equally anonymous, a blank white rectangle and a circled number from 0 to 23 that corresponds to one of various lines in the Margiela range. Of course, the white stitches used to affix his label—often visible at the back of the garment—have become funilly enough an internationally recognized icon. Margiela has pushed fashion boundaries with clothes made of trash bags or vintage home furnishings  such as car seats or seat belts. In 2002, he sold a majority stake to Renzo Rosso, owner of Diesel.

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The collaboration between Maison Martin Margiela and H&M presents a re-edition of iconic Margiela garnets and accessories for men and women. It consists of around 100 pieces. Each of them is specifically labelled with a unique tag indicating the season from which it originated, spanning 23 years. The most representative pieces of Margiela’s archive are reproduced in updated shapes and materials and offered to the broad public as an exclusive synopsis of their history. I think that is a very interesting approach of H&M. They are bringing fashion history to the masses which I adore.

The entire collection is divided into five groups:

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Shape & Volume: Masculine shapes are adjusted to frame the female body.

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Oversized: Pieces of the masculine and feminine wardrobe are presented in oversized versions of themselves.

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Ambiguity: Conveyed through the use of trompe l’oeil.

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Transformation: This occurs in different ways. Offering a new use and shape to otherwise typical objects and materials.

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My favourites: The adjusted biker jacket and the amazing candy clutch in pink.

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The adjusted biker jacket for women also looks great on men as René sports it in perfection. If you like his style, follow him on instagram @renewho.

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Gray of Bootiesonmyfeet looks stunning in the belted Maison Martin Margiela with H&M leather jacket.

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The candy clutches SS2010. A candy bar packaging is enlarged and transformed into an evening clutch bag.

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Process of Tailoring: Traditional finishings and tailoring procedures are visible. Similarly, more specific sartorial concepts, particular to the world of couture are exposed.

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Margareta van den Bosch, H&M’s Creative Advisor, with me

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The accessories are absolutely divine. Now, I am getting ready for tonight’s party where we can also shop the new collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 15, 2012 worldwide.

Stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

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Margiela_HM_Acc_Sandra2Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good Morning from NYC!

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Good morning from NYC! The sun is shining and I am awake early due to the time difference. This is the view of my beautiful hotel, the MONDRIAN SOHO.

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I am typing this while I am enjoying my healthy breakfast in bed, some fresh pineapple with a soy cappuccino (actually three). This feels like heaven on earth.

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The reason for my trip to NYC is an amazing invitation from H&M for their upcoming collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela. Tonight, on Tuesday October 23 at 8.30pm EST (Wednesday October 24 at 2.30am CET/1.30am GMT) the big launch party will take place here in New York. There will be an exclusive live footage from the red carpet on Facebook!

And of course, lots of photos from the event, the celebrities and my look here on Sandra’s Closet during the next days! Can you believe that it was one year ago, that I was here for the Versace for H&M launch party…?!

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In the meantime, I have some beautiful photos of the hotel and my room for you:

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To embellish the lobby walls, Mondrian SoHo has collaborated with NYC-based painter and photographer Marilyn Minter in presenting a wallpaper installation of her famous Kicksilver photograph, that captures a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos in a splash of metallic vodka.

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Here you see my room that offers some very sweet details. I love the colour combination of creamy blue and white.

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A little surprise was waiting for me on the desk…

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So excited for tonight…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Refine Your Pores – Refine Your Skin

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Personally speaking, I have to admit that I had never really thought about the impact of pores. That changed drastically when I went to Clinique‘s press conference to hear about their newest products in the end of August. One launch has especially convinced me after having used it now for almost two months: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS.

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Dr. Markus Dawid, Head of Dermatology at the Kaiser Franz Joseph Spital in Vienna / Austria, gave a very interesting and eye-opening speech about how the appearance of your skin can be changed just by refining your pores. We have 300.000 pores in our face and during the age of 25-50, a doubling takes place, they become twice the size they used to be. If our pores are not immaculate, the light cannot be reflected perfectly and we look older.

Clinique offers now a full product range taking care of this problem: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS. Give them two weeks, and you’ll wonder why they were ever such a big deal.

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Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum by Clinique

The Pore Resurfacing Complex quickly, gently clears out debris and rough flakes. Pores ‘snap back’ into shape and look 58% smaller in only 2 weeks. Over time, it helps your skin create stronger supports and healthier cells to see more improvement. CHF 65.– for 30ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator by Clinique

After mattifying instantly, this oil-free formula supplies needed hydration while curbing excess oil and shine for 8 hours. Even the T-Zones feel fresh and stay comfortably matte. It instantly refines the look of pores with unique light-scattering optics and over time, they seem smaller. Non-acnegenic. CHF 57.- for 50ml.

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Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique (MY FAVOURITE)

It makes you look smooth and virtually flawless with pores that appear more than 50% smaller—instantly. The natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. In two skin tone shades, Invisible Light and Invisible Deep, or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. CHF 32.- for 15ml. If you want to have an immediate result, this is your dream product!

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup by Clinique

It softens and blurs appearance of visible pores instantly and over time. CHF 43.-, available in Switzerland in 6 shades, in the US in 12 shades.

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Sisley has also invented a very powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-round corrective, preventative and treatment action. One step for many results – I love!

Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley (MY FAVOURITE)

A pore-minimizing skin perfector, that at any age tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin’s surface and ensure flawless skin texture day after day. Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even. The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed. CHF 183.00 for 30ml.

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Personally speaking, this is my perfect power couple for pores: Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley as a daily serum and Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique before applying makeup for an instant improvement. Following this beauty routine, I like to use other moisturizing creams because of my very dry skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, Sisley, © Sandra Bauknecht and via fashiongonerogue

Preview: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

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Finally, we can see the fruits of Maison Martin Margiela‘s amazing collaboration with H&M. Sam Taylor-Johnson shot the campaign (see above) and below you can enjoy photos of the recently revealed lookbook. The avant-garde Belgian fashion house is loved by all fashion connoisseurs. What do you think of it?

The collection will land in stores and online on Thursday, November 15, 2012.

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And while you are reading this, I am in the plane on my way to New York City for the launch party of Maison Martin Margiela for H&M tomorrow night. Stay tuned for some amazing photos! I am getting heart palpitations from the excitement of just thinking of it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

Shopping Alert: Givenchy F/W 2012

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As you know, I am obsessed with Givenchy and the F/W 2012 collection’s gothic feel is just divine. Lead the fashion pack and be the first to shop wow takes on leather, red hot peplum dresses and green accessories, such as the must-have wrap bracelet.

For the new three days you have the privilege to shop exclusively these items before they are available to all mytheresa customers. Just click on the highlighted texts below. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

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BOXCALF ANKLE BOOTS WITH CUFFED TRIM

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FIT-AND-FLARE LEATHER DRESS

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MEDIUM ZIP LEATHER CLUTCH

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GRAPHIC PRINT TANK TOP

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GREEN NIGHTINGALE LEATHER TOTE

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RED FLARED PEPLUM DRESS

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OBSEDIA WRAP-AROUND LOGO LEATHER CUFF

Photos: Courtesy of Givenchy and mytheresa

Nancy Gonzalez S/S 2013 & Artist Totes

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Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

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During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

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By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

WillCottonWill Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim-Hodges1Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib-ShawRaqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

JesephineMeckseperJosephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht