Sandra‘s Closet

Good news: H&M has announced that its F/W 2011 designer collaboration will be with Versace.

Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include ranges for women, men and selected pieces for the home. It will be available from 17 November in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line.

In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.

Donatella Versace was already wearing one of the dresses from the Versace for H&M collection at the Versace men’s fashion show in Milan June 20^th, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere!” – Donatella Versace

Versace is a brand that is steeped in glamour to its very core. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, his daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion, creating provocative styles from classical themes which were all cut with an impeccable design eye. Since 1997, Donatella Versace has continued Gianni Versace’s work as creative director, evolving the brand into a global fashion house at the forefront of what luxury means today. Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace is the epitome of everything the Versace house stands for.

Here is your sneak preview at the collection:

Versace is the latest house to collaborate with H&M on an exclusive designer collection, following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin.

For H&M, Donatella Versace has looked back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men, too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, © Johan Sandberg

While being in Florence, I was able to explore the new Pop Up Greenhouse by RED Valentino which will officially opens its doors today at Piazza Strozzi.

The temporary space will stay until the 17th of June.

It is a beautiful botanical scenario, where you unexpectedly find yourself in a luxuriant, verdant place like Alice in Wonderland.

In this imaginary greenhouse the young protagonist of the RED Valentino story light-heartedly continues her journey.

Her romantic fantasy and vivid imagination are her means of expression.

A cloud of delicate fluttering white butterflies comes to life, seemingly lifting this airy, magical world and carrying it to a fairytale setting. The decoration is divine.

Gardening elements become objects for displaying exclusive garments. Scarves are enclosed in transparent glass bulb boxes. Galoshes hang in wood crates while colourful costume jewellery is “planted” in small white flower pots.

If you are a romantic woman, you will fall in love with the magical surrounding. The collection was created solely for this fairytale space: each garment and accessory was especially designed and presented in this dreamy, light-hearted setting. Flirty garments and accessories are playfully paired up with garden elements. Work aprons and rubber galoshes becomes whimsical accessories for overalls, while flowers and butterflies embellish the fabrics of dresses, skirts, and accessories, all in a burst of colourful prints.

Even the colours are inspired by nature: rose, hyacinth, and thyme are used on natural materials that are traditional elements of the RED Valentino world.

This new chapter in the marvellous RED Valentino fairytale, signed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, will visit next St. Tropez, France from 11-18 July, 2011 at Place Celli. After that, Knokke, Belgium is the following stop from 4-7 August, 2011 at Place Van Brunnen Plein.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Mother’s Day is right in front of us and probably you are still looking for a little surprise accompanying your hand-written poem. Why not getting her one of those new summer fragrances? I am sure that your mom would love it.
Odoriferous ideas destined to make her day.

LoL, Sandra

The Lady

Life Threads Ruby Sheer by La Prairie is an Oriental Floral fragrance for women. And a lighter variation of the original fragrance.

Top notes: Orange flower, bergamot and lily-of-the-valley
Middle notes: Jasmine, ylang-ylang, saffron and rose
Base notes: Vetiver, musk, sandalwood and vanille.

I desire, therefore I am.

Sisley’s art project continues. This time, the fashion brand has joined forces with Italian illustrator and comic book artist Milo Manara for a limited edition S/S 2011 capsule collection, including T-shirts, tops, skirts, shorts, handbags, shoppers and sneakers for both genders.

Portraits, illustrations and whole comic strips starring his provocative heroines come to life on Sisley’s clothes and around the wearer’s body. Black-and-white prints, sometimes with sparkling elements, and colour prints faithfully reproduce different drawing techniques, from chalk to acrylics, to recount the adventures of numerous female characters.
The collection will be available in a wide number of Sisley shops and sold in dedicated shopping bags.

Good news for my Milan based readers, Milo Manara, will be the guest of the brand’s store in Piazza San Babila on Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 7 PM and sign the limited edition T-shirts.

LoL, Sandra

“Think of the prep world as a grosgrain ribbon encircling the globe!”
Lisa Birnbach

As if Tommy Hilfiger wasn’t preppy enough; he is taking the show on the road this spring with Prep World, a unique limited edition capsule collection of 60 pieces for both genders.

Helping him with the ambassadorial mission is Lisa Birnbach, author of “The Official Preppy Handbook“, the recent “True Prep: It’s a Whole New Old World“, and just for tommy.com, “The Prep World Gobal Guide”, which will include local lifestyle recommendations.

The line, that will be in stores and available on tommy.com starting April 28, include everything you need to become a true prep, from the signature blazer to the Oxford dress, accessorized with such accoutrements as boat shoes, duck boots, Ping-Pong paddles and badminton rackets.

Inspired by Nantucket in the summer, Hilfiger will bring his brand’s DNA around the world with a global “Prep World” tour.

Starting in the French capital , the first showcase Americana style cottage has been placed this weekend in front of the Centre Pompidou. Parisians can explore the “Preppy Look“, something that reflects the American identity. Other cities will follow to experience the airy beach cottage, among them Stockholm, London and Tokyo.

And by the way, Hilfiger calls it a drop-in store in his very preppy way. So don’t be so vulgar to name it a pop-up… Some pop, but true preps, they drop!

Still looking for a little Easter surprise. Here are some suggestions that are perfect for those who want to declare their love within a budget or feel good when helping others.

Dodo belongs to famous Italian jewelry brand Pomellato and is definitely their sweetest collection. The dodo pendants are a happy company of animals who speak the language of feelings and emotions. Each dodo reveals a little bit of who we are and what we want to say, sending a wonderful personal message to our loved ones.

Those who look like innocent little lambs and those who pass for big bad wolves often make a perfect couple. Why not giving such a sweet little Easter lamb instead of eating it?!

Charms lamb and wolf  starting at € 115 each, earrings starting at € 364 each pair.

Gucci introduces a limited edition charity bracelet to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan.  All proceeds from sales of the bracelet will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society to support victims of the devastating Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March.

Featuring a white-red-white web that recalls the colors of the Japanese flag, the bracelet carries a medal with a message that reads, “Gucci loves you.” The limited edition bracelet will be available from April 23, for CHF 120. Who doesn’t want to be loved by Gucci?

Vanessa Tugendhaft has also created two bracelets to salute and support the stricken nation: Bracelet Nobless – a diamond for Japan, something to remember.

The Nobless bracelet is available in two forms at affordable prices for larger mobilisation.
– a white unbreakable thread with a central motif without diamond in rhodium silver and red enamel : CHF 69
(CHF 13 will be donated to the Red Cross)
– a white unbreakable thread with a diamond trimmed central motif in rhodium silver and red enamel : CHF 129
(CHF 26 will be donated to the Red Cross).

Available through Kids and the City, phone +41 79 768 37 23.

Enjoy your Easter weekend and Happy Spring to everyone, it is really here!

LoL, Sandra

Tommy Hilfiger launches the fifth limited edition bag in aid of Breast Health International with Renée Zellweger. The famous 41-year-old Oscar-winning actress serves as the ambassador and showed her support for finding a cure for breast cancer. She was photographed for the campaign by Alexi Lubomirski.

“Because of the experiences of close friends and family members who have had to endure and battle the challenges of breast cancer, I am a passionate supporter of breast health education and charitable causes,” Renée said in a statement. “I am honored and grateful to be partnering with Tommy Hilfiger to raise awareness and funds to support the invaluable work of Breast Health International.”

The limited-edition bag will be sold in Tommy Hilfiger flagship stores, on tommy.com as well as through specialty stores as of May 01, 2011. This year it is made from tan suede and features a subtle gold details. It retails at €299 (CHF499 / $320); for every bag sold Tommy Hilfiger will donate €100 to the Fund For Living – an ongoing global campaign initiated by Breast Health International to support those diagnosed with breast cancer

Former ambassadors of the program include: Italian actresses, Claudia Gerini and Cristiana Capotondi; France’s first lady Carla Bruni and international supermodel-turned-acclaimed-photographer Helena Christensen. Ms. Christensen returned the following year as part of the creative team to photograph fellow supermodel Milla Jovovich for the fourth edition of Tommy Hilfiger’s limited edition BHI bag.

Definitely worth supporting! Thank you, Tommy!

LoL, Sandra

Thierry Mugler’s limited summer edition fragrances 2011 arrive on the market, providing us with a trio of extravaganza Angel Sunessence, Alien Sunessence and for men A*Men Pure Havane.
At a first glance, the whole concept promises and tempts with the outstanding designs of the flacons, just like the essences they conceal inside.

