Sandra‘s Closet

In 2012, Louis Vuitton launched the Tambour Bijou Secret, a precious yet technical secret watch collection which subtly mixes white gold or pink gold with mother-of-pearl and diamonds.

Tambour Bijou Secret Black

Today, the collection expands with two new steel models, the Tambour Bijou Secret Black and the Tambour Bijou Secret White. Matching the black and white fashion trend in perfection, this watch and jewel in one, the Tambour Bijou Secret in black or white poetically plays with the house‘s iconic Monogram flowers. Delicately slide the cover of the first Monogram flower with rounded petal and refined diamond heart to reveal the second pointed petal Monogram Flower on the dial. With steel case and a white mother of pearl dial and cover for the Tambour Bijou Secret White and a ceramic cover and black lacquer dial for the Black version, these two new models are presented on a triple coiled Monogram Vernis leather strap.

Tambour Bijou Secret White

The Tambour Bijou Secret Black & White watches will be available in March 2013 in Louis Vuitton stores for CHF 5050.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

I am in love with Guerlain‘s new fragrance launch, Eau de Lingerie, which is, as the name brings to mind, designed for fine underwear, delicate fabrics, as well as intimate and special occasions. The Eau de Toilette is part of the exclusive collection: Les Elixirs Charnels and available now for CHF 99.- (125ml).

“Close to the skin, in the very place where fragrance settles, our lingerie lies… and this inspired Guerlain to conceive of an innovative beauty ritual. A delicate new fragrance to spray onto lingerie, creating a special moment of sensuality in which women are invited to indulge…”

The fragrance can blend with any other scent and beautifully complements lingerie of every kind, leaving a light and subtle impression. Sensual and intimate, Eau de Lingerie is composed as a floral, powdery and musky scent. It contains notes of iris, rose, vanilla, sandalwood, white musk and ambrette.

To interpret the Elixirs Charnels collection, Guerlain entrusted Absolutely Pôm to create a limited edition of five pieces of fine lingerie. Available exclusively at the most prestigious Absolutely Pôm locations (see photos above).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” could be easily changed to “Swarovskis are a girl’s best friend”. Those crystals sparkle, glitter and reflect the light just beautifully. This can be seen in perfection in the Austrian house’s new advertising campaign, created by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse, and photographed by award-winning British photographer Nick Knight.

It features Supermodel Candice Swanepoel in a variety of poses as an action woman – sleek, confident and accessorized with dazzling sporting gear made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS including a motorcycle helmet, dumb bells and skiing goggles. The radiance of Swanepoel’s beauty and her exquisitely crafted fantasy props is juxtaposed with Knight‘s stunning still lifes of lush freshly-cut garden roses, sprinkled with dewdrops of crystal stones.

Check out these cut behind the scenes shots of Swarovski’s global media campaign, that can be seen exclusively here on Sandra’s Closet. I am dying for this helmet.

If you want to get your hands on some Swarovski sparkle, check out the newest summer collection TROPICAL PARADISE that will take you on an exotic journey.
Destination? Latin America!

Creative Director Nathalie Colin explained, “I was strongly influenced by my travels in Brazil and Mexico, where I discovered intense creative energy and joie de vivre.” Signature Swarovski techniques such as Pointiage®, faceting, and the pavé setting, are evident throughout the collection along with an array of vibrant colors that conveys the festive spirit of Tropical Paradise. Turquoise tones symbolize the clear waters of the seas of Acapulco, beetles appear beside dragonflies and pink flamingos, all inspired by the diversity and exuberance of South America.

My favourite piece: Texture Big Shape Necklace
Wouldn’t that be just the perfect statement necklace? It could be worn in a casual way over a grey sweatshirt or would be complementing an evening gown perfectly.

During Paris Fashion week, I was able to browse through this beautiful collection at the stunning showroom, located at an inner courtyard on the famous Rue Sant Honoré. Enjoy those extraordinary pieces!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht
Campaign Photos: Swarovski 2013 Ad Campaign ©Nick Knight

Valentino‘s Resort 2013 collection fuses florals and ’60s-inspired silhouettes to irresistible effect. Quintessentially feminine, this couture-worthy dress is as beautiful on the inside as the outside – as seen on Alexa Chung.

