Fashion talks a big game when it comes to inclusion, but few brands can actually back it up. In September 2018, Feriel Moulaï shot to fame making her debut as the first hijabi model in history to walk at Paris Fashion Week when she appeared on the Koché S/S 2019 runway and Fendi casted Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser for its F/W 2020 runway show in Milan. They were the first «plus size» models to walk in a Fendi show ever. Such a breath of fresh air…

Halima Aden in a Tommy Hilfiger burkini for the Sports Illustrated last month.

This weekend, Tommy Hilfiger, one of America’s most well known fashion labels, has just unveiled its first hijab. Joining the multi billion-dollar modest fashion industry, this is not the first time the brand has designed with modesty in mind, however, as it recently dressed hijabi model Halima Aden in a custom-made burkini.

Hilfiger’s first-ever hijab

Launching on 24 August for purchase globally in select stores and online, Hilfiger’s hijab will come in a fine, woven jacquard boosted with light shimmer via a glittering metallic thread dubbed as soft lurex. Decorated with the initials TH in a tumbling block pattern, the hijab serves up a breathable, lightweight and chic option for the everydays.

Early adopter: in 2016, Dolce & Gabbana launched a collection of hijabs and abayas.

The decision for the launch is surely business-driven as the State of the Global Islamic Economy report presents the continued momentum of the Islamic economy, projecting the modest fashion industry to be worth an estimated £226 billion worldwide.

A number of luxurious brands, such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and DKNY, have all produced pieces or entire collections aimed specifically at the modest market.

The Japanese company Uniqlo has unveiled a collaboration for F/W 2020 with British hijabi designer Hana Tajima. Embodying a rich sense of cultural diversity, this exclusive collaboration line features elegantly simplistic yet considered pieces, offering comfortable, versatile clothing for all women of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, culture or belief.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © TOMMY HILFIGER, @HALIMA

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

For the first time ever, I did an interview together with my daughter for Swiss annabelle magazine. Over all these years, I tried to keep her out of the press and never showed her on my blog. Although she has been the one behind the camera, since I started my blog in 2009. Whenever it was possible, I took her with me on my business travels, to fashion shows or we interviewed designers such as Hilfiger or Lagerfeld.

Anouk with me at work: Meeting the Olsen Twins, Karl Lagerfeld and Tommy Hilfiger.

You would imagine she would love to follow in my footsteps, but you are completely mistaken. My girl is absolutely not impressed by the world of fashion as she has seen behind the curtains and knows it is in general not as glamorous as it seems. She dreams of studying psychology and acting in the US. I am very proud of her as she is one of the most grounded people I know. Being extremely responsible with her social media, she uses it only privately.

This diversity between us interested annabelle magazine. When Jacqueline Krause-Blouin, deputy editor-in-chief, approached us, it was important for me that Anouk took the decision herself. Now, being almost 17 years old, she saw it as an interesting project and we had a great conversation during the interview. The photos were taking by Pierluigi Macor and his assistant which ended up being a very fun afternoon.

TO READ THE INTERVIEW (IN GERMAN), CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

Always on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes place and its 150-foot-long red carpet is probably one of the most-watched fashion events of the year with a gazillion of celebrities walking it in the most exquisite gowns. This year, it celebrated the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” that will go on until September 4, 2017.

Today I would like to share my personal list of best-dressed (and worst-dressed) celebrities that made their way last night into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur for the party of the year. The dress code called for avant-garde black tie, either you go big or go home, enjoy!

My favorite look on the red carpet: Lily-Rose Depp‘s pink Chanel look detailed with oversized silver camellias and a creeping vine.

Who did meet the dress code the best? The answer is clearly Rihanna. She showed up once again in a full-on fashion fantasy from the Comme des Garçons F/W 2016 runway that was also an architectural miracle, paired with Rihanna Loves Chopard jewelry.

As 2017 Met Gala cochair of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition, Pharell Williams wore ripped denim by Comme des Garçons Jeans with a black biker jacket, and plaid shirt. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, paired her straight-off-the-F/W-2017-runway red onesie with a blonde topknot. Not showing any arms, it looked like a fashionable straightjacket.

Cara Delevingne appeared as a sci-fi fashion fantasy wearing an embellished pantsuit from Chanel‘s Spring 2017 Couture collection. I love how she always surprises.

One of my favorites! Even that Zendaya rejected the theme of the night, she ensured all eyes were on her wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print.

Two thumbs up for bringing glamour to the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in a Valentino dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Lily Collins showed up with a graphic dark bob and black lipstick, juxtaposing her sweet Giambattista Valli gown and her fierce Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Plus-size model Ashley Graham channeled her inner flamenco dancer in a fabulous custom H&M dress. So pretty!

I am in love with Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown that featured a draped gold beading at the bodice, giving way to a plumed train in shades of blue. She had the best accessory of the night with her … her husband:-)! Couple goals I would say!

Another one arrived with her handsome husband who might have thought looking at his wife Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCartney, of Ed Sheeran singing «I’m in love with the shape of you» …

If you don’t have a husband to bring, bring the designer of your dress! That was Dakota Johnson‘s motto of the night, as she appeared in a stunning ruffled black Gucci gown with Alessandro Michele at her side.

Radiant like a sun goddess, actress Jessica Chastain in a yellow fluid Prada gown paired with some stunning Piaget jewelry.

Lupita Nyong’o also dazzled in Prada, pulling off the vibrant orange shade with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing in a nude, asymmetrical Cinderella-esque Tommy Hilfiger dress. I am just not so sure about the stay-up.

Showstopper! Leave it to Bella Hadid to steal the show in a glittering catsuit by none other than Alexander Wang. She looked so fabulous!

Priyanka Chopra did not disappoint in a bold Ralph Lauren trench coat gown with an unbelievably long train. Very different, something I like. I am just not a big fan of her booties in combination.

Like it or not, the award for most nude goes to none other than Kendall Jenner, whose slinky La Perla Haute Couture dress will absolutely go down in Met Gala history.

When it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s understated Calvin Klein dress, I love the cut and the color, but I am not fond of the ankle length.

Katy Perry was unfortunately not among my favorites last night. The custom red tulle gown by Maison Margiela, designed by John Galliano himself, was topped with a heavy-looking wool coat covered in adornments like tulle flowers and plenty of beads. On the veil, a cryptic message across her eyes spelling “Witness” was embroidered, nevertheless it was truly one of the night’s most creative looks.

My favourite picture of the night! Have a look at Sarah Paulson dressed in a beautiful classy Prada gown. Her facial expression says everything! The American Horror Story actress seemed to have a heart attack after bumping into Madonna with the designer of her camouflage Moschino dress by her side, Jeremy Scott. Declaring war on fashion in camouflage, the famous singer was definitely not going incognito. I am not a fan of her look.

Swiss power at the Met Gala… Roger Federer in Gucci. I adore this snake embellishment on his back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Getty Images, © Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock, © Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Friday night, Tommy Hilfiger hosted an exclusive dinner during the Zurich Film Festival. The American designer had come to Switzerland with his wife Dee for this very special occasion along other celebrities such as Olivia Palermo with her husband Johannes Huebl, «Harry Potter» star Daniel Radcliffe, who premiered his new movie «Imperium» and Woody Harrelson, who was for «LBJ» in the Swiss metropole.

The location as Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, stated couldn’t have been a better match. The Razzia restaurant with its neoclassical architecture was Zurich’s first cinema in the 1920s.

After a lovely dinner, guests enjoyed live performances by Swiss music star Marc Sway and Dutch singer Glennis Grace. It was truly a great night and I danced until dawn.

Festival director Nadja Schildknecht, CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Daniel Grieder and his wife Sandra, both ladies looking stunning in their Tommy Hilfiger suits.

Daniel Grieder welcoming his guests at Razzia.

Style icon Olivia Palermo with model husband Johannes Huebl, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger.

German actress Veronica Ferres at the Tommy Hilfiger Dinner in celebration of the 12th Zurich Film Festival.

With Woody Harrelson.

Great show! Singer Marc Sway performed without a microphone.

Two Hollywood stars in Zurich: Woody Harrelson and Daniel Radcliffe.

Great ambiance at the after party.

A truly lovely guy that I captured especially for my daughter: Daniel Radcliffe.

Thank you, Tommy Hilfiger, for another amazing dinner party! Truly a highlight of the Zurich Film Festival…

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Zurich Film Festival, one of the biggest highlights is the exclusive dinner hosted by Tommy Hilfiger. Last year, the American designer himself welcomed the guests at Razzia restaurant and thanked his long-time CEO Daniel Grieder on stage. Later, stars such as Johannes Huebl, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Elisa Sednaoui listened to the private concert by Marlon Roudette.

Playsuits and over-the-knee boots are definitely no longer for fashion victims only, they have become a must this season.

My look: Silk-chiffon playsuit by Emilio Pucci, bi-colour Sac De Jour nano leather tote by Saint Laurent, suede over-the-knee boots by Dior, earrings by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis .

Stay tuned… tonight it is time for the Tommy Hilfiger dinner again.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Silvia Binggeli, Editor-in-Chief of Annabelle.

Nadja Schildknecht, Daniel Grieder CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Europe, Elisa Sednaoui, Tommy Hilfiger, Clara Paget and Johannes Huebl.

Marlon Roudette entertaining the crowd at the Tommy Hilfiger dinner.

With German actor Moritz Bleibtreu.

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

WELCOME TO NOW
It’s a new era at Tommy Hilfiger.
We’re breaking the old-school rules of the runway and giving instant access to our Fall
2016 Hilfiger Collection and the new TOMMYXGIGI capsule. These are our greatest
hits, remixed and restyled for the digital age and shoppable the moment the lights go up.
We look to the classic codes of our 30-year arsenal––nautical, sport, rock-n-roll,
Americana––and give everything a modern day swagger. We’ve played with proportions
and fabrics, making signature details pop. It’s nautical meets street; inspired by Gigi
Hadid and designed to be worn as you like it.
This is the show I’ve always wanted to present. A true democratization of fashion, so
get on board––this is #TommyNow. – Tommy Hilfiger

Such as Tom Ford, who presented his first-ever in season fashion show for F/W 2016 this week in NYC, Tommy Hilfiger is living the «now» moment with #TOMMYNOW. As I told you earlier this week, «see now, buy now» is in full effect and digital becomes more important than ever.

And Hilfiger, the «American Dreamer», has set the bar high for any future fashion events with a set design that was truly outstanding including a 40-foot ferris wheel, a public carnival, food, games and of course his new muse Gigi Hadid that has launched her capsule collection with the brand simultaneously. Tommy Hilfiger’s runway shows had always been amazing but this one was absolutely special. The show was live-streamed and immediately shoppable on Tommy.com. In addition, all Tommy Hilfiger retailers and locations across the globe have now everything available for purchase.

Explore the collection that offers everything Tommy Hilfiger stands for, the famous «classic American cool» style and the amazing set design below.

TO SHOP THE #TOMMYNOW RUNWAY COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLECTION ALSO ON MYTHERESA.COM.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 -Gigi Hadid

Look 10 – Sara Sampaio

Look 20  – Frederrike Falbe-Hansen

Look 23 – Hailey Baldwin

Look 32 – Fei Fei Sun

Look 33 –  Paulina Frankowska

Look 36 (final look) – Gigi Hadid

Famous front row: Taylor Swift

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. Let’s be honest, there is nothing really new, but that is the beauty of our century. Everything is possible!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2016 TREND 1: SWEET GIRLS
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dries Van Noten

S/S 2016 TREND 2: SLEEPWEAR
Balenciaga – Loewe – Alexander Wang

S/S 2016 TREND 3: ARM CANDY
Dior – Fendi – Céline

S/S 2016 TREND 4: OFF THE SHOULDER
Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

S/S 2016 TREND 5: ROMANTICISM
Alexander McQueen – Saint Laurent – Etro

S/S 2016 TREND 6: TRIBAL
Balmain – Prada – Valentino

S/S 2016 TREND 7: JUNGLE
Roberto Cavalli – Versace – Bottega Veneta

S/S 2016 TREND 8: TIE-DYE
Narciso Rodriguez – Altuzarra – Paco Rabanne

S/S 2016 TREND 9: FINE LINES
Salvatore Ferragamo – Stella McCartney – Tommy Hilfiger

S/S 2016 TREND 10: STARS & STRIPES
Lacoste – Marc Jacobs – Max Mara

S/S 2016 TREND 11: BOYISH OVERALLS
Louis Vuitton – Isabel Marant – Ralph Lauren Collection

S/S 2016 TREND 12: NEW DENIM
Derek Lam – Chloé – Chanel

S/S 2016 TREND 13: DISCO SPARKLE
Lanvin – Vetements – Nina Ricci

S/S 2016 TREND 14: SILVER
Victoria Beckham – Tom Ford – Courrèges

S/S 2016 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT EMOTIONS
Dolce & Gabbana – Emilio Pucci – Burberry Prorsum

Photos: Via Vogue.com

This cardigan has truly reinvigorated my wardrobe. It works perfectly day and night and it is a comfy way to wear sequins. I wore this outfit to the Hilfiger dinner that I posted about recently.

My look: Sequined polka dot cashmere cardigan and Janis suede platform pumps, both by Saint Laurent, white leather dress by Tom Ford, satin clutch and earrings, both by Prada, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Twenties stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tonight, I am invited by Tommy Hilfiger and the Zurich Film Festival and I couldn’t be any happier about it. Each year, Hollywood comes to Zurich. In 2013, it was Harrison Ford (for the previous post click here) and in 2014, it was John Malkovich who joined Tommy Hilfiger and Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, on this special occasion.

Time flies and I realized that I have never posted the pictures from last year. So here you go. Even 12 months later, it hasn’t lost any of its glamour.

Stay tuned for the photos of tonight. I promise it won’t take another year…

LoL, Sandra

John Malkovich, my humble self, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger

German actress Iris Berben with me

Trudie Götz (Trois Pommes) with me

Peter Fonda

Stefanie Heinzmann performed at the after party.

A day later, Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife posted this on instagram. Very cute of her!

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht