Sandra‘s Closet

Last Sunday, I attended the private viewing of the 16th edition of ART IN THE PARK in Zurich, followed by an extremely delicious lunch created by Michelin Star chef Laurent Eperon. It is truly impressive what GIGI KRACHT has achieved over the past years, bringing the most prestigious artists to the garden of the iconic Baur au Lac hotel. Every time, I am there, I am amazed by the beauty of this oasis in the middle of the city. For the 2018 edition, Gigi invited one of New York’s ultimate ingenious artists, DONALD BAECHLER, a prominent figure in the Neo-Expressionist and Pop Art movements during the 1980s. He had especially flown in for the occasion to share with us a unique glimpse into the stages of his practice.

My look: Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London, leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, sunglasses from the Cruise 2018 «The Modernity of Antiquity» collection and bangles, both by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace by Etro, long necklace in white and gold by Roberto Cavalli, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

With the lovely hostess, Gigi Kracht, who made this exhibition happen all by herself!
Bravo, Gigi!

Eight sculptures of Donald Baechler will be on display in the Park until August 3, 2018.

Even the lunch was inspired by the work of the American artist and we could spot the different sculptures on our plates or the table decorations. Loved it!

During lunch we were able to ask Donald Baechler questions.

«I started as a painter. One of the sculptures in the exhibition was made in 2002, based on a drawing from 1986. The first sculptures were exercises how to make things as I had not been a sculptor before. I was interested in learning, to teach myself about structure, how to hold up something without it collapsing.»
– Donald Baechler

Donald Baechler with me in the garden of the Baur au Lac.

«I’m interested in discreet and very mute objects, and I’ve never really been interested in narrative or psychology or these things which many people read into my paintings and probably into the sculptures,» Baechler remarked recently about his work.

Colour me impressed – don’t miss the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch – THANK YOU!
Photos of the food: © Sandra Bauknecht, me in front of the skull sculpture: Adam Sheffer

Last weekend, I was in Paris to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her girlfriends. On Saturday morning, we were very lucky as LOUIS VUITTON opened their Foundation Louis Vuitton exclusively for us so that we had a private tour all alone in the museum (a huge thank you!). I have to say this was one of the best experiences ever as the exhibitions are in general very well visited and crowded. Forget «A Night at the Museum», a day is much better ….

Having the exhibition all to ourselves was amazing…

We explored the Foundation’s new selection from its collection in an exhibition entitled In Tune with the World (AU DIAPASON DU MONDE) that will be open until August 27, 2018. This hanging of modern and contemporary works is presented in all the galleries throughout the stunning building designed by Frank Gehry.

Pretty impressive use of taxidermy, a race horse dangling from the ceiling: Maurizio Cattelan – «La ballata di Trotski» 1996

A sense of irony: Maurizio Cattelan – «Spermini» 1997, 150 latex masks that are self-portraits of the artist.

It invites visitors to reflect upon the place of humankind in the universe and the relationship between people and their environment and the living world. his reflects today’s questions about man’s place in the universe and the bonds that tie him to his surrounding environment and living world, highlighting the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. The exhibition features nearly 30 artists – including Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, Pierre Huyghe, Yves Klein and Takashi Murakami – in a hanging that brings together modern and contemporary works.

Takashi Murakami aka Gero Tan Noahs Ark 2016

The exhibition spans all the galleries at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, organized in two complementary parts:

• Part A on Level 2 of the building (Galleries 9, 10 and 11) is entirely devoted to the world and works of one of my favorite artists in the world, Japanese born Takashi Murakami. Conceived in collaboration with him, this hanging is organized in three sequences: one centered on the artist’s alter ego DOB; a second is a monumental fresco, The Octopus Eats its Own Leg, displayed for the first time in public; and a third sequence featuring the Kawaii (which means “cute” in Japanese) aesthetic, comprising works in myriad different media.

Takashi Murakami – The Octopus Eats its Own Leg

• Part B is called Man in the Living Universe, featuring 28 French and international artists from different generations and works in a variety of media and techniques. This part stretches throughout the other three levels of the building, as well as the exterior, in the Grotto. Part B also comprises three sequences: Irradiances (Level 1), Here, Infinitely…” (Level 0) and The Man Who Capsizes (Level -1).

Yves Klein painted models in his favorite color and made them roll over the canvas for this masterpiece, «ANT 104, Anthropométrie sans titre», 1960

Giovanni Anselmo – «Entrare nell’Opera», 1971
Art changes people’s awareness of their relationship to the world.

Takashi Murakami

Let me tell you a little more about one of my favourite artists who collaborated with Louis Vuitton for over 13 years (2002-2015).

Some pieces from my own personal Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection.

Since the early 1990s, Takashi Murakami has been crafting a unique world of darkness and wonder, one populated by fantastic characters, marvellous animals, fabulous creatures and mischievous monsters.Blessed with an unbridled imagination and a resolutely innovative language combining ancient techniques and advanced technologies, his important body of work is marked by its multiplicity of forms and media – painting, sculpture, installations and even animated film.

A little kiss for Murakami’s artwork «Max & Shimon».

Drawing on Japan’s political, social and cultural history, his colour-saturated universe borrows as often from Kawaii aesthetics and manga pop as from the ancient masters of classical painting and Buddhist iconography. Also omnipresent are references to recent traumatic events, such as the atomic bomb and the tsunami.

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball – one of my favorite art works.

The exhibition In Tune with the World is accompanied by a series of conversations with artists and experts.

Location:
8, avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.
Exhibition until 27th August 2018
Reservations: on the website www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr.

LoL, Sandra

Portrait Takashi Murakami: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

GUCCI has opened its new stunning two-floor boutique with over 4,700 square feet showcasing the latest women’s and men’s collections as well as Gucci Décor in Miami’s Design District. Creative Director Alessandro Michele has had a hand in the design concept which includes immersive concept elements such as velvet armchairs, industrial accents and other luxurious details.

Absolute must-have: Gucci‘s Coco Capitán logo backpack

A mural by Coco Capitán is featured adjacent to the marble and metal façade, and the artist’s work appears on two special accessories available exclusively in the boutique. According to Gucci, «These murals will be an extension of the Gucci Art Wall project that has been revealed in New York City’s Soho neighborhood and in Milan’s Largo la Foppa, in the lively pedestrian district of Corso Garibaldi.»

139 NE 41st Street
Miami, FL 33137
+1.786.915.8710

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

British artist, designer and pro-skater Blondey McCoy has created three hand-painted murals in the Flatiron and Soho districts of Manhattan, designed exclusively for Burberry.

Blondey McCoy wearing a Burberry Car Coat photographed by Alasdair McLellan

The murals mark the first time Blondey’s work will be showcased in New York and include his largest artwork to date. The three murals are inspired by the dichotomy of modern life and the traditions of the holiday season and feature the artist’s signature mix of eclectic imagery and striking motifs alongside references to Burberry and British culture.

Burberry mural by Blondey McCoy, Clerkenwell, London, September 2017

This collaboration marks the evolution of the relationship between Burberry and Blondey, who most recently appeared in a portfolio of images for the brand captured by British photographer Alasdair McLellan. In September 2017, Blondey created an artwork for Burberry on the largest paintable wall in London, situated near the brand’s show venue in Clerkenwell.

BLONDEY FOR BURBERRY
ABOUT THE ARTWORKS

Flatiron, Broadway and 22nd Street
Spanning over 80ft, the mural tells the story of a British Christmas Eve party. Beginning with the chime of the clock at midnight signalling the start of Christmas, the mural cascades down the wall with traditional holiday references including mistletoe, holly and Champagne, ending with children tucked up in a bed fashioned from a Burberry Vintage check scarf and presents waiting to be unwrapped.

A fashionable must-have that has been inspiring Blondey’s murals:
House-check cashmere-blend scarf by Burberry

Soho, Lafayette Street and Broome Street
The 17ft mural illustrates the importance of family during the holiday season, portraying three figures exchanging gifts alongside a personal photograph of Blondey’s family.

Soho, Lafayette Street and Spring Street
Featuring two hands meeting, the 15ft mural symbolises the act of gifting and exchange.

All three murals will be up until the end of December 2017. Cannot wait to be back in December in NYC to see them live…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry, © Alasdair McLellan

Last April, Jeff Koons and Louis Vuitton teamed up on a limited edition «Masters» capsule collection of bags and accessories. This month, the duo will launch a second collaboration inspired by iconic pieces of legendary artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Nicolas Poussin, J.M.W. Turner and François Boucher. This second chapter will debut on October 27, 2017.

«Boucher’s Reclining Girl is a painting I often visit in the old Pinakothek in Munich. It strikes me as one of the most sensual images ever painted.» – Jeff Koons

François Boucher
Reclining girl (1752)
Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich, Germany

Paul Gauguin
Delightful land (1892)
Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki, Japan
Presently at the Grand Palais exhibition “Gauguin l’Alchimiste“, Paris

Édouard Manet
Luncheon on the grass (1863)
Musée d’Orsay in Paris

Nicolas Poussin
The triumph of Pan (1636)
National Gallery in London

Claude Monet
Water lilies (1916)
Matsukata Collection
National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan

J.m.W. Turner
Ancient Rome (1839)
Collection of Tate in London

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Louis Vuitton

«All Art is Erotic» –  Gustav Klimt

KILIAN HENNESSY celebrates ten years of redefining the art of modern perfumery and invites us into a new Golden Age, inspired by the sensual glamour and sumptuous luxury of fin de siècle Vienna, and its most subversive artist, Gustav Klimt.

Kilian Hennessy with me

«Klimt is the authority when it comes to gold artwork, gold leaf,» says Kilian. The universe he created full of seduction and opulence represents «a cultural reference, a touchstone – more than just decoration.»

Two new fragrances, each of which experiments with dualties: darkness and light, feminity and masculinity, modernity and proud tradition. Let me introduce you to WOMAN IN GOLD and GOLD KNIGHT, one more beautiful than the other. Launching in the end of September 2017, I don’t want you to miss those richly textured and mysterious scents.

«It doesn’t interest me to provoke just to provoke. I need artistic reasoning,» Kilian goes on. «The idea was to play on the contrasts between shadown and light, to express that we are all made of good and bad – but within light and dark there are a myriad of facets. I wanted to achieve this duality with perfume.»

WOMAN IN GOLD

Inspired by the 1907 portrait of Leading Viennese art patron and taste-maker Adele Bloch-Bauer, the only woman Klimt painted twice.

Top Notes: Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose, Vanilla Absolute
Base Notes: Akigalawood, Patchouli

GOLD KNIGHT

Inspired by the dashing, gold-armored chevalier in Klimt’s 1902 Beethoven Frieze.

Top Notes: Anise, Bergamot
Middle Notes: Honey, Vanilla
Base Notes: Patchouli

The extremely beautiful cases are inspired by Klimt’s works and are inspired by the Byzantine mosaics the Viennese painter saw at the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

«True luxury is meant to last» – Kilian Hennessy

The faceted flacon, inspired by the timeless cognac carafe, is an object of uncompromising elegance and artisanship. The 250-ml bottles are refillable and accompanied by a black travel spray.

Mini Carafe 250ml (CHF 720)
Refillable Spray 50ml (CHF 335)

TO SHOP KILIAN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kilian Hennessy and © Sandra Bauknecht

Just a casual Friday chilling and relaxing at the beautiful Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden.

My look: Printed cotton tunic and matching printed reversible triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci (also available at Eden Being), leopard printed Beatrice shopper by Dolce & Gabbana, metallic fabric sandals by Gucci, floral sunglasses by Chanel, and beaded necklace by Etro.

The perfect way to relax for me is to indulge in a book. My favorite author at the moment is Berlin based Sebastian Fitzek. His thrillers are so captivating, you won’t be able to put them down.

Here I am standing in the garden of the Villa Stéphanie next to the statue «Gold Candy» by Laurence Jekell that is available for purchase through the Eden Being boutique located on the ground floor of the Brenner’s Park Hotel for around € 40.000.

I am wishing all of you a happy and relaxing weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news for all lovers of art. The Museum of Modern Art and Fondation Louis Vuitton announce the exhibition “Being modern: MoMA in Paris” taking place from 11 October 2017 to 5 March 2018.

Fondation Louis Vuitton presents, in its Frank Gehry-designed building, an exceptional exhibition devoted to the unrivaled collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Featuring more than 200 renowned masterpieces and less familiar, but highly significant works. This exhibition highlights the pivotal role that MoMA, its curators and its exhibition program have played in the history of art in the 20th and 21st Centuries, ranging from the birth of modern art through trends and styles such as American abstraction, Pop art and Minimalism to the most contemporary art.

Now engaged in a significant expansion and renovation of its building, MoMA has chosen Fondation Louis Vuitton as its partner to bring its legendary artistic heritage to Paris, showcasing its mission to be perpetually modern.

Bernard Arnault, President of Fondation Louis Vuitton says:
“I wanted Being Modern: MoMA in Paris to fall within the tradition of our previous major exhibitions such as Keys to a Passion, 2015, and Icons of Modern Art, The Shchukin Collection, 2016. All three have been organised in close collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious international modern art museums. This exhibition marks, once again, our desire to provide the widest possible audience with the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most remarkable works of art.”

Paul Signac (French, 1863–1935) Opus 217.
Against the Enamel of a Background Rhythmic with Beats and Angles, Tones, and Tints, Portrait of M. Félix Fénéon in 1890 1890
Oil on canvas (73.5 x 92.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Fractional gift of Mr. and Mrs. David Rockefeller.
© 2017 Artists Rights

Among the 200 works presented at Fondation Louis Vuitton are masterpieces by Paul Cézanne, Gustav Klimt, Paul Signac, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Giorgio de Chirico, Edward Hopper, Max Beckmann, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, Alexander Calder, René Magritte, Walker Evans, Yayoi Kusama, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Yvonne Rainer and Frank Stella.

Constantin Brancusi (French, born Romania. 1876–1957) Bird in Space 1928
Bronze (137.2 x 21.6 x 16.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Given anonymously, 1934.
© 2017 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Some of the works will be shown in France for the first time: Constantin Brancusi’s bronze Bird in Space (1928) (see above); Diane Arbus’s Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey (1967); Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962); Philip Guston’s Tomb (1978); (Untitled) “USA Today” by Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1990); 144 Lead Square by Carl Andre (1969); Untitled by Christopher Wool (1990); Untitled (You Invest in the Divinity of the Masterpiece) by Barbara Kruger (1982); and Patchwork Quilt by Romare Bearden (1970).

Enjoy some first impressions of the exhibition in this post. To book your ticket, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Bruce Nauman (American, born 1941) Human/Need/Desire 1983
Neon tubing and wire with glass tubing suspension frames (239.8 x 179 x 65.4 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Emily and Jerry Spiegel, 1991
© 2017 Bruce Nauman/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Cindy Sherman (American, born 1954) Untitled Film Still #21 1978
Gelatin silver print (19.1 x 24.1 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Horace W. Goldsmith Fund through Robert B. Menschel, 1995 © 2017 Cindy Sherman

Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923–2015) Colors for a Large Wall 1951
Oil on canvas, sixty-four panels (240 x 240 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of the artist, 1969.
© 2017 Ellsworth Kelly

OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) Welfare Palace Hotel Project, Roosevelt Island, New York, New York 1976
Gouache on paper (129.5 x 102.9 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of The Howard Gilman Foundation, 2000.
© 2017 Rem Koolhaas

Shigetaka Kurita (Japanese, born 1972) for NTT DOCOMO, Inc., Japan, est. 1991 Emoji 1998-1999
Digital image dimensions variable
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of NTT DOCOMO, Inc., 2016.
© 2017 NTT DOCOMO

Rirkrit Tiravanija (Thai, born Argentina 1961) untitled (the days of this society is numbered / December 7, 2012) 2014
Synthetic polymer paint and newspaper on linen (221 x 214.6 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Committee on Drawings and Prints Fund, 2014.
© 2017 Rirkrit Tiravanija

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of ‘Art in the Park‘ at the Baur au Lac hotel and the tenth time it has been organised in collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska. It is always a pleasure to visit the beautiful exhibition curated by Gigi Kracht. This year, some amazing artist were  present such as Spanish Surrealist Joan Miró with a “supporting cast“ – Mel Ramos, Rotraut, Allen Jones, Silvester Stallone, Sophia Vari, and Louise Nevelson.

Exhibition is open to the public till August 4^th, 2017.

My look: Embroidered paneled linen maxi dress by Delpozo, ruffled woven hemp sunhat by Rosie Assoulin, Kan I leather shoulder bag,  flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi and leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, asymmetric earrings by Dior and bangles by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

All photos of me at the exhibition: Thank you © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht