Sandra‘s Closet

For F/W 2013, Louis Vuitton has invited three new international street artists – Eko Nugroho from Indonesia, EINE from the UK and Franco-Tunisian eL Seed – to bring their vision to bear on its emblematic giant silk square. This latest collaboration continues Louis Vuitton’s world tour of the buzzing street scene, which began last season with AIKO, RETNA and Os Gemeos – themselves following in a tradition of partnerships with contemporary artists, including Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.

Mixing urban and pop influences with traditional Indonesian motifs, Eko Nugroho’s intriguing design conjures up a mythical beast in deliberately clashing colours, which twists across a geometrical background of scale-like shapes in blue and khaki.

Drawing on Louis Vuitton’s heritage, EINE expresses the excitement of travel in words and colour, printing the phrase “great adventures” in bold block letters and eye-popping shades onto a dramatic black background, and framing the entire design with the Louis Vuitton signature.

Inspired by Arabic calligraphy, eL Seed imagines the graceful swirls of this ancestral art overlaying the Monogram pattern. One half of the design is printed in fuchsia, while the other is covered with a discreet filigree that reveals, rather than conceals, Louis Vuitton’s iconic motif.

I love the new scarves so much and Stephen Sprouse‘s iconic print is still among my favorites. Which one is yours?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

This was my outfit that I wore to the fun lunch with Rodial and Marionnaud recently in Zurich. I love wearing pastel colours in summer and the combination of light green with soft yellow has been among my favorites this season. The new Noé BB bag by Louis Vuitton in the vibrant shade of citron just adds the right unexpected splash of colour.

My look: Contrast-collar cotton and wool-blend sweater (70% off) by Moschino Cheap and Chic, lace and chiffon skirt, shoes and Noé BB bag in citron, all by Louis Vuitton, studded handbag and sunglasses, both by Prada, fashion jewelry by Chloé.

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Iceland today. So stay tuned for some updates from Reykjavik!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The influence of Asian exoticism has inspired fashion designers over decades. This season is no different from previous ones. For F/W 2013, the combination of oriental prints and modern outfits has been spotted on the runways. Below are some of my favourite pieces available now. The background photos were taken during my recent trip through China in Guilin.

Beaded resin and gold-plated necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane

Fawi wandering river strapless dress by Mary Katrantzou

Embellished tank top with Asian garden print by Balmain

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com and © Sandra Bauknecht

With fair skin and dark red lips, Michelle Williams made her debut as the new face of Louis Vuitton, sporting the House’s innovative new bag which is on top of my F/W 2013 wish list. Its tight lines, suggesting the penmanship of a W, outline a three-part body, which is enhanced by the blending of various materials. Being the perfect daily companion, the bag has plenty of surprises in store, both visual and tactile, of course all created with the House’s know-how.

Externally, it offers a doubly harmonious character, combining the smooth and silky surface of rare leathers with the emblematic Monogram canvas, or with a velvety tufted effect, embroidery on leather inspired by the art of tapestry. Inside, the intelligently designed space in suede leather features many different pockets, offering a logical place for all the objects which can be found in the intimate compartments of a woman’s life.

Uma Thurman was spotted recently with this new must-have at the Munich airport. Freshness, modernity, and elegance: the latest addition to the Louis Vuitton family has every sort of appeal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The closing night of LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever took place at the stunning Boboli Gardens (Giardini di Boboli), a park behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, that is home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities. It is amazing how LUISAVIAROMA always surprises us with another outstanding location.

Seated around the fountain in the Island Bassin (Vasca dell’Isola), we enjoyed a wonderful Tuscan dinner, a dance show, the amazing scenery followed by the after party with a private rock concert. The motto of the night was “Grunge Glam” and I went through my closet to find the most “punk-style” pieces that were in there.

My look: Cut-out knit dress, matching leggings and leather glove clutch, all by Alexander McQueen, choker by Louis Vuitton, bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès, strappy sandals by Gucci and statement rings by Roberto Cavalli. All pieces are from previous seasons.

Below you can enjoy all my impressions of the night.

LoL, Sandra

Familiar faces: Sung-Joo Kim (looking a little different than at the MCM Grand Opening in Zurich last month) and the MCM team came to present their newest collaboration: they teamed up with illustrators, Craig & Karl, for a limited edition collection of summer accessories.

Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After I had finished my amazing shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing in Munich, I went to the opening of the house’s new ‘Maison’ in the evening. As some of you might already know, I had been living in the Bavarian city for eight years and it is definitely my favourite German spot. Therefore, I was completely excited to see Louis Vuitton’s new location as well as spotting so many familiar faces in an iconic location at the heart of the city. It was the former Munich post office known as Residenzpost and I had been there many times in my life.

For more details about my look, please click here. The fabulous trench coat is also from Louis Vuitton and belongs to the Icons collection.

When I entered the new ‘Maison’, I felt like entering ‘Vuitton Heaven’… I embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries through an outstanding range of must-haves and inspiring art installations. Paying tribute to the history of the building, the store also showcases an area dedicated to ‘Ecriture’, the new collection of writing instruments.

A real eye-catcher can be spotted in the form of the first German postage stamp, the ‘Schwarze Einser’ in permanent display. A limited edition of Louis Vuitton stamps were also edited for the event and I am very happy to have such a set at home.

Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the superb event.
Enjoy my impressions:

German actress Hannah Herzsprung

Model Franziska Knuppe with me

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu

Gorgeous Olivia Palermo

Jamie McGregor Smith, photographer for Louis Vuitton, shot some nice pics of me on the stairs of the new store.

German actress Alexandra Neldel

What an honor: American actress and star of the night Uma Thurman framed by Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe, to the left and my humble self to the right.

Richard Deacon‘s sculpture “Sunday in the Country”, 2005

The after party took place right next door. The decoration was amazing, with hot-air balloon dummies placed in the center of the room.

Olivia Palermo’s model-boyfriend, Johannes Huebl.

Very sweet Cosma Shiva Hagen with me

Live act: Marina and the Diamonds

The famous singer with me

Germany’s Next Top Model winner 2009, Sara Nuru

The German magazine Bunte named me a style icon, wow! It was an unforgettable event and I am so happy that I was part of it. A huge thank you to the Louis Vuitton team!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Brauer Photos and © Jamie McGregor Smith

First of all, this is one of my favourite outfits for summer and I couldn’t wait to wear it for the Louis Vuitton Maison opening party last week in Munich (post will be coming up shortly). I had fallen in love with the checkered ’60s style immediately during the S/S 2013 runway show.

My look: Citron and white checkered dress, Magic Square slingback pump in glazed calf, matching Enveloppe East West bag in Damier Mosaic, silk satin bow headband (all S/S 2013) and bracelet from a previous season by Louis Vuitton.

I love the way Jamie‘s photos have turned out, thank you so much! Have you seen my photo shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing? In case not, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jamie McGregor Smith for Louis Vuitton

Last week, I spent some amazing days with Louis Vuitton in Munich for the opening of the gigantic new Maison that I will show you during the next days. Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the fun event. But there was a project I was even more excited about… Louis Vuitton asked me to be in a photo shoot for the ART OF PACKING.

In my beautiful hotel room at the Charles Hotel, Ward, the in-house packing expert, explained me enthusiastically how packing efficiently could well be considered an art and gave me some tips which were funnily enough very similiar to my ‘method’. As I am very particular about my clothes and accessories, I have realized that I already master the art of packing pretty well given also the amount of travel I’ve been going through since I have started my blog.

So enjoy this step-by-step guide to filling a suitcase or travel bag. In my case, it is the Pégase 45 by Louis Vuitton, the best companion for a 24-hours trip that has the perfect size to take it on board of an aircraft.

In order to maximize space in your luggage and to minimize creasing of your clothes, preparation is the key. It is very important to keep the global picture and that starts already with the right type of suitcase or travel bag for your occasion.

1. Lay out all the items you would like to pack. Like this, you  will see what works well together and won’t take too much. Here you see all my looks. Isn’t it hard to believe that all of those will fit in my little Pégase?!

2. Optimize weight. Instead of taking heavy shoe trees, stuff your heels with wrapping tissue.

3. To protect your pieces, use separate felt bags for your shoes and accessories.

4. Don’t forget to do the same with your jewelry in order to protect it from scratching.

5. A smart way of packing is to use the empty space inside your bags or shoes for example and fill it with your small items. You could also roll up your belts to fit them in.

6. To avoid creasing, it is indispensable to understand the nature of the fabrics of your clothes. For example, roll the uncomplicated materials such as denim or cashmere scarfs into tight, compact spirals to maximize suitcase space.

7. Fold the clothes carefully and use wrapping paper for items that are delicate such as this embroidered top.

8. Once you have all your items rolled or wrapped, you can get started to put them in your luggage. It is very important to put all the heavy ones in first.

9. Another great way to minimize creasing of your delicate pieces is to stuff them with other clothes as I did here.

10. The Pégase has two flaps to secure your clothes from moving up and down which is great. Can you imagine that everything that was laying on the bed fit in?!

And there was still space to put the leopard print trenchcoat with its collar raised on top as the sun was shining.

Without having to push or squeeze it, I closed my Pégase 45.

And I have to admit that after having finished packing, I am usually pretty happy. Now, off to the airport! The next adventure is waiting…

My look: Cashmere top with Stephen Sprouse leopard print, dark blue leather pants, Noé BB bag in citron, bi-colour pumps, necklace and ring, all by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jamie McGregor Smith for Louis Vuitton

Last Wednesday, I was invited by Louis Vuitton in Zurich for a style night in collaboration with annabelle magazine to celebrate an iconic bag: the NOÉ.

The Zurich store last Wednesday

Everybody knows the Noé. In strictly chronological terms, it is the second oldest Louis Vuitton iconic daily bag, its birth date of 1932 placing it at the start of an exceptional decade that saw the creation of the Speedy, the Alma and the Keepall.

In spirit, however, Noé is as young as any bag around, still tinged with the carefree air of those newly liberated women who wore short skirts, shorter hair and carried it – just so – swinging from their shoulder.

At the event: Daniella Gurtner (Fashion Director annabelle) framed by Anna-Christina Raab to the right and me to the left wearing the new Noé BB in citron

The story of its creation? Well, that’s the stuff of legend. Looking for a stylish way to transport his valuable vintages, a champagne producer placed a special order with Gaston-Louis Vuitton. He designed a timelessly simple bucket shape, which could hold four bottles upright and a fifth upside down, secured with a supple leather drawstring. He called the bag Noé – in reference, it is said, to the biblical hero who, when he left the Ark after the Flood, planted vines on the mountains of Ararat.

The original Noé was crafted from natural leather, pale gold like the champagne it was destined to carry, and light as its exuberant ribbons of bubbles. Since then, Noé has appeared in many guises – most famously, of course, Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram canvas, which by the 1960s could at last be made supple enough to do justice to the bag’s generous forms.

Petit Noé in indigo, fuchsia and piment

Today, Noé and its cousin Petit Noé can be found in a myriad incarnations, from Damier Azur to colourful Epi leather – each time different, yet still, somehow, the same.

Florence Amiguet (Store Manager Louis Vuitton Zurich) with a selection of the new Noé BB

So, everybody knows Noé. But now there is a new Noé: Noé BB. Irresistibly cute, unmistakeably contemporary, a diminutive replica of the original which comes with its own innovation: an extra-long shoulder strap that enables it to be slung casually across the body.

Noé BB in Monogram and Damier Azur

In Monogram or Damier Azur canvas and candy-bright Epi, Noé BB is just waiting to be discovered by a new generation. Will it, one day, like its larger namesake, be handed down from mother to daughter, its distinctive drawstring symbolic of an enduring bond of elegance?
Noé, Petit Noé, Noé BB. The legend lives on.

Noé BB in figue and citron

And while you are reading this, I am already off for a new adventure with Louis Vuitton in Munich…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is the detailed post regarding my outfit that I wore on Thursday night for the Fashion’s Night Out in Zurich.

My look: Fur vest and my new beloved Noé BB bag in yellow Epi leather by Louis Vuitton, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, white silk shirt and suede ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, waffle knit cardigan by Chloé and earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

I am off to Vienna with Omega today and very excited for tonight’s gala dinner with Nicole Kidman. Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht