Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I followed CHANEL‘s invite to explore and celebrate the new J12 watch models first with a cocktail reception at the boutique on Bahnhofstrasse, followed by a flying dinner and party at at Barfussbar at Frauenbadi. With this beautiful weather finally arriving in Zurich, it was the perfect night for the occasion.

We were spoilt to bubbly champagne, great food, a water ballet show and experienced real magic when discovering the new watches. Later, we danced the night away.

Personally speaking, I have always been a big fan of the J12 watch, especially the white versions. the material is so resistant, you can play tennis or golf with it, it won’t break. Furthermore, the white colour doesn’t change after time. It stays as crisp white as from the beginning.

For the campaign, CHANEL invited nine muses to share their personal experiences about a second that changed their lives. Among them Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Ali MacGraw, just to name a few. Everything has always been about seconds for a House created by a woman who knew how to follow her instincts. The instinct of the moment when everything is decided.

The lovely CHANEL team

Whether it is the longest second of a lifetime on the day of an important decision, or preparing a soft-boiled egg with perfect culinary precision, catching an airplane or missing a taxi, our existence is a succession of milestones that are of no coincidence. The new J12 is the watch for these milestones, and the perfect accompaniment for every second.

Everything is a story of seconds for a woman who is in touch with her life and with this intimate timepiece that can shape destiny in a few seconds. The new J12 is the watch for this woman.
To find out more, click here please. And in the meantime, enjoy those perfect seconds of last night captured on the photos…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#TheNewJ12 #ItsAllAboutSeconds #CHANELWatches

Today is a very sad day for the world of fashion and also for myself. Karl Lagerfeld died in Paris at the age of 85. When I heard the news a few hours ago, I literally cried my eyes out.

«Trendy is the last stage before tacky.» – Karl Lagerfeld

For me Lagerfeld was a genius, without him the world of fashion would not be the same. He created collections simultaneously for CHANEL and FENDI (since 1965!), in addition to his signature label, at a pace without rival in the luxury industry. When I started looking at fashion magazines in the middle of the ’80s, he had just begun designing for CHANEL. Before that he had worked at BALMAIN, JEAN PATOU and CHLOÉ where he became successful with his feminine flowing party dresses, the latter he returned to once more in the ’90s before handing the reigns to Stella McCartney.

With Karl Lagerfeld in December 2014 in Salzburg.

When I turned 18, I wished for nothing else than a CHANEL costume. Whenever I met him or interviewed him, he impressed me by his intelligence, wittiness (I attached some of my favorite quotes in this post) and his way of working, which actually was very German. Just get the job done!

I asked him once how he seeks inspiration, he looked at me and said: «Forget inspiration, you sit down every day at your desk and work, half of the outcome is for the trash bin but the other half will work.» Another time, I wanted to know when he goes on holidays and he answered: «Holidays are only for employees.»

«If you are cheap. Nothing helps.» – Karl Lagerfeld

A shoot we did during my time at Marie Claire magazine with Barbara and Boris Becker photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, March 1999.

But my favorite story happened almost 20 years ago when I started my first job at Marie Claire magazine in Germany. My fashion director Florentine Pabst at that time was very close to Karl (and by the way also Jim Morrison‘s last girlfriend) It was probably my first week at the office and she explained to me that during her meeting her phone calls would be transferred to my phone. And most importantly if Karl called, I should let him know, that she will get back to him. I said: «Karl, who? The Karl?!» She smiled and replied: «Of course.»

«Sweatpants are a sign of defeat.» – Karl Lagerfeld

I didn’t leave my desk waiting eagerly for him to call. When he did, I gave him the message. The conversation was probably not longer than 30 seconds but I sat down at my desk with the biggest smile. My boss came back and asked me what happened. I grinned and said: «I am the happiest girl in the world. I just spoke to Karl Lagerfeld.» She laughed.

After half an hour, my phone rang again. It was my fashion director telling me somebody wanted to talk to me. It was no other than Karl Lagerfeld telling me: «I heard you enjoyed talking to me so much, so I thought I give you another call.» And this is how my love story started…

Another epic moment with Karl Lagerfeld in St Moritz in February 2013 at the opening of Fire Etchings at Galerie Gmurzynska.

«I think tattoos are horrible – it’s like living in a Pucci dress full-time.» – Karl Lagerfeld

 There is so much you could talk when you think of Karl Lagerfeld. He discovered Claudia Schiffer, was such a talented photographer himself and his ultimate success with CHANEL made the house one of the most important and prolific today. Thanks to Lagerfeld, the company also acquired many specialized French craft ateliers, like Lesage for embroidery, Lemarié for feathers and artificial flowers, Maison Michel for millinery, and Causse for glove making. This craftsmanship  was celebrated with lavish Métiers d’Art fashion shows as Paris – Bombay or Paris – Salzburg for example. The famous cruise collections took place in far destinations such as Dubai or Havana, Cuba, showing Lagerfeld’s way to making CHANEL even more prominent and desirable around the world.

Eric Pfrunder, Virginie Viard and Karl Lagerfeld

This January, Lagerfeld didn’t come to his Haute Couture presentation in Paris which was already a sign that the designer was not feeling well. Instead of him, Virginie Viard, the creative studio director, took the applause. It is more than likely that she will succeed Lagerfeld as CHANEL’s designer, supported by Eric Pfrunder, the house’s director of image.

«I am very much down to earth, just not this earth.» – Karl Lagerfeld

I could go on and on and will surely share with you more about my most magical moments I had with him. Rest in Peace Karl Lagerfeld –  your legend will live on, and not only in my closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld and © Sandra Bauknecht

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Gianni Versace in broad daylight in Miami Beach. I will never forget this moment when I saw the news on TV. I was studying fashion design and was at home working on one of my first assignments. At this time, Versace was big. We all dreamt of butterfly prints, safety pins, tight dresses and many more…

Gorgeous as her mother in the nineties… Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, on the Versace S/S 2018 catwalk.

This week, Donatella Versace chose to stage her S/S 2018 show at Milan’s Triennale museum as a tribute to her late brother’s Gianni’s inspirations and creations. And so, for the first time since being the creative director of the company, she seeked inspiration directly from the house’s archives with all the key prints and pieces from the years 1991–95.

Versace in the ’90s

As I said those years marked the highlights of Gianni Versace’s designs. His most iconic collections included Vogue, Warhol, My Friend Elton, Icons, Baroque, Animalia, Native Americans, Tresor de la Mer, Metal Mesh, and Butterflies.

Beautiful finale of the S/S 2018 Versace: Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen posing in classic Versace chainmail dresses.

To celebrate «a genius . . . an icon . . . my brother» as Donatella said, the show fulminated in a finale that brought tears to my eyes. Gianni’s favorite models, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen, appeared in golden gowns on stage, to the chorus of George Michael’s «Freedom! ’90.» Front row? Alessandro Michele, Anthony Vaccarello and Pierpaolo Piccioli applauded to Donatella’s tribute to the late master of fashion.

Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Christy Burlington lipsynching to George Michael’s «Freedom 90» for the finale of Gianni’s Versace’s F/W 1991 show. Back then fashion was truly fun!

The era of the top models: Gianni Versace surrounded by them in 1991.

A beautiful Versace ad campaign from the ’90s.

This moment reminded me why I chose many years ago the direction of fashion and how much the work of Gianni Versace in the ’90s had inspired me to do so.

Thank you, Donatella, for this little reminder, we all sometimes need in this busy life! And thank God that I have kept everything in my closet… time to dust the butterflies off…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com and Rex Features

Olivier Rousteing, Balmain‘s Creative Director, wrote yesterday on his instagram account: «U made me love FASHION yesterday, U make me love FASHION today, and U re going to make me love FASHION in the future.» In the pictures that he commented on, he was next to Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.

His #BalmainArmy is in expansion mode and the three ’90s supermodels are the faces of the S/S 2016 campaign shot by Steven Meisel. Posing in the designer’s body-conscious and ruffled new seaon’s creations, they look as stunning as 20 years ago and are a perfect fit for the French Maison. Personally speaking, the three icons are so much more beautiful than Kendall and Gigi, the previous faces. I am sure this campaign will have a lot of success.

TO SHOP BALMAIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain

Recently, I was invited for lunch to Hamburg. And it was as fantastic as it sounds. I was flown in by André Maeder, Chief Retail Officer Karstadt, to celebrate his collaboration with the German reality television series FASHION HERO that airs every Wednesday on ProSieben.

The concept of the show focusing on fashion design and hosted by no other than Claudia Schiffer is pretty easy and convincing.

The 21 contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme. Their designs are judged by a jury that consists of three buyers, André Maeder (Karstadt), Anne Rech (Asos) und Petra Winter (s.Oliver). Each week, the three retailers buy their favourite designs (sale to the highest bidder) that will be available online directly after the show or the next morning at the respective department store.

In the end, whoever meets the needs of the three retailers in the finale will receive a capsule collection worth €1.5 million within each shop.

I sat next to André Maeder, who is of Swiss origin, and had a very interesting conversation about this new show that is adapted from the US format called Fashion Star.

He told me that “for the first time in Karstadt history, the website collapsed as too many people wanted to buy the pieces right after the show.” Maeder, a born leader who had worked at Harrods, Boss and Charles Vögele before, knows what he wants and has a clear vision of style. Being asked who are his own fashion heroes, he replied: “Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs.” Can’t argue with that!

Below you can enjoy some impressions of the lunch:

Framed by the winners of the first show, Sahra Tehrani und Marcel Ostertag.

Beautiful ambiance at The Box in Hamburg.

On display were the designs of the first show, that are available here.

Beautiful Hamburg – always worth a visit! Bye-bye, see you soon again!

LoL, Sandra

Some photos of the first collage: Courtesy of ProSieben, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news for my Swiss readers, Notting Hill-based label Happycoat will come to Switzerland for an exclusive VIP sale at Kids and the City from September 12-14, 2012.
(For details, please see invitation below).

This is your chance to meet the designer, Tilla Lindig, and to explore her collection of timeless outerwear, from sophisticated capes to chic coats and fitted jackets such as the “Kate” which is named after the Duchess of Cambridge, of course.

Tilla, who was born and raised in Germany, lives today with her husband and three kids in London. She knows exactly what women want: Looking stylish while being comfortable. Her pieces work for all occasions, bringing the kids to school or having lunch in the city. She even has started to do bespoke pieces.

Her fan base is huge. Many celebrities have been spotted in Happycoats, among them Claudia Schiffer, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Kate Moss. Last month, Lindig was voted Best German Brand Abroad 2012 by German Bunte, Elle and Instyle magazines. Congrats, Tilla, well done!

If you would like to have more information and see some of the styles, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tilla Lindig, Happycoat and © Birgit Klemt

Dolce & Gabbana’s star-sprinkled collection is loved by fashionistas and celebrities all over the world. The must-have print also graces some of the recent September issues. From Spanish Vogue with Eva Herzigova, Helena Christensen and Claudia Schiffer in a trio of Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2011 dresses on the cover to American Marie Claire with Anne Hathaway.

My favourites are the printed star dress with lace inserts and the matching star pumps. The sequined star clutch and wallet work well with every outfit.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Newly launched for F/W2011, Claudia Schiffer’s luxurious cashmere line perfectly encapsulates the legendary supermodel’s insouciant style. Schiffer sourced the finest fabrics for this collection of model must-haves – you’ll find everything from cozy cardigans in rich earth tones to slinky color-pop tube dresses.

The range will be manufactured, produced and distributed in partnership with luxury German 
cashmere label Iris von Arnim.

Available from today at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra

„Every time you look at a great painting, you’ve literally took a piece of the artist’s soul.“
– Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone with me in front of his artwork "Best of Life", 1989, which is my absolute favourite, a collage of fan letters.

This morning, I attended a very interesting opening at the well-known Galerie Gmurzynska in St. Moritz in the presence of the artist himself: Sylvester Stallone 35 Years of Painting. In case that you are wondering, I am talking about the “Stallone”, the “Rambo”.

The exhibition is a retrospective of his work. About 30 pictures will be presented, documenting different periods of Sly’s creative work.

The  famous actor has started painting in his teens. His early pieces, which he signed “Mike Stallone”, were experimental. Due to financial reasons he then worked as an author until he started a career as an actor. In 1976 he made his breakthrough as “Rocky”, started painting again and continued to do so until today. During the seventies and eighties, Stallone’s art was very expressive and morbid. Amongst others, his paintings were influenced by the death of his manager  to handle the stroke of fate. The work he made during this period was graphic, flat, often brightly coloured and still quite illlustrative.

"Finding Rocky", Mixed media and artists frame, 1975

A change in his style began 1989/1990. He got deeper into art, studied closely contemporary art and painters like Picasso, Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer. He looked into abstract work of Mark Rotho and developed a unique style for himself: He produced expressive, profound and expressionistic works, sometimes modified self portraits, sometimes pictures playing with words.
Smooth strokes instead of hard blows…

"Best of Life", Mixed media and artists frame, 1989

"Best of Life", Details

Donald Kuspit, one of America’s most renowed art scholars, wrote an essay about Stallone’s art in which he states that Stallone is no longer acting or pretending when he is painting, but honestly and openly himself. He is no longer Rambo , the straight-shooter who never misses, or Rocky, an everyday guy who made it, but in search of his missing self – the self he may have lost when he played those proud creations. His paintings are more emotionally realistic than his unrealistic heroes.

"Never Ever Land", Mixed media and artists frame, 2010

Stallone told Donald Kuspit that the cutting of the frames symbolizes the cutting of frames and scenes from his movies by various editors. It upset him greatly, which is one reason he does not completely frame nor edit his paintings –does not hem them in.

"Hercules O'Clock", Mixed media and artists frame, 1991

The artworks will be exposed at Galerie Gmurzynska in St. Moritz from February 19th until March 15th. Subsequent to the show in Switzerland, Stallone’s art will be exhibited at the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg. The prices for Stallone’s artworks are approximately between $50.000-$150.000.

Photo: Richard Avedon

Stallone is a very impressive and expressive man with a voice that is truly to die for. The father of five children will turn 65 in July and is said to have an IQ of 141.

He was very sweet and answered the question if he could imagine to start painting with Arnold Schwarzenegger like this: „Wouldn’t that be something?! Arnold paints, too but he is not showing his artwork to the public. I painted once with my wife, but this was already complicated enough…”.

In 1995, he modeled for Gianni Versace to promote his new home collection. The photos were taken by Richard Avedon and I still love that one of Claudia Schiffer and Sly both stripped down.

A little trip down fashion memory lane…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht