Sandra‘s Closet

More news from the Middle East, a region that is developing extremely fast at the moment in terms of fashion business. With the launch of VOGUE ARABIA, the new online shop OUNASS that only serves the Gulf markets, operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and a growing loyal customer base in the Middle East for global online shopping destinations such as NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION and MODAOPERANDI, the economy is booming. Many of those online houses are working on localised sites in the region, mostly planned for 2018/2019.

Dolce & Gabbana launched a collection of hijabs & abayas in 2016 with a lot of success.

According to a 2016 Digital Middle East report by McKinsey & Company, the Middle East is on the edge of a massive digital evolution with significant unused e-commerce potential.

Ghizlan Guenez, CEO and Founder of The Modist

Yesterday, the first global online destination for luxury modest fashion, THE MODIST, has been launched. Conceived by Ghizlan Guenez, CEO and Founder, it provides a destination for like-minded women who want in-season, luxury fashion choices while respecting the context of their personal style, spanning all ages, faiths, cultures and ethnicities. 38-year-old Guenez, who is originally from Algeria, has been living in the UAE for the last 20 years which has helped her to profoundly understand her target market. With this launch, she is definitely trying to own the region before anybody else.

“Our mission is to build a strong sense of purpose to empower a woman’s freedom of choice and to acknowledge how similar women across the world are, despite our diverse backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles – a relevant conversation at this time,” notes Guenez. “We aim to break down pre-conceived notions while building a community and dialogue that invigorates, informs and celebrates the fashionable, modern, modest woman“.

THE MODIST is shipping to over 100 countries, it is dedicated to women who dress to express their style in a contemporary, fashionable yet modest manner. The selection includes pieces of over 75 of the world’s leading ready-to-wear and accessories brands including Marni, Alberta Ferretti, Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou amongst others.

If you are wondering how pieces from such designers can be modest, you come to the expertise that THE MODIST wants to curate by styling such brands in a more modest way and by proposing many ideas of styling, including clever layering, longer hemlines and sleeves. Being inspired by regional insights to still attract a global audience that is the motto.Combining curated content and commerce, THE MODIST‘s accompanying magazine, «THE MOD» will provide shoppable content, seasonal features, styling guidance, moving image segments, behind the scenes excerpts as well as profiles and interviews. The platform will also include personal styling and shopping tips, an in-house studio and a 24/7 personal concierge all built on an enterprise level e-commerce platform with global logistics partnerships.

Lisa Bridgett, Chief Operating Officer, whom I know from her position as Director of Global Sales and Marketing at Net-à-Porter, adds “The market potential within the modest fashion segment is vast and projected to reach a value of $484 billion by 2019. Our goal is to provide a one-stop, immersive content and shopping destination for the global luxury modest consumer whom we know and herald“.

The team behind The Modist: Sasha Sarokin, Sally Matthews, Ghizlan Guenez, Lisa Bridgett, Dima Ayad.

With offices in London and Dubai, THE MODIST team comprises, in addition to Guenez and Bridgett, international business and fashion industry specialists including Sasha Sarokin, Buying and Fashion Director (former Head Buyer at Net-à-Porter); Sally Matthews, Creative Director (former Fashion and Beauty Director of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia) and Dima Ayad, PR and Marketing Director (former Fashion Designer and Marketing VP).

Another and interesting way of styling the Duritz pussy-bow printed crepe de chine maxi dress by Mary Katrantzou.

Great news is that you get 15% off your first purchase at THEMODIST with promo code MODGIFT.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Modist, @ Harper’s Bazaar Arabia

The launch of VOGUE ARABIA is not only a milestone for the Arab fashion scene, it is a milestone for the world of print and online media itself. In a historic move for a Vogue magazine edition, it first launched as a digital website in October 2016 before focusing on print from Spring 2017.

Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, Editor-in-Chief Vogue Arabia.

The magazine will be distributed in several Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz is the Editor-in-Chief of the 22nd edition of Vogue. The publication is a partnership between Condé Nast and Dubai-based media company Nervora.

In the beginning of this month, I had the honor to receive the first print edition as an exclusive preview and I absolutely adore this issue, which is published in Arabic and English. The cover features model Gigi Hadid, who is half Palestinian and half Dutch, photographed by Inez and Vinoodh. Visually, undoubtedly this is one of the best Vogue covers of all time.

“In one poised photograph, she communicates a thousand words to a region that’s been waiting far too long for its Vogue voice to speak,” says the Editor-in-Chief, Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz.

Arabia’s fashion awakening is here. Stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vogue Arabia, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Marcy Swingle for The New York Times

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated every year on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Bobbi Brown has worked hard to empower women beyond makeup. Through «The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls», that was launched in 2013, the cosmetic brand has partnered with organizations that make education and learning accessible to women and girls on a global level. In 2017, Bobbi Brown is is teaming up with Kiva by donating $300,000 to the global non-profit organization that helps low income women in over 80 countries secure microloans and create better futures for themselves.

What is it?
Pretty with a purpose – introducing Bobbi’s best-selling, multi-tasking lip and cheek formula Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge in limited edition Pretty Powerful Pink III. Your purchase will support Bobbi Brown’s donation to Kiva.

Who is it for?
The woman looking for a creamy color formula that can be used on both lips and cheeks.

How do I use it?
Press onto apples of cheeks, blending out and down toward hairline using your fingertips. Apply with fingertips or the Lip Brush (sold separately) on lips; can be worn alone or with Lip Pencil and Lip Gloss.

Why is it different?
One thing is clear: an educated girl is a pretty powerful girl. With the purchase of this limited edition shade, you will support Bobbi Brown’s $300,000 donation to Kiva. Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge is available now at all Bobbi Brown locations and online.

You can also support Kiva by lending directly to a woman or girl in a developing country. Once your loan is repaid, you can use the funds again and again – truly a gift that keeps on giving.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday I flew to Paris with Ruinart for a special event that I will tell you more about this week. Being in the French capital with its sophistication, style and allure, I felt like wearing lace, bows and pearls, one of my favourite combinations.

My look: Feather cape with contrasting bow and lace lining and pussy-bow velvet-trimmed lace dress, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, lace-up leather pumps by Saint Laurent, large classic flap bag in caviar leather and smiley emoji black pearl crystal long necklace, both by Chanel, Agnes felt hat with net veil by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have ever enjoyed the exquisite gastronomy by Andreas Caminada, you will understand how much passion goes into it. Therefore it seems so obvious that he is the new chef in the Hublot brigade. Both share spirit and determination for what they do. It is this quest for perfection that brings together the Swiss watch manufacturer and its friends!

In the kitchen with Andreas Caminada to the left and Ricardo Guadalupe to the right.

Last week, I was invited by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, to an exclusive lunch at Schloss Schauenstein, home of Andreas Caminada, to celebrate this new collaboration in Fürstenau, the smallest village in Europe.

Some impressions of the beautiful lunch I enjoyed last Thursday.

Andreas Caminada looks more like a rock star but in his heart he is a countryman who works with local products, grows some of it, and whose cuisine has absolute watchmaking precision. He likes simple and natural things. An international reference, at nearly 40 he is the youngest chef in Europe to have won a third Michelin star, which he did 7 years ago, and his 19 Gault & Millau points and stars have launched him to the firmament of gastronomy. He skilfully combines audacity, innovation and tradition. Eating at his table is like sitting down at the family table, so convivial is the atmosphere he cultivates. I can absolutely recommend a visit to his restaurant which has been voted as one of the best restaurants in the world for eight years. The beautiful castle Schloss Schauenstein has also rooms where you can stay overnight.

There are destinies that life brings together. 2004, the year that changed everything for Hublot and for Andreas Caminada, the year that marked the start of their dizzying rise. For Hublot, it was the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver as CEO and the birth of the Big Bang, unveiled a few months later in 2005. For Andreas Caminada, it was his first Michelin star.

Hublot & Andreas Caminada – the taste for excellence fused.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

This spring, Aerin Lauder takes her favorite three fragrances to new heights with the launch of the AERIN d’Or collection. All three existing scents are newly interpreted with the addition of very luxurious ingredients such as fine woods, like oud and patchouli, along with musk and amber.

The golden packaging is beautiful and will look gorgeous on your bathroom shelf. What a great gift for Mother’s Day!

TANGIER VANILLE D’OR
Oriental

Tangier Vanille turns to gold, taking you more deeply into the mystery and splendor of Morocco, leaving a trail of scent that is shimmering like gold in the air.

Top notes: Bergamot, plum and Bulgarian rose
Middle notes: Madagascar vanilla, saffron and myrhh
Base notes: Cashmere wood, crystallized amber, tonka bean and sandalwood

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

EVENING ROSE D’OR
Oriental Floral

The allure of night in the city that is what Evening Rose is about when it turns to gold.

Top notes: Blackberry, litchi and pink pepper
Middle notes: May rose, Bulgarian rose and honey
Base notes: Incense, patchouli, amber and leather

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

AMBER MUSK D’OR
Oriental Floral

Amber Musk turns to gold, enveloping your senses in its soft, inviting world.

Top notes: Magnolia and coconut water
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley and May rose
Base notes: Oud accord, ambroxan, amber, praline, musk, benzoin and incense.

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

In Switzerland available from Mid March 2017 exclusively at Globus or in the Swiss webshop.
TO SHOP AERIN BEAUTY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Estée Lauder
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fashion can be quite challenging as it likes to back and forth between faux-pas and the ultimate trends. What was an absolute no-go is now the must-have of the season. This summer it is the combination of heels and socks that shows the trendsetter. Grab a pair of heels, a pair of great socks and off you go. Here are the best ones available:

From left to right: Bow-embellished stretch-lace socks by Gucci, striped cotton-blend knee socks by Marc Jacobs, lace-up ribbed cotton knee socks by Prada and intarsia knitted socks by Vetements + Reebok.

From left to right: Striped sequined stretch-mesh socks by Gucci, Little William embellished ribbed cotton-blend socks by Gucci, ruffled wool-blend socks by Alexander McQueen and star-intarsia knitted socks by Givenchy.

I am embracing the trend with those lace socks by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: via Pinterest and © Sandra Bauknecht

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
― William Shakespeare, As You Like It

A throwback post to the City of Angels… from the Spirit Awards with Piaget to all the A-list parties happening in Hollywood to celebrate all things Oscar, Los Angeles is always worth a trip in February even that the weather can be quite cool.

My look: Ruffled silk-blend lace gown and leather and guipure lace bra, both by Alexander McQueen, stretch-lace thigh boots by Dolce & Gabbana, vintage embroidered clutch bag by Valentino, «Extremely Piaget» earrings in white gold set with pear-cut diamonds and cushion-cut yellow diamonds, «Extremely Piaget» ring with yellow and white diamonds, and rose diamond ring, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Piaget and © Getty Images

“Everyone called her Coco but her real name was Gabrielle. It’s the perfect name for a handbag that has all the codes of CHANEL,” explains Karl Lagerfeld.

In in the beginning of January, I told you already about the new It-bag alert, the GABRIELLE by CHANEL (for the previous post, click here please).

But who is Gabrielle? With the launch of this new bag that bears the name of the founder of the House, Karl Lagerfeld has been continuing the tradition and enriching the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel who created a handbag in February 1955 that freed up women’s movements. Her design was a bag with lines as beautiful as they were functional, by this she revolutionised the world of fashion and accessories.

Introduced during the S/S 2017 runway show (see photo above and the next two below), this new bag draws from the futuristic spirit of the collection with a mischievous wink to Gabrielle Chanel. Indeed, the designer was inspired by the shape of augmented reality glasses, and also by the binocular cases gentlemen would wear over the shoulder at the racecourse. We know menswear gave Gabrielle Chanel the idea to design, among so many other things, bags that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Fitted on a rigid thermoformed base, the main body of the bag is extremely light and ultra-supple: this contrasting structure gives it perfect stability and enables women to find their belongings with ease. In tune with the search for comfort advocated by the founder of the House, it hugs the silhouette, moves with the gait and never hinders it. Its adjustable strap comes with a double chain interlaced with leather in both golden and silver metal.

An original detail that allows for three different ways of wearing it: either over the shoulder, across the body or both at the same time, with the chain going over one shoulder and then diagonally over the other. It thus adapts to the wearer’s character, situation or mood.

Crafted from aged calfskin with a quilted body and a smooth base, in black or white unicolours or bicolours (black/white, navy/black, beige/black), CHANEL‘s GABRIELLE bag comes as a hobo version, itself available in three formats, a backpack, a large shopper and a supple purse contained in a rigid half-case. This purse exists in numerous versions: in addition to the leather version there’s black python and also vibrant shades of yellow, pink, red, blue and aqua. The lining is a garnet-hued cloth, the ultimate reference to the first-ever bags created by Gabrielle Chanel.

With CHANEL‘s GABRIELLE bag, Karl Lagerfeld renews the distinctive codes of the brand and perpetuates the history of a House: a beautiful tribute to its founder who always put comfort and women’s freedom at the heart of all her creations.

Below you can enjoy some of the new models from the Paris Cosmopolite Métiers d’Art collection that feature some amazing special editions of the Gabrielle collection.

The pieces from the S/S 2017 collection have already hit the shelves this week, so hurry as those will sell out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel
#TheCHANELGABRIELLEbag
#GabrielleChanel

Born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, EDGARDO OSORIO combines his eye for drop-dead glamour, his passion for modern design and his hand for luxury craftsmanship into desirable footwear. After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first strides in the footwear world within some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Sigerson Morrison, René Caovilla, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after working in the industry for 10 years, and at just 25 years old, Edgardo launched his luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA. Striking the perfect balance between modern design and impeccable craftsmanship, Edgardo creates stylish yet wearable footwear for the modern woman. Today, he shares his insider scoop on the city he is living in with us!

Your favourite city?
FLORENCE – My home. My headquarters are situated in the historical Palazzo Corsini along with the Florentine flagship store (see photo above). Along the Arno River, in the heart of Florence and near the best shoemakers and craftspeople in the world.
Aquazzura Store, Lungarno Corsini, 42, 50123 Florence, Phone: +39 055 291242

Your favourite hotel?
J.K. PLACE FIRENZE – This small boutique hotel is the most stylish address to stay in Florence.
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 2645181

Your favourite restaurant?
BUCA MARIO – Traditional Florentine cuisine in the heart of the historic city centre, housed in a sixteenth-century buca. In Florence, buche were typical cellars situated beneath imposing historic palazzos often owned by aristocratic families. They were used to store salted meats, ham and salamis, and, above all, to house precious wine. Enormous oak vats lined the thick walls, which maintained an ideal temperature. As you make your way down the old entrance stairs of Buca Mario, it is impossible not to step into the past.
Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 214179

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
LA TERRAZZO LOUNGE BAR on the rooftop of HOTEL CONTINENTALE – From the rooftop bar you get a magical view of the cathedral and other historic buildings located in Florence.
Vicolo dell’Oro, 6R, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 27262

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The VASARI CORRIDOR, a hidden corridor used by the Medici family to get between the Pitti Palace and the Palazzo Vecchio. It is one of the most unique places in Florence, with a one of a kind collection of self-portraits from the 16th century.
Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze

Your favourite park?
BARDINI GARDENS – It has three sections: a great baroque flight of steps, fringed with irises. It ascends to a belvedere and with expansive views of Florence, an English garden with its Channel of the Dragon and a farming area with almost-medieval hillside terraces planted with olive trees.
Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 2006 6206

Your favourite shop?
OFFICINA PROFUMA FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA – It is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.
Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 216276

Your must-have accessory?
A BORSALINO PANAMA HAT – stylish and iconic.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Old italian songs by RAFFAELLA CARRA to put you in a great mood!

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
«SAVING ITALY» by Robert M. Edsel – An unforgettable story of epic thievery and political intrigue, a testament to heroism on behalf of art, culture, and history.

Thank you, Edgardo, for sharing your insider scoop on Florence with us!

TO SHOP AQUAZZURA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the different locations, © Edgardo Osorio/Aquazurra and © Sandra Bauknecht