Sandra‘s Closet

Honouring the 120th anniversary of Vogue, Anna Wintour took a trip down memory lane and shared her Vogue story. While working on this September’s cover (which will be the biggest one ever, be prepared to weight-lift) of a Marc Jacobs–clad Lady Gaga made her think about her first one as the editor of Vogue in November 1988 which starred the Israeli model Michaela Bercu, photographed by Peter Lindbergh and styled by Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele.

As the model couldn’t fit in the skirt, she had to wear jeans which made their first ever appearance on the cover of Vogue, and thus fashion history was made.

“Michaela was wearing a Christian Lacroix jacket with a beaded cross and stonewashed Guess jeans. The jacket was part of a suit, but the skirt didn’t fit Michaela; she had been back home and had gained a little weight. Not that that mattered. In fact, it only reinforced the idea: Take couture’s haughty grandeur, playfully throw it headlong into real life, and see what happens. What none of us expected was to run that picture on the cover, least of all the magazine’s printers, who asked if there’d been some mistake. It was so unlike the elegant close-ups typical of Vogue’s covers back then. This one broke all the rules. It looked easy, casual, like a moment snapped on the street, which was the whole point. Afterwards, people applied all sorts of interpretations: It was about mixing high and low, Michaela was pregnant, it was a religious statement. None of that was true. I had just looked at that picture and sensed the winds of change. And you can’t ask for more from a cover image than that.” – Anna Wintour

She also shared some of her favourite images from Vogue:

Vogue, July 15, 1928 – Photographed by Edward Steichen

Vogue, July 1, 1930 Swimmers – Photographed by George Hoyningen-Huene

Vogue, September 15, 1939 Manboochers corset – Photographed by Horst P. Horst

Vogue, May 1, 1947 One of Irving Penn’s most famous tableaux, often referred to as “The Twelve Beauties.” At this sitting Penn first fell in love with wife-to-be Lisa Fonssagrives, sixth from left. – Photographed by Irving Penn

Vogue, June 1, 1948 Cecil Beaton’s iconic image of Charles James ball gowns, photographed in the salon of French & Co., New York.- Photographed by Cecil Beaton

Vogue, December 1989 Naomi Campbell, Mike Tyson and Don King were all part of a feature on Tyson called “Fight Knight” – Photographed by Bruce Weber

Vogue, August 1990 Cleopatra’s Eye – Photographed by Irving Penn

Karl Lagerfeld’s “city ballerinas” shot in Paris. – Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth, Vogue, October 1991

I hope that you have enjoyed this little retrospective as much as I did. Such beautiful images!
For the complete slideshow, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue

While being in Texas, I went to a rodeo event in Mesquite, the so-called rodeo capital of Texas. At the beginning, I was excited to see this Southern tradition and loved watching everybody dressed up in Western style. Inspired by all the stetsons around me, I bought myself another cowboy hat at one of the booths in front of the arena. Unfortunately, during the event, I started to realize that this sort of entertainment is not very kind to the animals. It is an icon of Texas but I wouldn’t go there again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Oktoberfest is not only about drinking specially brewed beer. The biggest folk festival in the world is also a showcase for beautiful dirndls – Southern Germany’s traditional dress. Guaranteed to make every woman beautiful, turn up the wow factor in a LANZ dirndl.

Based in Salzburg, the Austrian brand is synonymous with exquisitely made, traditional and classic dirndls. Founded in 1922 by Josef Lanz and Fritz Mahler, the company has grown into a world-famous brand worn by A-listers like Caroline of Monaco, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Elisabeth Taylor, among others. Long or short, complete with signature blouses and pinafores, a Lanz Dirndl is a timeless investment, destined to become a forever piece in your wardrobe. Personally speaking, I have never seen a woman who doesn’t look absolutely stunning in a dirndl. Such a feminine addition to your wardrobe, refine your Oktoberfest repertoire no matter where you are living.

Choose from among six pieces, four of which have been created exclusively for mytheresa.com.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

DIRNDL 1
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 2
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 3

DIRNDL 4
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 5

DIRNDL 6
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

Photos: Courtesy of mytheresa.com and Lanz

The story of La Petite Robe Noire began in 2009, when the house of Guerlain launched an exclusive and limited edition fragrance which was only available to a very selective clientele, followed by La Petite Robe Noire 2 last year.

This fall, Guerlain will offer this very chic scent to broad market. Fresher, more radiant and passionate, in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser has modified his big love, La Petite Robe Noire slightly. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan from the very first beginning. Inspired by the eternity and sophistication of a little black dress, it exudes the essence of Parisian elegance.

Left: The first La Petite Robe Noire. Right: The new one.

The ‘heart-shaped’ bottles of the La Petite Robe Noir collection are inspired by the legendary vials of the house, such as L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. The dress illustration has been altered every time so that each of the three fragrances shows a different shape of this clothing. The animated ad campaign was created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas.

Top notes: Red berries, black cherries, almond and bergamot
Middle notes: Licorice, Bulgarian and Turkish roses and smoked black tea
Base notes: Anise and the famous Guerlinade (A mix of the Guerlain’s beloved ingredients: Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and patchouli)

The new La Petite Robe Noire is available as 30 ml (CHF 90.-), 50 ml (CHF 129.-) and 75 ml (CHF 179.-) Eau de Parfum
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 66.-) and Body  Lotion 200ml (CHF 77.-)
Available in Switzerland from August 27, 2012.

An absolutely captivating and utterly irresistible perfumed creation by Guerlain. Like the cut of an iconic little black dress, this fragrance is shaped with all of the French house’s finesse.

I am convinced that we will hear much more of La Petite Robe Noire in the future. This uber-cute illustration translates so well into all aspects of Guerlain; from makeup to body products, to conceivable further versions such as cosmetic cases and more. The possibilities are endless…

This would be the perfect look for your new scent, elegant and sophisticated, stylish and playful.

Diana brocade little black dress by Roland Mouret, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, croc-effect leather clutch by Alexander Wang and resin and crystal necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Illustrations: Courtesy of Guerlain

Charlotte Ronson, has become one of the most sought after American womenswear designers and her New York Fashion Week runway shows are a must see. Born in London into an artistic family – her older brother is Mark Ronson, the face for Fan di Fendi pour Homme – and raised in New York, Charlotte followed the tradition by developing her own unique style at an early age.

In 2000, Ronson launched her first collection, C. Ronson, which gained instant recognition and the attention of renowned publications. In May 2002, Ronson opened her flagship boutique in New York’s hip Nolita neighborhood.

In 2005, Aaron Nir joined C.Ronson as president and the collection was re-named “Charlotte Ronson” – a natural evolution of the brand and an accurate reflection of who Charlotte is and what she and her customer want to wear. In late 2009, Charlotte and Aaron became partners and established Charlotte Ronson International headquartered in New York City. With Charlotte Ronson’s sense of style and Aaron Nir’s savvy business sense this dynamic team has created a powerful brand with widespread recognition and huge potential.

Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson’s clothing and accessories have quickly become a favourite among such fashion forward celebrities, models and influencers including Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester, and Nicky Hilton, whom I spotted at the show.

Below are some photos I took at the F/W 2012 fashion show in NYC. Her musts for the next season are bohemian prints, an iconic staple. Alongside the Alpine-inspired knits and proper pencil skirts, they look absolutely sophisticated. A modern wardrobe for a real girl. The collection is available at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

A little goody spotted front row at the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show:
A fluo pink Céline Boston tote.

LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Ronson and © Sandra Bauknecht

American actress Jessica Biel definitely belongs to the Giambattista Valli fan club. Accessorising the refined animal print with simple black accessories for a television appearance in NYC during her “Total Recall” press tour, I think Miss Biel looked extremely elegant.

Get Jessica’s look:
Animal-print silk-charmeuse dress from Giambattista Valli‘s Pre-fall 2012 collection, 2Jours textured leather tote by Fendi and Blade pumps in black patent leather by Casadei.

LoL, Sandra

OMG!!! Today, Sandra’s Closet hit 40.000 facebook likes which makes me so happy. In March 2012, Sandra’s Closet had 10.000 likes, so 30.000 fans in 5 months is pretty awesome.

Thank you for reading and following my blog that has taken me on such an exciting adventure!

If you are not a facebook fan yet, you can become one by clicking here.
Let’s hit the 50.000 soon…

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to Fort Worth in Texas, that is the sixteenth most populous city in the United States of America and a cultural gateway into the American West. The city was established in 1849 and today still embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design. A must see are the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My look: Twill cargo shorts by Alexander McQueen, olive green top by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, Pandora bag by Givenchy and Monogram ballet flats by Louis Vuitton.
The stetson is a souvenir from Mesquite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dior‘s fall 2012 makeup collection GOLDEN JUNGLE could not be more perfect. A mix of gold, khaki, and light earth tones – beautifully combined – comes with some amazing surprises. Have a look below and explore the gorgeous crocodile leather effect on the nails along with the fierce animal pattern on the star product. For the feline goddess in you!

STAR PRODUCT (One shot)
Golden Jungle Palette Fall Look 2012 – CHF 110.-
Available in Golden Khakis and Golden Browns

5 Couleurs Eyes in Khaki Design – CHF 90.-

Perfect for fall: Glowing skin is combined with a light shimmer right up to the brow-bone, punctuated with a bold, thickly drawn cat’s eye and finished off with lots of mascara.

3 Couleurs Eyes – CHF 68.-
Available in Ivory Glow and Nude Glow

Dior Blush – CHF 69.-
Available in Sugar & Spice and Sunkissed Cinnamon

Dior Addict Lipstick (One Shots) – CHF 46.- each
Available in Wild, Instinct, Fatale and Daring

Dangerous right down to your nails, the must-have nail polish is the new Duo Vernis, combining a gold base with a matte olive topcoat. The crackled effect is stunningly reptilian, like the scales of a crocodile.

Dior Golden Jungle Nail Art Duo (One Shot) – CHF 54.-
Dior Vernis (One Shot) – CHF 37.- each in Amazonia and Bengale

This gorgeous collection will be available in Switzerland from August 15, 2012. I think with your summer tan, these shades will look absolutely divine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

The 26th Biennale des Antiquaires runs from 14th September to the 23rd at the Grand Palais in Paris and alongside the world’s most exclusive antique and art dealers are ten of the most desirable jewelers including Boucheron, Chanel, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Harry Winston, Piaget, Van Cleef and Arpels, and for the first time ever Bulgari and from China Wallace Chan.

All of these houses create their most refined jewels for this event which is the most important show of its kind. One collection has already caught my eye: “Couture Précieuse” by Piaget with which the famous jeweler renews its homage to feminine beauty and celebrates its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires. Once again, Piaget affirms its style with strength and elegance, dressing women in watches and jewelry that are as spectacular as they are exceptional, epitomising the veritable secrets of seduction.

My dream piece: The laces inspired cuff watch in white gold and diamonds sculpts the wrist like a wasp waist. The Fine Jewelry laces, some set with brilliant-cut diamonds and other with baguette-cut diamonds, cross over and intertwine. An ode to elegance, the beauty of this piece reveals another treasure – a watch enabling its wearer to check the time discreetly on the inside of the wrist – another expression of Haute Couture refinement.

Couture Précieuse Exceptional cuff watch Radiant Laces Inspiration.

Discreet lecture of time inside the wrist. Crafted in 18K white gold.
Case and integrated clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.8 ct). 
Bracelet set 288 baguette-cut diamonds (13.8 cts) and 85 brilliant-cut (approx. 9.2 cts). 
Silvered dial. Piaget 56P quartz movement. High Jewellery expertise. Ref. G0A38200 Couture

When a piece of Piaget jewelry or a watch is finally finished, it is the result of hundreds of hours of development and execution by Piaget’s master jewelers. Each piece can therefore be considered unique, because it is made by the hands of men whose unique masterpieces can never attain this level of perfection in an absolutely repeatable manner. See for yourself:

Assembling the gold link.

Diamonds-setting on the gold links.

Final details.

I am invited to the Biennale des Antiquaires, so stay tuned for some amazing photos in September!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget, © Collection Grand Palais/François Tomasi