Sandra‘s Closet

This morning while I was working on another post, I got an e-mail from Louis Vuitton that made my heart leap with joy and that I wanted to share with you immediately. The French Maison is collaborating with Jeff Koons for a collection called «Masters» for which the famous American pop artist remixes the iconic artworks of the old masters and presents them in a way that encourages new interpretations.

Balloon Dog (Orange) © Jeff Koons
signed and dated ‘Jeff Koons 1994-2000’ (on the underside) , mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent color coating , 121 x 143 x 45 in. (307.3 x 363.2 x 114.3 cm)
Executed in 1994-2000. This work is one of five unique versions (Blue, Magenta, Orange, Red, Yellow).

With Jeff Koons in New York City in 2013 for the Balloon Venus launch event with Dom Pérignon.

Since Marc Jacobs enlisted Stephen Sprouse to create the now-iconic graffiti range in 2001, Louis Vuitton has led the way in the fashion/art collaboration stakes. Koons, whose Balloon Dog (Orange) holds the record for the most expensive art work by a living artist after it sold for $58.4 million at Christie’s New York in November 2013, follows in the footsteps of Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, Daniel Buren and Damien Hirst by partnering with Louis Vuitton.

Gazing Ball (Ariadne), 2013, Plaster and Glass
112.6 x 238.4 x 93cm, Edition no. 3/3
Monsoon Art Collection, © Jeff Koons

For his collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Koons seeked inspiration from his Gazing Ball series that he started in 2013 as a series of plaster reproductions of famous ancient sculptures, each one set with a blue mirrored sphere. It’s these hand-painted Old Master reproductions that appear on the limited-edition Masters range of iconic Louis Vuitton handbags as well, from Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Titian’s Mars, Venus and Cupid, Fragonard’s Girl with a Dog, Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields and Cypresses to Rubens’ Tiger Hunt.

The beautiful interior of the Rubens Palm Springs backpack (more photos below…)

The name of each original artist is emblazoned across the front, and their biography and portrait are featured inside. Absolutely new for Louis Vuitton is that a collaborator features his own initials on the bags. A sign for the importance of his status.

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Fragonard Speedy 30

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Titian Neverfull MM

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Da Vinci Speedy 30 in Poppy

Fans of Koons’ Inflatables series get their money’s worth; each piece is finished with a leather tag in the shape of the inflatable rabbit that Koons famously cast in polished stainless steel in 1986.

My personal three favorites are:

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Rubens Palm Springs Backpack

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Rubens Keepall 50

Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters Collection
Van Gogh Montaigne MM

The Louis Vuitton x Jeff Koons Masters collection will be available from April 28 in stores and at louisvuitton.com. Below you can enjoy the beautiful teaser.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton, © Jeff Koons, © Sandra Bauknecht, Louis Vuitton Malletier/Melanie & Ramon

Last week, I had the chance to preview the upcoming H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection 2017 at the new showroom in Zurich which is a dream by the way. The Swedish fashion house knows how to amaze us when it comes to affordable fashion, but it’s the work the brand is doing with its latest sustainable line that will blow you away.

Natalia Vodianova is the face of the campaign and looks absolutely divine in my favorite dress of the collection: a dreamy, blush-pink gown that seems to float on air, made of the new material BIONIC® – a recycled polyester made from recovered plastic from shorelines, waterways and coastal communities.

It is the very same plastic that is constantly polluting our beach ecosystems that is used throughout the newest Conscious lineup. Have a look at the video at the end of this post explaining the new material further.

Launching in stores and online April 20, you can enjoy here the mind-blowing preview of the future of fashion.

The full assortment will also include of men’s and kids’ clothes and accessories as well for the first time a fragrance.

LoL, Sandra

My favorite dress on display in the Zurich showroom…

… along with more beautiful pieces from the collection.

Those tulle dresses are also absolutely beautiful.

Photos: Courtesy of © H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

For twenty-five years, the absolute glamour of the iconic MUGLER fragrance ANGEL has captivated the senses into a unique olfactory vortex.

Nicolas Cloiseau, Creative Director of La Maison du Chocolat, has captured the deliciously surprising notes of this fragrance, blending bergamot, red fruits, praline, vanilla and patchouli, and interpreted its three accords to create three rare chocolates, vibrating with the legendary Angel notes.

CELESTIAL – First tasting note, top note.
A delicate fruit paste with a crisp acidulous attack of moist mandarin, followed by the citrus notes of elegant bergamot with lemon zest, gently tempered by a milk chocolate ganache.

DELICIOUS – Middle tasting note, heart note.
Nostalgic vanilla cotton candy with red fruits and slivers of moist cranberries rev up the delicate layer of praliné with notes of biscuits and nuts enrobed in a layer of dark chocolate.

VOLUPTUOUS – Final tasting note, base note.
An intense patchouli attack with woody and vanilla notes, almost smoky, in a warm sensual dark chocolate ganache with notes of honey and vanilla bourbon.

STAR – A nod to Angel…
A star with chocolate from Madagascar featuring acidulous notes of red fruits on the palate then notes of nuts persist.

Shelf-life: 10 to 26 days. Available to order from April 24, 2017 here.

For all Angel lovers, I recommend to also get the new ANGEL Eau Sucrée Limited Edition 2017, created by perfumer Dorothee Piot, that was first presented in 2014 and which is now back for a few summer months.

“ANGEL EAU SUCRÉE is an ode to sweet indulgence. Sensual and mischievous, EAU SUCRÉE concentrates the aromas of confectionery treats in a swirl of tangy freshness and tantalizingly sweet indulgence. The sugar-coated star glitters with the promise of tangy, decadent delight. “

ORIENTAL VANILLA
Top notes: Red Berries
Middle note: Meringue
Base notes: Patchouli and Vanilla

This year’s bottle is coated in a slightly shimmering cobalt blue glaze. The box is decorated with blue and silver stripes, inspired by the codes of traditional confections.

The limited edition Eau de Toilette is in stores now for CHF 69.00 (50ml, not refillable).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mugler and La Maison du Chocolat

Today I would like to introduce you to the ROSE COLOGNE COLLECTION –  three new fragrance expressions inspired by AERIN LAUDER‘s favorite flower. Those light and luxurious scents are perfect for every occasion and mood. I am already addicted to all three. Even that they are colognes, they last extremely well due to their distinguished ingredients and are great to be sprayed on your clothes, linens, and in a room. A lovely Easter gift for a loved one!

“I love long walks on the beach. The roses in my East Hampton garden seem to bloom effortlessly surrounded by the natural beauty of the dunes, water and sky.”
— Aerin Lauder

LINEN ROSE Eau de Cologne

A floral amber rose fragrance that evokes the joy of a relaxed, casual day at the beach, with cool white linen sundresses and sun-kissed roses. Its modern, effortless and free-spirited scent captures the pure simplicity of a rose touched by the salty-cool ocean breezes, open to the sea, sand and sky.

The energizing rush of sundrenched top notes scatter Orange Flower petals among Lemon Leaves to create a vivid burst of freshness. They flow through the enveloping warmth of the rose-filled heart of the fragrance: White Bulgarian Rose, exotic Ylang Ylang, refreshing Coconut Water, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Oil and Rose Bouton. Like the sun upon the sand and sea, a golden glow emerges in the final notes of Vanilla and Amber. Sun-bleached Vetiver adds the final modern note of depth and refinement.

“In Asian gardens, serenity and sensuality balance each other. The roses are cultivated to bring out their seductive fragrance and the peaceful atmosphere is like a quiet meditation on beauty. ”
— Aerin Lauder

BAMBOO ROSE Eau de Cologne

A green floral rose scent blend that brings to mind the formal beauty and artful simplicity of an Asian garden. A scent that draws you irresistibly on as you follow the trail of roses deeper and deeper into the garden.

A refreshing top note of Sicilian Bergamot and Mandarin Blossom fuse effortlessly with dewy Green Leaves for an impression of delicate, elusive femininity. A profusion of White Bulgarian Rose, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Rose Infusion and Rose Centifolia is enhanced by the cool allure of Jasmine Petals. The final shimmering touch is a hint of Pink Pepper, Amber and Musk.

“There’s something so natural and free about the fragrance of an English garden rose. The exhilarating scent comes from its strength as much as its beauty. It’s like a rush of energy.”
— Aerin Lauder

GARDEN ROSE Eau de Cologne

This scent takes you into the English countryside, filled with the irrepressible scent of wild roses. Lively, lush and free spirited.

This fresh floral rose scent opens with the natural green notes of Geranium wrapped around the fresh floralcy of Rose Bouton Sauvage. Like a bud opening, the heart of the fragrance unfolds to reveal the uninhibited splendor and depth of White Bulgarian Rose, the rich, full-bodied Rose Bulgare and lush Rose Centifolia. Together, they capture the irresistible spirit of the English garden rose, blooming boldly in the sun, enhanced with the smooth warmth of Sandalwood and Amber and softened by Musk.

The Aerin Rose Cologne Collection is now in stores for CHF 200.00 (200ml) each. In Switzerland exclusively at Globus and esteelauder.ch.

TO SHOP THE NEW AERIN ROSE COLOGNE COLLECTION ONLINE WORLDWIDE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aerin Lauder

Yesterday evening, I attended the long awaited opening of SEPHORA in Zurich as a shop-in-shop concept at Manor located at Bahnofstrasse 75.

Craziness a few seconds after the doors opened at Sephora Zurich.

Here are some facts:
Selling Space: 65 m² (small, but filled with great stuff)

Staff: 10 sales associates and one shop manager

Question: which Becca highlighter should I get…

Exclusive brands: Made In Sephora, Too Faced, Make Up For Ever, Marc Jacobs,
Becca, Dr.Jart+, Tony Moly, Caolion, Skinfood, Too Cool for School

Other brands available: Nars, Benefit Make Up and Benefit Skincare

Services: Sephora Make Up Bar and Benefit Brow Bar
Thanks to Click & Collect at manor.ch/sephora customers can order all their favorite products online and get them delivered to their preferred  Manor department store in Switzerland.

A goody bag filled with so many amazing products… thank you, Sephora!

Founded in 1969, Sephora is today part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and present in 32 countries worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Myriam Françoise at the opening yesterday.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Andrea Monica Hug and © Sandra Bauknecht

When it comes to fashion, I am a Gucci lover at the moment! I absolutely adore the vibrant embellishments and playful juxtapositions. Blind for love – all said!

My look: Appliquéd denim jacket by Gucci, ruffled lace maxi dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals and butterfly necklace with Swarovski stones and pearls, both by Miu Miu and stretch-knit ankle boots by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I was wondering what Justin O’Shea has been doing lately and just when I was thinking about the former global fashion director of MyTheresa and street style figure, I read the news on BoF: O’Shea will launch his own brand, SSS World Corp. This marks his return to design following his departure from Brioni in October where he worked as creative director for only one season. The runway debut of his new self-funded menswear brand will take place in Paris in June during the menswear shows. It is said to have a luxury streetwear price-point.

O’Shea’s one capsule collection at Brioni

As BoF states: «SSS World Corp will have advice, production and manufacturing support from Berlin-based 032c, the contemporary culture magazine and clothing line helmed by Joerg and Maria Koch. It will launch a full wardrobe, with product categories including outerwear, tailoring, shirts, t-shirts, swimwear, footwear and jewellery.»

“People don’t want to buy into a label, they want to buy into an idea,” O’Shea tells BoF of the concept behind the brand. “There needs to be some kind of element of contradiction and something which makes them feel like they’re getting individuality rather than something that’s a blank approach.”

«It’s that mixture between formal and street, which inevitably I think is the trend that will go forward.»

O’Shea says he is confident about SSS World Corp’s launch and positioning. “You take what Demna [Gvasalia’s] doing at Vetements, they’re doing whatever they want and they’ve now paved the way because they stayed on their own trajectory. That [attitude] is lacking in menswear compared to womenswear and that’s where I found my relevance.“

Good luck, Justin, I am curious to see the new collection…

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Justin O’Shea, Getty Images

Chinese fashion designer Min Liu brings her personal twist on Chinese traditionalism to a mythically charged M·A·C collection. Meditating on the creation and rejuvenation of life, it features bold reds, deep peony pinks and misty metallics, capturing the flow of energy that connects mountains, oceans – and all of us.

This makeup collaboration is nearly otherworldly beautiful. The artwork alone is as amazing as nearly any other one that M·A·C Cosmetics has produced.

Pearlmatte Face Powder – Limited Edition – CHF 49.00
The stunning wave pressed into the powder is beautiful and the blend of the colors will create the ideal look on nearly any face.
First Waves – pink, red, grey-beige oversprayed with pearl

Cream Color Base – Limited Edition – CHF 32.00
All Year Red – warm bright red

Eyeshadow x 2 Fortune Duo Lotus – CHF 33.00
Pink – bright pink matte
Platinum Shadow – sparkling silver

Fluidline – CHF 26.00
Blacktrack – black (Repromote/ Permanent)

Lipglass – Limited Edition – CHF 29.00
Fortune Red – warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – peachy pink

Lipstick – Limited Edition – CHF 31.00
Dynasty Red – matte warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – matte peachy pink

Makeup Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 33.00

Brush Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 59.00
129SE Powder / Blush Brush
263SE Small Angle Brush
246SE Synthetic Fluffy Eye Brush

In Switzerland in stores now exclusively at Jelmoli, M·A·C stores Lucerne and Zurich and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © M·A·C Cosmetics

Today, luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget launches at NET-A-PORTER, marking the first time the elegant creations by the iconic Swiss Maison will be sold through a luxury global online retailer, aside from their standalone stores and own brand e-commerce site.

“As the ultimate e-commerce platform for luxury, NET-A-PORTER is the ideal partner for Piaget’s first foray outside of the Maison’s own channels. We are delighted to bring the Piaget Possession collection to the NET-A-PORTER client as she shares many of the same values as Piaget: audacious creativity, elegant style and positive energy.”
Chabi Nouri, Piaget CEO as of the 1st of April 2017

NET-A-PORTER will launch both fine jewellery and watch creations from «Possession», a signature Piaget collection that welcomes colour for the first time with an assortment of bold ornamental stones, the so-called «Possession Colour Collection». The introduction of bright and bold Piaget colours to an iconic jewellery collection called for an equally vibrant and colourful collaboration with a woman who embodies the vitality of Possession. A dynamic force in the world of fashion, Olivia Palermo is the face of the campaign for Piaget for the second year running.

The collection trigger an emotion, a collection the buyer pins to a memory, or a mark of success as a gift to herself or to someone else.

A key feature with each piece is the movement – this is the only collection of jewellery known that has movement. The central band on the ring turns – spinning it can be quite addictive – the bezel between each cabochon on the pendant also turns, as does the diamond bands set against each cabochon on the bracelets. It is this feature of turning that evokes the particular memory for the wearer.

Possession 18-karat rose gold, malachite and diamond necklace

There is an incredible selection available to purchase in diamonds or in an array of captivating colours. Depending on your favourite shade, or what a certain colour may mean to you, you can choose from:

· Lapis lazuli – is said to represent friendship, truth and brings harmony into relationships.
· Malachite – is said to garner protection against ‘the evil eye’ and also attracts love and money.
· Onyx – is said to repel negativity and protects the wearer against hostility from others.
· Carnelian – is believed to bring it’s wearer good luck, helps to calm ones temper and brings about good humour.
· Turquoise – is believed to attract money, success and love and is the stone of friendship in many cultures.

If you love all of the colours and simply cannot chose, the trend for stacking bracelets remains and you can decorate your wrists with all colours and their significant meanings.

The tagline behind Piaget’s «Possession» collection is «turn and the world is yours» signifying the power and success of women who wear the beautiful pieces

If you need help choosing, let me know by shooting me an e-mail to and I will be happy to give you some direction. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

TO SHOP PIAGET ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

It is Sunday, time to play with your loved ones. Personally speaking, I love card and board games and this is one of my favorite things to do with my family on a lazy weekend. A feast for the eyes are the backgammon boards and custom-made games tables designed by Alexandra Llewellyn which I found over the EDEN BEING website.

The London based British designer stocks a collection of in-house designs, all made in the UK, that can be available immediately or personalised with engraved or painted messages, initials, and dates. They can also be commissioned with exquisite semi-precious stone and brass playing pieces.

Alexandra also takes one-off commissions for games tables and games boards, creating a truly original way to commemorate memories and life achievements. Every detail is created in close conversation with the client. What a lovely gift for a loved one!

Alexandra Llewellyn

Since her childhood, which she spent in Cairo, Alexandra has played backgammon. The rattle of dice on large wooden crate-boards signaled the game in play, as she strolled through the streets with her Egyptian step-grandfather. As she travelled more her interest in backgammon evolved, over countless games. She became enthralled by the idea that board games operate as an independent vocabulary requiring neither common language nor culture, and the idea that games bring people together.

Alexandra collaborated with legendary photographer Terry O’Neill, whose images defined the Swinging Sixties and the Seventies.

Launched in December 2010, Alexandra Llewellyn Designs embody an exquisitely unique vision of the oldest recorded board game in the world. Alexandra’s designs are owned by client’s such as Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson, Jacquetta Wheeler, Sony Music, Eden Rock, Mark Ronson and Paloma Faith. I love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alexandra Llewellyn Design Ltd. 2016, some taken at Chilham Castle, Kent