Sandra‘s Closet

The amazing Jewel Tree dress from Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 2011 collection that I wore to the launch of “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamps” at Colette last Tuesday is so special that it deserves its own post.

The appliquéd velvet piece comes with amazing 3-D flower embellishments and is immaculately tailored with a nipped in waist and a peplum skirt. A piece that is very close to couture.

I kept my accessories to a minimum and simply added some black heels and earrings by Miu Miu plus my Diorette cocktail ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

The most exciting part of my trip to Paris was the launch event for the “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” collection at the famous concept store Colette. As you know, I am a huge fan of Mary and her designs. Her talent is truly outstanding and I was so happy to see her again. (For a previous post, please click here.)

Below you see the text from the official press release. Can you imagine how honoured I felt to be mentioned in the same breath with Emmanuelle Alt,  Suzy Menkes or Glenda Bailey.

Please enjoy the photos of the evening and have a look at those beautifully printed bags:

For this occasion, the facade of the famous colette concept store was spectacularly covered with one of the exclusive prints from the “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” collection. It will stay like this one week.

Sweet Mary Katrantzou with me wearing (of course!) Mary Katrantzou

A unique “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” Le Pliage bag, 1 meter high and 2,5 meter large, was exposed in the interior courtyard.

The bags on display.

Love this tote bag with the poetic digital “Lanterne” print, €320.

The “Aquarium” print on the tote bag , €350, is awesome. The little pouch, € 55, to the right is already in my closet as each guest got it as a gift. Thank you so much!

The bottles of champagne served were all printed with the colours of Mary’s inspirational theme “When East meets West” for this new collection.

Some pieces of Mary’s must-have S/S 2012 collection were already on display. I am crazy for those dresses! Flower prints and underwater world inspired themes are huge fashion trends for the season.

Mary’s ultimate accolade: Fashion’s most powerful ladies all came to see her designs.

Suzy Menkes, Mary Katrantzou and Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director of the Longchamp House

Jean Cassegrain, Owner of Longchamp with Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar US and Mary Katrantzou.

Mary, you can be so proud of yourself!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Chanel gave women freedom, Yves Saint Laurent gave them power”.

After Yves Saint Laurent’s launch of their new Forever Youth Liberator range in Great Britain, it has already become the most hyped skincare in a few days. Counters are taking pre-orders and the wait lists are huge. But what is the magic behind it?

A few years ago Yves Saint Laurent hit the skincare market running with a radical statement: “Youth is a state of mind that cannot live without science.”

The science behind it lies in the groundbreaking technology of Glycobiology. It’s been noted as the future in the medical field, the fruit of more than 100 years of research and recognized by 7 Nobel Prizes.

Naturally found in the skin, glycans plays a crucial role in cutaneous equilibrium. Their level diminishes over time, leading to the “locking” of the cells and blocking the youth process. YSL has identified an innovative combination of glycans, called Glycanactif™, which unlock the cells to reactivate their vital functions and liberate the youth potential at all levels of the skin. Dr. Bruno Bernard, a research fellow at L’Oréal says that “Skin glycans are cellular keys to youthfulnes.”

The proven results: Anti-wrinkle Lift. Plump. Radiance.
The skin is instantly more luminous  and wrinkles are less visible. The skin looks more plumped. With Forever Youth Liberator you can liberate youth within your skin from the age of 30.

The complete YSL Forever Youth Liberator range:

Eye Cream 15ml, CHF 79 / £40
Cleansing Foam 50ml, CHF 55 / £35
Serum 30ml, CHF109 / £60 
Moisturising Lotion 200ml, CHF 55 /£35
Fluid SPF 15 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Cream (Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Nutri-Cream (Intense Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60

In Switzerland available starting February 2012.
You might consider signing up for the wait list now!

LoL, Sandra

From today until the end of March 2012, works of the young New York based artist, Scott Campbell will be exposed at Galerie Gmurzynska, Zurich.

One of the most exciting artists working today, Campbell will present an installation of works from the past few years at Galerie Gmurzynska’s Zurich location, “Bless this Mess”. This will be Campbell’s first European solo exhibition.

Bless this mess, 2011

Known for his intricate works in a variety of unusual and exciting mediums Campbell is at the forefront of young artists reintroducing craft and technique to art.

In Zurich, Campbell will present works created in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures and, arguably his best-known works, low reliefs fabricated from uncirculated U.S. currency. In this time of economic turmoil, his works created with laser cut currency have acquired a variety of sentiments and meanings.

Burnt Butterfly, 2010

Included in the exhibition is a group of rare works created during a Mexico City exhibition in 2010. After an argument with the gallery owner Campbell set the already sold artworks he was exhibiting on fire, destroying all but a few of them. Those that survive hold beautiful burns and smoke designs from the action.

Untitled (Black with White Butterfly), 2011

Campbell will debut a new series of works in Zurich, the Fuse Paintings. Completed with designs drawn with gun powder and then lit they continue his artistic exploration into drawings, iconography and cutting edge mediums.

In addition to his artistic career Campbell maintains an active practice as one of the most renowned tattoo artists in the world. His living designs can be seen on Marc Jacobs, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Nan Goldin, Elizabeth Peyton and Richard Prince among many others.

Campbell was born in 1977 and raised in a Louisiana fishing camp. He studied biochemistry at the University of Texas before moving to San Francisco to pursue his life long passion for drawing pictures. He was able to realize this by becoming a tattoo artist and creating everlasting, movable images on skin. This practice led him to live around the world, including Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles and South America.

Scott Campbell was invited by Marc Jacobs to participate in Louis Vuitton’s artist collaboration series for the men S/S 2011 collection. Past participants have included Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. He has also recently collaborated with Pirelli, designing a motorcycle, tires and accessories.

In February 2012 Rizzoli will publish a monograph on Campbell, “If You Don’t Belong, Don’t Be Long”, which explores tattooing, art and the human body.

LoL, Sandra

Huge I’ll start my diet tomorrow, 2011

Last week, I went to the presentation of the 15th annabelle Prix de Beauté which was held at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. The presentation could be best described as the “Swiss Beauty Oscars”. I felt very honoured because I was asked to be in the jury.

The highly coveted “Anna” trophy.

My task? Test 100 beauty products in the category facial care. No problem at all!

For my Swiss based readers: All the winners of the different categories will be published in the annabelle 04-2012 magazine which will be available starting February 22, 2012. From March 2-17, 2012 all the awarded products will be displayed at Manor in Zurich.

Some of the winners were already featured on Sandra’s Closet such as the Diorskin Forever Foundation or the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by Estée Lauder.

Below you can see what I wore to the event. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

My look: Bouclé-tweed mini dress by Alexander McQueen (40% off on sale), lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots by Valentino (70% off on sale), pearl necklace by Lanvin, lace-print bag by Prada (from a previous season) and Lady Exalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

Today has been an exciting day. Karl Lagerfeld has officially launched his new highly anticipated clothing line KARL for S/S 2012 all over the world with a personal appearance in Paris.

Karl Lagerfeld and Natalie Massenet today at the launch event in Paris (Photo: net-à-porter)

“I have been dreaming of mass elitism for a long time. I think it was almost my duty to make it possible under my name. This is the road of modernity.”

A visionary, with a unique instinct that allows Lagerfeld to anticipate trends and desires, he wanted to offer a luxurious yet affordable collection, retaining his core values of sharp styling and high quality. It is his first “masstige” collection – a combination of the words ‘mass market’ and ‘prestige’.

I was lucky to have a sneak preview in the morning at the newly opened showroom located in the 7th arrondissement. The collection offers lots of great basic staples as well as gorgeous accessories such as collars and gloves, iconic Karl pieces.

Lots of leather such as this gorgeous Ossie two-tone leather biker vest .

I am completely in love with this white Oralee layered leather biker jacket.

Close to couture: Each of the 5 dresses comes in a limited edition of only 50 pieces.

What do you think of this large printed canvas tote ?

One of the iconic leather collars.

A little gift from KARL: Cutaway leather gloves and the stunning sequined poplin collar .

In the showroom, I also explored the upcoming F/W 2012 Karl Lagerfeld collection which will be available for men and women. The prices will be a little higher than the younger more basic KARL line. The collection includes great accessories such as sunglasses and also some pieces for home. I will keep you posted on that.

While being at the showroom, RTL filmed me for an upcoming TV-documentation on the new line while exploring the pieces.

To shop KARL, just click on the banner below to be transfered directly. But before that please enjoy the awesome video collaboration between Karl Lagerfeld and video artist Barnaby Roper. Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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At the moment, I am in Paris for many exciting events and I have so much to show you. Let me get you started with this:

Welcome to Prada’s “24 h Museum“, designed by Francesco Vezzoli with AMO, Rem Koolhaas‘ think tank. It has been open in Paris for 24 hours only, from yesterday till today in the historic Palais d’Iéna, the building designed by Auguste Perret between 1936 and 1946, today home of CESE (Conseil Economique, Social et Environnemental), the French ‘third Chamber’.

Miuccia Prada & Francesco Vezzoli

AMO’s installation for the “24 h Museum“ is divided in three sections, each inspired by a particular type of museum space: historic, contemporary and forgotten. The three sections are instrument to the sequence of events that take place during 24 hours in different areas of the ground floor of the Palais d’Iéna. The central space is a large metal cage made from grills and neon lights that encloses the work by Francesco Vezzoli.

In the three sections – historic, contemporary and forgotten – Vezzoli is creating a “non-existent museum“ where he shows his personal tribute to the eternal allure of femininity through interpretations of classical sculptures that make reference to contemporary divas.

At the top of the stairway, epicentre of the building, Vezzoli is placing a majestic sculpture of a female, reinterpreted with the features of a mysterious goddess. Vezzoli’s vision is of a museum that exists for just 24 hours and which is also a celebration of a collective rite that mixes visitors, red-carpet, Oedipus’ complex and night visions.

Yesterday night, the museum turned into a disco-club where I spotted Kate Moss who was djing and Dita von Teese who was rushing through the exhibition. Different events will be following the next few hours.

LoL, Sandra

Kate Moss

Don’t we just love her Prada earrings?!

A very special moment: A happy Anna Wintour with Jonathan Newhouse and Franca Sozzani.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Prada

OMG… it feels like in the 80’s! The crazy colours are back. Resort 2012 is full of neon brights with acid rainbow prints at Christopher Kane to elegant shift dresses at Michael Kors.

From fluorescent pinks to electrifying neon-greens here are the hottest pieces to wear this season. My suggestion: Team neon pieces with neutral hues or classic shades such as camel. Another way to work the trend is to add a bold accessory or some statement neon heels.

LoL, Sandra

1 Neon-pink stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
2 Neon-yellow jersey T-shirt by Christopher Kane
3 Rainbow cotton and silk-blend dress by Christopher Kane

1 Poncho-effect cashmere sweater by Michael Kors
2 Neon-green stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
3 Neon wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane
4 Printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Christopher Kane
5 Neon-green tweed mini skirt by Lanvin

1 Neon-clasp python belt by Roberto Cavalli
2 Neon-orange python box clutch by Emilio Pucci
3 PS1 neon leather tote by Proenza Schouler
4 Python-effect neon-yellow leather waist belt by Marc by Marc Jacobs
5 Neon-pink neoprene and patent-leather sandals by Pierre Hardy
6 Bob’s Memphis two-tone leather shoulder bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs
7 Messenger patent-trimmed leather tote by Jason Wu
8 Alima neon patent-leather pumps by Brian Atwood

SIHH is the perfect time of the year to plan a neat luxurious shopping list. And if you had plans to add a Cartier watch to your collection of accessories, then checkout those new eye candies.

Tank Anglaise (Photo: ©Cartier)

Following in the footsteps of the Tank Américaine and Tank Française, the Tank Anglaise was a logical progression for the house Cartier. Distinguished and sophisticated, its design integrates the bracelet and the crown into the case. The Tank Anglaise continues the 90-year heritage of the Cartier Tank line. The watches come in three different case sizes in rose, yellow or white gold with a selection of diamond-set versions available for each gold colour.

Tank Anglaise watch medium model, rose gold, diamonds

CARTIER’S NEW HIGH JEWELRY WATCHES

Secret Watch

Promenade d’une Panthère watch, Calibre 9603 MC

Collection Le Cirque Animalier de Cartier
Montre Décor Coccinelles – Ladybug Watch

Collection Le Cirque Animalier de Cartier
Montre Décor Abeilles – Bee Watch

Secret Watch Décor Phoenix

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Being an ambassadrice for Roger Dubuis, I was so excited to visit their booth and to explore the new VELVET collection that is inspired by the world of the Diva. With those stunning new watches, Roger Dubuis demonstrates its commitment to melding fine watchmaking with the world of haute joaillerie, a true highlight of the SIHH 2012.

At the Roger Dubuis booth: French actor Tomer Sisley with me

Please enjoy my favourite pieces of the VELVET collection by Roger Dubuis below.

LoL, Sandra

VELVET
Amethysts and Spinels

Case: 36mm, Titanium black DLC / Bezel set with 46 amethysts (0.74 cts approx.) / Lugs and decor set with 40 spinels (0.50 ct approx.)

Dial: Black / Brush centre / White ROGER DUBUIS transfer / Satin sunburst exterior / Black Roman numerals transfers / Purple filet / Black Roman numerals appliques at 6 and 12 o’clock

Water resistance: 3 BAR (30m)

Strap: Black satin – finish fabric

Clasp: Black DLC / steel adjustable folding buckle

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

RD821
Self – winding mechanical movement, 11•••’’’, 33 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium – plated, “Côtes de Genève” decoration.

Specific features
Hours and minutes

Number of parts: 168

Height: 3.43 mm

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)

Power reserve: 48 hours

Production: 188 pieces

VELVET
Diamonds in white gold

Case: 36mm, white gold / Bezel and decor set with diamonds

Dial: Silver / Brush centre / Black ROGER DUBUIS transfer / Satin sunburst exterior / Black Roman numerals transfers / Grey transfer / White gold Roman numerals appliques at 6 and 12 o’clock

Water resistance: 3 BAR (30m)

Strap: Black satin – finish fabric

Clasp: White gold adjustable folding buckle set with diamonds

Diamonds: 100 (86 on the case and 14 on the clasp)

Carats: 1.77 cts approx. (1.66 cts on the case and 0.11 ct on the clasp)

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

Carats: 9 cts approx. (2.93 on the case, 1.03 cts on the dial and 5.03 cts on the strap)

RD821
Self – winding mechanical movement, 11•••’’’, 33 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium – plated, “Côtes de Genève” decoration.

Specific features
Hours and minutes

Number of parts: 172

Height: 3.43 mm

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)

Power reserve: 48 hours

Production: No limitation

VELVET
Jewelry in pink gold

Case: 36mm, pink gold / Bezel and decor set with diamonds

Dial: Silver / Brush centre / Black ROGER DUBUIS transfer / Satin sunburst exterior / Black Roman numerals transfers / Pink gold filet / Pink gold Roman numerals appliques at 6 and 12 o’clock

Water resistance: 3 BAR (30m)

Strap: Pink gold set with diamonds

(196: 16.5 cts approx.)

Lenght: 150 mm

Diamonds: 262 (66 on the case, 196 on the strap)

Carats: 2.98 cts approx. (1.33 on the case, 1.65 on the strap)

Certifications: Poinçon de Genève – Certification COSC

RD821
Self – winding mechanical movement, 11•••’’’, 33 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium – plated, “Côtes de Genève” decoration.

Specific features
Hours and minutes

Number of parts: 172

Height: 3.43 mm

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)

Power reserve: 48 hours

Production: No limitation

Photos: © Roger Dubuis. All rights reserved. © Sandra Bauknecht