Sandra‘s Closet

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

One key F/W 2016 trend: all sorts of artfully bow embellished sweaters, upping the cool factor in the autumnal standard. Get inspired with the most trending ones, preferably in black and white, all handpicked by me only for you!

Virgin wool-blend sweater with lace ruffles by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Virgin wool sweater by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Sequin bow-embellished knitted sweater by Saint Laurent

Bow-embellished wool and cotton-blend cardigan by Boutique Moschino

Gayle grosgrain-trimmed knitted sweater by J.Crew

Virgin wool-blend sweater with lace ruffles by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Iconic superhero characters from the world’s most popular comic books have inspired many designers, this season it is – very unexpectedly – the house of VALENTINO.

Wonder Woman Sweater by Valentino

In December 2015, the French Maison had already launched a Wonder Woman inspired small capsule collection in collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow that was sold over her website Goop. However these 25 pieces were only the preview of a much larger selection that has been released this month.

Last Friday, you could see Italian street artist, Solo, in action, painting a mural at the brand’s Fifth Avenue New York flagship store. Great news is, that you can shop the superhero iconic pieces from now through the summer. The amazing collection – Wonder Woman Valentino — “pays tribute to all women” and features a whimsical explosion of patterns, colors and silhouettes.

And if you are not so into Wonder Woman, you can look for the Spiderman inspired pieces which are also pretty cool. I am totally sold on those fun pieces and you?

Spiderman Sweater by Valentino

It is time to be the super heroine of your own style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Being in Los Angeles, you might not think immediately of cashmere and blankets. But funnily enough sunny California can get chilly, believe me, I know what I am talking about right now as I am here. One of the best unstated luxury brands for cashmere products is The Elder Statesman, founded in L.A. in 2007 by Greg Chait.

Greg Chait with me

First launched as a menswear label, the brand has expanded its offering to a wide range of a products including, but not limited to, women’s and men’s ready to wear collections, knit and woven accessories of all kinds, optical, children’s items, and a robust selection of home goods.

Each garment is made in the USA by a team of skilled craftsman using special cashmere felting and hand looming techniques. Looking for sumptuous knitwear with borrowed-from-the-boys appeal, here you go!

You can shop THE ELDER STATESMAN online at FARFETCH, NET-A-PORTER or in Switzerland at TROIS POMMES THE STORE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Elder Statesman

Prove them wrong and follow my advice! If you have space, keep your clothes, there will always be a time for them again.

Knitwear dressing made a big comeback on the runways for the F/W 14 season and I am so happy that I have kept these S/S 2008 Prada pieces. They are so perfect for this fall.

F/W 2014: Stella McCartney – Céline – Marc Jacobs

My look: Cardigan, long knitted top and flared pants, all by Prada, wooden clogs by Miu Miu, pound printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Mary Katrantzou, orange colored Birkin bag and Hapi leather bracelet, both by Hermès, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Thank you for your sweet comments regarding my recent outfit post “Amazing Grace“. So many of you liked my Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland. The iconic brand was founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry. From the beginning technical innovation has led to the creation of knitwear as outerwear, the signature argyle pattern and the classic twinset.

For the first time, Pringle of Scotland is set to trial a new retail format focusing on cashmere editions, its expertise in knitwear and show casing the current collections with the opening of a seasonal store in St.Moritz, Switzerland, that will be open from now to April 2014. Catering to the resort’s discerning global clientele, it will showcase exclusive Scottish handknits, luxurious cashmere and fur accessories and special re-editions exclusive to the Engadin store.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland

During Paris Fashion Week, I went to some amazing events that I would like to share with you. Let’s get started with one that was truly outstanding, something that you don’t see every day.

I was invited to the elegant salons of the association France Ameriques in avenue Franklin Roosvelt, where a very special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins was presented.

The collection designed by young talents of the renowned college of arts and design in London features pieces in the finest 100% made in Scotland knitwear, inspired by the wardrobe of H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco, who had loved the historical British brand very much and had been frequently seen in it.

H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover had come all the way from Monaco to attend this intimate event in honour of her late mother. She had also supported the students and had given them access to the palace archives.

In April 2012, the findings were revealed in an exhibition hosted by the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco featuring never before seen material, showcasing Princess Grace’s daily wardrobe in the most relaxed and familial situations, particularly knitwear and Pringle of Scotland archive styles.

The students took those aesthetic elements and translated them into this beautiful capsule collection…

… under the creative supervision of the famous Professor Louise Wilson O.B.E. (see photo below to the right). Being among the world’s most influential fashion educators, her former students include Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic among many others.

Personally speaking, I found one aspect very moving when H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover explained that this project has meant a lot to her: “There have been many exhibitions on my mum, but this is special, when she wore knitwear, it meant we were more informal, it meant happy times.“

And as Marie Claude Beaud, Director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, put it “Grace Kelly has been a princess, an actress…but above all a woman, a mother”.

With this in mind, the collection truly manages to highlight the most personal, discreet and daily aspects of the Princess without loosing its historical heritage, it looks modern and desirable.

Pringle of Scotland’s ambassadress Tilda Swinton was leading the conversation.

Interesting to know is that the title PRINCESS GRACE: MORE THAN AN IMAGE derives from a quote that the Princess gave to Time Magazine in 1955, whilst still the film actress Grace Kelly, “I don’t want to dress up a picture with just my face”. This sense of exploring the person behind the image is evident throughout the project. She will stay in everyone’s imagination forever.

And this fall, it is official, we will not only dream of an Hermès Kelly bag.Pringle of Scotland’s Kelly sweater will be on everyone’s shopping list and it will be definitely more accessible. The capsule collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland in September at Jelmoli.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the movie “Grace” that will hit the cinemas in the end of the year and enjoy some more impressions of this beautiful event in Paris below.

LoL, Sandra

Gorgeous Tilda Swinton with me

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland, © Sandra Bauknecht;
Photos of Princess Grace: © Jae Lee, © Alice Bastion

In celebration of the holiday season, I recommend buying some festive knits. Combine a stylish holiday sweater with a sexy pencil skirt and some high heels to take the look to new heights.

Appliquéd wool turtleneck sweater by Moschino, bonded PVC pencil skirt by Tibi and red patent-leather pumps by Dolce & Gabbana.

Rossella Jardini, Moschino Creative Director, gives the following style advice: “When designing our sweater, I played with the classic Christmas elements and added a Moschino touch! I would suggest wearing them with a simple pair of skinny jeans.”

To shop those preppy little sweaters, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

1 Santa Claus sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
2 Reindeer intarsia wool-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Reindeer appliquéd knitted wool sweater by Moschino
4 Ho! Ho! Ho! knitted sweater by Lot78
5 Reindeer-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Mason by Michelle Mason
6 Maria metallic-embroidered knitted sweater by Meadham Kirchhoff

Meadham Kirchhoff about their inspiration: “Christmas is the best time of the year, the decorations, the tree, the food….. We love everything about it. The inspiration for the embroidery came from original 1960’s gift paper I wrapped Edward’s presents in last Christmas.”

I adore those sweaters and couldn’t resist the one by Stella McCartney. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

During the recent fashion weeks, you couldn’t help but notice the common thread literally popping up for F/W 2012: Chunky knit sweaters paired with gorgeous statement necklaces. This combination has the right twist to jazz up the cozy winter staple. Click here to see me wearing it.
Enjoy shopping some of my favourite looks:

1 Chunky-knit wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Chloé and crystal ribbon necklace by Lanvin
2 Blue bobble knit sweater by Carven and crystal and bead necklace by J.Crew
3 Knitted wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Nina Ricci and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser
4 Zesty lime cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Joseph and Riri painted Swarovski crystal necklace by Tom Binns
5 Multicoloured sweater by Closed and embellished bib necklace by Lanvin
6 Striped chunky-knit sweater by Missoni and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser

LoL, Sandra

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken!”

Banjo & Matilda is the label of the moment that specializes in super soft cashmere with a playful twist (a kiss is hand-stitched on the inside of each garment). Designer Belynda Macpherson is inspired by her Bondi Beach surroundings to create clothing focused on comfort and longevity. Counting the founder’s supermodel sister-in-law, Elle, amongst its fans, the brand now boasts a luxurious selection of cashmere sweaters, coverups and pants.

“I design for real life and a love of absolute comfort and longevity. Simplicity with a generous serve of discreet luxury makes me happy, and I am guessing/hoping/knowing you’ll love it too”. – Belynda Macpherson

Find out how to style the new line and how Belynda’s sister-in-law and unofficial muse, Elle Macpherson inspired the label’s name below:

Peace-intarsia cashmere sweater

Where does the name Banjo & Matilda come from?

“I was pregnant with my son when I started the label and my sister-in-law, Elle, was adamant I call him Banjo but I compromised and used it for the label. I wanted an Aussie mate for Banjo, so I took the rest of the name from our unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda.”

Star-intarsia cashmere sweater

Why a knitwear label?

“My mother used to hand knit cashmere legwarmers for ballet because I had sensitive skin, so I have an emotional attachment to it. I also noticed on the beach that everyone was wearing bikinis during the day and then putting their cashmere on at night.”

Ultimate Vee cashmere sweater

Describe the brand philosophy in 3 words?

“Sand, surf and sky – it’s very Australian, very free.”

Croquet long cashmere cardigan

How to wear your pieces?

“Either with a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a tee underneath or a nice crisp white shirt, pencil skirt and skinny belt for work.”

Oversized cashmere sweater

Who would you love to see wearing your designs?

“Elle is our unofficial muse but I also love Kate Moss and the way she puts hi-lo looks together.”

Cashmere track pants

I am in love with Belynda’s super-comfy and stylish creations and you?
To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Banjo & Matilda and net-à-porter.com