Sandra‘s Closet

Durable, up-to-date and irresistibly stylish, new season denim gives a nod to the past and a sharp look into the future. High waisted or ripped and ragged like Saint Laurent or all patched up like Dsquared, pair your picks with Lucchese boots and a Pucci belt or a fringed leather bag by Antik Batik and a Michael Kors watch for just the right mix of uptown charm and new season western-style allure.

1 High-rise denim shorts by Saint Laurent
2 Destroyed cotton denim jeans by Saint Laurent
3 Pat super patch watch cotton denim jeans by Dsquared2
4 Lucchese Romia suede western boots by Lucchese
5 Embellished suede belt by Emilio Pucci
6 Bertil fringed suede drawstring bag by Antik Batik
7 Lexington rose gold-tone stainless steel chronograph watch by Michael Kors

LoL, Sandra

Mila’s wearing “Starlet”, Connor “Luke” and Jessica “Pedal Star”. But who are the actual stars here at the legendary Chateau Marmont? The jeans or the celebrities?

On August 16, the third annual original Closed jeans event returned to Chateau Marmont. Many stylists and stars dropped in to check out the current styles. The “Denim from Germany” has achieved cult status inside the Hollywood community.

Connor Cruise with me last February in New York

Guests included Tom Cruise’s son Connor Cruise, who shopped with enthusiasm for his upcoming European tour as a DJ. His favourite pair of jeans: a “Luke” in vibrant orange.

Mila Kunis bucked the trend in favour of a “Starlet” in grey paired with a blue-black silk blouse.

Jennifer Missoni was enchanting – the entire Denim Bar fell under the spell of this sweet, gorgeous apparition. And she refused to take off her new “Marlow” jeans.

Star stylist Brooke Dulien avidly shopped for jeans for Kristin Bell, Joy Bryant and Dex Shepard, the star cast of “Hit and Run”.

And of course no event would be complete without Closed spokesperson, socialite and author Jessica Joffe. Her all-time favourite: The “Pedal Star”.

One thing is for sure, at Closed, the jeans are the stars of the show.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Closed and © Sandra Bauknecht

Five years ago, Sue Giers, PR Director of Closed, had a spontaneous idea while vacationing in L.A.: Why not introduce Closed to the US ?

Together with a friend, American socialite Stephanie Salay, she considered organizing a “denim bar” in Los Angeles. Giers and Salay soon implemented their idea, put up a clothesline in a suite of the infamous Chateau Marmont, hung-up the different Closed highlight styles, and invited L.A.’s fashion community. Stylists, stars and starlets dropped all to discover the new brand from Germany. Perhaps it was precisely the unusual and the lack of perfection that the Americans liked so much… Or maybe they were impressed by the now more than 30-year history of the brand. The first denim bar was not just a success in L.A., but it also produced a lasting effect. Photos of celebrities wearing Closed have been published continuously since then

Brad Pitt wearing the Clifton Chinos.

Sarah Jessica Parker at the set of Sex and the City in a custom-made pair of Pedal Pusher.

For the second time the simple indoor clothesline was swapped for a showroom at the famous Margaret Maldonado Agency in Melrose Place. There was even a blog with all the “real time” news for those who could not come personally.

This summer for the third time the temporary store will go back to its origins and reside at the famous Chateau Marmont for two days, August 14th and 15th.
The ‘must have’ F/W 2012 Closed pieces will be presented to the L.A. fashion society during those days. These styles were selected from well-known US retailers such as Ron Herman, American Rag, Traffic, Fred Segal Trend, Elyse Walker, and Stacey Todd.

Follow Closed on Twitter or Facebook during the Denim-lounge at Chateau Marmont. The host Sue Giers will keep you updated.

Here is my personal craving from the Closed F/W 2012 collection.
To shop, please click on the highlights product description below.

Denim jacket with leather sleeves

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Closed

Yesterday, I came across these photos and loved the idea! Search for an old pair of bell-bottom jeans in your closet and cut them open at the hem. Aren’t those slits divine? Ready for a shoe show? Those sparkling Chanel pumps are so glamourous!

Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Man Repeller

Working in fashion can be quite contradictory. While I am telling you all about the upcoming Christmas treats, special holiday collections and beauty must-haves during the next weeks, I am already exploring the S/S 2012 showrooms, like yesterday evening at Replay.

Needless to say, there was a lot of denim and an iconic mix and match of fabrics and patterns. Very bohemian with a lot of floral embroideries and prints plus a nice array of vibrant colours with green, orange and blue leading the way.

The sweetest thing was the give-away bag (see photo below)…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For 2011’s Cannes International Film Festival, Only The Brave Foundation and Le Baron have invited celebrities (Jude Law, Kirsten Dunst an many more) to sign a Diesel Black Gold denim, during their fabulous nights at Le Baron Piano Bar.

This denim is now sold by auction on ebay until 22nd September : all profits will be donated to the Only The Brave Foundation, that supports and develops a variety of innovative development projects in Africa.

Many celebrities attended last week’s S/S 2012 runway presentation in New York City, among them Gerard Butler with his date Petra Nemcova and the Roitfeld girls.

“It’s time to reflect.” This was written on the program at the Diesel Black Gold S/S 2012 show. There were dangling mirrors hanging down, perfectly reflecting the light and preparing the audience for a show full of metallics. I am in love with those shiny materials. As this is already a huge trend for F/W 2011, I am glad to see that this is going to stay for a while.
Let the light of Diesel Black Gold shine on me…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel Black Gold

Today’s look has a little surprise. Let’s see if you spot it.

Printed T-Shirt by Irmasworld – Jeans by Fè-Sonho Segredo Bahia– Python Palais Pumps by Yves Saint Laurent – Baroque Sunglasses and Striped Sombrero by Prada – Neon Clutch by Christopher Kane – Bangles (Souvenir from Dubai).

Let me tell you more about the Art Print Irma Tee: Irma is an internationally known fashion illustration that has fans around the world. In Japan, she graces many covers and her success is unbelievable. There is a real Irma hype. So it is no wonder that ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross to benefit Japanese relief projects. Sometimes I see myself in the lovely figurine that is drawn by a friend of mine.

© irmasworld.com

The jeans by the new brand Fè-Sonho Segredo Bahia were a gift of LuisaVia Roma (Thank you!) and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first tried them on. Here is the surprise: They have butt padding. First I couldn’t think of someone who would like to have a bigger bottom, but the position of the „outer implants“ is above so that it creates a nice apple shape. I mean those jeans come from Brazil  and this is the home of the perfect silhouette!

What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One day to go, royal bride to be, Kate Middleton, shows how a modern princess looks like with no tiara required. Royally adorable, she was seen out and about London wearing a pair of Diesel Ronhoir 88OZ and 08W7 jeans. Both times, she tucked in a blouse and finished off her look with sandals.
Kate is definitely not a fashion addict; she is a classy woman that found her style with confidence. Simple, never showy or exaggerated, what else could the Buckingham Palace wish for?!

LoL, Sandra