Sandra‘s Closet

“And then I want everything to be included, such as brooms, dust brushes and suchlike, because one day, when everything is being done by electricity, these will be the most remarkable thing of all.” –  From Wilhelmina von Hallwyl’s annual notes, 1844-1930

Entering the Hallwyl Palace in Stockholm is like stepping a hundred years back in time. Everyday household objects, as well as collections of art, jewelry and fashion, have been left untouched so as to bear witness to a past age. I had the honour to get a private tour of this Swedish national museum which is in a historical building just around the corner of the Nobis hotel. The Hallwyl collection encompasses some 50,000 objects and I absolutely loved the extraordinary jewelry pieces as well as the beautiful presentation of the clothing of that time, such as an embroidered dress by Paul Poiret.

As I have been dreaming of opening a fashion museum one day myself, I was impressed to hear that Wilhelmina von Hallwyl had started to catalogue everything in the palace during her lifetime with the purpose of creating something of enduring historical interest.

A must-see when you are in Stockholm!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During Paris Fashion Week, I went to some amazing events that I would like to share with you. Let’s get started with one that was truly outstanding, something that you don’t see every day.

I was invited to the elegant salons of the association France Ameriques in avenue Franklin Roosvelt, where a very special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins was presented.

The collection designed by young talents of the renowned college of arts and design in London features pieces in the finest 100% made in Scotland knitwear, inspired by the wardrobe of H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco, who had loved the historical British brand very much and had been frequently seen in it.

H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover had come all the way from Monaco to attend this intimate event in honour of her late mother. She had also supported the students and had given them access to the palace archives.

In April 2012, the findings were revealed in an exhibition hosted by the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco featuring never before seen material, showcasing Princess Grace’s daily wardrobe in the most relaxed and familial situations, particularly knitwear and Pringle of Scotland archive styles.

The students took those aesthetic elements and translated them into this beautiful capsule collection…

… under the creative supervision of the famous Professor Louise Wilson O.B.E. (see photo below to the right). Being among the world’s most influential fashion educators, her former students include Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic among many others.

Personally speaking, I found one aspect very moving when H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover explained that this project has meant a lot to her: “There have been many exhibitions on my mum, but this is special, when she wore knitwear, it meant we were more informal, it meant happy times.“

And as Marie Claude Beaud, Director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, put it “Grace Kelly has been a princess, an actress…but above all a woman, a mother”.

With this in mind, the collection truly manages to highlight the most personal, discreet and daily aspects of the Princess without loosing its historical heritage, it looks modern and desirable.

Pringle of Scotland’s ambassadress Tilda Swinton was leading the conversation.

Interesting to know is that the title PRINCESS GRACE: MORE THAN AN IMAGE derives from a quote that the Princess gave to Time Magazine in 1955, whilst still the film actress Grace Kelly, “I don’t want to dress up a picture with just my face”. This sense of exploring the person behind the image is evident throughout the project. She will stay in everyone’s imagination forever.

And this fall, it is official, we will not only dream of an Hermès Kelly bag.Pringle of Scotland’s Kelly sweater will be on everyone’s shopping list and it will be definitely more accessible. The capsule collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland in September at Jelmoli.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the movie “Grace” that will hit the cinemas in the end of the year and enjoy some more impressions of this beautiful event in Paris below.

LoL, Sandra

Gorgeous Tilda Swinton with me

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland, © Sandra Bauknecht;
Photos of Princess Grace: © Jae Lee, © Alice Bastion

In 2012, Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld joined forces to curate ‘The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited’, which presented stunning photographs of stylish celebrities boasting their interpretation of Chanel’s timeless and iconic black jacket. Over the last year, the book and exhibition were celebrated in cities across the globe.

Some of those photos were even the inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld’s artwork Fire Etchings, presented at Galerie Gmurzynska in February 2013 in St. Moritz.

This year, a new expanded edition of the book will go on sale (Steidl, Göttingen, 2013, 280 pages. Available in selected bookstores, €78).

For this occasion, Karl Lagerfeld has once again focused his lens on twenty or so international celebrities and close friends of the House, including Keira Knightley, Diane Kruger, Carla Bruni and Carole Bouquet. The photo shoot took place in Paris in the couturier’s studio in January 2013. Taking time out from their busy schedules, the celebrities all enthusiastically reinterpreted the little black jacket in their own inimitable style. Once more Karl Lagerfeld illustrates the universality of the Chanel jacket, one of fashion’s most legendary and timeless pieces.

Here is a sneak preview of how stunning Diane Kruger looks in it:

The exhibition is at the moment in Milan and opening next in Dubai on April 27, 2013. For more information, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

“Dior is this agile genius of our times whose magical name contains Dieu (God) and or (gold).”
- Jean Cocteau

When I was with Marionnaud in London for the Rodial Beautiful Awards (post coming up in the beginning of next week), I had the chance to take a glimpse at the So Dior exhibition at Harrods, showcasing artists reinterpreting some of Dior’s most famous codes.

The Brompton Road store windows are transformed into Dior’s iconic colours of grey and white, featuring the complete product palette of the French Maison.

Inside the department store, on the fourth floor, I entered “the ultimate Dior experience”, from the house’s Lady Dior handbag to its instantly recognisable scent, J’Adore.

To celebrate the exhibition, Harrods has launched a set of limited edition Dior cupcakes. If you are unable to make it to the store, then fear not, as you can purchase them online HERE.

The Harrods Dior takeover will run until April 14, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Dior

Yesterday, I drove from Zurich to St. Moritz to attend a very intimate event at Galerie Gmurzynska for the exhibition opening of a new unique work by Karl Lagerfeld, in a brand new medium: “FIRE ETCHINGS”; forming the artist’s answer to contemporary portraiture.

As I knew that Karl Lagerfeld would be present, there was no doubt, I had to be there. First, the invitation was supposed to be a dinner which was changed last minute into a brunch. The guests were waiting patiently for over three hours for Karl Lagerfeld’s plane to land. When he entered the room, his presence was unbelievable. He shook hands and talked to everyone.

A magic moment: Shaking hands with Karl Lagerfeld.

“FIRE ETCHINGS” is truly outstanding. On display was Karl Lagerfeld’s gigantic body of work created from backlit glass that has had its image etched into the surface. The “Kaiser” explained that a company near Nuernberg, Germany, which usually produces church windows manufactured his artwork for him.

Large scale and unique, for “FIRE ETCHINGS” Lagerfeld has abstracted some of his current muses: the rapper, Theophilus London; and the models, Freja Beha Erichsen and Aymeline Valade.

When Karl Lagerfeld was asked to explain his artwork a little, he replied with a quote by Voltaire: “Everything that needs an explanation is not worth the explanation.”

In his hands the whole time? His iPhone with a Karl by Karl Lagerfeld cover.

Karl Lagerfeld with Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer

Also present at the exhibition opening were actor Rick Yune to the left (2 Fast 2 Furious and James Bond – Die Another Day) and famous L.A.-based DJ Eddie Ruscha.

My look: Leather and cotton-jersey sweater, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent and jacket, scarf, cuff, bag, all by Chanel, fur boots and coat, both by Prada.

What an amazing day! If you are interested, the exhibit in St. Moritz will remain open until the 23rd of March, 2013. For further information, please contact the Galerie Gmurzynska directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finish shoe designer Minna Parikka and artist Jani Leinonen (For a previous post on Jani’s work, click here please.) collaborated on an art project filled with corporate mascots and shoes.

The duo created a space with an optical illusion covered with a print based on Jani Leinonen’s painting. The print also takes over 3 styles of Minna Parikka’s satin shoes that all have their place in the installation.

“Here the common and tacky commercial characters collide into the luxurious and abundant high heels. The battle between the classes has began.” the duo states.

The 3 styles of shoes are all numbered and signed in series of 25. “They are art and we can not control what do you do with them, frame them or wear them!” The pairs come in sizes 36-41 and are sold through Amos Anderson during ‘Boutique’ exhibition which is officially part of Helsinki World Design Capital Year.

Boutique – Where Art Meets Fashion until 12th of November at Amos Anderson art museum.

Lady Gaga wears Minna Parikka’s bugs pumps on her European tour. See the original post by Terry Richardson on Terry’s Diary.

Gaga is already familiar with Parikka’s creations as on her visit in Helsinki in October 2010, she received a double platinum award designed by the Finish shoe designer.

Aren’t they amazing?! Check out Parikka’s website, it is truly worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Terry Richardson and © Minna Parikka

My visit to the Biennale des Antiquaires last week was absolutely amazing. I was surrounded by outstanding beauty, extraordinary antiques and exquisite jewelry. Karl Lagerfeld has staged, decorated and created the visuals for the event as well as the backdrop. And being such a talented artist, he came up with a temporary world within the Grand Palais (the home of his Chanel shows) that was as beautiful as the thousands of objects d’art.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, floral and cherub-print dress by Dolce & Gabbana, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford, Rockstud suede and leather ankle boots by Valentino, cuff by Céline, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette earrings and ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie plus Velvet de Luxe 66 tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“I’m renowned for my love of a high collar and I wanted to create a true collector’s item,” says Karl Lagerfeld of his jewel-encrusted collar.

Fusing “the masculine with the feminine and uniting the world of fine jewelry and high fashion”, the designer’s spectacular collar is an extraordinary collector’s piece. Handcrafted from black suede, sparkling with pavé black diamonds and a single emerald- cut stone, produced exclusively for the Vogue UK jewelry editor Carol Woolton-curated Brilliant exhibition at Masterpiece, London, the capital’s luxury art and design fair, it will be on display from June 28th – July 4th. The piece will be accompanied by a hand-signed sketch from Mr Lagerfeld himself.

A percentage of profits from the sale will be donated to children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

This collar will be available for shipping from 7th July.
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

In celebration of the spirit of craftsmanship, the Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts) made its first stop in Zurich – Switzerland. The French house’s first world-travelling exhibit invites you to meet with the artisans responsible for creating some of the world’s most luxurious leather goods, silk scarves, china and more.

Ever wondered what goes into the making of an Hermès product? Or why the Kelly bag is such a coveted item? Discover the Hermès universe your own way and enjoy the passion that the craftsmen put into every item. As one of them told me, their effort and long hours spent making those pieces is all worth it, once a customer wears and treasures their handiwork.

Open to the public, this free admission event is located at EWZ-Unterwerk Selnau (Selnaustr. 25, Zurich) starting today through June 10th, 2012 from 11 am- 6pm every day. It is a great experience for kids as well.

For all of you that are living abroad, here are some photos that I took yesterday at the pre-opening. Enjoy the craftsmanship!

Hermès has very high requirements for leather and the artisans will take time to find the best one to use. The difference lies also in how the bags are made by hand. It will take approximately 30 hours to create one single piece with only 3 produced per week. This explains the long waiting list for their iconic Birkin or Kelly bags.

It is pretty impressive to watch the craftsman assemble the really tine pieces of the movement for a mechanical watch.

The artwork for the famous silk scarves is designed by an artist, but the Hermès artisans will need to engrave the silkscreens by hand before starting the printing process.

At the printing station, you can see how each silkscreen, one for each colour, are precisely aligned and printed onto silk. Every single aspect of a silk scarf is done by Hermès: They rear their own silkworms, produce their own twills and mix their own dyes. After the printing, the scarves are left to dry, then the colours are locked in during a steam bath. After that, the silk scarves are washed to make them smooth and coated with a protective finish. Finally, they will be hand-rolled and hand-hemmed along the edges by craftsmen.

Every carré (the French name for it) has its own name, as for example the famous Brides de gala that was sketched in 1957 by Hugo Grygkar and which is still used these days.

Perfection and quality is essential to Hermès, the same applies to the tie making process. A craftswoman explains how the twills are rolled, folded and subsequently stitched into ties, using the same silk as for the scarves.

There are not many artisans in the world who can perform this process. Those silk scarves are only made by special order. It is a thicker kind of twill that comes with a velour-like coat. The craftswoman takes away parts of it with a sharp pointed tool. Just to do those red flowers takes her six weeks. She needs to be extra careful in order not to destroy the precious fabric.

The artisan uses real gold to paint the beautiful embellishments of the crystal glasses. The brown colour of the gold will change in the oven. To achieve the shiny effect, each glass has to be buffed by hand.

The fabulous china and porcelain products are also carefully hand-painted by artisans. After watching the process, you feel guilty for every piece you dropped in the past.

Also of interest is the house’s glove-making. When I asked the glover what is the best material for a glove, he said velour leather is his favourite to work with.

Hermès first started with horse-riding accessories and saddles. The equestrian heritage has been celebrated ever since. A saddle by Hermès is like a piece of art, especially when you look at those special editions with wings or leopard print that the saddler showed me yesterday.

I hope that you will enjoy this eye-opening exhibit as much as I did!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The 65th annual Cannes Film Festival commemorates Marilyn Monroe on the 50th anniversary of her death, featuring her on the festival’s posters. Festival sponsor Chopard pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe‘s most memorable movie moment, her famous performance of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” in the 1953 musical comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with a diamond necklace in honour of the blonde bombshell’s object of affection in the film, featuring almost 200 carats of diamonds.

On this occasion, the Swiss jewelry and watch brand exhibits “Marilyn Forever”, 25 unpublished images, captured by frequent Monroe photographer Milton H. Greene, previewed in the Chopard Lounge at Hotel Martinez. After the festival, it will travel to Chopard boutiques around the world alongside with the Monroe-inspired “Tribute Set”.

Eva Herzigova wore the Marilyn Monroe Tribute set from the Red Carpet collection composed of a necklace in 18-carat white gold set with beads diamonds (151.64 cts), heart shaped diamonds (30.72 cts) and diamonds (18.53cts) with matching earrings on the Cannes Film Festival’s opening night.

I was able to explore this stunning tribute jewelry creation designed by Caroline Scheufele closely at the Chopard lounge. It is truly breathtaking.

Diamonds and glamour: Marilyn Monroe and Chopard were destined to cross paths. Below you can see how the tribute set was created, a piece of art and craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht