Sandra‘s Closet

Dear Swiss readers, great news! The sparkling December issue of L’Officiel Switzerland, packed with the very best of fashion and style for the upcoming holiday season is at newsstands nationwide from now (available in German and French)!

Are you desperately looking for present ideas for your loved ones? Fear not, the new December issue features an amazing Christmas Wish List 2014, packed with extravagant ideas that come in poster size to be taken on your next shopping trip!

And in case you are curious to find out what I am doing in Bangkok right now, I recommend reading the article about the Cabinet of Curiosities by Thomas Erber. 
More to be coming up soon on Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel Switzerland, © Karen Rosetzski – Style: Equiline van Dooren

This fall, Karl Lagerfeld gives the adorable little furball the monster treatment and launches Monster Choupette, a line of bags, accessories and more dedicated to his famous pet. So, this holiday season, everyone can have their own little piece of Choupette. Meaow!
In stores now, in Zurich at Jelmoli.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere sweater by Canessa Cashmere, black skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, Greta zip ankle boots by De Siena, Lumière Anissa underwired bra by Eres, Monster Choupette clutch by Karl Lagerfeld, suede hat by Balenciaga, Chain on Chain rose gold bracelet by Bex Rox, earrings by Miu Miu, Rome Sports chronograph in black and rose gold by Jacques Lemans and skull ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my outfit for the opening night of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. A glam dress combined with lots of sparkling elements, that is what glitz and glam is all about.

My look: One shoulder dress, triple chain format belt in silver-toned metal and black leather, Janis suede pumps with embellishments, all by Saint Laurent,cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals, caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole, both by Miu Miu, earrings by Prada, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Ralf Eyertt

Great news for all fashion and art lovers! CHLOÉ has teamed up with contemporary arts organisation Studio Voltaire for a limited-edition collection of ready-to-wear that is on sale at a new Mayfair pop-up shop (upstairs, 39 to 40 Albemarle St Mayfair, London W1S 4TE), House of Voltaire, from now until December 20, 2014. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, Chloé has always encouraged and supported emerging creatives and innovative female talents, offering them a nurturing environment in which to express their ideas.

Clare Waight Keller, Chloe Creative Director and Joe Scotland, Studio Voltaire’s Director

Therefore it seemed all natural that Chloé’s creative director Clare Waight Keller recruited three female artists – Cao Fei, Karen Kilimnik and Jenny Saville – to create bespoke pieces for this special fundraising initiative. Established in 1994, Studio Voltaire was designed to support and promote both emerging and established artists, providing them with spaces to create as well as display their work.

But you don’t have to make it to London, you can also shop those limited edition pieces exclusively online at NET-A-PORTER.COM.
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My favorite piece: Crystal-embellished crepe gown by Chloé + House of Voltaire

1 Broderie anglaise cotton top
2 Broderie anglaise cotton shorts
3 Silk-jacquard scarf

4 Dilan suede tote

“For the first time, NET-A-PORTER is offering customers around the world the chance to invest in a piece of contemporary art, whilst supporting a worthy cause,” explained the online shop’s buying manager, Ben Matthews. I couldn’t agree more… what a lovely collaboration!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chloé and House of Voltaire, © David M. Benett/Getty Images for Chloe

Last Wednesday, the official opening of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich took place. It was a fun evening filled with lots of fashionable moments and surprises. Many people like to complain that the MBFDZ are not comparable to New York, Paris or Milan and of course they are right, but why should they?

Isn’t it great that we have something like this in Switzerland where you can enjoy runway shows, international designers, drink champagne and enjoy great food (the Park Hyatt Zurich served some amazing dishes) while meeting interesting people and see your friends. I wished all fashion weeks were like that… because in general they are definitely not as convenient as here in Zurich.

The main sponsors of the event, such as Mercedes-Benz, Paul Mitchell, H&M and Etihad Airways, had their own booths in the VIP tent during the Fashion Days Zurich.

An amazing surprise is waiting for you during the next weeks in collaboration with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Make sure to stay tuned.

Giving an interview for Glanz & Gloria.

Photo call in front of the Samsung booth where I would reveal the tablet I designed the next day.

Here with the lovely two winners of the contest I posted last week.

Front row with fabulous Theo Grigoriadis (Trois Pommes).

First show of the night: the Berlin-based label Lala Berlin. The desert and nomadism inspired Leyla “Lala” Piedayesh for her S/S 2015 collection. I liked her embellished denim pieces (see picture below).

Swiss designer Julian Zigerli has enjoyed an enormous media attention since being selected a few seasons back by Giorgio Armani to present at the Armani Theater. For S/S 2015, he showed his iconic graphic prints and innovative cuts.

Turkish designer Lug Von Siga presented a fierce S/S 2015 collection at the opening night. Colourful and feminine, many pieces caught my eyes. Definitely a designer to watch!

My absolute favorite show of the night was Bibhu Mohapatra (see the photo below) S/S 2015. His gowns were dreamlike, but also the day offerings were particularly strong this season. Feminine and fitted, eclectic and sophisticated, the NYC-based label is surely on the rise.

I was a little disappointed by Max Mara. The Italian house showed some looks from their F/W 2014 collection and some pieces that are available in the store, which made it feel more like a trunk show than a runway presentation and definitely not like something new. What a pity!

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon as well as my reports about the other nights.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, © David Biedert Photography © Andrea Monica Hug (Chic in Zurich), © Pascal Uehli Photography, © Ralf Eyertt, © Charles Aellen and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ensure Santa gets a stylish welcome this year with Charlotte Olympia’s playful Christmas stocking. Finished with a soft red faux suede and gold patent-leather version of the designer’s signature pump, this lace and satin design offers plenty of space to stash small gifts.

Don’t you love the attention to detail, from the crystal-embellished spider right down to the iconic web plaque at the sole?! TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia

Armani/Privé consists of four, continually evolving fragrance collections, revealing different facets of the designer’s vision of luxury. “Les Éditions Couture” are limited editions, inspired by his latest S/S runway collections; “La Collection” celebrates the most legendary perfume ingredients; “Les Mille et Une Nuits” revisits the opulence of the Orient; and “Les Eaux,” is a luminous hymn to nature, awakening memories of mythic gardens.

Pivoine Suzhou is Giorgio Armani’s newest launch which is for the first time inspired by the legendary gardens of Asia, combining elegance and freshness with soft, lingering sensuality. An olfactory journey inspired by precious flowers and plants, sunlight and pure, cascading water – the source of nature. In China, its character also represents femininity – the yin – and the beginning of life itself, it is a pure celebration of China’s most beloved flower: the peony.

Suzhou is an UNESCO World Heritage site, a city full of canals and bridges. Marco Polo described Suzhou as the “ Venice of east”.

“In front of the courtyard, the common-garden peony is entrancing but without style, On the pond, the lotus is pure but lacking in feelings. Only the tree peony is the most beautiful in the land, When it opens its blossoms, the whole capital stirs into motion.”
– Liu Yuxi’s poem – Tang dynasty, 9th century

The fragrance is dominated by a peony accord and intensified with a special May rose absolute. The opening accord is given by citrusy tangerine notes and raspberry and the ultra long-lasting base notes are created by the amber-like notes, musk and a hint of patchouli that warm up the whole composition. Pivoine Suzhou is a sublimely essential fragrance, created for a discerning woman who appreciates the art and craft of haute perfumery.

Armani/Privé Pivoine Suzhou Eau de Toilette will be available from January 2015 in limited edition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Armani

What I probably like most about my job as the editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland and as a blogger is that I get to travel a lot and to meet extremely interesting people around the world. Here you see me in Milan recently where I had a lot of inspiring meetings.

My look: Snap front leather trimmed varsity jacket, studded cotton-jersey sweatshirt, studded leather skirt and ‘Babies’ mid-calf boots in silver, all by Saint Laurent, makeup face-printed saffiano tote illustrated by Jeanne Deallante by Prada, diamond stud earrings by Cartier and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Great architecture in Milan (from left to right clockwise): entrance of the Gucci office in Via Broletto, slide installation by German artist Carsten Höller at Prada‘s headquarter in Milan, Zegna headquarter designed by Antonio Citterio and a beautiful starcaise at the L’Officiel Italia office.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Though we may spend quite some time devising our Halloween decorations, the holiday is gone in a flash and we are left with the next one to come. Each year, I love to dress my Christmas tree in a different color theme. Therefore I am always looking for some new inspirations.

Net-à-porter offers for the first time limited edition glass bauble sets by Bombki. Michael Peterson, the English brand’s head designer, has been commissioned by everyone from Sir Paul Smith to London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Since 2001, he has been creating the most stunning Christmas decorations you can imagine. See for yourself:

Little Paris set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little London set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little Russia set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little New York set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Also amazing are Lanvin’s baubles. Imagine a tree filled with these ones topped with a red grosgrain bow and printed with unique and colorful sketches by Alber Elbaz. They also make a great and stylish gift.

LoL, Sandra

Printed porcelain bauble by Lanvin

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Walk this way, talk this way… wear and do what makes you feel good. Dress up, be happy and enjoy life! It doesn’t matter if it is in Chanel or Zara…

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket and leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, twist-front silk-blend jacquard top by Chloé, Janis embellished suede ankle boots and jelewed nappa leather box bag, both by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and diamond earrings by Cartier, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht