Sandra‘s Closet

Ladies and Gentlemen, don’t forget that this week on the 6th of November the Alexander Wang x H&M collection will hit the stores. To get you in the shopping mood, I would love to show you all the impressions of the amazing launch event that took place at the Armory on the Hudson, an indoor track and field stadium in New York City Mid October. When H&M celebrates a designer collaboration, it means that VIP’s from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and Hollywood, follow the invitation with pleasure. This year, I spotted for example Jessica Chastain, Dakota Fanning, Justin Theroux, Mary J Blige, Kate Mara and many more.

H&M approached Wang a year and a half ago, and the designer immediately knew he wanted to take things in a different direction than anything they’d tried in the past. “They’ve done such an incredible job with the previous projects, everything from Versace and the archival Margiela,” he said. “But the approach had to be different for this one, both for me and for H&M.”

Alexander Wang is the first American to partner with the company whose designer collaboration program is in its tenth year. He mixed sports and performance for everyday life by capturing the speed of the city. Using technical details and functional fabrics, Wang created the perfect versatile performance wear wardrobe for both, men and women, a collection to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way we live our lives today.

After a men’s and women’s full speed runway fashion show, the doors of a pop-up store opened where we could shop the collection first hand (click here to see what I got myself). The evening culminated when Sharaya came on stage as the opening act before the rare performance by Missy Elliott took place. She was so fantastic that even Alexander Wang, who had said earlier during the press conference that he doesn’t do sports, jumped on stage and danced crazily to her vibes. The party continued with music by DJ’s Diplo and Jesse Marco. It was again one of those magic nights with a gazillion of highlights that I will treasure forever.

Let me show you more impressions of that fantastic event:

Me arriving at the event location in a Moschino S/S 2015 look (the outfit post will come up tomorrow).

Dakota Fanning rushing to her seat.

The Armory on the Hudson from the inside.

Actor Justin Theroux…

… was extremely charming. Now, I understand Jennifer Aniston.

A redhead seldom comes alone: Jessica Chastain…

…and Eddie Redmayne.

Glamourous front row: Actors Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara.

An energetic acrobatic performance before the runway show…

… that captured the speed of the city.

Mary J Blige seemed to like it a lot.

A confetti rain was the perfect backdrop…

… for a happy Alexander Wang running around the catwalk.

Me taking the provided boxing gloves to get ready for the fight…

… in the pop-up store.

I was in the first slot. Therefore it still looks pretty quiet.

Even the supermodels went crazy for the collection, here you see Karlie Kloss.

Swiss girls: Barbara and Karo with me.

Before the runway show, I caught singer Sharaya…

… who was the opening act that night.

The highlight of the event was the performance of…

… Missy Elliott…

… who rocked the stage…

… that even Alexander Wang couldn’t stop dancing.

Party time…

… that the Swiss crowd didn’t need to be told twice. Being the only rooster in the yard, René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland, surrounded by the Swiss girls (check out his travel tips for Paris here) going crazy.

Thanks H&M for taking me on this amazing adventure, to be continued next year…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M, Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for H&M

The press conference for the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event took place on one of the probably rainiest of New York City mornings at the St. Patrick’s Youth Center, located close to Bleecker Street station. My hair was a mess due to the humidity but I was brave to take those pictures of my outfit before we went inside. As Alexander Wang is also at the helmet of Balenciaga, I chose an ensemble from his recent F/W 2014 collection.

Alexander Wang with me at the press conference last Thursday

My look: Tonal blue silk-blend oversized jacket and matching mini skirt with black jacquard pattern, both by Balenciaga, peplum-detail top and padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag, both by Alexander McQueen and crystal embellished biker boots by Miu Miu. Diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

The best scent to wear: Bleecker Street by Bond No. 9, a woodsy oriental gourmand that captures the spirit of the West Village with a blend of seductive, indulgently sweet notes.

Stay tuned for the photos from the party in the evening…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from New York City where I am at the moment for the launch event of Alexander Wang x H&M. The highly anticipated collection which had been announced back in April, will finally hit H&M stores around the world on November 6, 2014.

While I am writing this post, I am enjoying the view from my room at the Soho Grand hotel.

The invitation says it all. Tonight, the cocktail reception will start at 7.30pm, followed by the show, a pop-up store where we can buy the collection first hand and a live performance which I am absolutely convinced will be amazing.

Do you remember Nicki Minaj and Prince playing at the Versace x H&M launch in 2011 or the amazing party to celebrate Maison Martin Margiela x H&M two years ago in NYC? We always talk superlatives. Be sure to follow me tomorrow on instagram @sandrascloset for live updates.

By now you might have seen some sneak previews of the very sporty collection. The press release reveals that Alexander Wang X H&M captures the speed of the city, mixing sports and performance of everyday life. The pieces are meant to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way women and men live their lives today.

Rihanna led the way and was already spotted in a look from the collection: a stretchy crop top and leggings emblazoned with Wang’s blocky logo.

In addition to apparel for both women and men, the collection includes shoes and bags, as well as “objects,” a selection of everyday items that are infused with a sense of humor and irony, as for example mini sized boxing gloves as key-rings or a whistle on a two-finger ring and for the victor, a magnetized Alexander Wang trophy cup.

Below you can enjoy a sneak preview of the advertising campaign shot by Mikael Jansson for Wang’s one-off collaboration with H&M that features sports gear like a hockey stick and boxing gloves plus real athletes, soccer player Andy Carroll and kickboxer Rivaldino dos Santos.

The female models are Joan Smalls, Raquel Zimmermann and Isabeli Fontana.

“We wanted to take certain elements of each sport and portray the ultimate warrior,” Wang told WWD. “The girls had to feel big and heroic, and Mikael used sunlight glares to heighten that effect against a stark white backdrop.”

I am truly excited for tonight’s event! Stay tuned for more!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M

Hudson Yards is Bond N°9‘s newest fragrance launch, dedicated to spring in New York City like a bouquet of beautiful flowers poured into a decorated green bottle. It celebrates a new beginning and in its perfume collection it maps a new emerging location in the city, the largest private real estate development in the history of the US and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center: Hudson Yards, planned to be finished in 2017.

It is anticipated that more than 24 million people will visit the district every year. The site will ultimately include more than 17 million square feet of commercial and residential space, 5 state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops, 20 restaurants, approximately 5,000 residences, a unique cultural space, 14 acres of public open space, a 750-seat public school and a 150-room luxury hotel—all offering unparalleled amenities and easy access to transportation for residents, employees and guests.

FLORAL
Top notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Peony, Bulgarian Rose and Litchi
Base notes: White Musk, Iris and Orange Blossom

In Switzerland available Mid May 2014 for CHF 375.00 (100ml) and CHF 239.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bond N°9 and Hudson Yards

Jo Malone, the famous fragrance designer and founder of JO LOVES, is based in London. Being inspired by her hopes and creative thoughts, the ingredients in life that she loves, it is pretty much obvious that her favorite place is the Big Apple.

Your favourite city?
Without a doubt my favourite city is NEW YORK CITY. I lived there for a year and it still feels like my second home. Whenever I’m there I feel totally relaxed and so inspired. I love every second of being in such a fun city.

Your favourite hotel?
I always stay in the same room at THE FOUR SEASONS. The service is outstanding and the staff are simply incredible. I also adore the white décor in the rooms because it reminds me of my home in London. I’ve got many happy memories attached to the hotel.
The Four Seasons, 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022. +1 212-754-9494

Your favourite restaurant?
Whenever I arrive, I head straight to SERAFINA on Madison Avenue. It serves the best pizza made in huge wood fired ovens. Their SEARED SALMON OVER LENTILS is absolutely delicious and just thinking about it makes my toes curl!
Serafina, 1022 Madison Ave, Manhattan, +1 212-734-2676

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
I have two favourite bars. One is the BEMELMANS BAR AT THE CARLYLE which feels like a part of history gone by. It’s so glamorous and reminds me of that Gatsby Art Deco era. I love to come here with my husband, order a glass of chilled white wine, and listen to the jazz pianist.
The Carlyle, 35 East 76th St, New York, New York 10021 +1 212.744.1600

My other favourite spot is the COCKTAIL BAR within THE FOUR SEASONS. It’s such a great place to meet friends or sit alone and people watch. It was the inspiration for my Mango fragrance collection.
The Four Seasons, 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022. +1 212-754-9494

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
Even though I’ve been there countless times, ELLIS ISLAND is still such a special place for me. I love the stories of the immigrants who came over in their millions and the strong sense of beginning and hope in the air. It was the start of so many peoples freedom and really represents the American dream.

Your favourite park?
I love the boating lake within CENTRAL PARK; simply beautiful. It’s such a great space that embraces you during every season and at each part of the day. In the summer I love to go for brunch at the LOEB BOATHOUSE and in the winter we’ve spent the day as a family sledging and drinking hot chocolates.
The Loeb Boathouse, E 72nd New York, NY 10028. +1 212-517-2233

Your favourite shop?
I’m a huge fan of J.CREW and never leave empty handed. I’m love the boutique store down on Madison and buy almost anything that sparkles!
J.Crew Collection, 769 Madison Ave New York NY 10065. +1 212 824 2500

I can’t ever leave the city without a visit to CRATE & BARREL which has every single kitchen gadget you could dream of from cherry pipers and sweet corn strippers to maples syrup pourers. You name it they have it. I always spend hours in this store and have bought countless storm lanterns which are all over my house.
Crate & Barrel, 650 Madison Avenue, New York +1 212 308 001 1650

Your must-have accessory?
I don’t go anywhere without fragrance and spritz my JO LOVES Pomelo at least three or four times throughout the day. I also love my SMYTHSON notepad and MUJI pen for jotting down my thought and inspirations as I wander around the city.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
ELTON JOHN “I’m Still Standing”. I cried so many tears in this city whilst fighting breast cancer but have had many more times of fun and laughter here. This song completely describes how I feel about this great place.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
This has to be ‘The Hundred Foot Journey” by RICHARD C. MORAIS. It’s the story of a man who needs to return to his to his roots to find true fulfilment in his talent of cooking. It’s where I am in life and in business right now, returning back to my roots and rediscovering my passion for fragrance again.

Thank you, Jo, for sharing your insider scoop on New York City with us!

LoL, Sandra

Tibi or not Tibi, nobody will be posing this question after they have seen Amy Smilovic’s (see photo above with me) unpretentiously cool designs for Pre-fall 2013. Paying homage to the city that never sleeps with a lineup of silhouettes emblazoned with the Empire State Building and Lady Liberty, Smilovic has an impressive knack for defining exactly what women want to wear. Dress code: Urbane chic. True to theme, we’ll be tossing and turning until this collection of New York City-centric separates arrives safely in our closets. Bright lights, big city, forever Tibi.

If you cannot wait, shop Tibi’s amazing S/S 2013 collection at matchesfashion.com and net-à-porter.com. I am such a Tibi fan and you will be seeing me in lots of Amy’s designs soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tibi

Yesterday night, the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection was celebrated in New York. Mena Suvari, Chace Crawford, Alan Cumming, Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Selma Blair, Doutzen Kroes, Alexander Wang, and my humble self were some of the over 1 000 guests at the spectacular party on 5, Beekman Street.

The derelict and raw nine-story historical building in the city’s financial distric, housed around a glass-roofed atrium, was the perfect setting for the celebration of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M, decorated in the label’s signature white-painted style. As you can see, people were slack-jawed looking at the gorgeous location.

All celebrities wore already the new Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.
Enjoy my photos!

Chace Crawford with me

Me with the beautiful and overly sweet Julianne Moore who said: “It’s an amazing collaboration! Margiela is a beautiful brand – arty, iconoclastic and always edgy. And the quality is always amazing with H&M. Fashion is great because it’s an expression of who you are.”

Sarah Jessica Parker stated: “It’s incredible, so exciting to celebrate one of my favourite designers. They are mysterious and compelling and I’ve been a great fan of Margiela for many years. H&M, well, look at the lines of men and women lined up! It’s a great opportunity for people to have access to great designers. It makes luxury available to everyone. It’s very democratic and I’m all for it.”

Mena Suvari impressed with her lion tattoo.

Gorgeous Selma Blair talked a little about her beautiful newborn baby boy Arthur with me. Mums united!

Selma’s amazing shoes from the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection.

Me with Alan Cumming who said: “I’m here to see the lovely Margiela collection. I love the way H&M is doing collaborations with other designers. It’s a great thing, to make clothes stylish and affordable. The collaborations are a great idea, they are really amazing!”

Fashion designer Olivier Theyskens with me

Kayne West

Elena Perminova with me

“I’m a huge fan of Margiela and I love H&M – it’s a great collaboration. I never get surprised by H&M’s choices, every designer they pick I’m interested in. I’m always standing in the queue with my mother in the early mornings. I’ve been a fan of Margiela since the start”, said Helena Christensen.

Topmodel Doutzen Kroes

The collection was shown in an art and dance performace by choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker in squares of sand and further revealed in special art installations on various floors: artists Daniel Arsham, Frederique Chauveaux and Noemie Goudal, created sculptures, projections and photographs exclusively for the event. After that, DJ’s kept the party going into the early hours.

On the 9th floor of the buliding, a special pop-store was located where guests could shop the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection before its official launch on November 15th in around 230 H&M stores worldwide. Unfortunately, when I had finally arrived on the top floor, the best pieces were gone.

What an amazing night and a gorgeous collection – it was all about superlatives! Thank you, H&M, for having me! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

Photos of the first collage: Courtesy of H&M – All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I have just received the new Prada Resort 2013 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel in New York City in the beginning of September and featuring model Sasha Pivovarova. Pretty cool, isn’t it? I am so ready for the new season…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

GABRIELE FRANTZEN

The charming German fashion jeweler shares her time between Munich and New York City, a place that inspires her a lot for amazing creations that were seen at this year’s Oscars. Below you will find her tips for the Big Apple’s best places to visit.

Your favourite city? NEW YORK CITY

Your favourite restaurant? LA ESQUINA, 114 Kenmare Street New York, NY 10012, USA, +1 (646) 613-7100
Market fresh authentic Mexican food in 3 distinct spaces at one location.

Your favourite sightseeing spot? The EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118, USA, +1 (212) 736-3100
At 8am when the city wakes up.

Your favourite district? ELIZABETH STREET / NoLIta
New York City’s North of Little Italy, or NoLIta, is a must visit. Elizabeth Street is packed with upscale & trendy shops.

Your favourite place for breakfast? CAFÉ GITANES, 242 Mott Street, New York, NY, USA, +1 (212) 334-9552

Your favourite walk? Starting in SOHO at WEST BROADWAY over to BLEECKER STREET to PASTIS in the MEATPACKING DISTRICT.
Pastis, 9 Ninth Avenue,  New York, NY 10014, USA, +1 (212) 929-4844
I love the street musicians, the small cafés and all the extraordinary fashion stores.

Your favourite hotel? MERCER KITCHEN, 99 Prince Street,  New York, NY 10012, USA, +1 (212) 966-5454

Your favourite beach? SHELTER ISLAND

Your favourite season in NYC? WINTER
I love the blizzards, when the snow is blowing through the urban canyons. I love to walk through Central Park when all flags are hanging crosswise. The lights are phenomenal then and the windows have beautiful ice crystals.

Your favourite cultural spot? FIT MUSEUM, Seventh Avenue at 27 Street,  New York City, +1 (212) 217-4558
I love fashion and photography exhibitions.

Your favourite store? SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

They sell a large selection of my jewelry pieces.

Your favourite beauty spa? The SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, 80 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10023, USA, +1 (212) 805-8880
Book an apointment with the „beauty fairy“ Fini. She is amazing.

Your favourite treatment? 80 minutes MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPECIAL FACIAL TREATMENT
They use the Somme Insitute products which I adore . The American NYC-based label is dedicated to the science of skin perfection and uses Molecular Dispersion Technology which is the most significant advancement in skin care, a non-prescription synthesis of five highly-engineered vitamin compounds, designed to treat specific areas within the skin.

Your travel in style tip? I love to wear STRETCH JEANS by Closed, ANKLE BOOTS that are easy to take off or New Balance shoes (Store: 150 5th Avenue New York, NY 10010, USA +1 (212) 727-2520), such as my custom-made sneakers that say I LOVE NY.
I never fly without a CASHMERE SCARF to keep me warm, LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE, an eye cover and ear plugs. Moreover, I always pack two of my NECKLACES to change my look.

Your favourite book to read on a flight? ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoi

Thank you, Gabriele, for sharing your insider scoop on New York City with us!

LoL, Sandra

Family owned and operated for over ninety years in Zurich, Osswald will officially open its doors in the heart of SoHo, New York City in August 2012. Highly regarded in Europe for their carefully curated array of niche perfumes, luxury skincare and exceptional customer service, Osswald is pleased to bring their time-honoured values and standards to the US for the first time.

Since 1921, generations of the Dreiding family have been continuously progressing the Osswald Parfumerie in Zurich. It began with founder Boris Dreiding, who was then succeeded by his son Jago Dreiding, Jago was followed by his wife Tamara who took the helm in the late eighties.

Tanja Dreiding Wallace and Werner Abt (Photo: Bolero)

With Tamara’s direction and the help of store manager Werner Abt, Osswald entered the niche perfume and luxury skincare market. In 2005 she asked her daughter Tanja Dreiding Wallace, who had been living in New York City for over 8 years at the time, to return to Zurich and manage the company’s future growth. Tanja found herself becoming fiercely passionate about the brand’s international plans. She took pride in staffing the Zürich flagship with the most knowledgeable professionals in the beauty care business. Within a few years, Osswald became one of Europe’s leading niche parfumerie and skincare boutiques known for its superior customer service.

“Once Osswald was established as one of the leaders in the European niche perfume, skincare and cosmetic market, I realized that growing the family business was my true calling,” says Tanja Dreiding Wallace, CEO of Osswald. “In 2010, during a visit to New York, I detected a void in the beauty retail industry for premium service and quality products. At that point, I was committed to launching Osswald in the US and sharing my family’s vision of premium Swiss hospitality with New Yorkers, individuals who would appreciate our approach to an extraordinary shopping experience.”

My dear NY-based readers, here is my shopping list of exclusive must-have products that you will only find at Osswald NYC in the US:

For the American debut, Osswald will exclusively launch and sell coveted Swiss skincare brands Bellefontaine, Cell Premium, and La Colline as well as established brands Cellcosmet and Valmont. Each brand is on the cutting edge of skincare, using advanced technologies including the use of stem cells.

My skincare shopping suggestion:

This is an amazing magical product that will be launched in September 2012: Time Master Intensive Program by Valmont. The Swiss brand with over 25 years of experience calls itself the magician of time and is renowned for its spa treatments. Now, a professional unique intensive program will be available to be used at home. A combination of technology, efficiency and precision, this nano-emulsion is so delicate that it penetrates the skin in a split second and treats all the causes for aging. Within 28 days, Time Master Instensive Program regulates the cellular mechanisms of the skin and turns back the clock.
The 4-week treatment will be available for CHF 1235.-/ € 950.-.

Sought after perfumes including Pierre Guillaume’s Parfumerie Générale and Profumum Roma will only be available at the Osswald New York location, as well as Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Clive Christian, MDCI, Kilian, Micallef, Amouage, Pierre Guillaume’s Huitième Art and Six Scents amongst others.

My fragrance shopping suggestion:

If you get a chance, please explore the fragrance world of Pierre Guillaume: Parfumerie Générale and Huitième Art, a niche collection of 8 fragrances launched for the brand’s 8th anniversary in 2010 – synonymous with perfume being the 8th art. His creations are a must for anyone who loves perfume. 
I met the perfumer once at an event held at Osswald in Zurich and was truly impressed by his passion. He is young, brilliant, intellectual and very handsome. My favourite – among many of his scents I like – is PG19 Louanges Profanes, an oriental floral, that is fresh and soft in one.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers bespoke scents. Ask the Osswald team for more information. So sophisticated!

Other offerings will include By Terry makeup, scented candles, exquisite bathroom accessories and mirrors, manicure etuis, shaving kits, toiletry bags and other beautiful items in the luxury lifestyle sector.

Osswald NYC will open August 2012
311 W. Broadway New York, NY 10013 www.osswaldnyc.com

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands