Sandra‘s Closet

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
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Being still in the throes of a global pandemic, and following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it was a bizarre fashion week. It felt awkward on one side, on the other you saw that designers felt that urge to live again, while setting a statement.

The revival of the 2000s «Y2K» which is the shorthand for «the year 2000» is still going strong along with vibrant colors and strong shoulders on which you can carry the weight of the world. Literally.

Enjoy those beautiful collections and as I wished already six months ago, let’s hope again that we will find peace this season and finally learn from our history.

LoL, Sandra

The must-have of the season is actually a very summery item. The white tank top gives an elevated take on wardrobe essentials this season.

Never out of style, the flight jacket aka bomber jacket is a wardrobe hero that can be worn for all occasions. From morning walk to weekend lunch to evening gala, it has had various luxe updates for fall.

Silhouettes built for speed give motorcross its fashion credentials.

More and more designers skip animal fur and work on creating the perfect faux fur. This winter mainly in neutral colors and oversized shapes.

This winter, leather is a second skin and creates eye-catching looks.

Knitwear combinations in form of dresses with cardigans or sweater with matching skirts are all the rage this winter.

Attention catwomen! Luxe leopard is really feeling fresh again.

Strong shoulders have been seen frequently at Balenciaga. Thanks to Demna Gvasalia who shaped the fashion industry in myriad ways, this detail has inspired many runway shows this winter. In form of oversized blazers styled in different ways, they are the key pieces to look for.

Corporate tailoring is heading out-of-office for autumn. Oversized tailoring, crazy prints and vibrant colors promise a fabulous sabbatical.

Mood-boosting hues in rainbow colors – designers used those shades often head-to-toe or in color block options.

Transparency takes it up a notch also for winter in skin-tight silhouettes and fearless cut-outs. The difference now? Body-con isn’t just for twiglets. Models of all sizes sported the looks down the runways.

The Y2K trend is here to stay. Also this F/W 2022 season, low-rise waists, micro minis, visible underwear and all-over denim live their revival to the fullest. The 2000s are back!

Another revival that has been spotted on several runways is the punk-fuelled trend. Tartan patchworks, edgy lines and multiple buckles add to the vibe.

Back to school! The coolest uniforms break out of the classroom and onto the runway.

This season, fashion is extreme. Either you wear miniskirts or opt for great lengths that fell to the floor this fall.

Red alert! The modern woman dresses head to toe in tight pants and sexy tops in the most feminine color of all.

Corsets and a focus on the waist are huge this winter season. The best way? Corsetry introduces structured lines to flowing gowns for a contemporary feminine silhouette.

Fashion can be art, it is a form of expression. With all uncertainties in the world, designers are creating looks to dress up. Layered, colorful, voluminous, and wild to unleash your inner child.

The perfect looks for happily ever after stories with tulle fabrications so light they are reminiscent of cloud nine, painted in a delicate palette of pastel shades.

The Roaring Twenties: Art Deco accents, boas and shimmering details ask for a Great Gatsby revival at its best.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Summer has just begun (here in Switzerland it feels more like fall), but in true form the fashion universe has already started spinning its own narrative for the possibilities that lie ahead. The F/W 2021 season will go down in history as it marks a year of no-contact, virtual fashion weeks. How is it to watch a fashion show behind your laptop screen? Let me assure you, it is not the same, you miss the energy, part of the message the designer wants to transport and of course the theater of fashion surrounding the event.

The outcome? F/W 2021 doesn’t wrap up as succinctly as previous ones. Designers have been working in exceedingly unusual circumstances, from home, with zoom meetings, in a vacuum, catering to an audience whose lives are forever changed. And yet, creativity reigns. For F/W 2021, the collections fell in line with the times by embracing that new positive joyful everyday outdoor, prepping for a new-wave Roaring ’20s, finding stability in leather, and keeping comfort key in elevated knitwear. A statement coat is one of the must-haves, proof, we have the urge to spend time outside.

There is something for everyone. Show some skin or cover it up! Be comfortable or be crazy! The choice is yours!

LoL, Sandra

Designers skipped the minimalism in favor of something optimistic and grand with a clear message: Let your light shine, ladies, the future is looking bright.

Conscious and respectful of the animal cause, brands are coming up with faux fur that is both cozy and seemingly more realistic than the real thing.

Statement coats are a must this fall but who says a blanket isn’t a garment? JW Anderson’s artful throws definitely do double duty and fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé, will surely be seen on fashionistas around the globe.

Cosmonaut, alien or astronomer? A bit of everything at the same time. Fashion is dreaming of elsewhere and further afield, to say the least, rocketing winter into the sphere of futurewear, with inspirations ranging from sci-fi to NASA.

A feat of geometric style, fashion is displaying its taste for mixing and matching, juxtaposing and seeing together a variety of fabrics and leathers (vegan at Chloé by Gabriela Hearst).

A variation on a theme that springs eternal. This season, leather comes with a bourgeois 19eline and a baby doll biker look at Dior.

This season, fashion has taken to the slopes, with salopettes, parkas and quilted pieces revisited for the woman about town. A modern twist for keeping warm this winter in comfort and style.

The obsession of the season, knitwear goes for a comfy yet sexy silhouette. Dresses worn long, showing skin here and there, or are see-through for a more daring effect.

Branding is still a big game with these all-over logo prints. It is more subtle than wearing the designer name on your chest.

The classic skirt suits of recent seasons have morphed into quirky but prim pleated skirt sets.

The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo. For F/W 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats with matching pants.

Cropped jackets and tops are still trending. However, these elegant, midriff-baring looks are far from the mini tees of your youth. Sophisticated and chic, these short takes are for posh girls only.

This fall, many runways showed an ode to the famous movie «Clueless». This 1990s interpretation means retro varsity jackets, and Clueless-esque skirts. Rodarte actually tapped ‘90s style icon, Clueless’ Cher Horowitz (aka Alicia Silverstone), for their latest lookbook.

Sweatpants are not forever. Slouchy, wide-leg jeans emerged as key looks for fall. Consider these ’90s pants for your post-pandemic life.

The Swinging Sixties revisited for the digital age get top billing this season, with monochrome, streamlined variations that are both sexy and tasteful.

Bulbous, bubble-like shapes started trending early in the lockdowns. For F/W 2021, the silhouettes show  an emphasis on the hips and thighs. Both womanly and protective, these new orbs offer coziness and a little forgiveness from the skintight silhouettes seen elsewhere.

Whimsical flamingo motifs spread their wings over ruched mini dresses at Moschino, oversized shoulders walked down the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana, and ’80s-inspired pieces lit up the runway at Emporio Armani. Miami Vice or Dynasty, the choice is yours.

For those who subscribe to the idea of a new Roaring ’20s on the horizon, you’ll be perfectly outfitted for the occasion with these new flapper dresses.

There is a festive air about the collections this season. With dreams as a leitmotif, evening dresses come out of the closet, and a deluge of silver is shaking up fashion, with strength and character.

No matter your taste, there is a F/W 2021 catsuit to match your lifestyle. Those sexy one-piece wonders are perfect to dance the night away.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

What I truly love about staying at the Gstaad Palace Hotel during lockdown is that I can use the gym every day. Here you see me working out in my new Burberry sportswear which is functional and stylish in one. By the way, I shot all the photos again by myself with my iPhone and the timer function. Don’t you think that I am getting better from day to day… ?!

My look: Printed merino wool-blend cardigan, paneled printed stretch sports bra, and paneled printed stretch leggings, all by Burberry, 123 Run spiked leopard-print neoprene, leather, satin and grosgrain sneakers by Christian Louboutin, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

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

Leather is the way forward this season. Wherever you turn, there is the iconic luxe fabric. Skirts, vests or biker jackets; whatever wardrobe staple you’re after, make it leather – it’s the style for the A-List. If you are extra courageous, you’ll wear it head to toe.

My look: Biker jacket with fur details, leather biker vest, sheer blouse, studded leather skirt and Janis embellished suede ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, fur bag by Fendi, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Portofino midsize watch by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are a dream team and their S/S 2014 collection for Valentino is a divine piece of art (You can still watch the video here).

Like last season, when I had been already overwhelmed by their designs, they showed craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance and beauty in their 72 (!) looks on the runway. After an impromptu visit to the Rome Opera workshops, the duo was compelled to create a glamourous and opulent repertoire. The collection is a journey admits elements borrowed from imaginary ethnic groups. Embroideries, lace, capes, ponchos, fringes, leather, veil-like dresses, take all part in this outstanding collection.

Combining ancestral austerity and sensual opulence, the designer duo has created an amazing and ever-changing look based on today’s modern woman that we will surely spot everywhere on the streets next summer!

Light Cuir Vachetta Medium Stamped

Great news is that you can PRE-ORDER THE AMAZING VALENTINO ACCESSORIES STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY for the next 5 days. I included the best ones in this post.
Happy pre-shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Gold Gryphon Miniaudiere

Black Vitello Fringe Ankle Boot

Light Emerald Patent Croc Scarab Finger Clutch

Black Rete Embroidered Bootie

Light Cuir Vitello Scarab And Gryphon Wrap Bracelet

Chocolate Vitello Gryphon Sandal

Rubin Studs Crown Hair Band

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Paris Fashion Week has started off for me with the Akris S/S 2014 show yesterday evening. I have to admit arriving at my seat is always a treat at this presentation, some yummy chocolate is waiting and the press kit is just perfect.

A sketch by Albert Kriemler with a piece of real fabric pinned to it, plus the inspiration laid out in a moodboard (sandstone lines, algae, honeycombs in the sand, and granite curves) along with a list of all the upcoming looks make my work so much easier.

This eye for detail could also be seen in the stunning collection. Nature was Albert’s main inspiration (something that has been spotted quite a lot here in Paris). “It’s a dream of fabrics and nature – moved forward through technology,” he wrote.

The show started off with some very strong prints on cotton voile, plissé chiffon and leather, inspired by sandstone lines. I loved the see-through and asymmetrical details of the collection and the amazing St. Gallen embroideries in honeycombs of lace, reminiscent of algae. The last pieces in black and gold wave jacquard will surely fly off the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Akris and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I attended the Diesel Black Gold S/S 2014 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, such an amazing location to host a runway presentation.

For Andreas Melbostad‘s second season, he describes his inspiration like this: “A new ease of attitude by combining opposing icons to express strength and fearlessness”. The collection evolves its iconic staples to include a new, courageous fragility: metal eyelets, discs, zippers, buckles and hardware accents introduce luxe industrial elements, for a range of pieces, from leather to georgette. Lighter, softer materials – silk crepe de chine, silk georgette, cotton poplin, cotton voile – are juxtaposed against the collection’s utilitarian core of leather and denim.

I love the jeans that come with a more slouchy fit at the hips and deep rolled cuffs at the ankle. A pastel leather moto jacket will definitely be on my wish list. The only question is white, icy blue or baby pink?

LoL, Sandra

Designer Andreas Melbostad whom I met the first time this spring in Zurich (For the previous post, please click here please).

Front row: Renzo Rosso framed by Coco Rocha to the left and Kanye West to the right

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel Black Gold and © Sandra Bauknecht

Daniele Cavalli‘s reign at his family label has elevated the iconic style to another, more contemporary and definitely sexier level. The young Florentine is in charge for the house’s menswear label since a few seasons and I am absolutely in love wit his creations. In my dream world, men would walk around in those clothes from day to night.

Young Daniele has an amazing sense for colours and for creating new interesting materials, as he transformed tiger stripes into a tonal motif on a black leather bomber jacket for F/W 2012. The purple duffle coat and croc print silk scarf would take every man’s outfit to new heights.

You can shop Roberto Cavalli Men at LUISAVIAROMA.COM and FARFETCH.COM.

Me with Daniele, whom, it would not be hard to imagine in many of the looks.

Sketches & mood boards

Beautiful black & white photo in the last issue of Italian Max featuring a Roberto Cavalli Menswear S/S 2012 total look! Great style!

Robert Pattinson wears Roberto Cavalli yellow trousers in the September 2012 issue of BlackBook. Awesome pic!

This is a photo of the Roberto Cavalli F/W 2012 Menswear advertising campaign.

For S/S 2013, Daniele got inspired by the butterfly, the icon of transformation, and used a cage filled with them as the backdrop of show. From caterpillar to cocoon to full glam rock chic, if you’re going to be in Roberto Cavalli’s gang next summer, you will need some pastel shades of lilac and sky blue. To add Daniele’s signature ’70s feel, go for his metallic purples and silver. The thin lapelled-suits with neck scarves should definitely be on your wish list, gentlemen!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli, via BlackBook and Italian Max

I am so busy here in NYC that I barely have time to post. During the last days, I saw many beautiful shows. So please stay tuned for many photos to follow.

Let me get you started with the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show that took place inside the Park Avenue Armory. An amazing set that was surely high-budget was waiting for the fashion crowd. In the little park complete with trees surrounded by a brick-style runway were little tables with chairs.

It wouldn’t be Tommy if there weren’t celebrities. (Remember the last season when I met Ed Westwick and James Marsden, for the previous post, please click here).

This time, it was sexy actor Bradley Cooper (I am not sure about his moustache) and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz that were sitting front row. Please click here for a photo of Bradley and me together at the show, in case you haven’t seen it yet.

The main inspiration for the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 collection „CADET ACADEMY“ was obviously the military. Its theme ran through nearly every piece, from four stripes at the wrist cuffs of coats to peacoats with chain embroidery. Reminiscent of West Point, the models walked the runway in lots of leather pieces, in rich tones of burgundy, midnight navy and forest green. Pants tucked into boots and suiting for every occassion gave an interesting twist to the collection. Below you can see some of my favourite looks:

„It is inspired by the lifestyle of a young cadet whose uniforms range from military prep to the sporting life, all infused with hints of rock influence. His academy look is sophisticated in its modernity, a touch rebellious but still buttoned up. The hybridization of his pursuits creates a youthful take on classic traditions, reinforcing that functionality and spirit coexist.“

– Tommy Hilfiger

I loved the collection and Tommy’s red socks… and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht