Sandra‘s Closet

Here’s a trend that has been taking flight for some time now: butterflies! Embroidered onto outerwear at  Valentino and stitched on a Gucci sweater, the butterfly is about everywhere this fall.

1 Butterfly embellished wool sweater by Gucci for Net-à-Porter
2 Butterfly-embroidered canvas guitar strap for handbag by Valentino
3 Fil coupé silk-blend scarf by Alexander McQueen
4 Butterfly crocodile small clutch bag by Nancy Gonzalez
5 Appliquéd stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Valentino
6 3D Glitter Butterfly Sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson
7 Chiara metallic patent-leather platform sandals by Sophia Webster

A piece of art: the embroidered cotton coat by Valentino.

I am literally dying for those appliquéd stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Valentino, aren’t they to die for?

Many designers have seeked inspiration from the beautiful world of the butterflies for pre-fall 2016, from left to right: Gucci, Giamba, Valentino and Philipp Plein.

Are you having butterflies in your tummy now like me?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

One evening in Cannes, I was invited by Chopard to the “Somebody to love” party at Canal+. Mark Ronson, face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme, whom I had met in 2011 at the Versace for H&M Launch Party in NYC, was the DJ for the night. I have to admit that I had far too much fun so unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos…

My look: Pink marabou jacket by Emilio Pucci, ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, gold python pumps by Tom Ford, earrings by Chanel, crocodile clutch by Nancy Gonzalez and Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

The Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford are just perfect for adding that special something to your outfit, incorporating the pattern du jour: dots.

Looking gorgeous: Mark Ronson in Givenchy Homme

Spotted that night: Belgian martial artist and actor Jean-Claude van Damme

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht

Next season you should invest in something that is very à la mode but will always be in style: exotic leather! Snakeskin was seen everywhere on the runways and there are especially many beautiful bags to dream of. You could think about a classic piece like the python model by Devi Kroell, or get one of those amazing big clutches by Nancy Gonzalez. These will accent your outfit perfectly and will be a companion for many years. My favourite one is this incredible Alexander McQueen clutch. I love the shape, the colours, the design…. it is just perfect!

If you want to take it a step further, go crocodile! The price might be breathtaking but envision it as the foundation of your outfit. Sometimes it is better to prioritize and invest in one timeless piece to make you feel instantly fabulous.

Kristin Davis was spotted at the set of the new Sex and the City movie carrying this stunning croc tote by Nancy Gonzalez (who is by the way one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world and a great address to get high-quality precious skin models). The bag – that also comes in black – can accessorize every outfit perfectly. I would opt for a bold colour as this will enlighten everyday basics immediately and will make you look so stylish! Always keep in mind the only limit is your creativity!

LoL, Sandra