Sandra‘s Closet

My gorgeous press kit

Today, I was lucky to attend the Lanvin for H&M press preview. The line created by Alber Elbaz is breathtaking. Beautiful materials, well-tailored cuts, it seemed to me almost like a best of Lanvin collection, a playful take on his favourite pieces.

Please find herewith some impressions from the lookbook and more pictures of the ad campaign plus my personal photos that I took today in the showroom. They show the beauty of the clothes and accessories perfectly. I have also included the complete price list with all upcoming items, in Swiss Francs.

“What does luxury mean today? Can luxury be exclusive and democratic at the same time? How can we translate the essence 
of luxury to a wider audience? The world around us is changing rapidly and I find myself asking these questions more and more. 
Designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream 
of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin. Well done, Mr Elbaz!

Ladies, I will see you on November 23, 2010 because I want Lanvin…not flowers!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M
Lookbook, Photographer: Stéphane Gallois, Models: Irina Lazareanu and Vincent Olivieri
Campaign, Photographer: David Sims, Models: Natasha Poly, Hannelore Knuts, Tati Cotliar, Simon Nessman, Jane Schmitt and Garance Dumont

In the showroom.

I am totally in love with this dress and necklace.

The clothes come with the beautiful hangers.

Feminine dresses.

The fake fur looks a little like Chanel's fantasy fur, amazing!

Vibrant flower prints worn with pearls.

The illustrations by Alber Elbaz are fantastic.

I adore the T-shirts.

Leopard print and lipsticks.

Cute little clutches.

Love those men shoes!

Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas

Last week, I went to the Louis Vuitton Christmas collection press preview that took place in the beautiful Schloss Sihlberg in Zurich.
The gorgeous presentation with vintage toys from the Zurich toy museum (Züricher Spielzeugmuseum) put me directly into the gift giving mood. It is true, Holiday 2010 is almost upon us, so let’s better get organised.

All I want for Christmas…

LoL, Sandra

The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.

The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).

The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately €2190.-.

I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).

Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!

Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo

Olivia Palermo, US-socialite, model and actress has not only a pretty face but has also become a fashion icon. Let’s have a closer look at her personal style that is something between Italian-American princess and sohisticated Upper East Side chic.
There are certain must-haves that the brunette is rarely seen without. First, probably her cute boyfriend, German model Johannes Huebl, second her cognac-coloured Hermès Birkin bag in Togo leather with golden hardwear and third her wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban. She loves her Rolex watch and lots of golden jewelry. Olivia’s favourite shoe designer at the moment is London-based It-girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal with her hot footwear label Charlotte Olympia.

This look is so hot! I admire her for riding a bike in those killer heels by Charlotte Olympia. The black leather shorts by 3.1 Phillip Lim combined with the military jacket by Diane von Furstenberg look amazing.

Classy Elegance. Recently in London, Olivia was spotted in a minimalistic beige sweater combined with a well-tailored dark blue pencil skirt.
The extravagant heels by Charlotte Olympia spicened up the look and the amazing gold statement jewelry showed perfectly what a difference the right accessories can make.

On the streets of Manhattan, Olivia was seen wearing a pair of skinny jeans, two layered tees and a boyfriend blazer. The flat Lanvin sneakers and her favourite compagnion her versatile Birkin bag added a sophisticated touch to her casual outfit.

Olivia has launched this year a capsule collection “Roberta by Olivia Palermo” consisting of five bib necklaces in cooperation with the American jewelry designer Roberta Freyman. The pieces are inspired by Olivia’s favourite districts: Belgravia and Chelsea in London, Le Marais in Paris, TriBeCa in New York and Mitte in Berlin. Available at matches.com starting at £195.-.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of H&M

I am keeping my promise and you posted about the upcoming Lanvin for H&M collaboration. So enjoy the second look at what will be in stores on November 23rd. The new photo of the ad campaign shows bright colours, amazing flower prints, leopard details plus shoes and bags (see the close-ups). Cannot wait!

LoL, Sandra

Feathers are a trend that seems to be always there. For F/W 2010 designers showed that fine feathers make fine birds. From beautiful marabou plumes to ostrich feathers, the creations were versatile. Being dressed in full feathers stands for a certain glamourous allure.
So Ladies, start looking for your feathers of prey:

A marabou jacket or cape is a piece for eternity. It adds the right amount of sophistication to every evening outfit or ball gown. I especially adore the ones from Balmain this season and would opt for a colourful piece.

The Gucci dress from the F/W 2010 runway collection is a smart choice as it comes with a removable feather-trimmed bolero.

In case you do not like to ruffle your feathers, I recommend a feather print or just a little detail like the ostrich-trimmed satin bag by Lanvin.

For F/W 2010, the possibilities are numerous. If you turn up your glam factor, you will surely not be shedding feathers.

And good news is, the feather trend is going to stay for S/S 2011. So those pieces are definitely great investments.

Ladies, it is time to adorn yourselves with borrowed plumes!

LoL, Sandra

Thanks for all the lovely feedback on my Paris Fashion Week posts! Many of you were asking me about the leopard bag I carried at the Louis Vuitton show last Wednesday. This tote has been a must since Phoebe Philo presented it for her first Céline S/S 2010 collection followed by even more stunning versions for F/W 2010.

The designer who had been Stella McCartney’s assistant at Chloé before taking over the helm at the well-known French fashion house, was the mastermind behind the Chloé Paddington, one of the most popular It-bags of the last decade. Now with Phoebe’s return into the world of fashion (after some time off dedicated to her family), Céline is a hit both with fashion editors and customers alike.

The so-called Boston bag from the luggage collection is just perfect. It comes in three different sizes. Classic and modern, attention-seeking without being overloaded – those attributes might describe it the best. The only problem is that it is available in so many material and colour combinations which makes it a nightmare to choose. The medium leopard one was screaming my name. Under which spell will you be falling?

LoL, Sandra

The PS1 bag was launched in 2008 as the first bag of the New York based designer duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for their label Proenza Schouler (their mothers’ respective maiden names). Since then, it has been seen on the arms of the most fashionable people in the world. It comes in three different sizes, large, medium and as a clutch.

My own PS1 obsession!

Its hype seems to have no end. Probably because it is a very practical and stylish bag in one. The medium and the large size have a handle and a detachable knotted shoulder strap, compartments at front, inside and at the back, plus a foldover flap with lock.

The favourite of editors, stylists and A-listers alike, Proenza Schouler’s satchel is a must-have style. Available among others at net-à-porter and Barneys.

For Resort 2011, the duo gave their bestseller a little make-over and called it the Weekender. It will be released in two different sizes medium and large.
Moreover the iconic PS1 will get a little sister: The Mini PS1 bag.

For this F/W 2011 Proenza Schouler introduced the PS11, the more structured take on the PS1, let’s say the sophisticated sister that will also be staying for Resort 2011.

PS11 for F/W 2011

PS11 for Resort 2011

One thing is for sure, those bags update every look with downtown cool!

LoL, Sandra

Albert Kriemler with me at the A-K-R-I-S- cocktail reception yesterday.

On Sunday afternoon on my flight to Paris, I had quite a fancy seat neighbour: Courtney Love who drove the complete staff crazy and delayed the take off.
I was eager to arrive in time as I could not make it to the Akris show in the morning and wanted to join Albert Kriemler for his cocktail reception in the evening at the Café de L’Epoque.

Akris is Switzerland’s fashion flagship brand, known for its craftsmanship, high-quality materials and understated luxury. The Swiss brand has written already over 80 years of history. Founded by the Kriemler’s grandmother to produce aprons in the 20s, followed by his father in the 40s who built Akris into a couture house and finally in the hands of Albert Kriemler and his brother since the 80s.

I have to admit that the Akris style used to be a touch conservative for me personally. But this has changed latest with the F/W 2010 collection which was absolutely beautiful. Gorgeous colours, well tailored pieces with a sensual 70s vibe, that were flattering, modern and feminine in one. A wind of change has been blowing with Daphne Guinness as the face of the last two advertising campaigns.
In the beginning of the year, Akris launched its debut bag collection, a must-have for the more discerning of women who appreciates quality, is not so much into an It-bag and tired of the Hermès camp.

Kriemler’s S/S 2011 collection is perhaps his best so far. The colours, the sharpness of cuts along with some bold blooms have laid the foundation for a much younger fan club that will love the little short jumpsuit and cool jackets. Enjoy!

Available for example in the US at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and in Zurich at Gassmann. For more information, please visit the Akris homepage.

LoL, Sandra

Some of the most important Prada icons become “mini” accessories: the shopping bag in nappa gauffrè, the backpack in nylon and the saffiano boxy shaped bag have been reinterpreted in a new 15 cm size.

Even F/W 2010’s “Yo-Yo bag” goes  “mini” and becomes  part of  Prada’s heritage. The “Mini-Bags” turn into keyrings as well, which are made with the same fabrics used to make the bags.

Prada will also launch the “Pin Up Tricks” and the “Graffiti Tricks” collections that will include some fun earrings inspired by the work of street artists.The mini gift ideas by Prada will be available from November 2010 in the Prada Stores.

Prada Lisbon

It is always worth paying a visit to a Prada store, especially when it is a brand new one because it is sure to be filled with the best pieces of the season. Last weekend, I went to Lisbon where the legendary Italian label just has opened its doors on Avenida da Liberdade.

After conquering the market in over 70 countries, Prada has finally arrived in Portugal. Designed by the architect Roberto Baciocchi, the shop has some beautiful museum-like displays, resulting in a sumptuous “boudoir” ambience where each collection has separate compartments and is organised in different environments.

And for those travelling to Lisbon, I highly recommend a visit to the new Mude –Design & Fashion Museum. Take your time as you can spend hours in there.

LoL, Sandra

Lanvin’s Pre-fall 2010 collection is totally on the wild side and has some of the hottest leopard print items of the season. This is Parisian chic being bang on trend that works effortlessly day to night. Make a fierce statement in a gorgeous dress or just add a hint of animal print with these stunning leopard print pony skin trainers.

Lanvin Decoration at Barneys Beverly Hills

Medium and Large 'Happy' Leopard Print Shoulder Bags

My favourites are the “Happy” Leopard Print Shoulder Bags with the beautiful iconic grosgrain ribbon metal chains that come in two sizes. Might be pretty hard to decide which one to take as they both look fabulous. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra