Sandra‘s Closet

I love Toile de Jouy, abbreviated «toile», the type of decorating pattern consisting of a usually white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern in a single colour depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers. PLEASE don’t miss the end of this post…. it is naughty Sunday and I have the most exciting toile pattern for you.

Toiles were originally produced in Ireland in the mid-18th Century and quickly became popular in Britain and France. The term, Toile de Jouy, originated in France and literally means «cloth from Jouy-en-Josas», a town in the south-west suburbs of Paris.

A Dior window filled with toile pieces from the Resort 2019 collection.

Mostly associated with fabrics  for curtains and upholstery in particular as well as wallpaper, toile is also used on teapots, and beddings. For Resort 2019, many fashion designers have rediscovered the pattern that was widely worn on shirts in the ’70s. This season, the fabric looks stunning on long skirts and accessories. Don’t miss Dior‘s take on it. It is my favorite. Oscar de la Renta‘s Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are inspired by bridal registry china – the idea struck after the design duo flicked through a Wedgwood book by Rizzoli.

Enjoy the best pieces below:

Pleated floral-print cotton-blend midi skirt by Oscar de la Renta

TRO floral-print textured-leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta

Isa toile double waist skirt by Tibi

Printed voile cotton skirt by Dior

Lady Dior Toile de Jour bag by Dior

When my manicurist Megan Biggi‘s moved to a new location (the best in Zurich, click here for her contact information), we were talking about the interior design of the room. During the conversation, I recommended this Toile de Jouy traditional pattern that is revisited with a new humoristic and pertinent approach, showing some erotic scenes that you only discover when you look closer. She loved the idea and now one wall in her spa is decorated with the high quality wallpaper as you can see below. I think it absolutely looks fantastic!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EROTIC TOILE WALLPAPER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

On my birthday, I love being surrounded by my close girlfriends who surprised me with a spontaneous birthday lunch. Honestly I should call it all-day-lunch as we went on until 6.30pm! I feel blessed to have such amazing women in my life. Thank you to everyone who made my day so special!

My look: Stokes geometric faux-fur coat by Mary Katrantzou, pleated jacquard-knit wool-blend skirt, long sleeve top, and eyelet-embellished leather waist belt, all by Alaïa, Cardinale stretch-suede knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana, bead and acetate clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta, «16» bag by Celine, necklace, brooch and bracelet, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dear Santa… honestly we need to talk! We as women do all the work for your arrival, and there is still so much on our wish list :-)…

Therefore I put together this amazing list of pieces on sale (to save you money, Mr Santa!):

Nile Bracelet mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé (40% off)

Embroidered velvet mini dress by Alaïa (50% off)

Bead and acetate clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (40% off)

Babette sequined suede boots by Balmain (50% off)

Leather-trimmed checked wool beret by Versace (40% 0ff)

Double-breasted denim blazer by Balmain (40% off)

Studded leather shoulder bag by Prada (30% off)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is my mandatory outfit post from the LA MER event at Jelmoli last week. I went through my closet to find something that would perfectly match the occasion and I am convinced there couldn’t have been a better choice than my Fishtank Dress from Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 2012 season. Funnily enough, some thought this is the new LA MER uniform. Would be pretty cool, don’t you think?

My look: Fishtank silk-blend jacquard mini dress by Mary Katrantzou, ribbed wool turtleneck sweater by T by Alexander Wang, GG Marmont leather belt bag and Angel platform boots in turquoise, both by Gucci, and Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

After a seemingly endless summer, we can finally jump into the new fashion season. This fall brings with it a batch of fresh ideas. Mix vibrant colors and comfy and chic materials to think ahead of the style tribe! Make it your own recipe – you are the chef…

My look: Fringed wool-blend jacquard cardigan by Etro, lace panelled dress by Valentino, Cahier raffia crossbody bag by Prada, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Jewellery and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, I was invited to the opening of FRED SEGAL at GLOBUS in Zurich. The iconic store, founded in 1961 on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles (click here for a previous post about shopping in the City of Angels), that became the heart of L.A. pop culture celebrated its debut in Switzerland and Europe. Now the famous mix of fashion, design, lifestyle and art is available at Lintheschergasse 7 and online. No need to fly to the States or Japan anymore. Let yourself be inspired and check out the young and contemporary selection from designers like CLUT GAIA, EACH x OTHER, BAN.DO, TATA HARPER or ROCHAS.

My look: Leopard-print jumpsuit with peplum detail by Stella McCartney, Ark small acrylic clutch by Cult Gaia, patent-leather pumps by Miu Miu, and tasseled clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, rose diamond necklace and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, cuff by Chanel, and «So Real» sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht
#GlobusLovesFredSegal

Last night, I was invited by JELMOLI to celebrate the opening of their contemporary fashion department on the second floor that features brands like Peter Pilotto, Jonathan Simkhai, Diane von Furstenberg, Rochas, Alexandre Vauthier and Koché among others.

The event was very unexpected and a real experience. Check-in began on the street in front of the department store (queue was shockingly long), then we boarded open-air buses and were driven to the underground delivery station below JELMOLI where the fashion show and party took place. A very successful and fun night.

Quick stop at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI before the event with a friend for a luxury treatment session that I can only recommend.

My look: Fringed printed cotton and silk-blend jersey dress by Loewe, embellished woven straw tote by Rosie Assoulin, ankle boots Kole by Chloé, bi-colour chain necklace by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, rose diamond ring by Piaget and faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A trip into the blue… from one location to the other. This is what I love – finding unexpected little places, beautiful hotels and exploring new territories. Here you see me on the rooftop terrace of the Hotel de Tourrel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the South of France. With only 7 rooms, it is a real treasure in the city center.

My look: Patchwork cotton top and patchwork asymmetrical-hem skirt, both by Loewe, DiorClub2 D-frame acetate sunglasses by Dior, Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé, beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, daisy necklace by Dior Fine Jewellery, Amulette necklace by Cartier, cuff by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am really in love with Natacha Ramsay-Levi‘s designs for Chloé. For her S/S 2018 debut collection for the French Maison, she collaborated with an artist to develop prints and patterns that symbolizes nature, rebirth, the human body and new beginnings.
In general, Chloé used to be too big on me. Since Natacha took over the helmet, everything fits me perfectly and flatters the body. To a beautiful Chloé summer…

My look: Ruffled printed silk mini dress, Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag and Rylee pointy toe boots, all by Chloé, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, cuff by Céline and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock