Sandra‘s Closet

If you were wondering what I was wearing for Fashion’s Night Out in New York, this was my look.

Blouse and Skirt by Alexander McQueen, Python Belt by Gucci, Studded Heels by Valentino, Small Boston Bag by Céline, Ring by Roberto Cavalli and Watch by Roger Dubuis.

This military inspired outfit was also seen on Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge recently in Birmingham.

Catherine had shortened her skirt whereas I left it at the medium length. Midi skirts are a must for F/W 2011. I was not a big fan of Catherine’s classic suede pumps as the outfit itself is already pretty conservative. That was the reason I went for my studded Valentino kitten heels and added the wide eyecatching golden python belt for a bit of colour.

On my nails I am wearing a metallic colour, so-called “Graphite” by Chanel.

What is he looking at?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I came across those photos from my trip to Istanbul that I had taken with my new small Leica camera and completely forgotten about. The purple light of the night had been so beautiful and my outfit had just blended in.

My look: Pink and black striped dress by Alexander McQueen, clutch and sandals by Prada, necklace by Etro, ring by Roberto Cavalli and watch by Roger Dubuis.

On my finger nails: Ballerina Pink by Estée Lauder
On my toe nails: Purple Passion by Estée Lauder

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I came for one night to Zurich to attend the opening of the new Navyboot flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse. The brand’s ambassador Top Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher attended the party as well.

My outfit: Backless waistcoat and culottes by Stella McCartney, lace top by Prada, hand-painted cage sandals by Alexander McQueen, earrings and clutch by Chanel, ring by Dior and watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

The new store on Bahnhofstrasse

Michael Schumacher with me

Impression of the after party at Kaufleuten

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Photopress

Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.

My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.

Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8

By the way, during my stay I spotted Zaha Hadid…

LoL, Sandra

Sultan Suite Master Bedroom

Sultan Suite Master Bathroom

Sultan Suite Second Bedroom

Sultan Suite Second Bathroom

Sultan Suite Living Room

Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul

I am a huge fan of the Alexander McQueen F/W 2011 collection. As for me, Sarah Burton has outdone herself once more. The fetish elements, the beautiful fur edges, the frayed organza, just amazing. Needless to say, those dramatic pieces are not for everyday use but for making a showstopping entrance, they are perfect. And just one item at a time works lovely, see here.

When I stumbled upon the advertising campaign photos, I was blown away. Such a beauty and drama: Raquel Zimmermann photographed by David Sims.

LoL, Sandra

My dear readers, I still owe you all those photos from the LuisaViaRoma Firenze4Ever 3rd Edition Total Styling Lab with all the fab pieces from the upcoming F/W 2011 season.

Here is my first look I called „Feather Girl“ because of those amazing shoes, aren’t they divine? It is always a great investment to get a pair of statement shoes as they will make every outfit something special. The Bayswater Mulberry bag has also a beautiful feather print on the leather.

If you don’t have a vest yet, I truly recommend getting one, preferably with some fur embellishments. It is a must this winter! 
And last but not least the jumpsuit is definitely back! I know that it can be quite unpractical, you know what I mean… but nevertheless it is such a stylish piece of clothes that you should absolutely consider.

For shopping, just click on the highlighted description below:

Jumpsuit: DSQUARED2 – Shoes: DIEGO DOLCINI – Bag: MULBERRY – Necklace: ISAJON – Vest: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – Watch: ROGER DUBUIS

By the way, isn’t the location on the terrasse overlooking Florence and the Duomo just wonderful? Makes me dream of those wonderful days…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Ilaria Gambi

The closing dinner party of Firenze4Ever 3rd Edition took place in the beautiful gardens of La Specola museum. The theme of the party was „Animalier“.

I dressed up as a mixture between a mouse and a cheetah, a „cheetouse“.

Leggings and Top by Givenchy – Blouse and Cage Sandals by Alexander McQueen, Belt – Yves Saint Laurent, Headband with Mouse Ears by Louis Vuitton and Mini Boston Bag by Céline – Watch by Roger Dubuis.

Me with Dan Hasby-Oliver from Laststylelofdefense.com

Sebastiano and La Carmina were showing us the Japanese animalier trend: Pokemons, rabbit bags and plush dogs on the head.

It wouldn’t be LuisaViaRoma if they didn’t have some surprises for us that night. A beautiful ballet performance waited for us in the gardens. The dancers were dressed up as animal creatures. Kind of spooky but really beautiful.

The DJs of the night were pretty famous: Daniele Cavalli (Roberto’s son), whom I had met already at the last Firenze4Ever event in January, and Henry Holland, the designer of House of Holland were rocking the crowd.

Daniele

Henry

The last days were just so amazing, filled with many exciting moments. I have so much more to show you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Starting from today, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, is on view until July 31, 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum’s second-floor Cantor Galleries.

So if you just can’t get enough after having seen Kate Middleton’s bridal dress, that was made by Sarah Burton for the house of McQueen, you might consider a trip to NYC. The designer’s costume institute retrospective features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from the late designer’s prolific 19-year carreer with some outstanding pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris, custom-made items from the closet of Isabella Blow and even his graduate collection at Central St.Martins among others.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit took place Monday night with high-profile guests in high-profile fashion. The Met gala has anyway become over the years the fashion community’s biggest red carpet night. It was no wonder to spot some McQueen tributes to the mix.

My favourite two looks by Alexander McQueen were Gisèle Bündchen who looked so radiant in her red gown next to her husband Tom Brady…

… and Anna Dello Russo, known for her eclectic style, showed up in a pant suit from the S/S 2011 collection, divine!

As for me, the ultimate highlights were the „Stella Girls“ with Stella McCartney herself making an appearance in a black and white tuxedo gown of her own design. It was a modern, probably experimental but uncoventional look. The British designer is also a Co-Chair for the fundraising event.

The Stella McCartney parade was led by Madonna in a silky blue gown with a beautiful embroidered train. With her 50’s hair and make-up, she looked very Hollywood. Wow!

Very pregnant Kate Hudson glowed in her champagne-coloured Stella gown and long tousled hair.

This is my favourite. Gwyneth Paltrow chose to go with long sleeves which was a popular trend at the gala. So simple and absolutely stunning. The actress is good friends with the British designer.

Rihanna in a one-shoulder black lace gown, an iconic Stella look!

Adding some colour drama, Eva Mendes enhanced her complexion by wearing a cobalt blue plissé dress by Stella McCartney. So beautiful!

What a night!

LoL, Sandra

Finally we definitely know who is the designer behind Kate Middleton’s wedding gown. It’s Sarah Burton, the McQueen designer. I was right with my speculation a few weeks ago.

Kate, who is now Princess Catherine, or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stunned the crowd in an English and French Chantilly lace gown worn with a 2.70m long train and a silk tulle veil. The ivory duchesse satin shoes were also handmade by the McQueen team.

The look reminded of Princess Grace’s wedding dress in 1956. Sarah Burton captured Kate’s style in the right way, very classy and kind of simple for the house of McQueen. Only the draping at the back side of the dress seemed like a reference to the late designer. The Cartier tiara was lent to the bride by the queen.

Kate carried a secret love message by including „sweet william“ flowers in her bridal bouquet.

Here are some quotes of famous designers concerning the bridal look:

“She is very elegant,” Karl Lagerfeld said. “The dress is classic and goes very well in the Westminster decor. I love the modest veil with the Queen Mother’s Thirties scroll tiara and balanced volume of the whole gown. She’s radiant; She never was so beautiful.”

“Kate’s dress was beautiful,” Donatella Versace said. “She looked very regal.”

Designer Elie Saab added: “It was a very elegant dress, subtly refined and discreet, in keeping with her style. I would have liked it even more with a little extra volume and a longer train.”

Oh what a royal wedding – congrats to the newly wed couple!

LoL, Sandra

Spring is here and it feels so good. This week, I wore this colourful outfit to a business meeting.

My look: Fringed skirt by Matthew Williamson, silk top by Alexander McQueen, stingray sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, floral coat by Stella McCartney and Birkin bag bei Hermès.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht