Sandra‘s Closet

Gucci’s red velvet suit. This is one of those iconic pieces. Designed by Tom Ford in 1996, the red velvet suit immediately became a hit. The Gucci F/W 96 show was one of his best collections ever, he said, «it all came together for the first time.» He referenced his own ’90s Gucci collection for his eponymous label for F/W 2019.

Tom Ford F/W 2019

In celebration of Tom Ford-era Gucci—and the designer’s indelible legacy in fashion, it’s no wonder why the brand’s current creative director, Alessandro Michele, chose to revisit one of the House’s greatest hits for the label’s centennial and released the interpretation of Ford’s iconic suit for his F/W 2021 collection.

Gucci Ad F/W 1996

«Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses,» Michele said in a statement earlier this year when he first released the re-creation to celebrate the House’s 100th anniversary. «An alchemical factory of contaminations where everything connects to anything.»

Gwyneth Paltrow made the red velvet suit famous.

In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow first wore the red velvet suit, designed by Tom Ford for Gucci’s F/W 96 collection, on the red carpet at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards and made it famous. Last month, the actress arrived at Gucci Love Parade in Los Angeles, California in the iteration of the suit by Alessandro Michele.

Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 1996

The recent zeitgeist is all about re-editions, so many brands are looking into their archives for inspiration. As much as the fashion world loves all things new, newer, and newest, in those days we cannot resist a good throwback either.

You can shop the Gucci F/W 2021 look now and get a piece of fashion history: Single-breasted cotton-blend velvet suit jacket, and flared cotton-blend velvet suit trousers.

I would have worn this amazing suit to the premiere of the new House of Gucci movie, if I hadn’t been in quarantine. Now, it is up to you to guess if my suit is from 1996 or 2021. As I have always been telling you, don’t throw anything away. The time will come again.

LoL, Sandra

Alessandro Michele for Gucci F/W 2021

Photos: © Gucci / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Last night, I had the pleasure to enjoy a talk hosted by Net-à-Porter’s Global Beauty Director Newby Hands, arguably one of the most qualified experts in the game, and Dr. Nigma Talib ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, who is qualified to treat an array of health conditions such as allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, chronic fatigue and menopause. Furthermore, she is the author of the best selling book «Reverse the Signs of Ageing» and «Younger Skin Starts in the Gut».

To shop Dr. Nigma Talib’s books, click here please.

With over 15 years of experience in naturopathic practice, she is responsible for the radiant glow of some of Hollywood’s most famous faces, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Penelope Cruz. Based on the link between digestive health and premature ageing, her products target common skin concerns that are a result of our diet. Her passion for creating quality and science based supplements and skin care has reached consumers internationally and started in Net-à-Porter being one of the first pioneers to introduce vitamin supplements to the fashion industry.

For Nigma, it’s all about maintaining the right balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria that populate the gut. She explained that we have 100 trillions bacterias, good, bad and ugly ones. 70-80% of our immune system is in the gut. If it is unbalanced, we experience problems, such as bloating, constant chronic diseases, skin problems, fatigue and much more. Newby, who suffered from migraines before, told us that Nigma changed her life in only 36 hours.

Nigma’s daily tips:

– Eat slowly, never in front of a TV (try to chew a piece of bread very slowly and it will taste sweet because you break down the carbohydrates)
– Be 80% healthy and 20% you can cheat
– Take a probiotic (it is very important that the probiotic you take can survive the acidity of your stomach), collagen, Vitamin C, E, zink, and selenium (women in their 30s with thyroid problems mostly lack selenium).
– Stop eating salads at all, even for lunch. They are too hard to digest and don’t have a lot of nutrients. Opt for steamed vegetables, they are very good for your hormones, especially cauliflower, broccoli clean out your «dirty hormones».
– Especially in the cold season, your body needs warming food. Nigma even warms up her blueberries in the morning.

When you age, your stomach produces less acidity which can cause problems. Maintaining a healthy acid–alkaline balance means, that your blood levels should be alkaline, but your stomach acidy.

Your hormones are messengers. If they send the wrong message, you gain weight, you are moody or age prematurely. If your hormones go crazy in your late 30s or 40s, first make sure that your gut gets going. It will solve a lot of your problems.

Nigma explains: «Supplements are so helpful. I tested them on more than 1000 patients over so many years. They looked five years younger when they changed their diet and took them regularly.»

Nigma’s Vitamin C cocktail seems to be a true miracle product. Both, Newby and Nigma, were sipping this kind-of-looking-like-a-fancy-Bellini drink while talking. The sachet includes 1000mg of Vitamin C of which 90% will be absorbed by your body. This encourages collagen production and helps to get rid of dry skin. It will also boost your iron and energy levels (a little tip from Newby: take one sachet before going out and you will be in great form). Nigma’s Vitamin C supplement is not giving you diarrhea.

Something extremely interesting Nigma was explaining to us is that if you don’t drink enough water, you might be carving for sweets as the dehydration causes your sugar levels to sink. Too much sugar can cause skin sagging. It decreases the immune system because sugar sticks to collagen or the white blood cells.

Nigma divides the problems in different kind of faces:

The Dairy Face
– darkness under the eyes
– eye puffiness
– adult acne
Eliminate animal milk, and opt for nut milks with no sugar!

The Sugar Face
– sagging skin
– spots, pimples, redness
Too much sugar messes up the hormonal cycle.

The Gluten Face
– puffiness all over
– inflammation, redness
Like bread rises, your face gets puffy.

In terms of a healthy diet, Nigma recommends an ayurvedic lifestyle. Himalaya salt will help with your insulin levels. Look around your farmer’s market to find fresh and locally produced food. This in combination with the right supplements will improve your well-being in a short amount of time.

TO SHOP DR. NIGMA TABIL ND AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dr. Nigma Stabil ND, © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Gucci Westman (48) believes that cosmetics should do more than enhance – they should calm, replenish and balance to create the perfect canvas. Known for her «second-skin» approach, the celebrity makeup artist developed Westman Atelier so you can achieve a dewy, glowing complexion at home. The label’s line of creamy foundations, blushes and bronzers are consciously made using clean, plant-based actives for a naturally radiant finish. Don’t miss the eco-friendly brushes, thoughtfully designed for easy control and flawless application.

ABOUT GUCCI WESTMAN

Born in October 1971 in California and raised in Sweden, Gucci Westman has more than 20 years of professional experience as a major editorial makeup artist, contributing to publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, ad campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, and backstage at fashion shows such as Brock Collection and Oscar de la Renta. Gucci served as the International Artistic Director of Lancôme from 2003-2007 and Global Artistic Director of Revlon from 2008-2015. However, she rose to prominence creating dewy, supernaturally glowy looks for celebrity clients including Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwyneth Paltrow—establishing her highly coveted «second-skin» approach to makeup.

A lifelong vegetarian with a commitment to holistic living, Gucci feels strongly that «luxury,» «efficacy,» and «clean» don’t have to be a contradiction when it comes to exceptional makeup. For her first beauty line, she designed a creamy range of seamless foundations, blushes, bronzers and highlighters that take a «plants-first» approach to crafting the perfect canvas.

Developed to work together as a «makeup wardrobe,» Gucci’s mission is to provide women with a seamlessly edited range of options as multifaceted as their lives. Naturally beautiful, radiantly amplified skin, now available to everyone.

Behind every successful woman stands a strong man… power couple Westman-Neville.

She has three children, Dashel, Gray and Petal, with Rag & Bone cofounder David Neville (44), who handles all business aspects of Westman Atelier, since he has stepped down as CEO from his own brand.

Fast. Easy. Flawless. Safe.
Makeup that makes life simpler.
Skin that feels as good as it looks.

ABOUT WESTMAN ATELIER

Gucci Westman’s cosmetics line stands for consciously crafted beauty that means…
– Luxurious, effortlessly beautiful makeup formulated with clean ingredients and no-compromises integrity.
– Balancing perfect shades and buttery textures that melt into the skin with plant-based actives and cutting-edge science.
– A passionate commitment to researching and reassessing the ingredients as new information comes to light.

Westman Atelier ingredients are thoughtfully curated by Gucci in the lab alongside the very best chemists to create skin-nourishing, clean makeup that uses potent actives at clinically proven efficacy levels – and performs at the highest possible standard.

Westman Atelier is now available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich.

MY PERSONAL HERO PRODUCTS

For my Swiss readers, I have some great news: Westman Atelier is now exclusively available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich. The team will happily assist you in finding your personal favorites. To make your choice easier, I have put together a list of must-haves you shouldn’t miss. Click on the highlighted product description to find out more.
To shop Westman Atelier online, click HERE please.

Lip Suede

This luxurious lip color palette contains four vibrant shades infused with long-lasting pigments and powerful regenerating benefits. Housed in a bright lacquered compact, each ultra-flattering lip shade – in fuchsia, brick, tomato red, and warm dusty rose – can be custom mixed for endless possibilities. Nourishes, plumps, and boosts collagen using clean actives in an innovative petroleum-free base. Matte suede texture moisturizes and conditions lips.

Eye Love You Mascara – Clean Black

This luxurious 96% natural origin mascara combines innovative plant-powered technology with creamy conditioning ingredients and a densely packed nylon brush that volumizes, defines, and curls. The result is supercharged lashes that are glossy, pitch black, and healthy from the root.

Foundation Brush

Paddle foundation brush with tapered, flat bristles that will quickly become your go-to for precise applications, correcting imperfections and achieving a naturally polished finish. Blends and smooths Vital Skin Foundation Stick for a fresh and dimensional look.

Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Luxurious cream foundation rich in antioxidants and formulated with active ingredients to combat redness, calm irritation, even out complexion, and boost moisture. Molten texture melts into skin for a radiant, natural finish. Your natural skin, effortlessly enhanced.

Have fun exploring this great new line…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Westman Atelier, © Net-à-Porter and © Spitzenhaus Zürich
*Less than 1% of silicones found in Baby Cheeks Blush, Face Trace Contour, and Beauty Butter Bronzer as part of a biomimicry technology system to protect skin. Read more about it here.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Honestly, I would have never imagined that I would ever write a post about toilet paper until I tried those luxury bottom wipes which became Gwyneth Paltrow‘s favorites as well as she called it ‘the gold standard of toilet paper’ on her lifestyle blog «Goop».

JOSEPH’s Toiletries is a Swiss brand that is challenging the ways we cleanse and re-hydrate our skin where it is most delicate. The philosophy behind? Why not treating the bottom the same way one would treat any other part of the body?

Developed with the help of leading dermatologists and beauty care experts, this toilet paper, which comes packed in a very tasteful white box tied with a slate grey silk ribbon, is accompanied by a gentle cleansing as well as a balancing care product, both made with Swiss glacial water to protect and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

All JOSEPH’S Toiletries products are hypoallergenic, matching the skin’s pH value and are both paraben and alcohol-free. All materials are certified to ensure the products are as sustainable as they are desirable.

I love those beautiful dispensers. JOSEPH’S Toiletries mounting system has been handcrafted by award winning interior designer Bagno Sasso to complement the most elegant and modern bathrooms of homes and hotels.

TO SHOP JOSEPH TOILETRIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of JOSEPH Toiletries and © Sandra Bauknecht

Iconic superhero characters from the world’s most popular comic books have inspired many designers, this season it is – very unexpectedly – the house of VALENTINO.

Wonder Woman Sweater by Valentino

In December 2015, the French Maison had already launched a Wonder Woman inspired small capsule collection in collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow that was sold over her website Goop. However these 25 pieces were only the preview of a much larger selection that has been released this month.

Last Friday, you could see Italian street artist, Solo, in action, painting a mural at the brand’s Fifth Avenue New York flagship store. Great news is, that you can shop the superhero iconic pieces from now through the summer. The amazing collection – Wonder Woman Valentino — “pays tribute to all women” and features a whimsical explosion of patterns, colors and silhouettes.

And if you are not so into Wonder Woman, you can look for the Spiderman inspired pieces which are also pretty cool. I am totally sold on those fun pieces and you?

Spiderman Sweater by Valentino

It is time to be the super heroine of your own style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Last week, I flew back to Los Angeles for a week filled with amazing experiences, events and more. Friday night before the Oscars, there was no hotter ticket in town than the Tom Ford show and I was completely excited to attend. There was so much “show” around the actual show as Hollywood’s A-list came to join the designer for his first fashion runway presentation ever held on the West Coast. The catwalk was drenched in real white rose petals that also fell from the ceiling during the show.

“I’m showing to a room full of entertainers,” Ford said postshow. “I’d better give them some showmanship. I thought, It never snows in Los Angeles. Let’s make it snow rose petals.“

The clothes were different from his previous collections. More subtle and less obviously sexy, a very interesting vibe. I truly adored the looks reminiscent of the ’70s. Bohemian patchwork, denim, gorgeous fringes, gowns and lots of fur.

Enjoy all my photos of this amazing night, see who was there and which celeb wore the same dress like me.

LoL, Sandra

My fabulous London girlfriends from Net-à-Porter.

Scarlett Johansson wore the same python dress like me. Funny coincidence.

Nicole Ritchie

Amber Valetta and Nicole Ritchie

Gorgeous couple: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham

Reese Witherspoon

Gwyneth Paltrow

Miley Cyrus

Jennifer Lopez

Rita Ora with me

Naomi Campbell

Brian Atwood

Amy Adams

Rachel Zoe with me

Julianne Moore

Robbie Williams

Jay Z with Beyoncé

Elton John with me

Anna Wintour with me

What a front row!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images for Tom Ford, Michael Buckner, Getty Images for Tom Ford

The Met Gala is the party of the year, like the Oscars in fashion. It is also the opening night of the annual fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. After last year’s posthumous Alexander McQueen retrospective “Savage Beauty”, the “Schiaparelli & Prada – Impossible Conversations“ is now on show.

With the met gala being one of the biggest red carpet events, it is quite a task narrowing down the many fabulous gowns to choose my absolute favourites. The ones in the collage above are on my best-dressed list, with the following three being at the top:

Dreamlike: Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada…

…with beautiful jewels by Anna Hu

A piece of art: Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou F/W 2012

Soulmate: Lizzy Tisch in Mary Katranzou‘s stunning Harp Hazzard dress from S/S 2012

But it wouldn’t be fun if I didn’t point out the more questionable fashion moments or let’s say to show you the most daring appearances. Enjoy!

Bird of Paradise: Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen

Too much bronzer: Leighton Meester in Marchesa

Scene-stealer: Marc Jacobs in Comme des Garçons with Lorenzo Martone

Booty Call: Beyoncé in Givenchy Haute Couture

Unlikely couple: Karolina Kourkova with tiny Rachel Zoe, the designer of her space-like gown

The new Anna? Giovanna Battaglia in Dolce & Gabbana with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld

The Jolie-leg effect: Anja Rubik in a scary hip-slit gown by Anthony Vaccarello

Daughter of Daphne Guiness? Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row

Which one is your favourite or which one don’t you like at all? You can comment on Sandra’s Closet’s facebook page here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and © Rex Features

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

Starting from today, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, is on view until July 31, 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum’s second-floor Cantor Galleries.

So if you just can’t get enough after having seen Kate Middleton’s bridal dress, that was made by Sarah Burton for the house of McQueen, you might consider a trip to NYC. The designer’s costume institute retrospective features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from the late designer’s prolific 19-year carreer with some outstanding pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris, custom-made items from the closet of Isabella Blow and even his graduate collection at Central St.Martins among others.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit took place Monday night with high-profile guests in high-profile fashion. The Met gala has anyway become over the years the fashion community’s biggest red carpet night. It was no wonder to spot some McQueen tributes to the mix.

My favourite two looks by Alexander McQueen were Gisèle Bündchen who looked so radiant in her red gown next to her husband Tom Brady…

… and Anna Dello Russo, known for her eclectic style, showed up in a pant suit from the S/S 2011 collection, divine!

As for me, the ultimate highlights were the „Stella Girls“ with Stella McCartney herself making an appearance in a black and white tuxedo gown of her own design. It was a modern, probably experimental but uncoventional look. The British designer is also a Co-Chair for the fundraising event.

The Stella McCartney parade was led by Madonna in a silky blue gown with a beautiful embroidered train. With her 50’s hair and make-up, she looked very Hollywood. Wow!

Very pregnant Kate Hudson glowed in her champagne-coloured Stella gown and long tousled hair.

This is my favourite. Gwyneth Paltrow chose to go with long sleeves which was a popular trend at the gala. So simple and absolutely stunning. The actress is good friends with the British designer.

Rihanna in a one-shoulder black lace gown, an iconic Stella look!

Adding some colour drama, Eva Mendes enhanced her complexion by wearing a cobalt blue plissé dress by Stella McCartney. So beautiful!

What a night!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I flew to London to celebrate the city’s biggest shopping spectacle: Fashion’s Night Out. Being a fashion addict, I felt like having arrived in heaven. The streets were filled with stylish people for whom fashion still has a thrill, an inspiring mood was in the air. The events were numerous, from Giorgio Armani’s cocktail party, Manolo Blahnik unveiling the World of Manolo pop-up store at Liberty to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s DJ performance at the Juicy Couture store. Everywhere was something exciting to see or even to win.

The evening served also a good cause. Vogue launched a limited edition T-shirt for the night designed by Sanna Annukka of which all profits go to charity Kids Company.

There was so much to do it had been hard to decide where to start. Superstar appearances were guaranteed at the parties that required an invitation like the ones at Stella McCartney or Matthew Williamson. I was lucky to be there and had the best time ever. The photos I took speak for themselves. Enjoy my very own exciting moments of last night.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion Night Out's kick-off: People lining up in front of the Louis Vuitton store

Louis Vuitton's amazing window display

Fashionable people at Matthew Williamson

Real models in the windows of Daks

Paparazzis taking photos of Petra Ecclestone arriving at Stella McCartney

Sweet treats at Stella McCartney: I was in love with the Falabella bag cookies.

Yummy Stella cupcakes

What do you think? Me being the new F/W 2010 campaign model for Stella McCartney.

Best party moments: Stella hugging Gwyneth Paltrow. To the left: Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief of Vogue UK.

Claudia Schiffer welcoming Gwyneth Paltrow. To the left: Natalia Vodianova.

Gwyneth listening passionately. I loved that her lavender lace bra showed a little.

Girlfriends: Claudia Schiffer, Stella McCartney pregnant with her fourth child looking gorgeous in her own designs, Natalia Vodianova and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Claudia in Christopher Kane Cruise 2011, Gwyneth in Stella McCartney and Natalia in David Koma.

Me with Stella McCartney

Me with Claudia Schiffer

Me with Matthew Williamson

Me sooo happy in my hotel room ready for bedtime in my FNO T-shirt, PHOTOS: Sandra Bauknecht