Sandra‘s Closet

After my crazy traveling, I came back to Zurich to attend a special event at «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen as Hublot and Andreas Caminada’s castle of Schauenstein celebrate 20 years with the special edition Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein. For this occasion, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and friends of the brand, such as retired cross-country skier Dario Cologna, who won four overall World Cup victories, and four Olympic gold medals, Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer Corinne Suter, and profi golfer Joel Girrbach came to Zurich.

With Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe

The Art of Gastronomy 

Blending meticulous expertise and a passion for fine artistry with time, gourmet cuisine and Haute Horlogerie share essential elements. Precise timing is vital for chefs, from ordering to plating up on the pass and through to service. This shared mentality has intertwined Hublot with the world of gastronomy. Hublot admires haute cuisine and those who convey their savoir-faire onto their dishes, skillfully fusing ingredients to create uniqueness while staying authentic. This connection has fostered remarkable partnerships and, notably, the iconic Big Bang Unico Gourmet watch. 

Final touch by 3 Michelin stars chef Andreas Caminada.

This expansive universe continues to evolve, illuminating new opportunities to explore the bond between Hublot and a chef, starting in 2017 with the one and only Andreas Caminada. 

Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein

A Tale of Fusion 

The story of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein goes all the way back to 2004 when Hublot redefined luxury watchmaking with the concept of «The Art of Fusion,» blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials. Around the same time, Andreas Caminada took his culinary odyssey to new heights, taking over the historic Schauenstein castle, earning him prestigious Michelin stars for his innovative cuisine. 

With Andreas Caminada

Over the past two decades, both Hublot and Andreas Caminada have personified the art of individuality in  their respective fields. Hublot’s groundbreaking creations, including the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines, mirrored Caminada’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection and culinary artistry at the castle. This shared dedication naturally led to an inevitable partnership in 2017, when the 3 Michelin Stars chef joined the Hublot Family as a brand ambassador. Since then, Caminada has garnered numerous acclaims, including the Sustainable Restaurant Award, and continues to amaze with each passing year. Collaborating in events such as the Art of Fusion Night in 2019 alongside Hublot, this culinary maestro consistently reinvents the fine dining experience, remaining true to Art of Fusion ethos. This relationship culminates in a collaborative celebratory watch, the perfect tribute to such a talent. 

The Schauenstein Castle is located in the village of Fürstenau, known as the smallest city in the world, in Switzerland’s Grisons canton. This captivating setting exudes a timeless allure and embodies the cherished ‘Swissness Attitude’ valued by Hublot. Within the acclaimed triple Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Caminada immerses guests in an exploration of culinary awakening, echoing Hublot’s philosophy of perpetual exploration in crafting extraordinary pieces. 

Gorgeous location for the launch event: The view from «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen.

In honor of the 20-year jubilee of the Schauenstein castle and of Caminada’s culinary prowess, Hublot unveils its new Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, underscoring its commitment to distinction and support for the best in their fields. 

Sporting the new beauty on my wrist. I love the size of the 42mm case.

As the watch’s name suggests, the concept revolves around the color black, highly prominent throughout the various features of the timepiece, a design philosophy inspired by Andreas Caminada’s looks and reflecting Hublot’s desire to explore ‘invisible visibility’ in high fashion style. The watch features a 42mm microblasted black ceramic case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, with black plated H-shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws and a satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber crown. The bezel, made of satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber inserts, complemented by the satined and microblasted black plated titanium pushers, add depth and texture to the design. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility. Additionally, the microblasted black ceramic case back is engraved with a depiction of Schauenstein’s castle in shimmering silver tones. 

Elevating the watch, the matte black dial serves as a canvas for the applied silver-toned logo of Andreas Caminada on the small seconds counter, reflecting the spirit of culinary fineness. The black plated satin-finished titanium hands provide striking contrast against the dial, emphasizing legibility and style. 

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein beats the in-house Hublot HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. Introduced in 2010 as the first movement designed by the manufacture, the Unico calibre saw refinement in 2018 with the launch of the 1280 reference, a slimmer iteration tailored to a broader range of wrists, used in this new release in collaboration with chef Caminada. 

With super sweet Corinne Suter

The watch proudly exhibits its inner workings with a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse of the column wheel automatic winding mechanism that orchestrates its chronograph functions, and a date at 3 o’clock. Boasting a 72-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy, it incorporates five patents for facilitated assembly, modernized architecture, and increased performance. The Unico 2 calibre offers a sleek 42-mm case and notable technical developments, including gentler winding, faultless chronograph display, and exceptional shock resistance, further emphasizing the best for the best with this limited edition. 

The Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein comes in a presentation case complete with a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle clasp on the black lined rubber strap. Each watch is accompanied by a signed booklet by Andreas Caminada, a custom-engraved knife, and a knife block, reflecting Caminada’s passion for precision and authenticity in watchmaking and gastronomy. 

Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The price is set at CHF 25,900 or EUR 29,600.

LoL, Sandra

With Dario Cologna

With Lucy Tallo, owner of PRticular

Profi golfer Joel Girrbach

Photos: ©Hublot Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart , © Sandra Bauknecht
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Inspired by «The True Cost» documentary that shows the disgusting business practices of multi-billion dollar fast fashion brands that pinch factory’s so tight that they can keep up with the pressure to make money, I wore this tongue-in-cheek look to the Moschino show this spring. The pieces are from previous collections by Jeremy Scott, who is a genius when it comes to fashion with humor. The dollar signs on my dress and jacket, the fake fur stole and the cigarette box bag with the slogan «Fashion kills» are in my opinion a great match together.

I have always promoted to invest in pieces of good quality and to keep them for many years to come instead of buying fast fashion for one season.

My look: Double-breasted embellished crepe blazer, embellished crepe mini dress, fake fur stole, black head piece with oversized bow, and cigarette-inspired leather bag, all by Moschino, pearl necklace by CHANEL, and Medusa Aevitas embellished satin platform pumps by Versace.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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You know the expression a match made in heaven. As a fashion collector, who has curated high-end fashion items for over 30 years, I like to observe the secondary market and follow auctions very closely. When I was approached by Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house, for a collaborative venture at the new Sotheby’s Salon at Bucherer on Bahnhofstrasse 50 in Zurich, I was immediately drawn to this idea.

Within the Zurich flagship store of Bucherer, located on the third floor, the salon is the first ever permanent ultra luxury retail destination by an auction house worldwide. Offering an amazing selection of high-end items, including luxury fashion, jewelry, art, fine spirits and collectibles, the salon provides a bespoke and exclusive environment for clients to browse and acquire rare and valuable pieces. This venue enhances the traditional auction experience by offering a more personalized and intimate setting, appealing to discerning collectors and enthusiasts who seek exceptional items with a high level of service and expertise.

In love with this white diamond solitaire ring, 12.16 carat, D colour, VS1, with GIA certificate, price upon request.

Lots of treasures in the by now section.

The new «buy now» concept is also allowing collectors to buy at fixed price from a permanent curated selection of watches, jewelry, leather goods, fine wines, fine art and more. Overseeing the Salon will be representatives from Sotheby’s, each well-versed in their specialisms and in the products on sale – the selection of which will be influenced by the demands of the highly knowledgeable clientele and collectors to be found in this region. On top, from time to time, pieces that will go into an auction will be on display.

Fine wines and spirits are also part of the offering, as Jessica Graf, Deputy Director Sotheby’s Sales Manager Switzerland, explained to me.

So what prompted this remarkable joint venture? Both venerable businesses, Sotheby’s and Bucherer can indeed also be seen as a match made in heaven, particularly in the world of luxury and high-end collectibles as their partnership combines Sotheby’s expertise in auctioning and marketing rare and valuable items with Bucherer’s deep knowledge and prestigious reputation in the watch and jewelry market. However, the Salon is solely managed by the Sotheby’s team.

Three objects of desire on display for the auction: Shadow, Himalaya, and Faubourg Birkin.

Once you exit the elevator and enter the Salon, you might think you have landed in heaven. Nowhere else you can find such an outstanding collection of limited edition and hard-to-get handbags from Hermès or CHANEL that you can actually buy on the spot. The Sotheby’s sales team makes sure that all pieces are new or in immaculate condition. Furthermore, they have also a dedicated department that will help you source any piece you like to have.

How gorgeous are these yellow diamond pear shape earrings please?! 25.31 carat fancy deep yellow, VS1, 25.33 carat fancy brownish Yellow, VVS1, 4.8 carat white diamonds, H-I, with GIA certificates, price upon request.

Client relationship plays a huge part in this new retail concept. Therefore the Sotheby’s Salon also hosts exclusive events ranging from sealed auctions, fashion events to wine and spirit tastings in the Caveau, which features library vintages and bottles, usually reserved for long-term clients. Of course, events aside, it is the curation of products on sale that will be the main attraction – and it promises to be nothing if not varied.

If you are invested in selling a piece yourself, you can meet with a Sotheby’s specialist to receive valuations of your items and consign directly for sale at auction, retail, or private sale. Sotheby’s will take a 20% commission on the sale which I find absolutely fair.

Big smile as investing in fashion was a good thing to do …

Connoisseur or collector, you will love this new retail concept where dreams will come true and you will find your match made in heaven.

LoL, Sandra

Landed in shopping heaven …

… spoilt for choice!

On display and in Sandra’s Closet: the Hermès Constance Marble bag.

Watches are also part of the selection …

… as well as art.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Among the world’s most desirable seaside destinations, Saint-Tropez conjures cinematic village scenes and internationally renowned hospitality. For the second consecutive year, Louis Vuitton proposes a new iteration of the restaurant, Arnaud Donckele & Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, at the White 1921 Hotel, located near its historical store. Opening on May 25th and conceived as an elegant oasis under the culinary vision of star chef Arnaud Donckele and chef pâtissier Maxime Frédéric, this multi-sensory concept puts forth inspiration and discovery, from the neo-gastronomy menu to the chic and breezy ambiance where guests can experience the summer art de vivre of Louis Vuitton.

First collaborating at the Cheval Blanc in Paris, Arnaud and Maxime reunite here, renewing a combined vision that plays out like a gustative journey amidst a legendary backdrop. Situated on the famed Place des Lices, the restaurant showcases a new menu along with a colourful twist to the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram – from the table service to the décor. Both hailing from Normandy, the chefs have created a four-hand menu that reflects a shared passion for reimagining the Maison’s long-standing savoir-faire as a dining experience that begins even before the composition of each dish. Whether a rustic yet finessed tomato tart; wild prawn with a verveine-scented sorbet; roasted chicken with oregano served with herb-infused garden vegetables and a potato mousseline, Arnaud Donckele transforms premium, locally sourced ingredients into a sensorial voyage through the Provencal and Mediterranean region.

Maxime Frédéric, meanwhile, creatively interprets classic French desserts such as a raspberry pavlova and vacherin ice cream cake that can be enjoyed from day through evening. Embracing a philosophy towards food that extends from the freshest ingredients to meticulous execution, their approach brings a lively touch to every dish and is in perfect harmony with the artisanal values inherent to Louis Vuitton.

Naturally, Saint-Tropez provides a chic yet relaxed atmosphere for the restaurant, where rattan furniture is trimmed with natural elements of macramé, and upholstery throughout features the painterly Monogram motifs in an elegant orange colour scheme from the LV By the Pool Resort collection. Indeed, the colours also hark back to the Côte d’Azur of the 70s and 80s, a return to the Golden Age of the French Riviera. Back then, orange, yellow and ochre were very much in evidence on house facades, beaches, clothing and interior design. The terrace is surrounded by greenery enlivened with signature Louis Vuitton flower accents.

With the return of the restaurant comes a new Louis Vuitton Art de la Table collection suited to the relaxed chic of Saint-Tropez. The collection will be available from May 31st. Crafted in fine, extra-white Limoges porcelain, this seasonal range of dinnerware evokes a tropical paradise awash with flowers, coral and starfish. From the principal plates to the multi-use bowls, teacups and saucers, the motif enhances the summer table setting with an enchanting flourish. To accompany the Art de la Table collection, tablemats are also proposed and sold in limited edition in Louis Vuitton stores.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these raffia tablemats are handwoven. Their classic round shape is accentuated by an orange border, echoed by a delicately embroidered Monogram Flower in the center – a perfect match with the LV Resort orange tableware collection.

The Saint-Tropez Women store is also where visitors can discover the latest Resort Collection, LV By the Pool. Near the restaurant, the offer reveals in vibrant designs enhanced with natural materials such as hand-crocheted raffia and vivid tones of coral and turquoise, across ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, textiles, accessories and more. A tiled watercolour effect defines several bag styles while key silhouettes exude a laid-back allure. To carry through the holiday and beyond, the Saint-Tropez ONTHEGO MM Raffia comes in a limited edition for Saint-Tropez. Meticulously hand-crocheted by expert artisans over three days, the bag endures as a cherished souvenir item for years to come. Tucked behind the store, a serene garden environment welcomes clients who wish to enjoy a hot or cool refreshment. Amidst lush vegetation, the seating features the tiled Monogram of the LV By the Pool collection.

Throughout the season, visitors can explore Saint-Tropez thanks to not only the Louis Vuitton Summer Resorts City Guide set, but also a customised Mini Moke vehicle. Available on request, it can shuttle guests between the Cheval Blanc Hotel, the store and other dedicated spots to seize on all the unforgettable summer moments.

Arnaud Donckele & Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton
Hotel White 1921
Place des Lices – 83990 Saint-Tropez – France

Opening Hours:
From May 25th to June 1st –12:30pm – 10:30pm (lunch & dinner upon reservation on www.louisvuitton.com)
From June 1st to October 8th – 3:00pm – 10:30pm (dinner upon reservation on www.louisvuitton.com)

Louis Vuitton Women Store
Louis Vuitton Saint-Tropez
48, rue François Sibilli – 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday, 10:00am – 8:00pm

Louis Vuitton Men store
Louis Vuitton Saint-Tropez
53, rue François Sibilli – 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday, 10:00am – 8:00pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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After the Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten has decided to step down as creative director of the brand that bears his name at the end of June, leaving behind an admired and successful business, a body of work that remains inspiring and distinct, his designs have been on even higher demand.  I love this stylish, yet comfortable look from the S/S 2024 collection that I am wearing in this post on the Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.

Tomorrow, I will be on my way to the US again… any idea where I will be heading to?

My look: Checked crepe T-shirt, and jacquard-knit straight-leg pants, both by Dries Van Noten, Petite Malle H27 bag, all by Louis Vuitton, Kurillos chain-embellished leather pumps by Manolo Blahnik, and oval-frame gold-tone and acetate sunglasses by Celine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht
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I have always been obsessed with the designs of Victoire de Castellane. This summer, she offers a fresh take on the Milly Carnivora collection with new fine jewelry designs that pay homage to Milly-la-Forêt, Mr. Dior’s beloved garden.

Embellished with colorful lacquer and imbued with the atelier’s savoir-faire, the whimsical flowers celebrate Mr. Dior’s passion for nature and the creative director’s artistry. She has dreamed up bewitching flowers and gave life to fantastic blooms, lacquered in colorful hues, sprinkled with diamonds or precious stones.

A signature tonique by Dior Fine Jewelry’s Creative Director, lacquer is meticulously applied by hand and accented by gold and diamonds to complete the color palette of this extraordinary herbarium. It is just one more way this reimagined line embodies Dior savior-faire.

Necklace CHF 31.000, Earrings CHF 18.500, Ring CHF 19.500
I am in love…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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On our last evening at the beautiful One&Only Kéa Island Resort, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel’s Atria restaurant hosted by Net-à-Porter and YSSO, the London-based, Greek jewlery brand that I told you more about in the previous post.

The table setting with olives and green hues was once more breathtaking and the rising full moon made the scenery completely poetic. The dress code said «Greek Chic». Alexia Karides, who co-founded YSSO with her mother, explained us a little bit about her inspiration and limited-edition collaboration with the brand.

We received the iconic Flower Bud earrings as a gift. A blooming flower, captured in sweeping gold arches, the earrings depict the light and energy stored within a flower bud before opening.

An amazing trip – a huge thank you to Iona and her team –  for all these magic moments and memories to take home.

