Sandra‘s Closet

Prada presents images created by Thomas Demand for the new window displays for its stores across the world, a radically beautiful and colourful sequence of blossoming cherry trees that celebrates the arrival of spring.

Hanami – which means ‘flower viewing’ – is the centuries-old Japanese art of enjoying the beauty of flowers. The cherry blossom season, a highpoint in the year, marks the end of winter and represents the youth, zest for life and emotion embodied by spring, a truly universal image and a powerful symbol of energy.

Spread seamlessly across the shop’s windows, Demand’s floral images, entitled Blossom, give rise to a vibrant narrative which, inserted into the real world, creates a new dialogue with passers-by in cities around the world.

This work fits perfectly into the German artist’s oeuvre, which has the concept of photography as a global language at its heart. Demand is known for making photographs of three-dimensional models that look like real images of rooms and other spaces, often sites loaded with social and political meanings. He thus describes himself not as a photographer, but as a conceptual artist for whom photography is an intrinsic part of his creative process. Having studied sculpture under Fritz Schwegler at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf alongside Katharina Fritsch and Thomas Schütte, Demand began his career as a sculptor. In 1993, he began to use photography to record his elaborate, life-sized paper-and-cardboard constructions of actually or formerly existing environments and interior spaces, and soon started to create constructions for the sole purpose of photographing them. The photograph he takes of this model with a large-format-camera is the final stage of his work, and it is only this image, most often executed in an edition of six, that is exhibited unframed behind Plexiglas, not the models. On the contrary, Demand destroys his «life-size environments» after he has photographed them.

In this series for Prada, Demand once again rebuilds existing images and replaces them with an artificial version of themselves. In his collaboration with Prada, his work encounters and enters into a fruitful exchange with the world of fashion.

The installations, with a curved or box-shaped illuminated backdrop, are rounded off by steel display stands with a matte pink Perspex surface, or illuminated cylinders with the same floral pattern as the scenery.

Te display can be admired at Prada’s stores in New York, Milan, Paris, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles and other selected cities starting this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada – © Thomas Demand

Following it’s launch in June of 2019, The Marc Jacobs – the new line from Marc Jacobs International – is opening in Paris’ Le Marais neighborhood. Located at 30 rue des Archives, the store will offer the full range of items across all product categories. The new line celebrates the eclectic and individual approach to getting dressed. «We wanted to do something that is unlike the collections we are already doing, in that it is more ‘item-y.’» said Jacobs.

THE MARC JACOBS opening party in Paris hosted by Michel Gaubert and Olympia Le Tan.

Drawing from the periods, music, art and pop culture that have always inspired, classic silhouettes, true to the spirit of Marc Jacobs, will be reinterpreted with each season creating an on-going and on-growing wardrobe of items. Key collaborations, including the classic Peanuts cartoons, as well as with British artist Magda Archer, are highlights.

THE MARC JACOBS
30, Rue des Archives
75004 Paris
Monday – Saturday 11 am – 7.30 pm / Sunday 12pm – 7 pm
Phone: + 33 1 44 50 23 65

TO SHOP THE MARC JACOBS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Michel Gaubert and Olympia Le-Tan

Photos by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Marc Jacobs

Prada intensifies its digital strategy with the launch of the totally revamped version of prada.com, the brand’s e-commerce platform and go-to source for editorial content. Currently available in Europe only, the new layout will be rolled out to other markets over the course of 2020.
Reflecting the quintessential identity of Prada, the website seamlessly combines updated browsing features with the brand’s aesthetics for a unique shopping experience and creative immersion into the Prada universe sure to make an impact on visitors.

The project’s keystones – synergy, dynamism, flexibility, responsiveness and omnichannel features – deliver a perfect balance of editorial content and e-commerce wrapped in an elegantly simple design. The site offers an interactive experience featuring surprise mini-videos that play during navigation, personalized content and paths that vary thanks to a modular framework based on users’ needs, topped off by the usability from any device and an enhanced integration of online and offline channels.

The ‘Pradasphere’ section with its refreshed image moves dynamically between past, present and future, taking the visitor on a tour through fashion shows, special projects, campaigns, films, events and locations of the Prada universe via two original browsing modes, with the possibility to apply filters by category and year. Every click is a total revelation.

Making its debut in December 2019 the new section Prada Time Capsule will offer an exclusive product for men and women to be sold in a limited edition only on prada.com for a 24-hour period. Once a month Prada Time Capsule will be updated with a new item that can also be selected among the iconic objects from the brand’s archive.

And last but not least you shouldn’t miss #PradaSeditiousSimplicity, a celebration of the preciousness of the everyday, an expression of the style of life, a piece now.

Take a picture of you and experience the Prada Resort 2020 Collection campaign creating a customized composition to share.

Follow this link to experience your very own #PradaSeditiousSimplicity: https://www.prada.com/de/en/seditious-simplicity.html

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

In the end of last month, when I attended the opening of the BOSS flagship outlet (for the previous post, please click here), I told you already a little bit about the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN in Germany, located close to the city of Stuttgart. High end brands such as Breitling, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni and soon also Moschino and Alberta Ferretti can be found here alongside many others for a great price. Personally speaking, some of the stores look better and are bigger than in Zurich…

Just opened on September 26, 2019: Fendi at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Superlative is the magic word when you want to talk about this shopping village that stands for one thing above all else: the exciting combination of supposed contrasts. If you appreciate unusual and exclusive shopping experiences for a great budget, this will be your new shopping destination. At OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, you can immerse yourself in a world of exclusive brands in an authentic inner-city atmosphere within award-winning architecture and take advantage of discounts of up to 70% all year round. Whether you want high fashion or outdoor clothing, exclusive It-pieces or just the thing for the whole family, the outlet’s wide range of premium and luxury brands makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Award-winning architecture at OULETCITY METZINGEN makes you feel visiting an amazing US mall.

This weekend would be a great opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most popular outlets as OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is celebrating in a big way on October 11 and 12, 2019. The so-called FASHION CITY EVENT offers special highlights, great promotions, shopping on Friday until midnight and the start of the outlet’s own club for customers. The different celebrations seek inspiration from shopping metropoles such New York, Paris, Milan or Shanghai. Sightseeing from a new perspective – all dedicated to fashion – and for a great budget! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Inside the Gucci outlet store.

Inside the new Valentino outlet store.

Don’t miss the gigantic Prada outlet store on two levels.

Welcome to Jimmy Choo at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Munich-based designers Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof left careers in engineering and fashion consulting to launch their own label, which is defined by luxurious fabrics and elegant silhouettes.

After Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin, TALBOT RUNHOF finally opened their first exclusive salon in Switzerland in partnership with Maison Gassmann, a local fashion institution since 1882, that has carried the brand since many years. To celebrate the occasion, an opening party took place that was a lot of fun!

With Johnny Talbot (left) and Adrian Runhof (right) at the opening party.

The interior design of the new store by Patrick Ferrier makes customer feel like they are at home.  It blends in perfectly with the beautiful location – the medieval «House to the Golden Sheep» in the old town of Zurich. Warm purple and gold tones create an elegant atmosphere alongside the original wooden floors and cool retro chandeliers. On the ground floor, you can find the whole collection, including beautiful evening wear with flattering gathered details and rich colors, while the basement serves as a generous VIP area for the ultimate and discreet shopping experience.

«We are part-time Swiss,» says Adrian Runhof, «so it was on top of our bucket list to finally open a boutique in Zurich. With Katja and Michael Hahnloser we have ideal partners and longtime friends to realize this dream.»

Adrian, you have been living in Switzerland now for almost a decade? Why did you move here and how do you like it?

I live predominately in Munich but happily spend a considerable amount of time in Switzerland. For approximately the last 10 years, we have a wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Zurich where we often go hiking and swimming, preferably with our border terrier, Cooper. Without a doubt, Switzerland has an unbeatable quality of life… quality of air… quality of nature… quality of EVERYTHING…

Zurich marks the opening of your 4th store and the first one in Switzerland. You opened it in partnership with Maison Gassmann that have been carrying your designs since many years. Can you tell me a little bit about the story behind?

Katja and Michael Hahnloser from Maison Gassmann have been been carrying TALBOT RUNHOF in the their boutique for many years now. What started as a business relationship has developed into a very close friendship. They are young, cool, creative and enthusiastic; always up for a challenge.

How would you describe the Swiss fashion/clothing style compared to other PoS for example? Is the buying different from your other stores?

Our swiss customers are definitely risk takers… always looking for that special piece. That statement piece. That piece that requires a keen eye for fashion.

Choosing my outfit for the opening night with Johnny & Adrian.

TALBOT RUNHOF is known for creating amazing bespoke gowns. Can the Swiss ladies meet you in person from time to time?  Do you offer the same service as in Munich for example?

Now that we have a boutique in Zurich, the frequency with which I have a bowl of pasta at BINDELLA, go swimming at the HÜTTENSEE or simply hang out in our boutique in SCHIPFE 4 has increased dramatically. For me it is that perfect balance of work and pleasure.

Our wonderful team in our boutique in Zurich offers exactly the same service as in our other three boutiques in Germany… what a lot of people do not know is that TALBOT RUNHOF is a 100% MADE IN GERMANY product. So if a dress is not available in your size or color, more often that not, we can make it within a reasonable amount of time.

In love with my TALBOT RUNHOF jumpsuit in silver.

How can I imagine the creative process between you two?

Over the last almost 30 years, Johnny and I have developed a very special way of working together. We never went to fashion school. We never learned how to be fashion designers. It’s a very unconventional yet intuitive ping pong game we play, batting around an idea until we feel it is right for the TALBOT RUNHOF customer.

Who would you love to see in your dresses? 

For us, our customers are the real celebrities.

Thank you, Adrian, for your time and insider on the Zurich store opening.

I have been a big fan of TALBOT RUNHOF since the beginning. Originally, the company, founded in 1992, was called «All About Eve». In 2000, it was renamed in TALBOT RUNHOF, to match the faces behind and due to trademark issues, as Wolfgang Joop had already launched a perfume of the same name on the market.

The designer duo catered to the huge demand for modern evening dresses in the ’90s and built up a core of loyal customers over the years. Their small store and atelier in Munich was located close to ESMOD, where I studied fashion design at that time and I always admired their work as a young student. So you can imagine, that it is a real honor that our paths have crossed over the years again and again… businesswise and privately.

Talbot Runhof Boutique Zurich
Schipfe 4, 8001 Zurich
Phone +41 44 533 88 04
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm

TO SHOP TALBOT RUNHOF ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Part of the family, Cooper, the cutest dog ever!

Photos: © Talbot Runhof and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, the Bucherer Flagship Store in Zurich opened its doors after an intense refurbishment in new splendor at Bahnhofstr. 50. Inside, five floors of around 800 square meters await you to explore the most beautiful jewelry pieces as well as creations from several renowned watch brands, among them Piaget, Chopard and Roger Dubuis just to name a few. On the ground floor, a unique Rolex boutique, welcomes customers at the entrance.

Modern architecture meets spectacular design. The facade shines in Cristallina
Marble, the only one mined in Switzerland, generating a fascinating effect depending on how the sunlight reflects on it.

The renovation is another milestone in the over 130-year history of Bucherer. What many do not know: Although the family business’ roots are in Lucerne, Bucherer has been represented at the Bahnhofstrasse since the early ’40s.

To celebrate the occasion, I was invited to explore the fascinating collections of Bucherer Fine Jewellery that you see me wearing in the pictures, all created with passion and expertise for high jewelry.

Speaking of passion: if you visit the store, have a look at the Romance Lounge, that invite customers to take their time to indulge in the beautiful pieces as if they were sitting in a café.

My personal favorites are the new limited edition Clover rings that have been launched as a highlight for the re-opening. Bucherer’s VIP customers were of course able to explore the models beforehand and reserve their must-have. 18 unique pieces, each of them exclusive, valuable and rare – the number an homage to the founding year of Bucherer 1888. Prices range depending on the precious stones from CHF 22,000 to CHF 420,000.

To surprise their distinguished clientele in different ways, Bucherer plans to host exclusive events throughout the year on their event floor with roof terrace, that offers breathtaking views over the city. Outstanding service and strong customer relation – two main values the family business has been standing for since 1888.

Stay tuned for my next post from the opening party last Tuesday coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer
Photos of me: © Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart

My favorite way to fight the rainy weather last weekend in Saint-Tropez was a visit to CHANEL‘s seasonal summer boutique at the La Mistralée townhouse that is such an eye-catcher in an exclusive décor inspired by the codes and the spirit of the House. The S/S 2019 ready-to-wear collection, the COCO BEACH de CHANEL line, the accessories, the perfumes and pieces of jewelry and watches are displayed in a serene atmosphere bathed in natural light.

This season, CHANEL has chosen to combine classic interior design with ultra-modern furnishings. A floor paved with beige travertine welcomes the visitors and accompanies them with every step through the different spaces of the boutique. The unity of the floor is reinforced by a sense of infinity created by a game of antique mirrors positioned like high skirting boards, climbing walls painted in an understated white. Large black rugs contrast with this luminosity all while alluding to CHANEL’s signature black and beige two-tone.

On one side of the entrance hall, almost like a prelude, a lobby presents a selection of eyewear and perfumes. The following room opens onto two series of large frames in a rust-hued metal. Set up in a chevron pattern, they carry the elegant yet casual S/S 2019 ready-to-wear silhouettes, inspired by the theme of the beach. In the midst of these frames we find large mobile panels, also in rust-coloured metal and double sided: their perforated plates dressed with a diamond quilting on one side and a mirror on the other.

Bathed in sunlight, the conservatory is home to the accessories, the bags and the shoes of the season. As if in a dressing room, two large cabinets furnish the room. Quilted and perforated, through the transparency you can guess at the accessories displayed there: their shadows encouraging you to open each door and to peacefully discover each accessory. A blue suede sofa, poufs in tweed or suede are there for comfortably trying on the summer mules and sandals. Finally, several alcoves exhibit the CHANEL watches, including the J12 and the BOY.FRIEND watch as well as one of CHANEL’s iconic jewelry lines: the COCO CRUSH collection.

The garden at the La Mistralée is a veritable haven of tranquillity. Large black and white rugs are installed around the swimming pool. A long bench and big scatter cushions in black, navy and white tweed are an invitation to enjoy some farniente. Chairs, tables and big poufs in tweed covered with cushions in leather add to this ambiance of summer-time lounging. The pool house, painted entirely with a layer of thick blue rendering, illustrates a Mediterranean summer. Inside, the white walls, the blue of the floor and the floating lacquered furnishings, as well as the resin console tables all add their nuance to this palette caught between the sky and the sea. Here, once again, a dressing room has been installed: its sophisticated drawers opening to reveal pieces from the COCO BEACH de CHANEL collection, swimsuits, espadrilles as well as straw hats…

Like a breath of air in the heart of the effervescent village of Saint-Tropez, the new CHANEL seasonal boutique embodies all the relaxed elegance of the House, serene and radiant beneath the Riviera sunshine.

CHANEL’s seasonal boutique in Saint-Tropez will remain open until October 2019.
CHANEL BOUTIQUE
1, avenue du Général Leclerc
83990 Saint-Tropez, France
+33 4 94 49 07 47
Monday to Sunday: 10am – 1.30pm / 3.30pm – 8pm (4.30pm to 9pm in July and August)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL / Marie Liskay

Last Friday, HERMÈS celebrated the reopening of its store in Gstaad with a cocktail inside the retail space followed by an after party at the Tennisclub.

After 6 months of renovation and expansion, the shop, that was first opened in 1974 in the internationally renowned Swiss Alpine ski resort, offers a brighter and larger retail space of 165 m² with a new entrance and a second floor. Designed by RDAI, a Parisian interior design firm, the team was particularly concerned with preserving the uniqueness of the typical mountain architecture and selecting exceptional materials that emphasize the natural character of its surroundings.

A newly positioned entrance and four large windows along the facade create a sunlight filled interior and offer a beautiful view of the pedestrian area of ​​Gstaad.

On the ground floor you will find the silk collections for women and accessories, while the ties and perfumes for men are arranged on both sides of the main entrance. Moreover there is a spacious area dedicated to leather goods, watches and equestrian collections.

The second floor, which plays with the design codes of the traditional chalet interior, is dedicated to the ready-to-wear and shoe collections for men and women as well as the collections for the home.

Gstaad – come up and slow down – and shop at HERMÈS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HERMÈS and © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, it is very important that you read until the end of this post as a very special treat is waiting for you to celebrate 9 years of my blog! I am convinced you will love it…

The idea of the concept store is by no means unheard of nowadays. In 1990 the first one of this kind opened its doors in Milan, 10 Corso Como, followed by Opening Ceremony, Colette and Dover Street Market, just to name a few.

The new VOGUE concept store inside the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

What is a concept store? A 360 degrees experience, a type of living magazine, offering a unique mix of art, fashion, one-of-a-kind homeware and accessories. Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, takes the idea a step further. The tall blonde has been dedicated to supporting emerging talent within the fashion industry since many years. In 2011, she launched the VOGUE Salon, an initiative to grant up-and-coming German fashion designers the opportunity to present exclusive collections to industry opinion leaders. It takes place twice a year during Berlin Fashion Week.

With Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, at the VOGUE concept store opening.

Now, Christiane Arp takes her engagement a step further. Looking for new ways for print media to attract readers and to create attention for the brand itself, she had the idea to launch the VOGUE Concept Store in cooperation with OUTLETCITY METZINGEN.

From left to right: Tim Labenda, David Tomaszewski, Marina Hoermanseder, William Fan, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon, Wolfang Bauer (CEO OUTLETCITY METZINGEN) and Christiane Arp.

Chosen for their one-of-a-kind viewpoints and unparalleled talent were Marina Hoermanseder (click here for a previous post about her collaboration with EOS), Tim Labenda, Dawid Tomaszewski, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon and William Fan. The pieces of the respective designers, which are not older than three months, were bought by OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, which is operating the store in collaboration with VOGUE that is in charge for the marketing and advertising in return. Christiane Arp herself made the selection.

Always at work – here during the fashion show.

It is a win-win situation – a great way to support emerging talents in Germany. The young designers receive through the sale enough money to invest in their next collection.

The pop-up store will be there for six month until April 2019. Inside, you can find many interactive and augmented reality features such as ideas how to style the pieces. Moreover, via your smartphones, you can access information about the designers themselves and their inspirations.

The bestseller that night was definitely the VOGUE logo tops, sweatshirts that came with the latest issue of VOGUE Germany.

Catching up with longtime friends at the opening: Ingrid Hedley, Marketing Director VOGUE & AD Architectural Digest, and Marina Hoermanseder.

And when you are wondering why VOGUE opened in Metzingen in an outlet mall, that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, remember where Carla Sozzani opened her 10 Corso Como shop almost 30 years ago. The location seemed very far away to the people and it was not glamorous at all with its concrete floor. At the time, Via Monte Napoleone was considered the only shopping street. You have to think in new ways, especially print media… the same goes for blogging by the way.

Before it’s in Fashion, it’s in VOGUE! or let’s say now in the VOGUE concept store! And before that of course in Sandra’s Closet :-)!

To celebrate the 9th anniversary of my blog, I have a treat for you. When I was at the opening party of the VOGUE concept store, I was truly overwhelmed by the size and the design of the the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN. Personally speaking, some stores look so much better and are bigger than in Zurich. I attached a few pictures for you below. The collections on display are from S/S 2018 with prices marked down up to 70%.

Metzingen is not far from Stuttgart in Germany. The little village is dedicated to its OUTLETCITY. You can find many hotels and restaurants. If you prefer staying in Stuttgart, no problem, there are bus transfers for Metzingen, leaving from most of the hotels.

Toasting with Christina Gobil at the opening of the VOGUE concept store to 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

HERE COMES MY ANNIVERSARY TREAT FOR YOU:

As my dear reader, you are entitled to the VIP Shopping Pass:
Mention «Sandra’s Closet» when you arrive at the International Service Point, located at Reutlinger Strasse 58, 72555 Metzingen, Germany.
You will receive a VIP Shopping Pass, a welcome Winzersekt (a vintner’s sparkling wine – German kind of champagne) and a coffee voucher. The VIP Shopping Pass offers also an extra 10% discount at the Vogue Concept Store and other participating stores.
The offer is valid until March 31st, 2019.

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Bottega Veneta in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Prada in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Jimmy Choo in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Gucci in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

The Burberry shop in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN has already the new logo.

The whole area looks like one of those amazing gigantic US shopping malls.

Photos: Courtesy of VOGUE, OUTLETCITY METZINGEN and © Sandra Bauknecht 

We can say with clear conscience that Perfumery Osswald is one of Zurich’s most traditional and iconic places to shop beauty must-haves. Opened in 1921 at Kreuzplatz by pharmacist Boris Dreiding, it was the place to get products from major brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein or Guerlain from the beginning. Dreiding also had the formula for Chanel N°5 that he produced for the Swiss market at that time.

The Dreiding family: Boris, Jago, Tamara and Tanja

After the Second World War, his son Jago Dreiding took over the business and moved the location to Bahnhofstrasse 17, where it is still based today. In 1980, he founded the «Salon de Beauté», the beauty spa, in the basement and successfully directed the perfumery Osswald until 1992. Thereafter, his widow Tamara Dreiding continued the business, until her daughter Tanja Dreiding Wallace took over the helmet in 2014. In 2012, the dynamic brunette had already opened the first international branch in New York’s Soho district (for a previous post, click here please). Being based in the US, she talks and e-mails daily with her team in Zurich and flies back to Switzerland at least once every second month.

Tanja Dreiding Wallace with me yesterday in the newly renovated store.

When in the beginning of 2018, the opportunity came up to rent more space in the back of the building, managing director Tanja Dreiding Wallace did not hesitate to give the iconic place a makeover and to enlarge the retails space.

«Today, our customers want more than just shopping. They want you to have an exceptional experience and a perfect 360-degree service to be offered. Thanks to the renovation and expansion of our business premises, we can now fully respond to these wishes.»
– Tanja Dreiding Wallace, CEO Perfumery Osswald

The world’s first La Prairie Lounge in the new design of the brand.

The idea for the interior design came up with the decision to integrate the world’s first and extremely exclusive La Prairie Lounge in the new design of the luxury brand. The premises are designed in warm natural colors and earthy tones, creating a homely yet elegant ambience. The carefully curated offer of selected niche fragrances, makeup products, luxury toiletries and accessories got more space are presented in a sophisticated way inviting customers to stroll through the corridors.

When you enter the store, new launches will be presented on round tables.

 Bahnhofstrasse 17, 8001 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 211 20 30
www.osswald.ch

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Osswald and © Sandra Bauknecht