Sandra‘s Closet

We live in times where micro trends play an important role thanks to a constantly changing algorithm-influenced universe. So it feels almost like a miracle when so many designers’ visions align to deliver us a wide-ranging group of trends for the season. Enjoy the act of accessorizing this S/S 2023 season!

LoL, Sandra

We all know that gloves are a cold weather wardrobe stable, which is a shame because they really work magic for immediately making any outfit just a little bit more wonderful. The black mesh or lace opera glove is still an eveningwear standard, but for spring, designers pushed it a bit further with ruffles, embellishments and net details.

Physically blooming from tops, skirts and dresses, florals show up as 3-D appliqués this season.

What comes up must come down, so it’s only logical that, after seeing belts get tinier and tinier, the pendulum would swing the other way.

Punk is not dead, the choker is back!

These frames with an ’80s vibe are edgy, cool, and perfect for unexpected styling combinations.

Big hats will protect you not only from the elements but also deliver stylish privacy.

Body jewelry is elevating the body to a walking canvas.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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After the mystical CARACABA and last year’s ever-whimsical GREEKABA, get ready to say ¡Hola! to Christian Louboutin’s annual limited-edition cabas offering, the FLAMENCABA: a fiery celebration of all the creativity, charisma and exquisite craftsmanship that Andalusia has to offer, developed in collaboration with the inimitable Rossy de Palma, actress and long-time friend of Christian’s.

It was inspired by the region’s rich culture and flamenco tradition, and it features men’s and women’s shoes, fans, and bags. The key pieces include the FLAMENCABA small tote that highlights the savoir-faire of local craftsmen with ornate detailing inspired by Flamenco dresses. On the base of the handles, CARASPIKES become gold-toned SEVILLANA spikes, inspired by Seville’s architectural heritage and bringing an added touch of opulence to this everyday tote bag.

Another highlight is the FLAMENCABA mini bag, that was inspired by the iconic shawls worn by Andalusian bailaoras.

Christian Louboutin will donate part of the profits from the capsule collection to Centro Coreografico Maria Page, an organization that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.

Launching in May 2023, this year’s Flamencaba collection continues in the footsteps of the annual cabas series with a true ode to craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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In spring 2023, the House of CHANEL is making it loud and clear: color has flair—the flair of the person wearing it. With the latest edition of its 24-hue LE VERNIS range, which includes 17 new nail polish shades, CHANEL has issued a creative manifesto that puts the spotlight on color as a way to satisfy every desire.

This season, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has proven that it has creativity at its fingertips; in revisiting the LE VERNIS line, it has designed a rich, expressive collection that matches every mood and every emotion.

It was envisioned as a language, conceived to reflect a style, like the detail that makes all the difference in a look. CHANEL explored the subtlest hues in its color vocabulary to form the new palette, whose 24 shades range from vibrant to mysterious, giving every personality and every creative spirit a voice.

Because wearing fiery red, light pink, or khaki gray nails means stating exactly who you are at this very moment. Uncompromisingly. Unapologetically.

For this collection centered on five main color families, CHANEL, a master of emotion-conveying and sensation-provoking color, has given each nail polish its own character traits.

COLORS THAT ENERGIZE. Radiant shades that can boost your energy in a snap: a fiery red, a vibrant fuchsia pink and a bright coral, an intense plum.
COLORS THAT SOOTHE, that comfort. Soft neutrals that inspire calm and serenity: a light pink, a latte-colored beige.
COLORS THAT BRING JOY. Fresh, light, and optimistic hues that encourage playfulness and mischief: a cloud blue, a fresh lilac, a zesty yellow.
COLORS THAT DISRUPT, that break the rules in order to establish their own. Subtly dimmed and muted shades that do not fit the mold. In between two worlds, in between two shades: from pink-infused terracotta to androgynous gray with khaki accents.
COLORS THAT PROVIDE STRENGTH, designed to be worn as a manifesto: three assertive and alluring shades of red.
And finally, the finishing touch, a hint of luxury: a festive antique gold shade that rounds out the palette.

