Sandra‘s Closet

Today I would like to introduce you to an amazing digital contest and charity project powered by MSGM, the Italian fashion brand founded in 2009 by Massimo Giorgetti: LOGOS FOR THE FUTURE. MSGM’s followers are called to design an original logo graphic and to post it on Instagram with the hashtag #LOGOSFORTHEFUTURE, tagging @MSGM.

Massimo Giorgetti himself will select the 5 best logos, which will be featured in a limited edition capsule collection, soon to be launched on MSGM’s selling channels. Great news is that 100% of the collection profits will be donated to Save The Children Italia, to fund their campaign helping children in need of material and educational support following the Covid-19 emergency.

Winners will be asked for a high-res 300dpi+ scan or vectorial file for their logo submissions and will receive a €1000 gift card to spend on MSGM.it. Entries will be accepted until June 15, 2020.

I immediately decided to take part in this competition and designed a few logos that are inspired by childhood memories and the vibrant colours MSGM stands for.

Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MSGM and © Sandra Bauknecht
#LOGOSFORTHEFUTURE

Being an EIP (extremely important person) at Net-à-Porter, aka very good customer, is something I can only recommend. I have been a loyal client of the online shopping destination since many many years, and can only tell you that the customer service, the private shopping department and the invitations you get are outstanding. I have become friends with many of the team members. Net-à-Porter has become a family for me, and I am part of it.

Great memories: With Edgardo in 2013 and with Elizabeth last summer in Paris.

During quarantine, Net-à-Porter started an online event series for their top clients. As travelling has not been an option lately, we meet with the designers or beauty specialist, top chefs and others over Zoom. Yesterday, I had sunset cocktails with Edgardo Osorio of AQUAZZURA
and Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director Net-à-Porter and one of the most stylish women I know.

For Edgardo it was more like a morning juice as he spent his quarantine in Los Angeles in his beach house located next to the sea. He told us that his favorite thing to do has been planting flowers, mostly gardenias for the smell and lavender for the color. We might be seeing lots of floral details in his next collection as he has been drawing mainly nature.

«FASHION NEEDS TO MAKE PEOPLE DREAM.»

Edgardo is a people person and is truly looking forward to hugging his friends and family again. On Monday, he is going back to Italy as the stores and warehouses are opening again. For him, it was an absolutely new experience to be in one place for over 2 months. Usually, he is constantly on the go, and surrounded by his friends. AQUAZZURA shoes can be seen on the feet of trendsetters, Hollywood stars, European royalty and fashion insiders all around the globe.

Some of my new AQUAZZURA shoes, I got during quarantine.

How did he start his company? After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first step into the footwear world working with some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, René Caovilla, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after 10 years in the industry and at just 25 years old, he launched his luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA. His initial idea was to create shoes for dancing. The summer before he created his brand, he was invited to twelve weddings in one summer and was always placed next to the dance floor. No wonder, born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, he is always the first and last one on it. «Dancing lifts your mood, it’s the best exercise,» he says. On Spotify, you can even find the AQUAZZURA Happy Summer 2020 playlist. As his female friends were always complaining that they cannot find shoes comfortable enough to dance in, he decided to change this.

«COMFORTABLE WAS A DIRTY WORD.»

«You need to fall in love with your shoe. It becomes part of your body,» Edgardo explains. In the past nine years, AQUAZZURA has gained global recognition as an innovator in the footwear industry. «Nine years ago, when I started my brand, comfortable was a dirty word. You should never have to apologize for wearing flats. So I decided to create a flat you don’t need to apologize for.»

Click here for the outfit post with the Christy flats.

The so-called Christy flat immediately caused a frenzy among fashionistas. A classic flat gets dressed up with a pretty lace-up tie and brilliant metallic heel. What else could you dream of? Comfortable, feminine and chic in one.

«LUXURIOUS THINGS TAKE TIME TO MAKE.»

For Edgardo, «the definition of luxury is time. Fashion became too fast. Luxurious things take time to make. For a shoe, a millimeter makes the difference. Either it doesn’t fit or it is uncomfortable.» At AQUAZZURA, it takes around 6-12 months to make a new shoe model. Edgardo explains: «We have a fit model, we always work with. After around 5-7 fit trials, it goes into production. Then we make a size run.»

Edgardo’s sketch was all about yellow yesterday.

«I LOVE TO GIVE A PUMP MOVEMENT.»

At the moment, he has a thing for yellow. He loves India, Mexico, color, and crafts. His favorite details are fringes, tassels, everything that moves. «I love to give a pump movement». While we are in the Zoom meeting, he immediately grabs a pen and starts designing a shoe. Instantly, you can see how he combines his passion for modern design with impeccable luxury craftsmanship to create timeless footwear with a twist.

For his travel tips for Florence, click here please for the previous post.

What will be the first thing Edgardo will do once he is back in Florence? «I’ll grab an insane portion of gelato (ice-cream in Italian), pistachio and cookies & cream and watch the sunset on the bridge.» Where will he spend his summer? «I would love to do a road trip through Italy. I will definitely go to the Amalfi Coast and stay longer there. In August, I will go to Greece, one of my favorite places in the world.»

De Gournay x Aquazzura

«I LOVE MATCHIMALISM.»

When I asked him if we can expect more accessories, such as bags, belts and scarfs or even ready-to-wear as I love matching outfits, he laughed and said: «I also love matchimalism and completely understand what you mean. But before I launch ready-to-wear, I will focus more on tablecloths and home accessories following my collaboration with De Gournay. However, more accessories will follow and in fall, I am going to launch men’s footwear and my own tequila.»

Speaking of which, as we met for sunset cocktails, Edgardo showed us to prepare a margarita and a mocktail, which I loved. Edgardo is obsessed with ginger and includes it in everything he can. He likes it spicy. Cheers!

LoL, Sandra

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

«Working with Les-Ottomans has been a dream project. I love the homeware products they make and was thrilled to be asked to collaborate.» – Matthew Williamson

Former fashion designer Matthew Williamson has joined forces with Les-Ottomans to design a collection of tableware. Launched last fall at Maison & Objet, the collection includes porcelain plates, trays and textiles, each drawing on motifs and designs of peacocks and moons, long associated with Matthew’s design DNA.

The six dinner plates are crafted from porcelain and printed in Portugal. They were inspired by jewellery worn by the Sultans from the Ottoman Empire and updated with a contemporary twist. Rich tones of blue Ikat are the perfect background for the hand drawn, encrusted jewel-like peacocks, moons and stars finished with a delicate gold trim.

Peacocks, Matthew’s signature, are carried through on the trays. The motifs were hand-painted by artisans in India onto serving plates and trays made of iron. The peacock feathers are strikingly rendered in bright, contrasting tones and finished with fine ikat-like brush strokes. Those plates double as fabulous wall decoration.

«Our worlds, references and tastes are similar and the collection that he designed for Les-Ottomans is, not only stunning, but contemporary in the re-interpretation of Les-Ottomans world.»
Bertrando Di Renzo, Founder, Les-Ottomans

Bringing the collection together are the textiles. Uniquely hand drawn and painted textiles have always been a central characteristic of the Matthew Williamson and the Les-Ottomans collection includes cushions, tablecloths and napkins created in a range of mix and match prints for a maximalist and contemporary approach to table dressing.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE ON MODA OPERANDI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Matthew Williamson / Moda Operandi

In case that you have forgotten that it’s Mother’s Day today, I have a last minute gift idea for you. Check out Paperless Post‘s latest collaboration with Carolina Herrrera, that is available for free, just in time to celebrate the woman, that brought you into the world. Surprise her with a personal message sent to her inbox directly and put a smile on her face.

Wes Gordon with me in Dubai last fall at an event with Net-à-Porter 

«I can’t think of a better way to reach out to your loved ones – especially mothers or maternal figures – than with beauty, optimism, and color.» – Wes Gordon, Creative Director Carolina Herrera

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE CAROLINA HERRERA MOTHER’S DAY SECTION.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Paperless Post

Oh, how wonderful spring is! With its bees, flowers, sun and now finally rain, it is my favorite season. One tradition I truly adore is the gifting of lilies of the valley on the first of May as a symbol of springtime and to wish happiness which is very popular in France. In many countries, the first of May is also National Labor Day. As a result, it is a public holiday that we get to enjoy.

My first of May outfit: Lily of the valley-print pussy-bow silk blouse and Lily of the Valley-print pleated silk skirt, both by Valentino

Legend has it that the custom began on May 1, 1561 when King Charles IX received a sprig of the tiny flower as a token of good luck from knight Louis Girard. It is said that whoever finds a lily of the valley with 13 small bells will be particularly lucky.

The king liked the idea so much that he decided to start a tradition and presented a bouquet of lilies of the valley to each of the ladies of his court each year on the same day. And thus began the Fête du Muguet as it is called in France, or May Day.

Christian Dior dedicated his whole Spring 1954 collection to his favorite flower.

The lily of the valley was also Christian Dior’s favorite flower and one of his lucky charms. Faithful to tradition, he offered it each May 1st to all his petites mains and clients. Christian Dior so cherished this spring flower that his florist, Madame Dedeban, grew it for him year-round in a specially heated greenhouse!

The Dior Hommes Fall 2014 collections full of lily of the valley details.

Thus, summer or winter, he was never without a sprig of it in his buttonhole. He also kept some in a finely-wrought box in his pocket. During preparations for his fashion shows, he would ask his petites mains to sew some sprigs of lily of the valley into the hem of a sleeve or a dress. Being the talisman it was, he was also prone to pinning it to the underside of the lapel of the suits worn by his models.

The original Diorissimo bottle of 1956

His beloved flower was also present in his collections each season. He devoted an entire line to it for spring 1954, and, two years later, with Edmond Roudnitska, the couturier realized his dream of capturing its green and floral fragrance. And so, 1956 saw the launch of his third opus, Diorissimo, a triumph of olfactory prowess.

Dior Haute Couture S/S 2016

Lily of the valley has inspired the House’s perfumes and designs ever since, as it did the S/S 2016 haute couture collection. Sprigs of lily of the valley, traced out in beads and sequins, bloomed across a white Bar jacket, the result of over three hundred hours of embroidery.

Kirsten Dunst at the 69th Festival de Cannes in 2016

Later in 2016, at the 69th Festival de Cannes, Kirsten Dunst ascended the famous steps in a white silk gazar Dior haute couture dress embroidered with 300 lily of the valley flowers.

The famous dress Muguet from 1957 was on display at the amazing V&A exhibition «Christian Dior Designer of Dreams»

This special creation was inspired by the dress Muguet, designed by Christian Dior for his S/S 1957 collection in which the flower also blossomed on a dress named Mois de Mai.

Surprise for my daughter today: The beautiful Lucky scent engraved with her name and sign.

In 2018, the Maison launched Lucky as part of their Maison Christian Dior Collection – another fragrance that features lily of the valley, in combination with white flowers and ozonic notes. The nose behind is Francois Demachy, Parfumeur-Créateur Dior, who says:. “Christian Dior was very superstitious and would stitch a stem of lily of the valley into the seam of his dresses for good luck. I wanted to represent the perfume of this hidden lily of the valley, sewn into metres of silk, with a profusion of white flowers and freshness. The scent of his favourite flower gradually reveals itself. Lucky is a good luck charm and the perfume to wear whenever you want to cross your fingers.”

Dior’s new Lily of the Valley china is so beautiful, click here for more infos. 

And last but not least, a very sweet fairytale tells of the affection between the lily of the valley and a nightingale. Once upon a time, every night, the nightingale would come to the garden to sing. However, the lily of the valley was shy and hid herself from the bird. The nightingale was lonely and said he would no longer sing unless the lily of the valley revealed herself, and promised to bloom every May for all to see. And so she does.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, Giambattista Valli, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The first famous victim in the fashion world has died at the age 84 from complications of the novel coronavirus: Italian shoe designer Sergio Rossi. Prior to his passing, he was hospitalized for a few days in Cesena, Italy, one of the nations hit hardest by the pandemic.

«Everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream,» Sergio Rossi Group chief executive Riccardo Sciutto wrote in a statement.  «Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year. His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business. He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.»

Don’t miss Sergi Rossi’s exclusive capsule at Net-à-Porter, featuring timeless crystal-embellished pumps, sandals and flats.

Sergio Rossi founded his eponymous footwear label in 1951, and quality craftsmanship has remained central to the brand’s identity ever since. Expertly handmade in the founder’s native San Mauro Pascoli, each pair of shoes is the product of a 120-step process and more than 14 hours of meticulous attention to detail. It was a family business: Rossi’s father was a shoemaker, and his son, Gianvito Rossi, went on to start his own successful accessories brand.

Gianvito said that his father put up a noble fight against the coronavirus. »He has always stood out for his class and his strong, charismatic, generous, courageous character: a natural leader, loved and respected at the same time by his collaborators, with whom, in the long journey of his life, he created one big family,« Gianvito Rossi wrote. «The family offers, with love, their last goodbye: With the unquenchable fire of your passion, you taught us that there are no limits for those who love what they do. Goodbye, maestro.»

Grazie Sergio!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sergio Rossi, Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

In January 2020, all eyes were on Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture S/S 2020 show in Paris because it was his 50th anniversary show and, as he announced on Twitter, his last. Today, I received the press release that the French Maison will continue with a new concept. Each season, Jean Paul Gaultier will invite a designer to interpret the codes of the House and give the vision of Haute Couture.

Chitose Abe from SACAI will be the first designer to participate in the project and she will present the next Haute Couture collection in July 2020.

Jean Paul Gaultier about this new concept:

« The idea of different designers interpreting one Haute Couture brand came to me in the nineties for a Parisian Haute Couture House who found itself without a designer. I am pleased that this concept will become reality now with Chitose Abe of Sacai as the first guest designer. I admire her work, we have many things in common creatively and share a similar vision of fashion. I am glad to give her the complete freedom. »

Chitose Abe thought on this project:

« I have a long held admiration for Jean Paul’s unique vision of subversive femininity and his originality, both of which I’ve strived towards in my work since the beginning. It’s a true honor to be given the opportunity to be custodian of his house as the first designer of this project. »

With Jean Paul Gaultier at his Haute Couture S/S 2016 after party in Paris.

An interesting concept – I am curious to see the next show. If you have ever had the chance to experience a Jean Paul Gaultier show live, you will know what I am talking about. There are not many runway presentations that leave you that energized and happy – there is always a joyful mood, great music and amazing designs.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jean Paul Gaultier and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I received the breaking news that Raf Simons will join Prada starting April 2, 2020. Rumors had been out since quite some time and now it is official. The Belgium designer will join the Italian fashion house as co-creative director alongside Miuccia Prada with equal responsibilities for creative input and decision-making. Their first runway presentation together will be for S/S 2021 in September 2020. «It’s a new wind,» said Miuccia Prada and I have to admit that I agree with Tim Blanks who wrote: «I cannot think of anything like this in the history of fashion.»

In 1978, Miuccia Prada inherited the label that was known for luggage making and transformed it into a global fashion brand with her creative designs. Prada has been a true trendsetter for decades, sometimes too fast thinking for the fashion world, she is often a few steps ahead of the game. Her iconic black nylon backpack launched in 1985 caused a real fashion frenzy and has been popular since then. In 1989 she added ready-to-wear to the offerings. Simons, who will continue to design his namesake menswear label, is the first designer from outside the Prada family to join the house since its inception.

Trendsetting: Prada S/S 2012 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel

Today at the Prada press conference, Simons announced: “Prada is a brand that I have been interested in my whole life. I cannot wait to express to all of you the dialogue I will have with Mrs Prada and her team. To be really honest, Mr Bertelli approached me right after my exit from Calvin Klein. Miuccia and I had a conversation about creativity in today’s fashion system. And it brought me to open dialogue with many designers, not just Mrs Prada. We have to re-look at how creativity can evolve in today’s fashion system.»

Power couple: Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada

Simons, who had worked with Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli before, when he was hired as creative director of Jil Sander in 2005. Prada had bought the German label and was looking for someone to fill the shoes of the namesake designer at that time. Simons’ seven-year tenure at the brand was an absolute success, and the Prada Group sold it to a London private equity firm in 2006.
Simons later worked at Dior and his latest venture was at Calvin Klein, where he was chief creative officer, and abruptly excited in December 2018.

Presented in Milan last Thursday: Miuccia Prada’s last single show for F/W 2020

Miuccia Prada has still a very strong view on fashion. Yet, it seems hard for her at the moment to translate this into sales. Rumors had been that the family is planning to sell to one of the big conglomerates. With the appointment of Simons, it seems that the Prada family will keep it a family business that also owns Miu Miu and Church’s.

Good luck, Raf!

They will have all my support – I have been collecting Prada pieces since a very young age and have always been very fond of the brand. Good luck to Raf, I am really excited to see what the two creative masterminds will come up with…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

Another festive décor not to miss in London is to be found at THE LANESBOROUGH, that takes on a touch of couture with the unveiling of a Ralph & Russo inspired Christmas Tree installation, as imagined by creative genius, Tony Marklew.

Inspired by the heritage of the British luxury house and the intricate detailing portrayed in Ralph & Russo’s most recent F/W 2019 couture collection, the artistic installation brings to life the magic of couture, enchanting onlookers with a canopy of chandelier-like crystals and ornate leaf embellishment, adorned with silk petal flowers in bold hues of raspberry and ruby red.

Tamara Ralph

Established in London in 2010 by duo Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, Ralph & Russo is an international luxury brand revered for producing designs that are contemporary, timelessly elegant and sought after worldwide. In 2014, Ralph & Russo became the first British guest member in almost a century to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show their first runway collection as part of the S/S 2014 couture season.

Ralph & Russo Couture F/W 2019

Ralph & Russo is loved all over the world for its bold and unapologetically glamorous silhouettes, and famously dressed Meghan Markle in her engagement portraits. Its first ready-to-wear collection launched exclusively with Net-à-Porter, and each piece is made using the same exquisite craftsmanship, modern artistry and detail as its couture pieces.

Bringing the glamour and personal touch of a truly couture Christmas to every hotel guest this festive season, of which the resident cat, Lilibet, is of no exception. To honour the hotel’s most loved resident and her first Christmas at THE LANESBOROUGH, Ralph & Russo have hand-crafted a bespoke collar bearing the crown sigil.

Lilibet arrived in June 2019 and is the latest addition in what is becoming something of a trademark among the sister Oetker Collection properties. Lilbet is a Siberian Forest Cat which means she has very fluffy fur. Siberians are fun-loving, energetic felines and hypoallergenic.
Lilibet joins Burmese cat Fa-Raon from Le Bristol Paris and Kléopatre from Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden.

The hotels have a small team of cat-loving employees, known as the Cat Committee who have kindly volunteered to look after the house cats.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough Hotel and © Ralph & Russo

Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s  tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin.

This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.

Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.

«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin

The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.

I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin