On the S/S 2011 runways, there was an Yves Saint Laurent mood in the air. Many designers got inspired by the late master of colour and the father of the trouser suit.
Yves Saint Laurent
The reason for this was probably the beautiful first posthumous retrospective of Yves Saint Laurent’s career with an exhibition of over 300 garments that took place last year at the Petit Palais museum in Paris. On display were his creations from his debut at Dior in 1958 up to the sumptuous evening dresses of 2002.
In 40 years of being a fashion designer, YSL revolutionized the female wardrobe by borrowing the tuxedo, the trouser suit and the safari jacket from men’s clothing in order to dress women, thereby transferring the symbols of power from one sex to another.
In 1961 Yves Saint Laurent decided to create his couture house. Just under 50 years ago, in January 1962, at the age of 26, he created a cultural shockwave by opening his first haute couture show with a caban jacket and trouser ensemble directly inspired by a fisherman’s pea coat.
The era in particular that was referenced for S/S 2011 was the 1970’s when Saint Laurent spent a tremendous amount of time at his second home in Marakkesh in his beautiful Majorelle botanical gardens. While being there he was greatly influenced by traditional Morrocan dressing and the gardens. His ashes were scattered there when he died in 2008.
I am in love with all those collections that are paying tribute to one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century and took the runways by storm. Therefore I put some collages for you together. I included photos of the exhibition of his previous creations to demonstrate the versatile references.
Enjoy this feast for the eyes.
LoL, Sandra
Olivia Palermo, US-socialite, model and actress has not only a pretty face but has also become a fashion icon. Let’s have a closer look at her personal style that is something between Italian-American princess and sohisticated Upper East Side chic.
There are certain must-haves that the brunette is rarely seen without. First, probably her cute boyfriend, German model Johannes Huebl, second her cognac-coloured Hermès Birkin bag in Togo leather with golden hardwear and third her wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban. She loves her Rolex watch and lots of golden jewelry. Olivia’s favourite shoe designer at the moment is London-based It-girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal with her hot footwear label Charlotte Olympia.
This look is so hot! I admire her for riding a bike in those killer heels by Charlotte Olympia. The black leather shorts by 3.1 Phillip Lim combined with the military jacket by Diane von Furstenberg look amazing.
Classy Elegance. Recently in London, Olivia was spotted in a minimalistic beige sweater combined with a well-tailored dark blue pencil skirt.
The extravagant heels by Charlotte Olympia spicened up the look and the amazing gold statement jewelry showed perfectly what a difference the right accessories can make.
On the streets of Manhattan, Olivia was seen wearing a pair of skinny jeans, two layered tees and a boyfriend blazer. The flat Lanvin sneakers and her favourite compagnion her versatile Birkin bag added a sophisticated touch to her casual outfit.
Olivia has launched this year a capsule collection “Roberta by Olivia Palermo” consisting of five bib necklaces in cooperation with the American jewelry designer Roberta Freyman. The pieces are inspired by Olivia’s favourite districts: Belgravia and Chelsea in London, Le Marais in Paris, TriBeCa in New York and Mitte in Berlin. Available at matches.com starting at £195.-.
LoL, Sandra
Me in the Haight area wearing black leggings by BLUMARINE, military shirt by BALMAIN, top and pink-khaki scarf by LOUIS VUITTON and suede clogs by MIU MIU
Last week, I spent a few days in San Francisco. Haight Ashbury is the famous intersection in the area that gets its notoriety from the “psychedelic” culture and the 1968 “Summer of Love”. Today, you can still feel the hippie vibe with its fragments of flower-power.
When I was walking around the district, I got so inspired by the gorgeous bright coloured houses, so-called Painted Ladies. The term refers to Victorian and Edwardian buildings painted in three or more colours that embellish their architectural features.
Adopting that idea and transferring it to fashion, I styled some beautiful outfits in different colour combinations. You will see how stunning some shades can look together. Most people tend to wear a more neutral palette along with black. There is nothing against this. But today, I want to challenge you a bit and demonstrate how wonderful a little mix with some bolder tones can appear without looking like a clown.
It is again all about that special twist. Carrie in Sex and the City might be the perfect example: Patricia Field, the show`s stylist, opts very often for something that looks kind of strange in the beginning, but then so surprising and interesting that you cannot take your eyes of it.
Experiment with your own style! That is the thing that is so hard to copy and will earn you lots of admiring glances.
Spare for a little hug?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Probably you are a little like me. I am always very fast in buying fashion for the next season. So I do not mind starting to get my summer clothes in December. But there is one thing that is always fairly traumatic for me: Trying on a bikini in January when I am all pale in the fluorescent lights of a small dressing room. Somehow those mirrors do not seem to flatter anyone and have the magical power to eliminate the highest self-esteem. They should serve a mandatory glass of champagne to anyone swimsuit shopping when the temperature outside is freezing cold.
Therefore I always wait until the last minute when I am already a little tanned to get my bathing apparel. Probably online shopping is anyway the best way to go.
This year, my object of desire is a monokini, a bikini with fabric linking the bottom and top. The absolute must-have this summer! You could also name it a cutout swimsuit. Reminding me of the 80s, it looks so stylish and surprisingly modern. My favourite is the printed one by Emilio Pucci. The only disadvantage is the pattern that the crisscrossing panel is going to leave on your skin…
LoL, Sandra
Those killer heels are by far some of the most colourful and extraordinary shoes for F/W 2010. The breathtaking models are true works of art and should definitely remain the centre of attention. So keep the rest of your outfit subtle and make sure you know how to walk in them. And if you think there are too much, then just enjoy looking at them.
One thing is certain: This footwear provokes and can cause justifiable credit card debt.
As to me, so worth it…
LoL, Sandra
Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.
The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.
Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.
Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.
Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.
LoL, Sandra
One of the trends for accessories next season is transparency. PVC and plexiglass are used as major materials for shoes and bags. The Prada tote with the leather handles and the detachable case will be a good choice for flying as you could probably avoid discussions with the security guards. The other positive aspect might be that you will find all your personal belongings very easily…… but be careful others will do, too! Besides you better be very tidy and have no hidden secrets!
A gorgeous choice are the Prada mules with the plexiglass heel and the crystal chandelier details.
I am looking forward to seeing your life in your bag.
LoL, Sandra
