Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I would like to give you a sneak preview of the make-up holiday 2010 season. The collections always include limited special editions and hit the stores from the end of October until end of November. Herewith you will find my pre-selection of the soon-to-arrive must-haves. The overall trend is lots of gold and silver sparkles. Glitter against the Christmas Tree is the motto! Deep browns and burgundy reds combined with popping fuchsia let you shine during cold gray winter days.

Chanel’s new limited nail polish is so-called Pulsion, a beautiful bright fuchsia shade. Get yourselves on the wait lists now! The matching lip gloss in Pink Pulsion is also a must. The divine blush duo with tweed effect (Les Tissages de Chanel) in Tweed Fuchsia will give you those young rosy cheeks everybody loves.

Les 4 ombres in Tentation Cuivre is an eyeshadow set including copper brown, light beige, shimmering pink and plum copper that will work for every skin type.

Les Ors de Guerlain is a feast for the eyes! The gold theme that features the famous Guerlain bee, will introduce a silky loose powder creating a light-reflecting veil with a subtle golden iridescent finish, in a gold copper shade (Or Imperial Sublime Radiant Powder Face & Body).
The It-lip colour will be a subtle shiny, violet shade: Rouge G Le Brilliant in B64 Bee.

My favourites are the 4 eyeshadows in 410 Velours d’Or, including two shades of violet along with gold and an intense black liner, embossed with a honeycomb Arabesque pattern taken from past imperial Guerlain bottles.

YSL has created a decadent collection for the holiday season, bursting with the beloved cocktail hour shade gold in combination with pink, chocolat and red. Get your hands on the limited Palette Metallic Colorama, a pink-gold face highlighting powder.

If you are more on the wild side and are looking for some crazy colour combinations, Mac will offer you a lot of choices with their Tartan Tale collection. So stunning! I am completely in love with the packaging and how the pattern is for example imprinted into the eyeshadow.
Best Shade: Semi-precious – an aubergine with chocolat Tartan striping.

I am always a big fan of the Dazzleglass Creme colours– lipglosses with a lot of glitter.
Best colour: Lightly Prancing – a light peach with gold pearl.

Nars is this holiday season all about shimmering nail colours, lustrous lipsticks and glistening glosses with gold, rich berry reds and purples leading the way. The limited eyeshadow trio in Okinawa ( silver, deep cobalt blue and black onyx trio) is a must along with the single eyeshadow in Etrusque, an antique gold.
The two nail colours Bad Influence ( a smoky taupe) and Pokerface ( a lilac) are also on top of my list.

Christian Dior Evening Gold

But I saved the best until last: Christian Dior’s Evening Gold collection offers some fabulous products. The perfect gifts for your fashionista girlfriends or the best treats for yourselves:

The Dior Minaudière is the star product for Holiday 2010. The It-accessoire was inspired by the little cosmetic pouches the ladies were carrying at the beginning of the 20th century – the forerunners of the clutches that we know today. It includes 3 eyeshadows and 2 lipglosses that are covered with a gold plated flap to protect them (love that!) and comes in two different colour combinations: 001 Grey Golds and 002 Pink Golds for CHF 120.- each.

992 Noir Lamé

Also divine is the new Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in 992 Noir Lamé – for your sexy winter moments!

LoL, Sandra

Minaudière 001 Grey Golds

Minaudière 002 Pink Golds

When I wrote in the beginning of September about the upcoming Lanvin for H&M collaboration, I promised to keep you posted once the first look has been revealed.
Et voilà, here it is!

The ad campaign, which stars from left to right, Hannelore Knuts, Jane Schmitt, Tati Cotliar and Natasha Poly, was shot by David Sims and styled by Camille Bidault Waddington .

The clothes will hit the stores on November 23rd. I am completely in love with the sleek, classy black looks and the beautiful details.
If the quality delivers what the photo promises, then this collection will be a huge success!

LoL, Sandra

Ladies, time to go shopping! Tyen, Dior’s creative director for make-up, joins in the nail polish hype. Launching today is Dior’s new Haute Couleur varnish palette. There are 21 shades of gorgeousness with an amazing long-lasting and very shiny texture (CHF 37.-).

The new concept will always include a one shot coulour inspired by the runway collection.

For F/W 2010, Dior showed a blend of browns and black, leather, tweed and knitwear along with chiffons. So this time it will be Bronze Libertine, a deep brownish bronze with golden hints, which is complementing the look. Hurry, this is one of fall’s hottest nail shades!

I was very lucky to try the palette out before the official launch. The brush is much wider so it took me some time getting used to it. Once I had developped my new applying technique, it worked very well. The polish dries super-fast and the shine stays on forever. Use it with Dior’s top coat which is by the way the best one on the market!
Enjoy my favourite shades and the upcoming special edition for Christmas below.

706 Bronze Libertine – One shot

943 – Rouge Garçonne

999 – Rouge Altesse / Red Royalty

903 – Encre de Chine / Black Ink

To keep you ahead of the game, here is a sneak preview of what is coming up for Christmas. Two fantastic special edition shades will hit the beauty counters on October 29th:
Or Tsarine is a mysterious black with gold hints and Timeless Gold is a shiny platinum shade. Below you can see me wearing Timeless Gold.

LoL, Sandra

226 – Timeless Gold

916 – Or Tsarine

Last night, I was invited to the vernissage of the exhibition Africa Rising and to celebrate the collaboration between Edun and Louis Vuitton.

Edun is the for-profit eco fashion label founded by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson on the premise of trade for aid as a means to alleviate poverty through sustainable employment and growth. Since 2009, LMVH acquired a 49% stake in the company in order to promote the brand’s vision.

The collection shows flair and individuality whilst remaining on-trend. I like the printed silk tanks and flowing materials. Shopping for a good cause! Available at net-à-porter or visit the Edun homepage for more information.

In Louis Vuitton’s recent Core Values advertising campaign, both Ali and Bono wear Edun clothing. Ali carries the Louis Vuitton/Edun collaboration bag:
The Keepall 45 Monogram Révélation in brown leather with the beautiful handmade Charm Massai in natural bones. Also attached is a plaque reminding us “Every journey began in Africa”.

There were lots of celebrities at yesterday’s party enjoying the beautiful contemporary art exhibition that showcased African art from Jean Pigozzi’s collection (CAAC).
If you are interested, the contemporary art exhibition will be on display to the public from October 6th to 18th 2010 at 1, Rue du Pont Neuf in Paris.

Naomi Campbell and Jean Pigozzi

Naomi looked amazing.

Elisa Sednaoui to the left with Rita Ora

Me with the stylish singer from The Noisettes: Shinghai Shoniwa

Style icon and daughter of French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld with me

The most fashionable It-girl Alexa Chung with me

Louis Vuitton offered me a limousine for the night, what a gorgeous party!

The absolute highlight was Bono’s performance with Angélique Kidjo. I hope that you have enjoyed my best moments of last night! And please stay tuned as I will see today Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2011 fashion show!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sandra Bauknecht

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

It is the beginning of October and we should slowly start thinking of  X-mas presents. What is always causing headaches for me is finding something for my hubby. Therefore I thought I have to show you those cool pieces that I have come across recently. From very expensive to absolutely affordable. And for my lovely male readers probably something interesting to treat yourselves a little. Enjoy!

The Versace “Business” watch is limited to 500 pieces and is sold in Versace stores worldwide for €1600.- which is truly an amazing price for a limited edition watch.

Prada offers some beautiful iPad (€150.-/€400.-) and iPhone (€95.-) cases along with matching USB sticks (€100.-), all made of their signature saffiano leather. Available from November in Prada stores.

The Ralph Lauren Home Brabham vice box in subtle leather is ideal for entertaining, with included crystal decanter and four glasses, poker chips, signature cards and coordinating coasters. It is a limited-edition of fifty and comes with an embossed nameplate stating so. The dream has its price: $4995.-

The Hammond chess set is a sleek and modern rendition of a classic favourite, an ideal gift for the luxury loving game aficionado, $1995.-.

The GG pattern shawl by Gucci is an iconic piece and comes in beige and metallic gold with brown GG or in grey and metallic silver with black GG.
Available online or in Gucci stores for CHF 420.-.

The Special Edition has a reminiscent design of early 60s music, fountain pen (CHF 1055.-).

For all music lovers, Montblanc has released the John Lennon Collection, in commemoration of the late legend’s 70th birthday. The writing instruments collection consists of three editions.

I hope that I have inspired you a little!

LoL, Sandra

The Commemoration Edition 1940 is limited to only 1940 pieces and marks the year of Lennon’s birth, fountain pen (CHF 3.875.-).

The Limited Edition 70 is limited to 70 pieces, the age John Lennon would have since this October, fountain pen (CHF 31.000.-).

Ladurée is worldwide known for their double-decker macaroons which come in various flavours and seasonal specials. Founded in Paris by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, in 1862, the famous luxury pastries shop and café is always worth a visit. Today, the brand can be found all over the world and has even opened its doors in Zurich last winter.

Even if you are not into caloric treats, you should pay the shop a visit. The interior itself is overly stunning and inspiring, definitely nothing for minimalists.
Remember my friend, I wrote about, that built her dream closet in the famous Ladurée green.

The Ladurée universe includes much more than sweets. They sell the most beautiful gifts you can imagine from scented candles to shower gel, from ruffled printed umbrellas to tea degustation sets. All gorgeously wrapped and packed in their signature boxes in pastel colours.

Many designers got together with the famous French patisserie for the best fashion/food collaborations ever. Names like Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Marni, which are making our hearts go all aflutter with their designs, have created adorable macarons gift sets.
In the end of October, John Galliano will be decorating his special edition for Ladurée: The rose-ginger macaroons.

While the sweets inside may not last long, the fashionable packaging will be worth keeping it forever.

LoL, Sandra

Recently the couture bottle design has become a huge craze. Companies team up with famous designers to get new “clothes” for their drinks.

After some really amazing collaborations with some of the biggest names in fashion, like Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paul Smith, Evian has chosen Issey Miyake this year to create a stylish cover. Clean, contemporary and colourful is the new design that will be available in gourmet stores.

Perrier is spicing up his bubbles with the help of burlesque star Dita van Teese who will be their new cover girl this year. Before that they worked with Custo Barcelona, Agnès B. and Paul & Joe to create some very desirable cans and bottles.

Finally San Pellegrino decided to be part of the hype and has chosen Missoni to cover their famous bottle label with the Italian fashion house’s zig zag pattern for their 111th anniversary. Thirty million units are being produced and will be sold in the best restaurants worldwide. In Zurich, they are everywhere.

Diet Coke has been increasing its connections with the world of fashion since quite a while. So no wonder that a long list of famous designers already have got a chance to embellish the beloved soft drink. Karl Lagerfeld has even changed the shape of the bottle this spring.

For all champagne loving fashionistas, Piper-Heidsieck has got some amazing pieces, from the corset bottle designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 1999 to Christian Louboutin’s Le Rituel Box with a red soled shoe flute and Viktor & Rolf’s limited edition Rose Sauvage set with an upside down bottle.

Dolce & Gabbana’s first experiment in the wines and spirits sector is the Martini Gold Limited Edition. The exclusive mix: bergamot from Calabria, lemons from Sicily as well as oranges, Spanish saffron, myrrh from Ethiopia, ginger from India, and cubebe pepper from Indonesia was developed by the design duo themselves.

A good investment was definitely one of the 2000 individually numbered whiskey bottles that featured Alexander McQueen’s signature Union Jack colours. The late designer had teamed up with Chivas Regal to create that special piece in 2008.

As to me, all those bottles are really striking and sophisticated object d’arts and a show stopping addition to any dinner party.

Cheers!

LoL, Sandra

Vending machines selling luxury goods seem to be on the rise. Katie Grand, editor-in-chief of LOVE magazine has teamed up with Selfridges to create such a machine for the beginning of London Fashion Week until October 15th. The new retail concept can be found in the lobby of London’s It-hotel St Martin’s Lane where many editors, models and buyers are staying at the moment.

You can get a lot of fantastic items, some highly exclusive, let me name a few:

-Falabella bag by Stella McCartney

-leather and sequined dress by Alexander Wang

-draped dress by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania

-a unique pair of trainers by Rick Owens customized by Chrome Hearts with solid silver hardware

-Amazona handbag by Loewe

-limited Dior nail polishes

-Mimosa candles by Diptyque exclusive to Selfridges in yellow

–Falke’s new „secret socks“ for men

-a vintage Rolex watch

-embossed leather wallets by Comme des Garçons

-clutch purses by Mulberry

A word to the wise, do not get drunk in the hotel bar, you might lose control and this could end on the way to your room passing the LOVE machine in a financial disaster.

LoL, Sandra

A limited collection to covet: Ugg for Jimmy Choo, launching in October but available now for pre-order at Saks (shipping worldwide) and Ugg Australia.
The stylish versions of the ultracomfy must-have boots have already got their own nickname: Chuggs. But with a $495.- and more price tag, not everybody can affored to keep warm in style.

Two icons, one collection – I am crazy for them!

LoL, Sandra