Something for my Swiss and German based readers: The May issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now. This time, I tell you why I am so in love with Los Angeles and how much fun I had at Montblanc’s Pre-Oscar ‘Signature for Good’ charity brunch. For further information on the look, please click here.
LoL, Sandra
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
As you know, I was with Montblanc in Los Angeles recently. One spot that is fun to visit is Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum which is located right next to the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame.
I jumped in the middle of all the touristy action and went a little crazy. But I mean where on earth can you in one day…
…get a close-up with Steven Spielberg…
…sit next to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump…
…dance with Madonna…
…chat with Jack Nicholson…
… make fun with Jim Carrey…
…get a photo with Angelina Jolie…
…see Michael Jackson again…
…hold hands with Robin Williams…
…swing your hips with Beyoncé Knowles…
…be so close to Hugh Jackman…
…hang from the ceiling next to Spiderman…
…and get to film with Alfred Hitchcock?
My look: Two-layered top by Gucci, distressed gray jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, embellished sandals by Prada, bangles by Chanel, necklace and sunglasses, both by Roberto Cavalli and Elsie bag by Chloé.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
While doing my tour around Los Angeles, I had to stop at one of my favourite shops in town: Opening Ceremony.
My look: Printed stretch-satin jersey top, striped low-rise skinny jeans, both by Balmain, crystal cat’s-eye sunglasses by Prada, flat tote bag
by Saint Laurent, patent leather jeweled heel lace-up oxfords
by Miu Miu and 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, dotted socks by Fogal.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
As promised, here are some impressions of the Montblanc ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 charity brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles that was truly outstanding. Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year and this time the German house supports UNICEF educational projects, which benefit children around the globe giving them access to education and aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.
Here you see me arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air which is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood, surrounded by stunning homes and mansions.
Me on the red carpet (I could totally get used to that feeling.)
Two of the official photos (© Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)
Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank (Actress), Rosario Dawson (Actress), Christopher Lambert (Actor), Patricia Arquette (Actress), Peter Fonda (Actor), Joel Madden (Singer – UNICEF Ambassador), Alyssa Milano (Actress – UNICEF Ambassador), Michael York (Actor), Olga Kurylenko (Actress), Martin Landau (Actor), Petra Nemcova (Model), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Billy Zane (Actor), Mimi Rogers (Actress), Emmy Rossum (Actress), Jane Seymour (Actress), Clemens Schick (Actor), Alexander Ludwig (Actor), Tom Hooper (Director), Natasha Henstridge (Actress), Lydia Hearst (Socialite) and Tippi Hedren (Actress) joined Lutz Bethge (CEO Montblanc International) and Caryl M. Stern (CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF) to support a very special cause.
Academy Award winner Hilary Swank
Emily Rossum
Cas Anvar who plays Dodi Al-Fayed in the new Diana movie with Naomi Watts.
Alexander Ludwig (Hunger Games)
Natasha Henstridge
Christopher Lambert
Rosario Dawson
Martin Landau
Jane Seymour
Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
DJ Bob Sinclair
German actor Wayne Carpendale
Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago)
German actor Clemens Schick
Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc, and Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation
During the brunch, Lutz Bethge gave a very emotional introductory speech regarding Montblanc’s new charity initiative, Signature for Good, and his field trip with actress Hilary Swank to Ethiopia last October, where he was able to witness the incredible work of UNICEF. “I will never forget the pride in the eyes of those children to go to school. Something that I haven’t seen in my own children.” He was very impressed by the so-called “gender clubs” where the children have a chance to talk about issues such as domestic abuse or child labour, “because school helps them make a change.”. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars.
Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, brought tears to the eyes of the audience. “You are not only helping children to learn and to write, you give them a brighter future, you unlock doors that would have been shut. We do whatever it takes to save a child all over the world.” It gave me shivers when she stated that “19.000 kids will die today and the same amount tomorrow and so on of causes we could already save.” UNICEF lowered that number by 40%. Caryl M.Stern went on: “No matter where we go, we all want the same for our children, we want them to be safe, healthy, educated, to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Our own children get a great seat at the table, but there are some who don’t get a seat at all. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make.”
The very moving moment culminated when Hilary Swank went on stage to share her personal experience from her field visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF. The actress had tears in her eyes when she gushed about “the smile on the children’s faces when they go to school and their determination to learn.”
As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted guests with a dazzling performance of two songs.
Symbolic of Montblancʼs commitment to giving children access to better education, guests were invited to pledge their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel-Air.
I have been deeply impressed by UNICEFʼs life-changing work in Africa and the impact of Montblanc’s contribution over the recent years in funding education programs. If you like to support the good cause, have a look at the new ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 collection which is in stores now.
LoL, Sandra
All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos (Red Carpet): © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc
Yesterday, I arrived in Los Angeles in the late afternoon and went straight to my hotel, the Beverly Wilshire, one of the filming locations for the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman”. There, I attended a cocktail reception at the Montblanc Arts & Artisanery Lounge located at the fabulous Royal Suite, followed by a dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, Osteria Mozza.
My look: Black crystal embellished wool dress by Emilio Pucci and patent pumps with bows
by Saint Laurent.
The decoration couldn’t have been more perfect for an Oscar experience…
The last photo of this post was taken this morning when I woke up after two hours of sleep. Gorgeous sunshine in the city of angels. I just love L.A.!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Five years ago, Sue Giers, PR Director of Closed, had a spontaneous idea while vacationing in L.A.: Why not introduce Closed to the US ?
Together with a friend, American socialite Stephanie Salay, she considered organizing a “denim bar” in Los Angeles. Giers and Salay soon implemented their idea, put up a clothesline in a suite of the infamous Chateau Marmont, hung-up the different Closed highlight styles, and invited L.A.’s fashion community. Stylists, stars and starlets dropped all to discover the new brand from Germany. Perhaps it was precisely the unusual and the lack of perfection that the Americans liked so much… Or maybe they were impressed by the now more than 30-year history of the brand. The first denim bar was not just a success in L.A., but it also produced a lasting effect. Photos of celebrities wearing Closed have been published continuously since then
Brad Pitt wearing the Clifton Chinos.
Sarah Jessica Parker at the set of Sex and the City in a custom-made pair of Pedal Pusher.
For the second time the simple indoor clothesline was swapped for a showroom at the famous Margaret Maldonado Agency in Melrose Place. There was even a blog with all the “real time” news for those who could not come personally.
This summer for the third time the temporary store will go back to its origins and reside at the famous Chateau Marmont for two days, August 14th and 15th.
The ‘must have’ F/W 2012 Closed pieces will be presented to the L.A. fashion society during those days. These styles were selected from well-known US retailers such as Ron Herman, American Rag, Traffic, Fred Segal Trend, Elyse Walker, and Stacey Todd.
Follow Closed on Twitter or Facebook during the Denim-lounge at Chateau Marmont. The host Sue Giers will keep you updated.
Here is my personal craving from the Closed F/W 2012 collection.
To shop, please click on the highlights product description below.
Denim jacket with leather sleeves
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Closed
Let me introduce you to BoBo House, a brand new fashion label launched in early 2012.
Founder and designer, Eloise Lapidus brings her experience, fresh style, and Parisian charm to her line of apparel. As daughter of world-renowned French designer, Ted Lapidus, Eloise’s keen fashion sense has been instilled in her ever since childhood.
Introduced by her father’s designs, worn and coveted by icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Francoise Hardy and John Lennon to name a few, Eloise is greatly inspired by ’60s and ’70s bourgoise bohemians, or “Bobos” of Paris and St. Tropez. Thus, her collections are comprised of classic pieces that are romantic while discreet and effortlessly sexy offering ultra‐soft tees, luxurious leggings and a bit of Parisian je‐ne‐sais‐quois like floral chiffon pareos and leathers vests. Pricepoints run from $85 – $499.
Very romantic rocker – I like!
BoBoHouse is now available at Los Angeles-it-girl-staple boutique SATINE. Jeannie Lee, Satine shop owner, describes Bobo House as “Whimsical, spontaneous and fresh.”
For other stockists, please click here.
If you are interested in a shopping guide for Los Angeles, click here for a previous post.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Satine Boutique and BoBo House
Heidi Klum was spotted this weekend on the streets of Los Angeles in a gorgeous military green jumpsuit (light chino, 100% cotton, 279,00 €) byCLOSED.
She paired her casual look with a comfy pair of sneakers. My favourites at the moment are the Tokyo suede and patent-leather high-top sneakers by Jimmy Choo. Add a pair of metal-frame aviator sunglasses by Gucci and a statement ring, such as the blackened oxidized-silver filigree ring by Bottega Veneta for a fabulous blend of cool and chic.
The perfect look for a mum-on-the-run!
LoL, Sandra
Bonnie Star with her friend fashion designer Randolphe Duke
At a ladies luncheon in Beverly Hills, I sat next to Bonnie Star who turned out to be not only a very interesting woman, but also a fantastic jewelry designer. She invited me to her beautiful house the next day and showed me all of her fantastic work. Being a former artist, Bonnie has a total eye for shapes, fabrics and colours. She uses sterling, crystals, ornate stones like turquoise and agate along with a mix of vintage pendants and toggle clasps to create her unique pieces. Most of her designs can be worn in different ways as she loves multi-functional jewelry.
My personal favourites are her romantic tulle necklaces.
Bonnie leads a fashionable life being the sister of Darren Star, the mastermind behind our beloved television series like Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Cashmere Mafia or Sex and the City. She was looking for the perfect jewelry to go with her outfits for all the special events she has to attend. What started as something just for herself, ended in a sparkling business. Her line ranges from $180.- to $380.-. Enjoy some photos of her creations below.
Bonnie Star Jewelry is currently sold at Fred Segal in Los Angeles or contact: info@ bonniestarjewelry.com, phone +1 310-993-7292. Worldwide shipping is available on request.
Be a star!
LoL, Sandra
As you already know, I spent the last two months in Los Angeles. I am in love with the Californian city and had like always a blast, met many interesting people, designers and celebrities. L.A. is huge and a great place to shop. But you have to know where to go.
Famous Rodeo Drive is an attraction point for tourists but L.A. people and stars do not shop there as you have no privacy.
With this, I would love to lead you away from the obvious areas and introduce you to the places where locals meet, eat and first and foremost shop!
All of the stores have webshops of which most ship internationally. So in case you do not make it in the near future to L.A., goodies from the sunshine state can make their way to you…
If you like American malls, Beverly Center is the place to go. You will find high-end designers along with Victoria’s Secret, Sephora and more. Paparazzis are not allowed in the mall, therefore it is very likely that you will spot some famous people.
My favourite children’s store is there: Premier Kids carries a large variety of cool kids clothing, footwear and accessories.
Very close is West 3rd street where many small and edgy boutiques are located. This is one of my favourite areas. If you are there, visit the Little Door restaurant in the evening. Gorgeous! When I was there, I had a nice chat with Jim Carey.
This popular area is also the home of Satine Boutique. A hot spot for insiders that carries high-end designers like Azzedine Alaïa and Balmain next to lesser known, independent labels.
Let`s drive to 451, N La Cienega Blvd where Opening Ceremony is located since April 2007 in the former dance studio space of Hollywood icon, Charlie Chaplin. The 10,000 square foot boutique features many seperate rooms that each show a different shopping experience from a post-war Schiesser Revival atmosphere to a sleek Alexander Wang studio.
Opening Ceremony – definitely one of my favourite places to go in L.A.!
The Fred Segal area is an L.A. institution, designed like a collection of ultra-hip boutiques of which each has its very own vibe. Ron Herman offers since many years for women and men a wonderful selection of different brands in a wide price range. Next to it you can find Fred Segal feet, one of the best shoe stores in the city and Apothia, the place to find rare perfumes, scented candles and beauty products.
Melrose Avenue is very long and home to many nice restaurants and interesting stores. One of them is Maxfield with major star-spotting potential and an outstanding clothing and furniture stock that you will rarely find elsewhere. A little inside scoop for you: Tommy Perse, the father of designer James Perse, owns the store that is said to have the largest vintage Hermès collection worldwide.
Maxfield specializes in unique and hard-to-find fashion for men and women and carries the best new season pieces of Chanel, Givenchy, Balmain, Stella McCartney among others, alongside an impressive collection of first-edition out-of-print art books. A must-go!
Another must when in L.A. is having lunch at the Ivy on Robertson, the place with celeb guarantee. After a signature bellini, you can indulge in a nice shopping spree. Intermix is just across the street. The boutique for trendsetters and glam fashionistas carries an exclusive mix of designers, styles and trends. Have a look at their webshop, absolutely gorgeous and they offer worldwide shipping!
On Robertson, I was photographed many times by trendhunters on the street. Here is one of the pictures they took for their L.A. style website.
I was wearing a white Gucci dress with a fringed suede vest by Roberto Cavalli and my Louis Vuitton Sunrise Denim (first picture to the left).
Enjoy some more of my very own impressions and start dreaming.
If you are in L.A., you will “just” need a car, a navigation system, sun block and a limitless credit card! To all California Gurls!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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