Sandra‘s Closet

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen opened its first US Flagship Boutique in New York City this month – with 3,000-square-foot the largest of its kind worldwide.

“The opening of this Flagship Boutique in New York City marks a major milestone for IWC Schaffhausen,” says CEO Georges Kern. “It not only reflects the success of the brand, but also pays tribute to the home country of the company’s founder and to our American heritage. We are looking forward to welcoming our customers at this marvelous location at Madison Avenue and inviting them to experience IWC’s spirit and philosophy.”
In fact, IWC founder Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American entrepreneur who launched the brand in 1868, was born only a few miles away from the company’s new landmark.

Today, customers can explore the brand’s watch families – Aquatimer, Pilot’s Watches, Portofino, Ingenieur, Da Vinci, and Portuguese at this outstanding bi-level boutique.

I would like to invite you to check out IWC’s newly launched NYC Globetrotter Guide that offers lots of insider tips for the city that never sleeps. Just click on the highlighted text.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC

As promised, this look is not for the colour-shy. Roksanda Ilincic‘s pink Margot dress from her S/S 2012 runway in combination with some bright camouflage-print pieces, the result of a collaboration between the Berlin-based artist Anselm Reyle and the house of Dior, looks playful and innocent, just the thing for an instant wardrobe update.

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic, camouflage-print bag, matching scarf and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior and lace pumps by Christian Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet Roksanda Ilincic, one of London’s leading ladies. Her creations are the epitome of effortless elegance and the Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama are among her fans.

After graduating from Central St Martins, the Serbian-born, London-based designer launched her eponymous line in 2002 and quickly gained recognition for her utterly modern brand of eveningwear. Choose from column gowns and cocktail dresses in draped-to-perfection silks and satins.

Her must-have piece from the S/S 2012 runway is the über-fabulous Margot lantern-sleeve dress. Roksanda got her inspiration from Balenciaga’s ’50s original bell sleeves and updated the look amazingly (see above).

Available in mustard-yellow and navy at matches.com and in pink at net-à-porter.com.

I went for the pink version. Stay tuned for the upcoming photos.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roksanda Illincic and Balenciaga

There are some beautiful things on their way from Yves Saint Laurent: The house’s new makeup summer collection which will be launching in Switzerland in May 2012. 
I love the earthy hues with the contrast of blue that inspired me to this look:

Olive green logo T-shirt by Yves Saint Laurent, lace-print cropped low-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, ruched suede ankle boots by Brian Atwood, gold-plated lace-effect cuff and Arty gold-plated glass ring by Yves Saint Laurent, bag by Alexander McQueen, blue wool and silk-blend blazer by Stella McCartney.

My favourite products for the eyes: The Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette N°8 Sand (CHF 79.-) can be used dry and wet and looks gorgeous in combination with the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof N°4 Blue Majorelle (CHF 50.-).

Here you can see how I applied the eyeshadow palette. I used the three earthy hues dry on the lid and blended them well starting with the darker tone up to the lightest one. The olive shade was applied wet like an eyeliner. I finished off the look with lots of black mascara for the upper lashes and used the blue mascara for the lower lashes to open the eye beautifully.

On my nails I am wearing the new La Lacque Couture in N°18 Bleu Majorelle (CHF 37.-).
The nail polish is part of the new La Lacque Couture La Vernithèque collection which will be launching in May 2012 in Switzerland.

Thirty new shades that offer high shine and easy application with a new brush. Choose from a colour palette of reds and  oranges, pinks and fuchsias, plums and purples, nudes and browns, and other groundbreaking shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

Check out this wonderful new S/S 2012 collection from Ralph Lauren Home. I love those ethno-inspired patterns and the earthy colour combinations.

The setting for the photo shoot is also divine. Watch and enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

A great way to work the ’20s trend is to add some vintage inspired accessories. 
Here are some of the hottest ones available at the moment:

1 Satin-lined perforated box clutch by Stella McCartney
2 Beachbreak gold and silver-plated diamanté earrings by Lulu Frost
3 Feather bolero by Ralph Lauren Collection
4 Silver-plated crystal cuff by Kenneth Jay Lane
5 Silver-plated crystal earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
6 Swarovski crystal suede belt by Gucci
7 Koko metallic leather and suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
8 Constance leather clutch by Jason Wu

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Designers took inspiration from the Roaring Twenties for their S/S 2012 collections, favoring elegant hemlines and intricate beadwork. The mood is flapper, but spring’s Deco dresses are about high gloss, loosening up the idea of evening. Fresh in stores now, explore the must-have pieces below encapsulating the highly coveted collection’s ’20s aesthetic.

For a masterclass in tapping spring’s ’20s-inspired trend, look no further than Gucci‘s stunning S/S 2012 collection. Art Deco motifs inspired Frida Giannini‘s lavish designs. Those dropped-waist dresses adorned with exquisite fringing will definitely be on my shopping list.

1 Striped python jacket by Gucci
2 Fringed leather skirt by Gucci
3 Chain-embellished sequined silk dress by Gucci
4 Double-layered silk-georgette dress with metal clasp by Gucci
5 Metallic-striped fringed leather dress by Gucci
6 Cracked-leather and suede sandals by Gucci
7 Garçon evening case by Gucci

The dreamy Etro S/S 2012 collection could have stepped straight from Fitzgerald’s pages. It was packed with fringes, intricate beading and embellishments that were colourful for a modern twist.

1 Bold printed silk-blend dress by Etro
2 Bead-embellished silk mini dress by Etro
3 Embellished silk-georgette dress by Etro
4 Abstract tiered necklace by Etro

Romance was in the air at Alberta Ferretti with Gatsby-esque pieces, from beaded dresses to delicate lace and tulle fabrics. Seriously, what more could a modern-day Daisy need?

1 Bead-embellished tulle and silk dress by Alberta Ferretti
2 Papaya-hued beaded silk-chiffon and tulle dress by Alberta Ferretti
3 Lace and silk-georgette dress by Alberta Ferretti

This S/S 2012 fashion trend is preparing us for the upcoming American film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel set in the Roaring Twenties. It will be directed by Baz Luhrman and star Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan and Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. It is said to be released on December 25, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

I love overalls and this gorgeous piece from the BOSS Black Pre-fall 2012 collection is absolutely divine. The cut and the pink colour are perfect together. 
Overall “Demira” is available in selected Hugo Boss stores now for CHF 429.-.

The colour combination of bright pink and black is gorgeous. (For a previous post where I am wearing those two shades, click here).
Therefore I would combine the pink overall with those accessories below:

Suede shell clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Satin T-bar sandals by Alexander McQueen

A great outfit that works for all seasons!

LoL, Sandra

Here are some exciting news: Giorgio Armani is designing Lady Gaga’s wardrobe for her Born This Way Ball tour which kicks off in Seoul on April 27th. It is not the designer’s first time collaborating with Lady Gaga.

Remember her series of outfits specially designed for her that she wore on the occasion of the 2010 Grammy Awards ceremony, followed by a number of red carpet events.

“Collaborating with Lady Gaga is always an exciting experience for me. I admire the way she uses fashion as a scenic element and as a means to build a character,” says Giorgio Armani. “She is an artist of many talents and great intelligence. Creating stage costumes for her is a stimulating and creative exercise.”

The custom Giorgio Armani wardrobe created for Lady Gaga is characterized by extreme forms and futuristic materials – latex, metal, studs, PVC – crafted with couture savoir faire. Each outfit is completed with detailed, other-worldly accessories.
Enjoy your sneak preview of Armani’s amazing theatrical sketches:

The first design includes a black bodice made of tubular PVC elements connected with metal studs, with mirrored metal inserts to define a curvaceous design. The ensemble is highlighted by a matching headpiece, robotic thigh-high boots, and exaggerated gloves ending in mirrored nails.

Another look is created via a shiny black grid-patterned PVC bodice with matching headpiece and embroidered ankle boots.  Highlights include shoulders outlined by a play of sharp spikes, black Swarovski jet crystals and flowing fringe, creating a moving architecture.

On the third black bodice, transparent Plexiglas, black crystals and luminous studs create a Cubist composition of abstract guitars. The matching headpiece follows in the shape of a keyboard; the boots are black vinyl.

The final design is a long tunic with leg-o-mutton sleeves made of skin-toned latex. Luminous PVC elements create flashes of synthetic light inside the garment. The same avant garde lighting is featured on the triangle decorating the chest, on the headpiece, and on the platform of the matching latex ankle boots.

This is definitely not a “Bad Romance” between Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Christian Louboutin, the king of shoes and the creator of the iconic glossy red soles, has launched a special collection celebrating his brand’s 20th anniversary. Below you can enjoy and shop the amazing designs that will add instant glamour to your wardrobe. I love the fringed and the python boots (see last two photos below)!

If you would like to get to know Mr. Louboutin a little better, click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

20th Anniversary Rose Du Desert leather knee sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Neuron 120 suede cage sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Unzip 100 suede sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Isolde 160 patent-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Armadillo Bride 120 leather pumps by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Pigalove patent-leather ballet flats by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Highness Tina 160 fringed suede boots by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Daf 160 python boots by Christian Louboutin