Sandra‘s Closet

This Mother’s Day, I chime for you… for all the moms who inspire us. Send your mom this video featuring Beyoncé, Cameron Diaz, John Legend, Ziggy Marley, Olivia Wilde, Blake Lively and Hafsat Abiola and thank her for her unconditional love. We only have one mom, one mommy, one mother in this world, one life.

CHIME FOR CHANGE, founded by Gucci, is a community of people working to promote education, health and justice for girls and women everywhere. The new global campaign focuses on girls’ and women’s empowerment. It serves to convene, unite and strengthen voices speaking out for the weaker sex around the world, and to raise funds for non-profit organizations pursuing change. To learn more about this important initiative and to join it, please click here.

Frida Giannini, Gucci’s Creative Director, wearing the Chime for Change T-shirt.

Many celebrities are supporting this gorgeous initiative, such as Salma Hayek-Pinault and Beyoncé Knowles.

On June 1st, CHIME FOR CHANGE will present a global concert to put girls’ and women’s issues on the world’s stage. The televised event at London’s Twickenham Stadium with Co-founder and Artistic Director, Beyoncé as headliner will also feature performances by Jennifer Lopez, Ellie Goulding, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, Iggy Azalea, John Legend, Laura Pausini, Rita Ora, Timbaland and more to be announced. Tickets on sale at www.chimeforchange.org.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chime for Change

As promised, here are the official photos that Amedeo M. Turello took of me during the St. Moritz Art Masters. The famous photographer, who shot the official engagement picture of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, saw me in a completely different light than his colleague Steve McCurry. More vamp, with open hair, I have to admit that those are my true favorites. Thank you, Amedeo, for this beautiful work!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Amedeo M. Turello

CHANEL is a trendsetter, especially in terms of makeup. Whenever a new runway show takes place, we are eagerly waiting for the backstage pictures to arrive to see the look up close, Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, has created.
Something we will wear 6 months later…

The focus for Cruise 2014, that was presented yesterday in Singapore, is on a graphic eye in turquoise and black, created with Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in True Blue and Noir Intense.

Complexions were kept matte, dusted liberally with the Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Loose Finish Powder.

And the very important question: How will our nails look next spring? Rather than wearing a newly-created colour, models sported Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Satin from the permanent collection. So ladies, you can get ahead of the game right now… and don’t forget to add punk-style bangs. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on this hair style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Yesterday, CHANEL showed its Cruise 2014 collection for the very first time in Asia. Since 2000, CHANEL has taken the fashion world on voyages around the globe: Paris, New York, Venice, Saint-Tropez, Versailles among others and now Singapore.

Basked in the sun all year long – a never-ending summer, it is the ultimate tropical escape from the winters of the northern or southern hemispheres. The Loewen Cluster on Dempsey Hill, a preserved heritage site that was once a thriving nutmeg plantation, was this year’s perfect backdrop and served as the location for the show.

The night before, a private screening of Karl Lagerfeld’s new film Once Upon a Time… was held at the Raffles hotel.

The short film, written and directed by the designer himself, celebrates the 100-year anniversary of Gabrielle Chanel’s Deauville boutique. Cast in the movie is Keira Knightley playing in the lead role alongside appearances from models Baptiste Giabiconi, Stella Tennant and Lindsey Wixon.

If you have 20 minutes left, take your time to watch the movie here:

On the runway, Karl Lagerfeld presented 80 different looks for Cruise 2014 (below are my favorites). Shades of black, navy, beige and cream dominated the collection. The nod to the past in the shape of Coco Chanel’s iconic silhouettes such as wide-leg trousers, box jackets and pleated blouses will surely please the house’s customers.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Have you ever dreamt of owning a one-of-a-kind Hermès Birkin bag? Here is your chance! Travis W. Simmons infuses an icon of sophistication with the boldness of punk in this vintage 35cm clemence leather version, graffitied with purple sinuous detailing throughout. Words exemplifying the movement’s spirit are intricately placed within these waves.

The handbag features two rolled top handles, a belt-style strap with a padlock-and-key clochette and gold metal feet.

TO SHOP THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND 35 BIRKIN BAG, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Sad news today: The founder of the famous Italian fashion house Missoni, Ottavio Missoni, died this morning at his home in Sumirago at the age of 92.
Born in 1921 in Ragusa on the Dalmatian coast, he had a natural gift as he was a very talented runner which gave him the nickname “son of Apollus.” At the age of 16, young Missoni made the Italian national team, and still today, he held the national 400-meter record for a 16-year-old.

After he had met his lifelong partner, Rosita Missoni, in 1948, the couple founded the company in the 1950s and their famous zigzag knits have been considered Italian sophistication in perfection for many decades since today. Among their fans have been celebrities such as Lauren Bacall, Marcello Mastroianni, Madonna and Diana Vreeland, the legendary Vogue editor.

Rosita and Ottavio have three children which have been all working in the family business. A blow to the family came earlier this year as Vittorio, the oldest son, who was in charge of the management of the company, was aboard a small airplane that went missing in Venezuela.

Rest in peace, Mr Missoni and thank you for the beautiful colourful knits. Your legend will live on…

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Davide Maestri, © Jürgen Teller

This week was very busy and exciting for me. MCM opened their first European flagship store in Zurich and to celebrate the occasion I was asked to be the blogger host for the MCM Blogger Makeover 2013. Together with MCM, Sandra’s Closet invited their favourite Swiss bloggers for a fun photo shoot in the studio of Christian Dietrich, followed by the opening party in the evening at the new shop, located at Münsterhof.

Stay tuned for the upcoming post when the official photos will be revealed and to see who was part of the event. Below are some behind the scenes shots that lovely Gray took of me. Thank you to MCM and everyone who participated in the shoot!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Carina Scheuringer

After I had finished my amazing shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing in Munich, I went to the opening of the house’s new ‘Maison’ in the evening. As some of you might already know, I had been living in the Bavarian city for eight years and it is definitely my favourite German spot. Therefore, I was completely excited to see Louis Vuitton’s new location as well as spotting so many familiar faces in an iconic location at the heart of the city. It was the former Munich post office known as Residenzpost and I had been there many times in my life.

For more details about my look, please click here. The fabulous trench coat is also from Louis Vuitton and belongs to the Icons collection.

When I entered the new ‘Maison’, I felt like entering ‘Vuitton Heaven’… I embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries through an outstanding range of must-haves and inspiring art installations. Paying tribute to the history of the building, the store also showcases an area dedicated to ‘Ecriture’, the new collection of writing instruments.

A real eye-catcher can be spotted in the form of the first German postage stamp, the ‘Schwarze Einser’ in permanent display. A limited edition of Louis Vuitton stamps were also edited for the event and I am very happy to have such a set at home.

Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the superb event.
Enjoy my impressions:

German actress Hannah Herzsprung

Model Franziska Knuppe with me

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu

Gorgeous Olivia Palermo

Jamie McGregor Smith, photographer for Louis Vuitton, shot some nice pics of me on the stairs of the new store.

German actress Alexandra Neldel

What an honor: American actress and star of the night Uma Thurman framed by Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe, to the left and my humble self to the right.

Richard Deacon‘s sculpture “Sunday in the Country”, 2005

The after party took place right next door. The decoration was amazing, with hot-air balloon dummies placed in the center of the room.

Olivia Palermo’s model-boyfriend, Johannes Huebl.

Very sweet Cosma Shiva Hagen with me

Live act: Marina and the Diamonds

The famous singer with me

Germany’s Next Top Model winner 2009, Sara Nuru

The German magazine Bunte named me a style icon, wow! It was an unforgettable event and I am so happy that I was part of it. A huge thank you to the Louis Vuitton team!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Brauer Photos and © Jamie McGregor Smith

Trend forecasting in perfumery is very similiar to the world of fashion, it is seasonal in terms of olfactive notes and compositions. This summer, it is all about fruity scents composed of ingredients such as passion fruit, mango, guava and litchi combined with aquatic florals.

Here are the most mouthwatering new flankers:

L’EAU D’ISSEY Summer Eau de Toilette by Issey Miyake

The exotic summer flanker of the original L’Eau d’Issey, created by Alberto Morillas, is carrying us away toward new evocations of scents, flavors, and colors. This year, discover the juicy, sparkling sweetness of exotic fruit.

AROMATIC FRUITY

Top notes: Pink grapefruit and litchi
Middle notes: Guava and passion fruit
Base notes: Vanilla and wood

Available now for CHF 85.00 (100ml).

WOMANITY AQUA CHIC Eau de Toilette Légère by Thierry Mugler

The energetic and sparkling limited edition 2013 summer version of the original comes with a provocative freshness without loosing its identity.

AROMATIC FRUITY

Top notes: Black currant, red berries and coriander
Middle note: Mandarin blossom
Base notes: Spices and woody notes

Available now for CHF 59.00 (50ml).

OH LOLA! Sunsheer Edition Eau de Parfum by Marc Jacobs

Inspired by sun-kissed pleasures, Marc’s summer version of Oh Lola! emits hints of vanilla, peony, and raspberry. It’s more fresh and sheer than its predecessor and I love its delightful green bottle.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Raspberry, wild strawberry and pear
Middle notes: Peony, cyclamen and magnolia
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood and tonka bean

Available now for CHF 115.00 (50ml)

DAISY Sunshine Edition Eau de Toilette by Marc Jacobs

Radiant, colourful, full of joy, dressed in the happiest flowers of the season, this limited edition scent is designed to compliment your summer wardrobe.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Red currant, guava and mandarin orange
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley, litchi and violet
Base notes: Musk and woody notes

Available now for CHF 98.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Each year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the Met Gala, the fashion event of the season and the party of the year, to celebrate the newest the exhibition. This spring, it will be about PUNK: Chaos to Couture, on view from May 9 through August 14, 2013, will examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today. “Since its origins, punk has had an incendiary influence on fashion,” said Andrew Bolton, Curator in The Costume Institute. “Although punk’s democracy stands in opposition to fashion’s autocracy, designers continue to appropriate punk’s aesthetic vocabulary to capture its youthful rebelliousness and aggressive forcefulness.”

If you want to find out more about the exhibition, please click here.

Enjoy the best looks from the red carpet of the Costume Institute Benefit last Monday. On top, you can see Sarah Jessica Parker who took the night’s punk theme to heart, and went for this stunning Giles Deacon dress, combined with a Philip Treacy punk hat and plaid Christian Louboutin boots. Madonna understood the invitation well and showed up in Givenchy.

Anne Hathaway had the most surprising look with her bleached blond hair which I loved. Of course, the vintage Valentino gown was the perfect match.

And here is an amazing opportunity, you can PRE-ORDER those extremely sexy couture red carpet looks (all F/W 2013) below directly now for seven days. How cool is that?! Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Emma Watson in a matte black crepe crossover tie strap gown with high slit by Prabal Gurung.

Kate Bosworth in a short body-conscious dress with 3/4-length sleeves and diamond embroideries on pink lurex jacquard by Balmain Atelier.

Anja Rubik in a lambskin and macrame dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Gisèle Bündchen in a bonded crepe and macrame one sleeve halter dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Taylor Swift in a black silk crepe gown with black lace inserts, black chiffon sunburst pleated back and silver-gold embroidered crystal neckline by J.Mendel.

Kate Mara in a short dress with woolen crepe base, heart-shaped neckline and architectural modules by Delpozo.

Christina Ricci in a turquoise silk taffeta McAndrew tartan corset gown by Vivienne Westwood Couture.

And don’t miss Moda Operandi‘s amazing punk pop-up store where you can find all those  must-have pieces. Mmh, Hedi Slimane was obviously not so wrong with his F/W 2103 collection…

LoL, Sandra