Angel Sunessence Ocean d’Argent for the Temptress

One of the biggest make-up trends for summer is a supernatural look with the emphasis on the lips. A radiant skin with glowing cheeks is important. The lips are coloured with see-through lipsticks and glosses in sorbet-coloured hues. Vibrant and colourful are the nails in eye-popping shades like blue and green. Nail lacquer has really become a fashion statement like a must-have accessory.

Here is all you need for a supernatural look for summer that is easy and fast to achieve, that will make you look much younger and that works perfect on hot days. If you like, you can add a touch of mascara. Please find herewith my favourite products for this season.

LoL, Sandra

1 This spring Estee Lauder has stepped up their nail game by introducing sixteen nail polishes in a new long lasting formula.

The king of color, Creative Director, Tom Pecheux has created the mesmerizing shades of which eight are limited, among them the extravagant hues: Wicked Green and Wild Blue. My must-haves! CHF 34

Wicked Green

Wild Blue

2 Dior Summer 2011 is Electric Tropics, and the stars of the collection are two bronzing powders, called Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Summer Powder.

The one that I use is the lighter one with a soft pink tone, so-called Aurora (001), see photo to the left.

The darker powder is named Sunset (002) and is slightly peach-coloured.

One-shots

CHF 68.50 each.

3 Dior’s Electric Tropics Collection also includes two catwalk duo nail polishes.

These are the vibrant orange Aloha (638) that I wear below and the bright jelly pink Paradise (558). Each is packed with a super glossy topcoat to add a special flash of shine to your summertime nails.

One-shots

Available now for CHF 54 each duo.

4 Dior Addict Crystal Gloss – Jelly Gloss Spotlight Shine comes straight from the runway, it features a featherweight formula with a flash-plumping, “spotlight shine” effect.

Shades Available:

Sweet Peach (047) – the one I use
Luminescent Peach (087)
Luminescent Rose (077)
Sweet Rose (037)

CHF 44 each

5 Lancôme’s new L’Absolu Nu is a bare lip sensation!

Enriched with enhancing pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips, it enhances your natural lip tone in a veil of shiny, translucent colour while leaving them moistured for up to 8 hours. My favourite tone is 302 Voile de Rose.

CHF 44

6 A flawless complexion and peach-soft skin! Moisturization and radiance in one easy step.

HydraQuench Tinted Moisturizer by Clarins continously moisturizes and colours the complexion with a transparent finish, giving it a natural radiance and healthy glow. It protects against UV rays (SPF 6, 100% mineral filter), pollution and free radicals. Available in several shades to suit all skin tones.

Available starting Mid April for CHF 49

7 Colour Quench Lip Balm by Clarins provides you with long-lasting shine and moisture.

The best is the fruity flavour that makes you want to lick your lips all the time. This ultra-shine gloss helps your lips to appear fuller and more beautiful day after day.

My personal favourites are:

04 Rasberry Smoothie
05 Delicious Plum
06 Sweet Papaya.

CHF 26 each, available Mid April in 8 different shades.

8 Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm by Clarins – an innovation from the Clarins Laboratories.

This is an amazing product which combines crystalline transparent colour with the repairing benefits of a lip balm. The minute you apply it, you feel a unique sensation of softness and comfort. Trust me, it works!

Available in three colours:

01 Crystal Coral
02 Crystal
03 Crystal Red

CHF 35 each

Well-known motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha and luxury fashion house Hermés have joined forces to produce the very unique concept bike named VMAX. With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, the VMAX is the very epitome of the muscle bike. Now the 180-year old French company, with its origine in equestrian saddle making, has returned to its roots and adorned the fabulous motorbike with the finest leather materials, covering everything from the headlight cover to the exhaust pipe.The idea was, according to Yamaha and Hermès, to “reinforce the sculptural lines of this unique object and underline its emotional power.”

So how do you go about buying one, assuming you’ve got the cash? It’s a goddamn beautiful bike. You can order the VMAX 1700 for 44500€TTC with Yamaha. The delivery is expected 1 to 4 months after having placed the order. On request, Hermès can add their flair.

For my Zurich based readers, good news, the bike is at the moment on display in the Hermès shop, Bahnhofstr.28A.

LoL, Sandra