Sandra‘s Closet

Gentlemen, here are some Dior must-haves for you as well. For the men’s F/W 2020 runway show in Miami, Dior and Kim Jones partnered with Jordan Brand to unveil the limited-edition Air Jordan 1 High OG Dior sneaker. A collection of ready-to-wear and accessories completes the collaboration, and a low version of the Air Jordan 1 OG Dior rounds out the range.

«I love mixing together different worlds, different ideas – Jordan Brand and Dior are both emblematic of absolute excellence in their fields. To bring them together in this special collaboration is to propose something exciting and truly new,» states Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Dior men’s collections.

A palette of gentle shades brings together the House’s exceptional tailoring expertise with a 1980s American sportswear feel, inspired by the legendary Michael Jordan. The collection balances timeless silhouettes from the Jordan and Dior vaults while bringing new life to classic sport styles. Relaxed, minimalistic wool suits reflect the art of detail according to Dior. Punctuated with buttons signed with the Air Dior logo, the blazers sport subtle blue and white striped linings. A bomber jacket reprises the emblem on its back and displays the Jumpman logo – recognized the world over – on its sleeve. It is paired with silk shorts decorated with a graphic motif featuring the «CD» initials.

A gray suede hoodie also sports these new logos in perforated or embossed versions created using precise, meticulous techniques. The Dior Oblique motif – a powerful, timeless code – for the first time adorns the linings of the designs, made in Italy. Cashmere or sleeveless sweaters, shirts and polo shirts as well as pants affirm a new look, inspired by the NBA champion’s style and his sensitivity to twists of audacity coupled with elegance. Four leather goods pieces – including a pouch and a wallet – as well as bob hats, necklaces and jacquard ties complement these must-have looks, while square silk scarves subtly combine the toile de Jouy and Wings prints.

In stores now. You better hurry up…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior 

For the VALENTINO Bluegrace collection, blue motifs historically used in Dutch pottery decorate dresses in tulle, crêpe de chine and brocade for the Pre-Fall 2020 collection.

Pierpaolo Piccioli looks to the past to sculpt a new present, balancing the renowned Dutch pottery motifs and archive influences on soft silhouettes. Fabrics are enriched with feathers, pleats and lace embroideries, following the Maison’s timeless codes to shape a new day-to-night aesthetic.

Unexpected accessories and spontaneous combinations mix with solemn couture charm, meeting a dynamic idea of modernity. Last week, I had the chance to explore the collection first hand in the VALENTINO store in Zurich.

Exploring the new collection in a vibrant green look from Valentino S/S 2020.

The store was filled with some amazing pieces and decorated with floral arrangements in white and blue that were gifted to the customers.

Below you can see more official photos of the collection, that is now available in the Zurich stores. TO SHOP THE COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Gianfranca Addis, Store Manager Valentino Zurich.

Photos: © Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht
#ValentinoBluegrace #ValentinoFall2020
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here is your chance and you should better take it! In general, Gabriela Hearst bags cannot be bought in a store or online besides now. These bags are highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists – on average there is a waiting list of 1,500 client per bag at any given time. If you really want the bag, you have to email, hope and wait.
For a limited time period, Net-à-Porter is launching a pop-up boutique of Gabriela Hearst bags, which includes the exclusive «Patsy» and «Diana» styles along with the iconic «Nina» and «Demi» totes. First come, first serve.

Click here for the outfit post from March 2019.

Gabriela Hearst’s cult«Nina» tote has been spotted on the arm of Meghan Markle, Priyanka Chopra and Oprah Winfrey over the years. Crafted from smooth leather in the brand’s Italian studio, it has a globe shape with origami-like folds and a strap that can be carried in hand or the crook of your arm. It will make any outfit pop.

Click here for the outfit post from November 2018.

Gabriela Hearst puts a lot of thought into her bag designs to make sure they’re ethical, sustainable and totally unique. Inspired by ’40s lunch boxes, the «Patsy» tote opens to a minimalist interior that will hold your phone, cardholder and lipstick.

Are you curious what I got myself this time? I actually went for two bags….
Left: Nina striped leather tote with its matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover
Right: Diana leather-trimmed printed suede tote
Gabriela Hearst’s linstantly recognizable «Diana» tote is designed in a fresh monochromatic colorway that’s modern and cool. I adore its distinct accordion-inspired silhouette.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE HIGHLY LIMITED GABRIELA HEARST BAGS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst/Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht and  © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Dior has some renowned looks that you should consider adding to your wardrobe. The Bar jacket is one of them, an iconic New Look piece, created by Christian Dior in 1947. Reinterpreted by Maria Grazia Chiuri for S/S 2020, it is made from Tussah silk with Dior’s iconic textured houndstooth pattern. I love wearing it with the matching corolla skirt, as presented on the runway. So chic, so feminine and so French …

My look: Houndstooth tussah silk double-breasted bar jacket, and matching
Houndstooth jacquard midi skirt, and rope belt, all by Dior, tweed cap by CHANEL, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag by Hermès, Love bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here comes your next It-bag. Presented first on the F/W 2020 runway, Dior unveils Dior Bobby, a new bag of timeless modernity and a subtle tribute to Christian Dior’s beloved pet dog. Another must-have piece created by Maria Grazia Chiuri because the simplicity in its design is precisely what makes this bag so versatile.

The Dior Bobby is a hobo style showcasing sophisticated lines and harmonious proportions.
It’s available in three sizes – small, medium, large – and in four colours – black, white, camel, and of course, the signature blue Dior Oblique canvas that is still all the rage in fashion. It has a flexible suede interior, and is enhanced by antique gold-finish metal hardware. Its removable and adjustable shoulder strap has a military-inspired buckle, and allows it to be carried on the shoulder or crossbody, as well as by hand.

In stores Mid July! So get yourself on the wait list now! I am going for the middle sized one in camel below. Isn’t it so pretty?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

By creating its first makeup line for men, BOY DE CHANEL, in 2018, CHANEL reaffirmed the ever changing codes of an unchanging vision: beauty is not a matter of gender; it is a matter of style. A foundation, a lip balm and an eyebrow pencil… Three key pieces of a new men’s wardrobe to use instinctively, with imperceptible formulas and a natural result. A line with midnight blue packaging, an understated design and timeless elegance.

Today, BOY DE CHANEL enriches this new approach to men’s style with a complete beauty line for modern, fluid masculinity, at ease with its era. Simplicity, precision and intuition… A skincare product and three new makeup products arrive to diminish imperfections and signs of fatigue, giving men an additional reason to feel self-confident. As always, men can count on undetectable formulas, long-lasting benefits and a natural result. FORTIFYING GEL MOISTURIZER, CONCEALER, 3-IN-1 EYE PENCIL and LE VERNIS are the essentials of a new state of mind: to live your life while being completely yourself, only better.

BOY DE CHANEL FORTIFYING GEL MOISTURIZER
A hydrating and protective skincare product with vivifying freshness to protect skin from dehydration and daily aggressors. CHF 95.00

Fresh and lightweight, its melt-away gel-cream formula is instantly absorbed without an oily finish. Weightless, it offers a bare-skin sensation. Used on its own, as after-shave or before applying BOY DE CHANEL FOUNDATION, it reduces sensations of tightness and discomfort after shaving. FORTIFYING GEL MOISTURIZER can also be applied on the beard, smoothed in the direction of hair growth. It doesn’t flake or stick to beard hair. Elegant and subtle, its green scent heightens this sensation of freshness.

BOY DE CHANEL CONCEALER
The essential step to chase away signs of fatigue, intuitively and imperceptibly, in one stroke. CHF 52.00

Incredibly melt-away, its non-oily and glide-on formula perfectly conceals dark circles and all skin imperfections thanks to a combination of carefully selected oils and a high percentage of coated pigments. As soon as you apply it, you’ll forget it’s even there! Matte and undetectable, this concealer erases the appearance of imperfections and signs of fatigue for 8 hours. Available in 8 shades that perfectly match all skin tones, in harmony with the 8 shades of BOY DE CHANEL FOUNDATION:
20 Light, 30 Medium Light, 40 Medium, 50 Medium Plus, 60 Light Deep,
70 Medium Deep, 90 Deep, 120 Deep Plus.

BOY DE CHANEL 3-IN-1 EYE PENCIL
An elegant pencil with a melt-away formula that glides over the skin for easy, spontaneous and intuitive application.  It’s a concentration of matte color that enhances the eyes with 12-hour hold. CHF 51.00

Its delicate multipurpose tip meets every need. A simple line of pencil at the base of the lashes to define the eyes. As eyeliner at the inner corner of the eye to intensify it. Blended into a monochrome shade like eyeshadow for a bolder effect. Available in 3 shades:
614 – Brown, 616 – Navy, 618 – Black.

BOY DE CHANEL LE VERNIS
Matte nail color for an easy application. CHF 38.00

Imperceptible or absolutely fashion-forward, manicures go masculine to show off impeccably groomed hands: LE VERNIS Natural for a perfectly clean result and LE VERNIS Black for a more intense look. With its flat circular brush, perfectly adapted to nails, LE VERNIS goes on in one stroke. Thanks to strengthening panthenol, its luminous matte formula dries in less than 64 seconds.
Available in 2 shades:
402 – Natural, 404 – Black.

The collection will be available from Mid August 2020. In Switzerland at Boutique CHANEL Parfums & Beauté in Geneva and at the CHANEL counter at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Today, let’s talk about some refillable, eco-responsible luxury lipsticks with precious leather cases, and also a «clean» formula! La Bouche Rouge Paris is a new super trendy makeup brand made in France.

This Dreamy New Beauty Line Wants to Make the Planet a Better Place

Would you be surprised to hear that many cosmetics, no matter how tiny or massive the price tag, are made in the same factory? It’s true, and Nicolas Gerlier, a French beauty veteran, has set forth to break the mold with his new company La Bouche Rouge. The lipstick brand fuses Parisian luxury and environmental accountability, and is the first start-up aided by LVMH’s cosmetology research division. It is exclusively available in Switzerland at Spitzenhaus.

No more plastic in beauty – change your red to change the world

The Red Serum is a revolutionary lip care, enriched with natural antioxidants and anti-aging active substances. The serum contains no beeswax or animal fats and is free from micro-plastic particles. A patented method is used to micronize the pigments, which are then added to a vegetable oil. This gives the pigment a special radiance, the product is wonderfully to apply and wear and it bonds exceptionally well with the lips. The formulation is absolutely free from immuno-compromising substances such as parabens, silicones and mineral oils – this is critical, because studies show that used regularly, the wearer ingests an amount of product equivalent to three whole lipsticks per year.

Handmade to be loved forever

The lipstick container from La Bouche Rouge celebrates the age-old artisanal craft of the tanneur. Handmade at the Tannery du Puy in the Auvergne, the stylish leather case is not only an especially stunning object. It can also be refilled and enjoyed for many years to come as it accompanies you on your way. This leather case also makes a small contribution to stemming the tide of environmental pollution caused by plastics. Because, as things stand now, over a billion plastic lipstick containers end up in landfill every year. It took four years of intensive research and a total of 423 trials to arrive at the perfect basis for La Bouche Rouge lipsticks.

What if a lipstick could be a socially responsible act

A very special lipstick has grown out of the earnest endeavor to reduce plastic waste in the cosmetics industry. Its formula is absolutely free from micro-plastics. It is also sold in a leather case that can be refilled indefinitely. Did you know that the cosmetics industry is the third-largest source of plastic waste (after the automobile and fashion industries)? 82 % of all drinking water worldwide is also tainted. With its new sustainable lipstick project, La Bouche Rouge would like to sensitize consumers, encouraging them to rethink their purchasing behavior when it comes to cosmetic products, and to act more responsibly in general. Since April, 2019 La Bouche Rouge has also supported the Eau Vive project in Togo, which has given 25 communities access to clean drinking water and works to improve hygienic conditions overall.

I am loving it! Visit Spitzenhaus to explore the collection with your own eyes. It is worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Rouge Rouge / Spitzenhaus

I love the new Bottega, so many cool pieces that can elevate your looks to new heights. My favorite barely there sandals that wrap around the ankles have already reached cult status. I love this clever styling trick (see trouser tuck) which means no more tailoring needed. For more sandals like those, visit the previous post here.

My look: High-neck long-sleeved jersey top, high-rise wide-leg silk trousers, wood and intrecciato leather clutch, and wrap-around snake-effect leather sandals, all by Bottega Veneta, BB clip-on earring by Balenciaga, and FF-print round acetate sunglasses by Fendi, «Mitza» ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and chain belt by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Wherever you are, ragazze, Acqua di Parma‘s evocative scents of summer will put you in a blissed-out state of mind before you know it. And they come covered in LA DOUBLEJ‘s vibration-raising prints (naturally!). In other words, you’ll smell as good as your bathroom looks and your mood? Boosted, babe.

The collaboration is the first between La DoubleJ and Acqua di Parma, but the brands shared interest in the visual, olfactory, or tactical richness of the Italian landscape make them natural partners. Street-style star, journalist and contributing editor at Harper’s Bazaar and Wallpaper* magazines JJ Martin launched La DoubleJ in 2015, initially as a platform to sell her collection of vintage clothing. Soon, she began to create ready-to-wear pieces, working with top Italian textile manufacturers, such as Mantero, to use reissued vintage prints from their archives. More recently, the Milan-based brand has expanded to include homeware, collaborating with expert makers such as Mascioni and Bitossi Home to create patterned linens, porcelain plates and bold tableware.

Through the partnership with Acqua di Parma, La DoubleJ offers 100% Made in Italy terry-cloth towels and sun-burst bathing suits, to an exquisite range of products scented with Arancia di Capri, Bergamotto di Calabria, Fico di Amalfi and Mirto di Panarea, it is an ode to all the soul-satisfying colours and home-grown aromatic delights that Italy has to offer; created and crafted to be enjoyed this summer and for many summers to come.

Great news is that you can also enjoy this pure Italian style during your next summer holidays at the Alpemare Beach Resort in Forte dei Marmi as the Maison symbolising the most refined Italian style and the Brand created by JJ Martin dress up the Bocelli family’s bathing establishment on the elegant beachfront at Forte dei Marmi with the Blu Mediterraneo by La DoubleJ capsule collection.

The wonderful view of the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean scents of the pine forest on one
of the most evocative stretches of the Forte dei Marmi beachfront, together with contemporary
works of art set out in various spaces, make Alpemare a veritable jewel of beauty and well-being.
Andrea Bocelli himself, the great tenor and Italian singer who is famous throughout the world,
often treats himself to relaxing breaks and even performs here.

The elegant tents that welcome guests on the Alpemare beachfront are even more radiant, with beach towels and cushions from the capsule Collection. The Confetti Blu print, designed by La DoubleJ in blue and yellow tones, creates a bright Mediterranean atmosphere for an unforgettable summer.

In all relaxation areas and collective spaces, from Alpemare’s garden to its exclusive restaurant, Arancia di Capri candles give off the light and effervescent scent of one of the most popular Blu
Mediterraneo fragrances.

The cabins, maintained by Alpemare in their original form, come complete with Arancia di Capri
amenities from the Acqua di Parma hotel line to enhance the resort’s refined harmony for a truly Italian holiday.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Acqua di Parma

First of all, congrats to Net-à-Porter, my favorite shopping destination turns 20 this month and it never stops to amaze me. Last Thursday, I had the privilege too attend a very exclusive zoom meeting hosted by Net-à-Porter for their top clients to explore Masterpiece London, the world’s leading cross-collecting fair, before the official launch date today.

With Alison Loehnis to the right and Charlotte Olympia in the middle at another amazing Net-à-Porter event in London.

Our lovely host, Alison Loehnis, president of Net-à-Porter, was joined by experts from the art world for a virtual discussion on «Voyages of Discovery: journey, legacy and connection in art & design.»

Philip Hewat-Jaboor gave us some great insight into Masterpiece London.

Philip Hewat-Jaboor, chairman of Masterpiece and a distinguished collector himself of exceptional pieces from every category imaginable, including 18th-century and early-19th-century ceramics, marbles, furniture and antiquities, gave us a great introduction. What sets Masterpiece London apart from other art fairs is the juxtaposition of art and design from all periods and origins. It is the unmissable art fair at which visitors can view and buy the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery – from antiquity to the present day.

Emma Ward during the meeting in front of a Picasso painting.

«Art is incredibly subjective.» – Emma Ward

With almost 400 years of collective art world experience, Dickinson specialises in privately and discreetly handling rare Old Masters through to Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary masterpieces. Emma Ward, Managing Director, who runs the company, explained us how to navigate through today’s complex and fast-moving art world.

Stunning necklace by Fabio Salini

«I couldn’t find the perfect color combination. Therefore I divided the gems in two rows, into warm and cold colors.» – Fabio Salini

Gemologist and jewelry designer Fabio Salini worked for Bvlgari and Cartier before launching his own brand, creates original jewelry and events around the world. In 2004 he opened his Atelier in Rome, an elegant shop and design studio that has become the focal point of his work, representing the quintessence of his style. His keen interest in contemporary art as a form of expression and a source of inspiration has led to brilliant collaborations, like that with Fernando and Humberto Campana, rooted in a tantalizing mélange of jewelry, design and art. He sees himself as a contemporary artist, very much related to his emotions. He is a pisces, very moody, feelings change every single day.

Image of Rockefeller’s salon designed by Jean-Michel Frank in 1939, showing the Léger mural and Giacometti andirons.

«I believe that a less severe principle can be found—the mixing of styles. The noble frames that came to us from the past can receive today’s creations. The house that we build now can welcome ancient things of beauty.» – Jean-Michel Frank

Such a source of inspiration: Helena Rubinstein’s apartment.

«Re-editions can be problematic.» – Daniel Malarkey

Daniel Malarkey, art advisor, specialized in contemporary art and important design for collectors. I loved his advice and speech. He spoke about provenance and the designer’s work; how proportion, materials and form inspire contemporary design today: how then one commissions site-specific design for interiors and mixing 20th century with contemporary.

Van Cleef and Arpels Œillet handbag mirror. Unique piece, High Jewelry Collection, 2019
Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, pink sapphires, rubies, diamonds. £300.000

If this preview has whet your appetite, you can go even further with this online. Navigate on your own, you can do this from every corner of the globe. However, without the conversation with the exhibitors, you might be stuck. If you find something you like, make a telephone call, talk to the dealer, get engaged and learn more about the respective piece. Masterpiece’s exhibitors span all eras and disciplines and include many of the world’s most distinguished art dealerships.

Shopping art and design is actually similar to shopping at Net-à-Porter, do your homework. Understand the fabrics and materials, buy books and learn about iconic pieces. Buy the best you can afford, instead of buying 25 pieces, invest in THE one. You should feel comfortable in spending money so that you would like to do it again.

Chairs, ca. 1930, by Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941), Galerie Marcilhac

If you commission a piece, find a gallery, an artist or designer. Talk about the feeling of the house, work on the discussion and have an eye on proportion.

Invest in something you like. It might become an iconic piece. I am a collector myself, my collection of high end fashion pieces is my biggest passion that I have followed since over 25 years now. I buy what I personally adore and this is in general the best advice! In the meantime, my collection includes many museum-quality objects.

Do you remember the auction sale of the art collection put together by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé that was held from February 21-25 2009? Yves Saint Laurent was a tastemaker of his own who also got inspired by art, as you can see perfectly in the creation of the famous «Mondrian dress». It was the first ever auction sale to be staged in the Nave of the Grand Palais. The event turned out to be memorable with even 34.000 visitors. Record-breaking items were: the Brancusi sculpture, Madame L.R. which fetched 28.1 million euros. The Matisse Cuckoos went for a spectacular 32 million, smashing the estimated figure of 12 to 18 million euros. Marcel Duchamp’s Belle haleine, eau de voilette fragrance bottle fetched 7.9 million euros.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in their apartment with the famous dragon armchair.

Last but not least, a legendary item in the collection, Eileen Gray’s «dragon» armchair, defied all expectations, the sale price of 21.90 M€ being ten times the pre-sale estimate. This chair was absolutely different from her usual style, but you see how things can turn out surprisingly well.

Join Masterpiece Online (22 – 28 June 2020) for live panel discussions with leading cultural institutions, watch interviews and learn from experts, expert-led virtual tours or arrange a tailor-made private view for you and your friends.

Have a great start into the week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Rockefeller Foundation, Net-à-Porter and Masterpiece