Sandra‘s Closet

Such beautiful photos! H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco wears Akris on the cover of the current issue of VOGUE Japan Health & Beauty and throughout a 6-pages feature about the charitable educational sports program for children organized by her „Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation“. The Princess was styled by Albert Kriemler, Akris Creative Director, and her hair was down my very own Zurich based hair stylist Charles Aellen.

This is what I would call Swiss power… I love her clothes, her look and of course her hair!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Lauren Dukoff – Editor: Mayumi Nakamura – Styling: Albert Kriemler – Hair: Charles Aellen – Makeup: Tiziana Raimondo

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue Japan

Hey lovely ladies! Just a quick note to let you know that NET-A-PORTER‘s semi-annual US sale has gone live! Save up to 50% on designers like Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Carven, Chloé, Lanvin and many more! Great news is that the US site also ships to Europe and Asia, just change your country preference to United States.

Check out a few of my favorite sale picks in the list below:

1 Falabella convertible faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney (40% off)
2 Jovanna faded stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld (50% off)
3 Studded leather and elaphe flats by Valentino (30 % off)
4 Rose gold-plated tiered clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (50% off)
5 Tasseled leather belt by Saint Laurent (30% off)
6 Cosmic leather pumps by Jimmy Choo (30% off)
7 Two-tone silk collar by Carven (50% off)
8 Polka-dot tulle and woven silk top by Valentino (30% off) 
9 The Happy grosgrain shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off)

I always recommend looking for basic pieces on sale. Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I attended the Dior Pre-fall 2013 trunk show in Zurich and had a lot of fun with my girlfriends. We were trying on many different outfits while chatting with each other.

I am crazy for this orange silk ball skirt, the bi-colour gloves and fur stole. The wool waist belt with train that you see on the picture to the right had made its way already into my closet, along with the gorgeous Lady Dior bag in shades of grey, pale pink and baby blue.

If you like to find out more about this beautiful collection, have a look at this previous post.

Those houndstooth pieces are divine, add a splash of colour and off you go…

My look: Collar detail shirt and suede ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, grey wool belt with train, tricoloured Lady Dior bag and Diorette Marguerite ring, all by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Jo Malone created one of the world’s most sought after luxury fragrance brands eponymous with her name. In 1999, Jo sold her beauty business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until her departure in 2006. Now, five years on, Jo is once again designing scent and November 2011 marks the launch of her new global brand JO LOVES, that is not a subsidiary company or an associated business of Jo Malone Ltd.

Jo’s passion for fragrance never ceases and it was falling in love with cooking that inspired her to play with food, flavours and colours that she had never used before. Jo soon realised that her instincts were prompting her to create fragrance for a second time and she found herself asking ‘could I do it again?’

JO LOVES captures the things in Jo’s life that inspire her, from ingredients and people to moments in time nestled within bold red packaging; the heartbeat of the brand.

“When I start out with a fragrance I don’t always know where it will lead. It’s a creative process that often surprises me and I like that. JO LOVES will be full of excitement and anticipation and I want to discover things that I’ve only ever dreamed about. Everyday I’m struck by different smells which evoke emotions or memories that inspire me to be creative. The scent of my husband’s cologne, freshly washed linens, hot Moroccan mint tea, the smell of a horse’s saddle and New York in the rain are a few of my favourites but the list continues to go on and on”.

The range includes some beautiful scents with yummy names: POMELO, GREEN ORANGE & CORIANDER, ORANGE TULLE, GARDENIA, ORANGE TULLE, PINK VETIVER, MANGO NECTAR, A SHOT OF THAI LIME OVER MANGO and A SHOT OF OUD OVER MANGO.

You can shop JO LOVES online here. Jo has done it again… Jo Loves, we do, too!
Stay tuned for Jo Malone’s travel insider in which she gives us some amazing tips regarding her favourite city…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Loves

I have been thinking of getting bangs since forever, but I was always to scared going for the chop. Now, I am so glad that I didn’t do it as I have found the perfect solution, fringe clip-ins, at HERSHESONS, an amazing website for all sorts of hair products. This is the ultimate way to shake up your look without the nail biting long term commitment.

Available in different styles and colours, I went for two different winges that will show you below. The fringe clips in easily below the front of your hairline and stays undetectable.

THE ROCK CHIC CLIP IN WINGE

This side winge gives you the instant insouciance of a modern day rock chick, adding a graphic, sharp dimension to your hair. It works great with a headscarf like this Dolce & Gabbana one.

YOU CAN SHOP THE FLORAL PRINT HEADSCARF BY DOLCE & GABBANA HERE.

THE SHARP CLIP IN WINGE

Style it slick and 
square to add a chic, preppy twist or part 
it in the middle to 
nail a boho vibe that accentuates eyes and makes cheekbones stand to attention.

Have fun experimenting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hershesons and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Chopard to see the screening of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who were both present. The “Montée des Marches” at the Palais des Festivals, the legendary black tie event, is something I will never forget. Being on the red carpet in Cannes feels very special. I was able to experience it already last year and if you are interested, have a look at the previous post by clicking here.

Since 1998, my host Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. To mark the 15th anniversary of this partnership, the watchmaker-jeweller organised several high profile events during the festival fortnight including a photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection that I will show you very soon on the blog. Chopard also crafted the Festival’s supreme award, the legendary Palme d’Or.

I hope you will like my little photo diary of the night including the most unforgettable moments like walking on the red carpet.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals and pound printed leather pouch, both by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

Model and actress Adriana Karembeu arrived at the same time like me.

Of course, the two leading actors of the movie “Behind the Candelabra”, Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, came last.

The American drama directed by Steven Soderbergh is about the life of pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas in his best role ever) and the secret affair he had with young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). The movie is based on a true story, Thorson’s memoir, and unveils the excessive lifestyle of the performer and his intimate circle of friends, lovers, and businessmen. I have absolutely loved the film. Matt Damon and Michael Douglas perform amazingly. You experience the different stages of the gay couple’s relationship that they always kept behind closed doors as Liberace was not open about his homosexuality.

Standing ovations and a good laugh when Matt Damon hugged Michael Douglas intimately.

Later, the “Behind the Candelabra” after party took place at the Chopard Terrace at the famous Hotel Martinez in the presence of the movie cast and many other celebrities.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Art Director of Chopard

What an honour to have a little chat with the famous Michael Douglas!

Exceptional soprano Anna Netrebko

Model and ex-girlfriend of Leonardo di Caprio Erin Heatherton is the new face of Chopard.

Rosario Dawson recognized me from the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch in Los Angeles last February. How sweet!

I had so much fun that night, thank you, Chopard, for that unforgettable experience and Valeria for taking all those photos of me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Palme d’Or: Courtesy of Chopard

THE EVENT

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the prestigious annual amfAR gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, which was probably THE most high profile event I have ever been to. From sitting at Paris Hilton‘s table, having dinner with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone, enjoying musical performances of the likes of Duran Duran or Shirley Bassey to witnessing Anna Dello Russo‘s best dance moves during the unbelievable ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW curated by Carine Roitfeld. Everything was superlative. For a ticket price of around €8000.00 it should be, shouldn’t it?!

Below, I put together my very own photo diary of the event with of course some exclusive footage. The invite said that nobody was allowed to take pictures, that if you were seen, the camera would be confiscated immediately. But I managed to get some great shots! Enjoy!

MY OUTFIT

As gold was a dominant detail of the event, I went for a look in this radiant colour.
Python leather dress (every scale is handsewn on this piece) and matching heels by Tom Ford, Twenties stay-up in black by Wolford, Catwalk patent leather bag with crocodile print by Saint Laurent and earrings by Chanel.

THE CELEBRITIES

VIPS in attendance included: Sharon Stone, Jessica Chastain, Carine Roitfeld, Bonnie Wright, Aishwarya Rai, Paz Vega, Rosario Dawson, Goldie Hawn, Janet Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tautou, Kristen Scott Thomas, Christopher Waltz, Leonardo di Caprio, Dita von Teese, Paris Hilton, Adrien Brody, Zachary Quinto, Thom Browne, Daniele and Roberto Cavalli.

THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION

If you have ever been to the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, you know how gorgeous the atmosphere is. It was amazing to enjoy a glass of bubbly while watching all the celebs arrive.

Milla Jovovich

Golden Girls: Anne Meyer-Minnemann (German Gala magazine) with me

THE DINNER

Roberto Cavalli was the official decor sponsor of the 2oth amfAR Gala 2013 with iconic pieces of his Home Collection. Dinner was a feast for the eyes, but unfortunately not a culinary delight. The food was unpalatable.

THE AUCTION

During the gala dinner, celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, Goldie Hawn and Janet Jackson went on stage and gave a little speech. The auction conducted by Simon de Pury included one-of-a-kind items, such as a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio that went for 1.2 million euros, a week at Donna Karan’s resort home in Parrot Cay, and a family portrait sitting with Annie Leibovitz. But these were just a few of the items sold at amfAR’s most successful benefit event to date. Cinema Against AIDS XX exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $25 million in a single night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

Janet Jackson

I was seated at a very fun table with Paris Hilton and her boyfriend River Viiperi…

…model Toni Garrn joined in the fun…

…as well as American jewelry designer Dawid Yurman who was also at the table.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (The antagonist in Casino Royale) with me

Paris Hilton

Gorgeous Jessica Chastain (The face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto).

THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

After placing their bids during one of amfAR’s legendary auctions, the charitable crowd was moved by musical performances that ranged from Dame Shirley Bassey singing “Goldfinger” to Ellie Goulding and a rare live performance by Duran Duran. As John Taylor and Simon Le Bon, surrounded by swaying models, rocked on the stage, I leapt from my dinner table and began dancing.

Simon Le Bon rocking with Alessandra Ambrosio

Anna Dello Russo was also moving to the beats

Would love to know what Giovanna Battaglia just heard?!

THE ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW

Personally speaking, the highlight of the event was the fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld. Forty top models participated in a spectacular runway presentation of one-of-a-kind gold looks with gold jewelry from emerging and established designers. See my favourites below:

Karolina Kurkova in Roberto Cavalli

Joan Smalls in Givenchy

Toni Garrn in Vionnet

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in Valentino

Ashleigh Good in Chanel

Angela Lindvall in Burberry Prorsum

Anna Dello Russo danced down the runway in Pucci and Bvlgari

…and Pucci’s Creative Director Peter Dundas cheered along with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld.

After the runway show, Sharon Stone auctioned off this amazing gold collection in a very witty and entertaining way, exhorting the crowd to bid higher and higher. “The bid is a million dollars—I mean euros,” she said. “Won’t someone give more?” Yes, this night somebody did. All the outfits went for 1.2 million euros. You can see the lucky couple below.

THE AFTER PARTY

Moncler was sponsoring the after party that seemed a little boring compared to the gala dinner. Most of the celebrities left and that might have been also due to the terrible weather conditions that had occurred all of a sudden. The wind was beating like crazy as you can see.

I was having so much fun that it felt like I already flew to space with Leonardo. Stay tuned for more upcoming post from Cannes with Chopard!

LoL, Sandra

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

Saturday one week ago, before I left for Cannes, we had finally one beautiful radiant day in Zurich. No need to tell you how frustrated I am regarding the weather as most of you feel the same way. I have so many gorgeous summer outfits and never the chance to wear them. Enjoying the sunshine outside at Seerose restaurant followed by a casual dinner at a friend’s house, I went for an all white look with some colourful accessories.

My look: Embroidered ‘Sicilia’ tank top, white skinny jeans, Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, sunglasses and bucket bag, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, bangles and ring by Chanel, green suede sandals by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Without doubt, one of my absolute favourite collections for F/W 2013 is DIOR. Raf Simons takes the French Maison to new heights with this literally speaking very artistic collection. It is the story of affinities between the founder, Monsieur Christian Dior, and the designer himself.

I have fallen in love with the new looks already on the runway and during my re-see in the showroom during Paris Fashion Week, I have been completely taken by all the beautiful details that I will share with you today.

This season, Raf Simons focuses on this notion of memory and how it shapes the nature of design at the house; how this works for himself and how it once worked for Christian Dior.

“This collection is more connected to passions we share,” says Raf Simons. “Like a real interest in art – Christian Dior started his career as a gallerist and represented both Dali and Giacometti early on. The connection to certain periods of time is also significant, his obsession with the Belle Époque in his case, the Mid-Century modern in mine. Here the connections made are important, the very idea of them rather than what they are made to; the attraction and obsession is the significant part.”

The collection functions in the form of a visual scrapbook, a collage of clothing containing significant moments in time both for Raf Simons and the house of Christian Dior. A Dior coat can function easily alongside a further exploration of the Bar jacket in wool denim, itself teamed with a new take on Oxford bags.

Dior’s iconic houndstooth motif is explored and transposed, emerging frequently as a wool bustier. A notion of asymmetry, begun in the haute couture collection, can be seen throughout, resulting in a abundance of permutations in the silhouettes that can go from short to long in one look. The collection is full of unexpected juxtapositions and visual non sequitur; a free association, like a personal scrapbook, both playful and profound, it embraces idiosyncrasy, culminating in what Simons refers to as “memory dresses.”

Here, a typical twenties shift shape (Think of the The Great Gatsby‘s influence!) is embroidered and appliqued with motifs that point to parts of the personal history of Dior; a Surrealist style free association culminates in these clothes and is up for open interpretation. They also display the new graphic sensibility that is introduced in this collection and permeates throughout. This is most significantly displayed in the unique collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in the collection.

The early hand drawn work from the 1950s of the artist Andy Warhol is found as a recurring motif of the mid-century style printed or embroidered on the clothing and accessories.

“For me Warhol made so much sense,” says Simons of this collaboration. “I was interested in the delicacy and sensitivity in the early work he did, I was drawn to that graphic style naturally in this collection. It was that notion of hand work and personal signature that fitted throughout.”

These notions of Surrealism and Pop are brought together in the dreamscape of the show set. As a Magritte-style cloud path meanders around the gigantic mirrored spheres of the space, the mix of memory and desire in the collection is brought to dream-like culmination.

Below, you can enjoy some of the accessories that are to die for. The embroidered boots are definitely on my must-have shopping list.

Dior’s amazing F/W 2013 collection will hit the stores aproximately end of August, beginning of September 2013. If I have whetted your appetite for some serious shopping, you should have a look at the house’s extremely beautiful Pre-fall 2013 collection which has started to arrive.

A collection which shows the new juxtapositions in perfection: a billowing very couture-like skirt that is tied at the waist and reaching to the floor in back is paired with a cashmere-silk knit tee (see collage below to the right) or a sort of wool fabric belt that elevates the look to a new level of style. I imagine Raf’s casual glamour will become his signature. One thing is for sure, we will see more and more Dior on the streets and the house jacket will be identifiable everywhere. Personally speaking, I am madly in love! My collection for the upcoming season!

LoL, Sandra

Runway photos: Courtesy of Dior, Showroom pictures: © Sandra Bauknecht

Summer will hopefully be coming soon and with its arrival the time to show more skin. Here are some products that help you to achieve super soft skin extremely fast, especially in those dry areas around the elbows or knees. No matter how long you’ve been ignoring these body parts, with those three products to can get rid of those persistent scales and dark patches easily.

Argan Oil Peeling by Arganiae, CHF 17.00
I am in love with its creamy formula that delicately scrubs the skin leaving it smooth and soft.

Argà Velvety Body Cream by Nature’s CHF 24.50 (200ml)
Its fluffy texture makes its application a true please. Great for nourishing and firming the skin.

Argà Pure Argan Oil by Nature’s, CHF 48.50 (50ml)
The perfect addition to your beauty routine that works wonders on extremely dry spots.

Those argan oil cosmetics are entirely organic and contain no substances that can cause allergies, such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and have not undergone any type of chemical treatment.

In Switzerland available at FORET VIERGE (Klosbachstrasse 88 in Zurich, Phone +41 43 819 30 19), a wonderful shop that carries all sorts of natural cosmetics.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht