Sandra‘s Closet

Paris Fashion Week has started off for me with the Akris S/S 2014 show yesterday evening. I have to admit arriving at my seat is always a treat at this presentation, some yummy chocolate is waiting and the press kit is just perfect.

A sketch by Albert Kriemler with a piece of real fabric pinned to it, plus the inspiration laid out in a moodboard (sandstone lines, algae, honeycombs in the sand, and granite curves) along with a list of all the upcoming looks make my work so much easier.

This eye for detail could also be seen in the stunning collection. Nature was Albert’s main inspiration (something that has been spotted quite a lot here in Paris). “It’s a dream of fabrics and nature – moved forward through technology,” he wrote.

The show started off with some very strong prints on cotton voile, plissé chiffon and leather, inspired by sandstone lines. I loved the see-through and asymmetrical details of the collection and the amazing St. Gallen embroideries in honeycombs of lace, reminiscent of algae. The last pieces in black and gold wave jacquard will surely fly off the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Akris and © Sandra Bauknecht

Be part of Paris Fashion Week and watch the Valentino S/S 2014 fashion show live on Sandra’s Closet tomorrow afternoon. Here is your front row invite, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

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Something you may have found completely tacky until now, will surely dangle soon around your neck. Whether you need help, are in love, a happy mood or just want to express some coolness, then those Lanvin nameplate necklaces are for you. Spotted first on the F/W 2013 runway and now on most fashionistas, such as Natalie Massenet and Anya Ziourova during fashion week, this jewelry-candy is flying off the shelves.

For me, there is nothing more important than love…
Available at mytheresa and net-à-porter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, @ Diego Zuko

As you know, my daily beauty obsession is to clean my skin with my beloved Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System. In case you are not yet familiar with this amazing product, I would love to invite you to visit my previous post for all the details here.

Great news for my Swiss readers is that finally the smaller version Clarisonic MIA 2™ Skin Cleansing System will be available exclusively at Marionnaud for CHF 189.00 next month in three hip colors (pink, ipanema and lavender) with a travel case and a small charger which is perfect to take on your next trip.

I couldn’t resist the lavender one and it is already packed for my flight tomorrow to Paris Fashion Week! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarisonic and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have some amazing news to share for my Swiss readers. French high-end fashion and luxury lifestyle magazine L’OFFICIEL will launch a national Swiss edition in two separate issues in German and French with the first edition hitting the shelves in March 2014.

Launched in France almost a century ago and owned by Paris-based LES EDITIONS JALOU, the French title is now published in 30 different countries worldwide. Announcing this partnership, Chief Executive Officer of LES EDITIONS JALOU Benjamin Eymère explained, “Despite the market’s multilingual nature, it is a united country, with its very own identity, its own culture and taste. We intend to present content to Swiss readers that is unique in style, but in tune with the greater international scope and our very distinctive touch of French “je ne sais quois”, and we look forward to working with Swiss readers to cater to their individual style ambitions.”

Stefan Hottinger-Behmer (see photo), Publisher of the newly formed Blond Publishing Group in Zurich, commented, “L’OFFICIEL is one of the most respected fashion titles in the world. We are honored to be the new publisher of its Swiss edition and thrilled to introduce such a highquality title to this market. As one of the world’s top five countries in terms of per capita income, it is curious to observe the absence of internationally renowned titles on the Swiss media landscape.”

Eymère adds, “Switzerland is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world, and we have been surprised for a while, by the fact that no other international fashion media brand currently publishes there and the market is therefore only serviced by neighbouring French, German or Italian high fashion magazines.”

L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse will launch in March 2014 with 6 issues in the first year and 10 regular issues from 2015 onwards. 2014 also sees the introduction of the first two supplements, L’OFFICIEL Hommes (September) and L’OFFICIEL Voyage (October). Further supplements to be launched in 2015 include L’OFFICIEL Watch & Jewellery, L’OFFICIEL Art and L’OFFICIEL Beauty.

Personally speaking, I think that Switzerland is absolutely ready for such an international title and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel

Yesterday, one night before the official opening of the Zurich Film Festival, I was invited to the Piaget Movie Night at the store on Bahnhofstrasse. I went for a classy outfit that gave all the attention to my beautiful sparkling jewelry.

My look: Vest, gabardine skinny tux trousers, lace body, mousseline-silk bow tie, and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

Piaget ambassadors: Actor Carlos Leal with me

Highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion, presented by Philippe Klemenz, during which Carlos Leal gave some insights into the cineaste world along with my husband Dr. Gero Bauknecht, partner and board member of Silver Reel Partners.

A huge thank you to Sylvain Auroux, Director Piaget Switzerland, and Nunzia Marsella-Cesaro, Store Manager Piaget Zurich, and their team for this lovely evening!

I had a lot of fun and was happy to party with my dear friend and colleague Florence Jacquinot in Zurich!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days have been so beautiful here in Zurich as if summer would like to last much longer. I honestly don’t want to let go, I am definitely not looking forward to winter, only, of course, to wear some of my new pieces. For the IWC gala on Tuesday night at the Dolder Grand Hotel, I went once more for some vibrant color.

My look: Silk dress with marabou feathers, suede sandals, both by Prada, Rodizio clutch by Mary Katrantzou, Limelight Gala watch, rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, I was invited by IWC Schaffhausen to celebrate at Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel the legend of the famous Silver Arrow. The slogan “IWC. Engineered for Men.” got a whole new meaning when I entered the room as I was one of the only women there. But as I love cars, watches and speed, I felt very much at ease.

The star attraction of the event was a vehicle that has gone down in the annals of motorsport and laid the foundations for that legend: the Mercedes-Benz W 25. It set up the course record in 1934 and came in for a pit stop in Zurich on its journey back to the course in central Switzerland this upcoming weekend at the 11th International Klausen Hill Climb 2013.

The W 25 on display with the characteristic silver aluminium bodywork that earned this vehicle and its successors the nickname “Silver Arrow” is the last roadworthy model in the series and at the same time the jewel in the crown of the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection.

Having fun with my colleagues, Dörte Welti and Jeroen van Rooijen.

Black-and white photographs and film footage transported us back to the world of the 1920s and 1930s – the era of the original Klausen Hill Climb races.

In the foyer, we had the opportunity to peek over the shoulder of a watchmaker at work. All very fitting, because the designer engineers at IWC Schaffhausen took some of their inspiration from the W 25, and, as part of the relaunch of the Ingenieur watch collection in 2013.

The best was yet to come, I won the main prize that was presented to me by Linus Fuchs, IWC Managing Director Switzerland. See you this weekend at the Klausen Hill Climb!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC and © Sandra Bauknecht

Some of you might remember this dress as I wore it to the MCM store opening in Zurich last May. It has been one of my favourite looks this summer and I loved changing the accessories for it. When I wore it during New York Fashion Week to the Ralph Lauren Collection S/S 2014 show, it created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see below and even Stefano Gabbana in person twittered and liked it on Instagram. What an honor for a Dolce & Gabbana lover like me!

My look: Printed crepe dress by Dolce & Gabbana, green suede sandals and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather shopper tote by Gucci, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Atlas silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Vogue

Fabsugar

Photos: Via Vogue, Imaxtree and © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised in my previous post last week, here are all the details concerning the amazing collaboration between Dom Pérignon and Jeff Koons, which was launched during New York Fashion Week.

Personally speaking, I am crazy for this project as it involves three things I adore: champagne, the colour pink and one of my favourite artists! The limited edition ‘Balloon Venus’ is based on Jeff Koons’ work that was inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, a tiny paleolithic figurine discovered in Austria and dated to around 23 000 BC.

The Balloon Venus is part of Jeff Koons’ Antiquity series that begun in 2008, playfully exploring motifs from the History of Art with his trademark creative verve. The artist adapted the Balloon Venus sculpture for Dom Pérignon, by transforming the original statue in a smaller version which when opened, reveals a bottle of Rosé Vintage 2003. 650 will be produced, of which 20 will be sold in Switzerland for CHF 18’500.00 each.

Jeff Koons also designed better priced limited-edition gift boxes for the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2003 (CHF 449.00) and the Dom Pérignon Brut 2004 (CHF 199.00), available exclusively at Globus in Switzerland.

The launch event in NYC was held at the Stephan Weiss Studio in Greenwich Village. The berry-coloured ambiance was truly amazing, with different installations to explore the ‘Balloon Venus’ by Jeff Koons.

Born in 1955, Jeff Koons is one of the most recognised and solicited of all contemporary artists. He currently resides and works in the city of New York. Earning worldwide acclaim with his large-scale sculptures he has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his cultural achievements. For him, “the real power behind art is to put us in contact with feelings”.

Throwing a bottle of Dom Pérignon with his wife.

Today, Dom Pierre Pérignon’s visionary mind and exceptional boldness to declare, at the end of the 17th century, to make “the best wine in the world” is in the hands of Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy who creates each vintage of Dom Pérignon with pure excellence.

Champagne is my guilty pleasure and when it comes in a package like the ‘Balloon Venus’, I feel like a kid in the candy store, being on cloud nine!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dom Pérignon, all event photos: © Sandra Bauknecht