Sandra‘s Closet

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” could be easily changed to “Swarovskis are a girl’s best friend”. Those crystals sparkle, glitter and reflect the light just beautifully. This can be seen in perfection in the Austrian house’s new advertising campaign, created by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse, and photographed by award-winning British photographer Nick Knight.

It features Supermodel Candice Swanepoel in a variety of poses as an action woman – sleek, confident and accessorized with dazzling sporting gear made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS including a motorcycle helmet, dumb bells and skiing goggles. The radiance of Swanepoel’s beauty and her exquisitely crafted fantasy props is juxtaposed with Knight‘s stunning still lifes of lush freshly-cut garden roses, sprinkled with dewdrops of crystal stones.

Check out these cut behind the scenes shots of Swarovski’s global media campaign, that can be seen exclusively here on Sandra’s Closet. I am dying for this helmet.

If you want to get your hands on some Swarovski sparkle, check out the newest summer collection TROPICAL PARADISE that will take you on an exotic journey.
Destination? Latin America!

Creative Director Nathalie Colin explained, “I was strongly influenced by my travels in Brazil and Mexico, where I discovered intense creative energy and joie de vivre.” Signature Swarovski techniques such as Pointiage®, faceting, and the pavé setting, are evident throughout the collection along with an array of vibrant colors that conveys the festive spirit of Tropical Paradise. Turquoise tones symbolize the clear waters of the seas of Acapulco, beetles appear beside dragonflies and pink flamingos, all inspired by the diversity and exuberance of South America.

My favourite piece: Texture Big Shape Necklace
Wouldn’t that be just the perfect statement necklace? It could be worn in a casual way over a grey sweatshirt or would be complementing an evening gown perfectly.

During Paris Fashion week, I was able to browse through this beautiful collection at the stunning showroom, located at an inner courtyard on the famous Rue Sant Honoré. Enjoy those extraordinary pieces!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht
Campaign Photos: Swarovski 2013 Ad Campaign ©Nick Knight

“Comme des Carrés”
Hermès meets Comme des Garçons
February 6th – March 31st 2013

Bali Barret, the artistic director in charge of the Hermès women’s universe, has invited Rei Kawakubo, creator of the Comme des Garçons house, to lend her personal vision to the Hermès scarf. This unexpected encounter has produced two collections, each released in limited edition: one, called ‘Black and White’, will be available exclusively in the Comme des Garçons shops in Paris, New York and Tokyo. The other, named ‘Colour’, will be reserved for the Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo.

Couvertures et tenues de jour N&B

“Rei Kawakubo has stamped her vision on the Hermès scarf. With rigour, precision, energy and salience”, remarks Bali Barret. This work is in keeping with the Comme des Garçons reflections on the relationship between creation and already existing objects. Here, the encounter with the Hermès scarf consists of an application, or a graphic superimposition onto the house designs, thus creating new and unique objects.

Harnais de cour

“I have always deeply respected the tradition and craftsmanship of Hermès. In our project together, rather than wanting to wear the scarves, I was looking forward to the change that would happen when I added something to the beautiful ‘paintings’ of Hermès scarf designs. I think through the addition of abstract images, we have transformed the scarf and created something new”, comments Rei Kawakubo.

Thalassa

“Black and White” collection: Available only in Comme des Garçons shops (Aoyama-Tokyo, New York, Paris). Part of the most radical vein of Comme des Garçons aesthetic work, this line is made up of five scarves printed only in black and white, where the absence of colour allows the pattern to drift towards the abstract.

Giant patchwork Hermès scarf (180x180cm)

“Colour” collection: Reserved for the Dover Street Market stores (London, Tokyo). Made up of six creations, this mischievous, colourful and adaptable collection has a hybrid character, in which the surprising assemblies (rectangle, giant patchwork, gingham and stripes) rewrite the traditional narratives of the scarf.

The ‘Comme des Carrés’ collection will be available:
From 6th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop, Paris
From 7th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop, New York
From 8th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop in Aoyama-Tokyo, and the Dover Street Market Ginza shop.
From 12th February in the Dover Street Market shop, London

Quadriga

The collection will also be for sale online at www.doverstreetmarket.com from 6th February 2013 for the “Colour” collection and from 1st April 2013 for the “Black and White” collection.

I just love all of them!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

Personally speaking, I might reach for my mobile phone more often during the day than I reach for a glass of water. So I literally died when I came across those iPhone cases that look identical to a bottle of Chanel nail polish. Available in the season’s new shades from the Collection Printemps Précieux de Chanel, Empire, Fracas and Accessoire, as well as long-time classics such as Dragon and Blue Satin – it’s even coated with a crystal clear enamel layer, made by Hong Kong-based Etsy vendor The Custom Art.

Ladies, it is time to outfit your iPhone with seasonal trends in mind.

LoL, Sandra

Important note! The logo or picture is trademark of the respective company. These products are not licensed, defined, sponsored, endorsed or manufactured by Chanel.

Photos: Via Etsy.com

These sandals from Balenciaga‘s Resort 2013 collection feature uber-cute origami bows and are about to become spring’s It-heels.
TO SHOP THE ORIGAMI SANDALS, CLICK HERE!

These golden finger rings that appeared on Balenciaga‘s S/S 2013 runway are absolutely divine. Better call the Paris store (+33 1 47 20 21 11) now to get on the extra-long wait list.

LoL, Sandra

Crystals, the new sparkling bangles collection by Sal y Limon, is just perfect for Christmas. Those handmade fun jewelry pieces will make you shine like a star or be the perfect surprise for a beloved friend. Available in many colours for CHF 54.- each, in Switzerland at Globus, Companys, Feldpausch, Schild and Loeb.

One lucky reader has the chance to win a set of three bangles (orange, pink, fuchsia). Send me an e-mail with your address and the header “Christmas Bangles” to .

All entries must be received until December 16st, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

Behind the eight door of our Advent calendar, I have some pieces that would all work as the perfect conversation starter at a festive drinks party or dinner. Charlotte Olympia‘s playful aesthetic has won the hearts of the style set, and her fabulous ‘Holiday’ collection is no exception. Whimsically finished with red resin holly berries and green leaves or a stylish snowman, it’s a fabulous choice if you like to take the season literally fashionable.

1 Christmas Pudding suede and patent-leather clutch
2 Surprise Pandora Perspex clutch
3 Holly suede and patent-leather flats

4 Frostie embroidered leather clutch

My favourites: Charlotte Olympia’s signature ‘Dolly’ pumps get a fabulously festive makeover in plush red velvet – Jingle Bell Dolly platform pumps.

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton is always good for beautiful Christmas gift inspirations. The French house’s holiday brochure is full of perfect surprises for the festive season. The bags are guaranteed winners, and the accessories are everything a LV fan could want. Dear Santa, below is my wish list…

LoL, Sandra

Tote MM Majestueux bordeaux, in Monogram, leather, lizard and ostrich

Lockit Monogram Transparent noir (Collection Cruise 2013)

Bag Charm Carrousel marron.

Suitcase 35 Christmas Baubles in Monogram (How amazing are Louis Vuitton ornaments for your tree?!)

Charm Car, white and yellow gold, diamonds

Vuitton City Guides 2013 suitcases in Monogram Macassar

Calypso MM in Damier Inifini onyx for MEN

Montre Tambour Voyagez II, rose gold

Sequined Shoes for MEN

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

It is December 1st, are you getting antsy for Christmas? Like last year, I have created a little online Advent calendar to make the wait a bit easier. Every day I will surprise you with one or two deliciously fashionable must-haves, or an inspiration for a lovely gift, even for yourself.

Get caught up in some fabulous offerings and don’t forget to shop them fast. Some things will sell out so quickly that even Santa can’t bring them. Hello, wait list!

To celebrate the Advent season in style, Monnier Frères offers to Sandra’s Closet readers a special 10% discount from today until December 15, 2012. Enter promo code XMAS10SCL at checkout. Delivery before Christmas is guaranteed for any order placed before noon on the 20th of December, 2012.

I am not dreaming of a white Christmas but of a…
1 20 Year silk twill square by Christian Lacroix
2 Maraini Faith leather bag by Jil Sander
3 Red hat by Borsalino
4 Tuyet embroidered clutch by Balmain

Have fun shopping and enjoy your 10% discount!

LoL, Sandra

Marc Jacobs gives technology a playful touch with those cute iPhone cases from his Marc by Marc Jacobs line.

1 – Pickles Dog iPhone case
2 – Shorty Dog iPhone case
3 – Katie Bunny iPhone case
4 – Julio Zebra iPhone case
5 – Rue Cat iPhone case

I love them all… and you?

LoL, Sandra

Thursday night, during Paris fashion week, an extravagant party launched the AdR at H&M collection with theatrical flair. Hosted by H&M together with fashion icon Anna Dello Russo, the Paradise Ball took place in Paris famed cabaret nightclub Paradis Latin.

The glitzy party married fashion, performance and a live showcase by music star Azealia Banks. Staying true to AdR’s belief that fashion is something that makes you dream, the eccentric party was all about fantasy and decoration.
“Excess for me means success”, said the fashion icon.

Caroline Piccinin (Le Matin), René Zibold (H&M) with me

Wigs and paper masks transformed the fashionable crowd all into Mini-Annas.

Cabaret-style “vogueing performances” as Anna described them, presented the collection in a very distinctive truly Parisian way.

My look: Powder gun dress by Mary Katrantzou, head piece by Christian Dior, pink bag by Lanvin and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

Friends and fashionistas, including Olivier Theyskens, Rachel Zoe, Poppy Delevingne, and super models Karlie Kloss, Constance Jablonski, and Liya Kebede among many others gathered to celebrate. There were so many famous people at the Paradis Latin as you can see below:

Renzo Rosso and Anna Dello Russo in a dress by Fausto Puglisi

Thomas Hayo (Germany’s Next Topmodel) and me

My beloved Mary Katrantzou

Fashion designer Jeremy Scott with me

Peter Dundas, Creative Director of Emilio Pucci, with me

It was a very fun night, the Paradise Ball was such a glamorous way to launch such an eye-catching collection. The playful line of jewelry, shoes and accessories that Anna Dello Russo designed for H&M, will be on sale from October 4, 2012, in 140 stores worldwide and online. Below are some of my favourite pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos in the first and last collage: Courtesy of H&M – All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht