Sandra‘s Closet

Making childhood dreams come true. In February next year, I will be attending the Vienna Opera Ball and I couldn’t be any happier about it especially because one of my favorite designer duos, DOLCE & GABBANA, has collaborated with SWAROVSKI to create a richly detailed and precious tiara to be worn by the debutantes at this prestigious event.

Dolce & Gabbana

It took 702 Swarovski crystals to create this richly detailed headpiece that is inspired from Mozart’s opera «Le nozze di Figaro», in particular, the words sung in the eighth scene of the first act: «Giovani lieti – fiori spargete!» («Happy maids, scatter flowers!»).

This image has been poetically reflected in the floral design of the tiara, where delicate blossoms meet organic curved leaves.

Each year, Swarovski works with a different international designer to impart the debutantes’ tiaras with extraordinary brilliance. In 2017, it was for example Karl Lagerfeld who created a dream-like piece (for the previous post click here please).

Swarovski’s collaboration has existed since the 1950s. Organized by the Vienna State Opera, the event is the cultural highlight of the Viennese ball season and I cannot wait to experience it myself.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski / Dolce Gabbana

Forget the ugly Christmas sweater, now it’s all about the ugly Christmas socks! One of a kind, unusual, whimsical, crazy: Burlington‘s Christmas socks rock the festive season and will definitely be a conversation opener at every party.

Burlington X-mas Socks for women and men are in stores now for CHF 15.00 each pair.

Have a Merry and Very Crazy Christmas!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burlington
Photo of Kate Perry from this previous post.

It is possible that the earliest designed object was a talisman – an object believed to hold supernatural powers. Its intricate form would have exuded mystery, indicating the determined work of some atavistic clan. But what makes a pendant a talisman? It is only named such after it has performed its magic: its efficacy proves superiority over common objects; its potency suggests some higher purpose.

Handcrafted from silver, semi-precious stones, and natural materials, PRADA’s first jewelry collection plays on the relationship between primeval artifacts and the relentless progression of so-called civilization. The unisex line is made up of rarified elements, each uniquely coarse in shape, lined with fibers and locked into exquisitely refined silver moldings.

The jewelry is packaged in an elegant, satin-lined Saffiano box that reflects an inspiration of mystical entities found throughout history. The material contrasts give each piece distinct character and emphasize the way in which primitive forms have eternally shaped human consciousness.

A glinting crystal on a silver chain or clasped rope, exotic shells laced together with precious metal, wooden twigs clutched by animal deities; charms are catalysts only once their symbolism is deciphered. It is an object’s desirability—the perfect balance struck between nature and design—that truly gives it sacred energy. Even in mythology, a talisman’s strength is maintained as long as it is coveted.

Whether these elegant compositions of wood, shell, labradorite, amethyst, citrine quartz shingle, rock crystal, and wild animals in sculpted silver will indeed ward off evil, summon good will, or guarantee luck, depends in part on one’s trust in the power of symbols (then again, whether any artifact of style—a handbag, a ring, a label—can exude power depends on that exact same variable). Regardless, the Prada Talisman will reveal its true aura only once it has worked its magic.

I am completely in love. The beautiful collection is only available in the following stores worldwide:
Milano Montenapoleone Donna – Venezia – Forte dei Marmi – Porto Cervo
Munich – Zurich – Saint Moritz – Geneva
Paris Faubourg – London Old Bond
New York Broadway – Los Angeles Beverly Hills
Saint Barth
Tokyo Aoyama – Hong Kong Alexandra House
Shanghai Plaza 66 – Singapore Paragon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Washing has never been more stylish! Finally after touring around the globe, the HERMÈS Laundromat pop-up store is coming to Jelmoli Zurich from October 25 till November 4, 2017.

What is the Hermèsmatic exactly? In celebration of the French brand’s silk squares 80th anniversary, it will offer complimentary dip-dye services on the famous scarves. Giving an artistic upgrade to the traditional laundromat with orange laundry baskets and Hermès logos plastered all over the walls, the shop also features washing machines in the House’s signature shade that perform the transformation.

Shoppers can bring their own Hermès scarves for a fresh dip-dye makeover. There are three different color options, fuchsia, emerald green, or denim blue, available. After the washing machine, it will be put in a dryer and will come out super soft again. Ironing and folding will complete your transformation. After 48 hours your foulard is ready for collection. All for free!

What a great way to have a new scarf…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès – © Alain Benoît and © Martial Schmeltz

“I never followed what people said was in fashion. I think that women should wear what suits them. So I created a style that fitted my type and my artistic genre.”
– Carmen Miranda

The Portuguese-Brazilian actor and samba singer – and one of the first celebrity fashion designers – died over 60 years ago today. But her legacy remains …

Carmen Miranda’s name has become synonymous with frilly blouses, plastic fruit accessories and extravagant headpieces, items that were always essential to her larger-than-life look. Her influence on fashion had broader consequences too: the colourful aesthetic that made her a hit in Hollywood was controversial back home in Brazil.

Known for her tutti-frutti turban, A Pequena Notável, as she was known in her home country Brazil, or The Brazilian Bombshell, as they called her in the USA, did not just sing and dance. She also created the costumes for her Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals in the 40s and 50s, a period when she was the highest paid studio actress.

Born in Portugal, she moved to Brazil with her family when she was still a child. In 1925, as a sixteen year old in Rio de Janeiro, she discovered she had a talent for making hats and dresses while working in a clothing shop. She began to design and sew her own costumes when in 1930 she started singing professionally. As she was just five foot tall, she was also known for wearing platforms and making them very popular.

Many designers have been inspired by her tropical image over the last years but I truly adore what Dolce & Gabbana has come up with for the S/S 2017 collection:

Appliquéd polka-dot stretch-silk turban by Dolce & Gabbana

This playful turban combines the label’s ‘Mambo‘ and polka-dot inspirations. Modeled after dancer Carmen Miranda’s iconic headpiece, this structured style is made from patterned stretch-silk and topped with flowers and colorful fruit appliqués. The internal brim is lined with a grosgrain ribbon to keep it comfortably in place.

By the way, Carmen Miranda’s original costumes were brought together by her sister in the Museu Carmen Miranda in Rio de Janeiro. A museum that is worth the visit if you love fashion as much as I do. Therefore I adore how Dolce & Gabbana also reinterpreted beautifully the singer’s iconic bow turbans:

Floral-print silk-satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana

This headband is twisted at the front and patterned with pretty pink roses, blue butterflies and the label’s signature. Isn’t it so pretty?

To a tropical weekend…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Bettmann/CORBIS and via Vogue Brazil

When you have thought that your GUCCI Ace Sneakers were already on top of the fashion tribe, you are mistaken. It is time to pimp you footwear and make them truly unique.

For Pre-fall 2017 Gucci offers a large variety of fun embroidered leather embellishments that can be secured and removed using the metal snaps at the back. But careful when you order, they ship as single pieces. So if you prefer the same ones on both shoes, you have to get two.

Have fun mixing-and-matching with your compatible Ace styles!
Available for pre-order by clicking here. Delivery between now and 15/06/2017.
And I am sure that the clips work for other sneakers, too…:-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

Those stylish GUCCI paper fans will make your summer days so much cooler. Comprised of paper and a wooden handle, the designs by Alessandro Michele derive inspiration from Japan. Too cool!

Click on the highlighted text below, to be transferred directly to the store.

Owl printed fan

Flower printed fan

As if Beyoncé didn’t have enough fans :-)… she was spotted at a basketball game in New Orleans in a dramatic floor-length Gucci fur-trimmed kimono and a paper fan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Patches and badges pinned or sewn onto clothes, mainly denim jackets, or jeans are still a massive trend. What I like most about it is the possibility to create your one-of a kind piece. If you are too lazy for this, have a look at those pieces:

Get the look (all in the collage above): Patch-appliqué camouflage-print hooded jacket, Paradise embellished cotton-canvas shoulder bag and Mercer embellished appliquéd canvas slip-on sneakers, all by Marc Jacobs, Gestures Coach appliquéd cotton-canvas jacket by Opening Ceremony, appliquéd mid-rise skinny jeans by Karl Lagerfeld and appliquéd satin and mesh backpack by Miu Miu.

Or become your own fashion designer, order a set of patches and transform a piece of your own into something unique:

Happy Days set of three embroidered cotton patches and Vacation Forever set of three embroidered cotton patches, both by 3XI, Funk & Flash set of four embroidered cotton patches and Acid Trip set of four embroidered cotton patches, both by M.I.H. Jeans.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Attention lovers! Also in 2017, MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. Pink and red, sparkling details, the offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different elements. This quintessentially feminine collection will make the perfect gift!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Are you ready for your next seaside adventure? Life is better at the beach – we all know that. Get ready for your next trip to the sun with a stylish towel and probably a harness to carry it.

Harness leather towel carrier by The Beach People

Secured with silver buckles, it can be worn cross-body – leaving you free to carry beachside essentials. It’s perfect for stowing yoga mats too.

And here are some of my favorite beach towels at the moment:

The Caribbean round cotton-terry towel by The Beach People

Pineapple printed cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed floral cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Set of two striped woven cotton towels by Hammamas

The Lorne round cotton-terry towel with cushion by The Beach People

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands