Sandra‘s Closet

Sending the internet into a frenzy, Alexander McQueen’s «Hoof Boots» are a striking and avant-garde footwear design introduced in the brand’s F/W 2024 collection under creative director Seán McGirr. I spotted them at the re-see after the show in March and knew that they needed a spot in Sandra’s Closet.

Giving the wearer an anthropomorphic feel, these boots are shaped to mimic horse hooves, complete with sculpted heels and sometimes even horseshoe-like embellishments. Inspired by McGirr’s Irish heritage, they embody the rebellious, theatrical spirit long associated with McQueen, echoing the brand’s iconic «armadillo» shoes worn by Lady Gaga.

Finished in brown calf hair, or with a sweeping silk ponytail, the «Hoof Boots» feature a mid-calf length and rear zip fastening, with a heel height of 145mm, offering both height and dramatic flair. These boots have quickly captured attention for their bold silhouette and have been described as a potential viral sensation due to their unique aesthetic.

To shop the hoof booties, click here please. In the next post, I will show you how I personally style them.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Alexander McQueen
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Today, I am writing to share some exciting news about YVY, the Swiss fashion brand that has been making waves in the fashion industry for its innovative designs that cross the boundaries between object, accessory, and clothing.

Yvonne Reichmuth founder and creative director of YVY.

The brand’s biggest ARCHIVE SALE will take place from the 14th to the 16th of April at their studio and online from the 17th to the 20th. The studio’s address is Quellenstrasse 27 in Zurich with opening hours on Friday 14th of April from 10am to 8pm and during the weekend from 11am to 5pm.

The cuban-born American-raised superstar Camila Cabello wore the YVY Spine Harness for her look on The Voice USA recently.

YVY has gained a lot of attention and love from celebrities worldwide. The ARCHIVE SALE features some of the iconic pieces worn by Lady Gaga, Ciara, and Irina Shayk, making it an exciting chance for fans to own a piece of fashion history! Moreover, YVY will have samples and prototypes of some of their bestsellers.

Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines, Yvonne Reichmuth and Kate Winslet.

Last year, Swiss watchmaking brand Longines entrusted YVY with a new design for the famous rectangular watch of Longine’s DolceVita collection, resulting in four sophisticated timepieces that were revealed in Paris in the presence of Kate Winslet.

Madonna in 2020 in a one-of-a-kind top from YVY’s BRUT collection, handmade in the Zurich atelier with Italian lambskin and delicate Swarovski crystals. 

The aim for YVY’s ARCHIVE SALE is to provide an unparalleled opportunity for the Swiss audience to own exclusive pieces from the collection Swiss made. YVY believes that each piece carries a unique story, and is thrilled to share it with their valued customers.

Lday Gaga herself starred in her Haus Laboratories’s makeup line’s campaign in a top by YVY to underline the empowering effect of a bold eyeliner.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get your dream leather look and follow YVY on Instagram @yvyleather for a first look at the archive pieces. Get exclusive access to iconic pieces worn by celebrities for fashion magazines and press events, as well as one-of-a-kind designs and samples from some of their must-haves at up to 80% off.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © YVY
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Lady Gaga is a woman of the 21st century – boldly speaking her mind, and driving change through her art, her commitments, her actions. She is not only bubbly, she also love the bubbly. The collaboration of Dom Pérignon and Lady Gaga opens its second chapter and brings together a common ambition to discover harmony in tensions, and create by juxtaposing polarities and dualities with the Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2008 x Lady Gaga Limited Edition. When Dom Pérignon chooses to be rosé, it is a radical declaration of freedom. Freedom to explore. Freedom to cast aside conventions and push the boundaries of creation. And who else could be more suitable to incorporate this way of living than Lady Gaga.

Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2008 bears witness to an exceptional year in a decade of brazenly generous sun. Gray, overcast skies dominated spring and summer in 2008, resulting in a deficit of both light and warmth. The maturity of the grapes surpassed all expectations, revealing exceptional high-toned balance. The bouquet instantly opens with raspberries, rapidly joined by notes of violet. Greener nuances then arrive, evoking angelica.

Dom Pérignon Rosé springs from this desire to dare, seizing the red of the pinot noir grape in its primal radiance, capturing its vital power in a bold, assertive assemblage. Tempered by a slow, masterful transformation during nearly 12 years in the cellar, Dom Pérignon Rosé is untamed and carnal, both light and dark, magnetic. Its vibration embraces the thrill of the unknown and is an invitation to explore.

Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2008 x Lady Gaga Limited Edition its available at Globus for CHF 480 and at Mister Champagne for CHF 450.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dom Pérignon – DRINK RESPONSIBLY
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

First presented during the Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture fashion show in Rome, Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli showed some insane platform boots and heels. Reminiscent of stripper boots, they represent a conscious exaggeration and a proud demonstration of personality, inspired by Lady Gaga. Considering no one else has really presented big platform soles lately, which I totally miss, those Valentino shoes immediately caught me eye during Paris Fashion Week.

Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture

Bright, bold, and as ultra high, those incredibly shiny gold boots are really «couture». The leather is shaped in a ruffled slouchy way that stays perfectly in shape. The boots are surprisingly light and easy to balance on. Along this key style, there is also an ankle-strap platform pump, and a golden wedge.

Love at first sight in the Paris Avenue Montaigne store.

The special packaging

Presented with a special packaging dedicated to Valentino Code Temporal collection, these bold shoes are only available in selected Valentino boutiques worldwide: Tokyo Ginza, Beijing Shin Kong Place, Shanghai Plaza, Madison Avenue New York, The Dubai Mall, Milan Montenapoleone, Rome Piazza di Spagna, Paris Avenue Montaigne and Monte Carlo. A huge thank you to the Zurich store for getting them for me!

The new Valentino Garavani platform shoes and boots set a new step for couture and found their place in Sandra’s Closet.

For those, who like platforms but don’t want to go that high, Valentino has also a more modest version available. CLICK HERE TO SHOP.
.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino, © Sandra Bauknecht, David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

(V) Vaccinated – Valentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

Today, more than ever, the world needs the power of creative freedom. A force to open up new horizons, to move us forward. A force to share and be shared. A force as powerful as love. A force that brings Lady Gaga and Dom Pérignon together. Celebrating the Queendom, the collaboration is born from the collision of their two effervescent energies. A celebration of creativity, in the form of an artistic experiment, the release of rosé champagne and a limited edition sculpture design by Lady Gaga that will see the sale proceeds donated to the Born This Way Foundation.

Lady Gaga is a woman of the 21st century – boldly speaking her mind, and driving change through her art, her commitments, her actions. Through her Born This Way Foundation, she has been at the forefront of empowerment and well-being issues for 10 years. She has been a powerful voice for the LGBT+ community. Her One World concert initiative raised over 120 million dollars for the World Health Organization and the frontline healthcare fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. And this year, she was honoured for her art and activism by the Martin Luther King Center. When she reinvents herself again and again, she inspires the world to open up and grow.

Lady Gaga is a long-time aficionado of Dom Pérignon. This champagne has accompanied her throughout her life as an artist, as an activist, as a woman, to elevate moments of celebration shared with family, friends, Little Monsters (Lady Gaga’s fans) …

The intensity of the collaboration relies on the assembly of the elements that each creative personality brings. The visual experiment by Nick Knight, choreography by Richard Jackson, the costumes by Nicola Formichetti, the hairstyles by Frédéric Aspiras, Sarah Tanno’s make-up and Miho Okawara’s nails… All combine to create a vibrant take on the concept of the power of inspiration. To serve as the music for the film, Lady Gaga chose her song Free Woman, from her album Chromatica.

Nick Knight and Lady Gaga

Nick Knight is a visionary photographer and director. He has been a progressive image-maker for three decades, with era-defining campaigns. This collaboration brought him and Lady Gaga together again – a match for her boundless creative energy. His imagination orchestrated this new confluence, by delivering a shared vision through electrifying and shimmering visuals. «My desire was to create a burst of positive fantasy – a beautiful world that exists only in people’s imaginations. Fantasy is such an important part of our lives; it makes us dream and fuels our creativity. And right now, the world needs celebration. I wanted to create something which would touch people across many different cultures, for its joie de vivre, its energy, its rush of fantasy and celebratory visions.»

Nicola Formichetti

Nicola Formichetti is a cultural icon. Creative and fashion director and editor as well as creative consultant to Haus of Gaga, he’s been creating magic with Lady Gaga since 2009. He brought the characters of this campaign to life, through his avant-garde stylistic vision.

Richard «Richy» Richard needs no introduction. An acclaimed dancer, Lady Gaga appointed him in 2011 as her choreographer. His aim? To «change the game». For this collaboration, he sets Nick Knight’s film in motion through his ethereal choreography.

Sarah Tanno is Lady Gaga’s resident make-up artist and global artistry director for Haus Laboratories. She has worked with Lady Gaga for over ten years and always aims to «add to the moment» and enhance expressions and emotions.

Frédéric Aspiras is behind Lady Gaga’s spectacular, wondrous hair creations. In his words, everything he does with Lady Gaga is «a creative experiment». In this shared, exhilarating universe, he crafted Lady Gaga’s vibrant, timeless hairstyles – and a fantastic crown fit for a reigning Lady.

Miho Okwara is Lady Gaga’s nail artist who created her striking, talon-like nails for the shoot. Recreating the palette of Lady Gaga’s dress and accessories in chrome, she produced the «powerful; design that takes center stage in the campaign.

Designed by Lady Gaga for Dom Pérignon in collaboration with Nicola Formichetti, the enthralling
limited edition sculpture acts as a veil, enfolding a majestic jeroboam of Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2005. Produced in 110 exclusive pieces, the limited edition sculpture will be sold in private sales, and showcased in flagship Dom Pérignon locations. All Dom Pérignon’s profits from the uberpiece’s sale will be given to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

The Born This Way Foundation, launched in 2011 by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, supports the well-being of people and works with them to create a kinder and braver world through campaigns and programs such as Channel Kindness or #BeKind21 Events.

Over the next two years, Dom Pérignon and Lady Gaga will announce further exciting outcomes of their collaboration. In the fall, Dom Pérignon will release a Limited Edition of Vintage 2010 and Rosé 2006 in exclusive and creative cases.
As their journey together continues, we can’t wait to see what other exciting expressions this radical collaboration will produce. This is how the story unfolds. But it is far from over.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dom Pérignon / Nick Knight
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Born in Japan in 1988, Tomo Koizumi‘s interest in fashion began from watching his fashion-loving mother in his childhood. His encounter with the book «John Galliano for Dior» in his early years was a very eye-opening event and made him decide to become a fashion designer. He has no formal fashion training and studied fine arts in his hometown Chiba, which is close to Tokyo, but has always had a passion for fashion, getting his hands on every fashion magazine he could.

It only felt natural, that he launched his own brand TOMO KOIZUMI successfully in 2011, after a boutique owner became interested and picked one of his dresses – which he created while he was a university student. He started as a stylist and costume artist assistant, before moving on to his next career step, becoming a costume designer. In February 2019, his very first runway show took place in New York with the support of the world-famous super-stylist Katie Grand, who discovered his works on Instagram, Marc Jacobs, and KCD Public Relations, Inc.

Koizumi came to show his rainbow fantasy gowns at her friend, and long-time collaborator, Marc Jacobs’ Madison Avenue store during New York Fashion Week for F/W 2019 and it became one of the most talked about shows of the seasons. Two of his pieces were also exhibited at the MET museum and the museum bought one of his works for its permanent collection. In April 2020, he was finalist and joint winner pf LVMH 2020 prize. Bright colors and bold silhouettes are the signature of his made-to-order collections and costumes, that international celebrities and artists love.

Thailand-based fashion editor and entrepreneur Nichapat Sop Hap wore one of Koizumi’s designs to the Met Gala in 2019.

Lady Gaga in Tomo Koizumi in 2016

You won’t find Tomo Koizumi’s voluminous pieces in stores. He is not interested in creating for retailers. Instead, he prefers to produce one of a kind creations. Star-studded clientele includes: Lady Gaga, who wore one of his designs on a visit to Tokyo in 2016, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. Therefore you will be very excited to read about his collaboration with Emilio Pucci in my next post that is available now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tomo Koizumi and by WWD/Shutterstock

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday, in 16 Celine stores around the world a true object of desire arrived for a few chosen fashion lovers and I am one of them.

It is Slimane’s «16» bag (it is called the «Seize» which stands for sixteen in English, the latter a language you should not use to pronounce the new It-piece). The name derives from the address of the Maison’s headquarters and atelier on 16, Rue Vivienne in Paris.

The boxy, top-handle style was first spotted on Lady Gaga in August and caused a frenzy on Instagram right before Slimane’s debut show for Celine which took place in September during Paris Fashion Week. A runway presentation that was endlessly discussed and divided the fashion world into two camps, «Old Céline» and «New Celine».

But coming back to this beauty, the design features discreet gold hardware and the new accent-less Celine logo (don’t forget, there is no more Céline as Hedi took the «accent aigu» ( acute accent) away in the beginning of September). Officially it will hit the shelves in January/February 2019 and will be available in three sizes as well as a range of colors and leathers, including exotic skins.

I am so happy to have this holy grail of fashion already in my closet… stay tuned for my first outfit post with it! Cannot wait to sport this must-have piece on my arm. And yes, I am a committed fashion addict… and that is ok!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht