Sandra‘s Closet

Founded by Alexander Brenninkmeijer in 2005, Clemens en August is a men’s and women’s ready to wear lifestyle brand.

In the 19th century the two brothers Clemens and August sold high quality fabrics directly to the wealthy farmers in the north of the Netherlands. Walking by foot from farm to farm they offered an exceptional value. This would later become the famous high street brand C&A.

160 years later Alexander Brenninkmeijer, scion of the C&A dynasty, also bypasses the traditional retailing by selling his men´s and women´s collection at contemporary art centers and museums. He realized that his strategy is very similar to the way his ancestors had worked and as a homage he named his label “Clemens en August” (but its absolutely not part of the C&A brand). The collection is sold exclusively on “tour” around the world.  Each season, Clemens en August “tours“ 10 cities for 3 days only.

For my Swiss based readers, Clemens en August is with the Essential Collection in Zurich (Giesshübelstrasse 62c) from tomorrow until Saturday (Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2011).
Don’t miss out!

The next stops will be among others in Munich (Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, Oct 6 – 9, 2011), Vienna (Leopold Museum, Museumsquartier, Museumsplatz 1, Oct 13 – 15, 2011) and Amsterdam (White Space, M.J. Kosterstraat 18, Oct 14 – 16, 2011).
For other cities, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Roberto Cavalli gave me an interesting interview (coming soon)

The Just Cavalli S/S 2012 show marks the relaunch of the brand and can be best described as romantic, sweet, light and positive. From the photos of Roberto Cavalli’s travels, the prints are born: absolute protagonists of this very sexy collection, inspired as always by the wonder of nature. Overlapping the butterfly and floral print for example is an animalier motif, creating a very special effect.
The customers? Sunny girls who want to enjoy themselves, in the beautiful and unique time of their youth, who like to go to music festivals. Maxi dresses, gilets encrusted with metallic stitching and bags with small foulards and marmot tails like new good luck charms provide the perfect look. To shop Just Cavalli, please click here.

For my Swiss based readers, here is a taste of what is to come in November when Roberto Cavalli will present his Just Cavalli S/S 2012 collection during the annabelle awards (The winner will receive a one year internship with Roberto Cavalli in Florence.) for the second edition of the Charles Vögele Fashion Days Zurich. If you don’t want to miss the fashion show, tickets are available at ticketcorner.ch.

Here is your sneak preview of what you can watch live this fall in Zurich.

Hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To celebrate the first year of Spiga2 (Dolce & Gabbana’s the first multi-brand shop), the store was transformed into a huge bedroom. Women were be in bed with the latest collections from the Spiga2 designers.

This season’s must: A pair of sparkling shoes!

Fausto Puglisi with his muse Masha and me in the middle

Dolce & Gabbana’s protégé Fausto Puglisi‘s s vibrant designs are available at Spiga 2 and of course, the Sicilian designer was also present.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Anna dello Russo is a huge fan of Fausto’s designs and couldn’t resist to get her favourite dress in different colours.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Ben Hider/Getty Images; © Jemal Countess/Getty Images

During New York Fashion Week, I ran into some very familiar faces. Here you see German fashion power. To the left is über-stylish Annette Weber, editor-in-chief of German InStyle magazine, and to the right is very hip Sue Giers, head byer for Hamburg based Linette shops.

Annette’s look: Dress and Boots by Prada, Bag by Chanel

Sue’s look: Blazer by H&M, Pants by Closed, Dress, Boston Bag and Shoes by Céline, Statement Necklace and Fur Scarf by Gabriele Frantzen.

I loved how Sue combined designer pieces with the fabulous H&M blazer. She rolled up her Céline dress and turned it into a silk shirt. Awesome idea!

If you like Sue’s necklace with the thin little fur scarf, you should have a look at Gabriele Frantzen‘s designs. Having worked in fashion for many years, she launched her eponymous statement jewelry line in 2009. Since then, her pieces have been spotted all over and even made it on the red carpet at the Oscars. Gabriele Frantzen commutes between New York City and Munich. For store locations, please click here.

Gabriele Frantzen during Fashion Week sporting one of her own designs.

Stay tuned for so much more to come. I just spent an amazing weekend in Venice… and now I am packing for Milan Fashion Week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Newly launched for F/W2011, Claudia Schiffer’s luxurious cashmere line perfectly encapsulates the legendary supermodel’s insouciant style. Schiffer sourced the finest fabrics for this collection of model must-haves – you’ll find everything from cozy cardigans in rich earth tones to slinky color-pop tube dresses.

The range will be manufactured, produced and distributed in partnership with luxury German 
cashmere label Iris von Arnim.

Available from today at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra

When you hear the name Victorinox, you might associate it immediately with the Swiss Army Knife. But the Swiss brand has much more to offer, from travel luggage to watches to perfume and clothes.

I was recently invited to their hometown Ibach, Switzerland to visit the factory and to explore their newest project:
Christopher Raeburn for Victorinox – REMADE IN SWITZERLAND.

At the entrance a colourful and dramatic installation welcomed me presenting the capsule collection that the young UK designer has created for Victorinox for F/W 2011, consisting of eight items for both genders, each to be produced in a hand-numbered limited edition of 100 pieces.

“The project is a fantastic opportunity to align the innovation and individuality of my brand with the heritage and quality of Victorinox.”
– Christopher Raeburn.

Christopher Raeburn with me

From Parachute Poncho to Runway Couture

Raeburn has been known for his pioneering work taking old military surplus and transforming it into beautiful clothes since he launched in 2008 his label utilizing decommissioned military stocks of uniform and parachute fabrics to create functional and intelligent garments. Raeburn’s namesake designs are proudly REMADE IN ENGLAND in his small East London production facility.

For the project with Victorinox, he did the same. By taking apart the existing garments from local military surplus stores, he found inspiration and ideas to create new ones, re-imagining unexpected uses for the old and challenging the concept of what is considered new. Everything is proudly produced (“remade”) in Switzerland.

A rare find was a box of horseshoe nails that became the symbol of the project for Raeburn. He challenged Victorinox to recast that nail into scales for an Original Swiss Army Knife to complement the project. The nail also inspired a print used for linings and other graphic treatments.

For the project, Victorinox is working with local seamstresses and tailors. Corinne Kaiser, who is heading the team with Camilla from England, explained the process and the difficulties they experienced with some of the fabrics.

OFFICER’S PARKA constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bag outers, 2 front chest
pockets featuring reused original military Riri zips.

CAPTAIN’S COAT constructed from re-appropriated Swiss wool coats dating back up to 60 years and lined with over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

HORSESHOE NAIL KNIFE crafted from surplus military horseshoe nails melted down and recast as knife scales, packaged in reclaimed original coated paper box that held the nails.

PARACHUTE HOODIE constructed from 2 colours of surplus Swiss military air-brake
parachutes, tape from original parachutes and jersey cuffs from military balaclavas.

RECRUIT’S CAP constructed from offcuts of surplus Swiss military wool jackets and over-dyed cotton bed sheets, side panels can flip down to cover ears or fold up.

DUFFLE BACKPACK constructed from surplus heavy canvas Swiss tarpaulin with integrated
original buckles.

SENTRY’S SCARF constructed from surplus Swiss military blankets and over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

COCOON BLOUSON constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bags, reinforced with waterproof sleeping bag outer, can be roll packed like original sleeping bag.

The collaboration will be available throughout Victorinox flagships and most high-end shops worldwide. Check out the stop-motion preview below, it is pretty cool. Prices will range between CHF 700 – 2000 depending on the piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Victorinox

While being in Florence for LuisaViaRoma’s Firenze4Ever event, I was able to meet Laudomia Pucci, the daughter of Emilio Pucci who serves as deputy chairman and image director of her family’s fashion house.
(For further information on Pucci, I recommend a previous post. Just click here).

Laudomia with me

The charismatic lady was very delighted to see me in head-to-toe Pucci and answered all my questions enthusiastically. Please enjoy my little interview with her:

Laudomia, how was it to be the daughter of Emilio Pucci? Was he a strong character?

The more I go ahead in life, the more I think that those people in general to leave such a legacy behind them, they must have worked very hard and been very very strong.

I also worked with Hubert de Givenchy. That is of course a different kind of person but an esthete to the last tip of his finger. These people had a vision of everything, a culture to die for and a very very fascinating life.

When you think of my father, there was the war, the upbringing in America, a fashion career, his politcal career and his success as a skier. It was basically five lives in one. Of course, those people who survived and who had seen so much, they had to be special.

So to be the daughter of all of that was normal because that was my life. But the story is that he wanted me to work in his business. He adored women. So to have a little woman was the best thing that could have happened to him.

You are a mother yourself. How do you balance being a mum and a business woman?

I have three kids. A girl, a boy, a girl. I have just added my kids to my life. It was a fabulous accessory to have and it became much more of an accessory (laughs…). It just completed my life. I was a late mother and my children are just so precious for me.

Emilio Pucci

Was your father similar to you being a parent? How did your father prepare you to take over one day?

My father had me also quite late in life. It must have been totally alike. So for example, when we launched perfumes. I went back to research  how my father did perfumes and I remembered. He was in my room when I was sick at the age of four . He was in there mixing perfumes and asking me: “Laudomia,  do you like that or do you like this?”

He was always putting me in his vision. I think when you have children, you see yourself moving on. So he saw his fashion move on and that was the message I got. I started working with him in the early 80s when I just had graduated. In the late 80s when he was not feeling well, we decided let’s move on, let’s bring the company where he wants it to be. And that is what I have done. Basically for the past 25 years of my life.

You sold 67% of the company to LVMH in 2000. How do you feel today about your decision?

First of all, I would have never thought that I would have sold and it feels funny enough very much the same as before. The reason for this is more than the influence, there is a mutual respect. That is very very important.

When you are with a partner, when people see there is a point in what you are doing. When you both hardly object it. When you have the patience in life to make it happen. I realised after ten years of managing the company, that I didn’t have the creative talent of my father. I realised that very early. It became such a competitive business, such a difficult business, you couldn’t find talents and production facilities.

And to have that know-how behind you with LVMH now all around the world, is just fantastic. We have great designers. We have been able to open beautiful shops. We have been able to save so much.

Peter Dundas

You worked with many well-known designers like Christian Lacroix and Matthew Williamson in the past years. Today, the enchanted slumber seems completely over and Peter Dundas has taken Pucci back on a fast ride up to the top. How  do you see him?

Peter is a very different approach. All the designers I worked with, I am grateful to. I needed a lot of input, a lot of energy. But Peter is a different approach. He is a dream! Peter gives all his time, all his energy to the company.

He is good with the girls, with the fashion, with the company, with the feeling. When you see him, he is big, he is blonde, he is sexy, “the blonde beau”. He has got all that and he gives that image to the company. When you asked about my father before, my father had a total different energy, but  also the same strong energy. But one thing that I like a lot is seeing the difference now 50 years later between my father and Peter. My father would ask if I had gained weight and Peter just loves bodies.

It is all about the body looking sexy. Women, the moment you make them look sexy, they are smiling, they are happy. And that is our job! The buzz at the moment is amazing. Peter is happy, I am delighted. So it is not the influence, it is what everyone of us can bring in to make Pucci the most succesful.

Thank you Laudomia for taking your time!

It was such a pleasure to meet Laudomia in person and I was so happy to see this on the official Emilio Pucci Facebook page:

As you already know, I am a huge Pucci fan and love Peter’s designs. For F/W 2011, he has seeked inspirations from Tyrolea and hunting, a little like Romy Schneider in Sissy or Anna Karenina. The beautiful embellishments and the corset-style dresses are absolutely divine. He laid the emphasis on the bust and the outcome is a collection that will make every Bavarian jump up with joy. Be prepared to see me at the next Oktoberfest in those suede knickers with the matching jacket. Love, love, love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Pucci

Yesterday, I was invited by Daniele Cavalli to see the Roberto Cavalli Men S/S 2012 show which took place in the beautiful garden of the Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan. It was truly amazing. Every single look screamed gorgeous. This is how men should look like, crisp cuts, great fabrics and a sexy allure.

Roberto Cavalli’s son Daniele is the designer for the men’s line and a real talent. The handsome Italian knows how to flirt with clothes, colours and women. Stripes were used in interesting ways, from a bold all-over-look to a more subtle tone-on-tone pattern on the cobalt-blue jacket. I especially liked the python trims, “very Cavalli” but with a young twist. The collection had a lot of `70s references and rock appeal. No wonder, as the 25-year-old draws a lot of inspiration from his probably biggest passion, the music.

As for me, it had a very nice Italian Riviera feel. Well done, Daniele! I would like him to dress the women as well. Probably we won’t need to wait too long…as the wind of change is blowing in the house of Cavalli! And it is a young and fresh one.

LoL, Sandra

Daniele had to give a lot of interviews before the show, here with his father Roberto.

Speaking with International Herald Tribune‘s Suzy Menkes.

A proud mum, Eva Cavalli

Me at the show with Carmel from the LuisaViaRoma team.

In the end, when the applause started, Daniele left the runway with a generous gesture to his parents…

…who then applauded their son. Their proud faces were really sweet to watch.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Bex Manners with me

Yesterday, I was so happy to meet Bex Manners, the designer behind BEX ROX, the It-jewelry brand from London. She came to launch her beautiful collection with Lovers Lane who will exclusively carry the little treasures in Zurich.

If you are looking for a killer statement necklace, for deco inspired jewelry or for animal shaped rings, you will instantly fall in love with her creations. The entire range is bold and very unique, combining chain mail techniques with ancient Chinese knotting.

Since the launch of BEX ROX in 2006, the rise has been unbelievable. BEX ROX has not only done acclaimed collaborations with MADE Africa, and with Browns Focus, it has also been celebrated with the Coutts New Jewellers award 2009.

Please enjoy my interview with Bex Manners below. All the photos I took show the pieces that are available now at Lovers Lane.

Donkey Ring

You were raised in Menorca. What is your nationality? Your cultural background?

I am English but born and raised in Menorca- my mother is Austrian and my father is British but my soul is definitely Spanish!

How much has the lifestyle of the Balearic Island inspired your work?

I would say a great deal.  My collections are about a feeling, being a free spirit, youthful and colourful with a sexy undertone which for me sums up the Balearics…

Since when do you live in London? How do you like the city?

I’ve been living in London since 2007 –  I love it – it’s edgy, diverse and full of constant inspiration – people aren’t afraid to show off their style.

What is your favourite place on earth?

Right now my bed!!

Elephant Collar

How did you come with the idea of creating jewelry? What did you do before?

I was fashion stylist in NYC  and used to constantly make pieces for photo shoots and then would wear them afterwards- people in the streets kept stopping me to ask me where I’d got “that necklace” or “that bracelet” and I would literally sell them off my neck- et voila I started BEX ROX.

What is your most iconic piece? Your signature?

My Eivissa Cuff and the Natalie Ring are my most iconic pieces but then again I believe in my identity and make sure that every season screams BEX ROX.

Eivissa Cuff

Natalie Ring

Gold Tribe Pendant

I like your idea of a necklace that you can take apart with your magnetic clasp to get a bracelet and to be able to mix and match with other pieces so that the customer himself can become creative. Will this always be part of the collection?

Always.

What is your style advice? How would your perfect outfit with Bex Rox jewelry look like?

Walk out the door feeling all woman and believe in yourself, this way you’ll make anything work.

Do you only wear your own jewelry? If not, what else do you wear?

I also wear lots of vintage jewellery and pieces from other designers that are friends of mine.

Do you have a muse? Or an icon?

Most of my best friends are my muses!

Bex Manners in 3 words.

Individual, freckly and pretty temperamental ( but I suppose that comes with being a redhead! )

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will we see more BEX ROX, probably handbags or even clothes?

I have already started collaborating and creating but for now that would be telling.

Thank you, Bex!

And now ladies, run to Lovers Lane and get your Rox on!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s not the first time that I review the gorgeous Mary Katrantzou, who won last year’s Swiss Textile Award. To read the interview I did with her, please click here.

The Athens-born designer has always experimented with prints, inspired by the art of trompe l’oeil. Since the launch of her eponymous label in 2008, she has wowed the fashion world. Mary Katrantzou belongs to those breakout stars of the digital print revolution that has been sweeping London’s designers.

This is my favourite dress from the S/S 2011 collection that I wore last night to an art dinner. The theme of the night was architecture and I thought that the print matched pretty well.

For F/W 2011, Mary Katrantzou could invest her Swiss Textiles Award trophy money to create an outstanding collection inspired by the most luxurious collectibles in a house. There were dresses done in couture silhouettes that were formed from Fabergé eggs, Meissen porcelain, cloisonne enamel and Ming vases. Her muse was the Duchess of Windsor and her personal belongings. Each girl looked delicate in her dress, like as if you were to drop her she would shatter. A very strong collection!

I cannot wait for more Mary to come!

LoL, Sandra