Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I was invited to a friend’s house for a lovely Sunday brunch. The weather was so beautiful and summery. Nevertheless, I just couldn’t help myself and had to wear some of my new pre-fall 2012 pieces. Gucci’s autumnal floral print is such a perfect transition into fall.

My look: Printed silk blouse, stretch-leather leggings and Soft Stirrup bag, all three by Gucci, coral shape heels by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news for my Zurich based readers – this week, you can shop new and vintage designer clothes for a good cause. 20% of the proceeds will go to the Sanni Foundation.

Where? Sparkle PR Solutions, Dufourstr. 48, 8008 Zürich
When? Tuesday, September 11th, 2012 from 9am to 7pm

LoL, Sandra

Recently, I was invited by Cinnamon Circle, the new online source for luxury hotels and travels, for an afternoon tea in honour of the Dukes Hotel London at the Baur au Lac in Zurich.

The boutique hotel’s director, Mrs Debrah Dhugga, who is one of the few women in such a leading position, had flown in from London to present her small hidden gem personally. It was such a pleasure talking to her. Having an amazing aura, she radiates passion and enthusiasm. “If I stood still, Dukes wouldn’t have moved forward”, she explained to me. “When I started, it was a 4-star hotel, now it is a 5-star hotel that won the coveted prize of ‘England’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2011.”

Debrah Dhugga with me

Debrah had a lot of fantastic ideas and translated her plans into action. For example, being a woman herself, she realized that female guests want something different. Therefore, she created the Duchess Rooms. Cuddly bathrobes, safe locks at the door, magazines are just a some of the feminine touches that make her female travellers feel like being at home. And only female members of the hotel’s staff will take care of the ladies during their stay.
Today, 24% of Debrah’s clientele is female.

Kids are very welcome at the Dukes Hotel. Upon their arrival, the little guests are welcomed by Dukesy, a cute plush dachshund, and mini duke and duchess outfits are waiting for them in the room. The hotel even offers a “Mr & Mrs Afternoon Tea” for children. For the complete service offers, please click here.

Debrah with Dukesy

Famous barkeeper Alessandro Palazzi is running the Dukes Bar that has a lot of history because it used to be Ian Fleming‘s drinking hole. The New York Times wrote: “The hotel bar which some say concocts one of the world’s best Martinis”.

And there is one that I will definitely have to try: Fleming 89, a new martini which celebrates the link between Dukes Bar and James Bond. Created by Alessandro Palazzi in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose “89” Eau de Cologne was famously worn by James Bond, the flavour, colour and smoothness of the martini are a sophisticated complement to the aroma of this quintessentially English gentleman’s fragrance.

James Bond fans can book the ultimate Dukes Bond experience, available from 3rd September, 2012 until 13th January, 2013 here.

The hotel restaurant Thirty Six offers modern-traditional food with its classical twist, prepared by Michelin-stared chef Nigel Mendham.

My favourite spot: The Perrier Jouet Lounge that features the finest champagne cocktails in an intimate and relaxed setting. 
One thing is for sure, my next stop: Dukes Hotel London!

LoL, Sandra

Debrah Dhugga framed by Cinnamon Circle’s founders, Manuela Weber and Jörn Pfannkuch
Photos: Courtesy of Dukes Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht

This winter, Ladies, we wear the pants! And to be precise, the cropped ones which draw attention to our ankles. Therefore, it is time to get a gorgeous pair of ankle boots.

Here are some of the most outstanding ones available at the moment:

1 Marychal 100 calf hair ankle boots by Christian Louboutin
2 Suede brogue ankle boots by YSL
3 Suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu
4 Bi-colour ankle boots by Balenciaga
5 Gisèle suede ankle boots by YSL
6 Palma fuchsia ankle boots by Acne
7 Suede peep-toe platform ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti
8 Geometric-heel printed silk-covered leather ankle boots by Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem
9 Elsa boots by Sam Edelman

I couldn’t resist those beautiful suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.
Which ones are your favourites? Happy Saturday Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love violet nail polishes but finding the right hue can be pretty tricky. Christian Dior defined purple as a demanding and sophisticated shade, calling it the veritable “Queen of colours”. As for me, Tom Ford offers the two perfect shades for nails.

“African Violet” is a very bright hue that immediatly helps to make your skin tone looks more radiant. It is part of Tom Ford’s standard palette.

“Dominatrix” is a limited edition nail polish for F/W 2012. It has a hint of silver shimmer that gives it a very interesting metallic shine.

Available in Switzerland at Jelmoli for CHF 44.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The second half of the Louis Vuitton – Yayoi Kusama collaboration (Please click here for the photos of the first arrival in July) will hit the shelves tomorrow, September 8, 2012 – much earlier than expected. Here is your sneak preview of the upcoming pumpkin-inspired products.
Aren’t they just polka-dot enthusiastic fantastic?!

LoL, Sandra

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots white

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves red

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town blue

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town red

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots green
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In case that you are in the city of Zurich tomorrow, September 8, 2012 looking for your Cinderella shoe, you should pay a visit to the newly redecorated Giahi flagship store at Löwenstrasse 8 that is now Europe’s biggest tattoo and piercing studio. A famous guest is waiting there between 1-4 pm for an autograph session: He is none other than Rick Genest, aka Rico, aka Zombie Boy, aka the muse of Mugler’s and Gaga’s Nicola Formichetti.

Rick’s ambition was turning himself into a zombie after he had survived a brain tumor at the age of 16. After countless hours of tattoos, the 28-year-old performance artist has covered today 80% of his body with black ink. The skeleton tattooed Rick Genest walked on Mugler‘s catwalk, starred in the house’s ad campaign and played in Lady Gaga‘s video “Born This Way”.

I am completely fascinated by him. Last February, I saw him in NYC during Fashion Week and couldn’t take my eyes of him. Scary and intriguing at the same time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Giahi, Vogue Hommes Japan, Zimbio, Getty Images and Courtesy of Mugler

Breaking insider news for all Cinderellas in Zurich: Tomorrow, September 8th, 2012, is your chance to get a pair of shoes for free. Sounds too good to be true, I know, but it is no joke!

Vögele Shoes is celebrating the opening of its new flagship store at Sihlstrasse 3 with the special “Nimm Mich” (“Take me with you”) campaign. This Saturday, the famous Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich will be filled with 500 single red pumps. Look for example on benches, fountains to live your Cinderella moment. Take the one shoe. Your “prince” will be waiting at the Vögele Shoes flagship store at Sihlstrasse 3 with the other one for you to take home your pair for free.

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life, so ladies, hurry up to get your share!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vögele Shoes

Last Saturday, I flew to Venice for the launch event of Gucci Première, the house’s new fragrance legend. Gucci Parfums revealed its new scent during a private cocktail and dinner held at the Hotel Cipriani in the presence of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Gucci President and CEO Patrizio di Marco, the face of the new fragrance campaign Blake Lively, the film director Nicolas Winding Refn and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola.

At the cocktail reception from left to right: Me, Michaela Stein (P&G Prestige), Regina Stahl (German Vogue), Gabi Hässig (P&G Prestige) and Tania Messner (Cover)

Blake Lively, star of the new fragrance Gucci Première, made quite an entrance during the event in Venice. The American beauty arrived by boat, welcomed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Here, a look at the fashion and the fragrance:

Blake Lively wore a Gucci One of a kind sleeveless deep V-neck cocktail dress, fully embroidered with cherry overlapping palettes and raised flower detail around the neckline, burgundy python high heel sandal with metallic spike detail in the back, horsebit bracelet and ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds and horsebit cocktail ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds.

Salma Hayek-Pinault wore a Gucci F/W 2012 black chiffon long sleeved cocktail dress with jet beaded bodice and all over embroidered skirt.

Nicolas Winding Refn wore a Gucci midnight blue notch lapel two button Marseille suit with white dress shirt, blue grosgrain tie and black leather lace ups.

Frida Giannini wore a Gucci One of kind silver and gunmetal degrade sleeveless v-neck grey silk crepe cocktail dress with art deco graphic beading and black diamond crystals, and grey suede peep toe sandals.

Karmen Pedaru wore a Gucci F/W 2012 burgundy georgette silk sleeveless blouse, black velvet wrap skirt, and black suede high heeled sandal.

Style icon Blake Lively, who appeared in 2011 on TIME magazine’s TIME 100 list, is the face of the Gucci Première and transports the Hollywood glamour perfectly. Her speech was very lively in the true sense of the word.

François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, framed by Blake Lively to the left and his wife Salma Hayek-Pinault to the right.

President and Chief Executive Officer Gucci Patrizio di Marco and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola

Before the dinner, during the cocktail reception, the fragrance and campaign were revealed to the editors and guests.

I was sitting right behind Frida Giannini who looked so beautiful in her One of a kind Gucci gown.

Frida Giannini says about the new fragrance: “Gucci Première is womanly, intriguing and as seductive as the perfect couture gown.”

The Gucci Première couture gown worn by Blake Lively in the campaign was on display at the event.

Gucci Première is a sophisticated wood and musk composition. The inspiration derives from the Gucci Première couture collection that debuted at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival (for a previous post, click here please).

During the cocktail, Nicolas Winding Refn presented his short film which was shot at the famous Sheats Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles.

The atmosphere at the beautiful dinner was amazing. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures during the dinner because Blake Lively’s boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, who was there also that night, didn’t want any to be taken of him.

Frida Giannini with me

For the outfit post, please click here.

It was such a beautiful event and I felt very honoured to be part of it. Personally speaking, I like Gucci Première a lot. It is in stores now, here are more details:

Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: White flowers and musk
Base notes: Leather and wood
Available as Eau de Parfum 30ml, 50ml and 75ml
Body Lotion 200ml, Shower Gel 200ml and Deo Spray 100ml

Stay tuned for an amazing interview I did with Blake Lively! To be posted very soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

Natalie Massenet MBE is to be appointed Chairman of the British Fashion Council from 1st January 2013. Harold Tillman CBE will step down at the end of the year after completing an extended term as BFC Chair.

Natalie was approached to take up the position by the BFC’s Executive Board in recognition of her reputation for innovation and creativity at the helm of The Net-à-porter Group. The fact that as an entrepreneur she has built a globally recognised, award winning fashion business together with her strong international profile amongst media and retailers and her close relationships with both British designers and global luxury brands will all be vital to furthering the reputation and perception of the British Fashion Industry at home and around the world. Natalie’s new role will see her become spokesperson, figurehead and industry ambassador for the organisation; and alongside the board she will be tasked with continuing to grow the profile of the sector globally and the businesses within it.

Natalie will continue in her role as Executive Chairman of The Net-à-porter Group.

Natalie with me

“I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Chairman of The British Fashion Council. Over the past few years The British Fashion Council, led by Harold Tillman and Caroline Rush, has done an extraordinary job of building the profile of our industry worldwide. Not only do we have some of the best creative talent based in London but there are also great British designers working in some of the most high profile luxury design houses in the world. We also have the best understanding of what our industry contributes to the UK economy and what a significant player the British Fashion Industry is and can continue to be. My experience is in merging extraordinary creative content with innovative global commerce. From January, together with Caroline Rush and her team, I aim to apply these lessons to my new role, a role I take incredibly seriously.” – Natalie Massenet

Personally speaking, I think that Natalie is the perfect filling of this post. I have admired her style since many years. Chairman of the British Fashion Council is an honorary role with an initial three year term.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-porter and © Sandra Bauknecht