Sandra‘s Closet

Penhaligon‘s London‘s new fragrance VAARA was inspired by no other than the Royal House of Marwar-Jodphur in Rajasthan. The composition started life as the passion of His Highness Gaj Singh II who wanted to reflect his family’s deep love and connection with Jodhpur and to celebrate his granddaughter Vaara’s birthday. It offers a unique and beautiful glimpse into this aromatic world of the Maharaja. Perfumer Bertand Duchaufour’s journey to Jodhpur provided him with an abundance of inspiration for the fragrance and the end result, VAARA, cleverly captures the spirit of this fascinating part of India.

ORIENTAL

Top notes: Quince, Rosewater, Carrot Seed, Coriander Seed, Saffron
Middle notes: Moroccan Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Oil, Freesia, Indian Magnolia, Peony, Iris
Base notes: Honey, White Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Benzoin Resin, Tonka Bean

In stores now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 180.00) and 100ml (CHF 250.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Penhaligon’s London

Peter Pilotto for Target has finally arrived. The wait is over – shop the hotly anticipated collection HERE. From fit-and-flare dresses and modern separates to sports-chic swimwear and standout accessories, this innovative collaboration is a fabulous way to own the London label’s signature kaleidoscopic patterns and cool cuts at an amazing price. Dress for less in perfection!

Printed stretch-matelassé dress – €81.00

Color-block and printed cloqué jacket – €71.00

Floral-print cotton-blend jersey top – €31.00

Printed paneled crepe skirt – €44.00

This collection cannot be shipped to Australia or Slovenia due to terms of trade and licensing restrictions.

LoL, Sandra

Launched last October (see photos above), the Hogan Atelier collection – a haute-couture project starring Interactive, the brand’s most iconic model – has already created a desire to those who cherish exclusive style with a less uptight attitude.

Unique creations that are all in deference to the traditions of couture. The decorations – all authentic and refined – are characterized by precious handmade embroideries, embellished with crystals, sequins and pearls.

Spring Flower, Diva, Surya, Black Rose, Diadem, Circle Pearls: six new outstanding creations taking Interactive on a whole new level of luxury and radiating a charming sense of ease.
Hogan Atelier will be available to order exclusively in selected Hogan boutiques and on hogan.com starting end of March.

LoL, Sandra

Spring Flower

Diva

Circle Pearls
Photos: Courtesy of Hogan Atelier

Stella McCartney‘s ability to fuse masculine and feminine designs is outstanding. This winter, she went for the pinstripe pattern and brought the classic business look to the world of high fashion.

Are you still considering it ultra-conservative? Well, no more, ladies! With those pieces you can put a cool spin on classic pinstripes. Neither too lightweight nor too bulky, this style will take you effortlessly from winter to spring.

My look: Striped wool sweater dress, flared pinstriped wool-blend midi skirt, both Stella McCartney, Janis leather pumps and Cassandre light blue clutch with tassel, both by Saint Laurent, Gloria resin, Swarovski Pearl and crystal necklace by Lanvin, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

FOULARDS D’ARTISTES III NEW CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS FOR S/S 2014

This summer, Louis Vuitton continues its world tour of the vibrant street art scene by inviting three new artists from three different continents to collaborate on its collections of textile. The artists of this third season are André Saraiva, famed for his jaunty ‘Mr. A’ character who inhabits the walls of Paris, American Kenny Scharf, and INTI from Chile.

ANDRÉ SARAIVA
For André Saraiva, his studio drop cloth was the inspiration for the background of his interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s Monogram shawl. Once he had translated his paint spatters to the luxurious silk and wool wrap, it became a natural habitat for ‘Mr. A’, the artist’s signature blue figure with asymmetrical eyes.

KENNY SCHARF
Californian Kenny Scharf, a remarkable figure in the worlds of painting, sculpture and performance, describes himself as a pop-surrealist artist whose guiding principle is to reach out beyond the elitist boundaries of fine art and to connect to popular culture. He has covered Louis Vuitton’s giant silk crepe square with a colorful collage of astronomic motifs and symbols of pop culture on a blurred psychedelic background.

INTI
True to his name, derived from the Inca sun god, INTI is inspired by ancestral Andean culture, which he transcribes in brightly colored, monumental works. He revisits the giant square with a sun motif referencing the image of ‘Wiracocha’, god of TIWANAKU culture, one of the most important Inca deities. Infused with warm shades of gold and orange, the design is bordered in red with a pattern of ancient symbols surrounding the Louis Vuitton signature.

Alongside these artistic collaborations, Louis Vuitton introduces further new designs for S/S 2014.

Two are variations on the iconic leopard print created for Louis Vuitton by the artist Stephen Sprouse: the Leopard Spray giant silk crepe square combines leopard spots with a spray-paint motif in vibrant fuchsia or pimento,…

… while the Leopard Pop stole, available in coral or pimento, presents a delicate arty gradation of shades.

The Monogram Rayures shawl juxtaposes faded denim-style stripes with lines of brighter coral or pimento,…

… while the Papillon silk square is woven with a subtle tone-on-tone Monogram pattern. Its generous size and array of colors, including beige, black, fuchsia, orange and violet, make it a stylish and versatile choice all year round.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Fashion designer SOPHIE MECHALY, founder of the Paul & Joe (named after her two sons) and Paul & Joe Sister clothing lines, shared her travel tips for Paris with us. The city where she was raised, lives, works and enjoys every moment of her busy life.

What is your favourite city?
PARIS of course! That’s where I was born, where I’ve always lived, where I work, all my friends and family are there too. Paris is the most beautiful city. I love its neighborhoods, they are all so different; its wonderful monuments; its architecture; its cultural richness…

What is your favourite hotel?
I love go to the BRISTOL to have a drink or do my business meeting. I love the atmosphere very classy and cosy. It’s a great mixture of tradition and modernity.
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, +33 1 53 43 43 00

What is your favourite restaurant?
I like to go to MADAME SHAWN for lunch, it’s close to the office. It’s a Thai restaurant where the food is really great.
18 Rue Caffarelli, 75003 Paris, +33 1 42 72 36 6

What is your favourite dish there?
I love their FISH COOKED IN A BANANA LEAF and their TAPIOCA WITH COCONUT MILK for dessert.

What is your favourite bar/nightclub?
I really like the SILENCIO in Paris. It’s a club opened by David Lynch few years ago. The musical selection is always very specialized, projections are organized and I love the cozy and intimate atmosphere.
142 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris, +33 1 53 65 65 58

What is your favorite sightseeing spot?
The BRIDGE ALEXANDRE III, where you can see all Paris. On the one hand the Invalides, on the other hand the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower… Paris makes complete sense at this place, it’s magic and exhilarating.

What is your favourite parc?
The LUXEMBOURG GARDEN (Jardin du Luxembourg) in the heart of St. Germain des Prés. It is a magic place, full of history, calm, romantic. I love strolling in the alleys. And sometimes I go there to jog.
6e Arrondissement, 75006 Paris, +33 1 42 34 23 62

Your favourite shop?
LE BON MARCHÉ, it’s an important store in Paris, Rive Gauche, near where I live. You can shop everything: fashion, food, books, beauty…. The fashion department is really great: the selection is refined and interesting aswell as the books or design section. The food department is amazing: you can find products that you couldn’t find anywhere else in Paris. It’s a real luxe…
24, rue de Sèvres  75007 Paris, +33 1 44 39 80 00

Your favourite accessory?
The MINI TOM in the collection! Since I’ve created it, I cannot separate myself from it. It is perfect: convenient, light and feminine. This is my new classic.

What is your favourite playlist?
PSYCHEMAGIK DIABOLICAL SYNTHETIC FANTASIA
Chic – I want your love (Todd terje édit)
Midnight magic – Beam me up
Bennis Cletin – Jungle magic
Part Magic – Sonando de ti

What is your favourite holiday book ?
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN by STEFAN ZWEIG – a real intense and strong story and he is one of my favourite writers.

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

LoL, Sandra

It is a joke, they are not back, but I have to admit sometimes it is fun to look for something ‘Eighties‘ in your closet. Tight mini dresses, big statement jewelry and heavy makeup – this is all you need to achieve the look. Just stay away from those typical bad highlights (if you are not a real blonde, you have to be really careful to choose the right color) to transport the style to the recent decade. You don’t want to look like going to a costume party. Do everything with style!

My look: Black mini dress and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney, earrings by Prada, Limelight gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, stay-ups with bow by Wolford.

Rock the night! Girls just wanna have fun…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This is one of the most fun birthday gifts I have received this year. My girlfriends surprised me with my very own personalized UGG boots. Now I am adding some bling to my step!

UGG‘s new “Bling It On” program helps you to add a little sparkle and enables you to customize your beloved classic boots through a selection of dazzling Swarovski crystal patterns and statement-making designs. You can get very creative with different options, including letters and numbers, hearts, stars, butterflies, skulls, smiley faces, crowns, bows and paws, and the list goes on. Available at UGG concept stores around the globe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yves Saint Laurent‘s beautiful scent MANIFESTO that was launched in February 2013 has already got two new family members. Each of the three variations has a white floral at the heart combined with elegant woody notes in the base.

Manifesto – Eau de Parfum (Spring 2013)

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

30ml (CHF 84.-), 50ml (CHF 124.-) and 90ml (CHF 157.-)

Manifesto L’Elixir – Eau de Parfum Intense (Fall 2013)

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and mandarin orange
Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, heliotrope and tuberose
Base notes: Cashmeran, vanilla and ambroxan

30ml (CHF 104.-) and 50ml (CHF 154.-)

Manifesto L’Eclat – Eau de Toilette (February 2014)

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Neroli, currant buds, green tea and bergamot
Middle notes: Orange blossom, red rose, freesia and jasmine
Base notes:  Cashmere wood, sandalwood, tonka bean and vanilla

50ml (CHF 111.-) and 90ml (CHF 140.-)

The complete fragrance family is a wonderful addition to your wardrobe of scents.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Inspired by love, Paco Rabanne‘s new limited edition BLACK XS POTION for him and her is the elixir that seals a love story through thick and thin. Living intensely, provoking to the extreme, the olfactory secret offers the promise of pure passion. The Black XS rock stars flirt with excess, especially when it comes to love.

Their must-have fashion item: ‘Vampire Kiss’ Teddy embellished satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent for him and her.

WOODY SPICY

Top notes: Juniper berries
Middle notes: Cashmeran wood and cistus
Base notes:  Rum and woody notes

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Grapefruit
Middle notes: Baccara rose and Hellebore rose, known in former times as “witches’ rose”
Base notes: Black sandalwood and amber

Limited Edition – on counter now.
Black XS Potion for Her 50ml CHF 75.00
Black XS Potion for Him 100ml CHF 86.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paco Rabanne Fragrances and Saint Laurent