Sandra‘s Closet

Taken all-together, the Louis Vuitton Cologne Perfumes form an odyssey of scent inspired by the dramatic landscape, light, and extravagant beauty of America’s Pacific Coast. They reveal impressions of Los Angeles, a phantasmagorical city whose complexities, moods and atmospheres provide constant inspiration for Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, the great composer of fragrance who, with this collection, has built a truly Californian adventure. Characterized by an ethereal, fruity mist and floral depth — each Louis Vuitton Cologne Perfume tells a story about light: from the gentle glow of daytime sun to the sparkling lights of a city at dusk. The newest addition to this collection, Pacific Chill, captures a sense of well-being, vitality and the pleasures that come from the light of a new day warming the skin.

A fragrance with a cool, purifying vibe, inspired by California’s renowned health and wellness culture, Pacific Chill was crafted to rally the senses, uplift the spirit, and to introduce a detox-like effect. It channels the regenerative vigor of the infinite ocean, an energizing force central to both body and spirit in search of a sense of balance and well-being.

«One morning in Los Angeles, while I was chatting with Alex Israel, we both ordered one of those detoxifying smoothies that Californians love. I was inspired by the vitamin-packed juice and said to Alex, ‘I’m going to create a detox Cologne!’ I tried to transcribe, through emotion, the well-being effects of that fruity blend. Blackcurrant has a truly interesting temperament. It’s vibrant, fruity, almost like a raspberry but lighter, and it’s also a concentrate of leaves held aloft by notes of cedrat and lemon. Blackcurrant’s character is fickle, which I amplified with a blend of coriander and ambrette seeds, basil, peppermint and orange essence. Hence the lightning start, like the sensation of foliage brushing against the skin. From the carrot seed I extracted an essence developed in Grasse. That essence of carrot tempers the impact of the blackcurrant’s green tones, which are as frontal as a painting by Gauguin. The carrot has an iridescence, with creamy, velvety accents of apricot, date and fig. It brings a lot of depth; it lends structure. A hint of May Rose offers floral sweetness and seals the alliance.» – Jacques Cavallier Belletrud

California’s West Coast is an unfettered, passionate, wildly creative territory. Its textural, atmospheric fragrances lend themselves perfectly to the Parfums de Cologne form: to combining the spontaneity of Cologne with the sophistication of perfume. As if capturing a moment when the first hours of sunshine chase the exuberance of night into the purity of the morning, Pacific Chill reaches for the horizon. Like a deep breath before a tranquil ocean, it stimulates all five senses and attunes them to the reawakening of life as the city slowly stirs under a crystalline sky.

blackcurrant + carrot seed + aromatic herbs
The newest addition to this collection, Pacific Chill, captures a sense of well-being, vitality and the pleasures that come from the light of a new day warming the skin.

Pacific Chill Parfum de Cologne is accompanied by a Fragrance Trunk and a Travel Case that reprise Israel’s painting on Monogram canvas, – a testament to the Maison’s savoir-faire. Available as of 18th May 2023.

Parfum/Cologne 100ml, CHF 305.-
In-store refill 100ml, CHF 190.-
Parfum/Cologne 200ml, CHF 465.-
In-store refill 200ml, CHF 435.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Jaeger-LeCoultre names Lenny Kravitz as a new Ambassador for the Maison. One of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, the singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, designer and photographer is the archetype of the modern Renaissance man.

Since the very beginning of his career, Lenny Kravitz has been defiantly original, always following his own path, steadfast in his artistic vision. With a strong parallel between his creative philosophy and that of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the relationship with the Maison has come very naturally: «For creators, the most important thing is finding their voice, knowing what they represent and being true to their vision – while always staying open to new ways of thinking,» he says.

A watch enthusiast since childhood, when he became fascinated by his father’s chronographs, Lenny says: «I feel very drawn to Jaeger-LeCoultre. The way they combine such a high level of craftsmanship, design and function in their watches – that really resonates with me.»

One of Lenny’s favourite watches is the Reverso, which he paired with a black silk jumpsuit and layered jewellery when he performed at the 2023 Oscars ceremony. An instantly recognisable design icon, the Reverso is an ideal match for a man whose innate sense of style was recognised last year by the Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) with its ‘Fashion Icon’ award. Fusing 1970s bohemian influences with rockstar classics and fashion-forward statements, Lenny’s nonchalant elegance makes even his most daring outfits look effortless and timeless.

«Beyond the function of a watch, style is very important – how it looks and the way it fits on your wrist. You have to really connect with it,» he adds. «My Jaeger-LeCoultre pieces feel like they have always been there – they blend with me and their style is absolutely timeless. You can really make these watches your own and when you want to change the mood, change the vibe, they always fit. It’s as if they become one with you.»

Along with fellow Jaeger-LeCoultre Ambassador Anya Taylor-Joy, he recently completed the filming of a new campaign for the Maison, to be released in May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jaeger-LeCoultre
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Enjoy every moment… time flies. Here you see me celebrating my daughter’s 21st birthday in Boston at Contessa restaurant this month. We took the photos on beautiful Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay, next to my hotel The Newbury Boston, which often gets compared to Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s Paris boulevards. The street is home to many beautiful residential homes and is divided at center by a wide grassy mall. I enjoyed the warm spring weather in this beautiful Valentino knitwear look that features the iconic 1967 chain motif.

My look: Feather-trimmed jacquard-knit tunic, matching cropped feather-trimmed stretch jacquard-knit pants, Toile Iconographe pump in polymer and patent material, and VSLING mini top handle handbag in black with sparkling embroidery, all by Valentino, bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich, sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, Grand Apparat forever scarf 90 in crème/gold/multicolore, scarf ring 90 Régate, bracelet Click H Hermès Factory in gold and lumière, and bracelet Click H in rose gold and marron glacé, all by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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The Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 collection introduces three new limited-edition colors. A summer palette with a new, glossy finish, like a veil of delicately tinted light on the lips. The melting texture gives a luminous, translucent finish. The objects designed by Pierre Hardy, are adorned with contemporary seaside stripes, evoking an invitation to escape.

THE COLORS
06 – Corail Parasol
Corail Parasol, a fresh, subtle coral infused with light.

10 – Beige Croisette
Beige Croisette, a warm and natural, subtle pink-toned beige.

22 – Brun Yachting
Brun Yachting, a light brown that warms the lips with a healthy glow.

The three objects in the Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 limited-edition collection are refillable with any other shade from the Rouge Hermès permanent collection.
Each lipstick is available for CHF 82.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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I love Hermès scarves. This essential accessory complements any outfit. It can be worn many ways – around your neck, as a top, at the waist or as a headscarf!

This year, for the first time, the French Maison is launching the so-called «forever scarves» (carrés de toujours). They are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in all their simplicity, true to the original drawing of the artist.

Each year from now three designs will follow, in 2023 those ones below are available:

GRAND APPARAT Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Jacques Eudel in 1962
Color: Crème / Gold / Multicolore

This design showcases various pieces of ceremonial harnesses and saddles, which were adornments used for parades and celebrations. The luxuriousness of these embossed leather ceremonial harnesses, trimmed with fringes or braids and adorned with bronze elements, laurel leaves, royal emblems and coats of arms, indicates the nobility of the person being transported as well as the importance of the event. Held together by pyramid studs and braiding, the central picture was inspired by the design of a horse harnessed to a carriage, which was created for the coronation of Louis XVIII.

COACHING Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Julie Abadie in 1976
Color: Rouge / Vert / Blanc

This design is composed of different elements used for harnessing a horse. It depicts Hermès’ original expertise as a harness maker, as well as the elegant equestrian world for which the Maison has become renowned. The background features a blanket lined with a wide wool braid. In the lower right and upper left corners, dress sheets are revealed: blankets which are thrown over horses after exercise or racing to protect them from the cold. In the 17th century, coaches were imposing horse-drawn carriages driven by coachmen that transported passengers and luggage.

ASTROLOGIE Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Françoise Façonnet in 1973
Color: Bleu Cobalt / Vieil Or / Blanc

It was in Mesopotamia that the first calendar was born, around the third millennium BC, followed by the signs of the zodiac. They segmented the sky into twelve sequences which the sun takes one year to pass through. Linked to the lunar cycle and particular planets in the galaxy, they inspired many beliefs and shaped our measurement of time. Here, Gianpaolo Pagni adds stamped motifs to an emblematic scarf designed in 1963 by Francoise Faconnet, inspired by a Renaissance-era astrological table conserved at the Musee de l’Observatoire in Paris. The Italian illustrator’s geometric prints overlap with complex symbols which only the enlightened can decipher.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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If you are scrolling through Instagram, odds are good that you’ve seen at least one «floating breakfast.» In case you’re not familiar with them, here’s what to know: they’re a typical luxury hotel room service breakfast – think avocado toast, eggs, fruits, colorful smoothies, coffee and the like – served in a pool or hot tub instead of in bed. Usually, they’re placed on large platters or baskets that have a floating cushion under them, then accessorized with tropical flowers to make them even more photogenic.

These breakfasts are particularly popular in Asia and the Pacific, especially at warm-weather private villa resorts in places like Phuket, Bali and the Maldives. I enjoyed mine at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort. It was absolutely breathtaking to start my day with a delicious floating breakfast while enjoying the stunning view of our water villa pool.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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This feed was in terrible need of some Vitamin Sea. Who else is excited for those carefree days at the beach?! I love wearing vibrant colors that complement sun-kissed skin the best. A great way to protect your hair from the wind, while looking super stylish, is a silk scarf tied around your head. I sported this styling trick a lot at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort.

My look: Jeannie terry midi dress by Zimmermann, Almost Bare metallic leather sandals by Aquazzura, Colorama flap bag in quilted watercolor (S/S 2014) by CHANEL, cutout acetate butterfly sunglasses in shiny black smoke by Fendi, long beaded tassel earrings in forest green by Oscar de la Renta, shell and beaded bracelet by Isabel Marant, Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue dial by Rolex, and «Le Géographe» vintage silk scarf 90 designed by Sandra Laroche (1992) by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht taken by Munko at Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands
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Fruits have been a source of inspiration for all sort of prints the past seasons. However, this summer, they take it up a notch and are worn in a 3D optic. AREA, the American luxury brand founded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczczyk, dedicated their S/S 2023 runway collection to «tutti frutti» and presented sculptural and crystal-embellished pieces from a 3D banana bustier top to a watermelon strapless mini, to a full look that resembles a slice of fresh lemon. The crystal embellishments are arranged to resemble seeds and glisten in the light for a juicy, liquid-like shine.

Another fun way to sport the trend is to wear a bag in the shape of a fruit. Scroll through the best options available now.

LoL, Sandra

Cropped open-back crystal-embellished wool-blend top, and matching asymmetric crystal-embellished wool-blend mini skirt, both by AREA

Fruit-charm layered necklace by Amir Shama

Watermelon Crescent crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch by Judith Leiber

Tangerine crystal-embellished gold-tone clutch by Judith Leiber

Fruit marbled box clutch by Kurt Geiger London

Fruittini leather strawberry cross-body bag by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht
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A true demonstration of the craftsmanship and expertise of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the two new Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon «Poinçon de Genève» complete the colour palette of this exceptionally transparent family of watches.

This year, the watches, crafted from single blocks of synthetic sapphire, will come in fluorescent green or yellow cases. These transparent creations are true feats of technical and artistic know-how, the first of their kind in the history of watchmaking to bear Geneva Seal. They herald a new era, revealing all the secrets of their skilfully openwork Manufacture movement driven by a flying tourbillon.

There is great potential in using cases cut from a block of coloured synthetic sapphire. This pure and precious mineral is obtained by heating aluminium oxide at temperatures of around 2000° Celsius. Ever since the early 20th century, when this manufacturing process was invented by French chemist Auguste Victor Louis Verneuil (1856-1913), the watch industry has been using it to produce rubies for mechanical movements. By dint of progress in its development during the 1980s, the industry succeeded in producing the first sapphire crystals for sports watches and, a decade later, the first complete cases.

Virtually unalterable like pure gold or platinum, with a hardness only surpassed by diamonds, synthetic sapphire is one of those precious materials over which time has no control. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton immediately grasped its potential, using it to protect the LV90 calibre from external stresses. It provides an impenetrable barrier to all but the eye and ensures that the exceptional openwork movement, regulated by a flying tourbillon, will have a virtually unlimited life span, provided that it receives regular care.

The Manufacture’s engineers have been experts in its application ever since the launch of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon «Poinçon de Genève» watches in clear, blue and pink sapphire. This year, these artists, a bit of alchemists, have found the right formulas and the purest metal oxides in secretly guarded proportions.
They have created two new exceptional pieces with daringly translucent shades, so intense that they give the impression of being fluorescent. The first features an electric yellow sapphire case and the second comes in warm green accents.

To obtain a case middle, a case-back and a bridge bearing the LV logo in a strictly identical colour for each watch, a cylinder, 50 mm in diameter and 150 mm long, had to be extracted from the centre of a block of mass-tinted sapphire from Japan weighing nearly 200 kg. Each component is therefore cut from this sapphire crystal bar using diamond tools to obtain the pieces final dimensions. All the elements are then delicately polished to reveal their transparency and the richness of the two meticulously selected colours.

The entire synthetic sapphire case of each watch requires 420 hours of complex operations on digitally controlled machines working with diamond tools. The 10 mm thick monobloc part alone, comprising the case middle, the bezel and the glass, requires 100 hours of milling and 150 hours of polishing. The case back needs 50 hours of machining and 60 hours of hand and machine finishing to become fully transparent and ready for assembly. Finally, the transparent bridge bearing the LV logo takes 20 hours of cutting and 40 hours of manual finishing to let the light pass through flawlessly.

Constant and meticulous attention is given to every detail throughout the entire manufacturing process. The 12 letters forming LOUIS VUITTON are engraved on the outer side of the concave case middle of the Tambour Moon, which appeared in 2017. Like the indexes on the bezel flange, whose design gives the timepiece a very open face, they are delicately lacquered in white for the green sapphire version, and black for the yellow sapphire model. The two horns, in black PVD-treated titanium, are attached by screws. Finally, to protect the delicate movement from external stresses, this 42.5 mm case with a thickness of 9.9 mm is guaranteed water- resistant up to 30 metres. This is achieved via a transparent gasket positioned between the case middle and the screw-down case back.

Everything on this timepiece has been carefully considered, right down to the appearance of the hands, which are light and hollowed out, floating over the circles from which they seem to spring. Like the previous versions of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, these two spectacularly light and transparent watches are, to date, the only models in the world to have a sapphire case and bear the Geneva Seal. Their sheer complexity means they are produced in very limited series every year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Did you know that FAZ, the label that is best known for its faux fur, has launched an amazing jersey outerwear collection, which bridges the «soft yet sharp» gap between leisure and luxury wear perfectly. Here you see me on my way to the Bvlgari Serpenti event this week in Zurich sporting my new trench coat, that feels like wearing a comfy sweater, but looks totally stylish! I also adore how the grey blends in with all my shades of purple and lilac.

My look: Grey Darling jersey trench coat by FAZ, Celestial printed silk and linen minidress by Zimmermann, Tan-Go embellished leather platform pumps, and small VSLING crystal-embellished crossbody bag, both by Valentino, heart-shaped crystal earrings by Alessandra Rich, and 30 denier tights in light purple by Calzedonia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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