Sandra‘s Closet

Own a piece of fashion history with McQ Alexander McQueen’s debut runway collection, available for private order only for two more days. Sarah Burton’s debut collection of sculptured dresses and refined military silhouettes is dramatic and darkly glamorous. Burgundy and green, the two must-have colours for the F/W 2012 season, will add a stylish touch to any wardrobe.

Until Wednesday, May 23rd, you as my readers have the chance to place a private order made especially for you at the Alexander McQueen atelier in Italy. These exquisite, limited edition pieces – that you can explore below – are available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER and will arrive in time for fall.

“A love story, a love of McQueen and a love of great British style — from military coats to overblown ball gowns,” the show notes explained.

To place your exclusive private order, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

With the fashion week craziness and all my travelling, I am a little behind posting as I have so much to show you. Thank God, it is all about F/W 2012, so that we have plenty of time to prepare us for this season.

During New York Fashion Week, I went also to the Tommy Hilfiger F/W 2012 Women’s Show. The location and the ambiance was the same as for the men’s show but instead of little tables with chairs, there were the typical fashion show rows to be able to host more people. Among the famous guests were Uma Thurman, Elisa Sednaoui, Petra Nemcova and the Courtin-Clarins sisters.

The Courtin-Clarins sisters looking for their seats.

From left to right: Sisters Jenna and Prisca and their cousins Virginie and Claire.

Model Petra Nemcova

Enjoing the show front row: Tommy Hilfiger’s wife Dee Ocleppo, Elisa Sednaoui and Uma Thurman.

TOWN AND COUNTRY

“The women’s collection is inspired by the preppy sporting life reconsidered with city sophistication. She is as much at ease at the hunt club as she is on Park Avenue. Championing classic looks with a modern spirit, versatility is key with A-line, mod shapes in rich colours and fabrics.”

Coats are the season’s must-have. Pea coats and trench coats are renewed in printed shearling, bonded leather and Melton wool with a nod to a 60s military influence (as seen earlier at the men’s show). Menswear patterns are reinterpreted in silk dresses with riding and cable knit prints and pleated backs. Heritage colours – Burgundy, Midnight Navy and Caramel, carry throughout, as do penny loafer inspired riding boots.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger, © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days that I spent with the Gucci crowd were amazing. I have so much to show you and I am still far behind with my New York adventures…

This was my outfit that I wore to the Gucci F/W 2012 show. It was quite difficult to pick something as we had to go straight after to the train station leaving for Florence. I am completely in love with the colour combination of emerald, blue and red. Isn’t it so chic?!

Midnight blue long military-style coat, red belted dress, emerald fur stole and shoes, all by Gucci, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joiallerie and blue Boston python bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Snappylifestyle
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Gucci adventure started on Wednesday with the F/W 2012 show in Milan. Just one word. Amazing! Frida Giannini created a dark glamour, opulent looks that were sensual and sophisticated at once, recalling the Victorian era mixed with a certain vampire allure. She even used masculine accents such as oversized shoulders and military-style coats and capes. Her very dark vision might be a welcome change after all the vibrant colour-blocking of the last seasons.

„This is modern-day romanticism. A dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour. With subtle tones of provocative intellect.“

– Frida Giannini

The materials were rich. Opulent brocade, devoré velvet and floral prints on jacquard fabrics plus beautiful 3-D embroideries on the long flowing evening gowns. Exotic animal prints on silk looked great on the runway. My favourite were the pieces that were made completely out of beautiful shimmering dark green feathers.

Colours are dark, black paired with green in different shades, plum tones and burgundy.

The accessories had a lot of equestrian references. The new Stirrup bag, roomy as well as classy, has a revisited metallic spur closure (mark it on your F/W 2012 wish list, a season’s must).

Footwear is either flat (those crocodile boots, OMG!) and masculine or slipper-like with a sharp high heel.

I am a big Gucci fan and this collection has just made me love it even a little bit more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

I am so busy here in NYC that I barely have time to post. During the last days, I saw many beautiful shows. So please stay tuned for many photos to follow.

Let me get you started with the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show that took place inside the Park Avenue Armory. An amazing set that was surely high-budget was waiting for the fashion crowd. In the little park complete with trees surrounded by a brick-style runway were little tables with chairs.

It wouldn’t be Tommy if there weren’t celebrities. (Remember the last season when I met Ed Westwick and James Marsden, for the previous post, please click here).

This time, it was sexy actor Bradley Cooper (I am not sure about his moustache) and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz that were sitting front row. Please click here for a photo of Bradley and me together at the show, in case you haven’t seen it yet.

The main inspiration for the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 collection „CADET ACADEMY“ was obviously the military. Its theme ran through nearly every piece, from four stripes at the wrist cuffs of coats to peacoats with chain embroidery. Reminiscent of West Point, the models walked the runway in lots of leather pieces, in rich tones of burgundy, midnight navy and forest green. Pants tucked into boots and suiting for every occassion gave an interesting twist to the collection. Below you can see some of my favourite looks:

„It is inspired by the lifestyle of a young cadet whose uniforms range from military prep to the sporting life, all infused with hints of rock influence. His academy look is sophisticated in its modernity, a touch rebellious but still buttoned up. The hybridization of his pursuits creates a youthful take on classic traditions, reinforcing that functionality and spirit coexist.“

- Tommy Hilfiger

I loved the collection and Tommy’s red socks… and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you were wondering what I was wearing for Fashion’s Night Out in New York, this was my look.

Blouse and Skirt by Alexander McQueen, Python Belt by Gucci, Studded Heels by Valentino, Small Boston Bag by Céline, Ring by Roberto Cavalli and Watch by Roger Dubuis.

This military inspired outfit was also seen on Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge recently in Birmingham.

Catherine had shortened her skirt whereas I left it at the medium length. Midi skirts are a must for F/W 2011. I was not a big fan of Catherine’s classic suede pumps as the outfit itself is already pretty conservative. That was the reason I went for my studded Valentino kitten heels and added the wide eyecatching golden python belt for a bit of colour.

On my nails I am wearing a metallic colour, so-called “Graphite” by Chanel.

What is he looking at?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The outlook for men’s F/W 11 fashion season has some similarities to the women’s trends, for example, it encompasses the World War eras by combining references of the 1920s with the 1940s. Military inspired pieces, feodora hats, spy-like looks that evoke the style of a gentleman from a previous decade. Just get inspired and make it your own, you don’t want to look like going to a costume ball.

A great way to wear the retro vibe would be the new Monterubello Zegna watch. The Zegna coat of arms was in fact officially created in 1939 when the founder Ermenegildo Zegna was made Conte di Monterubello.

The new classic timepiece encapsulates the history of the Zegna family’s region with the eponymous mountain and expresses the passion of the Italian brand for its history and ancestors. The Monterubello Collection is manufactured by Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux.

Monterubello Solo Tempo – Rose Gold with Alligator Strap
CHF 12.500, Ref. 38525-52-121-BK60

(also available in White Gold with Alligator Strap, CHF 13.800, Ref. 38525-53-122-BK60)

CASE
Material: rose gold, Diameter: 38.00 mm, Height: 8,52 mm, Crystal: sapphire antireflective, Case-back: sapphire crystal, Water resistance: 3 ATM

MOVEMENT
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0030, mechanical with automatic winding, Calibre: 11 ½’’’, Frequency: 28,800 vib/h (4 Hz), Power reserve: min. 46 hours, Jewels: 27, Functions: hour, minute date, seconds

Monterubello Chronograph with Alligator Strap
CHF 23.000, Ref. 38527-52-121-BBBA

CASE
Material: rose gold, Diameter: 40.00 mm, Height: 12,63 mm, Crystal: sapphire antireflective, Case-back: sapphire crystal, Water resistance: 3 ATM

MOVEMENT
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0032, mechanical with automatic winding, Calibre: 13’’’, Frequency: 28,800 vib/h (4 Hz), Power reserve: min. 46 hours, Jewels: 63, Functions: hour, minute date, seconds, chronograph

Photos: Courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna

LoL, Sandra

When you hear the name Victorinox, you might associate it immediately with the Swiss Army Knife. But the Swiss brand has much more to offer, from travel luggage to watches to perfume and clothes.

I was recently invited to their hometown Ibach, Switzerland to visit the factory and to explore their newest project:
Christopher Raeburn for Victorinox – REMADE IN SWITZERLAND.

At the entrance a colourful and dramatic installation welcomed me presenting the capsule collection that the young UK designer has created for Victorinox for F/W 2011, consisting of eight items for both genders, each to be produced in a hand-numbered limited edition of 100 pieces.

“The project is a fantastic opportunity to align the innovation and individuality of my brand with the heritage and quality of Victorinox.”
- Christopher Raeburn.

Christopher Raeburn with me

From Parachute Poncho to Runway Couture

Raeburn has been known for his pioneering work taking old military surplus and transforming it into beautiful clothes since he launched in 2008 his label utilizing decommissioned military stocks of uniform and parachute fabrics to create functional and intelligent garments. Raeburn’s namesake designs are proudly REMADE IN ENGLAND in his small East London production facility.

For the project with Victorinox, he did the same. By taking apart the existing garments from local military surplus stores, he found inspiration and ideas to create new ones, re-imagining unexpected uses for the old and challenging the concept of what is considered new. Everything is proudly produced (“remade”) in Switzerland.

A rare find was a box of horseshoe nails that became the symbol of the project for Raeburn. He challenged Victorinox to recast that nail into scales for an Original Swiss Army Knife to complement the project. The nail also inspired a print used for linings and other graphic treatments.

For the project, Victorinox is working with local seamstresses and tailors. Corinne Kaiser, who is heading the team with Camilla from England, explained the process and the difficulties they experienced with some of the fabrics.

OFFICER’S PARKA constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bag outers, 2 front chest
pockets featuring reused original military Riri zips.

CAPTAIN’S COAT constructed from re-appropriated Swiss wool coats dating back up to 60 years and lined with over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

HORSESHOE NAIL KNIFE crafted from surplus military horseshoe nails melted down and recast as knife scales, packaged in reclaimed original coated paper box that held the nails.

PARACHUTE HOODIE constructed from 2 colours of surplus Swiss military air-brake
parachutes, tape from original parachutes and jersey cuffs from military balaclavas.

RECRUIT’S CAP constructed from offcuts of surplus Swiss military wool jackets and over-dyed cotton bed sheets, side panels can flip down to cover ears or fold up.

DUFFLE BACKPACK constructed from surplus heavy canvas Swiss tarpaulin with integrated
original buckles.

SENTRY’S SCARF constructed from surplus Swiss military blankets and over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

COCOON BLOUSON constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bags, reinforced with waterproof sleeping bag outer, can be roll packed like original sleeping bag.

The collaboration will be available throughout Victorinox flagships and most high-end shops worldwide. Check out the stop-motion preview below, it is pretty cool. Prices will range between CHF 700 – 2000 depending on the piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Victorinox

The American actress and singer and her two-year-old twins, Max and Emme, star in a special ad campaign for Gucci Kids that was shot in Malibu by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
Gucci donated $1 million to UNICEF and $50.000 to Jennifer’s charity, the Maribel Foundation, which focuses on medical care for women and children worldwide.

The fashionable trio looks so adorable on the beach. Jennifer wears pieces from the absolutely gorgeous Resort 2011 collection. The theme of Frida Giannini’s cruise creations is “stylish travel“. Working with a neutral palette of khaki, rust, and army green, the designer also included elements of the equestrian world. This collection is super-wearable with a bit of military and a lot of urban cool. The safari looks present the sexy attitude and glamour Gucci is known for.

It is not surprisingly that I couldn’t resist. One of my favourite pieces is the military green silk jumpsuit. I rolled up the legs and teamed with some vintage Gucci sandals and a vintage Ralph Lauren belt. The  long 70s inspired earrings are from Chanel Cruise 2011.

Moreover, I truly adore the brand’s iconic saddle-printed silks in dégradé, a dip-dyed hem. The printed silk-crepe mini skirt (see below) had to be mine. I already wore it with a greige sweater by Stella McCartney, a patchwork Chanel bag and my beloved suede overknees by Gucci, all from F/W 2010. This is a great way of working your new cruise pieces into your winter wardrobe.

The Gucci resort 2011 collection is available now at Gucci stores or at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra

Today, we move a little further ahead to Resort 2011 season that will hit the stores in the end of the year. I am completely taken by the beautiful presentation of the Prada collection and wanted to share those amazing photos with you.

The common theme of the collection was a combination of preppy gypsy and the groomed eras of the `30s and `40s.

You can choose from the polished lady in a floral printed tea dress to the tomboy in baggy denim pants to the military styled adventuress.

The breadth of Miuccia Prada`s designs was unbelievable, such an outstanding abundance of options has rarely been seen at the Italian fashion house.

Especially the accessories showed a large versatility, the oversized hoop earrings in bright colours along with the ballerina ribbons are among my favourites.

Add a little perversion with a fox stole thrown over a bathing suit and off you go.

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

By the way, the new shape of bags that was introduced on the F/W 2010 runways is going to stay for Resort 2011 (see photo to the right). So a really good investment!

LoL, Sandra

Prada Bags from F/W 2010