Sandra‘s Closet

What a tragic start to New York  Fashion Week! Today in the morning, Alexander (his first name was actually Lee) McQueen was found dead in his London home at the age of 40.

The outstanding British fashion designer, known for his innovative and creative designs, will be greatly missed by the fashion world. Obviously he was very distressed over his mother`s death last week and might have killed himself. But this is not yet confirmed.

I am shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of such an inspirational, extraordinary talent.

Rest in Peace, McQueen!

LoL, Sandra

Floral prints and flower embellishments are big this upcoming summer as are strapless dresses. Here I have a great piece for you for only £45.- combining those two trends. You can order it at www.topshop.com. Wear it with a statement bag like the Miu Miu one and some sizzling strappy sandals (Proenza Schouler) that will help you avoiding a too girly look. Anchor your feminine appearance with some bangles and blushed cheeks.

Start blooming and feel your best every day!

LoL, Sandra

These days, designers come up with amazing ideas to boost their economy. Therefore a good reason to pamper yourself is Miu Miu`s beautiful capsule collection for Valentine`s Day.

Sometimes I find heart themed pieces can go overboard and look a little cheap but not these beautiful bejeweled bags, pretty necklaces and elegantly simple tees. My favourite is the white top with those cute red heart-shaped sleeves that makes a decent appearance with the right amount of sweetness.

Happy Fashion Valentine!

LoL, Sandra

On the one hand sheer, body-conscious, even naked looks and on the other hand romantic, young aspects created by crystal embroideries and graphic prints with little dogs, cats, swallows and flowers. The accessories are extremely beautiful, to me the platform shoes in particular.

The American model Lindsey Wixon was the perfect choice for the advertising campaign. She has that perfect combination of power and vulnerability. The sixteen-year-old was rejected by several casting directors before signing the contract with Marilyn. The agency had a good eye. After the opening slot at the Prada show in Milan and the presentation of the last look on the Miu Miu runway in Paris, she has become the new shooting star. Her signature feature is her sweet very tiny mouth with incredibly full lips. We will see her in a lot of editorials in the near future.

For my Swiss readers, I recommend a visit to the new Miu Miu shops in Zurich and St. Moritz. Have fun exploring this beautiful collection!

LoL, Sandra

For my Swiss based readers I have some very good news: Bongénie Grieder is carrying Matthew Williamson now in Zurich and Geneva. I spotted the waistcoat in black there (see below). Wear it with a white shirt and a pair of sexy leather leggings that you might already have. Accessorize this stunning look with a fringed bag by Jimmy Choo and those stunning gladiator sandals by Chloé. Both also available at Bongénie Grieder.

LoL, Sandra

Something else that I loved in Paris last week were the windows of the Lanvin Faubourg St. Honoré store. The master behind the scene was Cyril Hatt, a French artist who is represented by the Gallery Bertrand Grimont.

The main attraction were the beautiful wedding gowns from the Lanvin Blanche line. Alber Elbaz, the brilliant designer of the famous French fashion house, designed modern looks for a bride that is less Cinderella and more independent Fashionista.

At the Parisian department store Bon Marché, the collection – that consists of 13 dresses – is orchestrated by Cyril Hatt`s installations until February 13, 2010. It is truly worth seeing.

In case you don`t make it to Paris, no worries please. On February 16, 2010 www.net-à-porter.com open their even bigger wedding boutique where you can order the fabulous Lanvin Blanche creations online.

In the most beautiful dress you will surely have the most beautiful day in your life!

LoL, Sandra

Last weekend I went to Paris and got a truly adorable present for the launch of the new Balenciaga scent: A personalized engraved perfume bottle. To me, this is such a wonderful idea. A lovely gift that every girl would adore, something very special.

In anticipation of Valentine`s Day, the famous couture house Balenciaga Paris is launching its first new fragrance. After almost 15 years of absence in the fragrance business, the new scent named simply “Balenciaga Paris” is meant to revive the house`s perfume label. Created by the award-winning perfumer Olivier Polge of IFF and inspired by Balenciaga`s designer Nicolas Ghesquière, it is in the floral chypre family with accentuated violet. The scent is not as powdery as expected due to the natural effect of the violet leaves, instead it has more of a metallic freshness to it. I love the traditional ingredients like carnation, violet, cedar and patchouli that are transformed with a new contemporary twist.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, is the face of the advertising campaign shot by Steven Meisel. The scent debuts in most countries in the beginning of February.

Happy smelling!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and © Sandra Bauknecht

Jumpsuits are so hot again and the material of the moment is definitely lace. So here is a stunning look by Stella McCartney combining both. The London designer is known for her true love for these all-in-ones and is including them in every collection. This one here comes in two different versions: One (above and on Victoria Beckham below) is made of sequined lace with embellished shoulders and a deeper neckline. It can even be made to measure. For further enquiries contact the London store: +44 (0)20 7518 3100.

The other model (below to the right) is a little more basic without the sequins and sharp cuts. You can order it at www.net-a-porter.com. I like the idea of combining that beautiful jumpsuit with dark or olive green accessories.

A little anecdote regarding the development of this lovely piece. Stella McCartney attended with her close friends Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson the Met Gala 2009 in New York.

She made this jumpsuit in her suite at the Carlyle a few hours before the party with her girlfriends who were all dressed in Stella`s designs. Obviously they all had a blast cutting the lace fabric and sticking it together.

Unfortunately the Daily Mail called Stella the worst dressed attendee wearing “Granny`s lace curtains” that night. To me, totally unfair. I think that she looked stunning. But nevertheless tastes differ. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra