Spotted on Valentino’s F/W 2013 runway, this new calf leather clutch is the ultimate statement accessory. It features a front strap detail that is as functional as it is fashionable. You might imagine my excitement when this beauty arrived personalized with my initials and a handwritten note from the house’s designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, at my doorstep. Thank you, Valentino, for one of the best gifts ever!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Last Wednesday, Mulberry hosted together with American Express Centurion an intimate event at the store in Zurich. Listening to the sounds of a harp player, guests were invited to observe the exquisite detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating an iconic ALEXA bag.
On display was the British brand’s newest family member that is part of the F/W 2013 collection: the PRIMROSE, a new take on heritage Mulberry detailing.
Inspired by a vintage bag shape, this softly-rounded satchel is a contrast to the other satchels in the Mulberry collection, yet still loaded with the house’s DNA. It has a structured top handle, cross-body strap and postman’s lock closure – updated exclusively for the Primrose. As opposed to the classic postman’s lock, this one has a side-opening hinge, adding a touch of newness to an iconic piece of Mulberry hardware.
YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF MULBERRY BAGS HERE.
LoL, Sandra
Stills: Courtesy of Mulberry – Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Launched in 2011, the Boy CHANEL bag has become an recognizable House creation and its status as such, is set to last. For the CHANEL F/W 2013 collection Karl Lagerfeld has reinterpreted its design with a resolutely modern and supple version.
Quilted or smooth, the flap is animated by a graphic contrasting effect with an overstitched or quilted braiding. Forever faithful to its codes, the chain strap and the Boy lock, the handbag is available in four sizes from a mini version to a maxi bag.
In shades of black, pearl grey and white, there’s a distinct contrast with the deep nuances of brick red, lead green and bright petrol blue.
In addition to the smooth or patent calfskin and the exotic alligator and python skins, it also exists in two aged goatskins, one iridescent and the other with graduated shading.
Another variation has a smooth leather or tweed flap and comes with four different sized link chains, emphasising the Boy CHANEL’s definitive rock’n’roll allure.
I love this Boy and need it in my closet. My object of desire for F/W 2013, perfect to complement my edgy and punk-inspired looks for the next season.
Available in CHANEL boutiques from September 2013.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel
Between my recent trips to China and Iceland, I flew for one day to Berlin to shoot MCM‘ s amazing new collaboration with Craig & Karl: EYES ON THE HORIZON. I love the German capital (and that is not only because I was born in this country), it’s one of the most vibrant, energetic cities in Europe. It’s the combination of two facts that can be felt everywhere: its present anything-goes-and-anything’s-possible vibe and its somber past.
Let me take you on a tour around Berlin. I had so much fun with my very talented photographer Christoph Schemel. See for yourselves:
First stop: THE KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Known locally as the Ku’damm, one of the most famous avenues in the city is home to many shops, such as the MCM boutique, hotels and restaurants. It’s often considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin.
Second stop: DAS STUE
Located right next to the Tiergarten (central park of Berlin), the stylish design hotel Das Stue offers all the comforts of a quiet urban refuge within the heart of Berlin.
Third stop: CAFE AM NEUEN SEE
Christoph and I had a fabulous lunch at this fun place outside in the garden area with waiter service (there is also a self-service beer garden part directly by the lake) and planned the rest of our shoot. I had a piece of very yummy cheesecake (German cheesecake is the best) that went so fast I forgot to take a picture.
Fourth stop: SIEGESSÄULE
Berlin’s “Victory Column” is a famous monument and probably one of the best known symbols of the city. The “Golden Lizzie,” as it is known in local slang, was originally built around 1864 to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the German-Danish war.
Fifth stop: BRANDENBURGER TOR
Located at the heart of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is standing at the western end of the avenue Unter den Linden. It has been a symbol for both, the divided Cold War city and the country’s reunification. Today, it is one of the metropole’s most-visited landmarks.
Last stop: GRILL ROYAL
Before I flew back to Zurich, we went to Grill Royal for drinks. This see-and-be-seen restaurant is still, after opening a couple of years ago, the place-to-dine and very popular with the celebrity crowd. Below you see me before the entrance on Friedrichstrasse.
I hope that you have enjoyed my day in Berlin! Cannot wait to be back soon…
My look: Ivory blazer, cropped metallic leather motocross pants, both by Balmain, black top by Tom Ford, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, shoes by Gucci, key ring, clutch and backpack, all from the MCM x Craig & Karl Eyes on the Horizon collection. Rose necklace and ring, both by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos by Christoph Schemel
Miu Miu continues to reinterpret classic leather goods with the introduction of the bowling bag. Revealed in the F/W 2013 runway fashion show, this new season object of desire is characterized by a full-length chunky zipper that runs along its entire profile.
Gold hardware, along with smaller handles, emphasizes the brand’s desire to revisit the cornerstones of elegance with a new twist. This bag represents a new aesthetic to a classic bowling shape. Offered in two different styles, with shoulder straps, they are AVAILABLE ONLINE HERE and at all Miu Miu stores. On my shopping list is definitely this yellow one.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu
With fair skin and dark red lips, Michelle Williams made her debut as the new face of Louis Vuitton, sporting the House’s innovative new bag which is on top of my F/W 2013 wish list. Its tight lines, suggesting the penmanship of a W, outline a three-part body, which is enhanced by the blending of various materials. Being the perfect daily companion, the bag has plenty of surprises in store, both visual and tactile, of course all created with the House’s know-how.
Externally, it offers a doubly harmonious character, combining the smooth and silky surface of rare leathers with the emblematic Monogram canvas, or with a velvety tufted effect, embroidery on leather inspired by the art of tapestry. Inside, the intelligently designed space in suede leather features many different pockets, offering a logical place for all the objects which can be found in the intimate compartments of a woman’s life.
Uma Thurman was spotted recently with this new must-have at the Munich airport. Freshness, modernity, and elegance: the latest addition to the Louis Vuitton family has every sort of appeal.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.
This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Harrods
For S/S 2013, MCM makes a bold move bringing art and fashion together by launching the amazing limited edition collection ‘Eyes on the Horizon’, in collaboration with pop art whiz-duo Craig & Karl.
The pieces evoke a sunny optimism, recalling sun kissed vacations and the youthful excitement of endless summers. The artwork is focused on playful eyes peering out through pairs of sunglasses while taking on amusing and abstracted forms to add a sense of fun and modernity to the fashionable musts. I truly adore their humorous twist. A special project regarding this beautiful collection that I will participate in will be revealed soon.
TO SHOP THE LIMITED COLLECTION ‘EYES ON THE HORIZON’, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of MCM and Craig & Karl
Spotted on the Chanel F/W 2013 runway, this little globe bag has been immeditaly on my wish list. Appearing in black and clear, the it will definitely be the evening bag of winter season. As usual, Karl Lagerfeld‘s got the whole world on a string.
Carry this mini globe bag and you run the world of fashion. Better get yourselves on the wait lists now…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel
Last week, MCM‘s first European flagship store opened its doors in Zurich. As you already know, I felt very honoured to be the blogger host for this wonderful event.
My relationship with MCM dates back to my early college years when I designed a complete collection for the German brand that was founded by Michael Cromer in Munich in the Mid ’70s as ‘Michael Cromer Munich‘ (MCM). Today, it belongs to Sungjoo Design Tech & Distribution, and has been renamed ‘Mode Creation Munich‘ (MCM).
The company’s owner Sung-Joo Kim, a very fascinating lady, had flown in from South Korea for the event along with some famous celebrities. She was ranked among the “Top 50 Women to Watch” by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 and selected as one of the “New Century Leaders” in CNN for the Best of Asia in 2003.
The new amazing colossal MCM store, located at the iconic Münsterhof, offers 160 square metres full of the brand’s must-haves.
Bettina Zollinger, store manager MCM Zurich, with me at the opening party.
Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me in front of the shop. I am carrying the Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag from MCM’s upcoming F/W 2014 collection. For all details regarding my look, please click here.
To celebrate the first European flagship store, MCM released an exclusive Zurich Visetos line. The luxurious special edition, only available in Zurich is inspired by the city’s coat of arms, featuring a unique blue and white colourway available on various classic shapes.
How cute are these MCM doggies?!
The party crowd outside…
Spotted: Guya Merkle, owner and designer of Vieri Haute Joaillerie, the luxurious high end jewelry brand.
German actor Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht
Renowned South Korean actor Sang-Woo Kwon
Another famous guest: Designer Albert Kriemler, Creative Director of Akris.
At work
Lovely Fiona Hefti compèred the event.
The ribbon cutting ceremony
Later, I was invited to the official dinner held at the Zunfthaus zur Waag, during which Swiss singer Paloma Würth performed some of her songs. The highlight of the menu was definitely the logo cake for dessert.
Thank you, MCM, for this beautiful event!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of MCM, Tillate and © Sandra Bauknecht
