Sandra‘s Closet

I spent the last days in London –  a city that I love very much. The double decker buses, the black cabs, and the red telephone boxes, some of the iconic sights on the streets of the British metropole, symbolise gorgeous design while fulfilling their purpose with efficiency. The same goes for my Givenchy sweater – it’s comfy and stylish in one. You need one of those printed must-haves in your closet this season!

My look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars and printed cotton sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, black pants by Alexander McQueen, textured-leather tote by Gucci, Susanna studded leather ankle boots by Chloé and rose ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hermès has unveiled two ultra-lightweight carbon fiber bicycles, a unisex leisure version and a sporty city one. Le Flâneur d’Hermès (available in charcoal, red and white) and le Flâneur sportif d’Hermès (available in charcoal and white) combine elegant lines with cutting-edge technology and the expertise one would expect of a master saddler.

The new bicycles feature bull calf leather on the saddles, handlebar grips, and carry handles and will be sold in Hermès stores worldwide from November 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

From September 26 to October 6, 2013, the 9th edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) took place with many amazing events. One of the biggest highlights of those days was surely the evening with Harrison Ford. As official partner of the 9th ZFF, Tommy Hilfiger invited members of the jury along with other VIP guests to a very intimate dinner followed by an after party at the store on Bahnhofstrasse.

Daniel Grieder (CEO Tommy Hilfiger) framed by Nadja Schildknecht (Managing Director ZFF) to the left and German actress Veronica Ferres to the right.

We got absolutely spoilt that night. Each guest was greeted at his seat by an iPad mini that we could keep and the food (by Franzoli Caterings) was absolutely divine. I stayed until late to great music and must say that this was one of the best nights out in Zurich in a long time.

Meeting a legend, Mr Harrison Ford in person, made me obviously very happy.

German-American TV entertainer Steven Gätjen with me. Very funny, we met for the first time 25 years ago… but still recognized each other.

Thank you, Mr Grieder, for such an amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, during those last days of summer, I had the chance to shoot this fun project with Tiffany & Co. for their new Atlas collection. The beautiful Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich was the perfect backdrop to showcase this infinity jewelry.

My look: Dotted silk shirt and dress, both by Prada, pumps in pale pink cracked leather by Miu Miu, Lady Dior bag by Christian Dior, cat eye embellished mirrored acetate sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, all jewelry pieces in white gold and watch by Tiffany & Co..

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

No other than Cara Delevingne is the face of Yves Saint Laurent’s campaign for this year’s fall beauty look, so-called ELECTRIC CHIC. As described in the press release as Cara herself, the YSL woman “is urban, strong and self-confident. She knows how to play with cosmopolitan codes and contrasts. She gets inspired by the electric energy of the town. She accentuates all her facettes. She invents herself every day and every night.”

As always, here is a good look at the collection that is in stores now. The star products pay tribute to pop art and NYC’s street art.

The two limited edition graffiti-embellished eye palettes are called City Drive Classy (black and gold case), and City Drive Arty (fuchsia and gold case).

Left: PALETTE CITY DRIVE ARTY
Right: PALETTE CITY DRIVE CLASSY
CHF 89.00 each

BLUSH RADIANCE N°9 and N° 10
CHF 67.00 each

ROUGE PUR COUTURE N° 50- Rouge Néon, N° 51 – Corail Urbain, N° 53 – Beige Promenade – N° 54 – Prune Avenue
CHF 48.00 each

From left to right: EYELINER BABY DOLL N° 14 – Reflets Cuivre CHF 51.00
DESSIN DES LEVRES N° 20 – Mocha and N° 21 Sepia, CHF 35.00 each
MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS SHOCKING N° 8 – Noir Asphalte – CHF 49.00

LA LACQUE COUTURE N° 38 – Gris Underground, N° 39 – Beige Gallery (Limited Edition), N° 40 Sepia 7e Art (Limited Edition), CHF 38.00 each

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL Beauty

Aquazzura, founded by Edgardo Osorio, has won the heart of every shoe lover around the globe in no time. And believe me, after having met the extremely good-looking and charming designer in Paris, I love his heels even more.

Colombian-born Edgardo launched his label in 2011, after having honed his skills at such renowned fashion houses as Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli. Crafted on the outskirts of Florence, his impeccably crafted, elegant and extremely sexy footwear offers the ultimate mix of European luxury and Latin American extravagance.

This fall, he is launching a special capsule collection of his iconic Berkeley bootie in partnership with Shoescribe. Make sure to add at least one pair to your to-buy list and enjoy this sneak preview below of his amazing designs for S/S 2014.

Aquazura is available at net-à-porter and mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Still and photos in collage to the left: Courtesy of Shoescribe, to the right © Sandra Bauknecht
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This outfit that I wore to the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 show in NYC created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see at the end of this post.

My look: Teleport raffia double layer dress by Mary Katrantzou, 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

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Silvia, for taking them!)

Flying, time difference, being sleep-deprived, and not eating the healthiest food is stress for your body which shows in your face. But it is common practice during NYFW. Due to the weight limit for the luggage on the plane, I like to take as less as possible with me. Here are some beauty products that work their magic instantly to make sure you look like coming from a spa treatment, nothing more needed.

RODIAL Glam Balm™ Hand

This innovative cream gently repairs, protects and moisturises skin. It is wonderfully scented, reminiscent of almonds and coconuts, like a mini holiday at the beach. Perfect to comfort you if you cannot fall asleep because of your jet-lag. Exclusively available in Switzerland at Marionnaud. CHF 63.00

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Drinking lots of water is indispensable for a radiant complexion. But you can also replenish lost moisture (perfect after a long flight) by using this creamy, oil-free, penetrating night mask which helps skin drink deep to build reserves for the next day. All night long, it soothes and nourishes  so that you wake up with soft, dewy, glowing skin. CHF 52.00 (100ml)

SISLEY Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux

This product is perfect for travelling as it combines three cleansing steps in one. You can remove your face and eye make-up, cleanse and tone the skin in one single sweep. CHF 105.00 (300ml)

SHISEIDO Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream

A powerful time-fighting cream for day and night that is formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors and maintain youthful looking skin. Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N supplies a high level of moisture which helps maintain a positive cycle in the skin. Perfect for travelling! CHF 152.00 (50ml)

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are a dream team and their S/S 2014 collection for Valentino is a divine piece of art (You can still watch the video here).

Like last season, when I had been already overwhelmed by their designs, they showed craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance and beauty in their 72 (!) looks on the runway. After an impromptu visit to the Rome Opera workshops, the duo was compelled to create a glamourous and opulent repertoire. The collection is a journey admits elements borrowed from imaginary ethnic groups. Embroideries, lace, capes, ponchos, fringes, leather, veil-like dresses, take all part in this outstanding collection.

Combining ancestral austerity and sensual opulence, the designer duo has created an amazing and ever-changing look based on today’s modern woman that we will surely spot everywhere on the streets next summer!

Light Cuir Vachetta Medium Stamped

Great news is that you can PRE-ORDER THE AMAZING VALENTINO ACCESSORIES STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY for the next 5 days. I included the best ones in this post.
Happy pre-shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Gold Gryphon Miniaudiere

Black Vitello Fringe Ankle Boot

Light Emerald Patent Croc Scarab Finger Clutch

Black Rete Embroidered Bootie

Light Cuir Vitello Scarab And Gryphon Wrap Bracelet

Chocolate Vitello Gryphon Sandal

Rubin Studs Crown Hair Band

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have some very big personal news that I am very proud to share with you. I am appointed Editor-in-Chief of L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND, for both, the French and German editions of the publication. The magazine is launching in March 2014. And no worries, Sandra’s Closet will still exist, I will be wearing “two hats” so to say and will keep you posted with fashion and lifestyle news from all over the world.

Personally speaking, I am very much looking forward to my new challenge. L’OFFICIEL is at the top range of international fashion magazines and I am very excited to launch its Swiss edition with the local team. It will allow for an interesting balance between the precision and beauty of print and the speed of online fashion reporting through my blog.

The team include a strong mix of national and international talents:

I will keep you posted on all future developments and hope that you will enjoy the first edition of L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND in March 2014.

LoL, Sandra