Sandra‘s Closet

While few, including myself, can resist the intoxicating frivolity of fashion’s flights of fancy, the essential basics of a stylish wardrobe have a more utilitarian character. It is these humbler pieces – often derived from work wear, military uniform or sports gear – that Louis Vuitton’s Icons collection elevates to new levels of luxury. Preserving their functional essence, it endows them with the allure of exquisite cut, fine fabrics and sophisticated detailing.

The result: every season, a collection of pieces to return to again and again, experiencing each time the dual thrill of their unrivalled comfort and timeless elegance.

1. THE MESH

A simple sweater in a classic shade and softest cotton is sure to be one of the hardest-working items in any woman’s wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s version comes with the added luxury of an embellished collar, hand-embroidered with Swarovski beads and LV studs. In a touch typical of the Icons collection, it can also be removed, taking a look from precious to pared-down in seconds.

2. THE TRENCH

The feather-light sensation of nylon faille – sensual as silk, but a whole lot more practical, and not merely because it’s water-resistant – plus the irresistible allure of the Stephen Sprouse leopard print, now in a new scaleddown version. Louis Vuitton’s neo-trench has all the emblematic details, from the belt (wear nonchalantly knotted) to the epaulettes, but it comes luxuriously long and with ultra-feminine bracelet sleeves. Pure silver screen glamour for the 21st century.

3. THE MACINTOSH

With its new cropped cut and cute collar, the season’s mac – the epitome of the Icons collection – holds more than a hint of the Swinging Sixties. The perfect cover-up against a spring shower, it doubles up as a neat boxy jacket. Polished gold buttons playfully reference the military, while the lining is pure Louis Vuitton: the legendary Stephen Sprouse leopard print, interspersed with mini Monograms.

4. THE JEANS

For S/S 2013, the perfect pair of jeans morphs into the must-have Capri pant. Stonewashed for an instantly worn-in feel, with a casually loose yet impeccably chic cut, it combines style and attitude. The iconic detail? The Monogram jacquard yoke, to be concealed or revealed depending on mood and moment.

5. THE PERFECTO

Louis Vuitton transforms a staple of bad-boy style into an icon of luxurious femininity. To the rugged sex appeal of the classic perfecto, this sleek design opposes the refinement of smooth stretch leather, enhanced by eloquent details like multiple zippers, signature rivets and – the quintessential couture touch – a half-belt at the back.

6. THE LEATHER DRESS

Leather never felt like this. Unimaginably supple, lightweight lambskin lends itself to the simplest yet most sensual of cuts: a dress like an oversize T-shirt that suggestively skims the body. Raw edges, diagonal zippers and military-style suede patches on the shoulders provide the modern, real-life details. Dress it up with heels or down with leggings, the leather dress – now in bold, beautiful red – remains both sporty and sophisticated.

My personal must? The red leather dress! See you at Vuitton…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

For the Christmas 2012 Makeup collection “Éclat du Soir de Chanel”, Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the vintage luster of bronze-tinged gold and lends its modernity to evening makeup.
Here is your preview of the beautiful pieces that will be launched in the end of this month:

Regard Signé de CHANEL CHF 77.-
Harmonie du Soir

Ombres Contraste Duo CHF 60.-
47 Nuit-Claire

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.-
817 Apparence

Joues Contraste CHF 60.-
73 Star Dust

Poudre Universelle Libre CHF 67.-
57 Rêverie

Rouge Allure Velvet CHF 48.-
307 L’Impatiente

Le Vernis CHF 35.-
637 Malice

Available end of October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Who knew what a new hue can do?! I love this shade of blue so much and was so happy to see that Stella McCartney used this colour again for her S/S 2013 collection along with orange and green. Stay tuned for the upcoming post.

My look that I wore to Stella’s show last week in Paris: Tuxedo jacket, Joan silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress, printed modal and silk-blend scarf, all by Stella McCartney, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent and suede and snake effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is your preview of Lancôme’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection Happy Holidays which is all about the festive shades of gold, and red mixed with sparkling sequins!
The collection is inspired by Paris, the City of Lights, where, according to Lancôme, “illuminations resonate with enchanting shimmer”, clearly a suitable inspiration for a Christmas Collection.

Petit Trésor Eyeshadow – Limited Edition – CHF 39.-

My favourite product of the collection. These sparkling eyeshadows are woven like a mesh fabric and give a beautiful metallic effect while lasting up to 16 hours.

S112 Fil d’Or
S207 Fil d’Argent
S208 Fil d’Bronze

Les Paillettes aux Yeux – Limited Edition – CHF 29.-

Shimmering loose powder to apply directly to lids or on top of other products for a glowy effect.

10 À la Belle Étoile
20 Lumières de Paris

Le Crayon Khôl – Limited Edition – CHF 33

015 Jazzy Taupe
016 France in a Glance

L’Absolu Rouge – Limited Edition – CHF 44

181 Topaze Ecstasy
182 Rubis Exquisite
183 Grenat

Vernis In Love – Limited Edition – CHF 25

522 Bubbly Gold
532 Ginger Swing
575 Flirty Red

The collection will be available in October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

Chanel keeps us in suspense until the last minute. Fans of the brand are eager to see the final campaign photos featuring Brad Pitt as the first male model for the house’s iconic Chanel N°5 scent. For the first time, a man will give his view on the most feminine and legendary of fragrances. On October 15th, 2012 the secret will be finally lifted.

In the meantime enjoy those 7 seconds of mystery.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel

Here is an amazing contest for you. Moda Operandi, the most exclusive shopping website where you can order your must-have pieces right off the runway (for more details, please click here) and Lyst, the social shopping site that helps you discover some of the best fashion pieces available, are giving away a $1000 shopping spree. Amazing, isn’t it?!

All you have to do is to follow Moda Operandi on Lyst. Just click on the photo above to be transferred directly.

The contest starts Monday October 8th, 2012 at 12:00am EST and ends October 17th, 2012 at 11:59pm EST (the “Entry Period”). All entries must be received during the Entry Period. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

LoL, Sandra

These photos were taken on my way to the Akris S/S 2013 show at the famous Place du Trocadéro, site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement, where you are having a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.

My look: Suzu wool-blend crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic (for a previous post on this beautiful collection, please click here), lace sleeves by Chanel, cadillac sunglasses by Prada, Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent, cutout patent-leather ankle boots and Swarovski crystal necklace, both by Lanvin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the last weeks, I have been receiving the upcoming Christmas collections and from now on, I will start showing them to you. Personally speaking, I love this time of the year in terms of beauty products. Sparkling shades, glittering powders, rich shades of red and gold make my heart leap for joy.

Clarins Odyssey Limited Edition Christmas Makeup Collection comprises two limited edition compacts inspired by the magnificence of Ancient Greece.

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 78.-

Like an elegant and sumptuous odyssey, this silky-smooth compact powder enhances the complexion for a beautiful, more even skin tone.

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 62.-

A collection of four long-wearing golden-brown shades. It also includes two applicator brushes with pointed and round ends which can be used to blend the colour or to create a smoky eye makeup.

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – Available in 11 shades – CHF 53.-

Your skin – Only better. Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is a loose powder foundation with an ultra-fine, silky texture that contains highly effective mineral and plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin to illuminate the complexion’s appearance.

The result: a beautifully radiant, perfectly even, matte complexion and skin that feels incredibly soft and comfortable. Matte finish – light to medium coverage – suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

In stores Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Clarins

Now that unavoidable street style It-label is Kenzo. The brand has been around forever, but had disappeared off the fashion radar for quite some time. A subsidiary of LVMH, Kenzo has come back on the map this season with unconventional designs and prints, loved by the younger, hip fashion crowd. Launched in 1970 by Kenzo Takada and now under the creative direction of Opening Ceremony’s Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the Paris-based brand is your ticket to globe-trotting style.

Inspired by the label’s eclectic archives, the designer duo has charged the look with a covetably youthful vibrancy. Congrats to Kenzo’s very loud roar! Those popular lion-faced, Eiffel Tower, and logo sweatshirts are truly divine.

Kenzo is available at Net-à-porter, Farfetch,Mytheresa and Luisaviaroma.

Another way to experience the Kenzo spirit is the house’s newest fragrance Madly Kenzo Eau de Toilette, a lighter, more carefree version of the spirited Madly Eau de Parfum scent that was launched last year.

Floral Woody Musk

Top notes: Pear and litchi.
Middle notes: Jasmine and heliotrope.
Base notes: Musk and cedar.

Available in 30ml, 50ml and 80ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Frontrowview, Phil Oh. Courtesy of Kenzo and © Sandra Bauknecht.

On Wednesday morning, I went to Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2013 show that was as energizing and different as it was brief because the models walked out in pairs like twins. The setting was once more very special: Four escalators formed the fundamental structure of the presentation inspired by Les Deux Plateaux, a famous installation piece in the Palais Royal by the artist Daniel Buren with columns arranged in a grid.

The collection was very graphic and structured which had I expected after having seen Marc Jacobs’ signature line where minimalistic stripes ruled the runway (for more information, please click here). For Louis Vuitton, the designer went for ’60s silhouettes, gigantic checks and floral embroideries stitched in mini-squares. Even the house’s iconic Speedy bag got cubed, too.

It was the first ever Louis Vuitton collection not to make use of the Monogram. Instead, the Damier pattern provided the house’s signature.

A fundamental duality underpinned the collection, Marc Jacobs used always two colors, shiny and matt textures. He had the image of two very different French icons of the ’60s, Françoise Hardy and Jane Birkin, in mind when creating the collection: Hardy always very covered up, Birkin always revealing plenty of flesh, but both always in long, simple clothes. To reinforce these oppositions, the collection was presented on models in pairs.

For a finale, the models streamed down the four escalators very futuristically like an army of Louis Vuitton cult followers to the music from the opera “Einstein on The Beach” by Philip Glass. The show was different, especially compared to the excesses of last season and also optimistic as the sunshine yellow enlightened the room.

Marc Jacobs almost jumped down the escalator while the audience applauded.

Front row: Delfina Delettrez-Fendi, Natalia Vodianova, Antoine Arnault and Poppy Delevingne

Rachel Zoe and husband Roger Berman

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht