Sandra‘s Closet

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news: H&M has announced that its F/W 2011 designer collaboration will be with Versace.

Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include ranges for women, men and selected pieces for the home. It will be available from 17 November in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line.

In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.

Donatella Versace was already wearing one of the dresses from the Versace for H&M collection at the Versace men’s fashion show in Milan June 20^th, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere!” – Donatella Versace

Versace is a brand that is steeped in glamour to its very core. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, his daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion, creating provocative styles from classical themes which were all cut with an impeccable design eye. Since 1997, Donatella Versace has continued Gianni Versace’s work as creative director, evolving the brand into a global fashion house at the forefront of what luxury means today. Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace is the epitome of everything the Versace house stands for.

Here is your sneak preview at the collection:

Versace is the latest house to collaborate with H&M on an exclusive designer collection, following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin.

For H&M, Donatella Versace has looked back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men, too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, © Johan Sandberg

Summer is right in front of us and it is time to think about your beach apparel. Sand, sun and salty water are not bikini’s best friends. Therefore I am not so keen on spending too much on something that won’t last long.

H&M is always the best solution and for S/S 2011 their beachwear collection is truly divine. There are lots of different styles and colours to choose from with matching pareos, kaftans, tunics and bags available. You better go shopping now as those pieces will sell out fast.

I tried my new tiger print bikini this weekend with the see-through jumpsuit and lots of H&M jewelry (looks cool and you don’t need to worry about it!). The straw hat is from the little shop at Club 55 in St.Tropez. Unfortunately, I am still very pale especially compared to H&M’s campaign models but hope that this will change soon…

Jumpsuit CHF 29.90, Bikini top CHF 19.90, Bikini briefs CHF 14.90
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The recent H&M swimwear advertisements starring Edita Vilkeviciute, Frida Gustavsson and Filippa Hamilton were shot by Patrick Demarchelier and capture the colourful bikinis on those gorgeous bodies perfectly. Ready for a sun-drenched summer?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Courtesy of H&M

Spotted yesterday on the streets of Zurich: Mina with her 5 months old puppy Max.
The mother of a little boy demonstrates that being casual, comfy and stylish in one can be achieved easily.

Laying her main focus on the accessories is absolutely right. They should always be your biggest investment. The Hermès 35 Birkin bag in Togo leather is a dream, the popping colour “Rose shocking“ a wonderful eyecatcher. With a bag like this, you can keep the rest of your outfit low key. Her matching UGG boots and the pink leather bracelet by Hermès finish off the look perfectly. Her statement watch is by Maurice Lacroix.

Denim dresses are very trendy at the moment, hers is by H&M, as well as her black leggings. The dark Moncler down coat is a classic winter must-have.
I always recommend investing in an outerpiece of good quality.

LoL, Sandra

Word was out since quite a while but here are now the official photos of the first collection designed by a fashion blogger for H&M! The Swedish brand is always very forward and after my days in Florence with all the other bloggers, I am actually not wondering that they are the first ones to make this kind of collaboration. I think it is the way to go for the future. Unfortunately, the items will only launch in Sweden on the 3rd of February in 10 selected stores and 10% of the sales will be donated to UNICEF.

Elin Kling, the blogger who designed nine fashion pieces and two accessories for her minimalistic collection with bohemian influences for H&M has since 2007 been running Scandinavia’s largest fashion blog, called Style by Kling. She has won several awards, both for the blog and for the web-TV-show, inspired by the blog. Today, Elin Kling is working as a fashion director at her own fashion magazine Styleby, founded by Sweden’s largest media-house Bonnier. From blogging to print media, interesting!

And to drop a little hint: Sandra’s Closet for H&M Switzerland would be lovely…

LoL, Sandra

One of my favourite dresses at the moment is my leopard-print silk dress by Matthew Williamson. The bright colours and the bead-embellished pockets make it a spectacular cocktail choice.
I wore it recently with a navy clutch and yellow platform pumps from Miu Miu’s S/S 2010 collection. In addition, I added a statement necklace by Matthew Williamson from a previous season.

In case that you do not want to spend so much money on an eye-catching dress that you might not wear too often, I saw the perfect alternative at H&M. The cut is very similiar. It promises a good fit with corset panels and a concealed silicone trim in the bustier.
I truly love the heart print on the 100% organic cotton. What a wonderful way to dress up for Valentine’s Day, don’t you think?!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let`s travel further in time. A breeze from the `70s floated over the F/W 2010 runways when the designers brought the more sophisticated aspects of this decade`s fashion into the now. Indulging in reminiscences of young Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Veruschka, nonchalance, luxe and subtlety are the catchwords fall embraces.

Camel is the colour of the season followed by a palette of browns, nudes, and greys.

The ever-stylish shade makes a great fashion statement in combination with the must-have outerwear this season, the cape.

I love the cape by H&M to the right.

Cut more generously than a coat, the dashing alternative allows more freedom of movement and works much better over shoulder embellishments and mutton sleeves.
It was a veritable explosion of fur on the runways so there is no need to shy away from those ueberluxe pieces. The soft cocoon embrace of a voluminous real or faux fur jacket (or vest) will be irresistible this winter.

As the mood is casual luxe for daywear, redefine power-dressing in buttery silk blouses with tie collars.

When it comes to trousers, opt for sleek or wide leg ones with a minimalist edge. Razor-sharp slimline Gucci pants or immaculately tailored like the ones by YSL are among my favourites. Naturally worn with a cashmere turtleneck, they are the most figure flattering throwback to `70s style.

Booties by H&M

To complement the look, you will have to tie the knot with a pair of lace up booties. They are must-haves for every shoeaholic.

Synonymous with luxe seventies style are the long-handled drawstring bucket bags. So no wonder they have made a much-welcome appearance.

Another bestseller will be the remake of Gucci`s 1973 line. Available in nappa, suede and exotic leathers like crocodile and ostrich, those bags are classic and beautiful enough to be safe investment pieces.

Hat by H&M, Stills: Courtesy of H&M

If you really want to get a head start on the boho wardrobe, look for a floppy hat or a knitted beanie.

You do not need to go overboard. Enjoy your fashion moments in traditional, timeless essentials and the overall effect will be more post seventies luxe than vintage hippie.

LoL, Sandra

Go bold at cocktail hour with a red statement dress. Everything floral, like prints or applications, is essential this summer. My winner is this bright-red strapless silk mini dress with pleats and oversized flowery ruffles by Stella McCartney. This show-stopping runway style deserves center stage; slip on some gorgeous sandals (mine are the Fendi ones from the show) and keep the accessories simple.