Sandra‘s Closet

Another blockbuster fashion event took place this week in NYC. One evening after the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M launch party, Donatella Versace hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the opening of her new Versace boutique in Soho on 160, Mercer Street followed by a dinner at the Waldorf Towers.

A huge variety of celebrities chose to attend both events, with everyone from Gerard Butler and Kanye West to supermodel Linda Evangelista and close friend of the House Lady Gaga.

Carrying both menswear and womenswear ready-to-wear collections in addition to accessories, the store will also house special collaborations.

Kicking off the shop’s opening, Donatella Versace tapped Christopher Kane, who also creates the Versus line, to design a capsule collection of tees and other items with iconic Versace images pulled from the archives, which will be sold exclusively at the Soho store. With printed T-shirts being so à la mode, be sure that those tops will activate another fashion hype!

Below, find a complete list of celebrities who chose to wear Versace:

Donatella Versace entered the cocktail party at the boutique in a Fall 2012 black corset top with a Swarovski encrusted jewelled cross emblem on the front with a velvet pencil skirt (see photo below with Princess Charlene of Monaco).  She changed later for the dinner into another look from Fall 2012 (as you can see above with Lady Gaga) – she was perfect in a black Versace leather top with crescent-shaped neckline with Swarovski crystal details and Versace leather pants, completely embedded with Swarovski crystal details from the knee down.

Princess Charlene of Monaco wore a chic black Versace cocktail dress paired with thigh-high leather Versace runway boots with a gold capped-toe. She finished her look with a black Versace cashmere waistcoat with leather inserts.

Linda Evangelista wore a black velvet Versace coat from the Fall 2012 runway enriched by Swarovski crystal crosses.

Doutzen Kroes wore a Versace Fall 2012 black coat with flared skirt covered entirely in Swarovski crystals.

Bar Refaeli looked amazing in a fitted black leather cocktail dress with Swarovski crystals detailing with a matching leather jacket and black Versace booties.

Coco Rocha wore a black dress with metallic detailing from Versace Fall 2012 paired with black Versace Fall pointed toe pumps.

Alexa Chung here with Christopher Kane wore a look from the Versus Fall 2012 runway: a burgundy knit turtleneck top paired with a matching leather miniskirt.

Karolina Kurkova wore a black leather bomber jacket with intricate floral detailing with a pencil skirt with a matching pattern, paired with black Versace pumps and a black Versace clutch.

Leigh Lezark sporting a yellow cocktail dress with leather cutouts at the hem and on the side with a modern crescent shaped neckline. She completed her look with black Versace shoes.

Tali Lennox, daughter of Annie Lennox, wore a full look from Versus Fall 2012 – she looked fabulous in a fuchsia top, miniskirt, and huge fur coat. She completed her outfit with blue booties with fuchsia inserts.

Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig chose a Fall 2012 look – he wore a blue floral printed suit with matching tie. He completed his look with Versace Fall boots with gold buckles and a black Versace belt with a medusa buckle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

Yesterday night, the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection was celebrated in New York. Mena Suvari, Chace Crawford, Alan Cumming, Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Selma Blair, Doutzen Kroes, Alexander Wang, and my humble self were some of the over 1 000 guests at the spectacular party on 5, Beekman Street.

The derelict and raw nine-story historical building in the city’s financial distric, housed around a glass-roofed atrium, was the perfect setting for the celebration of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M, decorated in the label’s signature white-painted style. As you can see, people were slack-jawed looking at the gorgeous location.

All celebrities wore already the new Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.
Enjoy my photos!

Chace Crawford with me

Me with the beautiful and overly sweet Julianne Moore who said: “It’s an amazing collaboration! Margiela is a beautiful brand – arty, iconoclastic and always edgy. And the quality is always amazing with H&M. Fashion is great because it’s an expression of who you are.”

Sarah Jessica Parker stated: “It’s incredible, so exciting to celebrate one of my favourite designers. They are mysterious and compelling and I’ve been a great fan of Margiela for many years. H&M, well, look at the lines of men and women lined up! It’s a great opportunity for people to have access to great designers. It makes luxury available to everyone. It’s very democratic and I’m all for it.”

Mena Suvari impressed with her lion tattoo.

Gorgeous Selma Blair talked a little about her beautiful newborn baby boy Arthur with me. Mums united!

Selma’s amazing shoes from the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.

Me with Alan Cumming who said: “I’m here to see the lovely Margiela collection. I love the way H&M is doing collaborations with other designers. It’s a great thing, to make clothes stylish and affordable. The collaborations are a great idea, they are really amazing!”

Fashion designer Olivier Theyskens with me

Kayne West

Elena Perminova with me

“I’m a huge fan of Margiela and I love H&M – it’s a great collaboration. I never get surprised by H&M’s choices, every designer they pick I’m interested in. I’m always standing in the queue with my mother in the early mornings. I’ve been a fan of Margiela since the start”, said Helena Christensen.

Topmodel Doutzen Kroes

The collection was shown in an art and dance performace by choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker in squares of sand and further revealed in special art installations on various floors: artists Daniel Arsham, Frederique Chauveaux and Noemie Goudal, created sculptures, projections and photographs exclusively for the event. After that, DJ’s kept the party going into the early hours.

On the 9th floor of the buliding, a special pop-store was located where guests could shop the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection before its official launch on November 15th in around 230 H&M stores worldwide. Unfortunately, when I had finally arrived on the top floor, the best pieces were gone.

What an amazing night and a gorgeous collection – it was all about superlatives! Thank you, H&M, for having me! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

Photos of the first collage: Courtesy of H&M – All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the last months, we have been eagerly waiting to finally see the new campaign for CHANEL N°5 featuring Brad Pitt. This morning, the result was revealed. Joe Wright, the director of the new advertising campaign, shows Brad Pitt delivering a monologue directly into the camera. The actor’s voice comes across as both, captivating and passionate in the dramatic black and white film that you can enjoy below.

LoL, Sandra

Campaign photo and film: © Chanel

Chanel keeps us in suspense until the last minute. Fans of the brand are eager to see the final campaign photos featuring Brad Pitt as the first male model for the house’s iconic Chanel N°5 scent. For the first time, a man will give his view on the most feminine and legendary of fragrances. On October 15th, 2012 the secret will be finally lifted.

In the meantime enjoy those 7 seconds of mystery.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel

“It’s about elegance, not elegance. Couture, not couture. Tailoring, not tailoring,” Miuccia Prada told WWD.

Her S/S 2013 Miu Miu collection was all about contrasts, the Italian designer let herself be inspired by the silhouettes of the ’50s and ’60s, to which she offered her own iconic twist.

Flats worn to glamourous embellished outfits, rich luxurious fabrics downgraded through tie-dye and crushing and fur all over for summer walked down the runway to the sounds of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” which almost seemed macabre in a good way. Think Mad Men meets Hitchcock in a contemporary way.

Splendid yet effortless, and with ease, she changes her style without never loosing her signature. The ideas and inspirations may be complicated, but this is her intelligent approach to fashion. And amazingly as it seems, she always makes it look easy.

Miuccia Prada had converted the Palais d’Iéna into a wooden maze designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, with thick velvet curtains changing the ambiance  of the venue, that is usually bathed in natural light, into something mysterious right before the show .

Miucca Prada always packs the best front row. This season it was Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried, Chloë Sevigny, Dianna Agron and Bérénice Bejo among others, all dressed head to toe in Miu Miu.

Amanda Seyfried with me after the show

Emma Stone giving an interview

Stay tuned for a detailed post about my outfit and of course, my runway reviews of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and so on.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu and © Sandra Bauknecht

Thursday night, during Paris fashion week, an extravagant party launched the AdR at H&M collection with theatrical flair. Hosted by H&M together with fashion icon Anna Dello Russo, the Paradise Ball took place in Paris famed cabaret nightclub Paradis Latin.

The glitzy party married fashion, performance and a live showcase by music star Azealia Banks. Staying true to AdR’s belief that fashion is something that makes you dream, the eccentric party was all about fantasy and decoration.
“Excess for me means success”, said the fashion icon.

Caroline Piccinin (Le Matin), René Zibold (H&M) with me

Wigs and paper masks transformed the fashionable crowd all into Mini-Annas.

Cabaret-style “vogueing performances” as Anna described them, presented the collection in a very distinctive truly Parisian way.

My look: Powder gun dress by Mary Katrantzou, head piece by Christian Dior, pink bag by Lanvin and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

Friends and fashionistas, including Olivier Theyskens, Rachel Zoe, Poppy Delevingne, and super models Karlie Kloss, Constance Jablonski, and Liya Kebede among many others gathered to celebrate. There were so many famous people at the Paradis Latin as you can see below:

Renzo Rosso and Anna Dello Russo in a dress by Fausto Puglisi

Thomas Hayo (Germany’s Next Topmodel) and me

My beloved Mary Katrantzou

Fashion designer Jeremy Scott with me

Peter Dundas, Creative Director of Emilio Pucci, with me

It was a very fun night, the Paradise Ball was such a glamorous way to launch such an eye-catching collection. The playful line of jewelry, shoes and accessories that Anna Dello Russo designed for H&M, will be on sale from October 4, 2012, in 140 stores worldwide and online. Below are some of my favourite pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos in the first and last collage: Courtesy of H&M – All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last May, Chanel announced that Brad Pitt will be the new face of the house’s iconic scent Chanel N°5 (for the previous post, please click here). It is quite an unusual choice that a man represents a women’s fragrance. Now, this series of portraits shot by Mario Sorrenti have been released as a foretaste of what is to come. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photos : Mario SORRENTI copyright CHANEL

For the sixth consecutive year, US label Tommy Hilfiger will launch a limited edition handbag in support of Breast Health International, a leading non-profit foundation that advances breast cancer research and treatment. The American designer has great support from two famous ladies.

The 2012 BHI campaign features acclaimed Anglo-French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, photographed by celebrated Hollywood actress, screenwriter and producer Drew Barrymore.

“I am very proud to be partnering with Breast Health International for a sixth year,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “The annual limited-edition collaboration is a great way for us to engage consumers in raising awareness and funds for this important initiative. We are excited and honored to welcome Charlotte Gainsbourg and Drew Barrymore in support of this year’s campaign.”

This year’s limited-edition handbag is a navy leather tote with white accents and red handles, inspired by the Tommy Hilfiger brand‟s classic American cool heritage. Additional features include a central divider pocket, mobile phone pocket, and rose gold tone magnetic closures.

The handbag will debut exclusively on tommy.com today on September 27, 2012, and be available in select Tommy Hilfiger stores in Europe, the United States, Canada and the Asia-Pacific region starting October 1, 2012  for €299.
(€100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living, a global BHI initiative that provides assistance to women with breast cancer and their families by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that may not be covered by traditional health insurance programs.)

Last year’s celebrity ambassador for the Tommy Hilfiger/BHI handbag was Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger. For the previous post, please click here.

Stay tuned for a post in which I am wearing this fab bag. Thumbs up for shopping for a good cause! Get yours online today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

With Bobbi Brown, I spent a beautiful day in Munich for the launch of Bobbi’s seventh book:
PRETTY POWERFUL.

“Over the years I’ve worked with countless women who have inspired me with their stories. Beyond makeup, we’ve talked about life-altering events. Everything from the joy of being a new mom to dealing with homelessness and divorce. With each conversation, these women have shown that when you have the will and the heart, almost anything is possible—and that’s what Pretty Powerful is all about.” – Bobbi Brown

Sandy decor at Munich‘s hotspot Nektar, colourful goodie bags, hardcover copies displayed on white Nektar-branded crates and a nice crowd of journalists expected me for a wonderful lunch. Flipping through the book, you get immediately inspired. And this is all what renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown wants to achieve with her do-good attitude towards makeup: To make you feel “pretty powerful” and to be confident.

The tome includes stories in which the beauty guru hand picked celebrities, athletes, and everyday women to pose for before and after makeover shots plus tips how to eat healthy.
In stores now for CHF 49.90.

My look: Knit dress with lace overlay, earrings and suede wedge ankle boots, all by Louis Vuitton, blush jacket by Stella McCartney and brown Pandora bag by Givenchy.

Inspired by Bobbi’s book, Pretty Powerful, Bobbi introduces the Uber Basics collection – shades for every woman. This collection will give every woman – no matter what her skin tone – the essentials she needs to go from pretty to pretty powerful, day to night.

Highlighting the simplicity of Bobbi’s Uber Basic look, the collection is organized into four colour stories, with a corresponding Eye Shadow (CHF 37.-), Sparkle Eye Shadow (CHF 40.-), Blush (CHF 41.-), Rich Lip Color (CHF 35.-) and High Shimmer Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-).
Available now.

“Our most flattering colours. Ever. It’s makeup, simplified.” – Bobbi Brown

And I have more news from Bobbi Brown for you: Actress Katie Holmes is the first celebrity to become the face of beauty brand.
Sounds all pretty powerful to me.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

Finish shoe designer Minna Parikka and artist Jani Leinonen (For a previous post on Jani’s work, click here please.) collaborated on an art project filled with corporate mascots and shoes.

The duo created a space with an optical illusion covered with a print based on Jani Leinonen’s painting. The print also takes over 3 styles of Minna Parikka’s satin shoes that all have their place in the installation.

“Here the common and tacky commercial characters collide into the luxurious and abundant high heels. The battle between the classes has began.” the duo states.

The 3 styles of shoes are all numbered and signed in series of 25. “They are art and we can not control what do you do with them, frame them or wear them!” The pairs come in sizes 36-41 and are sold through Amos Anderson during ‘Boutique’ exhibition which is officially part of Helsinki World Design Capital Year.

Boutique – Where Art Meets Fashion until 12th of November at Amos Anderson art museum.

Lady Gaga wears Minna Parikka’s bugs pumps on her European tour. See the original post by Terry Richardson on Terry’s Diary.

Gaga is already familiar with Parikka’s creations as on her visit in Helsinki in October 2010, she received a double platinum award designed by the Finish shoe designer.

Aren’t they amazing?! Check out Parikka’s website, it is truly worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Terry Richardson and © Minna Parikka