Sandra‘s Closet

Versatile and individual to wear, the Fatal dress by Wolford is the ultimate highlight in every suitcase. The fully seamless tube dress, that is wrinkle-free, offers many styling possibilities and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Using different draping and clever gathering new looks are always created again and again.

Furthermore, this Wolford classic was created for the F/W 2011 season in different bicolour variations – for maximum styling freedom with reversal effect: as a dress with draped bust, as skirt with a wide belt around the waist, as a mini dress with top…

Tips and tricks on ways to wear it can be found in a video styling guide by clicking here.

Available online or in Wolford stores for €145 / £125.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Wolford

It is official, fall is here now. Nature is changing and so is our wardrobe. I love the colour combination of purple and green and hope that you will like it, too!

My look: Sleeveless dress by Missoni, sweater by Gucci, necklace by Lanvin, Kelly bag “So Black” by Hermès, tights “Matte Opaque 80” by Wolford, ring “Diorette” by Dior Haute Joaillerie, watch by Roger Dubuis and suede shoes by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Travel expert Kuoni and globetrotting consultant Thomas Erber have collaborated to present “Kuoni No.1”, a travel bag made of premium Barenia calfskin, created by the Swiss label “Van Astyn“ in association with Thomas Erber and Peter Nitz. It comes in an edition of 20 individually numbered pieces and is an object that ages with its owner and gracefully absorbs the traces of experience over many years of travels.

The bag is available exclusively for € 1890 at colette in Paris and through Kuoni Concierge in Zurich (+41 58 702 65 55). If you like it, you will have to hurry as there are only a few left.

LoL, Sandra

Designer Peter Nitz with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Alain Nathan for the still life pictures

The reason for my trip to Milan this week was the opening of “O’Clock – time design, design time” with Officine Panerai as the main partner. The exhibition is curated by Silvana Annicchiarico and Jan van Rossem, with a special exhibition design by Patricia Urquiola that analyses the relationship between the concept of time and design, on display at Milan Triennale from 11th October 2011 to 8th January 2012.

The works on show describe the way in which  some 80 international designers and artists have interpreted or represented one of the fundamental themes of our culture, that of time.

Patricia Urquiola has also created for Officine Panerai the installation “I mondi di Officine Panerai” (The worlds of Officine Panerai), presented here for the first time, in which eight watch models recount, as protagonists, the design of Panerai. The installation, positioned at the end of the exhibition, is open from 11th to 23rd October and consists of eight models in as many display cases, in which the watches are presented in a setting that skilfully blends humour and poetry and create the effect of a time tunnel which appears to possess a soul, that of time.

If the link between the concept of time and a brand of high-end timepieces is obvious and immediate, the same can be said of the connection between Panerai and the world of design. The Radiomir and Luminor, created in the 1930s and 1940s for the Italian Navy frogmen commandos, have become icons of fine watch-making since their launch in the 1990s.

Damien Hirst, Beautiful Sunflower Panerai Painting

On the occasion of the exhibition the famous British artist Damien Hirst is premiering two works, made using the spin painting technique and using dials from Panerai watches and household gloss on canvas: Beautiful Sunflower Panerai Painting and Beautiful Fractional Sunflower Panerai Painting.

“I love Panerai”, declared the British artist. “The watches are timeless and I made this spin painting using black Panerai watch faces without hands in the pattern of the seeds in the head of a sunflower – I hope the painting makes you think, we are here for a good time, not a long time.”

Damien Hirst, Beautiful Fractional Sunflower Panerai Painting
© 2011 Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved DACS, 
Photos: by Prudence Cuming Associates

By the way, Damien Hirst has included Panerai watches on several occasions in the past in his works: a Panerai watch is painted on a table next to medicines and a skull in “Skull with Watch” from 2005 and is physically present in the installations “The Tranquility of Solitude (for George Dyer)” (2006), and “Killing Time” (2008).

Gomitolo Clock
Carlo e Benedetta Tamborini
Diamantini & Domeniconi, 2008
courtesy Diamantini & Domeniconi

A cotton-knit cover; almost as if to suggest a subtle link between the technique of measuring time and the art of weaving.

One of my favourite art works is the following, created with different pieces of furniture:

The bug – Time Machine
Patricia Urquiola
site-specific, 2011

Time has always been an obsession for humanity in that it is the least controllable and modifiable element. The strongest limit to be overcome and on which technology and progress can intervene least of all. Dealing with our being limited, with a deadline, which we can try to extend, but not avoid. Dealing with eternity and the impossibility of experiencing it. The curiosity of being able to foresee or read the future, the primary search of every civilization, which perpetuates itself in continuous unlikely and unfound attempts, based on foundations comparable to beliefs. Power linked to a supposed control of time, by means of forecasts, surveys, readings, premonitions, the study of cycles, the creation of systems, genetic analysis, preventative tests, séances, oracles, reading of cards, bones, animal guts, the hand, the stars. To be able to make money on the stock market, to know society’s moods, the opinions of the decision-makers, to create consensus, prevent, anticipate, control. The final solution? Invent a time machine just like the train, the car, the airplane and the spaceship were invented.
Further and further away, faster and faster, in less time, but always and only in the present and space.
The bug is a worm, an insect, something unforeseen, an error, an act of nature or something artificial, like a metaphor for the impossibilty of total control of time.

Patricia Urquiola

Patricia Urquiola in front of her time machine

Patricia Urquiola with me

Poster Plants
Oscar Diaz
2011
courtesy Oscar Diaz

A piece of white paper with a paper tree with branches and a vase filled with green paint. The special material used to make the poster causes the green paint to be absorbed at regular intervals by the branches, so that the plant can „grow“ in the space of a few months.

Domino
Albin Karlsson
2005
courtesy Albin Karlsson

Dominoes arranged into the symbol of infinity fall one after the other in a chain reaction, to then rise again as if controlled by an invisible hand, ad infinitum.

Clock
Christiaan Postma
2008 
courtesy Christiaan Postma

At 3:00 on the clock’s right side, the word THREE will appear, fading out as time passes; then, at about 3:30, the word FOUR will slowly begin to emerge.

Eternity
Alicia Eggert, Mike Fleming
2010
courtesy Alicia Eggert & Mike Fleming

30 clocks and 36 black hands for the hours and the minutes move so as to form the word Eternity every 12 hours and only for a few secons on a white acrylic panel.

Givenchy
Riccardo Tisci
2011
courtesy of Sandra Bauknecht

This one was a little joke…got you? But sometimes clothes are pieces of art.
My look for the exhibition opening: Black and white dress and ruffled jacket with zipper detail by Givenchy, suede pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, stay-ups “Bonny Dots” by Wolford and cocktail ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but must be lived forwards” – Sören Kierkegaard

LoL, Sandra

Suryia Hill to the right with me, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Galleria del Corso in Milan: in the space formerly occupied by the Excelsior cinema, the Gruppo Coin has opened the new luxury concept store EXCELSIOR with 4000 sqm dedicated to fashion, food and design on seven floors, built by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.

The flow of technological reflections takes visitors through a multisensorial shopping experience, from the basement (the Eat’s Store) to the top floor, the home of the luxury accessories. Customers can shop a large selection of beauty products, enjoy the patisserie Ladurée, a Tiffany store and fashion brands such as Givenchy, Chloé, Valentino, Holly Fulton and Proenza Schouler. Believe me, you could spend the whole day in this shopping temple!

LoL, Sandra

Designer clothes

Beauty temple

Olfactory bar

Ladurée

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Seen on the streets of Milan: Beautiful Suryia looking elegant and stylish!

Suryia’s look: Short-sleeved trenchoat by Bottega Veneta, printed vintage dress by Léonard, Boston bag by Céline, boots by L’Autre Chose and watch by Rolex.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Natalie Portman who’s now the face of Diorskin Forever, the latest foundation by Christian Dior, shows us what flawless complexion means. To achieve this “made to measure” – Haute Couture teint, Dior has introduced two new makeup products along with new lip shades to give your face the perfect radiance. Please scroll down for further details.

Dior Forever Fluid
Flawless Perfection – Fusion wear makeup – SPF 25

Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation provides a new generation of fusional wear, fluid foundation. Its ultra-sensorial texture, bursting with made-to-measure perfecting skin care ingredients, melts into the skin for an absolutely perfect complexion that lasts all day long. The foundation blends seamlessly with the skin for a smoother, more even complexion day after day.

Price: CHF 68.50

Diorskin Forever Compact
Flawless Perfection – Fusion wear makeup – SPF 25

A true innovation, Dior has invented an exclusive manufacturing process to integrate a record quantity of skincare into a powder texture. For the first time, a powder complexion provides all the benefits of skincare in an ultra-soft and creamy texture. It melts into the skin like a cream for a velvety, non-powder finish and an ideal sensation of comfort throughout the day.

Price: CHF 80.50 (Refill CHf 59)

Rouge Dior and Forever – The Perfect Harmony
Haute Couleur Voluptuous Care Lip Blush

For the “Lip Blush” range, Dior has combined Diorskin Forever skin-coloured pigments with coloured pigments. The lipsticks match skin tone perfectly for an instantly beautiful makeup. This combination of complexion and lipstick provides a well-match and natural duo.

Price: CHF 48

For my Zurich based readers, I have some good news. Next week, from 17th-22nd of October three of Dior’s 12 international pro makeup artists are coming to Jelmoli to introduce the new products. This is your chance to get tips and a makeover from the international pros.

You can choose between two options:

■ An one hour makeover for CHF 60 (redeemable in products)

■ An one hour makeup lesson for CHF 120 (redeemable in products) in which the makeup pro applies the makeup to one half of the face and than explains to the customer how to create the look at home.

Book your personal makeup appointment for a Dior Haute Couture Makeup with an international pro by calling +41 44 220 40 65. For furter information on the makeup artists, please see below.

Jamie Coombes – UNITED KINGDOM

To design the outfit that won him admittance to the London College of Fashion, Jamie took inspiration from Mr. Dior. Sometimes those signs of destiny really mean something… His creativity and talent led to his rapid integration at Dior, where he worked for special events. In between fashion shows, magazine work and professional trips, he takes inspiration from his artistic passions.

What does Dior mean to you?

“A garden full of sensations, textures and colours that just have to be picked to give every woman style. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by the feeling of freedom the products provide.”

Eugenia Kameneva – RUSSIA

Dior introduced Eugenia to the world of beauty and luxury. It has been an interesting and challenging way that eventually led her to International Pro-Team. Eugenia’s mission is to emphasize the natural beauty of Russian women. The core principle she believes in and pursues – Dior was established and operates for women. Her creative energy is aimed first of all at the development and improvement of her team performance – the best make-up artists in Russia. Working closely with Eugenia over a number of years, many of them became well-known make-up professionals and are now welcomed by Vogue, Top Beauty, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour as well as at TV shots.

One of the key Eugenia’s interests is reading – she adores the works of classic Russian writers (Nekrasov, Pushkin, and Tolstoy) and they serve as the source of inspiration for her at work.

Your beauty must-haves?

“In metropolitan cities like Moscow women are facing an extremely hectic rhythm of life and are often under a time pressure. To be always beautiful and reduce the negative impact of aggressive environment, every woman has to have in her cosmetic bag a white Khol Eyeliner – it will help to “light” the look and mask the marks of fatigue. One more essential make-up ‘magic wand’ is Skinflash that can easily whitewash all skin problems while emphasizing the beauty”.

What does Dior mean to you?

“The world belongs to women and Dior affirms it.”

Junior Cedeño – SPAIN

Junior sees make-up as an art so he continually works on enriching himself to use it creatively. After studying at the European Institute of Design, he began working as a make-up artist for cinema and television. He then worked on fashion shows for top fashion designers where he absorbed techniques and tricks, that he adapted to his own professional secrets. He also met the famous Pat McGrath and, thanks to her, fell in love with Dior’s creative energy and freedom of tone.

What does Dior mean to you?

“Luxury, tradition, innovation and above all the fusion between art and glamour.”

Velvet Eyes, a repositionable, adhesive eyeliner patch providing the perfect doe-eyed look in one easy step, has been launched exclusively for “Vogue Fashion Night’s Out 2011” and will be exclusively available during the event at Jelmoli.

These new, limited edition Dior eyeliner patches allow you to create spectacular and sophisticated make-up in a fun, easy way. A veritable couture look that identically reproduces the expertise of the backstages professionals.

Designed by Dior make-up artists, the patches are available in four seductive versions.

■ Two pairs of matte, black, Effet Velours patches provide either a full and expressive line or slightly curved line for a graphic look.

■ One pair of Effet Brilliant patches, thanks to black Swarovski micro-crystals which decorate the line.

■ Finally, the last pair plays the Effet Haute Couture card, with three Swarovski crystals subtly positioned at the corner of each eye.

LoL, Sandra

The last two days I spent in Milan for a very nice event with Officine Panerai you will soon get to know all about it. Yesterday I wore this casual outfit for a little shopping spree.

My look: Sequined knit dress by Stella McCartney, leather coat and scarf by Gucci, leggings by H&M, suede boots by Louis Vuitton and bag by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“An imaginative scent, drenched in the delicate sweetness of sapphire blooms. And wild, because it’s a pretty quirky take, inspired by a wickedly whimsical, contemporary fairytale starring Wild Bluebell herself. With persimmon, lily of the valley and eglantine, its lush transparency is decidedly naughty…but nice.”

Wild Bluebell is the newest fragrance from the world of Jo Malone and has just arrived on the market. Bluebell is a wild forest flower. Christine Nagel, the creator of the new scent, came up with an elegant, yet playful composition, combining fresh notes, flowers and spicy choord of cloves. A modern-day fairytale blend, a welcome addition for the Jo Malone fan.

Floral Green
Top notes: Bluebell and cloves
Middle notes: Lily of the valley, jasmine and rose hip
Base notes: White amber and musk

Eau de Cologne Wild Bluebell 30ml, €42
Eau de Cologne Wild Bluebell 100ml, €84 
Body & Hand Wash Wild Bluebell 250ml,  €40
Body Cream Wild Bluebell 175ml, €60
Scented Candle Wild Bluebell 200g, €50

Aren’t those advertising photos just adorable?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Paul McCartney, 69, seems to believe in third time lucky as he has tied the knot for the third time. The Beatle officially wed wealthy American Nancy Shevell, 51, at the Marylebone Register Office in North London yesterday.
Both the bride and groom wore designs by Stella McCartney. I liked the classic sleek white long sleeved dress with the white open toe heels a lot.

Congrats to the newly weds!

LoL, Sandra