Sandra‘s Closet

New York nights are truly special. The city that never sleeps has that certain vibe that let’s you be full of energy. Here you see me leaving to the H&M x Balmain launch party. I wore this Balmain dress which is one of the iconic vintage pieces that inspired Olivier Rousteing for his designer collaboration with the Swedish fashion brand. I got a lot of compliments for it that night!

My look: Feather cape and embellished metallic jacquard mini dress, both by Balmain, studded bucket bag by Miu Miu, suede overknee boots and earrings, both by Dior, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

What a night in NYC! I am still overwhelmed by this glam and fun event where the fashion and Hollywood elite joined forces on Wall Street to celebrate the launch of the amazing collaboration between Balmain and H&M. More is more is definitely something that goes for the Parisian Maison and yesterday was proof for it!

”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” – Olivier Rousteing

Olivier Rousteing with me last night

Just like the opulent collection designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the party in the Big Apple was extra everything. Rousteing, who is bringing the brand’s DNA of music, couture, luxury and pop culture – he is the designer with the biggest instagram follower ship – together, said: ”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” He created the hashtag #HMBalmaination where people could follow live the best moments of the night.

When I arrived at 23, Wall Street, I entered the highly secured venue over the stairs and found an ambiance similar to a subway system, referencing the campaign film – where Kendall Jenner, Olivier’s muse and friend, stars as the leader of a dance crew. While enjoying champagne, I mingled with the A-list crowd of top models, celebrities and Hollywood actors.

Singer Ellie Goulding with me

After the cocktail reception, I entered the next hall where the runway was built over two stories. Before the show actually started, a live dance performance took place as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the campaign music video. The guests were truly cheered up when Kendall Jenner opened the  catwalk, followed by some of the hottest models in the industry right now.

Swiss front row power: Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine and Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin with me in the middle.

Kendall Jenner opening the runway

Jourdan Dunn

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Olivier Rousteing’s favorite piece from the collection: the pearl-embroidered jacket.

Gigi Hadid

Karlie Kloss was my favorite on the runway.

Toni Garrn

The collection is all about affordable luxury. Olivier Rousteing took some of his best creations he designed over the past seasons and made them into one collection. Compared to other designer collaborations H&M did in previous years, the pieces are more expensive but I am still pretty amazed how this craftsmanship is possible for that amount of money. The collection is truly beautiful with lots of items you can enjoy for a very long time.

The Backstreet Boys

After the show, it was all about the music and energy. A live concert by the Backstreet Boys took guests back in time, especially my humble self as over 20 years ago, I was with them on a Germany tour with my own band. Personally speaking, the Balmain x H&M launch party was one of those nights you never want to end!

Olivier Rousteing and his friends, among them Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio, cheered to the Backstreet Boys.

The Balmain x H&M collection features fashion and accessories for both men and women, and will be available in selected stores and at hm.com starting November 5.

Now have fun to scroll through some more impressions of the night and check back in for more updates as I just uploaded my own photos today. The internet is too slow… there is much more coming up. Now I have some appointments in NYC before I am heading back home!
Talk to you when I am in Europe…

LoL, Sandra

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené), is looking good in my marabou stole.

Guests being crazy about the red carpet arrivals.

German actress Diane Kruger

Amazing ambiance.

We couldn’t get enough of the Backstreet Boys!

Always a lot of fun with my colleague Caroline Piccinin from Le Matin in Geneva.

The normal craziness at the pop-up store late at night.

The clothes come well-protected in plastic hangers.

Olivier Rousteing even joined in the shopping fun late at night.

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York City where I arrived yesterday. Tonight is the night: H&M x Balmain‘s launch ​party celebration will take place starting at 7pm local time with cocktails, followed by the fashion show, a concert and of course the pop-up store where guests are able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 5, 2015.

I will be attending the event tonight and keep you updated on instagram @sandrascloset but you can also watch the live stream HERE or follow the #HMBalmaination hashtag to see whats happening at the show!

Below are some of my first impressions:

Still breathtaking: the first view on NYC when you come from the airport.

My hotel: The Nomo Soho, the former Mondrian Hotel, where I also stayed three years ago for the H&M x Maison Martin Margiela launch event.

The view from my hotel room.

A gift: the beautiful scarf.

Now, I am on my way to preview the collection ahead of the show and to interview Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain and the fashion designer with the most instagram followers on earth.

Stay tuned for my report from the event coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have enough space to store your clothes, I always recommend keeping as much as you can. Most of the pieces can be worn again. Sometimes it can take many years but those vintage pieces will add that certain twist to your look. On the other hand, one of the biggest trends of today is that designers keep their iconic looks for many seasons, as Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent for example or Dolce & Gabbana. Their recent S/S 2016 collection shown Mid September in Milan seemed like a potpourri of their famous styles.

So personally speaking one of the biggest trends is that there is no trend. It is about investing in great pieces that will last and not be out of fashion after one season. I thought it would be fun for you to see how well I can wear those vintage Dolce & Gabbana pieces that I had been collecting during the last seasons next summer.

 For those of you, you would love to be ahead of the game, I recommend DOLCE & GABBANA’S PORTOFINO CAPSULE COLLECTION that is available now at NET-À-PORTER exclusively.

LoL, Sandra

TREND 1: THE PRINTED SHIFT DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 67

My Look: MCM Store Opening in Zurich (May 2013)

TREND 2: THE LEMON PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 83

My Look: NYFW (September 2013)

TREND 3: THE STRIPED TOP AND A-LINE SKIRT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 24

My Look: City Girl (August 2013)

TREND 4: THE ICONIC PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 73

My Look: Bohemian Rhapsody (June 2014)

TREND 5: SHORTS MATCHING YOUR TOP

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 74

My Look: Tropical Vacation (December 2014)

TREND 6: THE FLORAL PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 42

My Look: Enchanted Forest (April 2015)

TREND 7: THE TRANSPARENT BLACK DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 31

My Look: Transparent (July 2015)

TREND 8: THE ITALIAN POSTCARD PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 87

My Look: One Day in Siena (October 2015)

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
© Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Monica Hug (Chic in Zurich)

Davis Factor, the renowned fashion and celebrity photographer, is the grandson of Hollywood makeup legend Max Factor. Together with his brother Dean, he founded Smashbox Studios in 1990, followed by their own make-up line six years later that is dedicated to work best in the tough studio environment (Smashbox products are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland). Davis lives in the third generation in Beverly Hills which is his favourite place on earth. Below you can enjoy his tips for the City of Angels.

Your favourite city?
LOS ANGELES – This is my home, where my family roots are. I am a surfer, I love the weather and the waves. It is spread out but peaceful. I love the mixture between the nature and the city.

Your favourite hotel?
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL – I have spend my whole life there. They have a great pool, great atmosphere. The restaurants cater and they love me as I eat there 3-4 times per week. But  I have never stayed there as I live too close.
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 276 2251

Your favourite restaurant?
MR.CHOW – I love Chinese food a lot and I am great friends with Michael Chow’s daughter China. It’s the place for the who is who.
344 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 278 9911

Your favourite dish there?
I love their Shrimp and Oyster sauce.

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
HYDE LOUNGE – Best on Fridays. A friend of mine owns it and I feel comfortable in there, it’s not like a big club, it’s not too loud, more lounge style with great food.
8029 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, 90046, + 1 323 655 8000

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
SUNSET IN MALIBU – Very Californian! My brother has a fabulous house in Malibu where I like to watch it.

Your favourite beach?
MALIBU BEACH – The sand is fantastic.
MANHATTAN BEACH – I surf there a lot, great community, classic beach with a family atmosphere.

Your favourite shop?
MAXFIELD – I buy for myself in there. Great selection of designer clothes and I love their Hermès vintage collections.
8825 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069, +1 310 274 8800

Your must-have accessory in Los Angeles?
A CAR – I drive a Mercedes-Benz. I have such a great experience with their service.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WONDERLAND AVENUE by Danny Sugerman.
It’s about his life as a troubled Beverly Hills kid who ended up being Jim Morrison’s best buddy. He hang out with all the rockstars of the ’80s and it all happens in the area where I grew up. It reminds me so much of Los Angeles and his brother is my doctor.

Thank you, Davis, for sharing your insider scoop on Los Angeles with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Locations and Smashbox Studios

«Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.»
– Marilyn Monroe

As you know, I love shoes and I have to admit that I stopped breathing for a moment when I spotted those embellished patent-leather Mary Jane pumps on the Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2015 runway. The lipstick embellishments at the toes and inside the heels are to die for. Finally, these beauties are in stores, unfortunately quite expensive. So if anybody is looking for a surprise for me, I wear a 36.5…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

On Monday morning, I will be on my way to NYC for the launch event of H&M x Balmain and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I love the French Maison as you know and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC

Below you can take a peek at what’s to come. I included for you photos of the campaign and the lookbook. You will be absolutely amazed!

From draped satin skirts to skintight pants, from embellished dresses to the iconic wide belts, all pieces are shockingly affordable Balmain signatures that are as desirable as the runway collections Olivier Rousteing shows on the Paris catwalk season after season.

A little preview of the collection that took place in May 2015 Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing showed up with models Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner, all wearing Balmain x H&M, at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Many of those must-haves are reimaginings of the French Maison’s classics, here are some examples:

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2013 Look 8

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2012 Look 7

Enjoy the whole collection below and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images, via Vogue.com and Courtesy of H&M

Pleated maxi and midi skirts are a fashion favorite right now, they are being worn everywhere from the streets to the red carpet. Though they have been around for some seasons, they got this fall a style upgrade. Accordion-pleated for beautiful movement as you walk, they are designed to create the illusion of a longer silhouette. Most stylish in metallic hues, like this pleated magenta silk-blend lamé skirt by Christopher Kane, you should definitely get one for your own closet.

Here are my favorites:

1 Felicity pleated printed georgette maxi skirt by Issa
2 Pleated lamé and silk-blend midi skirt by Loewe
3 Pleated satin midi skirt by Gucci
4 Katz pleated metallic silk-blend maxi skirt by Alice + Olivia
5 Pleated silk-blend lamé skirt by Christopher Kane
6 Pleated metallic cotton-blend midi skirt by Lela Rose
7 Pleated crepe de chine maxi skirt by Barbara Casasola

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Patrick Houi, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

During Paris Fashion Week, I attended the launch of Valentino‘s newest scent: VALENTINO DONNA. Dressed in a bottle adorned with iconic Rockstuds, it embodies all that is at once classic and contemporary.

On my way to the fragrance presentation in Valentino dots.

Luminous and sensual, the scent, features a contrast of subtle ingredients that, when combined, create something that is truly unique. Created with old oriental techniques and comprising top notes of bergamot with middle notes of rose essence and iris, the perfume finishes with the lasting aroma of leather, patchouli, vanilla and a white musk accord.

Antoine Maisondieu and Sonia Constant explain their inspiration for Valentino Donna.

Created by perfumers, Sonia Constant and Antoine Maisondieu, VALENTINO DONNA is mysterious, exquisite and timeless, like a couture object, making it the perfect addition to your fragrance wardrobe for the season.

The rose, that is especially Sonia’s fingerprint, is used as three different extracts. Rose Absolute, the purest quality of Rose Oil and natural Rose Water Extract, which is created with the help of a new technology at Givaudan. It is the first time it is used in a fragrance.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml (165 CHF), 50 ml (115 CHF) and 30 ml (82 CHF)
Shower Gel 200 ml (57 CHF), Body Lotion 200 ml (64 CHF) and Deodorant 100 ml (54 CHF)
In stores now.

Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey during the presentation at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris.

The face of the campaign is French actress Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, who embodies the Valentino Donna in the film, directed by Louis Garrel. Italy’s cinematic history has played an important role in the creation of the movie. Inspired by films like ‘Roma’ and ‘La Notte’, the commercial is shot very well. Rome is the source of inspiration and the historic home of the House of Valentino. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli design for a modern, but traditional woman, strong and sensitive, determined and caring. Have fun watching it below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

One month ago, I went to Siena, one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, Italy, with a historic centre that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The Duomo, the Siena Cathedral (photo below), is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and definitely worth the visit. The Piazza del Campo (see photo above), the shell-shaped principal public space that is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, is filled with nice restaurants and bars. I loved strolling through the tiny medieval streets in my comfy flats. Sometimes, it feels great just to wear a little bit of mascara and be casual.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress and  green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, studded sandals by Alaïa, sunglasses by Céline, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Funnily enough, this look seems like being part of Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 collection that is inspired by the most famous landmarks of Italy. Don’t forget, the trunkshow ends today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht