Sandra‘s Closet

H&M has unveiled today the first three looks of its new designer collaboration with KENZO.
The big reveal is still months away as the collection will hit the stores on November 3, 2016. The pieces are colorful, vibrant and extremely individual. In fact, the tiger stripes that figure in all of these images are based on archival prints.

The looks are presented by friends of the brands, not models. Pictured here are Amy Sall, an activist and founder of SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought + Aesthetics, and artist and poet Juliana Huxtable; Oko Ebombo, a music and performance artist; and Isamaya Ffrench, a makeup artist and member of the London-based collective Theo Adams Company.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kenzo x H&M

“I simply try one hundred per cent to make my jewellery the best it can possibly be.”
Fawaz Gruosi

During the 69th Cannes Film Festival de GRISOGONO unveiled a diamond as big as 404 carats in the glamorous setting of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A mineral beauty called «The 14 Febreiro» was revealed to an audience of celebrities and VIP’s.

The astonishing rough diamond is characterized not only by its sheer size, an impressive 404 carats, but uniquely by its colourlessness and flawless clarity, making it the perfect diamond in de GRISOGONO’s pursuit for the most unique and precious stones. Representing one of the 30 largest top quality rough diamonds ever found, and the largest ever found in Angola, weighing 404 carats and characterized by an exceptional quality and clarity.

Lara Lieto and Fawaz Gruosi at the «Folies in Cannes» party unveiling the amazing diamond.

The exceptional size and clarity of this stone endow de GRISOGONO with a unique opportunity of cutting and polishing process. Working side by side with the best cutters, Fawaz Gruosi will now decide how best to cut this stone to give life to one of the most beautiful jewellery pieces ever created. Contrary to the traditional process, where jewellers are restricted to the polished stones that already exist in the market, with this partnership, de GRISOGONO will have the opportunity to bring its own jeweller’s perspective into the cutting process, maximizing the beauty of the final jewellery pieces.

“ I think in volumes, I imagine in colours, I design in lights.”
Fawaz Gruosi

I cannot wait to see the final result… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of de Grisogono

I started dancing ballet at the age of 4 and it has become one of the biggest passions in my life besides fashion. Being a huge fan of Mary Helen Bowers since quite some time, I was so excited to visit her studio in NYC and take a class (Thank you, Piaget, for this amazing invitation!).

She has trained many celebrities, among them Natalie Portman for her Academy Award-winning role in Black Swan. The former ballerina with the New York City ballet and founder of the Ballet Beautiful® fitness method has created a new way of working out that even allows women that have never danced in their lives to sculpt long and lean muscles like ballerinas have. It is such a great workout that you can do in a hotel room while traveling, at home or wherever you feel you need a little training. Moreover, it is great to get back in shape after a pregnancy.

If you are looking for ballet clothes, Mary Helen Bowers has designed a collection of dance-inspired activewear. Lightweight, flexible and flattering, don’t miss those wrap sweaters, classic leotards and handcrafted Italian-made slippers.

 TO SHOP THE BALLET BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE!

The Ballet Beautiful studio is located in Soho.
98 Greene St, New York, NY 10012

The unexciting door bell that leads you…

… up the stairs to the fifth floor.

Bravo! You finished your warm-up.

Welcome to Ballet Beautiful!

Exhausted and happy after the class… I loved it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ballet Beautiful and © Sandra Bauknecht

Congrats to Bobbi Brown! She celebrates the 25th anniversary of her amazing beauty brand this year! It all started with a simple philosophy: natural complexion and a lipstick, that suits the natural tone of your lips. «Be who you are» is her motto!

To honor the occasion, Bobbi has collaborated with illustrator Richard Haines to create some amazing products that are inspired by the iconic cities, New York, London and Paris. A must for every beautista!

CITY PALETTES (Limited Edition) – CHF 96.00

Available in three different variations:

New York Palette
Cream Eye Shadow, Champagne Quartz Metallic Eye Shadow, Birch Eye Shadow, Espresso Eye Shadow, Blush

London Palette
Pale Cream Eye Shadow, Nude Peach Eye Shadow, Nude Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Rich Navy Eye Shadow, Nectar Blush

Paris Palette
Ivory Eye Shadow, Stormy Grey Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Brushed Granite Metallic Eye Shadow, Eclipse Eye Shadow, French Pink Blush

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LONG-WEAR EYELINER (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

Dark Chocolate Ink (New York)
Union Jack (London)
Gunmetal Ink (Paris)

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LUXE LIP COLOR – CHF 47.00

Bobbi (New York)

Your Majesty (London)

Parisian Red (Paris)

CHF 47.00

Available from the 1st of September, 2016.

TO SHOP BOBBI BROWN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Forget about your own initials, if you want to be in style, you will carry the ones of your favorite designers. Punctuated with a gleaming logo plaque, those bags look best in black. But take note please that most of them are available in many different colors.

1 Textured-leather shoulder bag by J.W.Anderson
2 Insignia textured-leather satchel by Alexander McQueen
3 GG Marmont leather cross-body bag by Gucci
4 Dylan leather cross-body bag by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Christian Dior himself praised the timeless aura of polka dots: “they offer charm, elegance, relaxation and are always casual.“

Joyous, elegant and timeless, polka dots are at the heart of DIOR‘s summer make-up collection with  confetti-strewn nails that are an invitation to dive into a fantasy-filled world.

APPLICATION TIPS
Step 1: apply a coat of polish
Step 2: dip the Dotting Tool into the second polish in the set
Step 3: dab polka dots onto the base coat

SHADES

Pastilles: an azure blue punctuated with nude beige

Confettis: a bold melon heightened with cherry red

Plumetis: a petal pink dotted with lavender mauve

DIOR Vernis with «dotting tool» (one shot) is available now for CHF 44.50.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Guitar straps for handbags are the new It-charm according to Fendi and Valentino. Personally speaking, I find it a great way to customize and to add a rock ‘n’ roll edge to any bag for a personalized look.

Left: ‘Enchanted Wonderland’ embroidered guitar strap and right: ‘Animalia’ embroidered guitar strap, both by Valentino

‘Strap You’ shearling stripe shoulder strap by Fendi

There are many different patterns to choose from, but they are selling out fast. So hurry and secure yours!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Bagbliss

Last weekend, when I was looking for a picture with me wearing my Vela backpack by Prada in the ’90s (see yesterday’s post here), I came across so many old pictures and of course I couldn’t stop going through them. One thing that made me really laugh out loud was that I took outfit post photos more than 10 years before becoming a blogger. Call me a visionary…

Those ones were taken in a hotel room in South Africa before heading to dinner. I wore a jumpsuit by Escada with a little cardigan by Ralph Lauren, sandals by Prada, sunglasses by Gucci and a little charm necklace by Tiffany & Co. Something I would still wear but I have to admit that I am not so sure about my blonde hair and my facial expression is priceless, OMG! Isn’t it a good thing that I like myself so much better today…?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My first Prada moment was in my French class in school when I spotted my teacher with an interesting bag in nylon (how I looked at that time you can see above, blonde as hell…). It must have been in 1989 or 1990. The Italian fashion house had just launched its first women’s ready-to-wear collection and was on its way due to its originality to become one of the most influential fashion houses and a premium status symbol of the ’90s. The designs came to be known for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts as well as the use of unusual fabrics. Prada has always been an emotional brand for me. Probably because I started to collect it from the first season. Most men don’t understand Miuccia’s style and I had many funny discussions about it as I was always drawn to it. It made me feel independent and strong while of course feeling extremely fashionable.

One of my first Prada pieces I got was the famous «Vela» nylon backpack in black that accompanied me through my high school years (see photo above). For being over 20 years old, it looks pretty fantastic! Launched in 1984 in an “industrial-weight nylon used for army tents,” according to Vogue, the utile house classic evolved into its best-known form in 1987.

Vela Backpack by Prada

Now the label’s signature backpack is back on the streets and on its way to become again a must-have. Just as coveted as in the early ‘90s, this sporty-chic style will take you through off-duty dressing on a decidedly chic note. The Vela is just roomy enough to hold all your essentials safe, while keeping you supremely stylish and the nylon material is great when you hit the rain.

The modern version of 2016: Robot Backpack by Prada

Great news is that Prada finally made it into the world of online shopping and is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter and Mytheresa.com.

This post inspired me to show you in the near future a Prada look of each season that I collected over the years. Going down memory lane can be quite emotional, especially as I link events to outfits and scents. I may not remember your name but I will never forget what you wore when we met… it is just the way my brain is structured, embracing a deep love of fashion that I hopefully spread with this blog!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Vogue/Hans Feurer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Timeless and elegant, V-cut pumps sit high on your foot for a glove-like silhouette that subtly gives the illusion of longer legs. This winter they are a must. Highlight their beautiful silhouette with cropped pants or pleated midi skirts.

Leather-trimmed guipure lace pumps by Valentino

Aja suede pumps by Acne Studios

Velvet pumps by Chloé

Low-cut suede pumps by Lanvin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands