Sandra‘s Closet

It is one of those days when you are working like crazy and the door bell rings. Yes, mail can be a welcome distraction. Especially when it comes from the House of Guerlain, sending their newest scent, which (big surprise) you can name yourself.

Guerlain Mon Exclusif, as it is called in the absence of a real name, leaves room for the creativity of its lovers. You are invited to apply metallic lettering on the bottle or have it engraved directly with a unique name.

Created by Thierry Wasser, this oriental scent comes with fougère accords of fresh fern, lavender, soft sandalwood, caramel, salted butter, toffee, mandarine, iris and vanilla. It is absolutely delicious.

It is available at a price of CHF 170.00 (Eau de Parfum concentration) from September 1, 2015. In Switzerland at Bon Genie Geneva, Manor Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Guerlain

Piero Fornasetti was an illustrious sculptor, interior designer, graphic artist and painter, immortalizing muse Lina Cavalieri in his work. Continuing the tradition, his son Barnaba and perfumer Olivier Polge have created evocative home fragrances, beautifully housed in handcrafted ceramic vessels.

Perfect to have on your parlor coffee table! Those scented candles smell truly amazingly, my favourites! Keep the ceramic vessels as they make a beautiful ornament for your home even after the 60-hours burn time has elapsed.

LoL, Sandra

La Femme Aux Moustaches Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Sardine Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Burlesque Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

L’Ape Thyme, Cedarwood and Lavender scented candle

Sun and Moon Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Ortensia Rose, Iris and Orange Blossom scented candle

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle
Stills: Courtesy of Fornasetti, Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Miley Cyrus returns as the iconic VIVA GLAM‘s spokesperson with two surefire hits: a super-sexy bright orange LIPSTICK (CHF 28.00) and a coordinating LIPGLASS with sparkling pearl shimmer (CHF 26.00).

This limited edition M∙A∙C Viva Glam Fall 2015 Miley Cyrus collection will be exclusively available at all M·A·C counters and www.maccosmetics.ch from September 2015.

Every cent of the selling of those two products goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

My favorite hotel in Paris? Clearly the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Its excellent service, great location and beautiful rooms provide everything you can wish for. Here you see me outside the hotel leaving for Lancôme’s Wôw-Party.

My look: Stretch-silk and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, cutout leather platform pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, necklace, cuff and earrings, all by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

During Paris Haute Couture fashion week, a superlative event took place at the Casino de Paris – the ‘WÔW’ party, nicknamed after Lancôme’s signature letter – to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the brand, founded by entrepreneur Armand Petitjean in 1935.

Celebrating the House’s continually unique take on French beauty, guests enjoyed a surrealistic photocall where they were invited to strike a pose amongst giant cut outs of the brands iconic products and symbols, to the poetic fresh rose arch that served as an entrance to the theatre and a playful exhibition of carefully conserved objects from its patrimony: everything stated loud and clearly that “La vie est belle en Lancôme”, life is beautiful with Lancôme.

Celebrating 80 years of Lancôme is also celebrating femininity the Lancôme way. This could not have been achieved without the women who today embody the brand: Julia Roberts, Penélope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily Collins, Alma Jodorowsky and Daria Werbowy were all on stage together for the first time ever, to wish a happy anniversary to Lancôme. Isabella Rossellini, who graced the brand with her charm and beauty for so many years, was the master of ceremony.

Among the highlights of the party, which gathered more the 1200 guests from the beauty, fashion, film and art world, was ultimate showgirl Kylie Minogue’s private concert of some of her most danced to songs, followed by French DJ Kiddy Smile who played late into the night.

Elettra Wiedemann, daughter of Isabella Rosselini,…

…Singer John Legend («All of me») and…

…Lisa Eldridge, recently appointed Creative Director of Lancôme Make up, were also in attendance.

Lancôme Power: Natacha Klein, Vincent Mottier, Margherita Masiello and Claire Jamet

With Margherita Masiello, PR Manager Switzerland Lancôme

The party is only one of the highlights of a celebration that started last January with the release of ‘Editions du Regard’ a book celebrating the brand’s heritage. This was followed by the launch of the first web only limited edition Lancôme products – three shades of the legendary L’Absolu Rouge, and a participative digital platform designed as a tribute to Lancôme’s customers “You are Lancôme”. Five participants who entered this creative ‘selfie’ contest won a ticket to the WÔW party.

The celebration will reach its climax in December with the launch of two extremely limited editions: the re-edition of Les Jumelés, a jewel lipstick case form Lancôme’s patrimony, and a very special version of the new La Vie est Belle l’Extrait created with France’s oldest high jeweller, Mellerio dit Mellers. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Stéphane Fougère for Lancôme, © Sandra Bauknecht

For the F/W 2015 collection, ROGER VIVIER launches a limited edition of the Belle Vivier Trompette Pump, exclusively available at the Geneva Store.

The iconic pump is made up of an all-over glen check print pony effect leather, embellished with the golden signature buckle.

The edition is limited to 8 pairs, available in-store from September 2015:
Roger Vivier, 21, rue du Rhône, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Phone: +41 22 310 43 33 (I would suggest to call the store now to reserve your pair…).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Roger Vivier

Whether you’re heading to the beach in Saint Tropez, to a boardroom meeting or simply snuggling up with a good book on a Sunday: a braid is your perfect style partner and I have the ultimate braid guide for you today.

Combining fashion illustrations and easy-to-do tutorials, Kérastase‘s ‘The Couture Book of Braids’ features 30 different styles, from plaited ponytails to headband styles, beautiful summery fishtails, and even those extremely sophisticated alpine-style crown braids. Great news is that this e-book is free for download here.

Absolutely helpful is that Kérastase also shares their expertise on the best products to use, including their new Matérialiste all-over thickening spray gel (available now for CHF 34.00 / 190ml) that adds body and texture so that braiding becomes a breeze for those with fine hair, hair lacking density or even those that just want the perfect natural air-dry with a bit of “oomph”.

Use Matérialiste to create ‘The hat option waterfall braid’ found on page 92 in ‘The Couture Book Of Braids’.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase and © Sandra Bauknecht

 «The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.» ~Hanna Rion

At the Mulberry showroom in London I discovered my green thumb. A little garden inside the building – a beautiful oasis to sit down and take a deep breath during those hectic times.

My look: Godiva skirt and matching Godiva jacket, both by Mary Katrantzou, cropped cable knit top by Cushnie et Ochs, white Lily shoulder bag by Mulberry, Monogramme embellished shopper tote and ‘Babies’ studded mid-calf boots, both by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I spent some amazing days in Gstaad at THE ALPINA GSTAAD (for more information about the hotel, please click here for a previous post) in their new Kiki de Montparnasse Love Suite that I am eager to tell you more about soon. One evening, I enjoyed an amazing dinner at the hotel’s Sommet restaurant that has one Michelin star and 18/20 Gault Millau points. Renowned chef Marcus G. Lindner knows how to spoil your senses. Here you see me right before dinner.

My look: Wool twill jacket, animal-print calf hair mini skirt, embroidered cotton-blend mesh and silk shirt, Janis pumps with studs and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, Chiki stretch-lace plunge bra and Chiki stretch-lace briefs, both by Agent Provocateur and Satin Touch 20 denier stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days I travelled quite a lot through Switzerland, from Zurich to Zuoz, from St. Moritz to Gstaad, always amazed by the beauty of the country I am living in.

Today is Swiss National Day and I am so happy to celebrate this holiday with friends and fireworks. August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Here you see me in the picturesque town of Zuoz in the upper Engadin last Saturday.
My look: Tweed jacket and shoulder bag, both from the Paris – Dallas collection, sneakers and «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace, all by Chanel, distressed grey jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, cotton-jersey T-shirt by Saint Laurent and aviator-style metal sunglasses by Gucci.

To all my Swiss readers wishing you a Happy Swiss National Day and a great weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht