Sandra‘s Closet

The Met Gala is typically held on the first Monday in May, but this year, the event was postponed due to COVID-19 and falls right in the middle of fashion month. As Iris Apfel once said: «When we were small children, we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time, so why stop?». This is how Met Gala is for me, a huge party for everyone who loves to dress up and has never stop to indulge in fashion.

Ensemble, Christopher John Rogers (American, born 1993), F/W 2020; Courtesy Christopher John Rogers. Photo: HAPPYMONDAY / Courtesy of the Costume Institute

Also referred to as «fashion’s biggest night out,» the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the Costume Institute will host its first two-part exhibition, on the theme of American fashion, during 2021 and 2022. Part one, «In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,» will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18, 2021, and will remain on display when «In America: An Anthology of Fashion,» opens on May 5, 2022 in the period rooms of the American Wing. Both shows will run through September 5, 2022.

Below, you will find my personal selection of outfits, that I loved or didn’t like and hope you will enjoy it.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion that makes us dream – my favorite look of the gala: Iman in Harris Reed

Cracking the codes: Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture and Maria Tash jewelry and A$AP Rocky in ERL

Wild West: Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Fitting the American theme of the upcoming exhibitions perfectly: Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams in CHANEL

Sporting the American flag: Debbie Harry in and with Zac Posen

Trio infernal with an American «Statue of Liberty» touch: Sienna Miller in Gucci, Hamish Bowles in Thom Browne, and Emily Blunt in Miu Miu

Feathers were also a trending theme: Serena Williams in Gucci

One of my favorites last night: Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

And another one of my favorite looks: Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

Hailee Steinfeld in Iris Van Herpen

Donatella Versace in Versace

Whoopi Goldberg, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Carey Mulligan in Valentino

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

Literally eye-catching: Hunter Schafer in Prada

Gigi Hadid in Prada

A great look, but somehow not for her: Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung and Jimmy Choo shoes

Beautiful: Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang

Mmh… definitely not my favorite look: Vera Wang in Vera Wang

Playing dress-up: Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Making a statement: Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior

Flowers were a huge theme: Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

LOVE: Irina Shayk in Moschino

YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager), who came out as transgender last year, paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this «pay it no mind» sash.

Anna Wintour wore a floral Oscar de la Renta gown.

Stunning in Oscar de la Renta: Karlie Kloss and designer Wes Gordon

Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta. Her bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces.

Dan Levy in Loewe

Designer Virgil Abloh in Off-White

And here comes the golden king in his amazing outfit that revealed different layers: Lil Nas X in Versace

Photos: via Vogue.com

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

John Malkovich with me

When I read about this project, I was immediately drawn to it. Such a cool idea! John Malkovich and director Robert Rodriguez have teamed up with LOUIS XIII Cognac, one of the most luxurious spirits in the world, to make a movie that predicts what life will be like 100 years in the future. «100 YEARS: THE MOVIE YOU WILL NEVER SEE» won’t be released – and now read carefully – until November 2115. Yes, my dear readers, that means we all will never get to watch it.

The famous LOUIS XIII Cognac

LOUIS XIII Decanter Baccarat

The inspiration behind it was to draw attention to all the hard work that it takes to make each decanter of LOUIS XIII Cognac. Its grapes grow in the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the most sought-after area of the Cognac region, in France. Just as four generations of cellar masters dedicate their lives to creating a masterpiece that they will never be tasting, the cast and crew of «100 Years» will never see the final cut of the film.

Grande Champagne landscape

A French art de vivre enthusiast, John Malkovich not only plays the leading role alongside Shuya Chang but also developed the original screenplay for «100 Years». This ground-breaking film comes with a lot of special effects and imagines how our planet might look like in a century in three different scenarios.

The first one shows the Earth overtaken by nature after it has been devastated by chemical warfare. Another explores the idea of a dark world ruled by technology. And in the third hypothetical vision, humanoid robots have taken control of the planet and humans have to run to escape.

To ensure that «100 Years» remains secure until its official premiere one century from now, the film was placed in a state-of-the-art safe, created in partnership with Fichet-Bauche, which will open automatically in 100 years when the timing is complete. The custom made piece is a marvel of design, featuring bulletproof glass and a revolutionary timer. Upon the closing of the safe, the door will not open until the countdown is complete, not even with a code or a key, regardless of access to a power source.

Le Grollet House of LOUIS XIII

For the premiere on November 18, 2115, one thousand guests from around the world received an exclusive invitation to give to their descendants to attend the big event at the House of LOUIS XIII, the Domaine du Grollet, in Cognac, France. Isn’t it amazing to imagine that some people might look up this post in 100 years and think of us, the ones that never saw the movie.

This outstanding project «100 Years» was celebrated on last Wednesday with an exclusive preview of the film’s trailer at James Goldstein‘s Sheats Goldstein Mansion in Los Angeles. During the invitation only event, John Malkovich, with LOUIS XIII, ceremoniously placed the film reel into the custom safe and set the timer for the official premiere in November 18th, 2115. This safe will be transported around the world under high-level security for an international tour beginning in Hong Kong on December 11th, before it reaches its final destination at the House of LOUIS XIII in Cognac.

Owner of the residence James Goldstein

Ed Westwick

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis, director Robert Rodriguez and actor John Malkovich share a toast.

Actresses Jamie King and Emma Roberts

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis at the party in Beverly Hills, California.

Film costumes on display.

Designer Zac Posen

Have fun watching the exclusive trailer below and join the conversation on social media with #notcomingsoon. You can follow LOUIS XIII on its social channels including: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Either PR masterpiece or craziest film project ever, the concept is pretty cool. Don’t you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII, Getty Images for Louis XIII

For all makeup lover, I have some great news to look forward to! After dazzling women with his modern but timeless designs on the runway and red carpet for 13 years, New York designer Zac Posen presents his debut colour collection for M·A·C which will hit the stores end of February 2016. The limited edition line will include products for eyes, lips and cheeks as well as brushes.

“Over the past 15 years I have learned a great deal from M∙A∙C about beauty. Fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand and I have always wanted to create a makeup collection to complement my designs and brand. It was only natural to work with M∙A∙C to create my first ever signature collection. I wanted to keep it luxurious, a little mysterious and clean with a large dose of star wattage,” says Zac Posen.

Naomi Campbell on the F/W 2015 runway presenting the final look.

TO SHOP ZAC POSEN’S BEAUTIFUL F/W 2015 GOWNS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and via VANITY FAIR,
© Gianni Pucci/Indigitalimages.com

Red is such a big trend for F/W 2012 and there is no other colour that has such a “wow”-effect! In every holiday season, the eye-catching red dress is always in the forefront of the fashion trend and celebrities know use the vibrant, powerful shade to their advantage. A lady in red is such a head turner wherever she goes. It makes her instantly stand out in the crowd.

When it comes to red carpet glamour, Kate Perry, Claire Danes and Reese Witherspoon show us how it works. Shop their amazing gowns now, just click on the highlighted text below.

Kate Perry wowed in this stunning strapless intense-red velvet dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

The flow of Claire Danes‘s lace and ruffled silk-organza gown by Valentino is extraordinary.

Reese Witherspoon radiates Old Hollywood glamour in this strapless crimson silk-taffeta gown by Zac Posen.

Are you RED-dy?

LoL, Sandra

The 69th Annual Golden Globes awards took place in Beverley Hills last night and for us it is a pleasure to see who wore which designer. Unfortunately, Madonna (in Reem Acra), Kelly Osbourne (in Zac Posen) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (in Monique Lhuillier) are NOT on my best dressed list. Please see who is below!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Elle MacPherson in a stunning gown by Zac Posen

Nicole Kidman in Versace

Zooey Deschanel in Custom Prada

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Natalie Portman in Lanvin

Evan Rachel Wood in a stunning Gucci Première gown.

The award for cuteness goes definitely to the dog from the “The Artist”. The movie that won BEST PICTURE. He was the top dog and certainly stole the show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, © WireImages, @ AP

Versus S/S 2011

Designers explored a new erogenous zone for S/S 2011: The waistline. Other body parts weren’t safe from exposure either.

With the help of cutouts, they played with detailing and the sexy allure. From small ones on the collarbone, stomach and bust that were seen at Versus to big, strategic cutouts accentuating the waist found on Salvatore Ferragamo’s dresses.

Salvatore Ferragamo S/S 2011

As it seems to be a sticky trend, we better start to work out.
Cutouts work only well on toned girls…

LoL, Sandra

Last night, the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards were held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills.

This year the red carpet came alive with colour– emerald green (Angelina Jolie was among my favourites of the evening), feminine hues like rose, peach and sultry red captured the aisle (Best nude dress: Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé).
But also some gorgeous black gowns embellished with lace and rhinestones were breathtaking (Best: Olivia Wilde in her fairytale Marchesa dress). Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein and Lanvin among others delivered amazing gowns for deserving ladies.

An expectant Natalie Portman showed off her blossoming figure and her mommy glow in a peachy silk Viktor & Rolf gown and took her second Golden Globe award home.

Enjoy the impressions of the glamourous night.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, at the 62nd Emmy Awards 2010 in Los Angeles, celebrities went on a berry hunt. The most beautiful dresses were the ones in the must-have berry shades of the season.
Those tones will remain for Resort 2011. Enjoy the sneak preview as most of the gowns have already been from the upcoming collections.

The US-series Mad Men won again in the category top drama. I would give the award fashionwise in the category “top drama gown” to their supporting actress Christina Hendricks in her lilac Zac Posen Resort 2011 dress that flaunted her curves perfectly and looked so stunning in combination with her flame-red hair.

On the F/W 2010 runways, berry tones were seen everywhere as if the designers have had all mixed berries for desert while creating their collections. The bright shades were combined in all ways.

I put some outfits together to show you how those hues combined together can make a strong statement and instantly update your wardrobe.

Red with violet, fuchsia with ruby, vermillion with plum- everything is possible, just let your imagination run free.

This winter, the LBD (Little Black Dress) is taken hostage by the LRD (Little Red Dress). So chances are very high that you might get scarlet fever soon. The bright vibrant tone is very contagious especially when worn tone on tone. Accessorize it with matching pumps and a bag in the same colour family for head-to-toe chic.

I am totally in love with Bottega Veneta‘s tone on tone looks. How about you?
Have I whet your appetite for mixed berries?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

News is: Velvet has made its comeback for F/W 2010. The rich fabric has many enemies, are you one of them who shudder to think of a post-90`s revival? Please do not and give it a chance! You may be pleasantly surprised. The designers used velvet, preferably red and oxblood coloured, in many striking ways. Alexander Wang showed probably the best collection to bring the velvet trend out of the 90`s and into the now.
Dolce & Gabbana kept it classic and elegant with vampy red draped dresses.

I also spotted historical references. Ralph Lauren got inspired from the medieval era whereas Zac Posen and Altuzarra showed sharp cut 70`s style trouser suits.

Hopefully I was able to convince the velvet haters among you. And if not yet, consider that just one single velvet piece like a well crafted jacket can create a sizzling dandy look without going overboard.

Inject a bit of velvet into your wardrobe and signal your sophistication!

LoL, Sandra