Sandra‘s Closet

For my Swiss based readers I have some very good news: Bongénie Grieder is carrying Matthew Williamson now in Zurich and Geneva. I spotted the waistcoat in black there (see below). Wear it with a white shirt and a pair of sexy leather leggings that you might already have. Accessorize this stunning look with a fringed bag by Jimmy Choo and those stunning gladiator sandals by Chloé. Both also available at Bongénie Grieder.

LoL, Sandra

Something else that I loved in Paris last week were the windows of the Lanvin Faubourg St. Honoré store. The master behind the scene was Cyril Hatt, a French artist who is represented by the Gallery Bertrand Grimont.

The main attraction were the beautiful wedding gowns from the Lanvin Blanche line. Alber Elbaz, the brilliant designer of the famous French fashion house, designed modern looks for a bride that is less Cinderella and more independent Fashionista.

At the Parisian department store Bon Marché, the collection – that consists of 13 dresses – is orchestrated by Cyril Hatt`s installations until February 13, 2010. It is truly worth seeing.

In case you don`t make it to Paris, no worries please. On February 16, 2010 www.net-à-porter.com open their even bigger wedding boutique where you can order the fabulous Lanvin Blanche creations online.

In the most beautiful dress you will surely have the most beautiful day in your life!

LoL, Sandra

Last weekend I went to Paris and got a truly adorable present for the launch of the new Balenciaga scent: A personalized engraved perfume bottle. To me, this is such a wonderful idea. A lovely gift that every girl would adore, something very special.

In anticipation of Valentine`s Day, the famous couture house Balenciaga Paris is launching its first new fragrance. After almost 15 years of absence in the fragrance business, the new scent named simply “Balenciaga Paris” is meant to revive the house`s perfume label. Created by the award-winning perfumer Olivier Polge of IFF and inspired by Balenciaga`s designer Nicolas Ghesquière, it is in the floral chypre family with accentuated violet. The scent is not as powdery as expected due to the natural effect of the violet leaves, instead it has more of a metallic freshness to it. I love the traditional ingredients like carnation, violet, cedar and patchouli that are transformed with a new contemporary twist.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, is the face of the advertising campaign shot by Steven Meisel. The scent debuts in most countries in the beginning of February.

Happy smelling!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and © Sandra Bauknecht

Jumpsuits are so hot again and the material of the moment is definitely lace. So here is a stunning look by Stella McCartney combining both. The London designer is known for her true love for these all-in-ones and is including them in every collection. This one here comes in two different versions: One (above and on Victoria Beckham below) is made of sequined lace with embellished shoulders and a deeper neckline. It can even be made to measure. For further enquiries contact the London store: +44 (0)20 7518 3100.

The other model (below to the right) is a little more basic without the sequins and sharp cuts. You can order it at www.net-a-porter.com. I like the idea of combining that beautiful jumpsuit with dark or olive green accessories.

A little anecdote regarding the development of this lovely piece. Stella McCartney attended with her close friends Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson the Met Gala 2009 in New York.

She made this jumpsuit in her suite at the Carlyle a few hours before the party with her girlfriends who were all dressed in Stella`s designs. Obviously they all had a blast cutting the lace fabric and sticking it together.

Unfortunately the Daily Mail called Stella the worst dressed attendee wearing “Granny`s lace curtains” that night. To me, totally unfair. I think that she looked stunning. But nevertheless tastes differ. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton is launching another gorgeous special edition of bags in the beginning of February that will only be available for a few months. The two models named “Fuchsia Courtney MM” and “Fuchsia Pochette Courtney” come in Monogram embossed fuchsia calf leather with beautiful studded details. The pink versions are so lovely, probably a good present for romantic girls on Valentine`s Day.

LoL, Sandra

Here comes one of my favourite bags for summer: The orange “Monogram Denim Sunrise” (M93190) by Louis Vuitton. Spotted at their S/S 2010 runway show, featured in their advertising campaign with Lara Stone and just a little later seen at Victoria Beckham. It is always good to be friends with some famous fashion designers…

If you are not that connected, sign in on their waiting lists. Or just get your hands on the plushy fur tail and tassel charms named “Foxy”  that are sold separately in 3 different colours: orange, pink and green. They would be a gorgeous addition to your already existing bags.

LoL, Sandra

There is a new generation of designers that are using computer-generated patterns to achieve a new kind of futuristic look. Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou are among those rising stars.

My favourite is Greek-born designer Mary Katrantzou. Her surrealistic prints of perfume bottles on dresses (see below) were divine last winter. You should get one on sale at Browns. And like Coco Chanel said: „A woman who doesn`t wear perfume has no future“. I am sure this is nothing Mary has to worry about.

For my Swiss based readers: Trois Pommes will carry her beautiful summer collection.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. A rare phenomenon was seen in California: Rain. But the weather couldn`t put a damper on Sandra Bullock`s stunning appearance in the amazing orchid chiffon evening gown by Bottega Veneta from their S/S 2010 runway collection. The dress had a wonderful, outstanding colour and the transparency was very up-to-date. The combination of the signature knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and the triple platform pumps by Casadei in purple suede leather with the extraordinary jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz (Her showroom in New York is located at 580 5th Avenue by 47th Street) was just perfect. Her hair was in a loose up-do that had a modernized 1930`s look with soft curls and waves.

The brunette was nominated in two categories and won the award for best actress (drama) for her role in “The Blind Side“. Many stars wore rainbow-coloured ribbons in memoriam of the Haiti earthquake but Sandra Bullock took it one step further and donated $1 million to the victims of this horrible disaster.

To me, she was definitely the best acdress last night!

LoL, Sandra