Sandra‘s Closet

Due to the current pandemic, the wedding-world has been a turmoil. So many celebrations have been cancelled or rescheduled including mine. However, it hasn’t been all so bad, as brides-to-be have far more time than usual to concentrate on what they will be wearing on their big day.

As soon as social restrictions are lifted, nuptials will return. This will hopefully happen latest this summer. In case you are looking for the perfect wedding dress, have a look at Simone Rocha‘s first bridal capsule collection, that has launched exclusively at MYTHERESA.

«The idea behind this bridal collection is to translate signatures from the S/S21 collection into the world of bridal through fabrications, embellishments and embroideries,» the London-based Irish designer designer shared on Instagram. Known for her distinctive romantic designs, her debut bridal collection consists of eight ethereal dresses that feature her signature voluminous silhouettes and pearls. From lace organza, tulle and silk taffeta in petal pink, pastel yellow and classical white, to accessories including faux pearl headbands, earrings and hair clips, Rocha has included everything a modern, romantic bride could wish for. It is the perfect translation of some of her signature looks from her S/S 2021 collection into wedding-worthy pieces.

Last year, a large amount of cancelled weddings have been rescheduled for 2021. However, those who couldn’t wait, gave rise to starting more intimate ceremonies that are shared on Zoom for example, which leads also.  That in turn leads to brides-to-be are searching for more low-key style options. Unlike large, statement styles, Rocha’s dresses are comfortable and easy-to-wear, and transferrable to other occasions. A worthy investment, indeed.

TO SHOP THE EXCLUSIVE SIMONE ROCHA BRIDAL COLLECTION AT MYTHERESA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

And don’t forget… tomorrow Simone Rocha’s highly anticipated H&M collaboration will hit the shelves. Probably a great way to experience Simone Rocha’s world before walking down the aisle…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Simone Rocha / Mytheresa
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Reminiscent of a young Bianca Jagger who has become so well known for the iconic achromatic look, a classic white suit is a smart pick for a minimalist bride who’s less interested in a full-length gown or a great alternative to a costume for the civil wedding. White pant suits had been allover the S/S 2020 runways and can be worn after your big day to many occasions.

My look: Appliquéd crepe blazer, matching appliquéd crepe wide-leg pants, silk crepe de chine shirt, and Aurora rabbit-felt fedora hat, all by Gucci, Teddy patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, and Wifey for Life clutch by Sophia Webster.

For those wondering, due to the current pandemic, my wedding date is not yet set, the venue is not yet booked, but we know where we will do it, but now it’s definitely time to decide what to wear on the big day which is actually the most fun for me! I think I will have to change a few times… there are so many beautiful choices.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

This spring, embrace soft, sheer color with Always Bare for You by OPI! Six shades in the prettiest neutral, feminine hues offer a hint of color – ideal for anyone seeking a delicate nail look, especially brides and brides-to-be. Inspired by weddings and all the joy surrounding this season of love, Always Bare for You features shades of pink, nude and rose gold in crème and shimmer finishes, as well as pale lilac and soft blue grey rounding out the collection.

A beautifully manicured hand will always command attention especially when showing off your ring. OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann suggests for brides to wear a hue like Ring Bear-er, an elegant blue grey, on fingers or toes and check «something blue» off their list.

Always Bare for You by OPI includes these shades in classic Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor formulas: Baby, Take A Vow – Throw Me A Kiss – Chiffon-d of You – Bare My Soul – Engage-meant To Be – Ring Bare-er.

French manicure is trending again.

These new shades are for everyone looking for the perfect nude shade to complement every outfit. Mother’s Day, baby showers, Easter, and even just a sunny morning are all good excuses to embrace a sheer nail.

Available now as Nail Lacquer CHF 19.90 (15ml), Infinite Shine CHF 24.90 (15ml) and as GelColor in-salon treatments for around 6 months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

I am always on the search for outstanding talent in the fashion industry. Therefore I would like to introduce you to Christos Costarellos. Flowing fabrics, floral prints, delicate embroideries, lace appliqués and an amazing sense for colour are in the DNA of the Athens-based designer. His romantic language tells a story about every dress that is created with moulage and couture techniques inspired by ancient Greek mythology and infused with a youthful, bohemian edge.

«The creative process I follow forms a bridge that connects elements from the past, making them relevant to the present as they project ideas for the future.»
Christos Costarellos

Wearing Costarellos last month in New York (for the outfit post, click here please).

Born in Duesseldorf, Germany, he was introduced to the fashion world at an early age, as his parents both worked in this industry. He studied fashion design at Dimitrelis School of Fashion in Greece and then theater costume design at the London College of Fashion, England before founding his eponymous brand in 1998.

During Paris Fashion Week, I visited Christos in his showroom at the Westin Paris Vendôme and meeting him in person was a true pleasure. He has such an amazing personality and welcomed me with open arms. His passion for craftsmanship, fabrics and colours is contagious. After showing me a video of the quality of his production in Greece and the special creative techniques for the fabric of the dress below, I was really blown me away.

Costarellos F/W 2019

Therefore it is natural that from the beginning, Christos Costarellos has worked with an exclusive clientele, who deeply appreciate his fine tailoring and finishing details. By 2000, his production line was enriched with two new ateliers, which provided the flow for the collections’ development and the unique bespoke creations.

Costarellos Bridal Wear (different seasons)

With a modern approach to timeless, romantic silhouettes, you should definitely check out his bridal wear even if you are not a bride to be. Everyone looks great in a white gown at a black tie event…

Costarellos F/W 2019

Costarellos is on the right path. After many designers struggle to keep haute couture alive, he meets the women’s demand for high-quality clothes at prices way below couture level. His so-called «Nouvelle Couture» is for me a modern way to being sustainable; investing in a beautiful gown that lasts. I would love to declare fast fashion dead!

Costarellos F/W 2019

Many seem to be in accord with me. Meghan Markle is a huge fan! A worldwide distribution network with more than 50 selling points around the globe such as Net-à-Porter, Moda Operandi, Mytheresa, and Harrods are proof of Christos Costarellos’ dignified presence in the fashion industry! In Zurich available at Maison Gassmann.

Below you can enjoy some more photos that I took in the showroom. The beautiful F/W 2019 collection will hit the stores in September 2019 – #costarellosdreamers.

LoL, Sandra

Costarellos F/W 2019 (have a look at the sleeves below – such great craftsmanship)

Photos: Courtesy of Costarellos – Instagram @costarellos
and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday Meghan Markle, now to be known as the Duchess of Sussex, enjoyed her big day as she married Prince Harry in a lovely ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Fashionistas all over the world had been waiting eagerly for her wedding dress to be revealed. And it was surprisingly Givenchy. Clare Waight Keller, who designed the dress, became the first female artistic director of the French Maison last year after a long time at the helm of Chloé.

Per the official statement from the Palace:

«Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design. The dress epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.
True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.»

The gown was surprisingly simple, but elegantly classic, with a bateau neckline, long sleeves, a drop waist and a stunning monarch-length veil which some may found quite unusual considering Meghan’s strong feminist views.

However, the five-meters long silk tulle veil had a special, symbolic meaning behind it that relates to Prince Harry’s appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and featured a unique flora from every Commonwealth country with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers.

Moreover the bride opted for a filigree tiara with a center stone for her wedding day which originally belonged to Queen Mary. It is a classic, antique piece that has long been a part of the royal collection.

For all future brides, click on the highlighted text to get her look:
Crystal and faux-pearl embellished gown by Givenchy, Rosita crystal headband by Jennifer Behr, Marie embroidered tulle veil by Needle & Thread, and
Portrait of a Lady crystal-embellished grosgrain slingback pumps by Aquazurra.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Getty Images, Courtesy of Givenchy

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honor as you are asked to play an important role in your friend’s special day. Two years ago, one of my closest sweethearts asked me to be her bridesmaid. She was dreaming of this celebration for a long time and had a clear vision as she wanted all of us to wear a different pastel shade.

A rainbow of colors

So first, we divided the different hues among us bridesmaids and each of us got her own dress (fabulous idea – I hate these typical bridesmaid dresses in polyester that force you to wear something you would never ever touch otherwise). The only promise we had to give was to look for a flowing fabric like chiffon.

My look: Embellished pleated silk-chiffon gown by Matthew Williamson, laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa, diamond necklace and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

A true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words and who carries you back to dinner when your Alaïa heels would be ruined otherwise… and I will always be a bridesmaid for her in my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Jan Geerk/Kantlicht.ch

«I like any material that is natural, but in particular pearls.» – Michela Panero

Michela Panero of Rosantica

Fusing traditional Roman-inspired designs with directional shapes and rare gems, Michela Panero creates individual and timelessly elegant pieces, from the iconic multi-layered necklaces to charm bracelets and ethereal headbands for her beautiful jewelry brand ROSANTICA. Not only the chicest choice for bohemian brides but also a great gift idea for a loved one, those accessories elevate each outfit to a new level of style. Have a look at those boudoir-inspired favorites:

Bianca feather and pearl hair tie

Seta palladium-tone, pearl and silk anklet

Eleonora convertible gold-tone pearl necklace

Giovanna palladium-tone, pearl and feather glove 

Palladium-tone, pearl and silk headband

Svevo gold-tone mother-of-pearl body chain

Aurora pearl, feather and gold-tone bracelet

Enjoy your Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rosantica

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has created a seductive range of partners’ watches to grace its Portofino collection. The Portofino Automatic and the smaller Portofino Automatic 37 have formed a bond and together set off their respective attractions to their best advantage. Couples who wish to celebrate their union with a symbol on their wrists can
choose from eight combinations. Whether purist or lavishly set with diamonds, the timeless beauty
of the Portofino For Two models underscores the decision by two individuals to spend their time and build their future together.

Couple No. 1
Ref. 4581 (37 mm): Stainless-steel case set with 66 diamonds, slate-coloured dial,
black alligator leather strap by Santoni with pin buckle
Ref. 3565 (40 mm): Stainless-steel case, black dial, black alligator leather strap with pin buckle

Couple No. 2
Ref. 4581 (37 mm): Stainless-steel case, slate-coloured dial set with 12 diamonds,
black alligator leather strap by Santoni with pin buckle
Ref. 3565 (40 mm): Stainless-steel case, black dial, black alligator leather strap with pin buckle

Speaking of love and romance, I am on my way to Florence for one of my best friend’s wedding. I am honored to be a bridesmaid and cannot wait to celebrate those two… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC/PHOTOPRESS

This summer, a dear friend of mine is getting married and she has wished for us bridesmaids to be dressed in pastel colors, every girl in a different shade, from rose to lavender, from light blue to soft yellow. My assigned hue is mint green and so I have been looking for the perfect gown. I came across those two beautiful dresses that might look pretty much the same but if you check their price tag, you might be extremely surprised…

SPLURGE: Pleated silk-chiffon gown by Elie Saab
STEAL: Cross front plissé-chiffon gown by Halston Heritage

LoL, Sandra

On August 23rd 2014, Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt in a secret ceremony in the South of France wearing a stunning Atelier Versace creation designed by Donatella Versace. The first photos are out and here is even the sketch of the amazing gown.

The white silk-satin gown was gathered at the bust with an elongated train, detailed with the embroidered drawings of her children that got reproduced also on the silk veil. Donatella Versace accessorised her creation with a pair of white Versace silk satin pumps. “Beauty, class and brain. That’s you Angelina. I wish all the best and happiness to you and your wonderful family. Love, DV“

To the newly weds, all the best! They are really an amazing couple and it was a true pleasure meeting them. Enjoy some of their best moments below…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Hello Magazine, Bunte, People Magazine, US
© Sandra Bauknecht, Sketch: Courtesy of Versace