Sandra‘s Closet

For its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, the House of Piaget completely developed and crafted in-house, the new Couture Précieuse collection that pays homage to feminine beauty. It was such a pleasure, a true feast for the eyes, to see those magnificent high jewelry creations.

I absolutely loved the decor of the booth. David Downton, famous fashion illustrator and confidant of the world of Haute Couture, created eight sketches immortalising some of the models presented by Piaget. His work that is involving the use of gouache, acrylic paint and Indian ink, created splendid showcases for the jewelry sets.

The Couture Précieuse collection was inspired by three different motifs:

Radiant Laces:
The jewelry sets borrow from the field of corsets and ribbons and celebrate the beauty of feminine curves.

Diamond Embroidery:
Piaget dresses the skin with diamonds, as light and vaporous as a breath of air. Like sumptuous lace or stunning guipure dresses, the creations reveal the smoothness of a glimpse of skin beneath golden fabric and stones.

Magnificent adornments:
In these elegant and refined models, Piaget draws its inspiration from men’s dress suits, with the precious “brandebourg” motifs.

The quintessence of seduction is embodied in a sumptuous necklace embroidered with gold filaments and diamonds. Its entirely openwork, articulated structure makes it look like lace. This centrepiece of the collection is made in the same way as a Haute Couture dress, on the bias and finished with a smooth cut. It took more than 800 hours of work to create.

Gorgeous Embroidery Necklace (Ref.  G37LJ938)
White gold with 1513 brilliant-cut diamonds (44.19 ct), 133 baguette-cut diamonds (16.77 ct), 11 rose-cut diamonds (5.96 ct) and 4 pear-shaped diamonds (7.55 ct).

And the absolute star of the show is the necklace inspired by a traditional fan which merely hints at what its wearer wishes to reveal. The contrast between a delicate central rubellite motif and the finely fashioned net motif on the fan creates a transparent play on light and shade. Each of the fan sections was separately crafted being assembled, and which looks as if it is ready to open and close with the next passing breeze.

Fan Temptation Necklace (Ref.G37LJ240)
White gold with 728 brilliant-cut diamonds (47.13 ct), 5 pear-shaped rubellites (10.95 ct) and 1 cushion-cut rubellite (20.95 ct).

A re-edition of a vintage 1970s model, the cuff-watch is inspired by knit dresses. Its bracelet highlights the historical expertise of the chainmaker-jewelers of the House of Piaget. Gold is hand twisted, knit and formed into a mesh entirely by hand, much like the work of a fashion couturier. This provides an opportunity to emphasise the know-how of the Piaget artisans who, after patiently fitting each gold link on very tiny pins, give rise to these wonderfully supple and unique gold fabrics. It is a real nod to Piaget’s of the 1970s.

Gold Chain Cuff Watch (Ref. G0A38211)
White gold (189.5 g), Calibre 56P, Piaget Quartz movement
400 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.9 ct), diamond-paved dial and white gold bracelet

Personally speaking, my three favourite pieces are the ones below. I have especially fallen for the Lace Mystery Necklace. Its shape enhances the feminine curves of the body and draws all eyes to its dazzling brilliance. It is such a sensual piece of jewelry that could transform every evening gown in seconds to show-stopping appearance.

Lace Mystery Necklace (Ref. G37LM942)
White gold, 303 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.43 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (0.53 ct), 30 pear-shaped rubellites (7.34 ct), 29 round rubellites (6.03 ct), 50 round pink sapphires (4.17 ct) and 1 pear-shaped rubellite (10.61 ct).

Sublime Embroidery Earrings (Ref. G38LK800)
White gold with 378 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.44 ct).

Splendid Embroidery Necklace
White and pink gold  with 2395 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.54 ct), 10 square-cut diamonds (2.03 ct), 5 marquise-cut diamonds (2.21 ct), 1 triangle-cut diamond (0.09 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (1.50 ct), 1 cabochon pink sapphire (0.86 ct), 146 round pink sapphires (14.21 ct) and 3 pear-shaped pink sapphires (8.19 ct).

Seeing all the craftsmanship that has gone into those outstanding creations, it makes you appreciate the work even more. Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures from the Biennale des Antiquaires 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Making of Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

Last Monday in New York’s Marble Cemetry, Stella McCartney presented her Cruise 2013 collection in a very fun way with all the pleasures of a fair. Anne Hathaway with a fresh pixie crop and Jim Carrey were among the guests who could see the stunning new pieces first. Leopard print, lace and fresh florals in beautiful spring colours dominated Stella’s iconic cuts. What a beautiful collection!

On the menu for the stylish crowd were ice-cream sandwiches, mini tacos and old-school sodas.
I am in love with every single detail!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Stella McCartney

This was my look on the last day of Paris Fashion Week. I started off at the Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show with a ponytail. Later at the Miu Miu F/W 2012 show, I opened my hair and wore my little tiara.

You might recognize the dress from a previous post. As you see, I am following my own recommendations.

My look: Floral leather biker vest and matching tote bag, both by Céline, neon lace-sleeve wool-blend crepe dress by Christopher Kane, coat, suede booties, earrings and tiara headband, all by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The new Miu Miu S/S 2012 advertising campaign, shot by David Sims, stars actress Mia Wasikowska.

A young woman plays different feminine characters and diverse personalities; taking inspiration from classic portraiture, David Sims leaves atmosphere and attitudes in a haze of undefined suspension.

Diverse eras and diverse inspirations are reassembled in the Miu Miu S/S 2012 collection. Following a party leitmotif, the Eighteenth century and the Fifties, lace, bows, patchwork and cameos mix and match in a visual collage charged with great evocative power.

I like very much and you?

LoL, Sandra

Here is my first look from the LuisaViaRoma Styling Lab: GYPSY VIBE and I can finally reveal the secret which pug dog I have adpoted: It is the cute Emilio Pucci one which is inspired by the house’s iconic Marquise bag.

You know already that I am a huge fan of the Florentine house and the Pucci S/S 2012 collection is definitely on my shopping list.

To shop the look, just click on the highlighted text:

Printed lace top and long organza skirt, both by Emilio Pucci, platform sandals by Versace, neon-coral PS1 small leather satchel (amazing colour) by Proenza Schouler, straw hat by Borsalino and Mirador crochet earrings by Carolina Bucci.

I hope that you like it as much as I do!

LoL, Sandra

After my Fashion’s Night Out in London, I had another little treat on Thursday. Stella McCartney closed her boutique on Bruton Street in the afternoon to host a small special event for her girlfriends. I was so lucky to be there as well.
The presentation of her fabulous Resort 2011 collection was an eye candy. Gorgeous flower prints reminding me of the works by the Belgian painter and botanist Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) who was called the “Raphael of flowers” evoked a longing for spring. Stella made the prints look as fresh as when first painted.

Slightly clashing pinks, clean whites and vibrant blues gave this collection a fresh and vigorous feeling.  The world’s most famous vegetarian designer who has built an empire on fur-and leather-free products knows her business. Without sacrificing sexiness for sustainability, she mixed elements of the sixties and nineties. The lace fabric with a three-d effect was to die for. I marked my choice with the little hearts.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the London store at .

In case you are not ready for spring yet, have a look at this stunning winter look that is available now. I am in love with the graphic well-tailored cuts.
By the way, Stella told me that there are no umbrellas this season, it is all about hats for her. Awesome, I am so on for this!

Before leaving my best shopping experience ever, Stella signed my Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt.
I will frame it now.

LoL, Sandra

This year, Wolford celebrates its 60th anniversary. To honour the event, the Austrian hosiery and lingerie brand is launching a gorgeous special edition set that is limited to only 350 worldwide with each individually numbered.
The collectable item, comprising of an all-in-one panty body combined with matching stockings (which can be worn separately), is made out of fine flower lace with embroidered blossoms and glittering Swarovski crystals. The exclusive anniversary pack has a great  `60s vibe to it, and remember lace is a must for F/W 2010.

Beyoncé is wearing it already in her video for her new dance track „Why Don`t You Love Me?“ that shows the rising vintage trend par excellence.

Available for CHF 1590.- (£ 825.-) in Wolford boutiques in the beginning of October.

LoL, Sandra

Thanks to the remaining lingerie trend, lace is the connecting thread from boudoir to the office to the dance floor. The most oustanding lace designs were seen on the F/W 2010 runways with black being the dominant colour. The return of womanhood is one of the biggest themes this season and the delicate, sensual fabric is the perfect addition. It makes women feel and look very ladylike and sexy.

No worries, it does not mean that you need to go half-naked. Inject new season`s attitude into your wardrobe with just one ultra-feminine piece. A lace blazer like the D&G one for example makes a fabulous addition to your basics collection. Combine it with a pair of jeans for instant cool chic.

Those lace dresses are cut to create a defined silhouette and will make heads turn after you. These elegant cocktail and black tie pieces are an investment in timeless style. Wear one thing lace and accessorize minimally.

Accessories are always a great way to make a fashion statement. But just one or two at a time, do not overdo the lace addition. Too much is too much!
Stockings, leggings or gloves in the trend material are super hot. I am crazy for the handmade cuffs by Aurélie Biderman. They are made of vintage lace dipped in blackened silver or gold. So beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Ladies, learn your fashion math! What equals a must-have? One dress on three covers  would be a good answer! Every season has a few iconic looks that appear over and over again.
So one important piece for fall is the `60s inspired Miu Miu dress that comes in bright orange or lavender lace. Worn by Eva Mendes on the July cover of W, by Lily Allen for British Elle and Freja Beha for Vogue UK, both for their August covers. That is an unusual coincidence because editors do not like to share their lead picture. But some clothes have that certain something that makes everybody crazy for them. In this case, it is for sure not only the great cleavage!

In Miu Miu stores this fall.

LoL, Sandra