Sandra‘s Closet

Tomorrow, May 14, “Kaiser Karl” will reign over the world of fashion once more. Lagerfeld will show his Resort 2013 collection for Chanel at Versailles. Of course, it will be a big production, but all details are still under wraps. Past Chanel Resort shows have been presented at the Lido in Venice (Resort 2010), and one of my favourites, in St. Tropez (Resort 2011). Their locations usually bewray the inspiration for the collection.

Versailles was the famous place where the French royal family ruled in extravagance for 100 years before the French Revolution. What does come to your mind? As for me, I could only think of excess, rich fabrics, opulence.

 I am truly curious what Karl Lagerfeld has been thinking of.  If anyone is up to the task to pay tribute to Marie Antoinette or to revive those decadent moments in time, it is definitely him. I am sure that he will surprise us as the setting has to be different from his S/S 2011 Chanel show that was based on Versailles’s extensive gardens (see above).

If you look in fashion history, this won’t be the first time Versailles has been used for a show.

In 2007, John Galliano rented out the palace for a huge spectacle - Dior’s 60th anniversary couture show.

In 1973, five upcoming US-designers, Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta faced off against French couturiers Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Emanuel Ungaro in a runway spectacle that became known as the Battle of Versailles.

The French designers were certain of victory, due to their long tradition and know-how. But the Americans had a secret weapon; a vibrant group of eight African-American models plus the wish to conquer the European world of fashion. And the celebrity-packed audience of 800, including a tiara-wearing Princess Grace cheered to their performance. It was that chilly night changed the face and colour of fashion forever.

There have also been numerous fashion editorials photographed at Versailles over the years.

Above:
1 Shalom Harlow by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994
2 Diane Krüger by Gilles Marie Zimmerman for Paris Match March 2012
3 Trish Goff by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994

Please enjoy this little summary of some of the most beautiful ones, along with other palace-set shoots by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

Jessica Stam and Snejana Onopka by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar Romania November 2007

Gisele Bündchen by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar June 2007

Vanessa Paradis by Karl Lagerfeld for Tatler Russia July 2012

Stay tuned for the photos of the Chanel Resort 2013 show.

LoL, Sandra

Today something for my Swiss and German based readers: The new Weltwoche Style Edition 02-2012 is available now featuring my summer trend report and the captivating story about the amazing Mary Katrantzou. She gave me such a lovely insight into her life and told me so many interesting things about her designs. A must read!

And proving my passion for Mary’s designs, the May edition of German Myself magazine features my personal summer must-haves: Her divine prints, such as the fabulous Salamandra dress.

Stay tuned to see me wearing more of them!
You can shop a large selection of Mary Katrantzou at net-à-porter.com, farfetch.com, matchesfashion.com, luisaviaroma.com and mytheresa.com (Great news for Swiss customers at mytheresa.com, you pay from now on in CHF with all customs duties included. No more unpleasant additional payments.)

LoL, Sandra

Something for my Swiss and German based readers:
The new SI Style is available featuring my monthly fashion column. In this issue, I am giving my readers some “fashionable” details of my pregnancy and how it can be sometimes quite challenging to be a working mum. In case that you have ever wondered who is taking the photos of my outfits, it is my daughter. And I am very proud of her!
For further details regarding the gown that I am wearing in the photo, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am subscribed to BUNTE, a German weekly magazine that includes celebrity, gossip, news and lifestyle matters. So today, the newest edition was in my mail box and you should have seen my eyes while flipping through the pages.

On pages 54-56, there is a huge article about the importance of bloggers in our days featuring the nine most important ones according to BUNTE including Bryan Boy, Hanneli Mustaparta, Garance Doré, Scott Schuman of The Satorialist and my humble self. Thank you, BUNTE, I truly feel honoured to be named among those famous trendsetters!

LoL, Sandra

For my Swiss and German based readers: The first 2012 Weltwoche Style Edition – which is the biggest issue ever – is available now featuring my new season’s must-haves, the story of Tommy Hilfiger and an interesting questionnaire that I did with the famous perfumer Serge Lutens. Have a good weekend read!

LoL, Sandra

When I stumbled across the new US April Vogue and this amazing editorial featuring Kate Moss showcasing the most beautiful of January’s couture collections at the hotel Ritz in Paris, before closing its doors for renovation, I had to share this with you.

Lensed by one of my favourite photographers Tim Walker and styled by Grace Coddington, this is a feast for your eyes! Enjoy!

My Bleu Heaven
A cornflower-blue dress by Sarah Burton, reminiscent of 1950s couture, plays on proportion and contrast: nipped-in waist and voluminous skirt; flat jacquard against exploding lace. Alexander McQueen lace bustier jacquard dress.

At First Blush
Moss, in the bathroom of the Coco Chanel Suite, wears a petal-like cocktail dress and cape, inspired by a 1960 design, from a pink-and-silver cloque lamé created by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Life Imitates Art I
Like the neoclassical crimson satin sofa, a dramatic tiered evening dress (Dior’s finale look) adds a jolt of brilliant color to the hushed palette of an Imperial Suite salon. Dior Haute Couture silk dress.

Life Imitates Art II
Bellhop Nicolas Deschamps balances a Roger Vivier silk-and-feather pump on his cap.

Sleeping Beauty
For three decades, Coco Chanel called the hotel her home. Here, the bedroom of the suite named for her. Armani Privé sequined embroidered flared bustier dress.

Boxed Out
Karl Lagerfeld took over the first-floor-spanning Imperial Suite, seen here, for his 1996 couture collection. Chanel Haute Couture embroidered organza flower coat and pumps.

Cocktail Hour
“I drink the French 76: vodka, sugar, lemon juice topped up with champagne; it’s the best drink ever, but it only tastes like that in the Hemingway Bar,” says Moss, here in L’Espadon. “Colin [Field, Ritz Paris head bartender] made it for my wedding. It doesn’t taste at all strong—and then, whoa, whoops-a-daisy!” Alexis Mabille Haute Couture burnished lamé dress and hat.

Light Show
“When I was with Johnny Depp, he always stayed there. I had an apartment in Paris at the time, but he said, ‘No, we’re staying at the Ritz,’ so he came by and swept me up to the Ritz—he didn’t want to slum it in my apartment!” Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.

Room Service
“Gianni’s [Versace] shows were amazing—and sooo convenient. Walk downstairs, go to work: Love that!” says Moss, with housekeepers Khadidja Fakri and Lollie Bacete (standing). Dior Haute Couture embroidered silk dress. Headpiece created by Julien d’Ys.

View From the Top
Giambattista Valli sent out a cinched draped-shoulder goddess dress in “a color so deep, so intense, you can almost smell it—like bougainvillea on the Mediterranean coast.” Giambattista Valli Haute Couture silk dress and necklace.

Special Delivery
In the Flower Room, a team of five florists overseen by floral designer Djordje Varda is charged with, among other things, selecting and arranging 10,000 blooms for the hotel each week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vogue, Tim Walker

Here is a little inspiration for a weekend read for my Swiss and German based readers:
The new SI Style is available featuring my monthly fashion column. In this issue, I am talking a little about the differences between bloggers and fashion journalists, give some travel tips and tell you more about the Polyvore Live fashion show and the Dior Addict Extrême event in Paris. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss readers: The annabelle magazine features in their recent issue the newest fashion trends presented by “creative people of Zurich”. If you are curious who was photographed for this project, have a look at annabelle’s backstage report by clicking here.

Needless to say, I was very honoured to be part of this wonderful shoot which they named “We are trend!”. The two ladies in charge, Daniella Gurtner and Monica Pozzi along with photographer Gregory Derkenne did an amazing job. The only downer is that they have retouched my beauty mark, which is my signature feature!

My look: Studded leather jacket, skirt and top, all by Versace and my own studded suede platform sandals by Yves Saint Laurent.

Below are some of the behind the scenes shots. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of annabelle and © Sandra Bauknecht

For my Swiss and German based readers: My new fashion column for the SI Style magazine is available now.

This time, I am telling you more about my recent trip to Florence for LuisaViaRoma’s 4th edition of Firenze4Ever and my gold metallic foil-covered wool coat by Stella McCartney that unfortunately left a trace of unremovable glitter behind it.

LoL, Sandra

My car seat after 5 minutes…

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my Swiss and German based readers: My new column in the SI Style magazine is available now. This time, I am telling you more about La Nuit Monégasque and the Versace for H&M launch party in NYC.

Moreover, the Swiss Peach Paper is featuring two pages of my must-haves in their recent edition.

I was really excited that Elle Bélgique featured me and my post about the amazing decor for Chanel’s Paris-Bombay show.

Thank you!

LoL, Sandra