Sandra‘s Closet

Brigitte Bardot is one of our favorite Parisian style icons. This season, the legendary actress graces the covers of the latest Olympia Le-Tan book clutches.

With four designs, the Maison pays tribute to Brigitte Bardot’s cultural impact, from her glamorous signature choucroute hairstyle to her eye-catching winged eyeliners to her escapades in St. Tropez to even her role in Jean-Luc Godard’s Le mépris’ (Contempt).

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION BOOK CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan
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During the launch party of PIAGET‘s new POLO S watches in New York City, I had the pleasure to meet one of my favorite authors, award-winning Joël Dicker, as we have been both ambassadors for the brand.

Born in Geneva on June 16, 1985 to a bookseller and a French teacher; he is of both French and Russian descent and has literature in his blood thanks to his parents. Dicker spent his childhood in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. At the age of 19, he decided to move to Paris to take acting classes. A year later, he returned to his hometown to study law at the University of Geneva, obtaining a degree in 2010.

His early beginnings as a writer were not the easiest. However, they show that passion and persistence can overcome all odds. With his first work, the short novel «The Tiger», he participated in a youth literary contest in 2005. In this competition he was disqualified because the main judge presented doubts about his authorship. However, this didn’t stop Dicker and today, he sees it as a milestone in his career.

In 2009, Dicker completed his first novel called «The Final Days of our Fathers», based on the UK Secret Intelligence Service. After not raising interest in any publisher, in 2010 he decided to enroll her in the Prix ​​des Ecrivains Genevois for unpublished works. The writer was the winner of this important award, to finally achieve its publication a year later with Éditions de Fallois.

His style to structure and write a book is different and therefore addictive. Throughout his work, fates and different worlds will cross, and some stories will be parallel all along to meet at the end, as the reader finally will discover the outcome.

Dicker has a very special way to come up with an intoxicating plot mixing shady past and shifting present while spicing it up with suspense and crime. The outcome? Thrilling, delightfully twisted, continually shocking, literary and intelligent novels that all kept me eagerly turning the pages.

My first Dicker book was «The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair» (2012), the story of an American novelist with writer’s block who begins to investigate a murder of which his former university professor is accused. You could say that this thriller took the world by storm. In summer 2013, the title displaced Dan Brown’s Inferno from the top of bestseller lists all over Europe. It has been translated into more than 40 languages ​​and has sold more than 4.000.000 copies worldwide. In addition, the he won the Prix Goncourt des lycéens, the Prix de la Vocation and the Prix du roman from the French Academy. It has also subsequently been made into a 10-part television mini-series with Patrick Dempsey in the leading role.

Dicker’s third novel, «The Baltimore Boys», was released in 2015, followed by his fourth novel, «The Disappearance of Stephanie Mailer» in 2018, which is another one of my favorites by Dicker, a captivating thriller with a killer twist.

In bed with «The Disappearance of Stephanie Mailer».

After releasing his fifth novel «The Enigma of Room 622» in 2020, his fans were waiting impatiently for his new book … It’s now done! «L’Affaire Alaska Sanders» has been hitting the shelves… and I cannot wait to read it!

YOU CAN SHOP HIS BOOKS ONLINE HERE IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Photo on bed: David Biedert Photography
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Iris Apfel doesn’t want you to dress like she does. At 100, she’s still embracing uniqueness, wearing what makes her happy and encouraging everyone else to do the same.

«I think part of the problem with the way people dress nowadays is that it’s too generic,» says Iris. «Everyone looks the same, they wear the same things. They wear what’s in fashion, what’s trendy, what they’re being told to wear. That’s terribly dull. I want to see personality.»

And what’s the best way to reveal your personal style, à la Iris? Be curious, have fun, explore yourself. Wear clothes because you love them, pick out accessories because they make you smile, slip on the shoes that give you joy. Your style is an ever-evolving expression of your truest self, and each piece you own holds the magic of your experiences, adventures and memories.

«It’s not about what or who you wear but how you feel when wearing something,» confirms Iris. «Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.»

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection enthusiastically embraces this joyful and individual approach to style. There’s delightful print clashing, fabulously baroque aesthetics and colour, colour and more colour. The pieces are playful, eclectic and vibrant, and everything is a little bit over the top — in the best possible way.

Channel Iris in a vivid aquamarine suit with delicate embroidery and pearl peas; a glossy acid green and purple jacquard coat with an oversized feather pattern; a flouncy tiered skirt and blouse set in a stunning iris flower print; or an eye-catchingly voluminous violet jacket made from theatrical tulle swirls. There are also relaxed lounge sets, chic kaftans, fringed trousers, ruffled shirts, and even a swimsuit.

The accessories are equally glamorous and extravagant, just the way Iris likes them. Load up on chunky orange, black and green chains; oversized detachable pendants that become bold brooches; satiny slippers adorned with bejewelled scarab beetles and sparkling frogs; vivid statement cuffs; and stylishly bulky rings depicting Iris’s iconic face.

Dip into the collection to create a dynamic, positive and empowering look that proudly showcases your true style. Congratulations, you’ve found your inner Iris.

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection is available on hm.com and in selected stores worldwide from 31 March 2022. Local vairations may occur.

I love Iris! She is such an inspiration…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M

Rare Beauty, the mission-driven beauty brand founded and created by Selena Gomez, is now available at Sephora Switzerland. Using unique formulas to create breathable and airy makeup that go on easy for adjustable coverage and a fresh finish, without hiding what makes people unique, Selena wanted to create a beauty brand that goes beyond physical products, helping people feel good about themselves, and celebrating what makes them unique.

Selena’s passion for beauty products was born at a young age, from the moment she sat in her first makeup chair. Channeling that love, she developed Rare Beauty to challenge the beauty myth of physical perfection.

«I’m so excited to release beauty products that not only feel great, but also celebrate what makes each of us rare,» said Selena Gomez, Founder and Creator of Rare Beauty. «These products aren’t about being someone else, it’s about being who you are, whether that’s rocking a full face of bold makeup or barely any makeup at all. Makeup is something to enjoy, it’s not something you need. I want every person to feel beautiful exactly as they are.»

Rare Beauty products are designed for everyday self-expression, and each product has a unique sensorial story. Since the brand’s inception, Selena has been involved in every step of product development. Whether it’s testing each product or developing a design for the first-of-its-kind Blot & Glow Touch-Up Kit that’s convenient to carry, Selena has influenced every aspect. Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner is inspired by a calligrapher and is comprised of more than 1000 individual hairs. The complexion products include the Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist, and the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation & Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, which are each available in many shades to suit all skin tones.

I personally love the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick. Easy to use and finally available in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rare Beauty / Sephora Switzerland
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Gucci’s red velvet suit. This is one of those iconic pieces. Designed by Tom Ford in 1996, the red velvet suit immediately became a hit. The Gucci F/W 96 show was one of his best collections ever, he said, «it all came together for the first time.» He referenced his own ’90s Gucci collection for his eponymous label for F/W 2019.

Tom Ford F/W 2019

In celebration of Tom Ford-era Gucci—and the designer’s indelible legacy in fashion, it’s no wonder why the brand’s current creative director, Alessandro Michele, chose to revisit one of the House’s greatest hits for the label’s centennial and released the interpretation of Ford’s iconic suit for his F/W 2021 collection.

Gucci Ad F/W 1996

«Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses,» Michele said in a statement earlier this year when he first released the re-creation to celebrate the House’s 100th anniversary. «An alchemical factory of contaminations where everything connects to anything.»

Gwyneth Paltrow made the red velvet suit famous.

In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow first wore the red velvet suit, designed by Tom Ford for Gucci’s F/W 96 collection, on the red carpet at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards and made it famous. Last month, the actress arrived at Gucci Love Parade in Los Angeles, California in the iteration of the suit by Alessandro Michele.

Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 1996

The recent zeitgeist is all about re-editions, so many brands are looking into their archives for inspiration. As much as the fashion world loves all things new, newer, and newest, in those days we cannot resist a good throwback either.

You can shop the Gucci F/W 2021 look now and get a piece of fashion history: Single-breasted cotton-blend velvet suit jacket, and flared cotton-blend velvet suit trousers.

I would have worn this amazing suit to the premiere of the new House of Gucci movie, if I hadn’t been in quarantine. Now, it is up to you to guess if my suit is from 1996 or 2021. As I have always been telling you, don’t throw anything away. The time will come again.

LoL, Sandra

Alessandro Michele for Gucci F/W 2021

Photos: © Gucci / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Two years after her first THE BEATLES capsule collection, Stella McCartney reveals a new collaboration with the famous band, timed to Peter Jackson’s documentary, «The Beatles: Get Back», which debuted on Disney+ this Thanksgiving weekend. The three-part film chronicles – with cuts from over 60 hours of never-before-seen footage and unheard recordings – covers the making of the Beatles’ 1970 album «Let It Be», which had the working title of «Get Back».

For the occasion, Stella, who is the daughter of Beatles Paul McCartney, developed a limited collection using a mix of iconic and less-familiar Beatles images and graphics, all produced to the same rigorous, sustainable standards as her main line.

It is featuring graphic prints and off-duty silhouettes, the new genderless Get Back capsule celebrates music, community and positive change. Every piece is unisex and is available exclusively in Stella McCartney stores and on Net-à-Porter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Stella McCartney
DISCLOSURE: All products featured on Sandra’s Closet are independently curated by me. However, when you buy something through the retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Inspired by the language of evening dressing, a vocabulary of scintillation – sequin embroidery, crystal strass, the lusters of satin and velvet – for its campaign, the Miu Miu Nuit collection by Miuccia Prada is captured after dark. The images serve as both portraits of individual women – the actors Ever Anderson, Ciara Bravo and KiKi Layne – and as document of the vista of the collective Miu Miu world.

Ciara Bravo for MIU MIU

Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, those campaign stars are poised in enclaves that speak of the night: a deserted bar, a draped antechamber, the illuminated entrance to a member’s club. Images seem loaded with the memory of celebrations just ended, or the promise of those about to commence – the clothes themselves reminders of parties too, embroidered and embellished, joyous and optimistic.

Ever Anderson for MIU MIU

Each star shines brightly – a new generation of female talent celebrated for their abilities to transform. Ever Anderson has gardened critical acclaim for her turn as the young Natasha Romanov in Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’: her latest role is the titular female lead of Disney’s ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’. Ciara Bravo debuted on the small screen but quickly transitioned to cinema: she delivered a revelatory performance in the Russo Brothers’ ‘Cherry’, and acclaim for her role in ‘Small Engine Repair’. KiKi Layne has been lauded since her screen debut as the female lead in Barry Jenkin’s 2018 Golden Globe-nominated feature If Beale Street Could Talk. Layne also starred in HBO’s ‘Native Son’, in 2019. Most recently, she starred in ‘The Old Guard’ for Netflix opposite Charlize Theron and featured in ‘Coming To America 2’ alongside Eddie Murphy.

KiKi Layne for MIU MIU

Here, these women both adopt other personas and, paradoxically, personify themselves – dressed in finery, caught in fleeting moments. They shift between realities, embody characters, make believe – to make us believe.

I am so obsessed with the denim pants… should I get them?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Cinema is a fantasy: acting a craft, like fashion, that brings dreams to life. For the Prada Holiday 2021 campaign, ‘A Midwinter’s Night Dream’, a cinematic dreamscape is created using ground-breaking technology, transporting both stars and audience.

Cinema has always inspired Prada – evocative of complex storytelling, further narrative and deeper meanings. In an evolution of Prada’s heritage of campaigns featuring leading Hollywood actors, four new talents debut for Holiday 2021: Julia Garner (Ozark, The Assistant, Inventing Anna), Shira Haas (Unorthodox, Asia), Louis Partridge (Pistol, Enola Holmes) and Taylor Russell (Waves, Bones & All). They are captured in a winter’s scene as they quest across a frozen terrain – revealed as Los Angeles, fantastically engulfed in snow. Dressed in a collection designed for celebration, they move towards a joyous gathering – a definition of the holiday season.

Fusing together film and fashion, this short movie is based on an original story and script by cult screenwriter and director Mary Harron (American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page, Daliland), and is directed by Glen Luchford – a talent who has worked with Prada from the 1990s through to today. In a further crossover between creative realms, the campaign’s imagery is drawn from film stills – presented as bold cinematic panoramas, each captures an enigmatic moment.

Stories of voyages are constantly told through cinema’s rich history: here, they are brought to life with cutting-edge 21st-century technology. ‘A Midwinter’s Night Dream’ utilises the Volume, a virtual effects tool originally engineered for The Mandalorian – an immersive experience composed of a curved cocoon of glowing LED screens. The Volume is – like the story – transportive, recreating environments, inventing new realities.

Fashion and moviemaking unite in their wish to convey a story, one that brings people together in shared experiences. The Prada Holiday 2021 campaign is a celebration: of cinema, of fashion, of community, and of dreaming. You can watch the movie here.
And the new Prada winter collection is definitely a midwinter’s night dream.

LoL, Sandra

Credits: Photography and film: Glen Luchford Creative Direction: Ferdinando Verderi Talents: Julia Garner, Shira Haas, Louis Partridge, Taylor Russell

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its collaborative streak, this time partnering with Proenza Schouler for a capsule collection inspired by travel, the open road, and the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo. The products in this collection are crafted from high quality, sustainable materials, such as recycled eco cashmere and upcycled leather, and made using responsible manufacturing practices involving natural dying and tanning methods. The campaign features Laura Dern and her son Ellery Harper.

Inspired by the great American road trip, the collection is titled The Power of Two and plays with the recognizable Mercedes-Benz logo. Each of the pieces are responsibly made, designed to «be loved and last,» and is also designed to be gender-neutral.

The Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler apparel collection will be available from November 9, globally on Proenza Schouler’s website, as well as at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, London’s Selfridges, as well as at Mercedes-Benz’s brand space at Odeonsplatz in Munich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: #Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler

This is definitely the year of designer collaborations. I can barely keep track, haha! Versace partnered with Fendi for FENDACI, Gucci tapped both The North Face and Balenciaga, while Chloé teamed up with Fusalp for a collection of skiwear. Now comes another collaboration that might sell out immediately: Kim Jones and Kim Kardashian West have joined forces for FENDI x SKIMS.

A creative clash of two seemingly opposing visions, united by a shared appreciation for empowered femininity and modern luxury. The signature FENDI style codes and the revolutionary aesthetic of SKIMS come together in an exclusive limited-edition edit of ready to wear and accessories.

«The innovation in fabrics and fit typical to Skims paired with the luxury and quality of Fendi may feel unexpected to some people, but the similarities between our creative vision and goals are so closely aligned,» Kardashian West said in the original press release. «It’s that tension that excites me.»

This partnership makes complete sense and forgive me, father, for liking FENDI & SKIMS. Kim’s obsession for body-conscious silhouettes and Fendi’s iconic logo and elevated sportswear, this is a match made in marketing heaven.

Shop the collection at fendiskims.com from Monday, November 9 at 3pm CET and in FENDI boutiques worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.