Sandra‘s Closet

Disco. Decadence. The ultimate indulgence. Sometimes you get an invitation that is so amazing you want to show it to the world… in this case a dear friend of mine is celebrating a Studio 54 party in New York City next weekend. I couldn’t have wished for a better theme. Studio 54, the legendary world-famous night club of the late ’70s, located at 254 West 54th Street, between Eighth Avenue and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, was the landmark of various parties in the art and fashion world and the hot spot for all celebrities of the era.

At the peak of the disco dancing and music trend, it was founded and created by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager in 1977, and sold in 1980 to Mark Fleischman, who reopened the club after it had been shut down following Rubell and Schrager’s convictions on charges of tax evasion.

Studio 54 has become a dress code in itself: it means sparkling mini dresses, sequins, jumpsuits, platform sandals and Farrah Fawcett hair. Michael Kors admittedly skipped his own prom for a night out at Studio 54, so it’s fitting that the former NYC club serves as inspiration for his F/W 2019 collection.

TO SHOP ALL CLOTHING AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS BELOW, JUST CLICK ON THE HIGHLIGHTED DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE:

One of my favorite pieces of the collection – Look 65 (also featured in the ad campaign)
Feather-trimmed sequined silk-georgette mini dress by Michael Kors Collection.

Look 13
Asymmetric sequined stretch-jersey halterneck dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 52
Glittered cashmere tank by Michael Kors Collection

Look 56
Knotted stretch-lamé midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 67
Metallic fil coupé leopard-jacquard midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Another designer who is constantly inspired by his mom’s Studio 54 days is Michael Halpern. Since he graduated Central Saint Martins MA in the class of 2016, the London’s resident New Yorker is going for full glitter-disco looks. Just one word: amazing!

Look 3
Draped sequined tulle halterneck midi dress by Halpern

Look 12
Asymmetric sequined chiffon mini dress by Halpern

Look 22
Sequined tulle flared pants and off-the-shoulder ruffled sequined tulle top, both by Halpern.

Look 25
One-sleeve draped asymmetric stretch-jersey midi dress by Halpern

Look 32
Draped animal-print sequined stretch-tulle jumpsuit by Halpern

And as far as your beauty looks are concerned, look no further than the just-released Studio 54 for NARS collection. Start the party with iconic shades; own the night with exclusive bolds and brights.

Never Enough Mini Lipstick Coffret by NARS

Limited Edition Explicit Content Mascara Set by NARS

Studio 54 Outshine 4-Piece Lip Gloss Set  by NARS

Softcore Blush and Balm Set – Torrid by NARS

Glitter. Glamour. Excess. Expression. Consider this your VIP ticket beyond the velvet rope. Once you’re in, anything goes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Summer, like every year, just passed too fast. But what is more beautiful than to wrap yourself in warm coats on cold days? Remember the insanely popular teddy coats of your childhood? They are back and are all you’ll want to wear this winter.

Whether you want an oversize style – reminiscent of the ’70s – a cropped big shoulder version – reminiscent of the ’80s – or a teddy coat in a color that’s not exactly subtle, there’s bound to be one that you love. Shop my favorites for F/W 2019 below, just by clicking on the highlighted text:

Oversized faux fur coat by Balenciaga

Oversized faux fur coat by Balenciaga

Teddy Icon camel hair and silk-blend coat by Max Mara

Teddy Bear alpaca-blend coat by Max Mara

Anarchy faux fur teddy coat by Vetements

Teddy faux-fur coat by Luisa Cerano

Oversized faux fur coat by Deveaux

Happy double-breasted faux fur coat by Stine Goya

Belted faux fur teddy coat by Vince

Faustine oversized belted double-breasted faux fur coat by Stand Studio

Pavlovna belted wool, silk and cashmere-blend coat by Gabriela Hearst

Oversized faux-fur coat by Comme des Garçons Comme des Garçons

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Capes appeared on the fashion radar last year in full force, when an array of designers put their high-fashion spin on this classic cover-up. Personally speaking, I have been a fan of capes since forever because they are the perfect pieces to wear over voluminous shoulders, big sleeves or embellishments. The trend is thankfully still going strong and giving us good incentive to go hands-free when we wrap up this season. My advice, opt for a statement piece that will make heads turn. It can be inspired by the current ’70s bourgeoisie trend, come with a military vibe, be vibrant or knitted. Here are my favorite ones available with the power to elevate even the plainest of outfits.

LoL, Sandra

Eureka double-breasted camel hair cape by Max Mara

Pleated cashmere cape by Loewe

Asymmetric leather cape by Saint Laurent

Two-tone wool-blend cape by Chloé

Button-embellished double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend cape by Balmain

Reversible wool and silk-blend cape by Gucci

Double-breasted scalloped houndstooth wool-blend bouclé cape by REDValentino

Long single-breasted wool cape by Prada

Leather-trimmed wool-blend cape by Burberry

Organza-trimmed wool and silk-blend crepe cape by Valentino

Wool-blend cape by Valentino

Embellished silk-crepe cape by Givenchy

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Besides this season’s zebra pattern trend, you should not miss another black and white animal print as fashionistas can’t get enough of dalmatian prints. When «too much» is never enough, those pieces are giving major Cruella De Vil vibes.

It is a great example how fashion and cinema are linked together. In 2021, Emma Stone will be giving a new twist to the iconic villain as she plays her in the upcoming film «Cruella», showing the Oscar-winning actress as the younger, significantly more punk version of the famous protagonist who is crazy for the black and white dots.

Here’s your first look at Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil in Disney’s Cruella. The film, also starring Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Joel Fry, comes to theaters May 28, 2021.

Below you can find the best dalmtian print pieces available this season. Have fun and get ahead of the fashion trend.

Animal-print cotton-twill trench coat by Burberry

Pussy-bow dalmatian-print silk blouse by Burberry

Dalmatian-print high-rise pleated midi skirt by Burberry

Crystal-embellished animal-print faux fur coat by Miu Miu

Logo and dalmatian print nylon backpack by Burberry

Dalmatian furry cropped blouse by Batsheva

London dalmatian print bag by Manu Atelier

Pre-owned vintage Dalmatian shoulder bag by Louis Vuitton

I am on my way to the Venice Film Festival with Atelier Swarovski. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Disney

Animal prints have been trending since a long time, but this F/W 2019 season, it’s time for the zebras to cross. The black and white stripes were spotted on many runways, including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.

 Get ahead of the fashion tribe and indulge in the new zebra-print pieces that are all the rage these days. I put the best ones together for you! And don’t forget to scroll to the end for an amazing surprise…

Zebra-print silk kaftan by Oscar de la Renta

Tori zebra-print silk-satin headband by Jennifer Behr

Zebra-print mid-rise skinny jeans by Saint Laurent

Dumont zebra-print toquilla straw Panama hat by Sensi Studio

My favorite: Pussy-bow lace-trimmed zebra-print crepe de chine blouse and asymmetric zebra-print crepe de chine midi skirt, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Luna zebra-print calf hair shoulder bag by Wandler

Left: Embellished zebra-print satin maxi skirt by Versace,
Right: Zebra-intarsia knitted midi skirt by Hervé Léger

For the smart shoppers among you, here is the surprise. Some amazing zebra-print pieces are extremely marked down and perfect investments for the F/W 2019 season:

1 Lace-trimmed zebra-print satin top by Chloé (50% off and extra 20% at checkout)
2 Alma 85 zebra-print calf hair ankle boots by Aquazzura (60% off)
3 Shiva 105 cutout zebra-print calf hair pumps by Aquazzura (60% off)
4 Stafford belted zebra-print calf hair coat by Joseph (80% off)
5 Blossom tiger-print sequined chiffon wrap top by Rixo (70% off)
6 Leather-trimmed zebra-jacquard coat by Alexander McQueen (70% off)

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Balmain‘s Pre-Fall 2019 or David Koma‘s F/W 2019 collection are both boasting the animalistic trend with beaded ornates that curve from the hip up towards a single padded shoulder. Dragons or serpents, both are stunning examples of an opulent yet unfussy approach to design. Wear them with smoky eyes and your hair pinned into a bun to highlight the shoulder cutout or opt for the skirt with a turtleneck during the day.

One-sleeve crystal-embellished stretch-jersey mini dress by Balmain

Embellished cutout stretch-cotton velvet mini dress by David Koma

Embellished cutout stretch-cotton velvet mini skirt by David Koma

And as usual, here is a little tip to channel the season’s dramatic sense of glamour on sale:

Left: Snake-embroidered beaded velvet mini dress by Valentino (60% off)
Right: Snake-embellished tulle gown by Valentino (60% off)

Time to unleash your inner snake in the Garden of Eden and to transform into a fierce, yet seductive woman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Creative Women Conference, I held a workshop about the most important fashion trends for the upcoming season. During my speech, I explained which S/S 2019 tendencies will stay, which ones won’t be strong and what will be a must for  F/W 2019.

Furthermore, I explained how dressing can be fun and what you should keep in mind when choosing your outfits. Below you can find all my presentation slides that are absolutely self explanatory.

LoL, Sandra

Slides: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of the Designers and via Instagram @EcoAge

Personally speaking, fashion month always seems to be never-ending, but the actual work starts after when I have to sift through the best of the best. Below, you will find my summary of the F/W 2019 trends that reigned supreme – the ones that are the most important to know right now.

Memorize some of them to impress your friends when they ask you what you’re looking forward to wearing this fall, and not so humbly reply, «Definitely a hint of lilac, everything punk from a transparent lace dress with combat boots to a tartan skirt with a chain choker, not to forget a cape and everything layered. You know, the essentials.»

In full transparency, there were tons of F/W 2019 trends that won my heart that you won’t see in this roundup as the edit would have been far too long, such as `70s inspired vintage shearling jackets or pleated skirts. As preached for the past few years, everything is possible. The runways this season were loud and clear on the fact that you can pick and choose what trend you would like to try. But very importantly, the fashion world is turning away from the casualness of athleisure and trading it in for the opportunity to get dressed up.

Enjoy this post and stay tuned as I will continue to cover forthcoming fall styles all season long.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2019 is a season of great outerwear, including the hero of it all, the cape. From military-inspired to classic lady-like or dramatic evening styles, you have a gazillion options to choose from.

I am definitely not a morning person, especially not during the cold season. Therefore I love this trend of outerwear reminiscent of my bedding, quilted and cozy.

Imagine classic pieces that somehow look too cool to be a basic wardrobe staple. They come with a twist, deconstructed, layered and so interesting to look at.

This season was filled with an air of punk-rock grunge in all ways. Fishnets, lace, leather, combat boots, chains and chokers, you know what I mean.

Tartan fabrics have always been a part of the punk movement, so it was obvious that the designers jumped on this trend for F/W 2019.

Layering has been around for a while now but this season it is undoubtedly about the art of layering all of your knits on top of each other. The more knitwear you staple, the better.

The legs of the models on the F/W 2019 runways looked literally like a crayon box. Bold hosiery in different colors came down the runway, paired with everything from frilly dresses to skirt suits.

Leather is a great cold-weather staple, especially with the right dose of color to cheer up grey winter days.

Animal prints have been around for many seasons, but finally, zebra stripes are having their well-deserved moment.

Lilac, interestingly enough, is making a resurgence now. Wearing pastel head-to-toe in winter is the ultimate sophistication.

Unleash your inner Jane Fonda and get ready to wear your ’80s aerobic gear for a fun night out.

Ready to go back in time? This season, the clothing proved to be taking inspiration from a period long, long ago, from boning on dresses and bustiers, to pretty puffy sleeves and Victorian neck ruffles.

One of the most festive fall trends is lamé and shiny metallic hues. This blast-from-the-past fabric gets you party ready in a second.

Inspired by everything you find in a museum, this stunning trend is truly one for the books. Imagine the portrait-gallery wing of your favorite exhibition brought to dresses and capes.

This trend truly seems to stay and gets elevated to new heights this F/W 2019 as every major collection had a small touch of black lace. Some of the prettiest lace dresses I have ever seen come with a rock or grunge allure. Transparent is a must!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Since Maria Grazia Chiuri has been at the helmet of DIOR, she has made feminism part of her designs. Last Tuesday she presented her F/W 2019 collection for the French Maison in Paris and the opening look of the show comprised a T-shirt with the title of Robin Morgan‘s classic work «Sisterhood Is Global». The American second-wave feminist activist and author was also present at the runway presentation.

Upcoming Friday, March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a good reason for Net-à-Porter to team up with some of their favorite ladies in fashion to create an exclusive capsule that you can explore below. Get ahead of the fashion game and be a woman in power.

Happy Weekend from Paris!

LoL, Sandra

International Women’s Day printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Isabel Marant

International Women’s Day printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Victoria Beckham

International Women’s Day flocked cotton-jersey T-shirt by ALEXACHUNG

International Women’s Day binary code printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Rosie Assoulin

International Women’s Day embroidered cotton-jersey T-shirt by Chloé

International Women’s Day printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Ellery

International Women’s Day printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Perfect Moment

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands