Sandra‘s Closet

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL presents the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana art gallery. To celebrate its inauguration two days before the Cruise 2017 show, guests were able to discover more than 200 photographs by the famous designer.

The exhibition is divided into three sections representing Karl Lagerfeld’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object. It is open until tomorrow and the admission is free.

Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress
Factoría Habana
Calle O’Reilly No.°308, e/ Habana y Aguiar
La Habana Vieja
La Habana, Cuba

Enjoy my personal moments of the opening celebration:

On our way to the exhibition through the streets of the old town of Havana…

… we were guided by beautiful Cuban models.

Factoría Habana art gallery

Karl Lagerfeld arriving at the opening celebration.

With lovely Stella Tennant in front of Karl Lagerfeld’s photos of her.

I fell in love with Lagerfeld’s photos of his muse Baptiste Giabiconi…

… that show the model in a different way.

More to come from Cuba! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel / © Olivier Saillant / © Anne Combaz and © Sandra Bauknecht

I had come back from Havana right on time for Mother’s Day. My daughter really spoilt me on Sunday and I am so proud to be her mum. To celebrate the occasion, I chose this outfit as Dolce & Gabbana’s collections are often celebrating the Italian famiglia and the print on my skirt is based on drawings by the designers’ nieces and nephews.

My look: Neon pink silk top by Balenciaga, printed silk-satin midi skirt and Sicily medium appliquéd embellished textured-leather tote, both by Dolce & Gabbana, feather-winged suede sandals by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo, feline earrings with crystals by Gucci, bangles by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One week offline… internet in Cuba is characterized by a low connections, limited bandwidth, censorship, and high cost. But now I am back from Havana and filled with amazing memories that I cannot wait to share with you. The city is full of beautiful colors and the vibrant walls were the perfect background to shoot this beautiful Temperley London dress that was inspired by Cuba.

My look: Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London, fringed tweed bag, candy necklace and bracelet, all by Chanel, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen, Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I arrived in Cuba and was greeted by CHANEL in my hotel room with a lovely surprise: a very cute straw hat created in collaboration with Maison Michel, the famous hat-maker and milliner that was acquired by the House of CHANEL as one of its specialty ateliers.

The first thing popping up in my mind was, how is this shape called? Is it a Panama or a Havana hat, a feodora or a trilby…? Here is a little guide for you so that you will become a real insider.

The easiest thing to remember is that the rim of a fedora curls up while the rim of a panama hat is straight. A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat which in shape resembles the Tyrolean hat.

Straight rim: straw Panama hat by Rag & Bone.

The rim curls up: grosgrain-trimmed woven paper fedora by Melissa Odabash.

Narrow-brimmed: gradient trilby hat by Diesel.

Trendy, the floppy brim: sunny sequined straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim.

Straw hats in all shapes have already become a must-have accessory for fashionistas everywhere as they are the perfect addition to a summery look. So ladies, hold on to your hats, many exciting things are waiting for you during the next days!

Ernest Hemingway wears the look of the successful novelist in Paris, in 1927, just after his book, “The Sun Also Rises,” hit the bestseller list. (AP Photo/Charles Scribner Sons)

I am leaving now an a Hemingway tour which will take me on a journey, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers here in Cuba. In 1940 Hemingway, with his new wife Martha, purchased a home outside Havana where he would live for the next twenty years. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel

So extremely pretty. When I received the box with the press material, I was immediately taken by TOM FORD‘s new summer products.Unexpected. Sultry. Addictive. Remote private islands where summer lasts all year.
Tom Ford has a history of beautiful summery scents and this new addiction doesn’t disappoint as well. SOLEIL BLANC embodies everything you might be looking for in a scent for warm temperatures. It is an addictive solar flora amber fragrance, seductive, decadent and refreshing at once. It excludes the endless pursuit of sun. I was immediately drawn to it and can only recommend getting it, especially the Shimmering Body Oil.

SOLEIL BLANC

Top notes: Cardamom, Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot and Pistachio
Middle notes: Ylang Ylang, Egyptian Jasmine, Tuberose and Orpur™
Base notes: Amber, Tonka Bean and Coconut Milk

In stores now as Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml (CHF 250.00), 100ml (CHF 380.00) and Eau de Parfum Decanter 250ml (CHF 660.00)
Shimmering Body Oil 100ml (CHF 113.00)

When you are at the counter, check out the new make-up products as well. Especially the ones pictured.

Soleil Conturing Compact CHF 98.00
The Afternooner

Bronzing Powder (Large) CHF 93.00 and (Small) CHF 79.00
Available in three shades: Terra, Gold Dust and Bronze Age

Moisturecore Lip Color – CHF 65.00
Available in Scandola, Mustique, Otranto, Cala Di Volpe, Pipa and Carriacou

Ultra-Rich Lip Color – CHF 62.00
Available in Temptation Waits, Le Mèpris, Aphrodite, Solar Affair and Revolve Around Me

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

Do you have OTS? No worries, it’s not a disease, OTS stands for off-the-shoulder. Those necklines are a must this S/S 2016 season and one of my favorite silhouettes. OTS tops with exaggerated sleeves amplify simple outfits while giving unique looks to them. This summer, they can be found everywhere, here are some of the best ones available now:

1 Maylin crinkled silk-georgette top by Elizabeth and James
2 Cutout silk-satin top by Tibi
3 Off-the-shoulder printed fil coupé top by See by Chloé
4 Off-the-shoulder striped cotton-poplin top by J.W.Anderson
5 Cropped velvet-trimmed crepe and basketweave top by Proenza Schouler

A great piece to create a different evening look: off-the-shoulder cropped silk-moire top by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

I love the feeling when the new season is approaching and you get to wear your newest closet additions for the first time. Those jeans have immediately become my favorites.

My look: Duffle coat by Saint Laurent, wool embroidered sweater with colored zippers, matching T-shirt and GG floral print top handle bag, all by Gucci, printed mid-rise slim boyfriend jeans and faux leather platform brogues, both by Stella McCartney, Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, when I got back from New York, I attended in the evening the opening celebration of Dolce & Gabbana‘s new boutique in Zurich, the first one directly operated by the brand in Switzerland. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 10, the new 830 m2 three-story flagship offers women’s, men’s and children swear collections as well as a large selection of accessories. Male customers can also benefit from a special made to measure service.

Guests were browsing the store and everybody loved the new sunglasses. The natural beauty of the flora of Italy is interpreted in this luxurious and fashion forward limited edition eyewear collection.

My look: Printed silk jumpsuit, matching satin sandals, transparent belt, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag and crystal-embellished key earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alexandra Pauli @ Call List Agency

Iconic superhero characters from the world’s most popular comic books have inspired many designers, this season it is – very unexpectedly – the house of VALENTINO.

Wonder Woman Sweater by Valentino

In December 2015, the French Maison had already launched a Wonder Woman inspired small capsule collection in collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow that was sold over her website Goop. However these 25 pieces were only the preview of a much larger selection that has been released this month.

Last Friday, you could see Italian street artist, Solo, in action, painting a mural at the brand’s Fifth Avenue New York flagship store. Great news is, that you can shop the superhero iconic pieces from now through the summer. The amazing collection – Wonder Woman Valentino — “pays tribute to all women” and features a whimsical explosion of patterns, colors and silhouettes.

And if you are not so into Wonder Woman, you can look for the Spiderman inspired pieces which are also pretty cool. I am totally sold on those fun pieces and you?

Spiderman Sweater by Valentino

It is time to be the super heroine of your own style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino