Sandra‘s Closet

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to show you the best new scents for men. Don’t undervalue the way you smell! Gentlemen, whether you are on a date, a business meeting, a party or just doing your daily chores, the first impression is the most important. The best men deserve the best men’s fragrance. Here we go! The new spring scents are vibrant, energetic and mostly fresh.

LoL, Sandra

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 GLAM MEN

Inspired by NYC, the city that never sleeps.
212 Glam Men is a limited edition summer fragrance that is vibrant and energetic.

Top notes: Chocolate and cocoa beans
Middle notes: Tobacco leaves and tonka beans 
Base notes: Musk and woods

Limited edition 212 MEN GLAM Eau de Toilette is available for CHF 102.00 (100ml),
in Switzerland exclusively at Import Parfumerie.

DOLCE & GABBANA – THE ONE SPORT

An homage to sports
After the original The One for Men from 2008 and The One Gentlemen from 2010, Dolce Gabbana launches the third fragrance from The One masculine line, lighter and fresher The One Sport. As it should, the campaign is represented by a man symbol, Adam Senn who is showing off his worked-out body.

Top notes: Aquatic notes and rosemary
Heart notes: Cardamom and sequoia
Base notes: Patchouli and musk

The One Sport EdT is available now for CHF 76,00 (30ml), CHF 98,00 (50ml) and CHF 135,00 (100ml). After Shave Lotion CHF 97,00 (100ml), After Shave Balm CHF 71,00 (75ml), Shower Gel CHF 45,00 (200ml), Deodorant Spray CHF 45,00 (150ml) and Deodorant Stick CHF 45,00 (75gr).

DIESEL – ONLY THE BRAVE TATTOO

I like the idea of “signing“ one’s body … – Renzo Rosso
The designer had his motto, “Only The Brave”, tattooed just above his ankle. The phrase is synonymous with success and, above all, evokes the boundless conviction of a fulfilled, self-made man. “The phrase is part of me. It stands for what I am and have always wanted to be.” Fragrance and tattoo are both “a trace” left on the skin… This is a new, fresh, mysterious sensuality around a water-pipe tobacco accord.

Top notes: Granny Smith Apple
Middle notes: Sage and Bourbon pepper
Base notes: Amber wood, benzoin, tobacco and patchouli

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo EdT is available now for CHF 79.90 (50ml).

CHRISTIAN DIOR – EAU SAUVAGE PARFUM (my favourite)

Variations of a legend
Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage, introduced in 1966, revolutionized men’s perfumes of that era. In May 2012, Dior will relaunch its famous scent, which was created by Edmond Roudnitska.

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Vetiver 
Base notes: Myrrh

Eau Sauvage Parfum EdP will be available from May 16, 2012 for CHF 98.50 (50ml) and CHF 134.50 (100 ml).

GANT

Water and sky have a fragrance.
Throughout the years, the New England coast has been a constant source of inspiration for GANT. The new scent captures the very essence of the relaxed lifestyle lived on and around the water in this area.

Top notes: Calabria lemon, coriander, Madagascan cinnamon bark
Middle notes: Provence lavender, White Virginian cedar, marine accord
Base notes: Suede accord, Australian sandalwood, North African cypress, black amber

Sold exclusively at GANT stores worldwide for CHF 59.50 (50ml) and CHF 89.50 (100 ml).

A*MEN PURE SHOT

Pure Shot – a fresh, aromatic, spicy, woody scent.
In time for the Olympics later this year, Thierry Mugler is launching a new limited edition flanker scent to its A*Men men’s fragrance, called A*Men Pure Shot. It’s is inspired by Oscar Pistorius, the 25-year-old South African 400-metre runner who has been called “the fastest man on no legs.“ Pistorius was born without a fibula in either leg; his lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old and he’s been using prostheses since his childhood. Pistorius’ carbon-fiber prostheses look very futuristic, and they play a big part in the A*Men advertising campaign.

Top notes: Icy mint and juniper berries
Heart notes: Cardamom and white pepper
Base notes: Sequoia and patchouli.

Limited edition, available end of March 2012, Eau de Toilette CHF 87.- (100ml).

In 1970, Henri Robert created N°19. A resolutely modern fragrance, with a daring combination of crisp green notes and powdery iris.

In 2011, Jacques Polge wrote a new chapter: N°19 POUDRÉ. An original score that gives N°19 a new powdery and musky facet.

In 2012, the N°19 bath line brings us three new ways to prolong the legen­dary accord of N°19 and N°19 POUDRÉ.

BODY CREAM

A true joy for the senses, its soft and creamy melt-away texture leaves an intense scent on the skin. The ideal way to enjoy its lingering fragrance all day long.
Glass jar, 150 g. CHF 106.-
Limited edition.

FOAMING SHOWER GEL

A bath and shower gel with an airy, generous foam. Light and fresh, its sheer texture leaves a delicate scent on the skin.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 60.-

BODY LOTION

Prolong the pleasure of bath time with this moisturising body lotion. Its light and exquisite texture is perfect for everyday use. The skin is soft and scented, subtly wrapped in the daring notes of N°19.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 68.-

Available in Switzerland end of April 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel -Ludovic Roy

The beautiful sunny spring weather has put me in such a good mood and inspired me to wear bold prints and vibrant colours.

My look: Salamandra printed silk-crepe dress by Mary Katrantzou, neon-pink wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane, blue scarf by Gucci, lace pumps by Christian Dior, bracelet by Anselm Reyle for Dior, handle bag by Versace and statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen.

The  neon-pink wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane is such a versatile piece, one of my season’s favourites.

I am in love with Gabriele Frantzen‘s statement jewelry pieces that take every outfit to a new level of style. Her creations are now available at Saks Fifth Avenue and in Zurich at Gassmann among others.

Tropical fish, fields of flowers and crushed car sculptures were the inspirations behind Mary Katrantzou‘s highly acclaimed S/S12 collection, which took her signature aesthetic to new fashion heights. This precision-cut Salamandra printed silk-crepe dress is the perfect canvas for the designer’s explosive and unforgettable prints. Don’t you agree?

This bracelet is a collector’s piece. Designed by Berlin artist Anselm Reyle for Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my Swiss and German based readers: The first 2012 Weltwoche Style Edition – which is the biggest issue ever – is available now featuring my new season’s must-haves, the story of Tommy Hilfiger and an interesting questionnaire that I did with the famous perfumer Serge Lutens. Have a good weekend read!

LoL, Sandra

Have a closer look at Lancôme’s ROUGE IN LOVE.
Those featherlight lipsticks last for six hours, even the darker shades. I am in love!

True love stays and never fades. Finally, this is the long-wear lip colour you love to wear. This collection of radiant, high-potency colours offers delightful comfort. Discover the lip colour that describes you best and let your lip colour speak to uncover your mood, any time of the day.

Jolis Matins: Fresh shades for daytime wear. Jolis Matins shades are identified with the letter M in the shade number.

Boudoir Time: Pop shades for cocktail hour. Bourdoir Time shades are identified with the letter B in the shade number.

Tonight is My Night: Intense shades for magical nights. Tonight is My Night shades are identified with the letter N in the shade number.

Inspired by the new Rouge In Love lip collection, Lancôme’s Vernis in Love is a high potency nail laquer perfectly themed in three moods to compliment your lips. With ultimate brillance, rich colour, and a mistake-free application, your nails will love the lasting shine and pop of colour that stays put for days. Truly fantastic are the small bottles which are perfect for travelling.

Rouge IN LOVE, CHF 43.- each
Vernis IN LOVE, CHF 25.- each
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

How amazing is this all over beads sandal by Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti? The only downside is that it is a little overpriced. You would have to splurge $6000 on a pair of shoes!

The designer’s friends Kim Kardashian and Chanel Iman were already spotted rocking these pieces of art. In case you love to buy the shoes and rock the tribal trend, they are available at LuisaViaRoma.com.

LoL, Sandra

After over one week in bed sick, I have been ready for some vibrant colours to embrace spring.
I really like the colour combination of orange and turquoise blue.

My look: Wool jacket with lamé trimand embellished wool-cashmere cardigan, both by Marc Jacobs, ballet flats by Dolce & Gabbana (similiar to the leather ballerina by Repetto), straight-leg pants by Stella McCartney, orange-coloured Birkin bag by Hermès, earrings by Christian Dior and striped scarf by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have been to a MAC counter recently and seen all the makeup assistants looking like kitsch Stepford Wives on acid, do not wonder!  
It’s part of their latest super-cute collection, Shop & Cook MAC which is in my opinion one of their best ones yet.

The message is clear! Shop ’til you drop with a tongue-in-cheek collection that elevates the everyday into the extraordinary. Try the delicious, delovely assortment of Eye Shadow x 4, mouthwateringly Kissable Lipcolour and Cremeblend Blush. Check it out! Gotta have it!

Gourmet glamour is here. Look delicious while you whip it up! MAC’s recipe for kitchen couture is here in savoury shades for eyes and lips. Dishy Nail Lacquers, too. Bon appétit!

Hurry, the collection will only be available until the end of April 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

Introducing the London Blooms Collection: Iris & Lady Moore, White Lilac & Rhubarb and Peony & Moss.
A trio of limited edition Jo Malone™ scents filled in bottles adorned by breathtaking botanical drawings which are reflecting the spirit of modern British gardens.

Iris & Lady Moore
A mingling between spicy-fresh, common-or-garden geranium and noble iris, powdery and poised. Brought together on dry-grass base of vetiver.

Tip: Mist Orange Blossom over Iris & Lady Moore. Shimmering Clementine flower brightens the powdery poise of Iris & Lady Moore.

White Lilac & Rhubarb
A daring juxtaposition. Tart-vibrant rhubarb cuts through the soft lilac, rose and sun-loving heliotrope.

Tip: Pair White Lilac & Rhubarb with Pomegranate Noir. The ruby-ripe juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, spiked with spicy woods, enrich the soft, fruity sweetness of White Lilac & Rhubarb.

Peony & Moss
Contrasting the dainty and the dirty. The gossamer lightness of delicate peonies grounded in earthy green.

Tip: Layer Peony & Moss with English Pear & Freesia. The juiciness of pear and the freshness of freesia amplify the soft florals and sweeten the velvet earthiness of Peony & Moss.

Those beautiful limited editions are in store now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli, Zurich.
Each cologne (100ml) CHF 130.-.

I love all three and the bottles together create such a lovely ambiance in your bathroom.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

When I stumbled across the new US April Vogue and this amazing editorial featuring Kate Moss showcasing the most beautiful of January’s couture collections at the hotel Ritz in Paris, before closing its doors for renovation, I had to share this with you.

Lensed by one of my favourite photographers Tim Walker and styled by Grace Coddington, this is a feast for your eyes! Enjoy!

My Bleu Heaven
A cornflower-blue dress by Sarah Burton, reminiscent of 1950s couture, plays on proportion and contrast: nipped-in waist and voluminous skirt; flat jacquard against exploding lace. Alexander McQueen lace bustier jacquard dress.

At First Blush
Moss, in the bathroom of the Coco Chanel Suite, wears a petal-like cocktail dress and cape, inspired by a 1960 design, from a pink-and-silver cloque lamé created by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Life Imitates Art I
Like the neoclassical crimson satin sofa, a dramatic tiered evening dress (Dior’s finale look) adds a jolt of brilliant color to the hushed palette of an Imperial Suite salon. Dior Haute Couture silk dress.

Life Imitates Art II
Bellhop Nicolas Deschamps balances a Roger Vivier silk-and-feather pump on his cap.

Sleeping Beauty
For three decades, Coco Chanel called the hotel her home. Here, the bedroom of the suite named for her. Armani Privé sequined embroidered flared bustier dress.

Boxed Out
Karl Lagerfeld took over the first-floor-spanning Imperial Suite, seen here, for his 1996 couture collection. Chanel Haute Couture embroidered organza flower coat and pumps.

Cocktail Hour
“I drink the French 76: vodka, sugar, lemon juice topped up with champagne; it’s the best drink ever, but it only tastes like that in the Hemingway Bar,” says Moss, here in L’Espadon. “Colin [Field, Ritz Paris head bartender] made it for my wedding. It doesn’t taste at all strong—and then, whoa, whoops-a-daisy!” Alexis Mabille Haute Couture burnished lamé dress and hat.

Light Show
“When I was with Johnny Depp, he always stayed there. I had an apartment in Paris at the time, but he said, ‘No, we’re staying at the Ritz,’ so he came by and swept me up to the Ritz—he didn’t want to slum it in my apartment!” Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.

Room Service
“Gianni’s [Versace] shows were amazing—and sooo convenient. Walk downstairs, go to work: Love that!” says Moss, with housekeepers Khadidja Fakri and Lollie Bacete (standing). Dior Haute Couture embroidered silk dress. Headpiece created by Julien d’Ys.

View From the Top
Giambattista Valli sent out a cinched draped-shoulder goddess dress in “a color so deep, so intense, you can almost smell it—like bougainvillea on the Mediterranean coast.” Giambattista Valli Haute Couture silk dress and necklace.

Special Delivery
In the Flower Room, a team of five florists overseen by floral designer Djordje Varda is charged with, among other things, selecting and arranging 10,000 blooms for the hotel each week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vogue, Tim Walker