Sandra‘s Closet

While few, including myself, can resist the intoxicating frivolity of fashion’s flights of fancy, the essential basics of a stylish wardrobe have a more utilitarian character. It is these humbler pieces – often derived from work wear, military uniform or sports gear – that Louis Vuitton’s Icons collection elevates to new levels of luxury. Preserving their functional essence, it endows them with the allure of exquisite cut, fine fabrics and sophisticated detailing.

The result: every season, a collection of pieces to return to again and again, experiencing each time the dual thrill of their unrivalled comfort and timeless elegance.

1. THE MESH

A simple sweater in a classic shade and softest cotton is sure to be one of the hardest-working items in any woman’s wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s version comes with the added luxury of an embellished collar, hand-embroidered with Swarovski beads and LV studs. In a touch typical of the Icons collection, it can also be removed, taking a look from precious to pared-down in seconds.

2. THE TRENCH

The feather-light sensation of nylon faille – sensual as silk, but a whole lot more practical, and not merely because it’s water-resistant – plus the irresistible allure of the Stephen Sprouse leopard print, now in a new scaleddown version. Louis Vuitton’s neo-trench has all the emblematic details, from the belt (wear nonchalantly knotted) to the epaulettes, but it comes luxuriously long and with ultra-feminine bracelet sleeves. Pure silver screen glamour for the 21st century.

3. THE MACINTOSH

With its new cropped cut and cute collar, the season’s mac – the epitome of the Icons collection – holds more than a hint of the Swinging Sixties. The perfect cover-up against a spring shower, it doubles up as a neat boxy jacket. Polished gold buttons playfully reference the military, while the lining is pure Louis Vuitton: the legendary Stephen Sprouse leopard print, interspersed with mini Monograms.

4. THE JEANS

For S/S 2013, the perfect pair of jeans morphs into the must-have Capri pant. Stonewashed for an instantly worn-in feel, with a casually loose yet impeccably chic cut, it combines style and attitude. The iconic detail? The Monogram jacquard yoke, to be concealed or revealed depending on mood and moment.

5. THE PERFECTO

Louis Vuitton transforms a staple of bad-boy style into an icon of luxurious femininity. To the rugged sex appeal of the classic perfecto, this sleek design opposes the refinement of smooth stretch leather, enhanced by eloquent details like multiple zippers, signature rivets and – the quintessential couture touch – a half-belt at the back.

6. THE LEATHER DRESS

Leather never felt like this. Unimaginably supple, lightweight lambskin lends itself to the simplest yet most sensual of cuts: a dress like an oversize T-shirt that suggestively skims the body. Raw edges, diagonal zippers and military-style suede patches on the shoulders provide the modern, real-life details. Dress it up with heels or down with leggings, the leather dress – now in bold, beautiful red – remains both sporty and sophisticated.

My personal must? The red leather dress! See you at Vuitton…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

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

Looking for some attention on the street? This limited edition bicycle will surely be helpful. Designed by Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana it celebrates their passion for the athletic and healthy lifestyle. Applying their magic touch this time to a bicycle, Dolce & Gabbana swathes the frame in their iconic leopard print which is hand-finished.

The Animalier bicycle aims to impress with fine detailing, such as the Dolce & Gabbana signature logo on the back of the saddle and on the bell. Once again, the love for Italy and its traditions have inspired the designers in the choice to design their first bicycle.

The bicycles will be available from this month for €1700.- at select Dolce & Gabbana boutiques worldwide: Milan, Florence, Rome, London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Call it exercise couture!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Here it is look N°2 from LuisaViaRoma’s Firenze4Ever Total Styling Lab, so-called “Venus in Fur”. Some might not be so delighted about winter’s must-have, but fur was one of the trend materials on the runways. A fur vest is a great investment piece, very versatile to wear.

The `60s inspired dress by Giambattista Valli has a fun detail. The attached cape can be worn as a hood. I especially like the neon-coloured little waist band.

Céline’ s box bag has definitely become a classic. For this outfit, I chose the leopard print version which I find very chic. To shop the look, just click on the highlighted text:

Fur Vest: SIMONETTA RAVIZZA – Dress: GIAMBATTISTA VALLI – Bag: CELINE – Overknee Boots: CASADEI – Watch: ROGER DUBUIS

More from Florence to come…
LoL, Sandra

Photos: Ilaria Gambi

Christian Dior admired his beloved muse, Mitzah Bricard, as much for her refined and distinguished taste as for her mysterious personality that inspired him throughout his career.

Legend has it that Mitzah used to wear a panther print chiffon scarf at her wrist to hide a scar. Fascinated by her elegance, Mr Dior decided to include this magnificent Jungle motif in his collections from 1947 onwards.

“Madame Bricard is one of the rare people for whom elegance is their sole reason for living,”
Christian Dior.

The Jungle panther print corresponded perfectly to the world of Haute Couture. It was reproduced numerous times in chiffon, taffeta and silk and as become an emblematic House reference.

In 2011, Dior presents the famous print in a limited edition make-up collection composed of a limited edition numbered eyeshadow palette and two shades of nail varnish (912 Ebony – 622 Camel). Thus the Mitzah legend lives on at Dior.

Discover below how to apply the Mitzah palette eyeshadows:

1. The camel shade emphasises eye colour. Apply to the lower eyelid then blend gently upwards. Apply also to the lower lash line.

2. The Ebony shade intensifies  the eyes. Apply it along the upper and lower lash lines. Blend with the camel shade.

3. The Nude shade brightens  and opens the eyes. Apply to the inner corner of the eye.

Photos: © Courtesy of Dior, © Sandra Bauknecht

In Switzerland the collection will launch Mid April.
The limited Mitzah palette is CHF 135. The two limited nail polishes are CHF 37 each.

LoL, Sandra

The ubiquitous zoo trend continues. From monkeys at Prada to tigers at Louis Vuitton to full-on leopard prints at Blumarine, Giambattista Valli and Dolce & Gabbana, this season’s runways resembled an episode of Wild Kingdom.

My absolute favourites are Louis Vuitton’s giraffe heels. Those sandals are pieces of art and will definitely find their way through the fashion jungle into my closet. So stay tuned for the sequel.

LoL, Sandra

One of my favourite dresses at the moment is my leopard-print silk dress by Matthew Williamson. The bright colours and the bead-embellished pockets make it a spectacular cocktail choice.
I wore it recently with a navy clutch and yellow platform pumps from Miu Miu’s S/S 2010 collection. In addition, I added a statement necklace by Matthew Williamson from a previous season.

In case that you do not want to spend so much money on an eye-catching dress that you might not wear too often, I saw the perfect alternative at H&M. The cut is very similiar. It promises a good fit with corset panels and a concealed silicone trim in the bustier.
I truly love the heart print on the 100% organic cotton. What a wonderful way to dress up for Valentine’s Day, don’t you think?!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Photo: Courtesy of H&M

I am keeping my promise and you posted about the upcoming Lanvin for H&M collaboration. So enjoy the second look at what will be in stores on November 23rd. The new photo of the ad campaign shows bright colours, amazing flower prints, leopard details plus shoes and bags (see the close-ups). Cannot wait!

LoL, Sandra

Lanvin’s Pre-fall 2010 collection is totally on the wild side and has some of the hottest leopard print items of the season. This is Parisian chic being bang on trend that works effortlessly day to night. Make a fierce statement in a gorgeous dress or just add a hint of animal print with these stunning leopard print pony skin trainers.

Lanvin Decoration at Barneys Beverly Hills

Medium and Large 'Happy' Leopard Print Shoulder Bags

My favourites are the “Happy” Leopard Print Shoulder Bags with the beautiful iconic grosgrain ribbon metal chains that come in two sizes. Might be pretty hard to decide which one to take as they both look fabulous. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

Today, I will be heading back to Zurich after two amazing months in Los Angeles. For the flight, I spoiled myself with this super-luxe travel kit from Lanvin comprising of silk-satin slippers and an eyemask in a cute little pouch. I chose the leopard-print version but it also comes in nude and black.
A perfect vacation essential and a great gift for a fellow fashionista who loves to travel in style.

LoL, Sandra