Sandra‘s Closet

Just recovered from the Versace for H&M mania, no time to relax, there is more to come.
To get started, here is a sneak preview of the next designer collaboration with the Swedish fashion house: MARNI FOR H&M.

Famed for its original prints and inventive spirit, Marni is one of fashion’s most-loved labels, and its Founder and Creative Director Consuelo Castiglioni has created for H&M a spring collection for both women and men which capture its essence perfectly.

Available from March 8, 2012 in around 260 stores worldwide and online, the collection features both clothing and accessories all at H&M’s prices, meaning everyone will have the chance to enter Marni’s world.

Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director Marni and Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor H&M

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”.

– Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director

“We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will do the same. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of print and colour, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time, as a lovely statement for spring“.

– Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor H&M

Marni is a label that sticks to its own path, setting its own trends for print, cut and silhouette that are always playful and elegant. Marni has remained a family owned-business as it has grown to become an international luxury brand with stores around the world.

Marni’s collection for H&M has all the freedom and experimentation for which the label is renowned, with all-over prints in strong colours all intended to be worn together in layers that both match and clash.
For women, the colours are vivid and the prints are bold, be they African inspired or simpler colour blocks. The silhouettes are all Marni staples, with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knit, and fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. To finish the complete look the collection also includes jewellery, shoes, bags and scarves.

For men, the colours and fabrics are softened for a relaxed take on menswear staples that is truly Marni. The use of print is subtle, often as a lining or as a contrast detail for shirts, the silhouette a modern and relaxed take on masculine classics.

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, © Magnus Magnusson

Bored of queuing? Here is your fashionable surprise!

There will be also a Versace for H&M S/S 2012 collection, exclusively available in countries with H&M online sales from January 19, 2012. The colourful capsule line will feature fruit prints and lots of Versace glamour. Unfortunately, bad news for Switzerland and the United States. Where are our European friends when we need them?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Mirror UK

Yesterday, I attended a dinner party hosted by Navyboot and Andres Andrekson aka Stress to celebrate the launch of their first collaboration, so-called SBNB – STRESS by NAVYBOOT collection at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich which turned into an absolute hot spot last night.  Among the small gathering of 60 guests, were Baschi, Bligg, Mousse T. and Jubaira Bachmann.

The sneakers for men’s only (Adrian, we want them, too, especially the croc version!) are inspired by the historic battle at Sempach in 1386 – a theme that has been reinterpreted for modern times and has been recreated as a picture on some of the models’ soles. The advertising campaign shot by Stefan Heinrichs has been staged as a modern version of the battle with Stress in the role of Arnold von Winkelried (see above).

Just in time for the Christmas season starting in early December, they will be available at NAVYBOOT stores in Switzerland and Germany. Prices will range from about 129 CHF for the flip flops to about 498 CHF for the high top sneaker.

Lovely scenery at the entrance.

Inside the Swiss National Museum in Zurich

The yummy dinner was served on a rustic wooden table.

Momo, Stress,  Creative Director NAVYBOOT Adrian J. Margelist and DJ Mousse T with me.

This foot below belongs to Navyboot’s Creative Director Adrian J. Margelist. He and Stress are the only two having the croc-python version of the iconic sneakers.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, the Blick magazine wrote an article about last night and named me one of the most important fashion bloggers! I am honoured, thank you, Flavia!

LoL, Sandra

The German GQ Men Of The Year awards 2011 took place last night in Berlin. As I had told you already yesterday morning, it was Daniele Cavalli who walked away with GQ’s Man of the Year award in the category “fashion”, handed over officially by his father Roberto Cavalli. The laudatory speech was held by Elisabetta Canalis.

For the interview with Daniele Cavalli, please click here.

Daniele and Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli, Elisabetta Canalis and Daniele Cavalli

Jared Leto

While Jared Leto was awarded Most Stylish Man of the Year, it was model Daisy Lowe, daughter of Bush-frontman Gavin Rossdale, who led the women in style stakes, rocking a red, voluptious gown. She was also the „First Lady“ of the night and won the GQ’s Woman Of The Year award which was introduced by fashion designer Wolfgang Joop.

Wolfgang Joop

Daisy Lowe

Dionne Bromfield

Musical highlight of the event was the performance of 15-year-old Dionne Bromfield who dedicated her song to her late godmother Amy Winehouse.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fuhr für GQ, © Tinnefeld für GQ

Here is your heads-up on the upcoming Versace for H&M collection (in stores November 17, 2011). I thought that you might like a closer view on the very vibrant and colourful pieces.
The creations are definitely not for the faint-hearted and minimalists among you. For all others, enjoy this crazy mix! And gentlemen, get your pink suits for the next “Pink Party”, no more excuses please!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of H&M

The Tommy Hilfiger Men S/S 2012 collection celebrates the house’s iconic look, true preppiness.

Tommy seems like being on a mission to turn the world into a preppy place. With the success of his own Prep world pop-up tour, the American designer created with the help of consulting designers Simon Spurr and stylist Karl Templer, a collection filled with colour blocking, varsity jackets, chinos, seersucker and nautical stripes. Colours inspired by pop art made even classic knits and polos a bit twisted. The camouflage prints reminded me a little too much of Prada, but they were still fun.

A surprising and very wearable collection: Highly civilized, slightly rebellious! Well done!

Enjoy all the behind the scenes and runway photos!

LoL, Sandra

Male models waited for the arriving guests with a cool bottle of beer. What a lovely idea as the sun was burning down on the High Line in Chelsea where the show took place.

Look who is there: My favourite Gossip Girl character Chuck…

Forget Blair Waldorf: Actor Ed Westwick with me

Ed Westwick, Brad Richards, James Marsden, and Kellan Lutz

Ed Westwick with artist Todd DiCiurcio and musician Jake DArc to his right.

James Marsden with American Pie protagonist Kellan Lutz

Actor James Marsden with me

Great dress on Dee Hilfiger

LET THE SHOW BEGIN:

Tommy Hilfiger

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For F/W 2011, many new fragrances will or have already hit the market just recently. Today, I would like to give you a brief summary of what is worth getting your nose on. Enjoy!

SENSOUS NUDE – Oriental Floral

Sensuous Nude is a new version of the original perfume Sensuous from 2008 and a fragrance reminiscent of the summer due its beautiful coconut accord.

Top Notes: Bergamot, pink and black pepper and mandarin

Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, jasmine, coconut water, white honey and musk

Base Notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, amber, helioptrope and woody notes (that were created with a new technology, so-called Melted Wood Nature Print, for a more natural scent experience)

Sensuous Nude EDP, 30ml (CHF 60), 50ml (CHF80), 100ml (CHF114)
Sensuous Nude Body Veil – rich body cream 200ml (CHF 60)
Sensuous Nude Touch On Fragrance – light silky serum 10ml (CHF 54).

Advertising campaign was designed and executed by photographer Craig McDean, and advertising face is Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana, who posed on Californian beaches for this campaign (first photo on top). The fragrance is in stores now.

VIOLET BLONDE – Floral Woody Musk

Tom Ford has launched a new fragrance, named Violet Blonde which is based on powdery notes of violet and iris.

Top Notes: Violet leaf, pink pepper and Italian mandarin

Middle Notes: Tuscan iris absolute, Tuscan orris butter and jasmine

Base Notes: Musk, vetiver, suede, cedar and benzoin.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP, 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF132), 100ml (CHF200)

Lara Stone was chosen to feature the campaign of the whole line that was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. In stores in Switzerland Mid September 2011, in the US already available.

BURBERRY BODY – Chypre Fruity

Burberry Body is a feminine and effortlessly sensual fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients.

Top Notes: Green absinthe, peach and freesia

Middle Notes: Rose absolute, iris and sandalwood

Base Notes: Woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk.

Burberry Body is available in a wide range, featuring EdP Intense in different sizes, EdP in different sizes, Body Oil and Body Milk.

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley features in the new campaign shot by Mario Testino to promote the range, wearing nothing but a gold trench – and a few drops of the scent of course that is in stores now. 
The scent has so far been featured on Facebook, giving fans a chance to preview the scent. The page has had a staggering 8 million ‘likes’ as the brand continues to push the boundaries of digital media. The new fragrance is available since beginning of September.

PRADA CANDY – Oriental Vanilla

Prada has launched a new feminine perfume called Candy. As for me, this is the most surprising new scent on the market, very sweet , very girly and very unusual for the Italian brand.

Top Notes: Musk

Middle Notes: Benzoin

Base Notes: Caramel and vanilla.

Prada Candy EDP is available in three different sizes (30,50 and 80ml), with shower gel, body lotion and peeling.

The face is young French actress Léa Seydoux known for her role in The Beautiful Person (La Belle Personne) shot by Jean Paul Goud. Prada Candy is in stores now.

VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND – Floral

Versace started its perfume line inspired by crystals in 2004 with Crystal Noir, and then launched the lighter and fruitier Bright Crystal in 2006. In 2011, a new addition is presented, “a crystal that turns into a diamond”: Yellow Diamond, a transparent and airy floral scent.

Top Notes: Neroli, lmon, bergamot and pear sorbet

Middle Notes: Orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily

Base Notes: Amber, musk and guaiac wood.

Versace Yellow Diamond is available as 50 and 90 ml EdT, with deodorant and body lotion.

The face of the campaign is Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw, shot by Mario Testino in Paris.

TOMMY HILFIGER EAU DE PREP TOMMY GIRL – Floral Fruity

The Tommy Hilfiger Group is launching two new fragrances – Eau de Prep Tommy Girl and Eau de Prep Tommy (for men). The fragrances reflect the preppy lifestyle which means sporty yet elegant. Let me give you more facts about Eau de Prep Tommy Girl:

Top Notes: Pink peppercorn, green apple and pear

Middle Notes: White roses, violet and hawthorn

Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli and musk.

Eau de Prep Tommy Girl EdT, 30ml (CHF46), 50ml (CHF76), 100ml (CHF96)

The fragrances will launch in Switzerland starting October 24, 2011.

SISLEY EAU D’IKAR  for Men – Woody Aromatic

Let me introduce you to the first ever masculine fragrance from Sisley named Eau d’Ikar. The composition is based on the note of mastic, a Mediterranean tree that grows in Corsica where the d’Ordano family’s origins are. A wonderful new composition for men.

Top Notes: Mastic, bitter orange, bergamot, lemon and carrot seeds

Middle Notes: Mastic absolute, iris, jasmine, orange pekoe tea, reeds, leather, wood and spices

Base Notes: Green cistus, sandalwood and vetiver.

Eau d’Ikar EdT, 50ml (CHF90), 100ml (CHF145)

The artwork bottle, symbol of a myth revisited, was designed by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof. The new fragrance will be available from October, 1, 2011.

Have fun exploring those new fragrances in real and stay tuned for more releases to come! My personal favourites are Sensous Nude and Eau de Prep Tommy Girl!

LoL, Sandra

Over one year ago, I told you already about Navyboot’s relaunch and their talented new Creative Director Adrian J. Margelist. For the previous article, please click here.

Today, we can enjoy the outcome. The Swiss company, that is expanding to other European countries now, has presented their F/W 2011 advertising campaign last week shot by Peter Lindbergh and starring Swiss supermodel Julia Saner and Patrick Petitjean. Below you can also find some of their winter must-haves like the Coucous bag and the making of video.
The collection captivates through its beautiful details, like purple stitching, colourful linings and for the gentlemen welt-sewn shoes.

Those boots are made for walking… and for admiration!

LoL, Sandra

Coucous Bag

Platform Bootie with Bow

Wrap Around Boot

Whole Piece Oxford (goodyear welted)

Brogue Boot

Céline built their collection around the white turtleneck as their key piece for F/W 2011. And the French fashion house wasn’t alone. The mostly close-fitting version of the versatile classic was seen on many runways, for both men and women. The very `60s inspired look is clean and crisp, providing you with the perfect minimalistic base to layer on (another trend for F/W 2011) and it will give you the possibilty to wear it for fall with a summer dress that you are not willing to put away yet.

LoL, Sandra

The outlook for men’s F/W 11 fashion season has some similarities to the women’s trends, for example, it encompasses the World War eras by combining references of the 1920s with the 1940s. Military inspired pieces, feodora hats, spy-like looks that evoke the style of a gentleman from a previous decade. Just get inspired and make it your own, you don’t want to look like going to a costume ball.

A great way to wear the retro vibe would be the new Monterubello Zegna watch. The Zegna coat of arms was in fact officially created in 1939 when the founder Ermenegildo Zegna was made Conte di Monterubello.

The new classic timepiece encapsulates the history of the Zegna family’s region with the eponymous mountain and expresses the passion of the Italian brand for its history and ancestors. The Monterubello Collection is manufactured by Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux.

Monterubello Solo Tempo – Rose Gold with Alligator Strap
CHF 12.500, Ref. 38525-52-121-BK60

(also available in White Gold with Alligator Strap, CHF 13.800, Ref. 38525-53-122-BK60)

CASE
Material: rose gold, Diameter: 38.00 mm, Height: 8,52 mm, Crystal: sapphire antireflective, Case-back: sapphire crystal, Water resistance: 3 ATM

MOVEMENT
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0030, mechanical with automatic winding, Calibre: 11 ½’’’, Frequency: 28,800 vib/h (4 Hz), Power reserve: min. 46 hours, Jewels: 27, Functions: hour, minute date, seconds

Monterubello Chronograph with Alligator Strap
CHF 23.000, Ref. 38527-52-121-BBBA

CASE
Material: rose gold, Diameter: 40.00 mm, Height: 12,63 mm, Crystal: sapphire antireflective, Case-back: sapphire crystal, Water resistance: 3 ATM

MOVEMENT
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0032, mechanical with automatic winding, Calibre: 13’’’, Frequency: 28,800 vib/h (4 Hz), Power reserve: min. 46 hours, Jewels: 63, Functions: hour, minute date, seconds, chronograph

Photos: Courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna

LoL, Sandra

Have you always dreamed of having a fabulous Balmain piece in your closet but your budget has never allowed it? This wish might become soon reality. The French brand has announced the launch of a second line, Pierre Balmain, for S/S 2012 which will range around €120 for a tee, €250 for jeans and approximately €350 for a jacket.

Here are the first pics that honestly didn’t convince me so much. But with the economy not at its best, Decarnin gone, the customers that are willing to spend €10.000 on an embellished leather jacket might not be so easy to find.

The diffusion line will be produced with Italy’s Itierre SpA that also licenses Just Cavalli for example. Interesting to know is that instead of Balmain’s new main line designer Olivier Rousteing overseeing the collection, an completely independent creative team will be working on it. Honestly, I think the only thing those two lines might have in common, will be the name but I am sure that Pierre Balmain will sell like crazy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balmain