Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I attended a dinner party hosted by Navyboot and Andres Andrekson aka Stress to celebrate the launch of their first collaboration, so-called SBNB – STRESS by NAVYBOOT collection at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich which turned into an absolute hot spot last night.  Among the small gathering of 60 guests, were Baschi, Bligg, Mousse T. and Jubaira Bachmann.

The sneakers for men’s only (Adrian, we want them, too, especially the croc version!) are inspired by the historic battle at Sempach in 1386 – a theme that has been reinterpreted for modern times and has been recreated as a picture on some of the models’ soles. The advertising campaign shot by Stefan Heinrichs has been staged as a modern version of the battle with Stress in the role of Arnold von Winkelried (see above).

Just in time for the Christmas season starting in early December, they will be available at NAVYBOOT stores in Switzerland and Germany. Prices will range from about 129 CHF for the flip flops to about 498 CHF for the high top sneaker.

Lovely scenery at the entrance.

Inside the Swiss National Museum in Zurich

The yummy dinner was served on a rustic wooden table.

Momo, Stress,  Creative Director NAVYBOOT Adrian J. Margelist and DJ Mousse T with me.

This foot below belongs to Navyboot’s Creative Director Adrian J. Margelist. He and Stress are the only two having the croc-python version of the iconic sneakers.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, the Blick magazine wrote an article about last night and named me one of the most important fashion bloggers! I am honoured, thank you, Flavia!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Markus Kehl

This was my look for the “40 years, 40 hours” party in Venice: Overall, bustier and hat by Tom Ford, clutch bag by Chloé, pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, ring by Roberto Cavalli, watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings and necklace by Prada.

This night was truly outstanding with amazing food by Käfer (which means in German “bug” and we got some real insects as an entrée … just for fun to scare the ladies), live performances by different artists like the famous mentalist Jan Becker and a real tiger in the garden that we could pet. We danced until dawn and I cannot wait to celebrate “80 years, 80 hours”!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My new fashion column for the SI Style magazine is available now. This time, I am telling you about an amazing trip in September to Venice for the birthday party of a very dear friend. The motto “40 years, 40 hours” was to be taken literally. Below you will find some photos of the beginning of the weekend. The host had chartered an aircraft for all his friends so that the party started already on the flight. More photos of the night which felt like a scene from the movie “Eyes Wide Shut”, the hotel and more to be posted soon! It was definitely the best party ever!

My comfy travel outfit: A cozy overall, scarf, bag and wedges (see photos below) by Bottega Veneta, necklace and bangles by Chanel, watch by Roger Dubuis.

Venice is always worth to travel to…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am so excited. The new Bolero magazine is available now (unfortunately only for my Swiss readers) featuring a style portrait of me. Fashion director Sara Allerstorfer and photographer Gian Marco Castelberg were so lovely to work with. Below you can see some behind-the-scene shots taken by my daughter. You might recognize some pieces from previous posts! Have fun!

Outfit: Caramolengo Dress by Mary Katrantzou, oversized clutch bag by Miu Miu, ring by Chanel and cuff by Stella McCartney.

Outfit: Lace-insert dress by Antonio Berardi, patchwork coat and bag by Louis Vuitton, floppy hat by H&M.

A close-up of my personalised “Sac Louis” by Louis Vuitton.

Sara, Gian Marco and me in an overall by Stella McCartney checking the photos.

My beloved Chanel collection including very special pieces.

Outfit: Dress by Gucci, shoes by Yves Saint Laurent, clutch by Matthew Williamson, earrings by Chanel, ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: A.Bauknecht, © Sandra Bauknecht

Tomorrow, the Versace for H&M collection will officially hit 300 stores worldwide (in the US on November 19th), so ladies and gentlemen be prepared to line up in the morning.

Last week in NYC, I got the pleasure to meet Donatella Versace and H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch who sat down for a chat with Tim Blanks, Style.com’s editor-at-large, at the top floor of the Dream Downtown hotel.

Find out a little bit more about the collection and which one is Donatella’s favourite look. Believe it or not…Donatella even revealed that she likes shopping at H&M.

Margareta van den Bosch, Donatella Versace and Tim Blanks

What does this collaboration mean to you?

D.V.: It was very emotional for me to go through the archives to explore all the looks that Gianni created. It is an amazing way to reach the younger crowd. I am working closely with Lady Gaga or Nicki Menaj. It is great to collaborate with such dedicated artists who have so many followers. Gianni would be so proud to see his clothes worn by younger kids. This is an homage to Gianni.
I was scared to take over the reins from him when he died. I had to gain the credibility from the rest of the world.

Looking at your own shows, you are reenergized creatively. You are working with the Fringe London, Lady Gaga? Calling this a Versace moment, why do you think this was all coming together now?

D.V.: For me it is a fantasic moment. I talk and follow young designers. I am very interested in them and they are very interested in me. A house like Versace has a lot of history they can profit from but I am learning a lot, too. I am open to different opinions. Fashion is every day an exam. After all those years of minimalism, Versace and its luxury are back!

Margareta, did you feel a Versace moment as well?

M.v.d.B.: Yes, definitely. This is a different collaboration from what we did before with all those colours and prints, leather and studs. The essence of the house Versace was truly there.

Donatella, were you surprised when you went through your archives even that you know them well?

D.V.: I was amazed to see how Gianni did everything – I am sorry to say – before everybody else. I see a lot of homage to Versace today as for example young designer Riccardo Tisci did for the Givenchy F/W 2011 collection (looking at me as I was wearing a dress from this collection). But this is enough now. It is my turn, this is my homage to Versace!

Didn’t you have to make a concession?

D.V.: This was the best thing to work with H&M, there was no concession. There are fantastic people in this company. They said yes to everything, I never got a no. It has been a fantastic liberating moment. Just the amount of sketches surprised the team. 
31 looks were asked and I created 43 looks for the runway, from the chokers and the bracelets with the Medusa, flowers from Miami, printed jeans and skirts, leather, the high heels, nothing is missing.

Margareta, what are the criteria for a collaboration? Isn’t H&M and Versace at two comletely different ends? And how do you get started?

M.v.d.B.: It is very much a feeling that we discuss in-house. If we agree, we go for it. We had the first meeting and talked about the collection. We decided something little. When the second meeting took place with the teams around the products, like buyers, people for the packaging and many others, I expected some sketches but Donatella had everything ready. It was fantastic as we always have a lack of time.

Margareta, you said the time was right for Versace, what do you mean with that?

M.v.d.B.: Fashion should be something that makes you happy. This collaboration is about a dream, to give people the spirit of luxury. We try to make it as close to the brand as possible. Maximalism, colours, prints, everything is back. It is an optimistic upbeat collection even that you see all the bad news in Europe.

And how about you, Donatella? What do you think?

D.V.: It is a dream of luxury, for example when you touch the studded leather coat from the Versace for H&M collaboration or the original from the archives, you don’t know which one is the real one.

Donatella Versace with me

What is this collaboration about? Which impact will the collection have on H&M or Versace? Will it change your own work?

D.V.: I had that clear idea what to do, of the look that young people want. Fashion is freedom today. Technology plays a fantastic role and H&M uses it in an amazing way. It is interesting to see how young people put things together and that everything goes.

M.v.d.B.: Fashion is about expressing your individuality. This collaboration is about giving the customers something new and showing that you don’t need a huge budget to look good. We are very professional and have all the knowledge. We included for the first time homewear because it is part of the Versace look, as well as jewelry. I mean there is no Versace collection without jewelry. We have two different cushions, a blanket and many different jewelry pieces.

Which one is your favourite piece in the collection?

D.V.: I have 43 favourite babies.

M.v.d.B.: The studded leather dress and the rings.

________________

If I were you, I would definitely get a piece with the tropical print as this is a huge trend among the upcoming Cruise 2012 collections from the likes of Stella McCartney, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Givenchy.

And don’t forget to enter the contest to win the amazing purple one-of-a-kind Versace for H&M dress! Deadline is tonight! Good luck!

And rumours are out that the next collaboration might be with Tom Ford, OMG!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you curious what the PR people at H&M were wearing for the Versace for H&M show in NYC? Here is what Gray and René from the Swiss department chose. Naturally, some cool pieces by H&M. Only Gray was a little unfaithful and sported a pair of awesome sequined sandals from Zara. And guess what my little eyes spied on René’s wrist? The fabulous “Swatch portrait” by Jeremy Scott for Swatch! Thumbs up, great style while going easy on the budget!

LoL, Sandra

René’s look: Leather jacket by H&M Divided Vintage, grey shirt with studs and pants by H&M Trend Man, scarf and hat by H&M Man Accessories, ankle boots by Salvatore Ferragamo and watch “Swatch Portrait” by Jeremy Scott for Swatch.

Gray’s look: Sequined dress and fake fur vest by H&M Trend Ladies, ring by Versace for H&M and strappy sequined sandals by Zara.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look for the Versace for H&M fashion show last week in NYC. The fabric pays tribute to the iconic Versace prints and as you know I love Mary Katrantzou’s designs! This dress with its wide bell skirt is truly a piece of art for me.

My outfit: Kite Runner dress by Mary Katrantzou, necklace by Prada, sparkling booties by Chanel, tights by H&M and cocktail ring”Diorette” by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

My make-up: Eyeshadows “Vanilla”, “Electric Eel” and “Atlantic Blue” by MAC, Blue Instant Definition Mascara by Clarins, Blush “Orgasm” by Nars and Lipgloss “Buff” by Bobbi Brown.
On my nails: “Graphite ” by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I came across these photos and loved the idea! Search for an old pair of bell-bottom jeans in your closet and cut them open at the hem. Aren’t those slits divine? Ready for a shoe show? Those sparkling Chanel pumps are so glamourous!

Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Man Repeller

As a culmination of the Fashion Days Zurich, the renowned Fashion Rocks event took place on Saturday evening for the first time in Switzerland. The charity party is a combination of music and fashion, raising funds for The Prince’s Trust. Unfortunately, that fact got kind of lost during the night.

Julien Macdonald with me

Absolute highlight was the spellbinding show from Julien Macdonald. The only question that I was asking myself was: Why did the British designer, who worked for Chanel and took over the reins from McQueen at Givenchy before launching his eponymous label in 1998, showed his F/W 2011 collection that I saw and wrote already about in February (for the previous post, please click here) instead of the new S/S 2012 line? I asked him, but he avoided the answer. My guess, the F/W 2011 collection is the much better one, at least for me! But it gets worse….

The final gown on the runway presented by Swiss model Ronja Furrer was worn already by Heidi Klum to the Oscar’s but is from Julien Macdonald’s F/W 2009 collection (see photos at the end of this post)! Excuse me? Zurich might not be a fashion capital like London and Paris, but we don’t deserve this old stuff!

Thumbs down, Mr Macdonald, don’t you have anything new to show?!

Enjoy the backstage and catwalk photos! The Paul Mitchell team was in charge for the hair and the extensions. And if you are more interested in charity than old gowns, I recommend a project in Tansania that the annabelle magazine presented that night. For further information, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As the culmination of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show Friday night in Zurich, Talbot Runhof showed their beautiful S/S 2012 collection.

The Munich-based label was born under Johnny Talbot & Adrian Runhof. The best way to describe their style is to focus on their attention to craftsmanship and detail and their exquisite couture cuts. A Paris Fashion Week regular and often seen on the red carpets, their billowing gowns and playful creations present a sophisticated, feminine glamour.

Talbot Runhof can be found in the best boutiques all over the world, including leading American department stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and at Harrods in the UK.

Johnny Talbot to the left and Adrian Runhof to the right with me.

Before the fashion show, I went backstage to talk to the designer duo. Enjoy!

Adrian,  how does it feel to be here in Switzerland to present your collection?

I love Switzerland, I am often here. Therefore it is so exciting for us to have a show tonight. We have many fans among the Swiss and sell very well in Switzerland.

Please tell me something about your inspiration for the S/S 2012 collection that we are going to see tonight!

Christian Lacroix has designed the costumes for the Munich Opera recently. This has inspired us, not the costumes themselves, but the early stage of Lacroix. When we got started in the Nineties, Lacroix played such a major part in our fashion history. Later, he lost it, his creations became overloaded. His golden age was marked by his ability to mix and match patterns and fabrics, as well as his amazing colour combinations. And this has inspired us!

Do you have any Swiss woman that you would like to dress?

Actually yes and we dress her tonight: Sarina Arnold. She will open the show and will present the final look, too.

Sarina Arnold opened the show in a bright floral dress

What are your future plans?

(Both smiling.) Who knows? We have created for the first time bags and shoes and will take it from there.

The shoes are amazing!

Below you can see my favourite looks from the show. I took some details shots of the fabrics and details backstage for you to see the wonderful craftsmanship. Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht