Sandra‘s Closet

Jeremy Scott presented the MOSCHINO Cruise 2020 collection in Los Angeles in June. The show was filled with trip-down-memory-lane nostalgia, held at Universal Studios, along the same set that served as Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives. Models became trick-or-treaters in a foggy twilight. Every look was literally screaming with humor and modernity: Are you ready for Halloween?

Personally speaking, I am not a fun of typical costumes, as I hate wearing badly sewn polyester stuff. I always try to get designer pieces that serve the purpose. Therefore I will get ready with MOSCHINO for the spookiest night of the year.

Discover the new collection preview by clicking HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MOSCHINO

One thing is for sure, Jeremy Scott is not only a fashion designer who is selling smiles but also a storyteller. Fashion needs fun now more than ever and he is giving it to us with his F/W 2019 collection for Moschino. Think «Dynasty» meets «Desperate Housewives» and indulge in these kitschy runway bags shaped like household cleaning products, hairspray cans, champagne bottles and more that should hit big on every red carpet. For the first time I can happily say that I am truly wishing for a washing machine…

Champagne bottle leather bag by Moschino

Left: Laundry detergent packaging backpack by Moschino
Right: TV dinners clutch by Moschino

Dishwashing bag by Moschino

Left: Washing machine round leather tote bag by Moschino
Right: Iron bag by Moschino

Hairspray bottle bag by Moschino

Let you inspire by the unconventional shapes and colors of the new Moschino bag collection. I am totally in love… this is my kind of fashion humor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moschino

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

«We want to make simulation racing accessible to everyone, everywhere.»
– Francisco Fernandez

Friday night, I was invited to the Formula V launch event at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. My avid readers know that besides fashion, I really love cars and driving fast (must be my German side). Therefore I was curious about this new project where you can live the same sporting experience of top race drivers with their original training simulator. You can choose a track as well as a car and race straight away without the risk of injuring yourself. While exercising a fantastic driving experience, you will definitely be challenged mentally and physically.

With Francisco Fernandez, founder and chairman Formula V, and his wife Natalie Gromova Fernandez.

Furthermore, Formula V wants to focus on finding new talents and giving them the opportunity to train. Regular race car driving is very expensive and it is hard to find sponsors when you get started. The gaming factor also plays and important role. Via the Formula V app, spectators can bet on their favorite driver or even interact with the race themselves by adding rain or letting a cat cross the virtual track. The first competition, a historical date for Swiss e-sport, will be held on May 25, 2019, for more information click here.

Matching the motto of the night, I went for this Moschino race dress from the S/S 2016 collection. Finally, I had a great opportunity to literally sport it.

My look: Sleeveless leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, racing-style dress by Moschino, cadillac clutch and red leather boots, both by Prada. Diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

German actress and model Sophia Thomalla is Formula V’s celebrity ambassador.

If I vetted your appetite for virtual car racing, I invite you to experience the Formula V world class racing simulation in the comfort of the first lounge that opened last weekend in Cham. The Formula V instructors will prepare everything for your perfect race. Alone, with friends, for entertainment or to compete and train, just use the Formula V app to book a time, duration, car and racetrack and you will be welcomed with everything ready to go!

Zurich, Madrid and many more locations will open soon. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)

On Friday evening, I celebrated International Women’s Day among my beloved girlfriends at the St. Gotthard Hotel in Zurich where Ljuba Manz and Raquel Marquard hosted an event with Jelmoli filled with everything you can dream of, shoes, a runway show, champagne and laughter.

With Raquel Marquard to the left and Ljuba Manz to the right.

Silvia Affolter moderated the night in a very fun way. First, we all had a closer look at a selection of shoes that would make every girl’s heart leap with joy. Brands such as Alexandre Vauthier (one of my favorites at the moment), Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia were on display as well as jewelry by Austrian jeweler A.E. Köchert.

The fashion show – inspired by St. Tropez – included a lingerie part in collaboration with Beldona. Beautiful lace ensembles – one in combination with a lace mask – got the audience in awe.

A young label from Switzerland, only 3 years old, Ina Kess was introduced. Two beautiful sisters, Katharina and Isabelle Staub, who both studied economics, launched the label in order to fulfill their own need. They design pieces that work for the office, for a night out and in which you can also attend your yoga class. Katharina explained how annoyed she was to carry around a bag of clothes to have everything she needed with her.

Katharina and Isabelle Staub of Ina Kess with Silvia Affolter

Ljuba entertained us amazingly with some fun statements how to treat men well.

Jelmoli presented also looks from renowned designers such as Moschino, Missoni, Peter Pilotto and 3.1. Phillip Lim. The so-called «House of Brands» really shifted during the past years under the helmet of CEO Franco Savastano and has transformed itself into a true luxury haven. Soon, the whole beauty department on the ground floor will also go through renovation. Ladies, no need to fly to London or Paris any longer… we will soon have our own little «Harrods» or «Galeries Lafayette» in Zurich.

Franco Savastano, CEO Jelmoli, had every reason to smile that night, being one of the only men allowed in the room enjoying the fabulous show.

Guests of the night were invited after the fashion show to the presidential suite where they were able to shop everything that was presented on the runway. If you like any look or shoe below, just show the photo to a sales person at Jelmoli. They will happily help you.

I am so in love with these Alexandre Vauthier sandals.

The only recommendation I have and this comes on a very personal note, please include also smaller sizes in your buying, as well as half sizes for shoes!

By the way, the gentlemen enjoyed a great dinner and a Patoro cigar at the iconic Hummerbar next door…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Happy 6oth Birthday, Barbie! Time flies…  Today, every passing minute sees more than 100 dolls sold worldwide, with 58 million sold every year. The iconic plastic doll has been a surgeon, a pilot, a singer and a president. She has been in a wheelchair and has a prosthetic leg. She’s been the Duchess of Cambridge, several characters in «Mad Men» and every member of Destiny’s Child.
But on her debut at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, she was just a doll in a swimsuit and ponytail, with white sunglasses in her hand.

First Barbie in 1959

Barbie’s success has remained as she continues to reflect culture and the world girls see around them.
Her evolution has been crucial, but never was easy. Created by Ruth Handler, who owned the toy company Mattel with her husband Elliot. She was inspired by the paper dolls her daughter Barbara played with, as well as a German doll named Bild Lilli.

Did you know that the inspiration for Barbie came from German BILD Zeitung? A doll called Lilli that was created in 1955.

Immediately, Barbie had a lot of success. She was an «adult», different to the baby dolls of the time. By 1960, Barbie was gainfully employed, as either a nurse, fashion editor, or flight attendant. The next year, she had a boyfriend, Ken, and the year after that, her first car and a pink dream house.

Lately, new additions to the «Barbie Fashionistas» line included a doll using a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg. For International Women’s Day 2018, Mattel released a new batch of dolls based «real-life role models» (for the previous post, click here please), among them aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo.

This year, more than 20 new «Sheroes» will be immortalized as Barbies: among them, supermodel and activist Adwoa Aboah, and gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the first female Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

Me dressed in the Moschino x Barbie collection (for the post, click here).

Barbie did many designer collaborations such as an amazing shoe collection with Charlotte Olympia, was dressed by the likes of Moschino, Lagerfeld, or Christian Louboutin among others.

Margot Robbie will portray Barbie in upcoming movie about the child’s toy.

At 60 years old, Barbie stars in a Netflix series, «Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures,» and has almost 40 animated films to her name. In January, it was announced that Margot Robbie will play Barbie in a live-action movie. With 2 million followers on her instagram @barbiestyle, she’s one of of the big social media influencers and shares her outfits, and street-style shots.

I have been a Barbie fan since my early childhood and am proud of my pretty impressive collection. In my daughter’s old playroom, we still kept the Barbie corner. Happy Birthday, Barbie! Thanks to you, I feel sometimes like a little girl again…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Barbie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

You might have heard the news already as they had been announced a few days ago:
H&M revealed their newest designer collaboration with MOSCHINO, this time through Instagram live.

I was in the champagne with Moët & Chandon for an outstanding experience that I had no time to write about it before. Nevertheless, you might have heard about it but you still haven’t read my opinion about it which you might find interesting.

Funny coincidence: I wore Moschino’s Barbie collection to the Alexander Wang x H&M launch party in NYC in 2014.

First of all, I think that the time for designer collaborations is over. Somehow the magic went missing. Why is that? Personally speaking, in times, where street style fashion, sneakers, track pants and so on are totally trending, being stylish can be easily achieved, even on a low budget. Jeremy Scott, Moschino’s Creative Director, for example had a fantastic collaboration with Adidas before where you could find his aesthetics for a great price. Moreover, there are many new brands coming up, raising to fame through today’s advertising channels of social media.

Another coincidence: I met Jeremy Scott for the first time at an H&M party – in 2012 Anna dello Russo’s Paradise Ball celebrated her collaboration with the Swedish fashion giant.

When I was eagerly waiting during the last years for H&M’s new collaboration to be revealed, this one hit me unexpectedly as I had just forgotten about it. Nevertheless, personally speaking, I have always liked Moschino’s fun approach to fashion, especially since 2013 when Jeremy Scott has started to inject his pop energy, reminiscent of what Franco Moschino was famous for. Depending on the pieces Jeremy will create, this can be a great collection. Moreover, he is a designer of celebrity status with millions of fans, many of whom are also friends, such as Kate Perry, Lindsay Lohan and many more.

One of his buddies, no other than Gigi Hadid, revealed the new project with an Instagram live call to her friend Jeremy Scott. Her call was projected on digital screens at the annual MOSCHINO party in Coachella, California and live broadcasted on @hm surprising guests with the big news after midnight. Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid, were dressed in the first looks from the MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection, a collection full of the vitality, playfulness and humour that has made the label one of the most beloved in fashion today.

«I am so excited about MOSCHINO [tv] H&M. My life’s work has been to connect with people through fashion, and with this collaboration I’ll be able to reach more of my fans than I’ve ever had the ability to do,» Jeremy Scott, Creative Director of MOSCHINO

For H&M, Jeremy Scott has designed new MOSCHINO collections for both women and men, as well as a full range of accessories and some extra surprises too. The collection will be available online and in select H&M stores worldwide from November 8, 2018.

The MOSCHINO [tv] H&M campaign is a radically innovative TV concept enmeshing social and traditional media to create a multi-platform takeover – a captivating new «zapping» experience for the digital world.

News were revealed last week at Scott’s annual Moschino Coachella Party: Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid dressed in the upcoming collection with Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor.

Below you can find some of my favorite Moschino looks and accessories I wore over the past years, to see the complete outfit posts, click on the highlighted links. Let’s see if Jeremy will be inspired by one of those…

One of my favorite Moschino looks of all times: Barbie Girl.

Top left to right:  Love Pink –  When Fashion Meets Art – Good Girl
Bottom left to right: The Jacket Bag – Fast Fashion – California Cool

Infused with pop art: Jacket quilted leather shoulder bag.

Fashion kills: Cigarette box-inspired leather bag.

Looking at my photos, I can imagine that Scott’s surreal-Pop aesthetic will find many fans…
… to be continued!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M/Moschino, © Sandra Bauknecht
#HMOSCHINO – INSTAGRAM @hm @moschino

Nowadays, there is a new style that utilizes angel wings as a fashion statement most likely thanks to the Victoria’s Secret Angels who are sporting their wings on the famous lingerie runway.
Personally speaking when it comes to an angel-wing piece, I feel a terrible obsession to go for it… it is somehow innocent and seductive at once.

1 Evangeline wing leather sandals by Sophia Webster
2 Wings heart leather shoulder bag by Niels Peerarer
3 Wing ring by Garrard
4 Winged ballerina bustier dress by Moschino
5 Wing 18-karat gold, agate and diamond earrings by Noor Fares
6 Wings ring by Elise Dray
7 Samotresse 100 metallic leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

If some trips are in your horizon, it’s time to finally put aside your old suitcase and invest in some new luggage. Traveling can be stressful enough without having to consider what might happen when a zipper breaks or that tiny hole in the bottom suddenly becomes massive. New luggage that is coordinated and sleek might not upgrade you to first class, but it sure will help you feel like you’re already there. And with these colors, you will never loose your luggage again.

1 Horizon 50 Trolley in Monogram Canvas by Louis Vuitton
2 Leather Trimmed Carry-On Suitcase by Gucci
3 Medium Quilted Nylon Trolley by Moschino
4 Majolica-Print Leather Suitcase by Dolce & Gabbana
5 Metallic Calfskin Trolley with Gold-Tone Metal by Chanel

«For me, beautiful luggage is synonymous with the golden era of travel; the sophisticated voyage to an exotic destination should be a journey of refinement and elegance.» – Charlotte Olympia

My absolute favorite is Charlotte Olympia‘s collaboration of fantastic luggages with a vintage feel with Globe-Trotter, the British brand that specializes in leather travel goods. A globetrotter’s dream collection.

TO SHOP CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA X GLOBE-TROTTER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands