Sandra‘s Closet

Prada intensifies its digital strategy with the launch of the totally revamped version of prada.com, the brand’s e-commerce platform and go-to source for editorial content. Currently available in Europe only, the new layout will be rolled out to other markets over the course of 2020.
Reflecting the quintessential identity of Prada, the website seamlessly combines updated browsing features with the brand’s aesthetics for a unique shopping experience and creative immersion into the Prada universe sure to make an impact on visitors.

The project’s keystones – synergy, dynamism, flexibility, responsiveness and omnichannel features – deliver a perfect balance of editorial content and e-commerce wrapped in an elegantly simple design. The site offers an interactive experience featuring surprise mini-videos that play during navigation, personalized content and paths that vary thanks to a modular framework based on users’ needs, topped off by the usability from any device and an enhanced integration of online and offline channels.

The ‘Pradasphere’ section with its refreshed image moves dynamically between past, present and future, taking the visitor on a tour through fashion shows, special projects, campaigns, films, events and locations of the Prada universe via two original browsing modes, with the possibility to apply filters by category and year. Every click is a total revelation.

Making its debut in December 2019 the new section Prada Time Capsule will offer an exclusive product for men and women to be sold in a limited edition only on prada.com for a 24-hour period. Once a month Prada Time Capsule will be updated with a new item that can also be selected among the iconic objects from the brand’s archive.

And last but not least you shouldn’t miss #PradaSeditiousSimplicity, a celebration of the preciousness of the everyday, an expression of the style of life, a piece now.

Take a picture of you and experience the Prada Resort 2020 Collection campaign creating a customized composition to share.

Follow this link to experience your very own #PradaSeditiousSimplicity: https://www.prada.com/de/en/seditious-simplicity.html

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know that I mostly travel with hand luggage and never without my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.

In March 2016, I introduced you for the first time to this amazing anti-ageing helper. For the previous post, click here please.

Today, I would like to show you the newest addition to the brand’s line-up: the advanced version is made from memory foam that offers optimum support while you rest – the signature U-shaped design conforms to the curves of your neck and lumbar muscles. The satin cover minimizes wrinkles caused from sleeping, and prevents night creams or the skin’s natural oils from transferring onto the case.

TO SHOP THE Beauty Bear Age Defy Pillow – Memory Foam Edition, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

I am about to board my flight from Abu Dhabi to London… of course with my beloved pillow!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brand and © Sandra Bauknecht

CHANEL is forever. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan of the French Maison since I was a teenager. When I turned 18, I wished for a CHANEL costume. Thanks to my lovely parents, I got one that I still have in my closet along with other treasures I collected over all these years. There is something about CHANEL that I find absolutely amazing. It is never outdated and it never looks «old season». FARFETCH has now a dedicated page where they offer vintage CHANEL pieces as they are true investments. Just click on the highlighted text in the description to learn more.

My look: Ensemble in beige and black (Look 48 from the S/S 2019 runway consisting of a cropped top with a large flower brooch and the matching mini skirt), side packs in yellow, straw hat, logo earrings, all from the S/S 2019 collection, clogs from the S/S 2010 collection, charm belt and matching charm bracelet, both from the F/W 1994 collection, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Based in Grasse, Haute Perfumery brand Le Couvent des Minimes knows exactly what scent lovers dream of, luxury fragrances at accessible prices. The history of the house begins at the namesake Couvent of the Minimes, a majestic place founded in 1614 in the South of France, where a renowned botanist of French king Louis XIV, Louis Feuillée, once lived and worked. His crossing of the continents in search of singular plants left to the convent the legacy of his remarkable journeys and the wildlife he discovered.

Jean Claude Ellena, exclusive Nose for Hermès during fourteen years, is considered as one of the most influential perfumers of Contemporary Perfumery. Today he takes the olfactory direction of Le Couvent des Minimes. His first project with the brand: the new collection of Les
Eaux de Parfums Singulières that I would like to introduce to you today. The five fragrances are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

Ellena has interpreted five unique and surprising portraits of nature, five majestic animals once encountered by the King’s botanist. Olfactory tales elegant, subtle yet intense signature, based on up to 89% noble and rare natural raw materials, all 100% vegan.

LES EAUX DE PARFUM SINGULIÈRES
15% Concentration – 50ml for CHF 54.90 and 100ml for CHF 94.90 (isn’t this just an amazing price?!)

NUBICA
The Sensuality of the Lioness.
Patchouli & Tonka Vanilla

Woody Amber Sensual
Tonka Vanilla has a feline sensuality. Patchouli resonates like botanical leather, wound and ready to be unleashed.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Patchouli
Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Vanilla

In the same mood: FLOWER BY KENZO – Kenzo, THIS IS HER – Zadig & Voltaire, TOBACCO VANILLE – Tom Ford, BOIS VANILLE – Serge Lutens

LYSANDRA
The Grace of the Butterfly
Tangerine & Jasmin Grandiflorum

Powdery Floral Delicate
Jasmine Grandiflorum takes flight, while slivers of Mandarin and tears of Labdanum dart to and fro in a fleeting dance.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Grandiflorum Jasmine
Base Notes: Vetiver & Labdanum

In the same mood: NARCISO POUDRÉ – Narciso Rodriguez, NUIT DE CELLOPHANE – Serge Lutens, DIORISSIMO – Dior, L’INTERDIT – Givenchy

HATTAÏ
The Enigmatic She-Wolf
Red Berries & Woody Amber

Gourmand Amber Enigmatic
A chiaroscuro impression that reveals the power of the materials: a flash of Amber Woods, a dash of Cacao, the intense sweetness of Red Berries.

Top Note: Red Berries
Heart Note: Cocoa
Base Notes: Cinnamon & Cade Wood

In the same mood: LA VIE EST BELLE – Lancôme, SCANDAL – JP Gaultier, BLACK OPIUM – Yves Saint-Laurent, HYPNOTIC POISON – Dior, JUNGLE – Kenzo

SAÏGA
The Elegance of the Antelope
Rose Centifolia & Blackcurrant Bud

Fruity Floral Elegant
The refined middle notes of Rose Centifolia, intertwined with the fruity, mischievous note of Blackcurrant Bud, remind us that an intense heart beats under this tender cloak.

Top Note: Blackcurrant Bud
Heart Note: Rose Centifolia
Base Note: Cedar Wood

In the same mood: PARIS – Yves Saint-Laurent, INFUSION DE ROSE – Prada, LA NUIT TRESOR – Lancôme, MON GERLAIN ROSE – Guerlain

HELIACA
The Power of the Eagle
Oud Wood & Ginger

Spicy Wood Vibrant
An upward surge of spices bursts forth, a blend of Ginger and Cardamom, revealing the noble power of Oud Wood.

Top Note: Ginger
Heart Note: Cardamom
Base Note: Oud Wood

In the same mood: GENTLEMAN – Givenchy, WANTED BY NIGHT – Azzaro, DIOR HOMME INTENSE – Dior, M7 – Yves Saint-Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Le Convent des Minimes

The Arceau watch, designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, lends its understated yet unique aesthetic to a new expression of time according to Hermès. A playful and paradoxical creation that diverts the moon from its expected role.

Here, the Earth’s satellite itself indicates the time as the numerals whirl in the moonlight, while the minutes hand points to the distant stars of a constellation. Ever since its creation, the round 36 mm case of the Arceau has rested on a rectangular stirrup, tracing a timeless silhouette. Its black bezel adorned with black spinels radiates an intense nocturnal light. Its sunburst glossy black dial is enlivened by a carousel of sloping numerals sweeping over an iridescent moon. Standing out against this radiant darkness are a moon and stars crafted in mother-of-pearl and revealed by luminescent lacquer.

Issued in a limited edition of 300, the Arceau Ronde des heures watch in steel is fastened to the wrist by a strap in black alligator crafted by Hermès artisans. Price: CHF 6450.00.

I find it very beautiful and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

Creative director Clare Waight Keller began her zodiac jewellery line for Givenchy with a piece reflecting her own sign, Leo, before expanding into the eleven remaining signs and these gold-tone brass earrings are the captivating result.

My sign: Aquarius Earrings by Givenchy

They’re sculpted in Italy as matching figures with dangling drops and come with a black grosgrain ribbon, allowing them to be alternatively worn as pendants. Style them as the focal point to a muted evening edit.

TO SHOP THE GIVENCHY ZODIAC EARRINGS, CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Givenchy / SSI

«After rain there’s a rainbow, after a storm there’s calm, after the night, there’s a morning, and after an end, there’s a new beginning.»

When I was with my beloved Mary Katrantzou in Athens for her S/S 2020 show, I was reminded of this beautiful quote. The day of the event, we had a crazy storm followed by a rainbow, and then a beautiful calm afternoon and night. We shot the photos at my hotel, the Four Seasons Athens. that I can absolutely recommend.

For S/S 2017, Mary had looked back to her childhood visit to the ancient palace of Knossos, on Crete. I thought it is the perfect time to finally sport this dress with Minoan goddesses, Cretan murals and the silhouetted paintings on Greek vases and plates.

My look: Chariot print dress by Mary Katrantzou, platform leather pumps by Gucci, Vicky quilted patent leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and crystal aviator sunglasses by Chanel.

My last weeks were quite «stormy», but now I can feel the calm coming… so much to show you. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For F/W 2019, Longchamp is adding a personal touch to the iconic Le Pliage® collection, with the introduction of My Pliage® Signature. The customizable totes will come in three sizes with a choice of fifteen available colors.

The multitude of color combinations is not the only exciting attribute of the collection, they are made of 100% recycled polyester. This eco-friendly fabric is created by reusing plastic products and recycled plastic bottles.

Celebrity fan: Kendall Jenner with her customized My Pliage® Signature as she hikes with her dog in Los Angeles, California. 

Customization also comes into play as customers are invited to select their choice of leather trim,  available in black, brown or white – to accent the color of each bag. The press stud on the flap also comes in a choice of fourteen colors, including white, gold or nickel.

The color-blocked design of the tote is finished with initials, including 2-3 capital letters, printed onto the front of the bag using an eco-friendly water-free transfer printing process. The result is a truly unique version of the signature Le Pliage® style that will become your new favorite bag, wherever your day or travels take you.

My Pliage® Signature totes are available from now in Europe (early 2020 for the US and Asia).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Longchamp

Next week my blog is turning 10! Time flies… I still remember my first post on November 23, 2009 and all of a sudden this is the 4182nd time I have pushed the «publish immediately» button. Since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion and beauty. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate this special occasion with you like we did last year, just a little bigger and better …

Meet me in one week on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me Thursday, November 21, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbly champagne by Perrier-Jouët, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

To celebrate the occasion, LA MER and I would love to spoil you to the fullest.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Genaissance line and a little preview of my LA MER inspired outfit next week…

Discover the most luxurious line of LA MER skincare that is known for harnessing the renewing energies and healing powers of the sea: GENAISSANCE, designed to help improve signs of aging with the brand’s legendary Crystal Miracle Broth™ – a naturally potent bio-fermented formula that reawakens the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections.

One lucky lady can WIN A GENAISSANCE TREATMENT at Jelmoli worth CHF 500.00.

As the Genaissance line was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™, we will have Alex Kruse (@_alexandrakruse_) with us, who will give each guest – if they like – a CRYSTAL READING, to give you some amazing and fun insights into your past, present and future.

Your goodie bag!

On top, each guest will RECEIVE A GOODIE BAG with an original size LA MER Loose Powder Skincolor worth CHF 95.00 that will be engraved with a special birthday message as well as the LA MER 15ml Soft Cream worth CHF 110.00 and a mini bottle of Perrier-Jouët.

With all these goodies, isn’t it crystal clear that you have to join me that night!

As space is limited and to coordinate your personalized gift, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 18th of November. First come, first serve. Please send me an e-mail with the header «10 Years», and your full name to . I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

I am so much looking forward to seeing, meeting and spending the evening with you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
Instagram @_alexandrakruse_ #LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch 

For the Holiday 2019 Collection, Lucia Pica, CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, found inspiration in one of Gabrielle Chanel’s particular — and perhaps unexpected — penchants: her love of ornaments.

After all, while Mademoiselle Chanel famously pioneered a «less is more» approach to elegance, she was equally fascinated by aesthetic opulence: by the deep lacquer of Chinese Coromandel screens, or the shimmering gold leaf that decorated her apartment. Now her paradoxical proclivities are reflected through LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, which showcases festive grandeur for the modern age. Within Lucia Pica’s vision for the collection, a statement smoky eye or a glossy, lustrous lip appears set against a fresh, luminous complexion, and the contemporary contrast between indulgent splendor and refined minimalism is gleefully indulged.

THE LIPS
RICH. LUXURIOUS. MODERN.
«The vivid reds are very rich. I wanted that sense of being bathed in colour.» Lucia Pica

In celebration of the Holiday Collection, the iconic ROUGE ALLURE is revamped through the introduction of six luxurious, luminous shades suspended within graphic, gold-edged limited-edition packaging. For a modern richness, each intensely saturated ROUGE COCO GLOSS can either be worn alone or layered atop lipstick to amplify its impact.

LUCIA’S TIP
A fresh complexion means that you can be bold in your adornment. A deep, glossy lip is made entirely modern when paired with a natural, luminous complexion.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION ROUGE ALLURE – CHF 52.00
Rouge Délicieux: a soft rosebud
Rouge Majestueux: an intense muted raspberry
Rouge Splendide: a pink coral
Rouge Magnifique: a bright orange
Rouge Spectaculaire: a true red
Rouge Noble: a black cherry burgundy

 ROUGE COCO GLOSS – CHF 39.00
Rouge Carmin: a light brick red
Rouge Grenat: a brownish red

THE FACE
LUMINOUS. GLEAMING. RADIANT.
«The highlighter brings light sculpting to the face with a soft shine.» Lucia Pica

A luminous backdrop of angelic skin sets the scene for holiday splendor; an elegant incandescence amplifies the depth of colour to come. A creation exclusive to LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL offers the perfect starting point for glamorous festivities, its blendable texture melting into the skin to seemingly illuminate from within. Embossed with the likeness of a vintage CHANEL button, its lustrous, pearlescent shine can be used to highlight the contours of the face for a gently sculpting, radiant effect.

LUCIA’S TIP
Using a brush to diffuse the powder, create an iridescent halo of light around the eyes either before or after eyeshadow application for a fresh approach to highlighting.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION
ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL
Metal Peach: a satiny peach

THE EYES
INDULGENT. OPULENT. SUMPTUOUS.
«The eye palette is sumptuous and rich, yet earthy and real.» Lucia Pica

A harmonious series of sumptuous shades, each eye product encapsulates the spirit of the season with a lustrous effect fit for festive indulgence. Decadent, silken shadows, with a creamy powder texture, exclusively etched with the form of a CHANEL button, LES 4 OMBRES and OMBRE PREMIÈRE can be blended or layered, diffused or defined. Fairer shades can envelop chocolate browns or gunmetal khakis in a «veil of light»: lightly pressing over the center of the lid with a soft peach, or antique gold, will offer a modern dimension to deeper hues. A rich, deeply pigmented khaki pencil, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF can add elegant definition, or be blended outwards for dramatic effect. Through Lucia’s creations, a world of lavish possibilities awaits.

LUCIA’S TIP
As well as being worn alone, OMBRE PREMIÈRE Grandeur offers the perfect base for other shadows, making their impact even more lush and luxurious, or can be used as a highlighter and swept across small areas around the eyes or cheeks.
EXCLUSIVE CREATION LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00
Lumière et Opulence: a dark gunmetal khaki, soft peach
a bronzy khaki, a chocolate brown
EXCLUSIVE CREATION OMBRE PREMIÈRE – CHF 45.00
Grandeur: a metallic old gold
Poupre Brun: a plum brown
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00
Khaki Intense: a dark gunmetal khaki

THE NAILS
GLOSSY. LACQUERED. PRISTINE.
«I expressed the idea of opulence by creating profound and generous colours. A chestnut red and a black green, as deep as the lacquer of Gabrielle’s Coromandels.» Lucia Pica

With long-lasting, high-shine shades that reflect the Holiday palette, the dramatic pigmentation of LE VERNIS offers the perfect final touch to the look of the season.

LE VERNIS – CHF 32.00
Deepness: a gunmetal green
Richness: a chestnut red

The limited edition Les Ornements de CHANEL collection will be in stores Mid November 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL