Sandra‘s Closet

Layering is a great way to cope with the transition from summer to fall. Cardigans are great layering pieces because they add warmth when needed and they work well over dark or neutral summer dresses.

My look: Bi-colour fur vest by Louis Vuitton (available this season in a slightly different colour combination), printed dress and argyle belted cardigan, both by See by Chloé, fur bag by Céline, lace up ankle boots by Chloé, cuff by Stella McCartney, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joiallerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

On Wednesday morning, I went to Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2013 show that was as energizing and different as it was brief because the models walked out in pairs like twins. The setting was once more very special: Four escalators formed the fundamental structure of the presentation inspired by Les Deux Plateaux, a famous installation piece in the Palais Royal by the artist Daniel Buren with columns arranged in a grid.

The collection was very graphic and structured which had I expected after having seen Marc Jacobs’ signature line where minimalistic stripes ruled the runway (for more information, please click here). For Louis Vuitton, the designer went for ’60s silhouettes, gigantic checks and floral embroideries stitched in mini-squares. Even the house’s iconic Speedy bag got cubed, too.

It was the first ever Louis Vuitton collection not to make use of the Monogram. Instead, the Damier pattern provided the house’s signature.

A fundamental duality underpinned the collection, Marc Jacobs used always two colors, shiny and matt textures. He had the image of two very different French icons of the ’60s, Françoise Hardy and Jane Birkin, in mind when creating the collection: Hardy always very covered up, Birkin always revealing plenty of flesh, but both always in long, simple clothes. To reinforce these oppositions, the collection was presented on models in pairs.

For a finale, the models streamed down the four escalators very futuristically like an army of Louis Vuitton cult followers to the music from the opera “Einstein on The Beach” by Philip Glass. The show was different, especially compared to the excesses of last season and also optimistic as the sunshine yellow enlightened the room.

Marc Jacobs almost jumped down the escalator while the audience applauded.

Front row: Delfina Delettrez-Fendi, Natalia Vodianova, Antoine Arnault and Poppy Delevingne

Rachel Zoe and husband Roger Berman

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the last day of Paris Fashion Week, my schedule was extremely tight and I didn’t have time to change my outfits in between. I went to the S/S 2013 presentations of Louis Vuitton, Talbot Runhof, Miu Miu and Elie Saab (posts coming up soon) before heading to the airport.

My colourful look for the day: Margerita wool-blend brocade coat, matching cropped pants and suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots, all by Miu Miu, hat by Louis Vuitton, bi-colour silk shirt by Céline and Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent.

Pantsuits are a huge trend for F/W 2012 and personally speaking, I have loved the ones that Miuccia Prada designed for Miu Miu the most.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

With Bobbi Brown, I spent a beautiful day in Munich for the launch of Bobbi’s seventh book:
PRETTY POWERFUL.

“Over the years I’ve worked with countless women who have inspired me with their stories. Beyond makeup, we’ve talked about life-altering events. Everything from the joy of being a new mom to dealing with homelessness and divorce. With each conversation, these women have shown that when you have the will and the heart, almost anything is possible—and that’s what Pretty Powerful is all about.” – Bobbi Brown

Sandy decor at Munich‘s hotspot Nektar, colourful goodie bags, hardcover copies displayed on white Nektar-branded crates and a nice crowd of journalists expected me for a wonderful lunch. Flipping through the book, you get immediately inspired. And this is all what renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown wants to achieve with her do-good attitude towards makeup: To make you feel “pretty powerful” and to be confident.

The tome includes stories in which the beauty guru hand picked celebrities, athletes, and everyday women to pose for before and after makeover shots plus tips how to eat healthy.
In stores now for CHF 49.90.

My look: Knit dress with lace overlay, earrings and suede wedge ankle boots, all by Louis Vuitton, blush jacket by Stella McCartney and brown Pandora bag by Givenchy.

Inspired by Bobbi’s book, Pretty Powerful, Bobbi introduces the Uber Basics collection – shades for every woman. This collection will give every woman – no matter what her skin tone – the essentials she needs to go from pretty to pretty powerful, day to night.

Highlighting the simplicity of Bobbi’s Uber Basic look, the collection is organized into four colour stories, with a corresponding Eye Shadow (CHF 37.-), Sparkle Eye Shadow (CHF 40.-), Blush (CHF 41.-), Rich Lip Color (CHF 35.-) and High Shimmer Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-).
Available now.

“Our most flattering colours. Ever. It’s makeup, simplified.” – Bobbi Brown

And I have more news from Bobbi Brown for you: Actress Katie Holmes is the first celebrity to become the face of beauty brand.
Sounds all pretty powerful to me.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening during the Biennale des Antiquaires, Piaget took us for a gala dinner to the beautiful L’Arc restaurant, that offers a stunning view of the city’s iconic Arc de Triomphe.

My look: Silk blouse (available with or without sleeves) and chain detail skirt (50% off), both by Givenchy, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, Leopard Nocturne African Queen clutch bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 runway and earrings from Chanel‘s Paris-Bombay collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I always love spotting the newest cruise collections because in general, those include the most wearable pieces of the season. In the case of Louis Vuitton Cruise 2013, the colours are absolutely striking. My favourite piece: The fur vest in purple and brown, this combination is to die for! Following the F/W 2012 trend, overlays are kept, like putting on pants, blouses or dresses. See for yourself! The collection will be in stores in December 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Tuesday afternoon, I arrived in Paris for the city’s famous and oldest antiques fair, the Biennale des Antiquaires, at the Grand Palais which takes places from September 14 to 23, 2012. I am invited by Piaget and totally excited to be here.

For the 26th edition of the Biennale, designer Karl Lagerfeld has been decorating and creating the visuals for the event, plus a contemporary world within the Grand Palais. The exhibition will take place at the main part as well as in “Le Salon d’Honneur”.

This was my look on the arrival day:
Silk blouse and cardigan by Prada, wide wool pants by Stella McCartney, ankle boots by Fendi, Monogram Aviator bag from Louis Vuitton‘s Pre-fall 2010 collection, statement necklace by Roberto Cavalli and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: Dominatrix by Tom Ford.

On the first evening, we had dinner at Hotel Costes. Stay tuned for many beautiful photos coming up from my stay in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This winter, Ladies, we wear the pants! And to be precise, the cropped ones which draw attention to our ankles. Therefore, it is time to get a gorgeous pair of ankle boots.

Here are some of the most outstanding ones available at the moment:

1 Marychal 100 calf hair ankle boots by Christian Louboutin
2 Suede brogue ankle boots by YSL
3 Suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu
4 Bi-colour ankle boots by Balenciaga
5 Gisèle suede ankle boots by YSL
6 Palma fuchsia ankle boots by Acne
7 Suede peep-toe platform ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti
8 Geometric-heel printed silk-covered leather ankle boots by Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem
9 Elsa boots by Sam Edelman

I couldn’t resist those beautiful suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.
Which ones are your favourites? Happy Saturday Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

The second half of the Louis Vuitton – Yayoi Kusama collaboration (Please click here for the photos of the first arrival in July) will hit the shelves tomorrow, September 8, 2012 – much earlier than expected. Here is your sneak preview of the upcoming pumpkin-inspired products.
Aren’t they just polka-dot enthusiastic fantastic?!

LoL, Sandra

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots white

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves red

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town blue

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town red

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots green
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton