Sandra‘s Closet

According to Tim Blanks, the ninth-floor penthouse, where Roberto Cavalli presented his F/W 2013 men’s collection Sunday night in Milan, once belonged to the Gucci who was gunned down by his wife. Overlooking the rooftops of Milan, the spectacular views were the perfect backdrop for the outstanding presentation. Daniele Cavalli, who has been at the helmet of the menswear arm since two years, had a vision and transformed the amazing flat into a gentlemen’s club in impressive colours of purple and burgundy.

Instead of a fashion show, the collection was presented on mannequins, next to the photos and videos created by well-known photographer Rankin. I totally liked that approach as you could truly look at all the details of the looks and believe me, there were many.

Precious fabrics, from crocodile-printed pony skin to all-over sequined embroideries, of course the uniqueness of a print, and Daniele’s strongest talent, the combination of all those eye-catching details (see all the photos below please).

Daniele told me a little about his inspiration, that he used a teleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope, to create his very special prints, in form of kaleidoscopic patterns.

So then, no fashion shows this season. The reason?
The runway and the long walk before the public and photographers enhances and highlights the spectacular nature of feminine seduction. The same does not apply to the male essence. On the contrary, this might be the motive behind the skepticism of many men towards fashion. This collection aims at celebrating male reality.

Many famous journalists attended the event, among them Suzy Menkes…

… and Tim Blanks, who were both listening to Daniele’s vision.

Eva Cavalli chatting with Tim Blanks

Guests of the event were spoilt to all sorts of Cavalli Vodka drinks and enjoyed a musical performance of The Cyborgs. A fashion show that was more a fashion party in the world’s most stylish gentlemen’s club ever. Thumbs up!

Have fun looking at all the photos from the amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photographer Rankin with Alex Postiglione

Me at work in the kaleidoscopic room where the accessories were presented.

Olivier Zahm (Purple magazine) with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Daniele Cavalli‘s reign at his family label has elevated the iconic style to another, more contemporary and definitely sexier level. The young Florentine is in charge for the house’s menswear label since a few seasons and I am absolutely in love wit his creations. In my dream world, men would walk around in those clothes from day to night.

Young Daniele has an amazing sense for colours and for creating new interesting materials, as he transformed tiger stripes into a tonal motif on a black leather bomber jacket for F/W 2012. The purple duffle coat and croc print silk scarf would take every man’s outfit to new heights.

You can shop Roberto Cavalli Men at LUISAVIAROMA.COM and FARFETCH.COM.

Me with Daniele, whom, it would not be hard to imagine in many of the looks.

Sketches & mood boards

Beautiful black & white photo in the last issue of Italian Max featuring a Roberto Cavalli Menswear S/S 2012 total look! Great style!

Robert Pattinson wears Roberto Cavalli yellow trousers in the September 2012 issue of BlackBook. Awesome pic!

This is a photo of the Roberto Cavalli F/W 2012 Menswear advertising campaign.

For S/S 2013, Daniele got inspired by the butterfly, the icon of transformation, and used a cage filled with them as the backdrop of show. From caterpillar to cocoon to full glam rock chic, if you’re going to be in Roberto Cavalli’s gang next summer, you will need some pastel shades of lilac and sky blue. To add Daniele’s signature ’70s feel, go for his metallic purples and silver. The thin lapelled-suits with neck scarves should definitely be on your wish list, gentlemen!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli, via BlackBook and Italian Max

This was my look for the amazing Caviar & Oyster Collection Dinner with Bobbi Brown:

Black dress with angel wing sleeves by Stella McCartney, Soft Stirrup black brocade leather clutch, Noah high heel cut-out pump, both by Gucci, bangle, goldfish cuff and cocktail ring, all three by Roberto Cavalli, earrings by Chanel.

Of course, I created my make-up with the beautiful new products by Bobbi Brown:

I used the Caviar & Oyster Palette (CHF 120.-) for the eyes (I blended all eight shades and dabbed Ballet Sparkle with my fingertip), then I applied the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (CHF 33.-) in Black Ink with the Smokey Eye Liner Brush (CHF 43.-) and smudged it with the Long-Wear Eye Pencil (CHF 33.-) in Jet. To finish off the smokey look, I layered the new limited edition Dual-Ended Mascara (CHF 33.-) in Black.

On my lips I wore Brightening Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-) in Moonlight Pearl and on my cheeks Blush (CHF 41.-) in Pretty Pink.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich Opening Night on Wednesday:

Mietta embroidered crepe top, Jessica flared crepe mini skirt, both by Stella McCartney, fur shrug by Prada, gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, bow-embellished suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu, Trapeze bag by Céline and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

If you are wondering why I brought such a huge bag, I was carrying two cameras. During the next days, I will show you all the photos from the events and runway shows.

There was a lot of press coverage from the night and I gave some interviews. If you are interested to see them, have a look at annabelle, 20 Minuten online and NZZ.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Screenshots via annabelle, 20 Minuten and NZZ

This Christmas, Harrods and Disney are celebrating a glamorous collaboration with a pop-up boutique and exciting in-store events. The exclusive 7,000 square-foot boutique is open on the Fourth Floor at Harrods until January 2012. Housing an array of Disney products, it will also include bespoke limited-edition items, collectables and show-stopping dress-up pieces.

For truly royal treatment, visit the Disney Princess Parlour dress-up area and try on iconic costumes. Plus, for £19.95, visitors will have the opportunity to have a 15 minute photographic experience against an enchanting Disney backdrop and take home mounted photographs (by appointment only).

There will also be a Cinderella Slipper Salon offering replica glitter-embellished glass limited-edition slippers, ranging from £24.95 to £34.95; with limited stock available be sure to stop by early to guarantee your purchase.

To celebrate this pink and sparkly paradise, leading fashion designers including Versace, Valentino, Elie Saab and Roberto Cavalli were invited by Harrods to create a special interpretation of one of 10 Disney Princesses animating the store’s Christmas project.

An here is your exclusive first look at the beautiful gowns that will be unveiled in the famous Harrods Christmas windows on Thursday November 1, 2012. I love!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP DISNEY AT HARRODS.

LoL, Sandra

Pocahontas by Roberto Cavalli

Aurora by Elie Saab

Cinderella by Versace

Snow White by Oscar de la Renta

Belle by Valentino
Photos: Courtesy of Harrods

I would love to be a New York City Girl. Living in this vibrant city that has so much energy and that offers so many things to do, sounds too good to be true. Whenever I am there, I am truly enjoying my time. But I have to admit that I also like to come back to my very picturesque and calm Switzerland where I can always recharge my batteries before leaving for new adventures.

Those photos were taking on the terrace of Mondrian Soho‘s penthouse suite.
My look: Printed silk crepe de chine shirt by Miu Miu, Jessica flared crepe mini skirt by Stella McCartney, Rockstud ankle boots by Valentino, black leather bag by Prada, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look that I wore to the amazing Maison Martin Margiela with H&M launch party this week in NYC: Millie tweed and wool-crepe dress by Stella McCartney, bow-embellished suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, cocktail rings by Roberto Cavalli and vintage ’70s style bag by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tuesday afternoon, I arrived in Paris for the city’s famous and oldest antiques fair, the Biennale des Antiquaires, at the Grand Palais which takes places from September 14 to 23, 2012. I am invited by Piaget and totally excited to be here.

For the 26th edition of the Biennale, designer Karl Lagerfeld has been decorating and creating the visuals for the event, plus a contemporary world within the Grand Palais. The exhibition will take place at the main part as well as in “Le Salon d’Honneur”.

This was my look on the arrival day:
Silk blouse and cardigan by Prada, wide wool pants by Stella McCartney, ankle boots by Fendi, Monogram Aviator bag from Louis Vuitton‘s Pre-fall 2010 collection, statement necklace by Roberto Cavalli and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: Dominatrix by Tom Ford.

On the first evening, we had dinner at Hotel Costes. Stay tuned for many beautiful photos coming up from my stay in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fashion-conscious vodka-lovers out there, here is your new fashionable drink: ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA.

Roberto Cavalli says about the tasty addition to his universe on his blog: “In life it takes imagination! I believe I have it!
 I do not remember if I told you what it was that prompted me to create the ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA. I go clubbing… I notice that vodka is the most popular drink… smooth… or with some juice… the most fashionable vodka is French… French…? Why not Italian…? I design the Cavalli style bottle and my son Tommaso selects the best distillery… that’s how the first Italian Vodka is born!”

A few days ago, I created a special cocktail… I can say I am not fond of high volume alcohol drinks… but I really like my cocktail… maybe too much! I get into a nasty habit of making one before bed… l put the glass near the bed and I enjoy it ‘til the last delicious drop! It helps me fall asleep… gently! Try it and let me know how you like it…”

Here is the recipe:

If you are in Florence, I recommend a visit to Caffè Giacosa, one of the city’s most famous cafés. After a painstaking restoration faithful to the original structures, Roberto Cavalli, a born Florentine bound to tradition, reopened this lovely spot. There you can enjoy and shop chocolate, pastries, wines and spirits, all embellished with the iconic Cavalli logo and animal prints.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht