Sandra‘s Closet

In July, I showed you already a sneak preview of the gorgeous OPI The Man With The Golden Gun top coat, which contains real flecks of 18kt gold. For the previous post, please click here.

Of course, I was so excited to try it out myself and I have to say that it is an amazing product as it makes your manicure last forever. I wore it in Paris for fashion week and got lots of compliments for it.

Now I would like to present you the complete range by OPI for this holiday season, that pays homage to the 50th Anniversary of movie icon James Bond. This special line of nail polishes – named after the latest 007 movie Skyfall – features 13 limited-edition nail lacquers.

“From metallic and glitter finishes to jewel tones and even a jet black, these lacquers capture the film’s sophisticated and glamorous look.” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. The Skyfall nail polishes are even featured in the latest Bond movie by actress Bérénice Marlohe.

The OPI Skyfall Collection will be available in Switzerland starting November, 1st, 2012 for CHF 23.90 and CHF 49.90 for the top coat “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of OPI and IMDb

To attend the Chanel S/S 2013 show, I wore this uber-fabulous “Ivory” dress from Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 2012 collection which is my favourite piece for the season and combined it with different Chanel accessories.

My look: Layered “Ivory” dress with leather sleeves by Mary Katrantzou (If you like the print, you can shop here a simpler version), XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock bag, glitter bi-colour ankle boots and earrings, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Marie Claire Magazine

During the last months, we have been eagerly waiting to finally see the new campaign for CHANEL N°5 featuring Brad Pitt. This morning, the result was revealed. Joe Wright, the director of the new advertising campaign, shows Brad Pitt delivering a monologue directly into the camera. The actor’s voice comes across as both, captivating and passionate in the dramatic black and white film that you can enjoy below.

LoL, Sandra

Campaign photo and film: © Chanel

Chanel’s stage sets have been among the most outstanding ones in fashion history. Karl Lagerfeld creates what you would call the “excess in fashion”. From icebergs to barnyard spectacles, from apocalypse to mineral backdrops, this season, he went for a wind farm and solar panels for his Chanel S/S 2013 runway show. Only Karl Lagerfeld could take twelve wind turbines and make it a fashionable backdrop. The front row featured Jennifer Lopez with her cute daughter on her lap. “Energy is the most important thing in life” said the famous designer in an interview. “The rest comes later.”

And his Chanel S/S 2013 collection had new energy, a breath of fresh air. The traditional Chanel suit was given a new look with summer colours, while denim enlightened the beautiful white outfits. Big pearls finished off this very wearable collection perfectly. Young and sporty fabrics completed the renewable energy theme. The silhouette was dominated by an A-line or a bolero. My favourite was the uber-stylish “hula hoop” beach bag. I like it a lot!

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

This week was my “German” week. On Tuesday, I went to Hamburg to finalize an amazing project for Sandra’s Closet’s upcoming third birthday and then I drove to Frankfurt, which is my place of origin. I was born and raised in the picturesque Taunus, a part of the Central German Uplands, located at the gates of Frankfurt. I love the Hessian mentality and have to admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time here recently but whenever I am back, I feel at home.

I am staying at the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star luxury castle hotel, that is owned by the Landgrave and Princes von Hessen. It offers you living history to touch and feel. Exclusive furnishings and an impressive collection of antiques and paintings from the private estate of the mother of the last Kaiser convey the authentic ambience of a castle from imperial times and makes me feel like a little princess.

Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane and showed my daughter the school I went to: St. Angela Schule in Königstein, a private all-girls school, attached to an Ursuline convent. Personally speaking, I loved this mono education and truly enjoyed my time there. Until today, I am close to my five best friends from school. When I saw the pillar we decorated for our graduation, I was so touched that the tears kept rolling down my cheeks.

This morning, another event has touched me deeply: Sandra’s Closet reached over 50.000 likes on Facebook overnight, which means 10.000 likes in 2 months. This is so amazing and I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for following my blog that has taken me on such a beautiful adventure. I feel very blessed!
If you haven’t liked Sandra’s Closet on Facebook yet, please do so here.

Below you can enjoy some more photos of my outfit and the castle hotel:

My look: Fur vest and biker boots by Miu Miu, red wool dress and gold horsebit necklace by Gucci, wool cashmere gauze Rottweiler scarf by Givenchy and Diorette earrings by Dior Haute Joaillerie and tote bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht via Instagram

Munich has a new fashion store, located at the prestigious Kardinal-Faulhaber-Str. 15: SUSANNE BENTER.

Shop owner Susanne Benter, who has gained her work experience during 14 years as a buyer for several fashion boutiques, such as Ludwig Beck, came up with the idea to create a feminine and individual multi-label concept store. Her portfolio includes collections from  Sportmax, Sportmax Code, M Missoni, Mabrun, Maffei, Attic & Barn, Mr & Mrs Shirt, Paul&Joe, Tara Jarmon, Meteo by Yves Salomon, Vencouvert, Malene Birger and Ivi. A new shopping heaven in the Bavarian capital.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Susanne Benter and © Sandra Bauknecht

“What is important to my work is the individual picture. I photograph stories on assignment, and of course they have to be put together coherently. But what matters most is that each picture stands on its own, with its own place and feeling.” – Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry certainly is one of the most beloved and renowned photographers of all times. Born in 1950, the American is best known for his images of the conflict in Afghanistan. His career kicked off, when, disguised in native garb and with full beard, he crossed the Pakistan border into the rebel-controlled country just before the Russian Invasion was closing it to all Western journalists. McCurry had rolls of film sewn into his clothes and was one of the first ones putting a human face to the issue on every masthead.

His photograph, “Afghan Girl” that originally appeared in National Geographic magazine, is one of the most published photos in the world. Steve McCurry lives in New York but spends two-thirds of the year travelling the globe.

Steve McCurry with me

Being such an iconic voices in contemporary photography, McCurry is also shooting more “glossy” things, such as the world’s most famous Pirelli calendar. During the St. Moritz Art Masters, I had the honour to meet him and being photographed by him.

As for me, the reason of his success is to be found in the aesthetics of his photos, the way he works with his “object”. He saw me in a different way, found my long hair too graphic and made me put it up in a disheveled chignon to show more of my shoulders that he liked a lot.

Enjoy some of the behind-the-scenes shots! I cannot wait to show you the final result. And of course, stay tuned for a detailed outfit post to be published soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve McCurry and © Sandra Bauknecht

Layering is a great way to cope with the transition from summer to fall. Cardigans are great layering pieces because they add warmth when needed and they work well over dark or neutral summer dresses.

My look: Bi-colour fur vest by Louis Vuitton (available this season in a slightly different colour combination), printed dress and argyle belted cardigan, both by See by Chloé, fur bag by Céline, lace up ankle boots by Chloé, cuff by Stella McCartney, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joiallerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“Now that cinderella’s fairy godmother no longer exists, the couturier must be the magician,” said Christian Dior.

In a swirl of shadows and light, the Dior heroine leads the ball dance. She wears her glamour like a second skin. For the Christmas 2012 makeup collection, Tyen reinterprets the spirit of Dior grand balls with a contemporary elegance and a cheeky twist.

They were a constant theme beating at the heart of Monsieur Dior’s fashion and life. From the extravagant parties in Granville, his childhood home, which gave him a glimpse of his destiny in couture, to the follies of the Parisian balls in the roaring 20s, the couturier was profoundly fascinated by transformation. From the catwalk to the red carpet, his ball gowns have become every woman’s desire. A 18th-century look, revived and modernised. Fleeting and flamboyant, the Grand Bal embraces the fantasy of Christmas.

Palette Grand Bal Carnet de Maquillage (CHF 119.00) – Christmas Look 2012 Star Product – (Limited Edition)

Inspired by the dance cards held by young women in the 18th-century to remember their dance partners, this essential beauty kit is bound to be a must-have for the modern day party girl. The glamorous gold clutch features a pearl eyeshadow duo of platinum and gold, two shades of gloss, a mirror, and deep black eyeliner for quick touch-ups.

Poudre Or – (CHF 68.25 – Limited Edition)

Delicate skin dares to adopt subtle golden tints beneath the Diorskin powder puff, a loose powder to be dusted onto the cheekbones, shoulders and neckline… The sensuality of elegant evenings with a stylish scent of seduction.

Diorskin Poudre Libre in 431 Gold Dust

Palette 5 Couleurs (CHF 90.00 – Limited Edition)

Through the darkness, the eyes dazzle with light. A dramatic halo, a mirrored texture, shifting reflections that flutter like butterfly wings… The 5 Couleurs unfurls its multiple shades. The Dior Grand Bal heroine wears her masquerade right on her skin.

524 Fairy Golds
764 Night Golds

Grand Bal False Lashes (CHF 32.00 – Limited Edition)

For the first time Dior has created a collection of false eyelashes. Adorned with delicate silver drops or soft gold sophisticated Swarovski crystals, the gaze is shaded in mystery and sparkles with glamour, to defy the imagination. A fatal attraction.

001 Pearl Drops
002 Gold Crystals

Diorshow Liner Waterproof “Or” (CHF 34.00 – Limited Edition)

Like a gold thread etched beneath the lashes, the new Diorshow Liner Waterproof underscores the eyelid. Applied in generous flat tints or as a drop of light at the corner of the eye, it leaves its lustrous bronze imprint.

Diorific Lipstick (CHF 49.00)

A voluptuous texture, a glossy shine… The Diorific Grand Bal collection reveals a waltz of glowing couture shades in their precious jewel-case: festive red, brown with a sophisticated gold sheen, nude beige or falsely demure rosewood. Smoothed, shaped and sheened, the smile is perfectly designed. Captivating.

340 Diorling
520 Diva
653 Marilyn
677 Lady

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss (CHF 44.00 – Limited Edition)

It seeks to unsettle and distils its sensuality. Alone or as a topcoat, tinted in gold lamé or ceremonial red, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss lacquers the smile, transforming the sweep of a ball gown or boosting a super-slim silhouette. A little shot of glamour.

424 Lamé Gold
774 Ceremony Red

Diorific Vernis ($40 – Limited Edition)

More than an it-colour, Diorific Vernis is an it-accessory; an object of desire and a collector nail lacquer. In an exceptional collector’s edition that bridges fashion and finery, Dior relaunches this gem of a varnish. In a range of ultra-luxurious colours, Diorific Vernis is a jewel on the skin that the heroine of the Dior Grand Bal mixes or matches with her lipstick, to suit her outfit or mood. Red for the lips, sparkly black for the fingers; pearl-white on the fingertips and pink on the lips; glossy golden varnish with brown lip shade. She is ready to go to the ball. Never has her extravagance been more desirable.

011 Lady
751 Marilyn
207 Diorling
901 Diva

Golden Tattoos ($120.00) (Limited Edition – not available in Switzerland)

From the early years of his career, Christian Dior was fascinated by gold and its mysterious powers. It wasn’t long before gold became a refined signature of the house and Dior’s most magnificent couture outfits were adorned with gold accessories. Now, Camille Miceli, Dior’s Creative Director of costume jewelry, has created a limited edition set of Golden Tattoos, comprised of 24-karat gold micro particles that melt onto the skin. The set includes seven exclusive designs: two wrist chains, a Dior Dollisimio charm, pearl drop charm with the Christian Dior logo, three rings, and a Line A interlaced bangles.

Personally speaking, the Dior Grand Bal makeup collection is my favourite for Christmas 2012.
All products, except the Golden Tattoos, will be available in Switzerland from November 7th, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

London Fashion Week is always my favourite and the British designers are among the ones I like to wear the most. London is about individuality and the most extraordinary talents are based there. Prints and vibrant colours have been seen once more and the British capital seems to be in a blue mood.

Enjoy my little runway reviews!

LoL, Sandra

Mary Katrantzou makes all the heads turn and my heart leap for joy. I am such a big fan of her designs and her S/S 2013 collection has taken her creativity to a new level. Inspired by stamps and banknotes, Mary paired for example metallic brocades and Swarovski crystal mesh printed with banknote designs to achieve an eye-catching look. Her silhouettes were new and different from previous seasons. There is nobody else that flourishes like her. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post in which I show you all the beautiful details of the collection that I photographed at Mary’s first own showroom in Paris.

Burberry Prorsum has been the blockbuster show of London Fashion Week since quite some time. The house’s social media forerun gives it a worldwide inimitable presence. For the next summer, Christopher Bailey has made “corsets and capes” his must-haves. Metallics in every shade and superb bags, especially in the translucent version will surely be among the house’s new season bestsellers.

Christopher Kane’s collection for S/S 2013 is certainly something for all fashion monsters, in the true sense of the word. At the first sight, you see simple pieces, all white on white, dresses and skirts in pastel hues – however, with a closer look it is clear that there is something more, some pieces are held together with big transparent plastic screws and there is Frankenstein on a T-shirt which will surely be copied a million times. I love it!

It was 15 years ago that Matthew Williamson launched his brand, and his glamourous cocktail and red carpet designs are still up-to-date. His amazing sense for colour could be seen in his S/S 2013 collection in perfection. Great news: Williamson is launching his own line of shoes for the next season, and he showed off his first platform styles on the runway.

Roksanda Ilincic is the queen of colour-blocking and she reinvents the trend each season new. For summer, Ilincic was inspired by the colour experimentation of the artist Josef Albers, something “rigid, masculine, and precise”.

Personally speaking, Peter Pilotto reminded me a little of Mary Katrantzou‘s previous seasons this time. And I don’t mean it badly, both designers belong to this famous new generation of prints. It was a very rich feast for the eyes, as Pilotto and De Vos created their prints three-dimensionally, while adding all sorts of ruffles and flounces. I like it a lot!

Shop Peter Pilotto S/S 2013 now on Moda Operandi!

After five years of showing in New York, Preen, a.k.a. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, returned to the London catwalk this season. Very pretty were the textured designs combining heavy fabrics with sheers to give the illusion of stripes.

Meadham Kirchhoff always reminds me of Vivienne Westwood at her best. This season, Ed Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff outdid themselves, staging a show so opulent and rococo that I just would like to have everything.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label seemed posh compared to Meadham Kirchhoff‘s baroque approach. Her models with full faces of green, blue, yellow, and pink makeupwalked on the catwalk in ’50s inspired clothing, from fine wool twinsets to pink silk jacquard skirtsuits and cocktail dresses.

Antonio Berardi came up with beautiful very feminine designs in all hues of blue, embellished with sparkling sequins. Tailoring has been his main focus since he emerged as a designer in the Nineties.

It’s all about the two piece for Jonathan Saunders who came up with this lovely red sequin look for example. Personally speaking, I have loved the first looks for which he used a kind of hologram-style shiny materials.