Sandra‘s Closet

«The bad news is time flies. The good news is you are the pilot! Your wings already exist, you just have to start to fly.»

I love flying (literally in all ways, sometimes it is good to get my feet back on the ground). When I was a little girl, I hung a world map in my room and put little needles in the locations I had visited. This poster is still in my parent’s house and whenever I come back home, I add the new ones. I have seen many countries, visited all five continents as travelling has been my other big passion besides fashion, but ones you see the magnitude of our planet, you realize how small you are and even if you think that you have seen so much, you have not seen a lot! Speaking off which, bye bye Switzerland! Off I go… comfy but in style!

My look: Cashmere sweater, cashmere top, matching pants, sneakers, backpack, circle messenger bag and airplane brooch, all from Chanel‘s flight-themed «Chanel Airlines» S/S 2016 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I was invited by RAUSCH for a hair treatment and blow dry at MURAT TOKAY. The beautiful salon is located close to Bahnhof Enge in Zurich and Murat, whom I know from his previous job at Charles Aellen Company before he opened his own salon three years ago, is a true figaro, who has an extremely good eye for hair.

Murat Tokay in Zurich

But let’s come back to the company that has actually invited me, RAUSCH. Founded in 1890, it is still owned in third generation by the Baumann family. Guaranteeing the highest possible percentage of natural raw materials from nature, the Swiss brand uses the power of herbs for the health of your hair and skin. The philosophy is pretty impressive. Extracted from 87 herbs, oils and plant extracts, RAUSCH combines centuries-old herbal knowledge from convents with the most modern scientific technique. Premium quality, ideal tolerability and sustainability, the tensides used in RAUSCH haircare are produced using renewable raw materials and are ideal for cleansing and treating both hair and scalp.

My new hair beauty regime

When you start using the products, you might not have the wow-effect you will get from the ones that use a lot of silicones as they coat the hair in a plastic like substance which sits on the strand’s surface giving the appearance of silky soft and smooth hair, but which are actually not so good for the long term health of our hair. Why is that? It is pretty simple, the coating will prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

It makes absolutely sense to me. By using natural products, your hair will actually benefit in the long run, rather than offering a temporary mask that will cause your hair to worsen overtime

Let’s be frank, 125 years’ experience of careful dealings with herbs seems to be pretty trustworthy. Great news is that the products are fairly priced.

Me getting the hair analysis – on the iPad in front of me I could see my strands enlarged.

I got started off with a hair analysis and was very happy to hear that my scalp and hair is absolutely healthy, just very dry. Therefore they recommended their Egg-Oil NOURISHING SHAMPOO, that is said to nourish the structure of dry hair with valuable proteins from fresh egg yolk and wheatgerm extract. The best? It smells like cake dough. Promise me, to try it! At least smell it, it is so good!

With my new hair beauty regime that was recommended to me, I will hopefully enjoy shiny, bouncy hair styles like the one Murat created for me last week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Rausch

«Your first impression is always a lasting impression.»

As you already know, I tend to keep all my clothes and never clean out my closet. I love to wear most of them after many years again, combine them with something new and feel the excitement of the first time. What I absolutely recommend is to invest your money in a great suit! That is something that lasts longer and will be timeless. Can you imagine that I bought this beautiful pantsuit by Alberta Ferretti in 2002?! An absolute keeper… and a great ensemble for a business meeting at the lake last week… when the weather was much nicer than today.

My look: Pantsuit by Alberta Ferretti, printed silk crepe de chine shirt and Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch, tulle mini petticoat skirt, Janis pumps with studs, all by Saint Laurent, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Those stylish GUCCI paper fans will make your summer days so much cooler. Comprised of paper and a wooden handle, the designs by Alessandro Michele derive inspiration from Japan. Too cool!

Click on the highlighted text below, to be transferred directly to the store.

Owl printed fan

Flower printed fan

As if Beyoncé didn’t have enough fans :-)… she was spotted at a basketball game in New Orleans in a dramatic floor-length Gucci fur-trimmed kimono and a paper fan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Looking for something exclusive and new? Then I have something for you today. Mytheresa.com is partnering with Miu Miu to launch an exclusive capsule collection for S/S 2017 that is hitting the virtual shelves today.

The line, which is inspired by Miu Miu’s beautiful S/S 2017 runway collection and vibrant signatures, features ready-to-wear, as well as handbags and footwear.

How cute are those girly embellishments and the playful spirit of the bright floral and polka dot prints?! My two most wanted: Embellished cotton T-shirt and printed cotton-terry skirt.

Embellished open-toe sandals

Among the limited edition must-haves are the brand’s bestselling ballet flats and slides updated in pastel-hued shearling.

Shearling ballerinas

To introduce the new collection, the Mytheresa has teamed with Danny Sangra, a Central Saint Martin’s graduate and renowned director, artist and illustrator, to produce a short film called “Shark” that I invite you to watch below. It is very fun. But be careful! You might be in a serious shopping mode after!

To shop the exclusive Miu Miu x mytheresa.com exclusive capsule collection, click here please!

LoL, Sandra

Photos, Stills and Short Film: Courtesy of Mytheresa

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Yesterday was “Sechseläuten” (in Swiss German: Sächsilüüte), a traditional holiday in the city of Zurich. Since the early 20th century, it is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of April of every year.

I watched the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds) with my girlfriends wearing an embroidered top with lace sleeves, matching skirt and choker by Dolce & Gabbana, Dirty ’50s stretch-denim jacket by Saint Laurent, boots by Prada, bag by Chanel and sunglasses by Balenciaga.

Now, that I have been living in Switzerland for over twelve years, Sechseläuten is so much fun because you know many of the people who are walking the parade. You present the participants with flowers and you are gifted with the specialties of the guilds in return. This can be a glass of wine, a bread roll or even a radish.

The culmination of this popular tradition though is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives (see collage above).
It is said that the time between the lighting of the pyre and the explosion of the Böögg’s head is indicative of the coming summer: a quick explosion promises a warm, sunny one, a drawn-out burning a cold and rainy one. This year, its head was falling off very fast, after 9 minutes und 56 seconds which predicts a great summer.

Cheers to that!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, let’s be honest! When it comes to skincare, to maintain or achieve youthful, radiant skin, the struggle is real. Therefore I would like to introduce you to the newest wonder potion on the planet: La Prairie’s White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion. I had the honor to try it for one month before the official launch and love its power. This outstanding pearl elixir transforms your skin in just four weeks. For real!

Think of this new skin miracle as liquid light in a bottle. I am talking about protection against environmental factors and skin stressors, plus dark spot correction. And whilst admittedly, it’s not cheap, it will do wonders for your skin. Brighten, lift, recapture the luminosity of younger-looking, healthier skin with White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion.

How does it work?
The scientists at La Prairie have developed a new proprietary breakthrough in the complex science of brightening skin as they discovered that skin’s uneven tone and loss of luminosity are due not only to melanin-induced spots but also to redness and dullness. Therefore they developed a formula – the first of its kind – that works to fight not one but all three types of skin chromatic disorders revealing luminous, healthy skin.

Everyday stress can lead to permanently irritated skin expressing signs of inflammation and redness. Stress factors include: lifestyle-induced cortisol, UV light, pollutants and chemicals that damage the skin’s natural protective barrier. Atmospheric and domestic pollution that assaults the skin, particularly in urban areas, contributes to a grey, dull complexion. Mature, dry or sensitive skin types are especially vulnerable to pollutants. The shell of the caviar pearls in White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion shields the skin from these harmful particles, forming a protective “second skin”. Its unique structure allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin while shielding it from particles and heavy metals that can damage cells and contribute to a dull appearance.

In stores now for CHF 558.00 (30ml). And trust me, you’ll love the results!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie Switzerland

Greenery is the Pantone Color of the Year 2017, a fresh and vibrant yellow-green shade that is considered as nature’s neutral evoking the first days of spring. For me, it is  full of hope and energy and I like it the playful Gucci way.

My look: Ruffle trimmed single breasted wool coat, crêpe-jersey and georgette dress, embroidered leather knee boots and Dionysus embroidered leather hobo bag, all by Gucci. Ring «Diorette» and matching earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

JUDE BENHALIM is a young, Cairo-based jewelry designer who founded her namesake brand when she was just 17 years old. All it took was one creative design project in high school and Jude jumped into the design world head first with her mother and partner, Rana Al Azm.

«My strategy to set my brand apart from others was to introduce something new to traditional Egyptian jewelry; mixing it with modern art and avant-garde techniques. I maintain the essence of oriental jewelry (by using Arabic calligraphy), combining it with a modern approach (by using abstract geometric shapes and colorful Resin stones). That is what allowed people to appreciate my work; it is a revolutionary take on traditional jewelry making.» – Jude Benhalim

Jude is constantly on the lookout for new ideas to bring to her designs, and is inspired by the women who wear her cutting-edge designs as much as the women who fill her life. Today, she shares with us her travel tips for her home country, EGYPT.

Your favourite city?
ALEXANDRIA. When the city life becomes too busy and stressful, I can escape from the craziness and read a book by the beautiful sea. The beach has always a peaceful atmosphere.

Your favourite hotel?
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SHARM EL SHEIKH. It hast the most beautiful scenery, overlooking the sea. It is definitely underrated.
1 Four Seasons Boulevard, El-Salam, Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate
Phone: +20 69 3603555

Your favourite restaurant?
KAZUKO in CAIRO. It has the best Japanese food in town and I love the vibe of the place.
Swan Lake Compound, 1st Settlement, New Cairo, Phone: +20 12 7000 4877

Your favourite Egyptian food?
I like MOLOKHIYA with spicy chicken –  the national dish of Egypt – because its a complete meal with vegetables, carbs and proteins and keeps you energized the whole long day.

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
There are great bars and nightclubs in the NORTH COAST, by the beach. I think my favorite place there is ANDIAMO, a beach bar. Its beautifully designed and is right on the beach.
Hacienda, KM 140, Phone: +20 1005509948

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The PYRAMIDS, or more importantly the DESERT. I am fascinated by the desert no matter how often I see it, I love to admire its patterned dunes and its smooth and sparkling sand.

Your favourite park?
AL-AZHAR PARK. It has one of the most beautiful views over Cairo.
Salah Salem St, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Phone: +20 2 25103868

Your favourite beach?
The NORTH COAST BEACHES. The world is known to have the best beaches in Asia and in the Bahamas, but these are not comparable to the beaches on the North Coast of Egypt, as well as the ones in Sinai. So beautiful!  I especifically love SIDI HENEISH, because its calm and not as commercial as the other beaches. It’s a beautiful bay.

Your favourite shop?
KHAN EL-KHALILI, a local market in CAIRO, is my favorite place to shop. It is actually where my silver workshop is located so I visit the souk very often. It is very rich in culture and has the most beautiful architecture that is going back to over hundreds of years. I love the authenticy and vibes of the Khan el-Khalili alleyways.
El-Gamaleya, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo Governorate

Your must-have accessory to take when you visit Egypt?
SUNGLASSES! It is sunny all year round in Egypt.

Your must-have souvenir to take home?
LITTLE PYRAMIDS of course. The pyramids are of the Seven Wonders of the World. I think as a tourist, the Pyramids are one of the most breathtaking sites.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
HELWA YA BALADY by DALIDA. It perfectly represents the beauty of the city.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
40 RULES OF LOVE by ELIF SHAFAK. Cairo is very high in spirituality, with beautiful mosques and churches. I think this book is a perfect fit and it is a personal favorite.

Thank you, Jude, for sharing your insider scoop on Egypt with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the different locations, © Jude Benhalim

DOLCE & GABBANA and SMEG join creative forces to create Sicily is my Love, a truly Made in Italy project where experts from the worlds of high fashion and design meet and merge to create unique domestic appliances that uncover an Italian story.

Last year’s limited edition hand painted refrigerators.

Following from last year’s success when SMEG and Dolce&Gabbana teamed up to realise 100 unique hand painted refrigerators, this year the collaboration focused on smaller products such as toasters, citrus juicers, coffee machines, kettles, blenders, stand mixers and slow juicers.

All these products are decorated with reflective interpretations of Sicilian folklore. Lemons, prickly pears, and bright red cherries are just a selection of Sicilian decorations that are framed in triangular motifs known as crocchi, that decorate these small appliances.

Together with crocchi, the appliances are covered in delicate floral motifs and images of the enthralling Mount Etna, surrounded by ornamental friezes, and decorative acanthus leaves. All these themes and decorative symbols are intrinsically tied to Sicily and the important aspects of the aesthetic of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Food, the typical products of Southern Italy and their recipes of traditional dishes are the pulling force to which heart and soul will always return. So ultimately… can you buy kitchen appliances instead of art? Absolutely, and so did everyone else at the #DGSicilyismyLove 2017 edition of the Salone del Mobile di Milano.

For the first time in my life, I have this urge to be in the kitchen using those beautifully decorated tools. Bravo!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Smeg