Sandra‘s Closet

Inspired by eighties opulence, this leopard print knit cocktail frock from Balmain makes a bold statement during the day or at night. Here you see me in New York City last week on my way to interview Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director Balmain, on his collaboration with H&M that will hit the stores on the 5th of November (The interview will be posted shortly.).

My look: Double-breasted wool coat by Saint Laurent, leopard print knit dress, suede crossbody bag and soft suede boots, all by Balmain. «So Real» sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

A huge thank you to Caroline for taking the photos, to René for the behind the scenes shots and to Martina for seeing the best light and for saving me from being run over by a car.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Goth glam with a quirky twist – this Halloween we’re all about velvet, flowy 70’s dresses and fun accessories. H&M offers a great selection of dress-up pieces for adults and kids (see below):

Such a cute Halloween collection for kids at H&M.

Use Halloween as an excuse to bring out your inner glam goth. (Not to be confused with glam rock.) For inspiration, turn to fictional style icons like Morticia Addams, Jessica Lange in «American Horror Story: Coven» or Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in «The Witches of Eastwick».
Or just Cher, period.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher floating in style in «The Witches of Eastwick».

This season’s It-item – the 70’s maxi or midi dress – is the perfect hero of the glamoween look, and don’t forget to top it off with the perfect shade of “blood” red for lips and nails.

If you are more opting for an investment in something you could wear all year, I recommend brands such as Balmain and Givenchy this season. They have great velvet dresses with that certain goth attitude that could be transformed with the right accessories into the perfect Halloween outfit. And then it is truly time for GLAMOWEEN!!!

Get the look: Feather and raccoon jacket and velvet ruffle midi dress, both by Givenchy, satin belt by Balmain, embroidered collar by Vivetta, «Black Spider» hairband by Caterina Capelli, double feather-embellished silk-trimmed leather tickler and My Tie leather and silk-charmeuse cuffs, both by Kiki de Montparnasse and Horatio leather and jacquard platform sandals by Paul Andrew.
Glamore Lipstick – Virgin by Illamasqua.

LoL, Sandra

Photo (Cover): Magnus Torsne, Styling: Emma Elwin
Photo «The Witches of Eastwick»: All Over Press
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

New York nights are truly special. The city that never sleeps has that certain vibe that let’s you be full of energy. Here you see me leaving to the H&M x Balmain launch party. I wore this Balmain dress which is one of the iconic vintage pieces that inspired Olivier Rousteing for his designer collaboration with the Swedish fashion brand. I got a lot of compliments for it that night!

My look: Feather cape and embellished metallic jacquard mini dress, both by Balmain, studded bucket bag by Miu Miu, suede overknee boots and earrings, both by Dior, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

What a night in NYC! I am still overwhelmed by this glam and fun event where the fashion and Hollywood elite joined forces on Wall Street to celebrate the launch of the amazing collaboration between Balmain and H&M. More is more is definitely something that goes for the Parisian Maison and yesterday was proof for it!

”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” – Olivier Rousteing

Olivier Rousteing with me last night

Just like the opulent collection designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the party in the Big Apple was extra everything. Rousteing, who is bringing the brand’s DNA of music, couture, luxury and pop culture – he is the designer with the biggest instagram follower ship – together, said: ”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” He created the hashtag #HMBalmaination where people could follow live the best moments of the night.

When I arrived at 23, Wall Street, I entered the highly secured venue over the stairs and found an ambiance similar to a subway system, referencing the campaign film – where Kendall Jenner, Olivier’s muse and friend, stars as the leader of a dance crew. While enjoying champagne, I mingled with the A-list crowd of top models, celebrities and Hollywood actors.

Singer Ellie Goulding with me

After the cocktail reception, I entered the next hall where the runway was built over two stories. Before the show actually started, a live dance performance took place as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the campaign music video. The guests were truly cheered up when Kendall Jenner opened the  catwalk, followed by some of the hottest models in the industry right now.

Swiss front row power: Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine and Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin with me in the middle.

Kendall Jenner opening the runway

Jourdan Dunn

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Olivier Rousteing’s favorite piece from the collection: the pearl-embroidered jacket.

Gigi Hadid

Karlie Kloss was my favorite on the runway.

Toni Garrn

The collection is all about affordable luxury. Olivier Rousteing took some of his best creations he designed over the past seasons and made them into one collection. Compared to other designer collaborations H&M did in previous years, the pieces are more expensive but I am still pretty amazed how this craftsmanship is possible for that amount of money. The collection is truly beautiful with lots of items you can enjoy for a very long time.

The Backstreet Boys

After the show, it was all about the music and energy. A live concert by the Backstreet Boys took guests back in time, especially my humble self as over 20 years ago, I was with them on a Germany tour with my own band. Personally speaking, the Balmain x H&M launch party was one of those nights you never want to end!

Olivier Rousteing and his friends, among them Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio, cheered to the Backstreet Boys.

The Balmain x H&M collection features fashion and accessories for both men and women, and will be available in selected stores and at hm.com starting November 5.

Now have fun to scroll through some more impressions of the night and check back in for more updates as I just uploaded my own photos today. The internet is too slow… there is much more coming up. Now I have some appointments in NYC before I am heading back home!
Talk to you when I am in Europe…

LoL, Sandra

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené), is looking good in my marabou stole.

Guests being crazy about the red carpet arrivals.

German actress Diane Kruger

Amazing ambiance.

We couldn’t get enough of the Backstreet Boys!

Always a lot of fun with my colleague Caroline Piccinin from Le Matin in Geneva.

The normal craziness at the pop-up store late at night.

The clothes come well-protected in plastic hangers.

Olivier Rousteing even joined in the shopping fun late at night.

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York City where I arrived yesterday. Tonight is the night: H&M x Balmain‘s launch ​party celebration will take place starting at 7pm local time with cocktails, followed by the fashion show, a concert and of course the pop-up store where guests are able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 5, 2015.

I will be attending the event tonight and keep you updated on instagram @sandrascloset but you can also watch the live stream HERE or follow the #HMBalmaination hashtag to see whats happening at the show!

Below are some of my first impressions:

Still breathtaking: the first view on NYC when you come from the airport.

My hotel: The Nomo Soho, the former Mondrian Hotel, where I also stayed three years ago for the H&M x Maison Martin Margiela launch event.

The view from my hotel room.

A gift: the beautiful scarf.

Now, I am on my way to preview the collection ahead of the show and to interview Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain and the fashion designer with the most instagram followers on earth.

Stay tuned for my report from the event coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Monday morning, I will be on my way to NYC for the launch event of H&M x Balmain and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I love the French Maison as you know and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC

Below you can take a peek at what’s to come. I included for you photos of the campaign and the lookbook. You will be absolutely amazed!

From draped satin skirts to skintight pants, from embellished dresses to the iconic wide belts, all pieces are shockingly affordable Balmain signatures that are as desirable as the runway collections Olivier Rousteing shows on the Paris catwalk season after season.

A little preview of the collection that took place in May 2015 Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing showed up with models Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner, all wearing Balmain x H&M, at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Many of those must-haves are reimaginings of the French Maison’s classics, here are some examples:

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2013 Look 8

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2012 Look 7

Enjoy the whole collection below and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images, via Vogue.com and Courtesy of H&M

One of the best ways to have some fun in Amsterdam is to get on a bike or vespa as I did and see the city on a set of wheels. I had heard about the city’s famous Red Light District well before my trip. In Amsterdam, both marihuana and prostitution are legal. Leaving nothing to the imagination, some stereotypes about this area are true, there are plenty of sex shops, peep shows, brothels and prostitutes in red-lit windows. The area is bustling with visitors and groups of tourists.

My look to explore the town: Black cotton parka by Balmain, dress with leather and lace appliqué by Saint Laurent, biker boots by Miu Miu, Boy bag with chains by Chanel, diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget and sunglasses by Marni.

Tulips are also an integral part of the Dutch city’s life and you see them everywhere.
Stay tuned as I will show you more from Amsterdam soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Right now I am in Gstaad, situated in the Berner Oberland. Long known for its walking and hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, the mountain air and ambiance is just lovely, especially when the sun is shining. Today I went for a hike around Lake Lauenen, which is the epitome of a perfect mountain idyll as you can see.

My look: Black cotton parka by Balmain, stretch-jersey leggings by Splendid, washed-silk camisole by Equipment, long grey belted cotton shirt by Prada, zebra-print calfskin hiking boots by Prada Sport, Twilly silk scarf by Hermès, sunglasses «Sidereal 2» in pink by Dior and rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night at the Billboard Music Awards, Balmain‘s Olivier Rousteing arrived on the red carpet with Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner in gorgeous outfits which obviously seemed to be by the French house.

However, Rousteing took the opportunity to tell the world that the ensembles were actually a first look at Balmain’s upcoming collaboration with H&M that will hit the stores worldwide on November 5, 2015. What great news to start the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
#HMBALMANATION

When you think “festival fashion,” Coachella, which starts today, is pretty much the gold standard. With the stylish crowd gathered in one dusty desert destination, decked out in their boho best, it’s a feast for the eyes. With the emergence of ’70s styles on the S/S 2015 runways, adapting to the boho vibe seems to be an easy task. Take, for example, fringe. From fringe hemlines to cropped tops, gorgeous flats and even bags, the look is everywhere you turn at a music festival. Here is some style inspiration.

Get the look: Fringed leather biker jacket by Balmain, cropped cutout stretch-knit top by Jonathan Simkhai, cut-off denim shorts and Monogramme fringed suede shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, Virginie rabbit-felt fedora by Maison Michel, gold-plated chain bib necklace by Ben Amun, aviator-style gold-tone mirrored sunglasses and leopard-print calf hair point-toe flats, both by Victoria Beckham.

A hat looks always stylish or opt for a flower crown. Colour some cute daisies under your eyes for the ultimate hippie feeling or stitch some floral lace around one hemline of your denim shorts. Wether you are in Palm Springs or not, this style looks great everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Etsy and © Sandra Bauknecht