Sandra‘s Closet

During my stay at the fabulous Lausanne Palace & Spa, I was invited to an olfactory and flavorful feast for the senses at the famous Table d’Edgard, the Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau restaurant.

Two magicians: Chef Edgar Bovier and “Nose” Roja Dove

Famous perfumer Roja Dove and chef Edgar Bovier had created a dinner in which ingredients Roja uses in his perfumes were integrated in the different courses. As you smell and taste with the same primitive part of your brain, this experienece was outstanding, causing orgasmic explosions on your tongue. I was very lucky to sit next to Roja who explained me carefully which food I had to taste first while smelling the ingredient of the perfume.

Taste: Asparagus soup with light foam / Spices and pink pepper

Smell: VETIVER – Pink pepper
Season yourself with the scent of pepper! It is all about that spicy twist.

Taste: Shrimp on a bed of rosemary-confit citruses / Bergamot jelly 
Balsamic reduction / Roasted pistachio

Smell: SCANDAL pour HOMME – Bergamot
It takes 150.000 kg of the fruit to produce 1 kg oil. The best bergamot oil is one of the most luxurious products in the world.

Taste: Green pea-stuffed fresh morels / Orange jus

Smell: INNUENDO – Orris
You smell a paradox, the freshness on top and underneath the powdery. Orris is a term used for the roots Iris germanica, Iris florentina, and Iris pallida. It takes six years to make that material and it costs three times the amount of gold.

Taste: Spice-roasted sea bass / Light zucchini mash  
Saffron and basil shellfish jus

Smell: DIAGHILEV – Lemon, orange and saffron.
The spice just adds warmth.

Taste: Tonka bean and ivory chocolate mousse / Macaroon finger and Madagascar vanilla ice cream

Smell: DANGER – Tonka bean and vanilla
Oriental perfumes are about tease and promise.

I hope that you have enjoyed this tasteful post. It was one of the most outstanding gourmet menus I have ever tasted.
If you are interested in the perfumes, I kindly invite you to contact the Lausanne Palace Boutique via e-mail: laboutiquedupalace@lausanne-palace.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Roja Dove

Here are the photos from Burberry‘s F/W 2012 advertising campaign celebrating Britishness, London and the Burberry heritage of weather protection in the brand’s most cinematic shoot to date. The campaign was shot at night under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey by Mario Testino at the iconic Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London.

The very British cast, actress Gabriella Wilde and musician Roo Panes star in their first advertising campaign.

“We wanted to play with everything that’s at the heart of the Burberry world – celebrating our brand and London through imagery, film, music, weather and our iconic outerwear, all in a very poetic and British way. 
Using London as the backdrop, we shot the series of cinematic, emotive black and white images and short films with the incredibly talented Gabriella Wilde and Roo Panes, who effortlessly bring the campaign and our collections to life across all of our platforms.”

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

I truly like the campaign and Burberry Prorsum’s F/W 2012 collection is absolutely divine. Same as in Versace’s F/W 2012 ad campaign, the mood is very dark for the next season.Very contrary to this colourful and vibrant summer.

Below you can enjoy some behind the scenes shots.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Copyright Burberry/Testino

All eyes are on Britain right now as the nation prepares for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. To celebrate, I would like to spotlight more of the signature style of the (grand)mother of all fashion icons and the cool Britannia must-have sweaters you need to pledge allegiance and join the party.

1 Tuck Union Jack-print silk-chiffon dress by Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
2 Long Ball Union Jack-print silk-georgette gown by Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
3 Aireshire printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Aubin & Wills
4 Union Jack Bag sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
5 Crown sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer

For the previous post on the most stylish Union Jack accessories, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

“The last bastion of hospitality left in the world” – Roja Dove
This is what the famous perfumer said about the beautiful Lausanne Palace & Spa hotel and I could do nothing else but agree with him.

Located in the heart of the Olympic capital, with a magnificent view over the Lake Geneva and the Alps, this charming five-star luxury hotel is only a throw stone from the most elegant shopping streets and the picturesque old city. The entire property has been renovated over the past years, thus creating a unique environment, combining luxury and refinement, well-being and savoir-vivre. Its blend of the traditional with modernity is lending the hotel its unique character. The Lausanne Palace & Spa, an unforgettable experience.

Me in front of the Lausanne Palace & Spa, wearing a flared barnacle-intarsia dress by Alexander McQueen, a light blue leather jacket by Gucci and a black bag with golden zippers by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

View from…

…my beautiful renovated room.

My favourite flowers, peonies, were waiting for me.

The Lausanne Palace Signature Scent
“The scent is soft and elegant recreating the impression the hotel itslef conveys. As you enter you are greeted at once by a marriage of elegant understatement, tradition, and refinement.
To recreate the atmosphere I have created a bespoke scent which blends soft balsamic, amber-like elements with a very precious and rare rose, rose de Mai, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous guests and my origin” – Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose
Base notes: Cedar, patchouli and leather

Some parts of the hotel are still reminiscent of its Belle Epoque soul.

Coco Chanel Suite – A fashionista’s dream
A privileged client of the Lausanne Palace & Spa for many years herself, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel greatly inspired this suite in blue sky and cream tones. Located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the 170m² of space includes everything you can dream of.
The best feature: A vast dressing room of 24m² embellished with an English shower judiciously completes this apartment. Princess Grace of Monaco, wrapped in her mink stole, and Prince Albert visited as well.

Dining at Lausanne Palace & Spa is a true experience, thanks to four restaurants and a variety of culinary options. Le Côté Jardin offers healthy, creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau, La Table d’Edgard serves French-inspired gastronomic cuisine. Italian restaurant La Grappa is just a few minutes by feet away from the hotel.

In the center of the lobby, the new 1915 Bar (the year of the hotel’s inauguration) welcomes the guests throughout the day.

The LP’s Bar (above) and the Habana Bar (below) serve refreshing cocktails and cigars.

At the Parisian-style la Brasserie du Grand-Chêne, guests like the Rolling Stones, enjoy typical brasserie dishes, such as entrecôte with French fries. Opened from 6:30 am to 1:00 am, hot dishes served until midnight.

The Palace Sushi Zen, where 3 specialists from the Land of the Rising Sun will prepare dishes in front of guests.

The Cellier invites you to taste carefully selected wines in an unforgettable setting.

The 2100 square metres CBE Concept Spa of the Lausanne Palace offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and contemporary or traditional rituals: sports rooms, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, solarium and relaxation rooms.
I had an Ayurvedic massage which was absolutely wonderful.

The Yogi Booster, a relaxing bar and lounge, to enjoy healthy drinks and treats in the spa.

My stay at the Lausanne Palace & Spa was truly unforgettable and I can absolutely recommend this hotel and its boutique to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lausanne Palace & Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht