Sandra‘s Closet

«I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!» Carrie Bradshaw

This is one of the many funny quotes that we know from Sarah Jessica Parker aka Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. So it seemed quite obvious that the actress launched her own show label in February 2014 by with the help of her business partner George Malkemus III, who the CEO of Manolo Blahnik USA.

The collection was built upon three main pillars: quality, using color as a neutral, and giving the single sole a new heartbeat. Each shoe in the collection is handcrafted in Italy by a third generation Tuscan shoemaker; a luxury shoe offered at a fair price point.

An homage to her Sex and the City character: the Carrie satin pumps.

In time for party season, the exclusive capsule includes heels in rich jewel tones and timeless silhouettes. Sarah Jessica’s next step is the launch of a clothing line focusing on the LBD, the little black dress. We are curious what will be the next step of our favorite style icon to surprise us.

TO SHOP SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker and via Harper’s Bazaar

One key F/W 2016 trend: all sorts of artfully bow embellished sweaters, upping the cool factor in the autumnal standard. Get inspired with the most trending ones, preferably in black and white, all handpicked by me only for you!

Virgin wool-blend sweater with lace ruffles by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Virgin wool sweater by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Sequin bow-embellished knitted sweater by Saint Laurent

Bow-embellished wool and cotton-blend cardigan by Boutique Moschino

Gayle grosgrain-trimmed knitted sweater by J.Crew

Virgin wool-blend sweater with lace ruffles by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Straight from sunny Florence I flew to back to snowy Switzerland to visit the manufacture of Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux. Being the oldest fine watchmaker that is still in the hands of its founding families (Audemars and Piguet), I had the chance to indulge in the brand’s history and to explore the craftsmanship first hand.

Wearing a work coat and shoe covers for protection at the manufacture.

The modern part of the manufacture.

Since 1875, the company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of Haute Horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. At the heart of the Swiss Jura, numerous masterpieces are created in limited series embodying a remarkable degree of horological perfection, including daring sporty models, classic and traditional timepieces, splendid ladies’ jewellery-watches, as well as one-of-a-kind creations.

I was deeply impressed seeing the precision that goes into the assemblage of the 3120 movement that comes also with my favorite watch, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold  – 37 mm .

The entrance to the museum.

Over the years, Audemars Piguet has collected vintage models that are beautifully presented in the in-house museum that is only open to private tours.

An impressive family history

Musical watch, around 1840, Piguet & Meyland

Repetition Minutes, 1875, Louis Audemars

The first Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta in 1972.

Until today, all information on sold watches are written down by hand. In the ’30s, customers included Bulgari, Van Cleef and Bucherer.

At the moment, Audemars Piguet is building a new museum in Le Brassus designed by Danish architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). Incorporating the existing building, the new form of a hairspring will showcase the history of the oldest, family owned watchmaker (see below).

LoL, Sandra

Collage and last photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A little party never killed nobody... especially if it is a shopping party. HARVEY NICHOLS celebrates today our favorite hobby with a discount up to 25% on amazing F/W 2016 fashion pieces, accessories and beauty products, for both men and women.

Below are some of my favorites to wet your appetite:

Great for the day with jeans and amazing at night with a pencil skirt:
Black cape-effect jersey blouse by Givenchy

Those heels will vamp every outfit!
Classic red suede pumps by Gianvito Rossi

You cannot go wrong with these shades!
Dior So Real clubmaster-style sunglasses by Dior

Practical and always needed…
Ociroe charcoal fur-trimmed shell coat by Duvetica

Already a classic – on sale in black, grab it!
Falabella black faux suede shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Start looking for Christmas gifts early, especially when they are on sale…
Orientalist large scented candle by Tom Dixon

FOR HIM! A little surprise for your hubby, boyfriend or crush…
Navy checked wool blazer by Giorgio Armani

Happy Shopping Party!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

After today’s earlier post about the launch event of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold by Audemars Piguet in Florence, I would like to show you this beauty in detail. For me, it was love at first sight. Since quite some time, I have been wishing for a rose gold watch but have not discovered the one I truly liked. Now I have found my match.

The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold from 2016 interpreted by Carolina Bucci.

A design icon – the Royal Oak from the ’70s created by Jacqueline Dimier

Celebrating 40 years of a women’s design icon, this contemporary timepiece is available in both white gold and pink gold and has been created in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci whom I met in her studio in Italy for an amazing interview that will be published shortly. Just like the Royal Oak Frosted Gold, I was immediately taken by her style, grace and sophistication. Moreover, she is a warm-hearted person and it felt like we have been knowing each other for ages.

Having fun at work: Carolina Bucci and Jacqueline Dimier

The original Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta in 1972 und reinterpreted by Jacqueline Dimier in 1976 as the first version for women. It was a first task when she joined the company in 1975. Rather than play down the masculine looks of the Royal Oak, Jacqueline Dimier shifted the approach and played to its strong character, adapting its handsome proportions to obtain a lighter, sleeker look.

In 2016, the Le Brassus Manufacture honours the style and character of another female designer, Carolina Bucci, who has contributed to the Royal Oak legacy.

The launch of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold enriches Audemars Piguet’s tradition of experimenting with jewelry techniques. Its defining feature resides in its shimmering sparkle reminiscent of diamond dust, which in turn comes from a surface treatment process rooted in an ancient gold hammering technique, also called the Florentine technique which is an iconic style element used by Carolina Bucci for her eponymous jewelry line.

By beating the gold with a diamond tipped tool, it creates tiny indentations on the surface that give a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. After many months of trial and error, Audemars Piguet’s experts developed it into a horological craft suited to the unique case and bracelet construction of the Royal Oak.

One of the challenges for Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen was for example that the original gradating bracelet construction demanded that the order in which the rest of the finishing (polishing and satin finish) is executed be reconsidered.

It took many weeks between both parties, Bucci’s Florentine craftsmen and Audemars Piguet’s manufacture to alter the surface of the gold in such a way that it sparkles when catching the light, while retaining the softness and flexibility of the Royal Oak’s bracelet. It is a very delicate alchemy to operate: nothing is added, nothing is removed, but the watch is transformed.

Today Audemars Piguet merges Jacqueline Dimier’s timeless design with Carolina Bucci’s contemporary approach, marking a dazzling link between modern horology and contemporary jewellery: The Royal Oak Frosted Gold, when a watch icon turns 40 years young!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 37 mm (MY FAVORITE!)
Ref: 15454OR.GG.1259OR.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat pink gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Silver-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Centre seconds – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 33 mm
Ref: 67653OR.GG.1263OR.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat pink gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Silver-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 37 mm
Ref: 15454BC.GG.1259BC.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat white gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Rhodium-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Centre seconds – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 33 mm
Ref: 67653BC.GG.1263BC.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat white gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Rhodium-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Date

I am so in love… hope you will like it, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

As the women’s Royal Oak celebrates its 40th anniversary, I was invited last week by Audemars Piguet to join them for the unveiling of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold in Florence at Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of the Italian city.

The dinner was held inside the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento that has a length of 52 m (170 ft), is 23 m (75 ft) broad and dates back to 1494. On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena by Giorgio Vasari. You immediately understand why it plays such a key role in Dan Brown’s «Inferno».

Interesting to know is that before the entrustment of Vasari, the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, were commissioned for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room. Leonardo started working on the «Battle of Anghiari», while Michelangelo focused on another portion of the wall for the «Battle of Cascina», but none of their work was ever completed. Attempts made to find Da Vinci’s original work behind the Vasari fresco have so far been inconclusive.

Two creative minds united: Jacqueline Dimier and Carolina Bucci

Personally speaking: The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold was love at first sight for me.

Coming back to the shining reinvention of an iconic design, that fast first created in 1976 for women by Jacqueline Dimier, the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold has been reinvented in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. Both attended the gala dinner along with Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer, model Arizona Muse, as well as actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto.

With Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias

With Freida Pinto

Power Ladies: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor in Chief Style Magazine/Bolero, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet and Dominique Lohm, PR Audemars Piguet/The Pool with my humble self

Beautiful table setting

Having a great time with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor-in-Chief Style Magazine/Bolero and David Pantillon, Country General Manager Switzerland

Chef Annie Féolde and her team framed by Freida Pinto and François-Henry Bennahmias

After a sensational dinner imagined by local 3* Chef Annie Féolde, the evening ended with a showcase concert by Brocken Back, sending us off in the crisp Florentine night with lots of amazing memories.

Live performance by Broken Back

The next day my adventure continued. I flew with a private jet back to Switzerland to visit Audemars Piguet’s manufacture in Le Brassus.

Stay tuned for more for more details on the visit and the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold that has captured my heart in a second as well as an amazing interview with Carolina Bucci and Freida Pinto.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have a very special offer for you at MODA OPERANDI that will last until November 20, 2016. As a dear Sandra’s Closet reader, you will get 50% off during this special and very exclusive Friends & Family Sale featuring must-have F/W 2016 pieces by Burberry, Mary Katrantzou, Giuseppe Zanotti and many more.

Just use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout! There are so many beautiful pieces waiting for you here. Here are my personal favorites.

Get the look with 50% off: Suede trench coat by Red Valentino, lace dress by Temperley London, leather crossbody bag by Delpozo, Karlie embroidered suede pumps by Aquazzura.

More amazing F/W 2016 pieces on sale are:

Grey sail cape by Temperley London

Velvet top by Dolce & Gabbana

Coline cutout suede sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Galactic Penelope clutch by Charlotte Olympia

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE FULL SELECTION THAT IS 50% ON SALE.
Don’t forget to use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout!

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Recently I was invited to preview M·A·C‘s beautiful Christmas collection «Nutcracker Sweet» and the holiday kits at the brand’s store at Bellevue in Zurich (Rämistrasse 2, 8001 Zürich). It was a very sweet event with a ballerina and tons of fun make-up products to try.

Leap into a magical land that’s a bit nutty, a little naughty, bursting with whimsy. Lose yourself in an eccentric kingdom of oversized treats and rosy-cheeked nutcrackers.
Twist, turn and tumble deeper into the land of dolls. Our story has only begun…

Who knows what thrilling adventures are in store? A collection of kits invite the unexpected, with fabulous hues leading the way for an imaginative evening.

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
Kingdom of Sweets soft, milky pink (cremesheen)
Flamboyish hot deep pink (matte)
Saucy Little Darling deep coral red (amplified crème)
So Good For You Furiously Festive intense cool red (matte)
Leap of Delight deep plum purple (matte)

MAGIC DUST EYE SHADOW – CHF 31.00
Dance Flowers Dance light pink
Pretty Dainty pink coral shimmer
Rabblerouser bright intense pink
Forward March peachy gold shimmer
Dark Lullaby midnight purple
Mustache black with gold sparkle

MAGIC DUST POWDER – CHF 45.00
Yum Yum Yum soft pink with gold pearl
Sweet Vision pinky peach with gold pearl

PIGMENT – CHF 35.00
Rose rose with copper sparkle
Process Magenta bright magenta

KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL – CHF 24.00
Powersurge bronzed brown with golden shimmer
Prunella purple
Feline black

Don’t miss the holiday kits that make a great gift for your mum, a beloved friend or yourself. Here are some of my favorites. You can explore more in stores.

NUTCRACKER SWEET RED LIP BAG – CHF 68.00
Vamplify in Suggestive intense blue-red
Lipstick in Candy Cane intense blue-red
Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Trust In Red bright cool red cream

NUTCRACKER SWEET NUDE LIP BAG – CHF 68.00
Vamplify in Tuned In mid-tone rosy nude
Lipstick in Magic Spell mid-tone mauve nude
Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in In Control brown mauve

NUTCRACKER SWEET COOL EYE COMPACT – CHF 64.00
Enchanted Beauty pale pink shimmer (lustre)
Absurdly Pretty matte raspberry (matte)
Plum Darling metallic charcoal plum (lustre)
Performance Art mauve with silver pearl (lustre)
Nutcracker deep blackened purple (satin)
The Wrong Man pale cool pink (satin)
Sugar Plum dirty grape (matte)
Marzipan muted plummy taupe (matte)
Quite Spoiled muted mid-tone lilac (satin)
214/213 Dual-Ended Brush

The collection is now available at all M·A·C counters, M·A·C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

Two years ago, I have already introduced you to British brand Bombki (for the previous post click here) that creates decorative baubles that combine tradition with novelty.

Designed by Michael Peterson, each glass model is hand-painted by skilled artisans in an array of vibrant shapes, inspired by different cultures and events. This season, they have come up with many playful versions that I truly adore.

Little Fashionista set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little Makeover set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Little Getaway set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Little Rockstar set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little Celebration set of three glass baubles by Bombki

Also very stylish are the baubles by Dolce & Gabbana. Who wouldn’t want a designer Christmas tree? I am in love…

Painted glass baubles by Dolce & Gabbana

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This was my look that I wore to the de Grisogono gala «Folies in Cannes» during the 69th Cannes Film Festival at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. I love wearing Hervé Léger gowns as they are comfortable, sexy and ladylike at once and the best is that they are great to pack in a suitcase as they don’t wrinkle.

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, Isidora emerald green gown by Hervé Léger, leather clutch by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, rose diamond ring by Piaget, earrings by Chanel, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht