Sandra‘s Closet

Not sure what to do over the weekend. Here is an idea. Start watching the new Netflix series «EMILY IN PARIS» that launched last Friday. I swear, you will be daydreaming about living in France, eating chocolate croissants, and falling in love. I have become immediately addicted. Thank God, my fiancé is half Parisian, haha. I know the reviews are not the best, ranking from «too cliche» to «embarrassing series, completely wrong image of Paris», but honestly I am absolutely loving it!

Left: Lily Collins Emily in Paris – Right: Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City

No other than Darren Star, who was also in charge of our favorites such as «Beverly Hills, 90210» (1990–2000), «Melrose Place» (1992–1999), and «Sex and the City» (1998–2004) created this American comedy-drama web television series. It stars Lily Collins as the titular character, Emily, an American woman moving to Paris for a job opportunity and better life. There she struggles to succeed in the workplace while searching for love and experiencing culture clash wth her «boring» Midwestern upbringing.

«You look American. Are you from Indiana?» asks Mindy (Ashley Park, right), when she first meets Emily, who has lunch alone in the park, wearing a fabulous Ganni silk top and dress, a Rag & Bone belt , combined with a Patricia Field Canary Bag.

Personally speaking, I have so many reminiscences with Emily. I used lived in Chicago, where she is from, and my first job experience was also in Paris. I worked at Sonia Rykiel at their ready-to-wear design department where I also experienced some funny moments and cultural clashes.

On her first day at the office in Paris, Emily wears an Alice + Olivia Eiffel Tower shirt, a Re/Done crop top,  snakeskin-print Ronny Kobo miniskirt, an Aldo bag and Christian Louboutin Gorgona booties, emblazoned with «Paris» and airmail stickers.

Emily in a green CHANEL (her favorite French brand) jacket from the Cruise 2020 collection combined with a checked Kangol hat.

The best about «EMILY IN PARIS» are the costumes. Behind them is my favorite stylist, Patricia Field, who became famous for her work at the set of «Sex and the City». We owe all those iconic Carrie Bradshaw fashion moments to her. Emily is like the Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, with a wardrobe you wish you had yourself, and a growing Insta account you’d love to emulate.

An homage to Audrey Hepburn: Emily in a Christian Siriano dress, vintage fur and purse, La Compagnie du Costume jewellery and Cosmoparis shoes.

Don’t blame me, if you won’t leave your apartment this weekend and will be binge-watching all 10 episodes. And here are some Instagram accounts, you might one to follow after to get the details of the looks: @emilyinparis, and @emilyinparisfashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

Beyoncé wore Mary Katrantzou for the single «Water» featuring Pharrell Williams and Salatiel, in her latest visual album «Black is King», styled by Zerina Akers.

The piece was inspired by electric lightning storms and the painterly colours in the sky after rain. A mix between sunrise and sunset.

The dress is a tech-organza base, selected for its high iridescence and intense shine, printed with a multicolour «rave cloud» which has merging colours of fuchsia, peach, citrus, ocean blue and sea green.

Hundreds of laser-cut oyster ruffles are then tulle bound by hand in correlating colours, amounting to around 500 meters. These are hand tucked into place to create the perfect form of sculpted ruffles. The ruffles are print placed to make the dress bleed from colour to colour across the body.

The embroidery consists of stacked micro sequins and crystal, built up in a 3D style which give them an ombré effect. This is accompanied by thousands of singular ostrich feathers, which are hand dyed in ombré colours, grading to up to three colours in each strand. They are then matched to correlate with the perfect place in the print, to mimic the soft drift of clouds after a storm. The embroidery was partly done in India, with finishing touches by our London atelier, amounting to 7 days of embroidery work on the dress.

Beyonce wore the finale look from the F/W 2019 collection, draped around her shoulders. Also looks 34 & 35 were featured in the same video.

For bespoke enquiries please contact .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou

I am so proud to share with you today’s news which I have exclusively for Switzerland. Meet your new must-have: the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag, Louis Vuitton’s latest embodiment of effortless Parisian chic and a new symbol of its ongoing commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for both everyday and special occasions, this new design takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf, the oldest and most celebrated bridge that sits opposite Louis Vuitton’s headquarters in Paris. It also marks the first release of the House’s new LV Pont 9 leather line.

The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the exclusive Louis Vuitton Circle, a 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and used on both the bag’s flap – as a closure – and strap. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. A careful attention to detail is revealed in both the bag’s gusseted construction that adds both structure and extra space, in addition to subtle «hidden« features such as the novel Monogram flower-inspired magnetic closure.

The LV Pont 9 bag is available in a diverse range of striking colours. Alongside the understated and elegant Noir and delicate Crème is a palette of more vibrant tones: deep sunset-like Summer Gold; feminine and vibrant Rose Dahlia; and soft and dreamy Bleu Orage.
Contemporary, yet instantly classic, and superbly crafted, the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag is an enchanting addition to Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of innovative leather goods.

The LV Pont 9 shoulder bag launches today in Louis Vuitton stores around the world in Black, Crème and Summer Gold. And on June 26th in Blue and Pink.
Price: CHF 3’400.-

Below you will find some photos about the amazing craftsmanship that goes into each of these beautiful LV Pont 9 bags. A new classic just born.

The new must-have bag has been spotted at many celebrities around the world.
I will pick up mine today… which colour do you think I got?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, please enjoy today’s detailed post about Déesse Pro, the original market leading LED phototherapy mask that is available at Sonja Frey Soni Cares. I know that this Hannibal Lecter-esque light-up mask looks quite funny, definitely very instagrammable. However, Alessandro Michele showed similar shapes (only as accessories) on the runway for this Gucci F/W 2019 collection so it seems to be quite fashionable.

No joking, here are the hard facts why I have become such a big fan. Light therapy provides a safe, pain-free way to achieve naturally vibrant and clearer skin. I have been using this tool for over four weeks and am truly impressed about its results. My complexion looked already brighter, tighter and smoother from the very first 10-minute use.

How does it work? The device uses low-level light therapy (LLLT) by way of medical-grade, surface-mounted, light emitting diodes (LEDs) in 4 variations to expose the skin to clinically proven 4 wavelengths of light, delivered at safe, therapeutic doses. These clinically proven treatments rejuvenate skin and improve the most problematic skin conditions.

Stars such as Kim Kardashian, Kate Perry, Madonna and US celebrity facialist Shani Darden already swear by it. Interesting to know is that NASA originally developed it for plant growth experiments on shuttle missions and later found it to have promise for wound treatment.

CHOICE OF 6 TREATMENT MODES

ANTI-AGEING – Red Light (630nm)
• Increases the production of collagen and elastin
• Help reduces fine lines
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Increases the skins natural hydration
• Stimulates circulation and lymphatics
• Revitalise the complexion
• Restores the skin radiance

PURIFYING – Blue Light (415nm)
• Improves skin clarity
• Blemish fighting action without irritation
• Helps regulate natural oil production
• Helps spot prone skin

BRIGHTENING – Green Light (520nm)
• Reduces the production of melanin
• Lightens and reduces existing pigmentation
• Improves the skin complexion
• Neutralises, balances and calms skin

POST PROCEDURE – Near Infrared Light (830nm)
• Boosts metabolism as more ATP produced
• Rejuvenates the skin
• Promotes circulation
• Promotes scar healing
• Improves loose, sagging skin
• Increases skin elasticity five-fold
• Reduces collagen loss
plus Red Light (630nm) plus Blue Light (415nm)

CALMING – Green Light (520nm) plus Blue Light (415nm)

ANTI-AGEING EXPRESS – Red Light (630nm)

This intensive treatment replicates salon-like facials from the comfort of your own home. You can choose for example between 10, 20 or 30 minute treatment sessions, between manual and pre-programmed options. A light protection for the eyes is delivered with the mask.

What else could you wish for while being in quarantine? Make time for yourself to practice self-care. Mood-boosting moments that offer some respite during these difficult time. During the past weeks, applying the phototherapy mask has become a fantastic and addictive ritual for me. While I am doing the treatment, I listen to meditation podcasts or sound baths to soothe my mind. I totally recommend taking part in Jasmine Hemsley’s Instagram Live sound baths every Saturday evening (@jasminehemsley). This time for myself has had such a positive effect on both my mind and my body, let alone how much my skin improved.

You will be amazed how many more positive effects this tool can give you. Please enjoy this little interview with Sonja Frey, who carries the mask in her online shop.

Light therapy is said to treat all sorts of skin conditions but it can even help with depression or sleep disorders. Could the Déesse PRO LED Mask help with this as well?
Yes, LED Light therapy of any kind is known to improve depression and sleep disorders as it improves the serotonin.

Can I use the mask also in other parts of my body such as the stomach or the knees for example for rejuvenation of the skin or to treat allergies?
Yes, the mask can be used on the body to treat other conditions i.e Acne on the back or Psoriasis on the legs etc (however, we wouldn’t recommend using Near Infrared – the lightening bolt button of the Mask – on these skin conditions).

 Can I use the mask also in combination with a facial mask under it?
The mask producer itself would always recommend to use the mask on a clean dry skin to maximise light absorption. A facial mask could be used pre or post treatment to maximise the outcome.
A lot of facial therapist do put a facial product first and then put on the mask.

What happens if the LEDs don’t work anymore, can I exchange them?
LEDs are not like normal bulbs, they do not have a«‚lifespan», it is rare for LED to just stop working. Also, the mask has a 1 year warranty from the date of original purchase.

Can I burn myself with this mask? Are there any side effects?
No, it is not possible to burn yourself with the mask, as you aren’t using UV rays. LED light therapy doesn’t cause burns compared to other anti-aging treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy. It may be safe for all skin colors and types as LEDs are visible light rays and there are no known side effects.

If I use the green light, can I still get a tan?
The green light does not effect tanning. Even if you have a tan already, it won’t fade away and you will still be able to tan after using it. LEDs are not used as a source of tanning, because they do not emit UV rays. However the green light will calm your melanocyte activity and break down existing melanin clusters to improve hyperpigmentation.

What is your favorite treatment mode and why?
My favorites are Mode 1 for anti-ageing and collagen boost and Mode 2 for purifying depending on my personal needs. I usually combine Mode 1 with any other procedure to get the full spectrum, from  accelerating tissue repair to reducing inflammation or pore shrinking.

Do I need the light protection for the eyes? Or can I just leave my eyes closed?
I would always recommend protecting your eyes as a precaution either with the goggles provided or damp cotton rounds. Please ensure that you keep your eyes closed at all times.

The treatments come in two intensities. For whom is the higher intensity recommended?  In case I don’t have enough time, can I get the same results with a high intensity treatment of 15 minutes than with a low intensity treatment of 30 minutes?
The intensity mode refers to near infrared, which acts as a boost for your cell energy as it is optimizing the skin. It also has great healing powers as it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to minimize skin aging. NIR does increase the heat in the skin, therefore for a sensitive skin keep the intensity on low. I would always recommend using the mask for a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30 Minutes, at least 2 times a week.

You will have to see for yourself how amazing the effects of light therapy are. This mask will help you find your inner peace through relaxation while boosting your complexion and providing you with beautiful, young-looking skin at the same time.

YOU CAN SHOP THE DÉESSE PRO PHOTOTHERAPY MASK AT SONJA FREY HERE.

LoL Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Déesse Pro and Sonja Frey Soni Cares
© Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: When you make a purchase, I am not receiving a commission. I am just a big fan of the product!

Over the last three years, Christian Louboutin has created the Africaba, the Mexicaba and the Manilacaba, all bags inspired by and created with people from the places they were named after. Continuing his pursuit to find the best artisans from all across the globe, he has created the PORTUGABA as a tribute to Portugal that immediately has become a favorite among celebrities.

 Amber Heard, Cindy Bruna, Monica Bellucci and Nieves Alvarez all carry the Portugaba.

Launched last year, this new version of the tote is highlighting the Portuguese craftsmanship and their meticulous savoir-faire for precious details. Handmade, crafted in white or black canvas, it features woolen fringes, multicolored embroidery, traditional ceramic beads and a CL coat of arms.

All is inspired by traditional costumes and typical Portuguese arts, and all is laid out on the wide U-shape. Practical and functional, its removable shoulder strap allows shoulder wear or, with its two handles, carried by hand.

The model is lined with a linen canvas inspired by azulejos reminiscent of Portuguese ceramic tiles. The handles for carrying are embellished with signature spikes and it also has a removable shoulder strap.

The beautiful colors always put me in a good mood. I loved to carry it to my pilates class (post coming up soon…) and hopefully will be able to sport it this summer at the beach.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE PORTUGABA BAG IN WHITE or HERE IN BLACK.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Twenty years ago, a green jungle print gown by Versace broke the internet, and Google Images was born. It was February 2000 when Jennifer Lopez wore the iconic dress, designed by Donatella Versace, to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony.

The sheer fabric was printed with a tropical leaf and bamboo pattern, and cut with a very low neckline that extended well past Lopez’s navel, while the waist of the dress was studded with citrines. Seemingly overnight it became a fashion legend, as well as the most popular search query Google had seen at the time. It was often described as a turning point in designer Donatella Versace’s career after the death of her brother, Gianni Versace.

But back in 2000, search results were still just a list of blue links. When the search team realized they weren’t able to directly surface the results that people wanted – a picture of the American recording artist and actress in the dress – they were inspired to create Google Images.

Left: Crystal-embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo wearing the original design in 2000 to the Grammys

Before it became famous on the red carpet of the Grammy Awards, the dress was presented on the catwalk by model Amber Valletta, and was also featured in Versace’s main advertising campaign that year; Steven Meisel also photographed it on Valletta.

Left: Cutout embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo with Donatella Versace on the S/S 2020 runway last fall

Two decades later, Donatella Versace showed off a new, revamped green gown in the print for her S/S 2020 collection, and a magic moment in fashion history took place when J. Lo modeled it as the final look of the runway presentation last fall. And is it only me? But I think that J. Lo looks even better than 20 years ago! Just wow!!!

Great news is that you can make these pieces of fashion history your own as both versions are available this season. TO SHOP BOTH VERSACE GOWNS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Can you guess which one I went for? I hope this quarantine will be over soon and I get to wear it to a special occasion…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace, Net-à-Porter and Google
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Last night, the awards season officially closed with the 2020 Oscars. The biggest ceremony of the year, now in its 92nd year, was once again being held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Renée Zellweger in Armani Privé

Some of our favorite A-list nominees were all in attendance, in the hopes of taking home one of the industry’s highest honors: that iconic golden trophy. Renée Zellweger (Judy) in Armani Privé and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) in the Stella McCartney suit he’s been wearing all season long, won the best actor categories this year.

Joaquin Phoenix in Stella McCartney

Phoenix was not alone showing his environmentalism. The entertainment industry’s push for a more sustainable awards season has made its way to the Oscars red carpet. Vintage dresses made an appearance, following past award show mandates this month, such as the BAFTAs, that have enforced a more eco-conscious dress code.

Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

Saoirse Ronan recycled part of her BAFTA’s Gucci dress for the 92nd Academy Awards red carpet.

Elizabeth Banks in Badgley Mischka

Pitch Perfect star Elizabeth Banks wore the same fire-red dress by Badgley Mischka that she had worn at the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She just had removed the jewelry straps in the back.

Kaitlyn Dever in Louis Vuitton

Kaitlyn Dever supported the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative in a custom red Louis Vuitton gown made with ethically sourced and sustainable materials.

Jane Fonda in Elie Saab

Jane Fonda repeated her Cannes Film Festival 2014 outfit at the Oscars 2020 and she has a solid reason to do so. Dressed in an Elie Saab F/W 2013 Haute Couture gown, Jane, ethereal as ever, presented the Best Picture Oscar on stage at the Dolby Theatre. She also carried a red coat that has a deeper meaning behind. In 2019, Fonda, who had been a lifelong activist, had been arrested five times in Washington, D.C. for civil disobedience during her climate action campaign. While addressing the crowd, Jane had said that she will refrain from buying new clothes henceforth. This is why she repeated not just her Cannes outfit at the Oscars but the coat as well. «You see this coat? I needed something red and I went out and found this coat on sale. This is the last article of clothing that I will ever buy,» Jane had said on November 1.

And there was another strong message, Jane Fonda sent down the aisle this award season. When the 82-year old stepped onstage, there was something different about her: Instead of the Hollywood legend’s natural brunette, or the sandy blonde hair colour, her new pixie cut was a beautiful shade of silver. Fair or not, gray hair is not considered an option in La La Land. Going against certain beauty norms in regard to aging in Hollywood, this move is fitting considering the actress is as radical as ever.

Natalie Portman in Dior

Natalie Portman made another important statement about the state of Hollywood, that was stitched into her beautiful cloak. The actress stepped onto the red carpet in a Maria Grazia Chiuri designed embroidered Dior gown and matching cape that paid tribute to cinema’s female creators who weren’t nominated, such as Lorene Scafaria, Greta Gerwig, and Lulu Wang.

The craftsmanship of Portman’s Haute Couture gown is breathtaking. Have a look at the behind the scene photos below… investing in a beautiful piece of clothing and keeping it is a message I have tried to convey since ever. Sustainability was the one theme that ran throughout the Oscars while there was no shortage of glamour.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior, via Vogue/Getty

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira dazzled audiences during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show wearing bespoke Swarovski crystal outfits by fashion designers Versace and Peter Dundas.
Two of the world’s biggest musical icons, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, took to the famous Super Bowl stage at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for a unique performance elevated with bespoke Swarovski-crystallized looks.

Shakira opened the show in a sparkling three-piece set with fringe details featuring fiery red Swarovski crystals, created by Norwegian designer Dundas, with boots crystallized by The Dan Life. Over 123,000 crystals in three shades of red were incorporated into the look and applied by hand, while 70,000 jet hematite Swarovski crystals encrusted Shakira’s Gibson guitar to add a glamorous rock ‘n’ roll feel to the show.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance during Shakira’s set, wearing a Swarovski crystal outfit by Berlin-based designers Last Heirs featuring the artist’s iconic third eye logo.

Jennifer Lopez lit up the Hard Rock stadium in two bespoke Versace looks embellished with over 75,000 Swarovski crystals. The singer’s 11-year old daughter Emme was also one of the 60 young girls who joined Lopez on stage wearing outfits with Swarovski crystal.

The dazzling duo closed the show with Lopez in Versace’s Swarovski crystal-encrusted costume and the Columbian star wearing a gold crystal embellished two-piece set and matching bomber jacket designed by Dundas along with Swarovski-covered Adidas Superstar trainers.

Jennifer Lopez’s stylist and long-time collaborator of Swarovski, Rob Zangardi commented: «Swarovski has always been top of mind for any Jennifer Lopez performance. For this year’s Super Bowl, we are extremely excited to collaborate once again.»

Shakira’s stylist Nicolas Bru, who enlisted Swarovski to add the sparkling touch, commented: «Shakira embodies the word ‘superstar’ so Swarovski crystals were an obvious choice. The crystals are the perfect balance between sophistication and playfulness, just like Shakira».

With a long history dressing the world’s most legendary musical talents, Swarovski has recently added trademark crystal embellishment to costumes for Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party Tour, the Spice Girls’ Spice World’s Tour and Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour.

Please have a look at the video below to enjoy the show of the two Latinas. I watched it now many times, it just puts me in an amazing mood…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Swarovski

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Fashion is a novel. And the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2020 collection embarks on a narrative journey where the garments tell their own tales.
These characters from our wardrobe set the scene for our days, our moods, our lives. This meeting of periods, stylistic movements and anachronistic combinations brings to life a rich cast of costumes.

In such a ‘wearable library’, each outfit writes its own chapter made up of romantic monologues. Peculiar dialogues between stylistic rebellion and fine crafts- manship. An account of sportswear’s encounter with tailoring. Taking the cultural references even further, Louis Vuitton has adorned one of the collection’s t-shirts with the original cover from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 cult science-fiction novel The Exorcist.

To illustrate this collection – a term that works just as well with fashion as it does with literature or on the big screen – the House’s muses proudly take to book covers or film posters as protagonists, fitting perfectly into Louis Vuitton’s history and brilliantly embracing the role of adventurer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

The fashion world can be unpredictable – no one ever really knows if something will go viral or not. It has to be the right moment, the right look, and probably the right photo. Katie Holmes‘s Khaite cashmere cardigan and bra set went viral for a reason in 2019. It looked so cool bringing on shoulders and a lot of décolletage.

Scarlet Oversized Puff-Sleeve Cashmere Cardigan

Eda Cashmere Bralette

Since launching in 2016, New York label Khaite has established itself as a favorite with industry insiders looking for polished staples that transcend trends. Now, you can pre-order this Insta-famous set from the label’s Pre-fall 2020 collection. Just click on the highlighted text above to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Khaite / Getty