Accessory Report F/W 2012: Collars

Collars Fall 2012

From the runway to the street, collars are having a fabulous fashion moment right now. It is an amazing fashion accessory that can change your look so easily in one step. Wear yours as a contemporary alternative to a statement necklace, layering it over color-clash textiles for maximum impact.

Embellished cotton-poplin collar iconby Marni
Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar iconby Karl
Shearling collar by Marni
Rabbit collar iconby Marni
Hilde crystal collar necklace iconby Dannijo (Enter FREE8 for worldwide free shipping, for a limited time only)
Abbey faux pearl collar iconby Karl
Pointed metallic-leather collar iconby 3.1 Phillip Lim
Striped silk collar iconby Miu Miu
Alycia metal-tipped lace-trimmed cotton collar iconby Karl

I couldn’t resist and got this beaded wool-felt collar iconby Marni. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Marni CollarPhoto: © Sandra Bauknecht

Gucci Resort 2013

Gucci Resort 2013

Anne Hathaway grabbed attention yesterday at the European Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in London in a stunning  shimmering gown from Gucci’s Resort 2013 collection. The long-awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is released worldwide tomorrow.

Speaking of Gucci Resort 2013, Frida Giannini seeked inspiration from a glorious 60s and 70s inspired getaway in Capri. Filled with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, the designer plays with the iconic Flora print. The colours are divine, from vintage-like sorbet shades to earthy tones of beige, brown and black. Embroideries and embellishments on the neckline resemble a summer bouquet. I would love to have every single look!

It is so Bon Chic. Bon Genre!

LoL. Sandra

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_3

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_4

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_06_CU

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_8

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_12_CU

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_10

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_10_CU

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_9

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_09_CU

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_15_CU

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_19

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_20

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_28

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_34

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_36

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_37

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_39

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_43

LB_ST31_CRUISE_WRTW_43_CUPhotos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Getty Images

Meet Kaufmanfranco

Logo KaufmanKaufmanFranco

At the moment I am in London where I met the lovely dynamic designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices yesterday. The New York label’s signature is dazzling evening wear that’s delicately embellished, plus modern day wear with an urban twist.

Kaufmanfranco with meIsaac Franco to the left and Ken Kaufman to the right with me

Their sleek American style have landed them a stockpile of fans in every age group, spanning Taylor Swift to Jennifer Aniston. Calling themselves “the New Sensualists”, their designs are pure sophistication.

Celebrities KaufmanfrancoTaylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston in Kaufmanfranco (Photos: Getty Images)

It was lovely talking to the charismatic designer duo who answered openly my questions.

IMG_2896

Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco met over 25 years ago. FIT-alumni Ken offered Isaac his first job who at that time had just finished his studies at Parsons School of Design. Since then, the two have been working constantly together for the likes of Valentino or Emanuel Ungaro, just to name a few. In 2004, they decided to launch their own label.

You two seem like yin and yang, same vision, different approach but complementing each other perfectly. Who designs which part of the collection?

Me, Isaac, I take care in general of the day wear styles and Ken is more into eveningwear.

IMG_2901

How can I imagine your creative process?

Each of us designs and does sketches that we present each other. We then sometimes change what the other came up with which makes our designs better and special.

Whom would you like to dress? This could be also a person in history.

I think Madonna. But I have recently been asked whom I would like to invite for dinner and I thought Moses and Madonna would make a great combination at the dinner table.

IMG_2905

Why don’t you do a runway show?

We are still a small label and prefer putting all the money into the clothes.

IMG_2852

Last night, I got a wonderful preview of the Kaufmanfranco F/W 2012 collection that is full of sophisticated cocktail looks and all the fall coats and dresses you need. The colours are dark, from black to silver and rust. The materials are luxurious with lots of embellished pieces, Kaufmanfranco’s signature style. Enjoy the photos that I took for you:

Dress Kaufmanfranco2

Model Kaufmanfranco

Top Kaufmanfranco

IMG_2873

Dress Kaufmanfranco

Coat Kaufmanfranco

If I have whetted your appetite for some Kaufmanfranco shopping, I would like to invite you to explore their S/S 2012 collection which is in stores now by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

KaufmanfrancoPhotos: Courtesy of Kaufmanfranco and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Gold Economy

Gold Economy

If yesterday’s post about Chanel’s pre-fall 2011 show put you in the opulent mood and you feel like indulging yourself in some luxurious fabrics, there is no need to wait until next fall.
This F/W 2010 has been already about brocade, gold or red fabrics, embellishments and embroideries.

Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta, the forerunners of the festive trend, offer beautiful looks that work perfectly for your X-Mas or New Year’s Eve party.
A jacquard coat or blazer is an investment piece that can elevate your look to a complete new level of style.

I love my Alexander McQueen red goddess gown with beautiful golden embellishments that I wore recently to a gala in London together with a belt by Matthew Williamsonicon, some sandals by YSL and a vintage Chanel clutch.
Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

GoddessWorshipMcQueen Dress