Sandra‘s Closet

My favorite season is spring and I truly adore those first sunny days when you can feel the warm weather is on its way, slowly but surely. Here you see me in Zurich at the lake, enjoying some free time in between my travels.

My look: Floral print with tiger sweatshirt, skinny denim pant with embroidery and feline earrings with crystals, all by Gucci, cotton collar by Carven, Sac Du Jour leather tote and Janis pumps with studs, both by Saint Laurent, «Tank Américaine in yellow gold and diamonds» by Cartier and «Diorette» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and sunglasses «Oeil de Chat» by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“We feel it’s inevitable and crucial to create contemporary clothing,” says Demna Gvasalia, the Creative Director of Paris design collective VETEMENTS.

The Maison Margiela alumni elevates deceptively simple pieces with meticulous construction, considered fabrics and playful proportions. Georgian Demna Gvasalia graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 2006. After designing womenswear for Maison Martin Margiela, he worked as head designer for Louis Vuitton womenswear. In 2014, he launched the label VETEMENTS, a design collective comprising Demna, his brother Guram and five other friends, that is based on the idea of urban cultures, the internet, everyday life on the streets and a modern wardrobe without seasonal themes.

Vetements is THE trend-setting label at the moment. Demna Gvasalia, the brainchild behind the hot fashion brand and creative director at even hotter fashion house Balenciaga, is serving up clothes that come with a healthy side dish of humor. Just think of the famous DHL T-shirt or the Polizei cap.

Just now, bigger plans have been revealed for the company. Demna and his younger brother and CEO Guram Gvasalia decided to move their headquarters and design offices to Zurich in Switzerland. How cool is that? In the former headquarters of Bernie’s Fashion that went bankrupt, Vetements has opened its doors.

Don’t miss the cult collaboration with Manolo Blahnik by clicking here that is available now!

Vetements + Manolo Blahnik printed satin pumps

Personally speaking, I love watching the hype about Vetements –  still in my closet there is no piece yet. Just saying… but I absolutely adore what he does for BALENCIAGA.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vetements and Getty Images, via Manrepeller/Hypebeast

Can a lip balm make you smile? EOS thinks so and invented a lip balm (EOS Smooth Spheres Organic Lip Balms ) that is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Delightfully flavored and packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter, and jojoba oil, these lip products have caused a hype among beauty lovers. But not everyone was pleased with its nourishing results.

Last year, EOS was in the news as there was a class action lawsuit in the US filed for severe allergic reaction to the iconic lip balm. Now, this has been settled and the brand is said to have updated its packaging to address the adverse reactions some customers have had.

Personally speaking, I have those little «ping pong balls» in an array of colors plastered around my house, in my car and my hand bags. I have never had an allergic reaction to them. But as I tend to have very dry skin, those lip balms alone would not be enough and I still need more nourishing products at night.

View from Haute restaurant.

Recently, I was invited to their press event at Haute restaurant in Zurich. Overlooking the Swiss city, I was able to indulge in the world of EOS and learnt some interesting facts:

– It is the beauty brand with the highest social media engagement.
– The pomegranate flavor sells best in Europe whereas the strawberry one is the bestseller worldwide.

– The ones that come with the swirl packaging (EOS Visibly Soft™ ) have a more nourishing effect as they have an extra dose of cocoa butter and shea butter, which is great for winter.
– The only one with an SPF is the yellow lemon drop (see photo below).

EOS lip balms are available for CHF 6.90 at Manor in Switzerland!
Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

The ugly shoe phenomenon has been around for a while but this season it is getting truly serious, even Crocs have hit the catwalk. Reactions were mixed when the models appeared in those resin-moulded clogs on the runway at Christopher Kane, who told Vogue about this partnership the following: “I always work with unexpected items and combinations, transforming the everyday into desirable luxury. I wanted to bring my own stamp and DNA to Crocs’ classic clog shoe and achieve something really special. The marble print feels very earthy and I often think of Crocs in a very grounded way, worn with either an evening dress or with jeans, and adding the rock crystals brings a bit of luxury to this everyday style. Crocs are arguably the most comfortable shoe, I love that they are slightly awkward and might be perceived by some as ‘ugly’. They have a very naïve and childlike shape which I especially like when they look extra clunky on the foot.”

Embellished printed crocs by Christopher Kane

Also Alexander McQueen is jumping on the orthotic shoe trend along with no other than Balmain, who would have ever thought that?! What do you think of that trend? Yay or nay?

Floral-print leather sandals by Alexander McQueen

1 Canvas, leather and rubber sandals by Prada
2 Glittered leather platform sandals by Miu Miu
3 Faux leather platform sandals by Stella McCartney
4 Strappy suede sandals by Balenciaga
5 Laser-cut textured-leather slides by Simone Rocha
6 Phoebe printed leather slides by Sophia Webster
7 Laser-cut metallic leather sandals by Marni
8 Lace-up metallic-trimmed leather slides by Balmain

Blame it on the Birkenstock, but the must-have of the season is bringing ugly shoes out into the light of day. Complete with orthopedic-style soles, pool slide straps and ultra-utilitarian fastenings like Velcro, they may not be for everyone, at least they are comfy and make your orthopedist happy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Pink is trending this summer and I love it combined with burgundy. It is an unusual color combination that I wore to the dinner I recently had with Frédéric Malle (for the previous post about it, click here please).

My look: Fox fur cape by Givenchy, wool and silk dress by Valentino, embellished satin pumps by Miu Miu, cat eye metal mirrored sunglasses by Fendi, flower resin necklace by Gucci, velvet Boy Bag in burgundy by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday night in Milan, Hublot presented its new Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection at the famous shop of Italian luxury tailor Rubinacci. You might ask yourself now: what do you get when you mix the watchmaking expertise of Hublot, the limitless creativity of Italia Independent through its founder Lapo Elkann, and the treasures of the famous Italian tailor Rubinacci? The Art of Fusion! And we all know that when it comes to fashion, the Italians are ahead of the game!

Since 2014, two collections have been born from the partnership between Hublot, Italia Independent and Lapo Elkann. Although both of the previous collections were based on the legendary Big Bang Unico model, this time the magic of this wildly creative team was unleashed on the Classic Fusion model. Its name seems to have predestined it for this new special edition: there has never been such a fine example of the fusion of the ‘classic’ and innovation.

“As a creator, I have always put customisation and bespoke designs, which for me represent real luxury, at the heart of my different projects. It is with this in mind that I conceive and design unique objects, which meet my tastes and requirements, but also satisfy my clients. I like the fact that they become truly mine and that they are distinctive, and this is the case for the Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection.” Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent.

Lapo Elkann with Luca Rubinacci

This was a task that was made-to-measure (no pun intended) for Lapo Elkann who is frequently named “the most elegant man in the world” and who has made bespoke designs and customisation his signature. He brought Ferrari’s ‘Tailor Made’ programme to life, and he is continuing and expanding upon the concept with Garage Italia Customs; cars, boats, planes and helicopters, with a unique level of customisation, personalisation and innovative creativity for the whole mobility industry. Lapo also applies this same expertise to the creations that he designs for Hublot and Italia Independent.

Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, Lapo Elkann, Luca Rubinacci and Mariano Rubinacci.

The “sartoria Rubinacci” was not chosen at random: since 1932, three generations of Rubinacci have been at the reins of this institution of good taste and masculine refinement: Gennaro, the founding grandfather, Mariano, the father who now manages the house from Naples and, of course Luca, master of the store in Milan, and one of the most photographed men on the planet thanks to his unique style. Between them they have dressed everybody from the Duke of Kent to singer Bryan Ferry, not to mention of course the Agnelli family, of which Lapo Elkann is the worthy successor.

Lapo and Luca choosing the fabrics.

The House of Rubinacci holds the most beautiful collection of fabrics in its archives. It was here, in the more than 60,000 square metres of precious houndstooth, tweeds and other cloths that Hublot and Lapo Elkann found a collection of tartans—squared coloured wool weaves from the seventies—that they brought back to life by including them in the Classic Fusion as a chronograph. The dial and straps have therefore been made using these precious fabrics to offer this range of 45 mm timekeepers an end result that is the epitome of elegance. “La vera sprezzatura!”

I chose these fabrics thinking about the costumes that we make for Lapo Elkann. I began with the extravagant colours of a vivid tartan with a sporty tone, then a more traditional houndstooth—in the style of an Italian gentleman—that I wanted in black and white, the colours of his favourite team Juventus F.C. I didn’t think that it was possible to put wool on the straps and dial of a watch. But, Hublot managed it and the result is better than I could have hoped for. We have achieved a balanced watch, with a pattern effect that is neither too bold nor too light.“ Luca Rubinacci

A collection full of Italian style and spirit!

LoL, Sandra

The Phly Boyz were entertaining the guests at the event in Milan.

Rubinacci – the epitome of style.

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

I love the piano, it’s my favorite instrument. This season the piano keyboard has inspired many designers. Listening to a piano concert or even better playing yourself in this look is the ultimate fashion goal.

Get the look: Ruffled silk-georgette top by Elie Saab, pleated jacquard-knit skirt by Proenza Schouler, Dolce Box piano tote and embellished leather pumps, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

If you are thinking about getting a piano, have a look at my favorite one which is said to be the best one in the world: the MODEL D by STEINWAY & SONS. For over 160 years, the company has been dedicated to the art of piano making, setting the uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value.

Do you want to be my play date?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

Boom, it is already Mid February, I find it quite scary how time flies but on the other side I cannot wait for spring to arrive. I am definitely not a winter person. Once the sun is out, I always feel like wearing something floral.

My look: Double-breasted wool-blend felt coat, pussy-bow glittered floral-print crepe dress and star-appliquéd leather ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, Joyce embellished leather shoulder bag by Loewe, earrings and necklace with velvet ribbon, both by Dolce & Gabbana, «Diorette» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Jimmy Choo‘s printed ‘Candy‘ clutch bags demonstrate the brand’s playful approach to cult classics. The interior is perfectly proportioned to house just your essentials. Conceal the silver chain strap inside to carry it as a clutch. The slogan will be statement enough!

Bags in collage: Candy Box Clutch «I Want Choo» in pink, Candy Box Clutch «Choos Me» in blue and Candy Box Clutch «Only Choo» in lilac.

My favorite is this one: Candy Box Clutch «You Are What You Wear» in yellow.

It’s no news that your wardrobe says a lot about you, so choos(e) wisely…
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo, © Sandra Bauknecht

Lately, I was invited by Perfumery Osswald in Zurich and had the amazing honor to have dinner with Frédéric Malle, a very captivating and inspirational gentleman, a father of four, and the man behind the niche fragrance house Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. Born in 1962, he grew up immersed in the world of perfumery (his grandfather Serge Heftler-Louiche founded Christian Dior Perfumes, and Frédéric’s mother later worked as an Art Director for the same perfume house) and has a deep knowledge of raw materials, fragrance structure and accords that he shared with me that night. His ‘Editions’ collection includes scents by distinguished noses including Dominique Ropion, Jean-Claude Ellena and Pierre Bourdon.

With Frédéric Malle at dinner at the Widder hotel.

Malle studied art history and economics at New York University. In 1988, he began his career at Roure Bertrand Dupont, the prestigious perfume laboratory. After working in the industry for more than 12 years, Frederic was ready to embark on a new adventure.

4 of his first launched perfumes in 2000: Lipstick Rose (Ralf Schwieger), Musc Ravager (Maurice Roucel), En Passant (Olivia Giacobetti) and Une Fleur de Cassie (Dominique Ropion).

In 2000, using his connections and experience in the industry, Frédéric invited nine top perfumers to design their own original perfumes with no restrictions, not even financially regarding their ingredients they chose. Thanks to Frédéric Malle, the return to luxury perfumery took place at the beginning of our century. In an era in which most companies put more importance on brand names, Malle brought the attention back to the product itself: perfume.

Until today, through a simple “back to basics” approach, Editions de Parfums is challenging all prevailing trends. Frédéric Malle’s contribution to the creation of the different fragrances sold under Editions de Parfums varies depending on the perfumers’ desire. Perfumers appeal to him to assess their work in progress and to share ideas.

These fragrances are packaged in bottles that feature the name of the perfumer—a first in the industry, where the perfumer is traditionally behind the scenes and credit for the scent is given to the fashion house or celebrity on the bottle. While we were talking during dinner, I could sense that Frédéric Malle is very fond of Dominique Ropion‘s work. The two of them seem to build an amazing team.

The development of a signature scent is a lengthy process, generally lasting between 6 and 18 months. Each fragrance starts with an idea, an “olfactive sketch,” which can either take the form of a material base – the mix of two or three raw materials, like colors in an abstract painting – or of an initial feeling, the desire to translate or convey a specific emotion. From there, the perfumers gradually build a full-scale composition, tinkering and problem-solving until a perfect balance is achieved. The challenge is to polish and perfect without losing the impact and personality of the original idea.

“Eliminate all that is superfluous or merely decorative” – this, Frédéric Malle’s credo, is the only rule imposed on the house perfumers. Malle requests that each fragrance be designed to uniquely merge with the wearer’s skin rather than to just be a “pretty scent.”

Designer Frédéric Malle has more than 25 perfumes available at the moment, made in collaboration with perfumers Jean-Claude Ellena, Dominique Ropion, Maurice Roucel, Bruno Jovanovic, Carlos Benaim, Olivia Giacobetti, Pierre Bourdon, Edmond Roudnitska, Ralf Schwieger, Edouard Flechier, Michel Roudnitska and Sophia Grojsman.

New investments under the new helmet: Frédéric Malle’s London store at 14, Burlington Arcade.

Two years ago, The Estée Lauder Companies acquired Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle.

Frédéric Malle said about his decision to sell part of his company: “The Estée Lauder Companies has great respect for the art of perfumery and for the creativity, dedication and mastery required to create truly exceptional fragrance experiences. The company’s commitment to a high standard of excellence and ability to support the growth of entrepreneurial concepts in a way that preserves all that is unique and special makes The Estée Lauder Companies the ideal partner for us.”

A truly inspirational creator and a real business man!

TO SHOP FREDERIC MALLE ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
In Switzerland a large selection is available at Perfumery Osswald in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Frédéric Malle and © Sandra Bauknecht, via Mr Porter