Sandra‘s Closet

With a name selected for its balance of charm and mystery, meaning intensely dark, the new GUCCI L’Obscur mascara is designed to be an object of beauty and desire. Featuring an ultra-rich creamy texture, which comes in one pure intense black shade, the first mascara by Alessandro Michele has a highly comfortable film with a long-wearing finish of up to twelve hours. The packaging couldn’t be prettier: a mirrored gold and pink boudoir-inspired tube.

«I designed L’Obscur mascara for an authentic person who uses makeup to tell their story of freedom, in their way. We called it L’Obscur because this word balances charm and mystery.» – ALESSANDRO MICHELE

The new mascara was already introduced at Gucci’s F/W 2020 show last week and offered its share of sartorial talking points. Michele staged a show in the round, exposing the behind-the-scenes action of the hair and makeup teams and the model dressers at work as they prepared the 60 cast members in their looks. As models were dressed in fuzzy knee-high socks, puffy ruffled lace dresses (dying!), sleek new bags, and preppy skirts, the most noticeable, eye-catching detail were tears and streaks of dark makeup running down her cheeks. The waterproof version is obviously not out yet:-) …

TO SHOP THE NEW GUCCI MASCARA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Gucci Beauty and via Vogue.com
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Celebrate upcoming Women’s International Day on March 8, 2020 in style and shop these limited edition T-shirts and clutch bags in support of Women for Women International, a charity that helps females affected by war across the globe. It’s a great way to support your sisterhood while looking absolutely stylish and unique.

International Women’s Day appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

100% of the profits (sale price of the product less operational and landing costs, including transportation fees, customs, duties, taxes, insurance, currency conversion, crating, handling and payment fees) from the sale of this product will go to charity.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION PIECES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – via Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Let’s go and have some fun. Life is too short to wear boring clothes… give me colors, give me style, give me sparkles and I smile…

My look: Asymmetric leather cape by Saint Laurent, Caldes sequined-embellished chiffon and cotton mini dress, Lecce leather belt, and Lakfee studded leather ankle boots, all by Isabel Marant, crystal-embellished leather clutch by Prada, and chain necklace with heart and logo charm by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Another fashion blockbuster to add to your diary – the V&A is going off-brand after the must-see exhibitions about Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Mary Quant and has dedicated an entire show to the ultimate symbol of Japan: the KIMONO, the traditional garment worn by men, women and children.

Fashionable brocade patterns of the Imperial Palace, woodblock print, made by Utagawa Kunisada, 1847-1852, Japan. Museum no. Circ.636 to Circ. 638– 1962. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

In kimono it is the pattern on the surface, rather than the cut of the garment, that is significant. Indications of social status, personal identity and cultural sensitivity are expressed through colour and decoration. The kimono worn by women, particularly the young, were the most richly decorated and it is generally these that survive in collections like that of the V&A.

The exhibition entitled ‘Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk’ traces the traditional Japanese garment’s universal appeal, rich history and ever-evolving style. It is the first major exhibition in Europe with such a focus and reaches from 17th-century rarities to 21st-century streetwear.
Tracing its influence across the work of couturiers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Star Wars costume designers, this demonstrates kimono’s evolving story as well as its rich history.

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk
29 February – 21 June 2020
Gallery 39 and the North Court

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of V&A

Here is my recent interview for GLOBUS Magazine about my beauty favorites, available in German and French. Click here to read it online. My avid readers will know them already… below you find the six products that I cannot live without and why is that…

1 The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask x 6 by La Mer
My secret for an immediate glow, especially after a long distance flight.
2 The Moisturizing Soft Cream, 60ml by La Mer
My everyday must for the prefect hydrated skin.
3 Lavender Extrême Eau de Parfum, 50ml by Tom Ford
I have fallen in love with this very special scent as it reminds me of my beautiful trip to the lavender fields in Gordes.
4 So Intense Mascara – 1 Deep Black by Sisley Paris
My favorite mascara of all.
5 Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – Medium by NARS
The best base to make your eyeshadows last forever.
6 Lip Glow – 006 Berry by Dior
An amazing lip product to look fresh in one second.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht, © Virgile Guinard for Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Since my teenage years, I had been dreaming about receiving a LOVE bracelet by CARTIER one day. Of course, I could have bought it myself but to be gifted with one and its love message behind is so much more meaningful. Now, I was blessed twice and got a rose gold one with diamonds from my love and a small white gold one from my girlfriends for my birthday.

What makes CARTIER bracelets so special? As some of the most recognizable luxury jewelry items, often stacked up the wrists and sparkling on our favorite celebrities, this is what has made it a luxury staple over the past few years. The LOVE bracelet for example has been apart of the Cartier DNA as one of the brand’s heritage designs for around four decades.

LOVE BRACELET in rose gold with four diamonds

Created in 1969 by Italian jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo in the New York workshops of the French luxury jewelry house, the iconic jewelry piece was modeled after medieval chastity belts, so-to-say «locked into love» and can only be opened or closed with a screwdriver that comes with the bracelet. For the first time, a fine jewelry piece was meant to be worn day and night. At the time of the original release, CARTIER started a kind of influencer marketing and gifted bracelets to a curated list of some of the defining It-couples of the century to publicize the romantic symbolism. Among them were for example Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen. Only in 2017, CARTIER launched the smaller sizes so that it has become easier for the wearer to create the stacked look everybody wants today.

LOVE BRACELET SM in white gold

Aldo Cipullo wearing his iconic creations, the LOVE and JUSTE UN CLOU bracelets.

While the LOVE bracelet was Cipullo’s first design, he went on to design another equally popularized design – JUSTE UN CLOU (just a nail) – only three years later in 1971. Encircling the wrist in a thick nailhead, this creation is actually my favorite, not only because it is easier to remove. By the way, the diamond encrusted versions of the LOVE bracelets come with a clip closure and don’t need to be closed with a screwdriver. Can you imagine that today, most hospital emergency rooms are equipped with the latter to be able to remove the jewelry piece in case of any medical crisis…

CARTIER flagship store at Fifth Avenue in NYC

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamond pavé

In 2012, to commemorate CARTIER’s 165th anniversary, the brand opened an exhibit at the CARTIER Maison on Fifth Avenue to celebrate Cipullo’s work in the 1970s and released an entire collection of earrings, necklaces, rings based on the JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet.

CLASH DE CARTIER SM bracelet in rose gold

Last year, a completely new collection was launched with the name CLASH DE CARTIER, that’s all about duality, and contradictions, celebrating the modern woman. For the previous post, click here please. I feel blessed to wear all three lines at my wrist that make me happy every day…

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier and © Sandra Bauknecht; Courtesy of Toteone

Today, I received the breaking news that Raf Simons will join Prada starting April 2, 2020. Rumors had been out since quite some time and now it is official. The Belgium designer will join the Italian fashion house as co-creative director alongside Miuccia Prada with equal responsibilities for creative input and decision-making. Their first runway presentation together will be for S/S 2021 in September 2020. «It’s a new wind,» said Miuccia Prada and I have to admit that I agree with Tim Blanks who wrote: «I cannot think of anything like this in the history of fashion.»

In 1978, Miuccia Prada inherited the label that was known for luggage making and transformed it into a global fashion brand with her creative designs. Prada has been a true trendsetter for decades, sometimes too fast thinking for the fashion world, she is often a few steps ahead of the game. Her iconic black nylon backpack launched in 1985 caused a real fashion frenzy and has been popular since then. In 1989 she added ready-to-wear to the offerings. Simons, who will continue to design his namesake menswear label, is the first designer from outside the Prada family to join the house since its inception.

Trendsetting: Prada S/S 2012 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel

Today at the Prada press conference, Simons announced: “Prada is a brand that I have been interested in my whole life. I cannot wait to express to all of you the dialogue I will have with Mrs Prada and her team. To be really honest, Mr Bertelli approached me right after my exit from Calvin Klein. Miuccia and I had a conversation about creativity in today’s fashion system. And it brought me to open dialogue with many designers, not just Mrs Prada. We have to re-look at how creativity can evolve in today’s fashion system.»

Power couple: Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada

Simons, who had worked with Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli before, when he was hired as creative director of Jil Sander in 2005. Prada had bought the German label and was looking for someone to fill the shoes of the namesake designer at that time. Simons’ seven-year tenure at the brand was an absolute success, and the Prada Group sold it to a London private equity firm in 2006.
Simons later worked at Dior and his latest venture was at Calvin Klein, where he was chief creative officer, and abruptly excited in December 2018.

Presented in Milan last Thursday: Miuccia Prada’s last single show for F/W 2020

Miuccia Prada has still a very strong view on fashion. Yet, it seems hard for her at the moment to translate this into sales. Rumors had been that the family is planning to sell to one of the big conglomerates. With the appointment of Simons, it seems that the Prada family will keep it a family business that also owns Miu Miu and Church’s.

Good luck, Raf!

They will have all my support – I have been collecting Prada pieces since a very young age and have always been very fond of the brand. Good luck to Raf, I am really excited to see what the two creative masterminds will come up with…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I told you about Katie Holmes‘s cashmere cardigan and bra set that went viral in the fashion world (for the previous post, click here please). Of course, I couldn’t resist neither. Here you see me wearing it on the streets of Milan during Fashion Week yesterday when I went on a little shopping spree in between appointments and shows.

My look: Scarlet cashmere-blend cardigan, Eda cashmere soft-cup bra, and Vivian cropped high-rise bootcut jeans, all by Khaite, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, printed mulberry silk-twill hair tie, and small TB Monogram print crossbody bag in orange and beige, both by Burberry, plissé sunglasses by Dolce Gabbana, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, and heart necklace with diamond pavé in yellow gold, all by Cartier, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl, and Astro Dior aquarius necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Disclosure: I earn a commission when you follow the affiliation links to make a purchase. 

Prada presents images created by Thomas Demand for the new window displays for its stores across the world, a radically beautiful and colourful sequence of blossoming cherry trees that celebrates the arrival of spring.

Hanami – which means ‘flower viewing’ – is the centuries-old Japanese art of enjoying the beauty of flowers. The cherry blossom season, a highpoint in the year, marks the end of winter and represents the youth, zest for life and emotion embodied by spring, a truly universal image and a powerful symbol of energy.

Spread seamlessly across the shop’s windows, Demand’s floral images, entitled Blossom, give rise to a vibrant narrative which, inserted into the real world, creates a new dialogue with passers-by in cities around the world.

This work fits perfectly into the German artist’s oeuvre, which has the concept of photography as a global language at its heart. Demand is known for making photographs of three-dimensional models that look like real images of rooms and other spaces, often sites loaded with social and political meanings. He thus describes himself not as a photographer, but as a conceptual artist for whom photography is an intrinsic part of his creative process. Having studied sculpture under Fritz Schwegler at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf alongside Katharina Fritsch and Thomas Schütte, Demand began his career as a sculptor. In 1993, he began to use photography to record his elaborate, life-sized paper-and-cardboard constructions of actually or formerly existing environments and interior spaces, and soon started to create constructions for the sole purpose of photographing them. The photograph he takes of this model with a large-format-camera is the final stage of his work, and it is only this image, most often executed in an edition of six, that is exhibited unframed behind Plexiglas, not the models. On the contrary, Demand destroys his «life-size environments» after he has photographed them.

In this series for Prada, Demand once again rebuilds existing images and replaces them with an artificial version of themselves. In his collaboration with Prada, his work encounters and enters into a fruitful exchange with the world of fashion.

The installations, with a curved or box-shaped illuminated backdrop, are rounded off by steel display stands with a matte pink Perspex surface, or illuminated cylinders with the same floral pattern as the scenery.

Te display can be admired at Prada’s stores in New York, Milan, Paris, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles and other selected cities starting this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada – © Thomas Demand

Here comes a new must-have for all fashion and art lovers. A Lanvin master piece, the Pencil bag reinterprets Lanvin’s heritage by highlighting difference. Its sculptural handle, shaped as a cat, is inspired by Jeanne Lanvin’s cat andirons, imagined by the artist Armand Rateau in 1920. So beautiful – an object of desire.

TO SHOP LANVIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE – to pre-order the new must-have bags, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lanvin