Sandra‘s Closet

I am so excited as I will be leaving this Sunday to Salzburg following Chanel‘s invitation to watch their upcoming Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art collection that will be presented on December 2nd, 2014 in the Austrian city. To celebrate this occasion, Karl Lagerfeld created a video-clip with the title “Reincarnation” (watch the trailer at the end of this post).

This new short film was the perfect opportunity for Karl Lagerfeld to develop an artistic collaboration with Pharrell Williams, a close friend of the House and personal friend of the designer. In fact, the artist composed and wrote the lyrics to “CC The World“, the original soundtrack for Reincarnation, and he also played one of the lead roles and will be, along with Cara Delevingne, the face of the upcoming campaign of the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art collection.

Once again Karl Lagerfeld had imagined an episode from the life of Gabrielle Chanel. Embodied by Geraldine Chaplin, Gabrielle Chanel is holidaying in the suburbs of Salzburg in 1954. At her hotel she meets a young lift-boy played by Pharrell Williams who wears a jacket which would later inspire the iconic CHANEL jacket.

“It was time to show the origins of the CHANEL jacket, inspired by the one worn by the lift attendant in a hotel near Salzburg in the 1950s (…) Reincarnation is the story of a lift attendant’s jacket being reincarnated as a timeless piece of women’s wear,” declares Karl Lagerfeld.

Reincarnation is also the evocation of another era, that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which Karl Lagerfeld brings to life for one night in the heart of the 1950s.

Karl Lagerfeld adds: “None of this would have been possible without Pharrell Williams, Cara Delevingne and Geraldine Chaplin. It’s the perfect cast. Pharrell is a genius and Geraldine at her best in the role of Gabrielle Chanel in the year of her comeback.”

Reincarnation will be screened in Salzburg on December 1st, 2014 the night before the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art show and I couldn’t be happier to be there to watch it live. Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: © Chanel

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Ladies and Gentlemen, don’t forget that this week on the 6th of November the Alexander Wang x H&M collection will hit the stores. To get you in the shopping mood, I would love to show you all the impressions of the amazing launch event that took place at the Armory on the Hudson, an indoor track and field stadium in New York City Mid October. When H&M celebrates a designer collaboration, it means that VIP’s from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and Hollywood, follow the invitation with pleasure. This year, I spotted for example Jessica Chastain, Dakota Fanning, Justin Theroux, Mary J Blige, Kate Mara and many more.

H&M approached Wang a year and a half ago, and the designer immediately knew he wanted to take things in a different direction than anything they’d tried in the past. “They’ve done such an incredible job with the previous projects, everything from Versace and the archival Margiela,” he said. “But the approach had to be different for this one, both for me and for H&M.”

Alexander Wang is the first American to partner with the company whose designer collaboration program is in its tenth year. He mixed sports and performance for everyday life by capturing the speed of the city. Using technical details and functional fabrics, Wang created the perfect versatile performance wear wardrobe for both, men and women, a collection to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way we live our lives today.

After a men’s and women’s full speed runway fashion show, the doors of a pop-up store opened where we could shop the collection first hand (click here to see what I got myself). The evening culminated when Sharaya came on stage as the opening act before the rare performance by Missy Elliott took place. She was so fantastic that even Alexander Wang, who had said earlier during the press conference that he doesn’t do sports, jumped on stage and danced crazily to her vibes. The party continued with music by DJ’s Diplo and Jesse Marco. It was again one of those magic nights with a gazillion of highlights that I will treasure forever.

Let me show you more impressions of that fantastic event:

Me arriving at the event location in a Moschino S/S 2015 look (the outfit post will come up tomorrow).

Dakota Fanning rushing to her seat.

The Armory on the Hudson from the inside.

Actor Justin Theroux…

… was extremely charming. Now, I understand Jennifer Aniston.

A redhead seldom comes alone: Jessica Chastain…

…and Eddie Redmayne.

Glamourous front row: Actors Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara.

An energetic acrobatic performance before the runway show…

… that captured the speed of the city.

Mary J Blige seemed to like it a lot.

A confetti rain was the perfect backdrop…

… for a happy Alexander Wang running around the catwalk.

Me taking the provided boxing gloves to get ready for the fight…

… in the pop-up store.

I was in the first slot. Therefore it still looks pretty quiet.

Even the supermodels went crazy for the collection, here you see Karlie Kloss.

Swiss girls: Barbara and Karo with me.

Before the runway show, I caught singer Sharaya…

… who was the opening act that night.

The highlight of the event was the performance of…

… Missy Elliott…

… who rocked the stage…

… that even Alexander Wang couldn’t stop dancing.

Party time…

… that the Swiss crowd didn’t need to be told twice. Being the only rooster in the yard, René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland, surrounded by the Swiss girls (check out his travel tips for Paris here) going crazy.

Thanks H&M for taking me on this amazing adventure, to be continued next year…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M, Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for H&M

Greetings from New York City where I am at the moment for the launch event of Alexander Wang x H&M. The highly anticipated collection which had been announced back in April, will finally hit H&M stores around the world on November 6, 2014.

While I am writing this post, I am enjoying the view from my room at the Soho Grand hotel.

The invitation says it all. Tonight, the cocktail reception will start at 7.30pm, followed by the show, a pop-up store where we can buy the collection first hand and a live performance which I am absolutely convinced will be amazing.

Do you remember Nicki Minaj and Prince playing at the Versace x H&M launch in 2011 or the amazing party to celebrate Maison Martin Margiela x H&M two years ago in NYC? We always talk superlatives. Be sure to follow me tomorrow on instagram @sandrascloset for live updates.

By now you might have seen some sneak previews of the very sporty collection. The press release reveals that Alexander Wang X H&M captures the speed of the city, mixing sports and performance of everyday life. The pieces are meant to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way women and men live their lives today.

Rihanna led the way and was already spotted in a look from the collection: a stretchy crop top and leggings emblazoned with Wang’s blocky logo.

In addition to apparel for both women and men, the collection includes shoes and bags, as well as “objects,” a selection of everyday items that are infused with a sense of humor and irony, as for example mini sized boxing gloves as key-rings or a whistle on a two-finger ring and for the victor, a magnetized Alexander Wang trophy cup.

Below you can enjoy a sneak preview of the advertising campaign shot by Mikael Jansson for Wang’s one-off collaboration with H&M that features sports gear like a hockey stick and boxing gloves plus real athletes, soccer player Andy Carroll and kickboxer Rivaldino dos Santos.

The female models are Joan Smalls, Raquel Zimmermann and Isabeli Fontana.

“We wanted to take certain elements of each sport and portray the ultimate warrior,” Wang told WWD. “The girls had to feel big and heroic, and Mikael used sunlight glares to heighten that effect against a stark white backdrop.”

I am truly excited for tonight’s event! Stay tuned for more!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M

After one month of fashion craziness, I have to admit that I was pretty relieved when the last day of Paris Fashion Week had finally arrived. No time to change in between, I was running from one show to another, followed by several showroom appointments. So I had to choose one outfit to wear all day…

My look: Jacquard jacket, cady top, leather mini skirt, Swarovski crystal-embellished fringed leather clutch and crystal embellished biker boots, all by Miu Miu. Rockstud Rouge crystal acetate sunglasses by Valentino and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Front row at the Miu Miu show

Mirror selfie at the Louis Vuitton show…

… where I ran into Sofia Coppola.

From left to right clockwise: at the Louis Vuitton show, Hermès invite with my fringed Miu Miu bag, Miu Miu invite and me running to the Moncler Gamme Rouge show at Grand Palais.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe

One week ago, when I just got back from Paris Fashion Week, I attended in the evening the official re-opening of the BOSS flagship store on Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse. It was a very fun event that started in the 600 m² shop with a cocktail reception. The new interior looks super cool with its black steel structures, mirrored elements and glossy surfaces – heaven for every shopaholic.

I was really a BOSS(y) girl that night wearing a BOSS head to toe look. The black dress is from the F/W 2014 collection as well as the gorgeous heels and the Romy leather bag. With Jason Wu at the helmet, BOSS can look forward to a rosy future, that is for sure.

After the cocktail reception in the boutique, the approximately 250 invited guests were transferred to the FLUX Laboratory at Schiffsbau where a stunning forest setting awaited the crowd along with delicious food, drinks and great music. A truly fun party!
Enjoy all the photos below!

LoL, Sandra

Yannick Angelloz-Nicoud, Senior Head of Global Public Relations, Events & Celebrity Services

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu with me

Swiss topmodel Ronja Furrer in Boss with Volker Herre, Managing Director, Hugo Boss AG Schweiz

Having fun at the opening party at Flux Laboratory, all dressed in BOSS: Moritz Bleibtreu, Aino Laberenz, Julia Malik, Anna Maria Mühe, Lavinia Wilson, Jasmin Gerat and Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, CEO Hugo Boss AG

Photos: Courtesy of Hugo Boss and © Sandra Bauknecht

With ten times the amount of active lip-care than a classic lipstick, the latest Dior beauty creation is a makeup revolution, DIOR ROUGE BAUME, a beautiful melding of colour with breakthrough ingredients for intense hydration. The star component here is a rare, natural crystal oil which forms a light, protective film, plumping and rejuvenating for lips that are visibly more nourished.

Natalie Portman is the face of Dior’s new line of lipstick that features the brand’s signature blue lacquered casing with the initials on the cap, the silhouette is leaner here, making ROUGE BAUME highly portable.

For a rosy glow, you’ll find the highly pigmented, deep care formula in many blushing hues for CHF 51.50 each: 128 Star, 258 Kew Gardens, 288 Bleuette, 468 Spring, 488 Primerose, 538 Boréale, 558 Lili, 568 Rose Rose, 640 Milly, 660 Coquette, 688 Diorette, 730 Fleur d’Automne, 740 Escapade, 758 Lys Rouge, 760 Garden Party, 788 Fleur Bleue, 855 Sweetheart, 910 Park Avenue and 988 Nuit Rose. The highlighted ones are the 4 It-shades of the collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

When Tommy Hilfiger approached me to work together on this special project, I was immediately hooked. The American brand’s continued support of Breast Health International for the eight consecutive year marks the launch of a new limited-edition handbag. As my own mum suffered from breast cancer and fortunately fought this horrible disease, I know how hard this phase of life can be for the patient but also for her family. Buying this fantastic bag means: “Building awareness, raising funds and making a positive impact on the lives of women who are affected by breast cancer around the world,” as Tommy Hilfiger states.

The limited-edition handbag will retail for €299, and €100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living. This global BHI initiative assists women with breast cancer by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that are not commonly covered by health insurance programs, such as transportation to a medical appointment or childcare during treatment.

The 2014 BHI campaign features no other than award-winning actress Naomi Watts photographed by Patrick Demarchelier. The handbag is available exclusively on tommy.com and in select Tommy Hilfiger stores around the world starting today.

For the social media campaign, I was asked to show the content of my bag. I truly love the different very useful features of this versatile fashionable companion such as many pockets, a keychain with red, white and blue tassels, a detachable tan strap that allows for use as a shoulder bag.

Here is what I in general carry around with me on a daily basis: Something to read like L’Officiel Switzerland, my iPad and iPhone (don’t you love my new Vanity mirror iPhone 5 cover by Moschino?!), a notebook by Smythson and my pen by Montblanc, a pair of sunglasses, credit cards and some cash, my make-up pouch filled with lipgloss, blush and a powder for quick retouches and of course my little Leica with which I capture all those moments I share with you on my blog.

I was asked to donate one item from the content of my bag and I would like to give this beautiful necklace with a key charm by Patrizia Pepe as a mojo. In the end of the social media campaign, one breast cancer patient gets the bag filled with little surprises from all around the globe.

Shopping for a good cause. Ladies, I am asking you what can be better?! Please help to support Tommy Hilfiger’s wonderful initiative and let’s all walk around with this must-have bag!
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently I was invited by Chloé to Paris for the launch of the house’s new fragrance with the beautiful name Love Story. It is inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts; the campaign itself and the bottle design make this reference. I have to admit that it was a very special trip as I took a wonderful reminder with me home.

We were asked during the presentation if we remember how it felt being newly in love and how the small things in life were amazing, how it was even exciting to drink an espresso next to each other in a café. Sometimes we forget these little special moments in our busy schedules. But reminding yourself helps a lot…

After I arrived in Paris, I went straight to the Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme to interview the French actress and model Clémence Poésy, who already was the face of Chloé Eau de Parfum in 2008. She is modern, graceful, free-spirited and has this certain “Je ne sais quoi” allure that most French women seem to have naturally. “I am very proud to represent Chloé fragrance again,” she told me. “It was so evident for me to come back to a brand that I feel so connected to.”

Her favorite fashion labels are Chloé, ACNE and her designer friend Erdem. The blonde 31-year old only wears make-up when she has to and loves the British seaside. She seems very down to earth when she states: “Beauty comes from what you feed yourself with, how you care about people.”

After the interview, I got to see the different places where the new commercial was shot under the lens of Mélanie Laurent. Clémence Poésy stars in a love story where two people meet and indulge in the most beautiful moments.

First stop was the beautiful Pont des Arts, that has become famous for all the padlocks attached to its railing. Couples come here to “seal their love” with this romantic gesture. Afterwards they throw the key into the Seine river below. In June 2014, part of the parapet on the bridge collapsed under the weight of all of the love locks that had been attached to it.

Then we went on a boat tour on the Seine where I could explore the packaging and the bottle the first time.

After the cruise we were picked up by these lovely gentlemen for a ride in a vintage Citroën.

They brought us to the flower market where Anne Flipo, the “nose” behind the new scent Love Story waited to tell us a little more about the creation. It was very important for her to walk directly with the Chloé team to understand what they wanted to have. “Sexy and clean” was the mission. Sounds pretty contradictions but once you smell this beautiful scent you understand what it means.

Top notes: Neroli
Heart notes: Jasmin Stephanotis and Orange Blossom
Base notes: Musk and Cedarwood

A floral love story – fresh and sexy.

Anne Flipo with me

My beloved vintage Chloé sunglasses

At the rooftop party

The launch event culminated in the evening in a wonderful party over the rooftops of Paris where we enjoyed stunning views over Notre Dame, champagne and some fun dance moves. Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director of Chloé, celebrated along with Clémence Poésy, Mélanie Laurent and Anne Flipo this new declaration to femininity. Amazing women who all brought their vision to tell a beautiful story of love in a bottle.

Clare Waight Keller, Mélanie Laurent and Clémence Poésy at the party

Love Story Chloé will be available from today, September, 15 2014.
Love Story Chloé Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 97.00), 50ml (CHF 128.00) und 75ml (CHF 151.00),
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 52.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 57.00).

Read more about this trip also in the upcoming October 2014 issue of L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Clare Waight Keller with me

Live performance of Christine and The Queens

Male models at the fragrance bar

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On August 23rd 2014, Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt in a secret ceremony in the South of France wearing a stunning Atelier Versace creation designed by Donatella Versace. The first photos are out and here is even the sketch of the amazing gown.

The white silk-satin gown was gathered at the bust with an elongated train, detailed with the embroidered drawings of her children that got reproduced also on the silk veil. Donatella Versace accessorised her creation with a pair of white Versace silk satin pumps. “Beauty, class and brain. That’s you Angelina. I wish all the best and happiness to you and your wonderful family. Love, DV“

To the newly weds, all the best! They are really an amazing couple and it was a true pleasure meeting them. Enjoy some of their best moments below…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Hello Magazine, Bunte, People Magazine, US
© Sandra Bauknecht, Sketch: Courtesy of Versace

Available from today is the new and amazing collaboration between Edgardo Osorio‘s shoe cult brand Aquazurra (for a previous post please click HERE) and style icon Olivia Palermo.

The collection features a little something for everyone’s closet, from suede boots made from the Italian label’s patented ultra-soft cashmere leather to lace-up gladiator heels and embellished sparkling sandals.

The pieces are sold in 12 specially selected stores around the world and luckily, if you aren’t in one of those major cities, the collaboration is also available exclusively on Net-à-Porter.

Hurry up to snag our own pairs before they all sell out. Below are my favorites. I attached you the photos with the shoes on the models as you really have to see them worn. So beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Embellished suede sandals

Cutout leather sandals

Suede ankle boots

Photos: © Getty Images and Courtesy of Net-à-porter