Birkenstock x Central Saint Martins

Birkenstock’s partnership with London fashion institution Central Saint Martins is launching the result of a two-year project with the BA Fashion History & Theory and MA Fashion courses. Releasing four designs and Birkenstock’s first-ever Archive style. Initiated in 2018, the project saw the CSM BA Fashion History & Theory course research and enrich Birkenstock’s prolific archive. Enabling students to immerse into Birkenstock’s culture and legacy to finally extract and define the core elements of Birkenstock’s history spanning over 250 years. The result of this research translated into a second project with the MA Fashion course. Inviting students to give their interpretation of emblematic styles in their contemporary way, thus shaping the future of the iconic German brand.

The four winning students with Fabio Piras.

One year later a jury of 12 renowned industry leaders led by Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert, MA Fashion Course Director Fabio Piras and fashion critic Sarah Mower MBE, were invited by Birkenstock to review all student portfolios and selected a shortlist of 10 finalists awarded as the winning designs with a first bursary award.

My favorites: Moto Sandal by Alex Wolfe.

Over a year of product development, four of the student designs have qualified for serial production.  Each design has the student’s name embossed in the iconic Birkenstock footbed. Experiencing the challenge to realize the product innovation delivered by these students is a good challenge. «We are proud to have a proven impact on these early careers and are counting this as one of our most relevant projects», states CEO Oliver Reichert.

Bukarest style in white by Alecsander Rothschild

The release of the collection is supported by a short film, seeing the jury and the professors exchange their views on the final product with the students. The jury was headed by Sarah Mower MBE and included CSM alumni Mary Katrantzou and Roksanda discussing with Gert Jonkers, Claudia Croft, Mimma Viglezio, Osman Ahmed, and Nick Vinson.

THE COLLECTION

Moto Sandal by CSM graduate Alex Wolfe (1991*)
Using Birkenstock’s expertise in orthopaedic shoe design Wolfe’s take on the Rotterdam Moto sandal challenges us with urban graphic as well as a striking upper leg design. Relying on Birkenstock’s very own eudermic material Birko-Flor he creates a flexible shield, whereas the foot lining of Nappa leather and suede offers a soft and soothing bed.

Cosy style by CSM graduate Dingyun Zhang (1995*)
Zhang’s pillow like version of the Arizona sandal takes inspiration from futuristic outerwear and oversized puffers. As a homage to comfort Cosy transforms the Arizona into a supportive, timeless classic. Its monochrome, contrasting color choice of snow white straps and black sole (and vice versa) fortifies the long-lasting design approach.

Terra style by CSM graduate Saskia Lenaerts (1993*)
As a reference to the classic Milano sandal, Terra’s prominent stitches replicates footlines, while Suede, Nappa and Nubuk leather offer comfort. Using contrasting colours like black/white and black/ultra blue the designer recreates the shadow play of an engraved footprint in the sand.

Bukarest style by CSM student Alecsander Rothschild (1992*)
Inspired by Brancusi’s contrasting use of different materials and textures Rothschild works equally with three kinds of leather to express his version of Birkenstock: Rustic black oiled nubuck leather or innocent white debossed leather, Rothschild offers a third version in shiny Silver.

Tallahassee Archive Style
To complement the student designs, the iconic Birkenstock Tallahassee Style from the 1990s sees a rebirth in contrast color designs. Uniting an artistic touch with long practiced craftsmanship the Tallahassee ornaments the foot without compromising comfort. As a woven coat the debossed leather enrobes the wearer like a second skin.

The collection is available with select stores worldwide and on 1774.com from now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Birkenstock, © Walter Pfeiffer
#BIRKENSTOCKxCSM

Living Coral – Color of the Year 2019

«An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.»

Personally speaking, I had lots of fun with Ultraviolet in 2018, but for 2019 I am ready to move on from the mysteries of the cosmos and dive deep into the ocean.

For 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product, packaging, and graphic design. This year’s search, which was unveiled last night at Art Basel Miami, named «Living Coral,» a peachy shade of orange with a golden undertone, as the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year.

«Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment. In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature this color welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, it embodies our desire for playful expression.
Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.»

I am a big fan of this color found in nature. Displayed beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent hue mesmerizes the eye and mind and is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color. With everything that is going on in today’s world, I am happy that Pantone chose such an uplifting shade and not a grey…

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

Saba satin-trimmed silk-crepe blouse by Roksanda


icon

Jonatina 100 PVC-trimmed patent-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

Camille reversible silk-crepe maxi dress by Karlita
icon

Alana coated mid-rise skinny jeans by J Brand

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone and Courtesy of the Brands
icon

My Look: Seasonless is the New Timeless

I am just going to come right out and say it: striped shirting is probably the most versatile wardrobe trend you’ll ever come across. Being never out of style, stripes can be easily combined as seen here with my new Roksanda shirt and pieces from previous seasons. In fashion seasonless is the new timeless

My look: Shearling vest and riding boots, both by Gucciicon, Frida ruffle-trimmed striped cotton-poplin blouse by Roksanda, drawstring shorts by Givenchy, shearling bag by Saint Laurent, cuff by Céline, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co, Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

By the way, after the Polyvore disaster this week, this is my first collage done with Photoshop. It took much longer and doesn’t look as fancy as it used to but I am getting there. At the moment, I cannot get over the fact that all my data is lost, all my outfit pictures and much more. Nobody is responding to the broken link to get it. But I am not giving up and am ready to kick some…. . Can you imagine that I had around 50 posts prepared – all of which are gone! So mad and disappointed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Star Style: Jella Haase Sports Velvet

On Tuesday at the premiere of «Fack Ju Goethe 3» in Zurich, German actress Jella Haase caught my eye in this stunning outfit. First of all, I love velvet in burgundy but paired with a touch of it looks so chic and modern. Two thumbs up for her stylist!

Get her look: Long-sleeved velvet dress by Saint Laurent, Besa leather shoulder bag by Roksanda and Gianvito 105 velvet pumps by Gianvito Rossi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Jella Haase’s Instagram @jella_h

Lone Star – The Single Earring Trend

The runways have made a strong return with the single statement earringseen at houses like DiorRosie Assoulin, Tibi, and Louis Vuitton over the past seasons.

In order not to look like a pirate, choose a piece that veers on the glamorous, feminine side. At once edgy and easy to pull off, a lone earring has the ability to make anyone look – in a word – cool. Wear yours with attitude without looking like you are missing something…
Here are my favorites available at the moment:

1 Spiral-shaped earringicon by Maison Marginal
icon2 Feather-embellished swan single earring by Lanvin
icon3 Diamond & rose-gold Star earring by Diane Kordas
icon4 X earringicon by Balenciaga
5 Crystal-embellished pearl-effect earring by Gucci
icon6 BB clip-on earringicon by Balenciaga
7 Wooden-drop single earringicon by Roksanda
Flower gold-plated hoop earring by Simone Rocha
icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue US, Courtesy of the Brands

Trending: Burgundy Over-the-Knee Boots

over_the_knee_boots_burgundy

Over-the-knee boots have become a fashion mainstay and this F/W 2016 season, they look amazing in burgundy. Most designers are going for suede whereas Roksanda‘s take is all about the season’s ultimate trend material: velvet.

p00214708 Ashlyn velvet over-the-knee boots by Roksanda

c600x600

Other great models are the following:

Highland stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Stuart Weitzman
Tasseled suede over-the-knee boots by Aquazzura
3 BB stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent
icon4 Maira paneled suede over-the-knee bootsicon by Jimmy Choo
Kent stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Sam Edelman

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brandsicon

My Look: Dinner with Hermès

sandra_bauknecht_dinner_with_hermes_roksanda_dior

Nature is so beautiful that adding to it serves no purpose.” – Robert Dallet (1923 – 2006)

Every year, Hermès picks a theme for the respective year, which is highlighted through their collections and store windows. In 2016, the French Maison is honoring its love for nature with «Nature at Full Gallop».

hermes_dinner_rietberg_museum

Last week, I was invited to an intimate dinner by the House at the Museum Rietberg in Zurich to celebrate this beautiful inspiration. The location was amazing, decorated like a jungle. The dinner was served on the «Carnets d’Equateur» porcelain which I showed you in a previous post and that pictures wild creatures such as the jaguar, lion, tiger, elephant and toucan alongside the rare, the manama, capuchin and wooly monkeys.

hermes_dinner_china

The design was created by late animal artist Robert Dallet and is a voyage to the core of creation. I find it extremely beautiful.

sandra_bauknecht_hermes_dinner_zurich_roksanda_e

My look that night: Margot bonded stretch-crepe dress by RoksandaSo Black Kelly bag and silk scarf, both by Hermès, Songe pumps in cracked leather by DiorHorsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine JewelleryTonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings by Miu Miu.

My avid reader might recognize the dress as I wore it already 4 years ago (for the previous post, click here please). It got relaunched this season because of the hype Melania Trump caused wearing it in white for her speech to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.

kelly_so_black_hermes_scarf-1

Absolutely trending this F/W 2016 season: wrapping a silk scarf around the handle.

sandra_bauknecht_roksanda_hermes_1

Taking photos in the Hermès selfie box. Have fun with more pictures below!

LoL, Sandra

selfie_box_hermes_dinner

sandra_bauknecht_hermes_dinner_zurich_roksanda_a1

hermes_kelly_so_black_scarf

museum_rietberg_hermes_dinner

dior_pumps

sandra_bauknecht_hermes_dinner_zurich_roksanda_c

dinner_hermes

scarf_hermes_handle

sandra_bauknecht_hermes_dinner_zurich_roksanda_d

sandra_bauknecht_roksanda_hermes_dinner_back

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Sandra Bauknecht
icon

My Look: Bunny Love

Sandra_Bauknecht_Easter_look_2016_bunny_Love
Happy Easter to all of you! I adore playing around with pieces in my closet to match the theme of the day. This bunny ear headpiece and the printed bag are certainly interesting ones to have. Especially the latter from Prada’s Resort 2016 collection, it’s bunnies all over again, with a contrasting design element in the form of red arrows.

My look: Suzu wool-blend crepe dress by RoksandaPalladium-tone, crystal and Plexiglas® necklace by Miu MiuHorsebit-detailed suede knee boots by Gucci, Inside bag with bunnies and arrows by Prada, bracelet by ChanelHorsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and bunny ear headpiece by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Sandra_bauknecht_Easter_2016_Roksanda

Bag_Prada_Bunny_Ears_Louis_Vuitton

Sandra_Bauknecht_Easter_2016_Prada_Inside_Bag_Gucci_boots

Sandra_Bauknecht_Bunny_Ears_Vuitton

Tonda_Parmigiani

Sandra_Bauknecht_Easter_fun_2016_Prada_Bag

Prada_Bunny_Arrows_Inside_Bag_resort_16

Sandra_Bauknecht_Gucci_Prada_Roksanda_Easter_16

Louis_Vuitton_Bunny_Ears

Sandra_Bauknecht_Easter_Laugh

Miu_Miu_Necklace_easter

Sandra_Bauknecht_Roksanda_Dress_Prada_Inside_Bag

Gucci_Horsebit_Black_Suede_boots

Easter_16_Sandra_Bauknecht

Prada_Bag_Bunnies

Sandra_Bauknecht_Roksanda_Prada_Easter_16_1

Gucci_Horsebit_Suede_boots

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht