Sandra‘s Closet

Life is bueno, life is good when you get to spend it in the Extreme Wow Suite at the W Barcelona. Featuring a Gaudí-inspired bar, foosball table and some fun relaxing areas where we took the photos, it also offers a jacuzzi on the huge terrace, and private sunbeds.
The dress is another fun rainbow colored one by Christopher John Rogers whom I presented you earlier this month (click here for the previous post).

My look: Rainbow striped long knit dress by Christopher John Rogers, coral brushed leather tote bag by Prada, Cindy sandals with fluorescent flowers and dalmatian spots by Sophia Webster, and resin bead necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

THE MAGIC OF A MEDITERRANEAN AWAKENING
The Italian fashion brand forte_forte celebrates Mirto di Panarea
forte_forte and Acqua di Parma are teaming up for the first time in an all- Italian love story. The «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» moniker is the result of the collaboration between a fashion house with a dreamy allure, focused on creating timeless designs filled with emotions, and a Maison symbolic of the most refined Italian style. The two houses share a passion for craftsmanship and for Made in Italy culture, for the atmospheres of Italian landscapes and for a pure and spontaneous beauty inspiring a revitalising rebirth. They come together to celebrate Mirto di Panarea, one of Acqua di Parma’s most loved fragrances.
More than just another capsule collection, «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» evokes the magic of Spring and its rebirth, inspired by the aromas and colours of the fascinating Aeolian island. This kaleidoscope of emotions radiates a new freedom, fluttering on the wings of a butterfly and a dragonfly. An iridescent atmosphere, vibrating with light and energy.

forte_forte aims to eliminate the distance between clothes and the wearer, by placing the focus on feelings and emotions. This joint project between the brother and sister team of Giada and Paolo Forte began in 2002 with a limited collection of hand-finished tee shirts. The fashion house creates special designs in which the Made in Italy is represented by the quality of the garments and a constant research driven by the desire to create pieces that are in complete symbiosis with the wearer’s body. This concept perfectly matches with Acqua di Parma’s core values.

What does a fashion design share with a fragrance?
«In this exciting story, the alliance between a fashion design and a fragrance generates a dynamic choreography that transports us into a dreamlike world, filling our senses with emotions and magic. Together, they create an intimate and special bond with our soul and body, enveloping it in a wonderful embrace.» – Giada Forte

A mythical landscape that lives in the delicate and dreamy design created by forte_forte for the Maison. Butterflies and dragonflies spread their coloured wings, in a fluttering flight that celebrates freedom and rebirth and that is reflected in a kaleidoscope of flowers abloom. The radiant yellow Parma tones alternate with the violet of myrtle berries, the symbol of an island suspended in time, on an aquamarine background with pearlescent reflections. Everything vibrates with life, whilst in the air you can breathe the scents of aromatic herbs that grow spontaneously and free-flowing in the Mediterranean scrub ecosystem.

The heart of the collection is the Mirto di Panarea fragrance in the novel 100ml format. The luxurious aesthetics of forte_forte dialogues with the regenerating notes of the fragrance. The aromatic warmth of myrtle is combined with basil, sparkling citrus accents of lemon and bergamotto di Calabria. In the heart of the fragrance accents of sea breeze meet jasmine and rose. The base notes intensely shine with mastic and juniper combined with cedar and amber.

Joyful and modern, the motif wraps around the cylinder box and the green coloured glass bottle that calls to mind the fragile beauty of ceramics. Made with a bright and special iridescent paper, the packaging, like a forte_forte dress, surprises and makes you dream, creating an intimate and exciting bond with those who opt for this fragrance. The outer cylinder is embellished with a small crochet decoration, its shape recalls a warm and bright sun. The charm scoubidou around the bottle cap in cobalt blue and fluorescent yellow tones and with a precious gold medallion, can be transformed into a bracelet or an anklet, a hair clip or a colourful and joyful keychain.

Apart from the fragrance, «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» includes the Discovery Set with the three fragrances Mirto di Panarea, Arancia di Capri and Fico di Amalfi in 12ml vials. The box, entirely covered with forte_forte designs, invites you to discover the authentic essences of the Italian Mediterranean. The Mirto di Panarea scented candle, a unique interior design element, with the glass decorated with the kaleidoscopic motif of flowers and butterflies embossed also on the packaging, will fill the house with the sparkling awakening notes of the Mediterranean nature.

«forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» also embraces sustainability in line with the programme of the Maison «Acqua di Parma Futura». The outer packaging is made of fine paper approved by FSC, an international certificate for responsible forest management throughout the world.
The fragrance bottle, with a recycled plastic cap, features a separable dispenser to make recycling easier. «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» is a fragrant dream that unites two Italian stories in a tale of emotions.

Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette 100ml: CHF 153
Candle 200gr: CHF 87
Discovery Set: CHF 75

I am off to Italy today with Brunello Cucinelli… so excited for another love story!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Acqua di Parma
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Do you know this feeling? You have planned your day and the weather is ruining it. You think… please not today! This happened to me recently in New York City when we wanted to photograph this beautiful look from CHANEL’s Métiers d’Art Pre-fall 2021 Collection that took place at and was inspired by the Château des Dames. I am feeling like the queen of my castle in this unexpected combination. In general, I don’t wear head to toe looks from the runway but this one was just too perfect.

My look: Intarsia cashmere sweater, gold crochet skirt with built-in shorts, royal blue leggings, royal blue silk shoes, rhinestone Coco handle gunmetal bag, pearl necklace with chain and AirPods case, (all from Look 26 Métiers d’Art 2021 Château des Dames), layered pearl necklace with bows, (from Look 34 Métiers d’Art 2020 Paris – 31 Rue Cambon), and vintage blue sapphire earrings, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Another year, another adventure! Follow Christian Louboutin as he embarks on a modern-day Odyssey through Athens and the Cyclades.

Playing tour guide to the designer, Mrs. Tependris, and her faithful poodle Pepe – created by Konstantin Kakanias, Christian’s dear friend and multi-faceted artist and illustrator.

Inspired by the land and the sea, the two limited-edition styles of Greekaba also play out in a variety of sizes and silhouettes. A rich artwork that tributes to the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Mediterranean.

You didn’t think they’d forget the shoes, did you? Explore the capsule that puts Greece’s rich cultural heritage firmly in the spotlight.

Consider this your one-way ticket to Greece!
To shop Christian Louboutin online, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For a second year, Louis Vuitton and the Automobile Club de Monaco present an unprecedented Trophy Travel Case for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco™.

Hand-crafted in the Maison’s historic Asnières workshop on the outskirts of Paris, the trunk showcases Louis Vuitton’s traditional savoir-faire while drawing inspiration from the heritage of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco™, celebrating its 79th edition this year. The iconic Monogram canvas is adorned with the red shade of the Monaco flag while the red lines, tracing the «V» for «Victory», are rimmed with a white strip, reminiscent of the unique urban route of the track where driving excellence goes hand in hand with power and precision. This tailor-made trunk, in the colours of the Principality, will hold the trophy depicting the 19 turns of the 3.337km track. The trophy will be awarded to the winner of the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco™ on 29th May 2022.

This ongoing partnership reaffirms the affiliation between the iconic French House and the Monegasque organisers of one of the most legendary Formula 1 races, united by the values of tradition, transmission, and excellence, which have always been cherished by both. Held by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) and under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco™ is one of the most glamorous and widely viewed events in the entire world.

It celebrates the greatest champions, including Fangio, Hill, Moss, Stewart, Senna, Prost, Schumacher and more recently Alonso, Vettel, Rosberg, Ricciardo, Hamilton and Verstappen. Today, «Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton». The Official Trophy Travel Case for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco is another landmark in Louis Vuitton’s long history of creating bespoke travel cases for the world’s most iconic trophies, including the FIFA World Cup™, NBA Larry O’Brien Trophy, League of Legends Trophy, Rugby World Cup France 2023, Davis Cup, Roland Garros, and the America’s Cup.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Furthering an ever-evolving narrative, the House presents Gucci Blondie – a line of handbags that draws inspiration from an archival style defined by a rounded rendition of the signature Interlocking G, as seen in patent documents from 1971. The emblem takes center stage on the collection’s distinctive silhouette, as Alessandro Michele continues to traverse time, gently drawing out the threads of storylines waiting patiently to be found and given a new voice.
The Gucci Blondie, which first debuted within the Love Parade fashion show in Los Angeles, reflects the Creative Director’s ability to effortlessly bridge eras through his creations. This temporal resilience is reflective of an essence that is both chameleonic and charismatic, a combination that allows the line, like many others of the House, to remain contemporary, no matter the year. The modern-day iteration is a stylistic progression of the original, infused with striking details that speak to a free-spirited and independent persona.

The Gucci Blondie offering spans sizes, silhouettes, and details, from a versatile messenger that can be worn on the shoulder or across the body with the included Web or leather straps, to a smaller day-to-night style whose included chain strap can be tucked inside to transform it into a clutch. A miniature version, also featuring interchangeable and adjustable leather and Web straps, rounds out the selection. Designs are available in leather, suede, and GG canvas, with a varied palette for both the bags and the Web straps.

The Gucci Blondie is presented through a new campaign, envisioned as a love letter to New York, as a cast of characters are captured against the backdrop of some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Reportage-style shots evocative of an analog age are filled with candor and spontaneity, portraying impromptu moments of heritage in motion and dynamically converging past, present, and future in every frame.

TO SHOP THE NEW GUCCI BLONDIE BAGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #GucciBlondie – Campaign Credits: Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director: Christopher Simmonds – Ph & director: Angelo Pennetta – Make up: Thomas De Kluyver – Hair: Paul Hanlon
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Balenciaga presented his off-schedule Resort 2023 show on Sunday in the Big Apple. It took place at The New York Stock Exchange – a place the fashion crowd normally doesn’t have access to – and began with the ringing of the opening bell.

The French brand embarked on the unusual timing for a company first, under Demna’s direction, to hold a show in NYC. The invitation was a fat stack of fake 100s. And one thing is for sure, you need a good income to get those new pieces that will surely become a hit as Balenciaga revealed his collaboration with adidas in the last part off the show. Latex bodysuits fully covered models’ faces and send all focus on Balenci-adidas. Classic adidas pieces like Three Stripes tracksuits, hoodies, jerseys, and tees get the Balenciaga treatment, boasting updated oversized silhouettes.

The Balenciaga Triple S sneaker comes with the famous adidas stripes, either in white/black and blue/white colorways for CHF 975. However, for me the best pieces of the collection and something that will make its way into Sandra’s Closet.

The tight classic mini dress costs CHF 55 the adidas way (left) and CHF 1390 with the Balenciaga treatment (right). Sorry guys, but this is ridiculous. There I am out!

Balenciaga x adidas is now available only for one week until May 29 on Balenciaga’s webstore. So, act fast, but save some money as Gucci x adidas will officially drop in June. Gucci and Balenciaga both belong to Kering and they obviously like the German manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christopher John Rogers is one of fashion’s most exciting new names, and it’s easy to see why. Since launching his eponymous brand only a few seasons ago, the designer’s unabashed use of color has already earned him a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and a legion of fans, including Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross and Michelle Obama. I wore his rainbow knit dress on a sunny day in New York and went for a walk through Central Park.

My look: Pleated striped ribbed wool maxi dress by Christopher John Rogers, lilac peak-lapels double-breasted blazer by Balmain, La Medusa leather plateau sandals, and small La Medusa top handle bag, both by Versace, square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, and black monogram croc-embossed leather belt by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Color – eclectic – lilac – chartreuse – shocking pink – S/S 2022 is a hopeful collection to give you light in your life. Diane Kendal created the matching make-up look, a look you will surely adore. Wearable, sexy and so Tom Ford. She revealed that the show’s beauty inspiration was none other other than Tom Ford himself. Inspired by Tom Ford’s 1996 runway show, the stunning models donned sultry lids, sculpted cheeks, and of course, some sex appeal.

In a wonderful zoom call with Melissa Fernandes, Education Manager EMEAI Tom Ford Beauty, we explored the whole concept behind this beautiful look.It is all about working on your bone structure with the focus on your eyes for a bold dramatic look.

BROWS
Brows are sculpted with the eye brow pencil. Brush upwards with a flat hold. With a straight hold, make short flakes and fill in gentle your brows.
You can give it a nice lift by accentuating the high point. To summarize:
Flat – bold effect
Straight – hairy effect

Brow Perfecting Pencil – 02 Taupe

EYES
Use the pointy side of your applicator above the grease for the reddish tone, not directly in it. According to Melissa, this will make your eyes look much bigger. This is when your smokey eye effect starts. Under the eye, use half way the yellowish tone.

Then you will apply the brown tone on the eyelid. Very importantly, use the blending brush to blend well between the eyelids and the grease.

Whatever you do – ALWAYS us the blending brush with one or two swipes in between. This will make sure that no hard edges will be visible and that your result will look like from a make-up professional.

The third step for the eyes is to use the yellow tone under the eyebrow and to blend it nicely. Also use this yellow shade in your inner eye corner and for the first part of the lower eye. Then take the spikey edge and tap the sparkling color on top of these areas.

Eye Color Quad – 4 Eye Shadow Compact – Leopard Sun

Next comes the eyeliner but in a very modern way, no wing, only on the base to give definition. Don’t apply it in one stroke, use short movements for your eyeliner. It will give you a much more defined and natural look.

However, Melissa gave us a great tip for any eyeliner mistake. You can use your eyebrow brush to take it off immediately.

Eye Defining Pen – 01 Deeper

If you prefer a super definition, you can apply a kohl pencil on the water line.

Emotionproof Liner – 01 Dominateur

For the final step, use a lot of mascara to give you this sexy and seductive look.

Extreme Mascara – 01 Raven

BLUSH/CONTOURING
Enhance your bone structure. With the darker color, you can contour face perfectly. With the lighter shade, you can add light and highlight parts of your face. Tap on top of cheekbones and blend it in nicely.

The more color you add, the more intense the outcome will be. It is truly an amazing product. Once I tried it, I immediately have become addicted. It will make your skin look juicy and nourished while providing this contouring and highlighting effect we all love. It is so easy to use and I am absolutely convinced that you will love it too.

Shade & Illuminate – Intensity One (comes in different intensities)

LIPS

As the main focus of this make-up look is on the eyes, lips stay natural and muted.

Lip Color – Matte Equus 100

SCENT
«Some scents capture an aspect of my life», says Tom Ford.

This applies to OMBRE LEATHER, which is connected to Tom Ford’s childhood (you can read more about the background here). This Eau de Parfum explores ideas of touch and texture in a warm, enveloping aroma. The notes of Black Leather and spicy Patchouli are enlivened with bright Vetiver, Violet and Jasmine. It’s poured in a matte-black bottle with a faux leather plaque, so it’ll look great on your vanity.

Eau de Parfum – Ombré Leather

The collection is in stores now. You can also shop the products by clicking on the highlighted product description.
It is my favorite make-up look at the moment!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Tom Ford 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Before heading to the Dua Lipa show in Zurich as guest of YSL Beauty, I was invited to an intimate cocktail reception by the French Maison on the rooftop of the Kameha Grand Hotel. The dress code said black and gold. Every corner of the terrace offered another fun experience, from photo booth to make-up application, from specially created drinks to a fun claw machine. DJ Rebekah Abdeen warmed up the crowd for the upcoming concert taking place at Hallenstadion.

There is no doubt that Dua Lipa has become a worldwide phenomenon with a million of fans and several collaborations. She is one of the most streamed and celebrated artists in recent memory. Free, powerful and elegant! Three words that suit the British artist well, who had been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent to be the face of the brand’s bestselling fragrance Libre. A scent that evolves around masculine lavender and the feminine sensual, burning notes of orange blossom. It also comes with a good dose of florals and musks.

The concert in Zurich marks a big milestone in Dua’s career as it was her 50th concert.

 Thank you YSL Beauty for having me! Enjoy all my impressions below…

LoL, Sandra

Thank you Dijana Vasiljevic from the L’Oréal Luxe team for the lovely invitation.

DJ Libre 🙂

My plus one was my friend Cat.

With lovely Erica Coimbra from the L’Oréal Luxe team.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht #IamLibre
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.