Sandra‘s Closet

I love violet nail polishes but finding the right hue can be pretty tricky. Christian Dior defined purple as a demanding and sophisticated shade, calling it the veritable “Queen of colours”. As for me, Tom Ford offers the two perfect shades for nails.

“African Violet” is a very bright hue that immediatly helps to make your skin tone looks more radiant. It is part of Tom Ford’s standard palette.

“Dominatrix” is a limited edition nail polish for F/W 2012. It has a hint of silver shimmer that gives it a very interesting metallic shine.

Available in Switzerland at Jelmoli for CHF 44.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The second half of the Louis Vuitton – Yayoi Kusama collaboration (Please click here for the photos of the first arrival in July) will hit the shelves tomorrow, September 8, 2012 – much earlier than expected. Here is your sneak preview of the upcoming pumpkin-inspired products.
Aren’t they just polka-dot enthusiastic fantastic?!

LoL, Sandra

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots white

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves red

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town blue

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town red

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots green
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In case that you are in the city of Zurich tomorrow, September 8, 2012 looking for your Cinderella shoe, you should pay a visit to the newly redecorated Giahi flagship store at Löwenstrasse 8 that is now Europe’s biggest tattoo and piercing studio. A famous guest is waiting there between 1-4 pm for an autograph session: He is none other than Rick Genest, aka Rico, aka Zombie Boy, aka the muse of Mugler’s and Gaga’s Nicola Formichetti.

Rick’s ambition was turning himself into a zombie after he had survived a brain tumor at the age of 16. After countless hours of tattoos, the 28-year-old performance artist has covered today 80% of his body with black ink. The skeleton tattooed Rick Genest walked on Mugler‘s catwalk, starred in the house’s ad campaign and played in Lady Gaga‘s video “Born This Way”.

I am completely fascinated by him. Last February, I saw him in NYC during Fashion Week and couldn’t take my eyes of him. Scary and intriguing at the same time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Giahi, Vogue Hommes Japan, Zimbio, Getty Images and Courtesy of Mugler

Breaking insider news for all Cinderellas in Zurich: Tomorrow, September 8th, 2012, is your chance to get a pair of shoes for free. Sounds too good to be true, I know, but it is no joke!

Vögele Shoes is celebrating the opening of its new flagship store at Sihlstrasse 3 with the special “Nimm Mich” (“Take me with you”) campaign. This Saturday, the famous Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich will be filled with 500 single red pumps. Look for example on benches, fountains to live your Cinderella moment. Take the one shoe. Your “prince” will be waiting at the Vögele Shoes flagship store at Sihlstrasse 3 with the other one for you to take home your pair for free.

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life, so ladies, hurry up to get your share!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vögele Shoes

Last Saturday, I flew to Venice for the launch event of Gucci Première, the house’s new fragrance legend. Gucci Parfums revealed its new scent during a private cocktail and dinner held at the Hotel Cipriani in the presence of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Gucci President and CEO Patrizio di Marco, the face of the new fragrance campaign Blake Lively, the film director Nicolas Winding Refn and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola.

At the cocktail reception from left to right: Me, Michaela Stein (P&G Prestige), Regina Stahl (German Vogue), Gabi Hässig (P&G Prestige) and Tania Messner (Cover)

Blake Lively, star of the new fragrance Gucci Première, made quite an entrance during the event in Venice. The American beauty arrived by boat, welcomed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Here, a look at the fashion and the fragrance:

Blake Lively wore a Gucci One of a kind sleeveless deep V-neck cocktail dress, fully embroidered with cherry overlapping palettes and raised flower detail around the neckline, burgundy python high heel sandal with metallic spike detail in the back, horsebit bracelet and ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds and horsebit cocktail ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds.

Salma Hayek-Pinault wore a Gucci F/W 2012 black chiffon long sleeved cocktail dress with jet beaded bodice and all over embroidered skirt.

Nicolas Winding Refn wore a Gucci midnight blue notch lapel two button Marseille suit with white dress shirt, blue grosgrain tie and black leather lace ups.

Frida Giannini wore a Gucci One of kind silver and gunmetal degrade sleeveless v-neck grey silk crepe cocktail dress with art deco graphic beading and black diamond crystals, and grey suede peep toe sandals.

Karmen Pedaru wore a Gucci F/W 2012 burgundy georgette silk sleeveless blouse, black velvet wrap skirt, and black suede high heeled sandal.

Style icon Blake Lively, who appeared in 2011 on TIME magazine’s TIME 100 list, is the face of the Gucci Première and transports the Hollywood glamour perfectly. Her speech was very lively in the true sense of the word.

François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, framed by Blake Lively to the left and his wife Salma Hayek-Pinault to the right.

President and Chief Executive Officer Gucci Patrizio di Marco and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola

Before the dinner, during the cocktail reception, the fragrance and campaign were revealed to the editors and guests.

I was sitting right behind Frida Giannini who looked so beautiful in her One of a kind Gucci gown.

Frida Giannini says about the new fragrance: “Gucci Première is womanly, intriguing and as seductive as the perfect couture gown.”

The Gucci Première couture gown worn by Blake Lively in the campaign was on display at the event.

Gucci Première is a sophisticated wood and musk composition. The inspiration derives from the Gucci Première couture collection that debuted at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival (for a previous post, click here please).

During the cocktail, Nicolas Winding Refn presented his short film which was shot at the famous Sheats Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles.

The atmosphere at the beautiful dinner was amazing. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures during the dinner because Blake Lively’s boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, who was there also that night, didn’t want any to be taken of him.

Frida Giannini with me

For the outfit post, please click here.

It was such a beautiful event and I felt very honoured to be part of it. Personally speaking, I like Gucci Première a lot. It is in stores now, here are more details:

Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: White flowers and musk
Base notes: Leather and wood
Available as Eau de Parfum 30ml, 50ml and 75ml
Body Lotion 200ml, Shower Gel 200ml and Deo Spray 100ml

Stay tuned for an amazing interview I did with Blake Lively! To be posted very soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

Natalie Massenet MBE is to be appointed Chairman of the British Fashion Council from 1st January 2013. Harold Tillman CBE will step down at the end of the year after completing an extended term as BFC Chair.

Natalie was approached to take up the position by the BFC’s Executive Board in recognition of her reputation for innovation and creativity at the helm of The Net-à-porter Group. The fact that as an entrepreneur she has built a globally recognised, award winning fashion business together with her strong international profile amongst media and retailers and her close relationships with both British designers and global luxury brands will all be vital to furthering the reputation and perception of the British Fashion Industry at home and around the world. Natalie’s new role will see her become spokesperson, figurehead and industry ambassador for the organisation; and alongside the board she will be tasked with continuing to grow the profile of the sector globally and the businesses within it.

Natalie will continue in her role as Executive Chairman of The Net-à-porter Group.

Natalie with me

“I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Chairman of The British Fashion Council. Over the past few years The British Fashion Council, led by Harold Tillman and Caroline Rush, has done an extraordinary job of building the profile of our industry worldwide. Not only do we have some of the best creative talent based in London but there are also great British designers working in some of the most high profile luxury design houses in the world. We also have the best understanding of what our industry contributes to the UK economy and what a significant player the British Fashion Industry is and can continue to be. My experience is in merging extraordinary creative content with innovative global commerce. From January, together with Caroline Rush and her team, I aim to apply these lessons to my new role, a role I take incredibly seriously.” – Natalie Massenet

Personally speaking, I think that Natalie is the perfect filling of this post. I have admired her style since many years. Chairman of the British Fashion Council is an honorary role with an initial three year term.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-porter and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fashion-conscious vodka-lovers out there, here is your new fashionable drink: ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA.

Roberto Cavalli says about the tasty addition to his universe on his blog: “In life it takes imagination! I believe I have it!
 I do not remember if I told you what it was that prompted me to create the ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA. I go clubbing… I notice that vodka is the most popular drink… smooth… or with some juice… the most fashionable vodka is French… French…? Why not Italian…? I design the Cavalli style bottle and my son Tommaso selects the best distillery… that’s how the first Italian Vodka is born!”

A few days ago, I created a special cocktail… I can say I am not fond of high volume alcohol drinks… but I really like my cocktail… maybe too much! I get into a nasty habit of making one before bed… l put the glass near the bed and I enjoy it ‘til the last delicious drop! It helps me fall asleep… gently! Try it and let me know how you like it…”

Here is the recipe:

If you are in Florence, I recommend a visit to Caffè Giacosa, one of the city’s most famous cafés. After a painstaking restoration faithful to the original structures, Roberto Cavalli, a born Florentine bound to tradition, reopened this lovely spot. There you can enjoy and shop chocolate, pastries, wines and spirits, all embellished with the iconic Cavalli logo and animal prints.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Zegna Group announced today the appointment of former YSL designer Stefano Pilati, who exited the French house after his F/W 2012 collections, as Creative Director of Agnona, the Group’s women luxury ready-to-wear and accessories brand founded in 1953, and Head of Design at Ermenegildo Zegna, with responsibility for the brand’s fashion show as well as for the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture collection. 
Both appointments are effective 1st January, 2013.

Commenting on the appointment, Gildo Zegna, Chief Executive Officer of the Zegna Group said: ”I’m thrilled to have Stefano in our Group as he brings great talent, invaluable experience and enormous enthusiasm. We have ambitious plans for Agnona, and we strongly believe that under his creative leadership we will be able to develop this little jewel into a global brand. As per the Zegna brand” – he added – “we have been thinking about its role in fashion for some time. With this appointment, we will be able to combine our tradition in tailoring and our leadership in innovative materials with a new vision for men’s fashion.”

I just can’t wait to see what he does at his new position.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Zegna, © Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin (via WMagazine)

The hype started two years ago, when Valentino designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, presented their first Rockstud heels. For the designer duo, contrast is the essence of contemporary life. Their stylistic approach, however, aims at blending antithetical elements – for example, Valentino’s proverbial grace and bold metal studs – in a distinct, timeless image. This season, the fashion house celebrates the new classic with the Noir capsule collection of Rockstud shoes, bags and accessories in edgy black with ruthenium studs. Rock on with this clean yet strongly evocative design.

I am convinced that the streets during Fashion Week will be filled with those new icons. Fashionistas everywhere, better start hoarding these limited edition pieces and see the dark side of the stud!

To shop, click on the highlighted product descriptions below.

LoL, Sandra

Rockstud leather tote

So Noir studded leather tote

65mm Rockstud patent So Noir pumps

Studded cuff

Studded So Noir ballet flats

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Great news! Lanvin is collaborating with Ladureé and Alber Elbaz has art directed a special bubble gum-flavoured macaroon set. The designer stirs our imagination, arouses our fantasies and now, plays to our weakness for sweets.

It is this whimsical spirit that inspired the lovely faces of playful women on Ladurée boxes containing eight pink bubble gum-flavoured macaroons.
The delicacies will go on sale on Sept. 25 in France, in time for Paris Fashion Week’s. The U.K., U.S. and Japan will follow on Sept. 28.

Lanvin are not the first fashion house to team up with the famous French salon de thé – other designers to have collaborated include Matthew Williamson, Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel and many others.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lanvin