Sandra‘s Closet

This week, after my post about the amazing experience with Hublot at the Oktoberfest, I got many compliments about my Dirndl look. You might be surprised but this outfit doesn’t include one single traditional Bavarian piece, every item comes from a runway collection. Over the years, I have collected so many fashion must-haves, that I love to style in different and unexpected ways. As I always say, keep everything if you have space, there will always be a time to wear those pieces again…, I am sure that you will be surprised to see the years in which I bought them.

My look: Bavarian janker jacket (F/W 2002) and corset-style dress (F/W 2010), both by D&G Dolce Gabbana, embellished leather choker (F/W 2002) and brooch (F/W 2010), all by Dolce & Gabbana, feather apron (S/S 2005) and lace-up leather boots, both by Prada (F/W 2001), plissé leather cuffs (F/W 2016) by Gucci, small classic black handbag with gold-tone metal chain by Chanel (F/W 1995), Venezia lace stay-ups (F/W 2003) by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know how much I love Munich, the city I lived in for eight years and the place where many important events in my life took place. Every little corner holds a memory. Therefore I was over the moon when HUBLOT invited me to join them for a «Wiesn Gaudi» to celebrate the launch of the amazing BIG BANG BAVARIA in bronze. Two renowned houses, HUBLOT & MEINDL, have joined forces to fuse innovation and tradition to celebrate Bavarian craftmanship and what could be more appropriate to present this «Art of Fushion» during the world’s most renowned festival—Oktoberfest?!

Traditions provide new generations with a unique way of reconnecting with their identity, it is why they last. Braudel said that in order to hope, in order to move forward, we also need to know where we come from.The Big Bang Bavaria is a concentration of history and traditions.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot

When I arrived, I was brought directly to my hotel, Roomers Munich, which celebrated its soft opening during those days. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to change as the minute I entered the lobby, I had to leave immediately due to a fire alarm. What a pity!

In my beautiful room waited a surprise for me: a MEINDL dirndl that features ultra soft buckskin, the iconic material MEINDL has been relentlessly working with for many decades on its traditional production.

With Ricardo Guadalupe enjoying the first beer after the unveiling of the Big Bang Bavaria.

As if I had a premonition of what was to come, I was dressed already in Bavarian style and ready to go to the HUBLOT Boutique on Munich’s prestigious Maximilianstrasse where the BIG BANG BAVARIA was unveiled at 4pm on the dot in true «Wiesn» spirit with Markus Meindl, CEO of Meindl, present uttering the cry «O’zapft is», Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, opened the first barrel of the event just like at the Oktoberfest. It took three taps of the mallet to get the beer flowing.

«O’zapft is» – Markus Meindl and Ricardo Guadalupe

But how does the new watch look like? Cut from bronze, a material created in 3000 BC that has the advantages of non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion and a unique appearance, it is strapped onto two robust, hand-embroidered bracelets in deer leather.

Centuries of expertise and tradition lie behind the BIG BANG BAVARIA strap. Firstly, the craftsmanship of a family that has been passing down its passion for leather from father to son since 1683. The BIG BANG BAVARIA strap is reminiscent of the «Lederhosen», the short leather breeches that originated in Bavaria and have been the traditional clothing of the mountain people since the 18th century.

Just like the garment from which the strap draws inspiration, it is cut in deer leather and hand-embroidered with a pattern only possible to create on deer leather. Traditional sewing gives a 3D effect to the leather tanned using the MEINDL tradition.

It takes 3 to 4 months to tan the hide using an age-old technique. The hides are salted then plunged into a limestone-based liquid before being washed, then treated by hand with cod-liver oil and dried. The last two steps are repeated several times until the leather is entirely soaked with the oil. The hide is left to dry in the sun to develop a light brown colour. To bring out the velvet character of the leather is then rubber with sandpaper. MEINDL then applies and brushes the leather with several tropical wood bark colorants, a procedure repeated up to 5 times. The products used are all without preservatives or chemicals to respect nature.

Big Bang Bavaria version one

Delivered with two «One Click» straps, the BIG BANG BAVARIA easily changes its look thanks to its patented attachment system. There’s a version with a cuff in natural light brown deer leather, enhanced by two leather tabs embroidered with a deer head. The second version comes in «altsalzburg» (black-brown)-coloured deer leather, embroidered with oak leaves.

Big Bang Bavaria version two

The BIG BANG BAVARIA beats to the rhythm of Unico, the Hublot manufacture movement, with 330 components for a 72-hour power reserve—a self-winding bidirectional movement with a flyback chronograph and a column wheel on the side of the dial.

The BIG BANG BAVARIA is available now in the Hublot Boutiques (88 all around the world) in a limited edition of 100 pieces for  CHF 26900 / € 27900.

After our first beer in the boutique, we went to the one & only Käfer’s-Wiesn-Schänke – a must at the Oktoberfest – also for HUBLOT! While enjoying the iconic Bavarian «Schmankerl», the crispy duck and knödel (dumplings), I was singing to the amusement of my table-mates (all from the countries) to all the German songs played by the live band. But no worries, I can be pretty contagious and finally we were all  standing on the seats, dancing the night away.

Such a great piece but unfortunately a little too big on me… 

One of those trips I will always remember and a new memory added to one of my favorite cities. Thank you Hublot! Please create a BIG BANG BAVARIA in dirndl-style. I am convinced I would not be the only one loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

As most of you know, I love Munich very much and spent many years living there. Every corner of the city carries a memory for me. Therefore I was very excited to go back for the first Oktoberfest weekend mid-September to celebrate Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This iconic event always starts at the store on Perusastrasse followed by a visit to the Schützenzelt at the Wies’n. It is a great celebration as you see many familiar faces, all enjoying beer and of course the most amazing Bavarian treats. The only drop of bitterness was the heavy rain but at least we were protected in style with the help of turquoise Tiffany umbrellas.

My look: Dirndl «St. Moritz» in grey  and dirndl blouse, both by Owloon, purple wool jacket by Happycoat,  Monogramme Kate studded leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, light green pumps by Prada and T Smile 18-karat rose gold diamond bracelet by Tiffany & Co..

LoL, Sandra

The rain couldn’t stop us!

Breakfast inside the Tiffany & Co. store in Munich.

Later we went to the Oktoberfest inside the Schützenzelt.

One of my oldest friends whom I know since 5th grade.

The new T Smile collection is too cute.

With our lovely hostess Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff.

Thank you, Tiffany & Co. for this lovely day!

Photos: © munichpress.de / Guenther Reisp and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair. This year’s edition (September 20 – October 5, 2014) will be no exception. With some six million people attending every year, it is an important part of Bavarian culture.
Think Disneyland for adults. Think must do!

It’s very important to accessorize your look (great dirndls are available at Lola Paltinger). Here are some fun pieces, such as small purses, charms and sweet headbands:

1) iPhone 5 Cover Wiesn Edition by Iphoria
2) Wiesn stay-up by Falke
3) Printed scarf by Comma
4) Dirndl Charm by Thomas Sabo
5) Mia floral-embellished headband by Eugenia Kim
6) Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
7) Wiesn Charm by Tiffany & Co.
8) Flower-embellished straw headpiece by Piers Atkinson
9) Kamaris suede and lace ankle boots by Jimmy Choo
10) Lavelle stretch-silk satin push-up bra by Agent Provocateur
11) Salty Pretzel rose gold-tone cubic zirconia earrings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
12) Spatzl Tambourine Bag by MCM
Available from September 20, 2014 at the MCM Munich Flagship Store on Brienner Str. 1.
Limited to 50 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday, Saturday, 12 o’clock in the “Schottenhamel” beer tent: By tapping the first barrel of beer and saying into the microphone “O’zapft is!” (which means: “It is tapped!”), Munich’s mayor, Christian Ude started the 180th Oktoberfest. My avid readers know, I love the Bavarian city and its “Wiesn” – this is how the locals are calling their annual party, after the colloquial name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) themselves.

The fashionable crowd started a little earlier in the morning and followed the invitation of Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff and Alexandra Freifrau von Wangenheim to the famous legendary Breakfast at Tiffany’s, from which guests were transported around 11.30am to the Oktoberfest directly. This is the place to be!

And here is your stylish WIESN GUIDE – enjoy!

Ziegfeld collection daisy charm in sterling silver with white silk ribbon by Tiffany & Co.,
€ 770.00 Euro – CHF 870.00

An exceptional investment for your Wiesn outfit infiltrated with legendary charm, Lanz contrasts rich tradition with cosmopolitan elegance. Every woman looks good in a dirndl!
Dirndl by Lanz, exclusively available at mytheresa.com

As it can get a little chilly at night, it might be a good idea to bring a fancy cardigan with you.
Oktoberfest jacket ‘Odelia’ by Iris von Arnim, exclusively available online and in the German flagship stores in Munich and Sylt.
€ 1095.00

Adored by the fashion elite, French designer Olympia Le-Tan‘s artisanal collection showcases beautiful hand embroidery and eye-catching designs.
Shop the clutch bags by Olympia Le-Tan here.

To celebrate the 180th Oktoberfest, Jimmy Choo has launched a limited edition collection that is exclusively available in the German flagship stores in Munich and Frankfurt.
Pumps ‘Bavaria’ by Jimmy Choo
€ 695.00

1 Traditional hat with feathers by Lola Paltinger‘s Milka-Collection (see below), € 59.00
2 Knee socks ‘Wiesn’ by Falke, € 19.00
3 Charm ‘Brezel-Pretzel’ by Thomas Sabo, € 59.00
4 Bracelet ‘Get Lucky’ by Dodo, Price on request

In collaboration Milka, designer Lola Paltinger (for a previous post about her, please click here), has created some amazing outfits for the Oktoberfest season all in the famous chocolate brand’s iconic purple colour. You can shop the looks exclusively at the Milka Welt at Schrannenhalle in Munich and online at Lodenfrey. My absolute favourites this season!

And last but not least, even that you are not allowed to smoke in the beer tents, I am sure that you would like to light a fire in style! The small size (55 x 31 x 12 mm) lets it easily fit in your pockets or clutch.
S.T.Dupont MiniJet Dallmayr No. 1 Oktoberfest-Edition
€ 109.00

Don’t forget to have some traditional Bavarian delicacies such as Obatzda (a spiced cheese-butter spread), Weisswurst (a white sausage) and Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, I went straight from Paris to Kitzbuehel in Austria to celebrate the 35th birthday of my lovely friend Tine. It was such a great party. We started with a cocktail reception at the Stanglwirt where the photos of my look were taken, followed by a trip with the cable car up to the summit station of the Hardkaiser from where we climbed up the hill to the very cozy Rübezahl Alm. Of course, the dress code was “traditional costume”.

Since many years, I have been collecting dirndl-style looks from different designer collections.
My look: Tyrolean jacket, top with lace sleeves and matching skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, earrings and necklace with velvet ribbon (my birthday gifts) by Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered bag by Valentino,lace tights and hat, both by Dolce & Gabbana with brooch and gamsbart by Gucci, suede pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

German fashion house Basler will be launching their first Dirndl collection during the so-called “Nacht der Tracht” tomorrow at Munich’s famous Löwenbräukeller. It is going to be a fun packed evening with lots of local celebrities as models for the fashion show.

Here is your sneak preview of this very colourful and fun collection. Peacock, leopard and tiger prints embellish the Bavarian dresses designed by Basler’s Creative Director Brian Rennie, who was with Escada before.

Makes me truly miss my time in Munich…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Basler

Here is my outfit that I wore to the second wedding celebration on Saturday. The party took place in Lech, Austria and the dress code was dirndl. For my foreign reader: This is a type of traditional dress worn in Bavaria, Austria and other Alpine areas. What might seem to you more like a historical costume, is pretty normal for us and it is definitely a look that suits every woman.

I wanted to go for a not so traditional outfit and have been collecting designer pieces over many years. Here is the outcome:

Checked Dress with Black Silk Lining, Shoes, Blouse, Choker and Hat by Dolce & Gabbana, Apron by Prada, Embroidered Bag by Valentino, Earrings, Ring, Badges and Gamsbart by Gucci, Watch by Roger Dubuis.

What a fun party!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

O’gzapft is! My German readers will know what I am talking about. In Stuttgart it is soon to be Wasen time and in Munich it is soon Oktoberfest season! Those traditional festivities require a stylish look emphasizing your Bavarian spirit.

BOSS Black is launching Mid July a capsule collection as part of F/W 2011 which will include two dirndls and five traditional costumes  for men. Available online at www.hugoboss.com or in selected stores.

Enjoy your beer in style!

LoL, Sandra

Dress: Dirndl 2011 – 50214956 – 10151258 – 963 UVP: 499,00 €

Dress: Dirndl 2011 – 50214956 – 10151258 – 970 UVP: 499,00 €

Jacket: Colmont – 50211595 – 10147924 – 203 UVP: 349,00 €

Shirt: Ronny 16 – 50205480 – 10146452 – 212 UVP: 89,95 €

Leather Pants: Nevis – 50211592 – 10149563 – 240 UVP: 399,00 €

Neckwear: Bandana – 50211845 – 10149827 – 622 UVP: 129,95 €

Hat: Severinus – 50208771 – 10148761 – 001 UVP: 109,95 €

Jacket: Schorsch – 50211921 – 10118284 – 022 UVP: 449,00 €

Shirt: Fridl – 50211479 – 10149516 – 501 UVP: 119,95 €

Trousers: Stachus-W – 50211924 – 10139323 – 505 UVP: 119,95 €

Neckwear: Pocket Square – 50211822 – 10149811 – 531 UVP: 34,95 €

Neckwear: Oblong Scarf – 50211821 – 10149811 – 531 UVP: 119,95 €

Belt: Augustiner – 50212285 – 10150187 – 510 UVP: 99,95 €

Jacket: Hans – 50211923 – 10149663 – 240 UVP: 399,00 €

Shirt: Fridl – 50211479 – 10149516 – 610 UVP: 119,95 €

Trousers: Stachus-W – 50211815 – 10139322 – 202 UVP: 119,95 €

Neckwear: Pocket Square – 50211822 – 10149811 – 622 UVP: 34,95 €

Neckwear: Oblong Scarf – 50211821 – 10149811 – 622 UVP: 119,95 €

Belt: Augustiner – 50212285 – 10150187 – 610 UVP: 99,95 €

Jacket: Schorsch – 50211921 – 10118284 – 032 UVP: 449,00 €

Shirt: Fridl – 50211479 – 10149516 – 301 UVP: 119,95 €

Trousers: Stachus-W – 50211925 – 10141951 – 320 UVP: 119,95 €

Neckwear: Pocket Square – 50211822 – 10149811 – 801 UVP: 34,95 €

Neckwear: Oblong Scarf – 50211821 – 10149811 – 801 UVP: 119,95 €

Belt: Augustiner – 50212285 – 10150187 – 810 UVP: 99,95 €

Jacket: Sepp – 50211922 – 10141843 – 302 UVP: 349,00 €

Shirt: Fridl – 50211479 – 10149516 – 411 UVP: 119,95 €

Trousers: Stachus-W – 50211815 – 10139322 – 410 UVP: 119,95 €

Neckwear: Pocket Square – 50211822 – 10149811 – 692 UVP: 34,95 €

Neckwear: Oblong Scarf – 50211821 – 10149811 – 692 UVP: 119,95 €

Belt: Augustiner – 50212285 – 10150187 – 410 UVP: 99,95 €

Shoe: Festor – 50211896 – 10130716 – 601 UVP: 429,00 €

I would like to dedicate this week to outstanding talented designers around the world who have impressed me with their work.
As the annual Munich Beer Festival, the famous Oktoberfest, is taking place at the moment, I would like to start with Lola Paltinger who creates the most beautiful dirndl couture– the embodiment of urbane German traditional costume, so-called “Tracht”.

Lola graduated like me from ESMOD. After her studies she trained with Vivienne Westwood before launching her own atelier.

Her style is eccentric and very feminine, inspired by the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s/40s. Her playful romanticism with that touch of drama is what makes her creations so special. As for me her dirndls are by far the most gorgeous ones on the market, elevating the traditional costume to a trendy must-have.

Her label Lollipop & Alpenrock stands for her famous couture dirndls, classy two-pieces and separates. The beautiful range of Bavarian accessories complete the collection.
For enquiries concerning the bespoke pieces, please contact the Munich atelier directly.

Under the name Happy Heidi, Lola Paltinger presents her prêt-à-porter range of very fashionable models in limited editions. Aprons, charivaris and matching blouses are also available from selective retailers both within Germany and abroad.

For my German, Swiss and Austrian readers: Himmelblau by Lola Paltinger is her casual line with Tracht elements that is sold exclusively to HSE24, the home shopping televison network.

She even has some famous fans who were spotted wearing her Bavarian pop couture, among them Selma Hayek and Paris Hilton.

One thing is for sure: Women of all ages, figures and types look great in a dirndl!
And with that famous “dash of Lola”, that coquettish wink, you will be snowed under with gingerbread hearts saying I love you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lola Paltinger