Sandra‘s Closet

Named «The Celestial Snow Globe», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2021, has been created by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections. This unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.

Evoking the idea of a magnificent snow globe, this year’s dazzling tree is an enchanting object of desire, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes, travelling across the surface. State-of-the-art holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior Haute Couture Ateliers, while traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior Ateliers «petites mains». These projections radiate from the base, upwards and beyond the tree, creating magical visuals around the space and up the famous staircase, all set against an atmospherically lit lobby.

«It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas Tree for Claridge’s and thus brought Dior, London and the Christmas spirit together in this iconic place.» – Kim Jones

In another nod to the House’s heritage, the Christmas baubles, that seem to float in orbit around the tree, reflect Dior’s iconic motifs. These include, stars – Monsieur Dior’s celestial good-luck charm – and miniature perfume bottles in the form of Monsieur Dior’s dog, Bobby, who was symbolically reinterpreted and celebrated by Kim Jones for his first Dior show.

This whimsical homage to the House’s founder continues with Kim Jones’s faithful canine companion, Cookie, perched on top of the 6.5 meter tree, delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The star echoes the shape of the talisman that Monsieur Dior treasured in his office – a decisive sign of his destiny that played a key role in his decision to create his couture house in 1946.

So beautiful and different… and by the way, I could totally see Kim Jones becoming the new Artistic Director of CHANEL. Lagerfeld started at Fendi, too. Just saying…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s

A cinema all for myself… this would be a dream coming true, especially after my trip to London this weekend. Unfortunately, I have to be in quarantine as the rules have suddenly changed Saturday night. This means, I cannot be at the Swiss premiere of the new House of Gucci movie. What a pity! Red plush seats and a full-on Gucci look … don’t you think this would have been a match made in heaven?! The movie will officially hit theaters this Thursday, December 2, 2021 in German-speaking Switzerland.

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, sailboat-print cotton-blend poplin dress, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red, Houdan Horsebit leather platform sandals, straw boater hat, GG lion head & beaded ring, snake finger ring with crystals, wide band in metal, and crystal-embellished earrings, all by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken at the Pathé Cinema in Spreitenbach.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Virgil Abloh, the acclaimed artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection and founder and CEO of Off-White, the label he founded in 2012, died of cancer on Sunday, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was only 41.

«We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues,» the post read. «For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.»

A trained architect, Abloh, who also worked in Chicago street fashion, entered the world of international fashion with an internship at Fendi in 2009, alongside American rapper Kanye West. The two then began an artistic collaboration that would launch Abloh’s career into founding Off-White. The first African-American to be artistic director at a French luxury fashion house, Abloh was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. Abloh’s design aesthetic which bridged streetwear and luxury clothing was described as transformative by the The New York Times. According to The Wall Street Journal, he reached a level of global fame unusual for a designer.

His death has shocked the world of fashion and many industry leaders pay tribute to the late designer who leaves a big impact on the way we dress behind.

Rest in Peace, Virgil Abloh!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Instagram / Louis Vuitton

If you’re sorting through which trends are worth investing for winter, then don’t overlook this Instagram-worthy style: cutout sweaters. Preferably oversized, these minimal yet revealing details are a welcome departure from the tight and slinky cutouts of past, making them both stylishly unexpected and actually wearable.

Celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian have been sporting the trend lately, which means cutout knits have staying power in your wardrobe well into the season, even when the weather takes a turn for the cold temperatures. Here are my favorites:

Cutout embellished cashmere and cotton-blend sweater by Area

Oversized cutout ribbed wool sweater by Valentino

Cutout wool and cashmere-blend and satin sweater by JW Anderson

Cutout cashmere-blend turtleneck sweater by Victoria Beckham

Crystal-fringed cutout wool sweater by Christopher Kane

I went for Valentino and Area and cannot wait to show you how I wear them … stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Instagram
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Two years after her first THE BEATLES capsule collection, Stella McCartney reveals a new collaboration with the famous band, timed to Peter Jackson’s documentary, «The Beatles: Get Back», which debuted on Disney+ this Thanksgiving weekend. The three-part film chronicles – with cuts from over 60 hours of never-before-seen footage and unheard recordings – covers the making of the Beatles’ 1970 album «Let It Be», which had the working title of «Get Back».

For the occasion, Stella, who is the daughter of Beatles Paul McCartney, developed a limited collection using a mix of iconic and less-familiar Beatles images and graphics, all produced to the same rigorous, sustainable standards as her main line.

It is featuring graphic prints and off-duty silhouettes, the new genderless Get Back capsule celebrates music, community and positive change. Every piece is unisex and is available exclusively in Stella McCartney stores and on Net-à-Porter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Stella McCartney
DISCLOSURE: All products featured on Sandra’s Closet are independently curated by me. However, when you buy something through the retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

You know how much I love the LA MER Moisturizers. I have a moisture wardrobe for every moment, no matter the season, style or destination.
Infused with cell-renewing Miracle Broth™, the famous moisturizer collection delivers healing moisture and potent renewal. From ultra-rich to refreshingly cool, they adapt to your moisture needs no matter the occasion or destination.

Below you will find the five different textures. I compared them to fabrics to give you an idea how they feel like. It is up to you to find your favorites. Go to the counter and try them. I use them according to my daily needs, the weather conditions and my mood.

So let’s have a look at the 5 different options – that all provide your skin with this extra kick of moisture:

THE MOISTURIZING MATTE LOTION
This ultra lightweight hydrating lotion gives skin a smooth, healthy-looking matte finish, ideal for oilier skin.

If it was a fabric, it would be a fine wool …

THE MOISTURIZING SOFT LOTION
This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, delivering all day healthy moisture. Ideal for combination skin.

If it was a fabric, it would be a soft satin …

THE MOISTURIZING COOL GEL CREAM
This lightweight gel cream leaves the skin feeling cooled and soothed with a fresh, healthy radiance. Ideal for combination / oily skin.

If it was a fabric, it would be a cool silk …

THE MOISTURIZING SOFT CREAM
With Miracle Broth™ infused Moisturizing Spheres, this lighter-weight cream renews skin’s barrier for a naturally vibrant radiance. Ideal for combination / drier skin.

If it was a fabric, it would be an exquisite cashmere …

CRÈME DE LA MER
This luxuriously rich cream helps heal dryness by immersing skin in deep, soothing moisture. Fine lines appear softened over time. Ideal for drier skin.

If it was a fabric, it would be a rich velvet …

Great news is from November 25 – 27, 2021, you can enjoy a «Black Friday» special. You will receive automatically 4 LA MER deluxe samples, a silk scarf and a make-up pocket mirror for every order over CHF 130 at checkout – only while stock lasts.

Here are some ideas how to wear the beautiful silk scarf. My favorite is to wrap it around the handle of a bag.

Happy Black Friday weekend!

TO SHOP THE LA MER MOISTURIZERS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and David Biedert Photography 
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. #LaMer #LoveLaMer

After severe testing of several advent calendars, I have found my favorite one: An immersive advent calendar with the best of Yves Saint Laurent including travel and full size products from top-selling fragrances, high fashion lipsticks, nourishing sumptuous skincare, and much more.

It is the perfect gift for yourself or a fellow luxury beauty lover who has everything else. Unwrap a new surprise all month long for the ultimate couture experience. The advent calendar is plastic-free, made of 100% cardboard sourced from sustainably managed forests.

TO SHOP THE CALENDAR, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Spoiler alert, if you scroll further, you will see the content of the calendar with a detailed description.

This set includes 17 miniature products, 6 full-sized goods and an additional YSL gift:
• Touche Éclat Blur Primer 10ml
• Black Opium Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Mon Paris Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Libre Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Le Vestiaire Des Parfums Tuxedo & Saharienne 7.5ml
• Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte 101, 107, & 112
• Rouge Pur Couture 93
• Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm 91
• Rouge Volupté Rock’n Shine 5
• Water Stain 618
• Deluxe Mini Rouge Pur Couture 21, 83, and 1966
• Deluxe Mini Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream 201
• Pure Shots Hydra Bounce Lotion 10ml
• Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum 7ml
• Pure Shots Light Up Brightening Serum 7ml
• Deluxe Mini Curler Mascara
• Deluxe Mini Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
• Mini Dessin du Regard Eyeliner Pencil 01
• Kabuki Brush

Enjoy this holiday season to the fullest!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken inside the new Globus.
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

12 years – as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 144 months, which is around 4380 days, and this is my 4924th post which means I wrote at least one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most beautiful ride in my life.

To celebrate this beautiful occasion, I have an amazing contest for you. You can win two tickets for the Swiss premiere of the new movie HOUSE OF GUCCI on November 30th, 2021 which will take place at the Pathé Cinema in Spreitenbach (doors open at 6.30pm, movie starts at 8pm). Opened in 2019, it is the most modern cinema of all experiences with 10 rooms that are all equipped with comfortable seats (or beds) and the best image. The movie will officially hit the theaters in German-speaking Switzerland on December 2, 2021.

HOUSE OF GUCCI is the newest production from producer and director Ridley Scott with the most star-studded casts. Among the many recognizable faces are Lady Gaga, Jared Leto, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Salma Hayek. Based on the book by journalist Sara Gay Forden, that I read many years ago, it tells the true story of the feuding Italian dynasty that culminated when Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), the glamorous socialite, was charged with arranging the murder of her husband Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) in 1997. The movie is the perfect mixture of true crime and fashion. It shows some incredible Eighties fashion, styled by costume designer Janty Yates who was able to browse through the Gucci’s archives.

Here is your chance to win! Enjoy this new blockbuster movie in a plush cinema seat with popcorn and champagne. To win the two tickets for the Swiss premiere, visit my Instagram page and comment on this picture. I will announce the winner on Friday this week.

Good luck and thank you for reading Sandra’s Closet! I will also be at the premiere and cannot wait to see you and indulge in this blockbuster movie together!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Universal Pictures, @patheschweiz
#HouseofGucci #HouseofGucciFilm #HouseofGucciMovie #sandrascloset

I think all I want for Christmas is CHANEL when I saw the Maison’s latest watches & fine jewelry creations.

Actress and House ambassador Alma Jodorowsky, actor Djebril Zonga, Giedre Dukauskaite, Amar Akway, Mika Schneider and musician Sébastien Telllier wear an exceptional select of Coco Crush, Camélia, Sous le Signe du Lion, J12, Première and Boy-Friend pieces, where beige gold, yellow hold or white gold and diamonds meet.

Give wonder, give CHANEL. Gentlemen, no more excuses. The choice is yours now. You cannot go wrong, promised!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#GiveWonderGiveCHANEL #CHANELFineJewelry #CHANELWatches
#COCOCRUSH #CameliaCollection #J12 #CHANELBoyfriend #CHANELPremiere #CHANELJoaillerie #CHANELHorlogerie

Let me introduce you to NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment, a highly pigmented, full coverage liquid lipstick with a matte finish without drying them out. Now available in three new shades:

«Lips are all about fun. Virtually every color can work on everyone. Paired with a soft eye, even the darkest o brightest shade of lip color can create a striking makeup look on its own.» – François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics

Potency and precision—the ultimate power couple. A powerful concentrate of the most powerful matte yet. Fluid Pigment Complex, liquefied pigment with a zero-gravity feel, introduces infinite matte color saturation with ultra-flexible long-lasting wear. Sensorial, lightweight texture that applies like an ink on lips. It dries down to lock in formula for a smudge-resistant, carefree wear. Available for € 26.00.

LoL, SandraPhotos: © NARS