So, in this very moment, who are you? What story do you wish to share? The story of a whim, a crush, a case of the blues, a wake-up call… This May, be EMOTIONAIL.
Iconic, like latte-colored Légende beige. Calm, like moonlit Insomniaque white. Surprising, like tangy Ovni yellow. Rebellious, like bluish Pirate red. Now, it is your turn. Your turn to create. Your turn to dream up vibrant and lively color combinations and, for a limited time, adorn nails with House emblems. To design looks that are graphic, artistic—iconic, even.

LE VERNIS
INSOMNIAQUE: a white
PARTICULIÈRE: a taupe
FAUSSAIRE: a rosy beige
PREMIÈRE DAME: a bright coral pink
MUSE: a cloud blue
OVNI: a tangy yellow
DUELLISTE: a khaki gray
SORCIÈRE: a mauve
OISEAU DE NUIT: an aubergine
INCENDIAIRE: a red-orange
POMPIER: a raspberry red
PHÉNIX: a gold
LÉGENDE: a latte-colored beige
BALLERINA: a light pink
PASSE MURAILLE: a brownish rosewood
FABULISTE: a terracotta
FUGUEUSE: a deep blue
CAVALIER SEUL: a sage green
IMMORTELLE: a lilac
ACTIVISTE: a deep plum
DIVA: a fuchsia pink
PIRATE: a bluish red
ROUGE NOIR: a rouge noir
LE DIABLE EN CHANEL: a black
Each CHF 37.00

SET LE VERNIS DE CHANEL – LIMITED EDITION
Limited-edition SET LE VERNIS, for creating unique manicures
LE VERNIS Incendiaire
LE VERNIS Insomniaque
LE GEL COAT
NAIL DESIGN : One sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in black + one sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in white.
CHF 111.00

LA BASE CAMÉLIA CHF 38.00
LE GEL COAT CHF 37.00
In stores Mid May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #BeEmotioNail #CHANELMakeUp #CHANELNails #CHANELBeauty
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Hublot and Nespresso, two Swiss icons, have joined forces on an exceptional project: the creation of a Big Bang timepiece based on recycling and circularity. This watch is the first to be made using recycled Nespresso aluminium capsules and coffee grounds.

As part of its Second Life initiatives over the last seven years, Nespresso has partnered with prestigious Swiss brands to create new products from used aluminium capsules. The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, the result of the partnership between Hublot and Nespresso, shares the values of innovation, excellence and sustainability, which are at the core of both brands. Founded in 1980, Hublot is renowned for its Art of Fusion, developing new alloys, materials and composites, pushing the boundaries of different materials and placing rubber at the heart of the watchmaking industry by using it for its straps. And, since 1986, Nespresso has not only revolutionised the Art of Coffee with its portioned system that perfectly blends precision with an unforgettable taste, but has also added even greater value with its recycling system, designed in 1991, that separates the aluminium from the coffee grounds, enabling each component to be repurposed. And that’s how a coffee capsule can now become a watch, from strap to case.

This is a world first: Hublot’s and Nespresso’s pioneering spirit has transformed used coffee grounds from the capsules into watch straps. The recycled aluminium fused with the aluminium capsules become the case, the bezel, the crown and the pusher.

This is an unprecedented collaboration, signaled by Nespresso’s iconic «N» engraved on the crown, and its iconic colour – a nod to the Master Origins Peru Organic capsule. The density of the two materials is expertly blended to ensure the durability of the product. The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin’s 42-mm case is crafted in recycled aluminium, of which 28% comes from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin finished and polished. The crown and pusher undergo the same treatment. The bottom of the case and the container are both made from Eco-Titanium (recycled titanium). The titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap, with its decorative recycled aluminium cap, and the sport buckle of the Velcro strap are also in the same anodised green colour.

The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin takes the recycled coffee grounds from Nespresso capsules and applies the magic of Hublot’s patented One Click interchangeable strap system to them. To create the rubber strap, Hublot has skilfully balanced the ratio of each ingredient to achieve the perfect colour and quality. For the fabric strap, Hublot has collaborated with SingTex, one of Nespresso’s partners who was already using recycled coffee grounds to produce a fabric called Scafé. This 100% recycled fabric (composed of 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester) is being used for the first time to make a watch strap. A subtle balance, to ensure the durability of the bracelet, which also sees the rubber strap fusing 4.1% coffee grounds, 8.2% recycled white rubber and the usual Hublot formula.

It took Hublot a whole year of R&D, working closely with Nespresso, to finally achieve the perfect harmony of colours between seven different materials that make up the watch, from its case to its straps (anodised aluminium, the varnish on the dial and hands, the Hublot logo decal on the glass, the rubber of the strap, and the fabric, lining and hook & loop tape of the Velcro strap) and to ensure that this uniformity of colour would stand the test of time.
This is a symbolic watch: in creating the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, Hublot and Nespresso have demonstrated that it is possible to add value to recycled raw materials – and that circularity has no limits.

Another first: the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin will come in the Hublot Greenbox case, a brand new case developed by this watchmaking manufacturer that will be used for all its watch collections in the future. Created entirely from oak, including its hinges, it is carved from mostly massive, traceable wood, whose sourcing and manufacture both promote short supply chains. It is designed to be a reusable item, with 98% of its removable interior made from eco-friendly and recycled components. It is made from recycled fabrics, plastic yarns and PET, as well as recycled paper and cardboard that are eco-labelled. For the collaboration with Nespresso, the Hublot Greenbox case is specially decorated with the two brands’ logos, affixed using coffee grounds.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot – @Hublot @Nespresso @Nespresso.ch
#Hublot #Nespresso #CultivateTheMovement
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Welcome to Marjendi! Initially presented as a part of the multi-collab Resort 2023 collection at New York Fashion Week last September, which saw the Italian luxury house partner with the likes of Tiffany & Co., Sarah Jessica Parker and Porter to co-design key classics to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FENDI «Baguette» Bag, the FENDI by Marc Jacobs capsule collection will be available online and in-stores starting on May 11.

First, though, a word on the New York connection. Sex & the City made the Baguette famous. Secondly, Marc Jacobs and Jones go back to their days together at Louis Vuitton, when Jacobs hired Jones to come on board as LV’s menswear creative director in 2011. Thirdly, thinking back, Marc Jacobs was one of a the first serial collaborators himself, see Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Yayoi Kusama. So it all comes perfectly together.

«I called Marc up and asked him if he wanted to design a collection for Fendi. I haven’t been involved at all,» Jones said to US Vogue. «We worked side by side during fittings. We were doing ours, he was doing his. I’m looking very much at 1997 and I think Mark’s is fresh and now.»

For his take, Jacobs developed a «Fendiroma» logo. He mixed up his own brand codes with Fendi’s, creating a calfskin Baguette emblazoned with the words «The Baguette,» playing off his «The Tote» designs. Marc Jacobs’ Fendi collection sees exaggerated, platformed, oversized, monochromatic silhouettes, with florescent touches across men’s and women’s ready-to-wear.

«In its sinuous lines and elongated forms, the ready-to-wear collection echoes New York’s ‘Gilded Age’ in shape and yet these are ‘everyday’ items of today made into part of the mythology of the city. Here, both fantasy and reality come into play,» the Italian fashion house shared in a press release. Colors range from silvery, glittering, grey, white, fluo yellow, and black with a total Y2K vibe.

I personally love the baguette hoodies, where the front pocket features the full dimensions of the Maxi Baguette bag. The collection also includes jewelry that takes the bow motif taken from the runway, double sole Fendi Domino sneakers (so ’90s), cat-eye sunglasses and extravagant, gigantic, upcycled fur hats.

The Fendi x Marc Jacobs collection is a fashion dream coming true…

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE PRE-ACCESS TO THE COLLECTION.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi
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Inspired by the Met Gala 2023 theme, where many celebrities wore versions of the two shades at the one of the year’s biggest fashion events, I would love to show you a monochromatic black and white CHANEL look that will always be in style.

My look: White leather jacket with black piping (Look 3 Cruise 2021), white wool sweater with logo detail (Coco Neige 2021), black wide pants, black and white sneakers, black and white belt bag (Look 27 Cruise 2021), necklace with bag charm, and white resin cuff bracelet with faux grey pearl CC logo (2015), all by CHANEL, silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer, and Tallow cat-eye sunglasses by Zimmermann.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in 2021 at the Clinique La Prairie.
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This year’s Met Gala, which celebrated the exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,» featured plenty of full-on tributes to designer Karl Lagerfeld. From vintage designs by Karl himself to perfect tributes from rival fashion houses and paws-itively incredible Choupette interpretations, there was much to enjoy at this year’s fashion Oscars.

Always taking place on the first Monday in May, the red carpet was filled with A-listers in mostly monochrome black and white looks, with lots of references to the Camellia, plenty of pearls, a touch of tweed and thousands upon thousands of crystal embellishments. Below, I round up my favourite looks from the 2023 Met Gala with a little description why I liked them.

REFERENCES TO THE CAMELLIA

Rihanna in Valentino Haute Couture

My winner! Rihanna is always one of the best dressed Met Gala guests and she did not disappoint for 2023. A nod to the iconic CHANEL flower, Rihanna, who is pregnant and was joined by partner A$AP Rocky, chose a camellia-appliquéd cape and matching gown, both by Valentino Haute Couture.

Bad Bunny in Jacquemus

Personally speaking the strongest menswear look of the night was worn by the «Tití Me Preguntó» rapper, whose all-white Jacquemus ensemble included an ultra long floral train. Inside the jacket was a custom printed picture of Casa Malaparte taken by Lagerfeld in 1997, a nod to the designer’s photography work.

VINTAGE CHANEL

Nicole Kidman in vintage CHANEL

Telling a story with your ensemble can be beautiful, and Nicole Kidman did it by wearing the CHANEL couture gown that she had first worn in 2004 when she starred in the iconic CHANEL No. 5 fragrance advert directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Naomi Campbell in vintage CHANEL

Another Nineties supermodel Naomi Campbell nodded to Karl Lagerfeld by looking stunningly in one of his own creations, a pink satin gown with bejewelled details from CHANEL’s S/S 2010 couture collection.

Dua Lipa in CHANEL Haute Couture

The gala co-chair turned heads in a tweed CHANEL Haute Couture ballgown from 1992, that she combined with a breathtaking Tiffany & Co. set, comprised of a necklace in platinum with a diamond of over 200 carats and diamonds and a ring in platinum with diamonds of over 9 total carats. The primary diamond of this necklace was cut in the proportions of the famed Tiffany Diamond.

CREATIONS INSPIRED BY KARL LAGERFELD’S AESTHETIC FROM OTHER FASHION HOUSES

Kim Kardashian in Schiaparelli

I love this look! Kim Kardashian wore a heavily beaded custom Schiaparelli dress with thousands of pearls draped over her.

Anne Hathaway in Versace

The actress showed up in a floor-length, monochrome, tweed (a nod to CHANEL) gown, complete with Versace safety pins holding it all together. Call it CHASACE – the perfect mishmash of Versace and CHANEL.

Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

To honour the late Lagerfeld, the British actor opted for classic tailoring, but with a twist and might have set the start for a multi-brooch trend.

THE DESIGNERS WITH THE MOST KILLER LOOKS

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

Leave it to Them Browne for the most theatrical fashion moment at the Met Gala 2023. «Glass Onion» star Janelle Monáe wore a supersized version of CHANEL’s classic tweed jacket. Later it was followed by a high-fashion striptease, that revealed a sheer conical wireframe gown atop a black sequined, pearl-studded bikini.

Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne

With its corseted bodice, ruffled skirt and draped chains, inspired by those iconic CHANEL details, the «Wednesday» actress was half goth, and half glam, and definitely an eye-catcher.

Cardi B in Thom Browne

Another camellia reference, Cardi B nailed this trend in this billowing gown that was also inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s personal uniform.

CHOUPETTE LOVERS

Doja Cat in Oscar de la Renta

The great tribute to Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette came from Doja Cat, who wore a custom made embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta, that she topped off with cat ears on the hood, a prosthetic cat nose and claw-like nails.

Jared Leto

Telling the best tale (tail) of the night, Leto decided to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s famous Birman cat, Choupette, in a full cat costume, worth a Disney movie appearance.  However, after unmasking, he transformed into an all-black ensemble and a matching cape featuring an ornate detailing around the neckline and shoulders.

I am curious to hear which one was your favorite!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Getty Images #ALineOfBeauty
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«Fashion does not belong in a museum.» – Karl Lagerfeld

Probably one of the only quotes of Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019), I don’t agree with and obviously the Costume Institute neither. Its spring 2023 exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty» will examine the work of the late designer. Focusing on his stylistic vocabulary as expressed in aesthetic themes that appear time and again in his fashions from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019, the show will spotlight the German-born designer’s unique working methodology. Most of the approximately 150 pieces on display will be accompanied by Lagerfeld’s sketches, which underscore his complex creative process and the collaborative relationships with his premières, or head seamstresses. Lagerfeld’s fluid lines united his designs for Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, CHANEL, and his eponymous label, Karl Lagerfeld, creating a diverse and prolific body of work unparalleled in the history of fashion.

I had the honor to meet and work with Karl on several occasions, as a young fashion editor, later on as editor-in-chief and also as a customer of his work, may it be fashion or art. If you interested in some anecdotes, I invite you to read this obituary.

Mannequins specially made for the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, reflect the renowned fashion designer’s aesthetic tastes.

Exhibition Dates: May 5–July 16, 2023
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028, Phone: 212-535-7710

Special Access
Evening Hours: Every Sunday until 9 pm. (The rest of the Museum is not open during these hours.)
Met Member Morning Hours: 9–10 am every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting May 6.

The exhibition has a virtual queue which you can join via QR code only once inside the Museum. No advance or timed tickets required. Access is first come, first served and subject to capacity limitations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lagerfeld, Costume Institute, #ALineOfBeauty
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Skinwear and hosiery specialists Wolford has launched an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua and his Italian brand No. 21.

N21 x Wolford is a sophisticated celebration of female sensuality, with versatile, effortlessly elegant styles in luxurious, premium fabrics that cling to the skin in all the right places. Featuring bold asymmetrical cuts, exquisite lace embellishments, sharp tailoring and simple but striking contemporary designs that showcase the silhouette, it is perfect for daywear and elegant evenings out alike. Modern silhouettes for «a casual and adaptable day or night essence».

Showcasing the silhouette, the line includes jumpsuits, dresses and bodies embellished with lace motifs or featuring contrasting asymmetrical cuts, crafted from certified 100 percent biodegradable material, alongside leggings, skirts and jumpsuits in soft and stretchy vegan leather. Completing the line-up is a range of tights, bras and briefs.

Wolford’s collaboration with No. 21 follows previous collections with Sergio Rossi, Mugler, Alberta Ferretti, and Amina Muaddi, which have helped boost brand awareness and reach new customers.

TO SHOP N21 x WOLFORD, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford
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King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this weekend, time to unleash my inner princess. For high-profile events, I love to wear Monique Lhuillier‘s intricately detailed and expertly crafted lavish gowns. The sparkling tulle fabric of this dress reflects the light so beautifully at the beautiful Gritti Palace in Venice, where the photos were taken.

My look: Cutout glittered tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, cropped jacket with feather print and fake fur by Moschino, necklace and earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier, Double Bow crystal-embellished glittered leather point-toe pumps by Mach & Mach, and Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Osvaldo for Antonia Sauter
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