Sandra‘s Closet

Designer duo Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren were both born in 1969 in the Netherlands not far away from each other. They met during their studies at the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design and began working together upon graduation. In 1993, they won a talent contest and launched their namesake label VIKTOR & ROLF.

Today, they focus on their creative Haute Couture collections and their bestselling fragrances. Below you can enjoy their insider tips for their vibrant hometown Amsterdam.

Your favourite city?
Amsterdam

Your favourite hotel?
No idea, we never stay in a hotel in Amsterdam, we live here! Having said that, the new WALDORF ASTORIA seems nice. Quiet, and with a lovely big garden.
Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, Phone: +31 20 718 4600

Your favourite restaurant?
We always end up at GEORGE on the Leidsegracht because it’s around the corner and convenient. DE GOUDFAZANT in Noord is also nice, we should go more often. Great atmosphere and food in a laid back setting.
Café George, Leidsegracht 84, 1016 CR Amsterdam, Phone: +31 20 626 0802
Restaurant Hotel de Goudfazant, Aambeeldstraat 10 H, 1021 KB Amsterdam (Noord), Phone: +31 20 – 63 65 170

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
PARADISO because it has such a varied programme, from café chantant via indie pop to hardcore gay technoclub.
Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam, Phone: +31 20 626 4521

Your favourite museum?
THE RIJKSMUSEUM. All the Dutch masters under one roof.
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Phone: +31 900 0745
HET STEDELIJK MUSEUM. Cutting edge contemporary art + an amazing collection of modern art
Museum Het Schip (Amsterdamse School architecture). Great example of this particularly Dutch style of architecture.
Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Phone:+31 20 573 2911

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
HET STADSARCHIEF BY DE BAZEL. An underrated monument.
Vijzelstraat 32,1017 HL Amsterdam, Phone: +31 20 723 0560

DE REGULIERSGRACHT. It doesn’t get more picturesque than this.
Reguliersgracht 78c, 1017 LV Amsterdam, Phone: +31 20 344 9247

Your favourite park?
VONDELPARK. Anything goes in there.
1071AA Amsterdam, Phone+31 20 678 1678

Your favourite beach?
ZANDVOORT, behind beachbar ELDORADO. Because clothing is optional.
Strandpaviljoen, Zuidstrand 6, 2042 AD Zandvoort, Phone: +31 23 571 8229

Your favourite shop?
All the FLOWER SHOPS and stalls in town! You gotta love ‘em.

Your must-have accessory?
SPICEBOMB!

The best soundtrack for this destination?
IBIZA SONICA RADIO. Happy vibes.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
ALI SMITH «THERE BUT FOR THE». One of the best contemporary authors.

Thank you, Viktor & Rolf, for sharing your insider scoop on Amsterdam with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf, ©Kristina-D.C.-Hoeppner, © Barbara Walsh

DIOR has become synonymous with its trendy must-have fashion items—the Tribale double pearl earrings, the So Real mirrored sunnies favored by celebrities around the world. And now the buzz is about the new DIORESSENCE – the French Maison’s most perfect pump!

The flattering décolleté and the pointed extremity elongate the leg and underscore the arch of the foot; the heel, done entirely in leather, which accentuates its delicateness, height and pitch elongates the silhouette and highlights the curve of the leg. Slightly impertinent, Dioressence is the new Dior stiletto.

Making of the new Dioressence pump

Made a few kilometers outside of Venice, Italy, where shoemaking know-how is a story of passion and regroups more than 100 manufacturing steps, Dioressence heels come in a variety of materials – in satin-finished lamb, patent or iridescent calf leather –, and a wide array of colors, including two essential shades closely associated with the Maison: Black, which Christian Dior considered the most elegant of colors, and pale pink, which he considered “the color of happiness and femininity.”

For the more daring, this shoe comes in ochre, military green, cognac, Trafalgar red, bronze, white, anthracite gray and shades of blue from ink and azure to navy and midnight.

The colorful Dioressence signs a silhouette and elevates it, making it even more sublime.

“A touch of color can be enough to change your appearance. Heels go with everything.”
Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

DIOR‘s “Tribale” earrings have become quite the new must-have in the fashion world. To frame the face with a touch of sophisticated femininity, they feature colorful pearls, sparkling crystals and many different embellishments. The earrings feature two asymmetric balls inspired by tribal piercings of which the smaller orb sits at the front.

Check out the full range available HERE or visit the nearest DIOR boutique.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, the 31th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers. I am once more guest of Piaget and couldn’t be anymore excited about it. If you have a look at this post about last year’s event, you will understand immediately what I am talking about.

One year ago, the sun and stars were out on a Saturday afternoon at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, co-hosted by Piaget for the eighth consecutive year and held on the beach in Santa Monica. The event paid tribute to some of this year’s most important films and also attracted the biggest names in Hollywood, including the Swiss brand’s international brand ambassador and Best Supporting Female nominee for «A Most Violent Year,» Jessica Chastain, along with Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Matt Bomer, Emma Stone, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Munn, Miles Teller, Andy Samberg and Emmy Rossum.

I am sure that you are curious how such an award ceremony takes place. So let me walk you through the different steps.

Click here to get all details of me look.

First, it takes place during the day in Santa Monica. Many people are waiting outside of the fences at the beach to spot their favorite celebrities. You arrive and walk the red (in this case pink) carpet and feel like a star yourself…

Cate Blanchett in Schiaparelli Couture on the pink carpet

Julianne Moore dazzled in Dior Couture

Emma Stone donned a lace Monique Lhuillier dress.

With CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger

CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger framed by Swiss girls Lauriane Gillieron, Alizée Gaillard and myself.

Before the award ceremony itself takes place, you can enjoy the start of the event in Piaget’s VIP lounge. Featuring modern, luxurious details and a grand piano in the center, winners, nominees and friends of the House joined Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger for a celebratory glass of champagne and a peak at the High Jewellery Mediterranean Garden collection.

Actor Eric Roberts at the piano inside the lounge.

Piaget was the jeweler and watchmaker of choice for many of the attending stars, including my humble self, who wore stunning earrings from Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection, along with my Limelight Gala watch and a rose diamond ring.

During the Independent Spirit Awards, you can get really close to the stars and have a chat with them.

Ethan Hawke

I did an interview with Jessica Chastain (if you are interested in reading it, click here please).

Kerry Washington, who plays the Olivia Pope in «Scandal»

«Magic Mike» star Matt Bomer

Long-time friend of the House Emmy Rossum

Anne Heche

Sylvie Meis

Marcia Cross wore a long Piaget Rose sautoir in rose gold.

Inside the award tent.

As the ceremony takes pretty long in general, you are very thankful for food and drinks.

Cate Blanchett won Best Female Lead in 2014 and is nominated again tomorrow for «Carol», in 2015 she was presenting Best Feature which was «Birdman».

In 2015, Best Female Lead was the title for Julianne Moore for her amazing performance in «Still Alice».

 Jessica Chastain and Andy Samberg presented the winner of Best Male Lead: Michael Keaton for «Birdman».Patricia Arquette won as Best Supporting Female in «Boyhood».

 Oprah Winfrey introducing the clip from «Selma».Scarlett Johansson was presenting Best Director. Richard Linklater won for «Boyhood.»

And yes, there is a prompter in the tent…

… which everyone including the hosts of the ceremony, Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen, were using.

Alizée Gaillard, Mousse Jacquier and Lauriane Gilliéron

But the best about this trip is always to treasure the fun moments with your girlfriends and of course with you, my dear readers. I am so excited being back in my favorite city in the world and for tomorrow’s event! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget

While you are reading this post, I am in the plane on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Independent Spirit Awards and many more adventures. Last year’s outfit for this outstanding ceremony can easily translate into 2016 with those amazing little creatures on the skirt. Don’t forget – it is the year of the monkey. Delpozo is a brand to watch as the house combines couture techniques with a contemporary silhouette for a thoroughly elegant allure.

My look: Black organza top and monkey print relief effect jacquard skirt, both by Delpozo, satin clutch by Prada, Janis suede platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring and Mediterranean Garden earrings, all by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Piaget Mediterranean Garden Earrings
Earrings in 18K white gold set with 84 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 8.20 cts), 26 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 5.55 cts), 2 marquise-cut emeralds (approx. 1.45 cts), 2 cushion-cut green tourmalines (approx. 2.83 cts), 2 cushion-cut emeralds (approx. 2.62 cts), 1 round green tourmaline (approx. 0.26 ct) and 1 round emerald (approx. 0.22 ct).

Aren’t these earrings absolutely amazing? Cannot wait to choose my jewelry for this year’s Spirit Awards. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For all beautistas! You will be loving this collaboration between Urban Decay and Gwen Stefani.

GWEN STEFANI BLUSH PALETTE | CHF 59.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Gwen lets us in on her best tricks (she’s big on defining and highlighting) with the help of this perfect blush palette. Get her glowing, contoured skin with six shades of blush, bronzer and highlighter that are versatile enough for any skin tone. Luxurious and lightweight, it has a soft, creamy texture that always applies beautifully and feels amazing.

Cherry Light pink satin
Easy Deep rose with gold shimmer
Angel Champagne-nude shimmer
Lo-Fi Soft bronze matte
Hush Medium pink with gold shimmer
OC Soft pink with peach shift

——————————————-

LIPSTICK | CHF 27.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Gwen knows how to rock a bold lip. Luckily, she was game to get down and dirty to mix her perfect shades and ideal textures. She’s worn every lip color in the book, and these are her must-haves. The lineup: eight NEW shades (including two exclusives you can only find online)—from a bright red matte to a shimmering sheer nude and a creamy deep fuchsia. .

Ex Girlfriend Sheer nude-rose with pink shimmer
Firebird Deep fuchsia cream
714 Bright red mega matte
Rock Steady Deep wine red cream
Spiderweb Satin red cream
Wonderland Dark pink-red cream
Phone Call Sheer bright pink (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)
Plaid Sheer deep berry (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)

——————————————-

24/7 GLIDE-ON LIP PENCIL | CHF 25.00 | LIMITED EDITION

On the stage and in the limelight, Gwen’s lip color needs to last. This creamy, waterproof lip pencil (in a range of shades that match her limited-edition Lipsticks) lines and primes to help her lipstick stay put.

Ex-Girlfriend Nude rose
Firebird Deep fuchsia-pink
714 Classic red
Rock Steady Blood red
Wonderland Dark pink-red
Phone Call Bright pink (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)

——————————————-

GWEN STEFANI BROW BOX | CHF 44.00 | LIMITED EDITION

With a camera always nearby, Gwen’s brows need to be on point at all times. She curated this Brow Box, which contains all the tools she needs for perfect arches. The two ultra-fine, silky powder shades in Bathwater Blonde (dark blonde/light blonde) are versatile enough for a range of blonde and brunette tones. The top tier of the case holds the powders and wax, and the bottom tier holds all the tools (designed in gold and black to match the case).

The new collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Urban Decay, © Getty / Michael Simon

One beautiful sunny day last fall, I flew to London to follow Lalique‘s very exclusive invitation to have tea time at Elton John’s gorgeous home. The reason for this once in a lifetime experience was the launch of the ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE collection that includes four exceptional crystal sculptures. As you can imagine, the estate is breathtaking and Sir Elton John is absolutely lovely to talk to.

Inside Sir Elton John’s beautiful home

«The ultimate goal of this project is to raise money to support urgently needed projects that address the continuing challenges of the AIDS epidemic across the globe. In doing so, we also want to create beautiful and meaningful pieces for people to purchase that speak to the high standards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Lalique. Through purchasing one of these crystal pieces, people are also learning something about EJAF’s work and helping to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.»
– Sir Elton John

Inside the house’s art gallery where Sir Elton John and David Furnish officially tied the knot in 2014.

David Furnish and Lalique designer Marc Larminaux listen to Sir Elton John’s speech.

Four Special Editions (the unique Angel Cire Perdue, the Heart in platinum enamelled red crystal, the Heart in gold enamelled clear crystal and the Angel in gold-stamped clear crystal) each signed by Sir Elton John, will be auctioned during this weekend’s 2016 Academy Awards, in partnership with Paddle8, to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The unique Angel Cire Perdue.

«I don’t think that I have ever seen a more beautiful piece of glass than the big Angel. It is breathtaking!»
– Sir Elton John

The standing Angel in clear crystal and the Heart in clear or red crystal are available at Lalique boutiques and their select retailers. Lalique will contribute 10% of sales to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The socle of the statue engraved by Sir Elton John.

Sir Elton John, the theme of the pieces is ‘Music is Love’. Why do you think music and love have always been so intricately entwined?

Love is one of the primary forces that can unite us and bring us together despite our differences. Indeed, love shows us that the differences dividing us from each other are ultimately very superficial, that we have so much more in common than not. Music is a powerful medium for expressing all the many faces of love, and it is a participatory medium. Music draws us together. It is a universal language. We come together to make music, to listen to music, to share music. This is why I believe that music and love are synonymous, that music IS love.

Music is your passion and your most widely-known medium of expression. How have you found working in sculpture, particularly in crystal?

The process of artistic creation – whether for music or dance or visual art – arises from the same impetus, the same need to express thoughts, feelings, ideas. I found the entire design process for this project – from theorising, to working and revising with drawings, to realising the concept as a three-dimensional object – to be absolutely exhilarating. Working in crystal is fascinating, and Lalique crystal has an amazing way of constantly changing with light and shadow, the time of day… Such a beautiful, magical medium!
The finished piece is even more exciting and beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I’m completely thrilled with it and really looking forward to the auction in February 2016.

You’re a collector of glass and crystal, and have a number of Lalique pieces in your collection. What is it that you appreciate about crystal and Lalique in particular?

For me, Lalique stands for craftsmanship, luxury and a strong tradition of devotion to the art of producing the highest quality, most beautiful objects using these materials. Lalique sets a standard of craftsmanship that is simply unparalleled in the world. I think glass is a much underappreciated art form. That is why I collect it and I love it very much and Lalique to me represents the Rolls-Royce of glass.
As an oral artist who makes music, the visual arts of glass inspire me when I write a song or when I play the piano, because every day I get up and I am surrounded by glass and a lot of Lalique. Subconsciously, it inspires me to do better things, I think.

MUSIC IS LOVE Heart Red Crystal (limited edition of 499 pieces) and Heart Clear Crystal (limited edition of 999 pieces).

«The heart is a universal symbol of love.»
– Sir Elton John

You have also been working with the Lalique design team to create three other sculptures – a smaller angel and two heart sculptures, with part of the proceeds going to the Foundation. What do these symbolise for you?

The heart is a universal symbol of love, as well as the Angel. Love is ultimately what guides and inspires the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and love is what we need to end this epidemic. Science has made amazing advances in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. But unless we love each other enough to make sure that everyone – no matter who they love, what they do, how they look or what they believe – has the resources to stay healthy and prevent further transmission of the disease, then all the science in the world will be for naught. LOVE is the ultimate solution to AIDS.

Thank you, Sir Elton John, for this amazing invitation!

To visit the Lalique website where you can shop the limited edition pieces or bid for the collector’s items, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful library.

The estate is truly breathtaking.

Sir Elton John in front of the three other sculptures that are available in stores.

Sir Elton John is a dedicated art collector.

Art plays a very important role in the life of the famous singer.

I loved this statue inside the guest bathroom.

With Lalique owner Silvio Denz in front of the unique Angel Cire Perdue.

Being at Sir Elton John’s home was a truly special experience that I will treasure forever. I am wishing Lalique and him good luck this weekend to achieve the best result possible in the auction.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Los Angeles where I will be from Thursday on…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Lalique

Recently I spent for the first time one day in snowy Arosa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is a famous winter tourist resort and I was curious to explore it.

My look: Mink coat with fox fur collar by Prada, Louisa ribbed cotton-jersey tank by Étoile Isabel Marant, star intarsia cardigan by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, silver and purple aviator sunglasses by Chanel, studded scarf by Gucci, white fur boots by Prada Sport, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin, hat by Dolce & Gabbana with gamsbart and brooches by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

MEET THE MINI C de CARTIER
A baby-doll style in sharp, bright tones, the XS version of the C de Cartier bag electrifies any outfit with a vibrant pop of colour. Adorable and lightweight, this bag offers a fresh addition to an exquisite collection, adding a level of fun plus the ability to surprise!

COLOUR BLOCK
Utterly unique charm – popping pigments make a statement full of energy and sumptuous vitality: shimmering gold, jonquil yellow, morganite pink and peridot green.

ULTIMATE KNOW-HOW
With its pint-sized dimensions, two cheeky handles and a strap, this mini bag cultivates the chic know-how of its bigger counterpart. Finish off your look with tone-on-tone or contrasting saddle topstitching, a silver-coloured Cartier signature and hemmed leather lining.

I like and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier 2016, JB Thiele

Get the look: Ruffled off-the-shoulder dress by Alexander McQueen, Colorado suede sandals by Aquazzura and Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino.

A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

Nail Polish – Bloomsbury Way Blossom by Nails Inc

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.

LoL, Sandra

Ermanno Scervino S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Pantone