Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

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 

Those shoes are a phenomenon. They started as a must-have in every blogger closet in 2008 and were seen on the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Bosworth. Over the last years, they have become a fashion classic, available in many different colours. Now, my favourite version in black with golden studs is back in stock for the new season.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE SUSANNA STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS

I still love mine, they are stylish and comfortable in one. Have a look at some previous posts, when I wore them during a girls trip in London or to the Fashion 2.0 Awards in New York City.

LoL, Sandra

Chloé Pre-fall 2008: The first season of the must-have shoes

Celebs wearing the Susanna studded ankle boots: Ashley Tisdale, Sienna Miller, Halle Berry and Kate Bosworth.

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

Each year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the Met Gala, the fashion event of the season and the party of the year, to celebrate the newest the exhibition. This spring, it will be about PUNK: Chaos to Couture, on view from May 9 through August 14, 2013, will examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today. “Since its origins, punk has had an incendiary influence on fashion,” said Andrew Bolton, Curator in The Costume Institute. “Although punk’s democracy stands in opposition to fashion’s autocracy, designers continue to appropriate punk’s aesthetic vocabulary to capture its youthful rebelliousness and aggressive forcefulness.”

If you want to find out more about the exhibition, please click here.

Enjoy the best looks from the red carpet of the Costume Institute Benefit last Monday. On top, you can see Sarah Jessica Parker who took the night’s punk theme to heart, and went for this stunning Giles Deacon dress, combined with a Philip Treacy punk hat and plaid Christian Louboutin boots. Madonna understood the invitation well and showed up in Givenchy.

Anne Hathaway had the most surprising look with her bleached blond hair which I loved. Of course, the vintage Valentino gown was the perfect match.

And here is an amazing opportunity, you can PRE-ORDER those extremely sexy couture red carpet looks (all F/W 2013) below directly now for seven days. How cool is that?! Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Emma Watson in a matte black crepe crossover tie strap gown with high slit by Prabal Gurung.

Kate Bosworth in a short body-conscious dress with 3/4-length sleeves and diamond embroideries on pink lurex jacquard by Balmain Atelier.

Anja Rubik in a lambskin and macrame dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Gisèle Bündchen in a bonded crepe and macrame one sleeve halter dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Taylor Swift in a black silk crepe gown with black lace inserts, black chiffon sunburst pleated back and silver-gold embroidered crystal neckline by J.Mendel.

Kate Mara in a short dress with woolen crepe base, heart-shaped neckline and architectural modules by Delpozo.

Christina Ricci in a turquoise silk taffeta McAndrew tartan corset gown by Vivienne Westwood Couture.

And don’t miss Moda Operandi‘s amazing punk pop-up store where you can find all those  must-have pieces. Mmh, Hedi Slimane was obviously not so wrong with his F/W 2103 collection…

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to the Coachella Festival, the annual music and arts festival in the California Desert, during which Mulberry hosted two events in Palm Springs this weekend:

The Firepit Party on Friday 13th April and the following day on Saturday 14th a BBQ Pool Party, both at the Parker Hotel.

The guests included Emma Hill, Kate Bosworth, Emma Watson and Lily Collins to name a few. Needless to say, the ladies were all dressed up very fashionably, mostly in Mulberry. The festival dress code: short denim pants, little tank tops and floral dresses.
Some of them wore already the newest pieces for the upcoming F/W 2012 season. Pretty challenging as the Coachella Music Festival has a desert setting, with daytime temperatures frequently rising to over 110 °F (43 °C). And believe me, I have been there, it is HOT!

Enjoy all the photos below. You can shop already some of the looks by clicking on the highlighted text. I felt the sunshine just looking at those beautiful pictures…

LoL, Sandra

Two Emmas: Actress Emma Watson and Emma Hill, Mulberry’s Creative Director

Emma Watson‘s day look: Fuzzy tiger playsuit from F/W 2012 Main and carrying the Mini Lily with tassels in oak from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Emma Hill‘s day look: Lace raglan dress in multicolour plastic animals from S/S 2012 catwalk and carrying the Lily with chain handle in ink blue sparkle croc print from F/W 2012 catwalk, all by Mulberry

Actress Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth‘s day look: Fuzzy tiger scoop neck tee in acorn from F/W 2012 Catwalk, the black studded sneakers in black from F/W 2012 Main and carrying the Mini Lily with tassels in ink blue from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Atlanta de Cadenet

Atlanta de Cadenet‘s day look: Full sleeve dress in multicolour mini zig zag from F/W 2012 Catwalk and carrying the Bryn in flame from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Lily Collins

Lily Collins‘s day look: Stripy straws Neely dress in pale blue from S/S 2012 Main, the stitched bow ballerinas from S/S 2012 Main and carrying the Lily with tassels in ink blue from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Dree Hemingway

Drew Hemingways‘s day look: Chili pepper-print cotton bustier, matching cotton-poplin skirt and belt, all from Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2012 Catwalk
(This look has found its way already in my closet, stay tuned for the photos to be posted soon.)

Harley Viera-Newton

Harley Viera-Newton‘s day look: Cherry-printed swimsuit by Juicy Couture, low-rise stretch-denim shorts by 7 for all mankind and Lily bag with tassels in oak from F/W 2012 Main

Mulberry’s Creative Director Emma Hill

Emma Hill‘s evening look: Shorts in navy cotton drill from S/S 2012 Catwalk, sequin blouse in navy from F/W 2011 Catwalk and Lily bag with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth‘ s evening look: Panel dress in multicolour Ditzy Daisy crushed cotton from F/W 2012 Main, sneaker in black studded leather from F/W 2012 Main and Mini Lily with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Lily Collins

Lily Collins‘s evening look: Windbreaker in pebbled beige summer boucle from S/S 2012 Catwalk, square printed scarf in multi-coloured Bonkers Beach print from S/S 2012 Main and Lily with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry, © WireImage

Welcome the newest addition to the Mulberry family! Already spotted on the likes of Lily Donaldson, Kate Bosworth and Kirsten Dunst, the new Carter is a bag that you can take from the city directly to the weekend in the countryside.

The range is offered in three different sizes: The two smaller versions which are based on vintage camera cases and the roomier, tote-like Double handle bag. Available now online at mulberry.com in a beautiful fall colour palette, there are three finishes to choose from: suede, croc or snake-embossed leather.

This understated new member of the Mulberry family  might become as cult as the Alexa has. I’m loving it already!

LoL, Sandra

Lily Donaldson with the Mini Carter in Fox Brown Suede, €810

Kate Bosworth with the Carter Double Handle Bag in Birds Nest Croc Nappa Leather, €1240

Kirsten Dunst with the Carter Double Handle Bag in Black Snake Embossed Leather, €1240

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry

Today’s Burberry Prorsum F/W 2011 show took place in a massive tent in London’s Royal Park of Kensington Gardens. It was a true spectacle with many celebrities attending the event., including among others Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth, Alexa Chung, Stella Tennant, Maggie Cheung, Anna Wintour, Samantha Cameron, Mario Testino, Laura Haddock, Lily Donaldson, Julia Restoin Roitfield, Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal, Sophie Kennedy-Clark, Poppy Delevingne, Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon.

Christopher Bailey named his F/W 2011 collection after the icon of the Swinging Sixties “Jean Shrimpton”. The look and sound of her golden era shaped the show. The Shrimp once did advertising for Burberry so she had history with the house.
Trim coats with matching bags, drop-waisted tulip-skirted dresses, bold colours, check at its best, the designer played with the silhouettes. Two thumbs up!

As part of 40 events, the show was broadcasted live globally in Burberry flagship stores from Boston to Beijing, creating ‘buy from the runway’ in-store virtual trunk show events across 4 continents
.
The 40th venue, London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus, streamed the show live onto the famous 32 metre digital screen viewed by an estimated 1.2 million people a week – a first for any brand.

LoL, Sandra