Get Alexa’s look: Lace and silk-organza dress by Valentino, Bathurst bag by Anya Hindmarch and Rampol 120 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin.

LoL, Sandra

“Comme des Carrés”
Hermès meets Comme des Garçons
February 6th – March 31st 2013

Bali Barret, the artistic director in charge of the Hermès women’s universe, has invited Rei Kawakubo, creator of the Comme des Garçons house, to lend her personal vision to the Hermès scarf. This unexpected encounter has produced two collections, each released in limited edition: one, called ‘Black and White’, will be available exclusively in the Comme des Garçons shops in Paris, New York and Tokyo. The other, named ‘Colour’, will be reserved for the Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo.

Couvertures et tenues de jour N&B

“Rei Kawakubo has stamped her vision on the Hermès scarf. With rigour, precision, energy and salience”, remarks Bali Barret. This work is in keeping with the Comme des Garçons reflections on the relationship between creation and already existing objects. Here, the encounter with the Hermès scarf consists of an application, or a graphic superimposition onto the house designs, thus creating new and unique objects.

Harnais de cour

“I have always deeply respected the tradition and craftsmanship of Hermès. In our project together, rather than wanting to wear the scarves, I was looking forward to the change that would happen when I added something to the beautiful ‘paintings’ of Hermès scarf designs. I think through the addition of abstract images, we have transformed the scarf and created something new”, comments Rei Kawakubo.

Thalassa

“Black and White” collection: Available only in Comme des Garçons shops (Aoyama-Tokyo, New York, Paris). Part of the most radical vein of Comme des Garçons aesthetic work, this line is made up of five scarves printed only in black and white, where the absence of colour allows the pattern to drift towards the abstract.

Giant patchwork Hermès scarf (180x180cm)

“Colour” collection: Reserved for the Dover Street Market stores (London, Tokyo). Made up of six creations, this mischievous, colourful and adaptable collection has a hybrid character, in which the surprising assemblies (rectangle, giant patchwork, gingham and stripes) rewrite the traditional narratives of the scarf.

The ‘Comme des Carrés’ collection will be available:
From 6th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop, Paris
From 7th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop, New York
From 8th February 2013 in the Comme des Garçons shop in Aoyama-Tokyo, and the Dover Street Market Ginza shop.
From 12th February in the Dover Street Market shop, London

Quadriga

The collection will also be for sale online at www.doverstreetmarket.com from 6th February 2013 for the “Colour” collection and from 1st April 2013 for the “Black and White” collection.

I just love all of them!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

Ladies, save your money this month until the new YSL makeup collection for Spring 2013 will hit the shelves in Switzerland Mid February. The range just looks fab and is inspired by the beauty of precious stones. Its credo: “Let’s fight against boredom” – I am on and you?

YSL Arty Stone Makeup Collection comes in cool shades of mint and pink, purple and blue. “Pink quartz, amethyst, pyrite, malachite, azurite, jade, each possesses a hypnotic beauty. When you hold them in your hands, these precious stones diffuse energy and light, like galaxies. Their crystalline purity and voluptuous opalescence were the departure point for the creation of the Spring Look 2013 for Yves Saint Laurent,” explained Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up Yves Saint Laurent Beauté.

Pure Chromatics Eye Collector Palette – CHF 79.00 (One Shot)
Shades: Malachite, Fluorite, Amethyst, Azurite
Can be used wet and dry, 4 colours for endless combinations.

Dessin du Regard – CHF 36.00
N° 15 (One Shot) & N°16 (One Shot)

Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
N°21 Green Emerald (One Shot)

Crème de Blush – CHF 54.00
N°7, N°8, N°9

Volupté Sheer Candy – CHF 49.00
N°12 Tasty Raspberry
N°13 Griotte Mocha

Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres – CHF 48.00
N°27 Pêche Cerra-Colla
N°28 Grenat Acrylique
N°29 Rose Fourreau
N°30 Mauve Fusain

Volupté Sheer Candy – CHF 49.00
N°11 Frosted Mint (One Shot)

La Laque Couture – CHF 37.00
N°34 Jade Impérial
N°35 Bronze Pyrite (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

“If Yves Saint Laurent was a religion, his divinity would be a woman.”
Cotton-poplin shirt, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, patent-leather escarpins and Cabas medium leather tote, all by Saint Laurent.

Complementing the house’s beautiful prêt-à-porter collections, Yves Saint Laurent launched many iconic and famous fragrances over the years:
1971 Rive Gauche  – for the woman, who asserts herself
1977 Opium – for the women, who is mysterious and sensual
1983 Paris – for the passionate woman
2009 Parisienne –  for the freedom-loving woman

2013, Manifesto – a declaration of feminity is added:
The expression of audacity, excess, and desire.  A bouquet of jasmine punctuated by green notes and a bold trail combining wood, vanilla, and tonka beans are the scent’s very own signature. In a flacon reminiscent of the silhoutte of a woman. The face of the fragrance is actress Jessica Chastain. The composition was developed by Anne Flipo and Loc Dong.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and black currant
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine and lily of the valley
Base notes: Cedar, sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean

EdP 30ml (CHF 84.-), EdP 50ml (CHF 124.-) and EdP 90ml (CHF 157.-)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Dior event in Paris last week was truly amazing. The Dior team spoilt me constantly during my stay with wonderful birthday surprises. How creative they are was clear when we went for dinner Thursday night. Held at the ice rink of the Plaza Athénée which is located at the inner courtyard of the famous Parisian hotel, we were welcomed by a Swiss chalet atmosphere and a cute Saint Bernard dog.

View of the ice rink from the top

As I have done many dinners on the ice in St. Moritz before, I knew exactly what to wear in order not to get cold.
My look: Mink coat by Prada, fur boots by Prada Sport, scarf, bag and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and fur hat by Marc Jacobs.

Lovely Montasar Dumas (Dior Paris) and Huda Heidi Kattan with me.

From left to right: Me, Sofie Valkiers and Gala Gonzalez

Raclette prepared by three Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was a big surprise. Who would have expected having a Swiss traditional dish in Paris?! Very funny, the two Swiss ladies, Manuela and my humble self, were shoveling the yummy cheese in our mouth, whereas most of the other bloggers were a little overwhelmed by the heavy food.

Manuela Pastore (Dior Switzerland) explained enthusiastically how to eat raclette.

Pumpkin soup as a starter

Spotted – the cutest iPhone cover ever, available here.

A surprise birthday dessert. Thank you, Dior, for this wonderful experience!
Stay tuned for all the photos taken during the day for the house’s new beauty launches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, I went straight from Paris to Kitzbuehel in Austria to celebrate the 35th birthday of my lovely friend Tine. It was such a great party. We started with a cocktail reception at the Stanglwirt where the photos of my look were taken, followed by a trip with the cable car up to the summit station of the Hardkaiser from where we climbed up the hill to the very cozy Rübezahl Alm. Of course, the dress code was “traditional costume”.

Since many years, I have been collecting dirndl-style looks from different designer collections.
My look: Tyrolean jacket, top with lace sleeves and matching skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, earrings and necklace with velvet ribbon (my birthday gifts) by Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered bag by Valentino,lace tights and hat, both by Dolce & Gabbana with brooch and gamsbart by Gucci, suede pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Busy men demand skincare products that work hart, smart and fast. Therefore gentlemen, I have good news for you. You can check off multiple items off your daily grooming to-do list with this single, highly advanced, efficient product:

PRO LS ALL-IN-ONE FACE TREATMENT by LAB SERIES Skincare for Men
Today’s most advanced face essentials combined in one super-light, fast-absorbing formula.

What are the benefits?
Soothing: Calms the look of irritation and redness
Moisturizing: Replenishes hydration, helps rebuild and fortify the all-important moisture barrier
Repairing: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Mattifying: Absorbs oil instantly, leaving skin looking clean and less shiny

Apply it after cleansing or shaving, great for everyday use, for travel and for your gym bag. Available in Switzerland starting from March 11th, 2013 for CHF 38.00 at selected department stores and online at www.labseries.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Lab Series