Sandra‘s Closet

A love letter to Italy, Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 runway show was styled by Tabitha Simmons. The collection evokes the glories of Italy through the eyes of tourists, highlighting the country’s most famous landmarks—Venice’s gondolas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Michelangelo’s David—came decadently embroidered and beaded atop trademark fluted shifts and lace separates.

The collection’s colorful brushstroke dresses were inspired by the work of Italian artist Lucio Fontana, seen on everything from curve hugging sheaths to generously flared ’50s dresses.

In step with the sightseeing theme, this season’s new Dolce Box was an actual camera (bag). Additionally, the Adelina bag makes its debut. The top handle silhouette that references the1950s is offered in raffia, tweed, and luxurious crocodile. The country’s most iconic landmarks trickled down to the accessories.

There were slippers shaped like gondolas from Venice, handpainted heels that nodded to the ceramics found in Naples, and shopper totes emblazoned with postcard prints in the same tune as the finale dresses. Back again are the most extravagant headphones in four styles…now that’s amore!

“To work on this Dolce and Gabbana show was so much funI loved how Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana celebrated the idea of stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn on holiday in Italy. The energy around the show was infectious, the models were so excited to take selfies backstage and on the catwalk (like any respectable tourist would do!) and then project them around the world. It goes without saying, but the clothes and accessories were brilliant, I have my eye on the long chiffon dress with a humming bird and flower print.” Tabitha Simmons, stylist.

Please find the collection highlights below, to preorder just click on the product description:

Italia Is Love Embellished Shift Dress

Pom Pom Headphones

Dolce Box Bag Camera Case

Caretto Printed Poplin Dress

Orange Mule

Wool Crepe Embellished Skirt

Red Leather IPhone Case

Embellished Net Long Sleeve Dress

Adelina In Crocodile Top Handle Bag

Maiolica Tile Print Short

Be the first to preorder the Italian house’s next summer collection straight from the runway. The DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 2016 TRUNKSHOW is live until October 13, 2015. So hurry up and get the new looks for your best selfies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Moda Operandi, © Kevin Tachman, Venturelli/WireImage

Last week, I was in Milan for work. Here you see me inside the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the center of the city, it is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It is also the home of the first Prada store founded in 1913 by Miuccia’s grandfather Mario. Whenever I am inside, I am impressed by its beauty.

My look: Tweed blazer, ruffled leopard-print silk-georgette mini dress and ‘Babies’ mid-calf boots in silver, all by Saint Laurent, makeup face-printed saffiano tote illustrated by Jeanne Deallante by Prada, diamond stud earrings by Cartier and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from beautiful Villa d’Este in Como, Italy where I am at the moment with Acqua di Parma for the presentation of their new fragrance Rosa Nobili. The photos of the event will be coming up shortly. Here you see me at the hotel before leaving to the gala dinner.

My look: Black liquid lamé jumpsuit and blue suede fringe shoulder bag, both by Gucci. Tribute sandals by Saint Laurent, diamond rose necklace, ring and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget, diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, I flew to Venice for the launch event of Gucci Première, the house’s new fragrance legend. Gucci Parfums revealed its new scent during a private cocktail and dinner held at the Hotel Cipriani in the presence of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Gucci President and CEO Patrizio di Marco, the face of the new fragrance campaign Blake Lively, the film director Nicolas Winding Refn and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola.

At the cocktail reception from left to right: Me, Michaela Stein (P&G Prestige), Regina Stahl (German Vogue), Gabi Hässig (P&G Prestige) and Tania Messner (Cover)

Blake Lively, star of the new fragrance Gucci Première, made quite an entrance during the event in Venice. The American beauty arrived by boat, welcomed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Here, a look at the fashion and the fragrance:

Blake Lively wore a Gucci One of a kind sleeveless deep V-neck cocktail dress, fully embroidered with cherry overlapping palettes and raised flower detail around the neckline, burgundy python high heel sandal with metallic spike detail in the back, horsebit bracelet and ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds and horsebit cocktail ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds.

Salma Hayek-Pinault wore a Gucci F/W 2012 black chiffon long sleeved cocktail dress with jet beaded bodice and all over embroidered skirt.

Nicolas Winding Refn wore a Gucci midnight blue notch lapel two button Marseille suit with white dress shirt, blue grosgrain tie and black leather lace ups.

Frida Giannini wore a Gucci One of kind silver and gunmetal degrade sleeveless v-neck grey silk crepe cocktail dress with art deco graphic beading and black diamond crystals, and grey suede peep toe sandals.

Karmen Pedaru wore a Gucci F/W 2012 burgundy georgette silk sleeveless blouse, black velvet wrap skirt, and black suede high heeled sandal.

Style icon Blake Lively, who appeared in 2011 on TIME magazine’s TIME 100 list, is the face of the Gucci Première and transports the Hollywood glamour perfectly. Her speech was very lively in the true sense of the word.

François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, framed by Blake Lively to the left and his wife Salma Hayek-Pinault to the right.

President and Chief Executive Officer Gucci Patrizio di Marco and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola

Before the dinner, during the cocktail reception, the fragrance and campaign were revealed to the editors and guests.

I was sitting right behind Frida Giannini who looked so beautiful in her One of a kind Gucci gown.

Frida Giannini says about the new fragrance: “Gucci Première is womanly, intriguing and as seductive as the perfect couture gown.”

The Gucci Première couture gown worn by Blake Lively in the campaign was on display at the event.

Gucci Première is a sophisticated wood and musk composition. The inspiration derives from the Gucci Première couture collection that debuted at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival (for a previous post, click here please).

During the cocktail, Nicolas Winding Refn presented his short film which was shot at the famous Sheats Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles.

The atmosphere at the beautiful dinner was amazing. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures during the dinner because Blake Lively’s boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, who was there also that night, didn’t want any to be taken of him.

Frida Giannini with me

For the outfit post, please click here.

It was such a beautiful event and I felt very honoured to be part of it. Personally speaking, I like Gucci Première a lot. It is in stores now, here are more details:

Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: White flowers and musk
Base notes: Leather and wood
Available as Eau de Parfum 30ml, 50ml and 75ml
Body Lotion 200ml, Shower Gel 200ml and Deo Spray 100ml

Stay tuned for an amazing interview I did with Blake Lively! To be posted very soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fashion-conscious vodka-lovers out there, here is your new fashionable drink: ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA.

Roberto Cavalli says about the tasty addition to his universe on his blog: “In life it takes imagination! I believe I have it!
 I do not remember if I told you what it was that prompted me to create the ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA. I go clubbing… I notice that vodka is the most popular drink… smooth… or with some juice… the most fashionable vodka is French… French…? Why not Italian…? I design the Cavalli style bottle and my son Tommaso selects the best distillery… that’s how the first Italian Vodka is born!”

A few days ago, I created a special cocktail… I can say I am not fond of high volume alcohol drinks… but I really like my cocktail… maybe too much! I get into a nasty habit of making one before bed… l put the glass near the bed and I enjoy it ‘til the last delicious drop! It helps me fall asleep… gently! Try it and let me know how you like it…”

Here is the recipe:

If you are in Florence, I recommend a visit to Caffè Giacosa, one of the city’s most famous cafés. After a painstaking restoration faithful to the original structures, Roberto Cavalli, a born Florentine bound to tradition, reopened this lovely spot. There you can enjoy and shop chocolate, pastries, wines and spirits, all embellished with the iconic Cavalli logo and animal prints.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht