Sandra‘s Closet

On Monday morning, I will be on my way to NYC for the launch event of H&M x Balmain and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I love the French Maison as you know and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC

Below you can take a peek at what’s to come. I included for you photos of the campaign and the lookbook. You will be absolutely amazed!

From draped satin skirts to skintight pants, from embellished dresses to the iconic wide belts, all pieces are shockingly affordable Balmain signatures that are as desirable as the runway collections Olivier Rousteing shows on the Paris catwalk season after season.

A little preview of the collection that took place in May 2015 Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing showed up with models Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner, all wearing Balmain x H&M, at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Many of those must-haves are reimaginings of the French Maison’s classics, here are some examples:

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2013 Look 8

Left: H&M x Balmain – Right: Balmain F/W 2012 Look 7

Enjoy the whole collection below and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images, via Vogue.com and Courtesy of H&M

Pleated maxi and midi skirts are a fashion favorite right now, they are being worn everywhere from the streets to the red carpet. Though they have been around for some seasons, they got this fall a style upgrade. Accordion-pleated for beautiful movement as you walk, they are designed to create the illusion of a longer silhouette. Most stylish in metallic hues, like this pleated magenta silk-blend lamé skirt by Christopher Kane, you should definitely get one for your own closet.

Here are my favorites:

1 Felicity pleated printed georgette maxi skirt by Issa
2 Pleated lamé and silk-blend midi skirt by Loewe
3 Pleated satin midi skirt by Gucci
4 Katz pleated metallic silk-blend maxi skirt by Alice + Olivia
5 Pleated silk-blend lamé skirt by Christopher Kane
6 Pleated metallic cotton-blend midi skirt by Lela Rose
7 Pleated crepe de chine maxi skirt by Barbara Casasola

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Patrick Houi, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

During Paris Fashion Week, I attended the launch of Valentino‘s newest scent: VALENTINO DONNA. Dressed in a bottle adorned with iconic Rockstuds, it embodies all that is at once classic and contemporary.

On my way to the fragrance presentation in Valentino dots.

Luminous and sensual, the scent, features a contrast of subtle ingredients that, when combined, create something that is truly unique. Created with old oriental techniques and comprising top notes of bergamot with middle notes of rose essence and iris, the perfume finishes with the lasting aroma of leather, patchouli, vanilla and a white musk accord.

Antoine Maisondieu and Sonia Constant explain their inspiration for Valentino Donna.

Created by perfumers, Sonia Constant and Antoine Maisondieu, VALENTINO DONNA is mysterious, exquisite and timeless, like a couture object, making it the perfect addition to your fragrance wardrobe for the season.

The rose, that is especially Sonia’s fingerprint, is used as three different extracts. Rose Absolute, the purest quality of Rose Oil and natural Rose Water Extract, which is created with the help of a new technology at Givaudan. It is the first time it is used in a fragrance.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml (165 CHF), 50 ml (115 CHF) and 30 ml (82 CHF)
Shower Gel 200 ml (57 CHF), Body Lotion 200 ml (64 CHF) and Deodorant 100 ml (54 CHF)
In stores now.

Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey during the presentation at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris.

The face of the campaign is French actress Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, who embodies the Valentino Donna in the film, directed by Louis Garrel. Italy’s cinematic history has played an important role in the creation of the movie. Inspired by films like ‘Roma’ and ‘La Notte’, the commercial is shot very well. Rome is the source of inspiration and the historic home of the House of Valentino. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli design for a modern, but traditional woman, strong and sensitive, determined and caring. Have fun watching it below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

One month ago, I went to Siena, one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, Italy, with a historic centre that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The Duomo, the Siena Cathedral (photo below), is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and definitely worth the visit. The Piazza del Campo (see photo above), the shell-shaped principal public space that is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, is filled with nice restaurants and bars. I loved strolling through the tiny medieval streets in my comfy flats. Sometimes, it feels great just to wear a little bit of mascara and be casual.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress and  green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, studded sandals by Alaïa, sunglasses by Céline, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Funnily enough, this look seems like being part of Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 collection that is inspired by the most famous landmarks of Italy. Don’t forget, the trunkshow ends today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A love letter to Italy, Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 runway show was styled by Tabitha Simmons. The collection evokes the glories of Italy through the eyes of tourists, highlighting the country’s most famous landmarks—Venice’s gondolas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Michelangelo’s David—came decadently embroidered and beaded atop trademark fluted shifts and lace separates.

The collection’s colorful brushstroke dresses were inspired by the work of Italian artist Lucio Fontana, seen on everything from curve hugging sheaths to generously flared ’50s dresses.

In step with the sightseeing theme, this season’s new Dolce Box was an actual camera (bag). Additionally, the Adelina bag makes its debut. The top handle silhouette that references the1950s is offered in raffia, tweed, and luxurious crocodile. The country’s most iconic landmarks trickled down to the accessories.

There were slippers shaped like gondolas from Venice, handpainted heels that nodded to the ceramics found in Naples, and shopper totes emblazoned with postcard prints in the same tune as the finale dresses. Back again are the most extravagant headphones in four styles…now that’s amore!

“To work on this Dolce and Gabbana show was so much funI loved how Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana celebrated the idea of stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn on holiday in Italy. The energy around the show was infectious, the models were so excited to take selfies backstage and on the catwalk (like any respectable tourist would do!) and then project them around the world. It goes without saying, but the clothes and accessories were brilliant, I have my eye on the long chiffon dress with a humming bird and flower print.” Tabitha Simmons, stylist.

Please find the collection highlights below, to preorder just click on the product description:

Italia Is Love Embellished Shift Dress

Pom Pom Headphones

Dolce Box Bag Camera Case

Caretto Printed Poplin Dress

Orange Mule

Wool Crepe Embellished Skirt

Red Leather IPhone Case

Embellished Net Long Sleeve Dress

Adelina In Crocodile Top Handle Bag

Maiolica Tile Print Short

Be the first to preorder the Italian house’s next summer collection straight from the runway. The DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 2016 TRUNKSHOW is live until October 13, 2015. So hurry up and get the new looks for your best selfies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Moda Operandi, © Kevin Tachman, Venturelli/WireImage

Some of my avid readers know IRMA already from a previous post. This cute illustrated character is created by my friend Jasmin Khezri. We met first at Marie Claire magazine where she was the art director and I worked as a fashion editor.

Jasmin and I at the Chanel show last Tuesday

Can you imagine that it took Jasmin more than 7 years to develop IRMA’s look and style in a complete way. In the beginning, IRMA had big eyes and French-fries legs (well, she still has them but it’s because she has to run everywhere non-stop).

IRMA is an independent girl who is travelling everywhere in the world and this October sees the launch of her first shoe design. The legendary Converse Chucks are now available with an exclusive IRMA design from up-and-coming innovative online company notlikeyou.com.

IRMA will continue her travels and bring you more beautiful things on your feet. Be amazed where she will take you….

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IRMASWORLD and © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my outfit that I wore on Tuesday evening in Paris. One sentence: I love VALENTINO! Everything gives you such a feminine aura, never vulgar always classy and stylish.

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, lace and wool and silk-blend crepe mini dress, Spring Garden brocade knee boots and camouflage fold over clutch, all by Valentino, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Paris Fashion Week is always fun, but of course also very tiring and as you might have realized I get barely time to blog. During the day, you attend many runway shows, visit showrooms, have meetings and run from one place to the other. But don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining, I absolutely adore my job.

At night, the fashion crowd doesn’t stop. Events, launches and after show celebrations take place, such as the Valentino Tribe Party on Tuesday at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris.

The beautiful location was decorated with all sorts of tribal elements and Monsieur Valentino himself along with Alber Elbaz, Creative Director Lanvin, showed up during the night.

With Mister Valentino Garavani himself...

… and with lovely Alber Elbaz of Lanvin.

Later, I went to Raspoutine where L’Officiel Russia celebrated their new social editor, Kisa. It was great to see many familiar faces such as Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman, Jean-Thierry Besins of Bulliony, Natasha Zinko, Lorenzo Giove of Repossi and of course, Benjamin Eymère of L’Officiel Paris… and more!

Enjoy some of the impressions below!

LoL, Sandra

Lisa Feldmann of L’Officiel Germany, my humble self, Alexander Fedotov and Xenia Sobtchak

Lorenzo Giove framed by Fiammetta Cicogna to the right and me to the left.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Natasha Zinko and Kisa

Finally, I have made it to Paris for Fashion Week. Today, two blockbuster shows will take place, Chanel this morning and Valentino this afternoon. For those, who are at home, here is your chance to follow everything real time via app or livestream here on Sandra’s Closet.

So excited for Chanel Airlines, sounds very promising as a theme. The only bummer today is the weather here in Paris. It is raining cats and dogs…

You can discover the Chanel S/S 2016 Ready-to-Wear show on the House’s new fashion mobile application. Fully implicated in the digital world, the Chanel has revised its app, already adopted by two million users. Developed in thirteen different languages, the Chanel Fashion application is free to download and available for iOS and Android mobile phones.

Below, you can watch the Valentino live this afternoon. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

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This weekend, the 11th Zurich Film Festival came to an end. I was invited by Etihad Airways to attend the Award Night at Zurich’s opera house, followed by a dinner and the after party. To honor my host of the night, I went for an oriental look combined with some vintage Chanel accessories that I got many years ago in Monaco. Red is always a great choice for an evening gown, are you RED-y or not?

© Adityans Photography

My look: Jewel-embellished stretch-crepe gown by Alexander McQueen, wide studded belt by Matthew Williamson, vintage clutch and earrings with eagle embellishments, both by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images / Luca Teuchmann, © Getty Images/ Andreas Rentz, © Adityans Photography, © Zurichsee Connections, © Sandra Bauknecht