Sandra‘s Closet

Recently the couture bottle design has become a huge craze. Companies team up with famous designers to get new “clothes” for their drinks.

After some really amazing collaborations with some of the biggest names in fashion, like Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paul Smith, Evian has chosen Issey Miyake this year to create a stylish cover. Clean, contemporary and colourful is the new design that will be available in gourmet stores.

Perrier is spicing up his bubbles with the help of burlesque star Dita van Teese who will be their new cover girl this year. Before that they worked with Custo Barcelona, Agnès B. and Paul & Joe to create some very desirable cans and bottles.

Finally San Pellegrino decided to be part of the hype and has chosen Missoni to cover their famous bottle label with the Italian fashion house’s zig zag pattern for their 111th anniversary. Thirty million units are being produced and will be sold in the best restaurants worldwide. In Zurich, they are everywhere.

Diet Coke has been increasing its connections with the world of fashion since quite a while. So no wonder that a long list of famous designers already have got a chance to embellish the beloved soft drink. Karl Lagerfeld has even changed the shape of the bottle this spring.

For all champagne loving fashionistas, Piper-Heidsieck has got some amazing pieces, from the corset bottle designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 1999 to Christian Louboutin’s Le Rituel Box with a red soled shoe flute and Viktor & Rolf’s limited edition Rose Sauvage set with an upside down bottle.

Dolce & Gabbana’s first experiment in the wines and spirits sector is the Martini Gold Limited Edition. The exclusive mix: bergamot from Calabria, lemons from Sicily as well as oranges, Spanish saffron, myrrh from Ethiopia, ginger from India, and cubebe pepper from Indonesia was developed by the design duo themselves.

A good investment was definitely one of the 2000 individually numbered whiskey bottles that featured Alexander McQueen’s signature Union Jack colours. The late designer had teamed up with Chivas Regal to create that special piece in 2008.

As to me, all those bottles are really striking and sophisticated object d’arts and a show stopping addition to any dinner party.

Cheers!

LoL, Sandra

Have you always dreamt of having a cup of tea with your favourite designer? Now your dream becomes true, you can have a tête-à-tète with Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Donatella Versace. The Prêt-à-PorTea set characters recline in your cup.
What a lovely way to enjoy your afternoon tea. To the Haute Brew!

Karl Lagerfeld will be more accessible from next year anyway. Groundbreaking news this week was also that the genius has cancelled his show, which was scheduled to take place in Paris on October 3rd, to focus more on his new vision: The launch of his “Masstige” line next year. The term is coming from the combination of “mass market” and “prestige”. The Kaiser seems to be a true visionary by exploring his notion of “mass elitism” using his own name.
The collection, which will be of good quality but more more affordable than designer clothes, will only be sold online. By saving the inherent costs of opening a boutique and investing more in the product itself, Karl Lagerfeld is anchoring himself in modernity and will make his company highly profitable again.

I like his vision of everybody in the streets well dressed! Go for it, Karl!

LoL, Sandra

It is August and the majority of fall campaigns can be seen now in the new fashion magazines, ads just keep coming out of the woodwork and so I wanted to give you a brief summary of the most important ones and by whom they were shot.
It is funny to see that this world in particular is pretty small and some photographers are ahead of the game.

My personal favourite is Bottega Veneta`s strong expressive F/W 2010 campaign. Shot by the godfather of energetic graphic photography himself: Robert Longo. The artist has became famous in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his series „Men in the Cities“ that depicts men and women in business attire contorted in extreme positions.

The winner this season seems to be renowned Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. The dream team that has defined the look of the past decade, shot the most campaigns. Enjoy my preview:

The American photographer and long-time protégé of both Franca Sozzani and Anna Wintour, editors-in-chief of Italian and American Vogue is also a big shot in the world of fashion photography. No wonder, Steven Meisel shot all those gorgeous campaigns.

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinood Matadin, a fashion photographer duo that is well known for their independent art work. Most of their photographs are both critical and slightly disturbing as you can see in the campaigns they shot for F/W 2010.

Italian-born Mario Sorrenti is a photographer and director best known for his spreads of nude models in the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino has shot many fashion stories and celebrities. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums.

Hermès has come up with another really beautiful advertising campaign shot by Paolo Roversi. I love his romantic, vintage looking photos that always seem to tell a story. To me, a perfect choice for the French house!

Bruce Weber is a well-known face in the world of advertising photography. His career really took of in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his famous advertising images for Calvin Klein.

Juergen Teller‘s work is extraordinary and with a distinctive design. His raw style makes him one of the most influential fashion photographers working today.

Multi-talent Karl Lagerfeld likes to keep everything in his own hands. So no wonder that he shoots the advertising campaigns for his own collections for Chanel and Fendi.

Steven Klein is an American photographer that shot many high-profile advertising campaigns for various clients. This season he was hired by Dolce & Gabbana to capture a close knit Italian family with Madonna as the matriarchal figure through his lens.
Great job!

LoL, Sandra

Can you guess where we are in time-travelling after my lastet posts about lace and rocking hot black leather? Yes, we have arrived in the `80s. For some people, the golden decade was the worst one fashionwise but since a few seasons designers have relied on some of the worth recycling styles. The leggings  and skinny jeans came back around 4 years ago and who would have ever imagined their ongoing success?! They have definitely conquered my closet and I never want them to vanish again as the modernized versions are stylish and comfy in one.

Designers have returned 20 years this F/W 2010 to find the `80s ma-ma-material beauty and so can you. Let`s begin!

You might feel like a virgin in a sharp leather pencil skirt, sequined blazer and fishnet stockings. Add lots of accessories like the iconic safety pins, stacked bracelets and big cross pendants for the ultimate killer look!

Balmain launched a real boom with the return of the shoulder pads. The last seasons, fashionistas have crazed all over the world for the must-have blazers and jackets. The hype is definitely not over yet! Party like it`s 1982 in those brocade and patchwork nightclub nostalgia pieces from the F/W 2010 runways. Absolutely screaming hot are red leather leggings, another must for this winter!


The `80s encouraged self-expression with eyecatching neon colours and rainbow dyes. I would not do the complete look but you can easily embed one sparkling bright piece into your daily wear. One thing I am not so sure is about the über-teased hair…. probably a little too much retro-style. But nevertheless the point of fashion is that girls just wanna have fun! So let`s start experimenting….

In case that you are looking for your personal Jesus, try black leather and fringes. So hot! Sequined leggings combined with a denim jacket would turn you also very fast back to the `80s without looking disguised.

If you want to find the fashion cure for this winter`s style heritage, you could opt for a goth look with an asymmetrical cropped sweater or some cut out off-shoulder-tops. And I am sure that this Friday, you will be in love.

 

My personal `80s-inspired object of desire is this gorgeous suede buckled V-neck dress by Balmain. Available from today at net-à-porter. This is rock glam chic at its best! Hard to beat it.

LoL, Sandra

What a divine liaison: the “Collection Créateur” – an collaboration between Jean Paul Gaultier and La Perla.

I could not think of a better designer to join forces with the Italian house. Gaultier has lingerie in his blood being the godfather of the very pointed conical bra cups that became famous due to his creations for Madonna`s 1990 Blond Ambition Tour. He loves to use underwear as outerwear.

During the ongoing haute couture shows in Paris yesterday, two special limited edition garments were already presented at Gaultier`s show: a backstitch satin bra with a shoulder-strap motif and glove-holding strings plus a suspender belt, demonstrating the stylish union between haute couture and lingerie. Dita van Teese walked down the aisle as the finale, what a match!

The 27 creations of the capsule collection will go on sale in November 2010 at La Perla and Gaultier boutiques worldwide, and select department stores.
So pretty and soooo hot!

LoL, Sandra

Knee high socks tend to be a necessity rather than a fashion trend. This is going to change for F/W 2010. They were spotted all over the runways, some even thigh high. Thick knitted versions are among the must-haves for the cooler months.

But please be careful, they tend to make your calves look enormous. If you style them up right, they will compliment your leg shape. Pair them with a short casual dress showing off some skin and wear them with a pair of killer pumps.

The pre-fall 2010 looks are already available, so better start investing.

For the first time in years, granny`s boring gifts for Christmas will make decent fashionistas go all starry eyed.

LoL, Sandra

There was a lot of movement in the fashion world during the last days, some very interesting announcements were made. The probably most unexpected one is Jean-Paul Gaultier`s departure from Hermès seven years after his jump-start of the house`s ready-to-wear line in 2003. If the reason was the  seven-year itch or the death of former president and chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas a few weeks ago, we will never find out. Fact is that Christophe Lemaire, the designer behind the resurgence of Lacoste, is headed to Hermès and will present his first collection for F/W 2011 next spring.
Gaultier is reportedly leaving to focus on his own collection of which 45%  is still owned by Hermès. Like a real divorce… somebody is always keeping a stake.

The second news was not so surprising for me. After different speculations over the future of the Alexander McQueen brand, the creative director has officially been named. Sarah Burton, who had worked alongside McQueen for sixteen years and oversaw the completion of the F/W 2010 collection after the designer`s death in February will definitely keep his spiritual heritage.
The first McQueen underwear collection for men will launch in June. Might be a nice gift for your boyfriend or hubby.

Finally we have two more designers who landed themselves a job. First, former wunderkind Olivier Theyskens, who worked for Rochas and Nina Ricci, will design a capsule collection for Theory that will be released next spring.
And last but not least, Alessandro Dell`Acqua is making a return to fashion with a new collection dubbed N°21( his lucky number), after having lost trademark rights to his namesake line last year. Moreover he will take reigns at Brioni and design their womenswear.

Somebody else seems also ready for a fresh start: Giles Deacon has been confirmed as Emanuel Ungaro`s new creative director. After tumultous times and the Lindsay Lohan episode, the French fashion house will try to skyrocket right up to the point where Balmain and Balenciaga already are. One thing is certain, Ungaro has a fancy name and a lot of potential. Let`s see if Deacon along with the help of his stylist friend Katie Grand can come up with some zesty ideas.

LoL, Sandra

Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.

The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.

Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.

Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.

Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.

LoL, Sandra

Have you always dreamt of getting a tattoo but would never dare to do it? Now is the time to experience how it would be.

Body Art is an upcoming trend this summer. Fake tattoos or draw-on markings are fun and last until your next shower.

After the ink painted arms Rodarte showed in New York, Jean-Paul Gaultier was next to send his models with gothic graffiti-style messages down the runway. Karl Lagerfeld, the master of trendsetting, had Peter Phillips (Chanel`s art director of make-up) design stencils in shapes of the signature chains, logos, birds, pearls and blossoms for the Chanel S/S 2010 show. Those dainty prints that were hand drawn on the models added that fierce twist to the romantic look.

If painting seems too difficult, try some fun tattoos to order. Start experimenting! Remember, the only limit is your own creativity!

LoL, Sandra

The focus is on legs for summer, tons of mini skirts and hot pants paraded down the runways. According to the remarkable decrease in the length of the hemlines, the lower part of the body seemed to become the main attraction for decoration. Tights, along with other types of legwear like leggings, legwarmers or socks, made a sizzling fashion statement.

As nylons had always been a no-go in sandals, the trend of the open toe booties posed a real dilemma to me this winter especially that I hate cold feet. I am always admiring the French journalists during the fashion weeks showing-up effortlessly bare-legged whatever the weather. So honestly, I am curious if French ladies are going to adapt to the new trend. They have that nonchalant way of looking elegantly stylish that I truly so adore.

Fact is that there were also many Parisian designers like John Galliano for Christian Dior or Jean-Paul Gaultier who sent their models in sandals combined with sweet little socks down the runway.