Sandra‘s Closet

«Fashion does not belong in a museum.» – Karl Lagerfeld

Probably one of the only quotes of Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019), I don’t agree with and obviously the Costume Institute neither. Its spring 2023 exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty» will examine the work of the late designer. Focusing on his stylistic vocabulary as expressed in aesthetic themes that appear time and again in his fashions from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019, the show will spotlight the German-born designer’s unique working methodology. Most of the approximately 150 pieces on display will be accompanied by Lagerfeld’s sketches, which underscore his complex creative process and the collaborative relationships with his premières, or head seamstresses. Lagerfeld’s fluid lines united his designs for Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, CHANEL, and his eponymous label, Karl Lagerfeld, creating a diverse and prolific body of work unparalleled in the history of fashion.

I had the honor to meet and work with Karl on several occasions, as a young fashion editor, later on as editor-in-chief and also as a customer of his work, may it be fashion or art. If you interested in some anecdotes, I invite you to read this obituary.

Mannequins specially made for the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, reflect the renowned fashion designer’s aesthetic tastes.

Exhibition Dates: May 5–July 16, 2023
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028, Phone: 212-535-7710

Special Access
Evening Hours: Every Sunday until 9 pm. (The rest of the Museum is not open during these hours.)
Met Member Morning Hours: 9–10 am every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting May 6.

The exhibition has a virtual queue which you can join via QR code only once inside the Museum. No advance or timed tickets required. Access is first come, first served and subject to capacity limitations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lagerfeld, Costume Institute, #ALineOfBeauty
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The power of water… Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet vital part of maintaining good health, especially as we get older. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can help with everything from healthy heart function and skin elasticity to making you happier and more productive. And good news is that you can drink water in style and also get dressed for it.

Evian is partnering with historic Paris fashion house Balmain. With a unique baroque motif designed by Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, this limited edition 75cl glass bottle reflects a shared commitment to embracing our heritage. Paying homage to the fashion house’s founder, Pierre Balmain, who grew up in the small mountain village of Saint Jean de Maurienne, not far from evian’s iconic source in the Alps, its design combines the universes of both houses, with delicate light blue lace features and aqua-like droplets inspired by evian’s pure natural mineral water, enhanced with Balmain’s signature embellished details and gold lettering.

The collaboration also includes the launch of a capsule collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Classic sportswear silhouettes with the shades of soft pastels that one immediately associates with Balmain runways, the evian universe and, above all, refreshing joys of summer.

Relying on a wide variety of eco-friendly practices, materials and innovations, the collection of laid-back styles and accessories places the collaboration’s focus squarely on the powerful possibilities of a future world of fashion sustainability, all grouped under the distinctive tagline of «Together, change is beautiful.»

The Balmain team undertook the task of integrating a diverse range of materials, such as GOTS-certified organic cottons, sustainable viscose, and various recycled materials, to craft an extensive range of clothing items, including swimsuits, tees, hoodies, bombers, trucker jackets, and jeans.

Through this collaboration, evian and Balmain demonstrated a shared dedication to eco friendly practices, even in the minutest details, such as the recycled polyester labels and composition stickers, paper packaging made from pulp derived from sustainably managed FSC-certified forests, and the use of recycled plastic hangers and bags.

As an extension to the collection, evian and Balmain collaborated with Solaris, a recycling innovation industry leader to highlight the new opportunities presented by recycling plastic waste not suitable for circular economy in the fashion industry. Together, they developed a surprising new spin on the popular Balmain B-It slider: a sleek and transparent B-It that is entirely crafted from plastic waste that is typically judged to be unsuitable for reuse within the circular product cycle. Solaris also assisted Rousteing’s accessory design team, helping create an unexpected take on the house’s luxury Blaze handbag, using a 45% plant-based resin mixture to 3D-print the body and cover of the Blaze. The bag’s handle and lock logo were also 3D-printed, relying on a 100% rPET material created from recycled evian bottle waste (evian rPET flakes) that doesn’t meet circularity standards.

The «Together, Change is Beautiful» campaign was shot by filmmaker and photographer Carlota Guerrero, an artist who aims to portray beauty in a natural and frank way.

Guerrero’s film features the highly acclaimed La Marche Bleue dance troupe performing an original dance piece choreographed by founder Leo Walk. «The sequence was choreographed so that the movements would be impossible to perform alone,» noted Walk. «Instead, the dancers achieved their goal together, supporting each other and making it clear, through dance, that together, change is beautiful.»

Stay hydrated, stay in touch.
TO SHOP THE BALMAIN x EVIAN SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain x evian, © Sandra Bauknecht #evianwater
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Welcome to Maldives! Since almost one week already I am embracing island life at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort which is an absolute a dream. I am relaxed, nourished and just happy. Nature is so powerful here and the energy is very special. I feel inspired and refreshed. The first days I did absolutely nothing besides, swimming, exercising and reading books. Then, I was in the mood to take some photos. Before coming here, I bought myself a compact travel tripod which was a super investment as I took all of these shots by myself and it was a lot of fun!

My look: Dragon-print swimsuit with gold buttons, and matching dragon-print pareo, both by Balmain, gold wedge sandals by Aquazzura, BV1070 cat-eye sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, «Dubai» limited edition white and gold book tote with Rêve d’Infini motif imagined by Pietro Ruffo and matching «Dubai» J’adior limited edition bracelet set in black and white Dior Oblique cotton by Dior, gold metal necklace with coins and matching earrings, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Fall is coming and you can feel it everywhere. The colors change and the layers multiply. I love to mix and match old and new pieces. Going through my closet and browsing through my pieces, is something I absolutely enjoy. After the warm season, your personal winter wardrobe always feels kind of new again.

My look: Sequined crepe trench coat by Balmain, Alex metallic leather knee-high boots by Alexandre Vauthier, vintage metallic rose pink lambskin leather motorcycle city bag by Balenciaga, black and white tweed jumpsuit (S/S 2020 Look 8), tweed cap, and pearl earrings (Métiers d’Art 2015 Paris – Salzburg), all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Mykonos and Santorini are just a few of the Greek islands that promise unforgettable holidays. I just arrived in Mykonos. However those pictures were taken  in Santorini at the beautiful Mystique Hotel before. I love this pink and white checked outfit. It’s fresh and sophisticated. On top, the oversized jacket is perfect to resist the strong wind in the evening.

My look: Checked oversized tweed blazer, checked jacquard crop top, and checked jacquard mini skirt, all by Balmain, quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta, pearl earrings and Chanel 19 bag in rose leather, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©  Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

French fashion house BALMAIN has partnered with digital artist JEFF COLE to create THREE EXCLUSIVE NFTs inspired by the Balmain Unicorn sneakers.

Balmain S/S 2022

Only on MINTNFT can you make bids of these exclusive NFTs that include both physical and digital utility:

– One pair of Balmain Unicorn sneakers, signed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing
– One original sketch of the Balmain Unicorn sneaker, signed by Balmain’s Head of Sneaker Design, Safa Sahin
– Two VIP access passes to the Balmain Festival V03 during Paris Fashion Week 2022, in September
– Balmain’s own NFT, the «Non-Fungible Thread», which creates additional utility (drops later during 2022)

Make your bids. Get your Unicorn.
Auction closing: Friday, June 24, 2022, at 12PM EST

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MINTNFT
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Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christopher John Rogers is one of fashion’s most exciting new names, and it’s easy to see why. Since launching his eponymous brand only a few seasons ago, the designer’s unabashed use of color has already earned him a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and a legion of fans, including Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross and Michelle Obama. I wore his rainbow knit dress on a sunny day in New York and went for a walk through Central Park.

My look: Pleated striped ribbed wool maxi dress by Christopher John Rogers, lilac peak-lapels double-breasted blazer by Balmain, La Medusa leather plateau sandals, and small La Medusa top handle bag, both by Versace, square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, and black monogram croc-embossed leather belt by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
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Last month, I posted already a spoiler about this amazing collaboration between Barbie® and Balmain. For the previous post, click here please.

However this is not the first time, Barbie has collaborated with a fashion house, as she launched a collection with Jeremy Scott for Moschino in 2015. Olivier Rousteing and Barbie are also obvious admirers of one another, as the designer sat Barbie and Ken front row at Balmain’s digital fashion show last year.

Olivier Rousteing wrote on his Instagram account, showing him as a child next to a Barbie doll: «So this collaboration is more than just a collaboration. There is a message stronger than just a color card. When I was a little boy, I remembered hearing comments saying: a girl plays with Barbie, a boy with a car. This is such a cliché. As much as blue is for boys, pink is for girls. That’s why I love so much this collaboration, because Balmain and Barbie are stopping clichés and bringing a new ear where FREEDOM is the right word. I feel so proud of this collaboration because we are building a world where you are not defined by neither a gender, neither colors, neither codes that are not relevant today anymore. I am proud of this picture because it shows that the beauty of letting dreams about freedom since a young age happen will make you a free adult with passion.»

«Barbie® and Balmain are embarking upon a distinctly multicultural, inclusive and always joy-filled adventure,» said Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s creative director.

With a lot of pink which is synonymous with the brand and perfectly aligns with the modern Balmain Army’s bold spirit, and the familiar Balmain’s signatures like the House’s iconic marinière and its mesmerizing labyrinth pattern, this limited-edition Balmain x Barbie capsule collection is the perfect match of fashion and toy industry heritages. Launching on January 13, the collection also includes unisex styles as Ken can be seen wearing a rosy robe in a photo.

TO SHOP BARBIE® AND BALMAIN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Bridging the physical and digital worlds, there is also a NFT auction, hosted by @mintnftofficial, that features three Barbie avatars created by @forgetmenot_bln wearing an exclusive look from the high-fashion Balmain x Barbie collection. The highest bidder of each auction will win both the avatar and a physical, one-of-a-kind Barbie-scaled version of the outfit their avatar is wearing.

The auction is live on NFT.MattelCreations.com, so get ready to bid!

 If you’ve ever wanted to be a Barbie girl in a Balmain world, this is your collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain #BALMAINxBARBIE
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Earlier this year, Balmain‘s creative director Olivier Rousteing revamped Mattel‘s Barbie for the Maison’s Paris Fashion Week presentation in house pastel tones, donning peaked pagoda-shoulder suits – posing in front of the same jetliners that were used as props for Rousteing’s aviation-inspired  F/W 2021 collection.

Two Balmain barbies, and one Balmain Ken, all three dolls embrace Olivier’s vision on inclusivity. «I’m happy to see that these new-generations Barbies truly reflect the diversity of our Balmain Army,» he said.

The original sets for Théâtre de la Mode were destroyed, but new ones were created to display the figurines, which can be seen at Maryhill Museum of Art.

This collaboration between Mattel and the French house is a tribute to Pierre Balmain, who in 1945, after WWII, contributed along other designers such as Balenciaga, Carven and Lulien Lelong, to the «Theatre of Fashion» to present their latest creations. It was a traveling spectacle made of dolls, started by the School Of Chambre Syndicale De La Couture Parisienne. Pierre Balmain dressed over 200 dolls with outfits specifically created for the occasion.

Now, the first must-have piece of this collaboration has hit the shelves. Ski season styling is given a cute update with the After Ski Tundra boots from Balmain x Barbie®. They’re designed with the label’s monogram in pink and are accented with bows.

To shop the After Ski Tundra boots, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain
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Do you enjoy skiing in the most luxurious and sought-after resorts in Switzerland? The dilemma of whether to go to Gstaad, or St. Moritz comes down to personal preference. I used to spend my winters in St. Moritz for many years but today I prefer Gstaad.

The beautiful Gstaad Palace is my home away from home and those photos were taken inside the La Fromagerie restaurant that offers delicious cheese treats and other Swiss specialities. The Alpine resort’s blend of glamour, lifestyle, sport and pristine nature outshines everything. However you are far more certain of getting snow in December in St Moritz than Gstaad. Both have a high profile social scene. St. Moritz, touted as the ski resort «on top of the world,» and Gstaad advertises with «come up and slow down». The choice is yours and the look would work for both.

My look: Argyle-pattern rollneck jumper and matching argyle jacquard midi skirt, both by Balmain, St. Moritz Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch by Olympia Le Tan, Alminette red suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and classic large Impatiens earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.