Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Always on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes place and its 150-foot-long red carpet is probably one of the most-watched fashion events of the year with a gazillion of celebrities walking it in the most exquisite gowns. This year, it celebrated the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” that will go on until September 4, 2017.

Today I would like to share my personal list of best-dressed (and worst-dressed) celebrities that made their way last night into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur for the party of the year. The dress code called for avant-garde black tie, either you go big or go home, enjoy!

My favorite look on the red carpet: Lily-Rose Depp‘s pink Chanel look detailed with oversized silver camellias and a creeping vine.

Who did meet the dress code the best? The answer is clearly Rihanna. She showed up once again in a full-on fashion fantasy from the Comme des Garçons F/W 2016 runway that was also an architectural miracle, paired with Rihanna Loves Chopard jewelry.

As 2017 Met Gala cochair of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition, Pharell Williams wore ripped denim by Comme des Garçons Jeans with a black biker jacket, and plaid shirt. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, paired her straight-off-the-F/W-2017-runway red onesie with a blonde topknot. Not showing any arms, it looked like a fashionable straightjacket.

Cara Delevingne appeared as a sci-fi fashion fantasy wearing an embellished pantsuit from Chanel‘s Spring 2017 Couture collection. I love how she always surprises.

One of my favorites! Even that Zendaya rejected the theme of the night, she ensured all eyes were on her wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print.

Two thumbs up for bringing glamour to the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in a Valentino dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Lily Collins showed up with a graphic dark bob and black lipstick, juxtaposing her sweet Giambattista Valli gown and her fierce Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Plus-size model Ashley Graham channeled her inner flamenco dancer in a fabulous custom H&M dress. So pretty!

I am in love with Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown that featured a draped gold beading at the bodice, giving way to a plumed train in shades of blue. She had the best accessory of the night with her … her husband:-)! Couple goals I would say!

Another one arrived with her handsome husband who might have thought looking at his wife Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCartney, of Ed Sheeran singing «I’m in love with the shape of you» …

If you don’t have a husband to bring, bring the designer of your dress! That was Dakota Johnson‘s motto of the night, as she appeared in a stunning ruffled black Gucci gown with Alessandro Michele at her side.

Radiant like a sun goddess, actress Jessica Chastain in a yellow fluid Prada gown paired with some stunning Piaget jewelry.

Lupita Nyong’o also dazzled in Prada, pulling off the vibrant orange shade with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing in a nude, asymmetrical Cinderella-esque Tommy Hilfiger dress. I am just not so sure about the stay-up.

Showstopper! Leave it to Bella Hadid to steal the show in a glittering catsuit by none other than Alexander Wang. She looked so fabulous!

Priyanka Chopra did not disappoint in a bold Ralph Lauren trench coat gown with an unbelievably long train. Very different, something I like. I am just not a big fan of her booties in combination.

Like it or not, the award for most nude goes to none other than Kendall Jenner, whose slinky La Perla Haute Couture dress will absolutely go down in Met Gala history.

When it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s understated Calvin Klein dress, I love the cut and the color, but I am not fond of the ankle length.

Katy Perry was unfortunately not among my favorites last night. The custom red tulle gown by Maison Margiela, designed by John Galliano himself, was topped with a heavy-looking wool coat covered in adornments like tulle flowers and plenty of beads. On the veil, a cryptic message across her eyes spelling “Witness” was embroidered, nevertheless it was truly one of the night’s most creative looks.

My favourite picture of the night! Have a look at Sarah Paulson dressed in a beautiful classy Prada gown. Her facial expression says everything! The American Horror Story actress seemed to have a heart attack after bumping into Madonna with the designer of her camouflage Moschino dress by her side, Jeremy Scott. Declaring war on fashion in camouflage, the famous singer was definitely not going incognito. I am not a fan of her look.

Swiss power at the Met Gala… Roger Federer in Gucci. I adore this snake embellishment on his back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Getty Images, © Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock, © Theo Wargo/Getty Images

In 2016, PIAGET launched a new line of men’s watches that has brought envy to our girls’ faces, the so-called PIAGET POLO S. Originally created in 1979, the new Piaget Polo S takes its name from the elegant and demanding sport of polo, its motto «play a different game». Yves Piaget was one of the first ones to link celebrities to watches in the ’80s.

The Piaget Polo S watch collection.

My favorite model: The Piaget Polo S Chronograph 42mm.

While I was in NYC for the launch party, I had the honor to interview the house’s international brand ambassador Ryan Reynolds, a real game changer. For us, the 40-year-old Vancouver native opens up about his many titles: «Sexiest Men Alive», «World’s Sexiest Dad», «GQ Man of the Year for 2016», massive movie star, and «Deadpool», the biggest achievement of his life so far. He has been obsessed with the character for a very long time, trying for 11 years to get it to the big screen, so the outstanding critical and fan success of the film has been a gratifying experience for him. Driven by passion, that is a tailor-made role for him.

The Canadian actor and producer, who is married to no other than the beautiful Blake Lively (Do you remember the interview I did with her just before their wedding… if not click here please…) and father of two daughters, is a man in a hurry, constantly on the move, and yet his style epitomizes a certain kind of timelessness mirroring that of the Piaget brand.

Ryan, you are the ambassador of Piaget. What was your first encounter with the brand?

My first encounter with the brand was as a kid because my favourite film «Planes, Trains and Automobiles» featured a Piaget watch. This movie influenced a lot of what I do today. Even in my movie «Deadpool» there are six or seven hidden references to this film. For example I am reading the same book that John Candy is reading in the train station. Then there is a scene where Steve Martin’s character experiences a critical moment as he needs to sleep more than anything else in the world but he has no money left because his wallet has burnt in a fire. All he has left is his Piaget watch and six dollars. So he tells the hotel guy that he will give him six dollars and «one hell of a nice watch». The watch still exists, it is so beautiful. That was my first experience with Piaget, a symbol of a relaxed kind of luxury. It was a pivotal point for me as I took note of a brand for the first time in my life.

If you had to design a watch, how would it look like?

It would be mostly made of wood and cheese. It would be very bad for anyone who needs to be anywhere on time. I couldn’t even get a sundial together. But if I had to design a watch, I would look for this beautiful intersection between function and fashion, something that is timeless and classic. I have been doing this job for longer than most people realize which is 26 years. I started as a little kid. So I can look back and catalogue myself for this amount of time and see the different styles I was into. The only ones that stay are the classic things. Watches are accessories that men can hang on to for the rest of their lives.

How do you wear your Piaget Polo S?

I like the idea of relaxed luxury. I’d wear it to the Oscars or for my kids’ first grade graduation. It’s one of those things you can pretty much wear anywhere, with anything from a tuxedo to sportswear. It’s a watch for a new generation. As I said for a man a few accessories count, my daughter’s initials are engraved in the back. She loves to play around with it. She will get it when she is older. It is not necessarily a watch for a girl but if she is any daughter of mine, she will want Dad’s watch.

First family appearance: When Ryan Reynolds accepted the Walk of Fame honour last December, he was accompanied by his wife Blake Lively and their two daughters.

Speaking of your daughter. How has fatherhood changed your life?

It has enriched it in every way. I don’t sleep anymore. I am a little bit more protective, I noticed those «Papa Bear» instincts are coming out in a way I have never experienced before. When you live in a public eye to a certain degree, it can be a little stressful because my child has not expressed any interest in living the public eye, it is not a choice she is making. I try to protect her as much as I can while at the same time being somebody who volunteered for this job, not also hiding her. There is a difference between secrecy and privacy. I never wanted to be secret but private and most people respect that.

What is the biggest challenge you have ever encountered in your life?

Wow, that is a very lofty question. Let me think. Growing up and taking responsibility for myself has been the biggest challenge. Most kids are not fostered or taught dialogue or taught to emphazise and understand other people. That has been the biggest challenge for me as a young man at the age of 20/21, I really took this task on myself. I realized that anything that happens in a relationship I have a stake in it. Learning this nurtured a lot.

GQ Man of the Year 2016 Ryan Reynolds on the December cover.

You are 40 now. As a man do you also feel pressure aging especially in the industry you are in?

I welcome age. You should never mourne a birthday. We are all lucky getting a year older. I hope to be so old one day that I look like a deshelled moleskin. I do also understand the certain imbalance with men and women in that regard. I see it shifting incrementally and I hope it keeps happening. It also needs us men to foster that change. I certainly try to anywhere I can. I think, excluding my wife of course, the sexiest actress on planet earth is Helen Mirren.

What do you do to stay fit? Any special nutrition plans? Sports?

When I am not shooting «Deadpool» or something like that, I run and do a lot of weights. But when I film a movie like this, I have three months in advance to get prepared and that is a whole new ball game.

How do you prepare yourself for a role like that?

It is a lot of writing. That is the part that is the hardest. Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick (both screenwriters) and I wrote all the material for «Deadpool». That is the biggest challenge.

Ryan Reynolds in «Buried»

What is the role you played that you are most proud of?

That one is «Deadpool» because it took me eleven years to get it made, to convince the studio. Actually we didn’t convince them, we held them hostage until they said yes.
But seriously, «Buried», a movie that most people probably haven’t seen but it is a very challenging Spanish movie.
(About Buried: The story is about an Iraq-based American civilian truck driver, who, after being attacked, finds himself buried alive in a wooden coffin, with only a lighter, flask, flashlight, knife, glowsticks, pen, pencil, and a mobile phone. It was shot in a time period of only 16 days in Barcelona. The director Rodrigo Cortés’ inspiration was the film Rope directed by Alfred Hitchcock.)

Do you have a dream role that you would love to play?

I would love to play Chet Baker but the problem is that I cannot sing. «Deadpool» was my dream role. It goes in line with the «game changer» theme. It was a game changer for me, a game changer for film, for comic books and for comic book movies.

How do you see yourself as a game changer?

Yes, I do. Game changers typically fight for something they believe in against great odds, against everyone saying it will never happen. I still have e-mails from the head of the studio at FOX, who is no longer there, saying that we will never make that movie. Sticking with something like that, hanging in there, believing in it, even when everyone else doesn’t. And being given very limited tools in order to make that movie, our budget was nothing compared to what a normal superhero movie would be. And then still making it even better than everything ever been done. Those are game changing moments. It is easier to walk away. Emotionally it would have been easier seven years ago to stop those e-mails and move on. But I did have a nice moment the weekend after the movie came out. I walked into the head of the studio’s office and said: «You can thank me now». It was a very nice moment for me.

Your wife, Blake Lively, is an actress herself. Do you see it as a blessing or a curse? Are the two of you ever in competition?

We are never in competition. I think that is why we have a great relationship. We don’t work at the same time. Recently, she shot four movies, and I shot none. We never travel and work at the same time. That seems work out for us. The key to our relationship is that we are friends first.

Ryan and Blake met on set of the movie «The Green Lantern» in 2011.

Could you imagine shooting a movie together with your wife?

Probably. We are kind of working together every day anyway. Living in our house and doing all those small daily things. But thinking of it, yes, it would be nice doing it one day.

Ryan Reynolds in three words.

Integrety. Father. Husband.

Thank you, Ryan, it was a pleasure talking to you!

And I am looking forward to seeing you tonight again at dinner with Piaget…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget, © GQ Magazine, © Reuters, © Sandra Bauknecht

The 69th Cannes Film Festival is officially underway and I haven’t even posted all my memories from last year. American director Woody Allen‘s film «Café Society» has been selected to open the famous event. It is a quintessential romance Hollywood story—in the 1930s,  a young man named Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), who falls in love with Vonnie (Kristen Stewart) and then Veronica (Blake Lively).

Behind the scenes of «Café Society».

As I just got back from Cuba, I had to shorten my trip to Cannes and will be leaving on Monday. Here are some photos of last year when I attended as guest of Swarovski the opening ceremony and premiere of «La Tete Haute (Standing Tall)» in a beautiful Chanel gown.

See you in Cannes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pascal Le Segretain for Getty Images, © Vogue, © Zimbio, © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Swarovski

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The December issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly column is available now. This time, I am telling you some anecdotes meeting different celebrities. Below you can see some of favorites.
If you like my outfit, have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Mother’s Day, I chime for you… for all the moms who inspire us. Send your mom this video featuring Beyoncé, Cameron Diaz, John Legend, Ziggy Marley, Olivia Wilde, Blake Lively and Hafsat Abiola and thank her for her unconditional love. We only have one mom, one mommy, one mother in this world, one life.

CHIME FOR CHANGE, founded by Gucci, is a community of people working to promote education, health and justice for girls and women everywhere. The new global campaign focuses on girls’ and women’s empowerment. It serves to convene, unite and strengthen voices speaking out for the weaker sex around the world, and to raise funds for non-profit organizations pursuing change. To learn more about this important initiative and to join it, please click here.

Frida Giannini, Gucci’s Creative Director, wearing the Chime for Change T-shirt.

Many celebrities are supporting this gorgeous initiative, such as Salma Hayek-Pinault and Beyoncé Knowles.

On June 1st, CHIME FOR CHANGE will present a global concert to put girls’ and women’s issues on the world’s stage. The televised event at London’s Twickenham Stadium with Co-founder and Artistic Director, Beyoncé as headliner will also feature performances by Jennifer Lopez, Ellie Goulding, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, Iggy Azalea, John Legend, Laura Pausini, Rita Ora, Timbaland and more to be announced. Tickets on sale at www.chimeforchange.org.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chime for Change

Isabel Marant‘s Dreamy studded stretch-leather mini dress for S/S 2013 is a must for every fashion lover. Obiviously the Parisian-based designer loves a bit of Americana and took inspiration from Elvis and his passion for rhinestones and leather.

It was already seen on Blake Lively who combined it with cage sandals by Christian Louboutin.
TO SHOP THE DRESS PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

I would like to dedicate the first day of 2013 to a flashback of 2012. It was such an exciting year for me and I am truly thankful for all the magic moments I was able to experience and share with you. May 2013 bring us as many adventures and fashionable events as 2012 did.

Thanks for following me!

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2012

The year started with my visit to the fourth edition of Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze 4 Ever. As usual I had a lot fun, for example having dinner at the church, and adopted the Emilio Pucci Pug Dog for Happy Kids. It had been my third time at Firenze 4 Ever.

Then, I went to Paris for the Haute Couture shows and celebrated with Mary Katrantzou the launch of her amazing collaboration with Longchamp at Colette. Another highlight of 2012’s first month was the IWC Top Gun Gala held during the SIHH where I met lots of celebrities.

FEBRUARY 2012

In February, I flew to the Fashion Week New York where I walked in my first runway show, Polyvore Live. I went to many fashion shows, spotted celebrities such as Olivia Palermo, Bradley Cooper and attended the Fashion 2.0 Awards plus the Bloglovin’ Awards.

After coming back from NYC, I had around 24 hours to repack and left for Paris with Dior for my photo shoot for the launch of Dior Addict Extrême.

Later this month, I accepted Gucci‘s invitation to see the F/W 2012 show, followed by a trip to Florence to visit the manufacture.

MARCH 2012

March started with Paris Fashion Week. Spotted on the streets, bloggers and editors wearing the veiled beanie designed by Stephen Jones for Jil Sander. The sun was shining already and I wore my first summery outfits like this one by Emilio Pucci.

In the end of the month, I flew to London to meet the American designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices along with jewelry designer Diane Kordas.

APRIL 2012

April marked the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A good reason to fly again to London. As it was Easter break, I took my daughter on a girls’ trip.

In my luggage, of course, all of my Union Jack-inspired must-haves. A lot fun for every fashionista: Having Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley.

MAY 2012

Being on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival was truly one of the biggest highlights of the year. The night of the Chopard Trophée was outstanding. The most memorable part: A private performance of Lana Del Rey.

A wonderful trip to the Lausanne Palace & Spa finished off this amazing month perfectly. I indulged in the world of Roja Dove’s Haute Parfumerie and enjoyed a feast for senses at La Table d’Edgar.

JUNE 2012

June was a busy month. I started for one day in Paris for the launch of Pleats Please by Issey Miyake. Then, the Art Basel took place. My favorites: Montblanc‘s party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Cutting Edge Art Collection together with Parisian art gallery Perrotin and Galerie Gmurzynska’s private dinner held with Zaha Hadid for the start of the Art Basel.

Later in June, I went on my road trip through the US with stops in Chicago, Denver and Salt Lake City. I drove all the way through Wyoming to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, survived a hail storm and visited the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.

JULY 2012

July was such a relaxing month that I spent mostly in Maui, Hawaii followed by a short trip to Texas before heading home to Switzerland. Just a few days later, I flew to Munich for the launch of Bobbi Brown’s newest book Pretty Powerful.

AUGUST 2012

In August, I flew quite a lot to Germany for work and Sandra’s Closet reached 40.000 Facebook likes (By the way, today we are close to 75.000 likes, how amazing is this in this short amount of time?!).

An absolute highlight were the St. Moritz Art Masters where I had the honour to be photographed by Amedeo M. Turello and Steve McCurry, two of the most famous photographers in the world. The results will be posted soon.

SEPTEMBER 2012

September was one of the busiest months of the year. For me, it started with the Venice Film Festival. I was invited by Gucci for the launch of Gucci Première and was so excited to meet with the face of the campaign, Blake Lively. Right after, I had the photo shoot for Swiss News.

In Zurich, I met perfumer Geza Schön during a lunch over the rooftops of the Swiss city. With Dior, I attended the Zurich Film Festival.

With Piaget, I went to the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris and visited the famous Château de Malmaison. Just a few days later, I flew back to the French capital for Fashion Week. Best party: Anna Dello Russo’s Paradise Ball. Favourite shows: Pascal Millet and Jean Paul Gaultier.

OCTOBER 2012

The first days of the month, I was still in Paris for Fashion Week and attended blockbuster shows such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Miu Miu.

Later, I flew to Hamburg to visit the Montblanc headquarters and worked on the creation of my Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” that was launched in the end of the year. Another exciting collaboration with Closed was revealed: My limited edition blogger “Zurich” T-shirt.

Then, I left for New York City for the best party of the year: The launch of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M where I spotted celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Chase Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The last days of the month, I went to Geneva to visit the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin.

NOVEMBER 2012

Another busy month that started with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. November marked a lot of events on Zurich‘s social agenda, such as the opening of the Rolex boutique and the Moncler store.

I flew to Greece with Hermès and hosted the exclusive Caviar & Oyster collection dinner with Bobbi Brown at my house.

DECEMBER 2012

Such an exciting month for me as my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” has been finally launched.

I went to Gstaad with Louis Vuitton for the opening of their new store in the Swiss Alps and flew to Doha, Qatar for New Year’s Eve.

While we are getting our wardrobe ready for the upcoming winter, designers are already showing their S/S 2013 collections. Here is a summary of the most important collections and trends seen at New York Fashion Week. Stay tuned as a detailed report from London, Milan and Paris will follow soon.

In New York, stripes were having a moment this S/S 2013 season. From Marc Jacobs, to Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the American majors are getting in line to consider a fashionable life behind bars. Floral patterns and digital prints stay for the next summer, the best ones were seen at Altuzarra and Thakoon. Layering is all about getting this slouchy chic style. My favourite: Prabal Gurung. A must for summer is a pair of strappy, knee-high summer boots, such as spotted at Proenza Schouler.

Enjoy my little runway reviews!

LoL, Sandra

Joseph Altuzarra came up with a clever way to transform a jacket into a more airy piece by using vents for your arms like a cape, so that the jacket stays in place on your shoulders, even so it comes with sleeves. “It’s how editors wear their coats,” he said of the genesis of the idea to the US Vogue. The draped dresses, the interesting prints and the knee-high Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra sandals make it my favourite NYFW runway collection.

I love this Oscar de la Renta collection. Punk hair, combined with a ’50s silhouette and pop colors. So much fun and sophistication!

After four years in business, Victoria Beckham‘s designs have evolved. The iconic sheath dresses have got company, separates and suits are now part of her collection as well.

Stylists, editors and bloggers have been buzzing about Rodarte continuously. The eccentric designs of the Mulleavy sisters are truly outstanding. For the next season, the précis described Kate’s and Laura’s inspiration as “medieval and fantasy role-playing games”. Please reserve one of those fashionable armors for me!

Alexander Wang‘s runway show for S/S 2013 was ultra-strong with cut-out dresses and footwear to die for. The audience was kindly asked to remain from flash photography which was wishful thinking because when the lights were dimmed down to reveal white looks glowing in an ecclectic shade of yellow, people took their cameras to share this magic moment.

Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez have a young and visionary approach to fashion. This season, they have experimented with leather and print. Very interesting, you have to study the outfit to see all the innovative details.

Viva Espagña! For Ralph Lauren, the next season is all about Matador suits, serapes, ruffles and fringes. Especially, his gowns will be loved by celebrities all around the globe. Olé, fashionistas!

Very preppy, lots of stripes and the four basic colours, this was Michael Kors‘ recipe for his S/S 2013 collection. A subtle ’60s vibe and clean tailoring finished the sophisticated looks. Not new, but very wearable and very American.

Another true prep is, of course, Tommy Hilfiger, who celebrated stripes with a collegiate beat in the all-American shades of red, blue and white. A must for those who are spending their summers in the Hamptons.

The bold spirit that Marc Jacobs had been pushing for fall, has transformed into a more calm and artistic vibe. Lots of black and white stripes and wearable cuts, a wind of change is blowing at the American designer, at least for this season.

Thakoon Panichgul has been inspired obviously by an architectural Japanese feeling. Beautiful blooming floral designs and bird prints dominated this feminine collection. So pretty!

This season, Prabal Gurung channeled Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Layering was a key element, such as dresses worn over pants. The Kapoor inspiration was also evident in the extraordinary prints and delicate sheer fabrics.

It was Sophia Kokosalaki‘s last collection for Diesel Black Gold, and probably her best. I truly like this 90’s aesthetic, cool, contemporary with an interesting twist. Her successor, Andreas Melbostad, the former Phi designer, is now in charge to bring the label to the next level.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the designer duo behind Rag & Bone, showed their refreshing collection at New York’s dramatical and beautiful old US Post Office building, a gorgeous backdrop. The inspiration: A desert traveler.

Reed Krakoff is the new king of intellectual minimalism with a very sexy twist. Strong and sportif, he used a colour palette of nudes, browns and blacks. Those see-through deconstructed dresses will be seen on many editors, for sure.

Edun, the beloved fashion label, run by Irish rocker Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, is based on the commitment to encourage trade in Africa. For S/S 2013 the collection is about the contrasting worlds of the Edun girl – intimate and extroverted, utilitarian and outerworldly.

Personally speaking, the most stunning evening and bridal wear for S/S 2013 is designed by Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig. Last week, they announced that they had designed Blake Lively’s wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ dresses. For summer, they take their fans on a stunning journey through India by way of maharani’s wardrobe with the bridal motif certainly at the forefront.

Zac Posen focused on gowns and a ’40s silhouette. The biggest surprise happened on the runway, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall and Karolina Kurkova walked in his show.

During the Venice Film Festival, I had the honour to interview one of my favourite actresses, Blake Lively, who is the face of Gucci‘s new fragrance Gucci Première.
(For the photos of the launch event, please click here.)

Blake is such a sweetheart, truly lively and very charming. She was with her boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, on the same plane to Zurich like me and the two were sitting in the row in front of me. She remembered my name from the interview we did previously and even saw that I had changed my tights. The two were kissing and teasing each other during the whole flight. So, I was not surprised when I heard the news this morning that the two secretly got married at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, just outside of Charleston, on Sunday evening. After less than one year of dating, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are now husband and wife. Congrats to the newly-weds!

And now, please enjoy the interview with Blake:

How were you involved in the process of creating and launching Gucci Première?

I was involved, initially, in the concept of this “Old Hollywood” idea, how we would actualize this. Frida wanted to create the iconic woman and we chose the photographers and the director. I was so excited to work with them. Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott are just amazing. The sexiness shows never in body parts, it is more the expression of the mouth or the look. It is never tacky.

Nicolas creates a lack of reality almost. For the short movie, he took the “Old Hollywwood” idea and combined it with modern, futuristic music. You see a woman from the ’40s but at the same time, you hear the techno sound which makes you feel like in a different time and space. Personally speaking, it is interesting to find the juxtapostion and the balance. The fragrance has the same. The woody, masculine and strong parts combined with the feminine, floral, citrusy notes. It is profound, it is the women in her most realized sense and scent.

I didn’t get to smell the fragrance until we did the first shoot but it changed slightly afterwards again. It is for a powerful woman, who can balance the feminity and the masculinity, being the fullest version of herself. We transported that in the commercial and the visual.

The advertising campaign was shot by the famous photographer duo Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. The short movie was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn.

The best piece of advice that you got from someone in the film industry?

I don’t know if I have ever got advice that would apply to me. When I did “The Town”, I asked Ben (Affleck) what was the best advice he got because he is such a talented director. And he answered that Gus Van Sant told him: “Your movie will speak to you, listen to it.”
I have noticed that the directors that listen to their movie, that let it evolve and let it be something different than what it was in the script, have a stronger outcome. In rehearsals, you have that fixed idea what it is and when you start to shoot it, it takes a different shape and form. I always try to go with my gut.

How is your relation to the fragrance? Can fragrance express your personal style as fashion does?

I think that it does. I love perfumes. It tells your story in a lot of ways. If I look back at the fragrances I had when I was younger, they were bubbly and sweet. As I got older, they evolved. At one point, I started mixing cologne with perfume because I wanted to feel that strength, be that empowered woman but at the same time remain that feminity that a woman has. That is why I love Gucci Première. The fact that it has the wood and the leather but still a wonderful softness and sweetness. It is everything that I tried to achieve when I was mixing a cologne with a perfume.

I am so proud of being the face of Gucci Première because I am not stepping in something that was around forever. It is not like I get to be the face for it until I expire and than somebody else follows. But hopefully, one day it will be an iconic scent!

Did you know Frida before and how is your relationship?

I met Frida before at a charity event for Gucci. I am impressed by Gucci’s commitment in having major fundraisers. When you start to work with them, they ask you which charities you are involved with and immediatly offer support. They want to promote and help. That was beautiful and inspiring. That is something important for Frida. She spents so much time on all her different collections, she has so much on her plate and still she is so much involved. When we shot the commercial, she was on the phone asking about the accessories I was wearing with the gown. She has got a whole team of people she trusts but still she is there.  Every single step on the way, she is part of it. And you see that coming out in her details.

What is your cause?

There are many different charities I am involved in. Children are the ones I connect the most with. I started my own, went to Africa, visited orphanages, volunteered with Save the Children. It is more hands-on, not standing on a red carpet and shaking hands for the charity event. It is more about an intimate sitting down with people, always involving children.

Blake Lively framed by her parents, Elaine and Ernie Lively

Do you remember the first fragrance you wore or connected with?

It was definitely my mum’s fragrance. My mum is a strong woman, so she had  a little bit of that cologne feeling, but not too musky. It is light but it means business.

Blake Lively and her two older sisters

Speaking of Old Hollywood glamour. Do you have a  great tip that you picked up from one of the hair and make-up artists while you were getting ready for the red carpet, that yo use in your own life?

I really love hair and make-up. I always watch the  people who work on me. I ask them about the shading and how they highlight certain parts of the face. I watch the way they do things.

My mum was very effortless, getting ready in a hurry. And whenever I take time getting ready, it is a disaster, more like a funky rooster. But when I get ready in two seconds, it is the best outfit. This is good about always being in a hurry! I don’t like to look too done. Maybe it is a good excuse not to brush my hair. I think there is something sexy and whimsical about it. Wearing a ball gown, but not having your hair in a bouffant. More of having your hair in a messy, tousled look. It just makes me feel that the night could end running bare foot through Central Park. And skipping in a fountain, this feeling of freedom. It is the same if you walk into somebody’s house and it feels like in a museum so that you cannot curl up on the couch. I prefer that lush nature.

Last year, you were on Time 100 list. How does it feel to be seen as a role moel?

That was shocking and humbling. I still cannot figure that one out. The people I most admire breath magic into real life, wether it is my mum that brings real-life fairy dust to my life. I feel responsibility to young people and the parents, especially if they let their children watch my TV series at a too young age.

Despicable characters have been easy for me to play. With TV shows, it is different, you do something bad but you might be redeemed one year later. In the movie, you get the idea why this person is so twisted, and you find empathy for this person. On my own moral campus, it feels better.

I grew up with a tight family, strong and good. I never had many challenges or temptations that I could give in to because I got an audience. My biggest guilty pleasure is chocolate.

Girlfriends: Blake Lively and Florence Welch

You are a style icon. Do you have somebody that you admire?

There are lots of people I look up to but mostly it is my mum. You can look up to people through different elements. Like Grace Kelly, who doesn’t want to be a princess? Than Audrey Hepburn, she is so fun and still so feminine with that boyish sense. Katherine Hepburn, a woman with that manly sense. Florence Welch, one of my dearest friends, who is a real life fairy. So there are different people I look to for different elements,but that one person who has got that full package is my mother.

Gossip Girl is a fashion phenomenon. What did you learn during the show concerning your own style and fashion?

I learned so much. I grew up with my mum who would make the clothes for us all the time, wether it would be for real life or a Halloween costume. Therefore I knew a lot about design because she is also a great decorator. My eye for fashion derives from an early time. But being exposed to all the designer clothes on the set of Gossip Girl, connected me even more. It was like going to the best fashion school you could ever go to. We sat down with Anna Wintour and met with the most iconic designers and were able to ask them as many questions as we wanted to. And imagine trying on that many clothes, 9-15 outfits per episode. 27 episodes per year, per 6 years, and some outfits don’t make it. So It is even more. You start to understand which cuts work, where a bias work, where you have to put the grosgrain under the dress to cinch you in.
Gossip Girl was like the most expensive master course in fashion.

Blake Lively in “The Town”

Being a glamour icon, would you also like to try a role that is shabby?

I love being dressed-up. I would wear silk robes in my house whenever. Diamond bracelets while I lounge. Anytime I can play those roles, it is me.

In the movie “The Town”, I was very rough looking. As I did Gosspi Girl at the same time, I couldn’t change my appearance the way I wanted it to be. So I had them spray my hair with brown dry shampoo for long grown-out roots. The team made the skirts very tight at my waist so that it looked like I had a roll-over because I played somebody who doesn’t have the money and time to take care of herself. I love playing characters that are different than me.

Thank you, Blake, for this lovely interview!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, WWD, W Magazine, Zimbio and © Sandra Bauknecht