Sandra‘s Closet

The Alpina Gstaad unveils an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with Los Angeles–based milliner Nick Fouquet, who might be the most handsome hatmaker I know. The limited-edition project marks the second partnership between the celebrated Swiss alpine hotel and the designer known for his distinctive, handcrafted hats.

Created specifically for The Alpina’s atmosphere and sense of place, the collection reflects the dialogue between the hotel’s refined alpine identity and Fouquet’s artistic approach to craftsmanship. Each hat is individually shaped and numbered, making every piece a true one-of-a-kind object.

The men’s selection features twenty felt hats in two deep tones, Anchor Blue and Dark Moss. Each design is hand-formed with a sculpted brim and finished with a French grosgrain band. Subtle cut-out leaf motifs reference «The Alpina’s emblem», lending the pieces a quiet connection to the landscape surrounding the hotel.

For women, the silhouettes are softer and slightly lower, crafted in delicate shades of Rose and Silverbelly. A central contrast stitch runs through the grosgrain ribbon, while signature Fouquet hardware pins and leather stamps appear along the crown and brim as understated markers of the designer’s craft.

Inside, every hat reveals a bespoke jacquard lining inspired by alpine ski trails, an intimate detail that quietly nods to Switzerland’s mountain heritage and the spirit of Gstaad.

The collection is available exclusively at The Alpina Gstaad, with each hat priced at CHF 1,800, an elegant expression of wearable craftsmanship shaped by place, tradition, and individuality. Phone orders are welcome!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtsy of  The Alpina Gstaad x Nick Fouquet
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After this week’s post about the 20 most important runway trends, you know that we will be wearing tropical prints, bermuda shorts or gypsy dresses. But what about our shoes, bags and accessories? The fashionable additions to the season’s best outfits have an equally polished attitude. A lot is to stay from the F/W 2019 season, such as chain necklaces, single earrings, head scarves, belts and platforms. Furthermore, the runways were mastered by XXL bags, Mary Janes, and vibrant sunglasses that complemented the looks. On the new side of things, I spotted rope belts and hats on many runways.

Enjoy this season’s unbridled fun and catch up on the season’s most covetable accessories below.

LoL, Sandra

The single most popular material of the entire season was humble raffia, plant-derived, biodegradable, promising that your new It bag will have less of an environmental impact.

If there’s one accessible trend to cop next season, it’s the rope belt – at least you can find one at your local hardware store.

Gold buckles, set with rhinestones, embellished with animals as lucky charms, belts play an important role. If you are among the fashion-forward, opt for colorful choices.

Flower pins elevate every summer look to new heights.

This summer, brighten up your wardrobe with sunny shades of yellow and green, or an unexpected shade of blue.

Dust off your silk scarf collection for the next season, as they were worn around the head on several runways.

When it comes to choose your new bag, think big and soft. Many beautiful XXL editions large enough to fit all of your life’s belongings.

This season, chains get bigger and bigger.

Earrings are going solo next season. Just look for a statement-making piece enough to stand on its own.

Hoop earrings never really left, but get ready to see them multiply in size next season.

Hats make a grand comeback and guarantee that all eyes are on you.

With the preppy trend all over the runways, loafers were seen modernized in different shapes.

Thanks to Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee for making strong square toes, the decade’s most experimental shoe silhouette are trending more than ever.

Another trend thanks to Daniel Lee, chain accents are a must for your summer footwear, consider them built-in anklets for your shoes.

Sunglasses come in all shapes with a focus on major color, enjoy those new fantastical shades in every hue under the sun.

If sneakers have lost their luster on the runways, ever-practical platform and flatform sandals have emerged as fanciful and comfortable alternatives.

The classic Mary Jane pumps have taken a backseat over the last decade, now they are making their comeback in bold, whimsical, and playful designs.

From espadrilles to sexy sandals, lace-up shoes are the move come spring and summer. If you really want to be trendy, lace them up right over your pants to be ahead of the fashion tribe.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

After this week’s post about the 15 most important runway trends, you know that we will be wearing capes, colorful leather jackets or gothically lovely lace dresses. But what about our shoes, bags and accessories? The fashionable additions to the season’s best outfits have an equally polished attitude. With barely a sneaker in sight, the runways were mastered by clasp bags, fancy kitten heels, and vibrant platform boots that complemented the looks. On the grunge side of things there were lots of cool offerings: punk chokers and most of all, though, there were chains just about everywhere.

Enjoy this season’s unbridled fun running through winter’s most memorable bags and catch up on the season’s most covetable accessories below.

LoL, Sandra

Fall’s ladylike spirit extends into handbags with a focus on proper flap bags with metallic logo clasps.

This is for the serious handbag collector! Novelty bags are nothing new, but this season’s are truly some of the most outstanding pieces you have seen so far.

Hygge is alive and well in the accessories of several designers. Quilted, fluffy, and snuggly, these pieces will make the next polar vortex much more bearable.

One thing is for sure, you won’t be fully dressed without a hat this fall. Whatever the mood, there’s a hat to match – the new pieces are truly sophisticated.

A lot is going on around the neck, from scarves combined with necklaces to mini bags.

This F/W 2019 season requires a defined waist. Take a substantial waist belt to add a little curve to your ensembles.

Ditch the sneakers for a comfy pair of platform boots in vibrant hues – the designers were sending the message on many runways.

Combat boots are a must this season. Equipped with pockets or worn to flowing dresses, the choice is yours.

These kitten heels are easier to walk in than stilettos, but they don’t come up short on style.

Opposites attract. Take blooming accessories to balance the season’s punk movement.

Nothings brings as much drama to an outfit than a huge silk bow.

Dark and spiky chokers are a must and elevate every look to new heights.

The fiercest of all F/W 2019 trends is probably the ear armor. This refers to earrings or cuffs that cover the bulk of the ear helix, looking like an especially glamorous armor.

Chain necklaces are back – mostly elegant and glamorous rather than grunge.

Symmetry is not necessary or recommended this season when it comes to earrings. Wearing only one earring is a great way to channel your inner pirate.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

From sophisticated head pieces to over-the-top jewellery pieces and amazing raffia sun hats, these are the most important accessories trends you need to know about for S/S 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Fairy-tale whimsy, an ode to couture, spring’s plethora of veils speak all languages.

Larger-than-life shades for the ultimate eye protection and maximum style statement.

Headband game is now a thing, signalling a big move in the adornment game.

Bombastic raffia sun hats will elevate your summer looks to a new level, especially when combined with red lips.

Hats are ‘the’ accessory of the season and really stylish if they match your outfit.

With an ethnic or futurist edge, XXL jewellery shapes the season’s silhouettes.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Launched for the first time as a limited-edition capsule collection directly after the Pre-fall 2017 runway as a see-now-buy-now movement, Alberta Ferretti‘s so-called «Rainbow Week» consists of seven wool and cashmere sweaters in mood-boosting hues, each dedicated to a day of the week. Some come in cropped versions, others such as «Friday» in a more comfy oversized look.

I am sure that you do remember this «days of the week underwear» that probably many of you wore as a child. I actually loved those and here is the adult version. Now, the Italian designer takes its successful idea to new heights with a re-issue of the «Rainbow Week» in different vibrant or pastel colors as well as striped pieces that say «Today», «Tomorrow» and «Yesterday». Moreover there are now bathing suits, T-shirts, cropped tops, hats and fake fur jackets available in matching shades.

You can mix and match the colors and style the must-have pieces with your favorite pair of jeans for the perfect off-duty look or dress them up with a sexy lace skirt as Alberta Ferretti has shown it on the runway. I love all combinations!

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLECTION AT LUISAVIAROMA AND FARFETCH.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

HAPPY FRIDAY SWEATER DAY!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alberta Ferretti and via design-seeds

“A person carries off the hat. Hats are about emotion. It is all about how it makes you feel.”
– Philip Treacy

Perfect for weddings or a day at the races, Philip Treacy‘s outlandish headpieces are entirely handmade by his small team in London. He believes wearing a hat should make you feel empowered. The Irish-born milliner received his first headdress commission from Isabella Blow when he was studying at the Royal College of Art. Since then, his extravagant designs have been spotted on the most famous heads in the world.

TO SHOP PHILIP TREACY ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Philip Treacy, © Andrew Crowley

Yesterday morning in Paris, I attended the Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show which was the best I have ever seen (It even topped Chanel’s Paris – Bombay…).

When I arrived, I found myself inside a 1920’s inspired train station with a huge Louis Vuitton station clock hanging from the ceiling. And what looked like the runway in the middle, was actually something else…

The show started on time as usual and a gigantic gate opened, there was steam. All of a sudden, I saw rails…

…and an amazing old-fashioned train with a lot of steam rolled inside the hall. The crowd cheered and applauded. Believe me, it takes something to charm the fashionable audience.

Inside the wagon, the models were seated. You could already see the gigantic hats. The ambiance reminded me immediately of the Titanic era. The ladies looked like belonging to the upper class de-boarding the “Vuitton Express”.

THE BAGS

Each lady had a her own porter helping her to carry the oversized bags which were absolutely divine. Hat boxes, vanity cases, weekend bags and petites valises all make an appearance for everyday use. The traditional canvas Monogram finds itself trimmed in real crocodile or embroidered in sequins on a blanket wool, trimmed with box calf. The Speedy has an intense reworking this season, based on and featuring a round signature buckle.

Mink makes its way into Vuitton baggage, utilising vibrant colours to accompany its rich, sumptuous texture.

THE LOOKS

Marc Jacobs played with proportions and this collection seems to be for the tall ones among you. It is all about elongation. The clothing is layered in rich, sumptuous fabrics; long skirts over cigarette pants, long coats over all, each look topped by a tall hat. There is a certain, simple geometry to this elongation, an extended A-line to engulf the entire body.

The normal sized porters seemed tiny in comparison to the tall models. Marc Jacobs did it on purpose to reinforce the point of his towering female silhouette; the men are merely added accessories.

The materials are rich, from kangaroo leather that is patch-worked and bejewelled with plastics to heavy metal yarns replicating Afghan blanket fabrics and brocades and jacquards.

I loved Marc’s thinking about the company’s nineteenth-century origins and travel heritage. Can you believe that he started Louis Vuitton’s Prêt-à-porter collection fifteen years ago… time flies!

Marc after the show in the train

The “Vuitton Express” from inside

Me in front of the train

Bryan Boy with me, isn’t his Jil Sander hat too cute?!

Anna dello Russo

Famous guest: Sarah Jessica Parker

Another reason for my enthusiasm for this amazing, outstanding Louis Vuitton F/W 2012 show might be that it reminded me so much of a collection inspired by the Titanic era that I created during my fashion design studies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tom Ford’s first collection under his own name for S/S 2011 is truly outstanding. His very secretive show was the most exclusive and buzzed about one last Fashion Week with famous models like Julianne Moore, Lauren Hutton, Karlie Kloss, Lou Doillon and many more. And now we can see what all the hype was about.

Like something that will be in a museum one day, it is every fashionista’s dream to have one piece of Tom’s first collection in her closet. Glamourous with a `70s feel to it, the cuts are immaculate, the fabrics just beautiful, those must-haves are already true classics.

The “King of Sex” managed to create a ladylike collection with a certain kind of seduction. Not so obvious like a Gucci girl, more subtle with an intelligent sex appeal, it is all about high-voltage glamour.

Especially the accessories are super: the bags with the exaggerated zippers and the ultra-sharp spike heels are among my favourites. But those dream pieces have their price.

I couldn’t resist. As you know, I love overalls. So that jumpsuit with the deep cleavage was immediatly my must-have. The fishnet bustier complemented the look for me perfectly. The little hat made me look like just having graduated from fashion college or probably being a flight attendant for Vamp Air.

The flap-over bag and the huge sunglasses are my daily companions. The boots are vintage, from Gucci’s F/W 2004 collection that was still designed by Tom Ford at that time. “Old” Tom meets “new” Tom and they get along well…

Enjoy the photos:

Needless to say, it requires heavy shopping but those pieces are very limited and retailers very rare. So here in Zurich we are among those lucky birds having a beautiful Tom Ford store for both genders in the middle of the city at Münsterhof 17. Please enjoy the photos I took of the shop and fall in love with the collection.
For further enquiries, you can contact the store under +41 44 221 02 50.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After my Fashion’s Night Out in London, I had another little treat on Thursday. Stella McCartney closed her boutique on Bruton Street in the afternoon to host a small special event for her girlfriends. I was so lucky to be there as well.
The presentation of her fabulous Resort 2011 collection was an eye candy. Gorgeous flower prints reminding me of the works by the Belgian painter and botanist Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) who was called the “Raphael of flowers” evoked a longing for spring. Stella made the prints look as fresh as when first painted.

Slightly clashing pinks, clean whites and vibrant blues gave this collection a fresh and vigorous feeling.  The world’s most famous vegetarian designer who has built an empire on fur-and leather-free products knows her business. Without sacrificing sexiness for sustainability, she mixed elements of the sixties and nineties. The lace fabric with a three-d effect was to die for. I marked my choice with the little hearts.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the London store at .

In case you are not ready for spring yet, have a look at this stunning winter look that is available now. I am in love with the graphic well-tailored cuts.
By the way, Stella told me that there are no umbrellas this season, it is all about hats for her. Awesome, I am so on for this!

Before leaving my best shopping experience ever, Stella signed my Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt.
I will frame it now.

LoL, Sandra

A dear subscriber of Sandra`s Closet asked for help. She is going to a wedding which will take place in a beautiful garden of a winery in Napa, California and wants to look stunning. Her request was that the outfit should be around $1000.- max.

I put some gorgeous styles together in different colour combinations. Let’s start with something classy in beige and gold for approximately $800.-. Contrast the polished look with a pair of cut-out booties and a hat for an über-stylish statement. (Dress by Karen Millen).

Soft pink is an exquisite colour to wear for a wedding party. The shift dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana is a fabulously feminine choice. Complement the delicate pastel tone with suede pumps and a golden clutch.
The pochette by Anya Hindmarch is a little pricey at 525.- but an investment piece for many occassions to come.
I totally adore the hat clip for only $10.-. This modern and stylish take on the traditional wedding accessory will make you stand out of the crowd.

A contemporary choice for day and night is this purple halterneck dress for $355.- by Halston Heritage. The brand carries a lot of gorgeous dresses for less money.
Cinch this sculpted style at the waist with the self-tie belt and wear it with understated jewelry and strappy sandals for first class cocktail chic. A feather hair clip for only $27.- could give you that Blair Waldorf attitude. The whole outfit is $745.-. You can add a stylish leopard cardigan for $350.- if it gets chilly.

I love this vibrant asymmetric dress by Halston Heritage. The bright hue will look awesome on brunettes and dark haired ladies. Sharpen the playful rose detail with stunning lace booties and a beaded clutch. Bangles are always a fabulous finish. The complete look is without the jewelry around $850.-.

But careful, it is hard not to steal the show in those gorgeous outfits.
To a great wedding party!

LoL, Sandra