Sandra‘s Closet

Balenciaga brand ambassador Nicole Kidman showcases the Rodeo Bag in a new campaign photographed by Mario Sorrenti, alongside Chinese actor and singer Yang Chaoyue, and American model Amelia Gray. The exquisitely crafted instant icon, named for a Drive in Beverly Hills, is customized with a selection of charms.

Their individuality is on display, set against a soft grey field in striking portraits. The Balenciaga Rodeo Bag is crafted in exquisite calfskin with a matte finish. Its one-of-a-kind construction and versatile closure options effect a relaxed attitude. Pre-worn pleats, softened piping, and raw edges call to mind a favorite item worn daily, or an heirloom passed between generations.

Included in the campaign are a selection of charms that are individually added for customization and differentiation purposes. The decorations or their absence imbue each Rodeo Bag with its own unique personality, complementing its wearer’s.

On the S/S 2024 runway, there was also a fully customized limited edition, that is available for € 9500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

This year’s Met Gala, which celebrated the exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,» featured plenty of full-on tributes to designer Karl Lagerfeld. From vintage designs by Karl himself to perfect tributes from rival fashion houses and paws-itively incredible Choupette interpretations, there was much to enjoy at this year’s fashion Oscars.

Always taking place on the first Monday in May, the red carpet was filled with A-listers in mostly monochrome black and white looks, with lots of references to the Camellia, plenty of pearls, a touch of tweed and thousands upon thousands of crystal embellishments. Below, I round up my favourite looks from the 2023 Met Gala with a little description why I liked them.

REFERENCES TO THE CAMELLIA

Rihanna in Valentino Haute Couture

My winner! Rihanna is always one of the best dressed Met Gala guests and she did not disappoint for 2023. A nod to the iconic CHANEL flower, Rihanna, who is pregnant and was joined by partner A$AP Rocky, chose a camellia-appliquéd cape and matching gown, both by Valentino Haute Couture.

Bad Bunny in Jacquemus

Personally speaking the strongest menswear look of the night was worn by the «Tití Me Preguntó» rapper, whose all-white Jacquemus ensemble included an ultra long floral train. Inside the jacket was a custom printed picture of Casa Malaparte taken by Lagerfeld in 1997, a nod to the designer’s photography work.

VINTAGE CHANEL

Nicole Kidman in vintage CHANEL

Telling a story with your ensemble can be beautiful, and Nicole Kidman did it by wearing the CHANEL couture gown that she had first worn in 2004 when she starred in the iconic CHANEL No. 5 fragrance advert directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Naomi Campbell in vintage CHANEL

Another Nineties supermodel Naomi Campbell nodded to Karl Lagerfeld by looking stunningly in one of his own creations, a pink satin gown with bejewelled details from CHANEL’s S/S 2010 couture collection.

Dua Lipa in CHANEL Haute Couture

The gala co-chair turned heads in a tweed CHANEL Haute Couture ballgown from 1992, that she combined with a breathtaking Tiffany & Co. set, comprised of a necklace in platinum with a diamond of over 200 carats and diamonds and a ring in platinum with diamonds of over 9 total carats. The primary diamond of this necklace was cut in the proportions of the famed Tiffany Diamond.

CREATIONS INSPIRED BY KARL LAGERFELD’S AESTHETIC FROM OTHER FASHION HOUSES

Kim Kardashian in Schiaparelli

I love this look! Kim Kardashian wore a heavily beaded custom Schiaparelli dress with thousands of pearls draped over her.

Anne Hathaway in Versace

The actress showed up in a floor-length, monochrome, tweed (a nod to CHANEL) gown, complete with Versace safety pins holding it all together. Call it CHASACE – the perfect mishmash of Versace and CHANEL.

Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

To honour the late Lagerfeld, the British actor opted for classic tailoring, but with a twist and might have set the start for a multi-brooch trend.

THE DESIGNERS WITH THE MOST KILLER LOOKS

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

Leave it to Them Browne for the most theatrical fashion moment at the Met Gala 2023. «Glass Onion» star Janelle Monáe wore a supersized version of CHANEL’s classic tweed jacket. Later it was followed by a high-fashion striptease, that revealed a sheer conical wireframe gown atop a black sequined, pearl-studded bikini.

Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne

With its corseted bodice, ruffled skirt and draped chains, inspired by those iconic CHANEL details, the «Wednesday» actress was half goth, and half glam, and definitely an eye-catcher.

Cardi B in Thom Browne

Another camellia reference, Cardi B nailed this trend in this billowing gown that was also inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s personal uniform.

CHOUPETTE LOVERS

Doja Cat in Oscar de la Renta

The great tribute to Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette came from Doja Cat, who wore a custom made embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta, that she topped off with cat ears on the hood, a prosthetic cat nose and claw-like nails.

Jared Leto

Telling the best tale (tail) of the night, Leto decided to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s famous Birman cat, Choupette, in a full cat costume, worth a Disney movie appearance.  However, after unmasking, he transformed into an all-black ensemble and a matching cape featuring an ornate detailing around the neckline and shoulders.

I am curious to hear which one was your favorite!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Getty Images #ALineOfBeauty
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

One year after the launch of its global partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), LOUIS VUITTON launches its first #makeapromise day today on January 12th 2017 to raise funds for children in urgent need through its global network of stores.

Nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by conflict and millions more face risks from natural hazards and fast spreading epidemics. Every day, somewhere around the world, a child wakes up to a life filled with violence, persecution and hardship. Louis Vuitton renews its promise to bring hope for a better life to these children with the launch of #makeapromise day.

During this day, in 460 Louis Vuitton stores worldwide in more than 60 countries, 12,000 Louis Vuitton Client Advisors will act as special advocates of the “LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF” partnership and promote the sales of the Silver Lockit: a product specially designed to raise funds for UNICEF.

Since January 2016, the Louis Vuitton for UNICEF partnership has helped raise $2.5m to help bring children life-saving humanitarian support in Syria and Nigeria. And in doing so, it has brought hope to children who have endured the horrors of war and deprivation. To illustrate how the contribution has made a difference, in 2016, four and a half million children and their families in Syria were protected through the lifesaving provision of water.

For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant ($600) or bracelet ($500), $200 is donated to UNICEF.

#MakeAPromise
At the #UNICEFBall presented by Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière and Nicole Kidman make a promise to help children in urgent need. Photo by @PatrickDemarchelier
@nicolasghesquiere @UNICEF via @louisvuitton

On this occasion, Louis Vuitton renews its promise to help children and invites people all over the world to join the movement. Guests will be encouraged to come accompanied with someone close to make a pinky promise and to share their promise online with a special hashtag: #makeapromise. As a way of inviting people to spread the word, an exclusive offer will be made that day for those who purchase two Silver Lockits (offer available in all Louis Vuitton stores and on louisvuitton.com for January 12th 2017).

Shopping for a great cause! I like…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Ready, steady, GO! … straight to the newsstand to get your December issue of L’Officiel Switzerland packed full of interviews, glitzy jewellery and, of course, fantastic fashion for the holiday season, such as this amazing CHANEL Haute Couture ensemble that our cover girl Yulia Terenti is wearing in combination with a Cartier bracelet.

Me at work while interviewing Katy Perry

I am extremely proud of this issue that features some of my most amazing interviews I did recently with Nicole Kidman, Elton John, Ron Arad and Katy Perry. Of course they will be coming up soon here on Sandra’s Closet as well. So stay tuned and have a great week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via L’Officiel Switzerland December 2015
Cover Photo: © Oli Kearon Photography and Styling by Fleur Huynh Evans

I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

“Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.”

Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

A warm welcome by lovely Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were held last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Rapper LL Cool J hosted the show for the fourth consecutive time. In all, 83 Grammy Awards were presented, one more than in 2014.

Sam Smith accepts the Best New Artist award from singer Taylor Swift onstage

Sam Smith was the big winner at the 2015 Grammys, taking home four awards for best new artist, best pop vocal album, record of the year and song of the year. In an upset, Beck took home album of the year for Morning Phase, beating out Beyonce’s Beyonce.

But what interests us most are the best dressed winners and of course the worst as well. Enjoy, from a dreamy Giambattista Valli frock on Rihanna to Taylor Swift’s sexy Elie Saab gown, most of the celebs hit all the right notes on the music industry’s biggest night.

Rihanna in Giambattista Valli Couture

Taylor Swift in Elie Saab

Beyoncé in Proenza Schouler

Nicki Menaj in Tom Ford

Rita Ora in Prada

Ariana Grande in Atelier Versace (one of my favorite looks)

Awkward moment: Miley Cyrus in Alexandre Vauthier grabs Katy Perry’s boob who wore Zuhair Murad

Weird boob situation: Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell

Kiss of the night: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

Also in love: Nicole Kidman in Thierry Mugler Pre-fall 2015 with her husband Keith Urban

Ageless beauty: Jane Fonda in Balmain Pre-fall 2015

Looking cute: Charli XCX in Moschino…

… but how cute is her doggy?!

And last but not least: Queen M Madonna in Givenchy Couture…

… who still knows the best how to seek attention in the right moment.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Valerie Macon/Getty Images, Reuters, Wireimages

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The December issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly column is available now. This time, I am telling you some anecdotes meeting different celebrities. Below you can see some of favorites.
If you like my outfit, have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is Nicole Kidman‘s stunning new ad campaign for Jimmy Choo.

The sexy pictures were shot by Mikael Jansson. The famous actress, wearing a short red wig, stars as a sultry, mysterious femme fatale modeling some drool-worthy shoes from classic pumps to lattice booties and a pair of over-the-knee must-haves combined with handbags and accessories from the brand’s new F/W 2013 line. I love it and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo