Sandra‘s Closet

This morning, the JIL SANDER Group has announced the departure of Jil Sander (69), who has been the company’s overall Creative Director. The German designer returned to the house in February 2012 after eight years away, replacing Raf Simons as he departed for Christian Dior.

The German designer founded her eponymous brand in 1973, having opened her first boutique in Hamburg in 1968. In 2000, the designer sold the majority of her label to Prada, and was planning to work alongside the new management. One year later, she resigned already from her position as chairwoman, and shortly after as chief designer. Her decision was taken after a reported ongoing conflict with Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli, who is Miuccia Prada‘s husband.

Jil Sander’s decision is motivated by personal reasons. The partnership will end with the S/S 2014 collection (see photos in collage). The development of the next season will be assured by internal design teams, formed and trained during Sander’s tenure.

Probably she is up for a job interview at Vuitton…:-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Style.com

Recently, I was invited for lunch to Hamburg. And it was as fantastic as it sounds. I was flown in by André Maeder, Chief Retail Officer Karstadt, to celebrate his collaboration with the German reality television series FASHION HERO that airs every Wednesday on ProSieben.

The concept of the show focusing on fashion design and hosted by no other than Claudia Schiffer is pretty easy and convincing.

The 21 contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme. Their designs are judged by a jury that consists of three buyers, André Maeder (Karstadt), Anne Rech (Asos) und Petra Winter (s.Oliver). Each week, the three retailers buy their favourite designs (sale to the highest bidder) that will be available online directly after the show or the next morning at the respective department store.

In the end, whoever meets the needs of the three retailers in the finale will receive a capsule collection worth €1.5 million within each shop.

I sat next to André Maeder, who is of Swiss origin, and had a very interesting conversation about this new show that is adapted from the US format called Fashion Star.

He told me that “for the first time in Karstadt history, the website collapsed as too many people wanted to buy the pieces right after the show.” Maeder, a born leader who had worked at Harrods, Boss and Charles Vögele before, knows what he wants and has a clear vision of style. Being asked who are his own fashion heroes, he replied: “Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs.” Can’t argue with that!

Below you can enjoy some impressions of the lunch:

Framed by the winners of the first show, Sahra Tehrani und Marcel Ostertag.

Beautiful ambiance at The Box in Hamburg.

On display were the designs of the first show, that are available here.

Beautiful Hamburg – always worth a visit! Bye-bye, see you soon again!

LoL, Sandra

Some photos of the first collage: Courtesy of ProSieben, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aquazzura, founded by Edgardo Osorio, has won the heart of every shoe lover around the globe in no time. And believe me, after having met the extremely good-looking and charming designer in Paris, I love his heels even more.

Colombian-born Edgardo launched his label in 2011, after having honed his skills at such renowned fashion houses as Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli. Crafted on the outskirts of Florence, his impeccably crafted, elegant and extremely sexy footwear offers the ultimate mix of European luxury and Latin American extravagance.

This fall, he is launching a special capsule collection of his iconic Berkeley bootie in partnership with Shoescribe. Make sure to add at least one pair to your to-buy list and enjoy this sneak preview below of his amazing designs for S/S 2014.

Aquazura is available at net-à-porter and mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Still and photos in collage to the left: Courtesy of Shoescribe, to the right © Sandra Bauknecht
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today was a big day! The last day of Paris Fashion Week started with the Louis Vuitton S/S 2014 show. Rumors had been out quite a long time about Marc Jacobs leaving the French brand after 16 years, but the minute I arrived at the venue, I knew, it was true. It felt like a journey through time. From the governess girls at the entrance to the station clock, the carrousel, the elevators and the escalators, the fountain, last season’s hotel corridors, every little detail was reminiscent of something amazing Marc had created for a Louis Vuitton show.

In the press kit on my seat, Marc Jacobs wrote something so beautiful that I truly would like to invite you to read it:

“This collection is dedicated to the women who inspire me and to the showgirl in every one of them, Emmanuelle Alt, Jane Birkin, Betty Catroux, Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, Coco Chanel, Cher, Grace Coddington, Sofia Coppola, Victoire de Castellane, Catherine Deneuve, Claude Lalanne, Julie de Libran, Lady Gaga, Judy Garland, Katie Grand, Juliette Gréco, Françoise Hardy, Zizi Jeanmarie, Rei Kawakubo, Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Kate Moss, Louise Nevelson, Edith Piaf, Miuccia Prada, Lee Radziwill, Millicent Rogers, Sonia Rykiel, Carla Sozzani, Elsa Schiaparelli, Barbra Streisand, Diana Vreeland, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Wintour.

Whether extrovert or esoteric, they are figures that keep visual language vital. Their style, imagination, creativity, talent, vision and voice have changed our landscape.”

He continued: “When I look around Paris, it isn’t the depth of the city that takes my breath away. It’s the decoration and the applied ornamentation that dazzles. It is not about thinking, it is about feeling. There may be no deeper sensation than this when it hits. While designing this collection the same instinct gathered momentum. I take pleasure from things for exactly what they are, revealing in the pure adornment of beauty for beauty’s sake. Connecting with something on a superficial level is as honest as connecting with it on an intellectual level.

TO THE SHOWGIRL IN ALL OF US.“

Speaking of which, many of the forty-one extremely dark looks resembled showgirl clothes, all exquisitely embellished with jet beads, crystals, and glossy feathers. Each and every one of the models wore an amazing headpiece of ostrich plumes designed by Stephen Jones for the show. The first look was pretty evocative, nothing but a G-string and the Stephen Sprouse-designed LV logo showing all over the model’s body, along with handcuffs and chains.

The biker jackets and denim pants were amazing, something you are dying to have in your closet. I love the collection and Marc’s creativity, it might not be commercial, but it is definitely for the showgirl in us!

Never forget, it was Jacobs who brought Louis Vuitton’s foray into prêt-à-porter to a huge success, and whatever the behind-the-scenes speculations of the past few months, he appears to be leaving on good terms. I was backstage and started crying like everybody else after all those heartfelt hugs.

Marc said that he wants to focus on his own Marc Jacobs brand. And I think, the announcement will be coming out soon that Nicolas Ghesquière will replace him at Louis Vuitton. So watch out!

LoL, Sandra

Marc’s last finale…

… and heartbreaking moments backstage.

Having fun behind the scenes: Sofia Coppola and Dakota Fanning

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I was in my beloved Munich for some very special and extremely fun events. On Thursday evening, Karl Lagerfeld in person had flewn in to celebrate the preview of the documentation: “Karl Lagerfeld – Mode als Religion” which will air this Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 8.15pm at VOX. For this four-hour coverage, author Martina Neuen has accompanied the fashion pope for 18 months to give an exclusive insight into the world of the famous designer.

After the preview at Munich’s Gloria Palast, we took the shuttle service to attend the Karl Lagerfeld shop opening on Maffeistrasse where the designer’s new punk-inspired Dirndl collection has already been on display. Even German television personality Verona Pooth couldn’t resist this tartan and lace model and asked her husband to buy it for her…

As I had lived for eight years in the Bavarian city, I was so happy to see many familiar faces and truly had a blast. Here you see me with fashion designer and juror Guido Maria Kretschmer (1), photographer Goran Nitschke (2), CEO Stylebop Thorsten Eimuth (3) and Verona Pooth (4).

On the “black” carpet with my friend and jewelry designer Tatjana Hoffmann.

In the new Karl Lagerfeld store with DJ John Munich, son of singer Udo Jürgens.

A little nightcap at my favourite bar in Munich Schumann’s with jewelry designer Gabriele Frantzen and Hendrikje Kopp. By the way, Gabriele’s fur stole is not a fancy fashion accessory but an arm sling as she had broken her shoulder two days ago. What a cool idea!
Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up tomorrow…

TO SHOP KARL LAGERFELD ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

There is something about Mary that we all love! She is not only extremely charming but also one of the most talented designers of our time. Besides her amazing eponymous line, she has collaborated with the likes of Longchamp, Topshop and Repetto. This season, Mary Katrantzou has created a capsule collection in collaboration with Moncler, mixing the Italian house’s signature style with her iconic feminine cuts and bold graphic prints.

The exclusive collection MONCLER M will be available in Moncler boutiques worldwide from August 2013. As those pieces will surely be flying off the shelves, I recommend the following: 
PRE-ORDER THE MONCLER M COLLECTION HERE and be the first to wear it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moncler

Les Plus Dorés is the small New York-based label making a big impact. Its football jersey-inspired T-shirts sporting the names of the industry’s best and brightest designers are a sell-out sensation. Philo, Wang, Tisci – which team will you choose?

I have pledged my allegiance to team Jacobs. All tees are stamped with each designer’s year of birth, the most stylish way to work the sports luxe trend.

TO SHOP LPD, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LPD, © Sebastian Kim

Love playful statement tops? Zoe Karssen is the brand for you. Founded in Amsterdam in 2010 by design duo Zoe and Quince Karssen, their quirky slogan tees are instantly recognizable, and this Good Girls Love Bad Boys cotton-blend sweatshirt is my latest must-have. Cut from a super soft cotton and modal-blend, its lightweight style is an effortless choice. I will team it with everything from skinny jeans to pencil skirts.

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Zoe Karssen and via malemodelscene.net

Today, I have some breaking fashion news for you: H&M‘s newest collaboration has been revealed. It is no other than ISABEL MARANT who will bring her French touch to the Swedish brand. With her effortless style, the French designer has created a widely influential and successful take on Paris chic. Mixing urban attitude, boho elegance and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, she delivers a genuine French allure. For H&M, Isabel Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have pieces inspired by her signature style. Available from November 14, 2013, in around 250 stores worldwide and online, the collection features clothing and accessories for women and teenagers. Isabel will also, for the first time, create a collection for men.

“I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” says Isabel Marant.

ABOUT ISABEL MARANT

Born and raised in Paris, she started customising her own clothes while still at high school. A graduate of the famed Studio Berçot, Marant worked her way up the fashion system starting with a jewelry line, then adding knitwear, finally launching her eponymous collection in 1994. Today she runs an internationally successful fashion powerhouse with a string of boutiques worldwide. Her Parisian chic style, a mix of bohemia and masculine tailoring, grows in popularity season after season.

I am truly excited for this collaboration!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and Isabel Marant

Monday fashion shuffle: the carrousel is turning again. This morning, New York-based designer, and Michelle Obama favourite, Jason Wu has been named artistic director of HUGO BOSS womenswear. The 30-year old Taiwan born will oversee his team at the headquarters in Metzingen, Germany, and also open a design studio in New York. He will continue to grow his own namesake label that he founded in 2007. The first HUGO BOSS collection under Jason Wu’s artistic direction will debut in New York during Pre-Fall 2014 and he will stage the first runway show during the New York F/W 2015 Fashion Week in February 2014.

In the meantime, MULBERRY has announced that its creative director of six years, Emma Hill, will step down in the coming months. Rumours are that she is now in the running to succeed Reed Krakoff at Coach, when he is stepping down to focus on his eponymous label in June 2014.
Let’s see who will be replacing Hill at Mulberry… such a pity that the talented designer will be leaving the British brand.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands