Met Gala 2023

This year’s Met Gala, which celebrated the exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,» featured plenty of full-on tributes to designer Karl Lagerfeld. From vintage designs by Karl himself to perfect tributes from rival fashion houses and paws-itively incredible Choupette interpretations, there was much to enjoy at this year’s fashion Oscars.

Always taking place on the first Monday in May, the red carpet was filled with A-listers in mostly monochrome black and white looks, with lots of references to the Camellia, plenty of pearls, a touch of tweed and thousands upon thousands of crystal embellishments. Below, I round up my favourite looks from the 2023 Met Gala with a little description why I liked them.

REFERENCES TO THE CAMELLIA

Rihanna in Valentino Haute Couture

My winner! Rihanna is always one of the best dressed Met Gala guests and she did not disappoint for 2023. A nod to the iconic CHANEL flower, Rihanna, who is pregnant and was joined by partner A$AP Rocky, chose a camellia-appliquéd cape and matching gown, both by Valentino Haute Couture.

Bad Bunny in Jacquemus

Personally speaking the strongest menswear look of the night was worn by the «Tití Me Preguntó» rapper, whose all-white Jacquemus ensemble included an ultra long floral train. Inside the jacket was a custom printed picture of Casa Malaparte taken by Lagerfeld in 1997, a nod to the designer’s photography work.

VINTAGE CHANEL

Nicole Kidman in vintage CHANEL

Telling a story with your ensemble can be beautiful, and Nicole Kidman did it by wearing the CHANEL couture gown that she had first worn in 2004 when she starred in the iconic CHANEL No. 5 fragrance advert directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Naomi Campbell in vintage CHANEL

Another Nineties supermodel Naomi Campbell nodded to Karl Lagerfeld by looking stunningly in one of his own creations, a pink satin gown with bejewelled details from CHANEL’s S/S 2010 couture collection.

Dua Lipa in CHANEL Haute Couture

The gala co-chair turned heads in a tweed CHANEL Haute Couture ballgown from 1992, that she combined with a breathtaking Tiffany & Co. set, comprised of a necklace in platinum with a diamond of over 200 carats and diamonds and a ring in platinum with diamonds of over 9 total carats. The primary diamond of this necklace was cut in the proportions of the famed Tiffany Diamond.

CREATIONS INSPIRED BY KARL LAGERFELD’S AESTHETIC FROM OTHER FASHION HOUSES

Kim Kardashian in Schiaparelli

I love this look! Kim Kardashian wore a heavily beaded custom Schiaparelli dress with thousands of pearls draped over her.

Anne Hathaway in Versace

The actress showed up in a floor-length, monochrome, tweed (a nod to CHANEL) gown, complete with Versace safety pins holding it all together. Call it CHASACE – the perfect mishmash of Versace and CHANEL.

Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

To honour the late Lagerfeld, the British actor opted for classic tailoring, but with a twist and might have set the start for a multi-brooch trend.

THE DESIGNERS WITH THE MOST KILLER LOOKS

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

Leave it to Them Browne for the most theatrical fashion moment at the Met Gala 2023. «Glass Onion» star Janelle Monáe wore a supersized version of CHANEL’s classic tweed jacket. Later it was followed by a high-fashion striptease, that revealed a sheer conical wireframe gown atop a black sequined, pearl-studded bikini.

Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne

With its corseted bodice, ruffled skirt and draped chains, inspired by those iconic CHANEL details, the «Wednesday» actress was half goth, and half glam, and definitely an eye-catcher.

Cardi B in Thom Browne

Another camellia reference, Cardi B nailed this trend in this billowing gown that was also inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s personal uniform.

CHOUPETTE LOVERS

Doja Cat in Oscar de la Renta

The great tribute to Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette came from Doja Cat, who wore a custom made embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta, that she topped off with cat ears on the hood, a prosthetic cat nose and claw-like nails.

Jared Leto

Telling the best tale (tail) of the night, Leto decided to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s famous Birman cat, Choupette, in a full cat costume, worth a Disney movie appearance.  However, after unmasking, he transformed into an all-black ensemble and a matching cape featuring an ornate detailing around the neckline and shoulders.

I am curious to hear which one was your favorite!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Getty Images #ALineOfBeauty
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My Look: Egg-Citing

Egg-citing news… In the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand, you can find an impressive floral Easter egg made of real flowers. Last year, it was created by Finish artist Jani Leinonen. For more information, click here please. This year, it is inspired by Peter Shire’s «Big Sur» Sofa that you can also find in the hotel (see my previous outfit post here). You can admire the installation, which is made of 12.000 carnations, until the end of the Easter vacations.

My look: Pink double-breasted blazer, front-zip off-shoulder top, transparent-panel midi skirt, and ombré high-top sneakers, all by Alexander McQueen, crystal-embellished Hourglass tote bag by Balenciaga, and silver-tone crystal choker by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Attila / Dolder Grand
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Trending: The Hot Pink Jacket

Hot pink is trending – it’s THE shade that has been seen allover the streets during Paris Fashion Week last week. For Valentino’s F/W 2022 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli focused on this single color and created 48 head-to-toe looks in the mood-boosting hue, that was developed in collaboration with Pantone. It so catchy and energetic that it got even its own name, Valentino Pink PP.

I recommend getting a blazer, expertly tailored, to sport the electrifying shade on a daily basis. The buttons should be neutral, no gold ones or anything else that could distract from the color that has come a long way from its days of simply being a staple in a little girl’s closet.

Below you can shop the best chic pink explosion jackets of the moment!

LoL, Sandra

 

Oversized double-breasted wool and silk-blend crepe blazer by Valentino

Neon wool-blend blazericon by Jacquemus

Carter neon crepe blazer by Alex Perry

Blazer with feathers by Zara
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Double-breasted wool blazer by Alexander McQueen

Sequin single-breasted blazer by Dolce & Gabbana
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Photo of me: Fabrizio Vignali @iziophotography for Patek Philippe and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
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My Look: Little Princess

I just love this look, it makes me feel like a little princess, but in a very modern way. Comfortable, yet head turning, this pink ensemble combined with patent-leather sneakers captures an ethereal mood. I felt so good in it, that while I was wearing it for a lunch appointment in Zurich, I decided to fly spontaneously to London without anything… stay tuned for my full report!

My look: Sweater with logo embroidery and silk faille sleeves, gathered faille midi skirticon, pink patent leather sneakers, all by Alexander McQueenDionysus small two-tone leather shoulder bag by Gucci,  floral pearl drop earrings by Simone RochaLady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuisbow and crystal-embellished wrap braceleticon by Miu Miu, and crystal-embellished sunglasses by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: The Doll

Art Basel is taking place, time to talk about art, my kind of art!

Fashion is art and you are the canvas – in my opinion it is a cultural good that should be remembered and that I want to preserve for generations to come. Therefore I am dreaming of and working on opening my museum one day. I like to call fashion as a form decorative or applied art. Just think of the amount of artistic expression that goes into clothes and the way you style a look.

I love to dress up, and I mean really dressing up. Jeremy Scott for Moschino is one of those designers who creates fashion as art for me, his designs are outstanding, different, you just want to look at them. When I add the crinoline to my pink leather dress, it becomes such piece of art for me. It is not practical, but looking at a sculpture, a painting or a fresco, who would say that art needs to be practical? It needs to be beautiful in the eye of the beholder. And in this case, it makes me happy, call me the doll!

My look: Pink belted leather dress (Look 26 F/W 2020) with crinoline underskirt (exclusively produced for me), cake slice clutch bagpearl-embellished belt, and peace pearl-embellished pendant earrings, all by Moschino, tiara headbandicon by Miu Miu, and leather over-the-knee boots by Alexander McQueen.

The photos were taken inside Galerie Gmurzynska‘s Zaha Hadid exhibition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Fifth Ave

90s fashion is making a comeback and I couldn’t be any happier as it reminds me so much of my childhood days. It was the time of the supermodels and Prada’s famous nylon backpack. Browsing through fashion magazines as a yojnI manifested the idea to become an editor one day. This week, a dream came true and I visited the VOGUE offices in NYC.

The next day I strolled down Fifth Ave in this ’90s inspired outfit.

My look: Appliquéd printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Dolce & Gabbanaleather track pants by Alexander McQueen, white body with logo by La PerlaThe Hacker Project Flora print scarf by Gucci, Tallow cat-eye sunglassesicon by Zimmermann, Le Loafer leather penny loafers by Saint Laurent, pocket logo-strap crossbody nylon bag by Prada, and chain earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra
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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
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My Look: Bold

Over the past fortnight, the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag has become a familiar sight of solidarity. By wearing this color combination to the Bold Woman Dinner with Veuve Clicquot, I wanted to send one straight and bold message: spread love not war. The world could be so beautiful if we learnt to live with each other in a peaceful way no matter our skin color or nationality.

I wish we had more female leaders – I am convinced, the world would be a better place.

My look: Blue puff-sleeve flared faille midi dress by Alexander McQueen, royal blue silk satin bow tie pumps by Aquazzura, necklace by Alessandra RichConstance 24 in Evercolor Lime with palladium hardware by Hermès, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watchicon, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier, and vintage blue sapphire earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Trending S/S 2022: Crystal Bags

This S/S 2022 season, statement bags are coming in crystal. Although these crystal bags are ideal for a night out, they definitely don’t have to be limited to just your evening parties and black tie galas. Pair a crystal-embellished bag with a simple, neutral look to update your favorite pieces as a welcome twist.

Get shopping, below, on my choice crystal bags for going out or not, I promise they won’t disappoint.

LoL, Sandra

Embellished Cleo shoulder bag by Prada

Skull Four-Ring studded crystal clutch bagicon by Alexander McQueen

Hourglass crystal-embellished cross-body bag by Balenciaga

Cubo crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana

Crystal-embellished clutch bag by Benedetta Bruzziches

The Falabella mini crystal-embellished vegetarian brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Roman Stud medium crystal-embellished quilted suede shoulder bag by Valentino

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography, Courtesy of the Brands
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My Look: The Cube

Innovation and elegance are at the heart of Max Mara‘s utilitarian line, «The Cube». Designed in a languid robe silhouette that pulls in with drawstrings, this belted jacket is cut from waterproof shell padded with down that’s lightweight and plush. It comes with a compact shell bag for storage. Combined with those fun accessories by Louis Vuitton, it is the perfect look for my holidays at the Gstaad Palace.

My look: The Cube hooded quilted shell down jacketicon by Max Mara, exaggerated-shoulder wool-blend crepe dress by Valentino, leather belt with golden buckle by Alexander McQueenicon, Minkgram shadow scarfTeddy chapkalaska hat, Teddy muff, and pillow boots, all by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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My Look: The Tourist

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the chance to visit the L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped – a temporary artwork for Paris, that was on view for 16 days from September 18 – October 3, 2021. As I was extremely busy those days, I only went on the last Sunday.

In between shows, I put on this comfy look (my kind of tourist look) and explored this incredible installation. That evening, the light was absolutely magical, showing the Arc de Triomphe wrapped in 25,000 square meters of recyclable polypropylene fabric in silvery blue, and with 3,000 meters of red rope, in all sort of shades.

With my friend, Berlin artist Johanna Keimeyer, who invited me to this beautiful terrace overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped.

In 1961, three years after they met in Paris, Christo and Jeanne-Claude began creating works of art in public spaces. In 1962, he made a photomontage of the Arc de Triomphe wrapped, seen from the Avenue Foch and, in 1988, a collage. 60 years later, the project was finally concretized, an homage to the late artists and to the city of Paris.

My look: Two-tone intarsia wool-blend cardiganicon by Balmain, Relax mesh-trimmed tech-jersey leggingsicon, and Relax cropped mesh-trimmed tech-jersey topicon, both by Alaïaleather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, Lou mini quilted textured-leather shoulder bagicon by Saint Laurent, and grey pearl necklace with gold and green metal glass charm by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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