Sandra‘s Closet

Last Friday, I went to the opening of Marco Perego’s first solo exhibition in Switzerland entitled “Secrets” curated by Isabelle Bscher at Galerie Gmurzynska. The exhibition features works from 2011 including 
3 sculptures, 40 drawings and 10 paintings and will be open until October 25, 2011.

The artist Marco Perego with me last Friday at the opening

Perego, born 1979 in Verona, Italy, is a very good-looking former soccer star who is now based in Los Angeles. He has presented solo shows worldwide, including a solo exhibition at the Museo Archeolgico Nazionale in Florence in 2008. In the same year, he unveiled one of his most controversial pieces, “The only good rockstar is a dead rock star”, a sculpture of a dead Amy Winehouse lying in a pool of blood, long before the soulful R’n’B songstress met an untimely end past July. In 2008 his painted works formed the background of Dolce & Gabbana’s advertising campaign. His animated film “Burn to Shine” will premiere next year at Sundance Film Festival.

Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2008 ad campaign with Marco Perego’s paintings in the back

Marco Perego with Isabelle Bscher*

Perego’s Portrait of Isabelle Bscher, Mixed media on paper, 2011

In 2007 Marco describes himself in an interview with the New York Observer like this: “I just believe in my dreams, the sun in the face, wind in the back, the rest take care from the destiny to dance with the stars.” He spent a year with Shamans in Argentina, after which he started his series „Secrets“. Perego who has taken inspiration from Freuds dream analysis, told Bscher: „These are drawings of the unconsious, of the inner demon within.“

The artist is known for his controversial paintings, often a fantasy that perverts images that we take for granted as innocent. For example, when the Evil Queen drops all pretensions of prude as well as her knickers in front of the Seven Dwarves.

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld with me

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, Carine Roitfeld’s son, art dealer and curator himself, counts the artist amongst his closest friends. So no wonder, he came with an entourage of famous and close friends to the opening, among them Fiat scion Lapo Elkann and Starvos Niarchos.

From left to right: Mathias Rastorfer, Andrea Kracht, Marco Perego and Lapo Elkann*

Famous friends: Niclas Pol, Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, Starvos Niarchos, Andy Valmorbida with Marco Perego.*

About his life in the city and his friends he said once to the New York Observer: “It’s the same, because I never forget where I’m from. I am the same kid. I love to sit down and be like a voyeur. I love to watch people, and feel like a pirate. My friends are the best pirates in the world. I promise.”

Marco Perego, La terre et la lune, 2011, Gypsum, 158 x 140 x 140cm

I especially love the sculpture “La terre et la lune“.
You can count me definitely among Perego’s fans.

LoL, Sandra

My outfit last Friday: 
Baseball jacket, striped pants and top by Balmain, patent shoes by Stella McCartney and bag by Gucci.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos with* are courtesy of Galerie Gmurzynska

Last week in Milan, there was quite a party stress going on.
Across from the Gucci party on Via Montenapoleone, Louis Vuitton celebrated the re-opening of their shop on the famous street, followed by a dinner and later a party with cocktails and music to toast the exhibition “The Art of Fashion” curated by Katie Grand which is on show at La Triennale di Milano until October 9th, 2011.

The interior of the Louis Vuitton Via Montenapoleone store.

Gorgeous decoration.

Party people

Lots of celebrities were there.

Beautiful Isabeli Fontana (right) in a sequined dress from the Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2011 collection.

Anna dello Russo in a head-to-toe look from the Louis Vuitton F/W 2011 runway

Enjoy those photos from the exhibition:

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Sandra Bauknecht

LoL, Sandra

Keira Knightley recently wore Mary Katrantzou‘s Caramolengo dress in Venice. The British designer who is known for her amazing prints belongs to my favourites. Yesterday, here in Milan, I wore the same mid-length silk printed dress.

My outfit: Caramolengo dress by Mary Katrantzou, glitter booties (the shoes of the season!) and oversized clutch by Miu Miu, watch by Roger Dubuis.

To shop Mary Katrantzou dresses, please click here.

This photo was taken by Mr.Newton, the famous street style photographer for Harper’s Bazaar.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Net-à-porter features the Caramolengo dress in their beautiful ad campaign.

LoL, Sandra

Today, I also went to see the Ermanno Scervino S/S 2012 show which took place at la Scuola Militare, the military school. The scenery was quite impressive and a wonderful juxtaposition to the very romantic and feminine collection.

With the next summer collection, Ermanno Scervino takes us on a voyage across India of Rajasthan and of the Maharajas. The Florence based designer is constantly melting different worlds and different materials, combining sportswear and couture by playing with unexpected combinations, such as geometric jackets over light ruffled dresses.

In the front row (so-called “frow” now), I spotted Alice Dellal (model and sister of shoe designer Charlotte Olympia) who is the new advertising face for the Ermanno Scervino F/W 2011 campaign, in the amazing black overall from the winter collection. Alice with her edgy look adds the right twist to those soft and playful creations.

Great choice! I have loved the S/S 2012 show and you? You can watch it at the end of this post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Campaign Photos: Courtesy of Ermanno Scervino

For 2011’s Cannes International Film Festival, Only The Brave Foundation and Le Baron have invited celebrities (Jude Law, Kirsten Dunst an many more) to sign a Diesel Black Gold denim, during their fabulous nights at Le Baron Piano Bar.

This denim is now sold by auction on ebay until 22nd September : all profits will be donated to the Only The Brave Foundation, that supports and develops a variety of innovative development projects in Africa.

Many celebrities attended last week’s S/S 2012 runway presentation in New York City, among them Gerard Butler with his date Petra Nemcova and the Roitfeld girls.

“It’s time to reflect.” This was written on the program at the Diesel Black Gold S/S 2012 show. There were dangling mirrors hanging down, perfectly reflecting the light and preparing the audience for a show full of metallics. I am in love with those shiny materials. As this is already a huge trend for F/W 2011, I am glad to see that this is going to stay for a while.
Let the light of Diesel Black Gold shine on me…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel Black Gold

“I always wanted to make a perfume which would have the same resonance for everyone, something like tenderness, or childhood and I wanted there to be such a sensual contact with this perfume, that you almost feel like devouring the person you love.”

Thierry Mugler

Love it or hate it! It seems that this oriental-gourmand fragrance allows only the extreme. Since its creation in 1992, it is one of the bestselling scents around the globe.

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS ANGEL…
A GOURMAND PERFUME THAT HAS BECOME LEGENDARY.

FROM STAR TO COMET – A NEW EAU DE TOILETTE

Almost 20 years later, a new satellite appears, Angel will be available as Eau de Toilette with a new shaped flacon in a modern interpretation.. Angel’s dazzling star gives birth to an undulating comet.

More than just a difference in concentration, Angel Eau de Toilette is a unique harmony of scents composed by Amandine Marie (Robertet). It has become “oriental-gourmand-powdery”.

Top Notes: Bergamot, red berries and pepper

Middle Notes: Praliné, caramel and berries

Base Notes: Patchouli, vanilla, cedar and white musk.

Faithful to Angel’s tradition, the Comet, available in 40 ml and in 80 ml, is refillable, thanks to its eco-source bottle (40 ml).

A MESMERIZING CAMPAIGN

Eva Mendes is the glamorous woman for the Eau de Parfum and beguiling icon for the Eau de Toilette, she embodies all the addictions of Angel.

New muse, new campaign… I loved the illustrations so much that I wanted to share them with you.

Always spectacular, the Angel woman rediscovers a certain type of intimacy in her perfume and in her dreams, expressing a seduction more moving than ever.

One woman, two stories…

A deserted train station. A shimmering clear night. The Angel woman waits for the train that, with its guiding star, will take her to the depths of her dreams.

In the “Dream Machine”, comfortably seated, she sprays her wrist lightly. After scarcely a whiff, she gives into pleasure, eyes closed, and takes off…

Her first dream brings her back to childhood memories of a fair, the Ferris wheel and cotton candy. This vision becomes hazy and takes the shape of the Eau de Toilette bottle followed by the Eau de Parfum bottle that sets her off on her next trip. She dances in this day dream, as though completely spellbound, among constellations of stars. Enchanting…

And the imaginary odyssey ends, giving way to reality. As she gets off the train immersed in a blue light, her exalted expression keeps you guessing about the thrill and the transgression of her experience.

Looking up to the sky that welcomed her, she takes the ultimate memento of her recent experience out of her trench coat pocket: the scintillating Angel bottle.

Illustrations: © Stefano Canulli

The world wide campaign, conceived by Thierry Mugler and orchestrated by Christophe de Lataillade, the brand’s Artistic Director, has brought together an exceptional cast. British director, Baillie Walsh, directed the film and the image was immortalized by the duo of fashion photographers Inez van Lansweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.

Below is the new commercial with Eva Mendes singing. Hope that you like it.

LoL, Sandra

If you were wondering what I was wearing for Fashion’s Night Out in New York, this was my look.

Blouse and Skirt by Alexander McQueen, Python Belt by Gucci, Studded Heels by Valentino, Small Boston Bag by Céline, Ring by Roberto Cavalli and Watch by Roger Dubuis.

This military inspired outfit was also seen on Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge recently in Birmingham.

Catherine had shortened her skirt whereas I left it at the medium length. Midi skirts are a must for F/W 2011. I was not a big fan of Catherine’s classic suede pumps as the outfit itself is already pretty conservative. That was the reason I went for my studded Valentino kitten heels and added the wide eyecatching golden python belt for a bit of colour.

On my nails I am wearing a metallic colour, so-called “Graphite” by Chanel.

What is he looking at?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

„When I am doing a little California dreamin’, I am in a beautifully appointed Mid-century home, like the Kaufmann house in Palm Springs, by Richard Neutra. The clean minimal interior, the wide open desert landscape, the informality of living in nature yet also sheltered in rational and soul warming architecture; that is my mind wandering to a place of salubrious comfort. But it’s not all strict lines and raw space. Somewhere, there is Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack crooning by the piano and Angie Dickenson is lounging by a crystal blue pool. Mid-century louche and luxury, in my dreams.“

– Derek Lam

Last Sunday in New York was a very touching day marking the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. While the city was filled with ceremonies commemorating this tragic event, the fashion world was looking ahead.

Derek Lam showed his S/S 2012 collection that day and went from East Coast to West Coast for inspiration. The designer, who had grown up in California, came up with a crisp, sharp tailored look. Very American, very preppy with a slight retro touch. The prints added a resort feeling. One of my favourites was the white linen trench coat with the shiny black leather trim. I am sure that this collection will be loved especially by business women all around the world. Anna Wintour seemed to like it a lot, but see for yourselves…

I was invited to go backstage before the show and enjoyed exploring the clothes in advance. Please stay tuned as I interviewed Tom Pecheux, Estée Lauder’s Creative Director for Makeup, who had created the makeup look for Derek Lam’s S/S 2012 show. I have got some beautiful behind the scenes shots of which some are already included here. Hope that will like it.

By the way, I spotted some German celebrities front row. Don’t miss the end of this post to see who was there!

LoL, Sandra

Derek Lam

Stephanie zu Guttenberg in a red Prada dress

Lilly & Boris Becker

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, Barneys New York celebrated the launch of their new womens F/W 2011 campaign „Carine’s World“ with a gigantic party in New York City. Many celebrities attended, but the real highlight of the evening was definitely the karaoke performance of Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld on stage.

The new campaign for the American department store was cast by Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of French Vogue. Friends, family members, people she admired over years for their style, were featured in the newest must-haves. Carine worked alongside renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti and Barneys New York Creative Director Dennis Freedman.

In the store, you can find some installations with quotes that I enjoyed very much. I hope that you do, too!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Below you can find my personal favourites of the campaign. For more information, go on Barneys.com.

LoL, Sandra

Naomi Campbell in Fendi

Carine on Naomi:
“I met Naomi 25 years ago at the beginning of her career and worked with her often. She is of course a legendary model and an icon, but one thing that people don’t know about her is that she has a very big heart.”

Shop the Fendi collection at Barneys.com.

Jessica Hart in Marc Jacobs

Carine on Jessica:
“Jessica is the Australian girlfriend of my son Vladimir’s best friend. So pretty, natural, and elegant. She’s got a spontaneous, sporty allure and she’s always smiling.”

Shop the Marc Jacobs collection at Barneys.com.

Melanie Huynh in Yves Saint Laurent

Carine on Melanie:
“Melanie is a stylist and was my assistant for 3 or 4 years. We have stayed close – I am even godmother to her daughter. She is ravishing and brings a lot of grace to the Saint Laurent clothes. She looks like a princess.”

Shop the Yves Saint Laurent collection at Barneys.com.

Izabel Goulart in Mugler and Gianvito Rossi

Carine on Izabel:
“Izabel, a Brazilian, is one of my most recent discoveries. She is a very, very beautiful girl that I first saw at a Victoria’s Secret runway show.”

Shop the Mugler and Gianvito Rossi collection at Barneys.com.

Theodora Richards in Rodarte

Carine on Theodora:
“Theodora has inherited the daring style of her father, Keith Richards, and it suits her divinely. She’s also very spirited and lively and has an incredible presence.”

Shop the Rodarte collection at Barneys.com.

Photos: © Barneys

The Tommy Hilfiger Men S/S 2012 collection celebrates the house’s iconic look, true preppiness.

Tommy seems like being on a mission to turn the world into a preppy place. With the success of his own Prep world pop-up tour, the American designer created with the help of consulting designers Simon Spurr and stylist Karl Templer, a collection filled with colour blocking, varsity jackets, chinos, seersucker and nautical stripes. Colours inspired by pop art made even classic knits and polos a bit twisted. The camouflage prints reminded me a little too much of Prada, but they were still fun.

A surprising and very wearable collection: Highly civilized, slightly rebellious! Well done!

Enjoy all the behind the scenes and runway photos!

LoL, Sandra

Male models waited for the arriving guests with a cool bottle of beer. What a lovely idea as the sun was burning down on the High Line in Chelsea where the show took place.

Look who is there: My favourite Gossip Girl character Chuck…

Forget Blair Waldorf: Actor Ed Westwick with me

Ed Westwick, Brad Richards, James Marsden, and Kellan Lutz

Ed Westwick with artist Todd DiCiurcio and musician Jake DArc to his right.

James Marsden with American Pie protagonist Kellan Lutz

Actor James Marsden with me

Great dress on Dee Hilfiger

LET THE SHOW BEGIN:

Tommy Hilfiger

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht