Sandra‘s Closet

Great news for the fashion world: luxury conglomerate Richemont is teaming up with former Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz for a new venture at a time when luxury goods groups are vying to make star hires.

«I am very happy to partner with Richemont and to establish my ‘dream factory,’ which will focus on developing solutions for women of our times,» Elbaz said in a statement.

Me with Alber Elbaz in 2015

Elbaz was born in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1961 to a Moroccan Jewish family. He immigrated to Israel with his family at the age of ten and grew up in Holon. After his studies at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, he had jobs at Geoffrey Beene, Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent where he designed the Rive Gauche collection under Saint Laurent himself, and Krizia.

Lanvin F/W 2012 campaign

He then began designing for Lanvin, France’s oldest fashion house, in 2001 and transformed the Maison from a small label with only 15 wholesale accounts to a global fashion house known for feminine, comfortable and clever ready-to-wear that earned the approval of celebrities, critics and customers alike. Elbaz’s simple, feminine clothing, which has been compared to Lanvin’s 1920s outfits, has been lauded by the fashion press. Suzy Menkes wrote: «Elbaz is every woman’s darling. And that includes Nicole, Kate, Chloë Sevigny, Sofia Coppola and a slew of rising movie names.» In 2010, Elbaz launched for Lanvin a mass-market collection with H&M, and proved to be one of the retailer’s most popular annual runway collaboration series. In 2013, he created a much anticipated make-up collection for Lancôme.

Therefore the shock was huge when the announcement came that Elbaz had been let go from the fashion house due to major disagreements on strategy and targeted investment in 2015 with major shareholder Taiwanese businesswoman Shaw-Lan Wang. The house has since changed hands and failed to find its footing.

Shaw-Lan Wang and Alber Elbaz in happier times. Photo: BFA / The Cut

After Elbaz was abruptly fired from Lanvin, the industry has wondered when and how he might return to design full-time. Between then and now, he has turned his hand to designing accessories for LeSportsac, collaborated on a fragrance with luxury perfumer Frédéric Malle, and mentored at prestigious design schools. Recently, the star designer had his comeback For Elbaz, after having skipped several years of shows, watching the fashion industry shift from the sidelines. He designed a capsule collection of bags and shoes for luxury Italian brand Tod’s, called «Happy Moments.» Known for his charming and emotional personality, it couldn’t be a better match.

Alber Elbaz lives it up at Tod’s Happy Moments launch. Photo: Tod’s / Getty

«I like fashion, I like fashion people. But after Lanvin, I did not like fashion,» he told Elle Magazine in September 2019, «I needed to fall in love with fashion again.» To fall back in love with fashion took a lot of time. «Because you have to take a few years distance,» Elbaz continues earnestly.

A shoe from Tod’s Happy Moments collection created by Elbaz.

Now Elbaz has a partner for his next chapter. Today, Richemont  announced an agreement to form a joint venture with the designer, calling it AZfashion, which the Swiss luxury conglomerate described as «an innovative and dynamic start-up, meant to turn dreams into reality.»

As much as the fashion industry has anticipated Elbaz’s return, he and Richemont have their work cut out for them. The announcement about the new brand indicates a completely different approach in this new brand, which the designer told the New York Times will be project-based.

Feminine and dreamy designs: Lanvin F/W 2011 by Alber Elbaz

«Upon hearing Alber Elbaz describe his vision for fashion and the projects it inspires in him, I was again struck by his creativity and insight,» Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement. «His talent and inventiveness, with his sensitivity towards women and their wellbeing, will be of great value to our group and its maisons.»

We will all be watching how Elbaz’ vision will transform… I am sure he will let us dream again… something that is desperately needed in today’s fashion world. Fashion should be fun and Elbaz will teach us!

LoL, Sandra

Me in a Lanvin by Alber Elbaz dress, click here for the post.

 Photo: © David Biedert Photography
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, or otherwise mentioned

Incredible women deserve a gift like no other, and they don’t come any more exclusive or special than this. For holiday 2019, NET-A-PORTER offers an edit of Fantasy Gifts including everything from a bespoke shoe experience in Florence with Aquazzura’s Edgardo Osorio, to a luxurious Priesteregg ski retreat and Bogner wardrobe for schussing on the slopes. These limited-edition packages are designed to treat the receiver to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The 6 Fantasy Gifts will be available from October 24, and can be purchased through their dedicated Personal Shoppers (If you are an EIP, e-mail your personal shopper now to secure your selection …). Here are all the details for your beforehand (Click on the highlighted text please, to be transferred directly.):

The Ultimate Spa Weekend in Budapest with Omorovicza

• NET-A-PORTER’s beauty team has partnered with Omorovicza to create the ultimate spa experience for two people.
• Including two nights at the stunning Four Seasons Gresham Palace in a River View King Room, with breakfast included and a private driver for the duration of the stay.
• Full body and face treatments, and a bespoke skincare consultation at the Omorovicza Spa plus an additional treatment at the hotel spa
• Guests will receive the entire Omorovicza range delivered to their home, including samples of new products yet to be released.
• Not forgetting to recharge the mind as well as the body, this experience also includes a private boat trip along the Danube, a private sunrise or moonlight visit to the Rudas Thermal Baths and dinner with Omorovicza founders Stephen and Margaret de Heinrich.
• In addition to two box tickets to the Opera and cocktails at private members house in District 6, Brody Studios.
• Limited edition: 3 available globally

The Ultimate Ski Weekend with Bogner

• The NET-A-PORTER team has planned the ultimate ski retreat in an exclusive partnership with German athluxury brand Bogner.
• Available from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th January 2020 and offered with shuttle service from the airport, this trip for two includes two nights at the private Willy Bogner chalet in Priesteregg, which boasts spectacular panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
• Including two-day ski passes for the Saalbach Hunterglemm Leogang and Bogner ski outfits (including jacket, pants and a first layer) and equipment (including skis, ski sticks, goggles and helmet).
• This trip also includes the ultimate alpine clubbing experience and there’s the option of a helicopter flight over the four-piste network.
• Limited edition: 1 available globally

Jessica McCormack Botanical Heirloom Jewelry Box

• London-based fine jewelry designer Jessica McCormack is offering this exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry box, inspired by the whimsical tales of Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden
• Featuring two velvet-lined trays sectioned into compartments and embroidered with flora and fauna – every bead, thread, and metallic yarn has been hand-stitched by artisans at Hand & Lock, embroiderers to the Royal Family and purveyors of the art since 1767.
• Turning the tasseled key in the lock of the chest reveals a carefully curated collection of 17 of the brands best-selling styles, including six rings, four pairs of earrings, four necklaces, and a single 3.01-carat diamond charm, which you can use to adorn any chain.
• You’ll also have a chance to visit the brand’s Carlos Place townhouse and select the final personalized touches with Jessica herself.
• Limited edition: 1 available globally

The Bespoke Shoe Experience with Aquazzura

• The ultimate gift for shoe lovers, this unique NET-A-PORTER experience provides the chance to visit the home of Aquazzura in Florence and the private studio of founder and designer Edgardo Osorio, located within the historical Palazzo Corsini.
• Accommodation for one is included at the Four Seasons, where you’ll receive flowers, a small gift and a personal handwritten note from Edgardo, as well as a special guide to his favorite places in the city.
• You will have the chance to see his design and creative process first-hand as he creates a customized shoe exclusively for you, and you will receive a signed sketch after the studio visit.
• Edgardo will also host an intimate private luncheon at his home in the Palazzo. Car transfers in the city are also included.
• Limited edition: 3 available globally

The Ultimate Net-à-Porter Party Wardrobe

• Create your dream party closet with this unique NET-A-PORTER experience.
• With the help of a dedicated personal shopper, you’ll enjoy access to What’s New first, exclusive previews and a chance to pre-order the pieces you love.
• Following a personal consultation, our team will work with you on a wardrobe detox to overhaul your collection and make room for key investment items – leaving you to enjoy a wardrobe where everything is meticulously organized and arranged.
• With a personal edit of the season’s most sought-after pieces, you’ll have all that you need for every event, function and dinner in your schedule.
• Limited edition: 3 available globally

The Shoe of the Month Subscription

• Our Fantasy Gifts make the most special and stylish experiences you could ever wish for into a reality.
• This subscription allows you to transform your wardrobe from the feet up with a new pair of beautiful shoes every month – from the ultimate statement shoe to the perfect pump.
• You’ll be assigned your own dedicated personal shopper from NET-A-PORTER’s fashion team, who’ll give you styling advice, tell you exactly what’s trending and grant you access to products before anyone else, along with the power to pre-order.
• Limited edition: 3 available globally

Aren’t all those gifts just amazing? Which one is your favorite! I am curious to hear…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NET-À-PORTER 

Looking for some Halloween make-up inspiration? Here you go! Bella Hadid reveals her mischievous side for DIOR MAKE-UP with ROUGE DIOR for HALLOWEEN. A spellbinding look in tribute to the most emblematic House of DIOR colour.

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for DIOR MAKE-UP, audaciously celebrates red, the «colour of life» according to Mr. Christian Dior and creates a captivating make-up look that is both chic and enigmatic, that works for Halloween and for daily life.

With ardent lips dressed in striking red, glittering eyelids heightened with elegant eyeliner, and a velvet complexion sporting a vivid blush, Bella is transformed into a mesmerizing femme fatale. The Hitchcockian tension between her and the young man Ludwig Wildsdorff is captured by photographer Richard Burbridge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos © DIOR #DIORMAKEUPHALLOWEEN
@DIORMAKEUP @PETERPHILIPSMAKEUP @DIORBEAUTYLOVERS 

Jeremy Scott presented the MOSCHINO Cruise 2020 collection in Los Angeles in June. The show was filled with trip-down-memory-lane nostalgia, held at Universal Studios, along the same set that served as Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives. Models became trick-or-treaters in a foggy twilight. Every look was literally screaming with humor and modernity: Are you ready for Halloween?

Personally speaking, I am not a fun of typical costumes, as I hate wearing badly sewn polyester stuff. I always try to get designer pieces that serve the purpose. Therefore I will get ready with MOSCHINO for the spookiest night of the year.

Discover the new collection preview by clicking HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MOSCHINO

Since one week, I have been relaxing, chilling and detoxing at Vivamayr Maria Wörth. The place is magical. With the beautiful fall weather, it feels so easy to indulge in some «me-time». Taking a break from everyday life, I love reading in the sunshine and doing yoga on the dock. Stay tuned for a detailed post coming up about my detox week.

My look: Oversized printed cotton jersey hoodie and Triple S sneakers, both by Balenciaga, The Daily ribbed stretch-cotton tank by James Perse, printed cotton-jersey track pants by Kenzo, embroidered book tote and «So Real» sunglasses, both by Dior. Tank Française 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Queen of Rap and style icon, Nicki Minaj collaborates with Fendi to create the coolest capsule collection. «Bentley tints on/ Fendi prints on» the singer rapped in her buoyant single «Chun Li.» And with that, a fashion collaboration was born. Eagerly awaited by the rapper’s fans, known as the Barbz, Minaj’s Fendi Prints On, a 127-piece collection that fuses Fendi’s playful character with Minaj’s bold sense of style, is available now on fendi.com and in selected stores.

The collection features house staples like the Baguette, Peekaboo, and Kan U bag, and more in a range of textures—among them, space-like metallics, shearling and lots of pink Lycra. Even though the designs were overseen by Fendi creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi, it seems as though Nicki had free reign throughout the entire process, whether it was choosing the body-skimming silhouettes and 90s-inspired jewelry or the Pinkprint-inspired hues.

On her latest single, «Fendi», that launched last month, the rapper shouts out the Italian fashion house by declaring «it’s Fendi, it’s poppin’, and we on and poppin’». The song comes just in time to celebrate the launch of this fabulous capsule collection for women and men. Even if you are not a Barbz, there will be something for you, promised!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi, Steven Meisel for Fendi

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Having made a huge investment in the industrialisation of sapphire—the most difficult material to produce—in several colours (transparent, black, yellow, blue and red), to have the quantity necessary to create its models, and given the impossibility of offering an emerald green in this material, Hublot has now explored new avenues.

Today, the brand is able to take a new approach to the ultra- technical and contemporary design of the MP-11 model by shaping its case in an innovative material never before used in watchmaking. Endowed with a deep green that can compete with the finest emeralds, SAXEM combines peerless resistance with a brilliance that comes close to that of a diamond. Within this fully transparent case beats a manual-winding manufacture calibre with an exceptional 14-day power reserve ensured by seven barrels that can be seen from the dial side.

Hublot reaffirms its place as a leader of innovation by making its MP-11—after 3D carbon and transparent sapphire—in a high-tech material that has never been used for a watchcase. Its name is SAXEM, as in Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral. In order to obtain this unparalleled shade of green, transparency and radiance, the Hublot manufacture mixed aluminium oxide, the basic component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The resulting material is both harder than emerald (which is too soft to be machined) and endowed with a brilliance that is greater than that of sapphire.

This jewel of technicality and transparency is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces. An  exploit reserved for connoisseurs, available for CHF 120.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #Mp11Saxem

In 2016, two icons partnered to create one unforgettable collection, the Hello Kitty Collection by OPI. The collection became an instant favorite –the most talked about OPI collection of all time with the most searched for shade ever, Let’s Be Friends!

Due to huge demand, these two icons are saying Let’s Be Friends again! With this collection, Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary. Born from the Japanese «omotenashi» tradition of gift giving, the pop culture icon will celebrate by offering fans the ultimate in holiday gifting. The 2019 OPI Hello Kitty Collection includes 12 signature shades plus three festive glitters, ranging from frosty whites and pinks to deep velvety hues and lots of sparkles.

Inspired by the first collection, best-selling shade Let’s Be Friends!, a powdery pink, will make its return.

Sanrio’s beloved character inspires a range of colors from those evoking frosty landscapes to warm pink sparkles (Let’s Be Friends, Glitter to My Heart, A Hush of Blush, Let’s Celebrate!). Classic reds, rich golds and shimmering pewter (All About the Bows, A Kiss on the Chic, Many Celebrations to Go!, Isn’t She Iconic!) pay homage to the signature Hello Kitty bow while being perfect for the season. Blues and purples in the collection vary from icy hues to deep velvet tones (Pile on the Sprinkles, Hello Pretty, Let Love Sparkle, My Favorite Gal Pal). Additionally, three playful and festive holiday glitters are sure to be the life of the party (Glitter All the Way, Born to Sparkle, Dream in Glitter).

All 15 Hello Kitty Collection shades will be available in classic Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90), long-wear Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and GelColor formulas.

The Hello Kitty by OPI collection will be available from today in Switzerland for at least 3 months.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Hello from beautiful and sunny Austria where I arrived on Sunday evening at VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth. At this famous holistic health clinic that combines modern complementary medicine with traditional diagnostics and therapies according to F.X. Mayr, I will indulge for one week in a healthy lifestyle to detox and recharge my batteries.

Here you see me outside on the first day at the hotel’s private shore enjoying the warm fall weather. Stay tuned for more… right now I will take everything a little slower.

My look: Allia floral cross-stitch linen-blend top and matching Allia floral cross-stitch linen-blend shorts, both by Zimmermann, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, Ace sneaker with crystals, and square-frame glitter sunglasses, all by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#feel_vivamayr