Sandra‘s Closet

Chloé becomes the inaugural collaborator for Atelier Jolie with a ready-to-wear capsule collection celebrating femininity​ that you don’t want to miss. Minimalistic sustainable luxury at its best.

Co-designed by Chloé Creative Director Gabriela Hearst and Atelier Jolie founder Angelina Jolie, the capsule collection spotlights authentic women-to-women connections and honours both brands’ respective commitments to improving social and environmental sustainability with greater transparency and accountability. ​

Parts of the collection showcase the work of artisans from a Fair Trade enterprise while multiple looks make use of deadstock and lower-impact materials. Drawing on Chloé’s network of international makers and reinforced by its B Corp certification, coupled with Atelier Jolie’s comprehensive founding principles regarding ethical and sustainable practice, the capsule collection incorporates a higher percentage of lower-impact materials than any previous collection from the Maison. ​

Chloé x Atelier Jolie is defined by fluid silhouettes and tactile details. With an eveningwear focus, it has a timeless aesthetic inspired by perennial pieces from Angelina Jolie’s own well-loved wardrobe.​

TO SHOP CHLOÉ X ATELIER JOLIE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé x Atelier Jolie
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As you know, I am a huge fan of niche fragrances and haute perfumery. But there is one Maison that has always impressed me with its “commercial” launches and that is GUERLAIN. Founded in 1828, the French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house is among the oldest in the world. Perfumes by Guerlain are often said to be characterized by a common olfactory accord known as the “Guerlinade“. Let me introduce you to the newest creation:

Thierry Wasser at work

This spring, Guerlain, that was acquired in 1994 by the LVMH group, has launched a new fragrance for a strong, free and sensual woman, MON GUERLAIN, orchestrated by Guerlain Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser. The new women’s fragrance is embodied by Angelina Jolie, an icon of modern, multi-faceted femininity.

Angelina Jolie, the face of Mon Guerlain

Why her? “We create perfumes for the women we admire” said Jacques Guerlain, creator of mythical fragrances such as Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s Master Perfumer, drew his inspiration from Angelina Jolie to create a fragrance expressing the idea of the “notes of a woman”: the choices, emotions and dreams that embody modern femininity.

The partnership between Angelina and Guerlain was agreed in Cambodia in December 2015, where she was directing her film First They Killed My Father. It has its roots, however, in Angelina’s childhood memory of her own mother’s love of a Guerlain powder. Angelina Jolie is a filmmaker, Special Envoy of the UN Refugee Agency and co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative. She has donated her entire salary from the Guerlain campaign to charity.

At the heart of the fragrance composition is Tahitensis vanilla – also present in Jicky, Shalimar and Habit Rouge – joined by Carla lavender, Sambac jasmine and sandalwood. Melding fresh and sensual feminine and masculine notes, this audacious accord gives Mon Guerlain its power and modernity.

Mon Guerlain – Carla Lavender

The bottle for the new fragrance revisits the celebrated quadrilobe bottle, inspired by an alchemist’s flacon, designed by Gabriel Guerlain and crafted by Baccarat in 1908. One century later, it is beautifully enhanced by a luxurious glass weight and a golden adornment.

The Mon Guerlain fragrance collection features:
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum spray 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum bottle 1 l

 Mon Guerlain Perfumed Body Lotion 200ml and Mon Guerlain Perfumed Shower Gel 200ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

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

Last month, the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on the beach in Santa Monica. Now in its 29th year, the awards are a celebration honouring films made by film-makers who embody independence and originality. I was invited by Piaget, co-host of the star-studded event for the seventh consecutive year.

With several of last year’s most noteworthy films being independent productions, the event drew some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Jared Leto, Jon Hamm, Lupita Nyong’o and Reese Witherspoon, among others. Therefore a gazillion of photographers were waiting for the celebrities to arrive.

Jared Leto had obviously as much fun on the red (in this case blue) carpet as I did…

…and I admit that I could totally getting used to it.

Throughout the afternoon and following the ceremony, award winners and guests celebrated in Piaget’s exclusive backstage lounge where some of the maison’s newest jewelry, as well as rare vintage creations were on display.

From left to right: Lauriane Gilliéron‎ (Miss Switzerland 2005), Mousse Jacquier (Piaget), Nicole Suess (Piaget) and my humble self had fun in the tent.

Mad Men actor Jon Hamm, Angela Bassett, Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO of Piaget, and his wife Catherine.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are like the road to the Academy Awards, held one day before with an outstanding guest list. The spirit winners below also won in the same category at the Oscars 2014.

Best Female Lead
WINNER
Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine (2013)

The blonde actress wore a dress from Roksanda Ilincic‘s Fall 2014 collection.

Best Supporting Female
WINNER
Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Thanking her mum for her never-ending support, Lupita Nyong’’o holds her award for best supporting actress for “12 Years a Slave“, the movie that won big at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking home five trophies including best feature.

Me with Brad Pitt who also stars in the historical drama film about slavery.

A pic with Brangelina… that is pretty cool, don’t you think?!

The two stars of AIDS drama Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, took home acting prizes, as they did on Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Best Male Lead
WINNER
Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Best Supporting Male
WINNER
Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Keanu Reeves with me

Angela Bassett looked so radiant and sparkled in white gold and diamond Piaget Rose cutout drop earrings.

Piaget’s global ambassador, Gong Li, dazzled photographers and fans in a stunning pair of Piaget Rose Passion torsade earrings and a Rose cocktail ring, both in white gold with diamonds.

Anthony Chen with me

Anna Kendrick wore a matching suite of Piaget Rose jewels, that looked divine in combination with her white dress and clutch by Dior.

On stage: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon

Jason Bateman with me

Very handsome is Mad Men actor Jon Hamm.

It was an amazing experience and I am truly thankful for Piaget’s invitation! Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Piaget, Michael Kovac/WireImage and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

The 69th Annual Golden Globes awards took place in Beverley Hills last night and for us it is a pleasure to see who wore which designer. Unfortunately, Madonna (in Reem Acra), Kelly Osbourne (in Zac Posen) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (in Monique Lhuillier) are NOT on my best dressed list. Please see who is below!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Elle MacPherson in a stunning gown by Zac Posen

Nicole Kidman in Versace

Zooey Deschanel in Custom Prada

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Natalie Portman in Lanvin

Evan Rachel Wood in a stunning Gucci Première gown.

The award for cuteness goes definitely to the dog from the “The Artist”. The movie that won BEST PICTURE. He was the top dog and certainly stole the show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, © WireImages, @ AP

Top off your fabulously chic signature look with Michael Kors fragrance for a chance to win a Michael Kors $1,000 gift card! Create luxurious, all-American sportswear looks for and combine them with his latest scent Gold!

Michael Kors will choose one grand prize winner himself to receive a $1000 Michael Kors gift card and a framed autographed copy of your winning set. In addition, one reader of Sandra’s Closet will receive a Michael Kors fragrance gift set. And remember all that glitters is not gold, so stay true…

How American style looks like in perfection showed Academy Award winning actress and director Angelina Jolie two days ago when she wore a white double face 3/4 sleeve v-neck sheath from the Michael Kors S/S 2011 collection while being honored for her outstanding humanitarian work by the United Nations Refugee Agency in Geneva.

Good luck! The contest runs from now until Oct. 7, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

LoL, Sandra

Last night, the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards were held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills.

This year the red carpet came alive with colour– emerald green (Angelina Jolie was among my favourites of the evening), feminine hues like rose, peach and sultry red captured the aisle (Best nude dress: Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé).
But also some gorgeous black gowns embellished with lace and rhinestones were breathtaking (Best: Olivia Wilde in her fairytale Marchesa dress). Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein and Lanvin among others delivered amazing gowns for deserving ladies.

An expectant Natalie Portman showed off her blossoming figure and her mommy glow in a peachy silk Viktor & Rolf gown and took her second Golden Globe award home.

Enjoy the impressions of the glamourous night.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday evening at the premiere of “Salt” at Graumans Chinese Theatre in L.A., Angelina Jolie looked every bit Hollywood`s reigning queen. The spy thriller is due on 23rd of July in the US and one month later in the UK.

Photo: Courtesy of Asprey

At her big night, the leading lady kept her look cool with a sexy black sequin tube dress by Emporio Armani, nude peep toes by Salvatore Ferragamo and just one piece of jewelry from her own collection that she had designed for luxury jewelers Asprey last year. The snake bracelet has been part of the very limited serpentine-inspired Protector Collection, with only 10 items of each design available and all proceeds going to the power couple`s charity.

But her best accessory might have been King Brad who appeared fur-free, meaning without his beard, looking a little like a young Robert Redford in his aviator sunglasses and Tom Ford suit. As I am a bag-addict, I immediately saw that the beautiful brunette showed up without one. So I was wondering what Brad might have been carrying in his pockets…

Angelina wore her favourite colour dress as in LBD (Little Black Dress). In fashionista circles, this is a must-have and the general consensus is a thumbs up! The sequins gave her classic look a sexy twist and the nude pumps worked perfectly with it.
In case you do not own a dress like that, please consider one. At the moment, there are a lot of beautiful ones available of which many are on sale. Here is my pre-selection:

If you prefer doing-it-yourself, I recommend a visit to the notions department. Sequin fabrics are not too expensive and used preferably for costumes. Just sew the material together and voilà there is your tube dress!

A sparkling LBD is a lifetime investment! Do it the Angelina way…

LoL, Sandra