Sandra‘s Closet

Well-known motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha and luxury fashion house Hermés have joined forces to produce the very unique concept bike named VMAX. With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, the VMAX is the very epitome of the muscle bike. Now the 180-year old French company, with its origine in equestrian saddle making, has returned to its roots and adorned the fabulous motorbike with the finest leather materials, covering everything from the headlight cover to the exhaust pipe.The idea was, according to Yamaha and Hermès, to “reinforce the sculptural lines of this unique object and underline its emotional power.”

So how do you go about buying one, assuming you’ve got the cash? It’s a goddamn beautiful bike. You can order the VMAX 1700 for 44500€TTC with Yamaha. The delivery is expected 1 to 4 months after having placed the order. On request, Hermès can add their flair.

For my Zurich based readers, good news, the bike is at the moment on display in the Hermès shop, Bahnhofstr.28A.

LoL, Sandra

The countdown is on. Available exclusively via www.navyboot.com starting on the 17th of April 2011 at midnight CET is a collabration of superlatives. Top Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher and Navyboot Creative Director Adrian J. Margelist have joined forces to devise and develop four luxury sneakers for men that set new footwear benchmarks in their materials, style and design.

18-carat gold, water snakeskin leather and polished crystals: welcome to Navyboot’s limited “MSone” luxury sneaker collection.

To put it in Formula 1 terms: these shoes are right on the pace!

Each of the new models boasts outstanding material quality, with the leathers used extending from nappa calfskin to salmon, water snakeskin, pearly ostrich leg and karung, all combined with polished crystals and 18-carat-gold adornments. Sneakers have never shone in such exclusive materials before.

The whole upper of the new sneakers features clean and stylish lines. One unmistakable detail, however, is the hand-stitching around the tongue. Most of the lacing is concealed. The design of the sole combines the key elements in this limited collection: the Navyboot trademark artichoke, Michael Schumacher’s initials and seven stars representing his seven world championship titles. The metal colour of the stars embodies the car industry, and is applied by hand. MSone sneakers are a masterpiece of handcraft right down to the finest details!

The highlight is definitely the Starboot, the absolute eyecatcher in the new MSone collection. A high-top shoe made completely from red-dyed karung, the leather of the water snake. Seven 18-carat gold stars adorn its heel, while even the lacehooks have been lovingly handcrafted in 18-carat gold.

A Collector’s Box with the full new MSone trilogy is also being produced, in a limited edition of 888. Each box will feature its own metal plate stamped with the box’s serial number. EUR 3 000, sizes available: 39-45

The Starboot Collector’s Box is limited to just 88. Here, too, each box will have a metal plate showing the box’s serial number. EUR 5 000, sizes available 39-45

Every Collector’s Box comes with a Certificate of Authenticity in the form of a book specially created for the project. Its cover will be signed by Adrian J. Margelist for the Triology Collector’s Box, while that of the Starboot Collector’s Box will bear Michael Schumacher’s personal signature.

The new Navyboot MSone sneaker collection will be launched at a major event in Shanghai on the 16th of April, with Michael Schumacher and Adrian J. Margelist in attendance and be part of Formula 1’s 2011 Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

LoL, Sandra

As part of Gucci’s 90th anniversary celebration this year, the Italian fashion house is taking a stylish spin with another titan of Italian design, Fiat.

Gucci creative director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Fiat’s design office has customized the iconic Fiat 500, or as it’s known in Italian, “cinquecento”.

“When the Fiat 500 first hit the road in the fifties it created a style revolution.” says creative director Frida Gianinni. “Gucci’s history has always been about traveling in style so when this collaboration came up, it struck me as the perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement.”

Called 500 by Gucci, the special edition car, which comes in glossy black and white, will be presented from March 3rd to March 13th at the Geneva Motor Show. Be the first to shift into high gear by pre-ordering the 500 by Gucci from April 1st to June 30th exclusively on 500byGucci.com. (Recommended list price in Italy €17.000). Road trip anyone?

Throughout the sporty car, you’ll find distinctive Gucci elements starting with the iconic green and red stripe, which runs along the exterior and also appears inside on the seats, gearshift, carpet, and seatbelt. The interlocking GG makes an appearance on hubcaps, and topping off the design is the cursive Gucci signature, which you’ll find on the hatchback as well as the doorpost.

Complementing that statement is an exclusive 500 by Gucci collection of travel accessories, leather goods, track suits, driving accessories and sunglasses, all of which will be available in select Gucci stores and on gucci.com starting this April.

Hit the road in true Italian style!

LoL, Sandra

The Hermès S/S 2011 collection for men by Véronique Nichanian is a dream. Classic pieces like the well made pants and the colours in hues of white and beige are combined with skin revealed with subtlety. The look has what it takes to please both, men and the women who love them.

I came across two accessories for men that I find absolutely amazing. MUST-HAVES!

 

Belt-tie or tie-belt? Made of printed or woven silk to match the men’s S/S 2011 collection, this belt is presented in a gift box with two bands of silk and a removable Etrivière buckle. Vary the way you wear it to match your mood. CHF 730

This boot with its assertive personality dares cool green for a refreshing summer look. A British elegance is paired with a sensual modernity. I just love them! CHF 950

For further information, please visit the Hermès boutique nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

Mint green is a pale pastel tint of spring green. It is a blossoming shade full of energy and one of the It-colours for S/S 2011.

Worn tone on tone, it makes you shine full of radiance and completely refreshing, like one of those first days in spring. Alexander Wang is among the forerunners of this trend.

Below you can find a perfect mint green outfit ready to order:

Gentlemen, you are in this as well. Mint green is a must for you this summer!

LoL, Sandra

Hello Gentlemen! In case you were wondering how you will work the Morrocan trend, here you go. Your must-have for S/S 2011 is a pair of baggy pants, and I don’t mean the ones that hang down your knees. I am talking about that chic and trendy version, that are baggy on top and tapered at the bottom.

Try them on and you will fall in love – probably the most comfortable pants in your closet and a great addition to the limited selection that men have. Discover your inner Prince of Persia and if you are a leader by nature, you will definetely not want to miss that trend.

LoL, Sandra

The 21st edition of the famous Salon International de la Haute Horlorgerie (SIHH) will be taking place from the 17th to the 21st of January, 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Today, I would like to give you an exclusive preview of some exciting watches that will be presented at the „invitation only“ event.

One of my favourites is Cartier’s Tourbillon and crocodile Geneva Seal white gold watch, calibre 9458 MC. It is a very feminine Grande Complication model, a beautiful union of haute horlogerie and haute joiallerie, limited to 50 individually numbered pieces.
Cartier has inversed the movement to show the mechanism and its skeletonised bridges, which now form part of the decor. Reminiscent of the Le Animalier Collection and the Pasha but significant with variation, a diamond crocodile carefully guards the time. The heartbeats are driven by the oscillations of a unique flying tourbillon: the calibre 9458 MC, adorned with the Geneva Seal.

A very masculine looking and impressive timepiece is the new Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, Calibre 9451 MC.
The Astrotourbillon movement, which was introduced last year after five years of development in the Manufacture, now powers the Calibre de Cartier watch, limited to 100 numbered pieces. The 47mm titanium case on black alligator strap make it a disctinctive choice.

 

As I am a big fan of Panerai watches anyway, it is no wonder that the new Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386, that will be officially unveiled in Geneva, has caught my eye immediately.

Reminiscent of the Panerai Radiomir Composite Marina Militare PAM 339 which was introduced exactly one year ago and powered by a 8-day manual wind, the new model comes equipped with an automatic P.9000 caliber.

The timepiece has a scratch-resistant 44mm ceramic case and might be limited to 1000 pieces which is still to be confirmed.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ new piece Five Weeks In a Balloon will be surely amongst the star attractions at the upcoming SIHH 2011 – inspired by the world famous fiction author Jules Verne and his Extraordinary Voyages novel of the same name.
The dial of the watch is decorated with chamlevé enamel and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the case is made of white gold. The scene depicts a balloon rising into the air of Zanzibar. The hours and minutes are displayed by the balloon’s anchor and a flying bird. Why not dream a little dream with this beautiful novel model?

Jaeger-Le-Coultre launched the iconic Reverso model to meet the English polo players’ need for an unbreakable watch in 1931. Another reason for its immediate success was the possibility to personalize it by engraving the initials or family crest. Almost 80 years later, the line will be supplemented with two limited editions, named Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931.

Being a beautiful bridge between past and present, the watch demonstrates all the Art Deco glamour of the original style interpreted in today’s language. The square-shape case is available in steel or pink gold and measures only 7.2mm in thickness to demonstrate its ultra-thinness. Inside is a just 2.94mm thick manufactory-made mechanical hand-wound movement, calibre 822. It is a very understated piece, only having the name Reverso written on the dial. Timeless elegance!

Audemars Piguet’s newest addition is a feast for your eyes. The Millenary Minute Repeater watch (Reference 26371TI) comes wih a 47mm x 42mm titanium case, an anthracite grey dial, applied pink gold numerals, a minute repeater slide activator (at 7 o’ clock) and a black croc leather strap.
The best of the watch lays inside, the manual wind AP caliber 2910 movement (flat double balance-spring, 165 hour power reserve from 2 barrels, third barrel powering the minute repeater, 21 600 vph (3hz) frequency and 443 parts in total).

The Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch will be available in fall 2011 and will be limited to 500 numbered pieces. Here are some details: 42mm steel case, automatic mechanical Dubois Depraz 14400 movement, black alligator strap with a not so common jumping hour complication.

The upcoming timepiece is very similiar to this year’s rose gold Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch (Ref M0A08857) that was limited to 40 pieces (see below).

The casual observer can appreciate the classic elegance of the new Girard Perregeaux 1966 Small Seconds. A 40mm white or rose gold case with a white enamel dial and a beautifil alligator strap. The technically inclined may adore its new movement, the Girard Perregeaux automatic Caliber 3300.

I hope that you have enjoyed this preview. I cannot wait to go to Geneva and see all those watches in real life. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

Thom Browne is the darling of the fashion community. The shrunken suit silhouette – narrow lapels and short-cropped trousers, meticulously tailored – is his signature look.
Since he founded his own line in 2001, the US designer has transformed the direction of menswear, a world in which change happens at a glacial pace. Especially American men tend to wear clothes that are too big. Thom, an admirer of European tailoring, has created a new exaggerated take on the staples of a man’s wardrobe.

He got his start in fashion by designing for Club Monaco in the Nineties. In 2006, Browne was tapped to design Brooks Brothers’ more fashion-focused Black Fleece line, and in 2008 he was named creative director for Moncler Gamme Bleu.

For his menswear S/S 2011 collection, the designer made his Paris Fashion week runway debut with his probably most commercial show due to date. From his famous classic gray flannel to a shimmering sequined plaid, all interpreted with bermuda shorts and kneesocks underneath, he proofed his talent for proportional play and focused on his craft, his love for quality.

And good news is, for S/S 2011, Thom Browne is making a foray into womenswear with an amazing collection. Women look great in tailoring and the clothes boast the juxtaposition of traditional fabrications remixed with a his special kind of humour and exaggerations.

Thom Browne’s statement regarding his new womenswear collection: „I’m looking at it the same as my mens, like looking at really well-made clothes for girls that are tailoring-inspired but interesting and provocative, not just another collection of clothing for girls.“

One thing is clear, Thom Browne is poised to be as big as his suits are small!

Thom Browne Men is available in Switzerland at Trois Pommes, for further store enquiries, please contact .

LoL, Sandra

Mark my words! Emma Watson is becoming more and more a budding fashion icon, probably thanks to all her gorgeous Burberry outfits (see above).

Being BFF with Burberry’s Christopher Bailey, the former campaign face was the first person to step out in a trench coat with gorgeous leather sleeves from the new Burberry Bespoke collection last week at Heathrow airport.

The custom-made piece was a gift for her premiere and before the young actress left for N.Y., she tweeted: „That’s London done, now off to New York! Wearing my favourite trench that Christopher Bailey @Burberry designed for me. Love it! x“

Burberry Bespoke will be a new fully integrated, innovative digital platform, enabling the personalisation of the iconic Burberry trench coat in many different ways and will be available for those of us not on the fashion house’s immediate gift list sometime early in 2011. So now the question on my fashionista’s mind is how would my bespoke coat look like? As for me, I see a huge fur collar and cuffs. And you?

I truly love Emma’s look last week. She accessorized her one-of-a-kind trench with a beaded red poppy pin (in honour of Britain’s Remembrance Day – those pins are all over London in November), Ray-Bans, a pair of ballet flats and her beloved killer Burberry studded bag from the “Winter Storms” collection that she was seen with many times before.

The new capsule collection has the right pieces to fight blowing snow and whipping winds in style. I love the metal studs that are applied in unlikely places, such as on the underside of a jacket collar for example. They lend a certain rock glam to otherwise conservative pieces.
See for yourselves the stud-erific must-haves for men and women!

LoL, Sandra

(Photos: Courtesy of Burberry)

Last night, the 11th Swiss Textiles Award was presented on the occasion of the first Fashion Days Zurich. The highly acclaimed fashion prize is worth € 100.000.- and talented designers like Jason Wu, Duro Olowu, Adam Kimmel, Juun.J, Damir Doma and Mary Katrantzou were fighting for it.
But there can be only one winner! And this year, it went to the only woman in the competition.
I was very happy to meet all of them and talk about their visions and designs.

The winner Greek-born and London-based Mary Katrantzou was my guess and also my favourite. So I was very happy for her to receive the trophy.

 

The 27-year-old is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

 

She belongs to a new generation of designers, using digital prints to create extraordinary trompe d’oeil effects. To me, she is creating unique pieces that the fashion world has not seen before, a true innovation! This is her fourth collection. The first was about perfume bottles, the second about artisanal blown glass, the third was inspired by jewels and this time it is all about rooms. Her stunning S/S 2011 interior-inspired collection was already the talk of London Fashion Week

 

Mary, congratulations, you have absolutely deserved to win. How do you feel at the moment?

Ecstatic! I couldn’t believe it and cried backstage so I think that says it all.

What does the trophy mean to you?

The financial support is amazing at a stage when the business is growing and it’s so important to have that support. I can invest in my company now on a multilevel, taking it to a newer and international level and award the people who have believed in me. It’s a very prestigious prize, it’s a benchmark and a great honour. You just feel you have been acknowledged.

Does your Greek origin influence your designs?

Probably in the concept of the female figure, meaning to design very closely to the body.
Moreover, it is very difficult and time-consuming to place the prints correctly on the clothes in order to flatter the feminine silhouette.

Do you think that your designs are wearable?

Absolutely! I mean the commercial aspect is important, too. I want women to wear my designs instead of hanging them in a museum. You should feel comfortable.
I like to make objects wearable and desirable. It is just my signature look, I don’t want women to feel objectified.

Any hints concerning your next collection for F/W 2011?

It’s a progression of this one, it’s not as thematic and it’s slightly darker. The thing is with my collections,  if I say too much then it will give it away. Like with this collection if I had said ‘rooms’, I would have revealed too much.

How do you like Zurich?

It is my first time and I haven’t been able to properly enjoy it as I was so busy with this show. But yesterday we were very hungry and went to the lake where all these old buildings are located. It was really nice and I love Zurich.

What will you do next?

Going home to my boyfriend and I think drinks will be on the list. (Giggles.)

Where are you going to put your trophy?

Top front in my new studio that we are right in the middle of moving in.

That Mary had to beat off stiff competition from fellow designers can you see below.

Jason Wu was born in Taipeh and moved when he was a child to Vancouver. He studied to be a sculptor and went to Parsons School of Design. His first collection was launched in 2006.

 

His career kicked off when Michelle Obama supported the young talent by wearing a custom-designed one-shoulder, floor-length white chiffon gown, at the ball on the night of President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Later, she appeared on the cover of the US-Vogue once again in a Wu design, a magenta silk dress.

 

 

 

Today, Wu works in New York. His eye for details and colours is his strong point.
For S/S 2011 he cut out small petals and created beautiful embellishments.

Jason was very sweet and revealed some interesting facts:

My mum always supported me. She bought me a sewing machine at the age of 10 and paid a fashion student to teach me.
My beloved symbol, the owl, was inspired by my last name Wu because if you say it many times in a row, it sounds like it.

 

Born in Lagos and based in London, Duro Olowu went on a quite different career path.  He studied law in England, worked as a lawyer in Nigeria before switching to his first love, fashion. Drawing on the inspirations he found by the unexpected mix of fabrics, textures and draping techniques of the clothing worn by the women of his native land.

 

He launched his own label in London in October, 2004 which became an instant hit with his use of luxurious fabrics and ecclectic, clashing prints.
Last year, he opened his own boutique in London.

Michelle Obama has supported Duro’s carrer as well, as she has been seen many times in his vibrant styles.

 

For his S/S 2011 collection, Duro flipped easily back and forth between retro silhouettes and modern bright pop-like references, incorporationg the saturated colours of tribes in Papua New Guinea and the ever present influence of his Nigerian and Jamaican heritage.

I spoke briefly to him and was overwhelmed by his charming positive attitude. His aura reflects the joie de vivre that shows in his collections.

Being proud of his roots, he is a leading example of how you can life your dream and that everything is possible.

Damir Doma is a modern nomade. His collections are inspired by his own way of living.

 

He was born in Croatia and grew up in the southern part of Germany. Same like me, he studied fashion design at ESMOD (L’ Ecole Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode) in Munich and Berlin. He graduated in 2004 with magna cum laude for the best collection and worked after that in Antwerp for Raf Simons whom he sees as one of the most inspiring designers.

In 2006 he started his label with menswear, followed this year by his first collection for women. He is widely considered the most improtant German fashion designer of his generation.

 

Damir explained:

I don’t like the body to adapt to the clothes, it should be vice-versa. I love soft materials and flowing volume. I grew up in my mother’s atelier and was playing with fabric starting in my early childhood. That might be the reason why fabrics play such an important role for me.

 

Adam Kimmel stands for the American way of life, uniting the worker and the artist. As he states himself; it’s all about giving the industrial style profile by infusing relaxed elegance.

 

He studied architecture, completed then later an apprenticeship with an Italian samples manufacturer before launching his debut label in 2002.

The New Yorker designer received standing ovations for the presentation of his S/S 2011 collection last night. The usually more quiet Swiss audience cheered from the first moment when the sounds of Snoop Dogg echoed in the hall.

The Snoop looky-likeys paraded down the aisle in a perfect mixture of hip-hop style elements produced in the finest Italian cashmere. I am sure Snoop would love it.

 

Later at the after party at Moods, Adam told me more:

I saw the Wall Street Journal including something about Snoop Dogg and got immediately inspired to create this collection.

As we could not bring the models to Switzerland, we did a fun street casting in Zurich before to find the best bad boys.

 

The final show last night was the one of last year’s Swiss Textiles Award 2009 winner Alexander Wang.
Stay tuned as I did a fantastic detailed interview with him which will soon be published here.

LoL, Sandra