Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from the Hamptons! I arrived here yesterday after a very pleasant but long journey. Baume et Mercier, the well-known Swiss watchmaking company, invited me to experience and enjoy the seaside living in the Hamptons. During those three days, the new interpretation of the house’s famous Hamptons Collection will also be unveiled.

The claim is: Life is about moments. I am pretty sure that I will be able to share many of those with you in the next days. So please stay tuned for more to come.

Baume et Mercier sent me a booklet before the trip with all information needed that included also a very detailed list “What to bring” which I truly liked.

Last night, we started the experience with a lovely dinner at the Surfside Lodge in Montauk, NY. It is a place for surfers to hang out and is full of beautiful little details.

Here you can see me with my interpretation of the Hamptons style. I chose the maritime colour combination: White-blue-red and added some nautical stripes.

Blouse – Prada, Dress, Jacket and Shoes – Gucci, Bag, Earrings and Bracelet – Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

I desire, therefore I am.

Sisley’s art project continues. This time, the fashion brand has joined forces with Italian illustrator and comic book artist Milo Manara for a limited edition S/S 2011 capsule collection, including T-shirts, tops, skirts, shorts, handbags, shoppers and sneakers for both genders.

Portraits, illustrations and whole comic strips starring his provocative heroines come to life on Sisley’s clothes and around the wearer’s body. Black-and-white prints, sometimes with sparkling elements, and colour prints faithfully reproduce different drawing techniques, from chalk to acrylics, to recount the adventures of numerous female characters.
The collection will be available in a wide number of Sisley shops and sold in dedicated shopping bags.

Good news for my Milan based readers, Milo Manara, will be the guest of the brand’s store in Piazza San Babila on Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 7 PM and sign the limited edition T-shirts.

LoL, Sandra

Finally, I can tell you my exciting news why I am Berlin at the moment. I arrived yesterday for the shoot of the X’ campaign for Closed.

‘The X’ ,also associated with Closed’s innovative pocket design, is an ongoing campaign – first launched one year ago – that celebrates individualism and variety, creativity and location. Ten innovators in ten cities around the world comprise the talent pool for this debut campaign. Now you can understand my excitement, I am one of them.

Today, the fittings took place. Here you can get a sneak preview of what is coming for F/W 2011. The looks are ultracool, having a certain edge, perfect for everyday life. Stay tuned for more to be posted soon and in the meantime enjoy those photos.

LoL, Sandra

The mood board

Let the fittting start...

The chinos -

...Closed's bestsellers.

What looks best? Nina Zywietz (Closed) with stylist Emilie Johansson

Italian actor Michele Venitucci

L.A. based Eileen Peters in a stunning denim overall.

Closed owner Gordon and Closed menswear designer Vito

A true prep? Yale Breslin from N.Y.

Claude Serieux from Paris

Which colour should the pants for Mark Wiesmayr have?

This baseball jacket looks so good on Carla Fuentes Fuertes.

My first look: A chunky striped cardigan worn with a lace top and red pants.

My second look: A dress with a sweater top and a leather skirt, awesome combo.

Me in action

... taking all those photos.

What are these guys watching?

...the royal wedding livestreamed.

Bon appétit!

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

Yesterday in New York City, influencers from the worlds of fashion, art, philanthrophy, business and entertainement came together like last year at Christie’s Bid to Save the Earth. After a live auction, the Runway to Green fashion show took place that must have accelerated every fashionista’s heart. The pieces on the catwalk from over 25 designers including Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Thakoon and many more were from the upcoming F/W 2011 collections.

Now, those must-haves are available on net-à-porter, but only on the US site. No worries, my dear European and Asian readers, they also ship to us. A minimum of 10% of net-proceeds from the sale of each item will benefit Alliance of Climate Protection, Natural Resource Defense Council and United Nations Environmental Programme’s Billion Tree Campaign. Shopping for a good cause and your chance to be the first to wear a stunning piece from the next season. Do I need to say more..?!
Ready, set, go!

LoL, Sandra

Something that might be interesting for my Zurich based fashionistas: Dazü, the third Brazilian fashion event will take place this week, on the 31 of March until the 2nd of April.

Established last year by three lovely Brazilian ladies, Monica Wendel, Beatriz Heuer and Denise Vaccaro Graetz,  who live here in Zurich with their hubbies and children, Dazü has twice a year sales, one in spring and one in fall.

The prices are reasonable, between CHF 100- 300 for the clothes and between CHF 60 -150 for the jewelry that it is made by Israeli designers. Having an eye for fashion, the intention behind the idea was to to bring the Southamerican joie de vivre and trendy style to the Switzerland. The collection for S/S 2011 is very versatile, from dresses to shirts and tunics to bikinis. Have a look at some of the pieces and find a detailed description below how to get there. They take cash only.

Bom divertimento!

LoL, Sandra

It is just so extremely saddening what  is currently happening in Japan. In this difficult situation, there are many possibilties to help the victims of the catastrophe.

French concept store Colette for example says: „We love Japan“ and helps to raise funds for the country’s disaster relief.
Several designers have contributed: Kuntzel+Deygas buttons, an original drawing by Fafi, bracelets by Aurélie Biderman, Cool Cats T-shirts , a “Rescue Jacket” by Kitsuné, teddy bears by Vika Gazinskaya, Case Scenario x Keith Haring iphone cases, Olympia Le Tan brooches, Eiko Maekawa rabbits and many more to come.
100 percent of the proceeds of the sales of these products will be directly donated to the JAPANESE RED CROSS SOCIETY.

I am working since many years with the SWISS RED CROSS and this amazing organisation is always one of the first ones to help. Your contribution will truly make a difference.

That is us: The ladies of the Swiss Red Cross ball committee.

For other organisations that are collecting funds, please click here.
My heart is with Japan and the Japanese people.

LoL, Sandra

Upcoming Thursday, March 17th, at 6.30pm, Swiss company Schild will open its new five-storey department store at the Lintheschergasse 7 in Zurich with an extraordinary fashion show and cocktail party.

1000 special guests will experience window and night shopping in a new way. Brands like Hallhuber, s.Oliver, René Lezard, Mango or Navyboot will be presented by famous models like Anouk Manser and Tanja LaCroix who will perform in translucent glass cubes.

The new made-to-measure lounge for ladies so-called “Savile Row” will also celebrate its premiere that night. Customers can choose for their tailor-made outfit among 300 luxurious fabrics from well-known labels like Loro Piana, Zegna or Scabal. This service is also available for men of course.

New at Schild is the possibility to order Mango online, exclusively in Switzerland. Please visit schild.ch for further information.

Great news for Sandra’s Closet’s subscribers: You have the chance to win two tickets to attend this amazing party with all the ViPs. All you have to to is send an e-mail to with the header “Schild” until Thursday morning at 10 am. The winner will be drawn randomly.
And by the way during the opening night, one of the guests will win a new Jaguar XK Convertible. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Good luck!

See you there!

LoL, Sandra

The location: The Grand Palais

Yesterday, outside the Chanel F/W 2011 show I took so many great photos of the fashionable crowd and celebrities. I truly hope that you will like my shots. The défilé took place in the morning at the Grand Palais and as glamourous as the outside was as “smoking hot” (seriously!) was the inside. More to be published soon.

LoL, Sandra

Leopard Ladies

Art Performance

Lovely Chanel outfit with the must-have Chanel S/S 2011 bag

Little princess

PR-Lady and Designer of her own brand Coje Yasmin Eitouni-Nannen in a gorgeous Chanel jacket...

...and Chanel bag.

Pretty Woman Julia Restoin-Roitfeld...

...sporting a Chanel bag.

Fashion Icon Anna Dello Russo

...looked so beautiful...

...and stylish...

...talking to Giovanna Battaglia

...the famous Italian stylist.

Details of the two editorilistas

Giovanna's polka dots

Loved both pair of shoes

Back shot

Franca Sozzani

Suzy Menkes in Chanel

Emma Roberts in Chanel

Me outside before the show

My outfit at the Chanel show

Leather pants – Fendi, Chanel-inspired Tweed Blazer – Marc Jacobs, Cashmere Sweater – Gucci, Long multi-coloured fur stole – Prada, Shoes – Prada, Bag – Chanel

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht