Sandra‘s Closet

While being in New York, one trend caught my eye: White nail polish.

Personally, I like the opaque version very much. It emphasizes the shape of the nails while looking cool and fresh. Moreover it suits every skin tone. The only downside is the maintenance as the white hue doesn’t last as long as other shades.

My favourite tone is Ecume by Nars, which is part of their recent summer collection.

Ecume is described as “An opaque white nail enamel that is at once vintage-inspired and avant-garde in sensibility.”

If you like to take it one step further, get inspired by stylesetter Alexa Chung. She painted little palm trees or tine hearts on her white fingertipps. I am loving it and you?

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, during another Baume et Mercier workshop at the Montauk lighthouse, I met Kelly Killoren Bensimon, the ex-wife of French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon. The beautiful brunette is a multitalent: A mother of two, an author, jewelry designer, former model, and former editor of Elle Accessories. She currently appears on Bravo The Real Housewives of New York City and is the editor at large for Hamptons Magazine, a free weekly with circulation of 40,000 to 50,000.

Kelly, who now resides in New York City and East Hampton, published the book „In the Spirit if The Hamptons“. As a connoisseur of Long Island’s East End, she gave us a wonderful insight of the lifestyle.

„The Hamptons are understated, a nice spoil to New York. Nouveau Riche is here definitely the wrong word. It is more of a relaxed and easy going beach community. It is a no hair and no make-up mentality. You can see many celebrities enjoying themselves, like Paul McCartney going sailing or Stella McCartney on the bike. Ralph Lauren drives his extensive vintage car collection around the area while Donna Karan raised her family here and brought a shop and a restaurant to Sag Harbour.

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller even spent their honeymoon in the Hamptons. When it comes to partying, Puff Daddy’s legendary White Party is a must. A little revolution as Americans are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day. The Hamptons are a magical place all through the year. In the winter months it is beautiful to bundle up and walk your dog on the beach. You can go horseback riding, enjoy indoor tennis and many more activities.

By the way, we call the Hamptons the Beach!“

– Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Kelly looked so pretty and sported the relaxed and casual Hampton style perfectly with her white cropped pants, the little tunic, the ballet flats and her beautiful new Baume et Mercier watch.
Like always, if you like the look, you can start shopping below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While Dior still hasn’t officially announced Galliano’s successor (and they won’t probably until September), the suspicion hardens that Ricardo Tisci, Givenchy’s Creative Director, will be the one. Since John Galliano’s unpleasant exit, Dior’s dresses have been stigmatised on the red carpet. In return, we have been spotting much more Givenchy lately. Might be a sign…

Liv Tyler, Mary-Kate Olsen and Alicia Keys wore Givenchy Haute Couture to the Met Gala in New York this month.

Naomi Campbell was a fringed beauty in an embroidered evening gown at the amfAR 2011 Fight Against Aids party in Cannes last Thursday. Photo: © PacificCoastNews

For the same gala, Courtney Love chose an absolutely spectacular Givenchy Couture gown with a plunging neckline and a sheer tulle-and-feather skirt.
Photo: © Francois Durand/Getty Images Europe

Beyoncé wore Givenchy for her video for her single Run The World (Girls)

As for me, Ricardo Tisci would be a great choice. I have been a big fan of his creations for a long time. He will surely infuse more gothic appeal to Dior but that doesn’t need to be bad, doesn’t it? And when Tisci leaves Givenchy, Haider Ackermann could succeed. I think I like that idea very much!

LoL, Sandra

Starting from today, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, is on view until July 31, 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum’s second-floor Cantor Galleries.

So if you just can’t get enough after having seen Kate Middleton’s bridal dress, that was made by Sarah Burton for the house of McQueen, you might consider a trip to NYC. The designer’s costume institute retrospective features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from the late designer’s prolific 19-year carreer with some outstanding pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris, custom-made items from the closet of Isabella Blow and even his graduate collection at Central St.Martins among others.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit took place Monday night with high-profile guests in high-profile fashion. The Met gala has anyway become over the years the fashion community’s biggest red carpet night. It was no wonder to spot some McQueen tributes to the mix.

My favourite two looks by Alexander McQueen were Gisèle Bündchen who looked so radiant in her red gown next to her husband Tom Brady…

… and Anna Dello Russo, known for her eclectic style, showed up in a pant suit from the S/S 2011 collection, divine!

As for me, the ultimate highlights were the „Stella Girls“ with Stella McCartney herself making an appearance in a black and white tuxedo gown of her own design. It was a modern, probably experimental but uncoventional look. The British designer is also a Co-Chair for the fundraising event.

The Stella McCartney parade was led by Madonna in a silky blue gown with a beautiful embroidered train. With her 50’s hair and make-up, she looked very Hollywood. Wow!

Very pregnant Kate Hudson glowed in her champagne-coloured Stella gown and long tousled hair.

This is my favourite. Gwyneth Paltrow chose to go with long sleeves which was a popular trend at the gala. So simple and absolutely stunning. The actress is good friends with the British designer.

Rihanna in a one-shoulder black lace gown, an iconic Stella look!

Adding some colour drama, Eva Mendes enhanced her complexion by wearing a cobalt blue plissé dress by Stella McCartney. So beautiful!

What a night!

LoL, Sandra

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