Sandra‘s Closet

The three well-known fragrances from the Chanel Chance family, the original Chance (2003) with amber and spicy elements and a floral top note, the Chance Eau Fraîche (2007), a sharper floral scent with fresh vetiver, citron and teak wood notes and the Chance Eau Tendre (2010), a “fruity floral” with grapefruit, white musk and jasmine scents, come now in a handy “twist & spray” version.

Choose your favourite “Chance” version and get it in an atomiser that fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to use and easy to carry in your handbag. It is the perfect addition for all “Chance” fans among you.

Chanel has also created three new Chance body products. Available in Switzerland in the end of January 2012.

LoL, Sandra

CHANCE

The decidedly young scent for those who dare to dream.

– Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur  Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-

CHANCE Eau Fraîche

The unexpected fragrance. . . Sparkling, spirited, surprising.

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-

CHANCE Eau Tendre

Tender yet vibrant. . . the fragrance of a woman who embraces her chance

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-
– Gel Moussant pour la Douche 200 ml CHF 60.-

I dedicate this post to my family and wonderful friends! Yesterday was my birthday and as I am crazily busy at the moment, I had sadly no time to organize anything. What a bummer because I love being the birthday girl.

One of my best friends spoiled me with a surprise luncheon after our yoga class. You should have seen my face when my friends were waiting for me. I had truly no idea. They treated me with so many beautiful and fun gifts, among them a red wig. What do you think of me being a redhead?

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened the most stylish present ever! This amazing coral-coloured Louis Vuitton Croisière 2012 bag that I was so keen on having.
Thank you girlfriends! You rock!

When I came home, some more surprises were waiting for me. One PR lady sent me this “Blogger Oscar” with the following engraving: “The best blogger in the world”. I love it!

And as the best gift of all comes from the heart, I would like to show you my daughter’s breakfast table decoration for me. Isn’t it so sweet?

Thank you all for making my day so special for me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is what I wore to the Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture S/S 2012 show last week in Paris:

Ribbed wool-blend and silk-gazar dress by Lanvin (on sale 50% off), red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, mustard-coloured ’40s style coat and suede booties by Miu Miu and animal-print Boston bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Today is a special day for me. It is my birthday and therefore I would like to treat you with this eye candy from the Haute Couture week in Paris. 
Last Tuesday, it was raining like crazy when I went up to the Place du Trocadéro in the afternoon to see Stéphane Rolland‘s S/S 2012 couture show which was absolutely divine.

Stéphane Rolland to the right with his muse for his S/S 2012 show, Yasmin Le Bon to the left and me in the middle.

Meet Stéphane Rolland, the designer behind the eponymous couture label launched in 2007. His vision is modern and original. Considering that he is one of couture’s newest names, it is amazing to see that he is among those that help to keep couture alive. He creates dresses that even young girls aspire to own.

What does make him different and special?

Have a look at his architectural cuts and outstanding embellishments that are more exciting than the usual sequin and crystal work seen at other couture houses. His approach is truly contemporary without forgetting his couture skills that he learnt from scratch. At the age of 20, Rolland joined Balenciaga and became Creative Director of menswear. Four years later, he started his own prêt-à-porter line which he ran until Jean-Louis Scherrer asked him 6 years later to be at the helm of the French house’s Haute Couture line. A position he occupied for the next ten years until 2007, when he launched he started his own couture label at 10 avenue George V.

Rolland is a full member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and therefore his brand can officially bear the “haute couture” label.

Now, I would like to invite you to enjoy the photos I took of the front row, the runway show and backstage where I went after the show.

LoL, Sandra

Front row

Me with a dear friend in Armani Privé

French singer Mireille Mathieu still wearing her iconic hair cut

Let the show begin:

The tri-colour gown is my favourite.

Yasmin Le Bon, Stéphane’s muse for this collection, presented the last look: The red bride in an absolute amazing gown with so much fabric that she needed two helpers to turn around.
I loved it!

Backstage after the show. I loved the sparkling dark eye make-up.

I hope that you have enjoyed this feast for your eyes. A couture show is something truly special.

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to the new extra-firming range of Clarins. The reason for my trip to the Royal Monceau in Paris last month.

Clarins Multi-Régénérante has been the anti-age cream in France since 15 years with 1.9 million sold each year. You might ask what is the reason for changing such a bestselling product?

Dr. Lionel de Benetti with me

Dr. Lionel de Benetti, Clarins’ chief scientist, who has dedicated over 30 years to the brand’s development and who is probably the most charismatic scientist on earth with the capability to explain his research findings in a fun and easy-to-understand way has found new little molecules that helped him to reveal the links behind firmness.

