Sandra‘s Closet

Matthew Williamson has announced his collaboration with Ladurée Paris on a limited edition macarons box. The British designer has transformed the traditional Ladurée box using an iconic Matthew Williamson butterfly wing print repeated in kaleidoscopic layers. These ornate boxes of macarons will be exclusively available at London Ladurée retailers first from the start of London Fashion Week: 16th September and then available worldwide from the start of Paris Fashion Week: 26th September for a limited period only.

I love both Matthew Williamson and Ladurée, this is one of those rare fashion-meets-food moments. I might just have to go one size up after all those yummy macarons…

LoL, Sandra

Bold glasses are as much a fashion staple as they are a personal statement. Now revered as a stylish accessory, a great pair of frames is a must have (and a great go-to on bad beauty days). Bobbi chooses between her iconic black frames and a pair of tortoise shell frames – ones which served as the inspiration behind her new Tortoise Shell Collection for fall. The Tortoise Shell Collection is Bobbi’s modern take on a classic look.

Stunning shadows in shades ranging from bronze to gold to espresso are housed in gorgeous tortoise shell compacts with gold detailing; one is for lighter skin and the other for darker complexions. To balance the warmer tones on the eyes, cheeks and lips are dressed up in soft nudes. And the good news is that if you do wear glasses, Bobbi designed the collection to complement—rather than compete with—your frames.

Highlight of the collection is the amazing limited-edition Tortoise Shell Eye Palette, available in two different versions, each including 8 eyeshadow shades, CHF 90.

My personal favourites are Bobbi’s new High Shimmer Lip Glosses that have a new formula and a new size (they are longer than they used to be). They deliver the ultimate in shimmer, shine and color. Their formula glides on smoothly and provides medium to full coverage, CHF 33.

The limited-edition Tortoise Shell Mini Brush Set is great for travelling. It includes four brushes: Mini Angle Eye Shadow, Mini Eye Sweep, Mini Blush and Mini Ultra Fine Eye Liner, all tucked into a chic tortoise shell case. In your evening purse, gym bag or carry-on, this brush set always fits, CHF 95.

If you like the model’s look, you will find the list above to make it yours. Happy Colouring! The collection is available worldwide now.

LoL, Sandra

The enchanted world of precious materials is brought to life at your finger tips. The caress of a feather, the texture of shagreen and the sparkling facets of cut stone inspire the imagination. Each creation and each jewellery set bears a hint of illusion and sensation that emerges from the shadows into the light. Inspired by the heritage and savoir faire of the artisanal craftsmanship of the House of Chanel, Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, introduces new textures and makeup effects for F/W 2011. Shimmery and seducing, with a smoky twist in tune with the upcoming season’s colour trends! Explore the magic world of “Illusion d’Ombres”!  Available now in the US, in Switzerland in the beginning of August 2011.

CHEEKS

JOUES CONTRASTE, CHF 60
Against a pure, translucent complexion, ROSE ÉCRIN spruces up cheekbones with a breeze of freshness and a tender healthy glow effect.

LIPS

ROUGE COCO, CHF 46
Two new colours of the iconic lipstick are introduced for fall.
PLUMETIS: an innocent peach tone, ÉTOLE: luminous copper y rosewood that matches the lip pencil.

LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES/ GLOSSIMERS, CHF 41
Used on its own or layered over ROUGE COCO lipstick to harmonise, the sparkling CHANEL gloss pairs its extreme shine with the shimmering glimmers on nails and eyelids.
PAMPILLE: a peach with silver reflections, BRAISE: a pink bronze.

LE CRAYON LEVRES, CHF 34
A precise line emphasises the lip contour f or a perfectly traced smile. The two shades play with the elegance of orange tones in a fresh spirit with CORALLINE or an opulent style with ROSE CUIVRE.

EYES

ILLUSION D’OMBRE, CHF 47
For F/W 2011, the eyes play the starring role. At the heart of the “Illusion d’Ombres” collection, a new CHANEL eyeshadow interprets the richness of this world of precious materials and intangible colours. Its long-lasting, ultra-light and silky cream texture with a powdery appearance becomes one with the skin. Thanks to its translucent silicone-based formula, Illusion d’Ombre brings out the authenticity of pure pigments and thereby accentuates the intensity of colours and their iridescent reflections.

“Illusion d’Ombre is a new and exciting product, that’s easy to apply. I would suggest finger application. The texture is unique and has a very pleasant touch.” – Peter Philips

The eyeshadows come in six shades:
FANTASME: an iridescent white, MIRIFIQUE: every nuance of black, ÉMERVEILLÉ: a tender peach, ÉBLOUI: a brown smouldering with red, ILLUSOIRE: a grey-tinged taupe, ÉPATANT: a grey-shadowed khaki.

LES 4 OMBRES DE CHANEL, CHF 77
PRÉLUDE offers a base of essential, chic and classic tones. The four understated shadows in timeless colours – grey brown, grey beige, luminous beige and deep taupe brown, provide a matte or satiny makeup result.

LE CRAYON YEUX, CHF 33
A stroke of KHAKI PLATINE eye pencil with metallic glimmers captures the light for an eye-opening effect. Like a magical line on the inner eyelid rim or along the lash, it heightens intensity and increases the sense of mystery.

NAILS

LE VERNIS, CHF 35
Like the eyeshadows, LE VERNIS is inspired by effects of materials to adorn nails in shades with metallic and shimmering reflections. It wouldn’t be Chanel, if they didn’t come up with another It-colour for the nails. For F/W 2011, it will be limited edition Péridot that will be gettting all the buzz.

PÉRIDOT: gold and green intertwine and immerse themselves in the glow of a moiré effect, GRAPHITE: silver, gold and platinum, fuse in an unprecedented effect, QUARTZ: bronze becomes smitten with pink for a sophisticated result.

Photos: © Chanel

Rena Lange knows how to design the perfect bow-tie blouse and Closed stands for the ultimate chino pants. The two fashion houses had an idea: Why not combining the two of them?

My favourite colour combination of the dream team: khaki and bright blue.

Well done! The look is cool, casual and elegant in one – with that certain twist. The limited edition dream team will be available in Rena Lange and Closed stores or can be ordered online, starting July 18, 2011.

Hurry, they will sell out fast!

LoL, Sandra

Last December, I told you already about the beautiful Chanel Paris-Byzance Pre-Fall 2011 Collection and the gorgeous limited-edition byzantine shaded make-up that comes with it. Now it is available in the Chanel stores around the globe.

Inspired by the mosaic of Empress Theodora, Chanel Global Creative Director of Make-up Peter Philips created a beautiful, graphic look. Like the famous portrait, a red line crosses the eyelid, following the brow line. Parallel to this, a stroke of deep black eyeliner accentuates a graphic effect, which frames the eye as if setting a precious stone, redefining its proportions.

Inspired by Byzantine treasures, red, black, gold and bronze-tinged shades offer a classic base that can be adopted as desired in sumptuous or simply day-to-day makeup.

Rouge Allure Rouge Byzantin CHF 48.- / Joues Contraste Or and Rouge, each CHF 60.-

The Regard Signé de Chanel palette takes center stage: mirroring the Chanel suit button, each shadow is dressed in a quilted effect and stamped with the double C. The texture can be used in two ways, powdery and creamy.

Regard Signé de Chanel Topkapi CHF 77.-

Hurry, those items will sell out fast!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

When you hear the name Victorinox, you might associate it immediately with the Swiss Army Knife. But the Swiss brand has much more to offer, from travel luggage to watches to perfume and clothes.

I was recently invited to their hometown Ibach, Switzerland to visit the factory and to explore their newest project:
Christopher Raeburn for Victorinox – REMADE IN SWITZERLAND.

At the entrance a colourful and dramatic installation welcomed me presenting the capsule collection that the young UK designer has created for Victorinox for F/W 2011, consisting of eight items for both genders, each to be produced in a hand-numbered limited edition of 100 pieces.

“The project is a fantastic opportunity to align the innovation and individuality of my brand with the heritage and quality of Victorinox.”
– Christopher Raeburn.

Christopher Raeburn with me

From Parachute Poncho to Runway Couture

Raeburn has been known for his pioneering work taking old military surplus and transforming it into beautiful clothes since he launched in 2008 his label utilizing decommissioned military stocks of uniform and parachute fabrics to create functional and intelligent garments. Raeburn’s namesake designs are proudly REMADE IN ENGLAND in his small East London production facility.

For the project with Victorinox, he did the same. By taking apart the existing garments from local military surplus stores, he found inspiration and ideas to create new ones, re-imagining unexpected uses for the old and challenging the concept of what is considered new. Everything is proudly produced (“remade”) in Switzerland.

A rare find was a box of horseshoe nails that became the symbol of the project for Raeburn. He challenged Victorinox to recast that nail into scales for an Original Swiss Army Knife to complement the project. The nail also inspired a print used for linings and other graphic treatments.

For the project, Victorinox is working with local seamstresses and tailors. Corinne Kaiser, who is heading the team with Camilla from England, explained the process and the difficulties they experienced with some of the fabrics.

OFFICER’S PARKA constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bag outers, 2 front chest
pockets featuring reused original military Riri zips.

CAPTAIN’S COAT constructed from re-appropriated Swiss wool coats dating back up to 60 years and lined with over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

HORSESHOE NAIL KNIFE crafted from surplus military horseshoe nails melted down and recast as knife scales, packaged in reclaimed original coated paper box that held the nails.

PARACHUTE HOODIE constructed from 2 colours of surplus Swiss military air-brake
parachutes, tape from original parachutes and jersey cuffs from military balaclavas.

RECRUIT’S CAP constructed from offcuts of surplus Swiss military wool jackets and over-dyed cotton bed sheets, side panels can flip down to cover ears or fold up.

DUFFLE BACKPACK constructed from surplus heavy canvas Swiss tarpaulin with integrated
original buckles.

SENTRY’S SCARF constructed from surplus Swiss military blankets and over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

COCOON BLOUSON constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bags, reinforced with waterproof sleeping bag outer, can be roll packed like original sleeping bag.

The collaboration will be available throughout Victorinox flagships and most high-end shops worldwide. Check out the stop-motion preview below, it is pretty cool. Prices will range between CHF 700 – 2000 depending on the piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Victorinox

Good news: H&M has announced that its F/W 2011 designer collaboration will be with Versace.

Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include ranges for women, men and selected pieces for the home. It will be available from 17 November in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line.

In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.

Donatella Versace was already wearing one of the dresses from the Versace for H&M collection at the Versace men’s fashion show in Milan June 20^th, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere!” – Donatella Versace

Versace is a brand that is steeped in glamour to its very core. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, his daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion, creating provocative styles from classical themes which were all cut with an impeccable design eye. Since 1997, Donatella Versace has continued Gianni Versace’s work as creative director, evolving the brand into a global fashion house at the forefront of what luxury means today. Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace is the epitome of everything the Versace house stands for.

Here is your sneak preview at the collection:

Versace is the latest house to collaborate with H&M on an exclusive designer collection, following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin.

For H&M, Donatella Versace has looked back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men, too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, © Johan Sandberg

While being in Florence, I was able to explore the new Pop Up Greenhouse by RED Valentino which will officially opens its doors today at Piazza Strozzi.

The temporary space will stay until the 17th of June.

It is a beautiful botanical scenario, where you unexpectedly find yourself in a luxuriant, verdant place like Alice in Wonderland.

In this imaginary greenhouse the young protagonist of the RED Valentino story light-heartedly continues her journey.

Her romantic fantasy and vivid imagination are her means of expression.

A cloud of delicate fluttering white butterflies comes to life, seemingly lifting this airy, magical world and carrying it to a fairytale setting. The decoration is divine.

Gardening elements become objects for displaying exclusive garments. Scarves are enclosed in transparent glass bulb boxes. Galoshes hang in wood crates while colourful costume jewellery is “planted” in small white flower pots.

If you are a romantic woman, you will fall in love with the magical surrounding. The collection was created solely for this fairytale space: each garment and accessory was especially designed and presented in this dreamy, light-hearted setting. Flirty garments and accessories are playfully paired up with garden elements. Work aprons and rubber galoshes becomes whimsical accessories for overalls, while flowers and butterflies embellish the fabrics of dresses, skirts, and accessories, all in a burst of colourful prints.

Even the colours are inspired by nature: rose, hyacinth, and thyme are used on natural materials that are traditional elements of the RED Valentino world.

This new chapter in the marvellous RED Valentino fairytale, signed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, will visit next St. Tropez, France from 11-18 July, 2011 at Place Celli. After that, Knokke, Belgium is the following stop from 4-7 August, 2011 at Place Van Brunnen Plein.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Mother’s Day is right in front of us and probably you are still looking for a little surprise accompanying your hand-written poem. Why not getting her one of those new summer fragrances? I am sure that your mom would love it.
Odoriferous ideas destined to make her day.

LoL, Sandra

The Lady

Life Threads Ruby Sheer by La Prairie is an Oriental Floral fragrance for women. And a lighter variation of the original fragrance.

Top notes: Orange flower, bergamot and lily-of-the-valley
Middle notes: Jasmine, ylang-ylang, saffron and rose
Base notes: Vetiver, musk, sandalwood and vanille.

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