Sandra‘s Closet

During the last weeks, I have been receiving the upcoming Christmas collections and from now on, I will start showing them to you. Personally speaking, I love this time of the year in terms of beauty products. Sparkling shades, glittering powders, rich shades of red and gold make my heart leap for joy.

Clarins Odyssey Limited Edition Christmas Makeup Collection comprises two limited edition compacts inspired by the magnificence of Ancient Greece.

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 78.-

Like an elegant and sumptuous odyssey, this silky-smooth compact powder enhances the complexion for a beautiful, more even skin tone.

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 62.-

A collection of four long-wearing golden-brown shades. It also includes two applicator brushes with pointed and round ends which can be used to blend the colour or to create a smoky eye makeup.

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – Available in 11 shades – CHF 53.-

Your skin – Only better. Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is a loose powder foundation with an ultra-fine, silky texture that contains highly effective mineral and plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin to illuminate the complexion’s appearance.

The result: a beautifully radiant, perfectly even, matte complexion and skin that feels incredibly soft and comfortable. Matte finish – light to medium coverage – suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

In stores Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Clarins

Now that unavoidable street style It-label is Kenzo. The brand has been around forever, but had disappeared off the fashion radar for quite some time. A subsidiary of LVMH, Kenzo has come back on the map this season with unconventional designs and prints, loved by the younger, hip fashion crowd. Launched in 1970 by Kenzo Takada and now under the creative direction of Opening Ceremony’s Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the Paris-based brand is your ticket to globe-trotting style.

Inspired by the label’s eclectic archives, the designer duo has charged the look with a covetably youthful vibrancy. Congrats to Kenzo’s very loud roar! Those popular lion-faced, Eiffel Tower, and logo sweatshirts are truly divine.

Kenzo is available at Net-à-porter, Farfetch,Mytheresa and Luisaviaroma.

Another way to experience the Kenzo spirit is the house’s newest fragrance Madly Kenzo Eau de Toilette, a lighter, more carefree version of the spirited Madly Eau de Parfum scent that was launched last year.

Floral Woody Musk

Top notes: Pear and litchi.
Middle notes: Jasmine and heliotrope.
Base notes: Musk and cedar.

Available in 30ml, 50ml and 80ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Frontrowview, Phil Oh. Courtesy of Kenzo and © Sandra Bauknecht.

On Wednesday morning, I went to Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2013 show that was as energizing and different as it was brief because the models walked out in pairs like twins. The setting was once more very special: Four escalators formed the fundamental structure of the presentation inspired by Les Deux Plateaux, a famous installation piece in the Palais Royal by the artist Daniel Buren with columns arranged in a grid.

The collection was very graphic and structured which had I expected after having seen Marc Jacobs’ signature line where minimalistic stripes ruled the runway (for more information, please click here). For Louis Vuitton, the designer went for ’60s silhouettes, gigantic checks and floral embroideries stitched in mini-squares. Even the house’s iconic Speedy bag got cubed, too.

It was the first ever Louis Vuitton collection not to make use of the Monogram. Instead, the Damier pattern provided the house’s signature.

A fundamental duality underpinned the collection, Marc Jacobs used always two colors, shiny and matt textures. He had the image of two very different French icons of the ’60s, Françoise Hardy and Jane Birkin, in mind when creating the collection: Hardy always very covered up, Birkin always revealing plenty of flesh, but both always in long, simple clothes. To reinforce these oppositions, the collection was presented on models in pairs.

For a finale, the models streamed down the four escalators very futuristically like an army of Louis Vuitton cult followers to the music from the opera “Einstein on The Beach” by Philip Glass. The show was different, especially compared to the excesses of last season and also optimistic as the sunshine yellow enlightened the room.

Marc Jacobs almost jumped down the escalator while the audience applauded.

Front row: Delfina Delettrez-Fendi, Natalia Vodianova, Antoine Arnault and Poppy Delevingne

Rachel Zoe and husband Roger Berman

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the last day of Paris Fashion Week, my schedule was extremely tight and I didn’t have time to change my outfits in between. I went to the S/S 2013 presentations of Louis Vuitton, Talbot Runhof, Miu Miu and Elie Saab (posts coming up soon) before heading to the airport.

My colourful look for the day: Margerita wool-blend brocade coat, matching cropped pants and suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots, all by Miu Miu, hat by Louis Vuitton, bi-colour silk shirt by Céline and Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent.

Pantsuits are a huge trend for F/W 2012 and personally speaking, I have loved the ones that Miuccia Prada designed for Miu Miu the most.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“It’s about elegance, not elegance. Couture, not couture. Tailoring, not tailoring,” Miuccia Prada told WWD.

Her S/S 2013 Miu Miu collection was all about contrasts, the Italian designer let herself be inspired by the silhouettes of the ’50s and ’60s, to which she offered her own iconic twist.

Flats worn to glamourous embellished outfits, rich luxurious fabrics downgraded through tie-dye and crushing and fur all over for summer walked down the runway to the sounds of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” which almost seemed macabre in a good way. Think Mad Men meets Hitchcock in a contemporary way.

Splendid yet effortless, and with ease, she changes her style without never loosing her signature. The ideas and inspirations may be complicated, but this is her intelligent approach to fashion. And amazingly as it seems, she always makes it look easy.

Miuccia Prada had converted the Palais d’Iéna into a wooden maze designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, with thick velvet curtains changing the ambiance  of the venue, that is usually bathed in natural light, into something mysterious right before the show .

Miucca Prada always packs the best front row. This season it was Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried, Chloë Sevigny, Dianna Agron and Bérénice Bejo among others, all dressed head to toe in Miu Miu.

Amanda Seyfried with me after the show

Emma Stone giving an interview

Stay tuned for a detailed post about my outfit and of course, my runway reviews of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and so on.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu and © Sandra Bauknecht

Lorenzo Villoresi presented his latest fragrance MARE NOSTRUM AURA MARIS during Pitti Fragranze in Florence.

Mare Nostrum is the ancient name of the Mediterranean sea, a theme that the Florentine perfumer has always loved, rich of cultural, historical, mythological, environmental suggestions. Such a variety of different worlds and precious visions cannot be contained in only one fragrance.

This is why he is launching today the first fragrance of the Mare Nostrum collection, Aura Maris, the sea breeze. This fresh and gentle scent will be followed by other creations inspired by the many visions and sensations of the Mare Nostrum concept.

MARE NOSTRUM
Crossed by sweet currents, caressed by the breath of soft breezes and countless changing perfumes. Mighty, generous sea, the scene of exciting visions that cannot be told, salvation and danger alike for men and for heroes. There, skimming the crest of the waves, Poseidon rides his chariot drawn by golden-maned horses. In the deepest seas fair Nereides live, their long locks wafting in the foamy waters, to the sound of the salty surf.

AURA MARIS
The sea breeze gently brushing the ocean waves, bearing happy tidings of the summer sun, with the aromas from the Mediterranean shrubs. The tingling fragrance of the salty foam, the sunlit reflections of citrus fruits the lightest touch of meadow flowers and the golden rays of the sun on a glimmering sea.

Top notes: Fresh, green, citrus with Bergamot notes, Mandarin and soft floral fruity touches.
Middle notes: Fresh, floral with aromatic woods nuances, Narcissus, Patchouli, Jasmine.
Base notes: Fresh citrus floral, with soft ambery, musky and woody touches.

For a previous post on Lorenzo Villoresi, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

This was my look that I wore to the Valentino S/S 2013 show:

Silk shirt and cadillac sunglasses, both by Prada, floral-print stretch-crepe skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, PS11 Mini Classic textured-leather shoulder bag by Proenza Schouler, earrings by Chanel and Red on Red Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino.

Outside I ran into Holli Rogers, Net-à-Porter’s Buying Director, who looked absolutely stunning in her leather and brocade dress by Christopher Kane along with the patent-leather pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday before the Valentino S/S 2013 show, I spotted Anna dello Russo in this opulent look which I have liked a lot. This black mesh dress was undoubtedly Dolce & Gabbana’s F/W 2012 collection’s hero piece, with hand-embellished gold discs, freshwater-inspired faux pearls and breathtakingly intricate beads paying tribute to homespun Italian artistry. Crafted with a shape-cinching built-in body and a skirt that flares as soon as it hits the hips, this structured style will sculpt the label’s beloved hourglass silhouette. To shop her outfit, please click on the highlighted product descriptions below.

Embellished mesh dress, mini shoulder bag and embroidered Mary Jane pumps, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

And if you were asking yourself, why Anna didn’t close her dress properly. It is a showroom piece and therefore it didn’t fit her perfectly. But nevertheless, she looked awesome in it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Romantic gowns, clear accessories, Rockstud revisited and a feminine allure, Valentino‘s Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli rediscover their Roman heritage for S/S 2013. The beautiful collection looks to neo-realist Rome for inspiration.

The slip dress is the new silhouette, sensual yet elegant. Summer cotton is treated as a couture fabric and a new print on silk chiffon dresses skim the body. The 1940’s inspired shape suggests seduction with a modern twist on couture details.

“The final interpretation is left open, however: each woman’s personality is the defining trait.”

Below are my personal must-haves of the collection. To die for!

The transparent Rockstud bag and the matching raincoat along with a pair of crystal Rockstud heels will definitely make their way into my closet. The red leather coat is also on my wish list for the next summer. Stunningly beautiful.

An absolute bestseller will be those embellished plexiglass wedge heels.

My seat at Valentino was amazing. In the middle second row behind Carine Roitfeld and across from Anna Wintour. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Thank you so much!

Of course, I was wearing my gorgeous limited edition Red on Red Rockstud heels. There are only a few left, don’t forget to order yours by clicking here! And stay tuned for a detailed outfit post and many many more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino, Style and © Sandra Bauknecht

“90 looks, exceptionally once, for the 90th anniversary in a Roberto Burle Marx inspired garden. The Brazilian landscape architect, plantsman and painter invented a new language for modern landscape design. He abandoned the tradition of the straight line and cultivated a passion for curved and sensual lines. His work is, in the detail and as a whole, always one and the same. Inimitable!”

AKRIS is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. A wonderful reason for Albert and Peter Kriemler to throw a party after the presentation of the S/S 2013 collection during Paris Fashion Week. 90 looks were shown on the runway of which many were noticeably transparent. Sexy without being vulgar – Albert Kriemler is one of the rare designers who can make this work in an elegant and sophisticated way. The collection was inspired by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and the prints as well as the setting of the show resembled a beautiful greenhouse. Tailoring is the soul of Akris and played a huge role as usual. The colour palette developed from black to basic shades such as white and beige to vibrant hues of green, yellow and fluo coral pink. The only look that was a little too extravagant for me was the shift dress with a gigantic organza leaf appliqué (see collage above). Personally speaking, I like Albert Kriemler’s modern jungle chic, a worthy jubilee collection!

Have a look at the collection below and see which celebrity attended the show:

TRANSPARENCY

PRINTS and LEATHER

COLOUR

“Style is all about the woman; it’s about her personality. You should notice the woman first, and what she is wearing follows.” – Albert Kriemler

Albert Kriemler, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Valerie Steele and Peter Kriemler

Princess Charlene of Monaco, who is a huge fan of  the Akris brand, attended the show and listened to the very emotional speech given by Peter Kriemler, Global President of Akris, in honour of the house’s 90th anniversary. Later, she joined the after party.

At the party: Nora Baldenweg, Kim Dang (NZZ) and Sara Allerstorfer (Bolero Magazine) with me.

« AKRIS » by Valerie Steele 11 x 14 in – 28 x 35 cm |192 pages | 150 illustrations | Hardcover
available in English and German $125 – €100 – £80

Limited Edition of 90 11 x 14 in – 28 x 35 cm |192 pages | 150 illustrations | Hardcover with Horsehair bag
Available in English and German $1922 – €1922
Fall 2012, Assouline

A great book that maps the rich heritage of Akris and its dynamic evolution in the recent years.

Akris is available in Zurich at Gassmann.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Akris and @ Sandra Bauknecht