Sandra‘s Closet

Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse pop goddess, brings her blonde, bold spirit to M·A·C in a collaboration that’s as mesmerizing as her music. Inspired by the light and dark dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer, Ellie’s thoughtfully curated collection emulates her two signature looks: effortless au naturel by day, and breathtaking bombshell by night.

Ellie Goulding with me

HALCYON NIGHTS | CHF 60.00| LIMITED EDITION

Starry Eyed Cream high pearl (Frost) (Eyeshadow)
You My Everything Mid-tone peachy brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
Hanging On Muted plum-brown (Satin) (Eyeshadow)
Saddle Golden orange brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
This Love Pinky orange-pearl (Cream Colour Base)

HALCYON DAYS | CHF 60.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Root Red taupey brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Tint Soft peachy brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Wished I Stayed Light cream pearl (Cream Colour Base)
Every Time You Go Creamy peachy pink (Cream Colour Base)
Medium Dark Blot Pressed Powder Medium dark

LIPSTICK | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Only You Muted mid-tone coral (Cremesheen)
Without Your Love Warm seashell pink (Cremesheen)

PLUSHGLASS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Explosion Warm light golden shimmer
Goodness Gracious Creamy pinky peach

PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Revved Up Creamy peach
Innocent Nude beige

POWDER BLUSH DUO | CHF 39.00| LIMITED EDITION

I’ll Hold My Breath Medium warm bronze / Peachy pink pearl (Matte/Satin)

HAUTE & NAUGHTY | CHF 34.00| LIMITED EDITION

Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Black

LASH | CHF 19.00 | LIMITED EDITION

20 Lash
30 Lash

LUSTRE DROPS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Pink Rebel Blue-pink with gold pearl

BRUSHES | LIMITED EDITION

209 Eyeliner (CHF 32.00)
129 Powder/Blush (CHF 54.00)
217 Blending Brush (CHF 34.00)

The collection is in stores now. Available exclusively at all M∙A∙C Manor counters, M∙A∙C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © 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