Sandra‘s Closet

With a name selected for its balance of charm and mystery, meaning intensely dark, the new GUCCI L’Obscur mascara is designed to be an object of beauty and desire. Featuring an ultra-rich creamy texture, which comes in one pure intense black shade, the first mascara by Alessandro Michele has a highly comfortable film with a long-wearing finish of up to twelve hours. The packaging couldn’t be prettier: a mirrored gold and pink boudoir-inspired tube.

«I designed L’Obscur mascara for an authentic person who uses makeup to tell their story of freedom, in their way. We called it L’Obscur because this word balances charm and mystery.» – ALESSANDRO MICHELE

The new mascara was already introduced at Gucci’s F/W 2020 show last week and offered its share of sartorial talking points. Michele staged a show in the round, exposing the behind-the-scenes action of the hair and makeup teams and the model dressers at work as they prepared the 60 cast members in their looks. As models were dressed in fuzzy knee-high socks, puffy ruffled lace dresses (dying!), sleek new bags, and preppy skirts, the most noticeable, eye-catching detail were tears and streaks of dark makeup running down her cheeks. The waterproof version is obviously not out yet:-) …

TO SHOP THE NEW GUCCI MASCARA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Gucci Beauty and via Vogue.com
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and discovering the art of dressing sustainably, the close of 2019 has got some of us thinking about our 2020 wardrobe. Shopping needs to be more about investment pieces. From bermuda shorts with blazers to head-to-toe white and tropical prints, scroll through for the biggest trends from the S/S 2020 season here.

LoL, Sandra

There is a reason why Pantone announced it the Color of the Year 2020.

Denim borrows from all manner of eras, from the ’70s to the ’90s, more sophisticated than ever and perfect for everyday.

Putting a twist on the classic suit, designers embraced the Bermuda short suit for spring.

Welcome to the resurrection of the waistcoat. Wear the vest alone to a formal event or get dapper with a tailored three-piece.

This season, designers are encouraging us to get colorful, when it comes to buttery leather.

Extra volume and statement shoulders go well together.

This season, your adventurous spirit is to be celebrated and you are heading to the jungle in these tropical prints.

Subtle may not be their specialty, but these vibrant highlighter-inspired shades know how to make an entrance.

Crochet is getting a cool update come spring, modern with a special touch of Grandma’s handmade technique.

Seventies-style, bohemian rock accents, hippie silhouettes set a modern Woodstock tone.

Your grandparents’ old wallpaper, but make it fashion in the form of a swinging ’60s motif.

The look is most impactful in jacket form – extra style points if it has a contrasting collar.

Those slouchy white suits transition the monochrome set into daily wear. Alternatively, you can opt for upscale in an elegant lace.

There is a new kid in town. A hybrid between long pants and shorts. Too cool!

Thanks to the Khaite hype, crop tops are no longer cutting it – the bra top has officially entered the party, preferably with a pair of tailored pants.

Set your expectations high and keep your inseams higher with the newest versions of hot pants that are so tiny, they might technically be hot (under)pants?

The all-time favorite dot – simply put, the trend shows no sign of slowing, this summer, opt for colourful pieces.

What will 2020 entail? Feathers, feathers, and more feathers, and it won’t be long before they fly into your closets.

It wouldn’t be a spring trend report without some sort of floral reference. This season, designers are honing in on the queen of flowers, the rose.

Tiered dresses and skirts offer volume, high drama, and maximum twirl-ability, perfect for your next black tie gala.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Disco. Decadence. The ultimate indulgence. Sometimes you get an invitation that is so amazing you want to show it to the world… in this case a dear friend of mine is celebrating a Studio 54 party in New York City next weekend. I couldn’t have wished for a better theme. Studio 54, the legendary world-famous night club of the late ’70s, located at 254 West 54th Street, between Eighth Avenue and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, was the landmark of various parties in the art and fashion world and the hot spot for all celebrities of the era.

At the peak of the disco dancing and music trend, it was founded and created by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager in 1977, and sold in 1980 to Mark Fleischman, who reopened the club after it had been shut down following Rubell and Schrager’s convictions on charges of tax evasion.

Studio 54 has become a dress code in itself: it means sparkling mini dresses, sequins, jumpsuits, platform sandals and Farrah Fawcett hair. Michael Kors admittedly skipped his own prom for a night out at Studio 54, so it’s fitting that the former NYC club serves as inspiration for his F/W 2019 collection.

TO SHOP ALL CLOTHING AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS BELOW, JUST CLICK ON THE HIGHLIGHTED DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE:

One of my favorite pieces of the collection – Look 65 (also featured in the ad campaign)
Feather-trimmed sequined silk-georgette mini dress by Michael Kors Collection.

Look 13
Asymmetric sequined stretch-jersey halterneck dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 52
Glittered cashmere tank by Michael Kors Collection

Look 56
Knotted stretch-lamé midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 67
Metallic fil coupé leopard-jacquard midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Another designer who is constantly inspired by his mom’s Studio 54 days is Michael Halpern. Since he graduated Central Saint Martins MA in the class of 2016, the London’s resident New Yorker is going for full glitter-disco looks. Just one word: amazing!

Look 3
Draped sequined tulle halterneck midi dress by Halpern

Look 12
Asymmetric sequined chiffon mini dress by Halpern

Look 22
Sequined tulle flared pants and off-the-shoulder ruffled sequined tulle top, both by Halpern.

Look 25
One-sleeve draped asymmetric stretch-jersey midi dress by Halpern

Look 32
Draped animal-print sequined stretch-tulle jumpsuit by Halpern

And as far as your beauty looks are concerned, look no further than the just-released Studio 54 for NARS collection. Start the party with iconic shades; own the night with exclusive bolds and brights.

Never Enough Mini Lipstick Coffret by NARS

Limited Edition Explicit Content Mascara Set by NARS

Studio 54 Outshine 4-Piece Lip Gloss Set  by NARS

Softcore Blush and Balm Set – Torrid by NARS

Glitter. Glamour. Excess. Expression. Consider this your VIP ticket beyond the velvet rope. Once you’re in, anything goes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Jeremy Scott presented the MOSCHINO Cruise 2020 collection in Los Angeles in June. The show was filled with trip-down-memory-lane nostalgia, held at Universal Studios, along the same set that served as Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives. Models became trick-or-treaters in a foggy twilight. Every look was literally screaming with humor and modernity: Are you ready for Halloween?

Personally speaking, I am not a fun of typical costumes, as I hate wearing badly sewn polyester stuff. I always try to get designer pieces that serve the purpose. Therefore I will get ready with MOSCHINO for the spookiest night of the year.

Discover the new collection preview by clicking HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MOSCHINO

Blurring the lines between art and fashion, Dutch icons Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren constantly push the boundaries of conceptual design. Last season, we’ve all seen the showstopping, statement-making couture gowns walk down the runway demanding ‘no photos please’ or just simply saying ‘NO’. The S/S 2019 couture show, titled «Fashion Statements», presented those language memes in tiers of tulle and had an outstanding viral response.

Backstage with Viktor & Rolf last week in Paris

But how to top this collection? I was curious. Last week I was invited to their F/W 2019 Haute Couture show in Paris not only to see the new breathtaking défilé, called «Spiritual Glamour» but also to experience the connection between art, fashion and beauty. The mission? To make the world a better place.

When I went backstage before the show, I experienced their unmistakable artistic craftsmanship first hand, which can also be found in their iconic fragrance Flowerbomb which got a new addition to the perfume family with Flowerbomb Midnight, a mysterious, floral and sensual facet, enveloped for the first time in a sumptuous radical black bottle. Spellbinding and captivating, sparkling and intimate, this eau de parfum for women celebrates midnight, a moment of transformation where women can let their sensuality explode.

Flowerbomb Midnight is a long-lasting floral-chypre-fruity perfume, an olfactory bomb of sensuality designed around night-blooming jasmine. Also called «queen of the night,» this mysterious flower only blooms and reveals her captivating scent when the day falls. Layered with the intoxicating second-skin patchouli and musk accord, vanilla and praline, it gives Flowerbomb Midnight its tremendous depth and contrast. The powerful fruity notes of blackcurrant and pomegranate accord sparkle while bergamot adds a fresh, zesty note enhanced by spicy, aromatic pink pepper. This mouth watering new fragrance was created by four famous noses, Dominique Ropion, Domitille Michalon-Bertier, Carlos Benaïm and Fanny Bal. In Switzerland, Flowerbomb Midnight is exclusively available at MARIONNAUD.

On the runway, Viktor & Rolf showed magical dresses for the «queen of the night». The moon, the stars, the sun appeared as applications and addition to their futuristic fabrics. With the help of Claudy Jongstra, who has been developing her own textiles over decades, Viktor & Rolf created a collection that is different, almost an epiphany for the fashion savvy.

The artist has her own biodynamic dye garden in the Northern Netherlands where she produces botanical pigments to create dyes for the final artisanal touches to these extraordinary pieces. She is even raising rare Drenthe Heath sheeps, reimagines and reconstructs textile production systems, demonstrating deep respect for the interwoven narratives of materials, landscape, and making processes. A highly innovative artist, Claudy Jongstra has created new territory for wool as a contemporary artistic medium, captured and processed by the designer duo Viktor & Rolf.

The collaboration is outstanding as both partners treat couture like a laboratory and show that haute couture is not outdated yet. That it can be a leader in terms of sustainability.

Furthermore, «spiritual glamour» can be found everywhere, in a rare flower used in a scent, in a fabric that creates a gown or in an artist that wants to make the world a better place with his or her designs. The world of fashion, art and beauty are all interlinked, it is up to us how we want to transport the message ourselves. Let’s drop a bombshell and be our own muses.

Celebrity spotlight at the show: Miss Fame and Christina Aguilera, both boasting the Viktor & Rolf’s unapologetic irreverent slogans and unmistakable artistic craftsmanship from the S/S 2019 Haute Couture collection.

Enjoy more of my impressions below, especially my favorite moment at the end when I met Christina Aguilera.

LoL, Sandra

I got a little shaky… so excited to meet the singer in person!

Everything before a fashion show is last minute.

Personally speaking seeing the craftsmanship and outstanding fabrics so close…

… was a true pleasure and makes you appreciate the work of couture even so much more.

I love watching the make-up artists doing their job.

The eye make-up was outstanding.

Belgian make-up artist Peter Philips, who is currently the creative and image director of Christian Dior makeup, doing the final check-up of the model’s look.

Lots of L’ORÉAL hair spray and fake hair needed for the volume.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

During the Creative Women Conference, I held a workshop about the most important fashion trends for the upcoming season. During my speech, I explained which S/S 2019 tendencies will stay, which ones won’t be strong and what will be a must for  F/W 2019.

Furthermore, I explained how dressing can be fun and what you should keep in mind when choosing your outfits. Below you can find all my presentation slides that are absolutely self explanatory.

LoL, Sandra

Slides: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of the Designers and via Instagram @EcoAge

Personally speaking, fashion month always seems to be never-ending, but the actual work starts after when I have to sift through the best of the best. Below, you will find my summary of the F/W 2019 trends that reigned supreme – the ones that are the most important to know right now.

Memorize some of them to impress your friends when they ask you what you’re looking forward to wearing this fall, and not so humbly reply, «Definitely a hint of lilac, everything punk from a transparent lace dress with combat boots to a tartan skirt with a chain choker, not to forget a cape and everything layered. You know, the essentials.»

In full transparency, there were tons of F/W 2019 trends that won my heart that you won’t see in this roundup as the edit would have been far too long, such as `70s inspired vintage shearling jackets or pleated skirts. As preached for the past few years, everything is possible. The runways this season were loud and clear on the fact that you can pick and choose what trend you would like to try. But very importantly, the fashion world is turning away from the casualness of athleisure and trading it in for the opportunity to get dressed up.

Enjoy this post and stay tuned as I will continue to cover forthcoming fall styles all season long.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2019 is a season of great outerwear, including the hero of it all, the cape. From military-inspired to classic lady-like or dramatic evening styles, you have a gazillion options to choose from.

I am definitely not a morning person, especially not during the cold season. Therefore I love this trend of outerwear reminiscent of my bedding, quilted and cozy.

Imagine classic pieces that somehow look too cool to be a basic wardrobe staple. They come with a twist, deconstructed, layered and so interesting to look at.

This season was filled with an air of punk-rock grunge in all ways. Fishnets, lace, leather, combat boots, chains and chokers, you know what I mean.

Tartan fabrics have always been a part of the punk movement, so it was obvious that the designers jumped on this trend for F/W 2019.

Layering has been around for a while now but this season it is undoubtedly about the art of layering all of your knits on top of each other. The more knitwear you staple, the better.

The legs of the models on the F/W 2019 runways looked literally like a crayon box. Bold hosiery in different colors came down the runway, paired with everything from frilly dresses to skirt suits.

Leather is a great cold-weather staple, especially with the right dose of color to cheer up grey winter days.

Animal prints have been around for many seasons, but finally, zebra stripes are having their well-deserved moment.

Lilac, interestingly enough, is making a resurgence now. Wearing pastel head-to-toe in winter is the ultimate sophistication.

Unleash your inner Jane Fonda and get ready to wear your ’80s aerobic gear for a fun night out.

Ready to go back in time? This season, the clothing proved to be taking inspiration from a period long, long ago, from boning on dresses and bustiers, to pretty puffy sleeves and Victorian neck ruffles.

One of the most festive fall trends is lamé and shiny metallic hues. This blast-from-the-past fabric gets you party ready in a second.

Inspired by everything you find in a museum, this stunning trend is truly one for the books. Imagine the portrait-gallery wing of your favorite exhibition brought to dresses and capes.

This trend truly seems to stay and gets elevated to new heights this F/W 2019 as every major collection had a small touch of black lace. Some of the prettiest lace dresses I have ever seen come with a rock or grunge allure. Transparent is a must!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and rediscovering the art of layering, the close of 2018 has got some of us thinking about our 2019 wardrobe. From bike shorts with blazers to head-to-toe bleached denim and scuba materials, these are the top runway trends from the S/S 2019 fashion weeks.

LoL, Sandra

There is a reason why Pantone announced it the color of the year 2019.

California on your mind? Then go for all that zesty tie dye and those endless wetsuits.

Lace sliced and diced, that is what the new season is about.

70’s crochet, fishnet fabrics and beaded macramé, a crafty theme swept through the summer collections.

The easiest way to energise your wardrobe? Take your tailoring in vibrant citrusy shades.

Decorate your looks with a supersized bow and take the streets with more fanfare than a trumpet.

One trend from the ’90s that I was convinced I would never see again… sorry, my fault! Cycling shorts are back!

Very beautiful! The designers used pleating to create a truly haute-couture silhouette.

It is a fact, the Eighties just won’t go away. This season, it is the acid wash denim that caught my eye.

My ‘it’ item of the season! An all-in-one suit is now your go-to wardrobe solution.

Next season’s partywear diktat is as frou-frou as they come: just add feathers and fringe.

Classy polka dots the transparent way, good girls gone bad!

Live up to the era of the hippie! Rock star and bohemian touches are still found everywhere.

This summer, you’re not fully dressed without a head piece that becomes part of your floral explosions. Wall flowers need not apply.

Have sequins ever ‘not’ been on trend? Perhaps not, but they were so prevalent at the S/S 2019 shows that we can’t ignore them. Personally speaking, I love the take of these designers above that love to work in general with the sparkling fabric. Those looks seem fresh and modern.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

PRADA REINVENTS ITS OWN CLASSICS FOR RESORT 2019
Established in 1913 at Milan’s prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Prada is one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses. Contemporary art and society inspire its collections, which are designed by visionary Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of founder Mario. Miuccia is fashion’s undisputed trendsetter and mood maker.

In the mid-90s she made ugly chic. For Resort 2019, she went exactly through her rich archive to revisit her famous ’90s decade. In times when everybody is doing more, she takes us back to minimalism but in a modern and updated way – spiced up with geek chic athleticism and playful embellishments.

Many of the pieces felt like revamps of prior Prada classics: a quirky mix of chunky loafers, the famous «yes, they are bad, that is why they are so good» patterns, low waists, kick flares, and opulent brocades combined with leather polos, sequin-studded tights, plastic necklaces and trapper hats. Think of me, once again, it’s Prada’s inimitable way with texture… Miuccia has started a wave. More is more or let’s say more is less. Maximalism is not over, just different.

LOCATION
In May 2018, Miuccia Prada chose the seventh floor of the Herzog & de Meuron–designed Prada HQ in New York as the venue. The transformation of the former piano factory was the first project entrusted to the famous architects by Prada in 2000. It was a kind of a striptease of the existing building: all architectural elements were removed so only the naked concrete structure remained.

THE SHOW
The space was kept as open and empty as possible for the fashion show. Only one new element was added to the space: large floating panels reflecting the cityscape outside and thus transferring images of the real city deep inside the space of the presentation. In addition to the real image of the city, other images of virtual cityscapes were projected onto the boards for an intriguing mix of inside and outside, of analogical and virtual realities.

PERSONAL NOTE
I have been a fan of Miuccia Prada from the beginning. A Prada nylon backpack was my school bag and I always felt very strong in her designs. When I studied fashion design, I realized how advanced her thinking is. She is a true pioneer and with her Resort 2019 collection she got the ball rolling again. Is the world ready for a return to minimalism? Probably in a different way than what we are used to. Look at the manicure for the Resort 2019 show, it is minimalistic yet maximalist. It depends on the way of looking at things… as Miuccia says: «Fashion is instant language». Do you speak Prada?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Yesterday, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to its New York City home after three years. I was really eager to see it, especially because I was curious to see my beloved Mary Katrantzou‘s creations on the runway of angels. This year was a true glittery catwalk extravaganza that dazzled with over 850,000 crystals from Swarovski as Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski proudly introduced new facets of their iconic 16-year partnership.

Gigi Hadid in one of the Mary Katrantzou’s designs for the show.

It’s the most-watched fashion event of the year with around 800 million tuning in annually. And for a good reason! Atelier Swarovski created this year’s spectacular Dream Angels Fantasy Bra embellished with over 2,100 Swarovski Created Diamonds and Topaz. On another exciting note, fans will be able to purchase a replica version of the Fantasy Bra made with Swarovski crystals. 

Halsey performed on the runway in this blockbuster show…

… as well as Rita Ora and Shawn Mendes.

«In this year’s show we had 90 looks, and more than half of them have Swarovski crystals,» said Monica Mitro, EVP Brand Communications and Events for Victoria’s «It’s a really special show for both of our brands because it represents a true partnership. This year we had the greatest number of Swarovski crystals ever used in a show: these included the fully crystallized Swarovski look, plus over half of the other looks. And for the first time ever, we created the Fantasy Bra with Atelier Swarovski using sustainable, Swarovski lab-created diamonds, as well as producing a replica of the Fantasy Bra made with crystals from Swarovski, which we’ll be selling in our stores and online.»

Wearing the coveted Dream Angels Fantasy Bra is the ultimate honor for the Angels, and this year’s lucky recipient was Elsa Hosk, who described the delicate Atelier Swarovski designed bralette style as «very cool, very simple, modern, and so sparkly. If I had designed it myself, it would have looked just like this.»

Swarovski Created Diamonds are responsibly grown in a state-of-the-art lab according to the highest environmental, safety and labor standards, and yet they have the same optical, chemical and physical attributes as mined diamonds: both are 100% carbon, with the same hardness and brilliance. The Swarovski Genuine Topaz comes from traceable sources in Brazil and Sri Lanka. 

The replica bralette will retail at $250 and its matching panty at $98, with the total set featuring over 1,000 Swarovski crystals. Customers will be able to purchase their replica version on November 29 at select Victoria’s Secret stores and online at victoriassecret.com, before the show airs. 

«Swarovski’s partnership with Victoria’s Secret has brought major sparkle to the runways for over 15 years. We’re especially proud of our 2018 collaboration, because we’ve been able to add sparkle to women’s everyday lives by creating a commercial version of the Dream Angels Fantasy Bra,» said Alexander Wellhoefer, SVP for Swarovski Professional North America. 

The show closed with the sumptuous «Celestial Angel» section of the show, where Angel Romee Strijd’s official Swarovski Look transformed her into a shooting star. Made with over 125,000 crystals from Swarovski, the full outfit consisted of a sheer bodysuit hand-beaded with over 70,000 Swarovski crystals and framed by a seven-pointed star wing that took a team of experts over 250 hours to create.

More than 55,000 Swarovski crystals were placed on the celestial star wing.

«Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski have always been such a brilliant collaboration. Once the looks have Swarovski on them they’re elevated to another level. That’s what we look for in every show we do and in every piece we present. When we conceive the looks it’s always with Swarovski in mind because for us, the crystals bring a sense of luxury to the outfits—without them we just wouldn’t have that opulence. It’s essential to have Swarovski crystals in the collection,» said Sophia Neophitou, the show’s Creative Director.

Enjoy more looks and impressions below…
Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Adriana Lima

Aiden Curtiss

Alexina Graham

Barbara Palvin

Bella Hadid

Candice Swanepoel

Cindy Bruna

Devon Windsor

Duckie Thot

Estelle Chen

Jasmine Tookes

Josephine Skriver

Jourdana Phillips

Kendall Jenner

Lais Riberio

Leomie Anderson

Liu Wen

Martha Hunt

Mayowa Nicholas

Nadine Leopold

Sara Sampaio

Sui He

Toni Garrn

Winnie Harlow

Zuri Tibby

Photos Courtesy of Swarovski/Victoria’s Secret
Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for Swarovski