Sandra‘s Closet

In collage: Printed satin-jacquard midi dress by Marni, velvet platform ankle boots by Prada and swimsuit by Eres.

«The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.» – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Each year PANTONE, the global color authority, chooses one Color of the Year, like a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2018, it is a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade: PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Purple Rain: Prince performing in 1985

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Ultra violet on the S/S 2018 runways: Gucci – Balenciaga – Moschino

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

To shop ULTRA VIOLET, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Belted asymmetric silk-mousseline blouse by Balenciaga

Spandex pumps by Balenciaga

Nail Polish in Ultra Violet (Pantone Collection) by Butter London

Embellished-leaf satin pouch by Attico

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pantone

Tonight at an opening party, people were spreading the very sad news that music icon Prince, who sold more than 100 million records during his storied career, has died at age 57. Just days after making an emergency landing due to an unknown illness, Prince was found dead inside his Minnesota home today.

I was shocked as I have always been a huge fan. Luckily, I had seen him live on stage during the Versace x H&M launch party in NYC in 2011 (see the photos above that I took of him on stage). He was called Prince, but definitely a king on stage and a queen in fashion.

Talking about his style, Prince has been an inspiration over decades. Below you can enjoy some of his best fashion moments, from the high-cut women’s panties he sported in the early ’80s, to his Purple Rain–era passion for Victorian high-neck ruffle shirts, metallic purple or tight gold suits to his love for crop tops.

Prince, you will be missed! Rest in peace.

LoL, Sandra

1980

1984 – Performing in Detroit on the Purple Rain tour.

1984 – Performing in Detroit on the Purple Rain tour.

May 23, 1986 – Performing at a surprise concert in San Francisco.

June 15, 1992 – Performing at Earl’s Court in London.

May 4, 1994 – Performing at the World Music Awards Ceremony in Monaco.

September 25, 1998 – Performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

February 27, 2005 – At the Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.

February 4, 2007 – Performing during half-time at the Super Bowl XLI.

June 27, 2010 – At the BET Awards in Los Angeles, California.

November 8, 2011 – At the Versace x H&M launch party in NYC.

February 19, 2014 – Presenting at The BRIT Awards in London, England.

November 22, 2015 – At the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Photos: Via Getty, Zimbio, Style.com, The Cut, WWD

Talking in superlatives! OMG – what a night! Tuesday evening, I attended the fashion show and after party for the launch of Versace for H&M in New York City. The venue was decorated in true Versace style in a specially designed building on the Hudson River. I was entering the world of Versace from the moment I set foot on the red carpet and so were the famous guests such as Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson and Selma Blair. Enjoy all my photos from this Versace for H&M extravaganza and see who performed live on stage! Stay also tuned for an interview with Donatella Versace to be posted soon.

Famous guitarist and music producer Mark Ronson in the hot pink Versace for H&M suit.

Sweet Jessica Alba in a studded Versace for H&M dress with me.

Uma Thurman looked so stunning when she said: “I think it is so exciting for Versace to made available to everyone. The collection is cool, colourful, young and very hip. I can’t wait to see the show.”

British model and TV presenter Jade Parfitt with me.

The other way around: Renowned photographer Bruce Webber in front of the camera.

Blogger love: Bryanboy and me

As for me, the sexiest shoe designer on earth: Brian Atwood.

American actress and niece of Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts in Versace for H&M florals.

Another well-known face: Photographer Terry Richardson

Girlfriends: Jade Parfitt having fun with German model Christina Kruse.

Let the show begin: The catwalk was paved with gold, the perfect environment in which to preview the Versace for H&M collection. The iconic looks, including some unique special pieces created for this exclusive event, were worn on the catwalk by top models such as Abbey Lee, Daphne G, Natasha Poly, Sean O’pry and Lindsay Wixson. The collection that will hit the shelves in 300 stores worldwide on November 17th, 2011.
For a closer view on the amazing pieces, I recommend this previous post.

When the show was finished, Donatella Versace appeared on the runway and two gigantic gates opened. She invited the fashionable crowd to follow her to the next hall where the after party took place.

Donatella Versace

The first act was a live performance of rap and pop superstar Nicki Minaj, dressed head to toe in Versace for H&M.

Later on, Nicki Minaj joined famous host Donatella to enjoy the show of Prince which was truly unbeatable. He is such an artist and musician. The way he sings, dances and moves captivates you from the first moment. When he started the chords of Purple Rain, the audience went crazy.

In case you think that Prince was the culmination of the night, you are mistaken. After he was finished, another gate opened, the one to shopping heaven. Behind those doors, a gigantic H&M pop-up store was located where the guests could buy the new Versace for H&M collection and all the celebrities joined in the fun. What a night!

This is probably my longest post ever, but this night is just unforgettable. Thank you H&M for letting me be part of it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York! It is 6am in the morning and I just woke up from a lovely dream in the lovely Dream Downtown hotel where all the journalists and bloggers are staying.

Below you see some photos of my room and more goodies that waited for me with the press kit. Tonight, the Versace for H&M fashion show will take place and rumours are out that rap and pop superstars Nicki Menaj and Prince will be performing at the after party… so please stay tuned for more to come!

Have a lovely day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Can you guess where we are in time-travelling after my lastet posts about lace and rocking hot black leather? Yes, we have arrived in the `80s. For some people, the golden decade was the worst one fashionwise but since a few seasons designers have relied on some of the worth recycling styles. The leggings  and skinny jeans came back around 4 years ago and who would have ever imagined their ongoing success?! They have definitely conquered my closet and I never want them to vanish again as the modernized versions are stylish and comfy in one.

Designers have returned 20 years this F/W 2010 to find the `80s ma-ma-material beauty and so can you. Let`s begin!

You might feel like a virgin in a sharp leather pencil skirt, sequined blazer and fishnet stockings. Add lots of accessories like the iconic safety pins, stacked bracelets and big cross pendants for the ultimate killer look!

Balmain launched a real boom with the return of the shoulder pads. The last seasons, fashionistas have crazed all over the world for the must-have blazers and jackets. The hype is definitely not over yet! Party like it`s 1982 in those brocade and patchwork nightclub nostalgia pieces from the F/W 2010 runways. Absolutely screaming hot are red leather leggings, another must for this winter!


The `80s encouraged self-expression with eyecatching neon colours and rainbow dyes. I would not do the complete look but you can easily embed one sparkling bright piece into your daily wear. One thing I am not so sure is about the über-teased hair…. probably a little too much retro-style. But nevertheless the point of fashion is that girls just wanna have fun! So let`s start experimenting….

In case that you are looking for your personal Jesus, try black leather and fringes. So hot! Sequined leggings combined with a denim jacket would turn you also very fast back to the `80s without looking disguised.

If you want to find the fashion cure for this winter`s style heritage, you could opt for a goth look with an asymmetrical cropped sweater or some cut out off-shoulder-tops. And I am sure that this Friday, you will be in love.

My personal `80s-inspired object of desire is this gorgeous suede buckled V-neck dress by Balmain. Available from today at net-à-porter. This is rock glam chic at its best! Hard to beat it.

LoL, Sandra