Sandra‘s Closet

Last night was probably the best one I have ever had in Tuscany. I was absolutely determined to go to bed early but that didn’t happen. It was so much fun being re-united with my favourite blogger colleagues and of course the LUISAVIAROMA team. The first Firenze4Ever evening started off with cocktails at the store.

Our host, Andrea Panconesi, owner of LUISAVIAROMA, with my beloved Hilary from Lyst and my humble self.

Bryanboy and gorgeous Tina from Bagsnob.

In the car with Hilary on our way to the next stop: La Fattoria Delle Corti, a gorgeous location 20 minutes outside of Florence, in the Tuscany wine region.

Hilary and me with Tiani from Belmodo

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent.

Tiani, Tina and lovely Camilla with me.

Having fun at dinner with Bryan and Tina.

After we left the Fattoria, we went to the pool party at Roberto Cavalli’s mansion which was absolutely amazing. The ambiance, the house, the enormous gardens, every little detail was just beautiful. The music was outstanding and I danced until dawn. Before leaving, I even spoke to Roberto’s parrot as you can see in the last picture.

The decor reminded me a lot of the one that Roberto Cavalli created for the amfAR gala.

I am sure that you are curious how Roberto Cavalli’s palace looks like. It is amazing as you can imagine. I would like to respect his privacy but of course I have some photos for you. Enjoy!

I am off to more adventures today! Firenze4Ever is the best…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Talking in superlatives! OMG – what a night! Tuesday evening, I attended the fashion show and after party for the launch of Versace for H&M in New York City. The venue was decorated in true Versace style in a specially designed building on the Hudson River. I was entering the world of Versace from the moment I set foot on the red carpet and so were the famous guests such as Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson and Selma Blair. Enjoy all my photos from this Versace for H&M extravaganza and see who performed live on stage! Stay also tuned for an interview with Donatella Versace to be posted soon.

Famous guitarist and music producer Mark Ronson in the hot pink Versace for H&M suit.

Sweet Jessica Alba in a studded Versace for H&M dress with me.

Uma Thurman looked so stunning when she said: “I think it is so exciting for Versace to made available to everyone. The collection is cool, colourful, young and very hip. I can’t wait to see the show.”

British model and TV presenter Jade Parfitt with me.

The other way around: Renowned photographer Bruce Webber in front of the camera.

Blogger love: Bryanboy and me

As for me, the sexiest shoe designer on earth: Brian Atwood.

American actress and niece of Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts in Versace for H&M florals.

Another well-known face: Photographer Terry Richardson

Girlfriends: Jade Parfitt having fun with German model Christina Kruse.

Let the show begin: The catwalk was paved with gold, the perfect environment in which to preview the Versace for H&M collection. The iconic looks, including some unique special pieces created for this exclusive event, were worn on the catwalk by top models such as Abbey Lee, Daphne G, Natasha Poly, Sean O’pry and Lindsay Wixson. The collection that will hit the shelves in 300 stores worldwide on November 17th, 2011.
For a closer view on the amazing pieces, I recommend this previous post.

When the show was finished, Donatella Versace appeared on the runway and two gigantic gates opened. She invited the fashionable crowd to follow her to the next hall where the after party took place.

Donatella Versace

The first act was a live performance of rap and pop superstar Nicki Minaj, dressed head to toe in Versace for H&M.

Later on, Nicki Minaj joined famous host Donatella to enjoy the show of Prince which was truly unbeatable. He is such an artist and musician. The way he sings, dances and moves captivates you from the first moment. When he started the chords of Purple Rain, the audience went crazy.

In case you think that Prince was the culmination of the night, you are mistaken. After he was finished, another gate opened, the one to shopping heaven. Behind those doors, a gigantic H&M pop-up store was located where the guests could buy the new Versace for H&M collection and all the celebrities joined in the fun. What a night!

This is probably my longest post ever, but this night is just unforgettable. Thank you H&M for letting me be part of it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Saturday, you were able to watch the Burberry Prorsum Menswear S/S 2012 show live on Sandra’s Closet. Today, I would like to show you whom I saw at the show in Milan and give you a little more insight into the collection.

The lull before the storm.

Anna Dello Russo with Bryan Boy…

…and with me.

Front Row: Julian Morris, Cara Delevingne, Rob Pryor and Jake Cooper

Christopher Bailey celebrated craftsmanship and laid the emphasis on the artisan spirit:

“This collection started with our iconic heritage as the foundation, we really wanted to emphasise this feeling of handcrafted pieces, celebrating craftsmanship but always with this playful element. We have taken our icons and played with texture to personalise and give them a real character and charm using colour to highlight the intricate detail that goes into crafting them.”

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer BURBERRY PRORSUM

There were lots of ikat prints, beautiful raffia trims and wooden paillettes. Those embellishments will make those T-shirts the next summer’s must-haves.  The crocheted details and the bobble caps were reminscent of the `70s and the hippie era. I am pretty convinced that those ethnical influences, the maxi bags and the earthy colours will be liked a lot by the stronger sex. Don’t forget, you can order some of the pieces now online until June 27, 2011.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Burberry

Last night, LuisaViaRoma held a private dinner party at La Specola in the Salone degli Scheletri with a very special opera performance. Surrounded by skeletons, the scenery was incredible. We all had a lot of fun during our night at the museum. Only Ben Stiller was missing…

LoL, Sandra

BryanBoy

La Carmina – a Tokyo based Gothic Lolita and Japanese fashion blog

Yvan (Face Hunter)

Wendy’s (Nitrolicious) hands

Andrea Panconesi (Owner of LuisaViaRoma) and Eva Cavalli, wife of Roberto Cavalli

Eva with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have arrived in Florence for the 3rd edition of Firenze4Ever. LuisaViaRoma voted me among the most influential international fashion bloggers and invited me to three days of fashion fun. So stay tuned for many exciting photos of very special events.

Mulberry, the English brand that will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, will be launching an exclusive behind the scenes book by Venetia Dearden and celebrate this with a classic English tea party. This is just one of the many fascinating things to happen. Tomorrow I will kick off the F/W 2011 season with the Total Styling Lab.

Please enjoy the first pics of today’s opening night. I am sure that you will recognize parts of my outfit from my previous post.

Blazer and cropped metallic leather motocross pants by Balmain, top by Tom Ford, shoes by YSL, bag by Céline, jewelry by Chanel and my new watch by Roger Dubuis.

Next week I will tell you much more about my beautiful new watch by Roger Dubuis.

Me tonight with Chiara Ferragni (The Blonde Salad)

…giving an interview…

…and having fun with my two favourite blogger colleagues BryanBoy and Wendy (Nitrolicious)

…trying to convince them to take off their iconic glasses…

…et voilà!

Now, I am in the hotel room enjoying my goody bag.

Good night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht