Sandra‘s Closet

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are a dream team and their S/S 2014 collection for Valentino is a divine piece of art (You can still watch the video here).

Like last season, when I had been already overwhelmed by their designs, they showed craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance and beauty in their 72 (!) looks on the runway. After an impromptu visit to the Rome Opera workshops, the duo was compelled to create a glamourous and opulent repertoire. The collection is a journey admits elements borrowed from imaginary ethnic groups. Embroideries, lace, capes, ponchos, fringes, leather, veil-like dresses, take all part in this outstanding collection.

Combining ancestral austerity and sensual opulence, the designer duo has created an amazing and ever-changing look based on today’s modern woman that we will surely spot everywhere on the streets next summer!

Light Cuir Vachetta Medium Stamped

Great news is that you can PRE-ORDER THE AMAZING VALENTINO ACCESSORIES STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY for the next 5 days. I included the best ones in this post.
Happy pre-shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Gold Gryphon Miniaudiere

Black Vitello Fringe Ankle Boot

Light Emerald Patent Croc Scarab Finger Clutch

Black Rete Embroidered Bootie

Light Cuir Vitello Scarab And Gryphon Wrap Bracelet

Chocolate Vitello Gryphon Sandal

Rubin Studs Crown Hair Band

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino 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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Yesterday, one night before the official opening of the Zurich Film Festival, I was invited to the Piaget Movie Night at the store on Bahnhofstrasse. I went for a classy outfit that gave all the attention to my beautiful sparkling jewelry.

My look: Vest, gabardine skinny tux trousers, lace body, mousseline-silk bow tie, and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

Piaget ambassadors: Actor Carlos Leal with me

Highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion, presented by Philippe Klemenz, during which Carlos Leal gave some insights into the cineaste world along with my husband Dr. Gero Bauknecht, partner and board member of Silver Reel Partners.

A huge thank you to Sylvain Auroux, Director Piaget Switzerland, and Nunzia Marsella-Cesaro, Store Manager Piaget Zurich, and their team for this lovely evening!

I had a lot of fun and was happy to party with my dear friend and colleague Florence Jacquinot in Zurich!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Spotted on Valentino’s F/W 2013 runway, this new calf leather clutch is the ultimate statement accessory. It features a front strap detail that is as functional as it is fashionable. You might imagine my excitement when this beauty arrived personalized with my initials and a handwritten note from the house’s designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, at my doorstep. Thank you, Valentino, for one of the best gifts ever!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let me show you my favourite collection for the new season: VALENTINO. Watching this runway show in Paris along with celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie, my heart was beating faster and I was thinking: those pieces have to find a way into my closet!

Inspired by the paintings of Flemish Old Masters (Vermeer in particular), Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli‘s latest collection is absolutely exquisite.

Of course, punk is the trend of the season, but my heart beats for those little white collars and the amazing feminine dresses. The outstanding embellishments are blended with materials: carpet textures, embroidery inspired by Delft ceramics, and chiné and jacquard motifs that reproduce them on knitwear.

And to live my grunge moment, I will invest in the famed rockstud accessories to match.

Valentino’s ad campaign for F/W 2013 was shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and shows how fashion meets art in perfection: striking portraits set against ornate still life images of flowers, food and accessories.

Framed by the lovely designer duo, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.

I was so happy to visit the Valentino showroom the next day after the show to explore this amazing collection up close. The moment I saw and felt the details, the outstanding craftsmanship and beautiful designs, I have been even more in love with the collection, if that is anyway possible… Great news is that most of the pieces are hitting the stores now.

To shop, just click on the highlighted text below! Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Leather-trimmed wool-blend dress

Tapestry-lace mini dress

Beaded tulle-detailed wool and cashmere-blend sweater

Intarsia stretch-knit dress

Embroidered plastron bonded nappa leather dress

Scalloped wool and silk-blend coat

Beaded tulle and wool-blend crepe mini dress

Patent-leather and velvet T-bar pumps

Patent-leather and velvet T-bar pumps

Rockstud mink and leather clutch

The Rockstud leather trapeze bag

Rockstud Rouge pumps

Runway and ad campaign photos: Courtesy of Valentino, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After all those posts from China in my sneakers, I thought that it is time again for some sophistication. Here is the first post about my Firenze4Ever Style Lab for F/W 2013 with Luisaviaroma. Since one of my favourite designers, Fausto Puglisi (click here for a previous post), has taken up the reigns at Emanuel Ungaro last year, I am in love with the collection.

All items can be ordered by clicking on the highlighted text below.

My look: Printed cady single button jacket and matching polka dot draped skirt, both by Emanuel Ungaro, waxed heavy lycra sweatshirt by MSGM, Rockstud black nappa leather bag by Valentino and star studded suede cage sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

My dear readers, I just wanted to give you a quick notice that NET-A-PORTER’S INTERNATIONAL SALE is launching this morning. There are some great products marked down up to 50% off. Have fun!

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Below are some of my favourites that would be perfect for the new season.

LoL, Sandra

Crystal-studded suede pumps by Valentino (30% off)

Silk-georgette and cotton top by Giambattista Valli (30% off)

Wool mini skirt by Saint Laurent (50% off)

Two-tone silk sweater by Jil Sander (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter.com

Yesterday, Princess Madeleine of Sweden married her American love Chris O’Neill in a beautiful and moving wedding ceremony at the glorious Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The bride was breathtakingly stunning in a pleated silk organza gown with ivory-coloured Chantilly lace detailing created by Mr. Valentino himself.

The waist was emphasized by small vertical pleats that opened and spread out on the full skirt with a 4-meter long train. The six metre long silk organdie veil was edged with tulle “point d’exprit” with an application of Chantilly lace flowers. The royal tiara was decorated with fresh orange blossoms.

“Working with Princess Madeleine has just been so easy,” said Mr. Valentino. “She is very lovely girl. She is modern, fun, full of energy and enthusiasm, and she is so beautiful! It has been a pleasure and an honor.”

Mr. Valentino, a master couturier, officially retired from fashion in 2008, though most recently, in 2012 he created the wedding dress for Anne Hathaway. Throughout his career he has created wedding dresses for aristocrats and royals, most notably including Jacqueline Onasiss, Queen Maxima of Holland and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece’s gown.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via kungahuset.se, Getty

Meet my friend Rose, Styling Director of MYTHERESA.COM, who always puts a cool twist to every outfit. Today, she is casual and ultra stylish in one.

Get her look: Printed cotton tee and mini skull bracelet, both by Alexander McQueen,maxi skirt by Haider Ackermann, snake print clutch by Lanvin, golden sandals by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of mytheresa.com

Hey lovely ladies! Just a quick note to let you know that NET-A-PORTER‘s semi-annual US sale has gone live! Save up to 50% on designers like Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Carven, Chloé, Lanvin and many more! Great news is that the US site also ships to Europe and Asia, just change your country preference to United States.

Check out a few of my favorite sale picks in the list below:

1 Falabella convertible faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney (40% off)
2 Jovanna faded stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld (50% off)
3 Studded leather and elaphe flats by Valentino (30 % off)
4 Rose gold-plated tiered clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (50% off)
5 Tasseled leather belt by Saint Laurent (30% off)
6 Cosmic leather pumps by Jimmy Choo (30% off)
7 Two-tone silk collar by Carven (50% off)
8 Polka-dot tulle and woven silk top by Valentino (30% off) 
9 The Happy grosgrain shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off)

I always recommend looking for basic pieces on sale. Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra