Sandra‘s Closet

Hello from Santorini where I am on holidays with my daughter right now. The Greek island is one of the most photogenic places you can imagine. The view of the contrasting white houses built on the dark lava cliffs surrounded by the blue sky and deep blue sea is absolutely breathtaking. It has been almost 25 years I was here the last time. Today, the city of Oia is buzzing and has become an absolute hot spot. We are staying at the beautiful Mystique Hotel Santorini, where we took these photos before having dinner at the Lure restaurant, located on top of the hotel.

My look: Baroque-print one-shoulder dress, white Rodeo pop-print shoulder bag, and black leather double platform sandals, all by Versace, and single earring by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The Dolce & Gabbana Women‘s sunglasses collection adds effortless elegance, everlasting appeal and authentic glamour to your look. One pair has really caught my eyes: the Diva Sunglasses. I love the elegant leopard detail that evokes the charm and sensuality of the ’50s.
Available for CHF 1389.00.

TO SHOP THE DIVA SUNGLASSES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Created in 1978 by Henri d’Origny, the Arceau watch lends itself to the expression of Hermès skills. Produced in a numbered limited edition of 24, the white gold and diamond Arceau The Three Graces reinterprets the theme of the eponymous silk scarf designed by British artist Alice Shirley in 2020.

Crafted in wood marquetry and miniature painting on aventurine, the elegant giraffe adorning the dial of Arceau The Three Graces was originally inspired by a trip to South Africa, when Alice Shirley had the privilege of spotting three giraffes partially concealed by an acacia tree. The delicacy and poetry of this gigantic creature, with its ample and graceful movements, is highlighted by the skilled touch of Hermès artisans, who have reproduced its natural harmony.

To transpose the animal’s profile, long neck and mottled coat to the scale of a dial, the marquetry specialist begins by transferring and downscaling the design, then rigorously selecting the type, grain and colour of the wood used to reproduce it. In this case that meant a combination of naturally dark, light, stained or bleached wood – American walnut and maple, European sycamore and tulip tree – chosen for their nuances and textures similar to those of the original design. The artisan cuts out the multitude of tiny elements – 195 pieces in all – forming the portrait that is then assembled like a puzzle, before gluing, sanding and applying a protective varnish.

This marquetry decoration comes to life in the heart of a work that also requires meticulous care and a flair for colours. On a scintillating aventurine base, the painter traces the outlines of the motif before placing the piece in the kiln to fix the colours in place. He then forms the various volumes of the background vegetation using successive layers of micro-painting applied with a brush and heat-dried in a kiln. He proceeds in the same way for the flat areas of colours, before finalizing his composition with small precise touches. The challenge of such an endeavour lies in miniaturising a rich palette of nuances, contrasts and subtle details. Several weeks of rigorous discipline, patience and dexterity are required to produce this dial, which is by nature unique.

Representing a combination of artistic crafts and watchmaking, the Arceau The Three Graces watch is powered by the Hermès H1912 mechanical self-winding movement driving hours and minutes hands. The deep hues of the dial, framed by a precious white gold case set with 82 diamonds, are highlighted by a blue sapphire alligator strap made in the Hermès Horloger workshops.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès

The idea behind CARTIER Clash [Un]Limited was to create a collection that was limitless in terms of creativity, innovation and style; which resulted in limited-edition jewellery pieces including the unique and spectacular Baignoire mitten watch – a watch inserted into a gold and diamond mitten that dares to be extravagant and unexpected.

The Clash [Un]Limited mitten watch has a second-skin effect that covers three quarters of the hand, achieved using 3D printing. This unique piece was developed at the innovation unit of the Maison des Métiers d’Art in collaboration with a master glove-maker who provided the initial design.

Lily Collins sporting the Clash [Un]Limited mitten watch.

Remarkably supple, it is made up of a rose gold mesh set with a constellation of diamonds surrounding a Baignoire Allongée watch with a diamond-paved dial hemmed with studs. It constituted a major challenge for CARTIER’s artisans who meticulously assembled thousands of tiny gold particles, welded together thanks to the extreme precision of lasers and small pliers inspired by microsurgery. It also called for a creative dialogue between all the different crafts and skills, starting with the watchmakers who were faced with the challenge of concealing the watch’s winding crown under the dial, followed by the jewellers who set, on an infinitely small scale, nearly 1600 diamonds. The CARTIER mitten watch took two years to develop and almost 227 hours of work to complete and is a single piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Last Tuesday, I enjoyed a night at the museum with Veuve Cliquot for the unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau in Berlin. On display in the entrance hall was the champagne house’s new, exciting collaboration with the Japanese artist who dressed the La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition in her signature patterns, the polka dots. Also on display was Kusama’s artwork «My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night», a vibrant floral sculpture.

Among the guests from art and culture were German A-listers Iris Berben, Lea van Acken, Andreas Mühe, Christian and Karen Boros, William Fan, Franz Dinda, Hardy Krüger jr, Esther Perbandt, Johann König and many more.

German actress Iris Berben exploring the early years of the Kusama exhibition.

The evening started with a private guided tour through the amazing retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (92). From an upper class Japanese family that owned a seed nursery business, Yayoi Kusama grew up in a conservative environment. When she left school, and against her mother’s wishes, Yayoi decided to leave Japan, which she considered too small a country, and her family, where art as a career was not appreciated. Kusama left for the US, first Seattle, before settling in New York.

As a painter, sculptor, author, and performance artist, but also a filmmaker, writer, and a female artist of Asian origin in a predominantly male, Western art world, her audacity knew no bounds, as her controversial «happenings» showed. She soon gained recognition and her tenacity paid off: from the 1960s onwards she was one of the few female artists to make a living from her work.

Since her early years, the artist has experienced obsessions and hallucinations; she uses art as a sort of antidote for healing, a kind of self-medication. The canvases she covers with nets and dots have a dual effect; she demonstrates a mastery of repetition that at the same time reveals its infinite character; its overflow is liberating. Interesting to know is that Kusama was the first person in the 20th century to use this method of harnessing an individual’s potential for artistic expression and creativity for openly psychotherapeutic purposes. Today this has acquired the name «art therapy».

As a young artist, Kusama gained inspiration from plants and flowers, which she saw as a symbol of life, birth and regeneration. In later years, they became part of her figurative languages as positive symbols conveying vital energy and regeneration.

The flower is what led her to paint dots at the start of her career – the famous polka dots, which have become her signature. At her happenings in the late 1960s she covered her own and the participants’ bodies in these dots.

«Polka dots are a life, and the moon, the sun, and the stars are one of hundred of millions of polka dots. This is my grand philosophy. With peace from polka dots, I would like to deeply launch my longing for eternal love. Polka dots shall continue to proliferate and appeal to the people with my message.» – Yayoi Kusama

This message of hope and optimism has made her a much-loved figure who is avidly followed by a wide public. She was one of TIME magazine‘s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and is now a style icon. She has collaborated with countless brands; from couture (remember the fantastic collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2012) to streetwear, Kusama’s name fascinates and inspires.

In honor of Madame Cliquot, Veuve Cliquot has commissioned Yayoi Kusama to create a joyful, original work celebrating the new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012. Two bold destinies, two innovative minds, two avantgardists who influenced their times.

With Petra Nagel, Managing Director Moët Hennessy Deutschland (LVMH)

Celebrating this magic encounter, we were invited outside after the tour to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a wonderful vegetarian/vegan dinner with live performance accompanied by three amazing vintage champagnes; Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 2012, La Grand Dame Rosé 2006 and La Grand Dame 2008 Magnum.

A beautiful evening – thank you Veuve Cliquot for inviting me to Berlin, for these unforgettable memories and a message of hope and optimism.

I fully enjoyed the dinner thanks also to the lovely company of Karen Boros, Lea Van Acken and Hendrikje Kopp.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

Perfect memories of summer – it is the dazzling blues that nature creates, transformed by the summer light, and so hypnotic that they seem unique and impossible to reproduce, that we would most like to bring back with us. Through its expertise in materials technology, Hublot is immortalising this perfect simplicity with the creation of the Big Bang Unico Summer. The 42-mm case is made anodized satin-finished and polished aluminum, a modern, lightweight colored material.

This technical feat creates a uniform blue; turquoise like the deepest lagoons.

Just 200 of these unisex pieces are being released, initially available on the e-commerce site and in the Mediterranean boutiques in Capri, Forte dei Marmi, Mykonos, Ibiza, Bodrum, Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Available for CHF 19.000.

The places we visit remain forever in our minds… and in our hearts. Like a souvenir from our travels, the Big Bang Unico Summer keeps their memory alive.

Reminiscent of the holidays of our dreams, the Big Bang Unico Summer features a unique turquoise blue, which shimmers as its satin and polished finishes catch the light. Anodisation was used to colour the case and its components this very special pastel shade. This process guarantees remarkable longevity and protects the case from scratches and impacts. This lightweight timepiece, with its 42-mm diameter, is designed to suit every wrist. At its heart beats the UNICO manufacture calibre (HUB1280), featuring a 72-hour power reserve, and an oscillating seconds clutch, a chronograph friction system with ball-bearing adjustment, and a column wheel that can be seen through its dial. The hands shimmer in luminescent white and turquoise as they move around the dial to the rhythm of the hours and minutes. The movement is just 6.75 mm thick, allowing for a thinner case measuring just 14.5 mm.

Equipped with the patented interchangeable «One Click» attachment system, the Big Bang Unico Summer comes with two straps in this same radiant colour: one Velcro strap with matching stitching and one natural rubber strap. The sports buckle (for the Velcro strap), and the decorative plate on the deployant clasp (for the rubber strap), are also made from turquoise anodised aluminium with the HUBLOT logo engraved and lacquered in brilliant white.

The places we visit remain forever in our minds… and in our hearts. Like a souvenir from our travels, the Big Bang Unico Summer keeps their memory alive.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

Spreading pure optimism, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama‘s works are full of vibrant energy and colorful positivity. Being one of the most important contemporary artists of our times, the 92-year has worked primarily in sculpture and installation, but is also active in painting, performance, film, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Her work is based in conceptual art and shows some attributes of feminism, minimalism, surrealism, Art Brut, pop art, and abstract expressionism, and is infused with autobiographical, psychological, and sexual content.

Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, Kusama’s art work «My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night» for Veuve Cliquot, a flower that wraps La Grande Dame 2012 Magnum.

From all my heart, 
the life of flowers flew away.
My everlasting affection for the flowers,
flew of beyond the universe
to show its vitality,
to gaze at the extremes of life.
– Yayoi Kusama

This year, she has collaborated with French champagne house Veuve Cliquot again to create the special edition La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama, sending a cheerful message to the whole world. It is with its iconic symbols, that Yayoi Kusama adorns La Grande Dame 2012 case and bottle. The opulent flower symbolizes vital energy, love and celebration of life. The polka dots, Yayoi Kusama’s signature patterns are reworked like champagne bubbles to embody La Grande Dame 2012.

Twist with Madame Clicquot! © YAYOI KUSAMA

Previously in 2006, Yayoi Kusama had already played with her famous polka dots by revivifying the original portrait of Madame Clicquot for a charity auction in Tokyo. So, the dialogue between the artist and the Maison has never stopped and has reached another milestone in its most inspiring and sharing ways.

More than 150 years separate Madame Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama, and yet it is almost as many common points that unite their unique and fascinating destinies. From Yayoi Kusama’s work to Madame Clicquot’s development of the House of Veuve Clicquot, these two daring figures demonstrate strong and flawless commitment. And today, their destinies converge in an unparalleled collaboration.

La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama is available for CHF 250.00 at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, ©Yayoi Kusama
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored but I only show products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

This week, I flew to Berlin for a very special event hosted by Veuve Cliquot: a unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau. The dress code said «colorful chic», so I went for this artsy, sophisticated look with a touch of elegance and a little bit of Veuve Cliquot orange.

My look: Layered embroidered silk-organza and pointelle-knit dress by Fendi, The Pouch large gathered intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, Arkendisc 130 patent-leather platform sandals by Christian Louboutin, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and gold-tone, bead and faux pearl clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

Stay tuned as I will show you much more of this wonderful evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Looking good is all about having the right energy. If you feel good about yourself, it’ll be much easier to project that inner contentment into the world. You can wear the most stunning outfit but without the right attitude, you won’t have the same charisma. The best way to get started is taking some time off as I did at the Clinique La Prairie this spring to rewind for an instant energy boost. After my stay, I was ready to kick some … cannot wait to go back soon.

Speaking about fashion, I am in love with this outfit and hope you will be too. This is one of the most comfortable, yet sexy looking jumpsuits in my closet.

My look: Two-tone tulle-trimmed ponte halterneck jumpsuit by Balmain, embellished silver-tone belt and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, Playboy Lips appliqué canvas book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, and Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Sometimes I receive press releases that literally make me drool over their content. When I read about Audemars Piguet‘s 2021 women novelties, this was about to happen. Those new watch models are amazing, so beautiful and special. Blending tradition with avantgarde, the variegated timepieces offer creative contrasts, from the sleek aesthetics of black ceramics to the shimmering sparkle of Frosted Gold or the vivid hues of multicoloured gemstones. These multifaceted mechanical pieces will be true statements when worn on the wrist.

THROUGH THE LENS OF HARLEY WEIR
Drawing synergies between Haute Couture and Haute Horlogerie, photographer Harley Weir explored for Audemars Piguet how a timepiece or a couture look reflects the wearer’s personality and free-spirited attitude. Eclectic in colour, savoir-faire, materials and style, the Audemars Piguet 2021 novelties find inspiration in diverse worlds to present a kaleidoscopic view of the contemporary woman.

A NEW 34 MM ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING DRESSED IN BLACK CERAMICS
The sleek aesthetics of the new Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramic is enhanced with pink gold accents for a refined two-tone contrast. Timeless and versatile, the black hues will seamlessly complement the unique style of its wearer.

Adit wears the Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramics, accompanied by a short strapless dress in black vegan leather embellished with gold studs.

THE NEW ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH PLAYS WITH COLOUR AND LIGHT
The new Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph’s 18-carat pink gold case and bracelet are elegantly enhanced by a purple dial and a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut amethysts. The new chronograph in 38 mm will be available solely in Audemars Piguet boutiques. For the first time, the Manufacture is offering a solid 18-carat pink gold timepiece with a bezel that has been set with an array of baguette-cut amethysts. These purple gemstones surround and match the tones of the timepiece’s purple dial to perfection. Developed by the Manufacture’s artisans, the timepiece’s dial displays a range of purple hues that dance and change colour in the light.

Katlin wears the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph adorned with amethysts, matched with a long evening gown with an asymmetric bust in fuchsia silk, pleated and split at the front.

A NEW ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD SELFWINDING MODEL IN 34 MM WITH BLUE DIAL
Audemars Piguet is expanding the 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding collection, established in April 2020, with a new reference shimmering with Frosted Gold – a jewellery technique developed in 2016 in collaboration with Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci. The 18-carat white gold piece is further enhanced with a Tapisserie dial in new shades of blue.

Chin Chin wears the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding, dressed up with a long body-hugging gown in sequined ruthenium jersey.

RAINBOW MEETS FROSTED GOLD IN THE LATEST ROYAL OAK DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL OPENWORKED
Last but not least, here comes my favorite: Rainbow meets Frosted Gold. Audemars Piguet will complement its Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked series with three new references in 41 mm and two in 37 mm, all displaying a rainbow bezel composed of multicoloured gemstones and emphasizing the scintillating effect of the Frosted Gold case. The watches will be exclusively available in Audemars Piguet’s Boutiques as of October 2021.

Ola wears the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, with a technicoloured organza and translucent 3D hand-casted dress.

Frosted Gold models in yellow and pink gold also make their debut in the collection. Keeping with the aesthetics of the current 41 mm offering, the new yellow, pink or white Frosted Gold case and bracelet are contrasted by the openworked movement’s slate grey NAC-coated bridges and enhanced by the dial’s black inner bezel. The two-tone design is accentuated as the double balance wheel at 8 o’clock takes on yellow gold-toned, pink gold-toned or rhodium-toned hues to echo the case’s colour. Similarly, the hour-markers and luminescent Royal Oak hands are crafted in yellow, pink or white gold.

THE 37 MM COLLECTION EXPANDS ITS OFFERING
The Manufacture releases two new 37 mm Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked references in 18-carat pink and yellow gold for the smaller wrists to complement the 18-carat white gold piece launched in 2019. Both sport a matching pink or yellow gold-toned openworked movement, sharply contrasted by the blackened openworked barrel at 1 o’clock which discloses the watch’s mainspring. In the same tone as the movement and case, the pink or yellow gold hour-makers and luminescent Royal Oak hands blend in to foreground the artistry of Calibre 3132.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Harley Weir – Inès Dieleman – Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. I am loving it.