Sandra‘s Closet

During New York Fashion Week, I ran into some very familiar faces. Here you see German fashion power. To the left is über-stylish Annette Weber, editor-in-chief of German InStyle magazine, and to the right is very hip Sue Giers, head byer for Hamburg based Linette shops.

Annette’s look: Dress and Boots by Prada, Bag by Chanel

Sue’s look: Blazer by H&M, Pants by Closed, Dress, Boston Bag and Shoes by Céline, Statement Necklace and Fur Scarf by Gabriele Frantzen.

I loved how Sue combined designer pieces with the fabulous H&M blazer. She rolled up her Céline dress and turned it into a silk shirt. Awesome idea!

If you like Sue’s necklace with the thin little fur scarf, you should have a look at Gabriele Frantzen‘s designs. Having worked in fashion for many years, she launched her eponymous statement jewelry line in 2009. Since then, her pieces have been spotted all over and even made it on the red carpet at the Oscars. Gabriele Frantzen commutes between New York City and Munich. For store locations, please click here.

Gabriele Frantzen during Fashion Week sporting one of her own designs.

Stay tuned for so much more to come. I just spent an amazing weekend in Venice… and now I am packing for Milan Fashion Week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Be part of London Fashion Week and watch the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 fashion show live on Sandra’s Closet tomorrow at 4pm London time. You can shop coats and accessoires directly after the show. Stay tuned for more to come.

LoL, Sandra

“I always wanted to make a perfume which would have the same resonance for everyone, something like tenderness, or childhood and I wanted there to be such a sensual contact with this perfume, that you almost feel like devouring the person you love.”

Thierry Mugler

Love it or hate it! It seems that this oriental-gourmand fragrance allows only the extreme. Since its creation in 1992, it is one of the bestselling scents around the globe.

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS ANGEL…
A GOURMAND PERFUME THAT HAS BECOME LEGENDARY.

FROM STAR TO COMET – A NEW EAU DE TOILETTE

Almost 20 years later, a new satellite appears, Angel will be available as Eau de Toilette with a new shaped flacon in a modern interpretation.. Angel’s dazzling star gives birth to an undulating comet.

More than just a difference in concentration, Angel Eau de Toilette is a unique harmony of scents composed by Amandine Marie (Robertet). It has become “oriental-gourmand-powdery”.

Top Notes: Bergamot, red berries and pepper

Middle Notes: Praliné, caramel and berries

Base Notes: Patchouli, vanilla, cedar and white musk.

Faithful to Angel’s tradition, the Comet, available in 40 ml and in 80 ml, is refillable, thanks to its eco-source bottle (40 ml).

A MESMERIZING CAMPAIGN

Eva Mendes is the glamorous woman for the Eau de Parfum and beguiling icon for the Eau de Toilette, she embodies all the addictions of Angel.

New muse, new campaign… I loved the illustrations so much that I wanted to share them with you.

Always spectacular, the Angel woman rediscovers a certain type of intimacy in her perfume and in her dreams, expressing a seduction more moving than ever.

One woman, two stories…

A deserted train station. A shimmering clear night. The Angel woman waits for the train that, with its guiding star, will take her to the depths of her dreams.

In the “Dream Machine”, comfortably seated, she sprays her wrist lightly. After scarcely a whiff, she gives into pleasure, eyes closed, and takes off…

Her first dream brings her back to childhood memories of a fair, the Ferris wheel and cotton candy. This vision becomes hazy and takes the shape of the Eau de Toilette bottle followed by the Eau de Parfum bottle that sets her off on her next trip. She dances in this day dream, as though completely spellbound, among constellations of stars. Enchanting…

And the imaginary odyssey ends, giving way to reality. As she gets off the train immersed in a blue light, her exalted expression keeps you guessing about the thrill and the transgression of her experience.

Looking up to the sky that welcomed her, she takes the ultimate memento of her recent experience out of her trench coat pocket: the scintillating Angel bottle.

Illustrations: © Stefano Canulli

The world wide campaign, conceived by Thierry Mugler and orchestrated by Christophe de Lataillade, the brand’s Artistic Director, has brought together an exceptional cast. British director, Baillie Walsh, directed the film and the image was immortalized by the duo of fashion photographers Inez van Lansweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.

Below is the new commercial with Eva Mendes singing. Hope that you like it.

LoL, Sandra

If you were wondering what I was wearing for Fashion’s Night Out in New York, this was my look.

Blouse and Skirt by Alexander McQueen, Python Belt by Gucci, Studded Heels by Valentino, Small Boston Bag by Céline, Ring by Roberto Cavalli and Watch by Roger Dubuis.

This military inspired outfit was also seen on Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge recently in Birmingham.

Catherine had shortened her skirt whereas I left it at the medium length. Midi skirts are a must for F/W 2011. I was not a big fan of Catherine’s classic suede pumps as the outfit itself is already pretty conservative. That was the reason I went for my studded Valentino kitten heels and added the wide eyecatching golden python belt for a bit of colour.

On my nails I am wearing a metallic colour, so-called “Graphite” by Chanel.

What is he looking at?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my German based readers: 
The new SI Style with my monthly fashion column is available from today.
This time, I am telling you more about my recent trip to London where I went to the Dolce & Gabbana Net-à-porter party and the “Tropical Night” event hosted by Matthew Williamson.
You will also find some travel tips for London.

Get your issue now!

LoL, Sandra

Meet Tom Pecheux, the Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder. The internationally acclaimed make-up artist was in charge for the Derek Lam S/S 2012 runway beauty looks.

I was invited to go backstage before the show to interview Tom which was just wonderful. His thoughts on makeup
 are so modern, he has an amazing aura.

Tom Pecheux with me

The best compliment for the Parisian beauty guru that is loved by celebrities and top photographers all over the world?
To hear someone say “I feel great” and not “this make up is great”.

Enjoy the photos I took backstage and the interview! You will be up-to-date how your makeup should look like for next summer.

What was the inspiration behind your makeup look for the Derek Lam S/S 2012 show?

The inspiration was sort of that modern relaxed archtitecture on the West Coast, California, sunshine, earth – this kind of juxtaposition between both. The juxtaposition between masculine and feminine. If you look at the make-up, you have a very bright yellow which is generally a very feminine colour, but it is in a masculine finish. It is almost matte, a light satin finish, instead of being shimmery. The cheeks are very softly sculpted. Sunkissed, bronzey. I took the pink out of the lips by using a yellow tone which neutralized the pink, so that you get a „not-so-girly“ finish.

When Derek showed me his collection and he told me about his inspiration, I felt immediatly the warmth of the West Coast. When you go to L.A., you see colours that you don’t see anywhere else, the sand is special. So I wanted the yellow to present the warmness that you find in California.

How do you apply it?

It is super easy to apply. First the concealer with the finger. Some loose powder. After we start with the colour to apply. A powerful eyebrow mixed with a little bit of black and brown depending on the skin tone. A brown shimmery shadow just under the brow bones to create a even darker and stronger look. I really want the girl to feel powerful.

The yellow shadow I am using on the eyelid for a nice contrast. It is a colour that many people are afraid off so I took that challenge to make it look good. For the transparent, high-shine pout I just put a sheer, shimmery yellow gloss without a lip liner.

What is your beauty must-have for the next season?

This is hard to say. If you are a makeup artist, you don’t stick to just one thing. But the focus for the S/S 2012 is definitely on the eyebows, you should concentrate on getting them beautifully shaped and defined.

I do love the yellow. I love to find a way to use colour a little bit frightening, to make it work. To make a girl look gorgeous, to show that it is not weird. It is basically challenging myself not to get bored.

Estée Lauder’s spokewoman Hilary Rhoda with me

Do you have a favourite face?

No, not really. I mean I love beautiful women. But what I truly find interesting is to work on women that are not models and to realize how much you can give like for example during Fashion’s Night Out.

Estée Lauder’s slogan is „Every Woman can be beautiful“. Not every woman will look like Constance or Hilary. But every woman in her own world will look gorgeous. It is also not about trying to look like somebody else. It is more about feeling good, happiness and confidence.

In your opinion, should a woman always wear makeup when she leaves the house?

If you feel good, you can leave the house without. I don’t like the rules, I like to break them. Try different things, like an unusual colour. You may like it or you may not but the most important thing is to not get stuck. Enjoy exploring new things and you will feel beautiful and confident.

I couldn’t agree more with Tom! So I am ready for the yellow eyeshadow and you? Unfortunately we will just have to wait until January 2012 to get our hands on Estée Lauder’s limited edition Pure Colour Gloss in Citron Kiss and Pure Colour Eyeshadow Palette.

But isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

LoL, Sandra

Photos:  © Sandra Bauknecht

„When I am doing a little California dreamin’, I am in a beautifully appointed Mid-century home, like the Kaufmann house in Palm Springs, by Richard Neutra. The clean minimal interior, the wide open desert landscape, the informality of living in nature yet also sheltered in rational and soul warming architecture; that is my mind wandering to a place of salubrious comfort. But it’s not all strict lines and raw space. Somewhere, there is Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack crooning by the piano and Angie Dickenson is lounging by a crystal blue pool. Mid-century louche and luxury, in my dreams.“

– Derek Lam

Last Sunday in New York was a very touching day marking the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. While the city was filled with ceremonies commemorating this tragic event, the fashion world was looking ahead.

Derek Lam showed his S/S 2012 collection that day and went from East Coast to West Coast for inspiration. The designer, who had grown up in California, came up with a crisp, sharp tailored look. Very American, very preppy with a slight retro touch. The prints added a resort feeling. One of my favourites was the white linen trench coat with the shiny black leather trim. I am sure that this collection will be loved especially by business women all around the world. Anna Wintour seemed to like it a lot, but see for yourselves…

I was invited to go backstage before the show and enjoyed exploring the clothes in advance. Please stay tuned as I interviewed Tom Pecheux, Estée Lauder’s Creative Director for Makeup, who had created the makeup look for Derek Lam’s S/S 2012 show. I have got some beautiful behind the scenes shots of which some are already included here. Hope that will like it.

By the way, I spotted some German celebrities front row. Don’t miss the end of this post to see who was there!

LoL, Sandra

Derek Lam

Stephanie zu Guttenberg in a red Prada dress

Lilly & Boris Becker

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, Barneys New York celebrated the launch of their new womens F/W 2011 campaign „Carine’s World“ with a gigantic party in New York City. Many celebrities attended, but the real highlight of the evening was definitely the karaoke performance of Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld on stage.

The new campaign for the American department store was cast by Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of French Vogue. Friends, family members, people she admired over years for their style, were featured in the newest must-haves. Carine worked alongside renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti and Barneys New York Creative Director Dennis Freedman.

In the store, you can find some installations with quotes that I enjoyed very much. I hope that you do, too!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Below you can find my personal favourites of the campaign. For more information, go on Barneys.com.

LoL, Sandra

Naomi Campbell in Fendi

Carine on Naomi:
“I met Naomi 25 years ago at the beginning of her career and worked with her often. She is of course a legendary model and an icon, but one thing that people don’t know about her is that she has a very big heart.”

Shop the Fendi collection at Barneys.com.

Jessica Hart in Marc Jacobs

Carine on Jessica:
“Jessica is the Australian girlfriend of my son Vladimir’s best friend. So pretty, natural, and elegant. She’s got a spontaneous, sporty allure and she’s always smiling.”

Shop the Marc Jacobs collection at Barneys.com.

Melanie Huynh in Yves Saint Laurent

Carine on Melanie:
“Melanie is a stylist and was my assistant for 3 or 4 years. We have stayed close – I am even godmother to her daughter. She is ravishing and brings a lot of grace to the Saint Laurent clothes. She looks like a princess.”

Shop the Yves Saint Laurent collection at Barneys.com.

Izabel Goulart in Mugler and Gianvito Rossi

Carine on Izabel:
“Izabel, a Brazilian, is one of my most recent discoveries. She is a very, very beautiful girl that I first saw at a Victoria’s Secret runway show.”

Shop the Mugler and Gianvito Rossi collection at Barneys.com.

Theodora Richards in Rodarte

Carine on Theodora:
“Theodora has inherited the daring style of her father, Keith Richards, and it suits her divinely. She’s also very spirited and lively and has an incredible presence.”

Shop the Rodarte collection at Barneys.com.

Photos: © Barneys

Meet beautiful Miroslava Duma, the former fashion editor for Russian Harper’s Bazaar. Today, she works as a freelance writer for numerous publications. Miroslava, daughter of the Russian senator Vasilay Duma, has become known as an international fashion icon. I think she is absolutely stunning. Here are some photos of her that I took after the Lacoste show.
Isn’t this look divine?

Her outfit: Waistcoat by Jil Sander, Clutch and Shoes by Prada, Jewelry by Tom Binns.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning I headed early to Lincoln Center to see the Lacoste S/S ’12 show which was full of stripes and ’60s silhouettes.

For Felipe Oliveira Baptista‘s first womenswear collection as Lacoste’s new designer, he created a more playful feel than his predecessors, proving that he is not afraid of change. He mixed sunny primary colors with vibrant brown and classy navy and went for a new twist on cuts as seen on exaggerated arm holes. All in all, the collection has got a certain kind of sexiness which is pretty promising to me. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

A little gift waited for me on my chair.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht