Sandra‘s Closet

Chanel’s stage sets have been among the most outstanding ones in fashion history. Karl Lagerfeld creates what you would call the “excess in fashion”. From icebergs to barnyard spectacles, from apocalypse to mineral backdrops, this season, he went for a wind farm and solar panels for his Chanel S/S 2013 runway show. Only Karl Lagerfeld could take twelve wind turbines and make it a fashionable backdrop. The front row featured Jennifer Lopez with her cute daughter on her lap. “Energy is the most important thing in life” said the famous designer in an interview. “The rest comes later.”

And his Chanel S/S 2013 collection had new energy, a breath of fresh air. The traditional Chanel suit was given a new look with summer colours, while denim enlightened the beautiful white outfits. Big pearls finished off this very wearable collection perfectly. Young and sporty fabrics completed the renewable energy theme. The silhouette was dominated by an A-line or a bolero. My favourite was the uber-stylish “hula hoop” beach bag. I like it a lot!

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

This week was my “German” week. On Tuesday, I went to Hamburg to finalize an amazing project for Sandra’s Closet’s upcoming third birthday and then I drove to Frankfurt, which is my place of origin. I was born and raised in the picturesque Taunus, a part of the Central German Uplands, located at the gates of Frankfurt. I love the Hessian mentality and have to admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time here recently but whenever I am back, I feel at home.

I am staying at the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star luxury castle hotel, that is owned by the Landgrave and Princes von Hessen. It offers you living history to touch and feel. Exclusive furnishings and an impressive collection of antiques and paintings from the private estate of the mother of the last Kaiser convey the authentic ambience of a castle from imperial times and makes me feel like a little princess.

Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane and showed my daughter the school I went to: St. Angela Schule in Königstein, a private all-girls school, attached to an Ursuline convent. Personally speaking, I loved this mono education and truly enjoyed my time there. Until today, I am close to my five best friends from school. When I saw the pillar we decorated for our graduation, I was so touched that the tears kept rolling down my cheeks.

This morning, another event has touched me deeply: Sandra’s Closet reached over 50.000 likes on Facebook overnight, which means 10.000 likes in 2 months. This is so amazing and I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for following my blog that has taken me on such a beautiful adventure. I feel very blessed!
If you haven’t liked Sandra’s Closet on Facebook yet, please do so here.

Below you can enjoy some more photos of my outfit and the castle hotel:

My look: Fur vest and biker boots by Miu Miu, red wool dress and gold horsebit necklace by Gucci, wool cashmere gauze Rottweiler scarf by Givenchy and Diorette earrings by Dior Haute Joaillerie and tote bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht via Instagram

For the Christmas 2012 Makeup collection “Éclat du Soir de Chanel”, Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the vintage luster of bronze-tinged gold and lends its modernity to evening makeup.
Here is your preview of the beautiful pieces that will be launched in the end of this month:

Regard Signé de CHANEL CHF 77.-
Harmonie du Soir

Ombres Contraste Duo CHF 60.-
47 Nuit-Claire

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.-
817 Apparence

Joues Contraste CHF 60.-
73 Star Dust

Poudre Universelle Libre CHF 67.-
57 Rêverie

Rouge Allure Velvet CHF 48.-
307 L’Impatiente

Le Vernis CHF 35.-
637 Malice

Available end of October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Chanel keeps us in suspense until the last minute. Fans of the brand are eager to see the final campaign photos featuring Brad Pitt as the first male model for the house’s iconic Chanel N°5 scent. For the first time, a man will give his view on the most feminine and legendary of fragrances. On October 15th, 2012 the secret will be finally lifted.

In the meantime enjoy those 7 seconds of mystery.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel

These photos were taken on my way to the Akris S/S 2013 show at the famous Place du Trocadéro, site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement, where you are having a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.

My look: Suzu wool-blend crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic (for a previous post on this beautiful collection, please click here), lace sleeves by Chanel, cadillac sunglasses by Prada, Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent, cutout patent-leather ankle boots and Swarovski crystal necklace, both by Lanvin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening during the Biennale des Antiquaires, Piaget took us for a gala dinner to the beautiful L’Arc restaurant, that offers a stunning view of the city’s iconic Arc de Triomphe.

My look: Silk blouse (available with or without sleeves) and chain detail skirt (50% off), both by Givenchy, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, Leopard Nocturne African Queen clutch bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 runway and earrings from Chanel‘s Paris-Bombay collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited to a friend’s house for a lovely Sunday brunch. The weather was so beautiful and summery. Nevertheless, I just couldn’t help myself and had to wear some of my new pre-fall 2012 pieces. Gucci’s autumnal floral print is such a perfect transition into fall.

My look: Printed silk blouse, stretch-leather leggings and Soft Stirrup bag, all three by Gucci, coral shape heels by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days I have been travelling like crazy and I have so many exciting things to share with you. Here is a little teaser of what is coming up. On Saturday evening, I went to the launch event of Gucci Première, the Italian house’s new fragrance for women, at the famous Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Present at the exclusive dinner were also the face of the campaign, Blake Lively, with her boyfriend Ryan Reynolds, and of course Frida Giannini, Creative Director of Gucci, Salma Hayek and her husband François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR.

As Gucci Première is inspired by timeless Hollywood glamour, I chose this black and gold outfit matching the colour scheme of the fragrance:
Metallic-striped fringed leather dress, “Kelly” black and gold suede sandals, “Hysteria” patent leather clutch and belted suede leather jacket, all by Gucci from different seasons. Earrings by Chanel from the Paris – Bombay collection and Twenties fishnet stay-ups in black by Wolford. On my nails: “Smoke Red” by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for photos of the dinner, more information on the fragrance and an amazing interview with Blake Lively.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“She has an attitude like a princess.” – Karl Lagerfeld
And Kaiser Karl treats her like a princess!

Meet Choupette, his beloved kitten and fashion’s favourite feline. In a video promoting the second arrival of Karl by Karl Lagerfeld on Net-à-Porter in which the famous beauty finally speaks, is a must-see. In the end, the designer shows emotions when he kisses his princess with a purring sound.

For Chanel’s Haute Couture F/W 2012 Show “New Vintage”, Karl Lagerfeld presented the Choupette bag that does not have an official name but its soft material reminds Karl Lagerfeld of the texture of the coat of his cat, Choupette. Unfortunately, this bag will not be available in the Chanel boutiques but exclusively made to order, as it is the case for all the Haute Couture collections.
(And ladies, if you like the two-tone nail design, click here to get the instructions.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Karl Lagerfeld, © Chanel and Video: © net-à-porter

This September, the wait will be finally over: Chanel OMBRE CONTRASTE NOTORIOUS will hit the shelves. I have whetted your appetite for this amazing product already in March after the Chanel F/W 2012 show (for the previous post please click here).

This hybrid powder was used by Peter Philips for all the sculpting and shading of the face like an “eye shadow meets blusher.” Nestled in the iconic JOUES CONTRASTE case, OMBRE CONTRASTE NOTORIOUS, the Exclusive Creation of the Collection, sweeps over eyelids and cheeks in a single stroke. The grey taupe shade, tinged with lavender, is almost imperceptible at first but becomes more intense with each application. Applied as blush and eyeshadow, it acts like a sculpting halo and makes it possible to build a singular, intriguing shadow effect.

Available at Chanel boutiques and at selected retailers such as Jelmoli in Zurich.
Ombre Contraste Notorious CHF 60.-

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel