Sandra‘s Closet

Paris, the 1920s. Art Deco style is at its peak. The frenzy of the era is in full swing. It is a time of exuberance; sequins lead the way. With her avant-garde and free-thinking spirit, Gabrielle Chanel embraced this geometric and contrasting aesthetic, and experimented with a completely new style. Within the walls of her rue Cambon Atelier, the designer celebrated life by creating evening gowns studded with striking sequins. In 2023, the Makeup Creation Studio honors her daring spirit by creating dazzling eye looks for the holiday season. The carefree splendor and liberating glamour of that era shine today in a new exclusive collection that symbolizes the Roaring Twenties in all its magnificence. With only one goal in mind: to shine. Infinitely.

COLLECTION MAKE-UP HOLIDAY 2023

PRECIOUS EYES

Like a delicately embroidered cascade of sequins on a dress that twirls to the beat of the music, the five shades featured in the LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE palette are flecked with flamboyant sparkles. These precious, dazzling flashes of Pink Gold, Diamond White, and Shimmering Black can be combined for a graphic, contrasting eye look.

Illuminated eyelids swing to the rhythm of a graphic black line created using SIGNATURE DE CHANEL eyeliner. This intense duet then follows the tempo of NOIR ALLURE mascara, which fans out the lashes, gives them volume, and adds mysterious depth to the overall look. Irresistibly magnetic.

LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE
Création Exclusive Yeux
CHF 100.00

THE DESIRE TO DAZZLE

DUO LUMIÈRE captures the splendor of the 1920s within a radiant powder that illuminates the complexion and creates a signature look. The embossed sequins of this exclusive creation are reminiscent of the sparkles that were dear to Gabrielle Chanel.

Shades of Pink Champagne and Crystal White contain iridescent pigments that, upon contact with the skin, instantly boost radiance, offering elegance in concentrated form. When swept over the tops of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose with the brush applicator, these spellbinding, shimmering shades brighten the complexion and leave it with a delicate pearlescent luster.

DUO LUMIÈRE
Création Exclusive Teint
CHF 67.00

LASTING ALLURE

A nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT puts on quite the show with four irresistible shades. On the outside: a new limited-edition case adorned with golden trim, which can be refilled as many times as desired. On the inside: a protective, moisturizing formula enriched with ume flower extract and plant waxes.

This season, the highly pigmented lipstick comes in the shades Midnight Red, a hypnotic, metallic red hue, and Roaring Purple, a deep, iridescent crimson, in addition to Beige Brut and Rouge Puissant. A vibrant tribute to shine. A finish as brilliant as the light of the setting sun. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE is available in two delicate, mesmerizing shades: Golden Beige, a golden coral, and Fancy Prune, a powerful metallic plum hue. Delicately applied, these unique new jewels of lipsticks will allow your lips to shimmer all night.

ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT
Midnight Red – Roaring Purple – Beige Brut – Rouge Puissant
CHF 71.00

ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE
Golden Beige – Fancy Prune
CHF 50.00

Art Deco style, right down to one’s fingertips. LE VERNIS lights up manicures with its bold, precious, delightfully sultry colors.
White Silk, a rosy white; Tuxedo, an antique gold; and Sequins, a shimmering black. Three new shades created for the holidays… and maybe even beyond.

LE VERNIS
White Silk – Tuxedo – Sequins
CHF 37.00

In stores from end of October 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Summer has just begun (here in Switzerland it feels more like fall), but in true form the fashion universe has already started spinning its own narrative for the possibilities that lie ahead. The F/W 2021 season will go down in history as it marks a year of no-contact, virtual fashion weeks. How is it to watch a fashion show behind your laptop screen? Let me assure you, it is not the same, you miss the energy, part of the message the designer wants to transport and of course the theater of fashion surrounding the event.

The outcome? F/W 2021 doesn’t wrap up as succinctly as previous ones. Designers have been working in exceedingly unusual circumstances, from home, with zoom meetings, in a vacuum, catering to an audience whose lives are forever changed. And yet, creativity reigns. For F/W 2021, the collections fell in line with the times by embracing that new positive joyful everyday outdoor, prepping for a new-wave Roaring ’20s, finding stability in leather, and keeping comfort key in elevated knitwear. A statement coat is one of the must-haves, proof, we have the urge to spend time outside.

There is something for everyone. Show some skin or cover it up! Be comfortable or be crazy! The choice is yours!

LoL, Sandra

Designers skipped the minimalism in favor of something optimistic and grand with a clear message: Let your light shine, ladies, the future is looking bright.

Conscious and respectful of the animal cause, brands are coming up with faux fur that is both cozy and seemingly more realistic than the real thing.

Statement coats are a must this fall but who says a blanket isn’t a garment? JW Anderson’s artful throws definitely do double duty and fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé, will surely be seen on fashionistas around the globe.

Cosmonaut, alien or astronomer? A bit of everything at the same time. Fashion is dreaming of elsewhere and further afield, to say the least, rocketing winter into the sphere of futurewear, with inspirations ranging from sci-fi to NASA.

A feat of geometric style, fashion is displaying its taste for mixing and matching, juxtaposing and seeing together a variety of fabrics and leathers (vegan at Chloé by Gabriela Hearst).

A variation on a theme that springs eternal. This season, leather comes with a bourgeois 19eline and a baby doll biker look at Dior.

This season, fashion has taken to the slopes, with salopettes, parkas and quilted pieces revisited for the woman about town. A modern twist for keeping warm this winter in comfort and style.

The obsession of the season, knitwear goes for a comfy yet sexy silhouette. Dresses worn long, showing skin here and there, or are see-through for a more daring effect.

Branding is still a big game with these all-over logo prints. It is more subtle than wearing the designer name on your chest.

The classic skirt suits of recent seasons have morphed into quirky but prim pleated skirt sets.

The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo. For F/W 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats with matching pants.

Cropped jackets and tops are still trending. However, these elegant, midriff-baring looks are far from the mini tees of your youth. Sophisticated and chic, these short takes are for posh girls only.

This fall, many runways showed an ode to the famous movie «Clueless». This 1990s interpretation means retro varsity jackets, and Clueless-esque skirts. Rodarte actually tapped ‘90s style icon, Clueless’ Cher Horowitz (aka Alicia Silverstone), for their latest lookbook.

Sweatpants are not forever. Slouchy, wide-leg jeans emerged as key looks for fall. Consider these ’90s pants for your post-pandemic life.

The Swinging Sixties revisited for the digital age get top billing this season, with monochrome, streamlined variations that are both sexy and tasteful.

Bulbous, bubble-like shapes started trending early in the lockdowns. For F/W 2021, the silhouettes show  an emphasis on the hips and thighs. Both womanly and protective, these new orbs offer coziness and a little forgiveness from the skintight silhouettes seen elsewhere.

Whimsical flamingo motifs spread their wings over ruched mini dresses at Moschino, oversized shoulders walked down the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana, and ’80s-inspired pieces lit up the runway at Emporio Armani. Miami Vice or Dynasty, the choice is yours.

For those who subscribe to the idea of a new Roaring ’20s on the horizon, you’ll be perfectly outfitted for the occasion with these new flapper dresses.

There is a festive air about the collections this season. With dreams as a leitmotif, evening dresses come out of the closet, and a deluge of silver is shaking up fashion, with strength and character.

No matter your taste, there is a F/W 2021 catsuit to match your lifestyle. Those sexy one-piece wonders are perfect to dance the night away.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Certainly, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, S/S 2021 was a season like no other. Therefore I also waited with this report. Most of the presentations were virtual or with not many guests. New York and London opted for predominantly digital showcases, while Milan and Paris held scaled-back showings with strict social distancing measures. I attended CHANEL in Paris for example but it felt very different from before with all the strict social distancing measures and masks.

What are the trends? The common denominator on the runways was a heartfelt 1990s vibe. Furthermore, the new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers were coming up with. Think barrettes, tracksuits and midriff flossing. Wide-leg trousers offer more comfort and capes deliver that coziness we have been experiencing lately.

In general, there is an urge for vibrant prints and uplifting colors. Stay tuned, I will soon tell you about the F/W 2021 trends, what to keep and what to get.

LoL, Sandra

Everyday pieces, from dresses to sleepwear, have been given a joyful spin by designers who are experimenting with bold, uplifting colors and prints.

S/S 2021 brings a twist to the logomania trend. Designers unveiled new fashion statements with collages, patchworks and neon effects. In any case, this modernity enjoys playing with all manner of styles and colors in fun streetwear looks.

Pantone announced Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in combination as the color of the year 2021. Two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

Candy tops the trends of the season. Sugary candy tones, from cherry to raspberry, bring a dash of rose-tinted energy to summer.

Besides candy hues, orange now also stands out in the trendiest girls’ wardrobes this season.

This summer has a weakness for cape detailing, which is perhaps the ultimate in sartorial fantasy – no one, after all is really requiring a cape, however desirable they might appear.

This year, tie-dye is the print that everyone loves for S/S 2021. It has become the pattern of the pandemic.

This summer, designers looked for monochrome magic, very reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s favorites.

 Skinny jeans and cigarette pant lovers: hear me out. Baggy trousers may not have the streamlining effect of your favoured slim-line silhouettes. But, they’re a bona fide trend for spring, and they’re showing their elegant side this season, taking over as your everyday trouser shape of choice.

With quintessential, luxurious materials and smooth lines, minimalism took on a 1990s look all in white.

Head to toe denim looks are still holding strong. One of my favorite trends.

The tracksuit was also treated to a 1990s vibe. Raw sportswear effects and tech materials teamed up with couture sophistication to play everything down. Who dares win, with track pants about town, day and night.

Envelopping the silhouette in a joyful style, the fishnet style is making a seasonal comeback with a decidedly 1990s aesthetic. It is graphic and minimalist, with raw yet chic flexibility, setting an ultra-contemporary pace.

Brace yourselves for S/S 2021’s most stomach-clenching trend: bralettes are stronger than ever with a ferocity last witnessed in the 1990s.

Midriff flossing can be loosely translating as a series of crisscrossing cords and wraparound details resembling dental floss (hence the name) that can emerge from skirts, from the aforementioned bralette, as well as souping up the middle region of a maxi dress, resistance is futile.

Thanks to the Netflix series «Bridgerton», we welcome the return of the corset. Those body-sculpting pieces will make your silhouette sing, given streetwise attitude. Consider it the very opposite of loungewear – and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of 2020.

Romantic bohemian styles are still all the rage. However, not an ounce of folklore was present, just sheer grace and long transparent dresses with shimmering movements. A true celebration of femininity.

A variation on a decidedly popular theme, fashion contiued to play with shoulders and sleeves. Here, puffy and gathered looks were once again injected with extravagant volumes.

A strong trend since F/W 2020: a silvery glow. The new wardrobe combines fresh energy and old classics resulting in a barrage of sequins, sexy mesh, and crystals ribbing.

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Designers make us dream and invite us to indulge in a fashion fairytale with these tulle gowns.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and rediscovering the art of layering, the close of 2018 has got some of us thinking about our 2019 wardrobe. From bike shorts with blazers to head-to-toe bleached denim and scuba materials, these are the top runway trends from the S/S 2019 fashion weeks.

LoL, Sandra

There is a reason why Pantone announced it the color of the year 2019.

California on your mind? Then go for all that zesty tie dye and those endless wetsuits.

Lace sliced and diced, that is what the new season is about.

70’s crochet, fishnet fabrics and beaded macramé, a crafty theme swept through the summer collections.

The easiest way to energise your wardrobe? Take your tailoring in vibrant citrusy shades.

Decorate your looks with a supersized bow and take the streets with more fanfare than a trumpet.

One trend from the ’90s that I was convinced I would never see again… sorry, my fault! Cycling shorts are back!

Very beautiful! The designers used pleating to create a truly haute-couture silhouette.

It is a fact, the Eighties just won’t go away. This season, it is the acid wash denim that caught my eye.

My ‘it’ item of the season! An all-in-one suit is now your go-to wardrobe solution.

Next season’s partywear diktat is as frou-frou as they come: just add feathers and fringe.

Classy polka dots the transparent way, good girls gone bad!

Live up to the era of the hippie! Rock star and bohemian touches are still found everywhere.

This summer, you’re not fully dressed without a head piece that becomes part of your floral explosions. Wall flowers need not apply.

Have sequins ever ‘not’ been on trend? Perhaps not, but they were so prevalent at the S/S 2019 shows that we can’t ignore them. Personally speaking, I love the take of these designers above that love to work in general with the sparkling fabric. Those looks seem fresh and modern.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Generally speaking, sequins got a huge upgrade during the last seasons, they are definitely no longer for the night time party girls only, they look sophisticated for the office, your shopping trip or wherever you like to go. Sequins can easily transition from day and night and don’t forget they provide an instant light on your face! I wore this dress in Los Angeles during the day (for the previous post, please click here) and yesterday in Sardinia at Forte Village for a night out dancing.

My look: Daga sequined bandage dress (30% off now) by Hervé Léger, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals and beaded bracelet, both by Saint Laurent, patchwork clutch by Prada, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle! Shine on!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my last look from Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever style lab shot at the bar of the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. I am completely in love with Givenchy’s F/W 2013 collection (think about that gorgeous Bambi sweater…), a little punk, a little grunge all with a certain flair.

To order, just click on the highlighted text.

My look: Wool grain de poudre coat with golden details and sequined printed cotton fleece long sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, So Nice earrings by Reminiscence, calfskin metal plaque booties by Giuseppe Zanotti and studded backpack by MCM.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

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

I have been following Pascal Millet from his very first collection in his own name. When I met him in 2010 to discover his creations for S/S 2011 in the showroom, I was overwhelmed by his love for detail, his couture-like cuts and the very Parisian chic.

Yesterday, he turned over a new leaf with his first show during Paris Fashion Week. This season, he drew his inspiration in the narrow alleys of Tangier, its colours and textures. The fabrics were beautiful from stretch leather to fishnet cotton, from sequined Chantilly lace to linen whipcord. The colour palette showed all hues that you can find in Morocco, sand, spice, white, deep black and Tadelakt green.

Rock the Casbah!

Me front row

Above you can see my two favourite looks, perfect for all fashionable city nomads. Modern, sleek and sexy.

His eveningwear was just so beautiful:

Pascal Millet

After the show, I went backstage to congratulate Pascal on his collection.

Spotted at the show: French actress Ana Girardot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

Yesterday evening at the premiere of “Salt” at Graumans Chinese Theatre in L.A., Angelina Jolie looked every bit Hollywood`s reigning queen. The spy thriller is due on 23rd of July in the US and one month later in the UK.

Photo: Courtesy of Asprey

At her big night, the leading lady kept her look cool with a sexy black sequin tube dress by Emporio Armani, nude peep toes by Salvatore Ferragamo and just one piece of jewelry from her own collection that she had designed for luxury jewelers Asprey last year. The snake bracelet has been part of the very limited serpentine-inspired Protector Collection, with only 10 items of each design available and all proceeds going to the power couple`s charity.

But her best accessory might have been King Brad who appeared fur-free, meaning without his beard, looking a little like a young Robert Redford in his aviator sunglasses and Tom Ford suit. As I am a bag-addict, I immediately saw that the beautiful brunette showed up without one. So I was wondering what Brad might have been carrying in his pockets…

Angelina wore her favourite colour dress as in LBD (Little Black Dress). In fashionista circles, this is a must-have and the general consensus is a thumbs up! The sequins gave her classic look a sexy twist and the nude pumps worked perfectly with it.
In case you do not own a dress like that, please consider one. At the moment, there are a lot of beautiful ones available of which many are on sale. Here is my pre-selection:

If you prefer doing-it-yourself, I recommend a visit to the notions department. Sequin fabrics are not too expensive and used preferably for costumes. Just sew the material together and voilà there is your tube dress!

A sparkling LBD is a lifetime investment! Do it the Angelina way…

LoL, Sandra