Sandra‘s Closet

During Paris Haute Couture fashion week, a superlative event took place at the Casino de Paris – the ‘WÔW’ party, nicknamed after Lancôme’s signature letter – to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the brand, founded by entrepreneur Armand Petitjean in 1935.

Celebrating the House’s continually unique take on French beauty, guests enjoyed a surrealistic photocall where they were invited to strike a pose amongst giant cut outs of the brands iconic products and symbols, to the poetic fresh rose arch that served as an entrance to the theatre and a playful exhibition of carefully conserved objects from its patrimony: everything stated loud and clearly that “La vie est belle en Lancôme”, life is beautiful with Lancôme.

Celebrating 80 years of Lancôme is also celebrating femininity the Lancôme way. This could not have been achieved without the women who today embody the brand: Julia Roberts, Penélope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily Collins, Alma Jodorowsky and Daria Werbowy were all on stage together for the first time ever, to wish a happy anniversary to Lancôme. Isabella Rossellini, who graced the brand with her charm and beauty for so many years, was the master of ceremony.

Among the highlights of the party, which gathered more the 1200 guests from the beauty, fashion, film and art world, was ultimate showgirl Kylie Minogue’s private concert of some of her most danced to songs, followed by French DJ Kiddy Smile who played late into the night.

Elettra Wiedemann, daughter of Isabella Rosselini,…

…Singer John Legend («All of me») and…

…Lisa Eldridge, recently appointed Creative Director of Lancôme Make up, were also in attendance.

Lancôme Power: Natacha Klein, Vincent Mottier, Margherita Masiello and Claire Jamet

With Margherita Masiello, PR Manager Switzerland Lancôme

The party is only one of the highlights of a celebration that started last January with the release of ‘Editions du Regard’ a book celebrating the brand’s heritage. This was followed by the launch of the first web only limited edition Lancôme products – three shades of the legendary L’Absolu Rouge, and a participative digital platform designed as a tribute to Lancôme’s customers “You are Lancôme”. Five participants who entered this creative ‘selfie’ contest won a ticket to the WÔW party.

The celebration will reach its climax in December with the launch of two extremely limited editions: the re-edition of Les Jumelés, a jewel lipstick case form Lancôme’s patrimony, and a very special version of the new La Vie est Belle l’Extrait created with France’s oldest high jeweller, Mellerio dit Mellers. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Stéphane Fougère for Lancôme, © Sandra Bauknecht

In January, I told you for the first time about the amazing collaboration between Lancôme and Alber Elbaz, followed by a post in the beginning of May when I was able to show you the limited edition make-up collection that will hit the stores on June 15, 2013. Today, the Lancôme press office sent me this uber-cute video, that is SO FASHION WEEK! You have to watch it!

In the beginning of July, there will be the Hypnôse Show Party, one of the events of the year which will be held during Couture week in Paris with celebrities, socialites, trendsetters, top beauty and fashion editors. The “extravagant party” everybody wants to attend and I cannot! I am so bumped as I will be travelling for one month to China for work and pleasure. Of course, all the good things are always taking place at the same time… but I am also very excited for my time in Asia! And I hope that you are, too… as I will be keeping you posted from all the hot spots in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and many other places.

LoL, Sandra

Photos and video: Courtesy of Lancôme

Print this post

Last week, the Haute Couture presentations for F/W 2012 took place in Paris and they have brought along some adorable and stunning looks. From Christian Dior to Stéphane Rolland, from Versace to Valentino, enjoy the best of the best.

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE:

Personally speaking, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2012 is my favourite. It is so modern, edgy and cool. This fringed top above or the long embellished cape with fur details are both to die for! If I could wear couture every day, how I would long for it to be Givenchy Haute Couture…

STÉPHANE ROLLAND HAUTE COUTURE:

Stéphane Rolland is always one of the highly anticipated presentations during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, and this time was no exception. His couture designs are modern and sexy, more of a “Hot Couture”.

Do you remember when supermodel Yasmin Le Bon closed the show in a gigantic red gown last season? Click here for the previous post. This time, it was actress Fan Bingbing, whom I had met at the Trophée Chopard party in Cannes in May, who wowed the guests in a striking sleeveless gown with a cape that took over the entire runway.

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE:

Two contradictory words on the invitation: “New Vintage”. At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld returned to the essence of the fashion house and delved into the past with a collection of bouclé jackets and feather-trimmed gowns. His bridal look left me speechless.

ZUHAIR MURAD HAUTE COUTURE:

Opulence is what Zuhair Murad is all about. Haute Couture how you imagine it.

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE:

Valentino‘s embroidered and hand-painted looks were proof that couture’s artistry and craftsmanship are higher than ever. Absolutely breathtaking!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, who have been helming the famous label since 2008 following Mr Valentino’s retirement, did a wonderful job.

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE:

Raf Simons’s debut collection for Christian Dior was probably one of  the most refreshing couture show. Clean but masterfully tailored, those strapless embroidered mini gowns over pants, all free from fuss, looked like contemporary couture should look like.

ATELIER VERSACE:

Donatella Versace returned to the Ritz Paris for the presentation of her Atelier Versace F/W 2012 collection. 
The famous hotel had hosted many Atelier Versace shows before. Donatella was paying homage to her late brother Gianni with a collection that encapsulated the best of the iconic Versace looks.

ARMANI PRIVÉ:

Those sultry veils seen at Armani Privé were outstanding.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE:

Speaking of Hot Couture, Jean-Paul Gaultier served up a good dose of sexiness with his creations. Gaultier at his best!

I hope that you have enjoyed my little Haute Couture report.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Getty Images