Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, the awards season officially closed with the 2020 Oscars. The biggest ceremony of the year, now in its 92nd year, was once again being held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Renée Zellweger in Armani Privé

Some of our favorite A-list nominees were all in attendance, in the hopes of taking home one of the industry’s highest honors: that iconic golden trophy. Renée Zellweger (Judy) in Armani Privé and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) in the Stella McCartney suit he’s been wearing all season long, won the best actor categories this year.

Joaquin Phoenix in Stella McCartney

Phoenix was not alone showing his environmentalism. The entertainment industry’s push for a more sustainable awards season has made its way to the Oscars red carpet. Vintage dresses made an appearance, following past award show mandates this month, such as the BAFTAs, that have enforced a more eco-conscious dress code.

Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

Saoirse Ronan recycled part of her BAFTA’s Gucci dress for the 92nd Academy Awards red carpet.

Elizabeth Banks in Badgley Mischka

Pitch Perfect star Elizabeth Banks wore the same fire-red dress by Badgley Mischka that she had worn at the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She just had removed the jewelry straps in the back.

Kaitlyn Dever in Louis Vuitton

Kaitlyn Dever supported the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative in a custom red Louis Vuitton gown made with ethically sourced and sustainable materials.

Jane Fonda in Elie Saab

Jane Fonda repeated her Cannes Film Festival 2014 outfit at the Oscars 2020 and she has a solid reason to do so. Dressed in an Elie Saab F/W 2013 Haute Couture gown, Jane, ethereal as ever, presented the Best Picture Oscar on stage at the Dolby Theatre. She also carried a red coat that has a deeper meaning behind. In 2019, Fonda, who had been a lifelong activist, had been arrested five times in Washington, D.C. for civil disobedience during her climate action campaign. While addressing the crowd, Jane had said that she will refrain from buying new clothes henceforth. This is why she repeated not just her Cannes outfit at the Oscars but the coat as well. «You see this coat? I needed something red and I went out and found this coat on sale. This is the last article of clothing that I will ever buy,» Jane had said on November 1.

And there was another strong message, Jane Fonda sent down the aisle this award season. When the 82-year old stepped onstage, there was something different about her: Instead of the Hollywood legend’s natural brunette, or the sandy blonde hair colour, her new pixie cut was a beautiful shade of silver. Fair or not, gray hair is not considered an option in La La Land. Going against certain beauty norms in regard to aging in Hollywood, this move is fitting considering the actress is as radical as ever.

Natalie Portman in Dior

Natalie Portman made another important statement about the state of Hollywood, that was stitched into her beautiful cloak. The actress stepped onto the red carpet in a Maria Grazia Chiuri designed embroidered Dior gown and matching cape that paid tribute to cinema’s female creators who weren’t nominated, such as Lorene Scafaria, Greta Gerwig, and Lulu Wang.

The craftsmanship of Portman’s Haute Couture gown is breathtaking. Have a look at the behind the scene photos below… investing in a beautiful piece of clothing and keeping it is a message I have tried to convey since ever. Sustainability was the one theme that ran throughout the Oscars while there was no shortage of glamour.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior, via Vogue/Getty

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

Armani/Privé consists of four, continually evolving fragrance collections, revealing different facets of the designer’s vision of luxury. “Les Éditions Couture” are limited editions, inspired by his latest S/S runway collections; “La Collection” celebrates the most legendary perfume ingredients; “Les Mille et Une Nuits” revisits the opulence of the Orient; and “Les Eaux,” is a luminous hymn to nature, awakening memories of mythic gardens.

Pivoine Suzhou is Giorgio Armani’s newest launch which is for the first time inspired by the legendary gardens of Asia, combining elegance and freshness with soft, lingering sensuality. An olfactory journey inspired by precious flowers and plants, sunlight and pure, cascading water – the source of nature. In China, its character also represents femininity – the yin – and the beginning of life itself, it is a pure celebration of China’s most beloved flower: the peony.

Suzhou is an UNESCO World Heritage site, a city full of canals and bridges. Marco Polo described Suzhou as the “ Venice of east”.

“In front of the courtyard, the common-garden peony is entrancing but without style, On the pond, the lotus is pure but lacking in feelings. Only the tree peony is the most beautiful in the land, When it opens its blossoms, the whole capital stirs into motion.”
– Liu Yuxi’s poem – Tang dynasty, 9th century

The fragrance is dominated by a peony accord and intensified with a special May rose absolute. The opening accord is given by citrusy tangerine notes and raspberry and the ultra long-lasting base notes are created by the amber-like notes, musk and a hint of patchouli that warm up the whole composition. Pivoine Suzhou is a sublimely essential fragrance, created for a discerning woman who appreciates the art and craft of haute perfumery.

Armani/Privé Pivoine Suzhou Eau de Toilette will be available from January 2015 in limited edition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Armani

Last Sunday evening, the 2014 Golden Globe Awards were held in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. American Hustle was responsible for the most wins (three, including best movie in the comedy/musical category); other multiple-category winners were Dallas Buyers Club, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Breaking Bad and Behind the Candelabra. But of course, we all might be even more interested in the gowns spotted on the red carpet.

One of my favorite looks was worn by Sandra Bullock. The brunette actress went for a bright gown, sporting a striking pink, black and blue Prabal Gurung dress teamed with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry with her hair pulled into a side ponytail.

YOU CAN ORDER SANDRA BULLOCK’S COLOURFUL DOUBLEFACE SATIN V-NECK GOWN HERE.

Fellow nominee Cate Blanchett took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in Blue Jasmine and striked a pose in amazing lace backless Armani Privé couture gown. Personally speaking, this is how a winner should look like!

Her makeup was done by Jeanine Lobell who used NARS Love Blush from the Final Cut Collection along with Eyebrow Perfector and Brow Gel.

NARS Final Cut Collection for Spring 2014 (coming out in February).

Bringing world class sustainable luxury centre stage, the blonde actress paired her couture gown with a pair of earrings from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection, featuring marquise-cut white diamonds (11 carats) set in a laurel design, crafted in 18-carat Fairmined white gold. She also selected a white diamond line bracelet (35 carats) set in platinum, and a white diamond ring featuring three stacked rows of brilliant-cut diamonds (6 carats) set in 18-carat white gold.

Founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth says, ‘Cate Blanchet is both a fashion icon and a woman with an intuitive grasp of the issues that matter. By choosing to wear Chopard jewels for the Golden Globes, she is supporting a profound and dynamic shift toward sustainable luxury that affects change right at the beginning of the supply chain among artisanal miners.’ If you like to find out more about the dynamic project, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve Granitz/WireImage – © Jason Merritt/Getty Images – © Getty – Courtesy of Nars

After the success of last year’s NACRE, Giorgio Armani will launch its new limited edition couture fragrance NUANCES this month.

Inspired by the beautiful Armani fabric designs, seen on the S/S 2013 runway, the packaging comes with an organza pouch to store the bottle.

The woody-iris fragrance was designed by famous French perfumer Nathalie Lorson and is made from noble raw materials, just like a couture dress for your skin. She explained the central idea: “The S/S 2013 collection is representative of a fashion which is halfway between masculine and feminine where different materials and textures are superimposed. This fragrance is a reflection of the new collection with its combination of the intensive, masculine, magnetic nature of the vetiver with the powdery, silky, feminine delicateness of the iris.”

WOODY FLORAL

Top notes: Floral vetiver and orris
Middle notes: Bergamot, cinnamon, heliotrope and iris
Base notes: Vetiver and sandalwood

Armani Privé NUANCES is available as 100 ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 690.00 with only 1000 bottles made worldwide. In Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Geneva plus at the Armani store in Zurich.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP ARMANI PRIVE NUANCES ONLINE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Three new oriental fragrances that might reveal the Scheherazade in you hit the shelves this fall. Not only fans of the One Thousand and One Nights will love the precious essences of amber, vanilla, patchouli and rose.

Enjoy those scents that will at once transport you to warmer climes and enchanting Eastern places in thought.

Armani Privé – Haute Couture Fragrances
ROSE D’ARABIE “L’Or du Désert”

Giorgio Armani presents a limited edition of its Rose d’Arabie fragrance of the Armani/Privé line of couture perfumes in “La Collection des Mille et Une Nuits”. The sensual fragrance features amber and patchouli as well as saffron and Damask rose extracts. Elusive gold flecks mingle with the fragrance, dancing and twirling like desert winds so that its name L’Or du Désert is very suitable. The beautiful gold dust will leave a subtle shimmer on the perfumed skin.
EDP 100 ml – CHF 330.- Limited Edition available end of October 2012.

PERFUME CALLIGRAPHY by Aramis

Aramis goes Arabic with its newly launched unisex scent Perfume Calligraphy, that is geared towards the Middle Eastern market. Full of eastern promise and inspired by the beauty of the written word, the fragrance and its bottle, both reflect a perfect pairing of ancient crafts and high quality ingredients such as oud and rose. Additional notes include cardamom, lemon, cinnamon, myrrh, saffron, patchouli, amber and musk.
EDT 100ml – CHF 168.- in stores now.

L’AMBRE DES MERVEILLES by Hermès

“Lucent, translucent, luminous, generous, solid, indestructible, if the legend is true, if beads of yellow amber are the tears of the gods, they are tears of joy.”

The newest Hermès fragrance L’Ambre des Merveilles is full of magic and mystery. This extremely beautiful scent includes notes of amber, labdanum, vanilla and patchouli. The idea behind his latest interpretation L’Ambre, as in-house nose Jean-Claude Ellena explains, was “to make the woman more sensual and mysterious. For this new chapter, I wanted to relate one of the mysteries of amber, hovering between a delicious treat and sensuality, where vanilla meets the warmth of labdanum, and the moist quality of patchouli.” After a spritz or two, it is obvious that this fragrance does just that in perfection.
EDP 50ml (CHF 128.-) and 100ml (CHF 182.-) in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani, Aramis and Hermès

For F/W 2012, Giorgio Armani draws a “no complex” style, for confident women who play with men dress codes humorously. His couture collection shows contrasts with these eccentric but still classic women suits, mixing bright, vibrant colours.

In opposition to these silhouettes, Linda Cantello, International Makeup Artist, came up with a pale matte skin, subtly rock and glamorous. “Clothes were very colorful so we imagined with Mr Armani a monochrome face, with no blush or contour.”
Inspired by the ’80s, the makeup is matte black and white. A new conception of the smokey eye, with a matte black “neo classic” look.

First, Luminessence, the new brightening and anti-dark spots skincare range, is applied to regenerate skin’s light and obtain a default less matte result. Maestro concealer is smoothed on under the eyes and gives the last touch to unified skin.

The “smokey eye” is reinvented with a black shadow swept around the eye in a “teardrop” shape, stretched to the inside of the eyelid and under the eye.

The colour is defined and softened with a white liner applied on top of the upper eyelid emphasizing the C-shape. The anthracite grey pencil #4 is faded with a brush on the arch of the eyebrow, the latter being emphasized with a black pencil.

To contrast and soften the look, a matte soft dusty rose, Rouge d’Armani #526, is applied on the lips with the fingertips.

Your shopping list:

On the skin: Essence in lotion Luminessence bright primer, bright regenerator concentrate, BB cream bright revelator universal greige.

Skin tone: Maestro Concealer dark circles eraser AMAZING!
(Available in Switzerland in September 2012 for CHF 53.-)

On the eyelids: Neo classic look through the colours, the textures and the shapes, with the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” palette #1 Neo Black – Harmonie noire
(One Shot – Available in Switzerland  this month for CHF 89.-)

and the NEW Armani Eyes To Kill Quad palette #1 Maestro – Harmonie blanche
(Available in Switzerland in November 2012 for CHF 81.-) and the “Smooth Silk” black pencil #4

Lips are matte soft, enhanced with Rouge d’Armani #526 Plum from the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” collection. (One Shot – Available in Switzerland this month for CHF 54.-)

I just would like to have everything and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani‘s exclusive fragrance line, Armani Privé, has expaned its ‘Les Eaux’ collection with a new edition: FIGUIER EDEN – a real ode to nature.

With their ingredients and precious bottles, ‘Les Eaux’ each illustrate the colourful emotions and fragrant scents of legendary gardens.
Personally speaking, I love fragrances that have a fig accord and this one smells amazingly well, a very sophisticated scent.

The story of FIGUIER EDEN

A heritage of Mediterranean culture, the beneficial fig tree is deeply rooted in mythological and Biblical tales and legends. A symbol of wisdom associated with the goddess Athena, it grows alongside the olive tree at the heart of the Garden of Eden, offering the flavor of its fruit and the shade of its branches in this pure, calm and luminous space.
‘Les Eaux’ are a tribute to history and nature.

Top notes: Citrus, bergamot and pink pepper.
Middle notes: Fig, Moroccan iris and spicy notes.
Base notes: Woody notes and amber.

Armani Privé – Figuier Eden is available as 100 ml EDT for CHF 189.-.

If you are at the counter, have a look at the other Armani Privé creations as well. The four fragrances from ‘Les 1001 Nuits’ are a journey inspired by oriental legends: Oud Royal, Rose d’Arabie, Ambre Orient and Cuir Noir are among my favourites as well.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, the Haute Couture presentations for F/W 2012 took place in Paris and they have brought along some adorable and stunning looks. From Christian Dior to Stéphane Rolland, from Versace to Valentino, enjoy the best of the best.

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE:

Personally speaking, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2012 is my favourite. It is so modern, edgy and cool. This fringed top above or the long embellished cape with fur details are both to die for! If I could wear couture every day, how I would long for it to be Givenchy Haute Couture…

STÉPHANE ROLLAND HAUTE COUTURE:

Stéphane Rolland is always one of the highly anticipated presentations during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, and this time was no exception. His couture designs are modern and sexy, more of a “Hot Couture”.

Do you remember when supermodel Yasmin Le Bon closed the show in a gigantic red gown last season? Click here for the previous post. This time, it was actress Fan Bingbing, whom I had met at the Trophée Chopard party in Cannes in May, who wowed the guests in a striking sleeveless gown with a cape that took over the entire runway.

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE:

Two contradictory words on the invitation: “New Vintage”. At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld returned to the essence of the fashion house and delved into the past with a collection of bouclé jackets and feather-trimmed gowns. His bridal look left me speechless.

ZUHAIR MURAD HAUTE COUTURE:

Opulence is what Zuhair Murad is all about. Haute Couture how you imagine it.

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE:

Valentino‘s embroidered and hand-painted looks were proof that couture’s artistry and craftsmanship are higher than ever. Absolutely breathtaking!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, who have been helming the famous label since 2008 following Mr Valentino’s retirement, did a wonderful job.

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE:

Raf Simons’s debut collection for Christian Dior was probably one of  the most refreshing couture show. Clean but masterfully tailored, those strapless embroidered mini gowns over pants, all free from fuss, looked like contemporary couture should look like.

ATELIER VERSACE:

Donatella Versace returned to the Ritz Paris for the presentation of her Atelier Versace F/W 2012 collection. 
The famous hotel had hosted many Atelier Versace shows before. Donatella was paying homage to her late brother Gianni with a collection that encapsulated the best of the iconic Versace looks.

ARMANI PRIVÉ:

Those sultry veils seen at Armani Privé were outstanding.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE:

Speaking of Hot Couture, Jean-Paul Gaultier served up a good dose of sexiness with his creations. Gaultier at his best!

I hope that you have enjoyed my little Haute Couture report.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Getty Images

For his S/S 2012 fashion show, Giorgio Armani, the king of nonchalant elegance, borrows the luminous magic of Southern Italian summer nights, “when the last rays of the sun shine a myriad of new shades upon the water, when the blue sky turns to night tinged with green, petrol blue and bluish gray hues flushed with violet, when darkness sweeps over the scenery metallic glints silver tones, pale gold and pink copper tints sparkle and when stars seem to float upon the water.”

Mother-of-pearl (NACRE) gives its name and forms the central theme. With his new Haute Couture Fragrance NACRE, Giorgio Armani accompanies his prêt-à-porter collection with a rare, highly limited and very luxurious fragrance.

It is an ode to mother-of-pearl which signs each of the 1000 numbered bottles in this edition with a plate bearing its name. No two plates are the same: each is unique, in tribute to the living character of a material born from the depth of the sea. The bottle itself is a piece of art.

The fragrance was developed by perfumer Marie Salamagne, at Firmenich. It has a really spicy woody smell to it, with a strong amount of iris. It’s unisex and definitely something everyone could wear! The iris chosen for Nacre has a very rare quality, combining the rich, creamy facet of iris, with a powdery, almost talc-like note.

Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper and saffron
Middle notes: Iris absolute and musk
Base notes: Patchouli, vetiver woods and tonka bean

130 bottles of the 1000 limited editions are available in Switzerland now for CHF 690.- (100ml). In Zurich at Jelmoli. Definitely a collector’s piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani, © Sandra Bauknecht