Sandra‘s Closet

On the final day of Paris Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs rounded off the S/S 2011 collections in more ways than one. For me, it was one of best shows. The catwalk was beautifully decorated with tiger statues. Amazingly embellished dresses in gorgeous bright colour combinations made out of flowing materials paraded the runway. Tropical flowers along with Japanese details and tiger stripes gave this collection an outstanding feel. The cuts were absolutely sexy with slit legs showing a lot of skin.This summer will be an expensive one if you like Vuitton.

Thumbs up, Marc, I am loving it!

Enjoy my photos before, during and after the show! I also got some amazing shots of amazing people. Hope that you will like it!

LoL, Sandra

Last night, I was invited to the vernissage of the exhibition Africa Rising and to celebrate the collaboration between Edun and Louis Vuitton.

Edun is the for-profit eco fashion label founded by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson on the premise of trade for aid as a means to alleviate poverty through sustainable employment and growth. Since 2009, LMVH acquired a 49% stake in the company in order to promote the brand’s vision.

The collection shows flair and individuality whilst remaining on-trend. I like the printed silk tanks and flowing materials. Shopping for a good cause! Available at net-à-porter or visit the Edun homepage for more information.

In Louis Vuitton’s recent Core Values advertising campaign, both Ali and Bono wear Edun clothing. Ali carries the Louis Vuitton/Edun collaboration bag:
The Keepall 45 Monogram Révélation in brown leather with the beautiful handmade Charm Massai in natural bones. Also attached is a plaque reminding us “Every journey began in Africa”.

There were lots of celebrities at yesterday’s party enjoying the beautiful contemporary art exhibition that showcased African art from Jean Pigozzi’s collection (CAAC).
If you are interested, the contemporary art exhibition will be on display to the public from October 6th to 18th 2010 at 1, Rue du Pont Neuf in Paris.

 

The absolute highlight was Bono’s performance with Angélique Kidjo. I hope that you have enjoyed my best moments of last night! And please stay tuned as I will see today Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2011 fashion show!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sandra Bauknecht

Pharell Williams is a genius, a multifaceted musician-artist-entrepreneur in one.  So no wonder that companies like Moncler or Louis Vuitton have been branching out to collaborate with the rapper for some very special editions.

Pharell who is addicted to sparkles was called to create some bling bling for Louis Vuitton with Camille Miceli (who was Jewelry and Creative designer at this time, now she is at Dior) in 2008. The beautiful Blason collection (see above) revisits the idea of aristrocracy and is still sold in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

The F/W 2010 down vests and jackets for the new Moncler V line (see below) are reminding me of bullet-proof vests, very cool. They are made of Bionic yarn, which is produced by Pharell’s textile company. Available at Restir or Moncler.

Last night, Pharell Williams performed at Stella McCartney’s After Party that was held at Don Camilo, a cabaret/ night club in the 7th arrondissement. It was amazing! Here are some impressions, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

(Photos: Sandra Bauknecht)

On Sunday afternoon on my flight to Paris, I had quite a fancy seat neighbour: Courtney Love who drove the complete staff crazy and delayed the take off.
I was eager to arrive in time as I could not make it to the Akris show in the morning and wanted to join Albert Kriemler for his cocktail reception in the evening at the Café de L’Epoque.

 

 

 

Akris is Switzerland’s fashion flagship brand, known for its craftsmanship, high-quality materials and understated luxury. The Swiss brand has written already over 80 years of history. Founded by the Kriemler’s grandmother to produce aprons in the 20s, followed by his father in the 40s who built Akris into a couture house and finally in the hands of Albert Kriemler and his brother since the 80s.

I have to admit that the Akris style used to be a touch conservative for me personally. But this has changed latest with the F/W 2010 collection which was absolutely beautiful. Gorgeous colours, well tailored pieces with a sensual 70s vibe, that were flattering, modern and feminine in one. A wind of change has been blowing with Daphne Guinness as the face of the last two advertising campaigns.
In the beginning of the year, Akris launched its debut bag collection, a must-have for the more discerning of women who appreciates quality, is not so much into an It-bag and tired of the Hermès camp.

Kriemler’s S/S 2011 collection is perhaps his best so far. The colours, the sharpness of cuts along with some bold blooms have laid the foundation for a much younger fan club that will love the little short jumpsuit and cool jackets. Enjoy!

Available for example in the US at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and in Zurich at Gassmann. For more information, please visit the Akris homepage.

LoL, Sandra

I am in Paris for the Fashion Week at the moment.

This morning, I went to see Stella McCartney’s S/S 2011 show which I have absolutely loved.

The first looks were iconic, confidently masculine tailored in fresh pastels. Further on, Stella tried a new take on denim and gave it a modern feel by playing with proportion and volume. My absolute favourites were the printed long silk dresses with box pleats and slit legs. Understated seduction in perfection.

Another must-have is definitely the sleeveless trench coat. If you like it bold, you will adore the symmetric botanical citrus prints. Everyone can find something in this collection, very versatile with signature looks and a new foray into sexiness.

Enjoy all my impressions, the celebrities, famous stylists, and for sure all the beautiful new looks for next summer. As you see, I had a blast.

LoL, Sandra

 

It is weekend. Time to get cozy. If you have been looking for stylish clothes you could also relax in, I have the perfect solution for you: The beautiful Lounge Lover collection. Founded in 2004 by Belgian designer Sylvie Gabriel, the line focuses on easy chic loungewear, from soft cashmere pants to well-shaped tops and comfy wraps. Those ultra-luxe essentials work well around the house or for Sunday brunch. The perfect upgrade for your off-duty look!

After the huge success of Sylvie’s Travel Babe set, there is going to be another great special edition:
Yoga Babe.

Folded away in a soft poem-embellished drawstring pouch you will find a metal grey support tank top with raw hem, completed by a stirrup legging with faux button fly.
The material has this wonderful velvety “second skin” feel. Available this November exclusively at net-à-porter for £149.-.

Those babes totally meet my fashion mantra!

Once a Lounge Lover, always a Lounge Lover.

LoL, Sandra

It is the beginning of October and we should slowly start thinking of  X-mas presents. What is always causing headaches for me is finding something for my hubby. Therefore I thought I have to show you those cool pieces that I have come across recently. From very expensive to absolutely affordable. And for my lovely male readers probably something interesting to treat yourselves a little. Enjoy!

The Versace “Business” watch is limited to 500 pieces and is sold in Versace stores worldwide for €1600.- which is truly an amazing price for a limited edition watch.

Prada offers some beautiful iPad (€150.-/€400.-) and iPhone (€95.-) cases along with matching USB sticks (€100.-), all made of their signature saffiano leather. Available from November in Prada stores.

The Ralph Lauren Home Brabham vice box in subtle leather is ideal for entertaining, with included crystal decanter and four glasses, poker chips, signature cards and coordinating coasters. It is a limited-edition of fifty and comes with an embossed nameplate stating so. The dream has its price: $4995.-

The Hammond chess set is a sleek and modern rendition of a classic favourite, an ideal gift for the luxury loving game aficionado, $1995.-.

The GG pattern shawl by Gucci is an iconic piece and comes in beige and metallic gold with brown GG or in grey and metallic silver with black GG.
Available online or in Gucci stores for CHF 420.-.

For all music lovers, Montblanc has released the John Lennon Collection, in commemoration of the late legend’s 70th birthday. The writing instruments collection consists of three editions.

I hope that I have inspired you a little!

LoL, Sandra

Today, I would like you to meet a young and beautiful woman with an amazing shoe collection: Lulu Clogs by Luisa Lange.

After a previous foray into the fashion market with several creations of unique jackets, dresses and necklaces, Luisa has started to design something that she truly loves and wears with passion: clogs. Her fascination for them shows in every single detail of her designs, from rivets, glass grinded pearls to zebra prints and feathers, all with the focus on precision handcraft and the highest quality materials. Her creations are true pieces of art, all made and produced in Germany. The prices are approximately between €240.- – €360.-.

As you know, this summer the clogs have celebrated their big revival and are back in vogue.
I put an outfit together to show you how cool those shoes can be in combination. And the best is they are ultra-comfortable. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Lulu Clogs or visit the online shop. Worldwide shipping is available.

I already ordered mine and totally adore them. I took some photos to show you how fabulous also the packaging is. It is a true pleasure to receive a pair of Lulu Clogs.

LoL, Sandra

Ladurée is worldwide known for their double-decker macaroons which come in various flavours and seasonal specials. Founded in Paris by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, in 1862, the famous luxury pastries shop and café is always worth a visit. Today, the brand can be found all over the world and has even opened its doors in Zurich last winter.

Even if you are not into caloric treats, you should pay the shop a visit. The interior itself is overly stunning and inspiring, definitely nothing for minimalists.
Remember my friend, I wrote about, that built her dream closet in the famous Ladurée green.

The Ladurée universe includes much more than sweets. They sell the most beautiful gifts you can imagine from scented candles to shower gel, from ruffled printed umbrellas to tea degustation sets. All gorgeously wrapped and packed in their signature boxes in pastel colours.

Many designers got together with the famous French patisserie for the best fashion/food collaborations ever. Names like Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Marni, which are making our hearts go all aflutter with their designs, have created adorable macarons gift sets.
In the end of October, John Galliano will be decorating his special edition for Ladurée: The rose-ginger macaroons.

While the sweets inside may not last long, the fashionable packaging will be worth keeping it forever.

LoL, Sandra

While shopping on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, I came across a very interesting store called Duuya. I browsed through the subtle, very versatile avantgarde couture and asked the lady in the store about this beautiful collection. It turned out to be Jaga Buyan, the designer herself.

Born in Mongolia, she took her chance in 1999 and came to the US to fulfill the “American Dream”. Learning English quickly, Jaga began working in retail boutiques before launching her own clothing line and opening her shop on trendy Melrose Avenue in 2004.

Her courage paid off. Today, her unique signature distressed silk designs and perfect tailored pieces are sold in various stores in the US and internationally, and sometimes even seen on the red carpet in Hollywood.

Below you will find a preview of the upcoming S/S 2011 collection. If you are interested, feel free to contact Jaga at + 1 323 658 8481 (e-mail: ).

LoL, Sandra