Sandra‘s Closet

Giuseppe Zanotti’s S/S 2011 ad campaign makes me dream of sunny weather, the beach and the ocean. No wonder as a vacation getaway in St. Barts served as inspiration for it. Sensual and sizzling fashion model, Anja Rubik is the face of the gorgeous campaign that was photographed by iconic duo Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Ladies, better start getting in shape now…

All those beautiful shoes are already available or can be pre-ordered. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

I am completely in love with Miu Miu’s S/S  2011 womenswear collection and the campaign that evokes the spirit of performance and stage.

Models Querelle Jansen, Sasha Pivovarova and Kasia Struss were photographed in London by renowned duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, styled in the manner of barely breathing mannequins, all slicked back hair and crimson mouths.
Far from passive, however, it wouldn’t be Miuccia Prada if there wasn’t a message and this time it is her reflection on a society that is obsessed with celebrity.

Inspired by on-screen costume, flower, flame, snake and star prints are re-invented to suitably stylised effect. It is a study of feminity that is as playfully inventive as it is alluring.

To support this idea, Miu Miu presents the “Miu Miu Women’s Tales”, a series of short movies directed by international female filmmakers that explore their fantasies about the brand.

The first one has been directed by Zoe Cassavetes (Broken English) and is called “The Powder Room”, an enchanting and dramatic short film set in London’s Claridges hotel.
It is a beautiful how Zoe Cassavetes were able to capture the luxury codes of the Miu Miu universe. I especially like her close-ups. To view the movie, click here.

The next directors will be announced soon. Another interesting approach to adverstising and communicating a brand. But as always, Miuccia is leading the way…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

The American actress and singer and her two-year-old twins, Max and Emme, star in a special ad campaign for Gucci Kids that was shot in Malibu by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
Gucci donated $1 million to UNICEF and $50.000 to Jennifer’s charity, the Maribel Foundation, which focuses on medical care for women and children worldwide.

The fashionable trio looks so adorable on the beach. Jennifer wears pieces from the absolutely gorgeous Resort 2011 collection. The theme of Frida Giannini’s cruise creations is “stylish travel“. Working with a neutral palette of khaki, rust, and army green, the designer also included elements of the equestrian world. This collection is super-wearable with a bit of military and a lot of urban cool. The safari looks present the sexy attitude and glamour Gucci is known for.

It is not surprisingly that I couldn’t resist. One of my favourite pieces is the military green silk jumpsuit. I rolled up the legs and teamed with some vintage Gucci sandals and a vintage Ralph Lauren belt. The  long 70s inspired earrings are from Chanel Cruise 2011.

Moreover, I truly adore the brand’s iconic saddle-printed silks in dégradé, a dip-dyed hem. The printed silk-crepe mini skirt (see below) had to be mine. I already wore it with a greige sweater by Stella McCartney, a patchwork Chanel bag and my beloved suede overknees by Gucci, all from F/W 2010. This is a great way of working your new cruise pieces into your winter wardrobe.

The Gucci resort 2011 collection is available now at Gucci stores or at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra

Over the past six months, the Gucci’s Facebook fanbase has more than doubled (almost 3 million by today) making the Italian fashion house the most “liked” luxury brand on Facebook.

Gucci has realized the importance of social media and has come up with some new and interesting ideas to spread the word and to advertise without a huge budget.

“Eye Want You” is the newest coup, a viral video Facebook application that allows users to share their moods with friends through customized video messages from Gucci models wearing the new eyewear from the Gucci eyeweb collection. Based on their own mood, visitors select a message to personalize with sunglasses of their choice and with their own “Eye Want You” message to the recipient. Once created, the video can be shared on Facebook friend’s walls or sent through as a private message.
What a smart move to advertise the eyewear!

LoL, Sandra

 

Lancôme’s S/S 2011 make-up collection “Ultra Lavande” is extremely pretty. Aaron de Mey, the house’s artistic director, got inspired by the 70s with lots of disco shimmer and soft colours in lavender, purple and silver. The butterfly decoration along with the beautiful sparkles make this collection so desirable.
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, daughter of French Vogue’s Carine Roitfeld, is the face of the camapign. In stores in the beginning of next year. Please find below my favourite products.

LoL, Sandra

 

 

 

When I wrote in the beginning of September about the upcoming Lanvin for H&M collaboration, I promised to keep you posted once the first look has been revealed.
Et voilà, here it is!

The ad campaign, which stars from left to right, Hannelore Knuts, Jane Schmitt, Tati Cotliar and Natasha Poly, was shot by David Sims and styled by Camille Bidault Waddington .

The clothes will hit the stores on November 23rd. I am completely in love with the sleek, classy black looks and the beautiful details.
If the quality delivers what the photo promises, then this collection will be a huge success!

LoL, Sandra

Last night, I was invited to the vernissage of the exhibition Africa Rising and to celebrate the collaboration between Edun and Louis Vuitton.

Edun is the for-profit eco fashion label founded by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson on the premise of trade for aid as a means to alleviate poverty through sustainable employment and growth. Since 2009, LMVH acquired a 49% stake in the company in order to promote the brand’s vision.

The collection shows flair and individuality whilst remaining on-trend. I like the printed silk tanks and flowing materials. Shopping for a good cause! Available at net-à-porter or visit the Edun homepage for more information.

In Louis Vuitton’s recent Core Values advertising campaign, both Ali and Bono wear Edun clothing. Ali carries the Louis Vuitton/Edun collaboration bag:
The Keepall 45 Monogram Révélation in brown leather with the beautiful handmade Charm Massai in natural bones. Also attached is a plaque reminding us “Every journey began in Africa”.

There were lots of celebrities at yesterday’s party enjoying the beautiful contemporary art exhibition that showcased African art from Jean Pigozzi’s collection (CAAC).
If you are interested, the contemporary art exhibition will be on display to the public from October 6th to 18th 2010 at 1, Rue du Pont Neuf in Paris.

 

The absolute highlight was Bono’s performance with Angélique Kidjo. I hope that you have enjoyed my best moments of last night! And please stay tuned as I will see today Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2011 fashion show!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sandra Bauknecht

It is August and the majority of fall campaigns can be seen now in the new fashion magazines, ads just keep coming out of the woodwork and so I wanted to give you a brief summary of the most important ones and by whom they were shot.
It is funny to see that this world in particular is pretty small and some photographers are ahead of the game.

My personal favourite is Bottega Veneta`s strong expressive F/W 2010 campaign. Shot by the godfather of energetic graphic photography himself: Robert Longo. The artist has became famous in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his series „Men in the Cities“ that depicts men and women in business attire contorted in extreme positions.

The winner this season seems to be renowned Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. The dream team that has defined the look of the past decade, shot the most campaigns. Enjoy my preview:

The American photographer and long-time protégé of both Franca Sozzani and Anna Wintour, editors-in-chief of Italian and American Vogue is also a big shot in the world of fashion photography. No wonder, Steven Meisel shot all those gorgeous campaigns.

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinood Matadin, a fashion photographer duo that is well known for their independent art work. Most of their photographs are both critical and slightly disturbing as you can see in the campaigns they shot for F/W 2010.

Italian-born Mario Sorrenti is a photographer and director best known for his spreads of nude models in the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino has shot many fashion stories and celebrities. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums.

Hermès has come up with another really beautiful advertising campaign shot by Paolo Roversi. I love his romantic, vintage looking photos that always seem to tell a story. To me, a perfect choice for the French house!

Bruce Weber is a well-known face in the world of advertising photography. His career really took of in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his famous advertising images for Calvin Klein.

Juergen Teller‘s work is extraordinary and with a distinctive design. His raw style makes him one of the most influential fashion photographers working today.

Multi-talent Karl Lagerfeld likes to keep everything in his own hands. So no wonder that he shoots the advertising campaigns for his own collections for Chanel and Fendi.

Steven Klein is an American photographer that shot many high-profile advertising campaigns for various clients. This season he was hired by Dolce & Gabbana to capture a close knit Italian family with Madonna as the matriarchal figure through his lens.
Great job!

LoL, Sandra

With its successful signature fragrances, Burberry has already dipped its toe in the cosmetic industry. Now, the English brand will immerse one step further with the launch of a 96-piece beauty collection that according to its creative director Christopher Bailey „reflects the natural style and relaxed attitude“ of the iconic coat. The wearable shades of powders, bronzers, lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeliners and more come unsurprisingly in a cool Burberry check packaging.

The campaign for the new Burberry Beauty line was shot by Mario Testino and features three English faces: Lily Donaldson, Nina Porter and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

I am in love with the eye shadow in taupe brown n°7 and the blush in russet n°1. Said to keeping itself exclusive, the new beauty must-haves will be hard to get. For Europe, check out Harrods in London, for the US and Australia Nordstrom and for Asia Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.
Good Luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry 

Oh you pretty thing! Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo stars in the new advertising campaign for Giorgio Armani underwear and Giorgio Armani jeans. I thought that this is a lovely eye candy for you on a cozy Sunday afternoon along with the great outfit that would make a perfect weekend look. Love the embellished sweater by Markus Lupfer, the wool and jersey-insert leggings by Julien Macdonald combined with the stunning grey flats by Chloé and the clutch by Jimmy Choo. Skull print scarf by Alexander McQueen and lace lingerie by Elle Macpherson Intimates. Something that the guys would love…and who would mind waking up next to those abs?!

By the way, Happy Father`s Day!

LoL, Sandra