Sandra‘s Closet

Marni takes over the Sunset Beach Hotel on the sands of Shelter Island, New York, Marni-fying the hotel’s outdoor and indoor areas through Marni Marine’s playful and imaginative universe, a celebration of summer. Until Labor Day weekend, the ground floor spaces will be re-imagined through fabrics hailing from the Marni archives, giving a new and vibrant guise to the rooms, embellished with the signature colors, furnishings and design objects of Marni Markets.

Through Marni Marine, the cozy ambience of Sunset Beach Hotel blends with the eclectic and creative spirit of Marni in a place that invites guests to dream, relax and get lost in the idyll of a seaside hideaway.

A combination of warm tones and jubilant prints pervades the rooms while preserving the atmosphere of the hotel. The external façade will be underscored by a sculptural, red metal MARNI logo, finished with baby blue display elements that resemble waves – which serve as home for bags and beach hats – ridden by fishes and boats that pay homage to the sea.

The hotel’s boutique, with revamped orange and yellow walls, will host women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories from Marni’s S/S 2021, in a space where red and white striped benches, covered with cushions and featuring maxi dots evoking stones, reverberate their playfulness through to the fitting room curtain and on a glass display case. The maxi dots will also characterize the display cases arranged along the corridor housing pieces for the Marni lifestyle. The walls will be redefined with light brown and pink tones, giving new light to the area.

Inside the game room, cozy sofas will be wrapped in a spring of floral prints juxtaposed to pink and light brown walls. Here, it will be possible to relax on hand-woven Marni chaise lounges, rocking chairs, benches and stools.

The spirit of Marni will also pervade the suite room that will be decorated with Marni Market furnishings, including bird-shaped chairs with an exclusive Marni frisky pink umbrella displayed on the terrace.

The selection of Marni Market design objects and accessories for sale and available in limited edition will also include a series of baskets, vases, magazine racks and sculptures, as well as necklaces, hats, bags – and fans conceived exclusively for the hotel.

The pop-up, envisioned in collaboration with Sunset Beach, will allow guests to immerse into the creative philosophy of Marni. In this experiential place overlooking the ocean, guests can relax and enjoy sun-kissed long days absorbed in summer dreams, getting inspired by the universe of Marni Marine.

I hope that we can travel soon again to the US. I miss it so much.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

During New York Fashion Week, I had the idea to shoot an outfit post at Times Square. Brightly adorned with billboards and advertisements, this tourist attraction seemed to be the perfect backdrop to show this amazing gown by Athens-based Christos Costarellos. Ball gowns for day, why the hell not?! The Greek designer has been for quite a while on my watch list as I adore his couture techniques to create ethereal dresses inspired by ancient Greek mythology.

What I didn’t think off was that the temperatures were approximately – 5° C that day with heavy wind which created a chill factor of around -20° C. In fashion, not everything that looks so glam is always glamorous…

My look: Lace-trimmed Swiss-dot tulle midi dress by Costarellos, Bianca leather sandals and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

PRADA REINVENTS ITS OWN CLASSICS FOR RESORT 2019
Established in 1913 at Milan’s prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Prada is one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses. Contemporary art and society inspire its collections, which are designed by visionary Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of founder Mario. Miuccia is fashion’s undisputed trendsetter and mood maker.

In the mid-90s she made ugly chic. For Resort 2019, she went exactly through her rich archive to revisit her famous ’90s decade. In times when everybody is doing more, she takes us back to minimalism but in a modern and updated way – spiced up with geek chic athleticism and playful embellishments.

Many of the pieces felt like revamps of prior Prada classics: a quirky mix of chunky loafers, the famous «yes, they are bad, that is why they are so good» patterns, low waists, kick flares, and opulent brocades combined with leather polos, sequin-studded tights, plastic necklaces and trapper hats. Think of me, once again, it’s Prada’s inimitable way with texture… Miuccia has started a wave. More is more or let’s say more is less. Maximalism is not over, just different.

LOCATION
In May 2018, Miuccia Prada chose the seventh floor of the Herzog & de Meuron–designed Prada HQ in New York as the venue. The transformation of the former piano factory was the first project entrusted to the famous architects by Prada in 2000. It was a kind of a striptease of the existing building: all architectural elements were removed so only the naked concrete structure remained.

THE SHOW
The space was kept as open and empty as possible for the fashion show. Only one new element was added to the space: large floating panels reflecting the cityscape outside and thus transferring images of the real city deep inside the space of the presentation. In addition to the real image of the city, other images of virtual cityscapes were projected onto the boards for an intriguing mix of inside and outside, of analogical and virtual realities.

PERSONAL NOTE
I have been a fan of Miuccia Prada from the beginning. A Prada nylon backpack was my school bag and I always felt very strong in her designs. When I studied fashion design, I realized how advanced her thinking is. She is a true pioneer and with her Resort 2019 collection she got the ball rolling again. Is the world ready for a return to minimalism? Probably in a different way than what we are used to. Look at the manicure for the Resort 2019 show, it is minimalistic yet maximalist. It depends on the way of looking at things… as Miuccia says: «Fashion is instant language». Do you speak Prada?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Great news for all lovers of art. The Museum of Modern Art and Fondation Louis Vuitton announce the exhibition “Being modern: MoMA in Paris” taking place from 11 October 2017 to 5 March 2018.

Fondation Louis Vuitton presents, in its Frank Gehry-designed building, an exceptional exhibition devoted to the unrivaled collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Featuring more than 200 renowned masterpieces and less familiar, but highly significant works. This exhibition highlights the pivotal role that MoMA, its curators and its exhibition program have played in the history of art in the 20th and 21st Centuries, ranging from the birth of modern art through trends and styles such as American abstraction, Pop art and Minimalism to the most contemporary art.

Now engaged in a significant expansion and renovation of its building, MoMA has chosen Fondation Louis Vuitton as its partner to bring its legendary artistic heritage to Paris, showcasing its mission to be perpetually modern.

Bernard Arnault, President of Fondation Louis Vuitton says:
“I wanted Being Modern: MoMA in Paris to fall within the tradition of our previous major exhibitions such as Keys to a Passion, 2015, and Icons of Modern Art, The Shchukin Collection, 2016. All three have been organised in close collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious international modern art museums. This exhibition marks, once again, our desire to provide the widest possible audience with the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most remarkable works of art.”

Paul Signac (French, 1863–1935) Opus 217.
Against the Enamel of a Background Rhythmic with Beats and Angles, Tones, and Tints, Portrait of M. Félix Fénéon in 1890 1890
Oil on canvas (73.5 x 92.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Fractional gift of Mr. and Mrs. David Rockefeller.
© 2017 Artists Rights

Among the 200 works presented at Fondation Louis Vuitton are masterpieces by Paul Cézanne, Gustav Klimt, Paul Signac, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Giorgio de Chirico, Edward Hopper, Max Beckmann, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, Alexander Calder, René Magritte, Walker Evans, Yayoi Kusama, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Yvonne Rainer and Frank Stella.

Constantin Brancusi (French, born Romania. 1876–1957) Bird in Space 1928
Bronze (137.2 x 21.6 x 16.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Given anonymously, 1934.
© 2017 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Some of the works will be shown in France for the first time: Constantin Brancusi’s bronze Bird in Space (1928) (see above); Diane Arbus’s Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey (1967); Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962); Philip Guston’s Tomb (1978); (Untitled) “USA Today” by Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1990); 144 Lead Square by Carl Andre (1969); Untitled by Christopher Wool (1990); Untitled (You Invest in the Divinity of the Masterpiece) by Barbara Kruger (1982); and Patchwork Quilt by Romare Bearden (1970).

Enjoy some first impressions of the exhibition in this post. To book your ticket, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Bruce Nauman (American, born 1941) Human/Need/Desire 1983
Neon tubing and wire with glass tubing suspension frames (239.8 x 179 x 65.4 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Emily and Jerry Spiegel, 1991
© 2017 Bruce Nauman/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Cindy Sherman (American, born 1954) Untitled Film Still #21 1978
Gelatin silver print (19.1 x 24.1 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Horace W. Goldsmith Fund through Robert B. Menschel, 1995 © 2017 Cindy Sherman

Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923–2015) Colors for a Large Wall 1951
Oil on canvas, sixty-four panels (240 x 240 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of the artist, 1969.
© 2017 Ellsworth Kelly

OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) Welfare Palace Hotel Project, Roosevelt Island, New York, New York 1976
Gouache on paper (129.5 x 102.9 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of The Howard Gilman Foundation, 2000.
© 2017 Rem Koolhaas

Shigetaka Kurita (Japanese, born 1972) for NTT DOCOMO, Inc., Japan, est. 1991 Emoji 1998-1999
Digital image dimensions variable
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of NTT DOCOMO, Inc., 2016.
© 2017 NTT DOCOMO

Rirkrit Tiravanija (Thai, born Argentina 1961) untitled (the days of this society is numbered / December 7, 2012) 2014
Synthetic polymer paint and newspaper on linen (221 x 214.6 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Committee on Drawings and Prints Fund, 2014.
© 2017 Rirkrit Tiravanija

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Today, I want to share with you something very special. For the first time, you can enjoy a catwalk show at 10.000 meters being on route to New York Fashion Week with Lufthansa on February 8, 2017 on board a Boeing 747-8.

Up in the air, New York based fashion designer Rubin Singer, who began his career at Oscar de la Renta, is offering a preview of his women’s collection before the actual fashion show in the Big Apple. And the best is… on a catwalk high above the Atlantic Ocean.

Moreover, air hostesses’ uniforms are also influenced by fashion trends. Therefore, in another fashion show the Lufthansa crew will model the looks of the past 60 years. And in tune with this retrospective, the jumbo jet has had a 70s-style facelift. Every passenger on flight LH 400 from Frankfurt/Main to New York on 8 February 2017 is invited to take part in this unique event – irrespective of booking class.

I am loving it! What a great idea!
TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lufthansa and Rubin Singer

Recently, I flew to New York to attend the opening celebrations of HUBLOT‘s new Fifth Avenue flagship store. As you can imagine everything was superlative and I cannot wait to show you all the details. Here you see me on my way to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

My look: Sarai signature essentials dress by Hervé Leger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, boy bag with chains by Chanel and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, I flew to New York for the 110th anniversary celebration of Montblanc. It was freezing cold when I landed. I stayed at the PIERRE hotel on the Upper East Side, a perfect location, very close to the Central Park, where those photos were taken.

My look: Wool toggle coat by Gucci, key embroidered cardigan, matching sweater and scarf, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Maria high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, biker boots by Miu Miu, The Falabella medium faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney and sunglasses by Chanel.

Now, two weeks later I am back in the Big Apple for the opening party of Hublot‘s gigantic Fifth Avenue store. The sun is shining and it feels like summer. I am staying again at the PIERRE hotel and enjoy a spectacular view over the city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday morning, I left my hotel very early to go backstage before the Michael Kors S/S 2014 show and I was in the mood to show my love for NYC!

My look: Dirty ’50s stretch-denim jacket by Saint Laurent, I Heart Nueva York cotton-jersey tank, printed silk skirt with trompe d’oeil shirt sleeves tied around the waist, both by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Susanna studded leather ankle boots by Chloé, Bamboo leather shopper tote by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew from Zurich to New York for Fashion Week. I had a very relaxing flight, worked a little and watched Hangover 3, but couldn’t really sleep. After I had arrived, I went straight to the Tibi S/S 2014 show location to go backstage before the event and to interview the wonderful Amy Smilovic. The collection is amazing and I cannot wait to show you everything. In the meantime, here is my comfy outfit I wore for the flight:

Leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, cashmere leggings by Donna Karan, embellished striped top by Balmain, Susanna studded leather ankle boots by Chloé, Bamboo shopper leather tote by Gucci, Atlas sterling silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose necklace and ring, all by Piaget.

Stay tuned for more to come from New York Fashion Week and don’t forget to follow me on instagram (@sandrascloset) for live updates.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the Met Gala, the fashion event of the season and the party of the year, to celebrate the newest the exhibition. This spring, it will be about PUNK: Chaos to Couture, on view from May 9 through August 14, 2013, will examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today. “Since its origins, punk has had an incendiary influence on fashion,” said Andrew Bolton, Curator in The Costume Institute. “Although punk’s democracy stands in opposition to fashion’s autocracy, designers continue to appropriate punk’s aesthetic vocabulary to capture its youthful rebelliousness and aggressive forcefulness.”

If you want to find out more about the exhibition, please click here.

Enjoy the best looks from the red carpet of the Costume Institute Benefit last Monday. On top, you can see Sarah Jessica Parker who took the night’s punk theme to heart, and went for this stunning Giles Deacon dress, combined with a Philip Treacy punk hat and plaid Christian Louboutin boots. Madonna understood the invitation well and showed up in Givenchy.

Anne Hathaway had the most surprising look with her bleached blond hair which I loved. Of course, the vintage Valentino gown was the perfect match.

And here is an amazing opportunity, you can PRE-ORDER those extremely sexy couture red carpet looks (all F/W 2013) below directly now for seven days. How cool is that?! Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Emma Watson in a matte black crepe crossover tie strap gown with high slit by Prabal Gurung.

Kate Bosworth in a short body-conscious dress with 3/4-length sleeves and diamond embroideries on pink lurex jacquard by Balmain Atelier.

Anja Rubik in a lambskin and macrame dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Gisèle Bündchen in a bonded crepe and macrame one sleeve halter dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Taylor Swift in a black silk crepe gown with black lace inserts, black chiffon sunburst pleated back and silver-gold embroidered crystal neckline by J.Mendel.

Kate Mara in a short dress with woolen crepe base, heart-shaped neckline and architectural modules by Delpozo.

Christina Ricci in a turquoise silk taffeta McAndrew tartan corset gown by Vivienne Westwood Couture.

And don’t miss Moda Operandi‘s amazing punk pop-up store where you can find all those  must-have pieces. Mmh, Hedi Slimane was obviously not so wrong with his F/W 2103 collection…

LoL, Sandra