Sandra‘s Closet

«Some days you’re the pigeon, some days you’re the statue.»

Lately, I’ve been living in the space between those two, standing still while life leaves its marks, yet still refusing to lose my grace. Fashion has always been my quiet form of resilience, a language beyond words. Today I wear Tom Ford, a silhouette sculpted with the kind of strength I need right now. Haider Ackermann’s vision for the house speaks of poetry and precision, softness wrapped around steel and I love how he translates that into something as simple yet refined as a cashmere jogging pant: effortless, elegant, and impossibly comfortable. And in my hand, a pigeon clutch by JW Anderson, a symbol of both peace and fragility, and a reminder that even stillness can have wings.

My look: Wool-blend sweater, jersey tapered trackpants, gold-tone choker, and gold-tone cuff, all by Tom Ford, pigeon resin clutch by JW Anderson, Torchon gold-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, LV Link square sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and Jeanne embellished glossed-leather slingback pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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Breaking news, Tom Ford appoints Haider Ackermann Creative Director. The Colombian-born designer is known for his precise, sensual aesthetic. Owner Estée Lauder and licensee Zegna have sublime ambitions for the brand, whose former Creative Director Peter Hawkings exited suddenly in July of this year.

Ackermann, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and adopted by a French family, will work from his home city of Paris. His role makes him responsible for shaping all of Tom Ford’s fashion output, including womenswear, menswear, accessories and eyewear. He will also «guide the creative vision for the overall brand», the company’s statement mentioned. The first full view of his interpretation of the codes established and refined by Ford will be revealed in Paris next March at a runway show during the F/W 2025 edition of Paris Fashion Week.

«It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honour the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,» said Ackermann in a statement.

«We are thrilled to welcome Haider Ackermann to Tom Ford,» William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of ELC, said in a statement to Vogue «Haider’s appointment strengthens our ambitions for this enormously successful brand. His unique and insightful vision will further enhance the house’s global impact on fashion and culture.»

Tom Ford, who founded his eponymous brand in 2005, stepped down in 2023 following its $2.8 billion sale to ELC the previous year. I had always been a huge fan of his creative work and missed him at the helmet of his eponymous label. However, I am excited for Haider’s interpretation of the Tom Ford brand! I personally think it is a great match!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tom Ford / Estée Lauder
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Pleats are a must this season, spotted at the S/S 2014 runway shows of Haider Ackermann, Victoria Beckham, Proenza Schouler and Dries Van Noten. But how do you wear this trend without looking too conservative? Actually, it is very easy. Calf length skirts are the way to go. Preferably they come with some metallic details to add a little bling to your look.

The three pleated skirts of desire are this summer:

1Plissé cotton-blend midi skirt by Dries Van Noten
2Snake-print pleated crepe maxi skirt by Dries Van Noten
3 Foil-paneled pleated cloqué maxi skirt by Proenza Schouler
(I couldn’t resist this one…).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dries Van Noten, Proenza Schouler and © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet my friend Rose, Styling Director of MYTHERESA.COM, who always puts a cool twist to every outfit. Today, she is casual and ultra stylish in one.

Get her look: Printed cotton tee and mini skull bracelet, both by Alexander McQueen,maxi skirt by Haider Ackermann, snake print clutch by Lanvin, golden sandals by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of mytheresa.com

Sunday night, I had a blast in Paris at the Purple x Bulgari dinner at the famous Café de Flore, followed by the after party at Le Montana. The room was filled with the “Who’s Who in High Fashion” and of course many celebrities such as Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody.

Enjoy some of the impressions! It doesn’t get more “in” than here…

Caroline Gaimari (Purple) with me

Famous crowd: Tilda Swinton, Haider Ackermann, Betony Vernon, Sandro Kopp, Waris Ahluwalia, and founder/owner of Purple Olivier Zahm

Arriving from the Givenchy F/W 2013 runway show with an extravagant hairdo: Models Magdalena Frackowiak and…

…Isabeli Fontana, here with Olivier Zahm

Patrick Liotard-Vogt (Chairman A Small World) and Olivier Zahm

Olivier Zahm and designer Haider Ackermann

Patrick Liotard-Vogt with me

Charlotte Stockdale, Derek Blasberg, Samantha Traina, and Gaia Repossi

One of my favourite designers: Olivier Theyskens with me

At the after party at Le Montana

Waris Ahluwalia

I truly had a blast and went to bed far too late. But when I got to my hotel room, I had a meltdown when spotting the fag burns in my beloved strapless lace and tulle dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

I truly hope that Dolce & Gabbana can save this amazing piece!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Purple © Stéphane Feugère, © Sandra Bauknecht

For the Cannes Film Festival 2012’s opening night, the who’s who of Hollywood came down to the Côte d’Azur. Here are the best dressed ladies of this amazing night. Enjoy!

Jury member Diane Kruger looked amazing in a mint green sheer couture gown by Giambattista Valli.

Eva Longoria wore a flowing, feathered train gown by Marchesa in which she had quite some problems walking on the red carpet.

American singer Lana Del Rey was wearing a classy black long dress by Alberta Ferretti that gave all the attention to the 18-carat white gold necklace set with a 31 carats yellow pear-shaped diamond by Chopard.

Eva Herzigova, the Czech model, was wearing a lace gown by Dolce Gabbana combined with the Marilyn Monroe Tribute set from the Red Carpet collection composed of a necklace in 18-carat white gold set with beads diamonds (151.64 cts), heart shaped diamonds (30.72 cts) and diamonds (18.53cts). Earrings en suite. All by Chopard.

Actress Tilda Swinton, who stars in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, wore a bronze gown by her fashion friend, designer Haider Ackermann.

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto wore a strapless beaded bodice gown, with a peplum pink satin skirt by Michael Angel, accessorized by Chopard jewelry.

The legendary Jane Fonda, wearing Chopard jewelry, looked absolutely stunning at 74  in a form-fitting metallic gown from Stella McCartney‘s new evening collection I saw her during the day at the Chopard lounge and was overwhelmed by her charisma.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©VALERY HACHE/AFP/GettyImages, ©Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images, ©Rex, ©Lia Toby / WENN

Paisley, the Indian heritage print of swirling curling shapes finds new style currency this S/S 2012 season.

Silky pyjama pieces present an alluring eveningwear option as seen at Stella McCartney.

Paisley-print shirt by Stella McCartney

Paisley-print silk pants by Stella McCartney

Embroidered feather-trimmed silk-organza dress by Matthew Williamson

Jil Sander was the master protagonist of the paisley trend, stamping swirls across demure, tailored shapes for a fresh way to wear the print. The neon-style colours are a fresh addition to your summer wardrobe.

Lunetta paisley-print woven dress by Jil Sander

Appliquéd cotton-blend voile maxi skirt by Emilio Pucci

Stay tuned for an upcoming post with me wearing paisley-print pieces.

LoL, Sandra

While Dior still hasn’t officially announced Galliano’s successor (and they won’t probably until September), the suspicion hardens that Ricardo Tisci, Givenchy’s Creative Director, will be the one. Since John Galliano’s unpleasant exit, Dior’s dresses have been stigmatised on the red carpet. In return, we have been spotting much more Givenchy lately. Might be a sign…

Liv Tyler, Mary-Kate Olsen and Alicia Keys wore Givenchy Haute Couture to the Met Gala in New York this month.

Naomi Campbell was a fringed beauty in an embroidered evening gown at the amfAR 2011 Fight Against Aids party in Cannes last Thursday. Photo: © PacificCoastNews

For the same gala, Courtney Love chose an absolutely spectacular Givenchy Couture gown with a plunging neckline and a sheer tulle-and-feather skirt.
Photo: © Francois Durand/Getty Images Europe

Beyoncé wore Givenchy for her video for her single Run The World (Girls)

As for me, Ricardo Tisci would be a great choice. I have been a big fan of his creations for a long time. He will surely infuse more gothic appeal to Dior but that doesn’t need to be bad, doesn’t it? And when Tisci leaves Givenchy, Haider Ackermann could succeed. I think I like that idea very much!

LoL, Sandra

Haider Ackermann S/S 2011 graces the cover

Lady Gaga is on the cover of US Vogue March 2011, photographed by Mario Testino.

As the March edition is the most important for the S/S collections (the same as September is for F/W), it is no wonder that Gaga dons the must-have looks for the warm season.
So please enjoy the highlights, especially the three sensational McQueen shots. From runway to Gaga, very dramatic and definitely different.

The interview with US Vogue also helps Gaga to promote her new album „Born This Way“: The seventeen-track CD will include such songs as „Hair“, „Bad Kids“, „Americano“, „Government Hooker“, and the second single „Judas“.

LoL, Sandra

Alexander McQueen S/S 2011

Alexander McQueen S/S 2011

Louis Vuitton S/S 2011

Haider Ackermann S/S 2011

Alexander McQueen S/S 2011

Lady Gaga in her own Hussein Chalayan leather jacket

On the S/S 2011 runways, there was an Yves Saint Laurent mood in the air. Many designers got inspired by the late master of colour and the father of the trouser suit.

Yves Saint Laurent

The reason for this was probably the beautiful first posthumous retrospective of Yves Saint Laurent’s career with an exhibition of over 300 garments that took place last year at the Petit Palais museum in Paris. On display were his creations from his debut at Dior in 1958 up to the sumptuous evening dresses of 2002.

In 40 years of being a fashion designer, YSL revolutionized the female wardrobe by borrowing the tuxedo, the trouser suit and the safari jacket from men’s clothing in order to dress women, thereby transferring the symbols of power from one sex to another.

In 1961 Yves Saint Laurent decided to create his couture house. Just under 50 years ago, in January 1962, at the age of 26, he created a cultural shockwave by opening his first haute couture show with a caban jacket and trouser ensemble directly inspired by a fisherman’s pea coat.

The era in particular that was referenced for S/S 2011 was the 1970’s when Saint Laurent spent a tremendous amount of time at his second home in Marakkesh in his beautiful Majorelle botanical gardens. While being there he was greatly influenced by traditional Morrocan dressing and the gardens. His ashes were scattered there when he died in 2008.

I am in love with all those collections that are paying tribute to one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century and took the runways by storm. Therefore I put some collages for you together. I included photos of the exhibition of his previous creations to demonstrate the versatile references.

Enjoy this feast for the eyes.

LoL, Sandra