Sandra‘s Closet

This week was my “German” week. On Tuesday, I went to Hamburg to finalize an amazing project for Sandra’s Closet’s upcoming third birthday and then I drove to Frankfurt, which is my place of origin. I was born and raised in the picturesque Taunus, a part of the Central German Uplands, located at the gates of Frankfurt. I love the Hessian mentality and have to admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time here recently but whenever I am back, I feel at home.

I am staying at the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star luxury castle hotel, that is owned by the Landgrave and Princes von Hessen. It offers you living history to touch and feel. Exclusive furnishings and an impressive collection of antiques and paintings from the private estate of the mother of the last Kaiser convey the authentic ambience of a castle from imperial times and makes me feel like a little princess.

Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane and showed my daughter the school I went to: St. Angela Schule in Königstein, a private all-girls school, attached to an Ursuline convent. Personally speaking, I loved this mono education and truly enjoyed my time there. Until today, I am close to my five best friends from school. When I saw the pillar we decorated for our graduation, I was so touched that the tears kept rolling down my cheeks.

This morning, another event has touched me deeply: Sandra’s Closet reached over 50.000 likes on Facebook overnight, which means 10.000 likes in 2 months. This is so amazing and I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for following my blog that has taken me on such a beautiful adventure. I feel very blessed!
If you haven’t liked Sandra’s Closet on Facebook yet, please do so here.

Below you can enjoy some more photos of my outfit and the castle hotel:

My look: Fur vest and biker boots by Miu Miu, red wool dress and gold horsebit necklace by Gucci, wool cashmere gauze Rottweiler scarf by Givenchy and Diorette earrings by Dior Haute Joaillerie and tote bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht via Instagram

Munich has a new fashion store, located at the prestigious Kardinal-Faulhaber-Str. 15: SUSANNE BENTER.

Shop owner Susanne Benter, who has gained her work experience during 14 years as a buyer for several fashion boutiques, such as Ludwig Beck, came up with the idea to create a feminine and individual multi-label concept store. Her portfolio includes collections from  Sportmax, Sportmax Code, M Missoni, Mabrun, Maffei, Attic & Barn, Mr & Mrs Shirt, Paul&Joe, Tara Jarmon, Meteo by Yves Salomon, Vencouvert, Malene Birger and Ivi. A new shopping heaven in the Bavarian capital.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Susanne Benter and © Sandra Bauknecht

“What is important to my work is the individual picture. I photograph stories on assignment, and of course they have to be put together coherently. But what matters most is that each picture stands on its own, with its own place and feeling.” – Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry certainly is one of the most beloved and renowned photographers of all times. Born in 1950, the American is best known for his images of the conflict in Afghanistan. His career kicked off, when, disguised in native garb and with full beard, he crossed the Pakistan border into the rebel-controlled country just before the Russian Invasion was closing it to all Western journalists. McCurry had rolls of film sewn into his clothes and was one of the first ones putting a human face to the issue on every masthead.

His photograph, “Afghan Girl” that originally appeared in National Geographic magazine, is one of the most published photos in the world. Steve McCurry lives in New York but spends two-thirds of the year travelling the globe.

Steve McCurry with me

Being such an iconic voices in contemporary photography, McCurry is also shooting more “glossy” things, such as the world’s most famous Pirelli calendar. During the St. Moritz Art Masters, I had the honour to meet him and being photographed by him.

As for me, the reason of his success is to be found in the aesthetics of his photos, the way he works with his “object”. He saw me in a different way, found my long hair too graphic and made me put it up in a disheveled chignon to show more of my shoulders that he liked a lot.

Enjoy some of the behind-the-scenes shots! I cannot wait to show you the final result. And of course, stay tuned for a detailed outfit post to be published soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve McCurry and © Sandra Bauknecht

Layering is a great way to cope with the transition from summer to fall. Cardigans are great layering pieces because they add warmth when needed and they work well over dark or neutral summer dresses.

My look: Bi-colour fur vest by Louis Vuitton (available this season in a slightly different colour combination), printed dress and argyle belted cardigan, both by See by Chloé, fur bag by Céline, lace up ankle boots by Chloé, cuff by Stella McCartney, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joiallerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“Now that cinderella’s fairy godmother no longer exists, the couturier must be the magician,” said Christian Dior.

In a swirl of shadows and light, the Dior heroine leads the ball dance. She wears her glamour like a second skin. For the Christmas 2012 makeup collection, Tyen reinterprets the spirit of Dior grand balls with a contemporary elegance and a cheeky twist.

They were a constant theme beating at the heart of Monsieur Dior’s fashion and life. From the extravagant parties in Granville, his childhood home, which gave him a glimpse of his destiny in couture, to the follies of the Parisian balls in the roaring 20s, the couturier was profoundly fascinated by transformation. From the catwalk to the red carpet, his ball gowns have become every woman’s desire. A 18th-century look, revived and modernised. Fleeting and flamboyant, the Grand Bal embraces the fantasy of Christmas.

Palette Grand Bal Carnet de Maquillage (CHF 119.00) – Christmas Look 2012 Star Product – (Limited Edition)

Inspired by the dance cards held by young women in the 18th-century to remember their dance partners, this essential beauty kit is bound to be a must-have for the modern day party girl. The glamorous gold clutch features a pearl eyeshadow duo of platinum and gold, two shades of gloss, a mirror, and deep black eyeliner for quick touch-ups.

Poudre Or – (CHF 68.25 – Limited Edition)

Delicate skin dares to adopt subtle golden tints beneath the Diorskin powder puff, a loose powder to be dusted onto the cheekbones, shoulders and neckline… The sensuality of elegant evenings with a stylish scent of seduction.

Diorskin Poudre Libre in 431 Gold Dust

Palette 5 Couleurs (CHF 90.00 – Limited Edition)

Through the darkness, the eyes dazzle with light. A dramatic halo, a mirrored texture, shifting reflections that flutter like butterfly wings… The 5 Couleurs unfurls its multiple shades. The Dior Grand Bal heroine wears her masquerade right on her skin.

524 Fairy Golds
764 Night Golds

Grand Bal False Lashes (CHF 32.00 – Limited Edition)

For the first time Dior has created a collection of false eyelashes. Adorned with delicate silver drops or soft gold sophisticated Swarovski crystals, the gaze is shaded in mystery and sparkles with glamour, to defy the imagination. A fatal attraction.

001 Pearl Drops
002 Gold Crystals

Diorshow Liner Waterproof “Or” (CHF 34.00 – Limited Edition)

Like a gold thread etched beneath the lashes, the new Diorshow Liner Waterproof underscores the eyelid. Applied in generous flat tints or as a drop of light at the corner of the eye, it leaves its lustrous bronze imprint.

Diorific Lipstick (CHF 49.00)

A voluptuous texture, a glossy shine… The Diorific Grand Bal collection reveals a waltz of glowing couture shades in their precious jewel-case: festive red, brown with a sophisticated gold sheen, nude beige or falsely demure rosewood. Smoothed, shaped and sheened, the smile is perfectly designed. Captivating.

340 Diorling
520 Diva
653 Marilyn
677 Lady

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss (CHF 44.00 – Limited Edition)

It seeks to unsettle and distils its sensuality. Alone or as a topcoat, tinted in gold lamé or ceremonial red, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss lacquers the smile, transforming the sweep of a ball gown or boosting a super-slim silhouette. A little shot of glamour.

424 Lamé Gold
774 Ceremony Red

Diorific Vernis ($40 – Limited Edition)

More than an it-colour, Diorific Vernis is an it-accessory; an object of desire and a collector nail lacquer. In an exceptional collector’s edition that bridges fashion and finery, Dior relaunches this gem of a varnish. In a range of ultra-luxurious colours, Diorific Vernis is a jewel on the skin that the heroine of the Dior Grand Bal mixes or matches with her lipstick, to suit her outfit or mood. Red for the lips, sparkly black for the fingers; pearl-white on the fingertips and pink on the lips; glossy golden varnish with brown lip shade. She is ready to go to the ball. Never has her extravagance been more desirable.

011 Lady
751 Marilyn
207 Diorling
901 Diva

Golden Tattoos ($120.00) (Limited Edition – not available in Switzerland)

From the early years of his career, Christian Dior was fascinated by gold and its mysterious powers. It wasn’t long before gold became a refined signature of the house and Dior’s most magnificent couture outfits were adorned with gold accessories. Now, Camille Miceli, Dior’s Creative Director of costume jewelry, has created a limited edition set of Golden Tattoos, comprised of 24-karat gold micro particles that melt onto the skin. The set includes seven exclusive designs: two wrist chains, a Dior Dollisimio charm, pearl drop charm with the Christian Dior logo, three rings, and a Line A interlaced bangles.

Personally speaking, the Dior Grand Bal makeup collection is my favourite for Christmas 2012.
All products, except the Golden Tattoos, will be available in Switzerland from November 7th, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

London Fashion Week is always my favourite and the British designers are among the ones I like to wear the most. London is about individuality and the most extraordinary talents are based there. Prints and vibrant colours have been seen once more and the British capital seems to be in a blue mood.

Enjoy my little runway reviews!

LoL, Sandra

Mary Katrantzou makes all the heads turn and my heart leap for joy. I am such a big fan of her designs and her S/S 2013 collection has taken her creativity to a new level. Inspired by stamps and banknotes, Mary paired for example metallic brocades and Swarovski crystal mesh printed with banknote designs to achieve an eye-catching look. Her silhouettes were new and different from previous seasons. There is nobody else that flourishes like her. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post in which I show you all the beautiful details of the collection that I photographed at Mary’s first own showroom in Paris.

Burberry Prorsum has been the blockbuster show of London Fashion Week since quite some time. The house’s social media forerun gives it a worldwide inimitable presence. For the next summer, Christopher Bailey has made “corsets and capes” his must-haves. Metallics in every shade and superb bags, especially in the translucent version will surely be among the house’s new season bestsellers.

Christopher Kane’s collection for S/S 2013 is certainly something for all fashion monsters, in the true sense of the word. At the first sight, you see simple pieces, all white on white, dresses and skirts in pastel hues – however, with a closer look it is clear that there is something more, some pieces are held together with big transparent plastic screws and there is Frankenstein on a T-shirt which will surely be copied a million times. I love it!

It was 15 years ago that Matthew Williamson launched his brand, and his glamourous cocktail and red carpet designs are still up-to-date. His amazing sense for colour could be seen in his S/S 2013 collection in perfection. Great news: Williamson is launching his own line of shoes for the next season, and he showed off his first platform styles on the runway.

Roksanda Ilincic is the queen of colour-blocking and she reinvents the trend each season new. For summer, Ilincic was inspired by the colour experimentation of the artist Josef Albers, something “rigid, masculine, and precise”.

Personally speaking, Peter Pilotto reminded me a little of Mary Katrantzou‘s previous seasons this time. And I don’t mean it badly, both designers belong to this famous new generation of prints. It was a very rich feast for the eyes, as Pilotto and De Vos created their prints three-dimensionally, while adding all sorts of ruffles and flounces. I like it a lot!

Shop Peter Pilotto S/S 2013 now on Moda Operandi!

After five years of showing in New York, Preen, a.k.a. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, returned to the London catwalk this season. Very pretty were the textured designs combining heavy fabrics with sheers to give the illusion of stripes.

Meadham Kirchhoff always reminds me of Vivienne Westwood at her best. This season, Ed Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff outdid themselves, staging a show so opulent and rococo that I just would like to have everything.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label seemed posh compared to Meadham Kirchhoff‘s baroque approach. Her models with full faces of green, blue, yellow, and pink makeupwalked on the catwalk in ’50s inspired clothing, from fine wool twinsets to pink silk jacquard skirtsuits and cocktail dresses.

Antonio Berardi came up with beautiful very feminine designs in all hues of blue, embellished with sparkling sequins. Tailoring has been his main focus since he emerged as a designer in the Nineties.

It’s all about the two piece for Jonathan Saunders who came up with this lovely red sequin look for example. Personally speaking, I have loved the first looks for which he used a kind of hologram-style shiny materials.

While few, including myself, can resist the intoxicating frivolity of fashion’s flights of fancy, the essential basics of a stylish wardrobe have a more utilitarian character. It is these humbler pieces – often derived from work wear, military uniform or sports gear – that Louis Vuitton’s Icons collection elevates to new levels of luxury. Preserving their functional essence, it endows them with the allure of exquisite cut, fine fabrics and sophisticated detailing.

The result: every season, a collection of pieces to return to again and again, experiencing each time the dual thrill of their unrivalled comfort and timeless elegance.

1. THE MESH

A simple sweater in a classic shade and softest cotton is sure to be one of the hardest-working items in any woman’s wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s version comes with the added luxury of an embellished collar, hand-embroidered with Swarovski beads and LV studs. In a touch typical of the Icons collection, it can also be removed, taking a look from precious to pared-down in seconds.

2. THE TRENCH

The feather-light sensation of nylon faille – sensual as silk, but a whole lot more practical, and not merely because it’s water-resistant – plus the irresistible allure of the Stephen Sprouse leopard print, now in a new scaleddown version. Louis Vuitton’s neo-trench has all the emblematic details, from the belt (wear nonchalantly knotted) to the epaulettes, but it comes luxuriously long and with ultra-feminine bracelet sleeves. Pure silver screen glamour for the 21st century.

3. THE MACINTOSH

With its new cropped cut and cute collar, the season’s mac – the epitome of the Icons collection – holds more than a hint of the Swinging Sixties. The perfect cover-up against a spring shower, it doubles up as a neat boxy jacket. Polished gold buttons playfully reference the military, while the lining is pure Louis Vuitton: the legendary Stephen Sprouse leopard print, interspersed with mini Monograms.

4. THE JEANS

For S/S 2013, the perfect pair of jeans morphs into the must-have Capri pant. Stonewashed for an instantly worn-in feel, with a casually loose yet impeccably chic cut, it combines style and attitude. The iconic detail? The Monogram jacquard yoke, to be concealed or revealed depending on mood and moment.

5. THE PERFECTO

Louis Vuitton transforms a staple of bad-boy style into an icon of luxurious femininity. To the rugged sex appeal of the classic perfecto, this sleek design opposes the refinement of smooth stretch leather, enhanced by eloquent details like multiple zippers, signature rivets and – the quintessential couture touch – a half-belt at the back.

6. THE LEATHER DRESS

Leather never felt like this. Unimaginably supple, lightweight lambskin lends itself to the simplest yet most sensual of cuts: a dress like an oversize T-shirt that suggestively skims the body. Raw edges, diagonal zippers and military-style suede patches on the shoulders provide the modern, real-life details. Dress it up with heels or down with leggings, the leather dress – now in bold, beautiful red – remains both sporty and sophisticated.

My personal must? The red leather dress! See you at Vuitton…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

For the Christmas 2012 Makeup collection “Éclat du Soir de Chanel”, Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the vintage luster of bronze-tinged gold and lends its modernity to evening makeup.
Here is your preview of the beautiful pieces that will be launched in the end of this month:

Regard Signé de CHANEL CHF 77.-
Harmonie du Soir

Ombres Contraste Duo CHF 60.-
47 Nuit-Claire

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.-
817 Apparence

Joues Contraste CHF 60.-
73 Star Dust

Poudre Universelle Libre CHF 67.-
57 Rêverie

Rouge Allure Velvet CHF 48.-
307 L’Impatiente

Le Vernis CHF 35.-
637 Malice

Available end of October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Who knew what a new hue can do?! I love this shade of blue so much and was so happy to see that Stella McCartney used this colour again for her S/S 2013 collection along with orange and green. Stay tuned for the upcoming post.

My look that I wore to Stella’s show last week in Paris: Tuxedo jacket, Joan silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress, printed modal and silk-blend scarf, all by Stella McCartney, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent and suede and snake effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is your preview of Lancôme’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection Happy Holidays which is all about the festive shades of gold, and red mixed with sparkling sequins!
The collection is inspired by Paris, the City of Lights, where, according to Lancôme, “illuminations resonate with enchanting shimmer”, clearly a suitable inspiration for a Christmas Collection.

Petit Trésor Eyeshadow – Limited Edition – CHF 39.-

My favourite product of the collection. These sparkling eyeshadows are woven like a mesh fabric and give a beautiful metallic effect while lasting up to 16 hours.

S112 Fil d’Or
S207 Fil d’Argent
S208 Fil d’Bronze

Les Paillettes aux Yeux – Limited Edition – CHF 29.-

Shimmering loose powder to apply directly to lids or on top of other products for a glowy effect.

10 À la Belle Étoile
20 Lumières de Paris

Le Crayon Khôl – Limited Edition – CHF 33

015 Jazzy Taupe
016 France in a Glance

L’Absolu Rouge – Limited Edition – CHF 44

181 Topaze Ecstasy
182 Rubis Exquisite
183 Grenat

Vernis In Love – Limited Edition – CHF 25

522 Bubbly Gold
532 Ginger Swing
575 Flirty Red

The collection will be available in October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme