Sandra‘s Closet

Last week in St. Moritz, Dianne Brill, whom you have met yesterday, and I went for a coffee to the Palace hotel. My American girlfriend fell immediately in love with my tribute for Alexander McQueen sweater. I had bought the striped piece with the slogan “God save McQueen” almost two years ago. It seems like his decision to kill himself aroused much earlier. Our conversation about the death of this fabulous designer started and we came up with a BRILLiant idea for the perfect successor: Thierry Mugler.

It would be kind of ironic. If you start looking closer, you will see that McQueen took a lot of his inspirations from Mugler`s amazing former collections. Thierry was the designer of the Eighties. His style was very much of its time: Extreme proportions like padded and broad shoulders, wasp waists, body-conscious, even fetish exaggerations of the human figures. He used a lot PVC as his favourite material. The insect kingdom was a constant influence along with futuristic and robot themes. Sounds a lot like McQueen and today`s trends, doesn`t it?

Thierry as Manfred Mugler today

Alexander McQueen is definitely the brainchild of Mugler. So it would be a true irony of fate if Mugler who lives today as Manfred Mugler in Las Vegas after his retreat from the fashion world in 2001 took over. Instead of designing fashion the last years, his body became his design work of art. He transformed himself completely. Nowadays he is still involved in his bestselling perfumes like Angel, Alien and A*Men.

As I am having quite a big archive, I was lucky to find a catalog from Thierry`s S/S 1995 collection. I scanned the best pictures for you. Have a look and you will see how Mugler and McQueen are somehow soul brothers.

Recently Mugler served as main costume designer for Beyoncé Knowles latest concert tour. He also contributed to develop the entire show, from lighting to choreography. Several of his famous vintage pieces are seen throughout Knowles` videos.

It seems like he is ready to break fresh ground. Please Thierry come back!

LoL, Sandra

Two living legends: Thierry Mugler and Dianne Brill. He called her his muse.

Isn`t it amazing how fashion, art, music and movies are all connected with each other?! I love to explore those alliances.

So here is the reason why boys should definitely play with dolls. Veik, a 29-year-old from Beijing, lets Barbie go Gaga. Fashion meets Art through his designs. Since his childhood, he has treated the plastic ladies like stars and created many stunning looks all by hand. Fascinated by the phenomenon of Lady Gaga, he captured her role as a fashion leader in every single one of his accurate doll`s outfits.  Aren`t Barbie`s feet cute in the futuristic Alexander McQueen shoes?!

But no need to hurry to the next toy store, his designs are not for sale. Take his work as an inspiration to experiment on your own. I am sure that if you have got kids, they would love an afternoon of arts and crafts for their Barbies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Barbie

To all of my viewers around the world: Happy New Year to you and thank you for being  so lovely and faithful to Sandra`s Closet! May 2010 be sparkling, vibrant and joyful, bringing along many reasons to celebrate. And celebrations need fantastic outfits! So enjoy those stunning looks I put together for all of my fabulous cosmopolitan readers.

Let`s make a resolution for the New Year to experiment more and to enjoy unleashing our inner fashionistas.

May all your dreams come true!

LoL, Sandra

Next season you should invest in something that is very à la mode but will always be in style: exotic leather! Snakeskin was seen everywhere on the runways and there are especially many beautiful bags to dream of. You could think about a classic piece like the python model by Devi Kroell, or get one of those amazing big clutches by Nancy Gonzalez. These will accent your outfit perfectly and will be a companion for many years. My favourite one is this incredible Alexander McQueen clutch. I love the shape, the colours, the design…. it is just perfect!

If you want to take it a step further, go crocodile! The price might be breathtaking but envision it as the foundation of your outfit. Sometimes it is better to prioritize and invest in one timeless piece to make you feel instantly fabulous.

Kristin Davis was spotted at the set of the new Sex and the City movie carrying this stunning croc tote by Nancy Gonzalez (who is by the way one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world and a great address to get high-quality precious skin models). The bag – that also comes in black – can accessorize every outfit perfectly. I would opt for a bold colour as this will enlighten everyday basics immediately and will make you look so stylish! Always keep in mind the only limit is your creativity!

LoL, Sandra

There is no doubt about the power of High Heels. You are taller and your legs appear longer. Once you put them on, you move differently with a certain attitude and feel very feminine. There is no way men can resist that. This spring you have a versatile choice in great heights. One of my favourites are the stunning Alexander McQueen peep toes. The heart-shaped opening is so sexy.  You can already buy all these models here.

You will have to wait a little longer for these amazing High Heels from the runway collections. But it is worth it. I am completely obsessed with the playful and romantic versions by Victor and Rolf and by Miu Miu. These chunky Chanel platform pumps are a wonderful choice, too as they will make your legs look super-slim.

LoL, Sandra