Sandra‘s Closet

„When I am doing a little California dreamin’, I am in a beautifully appointed Mid-century home, like the Kaufmann house in Palm Springs, by Richard Neutra. The clean minimal interior, the wide open desert landscape, the informality of living in nature yet also sheltered in rational and soul warming architecture; that is my mind wandering to a place of salubrious comfort. But it’s not all strict lines and raw space. Somewhere, there is Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack crooning by the piano and Angie Dickenson is lounging by a crystal blue pool. Mid-century louche and luxury, in my dreams.“

– Derek Lam

Last Sunday in New York was a very touching day marking the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. While the city was filled with ceremonies commemorating this tragic event, the fashion world was looking ahead.

Derek Lam showed his S/S 2012 collection that day and went from East Coast to West Coast for inspiration. The designer, who had grown up in California, came up with a crisp, sharp tailored look. Very American, very preppy with a slight retro touch. The prints added a resort feeling. One of my favourites was the white linen trench coat with the shiny black leather trim. I am sure that this collection will be loved especially by business women all around the world. Anna Wintour seemed to like it a lot, but see for yourselves…

I was invited to go backstage before the show and enjoyed exploring the clothes in advance. Please stay tuned as I interviewed Tom Pecheux, Estée Lauder’s Creative Director for Makeup, who had created the makeup look for Derek Lam’s S/S 2012 show. I have got some beautiful behind the scenes shots of which some are already included here. Hope that will like it.

By the way, I spotted some German celebrities front row. Don’t miss the end of this post to see who was there!

LoL, Sandra

Derek Lam

Stephanie zu Guttenberg in a red Prada dress

Lilly & Boris Becker

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today I would like to share my newest addition to my closet. For me it was love at first sight!
Let me introduce you to the multicoloured Chanel patchwork bag that is part of their Cruise 2011 collection.
A unique and interesting looking flap bag that is very versatile due to its many different shades, perfect for travelling. Already spotted on Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl’ s first episode of Season 4 and on Lilly Becker last week.

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Add your comments on Facebook!

LoL, Sandra

IWC’s gala event “A Night in Portofino” brought together well known faces – including many Hollywood celebrities. Guests arrived on the red carpet and were able to browse through the beautiful exhibition that showed Peter Lindbergh’s Days in Portofino on their way to the main hall where they finally arrived in the carefree days of the 1950 and `60s.

The entire evening was outstanding showing a “making-of“ film of the shoot and an impressive performance of Zurich Opera House, with a 60-strong orchestra and tenor Neil Shicoff.

Another highlight of the night was also when Tim Jefferies and Georges Kern started to introduce the Friends of the Brand. When all celebrities were on stage, you felt like being at the Oscar’s.
Enjoy all those beautiful photos of a night to remember.

LoL, Sandra

The IWC booth at the 21st SIHH was designed in the style of the 1950s and `60s right down to the last detail, transporting the visitors to the Italian-style joie de vivre of Portofino, to the sweet dolce fa niente… as the hours go by.
The hostesses were dressed in beautiful petticoats with make-up and hair finishing off the perfect vintage look. A scooter parked in front of the “Via Scafusia”, an ice-cream vendor, a cinema for press presentations were just among those amazing ideas to create the wonderful surrounding.
Have fun seeing all the celebs who came to the fair. Hollywood made in Switzerland, two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra