Sandra‘s Closet

“We wanted to really tell the story of the brand and of us.“
– HUMBERTO LEON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, KENZO

Hello from NYC where I am for the launch event of Kenzo x H&M and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I truly love what I have seen so far and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC
2015 H&M x Balmain in NYC

A little surprise waiting in my room…

This time, I am staying at The Roxy Hotel Tribeca which is the partner hotel of the iconic Soho Grand that opened in September 2015. Walking into the lobby, the space feels a bit more like a movie theater than a typical hotel lobby, with brick walls and a huge restaurant setting the tone.

The entrance of The Roxy Hotel Tribeca…

I am on the top floor and have a beautiful view over the neighborhood. So far, I am very happy and will be heading out now to enjoy the beautiful and sunny weather…

My view

Inside the hotel…

My room…

Another part of my view…

With Carol Lim, Creative Director Kenzo, backstage at her first Opening Ceremony show in 2013.

Now, I am about to leave my hotel for the interview with Carol Lim, Humberto Leon of Kenzo and Ann-Sofie Johansson of H&M. Enjoy some of my first impressions and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates! The show will be taking place on Wednesday evening at 7.45pm local time.

Below you can see some of my personal must-haves of the collection that will hit the stores on November 3, 2016.! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

Albert Kriemler, who was awarded this week by the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT with its award for Artistry in Fashion, is one of the designers who has been impressing me with the creative background of his designs since many seasons. He is taking the term «inspiration» to the next level. For the first time, the Swiss designer showed in NYC at Lever House. The collection, which is one of his best ones, is dedicated to the work of New York artist Carmen Herrera.

Carmen Herrera (b. 1915), Blanco y Verde, 1959. Acrylic on canvas, two panels: 68 1/8 × 60 1/2 in. (173 × 153.7 cm) overall. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Painting and Sculpture Committee 2014.63 © Carmen Herrera; courtesy Lisson Gallery, London

Albert Kriemler’s sketch for his first look.

The first look of the Akris S/S 2017 collection has obviously been inspired by Carmen Herrera’s work «Blanco y Verde».

“On my first visit to the new Whitney Museum in New York, in June 2015, I saw a painting I could not take 
my eyes off. It was „Blanco y Verde “, from 1959, an off-white plane with a green arrow-shaped triangle, by Carmen Herrera, born in 1915 and living in New York. Her sense of color and proportion,
a blend of euphoria and perfect order, stunned me.” – Albert Kriemler

Albert Kriemler at the finale of his S/S 2017 show.

“The starting point in my creative thinking is pure intuition. It started with „Blanco y Verde “. It is a process of choosing from a multitude of options the one that blends emotion and purpose perfectly. I set out to translate her abstract, geometric lines which captured my mind and heart into a woman’s body language expressed in a relaxed and refined wardrobe.” – Albert Kriemler

„To Albert, My best wishes for a great success, Carmen Herrera, May 31st, 2016“ (her 101st birthday).

“On her 101st birthday, I met Carmen Herrera in her studio and we spoke about our work. I received her approval to design my next collection with the inspiration of her exceptional paintings.” – Albert Kriemler

Albert Kriemler seems to have truly a nose for trends. On September 16, 2016, Carmen Herrera‘s solo exhibition «Lines of Sight» opens at the Whitney Museum. It is her first museum exhibition in New York City in nearly two decades and it will close on January 2, 2017. Find out more about the amazing artist and the upcoming show here.

Below you can enjoy some of my favourite looks of the show!

LoL, Sandra

Carmen Herrera (b. 1915), Iberic, 1949. Acrylic on canvas on board, diameter: 40 in. (101.6 cm). Courtesy the artist and Lisson Gallery © Carmen Herrera

Photos: Courtesy of the Whitney Museum and © Akris

WELCOME TO NOW
It’s a new era at Tommy Hilfiger.
We’re breaking the old-school rules of the runway and giving instant access to our Fall
2016 Hilfiger Collection and the new TOMMYXGIGI capsule. These are our greatest
hits, remixed and restyled for the digital age and shoppable the moment the lights go up.
We look to the classic codes of our 30-year arsenal––nautical, sport, rock-n-roll,
Americana––and give everything a modern day swagger. We’ve played with proportions
and fabrics, making signature details pop. It’s nautical meets street; inspired by Gigi
Hadid and designed to be worn as you like it.
This is the show I’ve always wanted to present. A true democratization of fashion, so
get on board––this is #TommyNow. – Tommy Hilfiger

Such as Tom Ford, who presented his first-ever in season fashion show for F/W 2016 this week in NYC, Tommy Hilfiger is living the «now» moment with #TOMMYNOW. As I told you earlier this week, «see now, buy now» is in full effect and digital becomes more important than ever.

And Hilfiger, the «American Dreamer», has set the bar high for any future fashion events with a set design that was truly outstanding including a 40-foot ferris wheel, a public carnival, food, games and of course his new muse Gigi Hadid that has launched her capsule collection with the brand simultaneously. Tommy Hilfiger’s runway shows had always been amazing but this one was absolutely special. The show was live-streamed and immediately shoppable on Tommy.com. In addition, all Tommy Hilfiger retailers and locations across the globe have now everything available for purchase.

Explore the collection that offers everything Tommy Hilfiger stands for, the famous «classic American cool» style and the amazing set design below.

TO SHOP THE #TOMMYNOW RUNWAY COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLECTION ALSO ON MYTHERESA.COM.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 -Gigi Hadid

Look 10 – Sara Sampaio

Look 20  – Frederrike Falbe-Hansen

Look 23 – Hailey Baldwin

Look 32 – Fei Fei Sun

Look 33 –  Paulina Frankowska

Look 36 (final look) – Gigi Hadid

Famous front row: Taylor Swift

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

New York Fashion Week has officially started with the presentations of the S/S 2017 shows but one man is swimming against the tide. It is no other than Tom Ford who has chosen to prioritize consumers with a “see now, buy now” format this season, meaning he sent his F/W 2016 collection down the runway that is now available online and in stores immediately – (you can shop it now at mytheresa.com and net-à-porter.com for example).

 “WE HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH A FASHION CALENDAR AND SYSTEM THAT IS FROM ANOTHER ERA. OUR CUSTOMERS TODAY WANT A COLLECTION THAT IS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. FASHION SHOWS AND THE TRADITIONAL FASHION CALENDAR, AS WE KNOW THEM, NO LONGER WORK IN THE WAY THAT THEY ONCE DID. WE SPEND AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY AND ENERGY TO STAGE AN EVENT THAT CREATES EXCITEMENT TOO FAR IN ADVANCE OF WHEN THE COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER. SHOWING THE COLLECTION AS IT ARRIVES IN STORES WILL REMEDY THIS, AND ALLOW THE EXCITEMENT THAT IS CREATED BY A SHOW OR EVENT TO DRIVE SALES AND SATISFY OUR CUSTOMERS’ INCREASING DESIRE TO HAVE THEIR CLOTHES AS THEY ARE READY TO WEAR THEM.” – Tom Ford

I find it a very interesting approach especially as I am coming from a print media background. It will be very tough for the magazines to work ahead of time. Digital will become even stronger than it already is which I truly enjoy. Below you can shop my four favorite looks from last night directly. Have fun!

And by the way Tom Ford is not the only one. A wave of designers showing in-season will follow in the days to come, Thakoon, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and others, among them.

To a new era in all ways…

LoL, Sandra

Get Look 13: Herringbone wool and cashmere-blend tweed top, gold-plated necklace with leather, sequined pencil skirt and leather over-the-knee boots.

Get Look 22: Printed crepe dress, leather over-the-knee boots and leather waist belt.

Get Look 48: Embellished velvet gown and velvet-trimmed leather sandals.

Get Look 51: Sequined silk gown and patent-leather and velvet sandals.

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Life in plastic — it’s fantastic! British accessories designer Charlotte Olympia, known for her fun patterns and cheeky designs, brings our childhood dreams to life with this pink-tastic collection of clutches and shoes in collaboration with Barbie®.

Personally speaking, the greatest Barbie® collaboration ever!

LoL, Sandra

Vanina textured-leather box clutch

Pomeline patent-leather and mesh sandals

Barbie Girl platform sandals

Barbie World Perspex box clutch

Kitty embroidered leopard-print velvet slippers

Collection doll

Photos: Courtesy of Mattel and Charlotte Olympia

The first ever designer colouring book, perfect for fashion and colouring fans alike. From inspiration to reality, Matthew has selected from his collection of iconic prints and shares the inspiration, research sketches, and behind-the-scenes creation. Follow the journey of his idea, and then colour and create your own version with exclusive versions of Matthew Williamson prints for you to colour yourself.

Prints include the Butterfly Wheel, Peacock Heart and Pineapple Paisley. Matthew is signing the first 100 copies of the book for customers of our online boutique.

Matthew Williamson with me

If you get a chance, check out also Matthew’s first range of gift cards, notebooks and journals using prints from the brand’s 20-year history. To shop, click here please.

Such beautiful notebooks.

I love the wrapping papers. Pictured here the Peacock Heart print.

With Matthew Williamson in his London shop that has the most beautiful interior design.

You can shop the brand’s wallpapers that transform every room into something magical.

From wallpapers to dresses – discover the new fashion collections from Matthew Williamson by clicking HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Matthew Williamson and © Sandra Bauknecht

“What amuses me while drawing is the fact to draw,” added Karl Lagerfeld. “To me, drawing is like breathing and writing. These are things that almost relax me.”

Yesterday, KARL LAGERFELD and Faber-Castell have announced their amazing collaboration, the KARLBOX, a limited-edition collection of high-end drawing tools and artists’ supplies.

 Only 2,500 of the KARLBOX have been made and are exclusively available at Faber-Castell stores, KARL LAGERFELD boutiques worldwide and Harrods in London from now.
In select department stores and specialty stores from September 19, 2016.

Anchored in simple elegance, the KARLBOX comes in a sleek black box that has been designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Produced with exemplary craftsmanship, its wooden frame resembles a Chinese wedding cabinet. Inside, the individual drawers are removable in order to set them up for creative work. Every one-of-a-kind box has a serial number and certificate of authenticity, making each completely unique and unmistakeable.

The KARLBOX collection features a varied selection of premium artists’ tools including ALBRECHT DÜRER and POLYCHROMOS colour pencils, highly pigmented PITT Artist ink pens, Castell 9000 graphite pencils and PITT crayons and -pastels, watercolour brushes and accessories like a foldable water cup, an eraser and sharpeners. Crafted with the highest degree of quality, shades are sorted by primary and secondary colours, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant and intense pigmentations. Karl Lagerfeld’s own favourite product line is the ALBRECHT DÜRER artist range of watersoluble color pencils, and all 120 shades are included in the KARLBOX.

“Since I was a child in Germany, Faber-Castell has been the most famous brand, known for its especially good quality,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “That reputation remains just as true today, particularly for artist pencils.”

Over the course of his illustrious career, the designer has used Faber-Castell products to create countless works of art. From fashion and design to writing and penmanship, Karl Lagerfeld most often turns to pen and paper to bring his ideas to life, with each brush of a pencil or pastel expressing a new vision from within his creative mind.

I wished I had one at home…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Karl Lagerfeld / Faber-Castell

Long-running rumors in the industry have been finally confirmed today: RAF SIMONS has been formally appointed as Chief Creative Officer at Calvin Klein, filling the vacant position left by Francisco Costa in April. It is said that the American brand and Simons have been unable to make any announcement due to the year-long non-compete clause in Simons’s Christian Dior contract that came to an end last month.

Iconic minimalism:
Bara tulle-paneled stretch-crepe dress by Calvin Klein Collection

Mr. Simons will lead the creative strategy of the Calvin Klein brand globally across the Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Platinum, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Home brands. As part of his role as Chief Creative Officer, Mr. Simons will oversee all aspects of design, global marketing and communications, and visual creative services. Mr. Simons’ first collections will debut for the F/W 2017 season.

The famous underwear:
Modern Cotton stretch cotton-blend soft-cup bra by Calvin Klein Underwear

Raf Simons with me

The appointment of Mr. Simons as Chief Creative Officer marks the implementation of Calvin Klein’s new global creative strategy, announced in April 2016, to unify all Calvin Klein brands under one creative vision. The strategy comes as part of a global evolution of the Calvin Klein brand, which began with the reacquisition of the Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear businesses in 2013. As Calvin Klein looks to grow the brand to $10 billion in global retail sales, this new leadership is intended to further strengthen the brand’s premium positioning worldwide and pave the way for future long-term global growth.

Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc.

“The arrival of Raf Simons as Chief Creative Officer signifies a momentous new chapter for Calvin Klein,” said Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Not since Mr. Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact on its future. Raf’s exceptional contributions have shaped and modernized fashion as we see it today and, under his direction, Calvin Klein will further solidify its position as a leading global lifestyle brand.”

Raf Simons & his right hand Pieter Mulier in Dior and I (Courtesy of Dior)

As part of the creative strategy for the apparel and accessories business, Calvin Klein also announced the hire of Pieter Mulier as Creative Director, reporting directly to Mr. Simons. Mr. Mulier will be responsible for executing Mr. Simons’ creative and design vision for men’s and women’s ready to wear, as well as the bridge and better apparel lines and accessories. He will also manage all men’s and women’s design teams within the Calvin Klein brand, under Mr. Simons’ leadership.

Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], is one of the leading fashion design and marketing studios in the world. It designs and markets women’s and men’s designer collection apparel and a range of other products that are manufactured and marketed through an extensive network of licensing agreements and other arrangements worldwide. Product lines under the various Calvin Klein brands include women’s dresses and suits, men’s dress furnishings and tailored clothing, men’s and women’s sportswear and bridge and collection apparel, golf apparel, jeanswear, underwear, fragrances, eyewear, women’s performance apparel, hosiery, socks, footwear, swimwear, jewelry, watches, outerwear, handbags, small leather goods, and home furnishings (including furniture).

With a heritage going back over 130 years, PVH Corp. has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world, having over 30,000 associates operating in over 40 countries with over $8 billion in 2015 revenues. Among the brands are Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo, Warner’s and more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Calvin Klein and © Sandra Bauknecht

In the end of last week, it was announced that Maria Grazia Chiuri had left Valentino, where she was co-creative director with partner Pierpaolo Piccioli. One day later, we knew where she would head to. It is quite breaking news: she will be the new artistic director at Dior, which marks the first woman in the fashion label’s 59 year history to take this position. Chiuri takes the place of Raf Simons who departed in October (for the previous post, click here please).

Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri take a bow after the Valentino couture show on Wednesday.

Somehow, it feels quite sad. Chiuri worked with Piccioli for 25 years, first at Fendi then behind the scenes at Valentino. In 2008, they were named creative directors in 2008 and brought the label into a new era.

Rockstud embellished leather sandals

Think of all the famous «Rockstuds» that gained a huge following… romance with a twist of coolness, that is what there collections have been made of. The Valentino sales rose constantly, in the first quarter of 2016, already by 9%.

TO SHOP VALENTINO PRE-FALL 2016, CLICK HERE PLEASE.


It is sure that LVMH, Christian Dior’s parent company, is hoping for Chiuri bringing the same success there. She beat other contenders for the highly prized job, including Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton and ex-Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz.
Her first ready to wear collection will take place on September 30 in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino, © Sandra Bauknecht and SIPA/REX/Shutterstock

“Fendi is my Italian version of creativity. It’s Italian to its core. It’s not only Italian, it’s Roman,” says Karl Lagerfeld of his position as Creative Director.

This book set celebrates his astounding 50 year tenure with the label – the longest collaboration ever between a designer and a luxury fashion house.

Beautifully presented in a custom-made wooden case modeled on the box of oil pastels on Lagerfeld’s work desk, it’s a compilation of exclusive interviews, recorded conversations, personal sketches and DVDs of his short films, through which we discover some of his earliest and fondest memories of the past five decades.

Get your issue of Karl Lagerfeld: Fendi 50 Years by Steidl online HERE.

Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini (the granddaughter of Adele and Edorado Fendi) at the Fendi F/W 2011 runway show

THE STORY

Fendi was founded by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather shop in Via del Plebiscito, Rome in 1925. In 1965, their five daughters hired the young Karl Lagerfeld, who was around 30 years old at that time to come on board and help them to revitalize their fur business. Previously Lagerfeld had worked for Parisian houses Balmain and Jean Patou. Upon his arrival at Fendi, the German-born designer changed the way the house used fur and took the luxurious fabric rather as an embellishment for coats, stoles, and trimmings. He introduced bright colors of fur and mixed it with different fabrics to create interesting textures and silhouettes. He is responsible for the term «fun fur» along with the double F logo that is now recognizable worldwide.

In 1977, Lagerfeld introduced Fendi’s women’s ready-to-wear collection providing a wardrobe that the already popular furs and accessories could accentuate. The eighties became a time of expansion where many categories were licensed out to other manufactures to facilitate growth and global recognition. Also, during this time the next generation of Fendi children started to get involved in the company. Since 2001, the Italian House became a multinational luxury fashion brand and member of LVMH group.

Here are some of this season’s must-haves you should definitely get:

A must: Karlito mink and fox-fur bag charm by Fendi

Already a classic: Petite 2Jours leather tote by Fendi

The most famous baguette in the world: Micro Baguette hand-embroidered cross-body bag by Fendi

The most charming monsters: Bag Bugs fur-appliqué roll-neck sweater by Fendi

The backpack everybody wants: Bag Bugs nylon and fur mini backpack by Fendi

It all started with fur: Flowerland appliqué fur coat by Fendi

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi