Sandra‘s Closet

“Everyone called her Coco but her real name was Gabrielle. It’s the perfect name for a handbag that has all the codes of CHANEL,” explains Karl Lagerfeld.

In in the beginning of January, I told you already about the new It-bag alert, the GABRIELLE by CHANEL (for the previous post, click here please).

But who is Gabrielle? With the launch of this new bag that bears the name of the founder of the House, Karl Lagerfeld has been continuing the tradition and enriching the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel who created a handbag in February 1955 that freed up women’s movements. Her design was a bag with lines as beautiful as they were functional, by this she revolutionised the world of fashion and accessories.

Introduced during the S/S 2017 runway show (see photo above and the next two below), this new bag draws from the futuristic spirit of the collection with a mischievous wink to Gabrielle Chanel. Indeed, the designer was inspired by the shape of augmented reality glasses, and also by the binocular cases gentlemen would wear over the shoulder at the racecourse. We know menswear gave Gabrielle Chanel the idea to design, among so many other things, bags that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Fitted on a rigid thermoformed base, the main body of the bag is extremely light and ultra-supple: this contrasting structure gives it perfect stability and enables women to find their belongings with ease. In tune with the search for comfort advocated by the founder of the House, it hugs the silhouette, moves with the gait and never hinders it. Its adjustable strap comes with a double chain interlaced with leather in both golden and silver metal.

An original detail that allows for three different ways of wearing it: either over the shoulder, across the body or both at the same time, with the chain going over one shoulder and then diagonally over the other. It thus adapts to the wearer’s character, situation or mood.

Crafted from aged calfskin with a quilted body and a smooth base, in black or white unicolours or bicolours (black/white, navy/black, beige/black), CHANEL‘s GABRIELLE bag comes as a hobo version, itself available in three formats, a backpack, a large shopper and a supple purse contained in a rigid half-case. This purse exists in numerous versions: in addition to the leather version there’s black python and also vibrant shades of yellow, pink, red, blue and aqua. The lining is a garnet-hued cloth, the ultimate reference to the first-ever bags created by Gabrielle Chanel.

With CHANEL‘s GABRIELLE bag, Karl Lagerfeld renews the distinctive codes of the brand and perpetuates the history of a House: a beautiful tribute to its founder who always put comfort and women’s freedom at the heart of all her creations.

Below you can enjoy some of the new models from the Paris Cosmopolite Métiers d’Art collection that feature some amazing special editions of the Gabrielle collection.

The pieces from the S/S 2017 collection have already hit the shelves this week, so hurry as those will sell out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel
#TheCHANELGABRIELLEbag
#GabrielleChanel

On February 23, 2017, the famous Vienna Opera Ball, one of the most exclusive highlights of the Viennese social calendar, celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is an event steeped in tradition and timeless glamour, where debutantes and their partners dance the opening waltz and dazzle wearing fairytale tiaras as they are introduced into society. This year marks a very special collaboration as the tiara is designed by an emperor. No other than «Kaiser Karl», KARL LAGERFELD, teamed up with SWAROVSKI to design the sparkling tiara that will crown the heads of the debutantes.

Embellished with 394 clear and saphire blue Swarovski crystals along with five Swarovski crystal pearls, the Swarovski Tiara is named “LE BEAU DANUBE BLEU” (The Blue Danube) which is the common title of a famous waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Thomas Schrott/Swarovski, © Karl Lagerfeld and © Reuters

Bag aficionados, here we go! Meet CHANEL‘s new GABRIELLE bag. The official advertising campaign is announced to launch on April 3rd 2017, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and featuring four guests of honour: Kristen Stewart, Caroline de Maigret, Pharrell Williams, along with Cara Delevingne.

Pharrell Williams, Cara Delevingne and Karl Lagerfeld at the Chanel Collection des Metiers d’Art Pre-fall 2017: Paris Cosmopolite Show at Hotel Ritz on December 6, 2016 in Paris.

All four of them have woven strong links with CHANEL. Kristen Stewart has appeared in several fashion and beauty campaigns since 2013. Model, music producer and writer, Caroline de Maigret is also a close friend of Karl Lagerfeld. Pharrell Williams appeared in the designer’s short film that celebrated the Paris-Salzburg collection; he composed the film’s music and was the face of that same collection alongside Cara Delevingne, who is ever loyal to Karl Lagerfeld.

First presented at the S/S 2017 show, CHANEL’s GABRIELLE bag is like a mischievous wink to Gabrielle Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld wanted it to have the same aesthetic and practical spirit in that blend of strength and elegance that characterises CHANEL handbags. Fitted on a rigid thermoformed base, the main body of the bag is extremely light and ultra-supple: this contrasting structure gives it perfect stability and makes finding belongings effortless. In tune with a continuing search for comfort advocated by the founder of the House, it hugs the silhouette, moving with the gait and never hindering it.

Its adjustable strap comes with a double chain woven from leather and golden and silver metal. A highly original detail permitting several ways of wearing it: over the shoulder, across the body or both at the same time, with the chain going over one shoulder and then diagonally across the other.

Stay tuned – more to come in April! I am already in love…
#TheCHANELGABRIELLEbag

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel, Sketch: © Karl Lagerfeld/Chanel

“What amuses me while drawing is the fact to draw,” added Karl Lagerfeld. “To me, drawing is like breathing and writing. These are things that almost relax me.”

Yesterday, KARL LAGERFELD and Faber-Castell have announced their amazing collaboration, the KARLBOX, a limited-edition collection of high-end drawing tools and artists’ supplies.

 Only 2,500 of the KARLBOX have been made and are exclusively available at Faber-Castell stores, KARL LAGERFELD boutiques worldwide and Harrods in London from now.
In select department stores and specialty stores from September 19, 2016.

Anchored in simple elegance, the KARLBOX comes in a sleek black box that has been designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Produced with exemplary craftsmanship, its wooden frame resembles a Chinese wedding cabinet. Inside, the individual drawers are removable in order to set them up for creative work. Every one-of-a-kind box has a serial number and certificate of authenticity, making each completely unique and unmistakeable.

The KARLBOX collection features a varied selection of premium artists’ tools including ALBRECHT DÜRER and POLYCHROMOS colour pencils, highly pigmented PITT Artist ink pens, Castell 9000 graphite pencils and PITT crayons and -pastels, watercolour brushes and accessories like a foldable water cup, an eraser and sharpeners. Crafted with the highest degree of quality, shades are sorted by primary and secondary colours, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant and intense pigmentations. Karl Lagerfeld’s own favourite product line is the ALBRECHT DÜRER artist range of watersoluble color pencils, and all 120 shades are included in the KARLBOX.

“Since I was a child in Germany, Faber-Castell has been the most famous brand, known for its especially good quality,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “That reputation remains just as true today, particularly for artist pencils.”

Over the course of his illustrious career, the designer has used Faber-Castell products to create countless works of art. From fashion and design to writing and penmanship, Karl Lagerfeld most often turns to pen and paper to bring his ideas to life, with each brush of a pencil or pastel expressing a new vision from within his creative mind.

I wished I had one at home…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Karl Lagerfeld / Faber-Castell

“Fendi is my Italian version of creativity. It’s Italian to its core. It’s not only Italian, it’s Roman,” says Karl Lagerfeld of his position as Creative Director.

This book set celebrates his astounding 50 year tenure with the label – the longest collaboration ever between a designer and a luxury fashion house.

Beautifully presented in a custom-made wooden case modeled on the box of oil pastels on Lagerfeld’s work desk, it’s a compilation of exclusive interviews, recorded conversations, personal sketches and DVDs of his short films, through which we discover some of his earliest and fondest memories of the past five decades.

Get your issue of Karl Lagerfeld: Fendi 50 Years by Steidl online HERE.

Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini (the granddaughter of Adele and Edorado Fendi) at the Fendi F/W 2011 runway show

THE STORY

Fendi was founded by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather shop in Via del Plebiscito, Rome in 1925. In 1965, their five daughters hired the young Karl Lagerfeld, who was around 30 years old at that time to come on board and help them to revitalize their fur business. Previously Lagerfeld had worked for Parisian houses Balmain and Jean Patou. Upon his arrival at Fendi, the German-born designer changed the way the house used fur and took the luxurious fabric rather as an embellishment for coats, stoles, and trimmings. He introduced bright colors of fur and mixed it with different fabrics to create interesting textures and silhouettes. He is responsible for the term «fun fur» along with the double F logo that is now recognizable worldwide.

In 1977, Lagerfeld introduced Fendi’s women’s ready-to-wear collection providing a wardrobe that the already popular furs and accessories could accentuate. The eighties became a time of expansion where many categories were licensed out to other manufactures to facilitate growth and global recognition. Also, during this time the next generation of Fendi children started to get involved in the company. Since 2001, the Italian House became a multinational luxury fashion brand and member of LVMH group.

Here are some of this season’s must-haves you should definitely get:

A must: Karlito mink and fox-fur bag charm by Fendi

Already a classic: Petite 2Jours leather tote by Fendi

The most famous baguette in the world: Micro Baguette hand-embroidered cross-body bag by Fendi

The most charming monsters: Bag Bugs fur-appliqué roll-neck sweater by Fendi

The backpack everybody wants: Bag Bugs nylon and fur mini backpack by Fendi

It all started with fur: Flowerland appliqué fur coat by Fendi

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL presents the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana art gallery. To celebrate its inauguration two days before the Cruise 2017 show, guests were able to discover more than 200 photographs by the famous designer.

The exhibition is divided into three sections representing Karl Lagerfeld’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object. It is open until tomorrow and the admission is free.

Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress
Factoría Habana
Calle O’Reilly No.°308, e/ Habana y Aguiar
La Habana Vieja
La Habana, Cuba

Enjoy my personal moments of the opening celebration:

On our way to the exhibition through the streets of the old town of Havana…

… we were guided by beautiful Cuban models.

Factoría Habana art gallery

Karl Lagerfeld arriving at the opening celebration.

With lovely Stella Tennant in front of Karl Lagerfeld’s photos of her.

I fell in love with Lagerfeld’s photos of his muse Baptiste Giabiconi…

… that show the model in a different way.

More to come from Cuba! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel / © Olivier Saillant / © Anne Combaz and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel

Many of my readers have been asking me about a business look with a certain twist. As one of the big summer trends is incorporating lingerie in your daily wardrobe, I exchanged the stereotype white shirt into a feminine lace top which looks sophisticated and elegant under a blazer. A great selection of such camisoles can be found at ZIMMERLI. The one I am wearing in this post has some small pieces of art hidden within the airy embellished ribs. The light and breathable fabric is soft as silk and pliant as cashmere.

My look: Tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, lace top by Zimmerli, cropped wool-crepe pants by Alexander McQueen, Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi, Christy leather point-toe flats by Aquazzura, tote bag by Karl Lagerfeld, pearl earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Cara Delevingne as the face of the S/S 2016 CHANEL eyewear campaign. Since 2012, the young actress has been a close friend of the House and of Karl Lagerfeld. She has walked the runway several times and appeared in different campaigns.

For the S/S 2016 eyewear campaign, she sports a very urban and contemporary look wearing pieces from the CHANEL AIRLINES ready-to-wear collection. The new must-have shades have been presented on the catwalk last October during the S/S 2016 show: an ultra-graphic, mirrored mask with a quilting effect engraved by laser.

Other eyewear models for this summer are:

The Plein Soleil 2016 collection revisits the two-tone – an emblematic House signature – and is inspired by tie-dye motifs. The colours subtly melt into the acetate, sliding progressively from black into blue on the cat-eye sunglasses, and from black into white on an oval optical.

The Bijou 2016 eyewear collection draws inspiration from another CHANEL code: the camellia. The temples of the butterfly shaped sunglasses and a cat-eye optical are adorned with an abundance of camellias in metal and enamel.

The campaign has been shot by Karl Lagerfeld and is expected to be released in April 2016.

#ChanelSunglasses
#ChanelSpringSummer2016

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Last week, I received a fabulous surprise from the House of KARL LAGERFELD for the launch of their new ONLINE SHOP. This extremely sweet postcard clutch which is part of the «Karl around the World» collection adds this certain twist to every look and is sure to draw attention. It easily fits your cell phone, credit cards and lipstick. Moreover, it looks great with an evening gown as well combined with jeans and a sweater as I did for this shoot that was all about hearts and love.

My look: Double breasted tweed coat and lace-up leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent
sequined sweater by H&M, Pedal Icon ’85 Indigo Denim jeans by Closed, With Love from Karl postcard clutch by Karl Lagerfeld, vintage heart earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht