Sandra‘s Closet

I am in love, yes IN LOVE! This is definitely the  chicest bag you could add to your summer wardrobe, DIOR‘s embroidered Book Tote! A veritable invitation to travel by the House’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, an evocation of sunshine, inspired by Mexican crafts, it is the perfect luxury staple piece to rock throughout the season. First seen at the DIOR S/S 2018 runway show, it sports geometrical motifs and requires more than thirty-two hours of work and over one million two hundred thousand stitches to create an interplay of arrestingly lovely patterns in mesmerizing shades of green, orange, red, fuchsia, violet and blue. It’s crafted in the fashion house’s studio in Paris.

Rihanna sporting her personalized DIOR book tote

Although the tote has just been released this season, celebrities all over are sporting the brand in a range of colors and customized names.

Check out the photos below to see how the elegant piece is made:

If you are dreaming of a limited edition piece, I recommend visiting DIOR’s pop-up store on the Greek island of Mykonos this summer at the upscale Nammos shopping village until Oct. 15, 2018.

There you can find exclusive pieces, including DIOR Book Tote bags featuring the name of the island woven into the canvas as well as striped bodysuits and sweaters, silk cravats and cotton pareos bearing the slogan «J’adior Mykonos.»

Great news is that the DIOR book tote is here to stay and has been designed in many different versions for F/W 2018 as well as for Cruise 2019.

DIOR Book Totes for F/W 2018

DIOR Book Tote for Cruise 2019

Such a great bag – my favorite is still the S/S 2018 in vibrant shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

A trip into the blue… from one location to the other. This is what I love – finding unexpected little places, beautiful hotels and exploring new territories. Here you see me on the rooftop terrace of the Hotel de Tourrel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the South of France. With only 7 rooms, it is a real treasure in the city center.

My look: Patchwork cotton top and patchwork asymmetrical-hem skirt, both by Loewe, DiorClub2 D-frame acetate sunglasses by Dior, Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé, beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, daisy necklace by Dior Fine Jewellery, Amulette necklace by Cartier, cuff by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.”
Christian Dior

 In February 2019, the V&A will open the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior – the museum’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in 2015. Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him, to explore the enduring influence of the fashion house. 

Christian Dior with model Sylvie, circa 1948. Courtesy of Christian Dior.

Based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition will be reimagined for the V&A. A brand-new section will, for the first time, explore the designer’s fascination with British culture. Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British-designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary. He also had a preference for Savile Row suits. In 1947, he hosted his first UK fashion show at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in 1952 established Christian Dior London.

Princess Margaret (left), with the Duchess of Marlborough behind, presents Christian Dior with a scroll entitling him to Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross
© Popperphoto, Getty Images

This exhibition will investigate Dior’s creative collaborations with influential British manufacturers, and his most notable British clients, from author Nancy Mitford to ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn. A highlight will be the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday celebrations, generously on loan from the Museum of London. It will also bring to life Dior’s spectacular fashion shows staged in the UK’s most luxurious stately homes, including Blenheim Palace in 1954. 

Left: Sketch by Christian Dior for model Londres, F/W 1950 Haute Couture collection.
Right: Sketch by Christian Dior for model Oxford, S/S 1947 Haute Couture collection.
© Christian Dior.

Drawn from the extensive Dior Archives, the exhibition will also showcase highlights from the V&A’s world-class Couture collections, including the iconic Bar Suit, gifted to the museum by the House of Dior in 1960. The exhibition will present over 500 objects, with over 200 rare Haute Couture garments shown alongside accessories, fashion photography, film, perfume, make-up, illustrations, magazines, and Christian Dior’s personal possessions. 

Diorling perfume, 1963. Photo © Laziz Hamani

The exhibition will highlight Dior’s vision of femininity, encompassing garments, accessories and fragrances. Flowers are emblematic of the Couture House and have inspired silhouettes, embroidery and prints but also the launch of Miss Dior in 1947, the first fragrance created alongside the very first show. 

Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior London, 11th November 1958.
© Popperfoto, Getty Images

From horticulture to global travel and 18th century decorative arts, the show will reveal the sources of inspiration that defined the House of Dior’s aesthetic. From the daring designs of Yves Saint Laurent to the rational style of Marc Bohan, the flamboyance of Gianfranco Ferré, the exuberance of John Galliano, the minimalism of Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s feminist vision of fashion, the exhibition will show how each successive artistic director has stayed true to Dior’s vision of Haute Couture, while bringing their own creative sensibilities to the House. 

Soirée de décembre evening dress, F/W 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Photo © Laziz Hamani

Tim Reeve, Deputy Director and COO of the V&A, said: “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams celebrates one of the most ingenious and iconic designers in fashion history. Reimagining this hugely popular exhibition from Paris – as the largest fashion exhibition the V&A has undertaken since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty – will shed new light on Dior’s fascination with Britain. The V&A holds one of the largest and most important fashion collections in the world, and we are delighted to be able to reveal highlights from our outstanding collection alongside those from the remarkable archive of the House of Dior, for this spectacular exhibition.” 

Oriole Cullen, Fashion and Textiles Curator at the V&A, said: “In 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion with his ‘New Look’, which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorated the post-War Parisian fashion industry. The V&A recognised Dior’s important contribution to design history early-on in his career, acquiring his sketches and garments from the 1950s onwards. The influence of Christian Dior’s design was all-pervasive and helped to define an era. In their own individual ways, each of the House’s successive artistic directors have referenced and reinterpreted Dior’s own designs and continued the legacy of the founder, ensuring that the House of Christian Dior is at the forefront of fashion today. More than seventy years after its founding, the V&A’s exhibition will celebrate the enduring influence of the House of Dior and uncover Dior’s relationship with Britain.” 

Écarlate afternoon dress, F/W 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Photo © Laziz Hamani

The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams runs from 2 February – 14 July 2019. Tickets will go on sale in Fall 2018 and will be available soon here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

To all my US readers, I am wishing you a very Happy 4th of July! When I lived in Chicago, it always felt so special since it’s a celebration of all things summer with backyard barbecues, beach days, and fireworks. To honor this memory, I am wearing stars and stripes, blue, red and white today. I added some rainbow colors as a symbol of LGBT pride and to remember the true meaning of Independence Day: «Home of the Free because of the Brave».

My look: Jacquard-knit mini dress by Givenchy, Peggy striped platform sneakers by Gucci, embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs, D-fence visor cap in white cotton by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Celebrate the arrival of summer time with these new limited edition bracelets by DIOR that will stand out beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Personally speaking, my temptation to stack these pieces in vibrant hues is even stronger in summer: a mish-mash of whisper-thin pieces jangling against each other on a tanned wrist evokes a holiday mood, whatever the temperature outside.

DIOR’s Rose des Vents collection is a prime example: first launched in 2015 (for a previous post, click here please), the house has cleverly come up with a constant supply of new colors and designs – first were the pretty little bracelets with lapis, pink opal, mother-of-pearl and turquoise; later the medallion-like charm was studded entirely with diamonds, rendered in various colours on long sautoir necklaces and covered with onyx.

This summer the eight-pronged star, inspired by an old maritime navigational tool, appears in three limited edition colors, pink, orange and green. I love to flip the bracelets between the plain and embellished surfaces.

On my arm are these Rose des Vents bracelets from top to bottom:
– 18k white gold, diamond and pink ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and green ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
–  18k pink gold, diamond and orange ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise (permanent collection)

The perfect way to elevate the fresh summer accessories one step up, is to paint your nails in a vibrant hue that looks particularly flattering against bronzed skin. Part of Christian Louboutin Beauty‘s limited edition «Loubiflash» collection, these mini lacquers come in the matching colors to complement Dior’s summer bracelets.
Turquoise «Dragonflash» – Orange «Crosta Meteor» – Pink «Neoprene»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! I hope that you will be spoilt and have to time to relax on this very special day. Personally speaking, family means a lot to me and therefore I was very happy to spend the last weekend in my hometown Frankfurt in Germany to celebrate my nephew’s baptism. I am very blessed as I have amazing parents and a super duper little sister!

Frankfurt is a city full of contrasts. In the center, it is filled with skyscrapers that gave it the nickname «Mainhattan». If you head to the suburbs, you will find the most beautiful landscapes, green and picturesque. I am sure that you can feel the diversity in my pictures.

In this post, you see me wearing pieces from Prada’s S/S 2018 collection which I absolutely adore. Miuccia Prada collaborated with eight female illustrators who depict women in their own «uniquely empowering way» as the fashion show notes read. From manga to punk to sci-fi by artists such as Brigid Elva, Jöelle Jones, Stellar Leuna, and Trina Robbins among others, let the artwork do the talking!

My look: Tiger-print Misty-patch coat, comic-print one-shoulder cotton dress, frame comic-print leather bag, and appliquéd leather sneakers, all by Prada. Square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, Rose des Vents bracelet, 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise by Dior, Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Since Maria Grazia Chiuri has taken the helmet at Dior, she has not been afraid of delivering powerful statements. Last year, she already gave us one politically charged look with her famous «We Should All Be Feminists» T-shirt, and now she is back for another round.  To open the S/S 2018 show, Sasha Pivovarova went down the runway in a Breton-striped shirt that read «Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?», a direct reference to historian Linda Nochlin’s 1971 essay on patriarchy’s lasting effect on art. It is absolutely worth reading.

But personally speaking, I think Maria Grazia has forgotten one tiny thing:-) …, most of us are great artists on a daily basis. And our skin is our canvas. Dior has come up with some great painting tools this S/S 2018, enjoy this quick insight of what I can recommend for the perfect oeuvre.

PREPARE YOUR CANVAS

DIOR HYDRA LIFE Balancing Hydration
2 in 1 Sorbet Water
It is as yummy as it sounds. This new generation waters highly concentrated in a bouquet of Jasmin, mallow, haber lea and fine mineral powders of natural origin. It immediately moisturizes and rebalances for skin so naturally beautiful you will prefer it bare.
CHF 47.00 (175ml)

DIOR HYDRA LIFE Cooling Hydration
Sorbet Eye Gel
A must for summer and after a night out. This ultra-fresh eye gel moisturizes, balances and revitalizes the delicate skin around the eyes while mineral pearls illuminate it. Best if you keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
CHF 66.50 (15ml)

PREP YOUR CANVAS

DIOR PRESTIGE Le Cushion Teint de Rose
Fond de Teint Revitalisant d’Exception
Rose Glow – High Correction
SPF 50 – PA+++/ Long Wear

Dior’s first revitalizing foundation concentrates the power of at least 500 rose petals for the most radiant rose-petal complexion. It ideally evens out the complexion with a weightless finish while enhancing the rosy glow on the skin’s surface. Available in 5 shades. Love, love, love!

COLOUR YOUR CANVAS

DIOR ADDICT Lacquer Plump
Plumbing Lacquered Lip Ink
Long-Wear Colour
CHF 50.00

In mere seconds, its fine formula delivers color with intense lacquer shine and fusional hold. Enriched with hibiscus extract and hyaluronic acid, it plumps and deeply hydrates lips (+78% hydration after 24 hours) to achieve a fuller effect. You don’t need much more during warm summer days. My favorite shades are: 456 Dior Pretty, 538 Dior Glitz and 758 D-Mesure

FINISH OFF YOUR ARTWORK WITH A TOUCH OF PERFUME

MISS DIOR Blooming Bouquet
Roller-Pearl Eau de Toilette
CHF 52.50 (20ml)

A beautiful glass bottle in the right size for your handbag topped with a delicate pearl for discreet and sensorial fragrance application that offers you to wrap yourself in the fresh floral scent of Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet anywhere, anytime.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

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.

Thursday night, I attended Breitling‘s red-carpet event at Zurich’s Hallenstadion. The innovative Swiss watch brand celebrated the debut of its new Navitimer 8 collection and Breitling’s new global CEO, Georges Kern introduced his brand’s next chapter. The event was the European stop on Breitling’s international tour, which debuted in Shanghai in late January and which will move on to New York City at the end of February.

As 2018 marks the Year of the Dog, I’ve chosen an offbeat ode to one of my favorite four-legged friends with this dog print gown and hope that you will like it as much as I do.

My look: Dog print silk chiffon gown by Dolce & Gabbana, classic Paris D’Orsay pumps with bow and metallic-trimmed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, necklace by Dior, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Georges Kern, CEO Breitling, introducing his brand’s next chapter.

With Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Always fun talking to former soccer player Günter Netzer and his lovely wife Elvira.

Walking into a #legendaryfuture…

Exploring Breitling’s versatile history and the new Navitimer 8 collection…

My Dolce & Gabbana gown is an ode to the Year of the Dog.

Having fun on the dance floor with Barbara Becker.

Thank you, Georges Kern, for this fantastic night!

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, Courtesy of Breitling © Alexander Scheubel, © Harold Cunningham, © Hervé Le Cunff for Blick, © Sandra Bauknecht