Sandra‘s Closet

For Spring 2012, the “Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X Collection” has launched a lighter variation:

“Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X Collection L’Eau” which has peony and orange blossom accords and top notes of bergamot zest along with neroli, vanilla and iris.

This time the legendary bottle is transparent and dressed in calligraphy to better reveal the crystalline soft pink fragrance.

Limited Edition “L’Eau” Classique, Eau de Toilette 100ml, CHF 107.-
Available now.

I love Jean Paul Gaultier’s new fragrance for men “Kokorico”.

Fig leaf, patchouli, cedar, cocoa and vetiver together exhale pure masculinity with a feminine accent.

A striking trompe l’oeil bottle, a man’s face when viewed from the front that turns into a sexy and virile torso in profile.

Kokorico Eau de Toilette, 50ml (CHF 85.-) / 100ml (CHF 117.-)
Kokorico After Shave Lotion 100ml (CHF 77.-)
Kokorico After Shave Balm 100ml (CHF 52.-)
Kokorico Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 40.-)
Kokorico Déodorant Stick 75gr (CHF 36.-)
Available now.

And here is a little teaser of what is coming next:

Jean Paul Gaultier’s new limited edition 2012 summer fragrances “Urban Jungle”
which will be in stores in May 2012.

Classique Summer 2012 (for women) opens with fresh notes of clementine from Sicily, rose and orange blossom. Exotic flower of ylang-ylang forms the perfume’s heart note together with petals of jasmine, lily of the valley and white iris, while the base notes are oriental and warm with amber, vanilla and fresh musk.

Limited Edition Classique Summer Eau de Toilette, 100ml (CHF 84.-)

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Le Male Summer 2012 (for men) begins with fresh aromatic accords of lavender, mint and cardamom. The heart exudes green – it contains notes of green leaves and grass. Vanilla, sandalwood and musk complete this composition.

Limited Edition Le Male Summer 2012, Eau de Toilette, 125ml (CHF 80.-)

The signature bottles in the shape of male and female torsos and their can boxes are decorated with vivid design inspired by safari, an urban jungle, tropical leaves, flowers and vines.

Can you smell summer already?

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I went on a nice walk around town to clear my head a little. Only fresh air and nothing else on my skin feels sometimes really good.

My casual look: Fur vest and studded biker boots, both by Miu Miu, argyle belted cardigan by See by Chloé, white cotton-jersey top by Rick Owens, Misfit mid-rise skinny jeans by Goldsign, Galaxy medium shoulder bag by Gucci, fur stole by Michael Kors (50% off) and ear muffs by UGG Australia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I went to the Zurich Opera Ball. This is a black tie event taking place once a year at the opera house which marks a highlight on Switzerland’s event calendar.

My look: Cobalt blue silk-crepe gown by Stella McCartney, silk-organza floral collar (such a versatile piece that instantly transforms even the simplest of looks) and Angelica silk-satin appliquéd clutch, both by Gucci, Tribute violet suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, statement bracelet by Louis Vuitton, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

I truly like those colours, cobalt blue mixed with different berry shades, together.
What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love all colours, but purple is definitely one of my absolute favourites. Christian Dior described it as a demanding and sophisticated shade: the “king of colours.” This favourite colour comes now in three new limited-edition nail polishes: Les Violets Hypnotiques.

From the iconic lilac worn by the couturier’s muse Mitzah Bricard to the deepest aubergine shade adorning the legendary bottle of the Poison fragrance, purple comes in endless shapes and forms in the Dior world. The gorgeous shades were already seen on the models at the Dior Haute Couture S/S 2012 show in January.

I bought this amazing limited edition trio of hypnotic, elegant and captivating purples in Paris this week at the Christian Dior boutique at 30 avenue Montaigne. It is also available at Harrods now.

From left to right:
The sensual, luminous aubergine shade of Orchid (Dior Vernis No. 981)
Its intense, shimmering version: Shadow (Dior Vernis No. 783)
The deep, enchanting purple of Poison (Dior Vernis No. 996)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, © Sandra Bauknecht

For Talbot Runhof‘s  F/W 2012 collection, the designer duo seeked inspiration from the 1998 movie Great Expectations starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Bancroft, the latter of whom, impressed the most with her masterful performance of Nora Dinsmoor.

“Deserted on her wedding day as a young woman. Her garden still decorated and waiting in vain, in anticipation of a celebration. Covered in a verdant mélange of foliage, a daily affirmation of her life, her sadness, her passion, swirling through the decaying rooms of her home to her hymn of hope: Bésame mucho. She (Anne Bancroft as Nora Dinsmoor) was the inspiration for our F/W 2012 collection!“

Talbot Runhof is the German red carpet label worn by A-listers all over the world. Famous celebrities such as Angelina Jolie or Halle Berry have been spotted in their elegant and feminine designs. Today, their creations are sold in the best stores worldwide, among them Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

The success story started in 1991 when Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof met in Munich. Discovering their mutual passion for fashion they decided to join forces and began designing collections together under the label All about Eve. In the year 2000 the brand was renamed Talbot Runhof. They both share interesting and unusual backgrounds:

Johnny with me backstage before the show

Johnny Talbot, born 1964 in Nashville Tennessee, USA, studied electrical engineering and worked as systems manager for the U.S. government before he decided to become a fashion designer.

Adrian giving an interview before the show

Adrian Runhof, born 1963 in Mainz, Germany, studied business administration after growing up in a family of fashion producers and retailers and worked every since in the fashion business.

Before the show, I went backstage, so please enjoy the photos.

The collection is all about green: From ivy to oak, from acorn to gingko, birch to maple. Colour nuances of chartreuse to olive, emerald to evergreen, turquoise to jade, moss to bronze.

Famous MAC makeup artist Romero Jennings at work creating the feminine, elegant makeup look in a gorgeous green colour palette.

Me front row at the show

Among my favourites are the stretch suede skin tight leggings and the evening gowns of net lace, hologram sequins combined with layers of chiffon. Leaf applications adorn necklines, tops and dresses. Tweed appears soft and luxurious.

Accessories include booties, booty sandals, platform pumps, or peep-toes of tweed and of printed satin. Matching baguette clutches of velvet, tweed, printed satin embroidered with metallic borders, leaf motives, patchwork belts of matt shiny nappa.

And now enjoy the show! Talbot Runhof have fulfilled the great expectations, haven’t they?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look on the last day of Paris Fashion Week. I started off at the Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show with a ponytail. Later at the Miu Miu F/W 2012 show, I opened my hair and wore my little tiara.

You might recognize the dress from a previous post. As you see, I am following my own recommendations.

My look: Floral leather biker vest and matching tote bag, both by Céline, neon lace-sleeve wool-blend crepe dress by Christopher Kane, coat, suede booties, earrings and tiara headband, all by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My last show for the F/W 2012 season was Miu Miu yesterday.

Imagine Austin Powers and the dandy style, add some late sixties and very early seventies and the outcome would be Miuccia Prada’s moodboard for her Miu Miu F/W 2012 collection. The pants worn cropped played a major role as already seen at Prada. It seemed like she had an obsession with them. Just in the end of the show, some short dresses with lots of embellishments appeared on the runway. I loved it, it was a fresh and different approach to the winter season and her colour combinations were absolutely gorgeous.

And do you know who else I spotted? Marc Jacobs who just had presented his F/W 2012 collection for Louis Vuitton earlier in the morning, was sitting front row and congratulated Miuccia later on her designs. Yes, she nailed it again as the matching-print pantsuit is a must for the next season! And Miu Miu will definitely be on my shopping list!

Enjoy the photos of the show and see which famous blue-haired singer was there below:

The blue-haired celebrity I was talking about was Katy Perry who came to the Miu Miu show in head-to-toe Prada.

When she saw her friend, American actress, Kate Mara, all dressed in Miu Miu, she seemed to compare their looks. I thought that it was pretty funny to watch.

Below you can see Anna dello Russo wearing the famous Miu Miu sunglasses.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday morning in Paris, I attended the Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show which was the best I have ever seen (It even topped Chanel’s Paris – Bombay…).

When I arrived, I found myself inside a 1920’s inspired train station with a huge Louis Vuitton station clock hanging from the ceiling. And what looked like the runway in the middle, was actually something else…

The show started on time as usual and a gigantic gate opened, there was steam. All of a sudden, I saw rails…

…and an amazing old-fashioned train with a lot of steam rolled inside the hall. The crowd cheered and applauded. Believe me, it takes something to charm the fashionable audience.

Inside the wagon, the models were seated. You could already see the gigantic hats. The ambiance reminded me immediately of the Titanic era. The ladies looked like belonging to the upper class de-boarding the “Vuitton Express”.

THE BAGS

Each lady had a her own porter helping her to carry the oversized bags which were absolutely divine. Hat boxes, vanity cases, weekend bags and petites valises all make an appearance for everyday use. The traditional canvas Monogram finds itself trimmed in real crocodile or embroidered in sequins on a blanket wool, trimmed with box calf. The Speedy has an intense reworking this season, based on and featuring a round signature buckle.

Mink makes its way into Vuitton baggage, utilising vibrant colours to accompany its rich, sumptuous texture.

THE LOOKS

Marc Jacobs played with proportions and this collection seems to be for the tall ones among you. It is all about elongation. The clothing is layered in rich, sumptuous fabrics; long skirts over cigarette pants, long coats over all, each look topped by a tall hat. There is a certain, simple geometry to this elongation, an extended A-line to engulf the entire body.

The normal sized porters seemed tiny in comparison to the tall models. Marc Jacobs did it on purpose to reinforce the point of his towering female silhouette; the men are merely added accessories.

The materials are rich, from kangaroo leather that is patch-worked and bejewelled with plastics to heavy metal yarns replicating Afghan blanket fabrics and brocades and jacquards.

I loved Marc’s thinking about the company’s nineteenth-century origins and travel heritage. Can you believe that he started Louis Vuitton’s Prêt-à-porter collection fifteen years ago… time flies!

Marc after the show in the train

The “Vuitton Express” from inside

Me in front of the train

Bryan Boy with me, isn’t his Jil Sander hat too cute?!

Anna dello Russo

Famous guest: Sarah Jessica Parker

Another reason for my enthusiasm for this amazing, outstanding Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show might be that it reminded me so much of a collection inspired by the Titanic era that I created during my fashion design studies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This spring, Gucci launches a new floral fragrance collection, consisting of 5 new scents, in tribute to one of its most iconic motifs: The Flora Garden Collection. For more information on the history of Flora, please click here.

“With Flora by Gucci, I wanted to express the loveliness of the Flora woman charming, romantic and optimistic. Now with The Flora Garden Collection I am celebrating multi-faceted way the Gucci woman expresses her personality.”

– Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini

Gorgeous Gardenia, Gracious Tuberose and Glamorous Magnolia will be available in Switzerland in April 2012 in selected department stores and perfume shops.

Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF 112) and 100ml (CHF 168)
Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 69)

Generous Violet and Glorious Mandarin will be sold in Gucci stores only.

Gorgeous Gardenia

A sumptuous white floral: Gucci’s faithful creation of the perfect gardenia.

Top notes: red berries, pear
Heart notes: white gardenia, frangipani flower
Base notes: patchouli, brown sugar accord

Glamorous Magnolia

A soft rosy floral: Gucci’s recreation of this most lustrous bloom.

Top notes: freesia, green leaves, citrus zest
Heart notes: peony, magnolia
Base notes: musk, sandalwood, warm chocolate accord

Gracious Tuberose

A fabulously fresh floral: Gucci’s homage to this most charismatic of flowers.

Top notes: violet leaves, peach
Heart notes: tuberose, orange flower, rose
Base notes: cistus (Rock Rose), white cedarwood

Glorious Mandarin

A gloriously juicy fruit: Gucci captures the exhilaration of mandarin.

Top notes: mandarin, peony
Middle notes: jasmine, pina colada accord
Heart notes: ambergris, white musk, creamy wood

Generous Violet

A sophisticated woody floral: Gucci’s salute to the bountiful violet.

Top note: violet leaves
Heart notes: orris, violet petals
Base note: suede accord

Each bottle reveals a different coloured juice – be it pale pink, green, blue, violet or yellow; their boxes emblazoned with the corresponding flower from the Flora pattern. You just would like to have them all, wouldn’t it be a lovely display for your bathroom?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Sandra Bauknecht

Blake Lively was spotted at the set of Gossip Girl sporting the gorgeous Fendi Chameleon bag that should definitely be on your radar. Available in many different versions and colour combinations, it has already become a fashion classic.

Get Blake’s look:

Textured black trench coat by Yves Saint Laurent (30% off), Wisteria printed silk-satin and silk-twill dress by Preen, fine-knit cashmere cardigan by Gucci, gems studded leather gloves by Mulberry, sky-blue cashmere scarf by Burberry, black leather knee boots by Christian Louboutin and Chameleon bag by Fendi (see my favourites versions below):

Perforated Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Tri-colour Chameleon bag by Fendi

Chameleon textured cotton tote by Fendi

Classic black Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Really one is spoilt for choice!

LoL, Sandra