Sandra‘s Closet

The Moto Jacket (aka fall’s must-have item) should be in your closet right now.

Just when I thought it had gone to biker heaven, this topper pops up on most of the major F/W 2013 runways in every way possible, floral at Givenchy, classic at Saint Laurent and sexy at Jason Wu. The biker jacket is a super-easy way to work this season’s grunge trend and to add some edge to any outfit. Try one of these amazing ones below:

1 Leather biker jacket by Balmain
2 Cracked-leather biker jacket by Proenza Schouler
3 Two-tone textured-leather biker jacket by Faith Connexion
4 Hyde paneled leather biker jacket by IRO
5 Jovanna neon stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld
6 Herringbone wool-blend biker jacket by Junya Watanabe
7 Karle leather biker jacket by J Brand
8 Leopard-print ribbed leather jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim
9 Trompe l’oeil leather biker jacket by Alexander Wang

Classic leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent (my favourite one as you can see above)

Royal blue nubuck biker jacket by Alexander McQueen (now on my wish list)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

While few, including myself, can resist the intoxicating frivolity of fashion’s flights of fancy, the essential basics of a stylish wardrobe have a more utilitarian character. It is these humbler pieces – often derived from work wear, military uniform or sports gear – that Louis Vuitton’s Icons collection elevates to new levels of luxury. Preserving their functional essence, it endows them with the allure of exquisite cut, fine fabrics and sophisticated detailing.

The result: every season, a collection of pieces to return to again and again, experiencing each time the dual thrill of their unrivalled comfort and timeless elegance.

1. THE MESH

A simple sweater in a classic shade and softest cotton is sure to be one of the hardest-working items in any woman’s wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s version comes with the added luxury of an embellished collar, hand-embroidered with Swarovski beads and LV studs. In a touch typical of the Icons collection, it can also be removed, taking a look from precious to pared-down in seconds.

2. THE TRENCH

The feather-light sensation of nylon faille – sensual as silk, but a whole lot more practical, and not merely because it’s water-resistant – plus the irresistible allure of the Stephen Sprouse leopard print, now in a new scaleddown version. Louis Vuitton’s neo-trench has all the emblematic details, from the belt (wear nonchalantly knotted) to the epaulettes, but it comes luxuriously long and with ultra-feminine bracelet sleeves. Pure silver screen glamour for the 21st century.

3. THE MACINTOSH

With its new cropped cut and cute collar, the season’s mac – the epitome of the Icons collection – holds more than a hint of the Swinging Sixties. The perfect cover-up against a spring shower, it doubles up as a neat boxy jacket. Polished gold buttons playfully reference the military, while the lining is pure Louis Vuitton: the legendary Stephen Sprouse leopard print, interspersed with mini Monograms.

4. THE JEANS

For S/S 2013, the perfect pair of jeans morphs into the must-have Capri pant. Stonewashed for an instantly worn-in feel, with a casually loose yet impeccably chic cut, it combines style and attitude. The iconic detail? The Monogram jacquard yoke, to be concealed or revealed depending on mood and moment.

5. THE PERFECTO

Louis Vuitton transforms a staple of bad-boy style into an icon of luxurious femininity. To the rugged sex appeal of the classic perfecto, this sleek design opposes the refinement of smooth stretch leather, enhanced by eloquent details like multiple zippers, signature rivets and – the quintessential couture touch – a half-belt at the back.

6. THE LEATHER DRESS

Leather never felt like this. Unimaginably supple, lightweight lambskin lends itself to the simplest yet most sensual of cuts: a dress like an oversize T-shirt that suggestively skims the body. Raw edges, diagonal zippers and military-style suede patches on the shoulders provide the modern, real-life details. Dress it up with heels or down with leggings, the leather dress – now in bold, beautiful red – remains both sporty and sophisticated.

My personal must? The red leather dress! See you at Vuitton…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Greetings from the Croisette in Cannes. My last days were filled with amazing parties, events and I met many celebrities. It is such a busy time, please accept my sincere apologies for the delay of posting.

On Thursday, I went to the beautiful Chopard lounge, located on the 7th floor of the Hotel Martinez, to explore the stunning Red Carpet Haute Joaillerie collection, which I will show you in the next days. Cannes is crazy those days. There are so many people on the streets waiting to spot some celebrities. If you don’t have a bagde (Thank you, Chopard!), you will have no chance to come anywhere close.

My look: Leather jacket by Prada, pleated top and skirt, studded Pyramide bag, all from Prada‘s S/S 2012 runway, sandals with coral shape heel by Chanel, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, cuff by Stella McCartney and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Stunning view of the Croisette.

Lunch at the beach at Z Plage.

Later, I went for a little shopping spree on the Croisette and spotted…

… Ben Stiller and Chris Rock gathered for the photo call for Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes. (By the way, this is my favourite terrasse to have a drink).

Sacha Baron Cohen‘s Dictator embellishes the entrance of the Carlton Hotel.

I hope that you have enjoyed the impressions of the Croisette. More to follow soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

So here it is: My outfit that I wore to the final party of Firenze4Ever.
I took so many photos of the night, of interesting fashion people in Florence and the styling lab, so please stay tuned, more to come very soon.

My dress with the cut-out detail is from Alexander Wang’s Cruise 2011 collection. It has a built-in body which makes it perfect for heavy dancing.
I wore my ultra-comfy (believe me, it is true!) strappy sandals by Gucci and a clutch bag by Alexander McQueen that has a glove attached to it (steal-proof).
The Balmain leather jacket with the chain detail is always an eyecatcher and was complimented the whole night.
But mostly loved by the fashion crowd was the headpiece from Miu Miu’s Cruise 2011 line.
On my nails, you see Chanel’s Riva nail polish and around my neck an embellished bib necklace by Matthew Williamson.

LoL, Sandra

Sarah Jessica Parker attended yesterday in London the S/S 2011 Burberry Prorsum fashion show in an outfit that made her the style candy of the day.

The trendsetting actress wore a brown lace dress from the F/W 2010 line by Burberry Prorsum together with a stunning leather jacket from the upcoming Resort 2011 collection. In case you do not like to wait and would love to save some money, mytheresa sells a very similiar one on sale.

Sarah Jessica Parker topped off her look with a pale rose bag by Alexander McQueen and some killer heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.

Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra