Sandra‘s Closet

Why do all good things happen at the same time? Last week, I was invited by HUBLOT to join them in Capri for the launch of an amazing nautically-inspired piece in collaboration with ITALIA INDEPENDENT. As I had my girls’ weekend in Belgrade, I couldn’t go unfortunately but I still want to share this with you as I find the watch a true must-have. Paying tribute to Lapo Elkann’s passion and love for the sea by drawing inspiration from the nautical world and from his own experiences and memories within.

Lapo Elkan working on the new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent.

It has been several years since the Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann, and HUBLOT were discussing about a nautical-related watch. And for good reasons. From his earliest childhood, Lapo was cradled by the movement of the waves, thanks to his iconic grandfather who was himself passionate about sailing. Lapo even won the famous race, the Fastnet, with his brother aboard the mythical Stealth.

Lapo Elkann’s legendary grandfather, L’Avvocato (the lawyer), Gianni Agnelli, had indeed an all-consuming passion for sailing. This was to such an extent that he was responsible for creating Azzurra, the first Italian team and challenge to win the America’s Cup. During his enthralling life, he had several yachts built so that he could indulge in his favourite sport.

Saint Tropez 90 – Gianni Agnelli with model Elle Macpherson and Tim Jefferies on his yacht.

In the mid-1990s, he ordered from the naval architect German Frers an exceptional, unique sailing boat whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force’s F-117 fighters which were capable of avoiding radar detection. Like these aircrafts and thanks to the visionary Gianni Agnelli, this superyacht displayed the technical characteristic, a first at the time, of the wide use of Kevlar carbon and other composite material. The yacht was characterised by cutting-edge geometrical shapes, which together with the carbon fiber black sails would have a great influence on Lapo Elkann’s work as a designer.

Lapo Elkann and Ricardo Guadalupe unveiling the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent in Capri last week.

«This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

Paying tribute to this passion, HUBLOT and Lapo Elkann have once again come together to make a watch. And what setting could be more appropriate for its presentation than the blue of the island of Capri? It was here in the Hublot boutique on the main street Vittorio Emanuele, that guests were able to discover the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, the production of which will be limited to 100 pieces.

Based on the legendary Big Bang Unico chronograph, this watch uses the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces are machined in King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by the HUBLOT manufacture. On the dial, the indexes are in orange while its bezel is cut out of teak, a precious wood usually adorning the deck of the finest boats. With a 45-mm diameter and water resistance to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. This masterpiece of technology and watchmaking expertise is visible through the sapphire glass mounted on the back of the watch.

«As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil.
I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it.
I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch.
A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.»
Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia

Each model of the Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two straps. The first, inspired by the world of regattas, is cut out of a real boat sail in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base. The second, which is orange and striped, is made entirely of rubber. The watch is fitted with the revolutionary One Click system which means that both straps are interchangeable at whim.

The 100 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent watches will be delivered in a case containing a pair of Italia Independent sunglasses whose frames uses the same teak wood as the bezel of the watch. Do you fancy setting sail?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot and via L’Avvocato

«Never look back, baby! It distracts from the now.
If Cinderella went back to pick up her shoe,
she wouldn’t have become a princess!»

Sometimes it is still fun to look back at some great memories such as the amazing ASW Summer Weekend in St. Tropez two weeks ago. Here you see me on my way to the dinner in the port of the French Riviera’s picturesque hot spot.

My look: Perforated stretch-knit maxi dress by Balmain, Monogram fringed shoulder bag and metallic and matte leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

MEET THE LATEST COLLECTOR’S CREAM
Adorned with shimmering sea fans and watercolor coral, LA MER introduces this year’s Blue Heart Limited-Edition Crème de la Mer, already a true collector’s cream, to commemorate WORLD OCEANS DAY! Inside the pot is the famous luxuriously rich cream that deeply soothes, moisturizes and heals away dryness. My skin looks naturally vibrant and feels restored to its healthiest center. The iconic Miracle Broth™ – the legendary healing elixir that flows through all of LA MER – infuses the skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. Available for CHF 490 (100ml).

LA MER has teamed up with Sea2See Eyewear to produce this pair of sustainable sunglasses, made entirely from sea-salvaged plastic and handcrafted in Italy.

WHAT IS LA MER OCEAN’S FUND?
The ocean’s beauty is reflected in everything LA MER stands for. The sea is the brand’s constant inspiration. Alongside a devoted community of advocates, explorers and scientists, LA MER advocates for ocean protection through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives, and supporting ocean conservation projects.

AWAKEN A SEA CHANGE
The sea in you is the sea in me – and LA MER seeks to honor and protect the living connection we all have to the Earth’s precious seas for generations to come. Through the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund’s commitment to marine protected areas in the Azores Islands, Grenada and the East China Sea, the brand hopes to positively impact the future of our seas.

In the East China Sea, #LaMerBlueHeart supports the groundbreaking research development of global sustainable fishing strategies to bring harmony back to marine ecosystems.

BEACH CLEAN UP
Each year, LA MER team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches.

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health. Share your connection with the Earth’s ocean with #LaMerBlueHeart and mention @lamer for a chance to be featured.

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised here are the details to my all white look that I wore to the Dîner en Blanc in Paris last Sunday.

My look: Desdemona white lace dress by Temperley London, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white «Duffle 6» bag by Saint Laurent, Eiffel Tower pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, and white camelia sunglasses, all by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you Emily May Nind for taking them!

Yesterday’s news really got me and my outfit post from Le Dîner en Blanc has to wait another day… Around 10am New York time, fashion designer KATE SPADE, 55, was found dead by a housekeeper in her bedroom at her Park Avenue apartment in N.Y.C. Apparently she hang herself with a red scarf from a doorknob. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to The New York Times.

The Spade family

What really gives me chills is the fact that she is survived by her husband of 24 years and her 13-year-old daughter. Being a mum myself, I cannot imagine the pain that has to be inside you to do this to your family. It is said that she left a note behind with messages for them to explain her actions. Her husband Andy was at home while their daughter was in school.

Message on the Kate Spade website 

KATE SPADE‘s story is a successful one at least when you read it. Neé Katherine Noel Brosnahan, founded her namesake brand in 1993 with husband Andy Spade after working in the accessories department at the fashion magazine Mademoiselle. While having dinner at a restaurant, both were identifying a market for quality stylish handbags which led to a fashion revolution in the 1990s by establishing one of the first modern accessories brands that did not rely on European roots.

Detachable tag tote by Kate Spade

Spade’s reasonably priced, box-shaped bags, covered in modest fabrics like microfiber and grosgrain, became quickly became popular, and the company expanded into other product lines, such as clothing and shoes.

Kate Spade amongst her handbags in 1999.

In 1999 she sold a 56% stake in KATE SPADE New York to Neiman Marcus Group; in 2006 she sold the rest of her shares, opting to focus on family over fashion as she had her daughter at quite a late age in 2005. «I needed a break and I really wanted to raise my daughter,» she told PEOPLE magazine in 2016. «People asked me, ‘Don’t you miss it?’ I really didn’t. I mean, I loved what I was doing, but I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I might.»

Pieces from Kate’s new label Frances Valentine 

Two years ago, she began another accessories brand, Frances Valentine, named for her daughter, Frances Beatrix, together with her husband. For this reason, she legally changed her name to Kate Valentine Spade to match her new label. «I thought it was important to distinguish who I am now,» she said. «I’m the same person, but there’s a difference.»

The difference might have killed her. R.I.P. Kate Spade! I am wishing the family a lot of strength to cope with this terrible strategy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kate Spade, © Sandra Bauknecht, Getty and People magazine

Last Sunday, I flew from Belgrade where I had spent an amazing weekend with my girlfriends to Paris to attend the famous Le Dîner en Blanc (Dinner in White) that was originally launched with just a handful of friends by François Pasquier exactly 30 years ago. This gathering always takes place in one of Paris’ most prestigious locations, among them for example the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre museum, and the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. It brings together some 20,000 people, half of whom are from other countries, to dine at the same table.

Me at the meeting point waiting for the location to be revealed.

At the last minute, the secret location is revealed via text message to the participants who have all been patiently waiting to learn where Le Dîner en Blanc will take place. You meet at a certain point in the city and walk to the designated area which looks already spectacular as everybody is dressed up in all white.

Despite the green light for the traffic, people are walking to the designated area.

This Sunday, we gathered on green lawns with fabulous views of the Invalides, the gold-domed building that houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and other prominent French figures. We all brought our chairs, tables with white tablecloths and the greatest decorum for this mass «chic picnic» in a public space.

People setting up their tables and decorations.

Having a great time with my friends, even that I had only slept 2 hours…!

There are no disruptions: no car traffic, no pedestrian traffic—only amazed and astonished looks from passersby observing the scene before them. Even the Parisian police continues to tolerate this «wild» gathering, if not perhaps even wishing they could join in! And participants, like spectators, wonder whether it’s all not a dream… for a few incredible hours, a special magic permeated the site and enveloped all in attendance, making everything seem more beautiful. Surrounded by thousands of twinkling little lights, a dazzling Eiffel Tower, we all enjoyed this exceptional Parisian evening.

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up tomorrow…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Jay-Z once claimed to have made the Yankees baseball cap «more famous than a Yankee can.» Now, with GUCCI‘s collaboration with MLB (Major Baseball League), Alessandro Michele takes his turn at bat and baseball gear is about to get a high fashion makeover.

For Pre-Fall 2018, GUCCI features a variety of MLB Yankees hats ranging in color and style. The collaboration will include several of MLB’s historic clubs extending into apparel and accessories in the F/W 2018 collection.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI x MLB YANKEE BASEBALL CAPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

«Creativity takes courage.» – Henri Matisse

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the emblematic Supracolor® Soft pencil, Caran d’Ache is celebrating its devotion to boundless creativity with an absolute treasure chest. This selection comprises more 422 colour pencils taken from the brand’s different yet complementary ranges, including Luminance 6901®, Museum Aquarelle, Supracolor® Soft, Pablo® and Prismalo® Aquarelle. It is one of the largest collection of artistic pencils in the world.

This prestigious limited edition of 100 numbered cases contains all the expertise and creativity tirelessly developed in the Geneva-based workshops since 1915, presented in an elegant, ebony-coloured wooden box. As the lid is lifted, the eyes are greeted with an explosion of colours and materials, a unique opportunity for artists to express their creativity using a whole host of different techniques.

During my own fashion design studies, I loved to work with Caran d’Ache pencils, especially using the iconic Supracolor® Soft, of which 30 new limited-edition shades are included in this box. Their quality lies in particular in the brightness of the colours and their unique covering power.

The weight of the filled box, that is available for CHF 4200, is approximately 17kg. Would love to have one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Caran d’Ache and © Sandra Bauknecht

One question, I am constantly asked is, how I clean my clothes as I tend to wash things that are not supposed to be washed despite the care instruction label. Two ladies sharing the mutual idea, Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, founded therefore THE LAUNDRESS. Let me tell you a little more about this concept of amazing laundry detergents and more:

The Laundress founders Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd at their Soho store in NYC.

After discovering that 90% of the ‘dry clean only’ items in their wardrobe were actually washable, the duo set out to develop a range of detergents that not only clean clothes, but care for them too. Their toxin-free products tackle tough stains without fading colors and are gentle enough to be used on even the most precious cashmere.

The Laundress products are organized by fabric types.

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS BY THE LAUNDRESS –
Click on the highlighted text to shop the products online:

No. 10 Bundle
No. 10 is a provocative, original scent developed to meet the standards of a luxury fine fragrance, yet designed with clothing care in mind. This rich and sophisticated scent blends sultry spice and fresh powder notes with warm musk to round out its elegant accord. The all-purpose laundering formula is available in three different versions:
– Spritz the powdery light fragrance of ‘No.10 Fabric Fresh’ on car interiors, drapery, carpets and bedding
– ‘No.10 Fabric Conditioner’ reduces dry time, wrinkles and static cling
– The brand’s signature ‘No.10 Laundry Detergent’ is highly concentrated and works for up to 32 washes

Silk and Delicate Care Set
Created to reduce the need for frequent dry cleaning of your lingerie and silk pieces. Made with natural ingredients, the specially formulated wash removes stains and odors while preserving the condition of the fabrics. Use the spray to keep items fresh between wears. Scented in Lady, an herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk.

Wool and Cashmere Care Set
Keeping your clothes in pristine condition: The eco-friendly shampoo combines cedar extract and is sulfate-free to preserve the natural components of your clothing’s yarns. The portable spray removes odors and freshens fabrics, plus it contains moth-repellent.

Denim Care Set
Treat your designer denim to the care it deserves with this specialist set. The allergen-free detergent doesn’t contain fabric-damaging chemicals, so color and softness are preserved. Use the cleanly scented spray to freshen your jeans between washes.

Sport Care Set
This kit ensures that laundry isn’t excuse for skipping a workout. The detergent makes it easy to take care of your active and swimwear by removing odors and stains from a variety of fabrics. The non-toxic spray has antibacterial properties to freshen clothes, gym bags, helmets, sneakers and more. Lightly scented with a blend of leafy greens, eucalyptus and musk.

Whites & Darks Fabric Care Set
This set of sweet-smelling, biodegradable detergents contains ‘Classic Darks Detergent’ and ‘Classic Whites Detergent’, which are both housed in beautiful bottles. The dermatologist-recommended formula contains stain-fighting enzymes, color guard and is concentrated to ensure a little goes a long way.

Travel Pack fabric care set
LOVE THIS!!! I have it always with me when I traveling for longer periods. This compact travel pack comprises a miniature stain-remover, crease-remover and static-solver as well as a clothing freshener scented with essential oils.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Laundress

Greetings from Bagatelle Beach in St. Tropez, which is one of my favorite beach clubs in the world. Such great memories from a sunny weekend with ASW for the Asmallworld Summer Weekend. Wearing Missoni is always a great choice to cater to both, beach life and party.

My look: Ombré crochet-knit cardigan, Elisabetta crochet-knit wide-leg jumpsuit, and Elisabetta crochet-knit bandeau bikini, all by Missoni, Rockstud rubber sandals by Valentino, leather bag with logo by Moschino, Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors, key necklace, pearl necklace, candy necklace and matching candy bracelet, all by Chanel, Diorette daisy necklace and Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, pink, green and orange by Dior Joaillerie, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography