Sandra‘s Closet

Lady Gaga is the face of Versace‘s S/S 2014 campaign, the first time that the famous singer has starred in any fashion advertising. Channeling Donatella’s iconic look, the very long platinum blonde hair, Lady Gaga appears in a series of images shot in London by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, wearing pieces from the new summer collection along with some must-have accessories, such as the new Palazzo bag, which was introduced at the S/S 2014 show.

The campaign marks the latest stage of a continuing friendship between Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga. It began with Lady Gaga wearing archive Versace pieces in her video for Edge of Glory, with most recently Lady Gaga titling a track on her new Artpop album Donatella. “I am honoured that my friend Lady Gaga is the face of our new Versace campaign. I wanted to capture her true beauty and spirit in images that are elegant and alluring. She is like family to me, the embodiment of the Versace DNA.”

TO SHOP VERSACE ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The December issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly column is available now. This time, I am telling you some anecdotes meeting different celebrities. Below you can see some of favorites.
If you like my outfit, have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Once upon a time there was the most desirable woman of the 20th century…
Marilyn Monroe – the icon with a fresh sensuality – was the very essence of femininity. When she adopted CHANEL N°5, did she know what Mademoiselle Chanel had said of the bold fragrance back in 1921 : “I want a woman’s fragrance that smells like a woman” ?

Back then, the legend that this free and passionate woman wore nothing to bed but a few drops of CHANEL N°5 rocked the world. Her candid declaration of love for the quintessential feminine fragrance was there in black and white, in an article published on August 7, 1952 that accompanied her first cover of Life Magazine (see photos below) : “Marilyn, what do you wear to bed ? So I said I only wear CHANEL N°5.”

Today, that legend has become a reality. While perusing the archives on the star, the House of CHANEL discovered an unreleased recording capturing the spontaneous ambassadress’ original words. Flashback on the soundtrack : in 1960, Georges Belmont, editor-in-chief of Marie-Claire magazine *, interviewed the star of the film “Let’s Make Love” by Georges Cukor. On the spur of the moment, Marilyn confirmed the sincerity of her love for N°5 : “You know, they ask me questions. Just an example : ‘What do you wear to bed ? A pyjama top ? The bottoms of the pyjamas ? A nightgown ?’ So I said, ‘CHANEL N°5’, because it’s the truth… And yet, I don’t want to say ‘nude’. But it’s the truth !”

With this declaration, and the photo by Ed Feingersh ** showing her with a bottle of N°5 nestled in her décolleté, she definitively established N°5 as the fragrance of timeless femininity…
This advertising campaign will start this Fall in print and on TV.

N°5 – ODE TO SENSUALITY

N°5 is the first truly abstract fragrance: no identifiable dominant note stands out from the eighty ingredients used in its composition. A radical change that Jacques Polge, Creator of CHANEL Perfumes, describes as an olfactory symphony that blends notes of Ylang Ylang, Grasse Jasmine and May Rose, amplified by Aldehydes like a perfect accord.
N°5 has, since its creation, disrupted the codes of seduction and served the desires of women.
To complete the full perfuming ritual, CHANEL prolongs the trail of this legendary fragrance by creating a new sense-awakening moment with new bath and body products that invite you to fully immerse your senses in the world of N°5.

THE FOAMING BATH – BOTTLE 200 ML
A fine, generous foam, true to the fragrance, forms immediately upon contact with water for a pure moment of sensory relaxation. CHF 62.00
THE CLEANSING CREAM – BOTTLE 200 ML
A cream with a rich lather that envelops the body and fills the shower with its scent. CHF 60.00

THE BODY LOTION – BOTTLE 200 ML
Like a caress, it delicately wraps the body in a deliciously scented veil that moisturizes and protects the skin. CHF 68.00
THE DEODORANT – SPRAY 100 ML
A fresh breeze with the enveloping notes of N°5. CHF 56.00

THE HAIR MIST – SPRAY 40 ML
A delicate and sensual application for an aura of seduction and femininity. A fragrant mist that is gentle on hair. CHF 59.00
INTENSE BATH OIL – BOTTLE 250 ML
A few drops are all you need for your bath to take on a fragrant milky appearance. CHF 125.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, © Bob Beerman, Philippe Halsman Magnum Photos, MOA/DALLE, © Sandra Bauknecht, * © Marie Claire 1960, ** © Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Estée Lauder unveiled Modern Muse, the new fragrance inspired by the intriguing duality of today’s woman, with a spectacular muse-themed party held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum during New York Fashion Week.

The glamorous event was attended by fashion, art, design, media, and film industry luminaries and their muses and I felt very honored to have been invited.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by The Dolls: Mia Moretti and Margot, who curated an unforgettable musical experience, in celebration of all modern muses, with live vocals by Margot and the debut of their new single “Southern Swing (Ft. The Original Pinettes).”

Enjoy my photos from this amazing night and see all the celebs which were there!

The face of the campaign:

Gorgeous Arizona Muse (Click here to read the interview I did with her).

Designer Olivier Theyskens and his muse Anouck Lepère.

Estée Lauder’s spokeswomen: Hilary Rhoda and Joan Smalls.

Carolyn Murphy

Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder, with Carine Roitfeld and the Olsen Twins.

Actress Drew Barrymore

Linda Evangelista

Joan Smalls with me

Talking to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen whom I just saw again in London for an event with net-à-porter. The post will be coming up shortly. So please stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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