Sandra‘s Closet

F/W 2018 saw the birth of Moncler’s innovative Genius line – a groundbreaking series of monthly drops in which the iconic French house teams up with trailblazing designers of the moment. The F/W 2019 offering included Richard Quinn, Simone Rocha and 1952 presenting their signature take on Moncler’s key house codes with vibrant patterns from Quinn, elegant British florals from Rocha and bold colour palettes from 1952.

For the newest capsule, Moncler Genius has partnered with no other than Valentino’s Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli who states dreaminess, extravagance and traditions as inspiration behind those to-die-for pieces. The colour-block motif used for this collection – an exclusive pattern from Lemlem founder Liya Kebede, whose work supports African artisans.

My favorite pieces are below –  this gown is an avant-garde alternative to classic eveningwear along with the amazing ski jackets that are perfect for every day.

TO SHOP MONCLER GENIUS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moncler
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Holiday season is over but we all want the party never to stop. Depending on your budget, here are really amazing pieces to include some iconic classics as well as some new trends into your wardrobe. Decide for yourself if you want to go splurge or steal.

LoL, Sandra

Inject your wardrobe with this season’s must-have hue and shop one these cocktail dresses, both with a deep V-neck, front closure and in a deep emerald hue.

Splurge (left): Iconic Karolina crystal velvet mini dress by The Attico (my favorite! – the cut and the embellishments are divine, good news is that it is marked 40% off)
Steal (right): Isabella floral-jacquard mini dress by Rat & Boa

The perfect artsy dress for your next art gallery opening or museum reception, sophisticated and stylish in one.

Splurge (left): Lovers-print silk-georgette dress by Valentino (marked off 40%)
Steal (right): Statue-print dress by Zara (marked off 65%)

Polka-dot prints were making waves on the S/S 2020 runways. Get ahead of the style game and order your gown for your next black tie gala.

Splurge (left): Tiered polka-dot organza gown by Carolina Herrera
Steal (right): Antonia polka-dot off-the-shoulder dress by Rat & Boa

Animal prints have become a fix wardrobe staple with leopard leading the way. Go for the iconic Dolce print if your budget allows it.

Splurge (left): Leopard-print silk-blend midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana (the original one is now marked down 40%)
Steal (right): Ruched leopard-print stretch-mesh mini dress by Ganni

The LBD is always a great alternative for party dressing. Trending now are cuts that play off the traditional elements of a tailored blazer such as pockets and embellished buttons.

Splurge (left): Double-breasted wool blazer dress by Balmain
Steal (right): Dress with jewel buttons by Zara (marked off 40%)

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Recently a dear friend asked me where to find the perfect classic black dress with a prim white collar that adds a nice contrast. The timeless look of this fashion favorite makes this a much-sought-after women’s choice for any occasion. Today, I put together a great selection with some pieces being amazingly marked down. Don’t forget – when you click on the link (highlighted description of each item) – to enter the special discount code at the end of your order.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Crystal-embellished slit-front dress by Alessandra Rich (MY FAVORITE)
(30% off and today an extra 10% off with code EXTRA10)

Faux pearl-collar wool-blend mini dress by Sara Battaglia
(40% off and today an extra 10% off with code EXTRA10)

Sequinned wool and silk-blend mini dress by Valentino
(50% off and today an extra 10% off with code EXTRA10)

Embellished velvet-appliquéd cady mini dress by REDVALENTINO
(30% off)

Contrasting collar sleeveless dress by REDVALENTINO

Contrast collar mini dress by Miu Miu

Lace collar sweater dress by Ermanno Scervino
(30% off and today an extra 35% off with code 35FF)

Contrasting collar and bow dress by REDVALENTINO

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Gentlemen, any idea what could be better than drinking a beer after a long day? Drinking a beer when your girl is dressed as a human beer, perhaps… and good news is you can join in the fun.

Jeremey Scott’s latest tongue-in-cheek collaboration, Moschino x Budweiser, reveals a 15-item limited-edition capsule clothing collection with the beer brand, for both, women and men. The reason is the brand’s launch of two limited-edition beer bottles – one for their iconic aluminium bottle, the other for their new amber lager, Budweiser Pulse.

Moschino F/W 2014

This isn’t the first time 44-year-old Jeremy Scott has played with the Budweiser logo: as part of his debut ready-to-wear collection as Creative Director for the Italian fashion house in 2014, Scott sent one seriously eye-catching Budweiser-inspired gown down the catwalk that was even incorporated into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Spring 2019 exhibition, Camp: Notes on Fashion.

Jeremy Scott celebrated the launch of the capsule with a special event in Shanghai.

The Moschino x Budweiser capsule collection is now available to buy while stocks last.
TO SHOP THE MOSCHINO x BUDWEISER COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Scroll through the gallery below for more looks from the collection.

LoL, Sandra

How cool is this can pouch?

Photos: © Moschino

Norwegian designer Peter Dundas trained at Parsons in New York before moving to Paris in the early 1990s. He then moved to Italy where he worked his way to the top of Italian fashion, helming some of the country’s biggest design houses, such as Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Emanuel Ungaro.

With Peter Dundas

 So it was only a matter of time before he gave fans what they wanted by launching his own eponymous label. He made the announcement in such a cool yet unconventional way, debuting his first designs with three custom-made looks for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards, who was pregnant with twins at that time.

Beyoncé in Dundas at the 2017 Grammy Awards

Created with partner Evangelo Bousis, the brand is inspired by the duo’s travels and the glamorous, jetsetting women in their inner circle. Dundas’s designs became a red-carpet favourite thanks to his brand of high-octane glamour that championed feminine silhouettes and intricate embellishments – an aesthetic he carries through to his own label. The selection of thigh-skimming dresses, suits, and separates are a study in dramatic decadence.

You can shop Dundas at NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION, FARFETCH and MYTHERESA.
Here are some of my favorites available at the moment:

Ruched sequined tulle and lace mini dress by Dundas

Embroidered chiffon mini dress by Dundas

Lace-paneled embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Dundas

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dundas, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

Breaking news at today’s amFAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where H&M is announcing their newest designer collaborator Giambattista Valli. Ladies, you have to be ready this weekend. The flash collection, consisting of limited edition party dresses for his Valli girls, and, in a first, tailoring for Valli boys, will already hit the shelves in select H&M stores around the world and on the H&M website on Saturday, May 25. Speaking of firsts, never before has the Swedish clothing brand released a designer collaboration so close to the announcement; typically there’s been six months between the news breaking and the clothes arriving in stores, and never before have they worked with someone doing couture.

Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni tonight at the amFAR

Personally speaking, I find these designer collaborations quite over and fully understand that H&M was looking for new ways to promote this so-called Project Love. Therefore tonight at the amFAR gala, Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni, Bianca Brandolini, Chris Lee [Li Yuchun], H.E.R., and Ross Lynch are wearing the new pieces, transforming the red carpet into a fashion runway. With Kendall’s 111 million Instagram fans and Chiara’s 16.5 million watching, the launch is off to a great start.

H.E.R. in Giambattista Valli x H&M

The larger collection will follow on November 7, 2019. Stay tuned! In the meantime enjoy the looks below. You will see how beautiful the dresses are, quite pricey for H&M though, but better think twice wearing it to the next gala as you might spot many ladies in the same dress.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 – CHF 349.00

Look 2 – CHF 649.00

Look 3 – Top CHF 179.00 and Skirt CHF 129.00

Look 4 – CHF 649.00

Look 5 – CHF 249.00

Look 6 – CHF 499.00

Look 7 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Pants CHF 119.00

Look 8 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Look 9 – Top CHF 49.95 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

I am always on the search for outstanding talent in the fashion industry. Therefore I would like to introduce you to Christos Costarellos. Flowing fabrics, floral prints, delicate embroideries, lace appliqués and an amazing sense for colour are in the DNA of the Athens-based designer. His romantic language tells a story about every dress that is created with moulage and couture techniques inspired by ancient Greek mythology and infused with a youthful, bohemian edge.

«The creative process I follow forms a bridge that connects elements from the past, making them relevant to the present as they project ideas for the future.»
Christos Costarellos

Wearing Costarellos last month in New York (for the outfit post, click here please).

Born in Duesseldorf, Germany, he was introduced to the fashion world at an early age, as his parents both worked in this industry. He studied fashion design at Dimitrelis School of Fashion in Greece and then theater costume design at the London College of Fashion, England before founding his eponymous brand in 1998.

During Paris Fashion Week, I visited Christos in his showroom at the Westin Paris Vendôme and meeting him in person was a true pleasure. He has such an amazing personality and welcomed me with open arms. His passion for craftsmanship, fabrics and colours is contagious. After showing me a video of the quality of his production in Greece and the special creative techniques for the fabric of the dress below, I was really blown me away.

Costarellos F/W 2019

Therefore it is natural that from the beginning, Christos Costarellos has worked with an exclusive clientele, who deeply appreciate his fine tailoring and finishing details. By 2000, his production line was enriched with two new ateliers, which provided the flow for the collections’ development and the unique bespoke creations.

Costarellos Bridal Wear (different seasons)

With a modern approach to timeless, romantic silhouettes, you should definitely check out his bridal wear even if you are not a bride to be. Everyone looks great in a white gown at a black tie event…

Costarellos F/W 2019

Costarellos is on the right path. After many designers struggle to keep haute couture alive, he meets the women’s demand for high-quality clothes at prices way below couture level. His so-called «Nouvelle Couture» is for me a modern way to being sustainable; investing in a beautiful gown that lasts. I would love to declare fast fashion dead!

Costarellos F/W 2019

Many seem to be in accord with me. Meghan Markle is a huge fan! A worldwide distribution network with more than 50 selling points around the globe such as Net-à-Porter, Moda Operandi, Mytheresa, and Harrods are proof of Christos Costarellos’ dignified presence in the fashion industry! In Zurich available at Maison Gassmann.

Below you can enjoy some more photos that I took in the showroom. The beautiful F/W 2019 collection will hit the stores in September 2019 – #costarellosdreamers.

LoL, Sandra

Costarellos F/W 2019 (have a look at the sleeves below – such great craftsmanship)

Photos: Courtesy of Costarellos – Instagram @costarellos
and © Sandra Bauknecht

Not sure what a C-string is… google at your own risk! Here is a little explanation, it is a specific type of thong (see collage above to the right), an undergarment for people who think everything else covers up way too much skin. It’s also known as «invisible underwear» and probably something celebrities wear under these breathtaking high-slit dresses.

This S/S 2019 season, no shoe was more daring than Christopher Kane’s: a kitten heel with a C-string tongue. On the runway, the British designer took the idea one step further and used C-strings as straps for this amazing lace-bonded satin dress.

To shop, just click on the highlighted text.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Getty

Today, I have some rather gorgeous newness to share with you from Cult Gaia.

You all loved her Ark clutch when they launched, (it broke the internet – for the previous post click here please) then then came the shoes, then the jewellery and accessories and now STOP-THE-PRESS!! there is ready-to-wear.

Ark Clutch

As if that wasn’t enough, we can now wear Cult Gaia head-to-toe and the full looks definitely don’t disappoint. Charming and understated, simple yet elegant, picture yourself wearing some of these looks on vacation or to a garden party for that ultimate desireable wardrobe.

TO SHOP CULT GAIA READY-TO-WEAR, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cult Gaia

In yesterday’s post I showed you a head to toe red leopard print look. Today I would like to show you even more options. Keep it going bold with these red animal print dresses – perfect for the effortless seasonal chic and a modern way to uplift your festive appearance.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Button-embellished leopard-print velvet mini dress by Balmain

Pussy-bow pleated printed silk crepe de chine dress by Givenchy

Lace-trimmed leopard-print satin dress by Koché

Open-back leopard-print jersey mini dress by Tom Ford

Leopard and tiger-print wool-blend skater dress by Valentino

Leopard-print silk-jacquard maxi dress by Alessandra Rich

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands