Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I received the breaking news that Raf Simons will join Prada starting April 2, 2020. Rumors had been out since quite some time and now it is official. The Belgium designer will join the Italian fashion house as co-creative director alongside Miuccia Prada with equal responsibilities for creative input and decision-making. Their first runway presentation together will be for S/S 2021 in September 2020. «It’s a new wind,» said Miuccia Prada and I have to admit that I agree with Tim Blanks who wrote: «I cannot think of anything like this in the history of fashion.»

In 1978, Miuccia Prada inherited the label that was known for luggage making and transformed it into a global fashion brand with her creative designs. Prada has been a true trendsetter for decades, sometimes too fast thinking for the fashion world, she is often a few steps ahead of the game. Her iconic black nylon backpack launched in 1985 caused a real fashion frenzy and has been popular since then. In 1989 she added ready-to-wear to the offerings. Simons, who will continue to design his namesake menswear label, is the first designer from outside the Prada family to join the house since its inception.

Trendsetting: Prada S/S 2012 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel

Today at the Prada press conference, Simons announced: “Prada is a brand that I have been interested in my whole life. I cannot wait to express to all of you the dialogue I will have with Mrs Prada and her team. To be really honest, Mr Bertelli approached me right after my exit from Calvin Klein. Miuccia and I had a conversation about creativity in today’s fashion system. And it brought me to open dialogue with many designers, not just Mrs Prada. We have to re-look at how creativity can evolve in today’s fashion system.»

Power couple: Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada

Simons, who had worked with Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli before, when he was hired as creative director of Jil Sander in 2005. Prada had bought the German label and was looking for someone to fill the shoes of the namesake designer at that time. Simons’ seven-year tenure at the brand was an absolute success, and the Prada Group sold it to a London private equity firm in 2006.
Simons later worked at Dior and his latest venture was at Calvin Klein, where he was chief creative officer, and abruptly excited in December 2018.

Presented in Milan last Thursday: Miuccia Prada’s last single show for F/W 2020

Miuccia Prada has still a very strong view on fashion. Yet, it seems hard for her at the moment to translate this into sales. Rumors had been that the family is planning to sell to one of the big conglomerates. With the appointment of Simons, it seems that the Prada family will keep it a family business that also owns Miu Miu and Church’s.

Good luck, Raf!

They will have all my support – I have been collecting Prada pieces since a very young age and have always been very fond of the brand. Good luck to Raf, I am really excited to see what the two creative masterminds will come up with…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I told you about Katie Holmes‘s cashmere cardigan and bra set that went viral in the fashion world (for the previous post, click here please). Of course, I couldn’t resist neither. Here you see me wearing it on the streets of Milan during Fashion Week yesterday when I went on a little shopping spree in between appointments and shows.

My look: Scarlet cashmere-blend cardigan, Eda cashmere soft-cup bra, and Vivian cropped high-rise bootcut jeans, all by Khaite, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, printed mulberry silk-twill hair tie, and small TB Monogram print crossbody bag in orange and beige, both by Burberry, plissé sunglasses by Dolce Gabbana, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, and heart necklace with diamond pavé in yellow gold, all by Cartier, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl, and Astro Dior aquarius necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Disclosure: I earn a commission when you follow the affiliation links to make a purchase. 

Prada presents images created by Thomas Demand for the new window displays for its stores across the world, a radically beautiful and colourful sequence of blossoming cherry trees that celebrates the arrival of spring.

Hanami – which means ‘flower viewing’ – is the centuries-old Japanese art of enjoying the beauty of flowers. The cherry blossom season, a highpoint in the year, marks the end of winter and represents the youth, zest for life and emotion embodied by spring, a truly universal image and a powerful symbol of energy.

Spread seamlessly across the shop’s windows, Demand’s floral images, entitled Blossom, give rise to a vibrant narrative which, inserted into the real world, creates a new dialogue with passers-by in cities around the world.

This work fits perfectly into the German artist’s oeuvre, which has the concept of photography as a global language at its heart. Demand is known for making photographs of three-dimensional models that look like real images of rooms and other spaces, often sites loaded with social and political meanings. He thus describes himself not as a photographer, but as a conceptual artist for whom photography is an intrinsic part of his creative process. Having studied sculpture under Fritz Schwegler at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf alongside Katharina Fritsch and Thomas Schütte, Demand began his career as a sculptor. In 1993, he began to use photography to record his elaborate, life-sized paper-and-cardboard constructions of actually or formerly existing environments and interior spaces, and soon started to create constructions for the sole purpose of photographing them. The photograph he takes of this model with a large-format-camera is the final stage of his work, and it is only this image, most often executed in an edition of six, that is exhibited unframed behind Plexiglas, not the models. On the contrary, Demand destroys his «life-size environments» after he has photographed them.

In this series for Prada, Demand once again rebuilds existing images and replaces them with an artificial version of themselves. In his collaboration with Prada, his work encounters and enters into a fruitful exchange with the world of fashion.

The installations, with a curved or box-shaped illuminated backdrop, are rounded off by steel display stands with a matte pink Perspex surface, or illuminated cylinders with the same floral pattern as the scenery.

Te display can be admired at Prada’s stores in New York, Milan, Paris, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles and other selected cities starting this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada – © Thomas Demand

Here comes a new must-have for all fashion and art lovers. A Lanvin master piece, the Pencil bag reinterprets Lanvin’s heritage by highlighting difference. Its sculptural handle, shaped as a cat, is inspired by Jeanne Lanvin’s cat andirons, imagined by the artist Armand Rateau in 1920. So beautiful – an object of desire.

TO SHOP LANVIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE – to pre-order the new must-have bags, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lanvin

This spring, all eyes are on CHANEL! The new mascara LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Why is that?

Two years ago, CHANEL shook up the beauty world with LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL mascara, equipped with the first 3D-printed brush marketed on an industrial scale – a first in the mascara world. It was an immediate hit with women worldwide and hasn’t dropped out of the Top 5 bestsellers in Europe since its launch (Presence in the Top 5 in Europe only, in the Top 20 in the UK and the US).

Launched in 2018: LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL

Today, CHANEL uses innovation to enhance beauty once again with LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL. It reveals a new brush that visibly extends lash length while offering perfectly controlled volume. With 3D printing by ERPRO 3D Factory, a start-up specialized in this technology, the frontiers of product design are pushed even further. By precisely crafting a unique, tailor-made brush, this was the only approach that could technically translate the creative concept defined by CHANEL in order to respond to new awaited makeup benefits. The mascara brush of LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is protected by four patent applications.

Launched in 2020: the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL

Resulting from a close collaboration between the Packaging Innovation and Research teams, the Makeup Creation Studio and CHANEL Research, the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL mascara brush unveils an elegant, streamlined and curved shape that is extremely precise: five branches of two rows of bristles arranged in an elliptical shape with a micro-cavity at the center. This feat was only possible with 3D technology. A simplified approach was taken for a lighter and more flexible brush. With its elastic shape memory, it bends and stretches in all directions before returning to its original form. Ergonomic, it fills with mascara in an instant and delivers it just as intuitively. This brush is as easy to use as it was complex to design. With its perfectly crafted structure, it features an organization of bristles arranged precisely down to the last millimeter. The size of the bristles adapts to the elliptical shape for application in two steps: the longest bristles, at the center, grip and brush each lash by stretching them over their entire length, while the shortest bristles at the tips coat them evenly with the black formula, stroke by stroke. In other words, the work of two brushes in a single tool. This brush was created by printing successive layers of a polyamide powder derived from castor seeds (a bio-sourced material of vegetal origin) and then polymerized with a laser beam.

A mascara with a brush from another world…

The numerous trials carried out to finalize the brush also made it possible to adjust the most important factor: the affinity between the mascara formula and the tool. Thanks to this perfect balance, ensuring an ultra-effective tailor-made result, LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL unites volume and length without compromise. The formula is based on a perfect balance between natural-origin waxes for impeccable glide, stunning curve and a stretch effect. Candelilla wax coats lashes, while carnauba wax ensures magnetic shine. Jojoba esters guarantee the suppleness of the stretch-effect formula and beeswax promises perfect adhesion all day long. Like a latex film, the polymers spread out the lashes in a fan shape. Finally, cellulose coated with ultra-dark «carbon black» pigments envelops lashes and improves their density. Perfectly shaped and covered in black, lashes are extended to the max for eyes that look more wideopen than ever before.
LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

A perfectly controlled line
New to the eye makeup family, LE LINER DE CHANEL comes in seven shades, including four limited-edition colors. In a simple and understated black tube, this liquid eyeliner hides a soft, extra-thin felt tip. With this flexible tip, this precision advantage helps stylize eyes in a single step with no risk of smudges. It’s never been so simple to show off eyes that look bigger and more wide-open than ever!
Its formula contains a polymer, inspired and derived from latex technology, that sets in the blink of an eye. It guarantees impeccable smudgeproof hold and a waterproof effect that lasts until evening.

Classic shades
512 Noir Profond: a deep black
514 Ultra Brun: a rich brown
516 Rouge Noir: a rich plum

Temporary shades
518 Mauve Métal: a metallic lilac
522 Bronze Doré: an intense caramel bronze
524 Gris Argent: a metallic silver gray
526 Bleu Cobalt: a navy blue
LE LINER DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

Enhanced structure
It is often said that eyebrows structure the eyes. A good reason to define their shape with LA PALETTE SOURCILS, which unites two textures and four accessories to precisely groom each hair. On the left, a matte wax sculpts and colors the brow line. On the right, a powder softens this result for a more natural finish. Two brushes are included, as well as a spiral brush for more definition and mini tweezers to adjust brow shape hair by hair. It comes in three harmonies for all women, offering a natural makeup result that surpasses perfection.

Shades
01 Light
02 Medium
03 Dark
LA PALETTE SOURCILS – CHF 64.00

In stores in the beginning of March 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Fun, iconic, versatile: Louis Vuitton accessories for S/S 2020 play on combinations and Monogram effects, so cute and perfect to elevate every outfit to new heights.

Silk is used in playful new ways and approached from different angles, whether tied around the waist, in the hair, around an arm, or a wrist, worn as a scarf around the neck or simply as a handle for a bag. The collection is punctuated with Louis Vuitton’s signatures and codes: the prints adorning many of the pieces play on the iconic Monogram or showcase the LV Circle signature from the Dauphine bag, referencing the House’s leather goods and know-how.

The Monogram Confidential print (available as a bandeau or a silk square) features chains, clasps and small padlocks on a Monogram background. Available as a shawl or a silk square, the utterly romantic and iconic Tree of Louis takes a look at the history of Louis Vuitton in the form of a Monogram tree blossoming with bags, shoes and accessories that have been designed by the House since its 1854 founding.

So pretty: Louis Vuitton’s Confidential print

More pop and arty inspirations can also be found within the collection, with the ABC bandeau. Spelling out the name Louis Vuitton, each letter is reinvented as a totem, matching an animal or character: the L is for the leopard, a symbol of power; the V is for Vivienne, the House’s mascot. The very contemporary Monogram shawl is reinvented this season in new fluorescent denim colours (pink, yellow or blue/pink).

This contrasting combination of prints, shapes and materials gives each piece unique appeal. A Party Palm Springs calf leather bracelet (my favorite) featuring a miniature version of the Louis Vuitton backpack lives alongside a bandeau that can be worn on the arm, or a look can be customised with two other accessories: the Tie the Knot belt or the Louise smartphone case.

Pilot sunglasses are revisited for the summer with Monogram lenses and fashion jewellery complete this new collection of accessories.

Metal pilot sunglasses

Nanogram brings the Monogram motif to bracelets, earrings and hair jewellery; the LV Planet set, directly inspired by the F/W 2019 show, includes earrings with high graphic impact, composed of two mini-globes linked together and embossed with the LV Circle logo.

LoL, Sandra

Nanogram Sweet Dreams earrings

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Burberry launches its latest B Series as part of the series of monthly product drops designed by the fashion house’s Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci.

The Robin, a small black structured bag in smooth Italian-tanned leather with our signature Thomas Burberry Monogram clasp, will be available 17 February from 12 noon GMT exclusively through Burberry’s Instagram, LINE and Kakao platforms for 24 hours and from 5pm CST on Burberry’s WeChat platform for 24 hours.

The bag will debut today at the upcoming F/W 2020 show at 5pm GMT in London.
The next B Series will be available on 17 March 2020. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Burberry

This week, I strolled through Perfumery Osswald in Zurich and explored some of their gourmand fragrances. In the end, some of my old gourmand favorites as well as some new treasures landed in my basket. Their dessert-like qualities and embracing aldehyde accords that tickle our taste buds as well as our nose are enough to make one salivate! Enjoy those beautiful scents below – I wish you could smell them while scrolling:

Kilian
ROLLING IN LOVE

This musc de peau is capturing the sensation of feeling so high on love that it seems to almost «get under the skin.» Working with perfumer Pascal Gaurin, Kilian Hennessy took an entirely new direction. Rolling in Love is more direct and less faceted than his previous fragrances – almost «monochromatic» in its focused representation of a single emotion. Rolling in Love is a «white» scent, layering different textures along the scent’s trail with notes of ambrette seeds, almond milk, iris, and musk.

Top notes: almond milk, ambrette seeds
Heart notes: iris, freesia
Base notes: musk, vanilla, tonka bean

50ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 259.00

Pierre Guillaume Paris
5.1 SUEDE OSMANTHE

Osmanthus is a most bewitching flower, its elegant petals often scenting the rice fields of China with their potently smoky, fruity fragrance. In Suede Osmanthe, the delicate flower’s seductive contrasts are deconstructed and magnified to gorgeous effect. A precious suede, a thin and delicate skin, infused with apricot and black tea notes, olfactive illusion of an osmanthus, conspicuous by its absence.

Top notes: aldehydes, orange blossom absolute, apricot
Heart notes: leather notes of Suederal, black tea notes, osmanthus
Base notes: Moroccan cedar wood, cashmeran, honey sweet musk, myrrh

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 188.00

Tiziana Terenzi
KIRKÈ

This chypre fruity fragrance for women and men was launched in 2015 and an immediate success. It is inspired by the Goddess Circe’s famous enchanted potions – nectareous and mysterious and infused with a lush bouquet of sweet fruit including passion fruit, raspberries and pears. Kirkè’s juicy scent is warmed by the sweet, indulgent heliotrope flower and a sensual base of musk.

Top notes: passion fruit, peach, raspberry, cassis, pear, warm sand
Heart notes: lily-of-the-valley
Base notes: heliotrope, sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, musk

100ml Extrait de Parfum for CHF 218.00

PROFVMVM ROMA
ACQVA E ZVCCHERO

Like waking up from a dream of eating something delicious with the taste still lingering on your tongue – sweet, elusive and ambrosial. As airy as a meringue, as fragile as first love, this feels like honey melting in your mouth, enveloped by tender relaxation.

Top notes: wild berries
Heart notes: orange blossom
Base notes: vanilla

100ml Perfume for CHF 280.00

Montale
VANILLA CAKE

A gourmet and bewitching fragrance, subtly mixing milk, grilled almond, warm caramel and vanilla from Madagascar. A real yoghurt cake just out of the oven with a delicious meringue sillage, reminiscent of your childhood days when your mum prepared a cake for you.

Top notes: almond powder, butter cream
Heart notes: milky mousse, caramel, yoghourt cake
Base notes: baiser, vanilla

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 119.60

In Switzerland, all these fragrances are available at Perfumery Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

I love Valentine’s Day – everything in red and pink, with sparkling hearts makes my heart leap with joy. Here you see me on my way to dinner yesterday, celebrating love and life.

My look: Ruffled embellished chiffon wrap maxi dress by Ashish, bandage and crepe turtleneck jumpsuit by Hervé Léger, vintage CC heart motif earrings and vintage camellia hair clip, both by CHANEL, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, and vintage white black rasoir cut-off cat-eye sunglasses by Miu Miu.

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.

The American fashion house has dropped their new cheekily-named fragrance, just in time for Valentine’s Day and it is very Tom Ford.

«The prick of a rose. The slight pain that yields such sensual pleasure. Inspired by my own rose garden, Rose Prick is a wild bouquet of intoxicating and rare hybrids.
 A trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish and Bulgarian roses. Sharp and pristine. Warm and sensual. A heady bouquet of blooms in pink perfection. The danger of being so close to beauty heightens the seductive power of Rose Prick.» – Tom Ford

F*cking Fabulous. Lost Cherry. And now Rose Prick. The latest cheeky offering is certainly no exception and a rose by any other name wouldn’t be Tom Ford… Strong, unexpected, seductive, with an amazing staying power, the new fragrance smells just as delectable as it looks.

It isn’t overly rosey, inspite of its name, but it imparts a full-bodied rose scent, accented by spicy Sichuan pepper and warm notes of turmeric and patchouli. Personally speaking, after a few seconds I smelled some chocolaty gourmand notes on me, before the deliciously heady trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish rose and Bulgarian rose, which  is one of the rarest varieties of rose in the world, takes over. The base is sweet and sexy with patchouli and tonka bean, finished with caramel, vanilla, and musk.

 You’ve already made space on your shelf haven’t you? I felt the same way when I read the press release. I am so happy to have added the brand new Eau de Parfum to my fragrance collection because it ticks so many boxes for me, not only in terms of the scent itself but also because this matte baby pink bottle with its sophisticated signature black label looks so pretty in my bathroom.

Top notes: Sichuan pepper, turmeric
Heart notes: May rose, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla, musk

TOM FORD Rose Prick Private Blend 50ml is now available for CHF 340.00 and as 250ml for CHF 890.00. TO SHOP TOM FORD ROSE PRICK ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.