Sandra‘s Closet

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Yesterday, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to its New York City home after three years. I was really eager to see it, especially because I was curious to see my beloved Mary Katrantzou‘s creations on the runway of angels. This year was a true glittery catwalk extravaganza that dazzled with over 850,000 crystals from Swarovski as Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski proudly introduced new facets of their iconic 16-year partnership.

Gigi Hadid in one of the Mary Katrantzou’s designs for the show.

It’s the most-watched fashion event of the year with around 800 million tuning in annually. And for a good reason! Atelier Swarovski created this year’s spectacular Dream Angels Fantasy Bra embellished with over 2,100 Swarovski Created Diamonds and Topaz. On another exciting note, fans will be able to purchase a replica version of the Fantasy Bra made with Swarovski crystals. 

Halsey performed on the runway in this blockbuster show…

… as well as Rita Ora and Shawn Mendes.

«In this year’s show we had 90 looks, and more than half of them have Swarovski crystals,» said Monica Mitro, EVP Brand Communications and Events for Victoria’s «It’s a really special show for both of our brands because it represents a true partnership. This year we had the greatest number of Swarovski crystals ever used in a show: these included the fully crystallized Swarovski look, plus over half of the other looks. And for the first time ever, we created the Fantasy Bra with Atelier Swarovski using sustainable, Swarovski lab-created diamonds, as well as producing a replica of the Fantasy Bra made with crystals from Swarovski, which we’ll be selling in our stores and online.»

Wearing the coveted Dream Angels Fantasy Bra is the ultimate honor for the Angels, and this year’s lucky recipient was Elsa Hosk, who described the delicate Atelier Swarovski designed bralette style as «very cool, very simple, modern, and so sparkly. If I had designed it myself, it would have looked just like this.»

Swarovski Created Diamonds are responsibly grown in a state-of-the-art lab according to the highest environmental, safety and labor standards, and yet they have the same optical, chemical and physical attributes as mined diamonds: both are 100% carbon, with the same hardness and brilliance. The Swarovski Genuine Topaz comes from traceable sources in Brazil and Sri Lanka. 

The replica bralette will retail at $250 and its matching panty at $98, with the total set featuring over 1,000 Swarovski crystals. Customers will be able to purchase their replica version on November 29 at select Victoria’s Secret stores and online at victoriassecret.com, before the show airs. 

«Swarovski’s partnership with Victoria’s Secret has brought major sparkle to the runways for over 15 years. We’re especially proud of our 2018 collaboration, because we’ve been able to add sparkle to women’s everyday lives by creating a commercial version of the Dream Angels Fantasy Bra,» said Alexander Wellhoefer, SVP for Swarovski Professional North America. 

The show closed with the sumptuous «Celestial Angel» section of the show, where Angel Romee Strijd’s official Swarovski Look transformed her into a shooting star. Made with over 125,000 crystals from Swarovski, the full outfit consisted of a sheer bodysuit hand-beaded with over 70,000 Swarovski crystals and framed by a seven-pointed star wing that took a team of experts over 250 hours to create.

More than 55,000 Swarovski crystals were placed on the celestial star wing.

«Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski have always been such a brilliant collaboration. Once the looks have Swarovski on them they’re elevated to another level. That’s what we look for in every show we do and in every piece we present. When we conceive the looks it’s always with Swarovski in mind because for us, the crystals bring a sense of luxury to the outfits—without them we just wouldn’t have that opulence. It’s essential to have Swarovski crystals in the collection,» said Sophia Neophitou, the show’s Creative Director.

Enjoy more looks and impressions below…
Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Adriana Lima

Aiden Curtiss

Alexina Graham

Barbara Palvin

Bella Hadid

Candice Swanepoel

Cindy Bruna

Devon Windsor

Duckie Thot

Estelle Chen

Jasmine Tookes

Josephine Skriver

Jourdana Phillips

Kendall Jenner

Lais Riberio

Leomie Anderson

Liu Wen

Martha Hunt

Mayowa Nicholas

Nadine Leopold

Sara Sampaio

Sui He

Toni Garrn

Winnie Harlow

Zuri Tibby

Photos Courtesy of Swarovski/Victoria’s Secret
Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for Swarovski

Fashionistas, attention please! CHANEL’s new Spring 2019 sunglasses will hit the stores this month and some of them will surely fly off the shelves. So better reserve your favorites now.

But what makes them stand out? It is the chain, an iconic signature at CHANEL. As an underlying theme of the season, it punctuates the frames for a multitude of possible styles and ways of being worn. A jewellery chain, ultra-feminine, an implicit fashion statement and a resolutely CHANEL allure… and moreover very practical!

Available in three solar frames (the same goes for the optical versions) – round, square and pantos (a combination of round and oval) – they are adorned with a metal link chain reminiscent of those that the seamstresses slip into the linings of jackets to ensure an impeccable drop. I have always loved this detail at CHANEL.

On certain versions, which will be the bestsellers, they come as a trio of chains: metal links, woven with leather and beaded. They reinterpret the idea of both an item of jewellery and an accessory, focusing on versatility to accentuate their fashionable design. Attached to the temples with a discreet link, they become a necklace when the glasses are not being worn on the face.

Then there are the Cruise 2019 show pieces. Sporting maritime influence, I love to get such a bold pair of sunglasses: as round as boat portholes, they play with pop block colour. Their intensely blue lenses really show the world… in blue.

Karl and Suzy have already been wearing them… and probably you soon, too.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Instagram @suzymenkes

Animal prints have been reigned supreme on the F/W 2018 catwalks, with leopard-print coats having a particularly strong presence.

Do you recognize me on this photo from 2004?
I am not blonde anymore but I still have this leopard coat…

Since many decades, fashion’s love affair with leopard print has been notably present in the glamorous world. This season, I recommend looking for a piece with contrast collars or cuffs to spice up the eye-catching look even more.

Below are my favorites to shop the trend now:

Contrast-collar leopard-print coat by Dolce & Gabbana

Leopard print coat by Simonetta Ravizza

Leopard print coat by Cédric Charlier

Leopard print coat by P.A.R.O.S.H.

Leopard print fur coat by Simonetta Ravizza

Leopard patterned coat by Liska

Oversized glossed leather-trimmed leopard-print shearling coat by Givenchy

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, via Vogue and Courtesy of the Brands

In 2017, SHISEIDO launched the WASO skincare line. Comprised of 7 daily skincare products, the line, which is inspired by Washoku, a traditional Japanese cuisine, is formulated to address the specific needs of young adult’s skin, as well as boosting its resistance to daily stressors.

This fall, Waso introduces two brand NEW masks to visibly and instantly rescue skin by resolving concerns due to our daily environment and lifestyle.

Formulated with two new star ingredients, associated with a unique anti-blemish technology, these masks will immediately improve sudden skin troubles and bring it back to a balanced and healthy looking condition. Constant exposure to the stresses and strains of modern living: late nights, overworking and pollution can take its toll on your skin. Your skin, as well as your mind, deserves a break with these little helpers.

PURIFYING PEEL OFF MASK
A pearl-red mask powered by botanicals. Peels away dirt, pollutants, such as oxidation, carbon and airborn dirt particles, and others causes of breakouts, to uncover smooth, hydrated skin that’s free from impurities. An emergency reset button for stress free skin and a stress-free mind.

FOCUS: RED SHISO FOR DETOX
Renowned for its natural health benefits, the Red Shiso’s roots lay deep in Japan. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this herb has been used throughout history for its detoxification and anti-oxidizing effects. By suppressing the glycation of protein, shiso leaf extract helps to minimize dullness caused by stress and restore radiance. For dewy, healthy-looking skin with a radiant glow.

WHO IS IT FOR?
• All skin types in need of refining
• Skin that needs purifying
• Skin that is dull
• Skin with visible pores

WHAT DOES IT DO?
• Removes old surface cells for smoother, more radiant skin
• Lifts sebum and impurities from pores for a clearer complexion
• Maintains essential moisture

WHAT WILL I SEE?
• A fresh, bright skin with renewed clarity
• Less visible pores

HOW TO USE IT
Use once or twice a week – approximately 3cm x 4 of product (equivalent to a tablespoon)
Smooth evenly on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area, brows, lips and hairline.
Wait for approximately 20 mins or until the mask becomes no longer sticky to the touch and gently remove from forehead to chin.
Purifying Peel Off Mask – CHF 46.80

BEAUTY SLEEPING MASK
An intensive yuzu-infused moisturizing mask. Recharges skin while you sleep for a refreshed, radiant and healthy-looking glow the very next morning – even after little sleep.

FOCUS: GREEN  YUZU FOR MOISTURE
High in vitamins A, C and E, Yuzu (Japanese citrus) is known for its intense beautifying effects. The Aoyuzu (Green Yuzu), harvested only in early summer, possesses a fresh acidity and crisp dewiness. Its extract promotes production of hyaluronic acid to help moisturize skin that is prone to dryness.

WHO IS IT FOR?
• All skin types in need of an intensive moisture boost
• Fatigued skin

WHAT DOES IT DO?
• Restores skin using an intensive moisture wrap
• Recharges skin overnight for a rested and vibrant complexion

WHAT WILL I SEE?
• Radiant and healthy looking skin
• Skin plumped with moisture

HOW TO USE IT
Complete recharge at night. Use as the last step in your skincare routine, just before going to bed. Take an almond-sized drop and smooth evenly over the face, gently blending it in. Do not remove the gel. Allow the mask to work while you sleep.

Flash 10 minutes recharge. Apply the product in thick layer and smooth over the face, focusing on the cheeks and around the eye area. After 10 minutes, massage the remaining gel onto the skin. When applying makeup directly after, use a tissue to absorb any excess oil.
Beauty Sleeping mask – CHF 55.80

Two masks to reset and recharge your beauty – true rescue remedies to keep skin trouble-free, and not only the young one. My daughter and I are fighting over them…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shiseido

Last Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2018 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that always takes place at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital that celebrates its 150 anniversary this year.

My look: Velvet-trimmed embroidered tulle and satin maxi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, Patsy textured-leather tote by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps and floral silk pin, both by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, vintage collier by Dior, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

That night, the nightmare for every fashionista came true, someone was wearing the same gown as me. But to be honest, it’s not the disaster you think it is. We had accessorized it completely differently, I had attached a floral pin. So, we both laughed about it, because that’s pretty much all you can do if you don’t want to grab a pair of scissors to alter the dress.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
A few photos in the collages © Sandra Bauknecht

In the ’80s everything was large and bold, from hairstyles to shoulder pads to earrings. Power dressing and the influence of television soap series such as «Dynasty» played an important role. Jewelry became more than just a fashion accessory; it was about making a statement.

Eighties earrings were large and dramatic and a staple for any ’80s woman. Clip-on earrings were popular as pierced styles were often too heavy to wear and faux gemstones were all the rage.
Here is how to work ’80s «Dynasty» earrings trend for F/W 2018:

Crystal-embellished floral stud earrings by Balenciaga

Crystal drop earrings by Balenciaga

Closer by Wwake coated sterling silver earrings by Closer By Wwake

Smoking silver-tone, resin and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Gold and silver-tone earrings by Isabel Marant

Silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Cluster bead, silk and gold-tone earrings by Bibi Marini

Which ones are your favorites? It is so hard to decide, isn’t it?! Let’s channel our inner Alexis…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Dynasty

After a seemingly endless summer, we can finally jump into the new fashion season. This fall brings with it a batch of fresh ideas. Mix vibrant colors and comfy and chic materials to think ahead of the style tribe! Make it your own recipe – you are the chef…

My look: Fringed wool-blend jacquard cardigan by Etro, lace panelled dress by Valentino, Cahier raffia crossbody bag by Prada, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Jewellery and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the bridge of the La Pausa liner last May, Karl Lagerfeld imagined a collection inspired by cruise ships. The silhouette is happy, thought out for travelling comfortably and with style, just as Gabrielle Chanel did. Onboard the Flying Cloud, the yacht belonging to the Duke of Westminster, the designer liked to wear simple outfits, fine knitwear, pleated skirts and low-heeled shoes fastened with a strap. In block colour or two-tone, Mademoiselle would also wear them ashore, most often with light knits and mid-length skirts.

Gabrielle Coco Chanel

These shoes feature regularly in Karl Lagerfeld’s Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture collections, each time in new previously unseen forms: precious or understated, with a single or double strap, flat or with a heel, according to the designer’s imagination.

For the Resort 2019 collection, Karl Lagerfeld reinvents them as «children’s party shoes» to punctuate the looks of the collection. Imagined in silver goatskin, in white calfskin or embellished with sequins, and perched on a little heel, this new version brings elegance and femininity to a shoe long associated with children’s wear.

With their rounded toe, they follow in the line of the ballerina, the emblematic CHANEL shoe. The designer has also created a casual-chic sportswear version with a rubber sneaker sole.

The Resort 2019 CHANEL collection will be in boutiques from November 2018.
Do you like these shoes? Personally speaking I am not so sure… .

LoL, Sandra

.
Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL
#CHANELCruise

«Ultra Rouge adds new magic both to the experience of lipstick and the expression of red. Because the formula acts as an overprint, like an ink tattooing the lips and like an extremely weightless coloured film, it enabled me to develop new, highly saturated and luminous shades. Like a painter with a new colour palette.» – Peter Philips

Meet DIOR‘s first weightless, ultra-pigmented long-wearing hydrating lipstick with the comfort of a lip ink: Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge. A true revolution in the history of lipstick, it delivers high colour impact and wear for up to 12 hours. The colours seem more saturated with a luminous, semi-matte finish for incredible sensoriality and hydration.

Always at the cutting edge, DIOR challenged its research department to combine the desire for dazzling colour with the need for long-lasting comfort. The fruit of in-depth scientific studies, Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge is the first lipstick composed of a polymer combined with a plant-based oil.

Application Tips
1. Start by lining the lips with Dior Rouge Ink Lip Liner.
2. For perfectly even results, then apply Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge with the Backstage Lip Brush working from the center of the lips outwards.
3. For a bolder colour finish, apply the lipstick directly on the lips. For optimal application, extend the tip of the stick by 2 mm.

Available in 26 ultra-saturated couture shades of which DIOR named four it-shades that make strong statements:

999 Ultra Dior – «You can never be too much of a woman, so enjoy it.» Red par excellence, iconic yet different.
770 Ultra Love – «Believe in yourself, if you don’t, who will?» This loved-up raspberry is easy to wear yet has a strong temperament, setting the tone for rosewoods and beiges that border on coral.

851 Ultra Shock – «It’s better to be shocking than boring.» A high-impact heady burgundy carries intense shades in its wake, from wines and deep browns to greyish taupes and deep purples.
777 Ultra Star – «All of us are stars, aren’t we?» Poppy stars in a palette of bright hues fed on pop culture.

Two cursors of intensity:
Alongside these honorable reds, two collectible shades stand out. These two extreme shades can either be worn alone, making a powerful statement, or as a base or finishing touch to modify another shade:

111 Ultra Night 47, a black that enables you to intensify each shade or practice your lip artistry.
000 Ultra Light 47, a pure white to neutralize your natural lip colour or soften another shade.

To play with colours and intensities, use the white and black shades.

Personal note
I brought my new lip combo to my trip to Korea but it took me a while to get used to the application of the lip liner as it would not work so well on my upper lip. Why? I didn’t get enough colour. You have to be careful of the angle you hold the pen. Once you have got it, it is amazing. In combination with the lipstick, it holds extremely long while hydrating your lips at the same time.

ROUGE DIOR ULTRA ROUGE: CHF 51.50
DIOR ROUGE INK LIP LINER: CHF 39.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht
@diormakeup @diorbeautylovers