Sandra‘s Closet

Here is the look that I wore to the Forte_Forte “10” presentation at Vestibule.
I am completely in love with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s S/S 2013 collection, such cool and easy-to-wear pieces.

I Heart Nueva York cotton-jersey tank, printed silk skirt with trompe d’oeil shirt sleeves tied around the waist and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel, all three by 3.1 Phillip Lim, black leather biker jacket and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, earrings and ring, both by Chanel, graphic floral sunglasses by Prada and colourful elastics by Scoopy Loop (Those new trend bands from L.A. are also great for tying your hair).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you dreaming of this healthy sun-kissed glow that we have been missing the last months? Would you like to give your complexion the taste of more exotic climes? Like Natalia Vodianova, who stars in Guerlain‘s newest ad campaign for the TERRACOTTA COLLECTION 2013, you can achieve this radiant look with the help of these amazing new products:

The cult bronzing powder: TERRACOTTA 4 SEASONS

One Terracotta product is sold somewhere in the world every 20 seconds. Often imitated but never equalled, its secret formula strikes a subtle balance between color and transparency, creating a flawless natural look that lasts all day. Thanks to its four different shades, you can customize your natural-looking glow.

Available in six different shades for CHF 94.00 each.

THE NO-FAIL “3” GESTURE TO APPLY THE BRONZING POWDER
to create a three-week tan in three seconds

Beauty tip from Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director

“Using the special Terracotta bronzing powder retractable brush, apply your Terracotta powder by tracing a figure “3” on each side of the fee: from the forehead down towards the cheeks, then down along the jaw line to the chin and down the neck. For the finishing touch, take a little more Terracotta powder with your brush and sweep it over the raised areas of the face, the places that catch the sun most – the forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin. The result is an instant glow.”

Glow-enhancing perfector: TERRACOTTA SKIN

Delivering the corrective coverage of a foundation with the sheerness of a Terracotta powder, this powdery cream allows for a flawless complexion in one step. The formula is composed of soft-focus elastic particles which reflect light in all directions making enlarged pores, fine lines and other imperfections less noticeable, giving a matt and velvety finish.

Available in three shades, Nude (new), Blondes and Brunettes for CHF 69.00 (30ml) each.

The secret to creating a sun-kissed glow: TERRACOTTA SUN SCRUB

Effective for all stages of tanning, this scrub not only prepares skin for tanning but helps it retain its sun-kissed look longer. The secret to its success lies in the formula, comprised of three different particles. Upon contact with water, those transform the oil-based gel into a body milk which helps to remove dead cells, massaging the skin and leaving it satin-smooth, the perfect condition for the perfect uniform sun-kissed glow.

Available for CHF 78.00 (150ml) – Limited Edition

The perfect illusion: TERRACOTTA SUNLESS and TERRACOTTA JAMBES DE GAZELLE

Remarkable both for their ultra-penetrating texture, those products offer the illusion of an instant tan in only one hour that lasts four days, for a healthy glow that looks truer than life.

I especially adore Terracotta Jambes de Gazelle that is lightly scented with the fragrance of tiare flower, this tinted spray mist refreshes the legs and leaves them feeling relaxed. Drying instantly, it provides beautiful legs without any risk of clothing stain (great news) or product transfer, yet washes off with soap and water. Perfect for bare legs who haven’t seen the sun yet!

Terracotta Sunless is available for CHF 72.00 (150ml) – Limited Edition
Terracotta Jambe de Gazelle for CHF 78.00 (100ml)

The right sun protection: TERRACOTTA SUN – BLONDES SPF 30 & BRUNETTES SPF 15

This little tube is Guerlain’s most elegant sun protection product, working for face and body, it means you can travel light. Like a bodyguard on alert, it protects the skin from the sun’s rays and from polluting particles in the environment, chlorine, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes, which helps to restore the skin’s glow and beauty.

Available for CHF 62.00 (110ml) – Limited Edition

Tan booster: TERRACOTTA SUN SERUM

This remarkable serum is your loyal ally in acquiring, deepening and prolonging a tan. Adding a few drops of this honey-coloured serum to your normal skincare product will instantly transform it into a tan booster. It stimulates the natural production of melanin and is enriched with a soothing complex to moisturize and soften the skin.

Available for CHF 72.00 (28ml) – Limited Edition

To come to a conclusion, I have tried all of those products and find them just amazing! Enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

YOU CAN SHOP THE TERRACOTTA COLLECTION 2013 HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Salvatore Ferragamo‘s S/S 2013 collection is super luxe with some beautiful pieces in must-have pastel colors. Celebrate yourself with a look that will make heads turn: Turquoise linen blazer, apricot silk dress and leather Sookie tote, all by Salvatore Ferragamo and Dolly suede platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

The house of Salvatore Ferragamo knows how to make fashion desirable and the same goes for their fragrances. Be a different Signorina every day with the new joyful SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette.

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)

Great news for my Swiss readers: Five lucky readers have the chance to win a 30ml bottle of SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo. Send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Signorina” to .

All entries must be received until April 26, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo and Charlotte Olympia

Miu Miu‘s new ‘Rasoir Sunglasses’ will surely become the new season’s must-haves. What a sophisticated vision of femininity!

Characterised by a sharp cut on the lower part of the glasses’ front and defined by bold thickness and large arms, this capsule eyewear collection comprises four models: one style of prescription glasses, presented at the S/S 2013 runway show (see photo below), two sunglasses in acetate and one style of sunglasses in metal.

Available starting in May 2013 for €220.00 in Miu Miu stores and at select opticians.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Today is a traditional Spring holiday in the city of Zurich, which is called “Sechseläuten” (In Swiss German: Sächsilüüte). Since the early 20th century, it is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of April of every year. Following the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds), the culmination of this popular tradition is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

It is said that the time between the lighting of the pyre and the explosion of the Böögg’s head is indicative of the coming summer: a quick explosion promises a warm, sunny one, a drawn-out burning a cold and rainy one. So let’s keep our fingers crossed that this head will be falling off fast today!

As the roots of the festival go back to medieval times, I was inspired to this look: Printed silk-organza midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Skull studded leather box clutch by Alexander McQueen, Noeud 120 bow-embellished leather peep-toes by Christian Louboutin and Leonard 2 round-frame acetate sunglasses by Illesteva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via NZZ and © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

In celebration of their tenth anniversary, Italian fashion brand Forte_Forte presented their luxurious highly limited edition capsule collection “10” at Vestibule in Zurich last week.

Forte_Forte  is designed by Paolo and his sister Giada Forte, who is the soul of the label and had come all the way from Italy for this special event (see photo above with me). It was a true pleasure to meet the lovely designer who is expecting her first child in July.

Giada, who studied knitwear design, is in charge of the creative part and her brother Paolo, who worked in the family knitwear company before, looks after the financial aspects.

Forte_Forte offers delicate, feminine pieces that are rich in special finishings and impress with lovely hand-made details, such as precious embroidered labels and small beautiful perfumed bags in which they are sold.

A very special and beautiful collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Forte_Forte, Vestibule and © Sandra Bauknecht

RENE ZIBOLD

The PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland has great style and many loyal followers on instagram (@monsieurené) who enjoy his daily fashion updates. Being fluent in four languages, he loves to travel. Other places inspire him, with the City of Light leading the way.

Your favourite city? La merveilleuse ville lumière: PARIS!
It’s the most beautiful city in the world, where I can find everything I really love!

Your favourite hotel? HOTEL ATHÉNÉE, a small, romantic and very elegant boutique hotel in the center of Paris. If you love Jacques Garcia’s interiors, you’ll adore it!

Your favourite restaurant? The CAFÉ RUC, in the beautiful neighborhood of Saint Honoré. The interior is also made by Jacques Garcia. The Suprême de volaille “minute” with “purée maison” is a must have! Dessert? Of course the Gâteau au chocolat!

Your favourite bar or nightclub? The GEORGES at the Centre Pompidou, also excellent for dinner. The view over Paris by night is breathtaking!

Your favourite sightseeing spot? The LOUVRE. I can spend hours in front of each masterpiece of Eugène Delacroix!

Your favourite park? The JARDIN DES TUILERIES next to the Louvre and after a walk I always enjoy a coffee and the delicious “tarte fine aux pommes“ at CAFE MARLY.

Your favourite shop? The DRIES VAN NOTEN men’s store at the Quai Malaquais. I just love the interior of the store and of course Van Noten’s beautiful men’s collections. Can’t wait to buy there the Fall 2013 collection!!!

Your must-have accessory? No matter if it’s summer or winter and where I am… I usually wear ETRO SCARVES. They really are my must-have accessory!

The best soundtrack for this destination? Jean-Claude Pascal: PARIS AU MOIS DE SEPTEMBRE. I’m in love with this song!

The best book to read while being on vacation there? I always buy ART or FASHION BOOKS in Paris. The BOOKSHOP at the PALAIS DE TOKYO has a fantastic selection.

Thank you, René, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

Acque Nobili – A new collection of fragrances from the house of Acqua di Parma, mirroring the pureness of water. Elegant, aristocratic femininity stems from the precious notes of three noble flowers, all absolutely lovely for the summer season: Iris, Magnolia and Gelsomino.

Discover more:

ACQUA NOBILE GELSOMINO
Green Floral

This bright uplifting fragrance is reminiscent of a bouquet of jasmin flowers sprinkled in a veil of fresh morning dew.

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, lemon and pink pepper
Middle notes: Neroli oil, petit grain, jasmine extract from Calabria and green floral tones
Base notes: Musk

ACQUA NOBILE IRIS
Floral

As the sun beams down on the noble Italian gardens, a graceful dance promptly begins to celebrate this unique moment. A clear and elegant fragrance, developed from the rare iris pallida flower.

Top notes: Mandarin, cedar, grapefruit, neroli oil and violet
Middle notes: Iris pallida and orange blossom
Base notes: Musk and vanilla

ACQUA NOBILE MAGNOLIA
Fresh Floral

The gracious and joyful charm of the beautiful magnolia flower is unlocked at day break when the first light of day falls upon the ivory petals of this majestic flower.

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, cedar, lemon and neroli oil
Middle notes: Freesia, lily of the valley, orange blossom, sambac jasmine and magnolia
Base notes: Musk, patchouli and vanilla

In stores now. In Zurich exclusively available at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Campaign photos: Giovanni Castel for Acqua di Parma, Stills: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma

During Paris Fashion Week, I went to some amazing events that I would like to share with you. Let’s get started with one that was truly outstanding, something that you don’t see every day.

I was invited to the elegant salons of the association France Ameriques in avenue Franklin Roosvelt, where a very special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins was presented.

The collection designed by young talents of the renowned college of arts and design in London features pieces in the finest 100% made in Scotland knitwear, inspired by the wardrobe of H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco, who had loved the historical British brand very much and had been frequently seen in it.

H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover had come all the way from Monaco to attend this intimate event in honour of her late mother. She had also supported the students and had given them access to the palace archives.

In April 2012, the findings were revealed in an exhibition hosted by the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco featuring never before seen material, showcasing Princess Grace’s daily wardrobe in the most relaxed and familial situations, particularly knitwear and Pringle of Scotland archive styles.

The students took those aesthetic elements and translated them into this beautiful capsule collection…

… under the creative supervision of the famous Professor Louise Wilson O.B.E. (see photo below to the right). Being among the world’s most influential fashion educators, her former students include Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic among many others.

Personally speaking, I found one aspect very moving when H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover explained that this project has meant a lot to her: “There have been many exhibitions on my mum, but this is special, when she wore knitwear, it meant we were more informal, it meant happy times.“

And as Marie Claude Beaud, Director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, put it “Grace Kelly has been a princess, an actress…but above all a woman, a mother”.

With this in mind, the collection truly manages to highlight the most personal, discreet and daily aspects of the Princess without loosing its historical heritage, it looks modern and desirable.

Pringle of Scotland’s ambassadress Tilda Swinton was leading the conversation.

Interesting to know is that the title PRINCESS GRACE: MORE THAN AN IMAGE derives from a quote that the Princess gave to Time Magazine in 1955, whilst still the film actress Grace Kelly, “I don’t want to dress up a picture with just my face”. This sense of exploring the person behind the image is evident throughout the project. She will stay in everyone’s imagination forever.

And this fall, it is official, we will not only dream of an Hermès Kelly bag.Pringle of Scotland’s Kelly sweater will be on everyone’s shopping list and it will be definitely more accessible. The capsule collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland in September at Jelmoli.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the movie “Grace” that will hit the cinemas in the end of the year and enjoy some more impressions of this beautiful event in Paris below.

LoL, Sandra

Gorgeous Tilda Swinton with me

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland, © Sandra Bauknecht;
Photos of Princess Grace: © Jae Lee, © Alice Bastion

The best eye concealer ever! Personally speaking, the house of Sisley has surprised me lately with every single new launch. Having invested a lot in their research program, they have come up with some amazing new products. Do you remember the BOTANICAL D-TOX for the face or the new SO INTENSE mascara?

PHYTO CERNES ECLAT has hit the shelves this spring. This concealer is the first one that truly works its magic, by covering every sign of fatigue without looking too caked on. In the contrary, it is smoothing out fine lines, giving the whole area under the eye a boost, making it look radiant and fresh by instantly masking dark circles. My eye contour area feels moisturized upon application. What a treat!

Available for CHF 91.00 (15ml) in three different shades.
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Sisley