Sandra‘s Closet

For MIU MIU’s F/W 2018 ready-to-wear show staged in Paris in March, the elegant halls of the Perret building were hung with generic poster-size sheets of white paper, each bearing
a highly distinctive, large-scale, monochrome illustration of a female face or body interlaced with a letterform.

Ambiance at the MIU MIU F/W 2018 show

This MIU MIU «alphabet» – all 26 letters of the alphabet appeared – was created for the occasion by M/M Paris in collaboration with Miuccia Prada.

A «Miu Miu Types» capsule collection of white poplin shirts, cotton hoodies and track pants will be patched with one, two or three letters , all drawing on the ‘MIU’ of the MIU MIU name.
Classic white cotton T-shirts, meanwhile, will be emblazoned with ‘MIU MIU’ spelt out in full in this idiosyncratic and characteristically playful style.

Available for example in MIU MIU’s new boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.

From the end of July 2018, in select MIU MIU stores, clients will be offered the opportunity to personalize a simple white shirt and T-shirt with a single letter of their choosing. In a series of exclusive three-day events visitors will be asked to pick their letter which, will be applied to a garment on the spot or will be sent out for customization and then shipped to their desired destination upon completion.

In this way a bold and beautiful new language for Miu Miu is brought to life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Growing up in Germany, «Christiane F. – Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo» (1978) was a must-read. This non-fiction book portrays the drug scene in West Berlin in the 1970s. It is about 13-year-old Christiane Felscherinow who lives in a multi-story, concrete social-housing building in a dull neighbourhood in the outskirts of West Berlin. She’s sick of living there and has a passion for rockstar David Bowie. After meeting the wrong people, Christiane starts taking LSD in addition to abusing pills, and later heroin.

After her 14th birthday, she even stops going home and spends more and more time at Bahnhof Zoo, a large train and subway station notorious for the drug trafficking that takes place in its underpasses and back alleys. Christiane also starts to prostitute herself. Eventually she recovered and is still alive today, but most of her cohorts either died or are still addicts.

In 1981, the film inspired by the book and directed by Uli Edel immediately acquired cult status (which it still retains today). It features David Bowie as both himself and the soundtrack composer, which gave the film a commercial boost.

Now, Raf Simons, previous designer at Dior and now Chief Creative Officer at Calvin Klein besides his own line, seeked inspiration from this sad story and will launch its collaboration with the story «Christiane F. – wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo». These exclusive pieces will be available at shop.rafsimons.com and in selected stores worldwide. With this project the designer will support organisations that help those in recovery from addiction.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Raf Simons

“There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.”
Christian Dior

 In February 2019, the V&A will open the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior – the museum’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in 2015. Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him, to explore the enduring influence of the fashion house. 

Christian Dior with model Sylvie, circa 1948. Courtesy of Christian Dior.

Based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition will be reimagined for the V&A. A brand-new section will, for the first time, explore the designer’s fascination with British culture. Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British-designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary. He also had a preference for Savile Row suits. In 1947, he hosted his first UK fashion show at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in 1952 established Christian Dior London.

Princess Margaret (left), with the Duchess of Marlborough behind, presents Christian Dior with a scroll entitling him to Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross
© Popperphoto, Getty Images

This exhibition will investigate Dior’s creative collaborations with influential British manufacturers, and his most notable British clients, from author Nancy Mitford to ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn. A highlight will be the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday celebrations, generously on loan from the Museum of London. It will also bring to life Dior’s spectacular fashion shows staged in the UK’s most luxurious stately homes, including Blenheim Palace in 1954. 

Left: Sketch by Christian Dior for model Londres, F/W 1950 Haute Couture collection.
Right: Sketch by Christian Dior for model Oxford, S/S 1947 Haute Couture collection.
© Christian Dior.

