Sandra‘s Closet

Fall patterns took a traditional turn with highland tartans and madras checks. Plaid has continued its raison d`être as one of fashion`s favourite fabrics for F/W 2010. But this season is not about the lumberjack shirt, the designers went a little further with plaid dresses and pants, plus the absolute must-have: The kilt-inspired skirt!

If you want to work a touch of heritage-chic into your cold-weather wardrobe, I recommend starting now with those super-cool skirts below. From mini to pencil, from draped to pleated, those versions are catering for all tastes. Update your capsule wardrobe with a piece like that and you are all on for new-season cool. Prices can vary depending on the country you live in.

In case you are worried to look too preppy-back-to-school, juxtapose this classic fabric against something with a bit more edge. I put an outfit together to show you what I mean:
The classic skirt by Chloé works perfectly with a corset top and asymmetrical sweater, both by Alexander Wang. Team with a must-have cape by Stella McCartney and stocking-attached ankle boots by Givenchy and finish off your modern, sexy look with a floppy hat by YSL. This is anything but conservative!

Like I always say, keep your stuff, there will be a time that you can wear it again! My outfit is completely from previous seasons and looks very up-to-date this fall.

Plaid skirt by Gucci, leather biker jacket by Ralph Lauren Collection, red boots by Prada, bag by Chanel and hat by H&M.

There is always a time for a kilt! And you can spare the underwear…

LoL, Sandra

Since almost 2 years now, I have been in two minds about how colouring my hair. I used to be a blonde before letting it grow out. But I realised my undecisiveness bestowed a gift upon me. My hair is having the new must-have It-colour: Bronde!

Photo: Marie-Luise Kammerer

I know it is another new term but I am loving it. It is a little brunette and a little blond– a combination that almost suits everyone instantly bringing out a warm glow in the face. Forerunners of those honey, caramel, buttersotch  and cognac-coloured highlights or let`s better say lowlights are Gisèle Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez among many others.

Sarah Jessica Parker paraded the very natural, sun-kissed look wonderfully in Sex and the City 2 with just a little lighter colour framing her face.

The much-coveted hue has two other advantages: it is budget- and texture-friendly. I still love silky, shiny and healthy-looking blonde hair but the time of too-much broken platinum “blonderexia” is definitely over.

I am enjoying my low maintenance version of blonde and my upgrade for brunette.

LoL, Sandra

Me in the Haight area wearing black leggings by BLUMARINE, military shirt by BALMAIN, top and pink-khaki scarf by LOUIS VUITTON and suede clogs by MIU MIU

Last week, I spent a few days in San Francisco. Haight Ashbury is the famous intersection in the area that gets its notoriety from the “psychedelic” culture and the 1968 “Summer of Love”. Today, you can still feel the hippie vibe with its fragments of flower-power.

When I was walking around the district, I got so inspired by the gorgeous bright coloured houses, so-called Painted Ladies. The term refers to Victorian and Edwardian buildings painted in three or more colours that embellish their architectural features.

Adopting that idea and transferring it to fashion, I styled some beautiful outfits in different colour combinations. You will see how stunning some shades can look together. Most people tend to wear a more neutral palette along with black. There is nothing against this. But today, I want to challenge you a bit and demonstrate how wonderful a little mix with some bolder tones can appear without looking like a clown.

It is again all about that special twist. Carrie in Sex and the City might be the perfect example: Patricia Field, the show`s stylist, opts very often for something that looks kind of strange in the beginning, but then so surprising and interesting that you cannot take your eyes of it.

Experiment with your own style! That is the thing that is so hard to copy and will earn you lots of admiring glances.

Spare for a little hug?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Me wearing the cutout dress by Gucci

Me wearing Alexander McQueen

This summer, there was no body part safe from the cutout trend. If you think too trashy for you, you will be most likely mistaken. Strategically placed bare spots are glamourous and taking sexy to the next level without being vulgar. Revealing the right amount of skin can be much more sizzling than seeing it all. It is like playing hide and seek.

As the S/S 2010 season is coming to an end fashionwise, I truly recommend getting a cutout or cobwebby knitted dress now. The Gucci version has the must-have tribal print for summer but will not be a classic because of that.
Please find below my pre-selection of the best pieces on sale, available at Browns and Net-à-porter.

Trust me, it will be a good investment. The trend is going to stay for F/W 2010. The only obvious change is that the cutout styles are a little more subtle and smaller which is probably better for the cold winter months. Please see for yourself:

Play discreetly peekaboo and believe me heads will be turning your direction!

LoL, Sandra

When Fashion meets Art, the outcome is mostly promising. Fashion is like art a medium for interpretation and expression. As for me, my body is my very own canvas that serves as a communication tool. Every day, I can express myself new and seek out what suits my personal taste. Clothing sends a message and communicates emotions. It can be your vision of the world.

Therefore the union between art and fashion is in particular very interesting. The possibilities are versatile. Miuccia Prada`s Fondazione Prada has supported many ambitious artists in their creative process and enjoys an international reputation in the art scene.

Supermodels become life models and pose for painters. Famous example is Lucian Freud`s portrait of a pregnant Kate Moss.

Other luxury brands had famous artists contribute to their collections in particular.  The numerous successful collaborations between Louis Vuitton and artists like Takashi Murakami, Stephen Sprouse and Richard Prince serve as a good example and show the French house`s commitment to the arts.

Zaha Hadid, the Pritzker Price winning architect, who is known for her highly futuristic and curvaceous designs has joined many of those interesting projects as well.  She created the Icone Bag out of moulded plastic for Louis Vuitton and teamed up with Karl Lagerfeld for the 50th anniversary of the Chanel handbag to develop the Chanel Mobile art container, “a museum that can travel”. Her architectually inspired shoes for Melissa and jewelry for Swarovski have already become collectors`pieces.

Last week, it was a busy and important time for all art lovers as the 41th Art Basel took place. Before the opening of the famous art fair, I was very lucky to attend two amazing events in Zurich that inspired me to write this post.

Art in the Park

First, the opening of the fifth annual “Art in the Park” outdoor exhibition that will go through August 1st, this time devoted to Pop Art. If you are living in Zurich, I truly recommend a visit to the beautiful garden of the hotel Baur au Lac where Gigi Kracht, the show`s creator and curator, shows in cooperation with Zurich`s Galerie Gmurzynska many impressive works, including the famous “Lucky Numbers One through Zero” by Robert Indiana, gigantic installations of cereal boxes with interesting insinuations by young and hyped Finish artist Jani Leinonen and sculptures by Allen Jones and Rotraut, the widow of Yves Klein and sister of Günther Ücker, just to name a few of the oustanding pieces. At the dinner I was sitting next to Jani Leinonen who gave me an impressive insight into his works and we had a great conversation about fashion and art.

Jani Leinonen next to his work

Art in the Park`s curator Gigi Kracht with Rotraut to the left and Jani Leinonen to the right

Allen Jones in front of his sculpture

Jani Leinonen with me in Prada in front of Zaha Hadid`s amazing installation

On Sunday, I saw Jani again when Galerie Gmurzynska opened the exhibition Zaha Hadid and Suprematism. Drawing on Zaha Hadid`s formative inspiration from the masters of the Russian Avant-garde, the famous architect both curated and designed this historical exhibition. I loved the unbelievable installation in which the exhibition is taking place. The works of the recently named one of the 100 Most Influential of People of 2010 by TIME Magazine come in a variety of mediums. Enjoy the photos. The exhibition at the Galerie Gmurzynska will go through September 30th.

Hadid Installation and Malevich

Interior Design

Objects

Zaha Hadid at the exhibition with Chanel`s turquoise nail polish Nouvelle Vague on her toes. I wonder if she reads Sandra`s Closet?!

At previews, I always love to observe what people are wearing. To borrow the cliché, Marni, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons and Prada are loved by the art crowd. Said to be intellectual fashion.

As I just met Allen Jones, Jani Leinonen and Zaha Hadid, I got inspired by their works to put together some great oufits. Have a look below. I hope that you will like them.

LoL, Sandra

It might be on short notice, but definitely not too late to get your hands on a gorgeous pair of leather shorts. An absolute must this summer that will stay trendy next winter.

My favourites are the lace-up ones by Alexander Wang with zippers on the side, available in brown or black. Combine them with a boyfriend blazer, an embellished top and stunning wedges (see above). Add a feodora hat for that certain twist or just wear them with cowboy boots and a little cardigan for your urban days off-duty like I did this week.

Here are some gorgeous versions from the S/S 2010 collections available at Net-à-porter or Browns. Do not forget, sale will be starting soon…. in the US it is already on!

3.1 Phillip Lim, £465.-

Fendi, €1060.-

Helmut Lang, €586.-

Get ready to wow!

LoL, Sandra

My favourite “Desperate Housewife” Eva Longoria Parker arrived at the Côte d`Azur last Wednesday to celebrate the 63rd Cannes Annual Film Festival in great style. No doubt was she aware of the many photographers awaiting her touchdown at Nice Airport when she tottered on her blue suede “Tribtoo” pumps by Yves Saint Laurent out of the gate, well accessorized with her Hermès bangles and Birkin bag. Her assumingly travel-weary eyes covered with a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses.

At the opening night premiere of “Robin Hood”, Eva caused a stir in a white silk chiffon gown by Emilio Pucci. Her long train added the right amount of red carpet drama. A silver Swarovski clutch and coral jewelry by De Grisogno completed her breathtaking look. Absolutely gorgeous was that she kept the make-up natural and her updo classy-elegant. She looked so radiant without trying too hard.

The next day, Eva went shopping swarmed by paparazzi and fans. When it is time to pose and show, Eva delivers. The petite actress was very fashion-forward and enhanced her toned small body in a gray Hervé Léger by Max Azria F/W 2010 bandage dress with beautiful details like peplums on the hips and a lace-up neckline. Her Birkin bag and her YSL pumps that she had already worn upon her arrival, along with classic aviator-style shades topped off her look perfectly.

In the evening, the lovely Mrs. Longoria Parker wowed again at the “On Tour” Premiere at the Palais des Festivals in a nude crystal-encrusted gown by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. Eva is known to be a huge fan of his ornate, intricately detailed works.

Eva with me

To me, Eva was one of the best dressed actresses at the opening days of the Cannes Film Festival. But not only the stunning outfits made me think that as they would look probably great on others as well. It was more her pose and striking attitude that demonstrated her powerful allure. My Fashion Award goes to little Eva!

LoL, Sandra

Are you looking for a great evening bag? I have one for you: The Pochette Rococo by Louis Vuitton. The fabric is amazing. Each sequin is printed with the iconic Monogram pattern. I am totally in love with this passion for detail.