Sandra‘s Closet

A spectacular book published by Thames & Hudson to celebrate the exceptional CHANEL High Jewelry creations, from the launch of Gabrielle Chanel’s first collection in 1932 to the most contemporary pieces.

«I used my penchant for all that shines to try and reconcile elegance and fashion in a set of jewelry.»
Gabrielle Chanel

From Gabrielle Chanel «Bijoux de Diamants» collection to the newest interpretations of her signature signs and symbols by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, CHANEL High Jewelry remains eternally modern and true to the spirit of her enterprise.
Breathtaking new photography and classic images from the CHANEL archives brings together revealing combinations in a stunning visual narrative, privileging aesthetic form over 4 chapters: the origins, the symbols, the spirit, and the allure. Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for fabulous and improbable marvels is celebrated here in a covetable book-object that pays tribute to the House’s unparalleled insistence on luxury and refinement, creativity, and beauty.

Based on extensive research and exploring Chanel’s inspirations and art through some of the most precious of all her creations and the eternally modern ideas they have inspired, the book features superb photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, François Kollar, Roger Schall, George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, André Kertész, Sarah Moon, Koto Bolofo, Karim Sadli, Dominique Issermann, and many others. It is also illustrated with images from CHANEL’s archive and sketches that express the creativity and joie de vivre of the world’s finest High Jewelry collections.

Retail price: £150 / 150€ / $200
Publication dates: France / United Kingdom: December 2022
China / Japan / Korea: January 2023
United States: March 2023

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
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In her ateliers on rue Cambon, Gabrielle Chanel always kept two tools to hand: a pair of scissors suspended from a ribbon which she wore round her neck as a sautoir, and on her wrist the indispensable tool of any seamstress, a pincushion.

In 2023, Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, has borrowed this tool to create the Mademoiselle Privé Pique-Aiguilles watch.

«I like the image of this functional piece of jewelry that adorns the wrists of seamstresses,» says Arnaud Chastaingt. This essential dressmaking accoutrement generally takes the form of a metal cuff topped with a generously sized dome-shaped cushion. On a technical level, it enables dressmakers to keep and organize their pins and needles where they can see them, to help them as they work. «I am fascinated by the design of objects whose architecture is the product of a practical need. In terms of style, the pincushion commands authority on the wrist, with presence and impact. Its outsize format does not detract from its comfort in any way, and it adapts to all wrists. I love the random design of needles on the surface of the cushion. Organized or disorganized, the pinheads pricked into the fabric dome create a decorative effect that evolves with the progress of the seamstress’s work. I have adopted the spirit of this tool to create a watch. While its architecture has the boldness of simplicity, its oversized dial flirts with excess and offers an incredible space for expression. I dreamed of this creation as a blank canvas for the most audacious Métiers d’art. I have imagined five tableaux for this collection: a lacework of camellias, a composition of iconic bags, jewels strewn on black tweed, a diamond embroidery, and a jacket at the pattern stage.»

Each of these pieces tell a story, a story unique to CHANEL, a story of Couture and of Haute Horlogerie to which only CHANEL possesses the secret.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #MademoisellePrivé #CHANELHauteHorlogerie
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Long time, no post. Life has been a wild ride lately! Ready to get back into the swing of things. After some time off blogging and Instagram, I am back with one of my favorite CHANEL looks of all time, that I wore to the S/S 2022 show in Paris.

My look: Jumpsuit in tweed with chain details (Look 13), ruched belt, rhinestone Coco handle gunmetal bag, and flap card holder with chain, (Métiers d’Art F/W 2021), pearls and crystals large script brooch (Pre-fall 2019), earrings and sunglasses, all by CHANEL, felt sailor cap by Saint Laurent, and Montana 120 stretch-satin thigh boots by Christian Louboutin.

I dated this post to the date, Christmas Eve, when I started my social media pause… stay tuned, as there will be many posts coming up from now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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In 1987, CHANEL presented its first watch creation, the Première watch, designed for women by its Artistic Director Jacques Helleu. Choosing the octagonal shape of the stopper of the N°5 perfume bottle for its case and dressing it in black lacquer and borrowing the interlaced leather and chain strap of the iconic quilted bag for its bracelet, the Première surprised the watchmaking world that until then had been governed by masculine codes.

In 2022, the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio presents the Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Haute Horlogerie capsule. Composed of 3 creations, the capsule is inspired by the first watchmaking creation of the House, the Première watch, and by its iconic gold interlaced chain. Black and gold set with diamonds, with bracelets that are oversized, many-faceted or dressed with the symbols of the House, the Hors-Série PREMIÈRE watches embody the audacity of an era.

«Exaggerated, agglomerated, superposed, stacked, I have chosen to pay tribute to Première by playing with excess,» says Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio.

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Iconic Chain
18K yellow gold case. Black-lacquered dial. 18K yellow gold chain bracelet set with 625 diamonds (~14.28 carats), interlaced with shaved black velvet. High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 625 brilliant-cut diamonds (~14.28 carats). Limited to 5 pieces. *Technical description of a size XS (wrist size: 150 mm).

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Chain Charms
18K yellow gold case. Black-lacquered dial. 18K yellow gold chain bracelet set with 112 diamonds (~3.39 carats), interlaced with black
velvet. 6 charms in yellow gold, onyx and diamonds representing symbols of the House: number 5, lion, camellia, Gabrielle Chanel, comet and byzantine motif. High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 283 brilliant-cut diamonds (~4.82 carats). Limited to 5 pieces.

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Gourmette Chain
18K yellow gold case. Dial set with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.37 carat). 18K yellow gold gourmette chain set with 1016 diamonds (~3.89 carats). High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 1132 brilliant-cut diamonds (~4.26 carats). Limited to 5 pieces. *Technical description of a size XS (wrist size: 150 mm).

Love those models so much…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: © CHANEL #CHANELPremiere #CHANELHauteHorlogerie
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For F/W 2022 Dolce & Gabbana were challenging the dress codes for the metaverse. The outcome? Superheroine proportions in vibrant colors, a new tailoring that focused on a triangle silhouette with extremely broad shoulders that signal power and confidence.

My look: Cropped wool-ponte blazer, and matching wrap-effect wool-blend ponte midi skirt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, lace bralette, lace leggings and chain and leather waist belt, all by CHANEL, Medusa Aevitas embellished satin platform pumps by Versace, and graffiti classic city tote bag by Balenciaga, leather, faux pearl and crystal choker, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Dolder Grand in Zurich.
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The Dolder Grand makes Christmas extra magical with a very fun Advent Calendar created by Finnish artist Jani Leinonen , who had already designed the impressive floral Easter Egg past Spring. Highlighting the center of the Canvas Bar & Lounge, this pop art work will make every art lover’s heart beat faster with its secret messages hidden behind the 24 doors. I attended the cocktail reception in presence of the artist in this vibrant Valentino Pink PP outfit.

My look: Embroidered cardigan (Look 46 Pre-collection S/S 2021) by CHANEL, bow-detailed wool and silk-blend crepe bralette, wool and silk-blend crepe skirt, One Stud 100 embellished patent-leather pumps, pink VLogo signature gloves, VLogo signature earrings, and One Stud mini leather shoulder bag, all by Valentino, and feather, crystal and bead earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Last night, I got spoilt by CHANEL. The French Maison had staged its Cruise 2023 Paris – Monte Carlo collection in an amazing setting at Galerie Gmurzynska for me. As I hadn’t been to the show that took place in May on the pebbled beach in Monaco, it was a great opportunity to browse and try all my favorite looks from the runway before they will be officially in stores.

Inspired by the Formula One, CHANEL was heading a destination that is an integral part of its history, Monaco. It was a beautiful nod to Gabrielle Chanel who had built her villa La Pausa in 1929 on the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and also to the late Karl Lagerfeld, who loved to visit in the summer, from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, at La Vigie, his famous villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The collection? Imagining the luxurious and cosmopolitan beach lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur, as well as the Grand Prix and the ballet that Monaco is so famous for, Virginie Viard came up with some kitsch Formula-One inspired fashion (my favorite part of the show – the first jumpsuit in red and white is to die for), embroidered baseball caps, black-and-white swimsuits, glamorous sequins and ensembles in breezy crochet.

The accessories were playful and fun. Enjoy the photos to explore more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © CHANEL
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Tweed, the durable beautiful fabric, has been CHANEL‘s signature material for over a century years. In March at the Grand Palais Éphémère, CHANEL’s artistic director and designer Virginie Viard showed for F/W 2022 a ready-to-wear collection completely dedicated to tweed and CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio drew also inspiration from the emblematic fabric for its 2022 EYE MAKE-UP COLLECTION.

Anyone who is familiar with the French Maison knows that tweed has been synonymous with the brand ever since Coco Chanel rose to fame in the 1920s. Many do not know, however, how Coco Chanel’s affection for tweed started. While she was dating the Duke of Westminster, she realized the versatility and potential of the fabric with its flexible texture and irregular patterns, giving it its natural appearance. Being a true visionary, she partnered in 1924 with a Sottish factory to begin making her first tweed designs which ranged from jackets to sportswear.

A few years later, Chanel partnered with a French factory to create tweed that could incorporate different materials such as silk and cotton in order to give it a more elevated, high fashion look and feel. Chanel also began dying the material different colors to distinguish her tweed from the typical, classic hues. Until today, tweed is a source of infinite possibility and offers exceptional creative freedom for the House of CHANEL. It is produced each season in a variety of forms, colors, and styles.

For the new EYE MAKE-UP COLLECTION, called LES 4 OMBRES TWEED, the essence of the emblematic fabric has once again been reinterpreted, now taking the form of limited-edition LES 4 OMBRES eyeshadows. First created in 1982, this eye quad has also become a CHANEL makeup staple.

DRESS YOUR EYES IN TWEED
For this new collection, four exclusive creations were designed with a tweed pattern embossed on the surface of each shade. The four-color harmonies capture the creative worth of the fabric. Just as different fibers are intertwined to form tweed, the shades can be blended, and their intensity varied, to achieve chic and bold makeup results. The eyeshadows are as effortless to apply as a tweed garment is to wear.

For this special occasion, the compacts are paired with tweed pouches crafted by Maison Lesage, which is part of CHANEL’s Métiers d’art since 2002. Each of the four harmonies features a unique color palette and suits all skin tones. These versatile eyeshadows work in synergy to create a wide range of looks, from simple and natural to sophisticated.

TWEED FAUVE
The first harmony, entitled Tweed Fauve, is composed of radiant hues that bring warmth to the eyes. A combination of powerful colors between earth and fire, which combines a fiery brick orange with the depth of an intense aubergine brown, illuminated by the subtle shine of a satin coral and the reflections of an amber gold.

TWEED CUIVRÉ
The second, Tweed Cuivré, makes them shine with golden shimmer. An elegant accord that evokes the richness and brilliance of the precious metals dear to Gabrielle Chanel.

TWEED POURPRE
Tweed Pourpre combines pinks and mauves to offer a satiny and iridescent make-up look. A harmony that oscillates between softness and audacity. Tweed Pourpre brings together pinks and mauves while offering a satin and iridescent finish.

TWEED BRUN ET ROSE
Four natural brown and beige tones represent the final creation, Tweed Brun et Rose. It is embodied by four eyeshadows in natural colors with shades of brown and beige. I am wearing it in the picture above.

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF
To complement these color harmonies, two new shades of STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF have been created—one, Cuivre Doré, to illuminate the eyes, the other, Bois Noir, for added intensity.

This extremely beautiful eye make-up collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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This was the outfit I wore to the Versace F/W 2022 show in Milan. The Italian Maison has such a huge momentum again, its skyrocketing platform heels are all over along with the iconic codes we all adore so much. The surge in archival interest, and Donatella’s enduring icon status have made the brand a star once more.

My look: Envers satin jacket dress, Medusa chain embellished waist belt, Medusa Aevitas embellished satin platform pumps, and small Medusa top handle bag, all by Versace, black panties by CHANEL, and gold mesh necklace by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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They were already a huge trend in 2012, when Kim Kardashian sported them in a nude beige and black: Givenchy‘s Shark Lock Boots. Now, they are back, and even in a full-on sparkly version (see last pair in this post)! The Maison’s most iconic silhouette is seducing It-girls all over the world who like to add a tough-luxe edge to their ensembles.

The sleeve of the boot that looks like part of the pants elongates legs to the extreme. So no wonder, other brands have been jumping on the trend. Here are the best ones available.

LoL, Sandra

DG buckle knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana

Suede leather boots with sleeve by CHANEL

Cowboy boots with sleeve by R13

Shark Lock leather knee-high boots by Givenchy

Shark Lock beige leather knee-high boots by Givenchy

x Disney® Shark Lock knee-high leather boots by Givenchy

Shark Lock embellished knee-high boots by Givenchy

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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