Drawn from the extensive Dior Archives, the exhibition will also showcase highlights from the V&A’s world-class Couture collections, including the iconic Bar Suit, gifted to the museum by the House of Dior in 1960. The exhibition will present over 500 objects, with over 200 rare Haute Couture garments shown alongside accessories, fashion photography, film, perfume, make-up, illustrations, magazines, and Christian Dior’s personal possessions. 

Diorling perfume, 1963. Photo © Laziz Hamani

The exhibition will highlight Dior’s vision of femininity, encompassing garments, accessories and fragrances. Flowers are emblematic of the Couture House and have inspired silhouettes, embroidery and prints but also the launch of Miss Dior in 1947, the first fragrance created alongside the very first show. 

Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior London, 11th November 1958.
© Popperfoto, Getty Images

From horticulture to global travel and 18th century decorative arts, the show will reveal the sources of inspiration that defined the House of Dior’s aesthetic. From the daring designs of Yves Saint Laurent to the rational style of Marc Bohan, the flamboyance of Gianfranco Ferré, the exuberance of John Galliano, the minimalism of Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s feminist vision of fashion, the exhibition will show how each successive artistic director has stayed true to Dior’s vision of Haute Couture, while bringing their own creative sensibilities to the House. 

Soirée de décembre evening dress, F/W 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Photo © Laziz Hamani

Tim Reeve, Deputy Director and COO of the V&A, said: “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams celebrates one of the most ingenious and iconic designers in fashion history. Reimagining this hugely popular exhibition from Paris – as the largest fashion exhibition the V&A has undertaken since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty – will shed new light on Dior’s fascination with Britain. The V&A holds one of the largest and most important fashion collections in the world, and we are delighted to be able to reveal highlights from our outstanding collection alongside those from the remarkable archive of the House of Dior, for this spectacular exhibition.” 

Oriole Cullen, Fashion and Textiles Curator at the V&A, said: “In 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion with his ‘New Look’, which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorated the post-War Parisian fashion industry. The V&A recognised Dior’s important contribution to design history early-on in his career, acquiring his sketches and garments from the 1950s onwards. The influence of Christian Dior’s design was all-pervasive and helped to define an era. In their own individual ways, each of the House’s successive artistic directors have referenced and reinterpreted Dior’s own designs and continued the legacy of the founder, ensuring that the House of Christian Dior is at the forefront of fashion today. More than seventy years after its founding, the V&A’s exhibition will celebrate the enduring influence of the House of Dior and uncover Dior’s relationship with Britain.” 

Écarlate afternoon dress, F/W 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Photo © Laziz Hamani

The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams runs from 2 February – 14 July 2019. Tickets will go on sale in Fall 2018 and will be available soon here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Do you hate packing like me? And especially all your beauty belongings? Then I have the perfect solution for you, a kit already packed with 16 samples of some of the best skin, hair and makeup products. The collection is neatly stored in a transparent cosmetics bag for easy packing.

– Omorovicza‘s ‘Queen of Hungary Mist‘ is infused with Neroli and Rose to replenish and purify the skin by delivering moisture and restoring suppleness
– James Read‘s ‘Gradual Tan H20 Tan Mist‘ builds subtle color while moisturizing and delivering a streak-free finish and lightweight feel
– Joya‘s ‘Composition No.1‘ roll-on parfum is blended with top notes of fresh Mandarin and Orange, which gently fades into floral Heliotrope, the musky dry down of Tonka Beans and creamy Sandalwood

– Hampton Sun‘s ‘SPF45 Mineral Sunscreen Crème‘ hydrates and strengthens skin while offering broad spectrum protection from harsh UV rays
– Grown Alchemist‘s ‘Vanilla & Orange Peel’ hand cream is blended with Rosehip and Camellia Oils to nourish and hydrate dry, chapped or chafed skin
– Philip Kingsley‘s ‘Elasticizer‘ restores elasticity, bounce and shine without adding weight – it’s designed to target weak, damaged cuticles
– Packed with hydrating Geranium and Chamomile extracts, Oribe‘s ‘Crème for Style‘ delivers luminous shine and natural texture
– SACHAJUAN‘s ‘Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo and Conditioner‘ will rebuild, plump and fortify each fiber, while creating volume and leaving your tresses with a healthy bounce

– Legology‘s ‘Sun-Lite’ cream gives you a natural-looking sun-kissed glow, while hydrating skin and evening out overall tone
– Charlotte Tilbury‘s ‘Wonder Glow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash‘ is infused with a subtle lustrous tint that reflects light to blur imperfections and fine lines
– This Works‘ ‘Perfect Legs Skin Miracle‘ is enriched with Vitamins C and E to even out skin tone and imperfections, while Arnica helps fade bruising

– Eyeko‘s ‘Yoga Waterproof Mascara‘ is blended with Matcha Green Tea and botanical fruit extracts including Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry and Vitamin E for instant lift, curl and a flexible hold
– Formulated with unique Triple Shine Complex and a blend of high-performance ingredients, Marc Jacobs Beauty‘s ‘Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer‘ promises brilliant luster and the illusion of a plumper pout. ‘Sugar Sugar‘ has a subtle mint scent and is flecked with gold, creating a shimmery finish that enhances its brilliant shine
– Enriched with Shea and Mango Seed Butters, Lipstick Queen‘s ‘Mornin’ Sunshine‘ shade adjusts to your individual body chemistry and pH level to create a unique, one-of-a-kind berry hue
– Inspired by the natural radiance of gem stones, Kevyn Aucoin‘s ‘The Loose Shimmer Shadow‘ enhances your eyes and illuminates skin. ‘Selenite‘ is a soft gray that is so flattering on cool-toned complexions

TO SHOP THE JET-A-PORTER BEAUTY KIT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

«The aura given out by a person is as much a part of them as their skin,» proclaimed renowned 20th-century portraitist Lucien Freud when discussing his artistic aspiration to capture the complexion of his subjects. A perfect, glowing complexion is, after all, the incarnation of timeless beauty, the picture of health, the very essence of youth. But the portrait of beauty is only as perfect as its canvas — there can be no perfect complexion without perfect skin.

Are you looking exactly for this perfection? Then I would recommend that you try LA PRARIE‘s new Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation, the first compact foundation infused with Caviar Water, the brand’s exclusive cellular complex, that is combined with technologically advanced pigments and SPF 25 broad spectrum. The result is a fluid, hydrating emulsion that provides natural-looking complexion enhancement, smoothing and essential protection all in a single, perfect product.

Housed in a sleek portable compact, it is the beauty must-have for on-the-go touch-ups with sun protection that leaves skin with a refined texture, while buildable light-to-medium coverage offers a seamless, natural-looking finish.

Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation is available for CHF 225.00 (2 x 15ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie
@laprairie #skincaviar #artofcomplexion #caviarinmybag

I am really in love with Natacha Ramsay-Levi‘s designs for Chloé. For her S/S 2018 debut collection for the French Maison, she collaborated with an artist to develop prints and patterns that symbolizes nature, rebirth, the human body and new beginnings.
In general, Chloé used to be too big on me. Since Natacha took over the helmet, everything fits me perfectly and flatters the body. To a beautiful Chloé summer…

My look: Ruffled printed silk mini dress, Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag and Rylee pointy toe boots, all by Chloé, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, cuff by Céline and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«THINGS ARE BECOMING LESS BLACK AND WHITE AND MORE EVOLUTION!»

Prada Cinéma Evolution, the new Prada Eyewear digital project, is an ironic foray into the myriad facets of the female identity.

Inspired by the dreamlike power of film, Prada Cinéma Evolution lets dreamsflow with a surprising and amusing projection of personal memories. A TV commercial, an unexpected sound, a reflection in a mirror and a birthday cake are moments that emerge and entwine in a very personal film about a young woman on a sunny summer day.

The sunglasses and eyewear of the new Prada Cinéma collection are the stars of the story, a narrative device triggering a playful dichotomy between perspective and perception, subject and object and leaving the viewer to ponder the question: “Are you the observer or the observed?”

The new eyewear collection takes center stage with an unusual combination of contemporary aesthetics and sophisticated femininity. The sunglasses and eyewear have oversized frame fronts emphasized by a shining metal element, while the temples preserve the flat design of the iconic collection.

The digital project is live on www.prada.com and on official Prada social channels.
TO SHOP THE PRADA CINÉMA COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, SANDRA

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Playful in polka dots – JO MALONE launches colourful colognes, stripy candles and brilliant bubbles. Bath time has never been this fun- enjoy this limited edition collection «QUEEN OF POP!», curated by Poppy Delevingne.

Shh… Busy Bathing!

Enjoy a long, uninterrupted soak with the new luxurious Bubble Bath, available in three different scents. It nourishes skin with wonderfully fragrant bubbles. A relaxing bath time indulgence, its formula is enriched with a blend of sumptuous, skin-conditioning ingredients to cleanse and soften. All dressed up in a decorative bottle from Queen of Pop.

Black Cedarwood & Juniper and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 95.00
Velvet Rose & Oud Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 100.00

«The design of the collection was inspired by my love of stripes, polka dots and all things pink…I wanted every product to be eye-catching and above all, fun. The Colognes, Candles and Bubble Bath will look amazing in any bathroom…»
– Poppy Delevingne

Blackberry & Bay, Grapefruit and Basil & Neroli Home Candle 200g – CHF 86.00

Amber & Lavender, Red Roses, Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.00

In stores now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Lovely gift and a not from Poppy – thank you!

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone
#FromPoppyWithLove

Yesterday, Italian fashion entrepreneur, also called the «Jeans Genius», Renzo Rosso, was spotted during Paris Haute Couture Week wearing a T-shirt with cryptic wording on it. A mistake, or a purposeful provocation? It was both—a mistake on purpose.

Me with Renzo Rosso at Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbombastic Party during Paris Couture Week.

DIESEL founder Rosso definitely doesn’t make a mistake. This move is a marketing strategy par excellence. The President of OTB Group, the parent company of Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni, Paula Cademartori, Viktor & Rolf, Staff International (manufacturer and distributor of DSquared², Just Cavalli, Maison Margiela, Marni and Vivienne Westwood), and Brave Kid (manufacturer and distributor of Diesel Kid, Dsquared², John Galliano Kids, Marni and Trussardi Junior) knows how to get attention and make a statement in the right way.

His message?
Anything you do online, whether you are famous or not, will get judged. Hate brews on the internet; angry, bitter people are able to hide behind the anonymity of their screens. At one point or another, everybody receives hate on social media. He wanted to provoke his audience with an intentional misspelling in public and on Instagram. As expected, tons of comments appeared in his feed over the next few hours, giving more proof that conflict and hate are inescapable online.

DIESEL once again taps into current social issues in a very personal way, starting with self-mocking. The brand’s Haute Couture will be a bold message towards haters worldwide—and an invitation for everyone to step up, face and own the negative messages we receive every day.
The complete reveal of this new communication ‘adventure’ will occur at the end of summer—so, now more than ever, stay tuned. Bravo!

In the meantime, I will be on vacation wearing this shirt :-).
Swarovski crystal-embellished cotton-jersey top by Ashish

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel and © Sandra Bauknecht

To all my US readers, I am wishing you a very Happy 4th of July! When I lived in Chicago, it always felt so special since it’s a celebration of all things summer with backyard barbecues, beach days, and fireworks. To honor this memory, I am wearing stars and stripes, blue, red and white today. I added some rainbow colors as a symbol of LGBT pride and to remember the true meaning of Independence Day: «Home of the Free because of the Brave».

My look: Jacquard-knit mini dress by Givenchy, Peggy striped platform sneakers by Gucci, embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs, D-fence visor cap in white cotton by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht