Sandra‘s Closet

As promised, here are some impressions of the Montblanc ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 charity brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles that was truly outstanding. Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year and this time the German house supports UNICEF educational projects, which benefit children around the globe giving them access to education and aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.

Here you see me arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air which is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood, surrounded by stunning homes and mansions.

Me on the red carpet (I could totally get used to that feeling.)

Two of the official photos (© Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank (Actress), Rosario Dawson (Actress), Christopher Lambert (Actor), Patricia Arquette (Actress), Peter Fonda (Actor), Joel Madden (Singer – UNICEF Ambassador), Alyssa Milano (Actress – UNICEF Ambassador), Michael York (Actor), Olga Kurylenko (Actress), Martin Landau (Actor), Petra Nemcova (Model), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Billy Zane (Actor), Mimi Rogers (Actress), Emmy Rossum (Actress), Jane Seymour (Actress), Clemens Schick (Actor), Alexander Ludwig (Actor), Tom Hooper (Director), Natasha Henstridge (Actress), Lydia Hearst (Socialite) and Tippi Hedren (Actress) joined Lutz Bethge (CEO Montblanc International) and Caryl M. Stern (CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF) to support a very special cause.

Academy Award winner Hilary Swank

Emily Rossum

Cas Anvar who plays Dodi Al-Fayed in the new Diana movie with Naomi Watts.

Alexander Ludwig (Hunger Games)

Natasha Henstridge

Christopher Lambert

Rosario Dawson

Martin Landau

Jane Seymour

Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

DJ Bob Sinclair

German actor Wayne Carpendale

Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago)

German actor Clemens Schick

Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc, and Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation

During the brunch, Lutz Bethge gave a very emotional introductory speech regarding Montblanc’s new charity initiative, Signature for Good, and his field trip with actress Hilary Swank to Ethiopia last October, where he was able to witness the incredible work of UNICEF. “I will never forget the pride in the eyes of those children to go to school. Something that I haven’t seen in my own children.” He was very impressed by the so-called “gender clubs” where the children have a chance to talk about issues such as domestic abuse or child labour, “because school helps them make a change.”. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars.

Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, brought tears to the eyes of the audience. “You are not only helping children to learn and to write, you give them a brighter future, you unlock doors that would have been shut. We do whatever it takes to save a child all over the world.” It gave me shivers when she stated that “19.000 kids will die today and the same amount tomorrow and so on of causes we could already save.” UNICEF lowered that number by 40%. Caryl M.Stern went on: “No matter where we go, we all want the same for our children, we want them to be safe, healthy, educated, to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Our own children get a great seat at the table, but there are some who don’t get a seat at all. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make.”

The very moving moment culminated when Hilary Swank went on stage to share her personal experience from her field visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF. The actress had tears in her eyes when she gushed about “the smile on the children’s faces when they go to school and their determination to learn.”

As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted guests with a dazzling performance of two songs.

Symbolic of Montblancʼs commitment to giving children access to better education, guests were invited to pledge their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel-Air.

I have been deeply impressed by UNICEFʼs life-changing work in Africa and the impact of Montblanc’s contribution over the recent years in funding education programs. If you like to support the good cause, have a look at the new ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 collection which is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos (Red Carpet):  © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Tilda Swinton to be his heroine in the advertising campaign for the Pre-fall 2013 Métiers d’Art Paris-Edimbourg collection. Her unique personality, charisma and allure have charmed the House of CHANEL: “Tilda perfectly embodies the Paris-Edimbourg collection. She is of course Scottish, but more than that she is a modern woman, a timeless icon of elegance,” declared Karl Lagerfeld. Discover the campaign in May 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Olivier Saillant – Courtesy of Chanel

Isn’t that photo just beautiful? What looks like a vintage ad from the house of Dior was just an embarrassing moment for Jennifer Lawrence, when she went on stage to accept her Oscar for Best Actress. She fell in her gorgeous Dior Couture gown but handled the situation so lovely: “You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell and that’s really embarrassing but thank you,” she stated when she finally made it to the podium.

How witty and funny she is, can you see in this little video when she is asked about her unfortunate stumbling:

A fall that makes us fall in love with her even more.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Getty Images, EPA/PAUL BUCK

This was my outfit that I wore to the Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new ‘Signature For Good 2013‘ initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air Saturday morning.

Of course, the sun was shining in Los Angeles but temperatures were quite chilly so that I was very thankful to have brought something warm.

My look: Pale pink mink fur coat with flower intarsia, black satin bag with floral embellishments, both by Prada,dress with leather and lace appliqué, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds, Princess Grace de Monaco limited edition (8 pieces) watch, both by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the brunch…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht,
Photos of me (collage): © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Are you a hopeless romantic? Then I have something for you.
Calida is launching a re-edition of their first lingerie set from 1941, a must for all retro fans. The nostalgic can houses the limited edition cute set of a lace-embellished tank top and matching French knickers. Available in white, pink and light blue for CHF 59.80 in Calida stores and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Calida and © Sandra Bauknecht

If a brand sees that a perfume is very successful, it will happen very likely, that new slightly modified versions of the said scent will be launched, as a cross-selling strategy, mostly targeted at the fans of said original fragrance. For spring 2013, many of those flankers will hit the shelves and they are all worth a try. All are light, floral and feminine, everything you need to smell good this summer. And that a beautiful scent deserves a beautiful ad campaign you can see below…

LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE Eau de Toilette by Guerlain

From the Eau de Parfum, the lighter Eau de Toilette version is not far and it is extremely yummy!

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Jasmine, rose and green accords
Heart notes: Cherry, orange blossom and apple
Base notes: White amber, white musk and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 77.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml), CHF 149.00 (100ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

LOVE EAU FLORALE by Chloé

The French fashion house is launching a new romantic version of its iconic Love fragrance family with the fusion of rich floral notes. One of my favorites as I love its powdery aspect.

FLORAL
Top notes: Sweet pea
Heart notes: Green tea
Base notes: Powdery notes
Eau de Toilette CHF 83.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml), CHF 128.00 (75ml)
Available from April 15, 2013 in Switzerland.

SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL L’Eau Si Sensuelle by Guerlain

This fragrant novelty is a successor to last year’s fragrance Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau, very romantic in a matte glass flacon. Absolutely beautiful!

FLORAL GREEN
Top notes: Green notes, grapefruit, neroli and bergamot
Heart notes: Iris, jasmine and rose
Base notes: Vanilla and tonka bean
Eau de Toilette CHF 97.00 (60ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

FOR HER L’EAU by Narciso Rodriguez

A vivid and delicate floral interpretation of the famous scent. Personally speaking, the perfect body scent, but be careful, it is addictive.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK
Top notes: Peony, cyclamen and jasmine
Heart notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, amber and rose
Base notes: Patchouli and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 65.00 (30ml), CHF 95.00 (50ml), CHF 135.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

VALENTINA ACQUA FLOREALE by Valentino

This new fragrance version is all about summer, nature, the scents of a beautiful garden, very sensual and feminine.

FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Heart notes: Neroli, mimosa, tuberose and jasmine
Base notes: Amber and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 96.00 (50ml) and CHF 122.00 (80ml)
In stores now.

SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo

This joyful fragrance is ideal for a romantic young and elegant woman. Exceptionally fresh, its is proof that a Signorina can be a different Signorina every day.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Heart notes: Rose oil and rice steam
Base notes: Milk mousse and cashmeran
Eau de Toilette CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

NINA L’EAU by Nina Ricci

The French fashion house launches a new version of its famous Nina perfume from 2006. Romantic and subtle, fresh fruity and aquatic, it will be perfect for the warm summer months.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Neroli, mandarin orange, grapefruit and apple
Heart notes: Gardenia, cherry and watery notes
Base notes: Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 50.00 (30ml), CHF 71.00 (50ml) and CHF 85.00 (80ml)
Available from March 2013 in Switzerland.

MISS DIOR Eau de Toilette by Christian Dior

The creation of this modern chypre and romantic fragrance is signed by Francois Demachy. The face of the new fragrance is actress Natalie Portman. A truly beautiful new scent that I can only recommend.

CHYPRE FLORAL
Top notes: Tunisian neroli
Heart notes: Turkish and Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 108.50 (50ml) and CHF 156.00 (100ml)
Available from March 8, 2013 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Being in Los Angeles for this one night that Hollywood waits for every year is truly amazing. I have enjoyed every second of being here. The 2013 Oscars mark the first year that the famous ceremony is no longer officially called the Academy Awards. The Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood was home to a red carpet filled with amazing gowns.

Here is my best dressed list:

Comprehensive victory: Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a Dior Couture gown combined with a long Chopard necklace draped down her back, won the Best Actress 2013 Oscars for her work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and was the most stunning appearance on the red carpet.

Glamourous perfection: Amanda Seyfried in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

So pretty: Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

The biggest fashion trends on the 2013 Oscars red carpet were neutral hues and dramatic dark metallics. White was THE colour like last year. Trains had a major moment. Bright hues were rarely seen, but berry shades made a big entrance as spotted on Jennifer Garner for example. When it comes to Hollywood glitz and glamour, the Oscars never disappoints.

A radiant winner: Anne Hathaway in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewlery

British singer Adele performed her Academy Award winning song Skyfall (‘Best Original Song’) at last night’s ceremony for the first time wearing a black silk dress with degradé hand-embroidered crystals by Burberry.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars, both in Gucci.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Picture: “Argo.”
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Directing: Ang Lee, “Life of Pi.”
Foreign Language Film: “Amour.”

Stay tuned for many more posts coming up from Los Angeles…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Burberry, ©Joe Klamar/AFP

Estée Lauder has launched the limited-edition makeup collection for spring 2013 PRETTY NAUGHTY. Optimistic yet not overly sweet, the world of watercolor pastels is taken to new heights by infusing an urban synthetic vibe for a youthful and modern twist. 
All products are in stores now.

PURE COLOR SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK
Naked, Rock Candy, Rebel and Demure – CHF 40.00
Skip the lip liner. Shape lips with the slim edge of Pure Color Sheer Matte Lipstick in Rock Candy instead. Apply the Naked shade for a soft matte mix.

PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER Tease – CHF 58.00
Start blushing slightly below the highest point of cheek and blend down and away.
PURE COLOR FIVE COLOR EYESHADOW PALETTE Pretty Naughty – CHF 72.00
Play with the five shades that work for day and night.
PURE COLOR SHEER NAIL LACQUER Insatiable – CHF 34.00

Be creative with your nails. Here are some inspirations:
The spring nail pairings techniques combine 2 or more shades to the most stylish newest looks. Nail colours are from the Pretty Naughty and the Heavy Petals collections.

SKINNY DIPPER
Brush nails with Absinthe. Brush Dilettante over it, from mid-nail to tips. With a toothpick, draw 3-4 thin horizontal stripes of Blue Blood, as fine as you can make them, across the nails.

PRETTY NAUGHTY
Paint nails with Insatiable from the Pretty Naughty Collection. Then add Chaos in a half “moon” on the right and left sides of each nail, base to tip.

I’M WITH THE BAND
Brush nails with Coral Cult. Add a broad horizontal stripe of Absinthe across middle of nails.

PURPLE MOON
Stroke Lilac Leather on nails. Brush Smashed on moon area only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Yesterday, the day before the Oscars, I attended the Montblanc Charity Brunch at the iconic Bel-Air Hotel. During the event the German house’s “Signature For Good” 2013 collection was presented which aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide.

Hilary Swank with me yesterday

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank was the star guest among many celebrities who arrived on the red carpet. To support this good cause, the brunette actress joined the project and travelled to Ethiopia. Here are some impressions she shared during yesterday’s interview.

What can you share about Montblanc and UNICEFʼs partnership?

What struck me about Montblancʼs relationship with UNICEF was this shared belief in the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of their situation and location. Seeing in person how Montblanc is so committed to this issue in Ethiopia and how UNICEFʼs programmes are making a difference was also very touching to me, knowing that this commitment is not short term. They have been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade and committed to do doing so in the long-term because when it comes to this kind of work, it is the only way you can really make an impact and end the cycle of poverty.

What will your most enduring memory from this visit be?

I will always remember the enthusiasm and warmth of the children but also the determination and dedication of the UNICEF staff on the ground. One special memory is the children who were part of the Gender Club, an educational group that promotes 4 gender equality for boys and girls, showing them what to do if they have been abused, violated in any way and what their rights are. It empowers these kids to figure out how to get to school, find the closest water well. Itʼs all about putting their minds together to find solutions to their every day challenges. It is inspiring to me, to see young people helping out with these programmes, striving to only to improve their own situation, but helping others around them enjoy better lives. These kids were so special to me, and I will carry their spirits and their smiles in my heart forever.

Writing by hand seems to be less and less common in the developed world, do you every worry about it?

Our society relies far too much on emails, text messages and other forms of digital communication, yet the written word can be so much more meaningful. Because handwriting is unique and personal to each and every one of us, it adds a special touch to the messages we share. Montblanc does a wonderful job at reminding us what a unique experience writing by hand can be, particularly if you have the right instrument to shape your thoughts and emotions with. Call me old-fashioned, but I love to receive a handwritten note from a friend or loved one.

CEO Montblanc International, Lutz Bethge, during the field trip in Ethiopia

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” collection includes special edition writing instruments, jewlery pieces and leather accessories.

All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children within its Schools for Africa, Asia and Latin America programmes.

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Bracelets

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Writing Instruments

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Leather Family
The collection will be in stores in March 2013.

To ensure all children have access to a proper education to learn how to read and to write is such a great cause worth supporting. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars for UNICEFʼs education programmes worldwide. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for a detailed post from the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Guerlain‘s new Spring 2013 makeup collection is all about maxi lashes and shiny lips.

Dress up your eyes with the newly launched Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash Mascara and enjoy a breathtakingly sublime look just in the blink of an eye.

CILS D’ENFER – Mascara Créateur de Volume – Sculpteur de Courbe 01 Noir & 02 Violet 8,5ml –
CHF 44.-

ÉCRIN 4 COULEURS – 501 Attrape-Coeur (as pictured) & 502 Coup de Foudre 7,2g – Limited Edition– CHF 80.-

ROUGE AUTOMATIQUE – 600 Ballade & 601 Romance 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-
SHINE AUTOMATIQUE – 761 Flirt & 762 Rendez-vous 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-

Erase the fatigue and start your day with an angellic complexion. Fond of girly pink ? Discover the limited edition of Météorites Perles du Paradis.

MÉTÉORITES PERLES DU PARADIS – Poudre Lumière Scintillante 55g – Limited Edition –
CHF 93.-
The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain