Sandra‘s Closet

STALACTITE-SHAPED CRYSTAL
A futuristic fantasy from Maison Martin Margiela

A striking new crystal cut has made a stunning début: Swarovski has teamed up with high-end, haute couture collective, Maison Martin Margiela, to launch a new type of crystal technology—the groundbreaking Crystalactite.

In the beginning of July during the Haute Couture week in Paris, in the chic Espace Yves Toudic, five as-yet-unseen, state-of-the-art crystal jewelry and accessories pieces, each featuring the new Crystalactite fusion technology, took center-stage at Maison Martin Margiela’s eagerly awaited Couture Show, entitled ‘Artisanal’.

What makes the Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski totally unique is the fact that it is made using the pioneering Crystal Fusion technique, by which crystal is merged with matt white resin before it is cut, making gluing unnecessary. This is unprecedented, and the result is startlingly futuristic—an avant-garde and asymmetric beauty, inspired by the shape and structure of stalactites. Maison Martin Margiela showed how the five Crystalactite Haute Couture jewelry pieces can be turned into amazingly versatile accessories. A specially integrated clip mechanism enables them to be worn on the hair, clothing, or footwear, giving an eclectic, cutting-edge look that is way ahead of its time.

Please enjoy some of the amazing show pieces along with some exclusive backstage photos:

I have been so thrilled to discover that there is to be a Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Atelier Swarovski collection based on the Haute Couture pieces. It will consist of a stunning pendant, ring, and bracelet, each displaying Maison Martin Margiela’s signature clean-lined asymmetry, lit up with Swarovski’s famous sparkle. Even better, it will be available for Christmas 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Product and backstage photos: Courtesy of Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski
Show photos: Courtesy of Maison Martin Margiela

Mid May I told you about the amazing launch event of Jo Malone‘s newest fragrance PEONY & BLUSH SUEDE in London. Now, the house’s recent floral addition has finally hit the shelves.

Master perfumer Christine Nagel describes her inspiration like this: “For me this fragrance captures the connection between the craft of fragrance and couture fashion. I wanted to capture the charm of the English ballroom in the mid-20th century. The heady glamour of the Cecil Beaton era. Women elegant in couture, with peonies brought in from the great country estates, the gossip and moodiness as the night unfolds.” Below you can see some exclusive behind the scenes shots of the advertising campaign which I find extremely beautiful.

PEONY & BLUSH SUEDE COLLECTION

Top note: Red apple
Middle note: Peony
Base note: Suede

Cologne 30ml (CHF 68.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00)
Body & Hand Wash 250ml (CHF 64.00)
Body Crème 175ml (CHF 99.00)
Home Candle 200g (CHF 82.00)

Combine it with Jo Malone’s English Pear & Freesia to create an exquisitely juicy floral with a sensuous mellow touch, or with Saffron from the Cologne Intense Collection for an opulent mix.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone and © Sandra Bauknecht

One year ago, CHANEL COCO NOIR was launched, a beautiful modern and luminous oriental scent. Finally in addition to the 50ml and 100ml sizes, the Eau de Parfum will be available in a compact 35 ml flacon that can be slipped into your handbag. Fans of the sensual fragrance appreciate its seductive blend of bergamot, rose, geranium rose leaf, patchouli and tonka bean notes. To complete the range, luxury body care products featuring the scent will also be added in the end of this month. It is the perfect way to prolong the trail of scent on the skin – a bath ritual to indulge in for special moments where time stands still.

EAU DE PARFUM – Vaporisateur 35 ml CHF 105.-
FOAMING SHOWER GEL – Gel Moussant pour la Douche 200 ml CHF 60.-
MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION – Emulsion Hydratante pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-

In Switzerland in stores in the end of August 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

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

“I love the red, it is the color of life.” – Christian Dior

In 1953, the famous Rouge Dior lipstick was created in Paris and it has been since then launched in more than 1500 shades. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this beauty icon, Dior launches this fall the new Rouge Dior Collection which features not only an impressive number of over 30 signature shades but also 12 shades of Lip Contour Pencils and 4 Le Vernis nail polishes.

Beautiful actress Natalie Portman is once again the face of Dior’s new campaign.

ROUGE DIOR – CHF 50.50
ROUGE DIOR CONTOUR PEN – CHF 34.00

In stores in Switzerland from September 2, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Speaking about style on stage, GUCCI dresses Beyoncé for her Mrs. Carter Show tour in a series of stunning one-of-a-kind outfits custom designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini.

The singer and songwriter debuted two GUCCI one-of-a-kind outfits at her Barclays Center shows in Brooklyn this month that you can see here including the sketches. Queen B will introduce more looks during the Latin American portion of her tour kicking off on September 8 in Brazil.

This collaboration comes after Frida Giannini, Beyoncé and Salma Hayek Pinault joined forces earlier this year to create Chime for Change, an ongoing global campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls’ and women’s empowerment.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci/Getty

Here is your guide to master the huge sweatshirt trend for F/W 2013 with no sweat. The style set can’t get enough of this season’s cool comfy tops. Tap fashion’s slogan sweatshirt craze or go for a floral or embellished version. Highlight a print by wearing skinny pants and sneakers. The great thing about those novelty sweatshirts is that you can also upgrade them with a sexy skirt and a pair of heels. And don’t forget, grey is the colour to think about first!

Personally speaking, I am crazy for this amazing cloud-print cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Kenzo and the black cotton sweatshirt with colourful ‘brain’ print by Christopher Kane.

FLORAL
1 Beta oversized cotton-blend fleece sweatshirt by ACNE
2 Silk sateen-paneled jersey sweatshirt by Markus Lupfer
3 Embroidered cotton sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson

ANIMAL PRINTS
4 Bird-flocked cotton sweatshirt by McQ Alexander McQueen
5 Quilted jersey sweatshirt with eagle motif by Stella McCartney
6 Horsing Around cotton sweatshirt by J.Crew

SLOGAN
7 Riot cotton-blend terry sweatshirt by Zoe Karssen
8 Jonker cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Karl Lagerfeld
9 Féline cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt by Brian Lichtenberg

EMBELLISHMENTS
10 Embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Markus Lupfer
11 Embellished olive green cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Lanvin
12 Sopo crystal-embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by TNTees

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, Style, © Splash, © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I went to the Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. It was a cabaret theme party and guests were entertained by astonishing shows and live acts.

My look: Embroidered tulle top, trompe l’oeil shoes with lace socks and gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana, mini knit skirt by Alexander McQueen, bag with cuff by Chloé, stay-ups ‘Twenties’ by Wolford and ring ‘Mitzah’ by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: 593 Rose Moiré by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

All event photos: © David Biedert Photography – all outfit photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The symbols of good fortune that Gabrielle Chanel loved most inspire fall’s enchanting colour collection SUPERSTITION DE CHANEL. In vibrant shades from coral to intense pink, new LE BLUSH CRÈME DE CHANEL sets off sumptuous khaki tones of eyeshadow, mascara and polish. Coordinating lipsticks seamlessly pair with the new blush for a playful colour match.

CREATION EXCLUSIVE – LE TEINT
Le Blush Crème de CHANEL

This innovative powder-cream formula offers an enticing new way to blush with sheer yet vibrant pigments for instant luminosity. The silky texture offers a long-wear satin finish – soft and comfortable for every skin type – and is simple to apply with fingertips or brush.

Destiny (61), Présage (62), Révélation (63), Inspiration (64), Affinité (65) and Fantastic (66)
CHF 54.00

LES LEVRES
Rouge Coco Shine

This innovative formula with intensified pigments takes colour and sheen to a new level of vibrancy. Sheer, shiny, colour-rich shades are effortlessly chic, infinitely wearable. Hydratendre Complex softens and plumps lips for a healthier, fuller appearance.

Secret (85), Instinct (86), Rendez-vous (87) and Esprit (88)
CHF 46.00

Rouge Coco

A modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour as an homage to the rich life and legacy of ‘Coco’ Chanel. Lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe and condition lips – even boosting their ability to hold in moisture – for a plumper, smoother and healthier-looking appearance.

Icône (55) and Mystique (57)
CHF 46.00

LE REGARD
Ombre Essentielle

An instant CHANEL classic, this ultra-fine powder eyeshadow is sensuous in feel, foolproof in its application, and fabulous in its range of matte, satin and shimmer finishes. The versatile formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour – and the complementary shades can be blended with one another to lighten or deepen tone.

Hasard (99) and Gri-Gri (101)
CHF 43.00

LE REGARD
Les 4 Ombres

One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer. Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results – in even extreme climates.

Mystère (43)
CHF 77.00

Stylo Yeux Waterproof

Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don’t. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.

Khaki Précieux (40)
CHF 35.00

Mascara Le Volume de CHANEL

This high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush colour in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new ‘Snowflakes’ brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.

Khaki Bronze (40)
CHF 47.00

LES ONGLES
Le Vernis

Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.

Elixir (589), Alchimie (591) and Mysterious (601)
CHF 35.00

In Switzerland in stores end of August 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Live free, fast and strong. Live 1000 lives but know that you only have one.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever.
Live as if you’ll die today.”
James Dean

Dior Homme. A composition that rocked the world, daring fresh boldness and surprise. An olfactory shock in true Dior style, changing habits and transcending norms. It is amazing how many interpretations it contains. A fragrance with 1000 faces, a stunning array of possibilities: A masculine Iris, the shock of opposites attracting. A faintly animal iris that expounds a sensual, sexy feel, accompanied by leather and wood to re-orchestrate virile accords. Amber and spices exude but do not invade, as though saying: “Follow me, it’s up to you.” No doubt about it, I will follow. I love this scent so much, it is so extremely sexy on a man.

Robert Pattinson is the face of the new campaign, shot by Romain Gavras. Below you can find some exclusive behind the scenes photos.

“Dior Homme eschews every masculine cliché. It explores a new virility, immediate yet complex.” François Demachy

DIOR HOMME
Masculine, Woody, Spicy Iris

Top notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Guatemalan Cardamom and Vaucluse Lavender
Middle notes: Tuscan Iris and Absolute Amber
Base notes: Virginia Cedarwood and Haitian Vetiver

Signature

A dimly lit dressing room. Costumes scattered on the floor, sequins and feathers. She has stubbed out her cigarette and removes her make-up, peering at her reflection in the neon-lit mirror. Conceal the shadows, pile on smoky eyes and flaming red lips. Overdo it, wear a mask to make believe it’s not really you, half-naked in this hopeless dive. A sharp intake of breath, she stops her handiwork…

He could be there, just behind the door. Among the fumes of stale tobacco she catches the scent that she loved on his neck, a delicious blend of wood and flowers. Gentle but virile. Tender-hearted Narcissus. This fragrance is her life. Leading her a merry dance.

“Little Bastard” or “Gentleman”: she doesn’t care. His signature is to do as he likes. She fixes her hair, a sad look on her face. Smoothes it listlessly, twists a few curls. Her heart isn’t in it. The tears well. Suddenly, the sillage swells, she smells the scent of spices and lavender in a musk and amber embrace. Her head reels, giddy. He appears, out of nowhere. She smiles at him in the mirror. Life. Goes on.

Dior Homme Fragrance Collection
For every day in your life, for all the lives you have!

Dior Homme
Wear Dior Homme like a tailored suit. This unique woody, aromatic signature trails in your wake. The surprising notes she loves to nuzzle at your neck. A sexy appeal, rigorous and sharp yet disarmingly casual. Feel effortlessly elegant. Sensual, supple and free.

Dior Homme EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml  (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Intense
The noble sophistication of a strong, potent signature. Giddy with love. Wood and Amber draw you in. Intense Iris joins the fray, exudes her powerful charm. A physical signature whose sillage entices. Shrouding the lapel of a cashmere coat, designed to be embraced. For a Prince of the night with enigmatic charm.

Dior Homme Intense EDP spray 50ml (CHF 104.50), 100ml (CHF 143.00) and 150ml (CHF 172.00)

Dior Homme Sport
A convertible speeds along an empty beach. An outdoor fragrance that plays on perfect jeans and a sexy T-shirt, the perfect fit. Like a rush of freedom, on the road. The vibrant woody freshness of the sillage hooks you in.

Dior Homme Sport EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Cologne
Clear and radical, it envelops with a musky citrus signature. Sheer elegance. The sillage states the casual charm of a classic white shirt. Unostentatious but stylish. Elegance in broad daylight: a fragrance for the skin, for you.

Dior Homme COLOGNE EDT spray 75ml (CHF 104.50) and 125ml (CHF 143.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior