Sandra‘s Closet

The new SIXIÈME SENS COLLECTION by CARTIER illustrates the soulfulness particular to high jewelry, an expression of art with the power to move like no other.

With a stylised feline interpretation, organic textures and shards of coloured light, shimmering gems electrify while stones in flavoursome hues of ripe fruits summon up scents of distant paradises.
Using trompe-l’œil and graphic patterns, optical illusions and the power of evocation, compositions play with earthly gravity in radiant transfigurations of reality. Quivering in the light, jewels come to life upon contact with the skin.

Accomplished actress, singer and musician, Golshifteh Farahani, is the ambassador of this amazing high jewelry collection. This multi-hyphenate creative moves with ease between arthouse films and Hollywood productions, spanning the course of her 20-year career. She has made her mark on the red carpet, where she is known for her style and elegance.

PHAAN RING

How do you add to the beauty of an 8.20 carat ruby? How do you enhance that which is already exceptional? Behind the architecture of this ring is a tiered construction that allows a 4.01 carat rose-cut diamond to be inserted directly below the magnificent stone that sits at the top. When the light hits the diamond after first passing through the ruby, its rich red hue is intensified.

The structure integrates groups of triangular diamonds while maintaining the ring’s airy appearance. Along with tiny ruby balls, diamonds surround the central stone, arranged with subtle openings to allow them to catch the light, illuminating the ruby.

MERIDE NECKLACE

The purity of the motif is also its strength. The stones appear to multiply ad infinitum an optical illusion that is made all the more striking by the relief of the piece as each element is mounted at a different level. Movement, rhythm, and all spatial and temporal references are lost in a precious mosaic of gemstones. The blurring of perspective is complemented by a play of materials and light between mirror-polished metal and graphic black onyx.

As always with Cartier, particular attention has been paid to the back of the piece, which reveals the exact reverse of the front.

PIXELAGE NECKLACE

This necklace conjures up the familiar image of the panther, so dear to Cartier, borrowing both its markings and symbolic power. A stylised play on the feline’s coat has been part of Cartier’s artistic bestiary since 1914. Faithful to the original stylisation, here, motifs make up the panther’s spots. Polished onyxes evoke the marbling of the fur, while white, yellow and orange diamonds represent the thickness of the pelt, with its golden reflections highlighted by three captivating golden topazes for a total of 27.34 carats.

Attention to the volume and articulation of the sides allows the construction to respect the vertical geometry of the collar, while preserving its flexibility.

PARHELIA RING

At its centre lies a 21.51-carat sapphire cabochon, with an intense blue hue which seems to glow from within. Around it, five parentheses of radiant diamonds and emeralds reflect the light, fanning out like the surface of a lake. Black lacquer creates shadow effects to reinforce the impression of movement, supported by the original width of the ring, which spans three fingers, with slightly mobile tips.

As an ultimate refinement, the motif can be detached and worn as a brooch.
Created at the very beginning of the 20th century, this combination of sapphires and emeralds, named the «peacock motif» by Louis Cartier, is part of the Maison’s emblematic colour palette.

ALAXOA NECKLACE

The captivating texture and chromatic intensity of this necklace belie the rigorous and precise approach of its inception.
After selecting the emeralds according to their colour and diameter, artisan jewellers carefully considered harmony, symmetry and correct placement in the composition, before assembling using the threading technique—an expertise rooted in the Maison’s savoir- faire which consists of threading the stones on a wire to form strands and fringes. Finally, the strands are linked together by tiny metal bridges, maintaining a fan shape while allowing the fringes to remain mobile.

SHARKARA NECKLACE

With a balance of straight lines and curves, the design of this piece highlights its ample and generous volume. Considered as a whole, the necklace evokes an organic shape, ripe with succulent berries.
Elaborating a colour palette as such requires total gemological mastery, while the discreet tourmaline settings and attention to detail—right down to the shape of the garnets cut to reflect curves of the piece— reveal the workshop’s expertise.

CORUSCANT NECKLACE
A vibrant testament to the enchanting power of diamonds, this necklace features six different cuts—kite, octagonal, emerald, triangle, baguette and brilliant— certified D IF and E IF, each of which reflects light from a unique angle. Characterised by rigorous geometry, the necklace is entirely structured by an interplay of lines, with three stones—a kite of 3.00 carats, an octagon of 1.62 carats, and an emerald of 1.54 carats—emerging from brilliant interlacing to catch the eye.
The chain resembles a tight braid of gemstones, creating a path of light leading to the trio of diamonds. On the outside, brilliant-cut diamonds appear to slip underneath the inclination of the baguette- cut diamonds, radiating from the top thanks to the graphical effect of motif repetition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

I am so thrilled to announce my Instagram Live Talk on April 20, 2021 at 6.45 pm CET @sandrascloset with the one any only Mary Phillips @maryphillips, celebrity make-up artist and like me LA MER ambassador, who will join me from my favorite city in the world, Los Angeles.

Working regularly on makeup looks for Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Bella Hadid, and many more, Mary Phillips doesn’t need a big introduction. With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, she has established herself as one of the most talented celebrity makeup artists in the world.

«I never considered being anything else, this is what I truly love to do.» – That innate passion cultivated a career Mary Phillips has been training for her entire life. Whether rummaging through her mother’s products as a little girl, or acting as the resident cosmetics «guru» during neighborhood dress up sessions, Mary’s role was clear.

She grew up in California telling everyone she was going to become a makeup artist, and now Mary Phillips is one of the most sought after in the industry. Attending cosmetology classes while still in high school, (and makeup courses after graduating), Mary later worked in a dermatologist’s office- garnering more knowledge about one of her signature passions, skin. After being mentored by makeup veteran Eugenia Weston, Mary’s natural born talents eventually grew into working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her innovative and evolving looks that Mary’s known for have graced the covers of all the famous fashion magazines around the globe, including Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and ELLE.

Mary’s refined execution and attention to detail leave a memorable mark of high amped sophistication all her own. She is obsessed with skincare as for her, «the right skincare  is the best canvas for makeup».

Today in our live talk, she will reveal her favorite LA MER products and beauty tips. I promise, you will be amazed how Mary uses the LA MER cream. She is super innovative and you will surely love it. We will talk about the LA MER moisture wardrobe and most importantly, Mary will explain how you can achieve a glowy spring makeup look. You can also ask questions at the end of the talk.

Tune in, see you at 6.45 pm CET on April 20, 2021! I hope that you are excited like me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Phillips © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration with LA MER. 

Street Diver, the latest addition to Louis Vuitton’s Tambour watch range is unveiled in an advertising campaign shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti. Embodied by friends of the House – actors Tahar Rahim, Sophie Turner and Minho Lee – the Tambour Street Diver invites one to Journey Beyond the Surface, to take a metaphorical plunge into an urban odyssey.

British actor and House ambassador Sophie Turner sports the white and navy-blue, Pacific White Tambour Street Diver. With Golden Globe and Bafta nominations for his 2021 film «The Mauritanian», French actor Tahar Rahim wears gradients of blue across his wrist with the Skyline Blue colourway, while multi-award-winning South Korean actor Minho Lee models the Neon Black variation.

Crafted from a single block of metal and larger at the base than at the top, the unique shape of the Tambour was inspired by a drum. With applied horns that seamlessly integrate the case and strap, the position of the hours is indicated on the caseband by the 12 letters «L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N».

By looking beyond its stylish surface, the sportier aspects of the Tambour Street Diver are revealed. From the screw-down crowns and 100m of water resistance, to the generous coatings of Super-LumiNova on dial elements and inner rotating bezel, all bear witness to the utilitarian practicality of this Swiss-made timepiece.

Highly artisanal, multi-functional and creatively distinctive, the Tambour Street Diver brings together all the requirements of a traditional dive watch, while retaining the vibrant and unconventional style elements that have always been central to Louis Vuitton. This radical combination of design and purpose bridges the ever-flowing connections between craftmanship and technology, work and play, the lure of adventurous discoveries and everyday city living.

The campaign will be revealed in April 2021 issues of magazines worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Mario Sorrenti

Today, more than ever, the world needs the power of creative freedom. A force to open up new horizons, to move us forward. A force to share and be shared. A force as powerful as love. A force that brings Lady Gaga and Dom Pérignon together. Celebrating the Queendom, the collaboration is born from the collision of their two effervescent energies. A celebration of creativity, in the form of an artistic experiment, the release of rosé champagne and a limited edition sculpture design by Lady Gaga that will see the sale proceeds donated to the Born This Way Foundation.

Lady Gaga is a woman of the 21st century – boldly speaking her mind, and driving change through her art, her commitments, her actions. Through her Born This Way Foundation, she has been at the forefront of empowerment and well-being issues for 10 years. She has been a powerful voice for the LGBT+ community. Her One World concert initiative raised over 120 million dollars for the World Health Organization and the frontline healthcare fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. And this year, she was honoured for her art and activism by the Martin Luther King Center. When she reinvents herself again and again, she inspires the world to open up and grow.

Lady Gaga is a long-time aficionado of Dom Pérignon. This champagne has accompanied her throughout her life as an artist, as an activist, as a woman, to elevate moments of celebration shared with family, friends, Little Monsters (Lady Gaga’s fans) …

The intensity of the collaboration relies on the assembly of the elements that each creative personality brings. The visual experiment by Nick Knight, choreography by Richard Jackson, the costumes by Nicola Formichetti, the hairstyles by Frédéric Aspiras, Sarah Tanno’s make-up and Miho Okawara’s nails… All combine to create a vibrant take on the concept of the power of inspiration. To serve as the music for the film, Lady Gaga chose her song Free Woman, from her album Chromatica.

Nick Knight and Lady Gaga

Nick Knight is a visionary photographer and director. He has been a progressive image-maker for three decades, with era-defining campaigns. This collaboration brought him and Lady Gaga together again – a match for her boundless creative energy. His imagination orchestrated this new confluence, by delivering a shared vision through electrifying and shimmering visuals. «My desire was to create a burst of positive fantasy – a beautiful world that exists only in people’s imaginations. Fantasy is such an important part of our lives; it makes us dream and fuels our creativity. And right now, the world needs celebration. I wanted to create something which would touch people across many different cultures, for its joie de vivre, its energy, its rush of fantasy and celebratory visions.»

Nicola Formichetti

Nicola Formichetti is a cultural icon. Creative and fashion director and editor as well as creative consultant to Haus of Gaga, he’s been creating magic with Lady Gaga since 2009. He brought the characters of this campaign to life, through his avant-garde stylistic vision.

Richard «Richy» Richard needs no introduction. An acclaimed dancer, Lady Gaga appointed him in 2011 as her choreographer. His aim? To «change the game». For this collaboration, he sets Nick Knight’s film in motion through his ethereal choreography.

Sarah Tanno is Lady Gaga’s resident make-up artist and global artistry director for Haus Laboratories. She has worked with Lady Gaga for over ten years and always aims to «add to the moment» and enhance expressions and emotions.

Frédéric Aspiras is behind Lady Gaga’s spectacular, wondrous hair creations. In his words, everything he does with Lady Gaga is «a creative experiment». In this shared, exhilarating universe, he crafted Lady Gaga’s vibrant, timeless hairstyles – and a fantastic crown fit for a reigning Lady.

Miho Okwara is Lady Gaga’s nail artist who created her striking, talon-like nails for the shoot. Recreating the palette of Lady Gaga’s dress and accessories in chrome, she produced the «powerful; design that takes center stage in the campaign.

Designed by Lady Gaga for Dom Pérignon in collaboration with Nicola Formichetti, the enthralling
limited edition sculpture acts as a veil, enfolding a majestic jeroboam of Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2005. Produced in 110 exclusive pieces, the limited edition sculpture will be sold in private sales, and showcased in flagship Dom Pérignon locations. All Dom Pérignon’s profits from the uberpiece’s sale will be given to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

The Born This Way Foundation, launched in 2011 by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, supports the well-being of people and works with them to create a kinder and braver world through campaigns and programs such as Channel Kindness or #BeKind21 Events.

Over the next two years, Dom Pérignon and Lady Gaga will announce further exciting outcomes of their collaboration. In the fall, Dom Pérignon will release a Limited Edition of Vintage 2010 and Rosé 2006 in exclusive and creative cases.
As their journey together continues, we can’t wait to see what other exciting expressions this radical collaboration will produce. This is how the story unfolds. But it is far from over.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dom Pérignon / Nick Knight
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Born in Japan in 1988, Tomo Koizumi‘s interest in fashion began from watching his fashion-loving mother in his childhood. His encounter with the book «John Galliano for Dior» in his early years was a very eye-opening event and made him decide to become a fashion designer. He has no formal fashion training and studied fine arts in his hometown Chiba, which is close to Tokyo, but has always had a passion for fashion, getting his hands on every fashion magazine he could.

It only felt natural, that he launched his own brand TOMO KOIZUMI successfully in 2011, after a boutique owner became interested and picked one of his dresses – which he created while he was a university student. He started as a stylist and costume artist assistant, before moving on to his next career step, becoming a costume designer. In February 2019, his very first runway show took place in New York with the support of the world-famous super-stylist Katie Grand, who discovered his works on Instagram, Marc Jacobs, and KCD Public Relations, Inc.

Koizumi came to show his rainbow fantasy gowns at her friend, and long-time collaborator, Marc Jacobs’ Madison Avenue store during New York Fashion Week for F/W 2019 and it became one of the most talked about shows of the seasons. Two of his pieces were also exhibited at the MET museum and the museum bought one of his works for its permanent collection. In April 2020, he was finalist and joint winner pf LVMH 2020 prize. Bright colors and bold silhouettes are the signature of his made-to-order collections and costumes, that international celebrities and artists love.

Thailand-based fashion editor and entrepreneur Nichapat Sop Hap wore one of Koizumi’s designs to the Met Gala in 2019.

Lady Gaga in Tomo Koizumi in 2016

You won’t find Tomo Koizumi’s voluminous pieces in stores. He is not interested in creating for retailers. Instead, he prefers to produce one of a kind creations. Star-studded clientele includes: Lady Gaga, who wore one of his designs on a visit to Tokyo in 2016, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. Therefore you will be very excited to read about his collaboration with Emilio Pucci in my next post that is available now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tomo Koizumi and by WWD/Shutterstock

It was born on the catwalk of the 2015 Cruise show, the perfect accessory blending the Epi leather’s powerful heritage with the modernity of a graphic clasp which pivots the LV into a V, a reference to the trunk-maker’s initials and a twisting mechanism to which the bag owes its name. Since then, the Twist has become a timeless classic, following in the footsteps of the House’s iconic bags. And just like them, it is constantly being reinvented.

For Spring 2021, it sports intense, delicate or vibrant shades to match any personality. From rich black to tender pink, luminous turquoise to refined beige, the Twist raises the tone. It also returns with a variety of carry options. Featuring a fine chain or broad shoulder strap embroidered with Monogram flowers, or even a leather handle, it adds a swing to one’s style, whether worn crossbody, over the shoulder, under the arm or in one’s hand. Last but not least, it adopts subtle variations to become the Braided Twist, with its braiding adding an original edge.

This season, it expresses all its vitality in the company of actress Laura Harrier, who’s role in Spiderman: Homecoming in 2017 brought her attention. But it’s her Civil Rights activist’s role in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman that gave her international recognition. The film won the Grand Prix in Cannes Film Festival in 2018 and as part of the ensemble, she was nominated for a Screen Guild Award in 2019.

She has recently starred in Ryan Murphy‘s mini-series Hollywood. Laura Harrier is a supporter of civil rights and advocates for issues such an intersectional feminism, transgender rights, gun control, gender equality and representation for both black people and people of colour in general.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vuitton

Founded in the city of Reggio Emilia in 1951, Max Mara represents the «epitome of Italian quality and craftsmanship.» The brand is adored for its coats and modern, sophisticated approach to wardrobe classics that transcend seasons and trends. Beautiful fabrics define each collection.

My personal hero piece: Teddy Bear Icon camel hair and silk-blend coat by Max Mara

An ode to extravagance in both form and fabric, the Teddy Bear coat shot to icon status on its debut in 2013. An «It Coat» from conception, the cocoon-like oversized cut and plush faux fur of camel hair on silk make it a must-have for women worldwide; Heidi Klum, Karlie Kloss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley a among them.

Julia Roberts’ favorite: Teddy Bear Icon Short alpaca, wool and silk-blend coat by Max Mara

Teddy Bear Icon wool, alpaca and silk-blend coat by Max Mara

Teddy coats can be seen everywhere, but I do love an original. The Max Mara teddy coat is a true classic, an iconic investment piece. Try it on and you will be instantly transported back to your bed. They are the coolest, coziest and warmest outerwear you can dream of. You won’t want to take them off and let’s face it, they look so damn good you don’t even need to worry about what’s underneath them.

LoL, Sandra

On the F/W 2020 runway: Teddy Bear Icon hooded alpaca and wool-blend coat by Max Mara

Photos: Courtesy of Max Mara
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Not sure what to do over the weekend. Here is an idea. Start watching the new Netflix series «EMILY IN PARIS» that launched last Friday. I swear, you will be daydreaming about living in France, eating chocolate croissants, and falling in love. I have become immediately addicted. Thank God, my fiancé is half Parisian, haha. I know the reviews are not the best, ranking from «too cliche» to «embarrassing series, completely wrong image of Paris», but honestly I am absolutely loving it!

Left: Lily Collins Emily in Paris – Right: Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City

No other than Darren Star, who was also in charge of our favorites such as «Beverly Hills, 90210» (1990–2000), «Melrose Place» (1992–1999), and «Sex and the City» (1998–2004) created this American comedy-drama web television series. It stars Lily Collins as the titular character, Emily, an American woman moving to Paris for a job opportunity and better life. There she struggles to succeed in the workplace while searching for love and experiencing culture clash wth her «boring» Midwestern upbringing.

«You look American. Are you from Indiana?» asks Mindy (Ashley Park, right), when she first meets Emily, who has lunch alone in the park, wearing a fabulous Ganni silk top and dress, a Rag & Bone belt , combined with a Patricia Field Canary Bag.

Personally speaking, I have so many reminiscences with Emily. I used lived in Chicago, where she is from, and my first job experience was also in Paris. I worked at Sonia Rykiel at their ready-to-wear design department where I also experienced some funny moments and cultural clashes.

On her first day at the office in Paris, Emily wears an Alice + Olivia Eiffel Tower shirt, a Re/Done crop top,  snakeskin-print Ronny Kobo miniskirt, an Aldo bag and Christian Louboutin Gorgona booties, emblazoned with «Paris» and airmail stickers.

Emily in a green CHANEL (her favorite French brand) jacket from the Cruise 2020 collection combined with a checked Kangol hat.

The best about «EMILY IN PARIS» are the costumes. Behind them is my favorite stylist, Patricia Field, who became famous for her work at the set of «Sex and the City». We owe all those iconic Carrie Bradshaw fashion moments to her. Emily is like the Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, with a wardrobe you wish you had yourself, and a growing Insta account you’d love to emulate.

An homage to Audrey Hepburn: Emily in a Christian Siriano dress, vintage fur and purse, La Compagnie du Costume jewellery and Cosmoparis shoes.

Don’t blame me, if you won’t leave your apartment this weekend and will be binge-watching all 10 episodes. And here are some Instagram accounts, you might one to follow after to get the details of the looks: @emilyinparis, and @emilyinparisfashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

Beyoncé wore Mary Katrantzou for the single «Water» featuring Pharrell Williams and Salatiel, in her latest visual album «Black is King», styled by Zerina Akers.

The piece was inspired by electric lightning storms and the painterly colours in the sky after rain. A mix between sunrise and sunset.

The dress is a tech-organza base, selected for its high iridescence and intense shine, printed with a multicolour «rave cloud» which has merging colours of fuchsia, peach, citrus, ocean blue and sea green.

Hundreds of laser-cut oyster ruffles are then tulle bound by hand in correlating colours, amounting to around 500 meters. These are hand tucked into place to create the perfect form of sculpted ruffles. The ruffles are print placed to make the dress bleed from colour to colour across the body.

The embroidery consists of stacked micro sequins and crystal, built up in a 3D style which give them an ombré effect. This is accompanied by thousands of singular ostrich feathers, which are hand dyed in ombré colours, grading to up to three colours in each strand. They are then matched to correlate with the perfect place in the print, to mimic the soft drift of clouds after a storm. The embroidery was partly done in India, with finishing touches by our London atelier, amounting to 7 days of embroidery work on the dress.

Beyonce wore the finale look from the F/W 2019 collection, draped around her shoulders. Also looks 34 & 35 were featured in the same video.

For bespoke enquiries please contact .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou

I am so proud to share with you today’s news which I have exclusively for Switzerland. Meet your new must-have: the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag, Louis Vuitton’s latest embodiment of effortless Parisian chic and a new symbol of its ongoing commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for both everyday and special occasions, this new design takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf, the oldest and most celebrated bridge that sits opposite Louis Vuitton’s headquarters in Paris. It also marks the first release of the House’s new LV Pont 9 leather line.

The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the exclusive Louis Vuitton Circle, a 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and used on both the bag’s flap – as a closure – and strap. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. A careful attention to detail is revealed in both the bag’s gusseted construction that adds both structure and extra space, in addition to subtle «hidden« features such as the novel Monogram flower-inspired magnetic closure.

The LV Pont 9 bag is available in a diverse range of striking colours. Alongside the understated and elegant Noir and delicate Crème is a palette of more vibrant tones: deep sunset-like Summer Gold; feminine and vibrant Rose Dahlia; and soft and dreamy Bleu Orage.
Contemporary, yet instantly classic, and superbly crafted, the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag is an enchanting addition to Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of innovative leather goods.

The LV Pont 9 shoulder bag launches today in Louis Vuitton stores around the world in Black, Crème and Summer Gold. And on June 26th in Blue and Pink.
Price: CHF 3’400.-

Below you will find some photos about the amazing craftsmanship that goes into each of these beautiful LV Pont 9 bags. A new classic just born.

The new must-have bag has been spotted at many celebrities around the world.
I will pick up mine today… which colour do you think I got?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht