Sandra‘s Closet

Spring is around the corner, my favorite season. Time to wake up your outer beauty and to get ready to party. Green is the color of nature and health representing growth and nature. It is said to have healing powers – so get ready for the blooming season… with those tips:

WAKE UP YOUR SENSES

Champagne Grand Brut Edition Miami by Perrier-Jouët
Nothing beats a glass of bubbly – it always puts me in a good mood. I am very proud to announce that I am one of the ten founding members of the Artistic Society by Perrier-Jouët. Soon, I can tell you more about this secret club!
CHF 55.00 (75cl)

WAKE UP YOUR SKIN

Energie De Vie Exfoliating Mask by Lancôme
«Energie de Vie» means vitality in English. This is exactly what our skin needs after the cold winter months. Reduce the appearance of pores and reveal softer, healthy-looking skin with this exfoliating mask. I use it daily as a cure.
CHF 85.00 (75ml)

EGF Serum by Bioeffect
This amazing serum restores your skin’s natural glow and youthful appearance. It contains EGF, a cellular activator natural to human skin, which stimulates the skin’s ability to renew itself. My personal must in the spring season. To be used in the evening. You just need 2-4 drops, great for traveling.
CHF 198.00 (15ml)

Super Acid X-Treme Hangover Mask by Rodial
A triple action rub off clay mask to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and restore a radiant looking complexion. Use it once a week for best results in addition to the daily mask.
CHF 69.00 (75ml)

Pro Spa Skincare Hand & Feet Intensive Callus Smoothing Balm by OPI
Last year, OPI launched the first & only professional salon skincare line that brings the quality & efficiency of facial skincare to premium products developed specifically for hands & feet. And here is one of my personal favorites that I use every night. This softening foot and heel treatment balm helps restore dry, callused soles to relieve severe dryness that you get during the cold winter months. For perfect spring feet!
CHF 35.90 (118ml)

WAKE UP YOUR NOSE – THE  MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENTS FOR SPRING

Elements of Man Strength by Ermenegildo Zegna
Such a yummy fragrance for men that gets spring fever for sure. It fuses the tenacity of tobacco leaves with rich gourmand notes. Drips of golden honey and ripe apricot highlight the intensity of agar wood. Deep smoke penetrates the intricate chainmaille of woven pine needles, encasing a core of burnt musk.
CHF 250.00 (50ml)

Valentino Donna Rosa Verde by Valentino
A new fresh scent that is lovely for the first spring days. A radiant composition that combines green rose, mate tea, bergamot, ginger and magnolia. Contemporary and sophisticated.
CHF 174.00 (125ml) – available in Switzerland from April 2, 2018

Aura by Mugler
The latest fragrance launch by Mugler (not Thierry Mugler anymore) Aura might become another iconic fragrance of the brand. After the first spritz, it has really got me by being different, unexpected. Something I would love to wear on a spring evening. By reinventing the Oriental Green family, Mugler has signed  a new olfactory experience for the brand. The mix of ingredients is unheard of: rhubarb leaf, orange flower (new distillation process), vanilla pod bourbon and Firmenich Wolfwood® (Firmenich exclusive).
CHF 109.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last three days I spent in Milan on a business trip and this is one of the outfits I wore (the photos were taken before at Lake Zurich). I just adore the color combination of burgundy and blue. It looks chic and sophisticated. The baker boy cap adds a fun twist to the look.

My look: Velvet blazer, matching velvet flared pants, ruffled-collar silk-crepe blouse, Falabella mini faux-suede cross-body bag, and Elyse Star platform sneakers, all by Stella McCartney, Evie cotton-canvas cap by Isabel Marant and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This season, it’s time to give your silhouette a sultry and unexpected spin, pulling down the sleeves for a shoulder-baring, décolletage-highlighting effect. What we best know from dresses and tops, comes now also for jackets and coats. Time to give the cold-shoulder in style!
To shop, just click on the highlighted text of the respective item below.

1 Cold-shoulder wool and cashmere coat by Prada
2 Could-shoulder wool and silk blazer by Prada
3 Cold-shoulder cotton top by Mugler
4  Cold-shoulder denim jacket by Alexander McQueen
5 Cold-shoulder cardigan by Prada
6 Cold-shoulder cashmere and silk top by Prada

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via mytheresa

«You can’t let someone else lower your self-esteem, because that’s what it is – self-esteem. You need to first love yourself before you have anybody else love you.»
– Winnie Harlow

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of inspirational women such as Winnie Harlow. I admire the Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and activist who shows us to love ourselves with all our little imperfections.

Role model Winnie Harlow posing naked on her Instagram @winnieharlow

She was diagnosed with vitiligo, the chronic skin condition, characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. Harlow was a victim of bullying by other children and was reportedly called a «cow, zebra, and all manner of other disparaging slurs» throughout her childhood. The verbal harassment led to her changing schools numerous times and dropping out of high school, after which she contemplated committing suicide.

Her life changed when Tyra Banks discovered her for the twenty-first cycle of the U.S. television series America’s Next Top Model. Winnie gained easily prominence as a contestant despite her skin condition and finished sixth place. From then, she has worked as a successful model and was the face for several campaigns.

Get her look she wore on the streets of New York City recently: Custom Crystal fox fur coat by M.A Skinz, feather-trimmed embellished printed crepe blouse and cropped chain-trimmed printed crepe straight-leg pants, both from Prada‘s Resort 2018 collection and D’orsay Marlene heels in petal by Roger Vivier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Vivier (Photo by Gotham/GC Images), via Winnie Harlow and stills courtesy of the brands

The S/S 2018 runway of Marc Jacobs was full of turbans (see above right). When I spotted Adwoa Aboah wearing one of those fabulous pieces together with a Marc Jacobs dress and diamond earrings by Indian jewellers Bhagat, I knew this will be trending more than ever.

CREDIT: STEVEN MEISEL/ VOGUE

Photographed by Steven Meisel and styled by Edward Enninful for his first VOGUE UK cover, the model shows the new era of glamour, as easy as it sounds turbans feel right again.

Most stylish and timeless women sporting turbans:
Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Sophia Loren and Bianca Jagger.

Embracing the sophistication associated with Hollywood glamour of the 1920s and ’30s, when women like Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and Joan Crawford wore them, followed by Lana Turner in the ’40s to Sophia Loren in the ’60s to Bianca Jagger in the ’70s at the London Palladium, turbans breathe the ultimate glamour. They are a fashion piece. But wearing it demands confidence – you have to believe in your look.

Here is a selection of fabulous turbans available at the moment (just click on the highlighted text to be transfered directly to the online shop). Plump for Gucci’s disco-fabulous red leather drapery if you dare, or adopt Missoni’s insta-ready zig-zag outfit enhancer. They will all steal the show:

1 Ribbed wool turban by Fendi
2 Rosette silk turban by Jennifer Behr
3 Spot-print stretch turban by Adriana Degreas
4 Twisted-front leather turban by Gucci
5 Printed silk turban by Valentino
6 Printed silk-twill turban by Valentino
7 Striped fan turban by Norma Kamali
8 Metallic crochet-knit turban by Missoni
9 Printed silk turban by Gucci

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via The Red List, © STEVEN MEISEL/Vogue, Courtesy of the Brands; Vogue.com

Padma Lakshmi’s talents have taken her from actress to cookbook author extraordinaire, top model to host of «Top Chef»… and now, to designer of a M∙A∙C capsule collection! Her eye shadow palettes and individual colours are designed to take you from day to deep night – and last through all the culinary adventures in between.

DESERT DUSK EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

INDIAN MOON Creamy gold with sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
SHELL PEACH Muted peachy pink (Satin)
HOPPER BLUE Sky blue with white sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
NATURAL BROWN Deep creamy brown (Matte)

70’S SUNSET EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SAND & CLAY Mid-tone cool beige (Matte)
CARDAMOM Cool light green with white frost (Veluxe Pearl)
MUMTAZ Coppery purple with gold sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
ALL’S ROSY Mid-tone plum with gold (Matte)

LIPSTICK, CHF 31.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SUNSET ROSE Creamy brown with pearl (Cremesheen)
NUDE FUDGE Mid-tone neutral (Matte)
BLUE BLOOD True red (Matte)
APRICOT GOLD Mid-tone peach nude (Amplified)
MITTAI PINK Hot fuchsia (Matte)
SUMAC Deep plum (Matte)

POWDER BLUSH DUO, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON & SHINE Frosty highlight (Frost) / Warm beige (Matte)
MELON PINK Bright peachy pink with gold sparkle (Satin) / Mid-tone orange (Frost)

POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL (DUAL-ENDED), CHF 29.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

ICED HEATHER/KERALA SUN Silver frost/Pure gold
INDIAN INK/MOSSY GREEN Pure black/Deep green
BORDEAUXLINE/MOLE BROWN Deep plum/Cool brown

BRUSH, (LIMITED EDITION)

168SES Large Angled Contour Brush (CHF 54.00)
275SES Medium Angled Shading Brush (CHF 40.00)
213/219SES Fluff Brush / Pencil (CHF 48.00)

CREMESHEEN GLASS, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE)

NEFERTITI Peachy gold with sparkle

Available from March 8, 2018 online and at selected stores. In Switzerland at MAC Jelmoli Zurich, MAC store Zurich, MAC Globus Lausanne and Geneva, MAC counter Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

A harvest of 5 beautiful limited edition fragrances: JO MALONE English Fields. Evoking the essence of the English landscape and housed in ceramic bottles, master perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui used cereals and grains as the main focus. When I received the press samples, I was absolutely curious to try those new scents and each of them is different, unexpected and new. Really worth the visit to the next JO MALONE counter.

«Jo Malone English Fields is unexpected territory! It’s somewhere in perfumery I have never been before.» – Mathilde Bijaoui of MANE, Master Perfumer

Poppy & Barley Cologne
Rich red poppies dancing in the wind. Violet flowers, alive with colour. Fruity with blackcurrant. Cocooned by barley and bran. Softened with powdery notes of white musk. Lively. Cheerful. Inviting.

Oat & Cornflower Cologne
Wholesome oats gathered from the field, fit for a hearty feast. Warm and delicious. Enlivened by vivid blue cornflowers and a hint of hazelnut. Complemented by an elegant vetiver base. Mouth-watering. Warm. Sensual.

Primrose & Rye Cologne
Rolling fields dotted with primroses. Swaying softly on a spring breeze. Warmed by golden corn. Brightened with mimosa. On an addictive base of rye and vanilla. Filled with sunshine. Vivid. Glowing. Addictive.

Green Wheat & Meadowsweet Cologne
An English field at dawn, full of the joys of spring. Filled with young, green wheat. Crisp and fresh. Balanced with a zesty twist of grapefruit. Mingled with soft, white notes of meadowsweet. Pretty. Fresh. Powdery.

Honey & Crocus Cologne (MY FAVORITE)
Mouth-watering honey, fresh from the beehive. Blended with the bright bloom of crocuses and English lavender. Sweetened with a dash of almond milk. Rich. Comforting. Scrumptious.

Total fragrance crush! In stores now.
Each 30ml Cologne is available for CHF 72.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

It’s Oscar weekend, which means party time in my favorite city in the world. Here you see me at the famous Sheats-Goldstein House, one of the sexiest properties in all Los Angeles. The cave-like concrete-and-glass residence – which is located in Beverly Crest to be precise – was designed by John Lautner and played in many movies, such as in «The Big Lebowski» or «Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle», and served as the setting for a gazillion of fashion editorials.

Photo of James Goldstein and me via his Instagram @jamesfgoldstein

There were two subsequent owners before the mysterious multi-millionaire businessman James F. Goldstein purchased the residence in 1972, in a state of some disrepair. Goldstein commissioned John Lautner to work on the transformation of the house; a series of remodelings that would encompass the entire house over a period of more than two decades. Goldstein himself looks famous and likes to dress in head-to-toe leather always combined with a hat. His favorite brands are Balmain or Saint Laurent.

Goldstein’s personal hat collection in his house.

Goldstein loves to surround himself with celebrities, the house is plastered with memories of those encounters.

Coming back to the Sheats-Goldstein house. It  is probably the most dangerous house I have ever been in. Never get drunk there for sure! There aren’t any rails around the patio or along the outdoor hallway and boy, it’s steep. Everything is glass and even that I knew, I ran against it once, ending up with a huge bump on my forehead.

My look: Cropped suede jacket, patchwork printed silk-georgette dress, Anita fringed suede shoulder bag, suede ankle boots and brown studded belt, all by Saint Laurent. Rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Instead of a runway show this year, creative director Demna Gvasalia headed to the streets to recruit fellow citizens of Zurich (he moved his headquarters to Switzerland  last year – for the previous post click here), to model for VETEMENTS‘ S/S 2018 lookbook. The casting was done by Swiss agency streetcasting.ch. Everyone seemed enthusiastic about the idea, with models including sulky teenagers, an accountant, an heiress and a motorbike enthusiast, to name a few.

Each “model” struck a pose in the designer’s latest creations and was photographed by himself, including various logo-printed pieces such as jeans and plateau ankle boots, and stand-out styles from the label’s latest collaborations with DHL, Tommy Hilfiger and Umbro. Try mixing one of the long dresses with a pair of oversized sneakers and a cap for a lookbook-worthy style. Oh, and don’t forget socks. To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transfered to the respective online shop.

Vetements x DHL, from left to right: DHL printed cotton shirt dress and DHL printed cotton T-shirt.

Vetements x Tommy Hilfiger, from left to right: Oversized hoodie in red and white.

Vetements Zürich, on her from left to right: Hooded contrast-panel emoji-print dress and embroidered cotton-blend sweatshirt.

Vetemens x Reebok, from left to right: Hooded emoji-print crepe de Chine dress, Granny small bag and x Reebok cotton-blend socks.

Vetements x Umbro: long-sleeved cotton-jersey top.

THE VETEMENTS STORY

VETEMENTS is the tongue-in-cheek design collective that shot to world renown and cult status thanks to its reputation as the ultimate «fashion disruptor». Led by creative director Demna Gvasalia, the troupe of talents are putting a new spin on chic. Having honed their friendship as well as their craft at Margiela, they are using VETEMENTS to question the very essence of fashion.

Even that I haven’t understood it yet, meaning I have not even one VETEMENTS piece in my closet, I think, Demna is a genius and I adore his work for Balenciaga incredibly.

TO SHOP VETEMENTS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
VETEMENTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN SWITZERLAND AT TROIS POMMES.

Enjoy some more photos of the S/S 2018 lookbook below. I am just wondering how foreigners will picture Swiss people after having seen this.

LoL (this week for the second time laughing out loud literally), Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of VETEMENTS, © Demna Gvasalia