Sandra‘s Closet

New York Fashion Week has officially started with the presentations of the S/S 2017 shows but one man is swimming against the tide. It is no other than Tom Ford who has chosen to prioritize consumers with a “see now, buy now” format this season, meaning he sent his F/W 2016 collection down the runway that is now available online and in stores immediately – (you can shop it now at mytheresa.com and net-à-porter.com for example).

 “WE HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH A FASHION CALENDAR AND SYSTEM THAT IS FROM ANOTHER ERA. OUR CUSTOMERS TODAY WANT A COLLECTION THAT IS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. FASHION SHOWS AND THE TRADITIONAL FASHION CALENDAR, AS WE KNOW THEM, NO LONGER WORK IN THE WAY THAT THEY ONCE DID. WE SPEND AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY AND ENERGY TO STAGE AN EVENT THAT CREATES EXCITEMENT TOO FAR IN ADVANCE OF WHEN THE COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER. SHOWING THE COLLECTION AS IT ARRIVES IN STORES WILL REMEDY THIS, AND ALLOW THE EXCITEMENT THAT IS CREATED BY A SHOW OR EVENT TO DRIVE SALES AND SATISFY OUR CUSTOMERS’ INCREASING DESIRE TO HAVE THEIR CLOTHES AS THEY ARE READY TO WEAR THEM.” – Tom Ford

I find it a very interesting approach especially as I am coming from a print media background. It will be very tough for the magazines to work ahead of time. Digital will become even stronger than it already is which I truly enjoy. Below you can shop my four favorite looks from last night directly. Have fun!

And by the way Tom Ford is not the only one. A wave of designers showing in-season will follow in the days to come, Thakoon, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and others, among them.

To a new era in all ways…

LoL, Sandra

Get Look 13: Herringbone wool and cashmere-blend tweed top, gold-plated necklace with leather, sequined pencil skirt and leather over-the-knee boots.

Get Look 22: Printed crepe dress, leather over-the-knee boots and leather waist belt.

Get Look 48: Embellished velvet gown and velvet-trimmed leather sandals.

Get Look 51: Sequined silk gown and patent-leather and velvet sandals.

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

This season tells a story of multiple influences in celebration of personal style with acid leopard prints, punk elements and an Eighties comeback.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, leopard print dress, tulle mini petticoat skirt, Janis pumps with studs, chain belt and small California leather bucket bag with stars, all by Saint Laurent, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, necklace by Matthew Williamson.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

No, I am definitely not a beach bum. Once my feet touch the sand I feel fully energized. The salty air and the sunny weather seem to produce specific endorphins in my body that make me want to dance, leap and jump in the sea. Ballet, yoga, running, everything I like to do is incorporated in my daily beach routine. Forte Village‘s coast offers the perfect scenery with its crystal clear water.

My look: Colourful tunic and leopard print bikini, both by Lazul, Rome Sports chronograph in lilac by Jacques Lemans, necklace by Rejane Rosenberger and sunglasses by Warby Parker. All other jewelry pieces are souvenirs from Ibiza.

LAZUL is a London based luxury swim and resort wear brand that launched exclusively with Harrods in 2012. I truly love their expressive prints and vibrant colors, perfect for the beach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

 Last week’s outfit to have dinner with my girlfriends at Razzia restaurant in Zurich was the perfect example of how easy it is to change a look just with heels, a clutch and a great blazer. Click here for a previous post to see how the top and the jeans look different when worn together with some flats and a backpack.

My look: Leopard jacquard blazer, Paris leopard-print leather pumps and Classic Monogramme printed leather clutch, all by Saint Laurent, ruffle peplum top by Alexander McQueen, mid-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, pearl embellished sunglasses by Chanel and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A perennial favourite, leopard print takes centre stage this season. Whether you choose traditional spots or a colour-injected style, balance the look with ultra-chic extras to truly master the trend. This is how the trend works best, balance the eye-catching effect of an animal-printed statement jacket with elegant layers and great tailoring. Finish off your outfit with some fun heels and a pastel colored bag.

Get the look: Leopard-print calf hair peacoat by Gucci, pussy-bow chiffon blouse by Chloé, high-rise wool tapered pants by Victoria Beckham, D-Cube Piccolo Check leather tote by Tod’s and Desirée leopard-print calf hair pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, Gucci presented their studs collection (post coming up soon) at their Las Vegas store, which is located at The Crystals at CityCenter. The newest shopping heaven in town features the most luxurious designers on over 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2) of stylish retail space.

My look: Leopard print jacket, belted jersey dress, python sandals and Bamboo leather tote, all by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch, rose diamond necklace and ring, all by Piaget.

This is how I Vegas… indulging in the most outstanding shopping experience.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.

Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.

My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Many great pieces have found their way into my closet this Christmas! Dear Santa, a huge thank you! Here is a sneak preview of what I will be wearing soon. Some of my gorgeous new clothes might be a little to wintery for my next destination. While you are reading this, I am on my way to Bangkok. Stay tuned for my new adventure and in the meantime enjoy some shopping!

1 Studded leather shift dress by Saint Laurent
2 Ruffled-collar top by Alexander McQueen
3 Gloria resin, Swarovski Pearl and crystal necklace by Lanvin
4 Wild Flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli
5 Miranda wool and lace dress by Stella McCartney
6 Cool gold-tone ring by Lanvin
7 Ruffled leopard-print silk-chiffon blouse by Saint Laurent
8 Classic Plonge leather shorts by Saint Laurent
9 Black chiffon skirt by Saint Laurent
10 Patch-appliquéd skinny jeans by 3.1 Phillip Lim
11 Leather bra top by Saint Laurent
12 Zebra print top by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

After all those posts from China in my sneakers, I thought that it is time again for some sophistication. Here is the first post about my Firenze4Ever Style Lab for F/W 2013 with Luisaviaroma. Since one of my favourite designers, Fausto Puglisi (click here for a previous post), has taken up the reigns at Emanuel Ungaro last year, I am in love with the collection.

All items can be ordered by clicking on the highlighted text below.

My look: Printed cady single button jacket and matching polka dot draped skirt, both by Emanuel Ungaro, waxed heavy lycra sweatshirt by MSGM, Rockstud black nappa leather bag by Valentino and star studded suede cage sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

Beijing, the heart of China, is definitely worth a visit. After having been the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games and compared to 1994 when I had been here the last time, it has completely changed. But some things always remain the same and today’s sightseeing tour around the metropole’s most traditional must-sees was proof of that.

My look: We T by Boss Orange (Such a fun initiative, join to find your T-shirts Buddy here), printed pants with side stripe (very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse print) by Zara, flats by H&M, bangles by Sal y Limon and sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN. The cap is a souvenir from Beijing.

I started my tour with a visit to the famous Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors paid homage to the glory of heaven, is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals. Therefore its name is a little misleading because it is definitely more than just a temple, it is a huge park as well. Many local people have yearly tickets to access the area and they enjoy outdoor activities such as dancing or playing games, especially like today on a Sunday morning.

This sign freaked me out a little. Do you remember exactly when I survived the hail storm in Wyoming exactly one year ago? I am still a little traumatized…

A Chinese lunch with an interesting view…

The very impressive and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world. This immense courtyard is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Monument to the People’s Heroes and National Museum. For security reason, Tiananmen Square is fenced and you have to pass a security check before entering.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country. Such an impressive treasure to visit.

I had a day filled with amazing impressions. As you see in the pictures, the smog is pretty bad but it also keeps the sun away which might not be the worst. The humidity is high and you really have to get used to the oppressive weather. Next stop, the Great Wall!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht