Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited for lunch to Hamburg. And it was as fantastic as it sounds. I was flown in by André Maeder, Chief Retail Officer Karstadt, to celebrate his collaboration with the German reality television series FASHION HERO that airs every Wednesday on ProSieben.

The concept of the show focusing on fashion design and hosted by no other than Claudia Schiffer is pretty easy and convincing.

The 21 contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme. Their designs are judged by a jury that consists of three buyers, André Maeder (Karstadt), Anne Rech (Asos) und Petra Winter (s.Oliver). Each week, the three retailers buy their favourite designs (sale to the highest bidder) that will be available online directly after the show or the next morning at the respective department store.

In the end, whoever meets the needs of the three retailers in the finale will receive a capsule collection worth €1.5 million within each shop.

I sat next to André Maeder, who is of Swiss origin, and had a very interesting conversation about this new show that is adapted from the US format called Fashion Star.

He told me that “for the first time in Karstadt history, the website collapsed as too many people wanted to buy the pieces right after the show.” Maeder, a born leader who had worked at Harrods, Boss and Charles Vögele before, knows what he wants and has a clear vision of style. Being asked who are his own fashion heroes, he replied: “Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs.” Can’t argue with that!

Below you can enjoy some impressions of the lunch:

Framed by the winners of the first show, Sahra Tehrani und Marcel Ostertag.

Beautiful ambiance at The Box in Hamburg.

On display were the designs of the first show, that are available here.

Beautiful Hamburg – always worth a visit! Bye-bye, see you soon again!

LoL, Sandra

Some photos of the first collage: Courtesy of ProSieben, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Marking their 15th year, Louis Vuitton unveils a new look for its City Guides, now covering 15 of the world’s most exciting cities. New cities, new features, new format —the Louis Vuitton City Guides get 
a complete make-over, emerging entirely refreshed and revitalized.

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its insatiable urban wanderlust through its City Guides. Eagerly awaited every year 
and heralded even by the world’s most sophisticated travelers, 
they truly capture the heart and spirit of each city explored, offering a hand-picked selection of exceptional places, delivered with flair and conviction.
A great Christmas gift for a beloved friend.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Last week in London, I stayed for the first time at the Haymarket Hotel which I adored. My avid readers know that I am usually loving the Browns Hotel but sometimes a little change is great. Today, I was supposed to fly again to the UK for a wonderful press trip with Cowshed but had to cancel last minute… so I enjoy those sweet memories.

My comfy look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars by Givenchy, the perfect grey cashmere sweater with suede elbow patches by Saint Laurent, jeggings by Marc by Marc Jacobs, studded biker boots and sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, diamond rose ring, necklace and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, I was invited by Montblanc to DINE & TIME with famous chefs Ivo Adam and Frank Widmer at Park Hyatt‘s Parkhuus restaurant in Zurich. It was a race against or better said with time. Each course of the gala dinner was defined by its maturing or preparation time of the ingredients and served to a certain time matching this number.

Another fun detail was the race between the watch maker to assemble parts of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph and the pastry chef to create a watch-inspired cake.

Jérôme Lambert framed by Raquel Marquard to the right and my humble self to the left.

It was the first official event in Europe to which Montblanc International’s new CEO, Jérôme Lambert, had invited and I felt very honoured to sit next to him.

Great news is: Montblanc’s amazing ‘Signature for Good’ collection, a range of special edition products, has already achieved its goal and raised 1.5 million dollars for UNICEF’s education and literacy programmes for children worldwide. Congrats!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The November issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly column is available now. This time, I am telling you more about my trip to New York Fashion Week. If you like my outfit, have a look at this previous post.
Happy Sunday evening!

LoL, Sandra

Trick or treat? I have put together a selection of some fashionable pieces that are perfect for Halloween this October. Shop Charlotte Olympia’s dark fantasy collection to create a haute costume for fright night that you can wear all year long.

Look in collage: Angry Eagle stretch-wool sweater and printed stretch-satin jersey leggings, both by McQ Alexander McQueen, Adele resin, glossed-leather and suede tasseled clutch by Tory Burch, Swarovski crystal spider hair slide by Jennifer Behr and Midnight Dolly bat-embroidered suede platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

LoL, Sandra

Sucker for Pandora Perspex box clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Desiree bat-print suede pumps by Charlotte Olympia

Boo! Pumpkin suede clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Trick Or Treat embroidered suede slippers by Charlotte Olympia

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

I admit, I love pink and I have never outgrown my love for Barbie. Sometimes, it happens and I take a crazy dose of pink as recently at the dinner with Harrison Ford at the Tommy Hilfiger store in Zurich.

My look: Fuchsia marabou jacket by Emilio Pucci, pink ruffled silk-mikado mini dress by Moschino by Moschino, De Manta brocade clutch by Alexander McQueen, lace pumps and Mitza ring, both by Christian Dior, Twenties stay-up by Wolford and Love gold-tone necklace by Lanvin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

It was fall’s most amazing fashion event, when Vogue Fashion Night took over the most prestigious streets of the big metropoles for a unique shopping experience. CHANEL has been launching new collections to celebrate this fabulous night since its beginning. Do you remember when the nail hype in 2009 started with the mint-green shade Jade, followed by Les Khakis de Chanel (2010) Les Jeans de Chanel (2011), Les Twin-Sets de Chanel (2012), all launched at Fashion’s Night Out.

This year, the CHANEL Creative Makeup Studio designed the NUIT MAGIQUE collection, a nail colour trio which expresses the richness and depth of dark or shimmering fabrics as seen on the F/W 2013 runway. Eyes dress up with a simple line of scintillating eyeliner, the everyday version of the sequins worn by the runway models at the base of their lashes at the last fashion show.

LIGNE GRAPHIQUE
NOIR SCINTILLANT An intense black sparkling with silver.

LE VERNIS
ELIXIR A milky pink, worn at the F/W 2013 runway show.
MAGIC An incredible deep blue.
COSMIC Intense black sparkling with blue and silver.

Great news is for my Swiss readers that the new creations presented during VOGUE FASHION NIGHT will be available exclusively at Jelmoli from October 23, 2103. See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Elie Saab called his S/S 2014 collection “A LACE GARDEN” and sent the extremely feminine material in all shades over the runway. The Libanese designer is a red carpet favourite and of course he offered a lot of choices for the big moment. His strongest designs are the long gowns, this season definitely a lacy affair to remember… My favorite is a black see-through dress with layers of lace in between as photographed below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Elie Saab

From catwalks to ad campaigns, LAURA MERCIER‘s eponymous makeup line is used to create natural and photo-ready complexions. Known for her artistry, Laura personally created colors based on a classic and always-current palette. Available at NET-A-PORTER are her innovative foundations, concealers and setting powders that give skin the perfect canvas for a flawless face.

Some of the cult favorites are the Secret Camouflage Concealer, the must-have Tinted Moisturizer and my daily obsession, the Foundation Primer Radiance that I like to wear in winter under my foundation for a radiant complexion and in summer just alone.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter and © Sandra Bauknecht