Sandra‘s Closet

For the first time, there was a credit that no one has seen at a runway show before: One of Chanel’s famous Parisian ateliers, the legendary couture embroidery house Lesage, lend their skills to Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, by creating the most stunning embroidered eyebrow pads for the models.

Lesage (embroidery) is along with 7 other ateliers part of Chanel’s subsidary dedicated to “Métiers d’ art”, Paraffection. These include Montex (embroidery), Desrues (costume jewelry), Lemarié (feather-maker), Maison Michel (hat-maker), Massaro (boot-maker), Goossens (goldsmith) and Guillet (fabric flowers-maker).

The emphasis of the runway makeup look is on the eyebrows by using those amazing Lesage pads which won’t be for sale unfortunately. The rest of the face is kept nude and simple.

But there are two new products that will be available in the fall that will make our hearts leap with joy. “Ombre Contraste” is a compact powder in a lavender-taupe shade, called “Notorious” specially created for this show that Peter Philips used for all the shading and sculpting of the face.

For the nails, the new It- shade will be “Frenzy”, a light taupe, which is totally colour coordinated with “Notorious”.

Here is your shopping list:
(the highlighted ones will be available this fall, the rest is in stores already):

Chanel F/W 2012 Ready-to-Wear Show
Makeup by Peter Philips

Skin prepared with HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM

The Complexion
MAT LUMIERE
POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE
ECLAT LUMIERE
CORRECTEUR PERFECTION

The Eyes
LE CRAYON KHOL « Clair » (N°69)
RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL
Embroideries made by Maison Lesage specially for the show

The Eyes and the Cheeks
OMBRE CONTRASTE “Notorious” – Exclusive Creation available in specific point of sales in September 2012

The Lips
ROUGE COCO BAUME – Spring 2012 Collection

The Nails
LE VERNIS « Frenzy » (N°559)  – Fall 2012 Collection

Cannot wait to have “Frenzy” on my nails!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2012, Vincent Lappartient

Let me introduce you the Ombres Matelassées, the new eye palette from Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, that offers a new interpretation of the iconic quilted effect so emblematic of Chanel.

Held in a black rectangular case, the five shades Pear, Pale Gold, Gold, Golden Khaki and Black Night are presented in a harmonious crisscross arrangement. Simply apply as desired to the eyelids, using the double-tipped foam applicators and brush.

Application tips:
– Use the foam applicator to apply the eyeshadows and the brush to gently blend them, for a makeup look that mixes different shades.
– The two darker shades can be used damp as an eyeliner. Simply apply with the tip of a foam applicator, along the base of the lashes.

Available in Switzerland at Chanel boutiques from the beginning of April for CHF 85.-.

In Paris, the Ombres Matelassées palette was pre-released at the re-opening of the Chanel boutique on 51, Avenue Montaigne last week.
This 600m2 boutique houses the unique world of Chanel and all of Karl Lagerfeld’s creations – Ready-to-Wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery and other accessories – as well as fine jewellery and watches.

The two floors of the new space were inspired by the finesse of Mademoiselle Chanel’s private apartment at 31 Rue Cambon.

The conception of this new address was entrusted to New York architect Peter Marino, who is responsible for all of the Chanel boutiques across the globe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Bring the ombre trend right down to your nails and try rocking something with a gradient! You have two options: Either you take two nail polish colours and apply both in a fading effect or you try the easier way by using five different hues from the same colour family (see below).

I created this ombre effect by choosing five different shades (307 Orange Fizz, 539 June, 535 May, 537 Riviera and 533 April), then I started at the darkest point on my thumb and gradually worked my way to my pinky. The key to making this manicure look not like a kindergardener’s paint-by-number project, is choosing the right colours. This pastel version looks pretty sophisticated, don’t you think? 
And now, we finally know what to do with all those nail polishes we have been collecting over the past years!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

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

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

Today, I would like to introduce you to Yves Saint Laurent’s newest nail polishes duos Les Manucure Couture Les Fauves that are available now in four different combinations, only in selected department stores for CHF49 each.

Duo N° 1 – Griffe Dorée – Gold and Black Shatter

Duo N° 2 – Griffe d’Argent – Silver and Black Shatter (on my nails below)

Duo N° 3 – Griffe de Sable –  Beige and Black Shatter

Duo N° 4 – Griffe de Jade – Khaki and Black Shatter

What looks like you just stepped out of a nail salon is actually quite easy to apply yourself and it is a lot a fun watching the effect happen. So how does it work exactly? Shatter polish is a special top coat applied over your regular nail colour that gives a “crackled” effect on the finish. As the shatter coat is matte, you can apply a topcoat for a high gloss finish if desired.

OPI was among the first ones to introduce the shatter polishes. Below you can see some of my favourite combinations.

LoL, Sandra

OPI Spark de Triomphe (gold) with OPI White Shatter on top

NARS Ecume (white) with OPI Blue Shatter on top

The name Nina Ricci is famous, especially the house’s most famous perfume, “L’Air du Temps” (created in 1949), but the brand has dropped off the fashion radar for quite some years. The French fashion house was founded by Maria “Nina” Ricci and her son Robert in Paris in 1932, and has been owned by the Spanish beauty and fashion group Puig since 1998.

After Maria Ricci’s death in 1970, the label went through a difficult phase, with different owners and designers. In 2009, designer Peter Copping, who had worked for Louis Vuitton, took over and since then Nina Ricci has been on the rise again. I absolutely adore Peter’s designs.

When designing the F/W 2012 collection which will be presented this Thursday during Paris Fashion Week, Peter Copping, Creative Director of Nina Ricci, asked himself what the Nina Ricci uniform would be. First and foremost among the house codes is the little black dress.

Here you can see me in Paris, posing in front of the Nina Ricci store window on Avenue Montaigne in the same dress that was on display:
Ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, tweed and leather jacket by Antonio Berardi, Black Mamba gold-plated snakeskin-effect cuff by Yves Saint Laurent, studded leather ankle boots by Valentino and Constance leather clutch by Jason Wu.

Tweed materials are another house signature; here Copping whipped them up in a feminine and soft style. Combined with a floral skirt, it takes your summer wardrobe to the next level.

Tweed coat, open-knit crew-neck sweater, mini pansy-print skirt, ruched linen wedges and Liane top handle bag, all by Nina Ricci.

For all perfume lovers, I recommend Nina Fantasy, a gorgeous Limited Edition version of her classic Nina fragrance, which will be availbale in Switzerland in April, just in time for spring.

Slightly sweeter smelling than the original, the scent combines top notes of bergamot, mandarin and pear with the delicate, powdery heart notes of cherry blossom, rose and heliotropes. Base notes are mate and brown sugar.

The white procelain bottle in the shape of a flamboyant apple is very fairytale-like. It draws inspiration from spring and magical moments. It is finished with a golden stem and leaves, engraved with the Nina Ricci signature, and has some sweet illustrations in golden pink.

Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition, 50ml, CHF 77.-

LoL, Sandra

The reason for my fairytale-like trip to Paris was the launch of Dior Addict Extrême, the new lasting fashion lipstick. For the official photos, please click here. Today, I would like to give you more information on the new season’s must-have beauty product.

In 2011, an addict fashion story came to life when Dior launched Dior Addict, the house’s first fashion lipstick in 44 easy-to-wear and playful colours with spectacular glossy shine and ultra-comfort. For last year’s post, please click here.

In 2012, Addict becomes Extreme, edgy and sophisticated. The new black case makes it a fashion statement already.
Available in 12 new pure luminous colours, starting in Switzerland Mid March for CHF 46.-.
(There will be 4 new nail polish shades complementing the look for CHF 37.-.)

The star ingredients of the lipsticks are 4 expert waxes with extreme opposite actions for a breakthrough combination of lasting comfort in an ultra-thin veil. Dior added the most thin and radiant oils for a luminous shine and radiant shades. Hyaluronic microspheres provide ultra-comfort and an immediate plumping result.

Below you can explore the 4 “It“– shades  and their 4 iconic styles.
I also created some fashion looks complementing the new lip colours. To shop the outfit, just click on the highlighted texts.

LUCKY
Audacious Pinks – Fashion Dress-Code

Inspired by Lucky, one of Dior’s most famous models, who was an icon on the catwalks in the `50s, this shade is for a woman who explores her inspirations and plays with her style.

Wrap-effect crepe dress by Vanessa Bruno, Masako silk-satin pumps by Charlotte Olympia and Mini Loubi Lula printed silk-twill frame clutch by Christian Louboutin.

Dior Addict Extrême 536 Lucky and Dior Vernis 659 Lucky

INCOGNITO
Beige Elegance – Minimal Chic

Inspired by the allure of Parisian women, this shade is synonymous for timeless sophistication.

Wool-twill blazer and shirt dress with star buttons, both by Miu Miu and snake-effect leather pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Dior Addict Extrême 316 Incognito and Dior Vernis 257 Incognito

RIVIERA
Sunny Shades – Cruise Aura

This coral tone stands for the elegance of the Riviera and the fascination of St. Tropez.

Printed silk-georgette top by Roberto Cavalli, silk-trimmed brushed-twill shorts by Elizabeth and James,leather ballerinas by Repetto, PS1 Small leather satchel by Proenza Schouler and enameled gold-plated cuff by Yves Saint Laurent.

Dior Addict Extrême 639 Riviera and Dior Vernis 537 Riviera

PLAZA
Depth & Intensity – Extreme Glamour

Inspired by the iconic Plaza Athénée hotel on Avenue Montaigne, this velvety pink is for all divas and the special moments in your life.

Strapless cotton and silk-blend faille gown by Prabal Gurung, neon python snake-clasp clutch by Roberto Cavalli and Tippi snake-effect leather pumps by Jimmy Choo.

Dior Addict Extrême 476 Plaza and Dior Vernis 579 Plaza

Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

My make-up look for the photo shoot was based on the “It”-colour Plaza, a wonderful pink tone. It is inspired by the glamour of the Parisian luxury hotels, such as the eponymous Plaza Athénée hotel. The colours are dramatic, deep and sophisticated.

My skin was prepped with the new Revitalizing Foundation from the Dior Prestige line which is only available in Asia (To all my Asian readers, lucky you!). It is an amazing product, you have to try it. For us Europeans, Diorskin Nude is a great alternative.

For the dramatic look, the make-up artist started to contour my eyes with a black eye pencil.

Then, she used the darkest shade of the 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette “970 Stylish Move” and applied it with a beveled brush as an eyeliner.

She made the line thicker toward the outer edge and extended the upper line out beyond the corner of the eye, to form a cat’s–eye-like shape. The lighter colours of the palette served as a base. Then, she applied the new Diorshow New Look Mascara in black.

On my cheeks: Diorblush in 839 Vintage Pink.

On my lips: The new Dior Addict Extrême in 476 Plaza, lasting lip colour with radiant shine.

On my nails: Matching the lips, the new pink 579 Plaza nail polish was applied.
Love it so much!

Stay tuned for the official photos!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht