Sandra‘s Closet

Aren’t we all driven by something? For the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival, I was driven by this Saint Laurent S/S 2013 runway look. I love the sweeping asymmetric hem of this stretch-crepe gown that is balanced by padded shoulders and a voluminous pussy-bow tie.

My look: Sequin-embellished stretch-crepe gown, wide-brimmed rabbit and cotton-blend felt fedora, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

By the way, I can only recommend the movie RUSH, that was shown at the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival. Directed by Academy Award winning Ron Howard, the film is set in the epic 1976 racing season and narrating the legendary rivalry between Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth).

The movie offers a lot emotional scenes and ladies, believe me, you will die watching Chris Hemsworth. He is so good-looking and captivating with those divine eyes.

Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, designed the costumes worn by Daniel Brühl and Alexandra Maria Lara, who is playing on-screen the champion’s wife, Marlene. Gucci‘s Creative Director Frida Giannini has dipped into the archives to dress the opponents Chris Hemsworth and Olivia Wilde. Another good reason to watch the movie…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Zuza Speckert and courtesy of Ferragamo and Gucci.

Yesterday I flew to Paris to attend the launch event of the amazing collaboration between the Queen of Cool Isabel Marant and H&M.

January Jones, Isabel Marant and Freida Pinto

In the evening, the major Paris fashion party took place and I couldn’t have been more excited to join in the fun. Celebritites such as Audrey Tautou, January Jones, Freida Pinto, Alek Wek and Olga Kurylenko entered the red carpet and partied in a lively urban atmosphere catching Marant’s bohemian energy until late.

The ambiance was outstanding, being transported into a street slice of Paris, in the early 90s, the time when Isabel debuted her eponymous line: bars, night clubs, brasseries, neon signs, pizza shops, souvenir shops, epiceries, street vendors and people casually enjoying a stroll in the outdoors.

There was even a roller skating rink.

“I design for everybody and am constantly inspired by the world I see around me, so it felt natural to have an urban setting as the backdrop of the event. And it had to be Paris, because the city is part of my DNA,” says Isabel Marant here with Olga Kurylenko.

The collection was presented in a cinematic setting that mixed images, films and models. The minute the DJ played the sounds of La Boum I went straight to heaven, or let me say travelled back in time… “Dreams are my reality. The only kind of real fantasy…”

The live music performance by Grandmaster Melle Mel and Rappers Delight, originally of Sugarhill Gang, lifted the atmosphere of this bohemian style party even more.

Gorgeous Freida Pinto with me

For actress Freida Pinto was it the second H&M collaboration she attended and for her “it’s important to collaborate with designers who young girls aspire to, but it’s also for girls like me who love shopping at H&M – to make fashion that is not just beautiful and classy but also affordable.”

Later at night, the pop-up store opened and we were able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 14, 2013. Believe me, it felt like a war scenario…

During the day, I had already had the chance to explore the collection up close and to interview the charming French designer. A post about which pieces have to be on your shopping list will be coming up shortly.

It was THE party and I had an amazing time! During my ride home, I heard that the contract for the next collaboration had already been signed and that it will be something very special…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From September 26 to October 6, 2013, the 9th edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) took place with many amazing events. One of the biggest highlights of those days was surely the evening with Harrison Ford. As official partner of the 9th ZFF, Tommy Hilfiger invited members of the jury along with other VIP guests to a very intimate dinner followed by an after party at the store on Bahnhofstrasse.

Daniel Grieder (CEO Tommy Hilfiger) framed by Nadja Schildknecht (Managing Director ZFF) to the left and German actress Veronica Ferres to the right.

We got absolutely spoilt that night. Each guest was greeted at his seat by an iPad mini that we could keep and the food (by Franzoli Caterings) was absolutely divine. I stayed until late to great music and must say that this was one of the best nights out in Zurich in a long time.

Meeting a legend, Mr Harrison Ford in person, made me obviously very happy.

German-American TV entertainer Steven Gätjen with me. Very funny, we met for the first time 25 years ago… but still recognized each other.

Thank you, Mr Grieder, for such an amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

I love the new print advertising campaign for Dolce & Gabbana The One and The One for Men shot by famous photographer Peter Lindbergh and again starring Scarlett Johansson and Matthew McConaughey.

Lindbergh, a master of black and white imagery, recreated a film set on a secluded beach on the outskirts of Los Angeles. In an unmistakable case of art imitating life, the campaign sees Scarlett and Matthew backstage, surrounded by spotlights, recreating a scene that has striking parallel to their own lives. Wouldn’t they make a cute couple?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

This morning, Lancôme has announced the arrival of Lily Collins as its new brand ambassadress. A rising Hollywood star and daughter of famous musician Phil Collins, the beautiful actress divides her time between England, the country of her birth and the United States, where she currently lives. European and American, granddaughter of a ballerina, Lily was raised in a world that encouraged curiosity of mind, artistic pursuits and a thirst for discovery. She initially set her sights on journalism before making a dazzling debut in The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock and then in 2009 in Mirror Mirror, alongside Julia Roberts, another Lancôme face.

She will next be on screen in 2014 in Love, Rosie, a romantic comedy adapted from the novel Where Rainbows End by the Irish author Cecelia Ahern. A free-spirited, confident, sparkling and delicate beauty, Lily Collins – who bears a singular resemblance to the iconic Audrey Hepburn – will bring her talent and freshness to Lancôme as of January 2014, starting with the Spring make-up collection French Ballerine.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Barwerd van der Plas for Lancôme ©2013

Going backstage before the Michael Kors S/S 2014 show was a truly great experience as I was able to explore the newly launched collection of amazing makeup products, body and sun care, and three new fragrances, set to launch in Switzerland in October 2013.

The look was all about the American designer’s beloved healthy glow and the new bronzer compacts were bringing the colour to the models’ cheekbones. Makeup artist Dick Page explained his inspiration for the runway make-up look and told me more about the new range, which is divided into three different “moods”, so-called SPORTY, SEXY, and GLAM, one to represent each of the Michael Kors woman’s changing moods.

“Very cool and downplayed, probably the cleanest look I’ve done in a while,” Dick Page told me. “The look is clean and warm. The collection has sort of 40s elements to it, so we didn’t want to get too ‘costumey’.”

He goes on: “I am mixing the two bronzers, using the SPORTY one ‘Glow’ for the general warmth on the face and the SEXY one ‘Flush’ on the cheeks almost like a blush accent. For the lips, I took the berry shade ‘Dame’ from the GLAM collection which is first painted on with a lip brush, then blotted and powdered over with a light tan eye shadow to diffuse the colour to the edge of the mouth, just for a hint of the shade. I also used the same eye shadow like a sort of concealer around the eye.

When I created that look, I was kind of thinking black and white, tone and structure of the face, something healthy, relaxed animated. Very confident, very Kors. Michael likes a lot of energy.”

Manicurist Jin Soon Choi, that I have had just met at Tibi backstage at few days ago, was applying the perfect nude nail polish ‘Hint’ from the SPORTY collection onto the models’ hands and feet, a sophisticated nail tone perfect for all skin tones.

The three new fragrances are:

SPORTY CITRUS – For the confident woman.
A crisp scent with orange and mandarin at the forefront, while warm woods and white florals linger in the background.

SEXY AMBER – For the seductress.
It puts the spotlight on sumptuous amber wrapped in sandalwood and musk, against a bright backdrop of dazzling orange, mandarin and white florals.

GLAM JASMINE – For the lady who likes to turn heads.
Giving center stage to Kors’ beloved floral note, jasmine, while warm woodsy notes and sparkling citrus are less prominent, the fragrance is overtly feminine.

Michael Kors with American television personality Joan Rivers backstage before the show.

After all those backstage photos, you might be interested in how the collection looked like on the runway. Here we go with my favourite looks. Are you sexy, sporty, or glam? With Michael Kors’ new fashion must-haves, your entire closet can match your personality according to your mood. The designer has created one of his best collections ever, with colours to match whichever occasion you choose. Two things not included? Michael Kors replied: “No flip-flops and leggings.But the collection is glamourous and practical at the same time.” And I am sure it will sell out fast… front row A-listers Kate Mara and Katie Holmes looked like they wanted to have every single piece. Get in line, ladies, we all want Michael!

LoL, Sandra

Runway Photos: Courtesy of Michael Kors, All Backstage Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Co. all came to watch Opening Ceremony‘s runway debut that took place yesterday evening at Pier 57 in New York City. The runway felt like a scene of Fast & Furious when the audience spotted a row of very luxurious cars of which the models were exiting.

The collection was, of course, ultra-cool, coming from designer duo Humberto Leon and Carol Lim (who are also the masterminds behind Kenzo’s success) and inspired by street-racing with layers, buckles, visible zippers, and parachute-like shapes.

I had the honour to go backstage before the show and to meet Carol Lim in person.

Another amazing highlight was the interview with Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder, who was in charge for the runway show’s makeup look.

I love Tom, he is so sweet with his very charming French accent. It is always a pleasure talking to him and listening to his beauty secrets. I had interviewed him already two years ago (For the previous post, please click here).

Estée Lauder and Opening Ceremony have teamed up to dress Estée Lauder’s beauty advisors around the globe. Please tell me a little more about it.

It was a big challenge. You need to create clothes for different countries, different characters, bodies, you have to be able to wash and dry them easily, best without ironing, so you have to find the right material. Makeup should be like that, too.

What do you hope that stands out the next season?

Beauty and indivisuality. The makeup is not about looking good is about feeling good. My job is to bring a proposal, like every fashion brand does. Afterwards you will have to decide if you like to embrace it. I don’t like to dictate a rule.

Is there a special reason why you give a kind of massage to the models in the beginning?

The models are working very hard, much harder than we do. They need a little bit of love, it is a great way to connect, to relax. You do a better job if the person on the chair feels good. When you do a massage, you relax all the muscles, you activate the blood circulation. By performing the massage, in terms of skin quality, you get a much better result. The makeup stays longer, the complexion looks more radiant.

The cheeks for your look seem very contoured?

Yes, because the young girls with their baby cheeks love to have a little bit of contour.

Do you have a favourite product right now?

Every day is different, every model and skin texture is different. A good concealer, a nude lipstick, a white and black eye pencil are among my essentials.

Do you think the red lips will stand out the next season?

The red lips will always be in. Orange will go, red will stay. It is pure femininity.

Personally speaking, what are you doing to find always new inspirations?

I work with talented people. I have been working for three decades and I am terribly afraid to work by myself. I love to meet new people, like Humberto and Carol, Derek Lam, all such creative people. The sharing is the most important thing.

MAKEUP: Tom Pecheux for Estée Lauder

Eyes: Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Halo, Pink Zinc or Chained (Matched with Skintone)

Lips: NEW Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Insatiable Ivory – launching March 2014

Cheeks: Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer (Matched with Skintone)

Brows: NEW Double Wear Stay-in-Place Brow Lift Duo – launching January 2014

Face: Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup
Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder in Transparent
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

Skin: NEW Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme – launching November 2013
Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Male

NAILS: Naomi Nails for Estée Lauder

Nails: Nail Lacquer in Blue Blood
Overlay design: White and light blue acrylic paint

The hair was kept in a low tousled ponytail for the show. I have just loved every single detail of this look and hope that you have enjoyed it, too.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Getty and Estée Lauder

This week, I was in my beloved Munich for some very special and extremely fun events. On Thursday evening, Karl Lagerfeld in person had flewn in to celebrate the preview of the documentation: “Karl Lagerfeld – Mode als Religion” which will air this Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 8.15pm at VOX. For this four-hour coverage, author Martina Neuen has accompanied the fashion pope for 18 months to give an exclusive insight into the world of the famous designer.

After the preview at Munich’s Gloria Palast, we took the shuttle service to attend the Karl Lagerfeld shop opening on Maffeistrasse where the designer’s new punk-inspired Dirndl collection has already been on display. Even German television personality Verona Pooth couldn’t resist this tartan and lace model and asked her husband to buy it for her…

As I had lived for eight years in the Bavarian city, I was so happy to see many familiar faces and truly had a blast. Here you see me with fashion designer and juror Guido Maria Kretschmer (1), photographer Goran Nitschke (2), CEO Stylebop Thorsten Eimuth (3) and Verona Pooth (4).

On the “black” carpet with my friend and jewelry designer Tatjana Hoffmann.

In the new Karl Lagerfeld store with DJ John Munich, son of singer Udo Jürgens.

A little nightcap at my favourite bar in Munich Schumann’s with jewelry designer Gabriele Frantzen and Hendrikje Kopp. By the way, Gabriele’s fur stole is not a fancy fashion accessory but an arm sling as she had broken her shoulder two days ago. What a cool idea!
Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up tomorrow…

TO SHOP KARL LAGERFELD ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Get ready to add more jewelry pieces to your Tiffany & Co. wish list. Trendsetter and fashionista Olivia Palermo couldn’t resist the little turquoise box neither and sports the new Atlas collection already on her wrist.

The new line offers all the power and magnetism that made this celebrated design a fashion icon. Introduced in 1995, the collection is named for the mythic Greek god who holds aloft an enormous globe – an apt symbol for a collection that makes an impact around the world. The Atlas collection explores the raised Roman numerals of its archetype, the Atlas watch that was launched in 1983 and that was granted a rare U.S. patent for its originality.

The latest options continue the evolution of Atlas, with its classical Roman numerals styled in jewelry that is eternally modern, chic and sophisticated.

The clean-cut numerals assert their timeless beauty in the prime asset to own now: an Atlas bangle of spirited versatility. Tiffany circles the numbers in cutouts of 18 karat yellow, pink or white gold, defining style in lean, confident strides. Bordered with sparkling diamonds, this major design statement makes for bold band rings, as well, circled with diamonds or shaped in smooth, polished metal.

Other options that figure prominently include narrow bracelets with fine chains that drape the wrist and a great open medallion in gleaming sterling silver. Altogether the jewelry generates a sensuous play of light that casts a luster over dressing day and night.

Every variation on the theme shines with a chic sophistication that is the essence of Tiffany. Definitively American in its bold simplicity, Atlas embodies the strength of the brand, and of the stylish women who wear it all over the world. A true fashion statement of its own…

The Tiffany Atlas jewelry collection is available now at Tiffany & Co. locations worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Let me show you my favourite collection for the new season: VALENTINO. Watching this runway show in Paris along with celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie, my heart was beating faster and I was thinking: those pieces have to find a way into my closet!

Inspired by the paintings of Flemish Old Masters (Vermeer in particular), Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli‘s latest collection is absolutely exquisite.

Of course, punk is the trend of the season, but my heart beats for those little white collars and the amazing feminine dresses. The outstanding embellishments are blended with materials: carpet textures, embroidery inspired by Delft ceramics, and chiné and jacquard motifs that reproduce them on knitwear.

And to live my grunge moment, I will invest in the famed rockstud accessories to match.

Valentino’s ad campaign for F/W 2013 was shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and shows how fashion meets art in perfection: striking portraits set against ornate still life images of flowers, food and accessories.

Framed by the lovely designer duo, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.

I was so happy to visit the Valentino showroom the next day after the show to explore this amazing collection up close. The moment I saw and felt the details, the outstanding craftsmanship and beautiful designs, I have been even more in love with the collection, if that is anyway possible… Great news is that most of the pieces are hitting the stores now.

To shop, just click on the highlighted text below! Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Leather-trimmed wool-blend dress

Tapestry-lace mini dress

Beaded tulle-detailed wool and cashmere-blend sweater

Intarsia stretch-knit dress

Embroidered plastron bonded nappa leather dress

Scalloped wool and silk-blend coat

Beaded tulle and wool-blend crepe mini dress

Patent-leather and velvet T-bar pumps

Patent-leather and velvet T-bar pumps

Rockstud mink and leather clutch

The Rockstud leather trapeze bag

Rockstud Rouge pumps

Runway and ad campaign photos: Courtesy of Valentino, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht