Sandra‘s Closet

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

“I love the red, it is the color of life.” – Christian Dior

In 1953, the famous Rouge Dior lipstick was created in Paris and it has been since then launched in more than 1500 shades. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this beauty icon, Dior launches this fall the new Rouge Dior Collection which features not only an impressive number of over 30 signature shades but also 12 shades of Lip Contour Pencils and 4 Le Vernis nail polishes.

Beautiful actress Natalie Portman is once again the face of Dior’s new campaign.

ROUGE DIOR – CHF 50.50
ROUGE DIOR CONTOUR PEN – CHF 34.00

In stores in Switzerland from September 2, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Speaking about style on stage, GUCCI dresses Beyoncé for her Mrs. Carter Show tour in a series of stunning one-of-a-kind outfits custom designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini.

The singer and songwriter debuted two GUCCI one-of-a-kind outfits at her Barclays Center shows in Brooklyn this month that you can see here including the sketches. Queen B will introduce more looks during the Latin American portion of her tour kicking off on September 8 in Brazil.

This collaboration comes after Frida Giannini, Beyoncé and Salma Hayek Pinault joined forces earlier this year to create Chime for Change, an ongoing global campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls’ and women’s empowerment.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci/Getty

Live free, fast and strong. Live 1000 lives but know that you only have one.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever.
Live as if you’ll die today.”
James Dean

Dior Homme. A composition that rocked the world, daring fresh boldness and surprise. An olfactory shock in true Dior style, changing habits and transcending norms. It is amazing how many interpretations it contains. A fragrance with 1000 faces, a stunning array of possibilities: A masculine Iris, the shock of opposites attracting. A faintly animal iris that expounds a sensual, sexy feel, accompanied by leather and wood to re-orchestrate virile accords. Amber and spices exude but do not invade, as though saying: “Follow me, it’s up to you.” No doubt about it, I will follow. I love this scent so much, it is so extremely sexy on a man.

Robert Pattinson is the face of the new campaign, shot by Romain Gavras. Below you can find some exclusive behind the scenes photos.

“Dior Homme eschews every masculine cliché. It explores a new virility, immediate yet complex.” François Demachy

DIOR HOMME
Masculine, Woody, Spicy Iris

Top notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Guatemalan Cardamom and Vaucluse Lavender
Middle notes: Tuscan Iris and Absolute Amber
Base notes: Virginia Cedarwood and Haitian Vetiver

Signature

A dimly lit dressing room. Costumes scattered on the floor, sequins and feathers. She has stubbed out her cigarette and removes her make-up, peering at her reflection in the neon-lit mirror. Conceal the shadows, pile on smoky eyes and flaming red lips. Overdo it, wear a mask to make believe it’s not really you, half-naked in this hopeless dive. A sharp intake of breath, she stops her handiwork…

He could be there, just behind the door. Among the fumes of stale tobacco she catches the scent that she loved on his neck, a delicious blend of wood and flowers. Gentle but virile. Tender-hearted Narcissus. This fragrance is her life. Leading her a merry dance.

“Little Bastard” or “Gentleman”: she doesn’t care. His signature is to do as he likes. She fixes her hair, a sad look on her face. Smoothes it listlessly, twists a few curls. Her heart isn’t in it. The tears well. Suddenly, the sillage swells, she smells the scent of spices and lavender in a musk and amber embrace. Her head reels, giddy. He appears, out of nowhere. She smiles at him in the mirror. Life. Goes on.

Dior Homme Fragrance Collection
For every day in your life, for all the lives you have!

Dior Homme
Wear Dior Homme like a tailored suit. This unique woody, aromatic signature trails in your wake. The surprising notes she loves to nuzzle at your neck. A sexy appeal, rigorous and sharp yet disarmingly casual. Feel effortlessly elegant. Sensual, supple and free.

Dior Homme EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml  (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Intense
The noble sophistication of a strong, potent signature. Giddy with love. Wood and Amber draw you in. Intense Iris joins the fray, exudes her powerful charm. A physical signature whose sillage entices. Shrouding the lapel of a cashmere coat, designed to be embraced. For a Prince of the night with enigmatic charm.

Dior Homme Intense EDP spray 50ml (CHF 104.50), 100ml (CHF 143.00) and 150ml (CHF 172.00)

Dior Homme Sport
A convertible speeds along an empty beach. An outdoor fragrance that plays on perfect jeans and a sexy T-shirt, the perfect fit. Like a rush of freedom, on the road. The vibrant woody freshness of the sillage hooks you in.

Dior Homme Sport EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Cologne
Clear and radical, it envelops with a musky citrus signature. Sheer elegance. The sillage states the casual charm of a classic white shirt. Unostentatious but stylish. Elegance in broad daylight: a fragrance for the skin, for you.

Dior Homme COLOGNE EDT spray 75ml (CHF 104.50) and 125ml (CHF 143.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

She’s elegant, chic, superb and totally effortless. The Lancôme Fall 2013 L’ABSOLU DESIR Collection is a tribute to the Parisian woman – always sophisticated and never overstated. Kate Winslet is the face for this beautiful makeup look that is in stores now.

L’ABSOLU ROUGE
Rose Nu (06), Rouge Rayonnant (07), Caprice (132), Rouge Désir (186), Rose Désir (322) and Prune Désir (386) – CHF 45.00

The signature of Parisian elegance: timelessly red lips. To celebrate this symbol of French beauty, Lancôme pays homage to its cult lipstick, L’Absolu Rouge. Which is your colour for the week?

BLUSH DESIR
A Kiss from Paris (01) – CHF 65.00

I love this product! A precious powder with orange and pink-toned shades, specially crafted to bring out your skin’s radiance. Like a postcard from Paris, the gold-embossed black case features the Eiffel Tower, roses and lipstick kisses… a real collectible!

VERNIS IN LOVE
Purple Fiction (185), Black Sepia (385) and Grey Lumière (485) – CHF 26.00

For fall, Lancôme brings to you black, reinvented! Discover the 3 new Vernis in Love limited edition shades – enlivened with captivating colour and pigments in intense plum, brown and grey!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

Recently, I was invited by Bobbi Brown Switzerland for an afternoon tea at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to view the new fall launches which left me breathless.

If you love chocolate as I do, you will adore the new RICH CHOCOLATE COLLECTION. Those calorie-free treats will make every beauty addict’s heart leap with joy. Gorgeous shades in different hues of brown and beige will might just leave a mark in your wallet, but definitely not on your hips.

The star product: RICH CHOCOLATE EYE PALETTE – CHF 89.00
Bone Eye Shadow, Cocoa Eye Shadow, Stone Eye Shadow, Frappe Eye Shadow, Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash Eye Sahdow, Caramel Sparkle Eye Shadow, Rich Chocolate Eye Shadow.
(Limited Edition)

LIP COLOR
Berry, Baby Pink (Both Limited Edition)– CHF 38.00

LIP GLOSS
Chocolate Raspberry, Pale Pink (Limited Edition), Tea Berry (Limited Edition) –  CHF 35.00

BLUSH
Pink Coral (Limited Edition), Berry – CHF 41.00

LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER
Dark Chocolate Ink (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK
Bittersweet (Limited Edition) – CHF 40.00

EXTREME PARTY MASCARA
Black Chocolate (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

In stores in September 2013.

And the best is yet to come… this fall, a limited edition “book“ including everything you need for the perfect look will be launched celebrating the collaboration between Bobbi Brown and the brand’s face Katie Holmes. Could it be any cuter?! Ahhh, I just love Bobbi Brown products!

And if you like my look, click here for all the details.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Sì is my tribute to modern femininity, an irresistible combination of grace, strength and independent spirit.” – Giorgio Armani

When I came back from my holiday, a lovely surprise waited for me. A personalized, engraved bottle of Giorgio Armani‘s newest scent Sì.

Chic, sultry, intense and soft at the same time, this chypre scent is captivating all senses. Like a forbidden fruit, the creative mixture exposes all of its femininity and its passion – it is the power of darkness. Kind of sweet, but still warm and deep, this intoxicating nectar has absolutely convinced me. The face of the campaign is famous actress Cate Blanchett.

CHYPRE
Top notes: Cassis
Middle notes: Freesia and May Rose
Base notes: Woody Notes, Ambroxan, Patchouli and Vanilla

The nose behind this fragrance is Christine Nagel.
Available in Switzerland from September 2013 as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 85.00), 50ml (CHF 123.00) and 100ml (CHF 156.00), plus Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 62.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 66.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and © Sandra Bauknecht