Sandra‘s Closet

My first Prada moment was in my French class in school when I spotted my teacher with an interesting bag in nylon (how I looked at that time you can see above, blonde as hell…). It must have been in 1989 or 1990. The Italian fashion house had just launched its first women’s ready-to-wear collection and was on its way due to its originality to become one of the most influential fashion houses and a premium status symbol of the ’90s. The designs came to be known for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts as well as the use of unusual fabrics. Prada has always been an emotional brand for me. Probably because I started to collect it from the first season. Most men don’t understand Miuccia’s style and I had many funny discussions about it as I was always drawn to it. It made me feel independent and strong while of course feeling extremely fashionable.

One of my first Prada pieces I got was the famous «Vela» nylon backpack in black that accompanied me through my high school years (see photo above). For being over 20 years old, it looks pretty fantastic! Launched in 1984 in an “industrial-weight nylon used for army tents,” according to Vogue, the utile house classic evolved into its best-known form in 1987.

Vela Backpack by Prada

Now the label’s signature backpack is back on the streets and on its way to become again a must-have. Just as coveted as in the early ‘90s, this sporty-chic style will take you through off-duty dressing on a decidedly chic note. The Vela is just roomy enough to hold all your essentials safe, while keeping you supremely stylish and the nylon material is great when you hit the rain.

The modern version of 2016: Robot Backpack by Prada

Great news is that Prada finally made it into the world of online shopping and is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter and Mytheresa.com.

This post inspired me to show you in the near future a Prada look of each season that I collected over the years. Going down memory lane can be quite emotional, especially as I link events to outfits and scents. I may not remember your name but I will never forget what you wore when we met… it is just the way my brain is structured, embracing a deep love of fashion that I hopefully spread with this blog!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Vogue/Hans Feurer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news! Karl Lagerfeld will present the Chanel Cruise 2017 collection on May 3rd 2016 in Cuba. So next Spring the fashion pack will go on a trip to Havana, the country’s capital.

I expect a vibrant and colorful collection. The early ’90s Chanel shows came immediately to my mind… how exciting!

LoL, Sandra

Chanel S/S1994

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Celebrating a great revival, the ’90s trend of leather backpacks continues this season and MCM designs some of the most desirable ones, available in different sizes to accommodate your personal lifestyle.

Large enough to fit your every essential, I love the the large models featuring the label’s signature logo print embellished with large pyramid studs. Great for traveling, those must-haves include a padded laptop or tablet compartment and multiple pockets. But also the smaller versions exude grandeur and flair sure to make a style statement that demands pure attention.

For previous posts in which I am wearing some of my favorite models, click on the links below:
One Day in Berlin with MCM
My Look: Hiking in Iceland
Luisaviaroma Style Lab – Grunge Flair

Tomorrow I will host a special event with MCM in Zurich, so please stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday I flew to Paris to attend the launch event of the amazing collaboration between the Queen of Cool Isabel Marant and H&M.

January Jones, Isabel Marant and Freida Pinto

In the evening, the major Paris fashion party took place and I couldn’t have been more excited to join in the fun. Celebritites such as Audrey Tautou, January Jones, Freida Pinto, Alek Wek and Olga Kurylenko entered the red carpet and partied in a lively urban atmosphere catching Marant’s bohemian energy until late.

The ambiance was outstanding, being transported into a street slice of Paris, in the early 90s, the time when Isabel debuted her eponymous line: bars, night clubs, brasseries, neon signs, pizza shops, souvenir shops, epiceries, street vendors and people casually enjoying a stroll in the outdoors.

There was even a roller skating rink.

“I design for everybody and am constantly inspired by the world I see around me, so it felt natural to have an urban setting as the backdrop of the event. And it had to be Paris, because the city is part of my DNA,” says Isabel Marant here with Olga Kurylenko.

The collection was presented in a cinematic setting that mixed images, films and models. The minute the DJ played the sounds of La Boum I went straight to heaven, or let me say travelled back in time… “Dreams are my reality. The only kind of real fantasy…”

The live music performance by Grandmaster Melle Mel and Rappers Delight, originally of Sugarhill Gang, lifted the atmosphere of this bohemian style party even more.

Gorgeous Freida Pinto with me

For actress Freida Pinto was it the second H&M collaboration she attended and for her “it’s important to collaborate with designers who young girls aspire to, but it’s also for girls like me who love shopping at H&M – to make fashion that is not just beautiful and classy but also affordable.”

Later at night, the pop-up store opened and we were able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 14, 2013. Believe me, it felt like a war scenario…

During the day, I had already had the chance to explore the collection up close and to interview the charming French designer. A post about which pieces have to be on your shopping list will be coming up shortly.

It was THE party and I had an amazing time! During my ride home, I heard that the contract for the next collaboration had already been signed and that it will be something very special…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Before the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 show, I was invited to go backstage and interview the lovely Sophie Albou, the mastermind behind the French brand. I got really spoilt last night as I had been already greeted at the entrance with a wonderful surprise, a bag, and on my seat, flowers were waiting for me. Thank you!

Sophie, what was your inspiration for this season?
I was completely inspired by the early 90s work of photographers Gilles Bensimon and Hans Feurer. Imagine Elle MacPherson and Stephanie Seymour wearing sheer shirts, 501 denim, patchwork, mix of fabric… my main idea comes from those photos. Women beautiful with curves, I think we are ready to go back. I am fed up with the skinny girls. I would love to see happy girls, curvy girls.

Your secret to success?
To do what I do, being surrounded by beautiful people. I love my mum, she is my muse, my husband, my kids. I am so gifted that I have such a great family.

You named your label after the first names of your sons? Have they ever complaint?
My sons are great, they are proud of their mum and are happy with it.

Sophie in 3 words!
Happy, smile, thank you!

Your best kept beauty secret?
Love

Thank you, Sophie!

Backstage with Lindsey Wixon who adored the look she was wearing on the catwalk.

This sweater is extremely gorgeous! My must-have!

“Spring/Summer is about harmony with pure Parisian attitude”. Masculine oversized pants, short and boxy, drop shoulder trenchcoats (gorgeous!) along with maxi dresses and short skirts show the nonchalant vibe that is leading Sophie Albou’s collection. A “no stress” elegance is her motto, focusing on natural femininity.

The accessories such as woven backpacks, basket bags and studded leather flats are laid back and complementing the looks in a cool way. The must-have of the ’90s, the silk scarf knotted at the waist, has made its comeback on the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 runway.

A beautiful and extremely wearable collection. Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fresh and fierce, strong and sexy; the NARS Spring 2013 Color Collection introduces a vibrant, ‘90s-esque palette that sets the tone for a season of audaciously feminine looks.

The ’90s have been back on the runways and this is the perfect make-up to complement your revived look. François Nars has created a collection that heralds spring’s arrival with shades ready to make a graphic statement. Look your best as the face of the campaign, model icon Stella Tennant.

The collection will be available in Switzerland end of February 2013.

Another great product will be launching in March 2013: The long awaited, skincare infused Radiant Creamy Concealers from NARS, that had been spotted during New York Fashion week S/S 2013 when the house’s make-up teams were using them backstage. They come with an amazing creamy liquid formula and will be available in 10 different shades for CHF 40.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nars