Sandra‘s Closet

Tom Ford’s first collection under his own name for S/S 2011 is truly outstanding. His very secretive show was the most exclusive and buzzed about one last Fashion Week with famous models like Julianne Moore, Lauren Hutton, Karlie Kloss, Lou Doillon and many more. And now we can see what all the hype was about.

Like something that will be in a museum one day, it is every fashionista’s dream to have one piece of Tom’s first collection in her closet. Glamourous with a `70s feel to it, the cuts are immaculate, the fabrics just beautiful, those must-haves are already true classics.

The “King of Sex” managed to create a ladylike collection with a certain kind of seduction. Not so obvious like a Gucci girl, more subtle with an intelligent sex appeal, it is all about high-voltage glamour.

Especially the accessories are super: the bags with the exaggerated zippers and the ultra-sharp spike heels are among my favourites. But those dream pieces have their price.

I couldn’t resist. As you know, I love overalls. So that jumpsuit with the deep cleavage was immediatly my must-have. The fishnet bustier complemented the look for me perfectly. The little hat made me look like just having graduated from fashion college or probably being a flight attendant for Vamp Air.

The flap-over bag and the huge sunglasses are my daily companions. The boots are vintage, from Gucci’s F/W 2004 collection that was still designed by Tom Ford at that time. “Old” Tom meets “new” Tom and they get along well…

Enjoy the photos:

Needless to say, it requires heavy shopping but those pieces are very limited and retailers very rare. So here in Zurich we are among those lucky birds having a beautiful Tom Ford store for both genders in the middle of the city at Münsterhof 17. Please enjoy the photos I took of the shop and fall in love with the collection.
For further enquiries, you can contact the store under +41 44 221 02 50.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One day to go, royal bride to be, Kate Middleton, shows how a modern princess looks like with no tiara required. Royally adorable, she was seen out and about London wearing a pair of Diesel Ronhoir 88OZ and 08W7 jeans. Both times, she tucked in a blouse and finished off her look with sandals.
Kate is definitely not a fashion addict; she is a classy woman that found her style with confidence. Simple, never showy or exaggerated, what else could the Buckingham Palace wish for?!

LoL, Sandra

Tommy Hilfiger launches the fifth limited edition bag in aid of Breast Health International with Renée Zellweger. The famous 41-year-old Oscar-winning actress serves as the ambassador and showed her support for finding a cure for breast cancer. She was photographed for the campaign by Alexi Lubomirski.

“Because of the experiences of close friends and family members who have had to endure and battle the challenges of breast cancer, I am a passionate supporter of breast health education and charitable causes,” Renée said in a statement. “I am honored and grateful to be partnering with Tommy Hilfiger to raise awareness and funds to support the invaluable work of Breast Health International.”

The limited-edition bag will be sold in Tommy Hilfiger flagship stores, on tommy.com as well as through specialty stores as of May 01, 2011. This year it is made from tan suede and features a subtle gold details. It retails at €299 (CHF499 / $320); for every bag sold Tommy Hilfiger will donate €100 to the Fund For Living – an ongoing global campaign initiated by Breast Health International to support those diagnosed with breast cancer

Former ambassadors of the program include: Italian actresses, Claudia Gerini and Cristiana Capotondi; France’s first lady Carla Bruni and international supermodel-turned-acclaimed-photographer Helena Christensen. Ms. Christensen returned the following year as part of the creative team to photograph fellow supermodel Milla Jovovich for the fourth edition of Tommy Hilfiger’s limited edition BHI bag.

Definitely worth supporting! Thank you, Tommy!

LoL, Sandra

Aerin Lauder, 40, heiress, and, more importantly, the highly visible face and senior executive of the Estée Lauder corporation, has announced the creation of her own luxury lifestyle brand that will sell accessories, home products, fashion and jewelry beginning early 2012. Some of the jewelry is said to be based on pieces from her grandmother’s private collection.

The new Aerin brand is aimed at a luxury customer, specifically, who “wants things made simple.” In addition, she is also launching her own beauty label that will also be marketed by the Lauder division. Under the arrangement, Aerin Lauder will continue to be actively involved in the Estée Lauder brand, serving as creative consultant and becoming its Style and Image Director. She will also continue as the brand’s global ambassador and spokesperson, a position she has held successfully for many years and will remain a member of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Board of Directors, which she joined in 2004.

I am pretty convinced that she has a great chance to become successful given her support team: Anna Wintour will serve as adviser and NBC Universal head Jeff Zucker will consult.

Her style is beautiful, simple and elegant. Get the look of the American trendsetter and enjoy her beautiful home in the Hamptons. Below you can read her style shortlist.

LoL, Sandra

• Entertaining in East Hampton: “We like to barbecue and sit at a long candlelit picnic table by the pool. The kids run around playing flashlight tag while the grown-ups linger at the table.”

• Entertaining in Manhattan: “It’s key to put together a great guest list. We always have plenty of fresh flowers and serve comfort food everyone enjoys: risotto, lamb chops, mashed potatoes, chocolate.”

• Decorating tips: 1. “The easiest way to freshen up a room is a new paint color.” 2. “I update the dining room by finding a fabulous new fabric. I’ll have it made into a tablecloth or just fold a length of it and run it down the center of the table.” 3. “Make the most of children’s artwork. I use terrific frames and paperweights from the Conran Shop to showcase my sons’ art.”

• Flower shops: Zezé in Manhattan (“Great for orchids, vases, bowls, and gifts for friends”); and Bridgehampton Florist at the beach (“Beautiful vases, hurricane lamps, and objects”).

• Shops: In the Hamptons: Mecox Gardens (“Top-notch baskets, lamps, and coral”); the Shell Shop in Sag Harbor (“Where I found the shells in my bathroom, and they have lovely coral objects”); R. E. Steele Antiques (“Packed with goodies—the best resource for chests and cocktail tables”); and Neo-Studio in Sag Harbor (“Amazing lamps and glass pieces”). In Manhattan: Barneys New York (“Especially for throws and glasses”); Bergdorf Goodman’s home floor; Crate & Barrel (“Great simple design”); the Calvin Klein store; John Derian (“Love his napkins, plates, and paperweights”); Anthropologie (“Wonderful style; a sense of fantasy”); Archivia Books (“Amazing vintage and new books”); and Pace Prints.

• Escapes: Palm Beach (“I’ve been going there since I was born. I still check out the fantastic antiques and vintage clothing stores on South Dixie Highway.”); and Paris (“I love floating around Paris. I’m always looking for chandeliers there. I have an obsession with them. But I’ve always said that even if you have no furnishings at all, if you have a chandelier, you can create a special atmosphere.”) (Source: Elle Décor)

Yesterday, I was invited to the Mister Schweiz (Switzerland) 2011 gala which is here a very big event. It was truly a live broadcasted spectacle.

The hot young guys, mostly in the beginning of their twenties, had to fulfill some fun tasks. Even that this is a fashion blog, I didn’t really think of dressing those beautiful toned bodies…I actually liked the boxer shorts pretty much.

The show had some great performers on stage, among them Italian singer Zucchero and famous world-class violinist David Garrett.

David Garrett with me... a funny guy.

Front row: Gorgeous Raquel Marquard who is the Mister Schweiz 2011 promoter

The jury from right to left: Julia Saner (model), Sara Hildebrand (entertainer), Bettina Portmann (SI magazine), André Reithebuch (Mister Schweiz 2009) and Indira Weiss (singer).

Top model Julia Saner with tiny Sandra

Enjoy the impressions of last night.  The winner was Thurgau based 21-year old Luca Ruch who won the toss against Michel de Carolis from Basel who was actually my favourite.

Below you can find the details of my look from last night and like always start shopping immediately.

My look: Silk dress and jacket by Balmain, pumps by YSL, earrings and ring, both by Chanel and stingray Box bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The countdown is on. Available exclusively via www.navyboot.com starting on the 17th of April 2011 at midnight CET is a collabration of superlatives. Top Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher and Navyboot Creative Director Adrian J. Margelist have joined forces to devise and develop four luxury sneakers for men that set new footwear benchmarks in their materials, style and design.

18-carat gold, water snakeskin leather and polished crystals: welcome to Navyboot’s limited “MSone” luxury sneaker collection.

To put it in Formula 1 terms: these shoes are right on the pace!

MSone triology: Afternoon/ Night/ Morning

Each of the new models boasts outstanding material quality, with the leathers used extending from nappa calfskin to salmon, water snakeskin, pearly ostrich leg and karung, all combined with polished crystals and 18-carat-gold adornments. Sneakers have never shone in such exclusive materials before.

The whole upper of the new sneakers features clean and stylish lines. One unmistakable detail, however, is the hand-stitching around the tongue. Most of the lacing is concealed. The design of the sole combines the key elements in this limited collection: the Navyboot trademark artichoke, Michael Schumacher’s initials and seven stars representing his seven world championship titles. The metal colour of the stars embodies the car industry, and is applied by hand. MSone sneakers are a masterpiece of handcraft right down to the finest details!

The highlight is definitely the Starboot, the absolute eyecatcher in the new MSone collection. A high-top shoe made completely from red-dyed karung, the leather of the water snake. Seven 18-carat gold stars adorn its heel, while even the lacehooks have been lovingly handcrafted in 18-carat gold.

MSone Starboot

A Collector’s Box with the full new MSone trilogy is also being produced, in a limited edition of 888. Each box will feature its own metal plate stamped with the box’s serial number. EUR 3 000, sizes available: 39-45

The Starboot Collector’s Box is limited to just 88. Here, too, each box will have a metal plate showing the box’s serial number. EUR 5 000, sizes available 39-45

Every Collector’s Box comes with a Certificate of Authenticity in the form of a book specially created for the project. Its cover will be signed by Adrian J. Margelist for the Triology Collector’s Box, while that of the Starboot Collector’s Box will bear Michael Schumacher’s personal signature.

The new Navyboot MSone sneaker collection will be launched at a major event in Shanghai on the 16th of April, with Michael Schumacher and Adrian J. Margelist in attendance and be part of Formula 1’s 2011 Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

LoL, Sandra

Today, legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has died at age 79 of congestive heart failure surrounded by her four children at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The violet-eyed film goddess, whose sultry screen persona, stormy personal life and enduring fame made her one of the last of the old-fashioned movie stars, was born with two rows of eyelashes, something which got her noticed as a young girl, and helped to land her an interview with Universal Studios. Isn’t that a cool mutation that we all would love to have?!

This week, I flew to London to meet very talented designer Thakoon Panichgul. He was in town for a very intimate trunk show and presented his amazing F/W 2011 collection in the Net-à-porter offices to his very loyal long-standing English customers.

The Thai-born, Omaha-raised designer who is based today in New York has been an early forerunner of mismatched prints. For him, it is all about the silhouette, about a certain nonchalance, a modern and sporty way to interpret couture. He has a talent for intricate detail and loves to play with construction.

I had a really nice conversation with him. Thakoon is such a lovely guy. He told me that his passion for fashion started at a very early age because his mom and grandma were both seamstresses. He started his career first in production, then merchandising for J.Crew. Later on, he spent four years as a writer and editor for Harper’s Bazaar and took courses at Parsons School of Design. He also earned a business degree at Boston University. I would call this a very profound foundation to start a successful company which he did in September 2004. He has quickly become a shooting star to emerge from the New York fashion scene.

His fan base is huge. Hollywood celebrities like Jessica Biel or Drew Barrymore and  fashion A-listers like Sienna Miller belong to it. His probably biggest supporter is Michelle Obama. America’s First Lady is often seen in Thakoon’s designs.

Thakoon thanked Natalie Massanet for giving him a voice. He explained: „First I did five pieces and thought it was a collection. Net-à-porter bought all of them and has been so supportive since then.“

Natalie Massanet answered: „We are all about great products!“
The founder of the well-known online platform Net-à-porter was like me crazy for the gorgeous sleeveless blazer in yellow and black.

Thakoon’s collection for F/W 2011 reminded me of Marie Antoinette as an African tribal warrior.
The designer kept the juxtapositions going in all ways. A long-in-back ball skirt worn with a checked puffy coat was among my favourite looks. See below some of the best looks. The pieces were a little big on me as they were the sample sizes.

Please click here to shop Thakoon’s beautiful collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The new S/S 2011 Prada bags are just pretty. Uma Thurman was recently spotted sporting her favourite woven model while leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles.

If you can’t decide which one is your prefered one, you might consider getting two. If you do, I have a great idea for you. Switch the straps to get a version that no one has. Here is what I did with my new bags:

Original bags

...and after...

...swapping.

Like this, you create a unique piece which will be hard to copy and you don’t need to buy anything new to do that. Look into your closet and start swapping! You will have a new bag in seconds!

If you are in the mood for shopping, visit the Prada store nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2011 show had already the best invitation with a gorgeous tassel hanging from it. Marc Jacobs also touched the Parisian World War II-era like Miu Miu did but he added a fetish vibe which is said to be a metaphore for women’s obsession with bags. Talking about the power of a handbag which brand could be better than Louis Vuitton.

The show’s decor was absolutely amazing. Four elevators transported the models on stage. Porters for each opened the lift doors like in a luxury hotel.

The looks were all about peaked caps, sculpted jackets, jodhpur pants, tiny little briefs and below-the-knee pencil skirts.

Later on, French maids in plasticized lace and embellishments in the shape of masks and handcuffs started to exalt the imagination.

Kate Moss presented the last look waving a cigarette and looked smoking hot in both senses. If you are interested, you can watch the show by clicking here.

The must-have Louis Vuitton bag for F/W 2011 will be the reinterpreted 1958 top-handle Lockit bag. For the show, some versions had a diamond encrusted handcuff attached to it.
What can you say… such a Louis Vuitton handbag is for life.

Below you can see which celebrities were spotted at the show. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

Girlfriends Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Carolin Sieber

Carmen Kass, Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss

Elodie Bouchez kissed by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs with Fan Bing Bing wearing a Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 dress

Daisy Lowe, Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Stylerumor.com