Best of New York Fashion Week S/S 2013

Best of NYFashion Week S:S2013

While we are getting our wardrobe ready for the upcoming winter, designers are already showing their S/S 2013 collections. Here is a summary of the most important collections and trends seen at New York Fashion Week. Stay tuned as a detailed report from London, Milan and Paris will follow soon.

In New York, stripes were having a moment this S/S 2013 season. From Marc Jacobs, to Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the American majors are getting in line to consider a fashionable life behind bars. Floral patterns and digital prints stay for the next summer, the best ones were seen at Altuzarra and Thakoon. Layering is all about getting this slouchy chic style. My favourite: Prabal Gurung. A must for summer is a pair of strappy, knee-high summer boots, such as spotted at Proenza Schouler.

Enjoy my little runway reviews!

LoL, Sandra

Altuzarra S:S 2013

Joseph Altuzarra came up with a clever way to transform a jacket into a more airy piece by using vents for your arms like a cape, so that the jacket stays in place on your shoulders, even so it comes with sleeves. “It’s how editors wear their coats,” he said of the genesis of the idea to the US Vogue. The draped dresses, the interesting prints and the knee-high Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra sandals make it my favourite NYFW runway collection.

Oscar de la Renta S:S 2013

I love this Oscar de la Renta collection. Punk hair, combined with a ’50s silhouette and pop colors. So much fun and sophistication!

Victoria Beckham S:S 2013

After four years in business, Victoria Beckham‘s designs have evolved. The iconic sheath dresses have got company, separates and suits are now part of her collection as well.

Rodarte S:S 2013

Stylists, editors and bloggers have been buzzing about Rodarte continuously. The eccentric designs of the Mulleavy sisters are truly outstanding. For the next season, the précis described Kate’s and Laura’s inspiration as “medieval and fantasy role-playing games”. Please reserve one of those fashionable armors for me!

Alexander Wang S:S 2013

Alexander Wang‘s runway show for S/S 2013 was ultra-strong with cut-out dresses and footwear to die for. The audience was kindly asked to remain from flash photography which was wishful thinking because when the lights were dimmed down to reveal white looks glowing in an ecclectic shade of yellow, people took their cameras to share this magic moment.

Proenza Schouler S:S 2013

Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez have a young and visionary approach to fashion. This season, they have experimented with leather and print. Very interesting, you have to study the outfit to see all the innovative details.

Ralph Lauren S:S 2013

Viva Espagña! For Ralph Lauren, the next season is all about Matador suits, serapes, ruffles and fringes. Especially, his gowns will be loved by celebrities all around the globe. Olé, fashionistas!

Michael Kors S:S 2013-2

Very preppy, lots of stripes and the four basic colours, this was Michael Kors‘ recipe for his S/S 2013 collection. A subtle ’60s vibe and clean tailoring finished the sophisticated looks. Not new, but very wearable and very American.

TommyHilfiger S:s 2013

Another true prep is, of course, Tommy Hilfiger, who celebrated stripes with a collegiate beat in the all-American shades of red, blue and white. A must for those who are spending their summers in the Hamptons.

Marc Jacobs S:S 2013-2

The bold spirit that Marc Jacobs had been pushing for fall, has transformed into a more calm and artistic vibe. Lots of black and white stripes and wearable cuts, a wind of change is blowing at the American designer, at least for this season.

Thakoon S:S 2013

Thakoon Panichgul has been inspired obviously by an architectural Japanese feeling. Beautiful blooming floral designs and bird prints dominated this feminine collection. So pretty!

Prabal Gurung S:S 2013

This season, Prabal Gurung channeled Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Layering was a key element, such as dresses worn over pants. The Kapoor inspiration was also evident in the extraordinary prints and delicate sheer fabrics.

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It was Sophia Kokosalaki‘s last collection for Diesel Black Gold, and probably her best. I truly like this 90’s aesthetic, cool, contemporary with an interesting twist. Her successor, Andreas Melbostad, the former Phi designer, is now in charge to bring the label to the next level.

Rag & Bone S:S2013

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the designer duo behind Rag & Bone, showed their refreshing collection at New York’s dramatical and beautiful old US Post Office building, a gorgeous backdrop. The inspiration: A desert traveler.

Reed Krakoff S:S 2013

Reed Krakoff is the new king of intellectual minimalism with a very sexy twist. Strong and sportif, he used a colour palette of nudes, browns and blacks. Those see-through deconstructed dresses will be seen on many editors, for sure.

Edun S:S 2013-2

Edun, the beloved fashion label, run by Irish rocker Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, is based on the commitment to encourage trade in Africa. For S/S 2013 the collection is about the contrasting worlds of the Edun girl – intimate and extroverted, utilitarian and outerworldly.

Marchesa S:S 2013

Personally speaking, the most stunning evening and bridal wear for S/S 2013 is designed by Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig. Last week, they announced that they had designed Blake Lively’s wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ dresses. For summer, they take their fans on a stunning journey through India by way of maharani’s wardrobe with the bridal motif certainly at the forefront.

Zac Posen S:S 2013

Zac Posen focused on gowns and a ’40s silhouette. The biggest surprise happened on the runway, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall and Karolina Kurkova walked in his show.

Shop the Best F/W 2012 Runway Looks

F:W 2012 Trends

The new season is fast approaching and some of the best F/W 2012 runway looks are available now. This is your chance to be in fashion’s forefront.

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Brocade is set to be one of the season’s hottest trends, and Stella McCartney‘s black and cobalt pattern is a typically chic take on the look.

Wool-blend brocade top iconand Patty brocade skirt, both by Stella McCartney

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No one delivers contemporary femininity quite like Christopher Kane, and this rose-flocked tulle dress is a standout piece from his F/W 2012 runway show.

Leather-trimmed flocked tulle dress iconby Christopher Kane

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With his trendsetting vision, Marc Jacobs predicts precisely what women want to wear every season.

Metallic bouclé wool-blend jacket and iconmetallic bouclé wool-blend skirt, both by Marc Jacobs

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Mary Katrantzou brings her beautifully mesmeric prints to knitwear this season. Coziness has never been that beautiful.

Wool-blend dress iconby Mary Katrantzou

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Miu Miu‘s acclaimed F/W12 runway collection was a riot of colour and dandy-esque tailoring. Miuccia Prada‘s message was clear: Pants are a must for the new season!

Belted wool-crepe tunic and wool-crepe straight-leg pants, both by Miu Miu

LoL, Sandra

Dot by Marc Jacobs

Dot Marc Jacobs

Expanding his collection of fragrances, which currently includes “Daisy” (2007) and “Lola” (2009), and following his dot-enthusiasm – this month, Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama will hit the stores – Marc Jacobs will be launching a new scent which is young and playful: DOT.

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Before leaving for the US, I was invited to the press conference to explore the new fragrance. The composition is floral-fruity, spiced up with exotic notes of coconut and wrapped in soft vanilla embrace. Very young and gourmand.

The bottle is red covered with black dots and reminds me of a cute little ladybug. On top sits a butterfly. It will look great on display in your bathroom.

Dot MJ Bottle

Top notes: Red berries, pitahaya (dragon fruit) and honeysuckle.
Middle notes: Jasmine, orange blossom and coconut water.
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and driftwood.

DOT Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 81.-), 50ml (CHF103.-) and 100ml (CHF 135.-).
DOT Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 59.-)
DOT Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 48.-)

Available in the US in July 2012 and in August 2012 internationally.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Yosemite National Park

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Next stop on my road trip: Yosemite National Park.

I drove all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah through the state of Nevada to California to visit the Yosemite National Park which is absolutely breathtaking. The abundance of wildlife and scenic views made my stay unforgettable.
A delightful and special spot of land that I would like to share with you:

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I started my tour at Glacier Point where I had to catch my breath at one of the most exhilarating overlooks that I have seen in my life. The big granite monument in the photo is Half Dome, one of Yosemite’s most famous features.

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My outdoorsy look: Pink jacket and floral print blouse, both by Coje (a brand that I absolutely adore, check out their cute website by clicking here), drawstring twill pants iconby Paul & JoeTokyo glitter and metallic sneakers by Jimmy Choo, pink scarf by Splendidnylon backpack by Prada and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.

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El Capitan

This massive, granite monument is El Capitan. Climbers from all over the globe come to scale it.

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Tunnel View: Just outside of Yosemite Valley, you can enjoy this spectacular view.

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Another natural spectacle is the Bridalveil Fall. The Ahwahneechee called this place Pohono, “Spirit of the Puffing Wind.” The wind swirls about the cliff, often lifting the falling water and blowing it from side-to-side in a delicate free-fall. Even though, it looks small, it actually has the height of a 62-story building.

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Me - Bridalveil Falls

Falls Scenery

I hiked a very fun trail all the way up to the Vernal Falls.

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Giant Sequoias Sign

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must-see. You can marvel at one of the world’s largest trees, the Grizzly Giant and enjoy the beauty of those creatures of which some date back well over 1500 years.

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The cones of the giant sequoias are extremely small and are the landmark for park rangers all over the world.

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Killing Bears

Coming to the park, I was pretty worried to encounter an American black bear because about 300 to 500 of them live in the park. I learnt that you stay safe if you remove food from your car and always keep it within arms reach as they might be more frightened of you than you are of them. I know that this is hard to believe…

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I didn’t see a black bear but lots of very cute squirrels.

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The Steller’s jay bird has a bright-blue colour.

During my visit at the Yosemite National Park, I stayed at the Tenaya Lodge that I can only recommend. Great food and beautiful new rooms (mine was a spa suite with a whirlpool tub in the bathroom, awesome!).

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 Ad Campaign

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“For our Fall/Winter 2012-2013 campaign, we wanted to continue the journey we started with the fashion show,” says Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Marc Jacobs. “Our aim was to recreate, in a cinematic manner, the glamour of travel and the romance of going somewhere, of meeting someone, of looking out a window…”

To this end, the interior of the Louis Vuitton Express, which brought Paris Fashion Week to such a memorable conclusion, was reconstructed, in all its exquisite and extravagant detail, in a New York studio – the locomotive itself having already set off on a new adventure. Winding its way East across two continents, the Louis Vuitton Express is scheduled to pull in on Shanghai’s famous Bund on July 19th.

LeopardAdvertising 2: Leopard Bags

Shot by Steven Meisel, this is the first Louis Vuitton campaign ever to evoke so exactly the ambiance of the fashion show. Unprecedented levels of know-how and attention to detail were deployed to create a compelling restatement of the romance of travel, true to the heritage of Louis Vuitton. In the role of the travelers, ten young models – accompanied by four porters – showcase the collection’s gracefully elongated A-line silhouette, embellished with jewel buttons and opulent brocades.

In keeping with the theme of travel, Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram canvas luggage, stored in an overhead rack or carried by a porter, shares the spotlight with the season’s standout bags, including the Monogram-sequined Sunshine Express, the black and white Leopard, and the spectacular Transsibérien, with its jewel buckle and dip-dyed goat hair.

ExpressAdvertising 3: Sunshine Express Bags

“All of these glamorous travelers have an imaginary voyage in their head, which is wonderfully captured by Steven Meisel,” continues Marc Jacobs. “I cannot think of anyone who could pack a train with so many beautiful young women and their porters, and still make the ambiance feel light and romantic. As opulently dressed as the girls are, there is a lightness and a magic to everything this season – and that is reflected perfectly in these images.”

The Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 advertising campaign, comprising a total of 10 single and double-page visuals, will break in the August 2012 issues of magazines worldwide.

I am so in love with this collection… so amazing! Below you can also enjoy some behind the scenes shots.

LoL, Sandra

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MaquillagePhotos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Infinitely Kusama for Louis Vuitton

Kusama for LV

For its upcoming highly anticipated ‘fashion meets art’ collaboration, Louis Vuitton has teamed up with avantgarde painter, pop art artist, fashion designer, sculptor, street performer and poet, Yayoi Kusama. At the age of 82, she is an artist of many talents.

Dot Diva

The preview is not even on the official website, the Louis Vuitton press offices keep everything secret. But thanks to WWD and Stylerumour, the first photos have emerged.

Here is your very exclusive and so exciting preview of what the Japanese dot-enthusiast and Marc Jacobs have come up with. Personally speaking, I am crazy for those polka dots, especially the red and white ones that remind me so much of Minnie Mouse. Also included in the collection are wave prints. The colours are yellow, red, black and white.

The collection will be unveiled Mid July 2012 in Louis Vuitton stores around the globe, with a second wave of goods arriving in October.

Ladies, get yourselves on the wait lists now!

LoL, Sandra

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity black

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Monogram Shawl Dots Infinity black

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Sunglasses Waves Rond White

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pareo Monogram Waves white

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Lockit MM Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity red

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Ballerina Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity red

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Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Montre Tambour Dots Infinity 28 mm

LVK9Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Bangle GM Dots Infinity red

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Yayoi-Kusama-Louis-Vuitton-Collection-21Photos: Via Stylerumour and Franck Mura via WWD

Pre-Shopping for Pre-fall 2012: Goody Bags

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Get ready to fall in love with the new season’s It-bags!

The pre-fall 2012 must-have bags are here, including Mulberry’s much sought-after Del Rey. Take advantage of this exclusive pre-shopping invitation to get your hands on this piece along with the other It-bags of the new season like YSL’s Chyc clutch in dark cherry. Be the first to indulge in pre-fall’s new arm candies. For the next three days, you have the privilege to shop those items before they are available to all customers.

To shop, just click on the highlighted text below.

LoL, Sandra

Del Rey

Del Rey leather tote by Mulberry

Chyc

Chyc clutch with logo closure by Yves Saint Laurent

Fendi

Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Fendi snake

Silvana bag with snakeskin insert by Fendi

Valentino

Rockstud leather shopper by Valentino

MJ Safari

Safari large single shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs

The Met Gala – Inside the Party of the Year

Met Gala 2012

The Met Gala is the party of the year, like the Oscars in fashion. It is also the opening night of the annual fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. After last year’s posthumous Alexander McQueen retrospective “Savage Beauty”, the “Schiaparelli & Prada – Impossible Conversations is now on show.

With the met gala being one of the biggest red carpet events, it is quite a task narrowing down the many fabulous gowns to choose my absolute favourites. The ones in the collage above are on my best-dressed list, with the following three being at the top:

Gwyneth

Dreamlike: Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada

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…with beautiful jewels by Anna Hu

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A piece of art: Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou F/W 2012

Tisch

Soulmate: Lizzy Tisch in Mary Katranzou‘s stunning Harp Hazzard dress from S/S 2012

But it wouldn’t be fun if I didn’t point out the more questionable fashion moments or let’s say to show you the most daring appearances. Enjoy!

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Bird of Paradise: Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen

Meester

Too much bronzer: Leighton Meester in Marchesa

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Scene-stealer: Marc Jacobs in Comme des Garçons with Lorenzo Martone

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Booty Call: Beyoncé in Givenchy Haute Couture

Karolina & Rachel

Unlikely couple: Karolina Kourkova with tiny Rachel Zoe, the designer of her space-like gown

Giovanna

The new Anna? Giovanna Battaglia in Dolce & Gabbana with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld

anja

The Jolie-leg effect: Anja Rubik in a scary hip-slit gown by Anthony Vaccarello

MaryKate Olsen

Daughter of Daphne Guiness? Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row

Which one is your favourite or which one don’t you like at all? You can comment on Sandra’s Closet’s facebook page here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and © Rex Features

My Look: Welcome Spring!

Welcome Spring

After over one week in bed sick, I have been ready for some vibrant colours to embrace spring.
I really like the colour combination of orange and turquoise blue.

My look: Wool jacket with lamé trimand embellished wool-cashmere cardigan, both by Marc Jacobs, ballet flats by Dolce & Gabbana (similiar to the leather ballerina by Repetto), straight-leg pants iconby Stella McCartneyorange-coloured Birkin bag by Hermès, earrings by Christian Dior and striped scarf by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

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IMG_2211Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

At the Miu Miu F/W 2012 Show

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My last show for the F/W 2012 season was Miu Miu yesterday.

Imagine Austin Powers and the dandy style, add some late sixties and very early seventies and the outcome would be Miuccia Prada’s moodboard for her Miu Miu F/W 2012 collection. The pants worn cropped played a major role as already seen at Prada. It seemed like she had an obsession with them. Just in the end of the show, some short dresses with lots of embellishments appeared on the runway. I loved it, it was a fresh and different approach to the winter season and her colour combinations were absolutely gorgeous.

And do you know who else I spotted? Marc Jacobs who just had presented his F/W 2012 collection for Louis Vuitton earlier in the morning, was sitting front row and congratulated Miuccia later on her designs. Yes, she nailed it again as the matching-print pantsuit is a must for the next season! And Miu Miu will definitely be on my shopping list!

Enjoy the photos of the show and see which famous blue-haired singer was there below:

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The blue-haired celebrity I was talking about was Katy Perry who came to the Miu Miu show in head-to-toe Prada.

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When she saw her friend, American actress, Kate Mara, all dressed in Miu Miu, she seemed to compare their looks. I thought that it was pretty funny to watch.

Stars at Miu Miu

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Below you can see Anna dello Russo wearing the famous Miu Miu sunglasses.

LoL, Sandra

Anna MiuPhotos: © Sandra Bauknecht