Sandra‘s Closet

On Thursday evening, the Houses of CHANEL, FENDI (LVMH) and KARL LAGERFELD all came together at the Grand Palais in Paris to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld at a celebration designed, directed and staged by Robert Carsen.

The many facets of this extraordinary man were evoked through a tapestry of videos filmed throughout his life, interspersed with testimonials from people who knew him, as well as the generous «live» contributions of highly talented actors, musicians, dancers who interpreted some of the music and literature Karl loved so much.

Charlotte Casiraghi, H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, Andrea Casiraghi and Madame Emmanuel Macron paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.

Actresses Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, friends of Karl Lagerfeld, recited and read excerpts from works by his favourite authors, such as Virginia Woolf, Stéphane Mallarmé, Colette and Edith Sitwell.

Pianist Lang Lang at Karl Forever at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The extraordinary Jookin dancer Lil Buck, the brilliant violinist Charlie Siem (who played Paganini, one of the favourite composers of Karl Lagerfeld’s mother Elizabeth), Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo, accompanied by his troupe of 17 tango dancers and his 7-piece orchestra from Buenos Aires (Carlos Gardel was Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite singer and the tango was his favourite dance), the celebrated pianist Lang Lang (who played Chopin on the grand piano designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the 150th anniversary of Steinway), and American artist Pharrell Williams were also on stage to pay homage to the man who had deeply marked them and who was their friend.

The Steinway designed by Karl Lagerfeld on display.

These artists – as well as the 2,500 guests present at the Grand Palais to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld – were immersed in a spectacular exhibition of 56 giant enlargements of portraits taken throughout his life by some of the most famous photographers in a setting designed by Robert Carsen, inspired by Karl’s favourite colours: black and white enhanced with a touch of red.

In turn, the participants also paid tribute to the aesthete, this man of culture, photographer, creator… in an exceptional moment as grand as his talent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld, © Luc Castel and Julio Piatti

For the Hermès’ theme of the year «Lets’ Play» celebration in Paris, I took the «overdressed with a sense of humor» dress code literally and went for this Dolce & Gabbana look. The designer duo takes their inspirations seriously, so it’s no surprise that my gown is stacked with Queen of Hearts-prints. The playing card figure appears also bedazzled on my headpiece while little cars on my earrings finish of the fun ensemble.

My look: Queen of Hearts gown (Look 16 from the S/S 2018 runway), clip earrings with cars and flowers, matching headpiece with veil, and Dolce Box embellished croc-effect and textured-leather clutch, all by Dolce & Gabbana, and red Janis pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised here are the details to my all white look that I wore to the Dîner en Blanc in Paris last Sunday.

My look: Desdemona white lace dress by Temperley London, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white «Duffle 6» bag by Saint Laurent, Eiffel Tower pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, and white camelia sunglasses, all by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you Emily May Nind for taking them!

Last Sunday, I flew from Belgrade where I had spent an amazing weekend with my girlfriends to Paris to attend the famous Le Dîner en Blanc (Dinner in White) that was originally launched with just a handful of friends by François Pasquier exactly 30 years ago. This gathering always takes place in one of Paris’ most prestigious locations, among them for example the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre museum, and the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. It brings together some 20,000 people, half of whom are from other countries, to dine at the same table.

Me at the meeting point waiting for the location to be revealed.

At the last minute, the secret location is revealed via text message to the participants who have all been patiently waiting to learn where Le Dîner en Blanc will take place. You meet at a certain point in the city and walk to the designated area which looks already spectacular as everybody is dressed up in all white.

Despite the green light for the traffic, people are walking to the designated area.

This Sunday, we gathered on green lawns with fabulous views of the Invalides, the gold-domed building that houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and other prominent French figures. We all brought our chairs, tables with white tablecloths and the greatest decorum for this mass «chic picnic» in a public space.

People setting up their tables and decorations.

Having a great time with my friends, even that I had only slept 2 hours…!

There are no disruptions: no car traffic, no pedestrian traffic—only amazed and astonished looks from passersby observing the scene before them. Even the Parisian police continues to tolerate this «wild» gathering, if not perhaps even wishing they could join in! And participants, like spectators, wonder whether it’s all not a dream… for a few incredible hours, a special magic permeated the site and enveloped all in attendance, making everything seem more beautiful. Surrounded by thousands of twinkling little lights, a dazzling Eiffel Tower, we all enjoyed this exceptional Parisian evening.

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up tomorrow…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my comfy outfit for a great sunny day in Paris filled with culture, fun and shopping.

My look: Printed silk dress by Stella McCartney, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, and embellished leather mid-heel loafers, both by Gucci, Carlina round-frame gold-plated sunglasses by Chloé, eiffel tower earrings and pearl embellished cuff, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last weekend, I was in Paris to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her girlfriends. On Saturday morning, we were very lucky as LOUIS VUITTON opened their Foundation Louis Vuitton exclusively for us so that we had a private tour all alone in the museum (a huge thank you!). I have to say this was one of the best experiences ever as the exhibitions are in general very well visited and crowded. Forget «A Night at the Museum», a day is much better ….

Having the exhibition all to ourselves was amazing…

We explored the Foundation’s new selection from its collection in an exhibition entitled In Tune with the World (AU DIAPASON DU MONDE) that will be open until August 27, 2018. This hanging of modern and contemporary works is presented in all the galleries throughout the stunning building designed by Frank Gehry.

Pretty impressive use of taxidermy, a race horse dangling from the ceiling: Maurizio Cattelan – «La ballata di Trotski» 1996

A sense of irony: Maurizio Cattelan – «Spermini» 1997, 150 latex masks that are self-portraits of the artist.

It invites visitors to reflect upon the place of humankind in the universe and the relationship between people and their environment and the living world. his reflects today’s questions about man’s place in the universe and the bonds that tie him to his surrounding environment and living world, highlighting the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. The exhibition features nearly 30 artists – including Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, Pierre Huyghe, Yves Klein and Takashi Murakami – in a hanging that brings together modern and contemporary works.

Takashi Murakami aka Gero Tan Noahs Ark 2016

The exhibition spans all the galleries at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, organized in two complementary parts:

• Part A on Level 2 of the building (Galleries 9, 10 and 11) is entirely devoted to the world and works of one of my favorite artists in the world, Japanese born Takashi Murakami. Conceived in collaboration with him, this hanging is organized in three sequences: one centered on the artist’s alter ego DOB; a second is a monumental fresco, The Octopus Eats its Own Leg, displayed for the first time in public; and a third sequence featuring the Kawaii (which means “cute” in Japanese) aesthetic, comprising works in myriad different media.

Takashi Murakami – The Octopus Eats its Own Leg

• Part B is called Man in the Living Universe, featuring 28 French and international artists from different generations and works in a variety of media and techniques. This part stretches throughout the other three levels of the building, as well as the exterior, in the Grotto. Part B also comprises three sequences: Irradiances (Level 1), Here, Infinitely…” (Level 0) and The Man Who Capsizes (Level -1).

Yves Klein painted models in his favorite color and made them roll over the canvas for this masterpiece, «ANT 104, Anthropométrie sans titre», 1960

Giovanni Anselmo – «Entrare nell’Opera», 1971
Art changes people’s awareness of their relationship to the world.

Takashi Murakami

Let me tell you a little more about one of my favourite artists who collaborated with Louis Vuitton for over 13 years (2002-2015).

Some pieces from my own personal Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection.

Since the early 1990s, Takashi Murakami has been crafting a unique world of darkness and wonder, one populated by fantastic characters, marvellous animals, fabulous creatures and mischievous monsters.Blessed with an unbridled imagination and a resolutely innovative language combining ancient techniques and advanced technologies, his important body of work is marked by its multiplicity of forms and media – painting, sculpture, installations and even animated film.

A little kiss for Murakami’s artwork «Max & Shimon».

Drawing on Japan’s political, social and cultural history, his colour-saturated universe borrows as often from Kawaii aesthetics and manga pop as from the ancient masters of classical painting and Buddhist iconography. Also omnipresent are references to recent traumatic events, such as the atomic bomb and the tsunami.

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball – one of my favorite art works.

The exhibition In Tune with the World is accompanied by a series of conversations with artists and experts.

Location:
8, avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.
Exhibition until 27th August 2018
Reservations: on the website www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr.

LoL, Sandra

Portrait Takashi Murakami: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

KILIAN HENNESSY inherited a taste for creation from his family’s generations-old cognac business. His namesake perfume collection BY KILIAN epitomizes both luxury and modernity, using some of the world’s finest raw materials and rare essential oils. The elegant bottles and boxes are all refillable and reusable. His newest launches «Body Pleasures» include shower gels, body lotions as well as scented hair and body oils. I met with the irrevocably French fragrance-maker who gave me some amazing tips for his favorite place on earth.

Your favourite city?
PARIS – It is the most beautiful city for me, full of culture. It inspires me, helps me to create. I was born there and then raised from 1-7 in Cognac. At the age of 7, I returned to Paris. As of now, I haven’t found a better city.

Your favourite hotel?
LE BRISTOL – It is the perfect hotel for a romantic weekend with exceptional service.
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 53 43 43 00

Your favourite restaurant?
CAVIAR KASPIA – It is owned by a couple which are good friends of us. The food is absolutely excellent and it has a fun vibe. We are always there for Russian New Year’s – the most exciting place to be! The waiters are dancing on the table, they even get naked. We always have a blast.
17 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 65 33 32

Your favourite dish there?
POTATO CAVIAR – It is a baked potato with a huge amount of caviar on top.

Your favourite bar?
MATHIS BAR –  The most elegant and handsome bar in Paris.
3 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 25 73 01

Your favourite nightclub?
CLUB RASPOUTINE – The only club in Paris for people my age. They play house music, kind of hardcore, but a lot of fun.
58 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 47 20 02 90

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
LA VICTOIRE DE SAMOTHRACE at the LOUVRE. I cannot go to the Louvre without stopping by to see her. It is a sculpture that was at the bow of a ship which you can still see in the exhibition. The woman has wings with a veil that is covering her naked body. Looking at her, you imagine the wind that is pulling the fabric to show of parts of her body. It is very sensual, you can feel so much strength. If I don’t have any more elan, I go see her.
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Your favourite park?
I don’t do parks.

Your favourite shop?
MR PORTER – Even that there are still a few brands missing. I love that it is shopping with no hazzle. Just trying at home and if it doesn’t fit, they pick it up. So easy.

Your must-have accessory?
It would be MY SCENT. Otherwise I just got this amazing BLACK SUEDE TOTE BAG by SAINT LAURENT that I cannot live without anymore.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
IL VENAIT D’AVOIR 18 ANS by DALIDA – I cannot live without. It’s part of my culture, such a gorgeous song.

The scent of Paris?
ECCENTRIC – All excesses blend well in Paris. Here women have a posture to look beautiful in a «negligée way». The message they convey is «I kind of work on it but I didn’t do anything». This is FRENCH CHIC. So the scent would be a gorgeous tuberose, jasmine like VOULEZ-VOUZ COUCHER AVEC MOI. For example in the States where women tend to be more made up, the scents are more subtle.

TO SHOP BY KILIAN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Thank you, Kilian, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via The Telgraph, ©Mathieurivrin, Courtesy of the Locations, Mr Porter, © Kilian Hennessy and © Sandra Bauknecht

The journey of Marni Market arrives in Paris, bringing the imaginative world of MARNI to 231 Rue Saint Honoré. For five months the space will be continually transformed, giving visitors the chance to discover the various facets of the MARNI universe and to buy a selection of special, exclusive products, immersing themselves in the lively environment of bright colours and graphic prints in three specific periods.

January 2018: MARNI VISITORS MARKET

The protagonists are the MARNI Visitors, fun, colourfully painted wood and resin marionettes, characters that are half toy and half sculpture, that seem to have arrived from another planet. Keeping to the traditional annual Christmas charitable donation, the proceeds of the MARNI
Visitors’ sales will go to the Piccolo Principe association, which, through the Orso Baloo community, helps children in difficulty aged 0 to 5 within the Province of Milan.

1 February – 12 April: MARNI PLAYFUL MARKET

The key word is play. The MARNI Playful Market is an invitation to forget rules and predefined structures interacting with the surrounding area and the elements it contains: toys to be showcased or to play with, extraordinary objects and furnishing sculptures that have cast practicality aside to embrace a more freely interpreted, playful side.

13 April – 18 May: MARNI HOUSE MARKET

The wood, metal and coloured PVC furnishing items hand-made in Colombia, which have garnered fame at various editions of the Milan Salone del Mobile, populate the space in celebration of the design month. They create a unique environment where hand-crafted workmanship and creativity find the peak of their expression.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

As you already know, unfortunately Colette, the legendary Parisian concept store, will close forever on December 20, 2017 (click here for a previous article). Founded in 1997 by Colette Roussaux, the house has been led by her daughter Sarah Andelmanin recent years. But before the amazing mother-daughter team says good-bye to their Rue St.-Honoré space for good, they are hosting the last in a season-long series of pop-up takeovers.

But who will be the label that will be the last to fill Colette’s famous first floor? It’s Saint Laurent! This might sound bizarre as you might remember the clash the two brands had a few years ago after Colette started selling ironic tees that referenced the Saint Laurent brand («It ain’t Saint Laurent without Yves») when Hedi Slimane was at the helmet of design. After this incident, the label pulled its merchandise indefinitely from the store. Now, the wind freshened and Saint Laurent’s recent creative director Anthony Vaccarello has dreamed up a series of highly collectible collaborative items to celebrate the traditions and iconic memories of Parisian daily life for the pop-up shop. Rumors are out that this might be a test-run as Saint Laurent might be taking over the Colette space for its own store in 2018.

Vespa for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, 6,900 euros ($8,100), available at Colette

My favorite? The all-black Vespa, the most common and stylish way to get around crowded Paris.

Ruby for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello helmet, 2,500 euros ($2,900), available at Colette

And to go with it, you will need the glossy black and fully crystal-embellished motorcycle helmet made with Ruby.

Polaroid for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello custom vintage SX-70 camera, 500 euros ($587), available at Colette

Among the must-have pieces you will find something for every budget, from a customized vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera, a leopard-print Arkaic Concept skateboard, to a box of Pierre Marcolini custom chocolates and many more…

Arkaic Concept for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello leopard skate deck, 195 euros ($229), available at Colette

Pierre Marcolini for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello “Les Cœurs de Saint Laurent Dorés” chocolates, 49 euros ($57), available at Colette

Should none of that get your attention, check out those pieces below…

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello fetish toy, from 250 to 395 euros ($294 to $463), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello set of stickers, 25 euros ($29), available at Colette

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté makeup palette, 150 euros ($176), available at Colette

Saint Laurent’s Colette pop-up will be open from November 27 to December 20 at 213 Rue St.-Honoré in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

B&O PLAY by Bang & Olufsen for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello portable speaker, 295 euros ($346), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello 2018 calendar, 195 euros ($229), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Patti Smith sweatshirt, 690 euros ($808), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello bag, 1,150 euros ($1,348), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello lighter, 5 euros ($6), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Bryan Ferry tee, 320 euros ($375), available at Colette

Photos: Courtesy of Saint Laurent

Inspired by the iconic Walt Disney full length feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, London-based designer Mary Katrantzou has designed an exclusive collection for iconic Parisian store colette, that will close its door on December 20, 2017 unfortunately.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the groundbreaking animated feature, the collection centers on the scene stealing dwarfs re-imagined in technicolor sequin motifs, boldly embroidered on t-shirts and fully sequined sweatshirts, bombers and dresses. Combining Katrantzou’s signature witty and colourful style with easy-to-wear silhouettes, the collection aligns with colette’s innovative Parisian mix of modernity and originality.

“My work is rooted in visual culture and the collaging of disparate elements in unexpected combinations” says Mary Katrantzou. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a definitive moment within pop culture and each individual dwarf expresses a different facet of feelings universal to the human experience. This collection is a re-interpretation of the iconic Snow White characters for our times”.

To celebrate the capsule collection, Mary Katrantzou and director Pierre Dixsaut have captured an immersive shimmering wonderland with model Louise Follain. The video will be premiered in the colette windows from now till this Saturday November 25th.

Those beautiful limited edition pieces will be available in store from now until November 25th and online at www.colette.fr from now until December 20th.

Which dwarf are you? #happy #bashful #sleepy#sneezy #dopey #doc #grumpy…
I am so in love with this collection! Bravo, Mary!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of @Mary Katrantzou 
Film and images: @pierredixsaut with @louisefollain