So-called emilin-1 is a component of the elastic fibre which acts to keep the collagen fibres together. After 40, its release diminishes and the skin looses its firmness. Lionel de Benetti has found out, that organic lemon thyme extracts can help to augment the emilin-1 synthesis more than 50% and that green banana in combination with bocoa tree extracts preserve the connections between fibres and cells.

The result: The appearance of wrinkles is visibly reduced, facial contours are reshaped and features are younger-looking.

An immediate “lifting” effect. Oat sugars instantly smooth away fine lines, while hyaluronic acid replenishes skin. 
The texture is the most sensual that you can imagine, inspired by the most luxurious fabrics. It leaves the skin velvety-soft with a matte finish allowing for easy make-up application.

Multi-Régénérante Jour – Crème lift anti-rides – Toutes peaux 50ml
(Extra-Firming Day – Wrinkle lifting cream – All skin types) 1.7 Oz.
CHF 109.-

or

Multi-Régénérante Jour – Crème lift anti-rides – Spéciale peaux sèches 50ml
(Extra-Firming Day – Wrinkle lifting cream – Special for dry skin) 1.7 Oz.
CHF 109.-

or

Multi-Régénérante Jour – Fluide lift anti-rides SPF 15 – Toutes peaux 50ml
(Extra-Firming Day – Wrinkle lifting lotion – All skin types) 1.7 Oz.
CHF 105.-

Me at the press conference in Paris trying out the new products.

Below you can find the ideal component to Extra-Firming day care:

Multi-Régénérante Night (Extra-Firming Night) tones the epidermis for firmer skin with a peptide coming from the stem cell research, so-called Survixyl IS™. It is similar to a protein in the skin and protects stem cells at the origin of epidermal renewal. Stimulen®, a combination of vitamin E and amino acids, reinforces this regenerating action by preserving Langerhans cells, “guardian” cells of the epidermis which defend skin against aggressions.

The result: Because it renews and defends itself better, your skin appears smoother and firmer. The appearance of wrinkles is reduced, facial contours reshaped and features are more defined.

A more even complexion is achieved through lotus extract which prevents the appearance of dark spots. Skin looks rested and radiant.

Multi-Régénérante Nuit – Crème raffermissante – Toutes peaux 50ml
(Extra-Firming Night – Rejuvenating cream – All skin types) 1.7 Oz.
CHF 116.-

or

Multi-Régénérante Nuit – Crème raffermissante – Spéciale peaux sèches 50ml
(Extra-Firming Night – Rejuvenating cream – Special for dry skin) 1.7 Oz.
CHF 116.-

Available end of January 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins, © Sandra Bauknecht

The amazing Jewel Tree dress from Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 2011 collection that I wore to the launch of “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamps” at Colette last Tuesday is so special that it deserves its own post.

The appliquéd velvet piece comes with amazing 3-D flower embellishments and is immaculately tailored with a nipped in waist and a peplum skirt. A piece that is very close to couture.

I kept my accessories to a minimum and simply added some black heels and earrings by Miu Miu plus my Diorette cocktail ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

The most exciting part of my trip to Paris was the launch event for the “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” collection at the famous concept store Colette. As you know, I am a huge fan of Mary and her designs. Her talent is truly outstanding and I was so happy to see her again. (For a previous post, please click here.)

Below you see the text from the official press release. Can you imagine how honoured I felt to be mentioned in the same breath with Emmanuelle Alt,  Suzy Menkes or Glenda Bailey.

Please enjoy the photos of the evening and have a look at those beautifully printed bags:

For this occasion, the facade of the famous colette concept store was spectacularly covered with one of the exclusive prints from the “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” collection. It will stay like this one week.

Sweet Mary Katrantzou with me wearing (of course!) Mary Katrantzou

A unique “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp” Le Pliage bag, 1 meter high and 2,5 meter large, was exposed in the interior courtyard.

The bags on display.

Love this tote bag with the poetic digital “Lanterne” print, €320.

The “Aquarium” print on the tote bag , €350, is awesome. The little pouch, € 55, to the right is already in my closet as each guest got it as a gift. Thank you so much!

The bottles of champagne served were all printed with the colours of Mary’s inspirational theme “When East meets West” for this new collection.

Some pieces of Mary’s must-have S/S 2012 collection were already on display. I am crazy for those dresses! Flower prints and underwater world inspired themes are huge fashion trends for the season.

Mary’s ultimate accolade: Fashion’s most powerful ladies all came to see her designs.

Suzy Menkes, Mary Katrantzou and Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director of the Longchamp House

Jean Cassegrain, Owner of Longchamp with Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar US and Mary Katrantzou.

Mary, you can be so proud of yourself!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Chanel gave women freedom, Yves Saint Laurent gave them power”.

After Yves Saint Laurent’s launch of their new Forever Youth Liberator range in Great Britain, it has already become the most hyped skincare in a few days. Counters are taking pre-orders and the wait lists are huge. But what is the magic behind it?

A few years ago Yves Saint Laurent hit the skincare market running with a radical statement: “Youth is a state of mind that cannot live without science.”

The science behind it lies in the groundbreaking technology of Glycobiology. It’s been noted as the future in the medical field, the fruit of more than 100 years of research and recognized by 7 Nobel Prizes.

Naturally found in the skin, glycans plays a crucial role in cutaneous equilibrium. Their level diminishes over time, leading to the “locking” of the cells and blocking the youth process. YSL has identified an innovative combination of glycans, called Glycanactif™, which unlock the cells to reactivate their vital functions and liberate the youth potential at all levels of the skin. Dr. Bruno Bernard, a research fellow at L’Oréal says that “Skin glycans are cellular keys to youthfulnes.”

The proven results: Anti-wrinkle Lift. Plump. Radiance.
The skin is instantly more luminous  and wrinkles are less visible. The skin looks more plumped. With Forever Youth Liberator you can liberate youth within your skin from the age of 30.

The complete YSL Forever Youth Liberator range:

Eye Cream 15ml, CHF 79 / £40
Cleansing Foam 50ml, CHF 55 / £35
Serum 30ml, CHF109 / £60 
Moisturising Lotion 200ml, CHF 55 /£35
Fluid SPF 15 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Cream (Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Nutri-Cream (Intense Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60

In Switzerland available starting February 2012.
You might consider signing up for the wait list now!

LoL, Sandra

From today until the end of March 2012, works of the young New York based artist, Scott Campbell will be exposed at Galerie Gmurzynska, Zurich.

One of the most exciting artists working today, Campbell will present an installation of works from the past few years at Galerie Gmurzynska’s Zurich location, “Bless this Mess”. This will be Campbell’s first European solo exhibition.

Bless this mess, 2011

Known for his intricate works in a variety of unusual and exciting mediums Campbell is at the forefront of young artists reintroducing craft and technique to art.

In Zurich, Campbell will present works created in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures and, arguably his best-known works, low reliefs fabricated from uncirculated U.S. currency. In this time of economic turmoil, his works created with laser cut currency have acquired a variety of sentiments and meanings.

Burnt Butterfly, 2010

Included in the exhibition is a group of rare works created during a Mexico City exhibition in 2010. After an argument with the gallery owner Campbell set the already sold artworks he was exhibiting on fire, destroying all but a few of them. Those that survive hold beautiful burns and smoke designs from the action.

Untitled (Black with White Butterfly), 2011

Campbell will debut a new series of works in Zurich, the Fuse Paintings. Completed with designs drawn with gun powder and then lit they continue his artistic exploration into drawings, iconography and cutting edge mediums.

In addition to his artistic career Campbell maintains an active practice as one of the most renowned tattoo artists in the world. His living designs can be seen on Marc Jacobs, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Nan Goldin, Elizabeth Peyton and Richard Prince among many others.

Campbell was born in 1977 and raised in a Louisiana fishing camp. He studied biochemistry at the University of Texas before moving to San Francisco to pursue his life long passion for drawing pictures. He was able to realize this by becoming a tattoo artist and creating everlasting, movable images on skin. This practice led him to live around the world, including Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles and South America.

Scott Campbell was invited by Marc Jacobs to participate in Louis Vuitton’s artist collaboration series for the men S/S 2011 collection. Past participants have included Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. He has also recently collaborated with Pirelli, designing a motorcycle, tires and accessories.

In February 2012 Rizzoli will publish a monograph on Campbell, “If You Don’t Belong, Don’t Be Long”, which explores tattooing, art and the human body.

LoL, Sandra

Huge I’ll start my diet tomorrow, 2011

Last week, I went to the presentation of the 15th annabelle Prix de Beauté which was held at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. The presentation could be best described as the “Swiss Beauty Oscars”. I felt very honoured because I was asked to be in the jury.

The highly coveted “Anna” trophy.

My task? Test 100 beauty products in the category facial care. No problem at all!

For my Swiss based readers: All the winners of the different categories will be published in the annabelle 04-2012 magazine which will be available starting February 22, 2012. From March 2-17, 2012 all the awarded products will be displayed at Manor in Zurich.

Some of the winners were already featured on Sandra’s Closet such as the Diorskin Forever Foundation or the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by Estée Lauder.

Below you can see what I wore to the event. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

My look: Bouclé-tweed mini dress by Alexander McQueen (40% off on sale), lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots by Valentino (70% off on sale), pearl necklace by Lanvin, lace-print bag by Prada (from a previous season) and Lady Exalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht