Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from New York City where I am at the moment for the launch event of Alexander Wang x H&M. The highly anticipated collection which had been announced back in April, will finally hit H&M stores around the world on November 6, 2014.

While I am writing this post, I am enjoying the view from my room at the Soho Grand hotel.

The invitation says it all. Tonight, the cocktail reception will start at 7.30pm, followed by the show, a pop-up store where we can buy the collection first hand and a live performance which I am absolutely convinced will be amazing.

Do you remember Nicki Minaj and Prince playing at the Versace x H&M launch in 2011 or the amazing party to celebrate Maison Martin Margiela x H&M two years ago in NYC? We always talk superlatives. Be sure to follow me tomorrow on instagram @sandrascloset for live updates.

By now you might have seen some sneak previews of the very sporty collection. The press release reveals that Alexander Wang X H&M captures the speed of the city, mixing sports and performance of everyday life. The pieces are meant to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way women and men live their lives today.

Rihanna led the way and was already spotted in a look from the collection: a stretchy crop top and leggings emblazoned with Wang’s blocky logo.

In addition to apparel for both women and men, the collection includes shoes and bags, as well as “objects,” a selection of everyday items that are infused with a sense of humor and irony, as for example mini sized boxing gloves as key-rings or a whistle on a two-finger ring and for the victor, a magnetized Alexander Wang trophy cup.

Below you can enjoy a sneak preview of the advertising campaign shot by Mikael Jansson for Wang’s one-off collaboration with H&M that features sports gear like a hockey stick and boxing gloves plus real athletes, soccer player Andy Carroll and kickboxer Rivaldino dos Santos.

The female models are Joan Smalls, Raquel Zimmermann and Isabeli Fontana.

“We wanted to take certain elements of each sport and portray the ultimate warrior,” Wang told WWD. “The girls had to feel big and heroic, and Mikael used sunlight glares to heighten that effect against a stark white backdrop.”

I am truly excited for tonight’s event! Stay tuned for more!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M

Finally we have some breaking fashion news again: John Galliano joins Maison Martin Margiela. The designer, who is regarded as one of contemporary fashion’s most outstanding talents, has been absent from the catwalks after he was fired from Dior in 2011 for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks and assault (for the previous post, please click here).

Galliano’s last collection for his eponymous label, shown in Paris in March 2011.

Diesel’s jeans genius Renzo Rosso, whose group OTB controls Margiela via a subsidiary called Neuf, said to WWD: “Margiela is ready for a new charismatic creative soul. John Galliano is one of the greatest, undisputed talents of all time — a unique, exceptional couturier for a maison that always challenged and innovated the world of fashion. I look forward to his return to create that fashion dream that only he can create, and wish him to here find his new home.”

The latest S/S 2015 Maison Martin Margiela collection, shown during Paris Fashion Week in September 2014.

John Galliano is said to take over the design leadership of all Margiela lines, including couture and the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections. His first designs for his new home are expected to be seen in January during Paris Couture Week. Martin Margiela retired in 2009 and an anonymous team continued his legacy. Even that Galliano doesn’t seem the most obvious choice, I think that he is absolutely capable to revolutionize the brand again.

John Galliano for Christian Dior F/W 2005 Haute Couture

People have short memories, especially if Galliano delivers a desirable collection. Isn’t it easier to forgive than forget?! Let’s give Galliano a new lease on life… everyone deserves that!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Patrick Demarchelier, Getty Images, Isidore Montag

Recently I was invited by Chloé to Paris for the launch of the house’s new fragrance with the beautiful name Love Story. It is inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts; the campaign itself and the bottle design make this reference. I have to admit that it was a very special trip as I took a wonderful reminder with me home.

We were asked during the presentation if we remember how it felt being newly in love and how the small things in life were amazing, how it was even exciting to drink an espresso next to each other in a café. Sometimes we forget these little special moments in our busy schedules. But reminding yourself helps a lot…

After I arrived in Paris, I went straight to the Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme to interview the French actress and model Clémence Poésy, who already was the face of Chloé Eau de Parfum in 2008. She is modern, graceful, free-spirited and has this certain “Je ne sais quoi” allure that most French women seem to have naturally. “I am very proud to represent Chloé fragrance again,” she told me. “It was so evident for me to come back to a brand that I feel so connected to.”

Her favorite fashion labels are Chloé, ACNE and her designer friend Erdem. The blonde 31-year old only wears make-up when she has to and loves the British seaside. She seems very down to earth when she states: “Beauty comes from what you feed yourself with, how you care about people.”

After the interview, I got to see the different places where the new commercial was shot under the lens of Mélanie Laurent. Clémence Poésy stars in a love story where two people meet and indulge in the most beautiful moments.

First stop was the beautiful Pont des Arts, that has become famous for all the padlocks attached to its railing. Couples come here to “seal their love” with this romantic gesture. Afterwards they throw the key into the Seine river below. In June 2014, part of the parapet on the bridge collapsed under the weight of all of the love locks that had been attached to it.

Then we went on a boat tour on the Seine where I could explore the packaging and the bottle the first time.

After the cruise we were picked up by these lovely gentlemen for a ride in a vintage Citroën.

They brought us to the flower market where Anne Flipo, the “nose” behind the new scent Love Story waited to tell us a little more about the creation. It was very important for her to walk directly with the Chloé team to understand what they wanted to have. “Sexy and clean” was the mission. Sounds pretty contradictions but once you smell this beautiful scent you understand what it means.

Top notes: Neroli
Heart notes: Jasmin Stephanotis and Orange Blossom
Base notes: Musk and Cedarwood

A floral love story – fresh and sexy.

Anne Flipo with me

My beloved vintage Chloé sunglasses

At the rooftop party

The launch event culminated in the evening in a wonderful party over the rooftops of Paris where we enjoyed stunning views over Notre Dame, champagne and some fun dance moves. Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director of Chloé, celebrated along with Clémence Poésy, Mélanie Laurent and Anne Flipo this new declaration to femininity. Amazing women who all brought their vision to tell a beautiful story of love in a bottle.

Clare Waight Keller, Mélanie Laurent and Clémence Poésy at the party

Love Story Chloé will be available from today, September, 15 2014.
Love Story Chloé Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 97.00), 50ml (CHF 128.00) und 75ml (CHF 151.00),
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 52.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 57.00).

Read more about this trip also in the upcoming October 2014 issue of L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Clare Waight Keller with me

Live performance of Christine and The Queens

Male models at the fragrance bar

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

LV gets a new meaning… Lagerfeld Vuitton, Louboutin Vuitton… sounds too good to be true?! It is reality, on September 10, 2014, Louis Vuitton will reveal the amazing collaboration with the group of six famous creatives as part of THE ICON AND THE ICONOCLASTS project.

Among those visionaries from the worlds of fashion, art and design are Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawabuko, Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Marc Newson and Frank Gehry, who has also designed the window displays for September.

Each of them has been given ‘carte blanche‘ to to reinterpret the brand’s iconic monogram bag or luggage. The limited edition pieces will go on sale from mid-October in a very select number of Louis Vuitton stores and range between €2000 – 4000.

Classic Monogram Keepall 45 by Louis Vuitton

The monogram was launched with worldwide patents on it in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his late father Louis, who had died in 1892, and was considered revolutionary in its time. Its graphic symbols, including quatrefoils and flowers (as well as the LV monogram), were based on the trend of using Japanese and Oriental designs in the late Victorian era.

Today, Louis Vuitton revealed some exclusive behind the scene photos of the creative process!
Cannot wait to see the results on September 10, 2014! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Karl Lagerfeld

Christian Louboutin

Frank Gehry

Cindy Sherman
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in July, one designer caught my eye: IRENE LUFT. I have loved almost every single piece she sent down the S/S 2015 runway. Airy, light, feminine, her designs made of PLAUEN LACE are breathtaking.

Based in Munich, Russian-born Irene Luft followed her mother’s tracks, a master tailor, and did her apprenticeship as a couture artisan. She graduated with distinction from the renowned German Master Craftsmen School for Fashion (Deutsche Meisterschule für Mode) and later from the Akademie für Mode & Design in Munich.

The most stunning detail of her work is the use of the famous PLAUEN LACE, a product of Saxon textile art, which has become a crucial part of every collection. The beautiful material was at its best in 1900, when it won the Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in Paris but fell into a deep slumber during the world economic crisis in the late 1920ies. As the first high fashion designer she revived and thereby somehow inherited the spirit of Plauen Lace, the tradition and know-how of a seemingly already lost part of fashion.

TO FIND OUT WHERE TO SHOP IRENE LUFT, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
I definitely want one of her amazing lace dresses!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tata! Here are the first pics of of the highly-­anticipated collector toy, Barbie Lagerfeld, a collaboration between Mattel, Inc. and KARL LAGERFELD.

Taking inspiration from the the designer’s signature style, Barbie Lagerfeld is dressed in his likeness with accents taken from the real KARL LAGERFELD line. Borrowing from Karl’s iconic silhouette, the doll wears a tailored black jacket, white high-collared men’s shirt with French cuffs and black satin cravat finished off with fitted black jeans featuring the iconic all-over head print. The exclusive doll is adorned in accessories that include black fingerless gloves, sunglasses, black ankle boots and a leather purse with silver metallic accents.

The worldwide launch is set for Monday, September 29, 2014 during Paris Fashion Week. The Platinum-label Barbie Lagerfeld doll will be available in limited quantities (only 999 dolls will be produced) for approximately $200 USD or €200 Euro through exclusive retail channels including; NET-A-PORTER, select KARL LAGERFELD retail stores, TheBarbieCollection.com, and Colette in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld and Mattel, Inc.

Yesterday, I flew to London for a very special and intimate dinner hosted by Net-à-Porter to celebrate one of my favorite designers Mary Katrantzou at the Blakes hotel. It is always a pleasure as Alison Loehnis, President of Net-à-Porter, brings together the most amazing women from all over the world.

Here you see me with my friend Anouschka whom I also had met at a previous event of Net-à-Porter. Some of you might recognize her from this post a few years ago when we went to an evening at the V&A museum with legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Funnily enough, we realized that we both went to the same school in Germany… what a small world. We stayed in touch and it is always great fun seeing each other.

Trio infernale reunited: Lupe and Anouschka with me.

My beloved Mary Katrantzou with me.

Meeting new friends last night: Olivia Buckingham from Hong Kong…

… and my stylish soul sister Sarah Somberg from San Francisco.

What a great gift: A one-of-a-kind art work by Mary Katrantzou.

It was an amazing night and I fell asleep like a little baby in my beautiful suite at the Blakes. A place I can totally recommend if you are looking for a small luxury boutique hotel. Stay tuned for the details of my outfit coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“A person carries off the hat. Hats are about emotion. It is all about how it makes you feel.”
– Philip Treacy

Perfect for weddings or a day at the races, Philip Treacy‘s outlandish headpieces are entirely handmade by his small team in London. He believes wearing a hat should make you feel empowered. The Irish-born milliner received his first headdress commission from Isabella Blow when he was studying at the Royal College of Art. Since then, his extravagant designs have been spotted on the most famous heads in the world.

TO SHOP PHILIP TREACY ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Philip Treacy, © Andrew Crowley

In June 2014, Cash & Rocket will return for its third consecutive year, and this time the amazing Valentino‘s Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli want to make this journey even bigger and better and are once again participating in the charity event, which will take place from June 5th to 8th, 2014.

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli with me

Seventy women from the worlds of fashion, music, cinema and business will begin the car tour from the striking Piazza San Marco of Venice which ends in London, with stops along the way in Geneva and Paris. The donations collected will help support three important humanitarian organizations – Shine On Sierra Leone, OrphanAid Africa and Sumbandila – to support African children and their families with health assistance and educational programs in Sierra Leone, Ghana and South Africa.

For the occasion and to further support the project, Maison Valentino will donate 20% of proceeds from the sale of several products from the Rouge Absolute Signature capsule collection and six other special products especially created by Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.

These special items will be available at www.valentino.com and www.net-à-porter.com and in Valentino boutiques in Paris and London.

Maria Grazia Chiuri, Co-Creative Director, came in first last year raising the most amount of money and she is determined to beat her own personal record. She will be personally involved in fundraising monies and will drive one of the thirty-five red sports cars that will travel 1600km, from Venice to London.

“As a woman and mother, I am very happy to be able to help other women and children. I am profoundly convinced that it is essential to give them an opportunity for development and education, which gives me a chance to give back what I have received” – Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The Valentino team can be followed along the different stages of the race through the dedicated donation website Just Giving. Let’s help Maria Grazia to win once again first place and to collect the most donations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and Cash & Rocket

“London’s where I was brought up. It’s where my heart is and where I get my inspiration.” – Alexander McQueen, January 2000

The amazing Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition is coming to London – and great news is that you can buy a ticket from 10am tomorrow morning (Advance booking is advised – this can be done in person at the V&A; online; or by calling 020 7420 9736 (booking fee applies)). After endless rumours that it would, the V&A announced that it will host the exhibition from March 14 to July 19, 2015 in partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express.

The original version of Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in 2011 was organised by the Costume Institute and became one of the Museum’s top 10 most visited exhibitions. Now, this outstanding large retrospective of the late designer’s work is to be presented in Europe for the first time,  showcasing McQueen’s visionary body of work. Spanning his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection, McQueen’s designs will be presented with the dramatic staging and sense of spectacle synonymous with his runway shows.

For me, a must-see again!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen