Sandra‘s Closet

Before the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 show, I was invited to go backstage and interview the lovely Sophie Albou, the mastermind behind the French brand. I got really spoilt last night as I had been already greeted at the entrance with a wonderful surprise, a bag, and on my seat, flowers were waiting for me. Thank you!

Sophie, what was your inspiration for this season?
I was completely inspired by the early 90s work of photographers Gilles Bensimon and Hans Feurer. Imagine Elle MacPherson and Stephanie Seymour wearing sheer shirts, 501 denim, patchwork, mix of fabric… my main idea comes from those photos. Women beautiful with curves, I think we are ready to go back. I am fed up with the skinny girls. I would love to see happy girls, curvy girls.

Your secret to success?
To do what I do, being surrounded by beautiful people. I love my mum, she is my muse, my husband, my kids. I am so gifted that I have such a great family.

You named your label after the first names of your sons? Have they ever complaint?
My sons are great, they are proud of their mum and are happy with it.

Sophie in 3 words!
Happy, smile, thank you!

Your best kept beauty secret?
Love

Thank you, Sophie!

Backstage with Lindsey Wixon who adored the look she was wearing on the catwalk.

This sweater is extremely gorgeous! My must-have!

“Spring/Summer is about harmony with pure Parisian attitude”. Masculine oversized pants, short and boxy, drop shoulder trenchcoats (gorgeous!) along with maxi dresses and short skirts show the nonchalant vibe that is leading Sophie Albou’s collection. A “no stress” elegance is her motto, focusing on natural femininity.

The accessories such as woven backpacks, basket bags and studded leather flats are laid back and complementing the looks in a cool way. The must-have of the ’90s, the silk scarf knotted at the waist, has made its comeback on the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 runway.

A beautiful and extremely wearable collection. Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sunday, I flew to Paris for Fashion Week and went straight to the Akris S/S 2014 show. A huge highlight of the evening was the cocktail reception at the Swiss brand’s beautiful showrooms in the presence of H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, who was extremely lovely and charming to talk to. A truly amazing woman!

My look: White sculptural fitted crepe blouse, black waistcoat and buttoned skirt, all by Balenciaga (I am in love with Alexander Wang‘s designs and think that he is a great choice for the French brand), lace sleeves by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Pashli mini satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim and rose ring by Piaget.

Below are some impressions of the night! Enjoy and stay tuned for many updates from PFW!

LoL, Sandra

Me with my beloved hair stylist Charles Aellen who creates Charlène’s look.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Mischa, for taking them!)

This morning, Lancôme has announced the arrival of Lily Collins as its new brand ambassadress. A rising Hollywood star and daughter of famous musician Phil Collins, the beautiful actress divides her time between England, the country of her birth and the United States, where she currently lives. European and American, granddaughter of a ballerina, Lily was raised in a world that encouraged curiosity of mind, artistic pursuits and a thirst for discovery. She initially set her sights on journalism before making a dazzling debut in The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock and then in 2009 in Mirror Mirror, alongside Julia Roberts, another Lancôme face.

She will next be on screen in 2014 in Love, Rosie, a romantic comedy adapted from the novel Where Rainbows End by the Irish author Cecelia Ahern. A free-spirited, confident, sparkling and delicate beauty, Lily Collins – who bears a singular resemblance to the iconic Audrey Hepburn – will bring her talent and freshness to Lancôme as of January 2014, starting with the Spring make-up collection French Ballerine.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Barwerd van der Plas for Lancôme ©2013