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Sandra Semburg
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While being with Net-à-Porter at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, I discovered an interesting Greek London-based jewelry brand, called YSSO, which is celebrating craft, design and heritage.

Founded in 2020 by the mother-daughter duo, Alexia and Stalo Karides, who share the vision of modern jewlery with ancient beginnings. Combining their unique experiences — Stalo is an archaeologist and art historian with over 30 years experience in jewellery making and Alexia is an ex-corporate lawyer turned brand creative director — the two creatives tap into their Greek heritage to design organic and sculptural pieces, each handcrafted and completely unique.

«I AM PROUD TO WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ARTISANS IN ATHENS, GREECE WHO USE AGE-OLD JEWELLERY MAKING TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES TO BRING OUR DESIGNS TO LIFE.» – ALEXIA KARIDES

MODERN GREEK DESIGN
YSSO is a celebration of balance and harmony; ancient and modern. Their work is defined by the rich history and natural beauty of Greece. Drawing inspiration from the home country’s diverse landscape — they are incorporating elements from the sea, mountains, and flora — and partner exclusively with Athenian workshops in order to highlight traditional Greek jewlery making and goldsmithing techniques.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRACTICES
Craftsmanship is at the very heart of the brand. They work exclusively with a workshop in Athens dedicated to preserving Greece’s goldsmithing and traditional jewlery making techniques. By taking a more considered approach, they aim to reduce the significant risks and challenges posed by mass production to the survival of artisanal skills and to the planet. YSSO jewellery carries on the stories of craftsmen and the knowledge passed down for generations. Each piece is as unique as the hands that made it. They also prioritize the use of recycled and locally-sourced materials in addition to employing environmentally conscious production techniques.

With Alexia Karides inside the shop at the One&Only Kéa Island

One&Only Kéa Island partnered with YSSO on an exclusive jewlery collection, paying tribute to Kéa’s rich heritage and landscape. Taking design inspiration from the island’s reverence for acorns, a symbol of fertility, renewal, and new beginnings; with elements of rope motifs, a nod to nautical lifestyle, and «tetras» coins representing the four ancient city-states of Ioulida, Korissos, Karthaia and Piiess.

A limited-edition collection handcrafted at YSSO’s Athens workshops and sold at the hotel’s boutique.

YSSO NOTTING HILL
If you are in London, you can discover YSSO at a 3-week summer pop-up on Ledbury Road.
79-81 LEDBURY ROAD, W11 2AG
4 JUNE – 24 JUNE, 2024

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © YSSO
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As part of its partnership with UNICEF*, Louis Vuitton presents its new 2024 Silver Lockit collection, created in collaboration with House Ambassador, Millie Bobby Brown, who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She models the designs from this year’s collection, which once again illustrates Louis Vuitton’s tireless commitment to this global humanitarian organisation in its efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable children.

As with earlier editions, this collection features the emblematic miniature Lockit engraved with the word ‘LEARN’. This term is particularly meaningful to Millie as it shines a light on her actions to raise awareness of children’s rights and well-being, always advocating for a better world where children can grow, learn, be protected and thrive. For the first time, a full collection is proposed, consisting of an individual earring, a bracelet, and a pendant. The bracelet comes in four colours this year: red, blue, pink and black, and the pendant is redesigned with a longer chain. All products of this 2024 collection are engraved with the word ‘LEARN.’ The Silver Lockit, silver bracelet and necklace, from the permanent collection are still available.

«I am very proud to be a part of this project and to contribute through the design of this new Silver Lockit collection, which also supports an organization that’s incredibly dear to my heart. It’s my wish to ensure all children are provided access to an education.»

– Millie Bobby Brown

Louis Vuitton has raised more than $22 million for UNICEF since 2016 through sales of the Silver Lockit collection, which features new editions every year. For every Silver Lockit bracelet purchased, $100 is donated to UNICEF, and $200 are donated to UNICEF for every Silver Lockit earring and new pendant purchased.

The new edition will be available in stores worldwide as of 30th May 2024. The campaign for this new Silver Lockit collection will be revealed on the Louis Vuitton social channels starting 31st May 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casa was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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