Sandra‘s Closet

Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day. It has been an official national holiday since 1994, although the day had been suggested for the celebration of the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy as early as 1889. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

I have been living in Switzerland now for over eleven years and I feel absolutely at home. I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss textiles which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to the «Swiss Dots».

«Dotted Swiss», also known as «Swiss Dot», is a sheer cotton fabric that is embellished with small dots. The dots can be applied in a number of different ways and colors. The design is said to have originated around 1750 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which emerged as a textile center in the 15th century.

I love this fabric especially in white on long maxi dresses. In combination with red accessories, it  can take you everywhere from weekend brunch to evening events.

First collage:
1 Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London (30% off)
2 Belle Web Swiss-dot and lace silk top by Zimmermann
3 The Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino

Second collage:
4 The Garden Swiss-dot cotton maxi dress by The Great (50% off)
5 Belle Swiss-dot and lace silk midi dress by Zimmermann
6 Swiss dot tulle-paneled cable-knit sweater by REDValentino
7 Ren cutout suede sandals by Jimmy Choo

My absolute favorite of all:
Good Times lace-paneled Swiss-dot silk-georgette maxi dress by Zimmermann

To all my Swiss readers: Happy National Day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via ZSG

Before the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 show, I was invited to go backstage and interview the lovely Sophie Albou, the mastermind behind the French brand. I got really spoilt last night as I had been already greeted at the entrance with a wonderful surprise, a bag, and on my seat, flowers were waiting for me. Thank you!

Sophie, what was your inspiration for this season?
I was completely inspired by the early 90s work of photographers Gilles Bensimon and Hans Feurer. Imagine Elle MacPherson and Stephanie Seymour wearing sheer shirts, 501 denim, patchwork, mix of fabric… my main idea comes from those photos. Women beautiful with curves, I think we are ready to go back. I am fed up with the skinny girls. I would love to see happy girls, curvy girls.

Your secret to success?
To do what I do, being surrounded by beautiful people. I love my mum, she is my muse, my husband, my kids. I am so gifted that I have such a great family.

You named your label after the first names of your sons? Have they ever complaint?
My sons are great, they are proud of their mum and are happy with it.

Sophie in 3 words!
Happy, smile, thank you!

Your best kept beauty secret?
Love

Thank you, Sophie!

Backstage with Lindsey Wixon who adored the look she was wearing on the catwalk.

This sweater is extremely gorgeous! My must-have!

“Spring/Summer is about harmony with pure Parisian attitude”. Masculine oversized pants, short and boxy, drop shoulder trenchcoats (gorgeous!) along with maxi dresses and short skirts show the nonchalant vibe that is leading Sophie Albou’s collection. A “no stress” elegance is her motto, focusing on natural femininity.

The accessories such as woven backpacks, basket bags and studded leather flats are laid back and complementing the looks in a cool way. The must-have of the ’90s, the silk scarf knotted at the waist, has made its comeback on the Paul & Joe S/S 2014 runway.

A beautiful and extremely wearable collection. Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Roberto Cavalli gave me an interesting interview (coming soon)

The Just Cavalli S/S 2012 show marks the relaunch of the brand and can be best described as romantic, sweet, light and positive. From the photos of Roberto Cavalli’s travels, the prints are born: absolute protagonists of this very sexy collection, inspired as always by the wonder of nature. Overlapping the butterfly and floral print for example is an animalier motif, creating a very special effect.
The customers? Sunny girls who want to enjoy themselves, in the beautiful and unique time of their youth, who like to go to music festivals. Maxi dresses, gilets encrusted with metallic stitching and bags with small foulards and marmot tails like new good luck charms provide the perfect look. To shop Just Cavalli, please click here.

For my Swiss based readers, here is a taste of what is to come in November when Roberto Cavalli will present his Just Cavalli S/S 2012 collection during the annabelle awards (The winner will receive a one year internship with Roberto Cavalli in Florence.) for the second edition of the Charles Vögele Fashion Days Zurich. If you don’t want to miss the fashion show, tickets are available at ticketcorner.ch.

Here is your sneak preview of what you can watch live this fall in Zurich.

Hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my fifth and final look from the LuisaViaRoma Total Styling Lab. This time I focused on the maxi trend and gave my look some romantic touches by adding a bow belt that I tied around my waist and the cute straw hat.

Nothing epitomises chic summer dressing like a ground skimming dress paired with flat sandals.

Chiffon Blouse: Chloé – Maxi Dress: Semi-Couture – Hat: Lanvin – Belt: Valentino – Gladiator Sandals: Chloé – Bag: Marc Jacobs

Receive exclusively through Sandra’s Closet at LUISAVIAROMA.COM – FREE SHIPPING to the United States, Canada, and Europe. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly. Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht