Sandra‘s Closet

Next year in spring or summer 2011, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, their son will finally tie the knot.

William proposed to Kate on a safari last month, but today the newly-engaged couple, both 28 years old,  faced the cameras for the first official engagement photo. Prince William honoured his late mother by giving his fiancée Kate Middleton the engagement ring which was Princess Diana’s from Prince Charles! The ring is an oval 18-carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

Kate, a classic beauty wore a bright blue wrap dress by Issa London. The fashion label founded by Brazilian designer Daniella Issa Helayel is known to be one of Kate’s favourites. Rumours are out that she might do the wedding gown as well.

The royal colour matched her massive ring and the dark blue suede pumps finished off her look perfectly. Two decades ago, Princess Diana wore the same shade as well for her engagement.
Kate and William looked so in love today that I am sure all of these similarities are meant to be and a good omen.

To a fashionable happy royal wedding!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday I was supposed to be in London for the launch of Stella McCartney Kids collection and to preview the two new lines High Jewellery sets by Boucheron and Private Wardrobe by Stella McCartney which is a new service for VIP- customers to receive private appointments, personal styling, exclusive events, bespoke tailoring, previews and more.
I am so happy for my card, it is like the centurion for fashionistas.

Unfortunately, I had to cancel last minute as a very excited interview came up in Zurich. You will soon know to whom I was able to talk to.

Nevertheless, I still have all the photos for you. Stella’s kids collection includes basic comfortable pieces as well as shrunken versions of the mainline.

Her fun, modern fashion for boys and girls, aged newborn to 12 years, is now available in stores and online at StellaMcCartneyKids.com with shipping in over 200 countries. It is truly worth having a look at the website. There will interactive functions for both parents and kids, such as the “playground“.

To coincidence the launch, an iPhone app can be downloaded at iTunes with special features like a mechanical drawing game and the ability to shop.

The London store has also built a very special interactive corner for kids of all ages making shopping a real fun adventure.

Her new fine jewellery line is inspired by „romance, intimacy and secrets“.
The capsule collection includes five dainty pieces in timeless yellow gold (see photos below) that compliment every outfit perfectly. Prices range from £645.-.

I love the kissing pendant… Santa, do you hear me?

LoL, Sandra

My gorgeous press kit

Today, I was lucky to attend the Lanvin for H&M press preview. The line created by Alber Elbaz is breathtaking. Beautiful materials, well-tailored cuts, it seemed to me almost like a best of Lanvin collection, a playful take on his favourite pieces.

Please find herewith some impressions from the lookbook and more pictures of the ad campaign plus my personal photos that I took today in the showroom. They show the beauty of the clothes and accessories perfectly. I have also included the complete price list with all upcoming items, in Swiss Francs.

“What does luxury mean today? Can luxury be exclusive and democratic at the same time? How can we translate the essence 
of luxury to a wider audience? The world around us is changing rapidly and I find myself asking these questions more and more. 
Designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream 
of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin. Well done, Mr Elbaz!

Ladies, I will see you on November 23, 2010 because I want Lanvin…not flowers!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M
Lookbook, Photographer: Stéphane Gallois, Models: Irina Lazareanu and Vincent Olivieri
Campaign, Photographer: David Sims, Models: Natasha Poly, Hannelore Knuts, Tati Cotliar, Simon Nessman, Jane Schmitt and Garance Dumont

In the showroom.

I am totally in love with this dress and necklace.

The clothes come with the beautiful hangers.

Feminine dresses.

The fake fur looks a little like Chanel's fantasy fur, amazing!

Vibrant flower prints worn with pearls.

The illustrations by Alber Elbaz are fantastic.

I adore the T-shirts.

Leopard print and lipsticks.

Cute little clutches.

Love those men shoes!

Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas

Last week, I went to the Louis Vuitton Christmas collection press preview that took place in the beautiful Schloss Sihlberg in Zurich.
The gorgeous presentation with vintage toys from the Zurich toy museum (Züricher Spielzeugmuseum) put me directly into the gift giving mood. It is true, Holiday 2010 is almost upon us, so let’s better get organised.

All I want for Christmas…

LoL, Sandra

The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.

The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).

The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately €2190.-.

I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).

Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!

Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo

Olivia Palermo, US-socialite, model and actress has not only a pretty face but has also become a fashion icon. Let’s have a closer look at her personal style that is something between Italian-American princess and sohisticated Upper East Side chic.
There are certain must-haves that the brunette is rarely seen without. First, probably her cute boyfriend, German model Johannes Huebl, second her cognac-coloured Hermès Birkin bag in Togo leather with golden hardwear and third her wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban. She loves her Rolex watch and lots of golden jewelry. Olivia’s favourite shoe designer at the moment is London-based It-girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal with her hot footwear label Charlotte Olympia.

This look is so hot! I admire her for riding a bike in those killer heels by Charlotte Olympia. The black leather shorts by 3.1 Phillip Lim combined with the military jacket by Diane von Furstenberg look amazing.

Classy Elegance. Recently in London, Olivia was spotted in a minimalistic beige sweater combined with a well-tailored dark blue pencil skirt.
The extravagant heels by Charlotte Olympia spicened up the look and the amazing gold statement jewelry showed perfectly what a difference the right accessories can make.

On the streets of Manhattan, Olivia was seen wearing a pair of skinny jeans, two layered tees and a boyfriend blazer. The flat Lanvin sneakers and her favourite compagnion her versatile Birkin bag added a sophisticated touch to her casual outfit.

Olivia has launched this year a capsule collection “Roberta by Olivia Palermo” consisting of five bib necklaces in cooperation with the American jewelry designer Roberta Freyman. The pieces are inspired by Olivia’s favourite districts: Belgravia and Chelsea in London, Le Marais in Paris, TriBeCa in New York and Mitte in Berlin. Available at matches.com starting at £195.-.

LoL, Sandra

Pharell Williams is a genius, a multifaceted musician-artist-entrepreneur in one.  So no wonder that companies like Moncler or Louis Vuitton have been branching out to collaborate with the rapper for some very special editions.

Pharell who is addicted to sparkles was called to create some bling bling for Louis Vuitton with Camille Miceli (who was Jewelry and Creative designer at this time, now she is at Dior) in 2008. The beautiful Blason collection (see above) revisits the idea of aristrocracy and is still sold in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

The F/W 2010 down vests and jackets for the new Moncler V line (see below) are reminding me of bullet-proof vests, very cool. They are made of Bionic yarn, which is produced by Pharell’s textile company. Available at Restir or Moncler.

Last night, Pharell Williams performed at Stella McCartney’s After Party that was held at Don Camilo, a cabaret/ night club in the 7th arrondissement. It was amazing! Here are some impressions, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

(Photos: Sandra Bauknecht)

Pharell Williams at his best

The Stella girls having a blast!

Claudia Schiffer

Famous model Anouck Lepère with me

Bonnie Star with her friend fashion designer Randolphe Duke

At a ladies luncheon in Beverly Hills, I sat next to Bonnie Star who turned out to be not only a very interesting woman, but also a fantastic jewelry designer. She invited me to her beautiful house the next day and showed me all of her fantastic work. Being a former artist, Bonnie has a total eye for shapes, fabrics and colours. She uses sterling, crystals, ornate stones like turquoise and agate along with a mix of vintage pendants and toggle clasps to create her unique pieces. Most of her designs can be worn in different ways as she loves multi-functional jewelry.

My personal favourites are her romantic tulle necklaces.

Bonnie leads a fashionable life being the sister of Darren Star, the mastermind behind our beloved television series like Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Cashmere Mafia or Sex and the City. She was looking for the perfect jewelry to go with her outfits for all the special events she has to attend. What started as something just for herself, ended in a sparkling business. Her line ranges from $180.- to $380.-. Enjoy some photos of her creations below.

Bonnie Star Jewelry is currently sold at Fred Segal in Los Angeles or contact: info@ bonniestarjewelry.com, phone +1 310-993-7292. Worldwide shipping is available on request.

Be a star!

LoL, Sandra

Tory Burch is an American fashion designer who launched her namesake brand in 2004. The label was an immediate success, filling the gap in the market for clothes that offered good quality to an affordable, accessible price.
Today, her fans include celebrities and fashion lovers all over the world. Her collections are available at her own beautifully decorated, unique Tory Burch boutiques, online at net-à-porter and in more than 450 select department and specialty stores worlwide.

One of her bestsellers are the Reva ballerina flats that have become a wardrobe essential. And they definitely deserve their cult status combining casual chic with unsurpassed comfort.

Recently at a birthday luncheon, I took a photo of two of my stylish girlfriends who wore by coincidence almost the same look.  They are like Tory herself mothers of three kids and like to be fashionable and comfy in one. Well done, girls!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tory Burch and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ancient Egyptians considered the scarab beetle to be lucky and obviously Tomas Maier does, too. For his F/W 2010 Bottega Veneta show, he adorned his models with beautiful metallic-green scarab beetle charms.
The lucky animal decorates rings, earrings, necklaces and bangles. My favourite is the multi-strand necklace which is unfortunately also the most expensive one. Those pieces will rock every outfit. Available online, at Bottega Veneta stores and at net-à-porter.

So ladies, start pushing your luck!

LoL, Sandra