Sandra‘s Closet

Tartan is one of the biggest trends for F/W 2013. From red checks, to blue or green and even black plaid, many looks, traditional and modern appeared printed with the iconic Scottish pattern on the fall runways. Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent gave it a grunge twist and I couldn’t resist this amazing cardigan that I wore during Paris Fashion Week.

My look: Plaid mohair-blend jacket, black leather dress, Sac du Jour leather tote, studded boots, all by Saint Laurent, Love gold-tone necklace by Lanvin, rose ring by Piaget, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, leather bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today was a big day! The last day of Paris Fashion Week started with the Louis Vuitton S/S 2014 show. Rumors had been out quite a long time about Marc Jacobs leaving the French brand after 16 years, but the minute I arrived at the venue, I knew, it was true. It felt like a journey through time. From the governess girls at the entrance to the station clock, the carrousel, the elevators and the escalators, the fountain, last season’s hotel corridors, every little detail was reminiscent of something amazing Marc had created for a Louis Vuitton show.

In the press kit on my seat, Marc Jacobs wrote something so beautiful that I truly would like to invite you to read it:

“This collection is dedicated to the women who inspire me and to the showgirl in every one of them, Emmanuelle Alt, Jane Birkin, Betty Catroux, Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, Coco Chanel, Cher, Grace Coddington, Sofia Coppola, Victoire de Castellane, Catherine Deneuve, Claude Lalanne, Julie de Libran, Lady Gaga, Judy Garland, Katie Grand, Juliette Gréco, Françoise Hardy, Zizi Jeanmarie, Rei Kawakubo, Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Kate Moss, Louise Nevelson, Edith Piaf, Miuccia Prada, Lee Radziwill, Millicent Rogers, Sonia Rykiel, Carla Sozzani, Elsa Schiaparelli, Barbra Streisand, Diana Vreeland, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Wintour.

Whether extrovert or esoteric, they are figures that keep visual language vital. Their style, imagination, creativity, talent, vision and voice have changed our landscape.”

He continued: “When I look around Paris, it isn’t the depth of the city that takes my breath away. It’s the decoration and the applied ornamentation that dazzles. It is not about thinking, it is about feeling. There may be no deeper sensation than this when it hits. While designing this collection the same instinct gathered momentum. I take pleasure from things for exactly what they are, revealing in the pure adornment of beauty for beauty’s sake. Connecting with something on a superficial level is as honest as connecting with it on an intellectual level.

TO THE SHOWGIRL IN ALL OF US.“

Speaking of which, many of the forty-one extremely dark looks resembled showgirl clothes, all exquisitely embellished with jet beads, crystals, and glossy feathers. Each and every one of the models wore an amazing headpiece of ostrich plumes designed by Stephen Jones for the show. The first look was pretty evocative, nothing but a G-string and the Stephen Sprouse-designed LV logo showing all over the model’s body, along with handcuffs and chains.

The biker jackets and denim pants were amazing, something you are dying to have in your closet. I love the collection and Marc’s creativity, it might not be commercial, but it is definitely for the showgirl in us!

Never forget, it was Jacobs who brought Louis Vuitton’s foray into prêt-à-porter to a huge success, and whatever the behind-the-scenes speculations of the past few months, he appears to be leaving on good terms. I was backstage and started crying like everybody else after all those heartfelt hugs.

Marc said that he wants to focus on his own Marc Jacobs brand. And I think, the announcement will be coming out soon that Nicolas Ghesquière will replace him at Louis Vuitton. So watch out!

LoL, Sandra

Marc’s last finale…

… and heartbreaking moments backstage.

Having fun behind the scenes: Sofia Coppola and Dakota Fanning

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Paris Fashion Week has started off for me with the Akris S/S 2014 show yesterday evening. I have to admit arriving at my seat is always a treat at this presentation, some yummy chocolate is waiting and the press kit is just perfect.

A sketch by Albert Kriemler with a piece of real fabric pinned to it, plus the inspiration laid out in a moodboard (sandstone lines, algae, honeycombs in the sand, and granite curves) along with a list of all the upcoming looks make my work so much easier.

This eye for detail could also be seen in the stunning collection. Nature was Albert’s main inspiration (something that has been spotted quite a lot here in Paris). “It’s a dream of fabrics and nature – moved forward through technology,” he wrote.

The show started off with some very strong prints on cotton voile, plissé chiffon and leather, inspired by sandstone lines. I loved the see-through and asymmetrical details of the collection and the amazing St. Gallen embroideries in honeycombs of lace, reminiscent of algae. The last pieces in black and gold wave jacquard will surely fly off the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Akris and © Sandra Bauknecht

Be part of Paris Fashion Week and watch the Valentino S/S 2014 fashion show live on Sandra’s Closet tomorrow afternoon. Here is your front row invite, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

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Time flies during Paris Fashion Week. There is so much going on. Besides from all those runway shows, you have many invites to cocktail receptions, special presentations and store openings. You go to “re-sees”, which means, visiting the showroom to explore the new collection from up close. I have so much too show you, but find barely time to work.

Here is the look that I wore yesterday to the Valentino F/W 2013 show which was one of my favorites, absolutely beautiful.

Double breasted jacket,dress with leather and lace appliqué, suede ankle boots, and tote bag, all by Saint Laurent,leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I went to the Zurich opera ball (remember last year?) and only slept two hours. Sorry that I didn’t take some pictures of my outfit, I needed a photo-free evening. But I actually wore the same dress as for La Soirée Monegasque. When I got home pretty late, I still had to pack for Paris Fashion Week. Here you see me at the airport this morning.

My look: Leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson, Boyfriend cropped distressed jeans by Current/Elliott, Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim, flat tote bag by Saint Laurent, lace-up oxfords by Miu Miu (Available in many different colours. I bought mine in Zurich.) and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Very tired but all excited for some new adventures! Bonjour Paris!
Now, off to the Akris F/W 2013 show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, three years ago, I published my first post and Sandra’s Closet was born. My blog has taken me on such a beautiful adventure. I would like to thank you all for following me and supporting my work. Without you, the success wouldn’t have been possible.

This year was so exciting for me, I walked in my first runway show during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, designed a T-shirt in collaboration with Closed and hosted a beautiful dinner at my house for the new Caviar & Oyster collection by Bobbi Brown. There were so many other highlights, it would take too long to name them all. A very big one will follow this year, stay tuned for an event with Montblanc in December to celebrate the launch of something truly amazing. To whet your appetite, there has never been anything like it…

Below are some press features of me during Paris Fashion Week that I have meant to show since a pretty long time. Enjoy!

Featured in Marie Claire: Me in Mary Katrantou’s beautiful Ivory dress.

Featured in Marie Claire: Me at the last day of Paris Fashion Week.

This look was also seen in Harper’s Bazaar.

French Vogue showed some details of my look that I wore to the Valentino S/S 2013 show.

Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis wrote in her column for American Vogue about our fun trip to Mary Katrantzou’s showroom (all the details to be posted soon).

The gang: Eugenie Niarchos, Sandra Bauknecht, Elena Perminova, Miroslava Duma, Mary Katrantzou, Tamu McPherson, Elisa Nalin, Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis and Viviana Volpicella.

Featured on Treetslook at the Stella McCartney S/S 2013 show.

OMG! On Fausto Puglisi’s website, I am featured among celebrities such as Beyoncé, Katy Perry and Madonna. Scroll through!

This weekend, I will publish some amazing contests. Please stay tuned to find out more about the great prizes that you can win during the next two days.

LoL, Sandra

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

On the last day of Paris Fashion Week, my schedule was extremely tight and I didn’t have time to change my outfits in between. I went to the S/S 2013 presentations of Louis Vuitton, Talbot Runhof, Miu Miu and Elie Saab (posts coming up soon) before heading to the airport.

My colourful look for the day: Margerita wool-blend brocade coat, matching cropped pants and suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots, all by Miu Miu, hat by Louis Vuitton, bi-colour silk shirt by Céline and Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent.

Pantsuits are a huge trend for F/W 2012 and personally speaking, I have loved the ones that Miuccia Prada designed for Miu Miu the most.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday before the Valentino S/S 2013 show, I spotted Anna dello Russo in this opulent look which I have liked a lot. This black mesh dress was undoubtedly Dolce & Gabbana’s F/W 2012 collection’s hero piece, with hand-embellished gold discs, freshwater-inspired faux pearls and breathtakingly intricate beads paying tribute to homespun Italian artistry. Crafted with a shape-cinching built-in body and a skirt that flares as soon as it hits the hips, this structured style will sculpt the label’s beloved hourglass silhouette. To shop her outfit, please click on the highlighted product descriptions below.

Embellished mesh dress, mini shoulder bag and embroidered Mary Jane pumps, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

And if you were asking yourself, why Anna didn’t close her dress properly. It is a showroom piece and therefore it didn’t fit her perfectly. But nevertheless, she looked awesome in it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht