Sandra‘s Closet

Start the season on the right foot with an all-white outfit. The non-colour has been seen head-to-toe on many S/S 2013 runways. But don’t think that you can stay with your average white cotton shirt that has been hanging forever in your closet. This summer, it is all about ruffles, laser-cut holes, panels, and stripes.

Slice and dice! Chloé has some of the most beautiful looks for summer and the house’s designer Claire Waight Keller spared no expense to come up with some gorgeous details. What might normally be just another ordinary crisp white jacket was sliced at the sleeves to give it a major point of difference.

Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz fashion film in which Karlie Kloss looks stunning in an all-white look from Chloé, here are some of the best pieces available at the moment. Sure investments in a season of style!

1 Appliquéd cotton-blend lace skirt

2 Drape-detailed cotton-jersey top
3 Woven panama blazer
4 Open-knit cotton-blend sweater

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz and via style.com

These sandals from Balenciaga‘s Resort 2013 collection feature uber-cute origami bows and are about to become spring’s It-heels.
TO SHOP THE ORIGAMI SANDALS, CLICK HERE!

These golden finger rings that appeared on Balenciaga‘s S/S 2013 runway are absolutely divine. Better call the Paris store (+33 1 47 20 21 11) now to get on the extra-long wait list.

LoL, Sandra

There is no end in sight, for the ones who like the bright and vibrant trend, the summer 2013 offers lots of bold pop colours, with Burberry Prorsum, Gucci and Jil Sander leading the way.

For those who cannot wait for the runway pieces to arrive, what about this cool outfit:
Striped stretch-ponte dress by Issa, cutout suede sandals by Guiseppe Zanotti and grained-leather clutch by Miu Miu.

The best make-up collection to complement the look comes this spring from Giorgio Armani: The Pop Collection will hit the stores this month. Enjoy the “top of the pops”:

FACE & EYES BLISS PALETTE – CHF 109.-

Fabulous neutrals mixed with bright popping shades for eyes and face.
Coral Bliss Palette 01 (One Shot), Rose Bliss Palette 02 (One Shot)

ROUGE D’ARMANI SHEERS – CHF 54.-

From left to right:
Beige 100 (One Shot), Ecstasy 500 (already part of the line), Beige Rosé 101 (One Shot)

FACE FABRIC – CHF 71.-

The “stretch”-technology of this products helps to “fit” the contours of your face for a seamless, semi-matte finish. Organic colorants, blended with translucent pigments create subtle, nude tones. Available in three shades: 0.5 (One Shot), 3.5 and 4.5

BLUSHING FABRIC – CHF 60.-

The “second skin” blush comes in two vibrant, limited-edition shades this spring.
High Density Orange 8 (One Shot), Fuchsia 9 (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Let’s have a look at Miu Miu‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign that is formed of a series of mise-en-scenes and still lives, in a mysterious domestic setting. The muted tones and painterly light of the theatrical setting highlight the vibrant vitality of the cast.

Photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York, the campaign follows Miu Miu’s tradition of subverting traditional advertising imagery, this season offering a fresh view of contemporary femininity, rich with nuance and authenticity. High and low materials meet in rooms that have no sense of time or place, bleached wooden paneling and ruby red satin mirroring the duality of materials in the collection.

The cast itself embodies the many facets of a woman’s personality, femme fatales and innocent ingénues, playful belles and nostalgic beauties. This diverse constellation of women share their own private language, in an intimate series of poetic interactions. Nonchalant groupings and abstract close ups reflect both a harmonious closeness and their distinct individuality. Looking in through doors and windows that seem to lead to another world, we encounter a new kind of elegance in this seductive celebration of contemporary femininity.

Rich chocolate Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

One thing all these women have in common? Their desire to own one of Miu Miu’s unbelievable fur pieces! For the post of the S/S 2013 show, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Travertine Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

Caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Soft grey and black handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Awakening in a dream, Mulberry has released its new seasonal campaign, shot by my favourite photographer Tim Walker, starring model Meghan Collison, directed by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and inspired by the ethereal colour palette of Emma Hill’s S/S 2013 collection.

The campaign features key looks from the new collection, showcasing beautiful, reimagined English tailoring, coats and capes layered over dresses and fresh interpretations of print design, classic outerwear and leatherwork.

The new multi-functional Willow Tote (see photo above in biscuit), first launched on the S/S 2013 catwalk, is a focal point of three of the images, a beautiful yet common-sense structured bag with elegant clean lines and timeless appeal.

The Cecily (see above) and Cecily Flower Tote (see second photo from top) are also featured, as well as Mulberry’s icon Bayswater, pictured in sumptuous ostrich (see first photo from top).

Be one of the first ones to sport the new Cecily snake-effect leather shoulder bag.

I am completely in love with this kind of lunar landscape below the sea created for this campaign. Personally speaking, Emma Hill gets better and better. Since a few seasons, I have become a true Mulberry addict.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry

Here is Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh on location at Universal Studios in Los Angeles in October 2012. The internationally renowned German photographer and filmmaker has been a hugely influential figure in fashion photography since he first began working for Italian Vogue in the late 1970’s. Known for his narrative sensibility, he has a direct, minimalist approach that captures the individuality of the subject. His images, often in black-and-white, are instantly recognizable for their spontaneity and intimacy.

Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 collection centers on a subtle and complex individuality. A palette of dusty, saturated shades of peach, yellow, blue, red, gray, and plaster is anchored in black and brown. Those butterfly embellished accessories are absolutely on my wish list for summer.

The mood is both tough and sweet, starting with unexpected mixes of materials and prints, mostly florals, and surface embellishments of exceptional quality and varied provenance.
What a beautiful collection inspired by the `40s, Tomas Maier is back in the fore!

TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

Futuristic fabrics are high on this new season’s designer agenda and holographic looks are having a major fashion moment for S/S 2013. It is all about “Dress to Shine”!

FASHION MEETS SPACE AGE

Christopher Kane showed his collection for S/S 2013 on a holographic catwalk and Alexander Wang turned off the lights to enlighten the special fabrics of his clothes.

Holographic sequins played a major role at Antonio Berardi…

… and Talbot Runhof.

The trendsetter this season is definitely Jonathan Saunders. His holographic pieces will be on every fashionista’s wish list.

Christopher Bailey makes us drool over his metallic shiny fabrics for Burberry Prorsum that shimmer in all shades of the rainbow.

If you cannot wait to sport the trend first, have a look at those accessories below that have just hit the shelves:

Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler‘s sleek accessories are my favorite way to tap the trend, perfect for New Year’s Eve!

1 Holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney

2 Holographic faux leather pumps by Stella McCartney
3 Holographic faux leather iPhone 4 sleeve by Stella McCartney
4 Holographic leather card holder by Proenza Schouler
5 PS11 mirrored leather wristlet clutch by Proenza Schouler

Holographic faux leather python print Falabella clutch by Stella McCartney

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Style.com

Yippie, another sale has started today and this is actually my favourite one: The NET-À-PORTER INTERNATIONAL SALE with amazing markdowns up to 50% off. As I told you in my previous post, it is much better to look for basics or pieces that will work for the next season.

Some of the big trends for S/S 2013 (as you can see in the pictures to the left) are the combination of black and white and ruffled details.

Here is a look that would be the perfect stylish addition to your summer wardrobe:

Crepe tuxedo blazer by Alexander McQueen, wool-blend and silk-chiffon dress by Giambattista Valli, large Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood and splashout painted Swarovski crystal earrings by Tom Binns.

Happy Shopping by clicking HERE!

LoL, Sandra

This week, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich take place. In comparison to the Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, London and New York, those days focus more on the business-to-consumer side with tickets available for sale to get a feeling of high class fashion in reality. They are also devoted to helping upcoming young designers, enjoying the S/S 2013 collections of established and famous designers and to just having a lot of fun.

Speaking of which, the four-day event kicked off on Wednesday with the Mercedes-Benz Opening Night. Among the famous guests American actress and former model Lauren Hutton, the world’s first male supermodel Markus Schenkenberg and British singer Dionne Bromfield. 
MSGM di Massimo Giorgetti, Marco de Vincenzo, Mila Schön and Angelos Bratis presented their collections for the next season, followed by a musical performance of the Swiss band Pegasus. The culmination of the event was the runway show of Laurèl.

Spotted on the red carpet in the VIP-tent and later on the runway: Luisa Hartema, winner of Germany’s Next Topmodel 2012.

Markus Schenkenberg with me

How cool are the shoes of Patrick Liotard-Vogt, especially in combination with his purple pants…

Greek designer Angelos Bratis,“The Draper”, won the first prize of the “Who Is On next?” competion for emerging fashion designers in 2011, organized by AltaRoma and Vogue Italia. The international jury was composed by important names of the fashion industry such as Suzy Menkes (International Herald Tribune) and Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italia). His winning brought him international press acclaim and a new job. He just moved to Milan to design the Vionnet collection. I couldn’t think of a better match!

“I love the air, the sky and the people”, Massimo Giorgetti said about being in Zurich. He went on about his designs: “I love Indie music. MSGM is my soundtrack of the last six months when I was preparing the collection.” Massimo Giorgetti’s idea of MSGM is to mix and match great tradition with revolutionary ideas from the new millennium, and the first collections have been celebrated by the industry thanks to their inner iconoclastic and celebrative spirit.
To shop MSGM by Massimo Giorgetti click here.

Marco di Vincenzo is Italian fashion’s rising star. He started his career as one of Silvia Venturnini Fendi’s key assistant on accessories at Fendi. Now with his own line, he has gone spare for the S/S 2013 season, showing cotton poplin pieces with jersey backs, sporty with an interesting approach to volume.

Bianca Gervasio, Creative Director of Mila Schön, has a very good eye for colour and feminine cuts and showed a contemporary lightness paired with romantic details for the next summer. The young designer said about Zurich that she likes “the colourful and prismic light that gives it an elegant ambiance and its sophisticated people.”

Lauren Hutton, who had graced 27 Vogue covers, was sitting of course front row and told Annina Frey that “her beauty secret is having a good man in your life”.

At the Mercedes-Benz Opening Night, Laurèl sent their models in ’50s bikinis, pencil skirts and cute little tops down the runway. Highlight of the collection: The vibrant gowns.

The after party took place at the Park Hyatt and was a lot of fun.

Bianca Gervasio with me

Lauren Hutton at the after party framed by Raquel Marquard and me

Lauren Hutton’s backpack was hilarious.

Celebrating with Angelos Bratis and his friends.

Stay tuned for a detailed post of my outfit and of course all the other nights coming up soon. Unfortunately, I am little behind with my posts as my blog has experienced some technical problems during the last days due to maintenance work. You might have realized that the newsletter hasn’t been sent neither. My apologies for that!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht