Sandra‘s Closet

Charlotte Ronson, has become one of the most sought after American womenswear designers and her New York Fashion Week runway shows are a must see. Born in London into an artistic family – her older brother is Mark Ronson, the face for Fan di Fendi pour Homme – and raised in New York, Charlotte followed the tradition by developing her own unique style at an early age.

In 2000, Ronson launched her first collection, C. Ronson, which gained instant recognition and the attention of renowned publications. In May 2002, Ronson opened her flagship boutique in New York’s hip Nolita neighborhood.

In 2005, Aaron Nir joined C.Ronson as president and the collection was re-named “Charlotte Ronson” – a natural evolution of the brand and an accurate reflection of who Charlotte is and what she and her customer want to wear. In late 2009, Charlotte and Aaron became partners and established Charlotte Ronson International headquartered in New York City. With Charlotte Ronson’s sense of style and Aaron Nir’s savvy business sense this dynamic team has created a powerful brand with widespread recognition and huge potential.

Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson’s clothing and accessories have quickly become a favourite among such fashion forward celebrities, models and influencers including Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester, and Nicky Hilton, whom I spotted at the show.

Below are some photos I took at the F/W 2012 fashion show in NYC. Her musts for the next season are bohemian prints, an iconic staple. Alongside the Alpine-inspired knits and proper pencil skirts, they look absolutely sophisticated. A modern wardrobe for a real girl. The collection is available at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

A little goody spotted front row at the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show:
A fluo pink Céline Boston tote.

LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Ronson and © Sandra Bauknecht

Anne Hathaway grabbed attention yesterday at the European Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in London in a stunning  shimmering gown from Gucci’s Resort 2013 collection. The long-awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is released worldwide tomorrow.

Speaking of Gucci Resort 2013, Frida Giannini seeked inspiration from a glorious 60s and 70s inspired getaway in Capri. Filled with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, the designer plays with the iconic Flora print. The colours are divine, from vintage-like sorbet shades to earthy tones of beige, brown and black. Embroideries and embellishments on the neckline resemble a summer bouquet. I would love to have every single look!

It is so Bon Chic. Bon Genre!

LoL. Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Getty Images

Last week, the Haute Couture presentations for F/W 2012 took place in Paris and they have brought along some adorable and stunning looks. From Christian Dior to Stéphane Rolland, from Versace to Valentino, enjoy the best of the best.

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE:

Personally speaking, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2012 is my favourite. It is so modern, edgy and cool. This fringed top above or the long embellished cape with fur details are both to die for! If I could wear couture every day, how I would long for it to be Givenchy Haute Couture…

STÉPHANE ROLLAND HAUTE COUTURE:

Stéphane Rolland is always one of the highly anticipated presentations during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, and this time was no exception. His couture designs are modern and sexy, more of a “Hot Couture”.

Do you remember when supermodel Yasmin Le Bon closed the show in a gigantic red gown last season? Click here for the previous post. This time, it was actress Fan Bingbing, whom I had met at the Trophée Chopard party in Cannes in May, who wowed the guests in a striking sleeveless gown with a cape that took over the entire runway.

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE:

Two contradictory words on the invitation: “New Vintage”. At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld returned to the essence of the fashion house and delved into the past with a collection of bouclé jackets and feather-trimmed gowns. His bridal look left me speechless.

ZUHAIR MURAD HAUTE COUTURE:

Opulence is what Zuhair Murad is all about. Haute Couture how you imagine it.

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE:

Valentino‘s embroidered and hand-painted looks were proof that couture’s artistry and craftsmanship are higher than ever. Absolutely breathtaking!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, who have been helming the famous label since 2008 following Mr Valentino’s retirement, did a wonderful job.

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE:

Raf Simons’s debut collection for Christian Dior was probably one of  the most refreshing couture show. Clean but masterfully tailored, those strapless embroidered mini gowns over pants, all free from fuss, looked like contemporary couture should look like.

ATELIER VERSACE:

Donatella Versace returned to the Ritz Paris for the presentation of her Atelier Versace F/W 2012 collection. 
The famous hotel had hosted many Atelier Versace shows before. Donatella was paying homage to her late brother Gianni with a collection that encapsulated the best of the iconic Versace looks.

ARMANI PRIVÉ:

Those sultry veils seen at Armani Privé were outstanding.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE:

Speaking of Hot Couture, Jean-Paul Gaultier served up a good dose of sexiness with his creations. Gaultier at his best!

I hope that you have enjoyed my little Haute Couture report.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Getty Images

Last Monday in New York’s Marble Cemetry, Stella McCartney presented her Cruise 2013 collection in a very fun way with all the pleasures of a fair. Anne Hathaway with a fresh pixie crop and Jim Carrey were among the guests who could see the stunning new pieces first. Leopard print, lace and fresh florals in beautiful spring colours dominated Stella’s iconic cuts. What a beautiful collection!

On the menu for the stylish crowd were ice-cream sandwiches, mini tacos and old-school sodas.
I am in love with every single detail!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Stella McCartney

For his S/S 2012 fashion show, Giorgio Armani, the king of nonchalant elegance, borrows the luminous magic of Southern Italian summer nights, “when the last rays of the sun shine a myriad of new shades upon the water, when the blue sky turns to night tinged with green, petrol blue and bluish gray hues flushed with violet, when darkness sweeps over the scenery metallic glints silver tones, pale gold and pink copper tints sparkle and when stars seem to float upon the water.”

Mother-of-pearl (NACRE) gives its name and forms the central theme. With his new Haute Couture Fragrance NACRE, Giorgio Armani accompanies his prêt-à-porter collection with a rare, highly limited and very luxurious fragrance.

It is an ode to mother-of-pearl which signs each of the 1000 numbered bottles in this edition with a plate bearing its name. No two plates are the same: each is unique, in tribute to the living character of a material born from the depth of the sea. The bottle itself is a piece of art.

The fragrance was developed by perfumer Marie Salamagne, at Firmenich. It has a really spicy woody smell to it, with a strong amount of iris. It’s unisex and definitely something everyone could wear! The iris chosen for Nacre has a very rare quality, combining the rich, creamy facet of iris, with a powdery, almost talc-like note.

Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper and saffron
Middle notes: Iris absolute and musk
Base notes: Patchouli, vetiver woods and tonka bean

130 bottles of the 1000 limited editions are available in Switzerland now for CHF 690.- (100ml). In Zurich at Jelmoli. Definitely a collector’s piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani, © Sandra Bauknecht

When Chanel sent me those backstage photos of the Resort 2013 show, I could not wait to share them with you. It is so nice to see the jewelry and details up close.
Personally speaking, this collection is absolutely divine and the floral embellishments on those dresses above leave me absolutely speechless.

“It is Coco rock, French rock with a very 18th century frivolity, one that’s been updated with new materials and new proportions,” Karl Lagerfeld explained.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2012 – Benoit Peverelli

As previously reported on Sunday, Chanel‘s Resort 2013 collection was set in the gardens of Versailles and leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to one-up himself with his latest designs.

In keeping with the show’s setting, the outfits, mostly pastel-coloured, were reminiscent of the Marie Antoinette era. But it is a collection that strikes a fun balance between Louis XVI-era costume design and a decidedly 21st century modernity.

The voluminous white skirts almost looked like fondant, with ruffles in sugary blues and pinks. Brocade-infused one-piece swimsuits, floral-sleeve frocks, gold-embroidered denim vests, and sheer ruffled skirts, will surely be among Chanel’s new season bestsellers.

The Boy Bag is still the must-have bag and was re-invented in different versions. Many models wore platform sneakers to their skirts which gave the looks a modern twist.

The models wore cute wigs tied back with large bows (like a copy of Karl Lagerfeld’s own hairdo) and pink eye shadow and tiny interlocking Cs beneath their eyes, like teardrop tattoos. This totally inspired me for a new sort of beauty mark!

And the buffet after the show reminded me a little of the beautiful setting at the Paris-Bombay show last December.

Are you ready now to see some of the chicest Chanel Resort 2013 looks? Here you go!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images

Tomorrow, May 14, “Kaiser Karl” will reign over the world of fashion once more. Lagerfeld will show his Resort 2013 collection for Chanel at Versailles. Of course, it will be a big production, but all details are still under wraps. Past Chanel Resort shows have been presented at the Lido in Venice (Resort 2010), and one of my favourites, in St. Tropez (Resort 2011). Their locations usually bewray the inspiration for the collection.

Versailles was the famous place where the French royal family ruled in extravagance for 100 years before the French Revolution. What does come to your mind? As for me, I could only think of excess, rich fabrics, opulence.

 I am truly curious what Karl Lagerfeld has been thinking of.  If anyone is up to the task to pay tribute to Marie Antoinette or to revive those decadent moments in time, it is definitely him. I am sure that he will surprise us as the setting has to be different from his S/S 2011 Chanel show that was based on Versailles’s extensive gardens (see above).

If you look in fashion history, this won’t be the first time Versailles has been used for a show.

In 2007, John Galliano rented out the palace for a huge spectacle – Dior‘s 60th anniversary couture show.

In 1973, five upcoming US-designers, Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta faced off against French couturiers Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Emanuel Ungaro in a runway spectacle that became known as the Battle of Versailles.

The French designers were certain of victory, due to their long tradition and know-how. But the Americans had a secret weapon; a vibrant group of eight African-American models plus the wish to conquer the European world of fashion. And the celebrity-packed audience of 800, including a tiara-wearing Princess Grace cheered to their performance. It was that chilly night changed the face and colour of fashion forever.

There have also been numerous fashion editorials photographed at Versailles over the years.

Above:
1 Shalom Harlow by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994
2 Diane Krüger by Gilles Marie Zimmerman for Paris Match March 2012
3 Trish Goff by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994

Please enjoy this little summary of some of the most beautiful ones, along with other palace-set shoots by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

Jessica Stam and Snejana Onopka by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar Romania November 2007

Gisele Bündchen by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar June 2007

Vanessa Paradis by Karl Lagerfeld for Tatler Russia July 2012

Stay tuned for the photos of the Chanel Resort 2013 show.

LoL, Sandra

For the first time, there was a credit that no one has seen at a runway show before: One of Chanel’s famous Parisian ateliers, the legendary couture embroidery house Lesage, lend their skills to Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, by creating the most stunning embroidered eyebrow pads for the models.

Lesage (embroidery) is along with 7 other ateliers part of Chanel’s subsidary dedicated to “Métiers d’ art”, Paraffection. These include Montex (embroidery), Desrues (costume jewelry), Lemarié (feather-maker), Maison Michel (hat-maker), Massaro (boot-maker), Goossens (goldsmith) and Guillet (fabric flowers-maker).

The emphasis of the runway makeup look is on the eyebrows by using those amazing Lesage pads which won’t be for sale unfortunately. The rest of the face is kept nude and simple.

But there are two new products that will be available in the fall that will make our hearts leap with joy. “Ombre Contraste” is a compact powder in a lavender-taupe shade, called “Notorious” specially created for this show that Peter Philips used for all the shading and sculpting of the face.

For the nails, the new It- shade will be “Frenzy”, a light taupe, which is totally colour coordinated with “Notorious”.

Here is your shopping list:
(the highlighted ones will be available this fall, the rest is in stores already):

Chanel F/W 2012 Ready-to-Wear Show
Makeup by Peter Philips

Skin prepared with HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM

The Complexion
MAT LUMIERE
POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE
ECLAT LUMIERE
CORRECTEUR PERFECTION

The Eyes
LE CRAYON KHOL « Clair » (N°69)
RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL
Embroideries made by Maison Lesage specially for the show

The Eyes and the Cheeks
OMBRE CONTRASTE “Notorious” – Exclusive Creation available in specific point of sales in September 2012

The Lips
ROUGE COCO BAUME – Spring 2012 Collection

The Nails
LE VERNIS « Frenzy » (N°559)  – Fall 2012 Collection

Cannot wait to have “Frenzy” on my nails!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2012, Vincent Lappartient

It was crystal clear last week in Paris that Karl Lagerfeld was once again breaking fresh ground with multi-facetted silhouettes and some unexpected pieces including a new suit: “The new three-piece, a jacket and little dress over trousers!” (This will be a huge trend for F/W 2012. Also Miuccia Prada had shown this look for Prada F/W 2012).
As well as a very long riding coat with large, rounded, sloping sleeves and the “pantacoat”, an all-in-one with legs that unzip to become a coat. Volumes are amplified by drawstrings or gathered belts, are highlighted by top-stitching – a reference to the same detail found on the Boy CHANEL handbag. There are jackets with sailor-smock collars and a fur-lined coat like the one worn by Stella Tennant at the start of the show (see photo above).

Needless to say, the decor at Chanel is always ouststanding. This time, the breathtaking ambiance was created by a brightly-lit mineral backdrop, beneath the glass roff of the Grand Palais. Giant blocks of uncut amethyst, clear rock crystal and opaque quartz erupted from a sparkling, white floor. “Nature’s the greatest designer,” said Lagerfeld to style.com, pointing at some of the more spectacular crystalline excrescences. “These shapes are millions of years old.”

The mineral rock setting extended into fabric metaphors with combinations of wool and more technical materials glinting with a subtle metallic shimmer. Subdued shades of hematite, azurite and obsidian are illuminated by a myriad of jewel-coloured splashes of sulphur, lapis-lazuli, emerald and amethyst. Stippled iridescent feathers, “softer to the touch than fur”, bring warmth to the outfits. Crystals and minerals reinterpreted in the style of Czech Cubism become prisms of gleaming vinyl.

I included some of the backstage photos for you to see the beautiful details of the clothes even better. Enjoy Chanel’s  new mineralogist silhouette!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel