Sandra‘s Closet

Happy 6oth Birthday, Barbie! Time flies…  Today, every passing minute sees more than 100 dolls sold worldwide, with 58 million sold every year. The iconic plastic doll has been a surgeon, a pilot, a singer and a president. She has been in a wheelchair and has a prosthetic leg. She’s been the Duchess of Cambridge, several characters in «Mad Men» and every member of Destiny’s Child.
But on her debut at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, she was just a doll in a swimsuit and ponytail, with white sunglasses in her hand.

First Barbie in 1959

Barbie’s success has remained as she continues to reflect culture and the world girls see around them.
Her evolution has been crucial, but never was easy. Created by Ruth Handler, who owned the toy company Mattel with her husband Elliot. She was inspired by the paper dolls her daughter Barbara played with, as well as a German doll named Bild Lilli.

Did you know that the inspiration for Barbie came from German BILD Zeitung? A doll called Lilli that was created in 1955.

Immediately, Barbie had a lot of success. She was an «adult», different to the baby dolls of the time. By 1960, Barbie was gainfully employed, as either a nurse, fashion editor, or flight attendant. The next year, she had a boyfriend, Ken, and the year after that, her first car and a pink dream house.

Lately, new additions to the «Barbie Fashionistas» line included a doll using a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg. For International Women’s Day 2018, Mattel released a new batch of dolls based «real-life role models» (for the previous post, click here please), among them aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo.

This year, more than 20 new «Sheroes» will be immortalized as Barbies: among them, supermodel and activist Adwoa Aboah, and gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the first female Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

Me dressed in the Moschino x Barbie collection (for the post, click here).

Barbie did many designer collaborations such as an amazing shoe collection with Charlotte Olympia, was dressed by the likes of Moschino, Lagerfeld, or Christian Louboutin among others.

Margot Robbie will portray Barbie in upcoming movie about the child’s toy.

At 60 years old, Barbie stars in a Netflix series, «Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures,» and has almost 40 animated films to her name. In January, it was announced that Margot Robbie will play Barbie in a live-action movie. With 2 million followers on her instagram @barbiestyle, she’s one of of the big social media influencers and shares her outfits, and street-style shots.

I have been a Barbie fan since my early childhood and am proud of my pretty impressive collection. In my daughter’s old playroom, we still kept the Barbie corner. Happy Birthday, Barbie! Thanks to you, I feel sometimes like a little girl again…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Barbie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Last week to celebrate International Women’s Day, Mattel unveiled «role model» Barbies. After decades of focusing on their beauty and fashion sense, the famous dolls show finally their brains, strength and power as well. Not your average Barbies, these dolls are «Sheroes», meaning women who are heroes, designed to give young girls a range of inspirational and positive female idols.

The new dolls came after Mattel conducted a survey of 8,000 mothers around the globe and found that 86% are worried about the kind of role models their daughters are exposed to. Mattel’s series of empowering women dolls range from both the past and present.

Amelia Earhart, Aviation Pioneer

Many view this development as a thoroughly refreshing and progressive addition to the toy market like me. The new range showcases women from an array of professions: it includes US snowboarder Chloe Kim, Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin, Chinese volleyball champion Hui Ruoqi and French chef Helene Darroze. The range is ethnically diverse, Ibtihaj Muhammad stands for the first hijab-wearing Barbie and Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo is another «Shero» in the collection.

Ibtihaj Muhammad, Fencing Champion

But there are many voices criticizing the new dolls for still looking like «Barbie» as Mattel minimized the typical features that also have made these women special such as the famous Kahlo‘s famous monobrow (Barbie’s brows are thicker but not exactly looking like Frida) or the muscles of boxer Nicola Adams Obe.

Mattel’s message: «Inspire your little ones to paint a world of possibilities!»

Frida Kahlo, Artist

Nevertheless, it’s a great start and kids will love to have dolls that represent aspirational career paths and commemorate inspiring women. From «Sheroes» to «Inspiring Women», have a look at the latest Barbie role models – all extraordinary women honored with a doll in their likeness.

Leyla Piedayesh, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur

By the way there is even a German lady among them: Iranian born Leyla Piedayesh who is the founder of fashion label lala Berlin. Congrats! Only a blogger is missing… I think for good when there is a real journalist as an influencer could probably be a quite tricky role model for a young girl.

LoL, Sandra

Nicola Adams Obe, Boxing Champion

Martyna Wojciechowska, Journalist

Patty Jenkins, Filmmaker

Chloe Kim, Snowboarding Champion

Hélène Darroze, World-Renowned Chef

Gabby Douglas, Gymnastics Champion

Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician and Physicist

Bindi Irwin, Conservationist

Yuan Yuan Tan, Prima Ballerina

Ashley Graham, Model And Body Activist

Sara Gama, Soccer Player

Hui Ruoqi, Volleyball Champion

Xiaotong Guan, Actress and Philanthropist

Ava Duvernay, Film Director

Photos: Courtesy of Mattel

ALANUI, which means «large path» in Hawaiian language, is the result of accurate research and a dialogue between the siblings Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi, about journey, one of the fueling principles of the brand. A single item, an oversized cashmere jacquard cardigan, produced in a variety of patterns and colors, an adaptable piece with no immediate gender connotation and no season. Each ALANUI item is meant to be the perfect travel companion and handcrafted from 980 grams of Cariaggi cashmere, it can take up to 11 hours to make.

ALANUI’s Nicolò e Carlotta Oddi

Now, ALANUI has joined forced with COLETTE for a special collection which marks also the brand’s first ever collaboration. A tribute to the well-known store in Paris, this is the perfect occasion to celebrate the twenty years anniversary of the Parisian concept store and its iconic «blue colette». Comprised of three iconic ALANUI oversize cardigans, those must-have pieces are inspired by the native-American iconography and culture, and the Bandana, enriched by hand made embroideries resembling the maxi paisley typical of the foulard made in USA.

Exclusively for COLETTE, ALANUI launches also «ALANUI Kids», the first kidswear collection of the brand. The three cardigans for children, proposed in two different sizes, present same patterns and material of the adult styles. A special packaging is exclusively designed for the collaboration. Each cardigan presents a hand-woven label and it is sold in a box with colors paying homage to the store’s identity.

The capsule ALANUI x COLETTE will be sold at COLETTE from today till the 30th of October and on the online store starting now for one month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alanui x Colette

Recently a new kids concept store opened its doors in Zurich, KARAMELL. A true playground for the little ones (0-12 years) as well as for their moms. The brainchild behind it is no other than Sara Allerstorfer, who worked for 18 years at Switzerland’s renowned fashion magazine BOLERO as fashion editor and director. Through work, Sara and I have become friends and we always had a lot of fun when we travelled together, sharing a passion for Givenchy and being both working mums.

Sara and I working together during a shoot for BOLERO magazine in April 2011.

Sara has an expert eye when to comes to finding treasure from all over the world. Her store is filled with pieces that are produced in limited editions and in a sustainable way. The labels she carries come from all over the world, from Goteborg to Brooklyn to Tokyo and can only be found at KARAMELL in Zurich.

For us, she opened up about the challenges she encountered leaving her old job and how she feels today living her new dream.

You worked for 18 years as a fashion editor at BOLERO magazine. Why did you take the decision to leave such a «desirable» job and start something completely new?

The idea of my own store was a dream that I had already been dreaming for years. After my son’s birth, it was obvious for me that it would be a kids concept store because I could not find cool clothes for him in Zurich. And when he grew older, it even became worth. There were either clothes with allover prints in hideous colors, with tasteless motives or items in poor quality. Chains like H&M and Zara were no option at all, regarding their manufacturing process and quality.

And after 18 years in the print media world I needed a new challenge. Personally speaking, don’t be impressed by the «glamorous» fashion world. It is tough and not at all as glamorous as it sells itself via magazines and social media. All that glitters is not gold!

How long did it take you to get started?

To get KARAMELL on track took me one year. I had to find the right location, which is a challenge in Zurich; write a business plan; sort out financial matters; do research in kids fashion to find brands I liked and which are not distributed in Zurich yet; develop an interior concept, which then I realized with Virginia Maissen Interior Studio; go to fairs and showrooms for buying; etc.

What was your biggest challenge that you have encountered so far?

To have a good work-life-balance. To be a good mother and a good businesswoman.

What was the best moment you have experienced in your new environment?

When a customer came to the store and said: This is Instagram came true.

Once a little girl left her doll in the store. Several weeks later she came with her grandmother to pick it up. You should have seen her face. I have never seen such a happy little girl. You could almost touch the emotion she had in that moment, when I gave her back her beloved doll.

Do you think that your previous job as a fashion editor has helped you for your new task in terms of trends, contacts in the industry etc.?

Yes, absolutely. In the beginning it was not easy to convince brands to sell to me, as I did not have a physical store yet. I could not show any images, only talk about my concept and show moodboards. But I had my (good) name and credibility as a Fashion Director.

My expert eye helps me a lot in terms of trends. Sometimes I am a little bit too fashion forward for the kids world but luckily in the children’s universe fashion trends are not changing as quick as in the adult fashion business. It is also a lot more functionally and practically driven.

What is your favorite item in your store? Do you already have a bestseller?

I have three favorite items: The Jess Brown Rag Dolls, which are handmade from used clothes and old fabrics and therefore each one is unique. The sweaters and hoodies from ABC123me. The colors are amazing! And the jeans from East End Highlanders, a Japanese brand. Japanese are famous for the best denim in the world. I can only agree.

My bestseller so far is the tutu from Atsuyo&Akiko.

Would you do it again? 

This question is maybe too early to answer, as I have opened my store only 6 months ago. But I am very enthusiastic and excited about the project.

Thank you, Sara, for giving us this insight in your world!
I am so proud of you that you have dared to live your new dream and I am wishing you only the best!

KARAMELL is located at Seefeldstrasse 44, 8008 Zurich / Switzerland.
Phone: +41 44 558 25 19, E-mail:
Instagram: @karamellzurich

Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday 09.30 am – 5.30 pm
Thursday and Friday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am – 5 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sara Allerstorfer / Karamell

Life in plastic — it’s fantastic! British accessories designer Charlotte Olympia, known for her fun patterns and cheeky designs, brings our childhood dreams to life with this pink-tastic collection of clutches and shoes in collaboration with Barbie®.

Personally speaking, the greatest Barbie® collaboration ever!

LoL, Sandra

Vanina textured-leather box clutch

Pomeline patent-leather and mesh sandals

Barbie Girl platform sandals

Barbie World Perspex box clutch

Kitty embroidered leopard-print velvet slippers

Collection doll

Photos: Courtesy of Mattel and Charlotte Olympia

Don’t miss the exclusive Moschino Barbie® and ready-to-wear capsule collection, launching today on Net-à-Porter. For the Italian fashion house’s S/S 2015 show, creative director Jeremy Scott chose Barbie® as his stylish muse (for a previous post, click here please).

MOSCHINO + Barbie® doll

MOSCHINO + Barbie® doll

Only 700 versions of this iconic doll have been produced and each one comes boxed alongside a selection of accessories, including a quilted backpack, sunglasses and a logo tee. Use the accompanying presentation stand to fully showcase her outfit.

Along with this collector’s edition Barbie® doll comes an 8-piece RTW collection, which includes life-sized versions of some of the same pieces along with two Moschino Barbie® doll emblazoned t-shirts. I am loving it!

TO SHOP THE EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

Goth glam with a quirky twist – this Halloween we’re all about velvet, flowy 70’s dresses and fun accessories. H&M offers a great selection of dress-up pieces for adults and kids (see below):

Such a cute Halloween collection for kids at H&M.

Use Halloween as an excuse to bring out your inner glam goth. (Not to be confused with glam rock.) For inspiration, turn to fictional style icons like Morticia Addams, Jessica Lange in «American Horror Story: Coven» or Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in «The Witches of Eastwick».
Or just Cher, period.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher floating in style in «The Witches of Eastwick».

This season’s It-item – the 70’s maxi or midi dress – is the perfect hero of the glamoween look, and don’t forget to top it off with the perfect shade of “blood” red for lips and nails.

If you are more opting for an investment in something you could wear all year, I recommend brands such as Balmain and Givenchy this season. They have great velvet dresses with that certain goth attitude that could be transformed with the right accessories into the perfect Halloween outfit. And then it is truly time for GLAMOWEEN!!!

Get the look: Feather and raccoon jacket and velvet ruffle midi dress, both by Givenchy, satin belt by Balmain, embroidered collar by Vivetta, «Black Spider» hairband by Caterina Capelli, double feather-embellished silk-trimmed leather tickler and My Tie leather and silk-charmeuse cuffs, both by Kiki de Montparnasse and Horatio leather and jacquard platform sandals by Paul Andrew.
Glamore Lipstick – Virgin by Illamasqua.

LoL, Sandra

Photo (Cover): Magnus Torsne, Styling: Emma Elwin
Photo «The Witches of Eastwick»: All Over Press
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Mother’s Day came early at Dolce & Gabbana’s F/W 2015 show, it was obviously another of the designer duo’s beautiful celebrations of the Italian family. The collection was simply titled “Viva la Mamma” and inspired by the woman who’s the heart of the family.

Celebrating motherhood on so many levels, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana sent models down the runway with their babies and kids, including the perennial D&G muse, Bianca Balti, who is highly pregnant with her second child, to roaring applause. Being pregnant seems to be the next season’s trend, so ladies get ready!

The collection on display matched the mother-loving theme: decidedly feminine dresses and skirts adorned with roses, lace and even embroidered doodles by their own nieces and nephews (in the same vein as Angelina Jolie’s wedding veil). Great news is that Moda Operandi is inviting you be to relive the magic with their newest trunkshow which includes all of our favorites, fresh off the runway!

Whether you gravitated towards the children’s doodles or the roses – they now have it live. It is your chance to get your favorite pieces in your size and no wait list required!

TO PRE-ORDER THE DOLCE & GABBANA F/W 2015 COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
The trunkshow ends on March 16 at 10 am EDT.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images and Moda Operandi

La Roche-Posay Switzerland supports a great fundraiser together with the Theodora Foundation and you can be part of it. All you have to do is post a selfie with your favorite product of the brand on Instagram with the hashtag #yougivesmiles or download directly to the La-Roche Posay homepage. For every picture posted until March 31, 2015, one Theodora artist will visit a sick child in the hospital and give him or her back a smile.

So whip out your smartphone, overcome your fear of selfless, grab your favorite La Roche-Posay product and join the fun. Don’t forget any participation conjures a smile on a child’s face!

Here you see mine! I love their Eau Thermale that delivers the freshness of spring water to your face every time you need it during the day! And one tip, it makes your makeup last longer if you spray it after your application in the morning…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Roche-Posay and © Sandra Bauknecht

Tata! Here are the first pics of of the highly-­anticipated collector toy, Barbie Lagerfeld, a collaboration between Mattel, Inc. and KARL LAGERFELD.

Taking inspiration from the the designer’s signature style, Barbie Lagerfeld is dressed in his likeness with accents taken from the real KARL LAGERFELD line. Borrowing from Karl’s iconic silhouette, the doll wears a tailored black jacket, white high-collared men’s shirt with French cuffs and black satin cravat finished off with fitted black jeans featuring the iconic all-over head print. The exclusive doll is adorned in accessories that include black fingerless gloves, sunglasses, black ankle boots and a leather purse with silver metallic accents.

The worldwide launch is set for Monday, September 29, 2014 during Paris Fashion Week. The Platinum-label Barbie Lagerfeld doll will be available in limited quantities (only 999 dolls will be produced) for approximately $200 USD or €200 Euro through exclusive retail channels including; NET-A-PORTER, select KARL LAGERFELD retail stores, TheBarbieCollection.com, and Colette in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld and Mattel, Inc.