Sandra‘s Closet

Last fall, I attended SAM’s Tribute to Photography Night that took place in St. Moritz at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. The event started with a cocktail reception, followed by a gala dinner. It was such an amazing evening for me as I was able to meet some of the most renowned photographers of our times such as Lucien Clergue, Jock Sturges (see photo on top to the left with me), Matteo Basilé, Amedeo M. Turello, Steve McCurry and Albert Watson among others.

Let me share my favourite moments with you:

MEET ALBERT WATSON

Personally speaking, I have been adoring Albert Watson‘s work since many many years. Born in 1942, the Scottish photographer is an icon in the world of fashion, celebrity and art photography. He has shot over 250 covers for Vogue magazine around the globe since the mid-’70s and his works have been featured in countless other publications.

His first celebrity photo took place in the year 1973, a portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a dead goose with a ribbon around its neck, which he shot for that year’s Harper’s Bazaar’s Christmas issue, became one of the most famous photos around the globe. As well as the iconic shot of Steve Jobs that went around the world after he died. Albert was the official Royal Photographer for Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson and he photographed dozens of posters for major Hollywood movies, such as “Kill Bill,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “The Da Vinci Code.”

He is such a gentleman, in a very charming way, he took me on a tour around his fabulous artwork.

Albert explained me that this shot of a tattooed guy was taken in a penitentiary while the prisoner was working on a damaged car.

Us in front of his famous shot of Steve Jobs.

Albert Watson and Amedeo M. Turello

MEET YOSSI LOLOI

Either you love or hate Italian photographer Yossi Loloi‘s Full Beauty project, for which he has only photographed extremely overweight women. He plays with the idea of beauty and form, fashion and attraction, like and dislike. I couldn’t help but being fascinated by his work from the first second. He told me that he always had a special relationship with larger women, and that he likes how those women bloom in front of his camera, how they enjoy their Rubenesque body.

So it was a true honor for me to give the laudatory speech for the talented photographer.

I was sitting at Monty Shadow‘s table, who founded of the St. Moritz Art Masters. It was the best table, you can imagine, framed by…

…the late Claude Nobs…

…and Jeffrey Deitch, Director Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

What an amazing event! Stay tuned for the photos that Steve McCurry and Amedeo M.Turello took of me during those days and of course the detailed post regarding my outfit.

And save the date! This year, SAM will bring China, its art and culture to the Engadin from August 23 – September 1, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On my last day in Los Angeles, I had a little time to walk down Rodeo Drive and to meet with my Beverly Hills girlfriends at the Beverly Wilshire for a drink before heading to the airport.

Bonnie Star (to the left) is a famous American jewelry designer, who made the wonderful cuff that I am wearing on the photo, modeled after nineteenth-century French lace.
(For a previous post on Bonnie, please click here).
Claudia Deutsch (to the right) is the owner of the Artspace Warehouse gallery in Los Angeles that offers high quality original artworks from established and emerging international artists at affordable prices for every budget. She brought this new concept also to Zurich, check out the Kunstwarenhaus.

My look: Striped glossed rayure-effect blazer and flat tote bag, both by Saint Laurent, classic white tee by Burberry London, stretch leggings by Stouls, long tank top by Rick Owens, skull silk scarf by Alexander McQueen, boots by Balmain, gold lace cuff by Bonnie Star and 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I drove from Zurich to St. Moritz to attend a very intimate event at Galerie Gmurzynska for the exhibition opening of a new unique work by Karl Lagerfeld, in a brand new medium: “FIRE ETCHINGS”; forming the artist’s answer to contemporary portraiture.

As I knew that Karl Lagerfeld would be present, there was no doubt, I had to be there. First, the invitation was supposed to be a dinner which was changed last minute into a brunch. The guests were waiting patiently for over three hours for Karl Lagerfeld’s plane to land. When he entered the room, his presence was unbelievable. He shook hands and talked to everyone.

A magic moment: Shaking hands with Karl Lagerfeld.

“FIRE ETCHINGS” is truly outstanding. On display was Karl Lagerfeld’s gigantic body of work created from backlit glass that has had its image etched into the surface. The “Kaiser” explained that a company near Nuernberg, Germany, which usually produces church windows manufactured his artwork for him.

Large scale and unique, for “FIRE ETCHINGS” Lagerfeld has abstracted some of his current muses: the rapper, Theophilus London; and the models, Freja Beha Erichsen and Aymeline Valade.

When Karl Lagerfeld was asked to explain his artwork a little, he replied with a quote by Voltaire: “Everything that needs an explanation is not worth the explanation.”

In his hands the whole time? His iPhone with a Karl by Karl Lagerfeld cover.

Karl Lagerfeld with Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer

Also present at the exhibition opening were actor Rick Yune to the left (2 Fast 2 Furious and James Bond – Die Another Day) and famous L.A.-based DJ Eddie Ruscha.

My look: Leather and cotton-jersey sweater, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent and jacket, scarf, cuff, bag, all by Chanel, fur boots and coat, both by Prada.

What an amazing day! If you are interested, the exhibit in St. Moritz will remain open until the 23rd of March, 2013. For further information, please contact the Galerie Gmurzynska directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During last week’s SIHH 2013, I visited also the Montblanc booth that was an absolute eyecatcher due to the extraordinary pieces of the Montblanc Cutting Edge Art Collection that currently comprises more than 180 artworks.

In the collage above you can see me with Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, and some of Montblanc’s very special guests…

Of course, the house’s newest watch highlights such as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours were also presented at the booth.

Me visiting the Montblanc booth

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Pair

Pair watches are a huge trend especially in Asia and wouldn’t those watches just be perfect for this gorgeous couple below?!

Montblanc friends of the brand Olivia Palermo (wearing Montblanc Star Classique Automatic watch) and Johannes Huebl (wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph) in front of an artwork by Hiroyuki Masuyama.

Proving that Olivia is a style icon all over, she combined tweed and leather with statement heels, golden jewelry and a vibrant clutch that would upgrade every outfit to a new level.

The couple being interviewed in front of an artwork by Stephen Craig.

Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco
Pétales de Roses Motif
This beautiful unique piece has been sold during the fair, but of course there was more to be admired…

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Diamonds

Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic RG Diamonds

Christopher Lambert during his visit at the Montblanc booth

The famous actor was wearing the Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres (Northern Hemisphere).

Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres, Southern+Northern Hemisphere

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc

Starting from today, you should keep your eyes open for a very special window installation that will roll out across more than 70 Gucci boutiques around the world (unfortunately not including Switzerland) and will remain until mid February. For that project, Frida Giannini collaborates with renowned Japanese Manga artist, Hirohiko Araki, who has created an exclusive Manga (Japanese comic strip) story inspired by the Italian house’s beautiful Cruise 2013 collection. A multi-media campaign will complement the window installation, including the publication of the full Manga story exclusively in Japan’s Spur magazine.

Commenting on the collaboration Giannini said, “This has without doubt been one of the most enjoyable collaborations I have worked on. The characters that Hirohiko has conceived combine an energy, sensuality and appeal that brings my Cruise collection to life in such a fun and compelling way. I am quite sure his window installations will stop people in their tracks in cities around the world as they immerse themselves in the fabulous fantasy world he has created.”

Entitled “Jolyne, Fly High with Gucci,” Araki’s Manga tells the adventure of Jolie Kujo, a student who inherits a keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection. Propelled by the mystery behind her vintage treasure, she embarks on a journey that transcends time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS / SHUEISHA

During Art Basel and Design Miami 2012, MARNI presented, for the first time in the US, the exhibition “L’Arte del Ritratto” in collaboration with the photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The new edition of 125 chairs from the Marni Charity Project are sold now exclusively at the Marni Miami Store, where last night personalities from the art, design and fashion industries gathered together for a private cocktail hosted by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni Creative Director. The project reaffirms Marni’s involvement with charitable initiatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni

To fight your upcoming winter blues, I recommend COLOUR! It is a great way to lighten up foggy days and grey skies. Here is a perfect outfit for you:

Vintage Whisper cotton slub-jersey top by Splendid, flared faille mini skirt by Miu Miu, leather and watersnake platform pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, Saya printed silk-twill square scarf and Cayla embellished patent-leather clutch, both by Jimmy Choo in collaboration with Rob Pruitt.

Jimmy Choo has joined forces with contemporary artist Rob Pruitt for a fabulous, limited-edition range of handbags and shoes. Pruitt gained art-world attention in the late Eighties for his colourful, pop art-influenced work. Think panda-print flats, rainbow-hued pumps and crystal-adorned clutches. If you like the clutch and the scarf above, you might be also interested in those goodies below:

Angel Swarovski crystal panda minaudière and Devil Swarovski crystal panda minaudière

Anouk lace-covered leather pumps

Nixon printed patent-leather luggage tag

Wheel Loe angel and devil embroidered leopard-print calf hair loafers

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht

Finish shoe designer Minna Parikka and artist Jani Leinonen (For a previous post on Jani’s work, click here please.) collaborated on an art project filled with corporate mascots and shoes.

The duo created a space with an optical illusion covered with a print based on Jani Leinonen’s painting. The print also takes over 3 styles of Minna Parikka’s satin shoes that all have their place in the installation.

“Here the common and tacky commercial characters collide into the luxurious and abundant high heels. The battle between the classes has began.” the duo states.

The 3 styles of shoes are all numbered and signed in series of 25. “They are art and we can not control what do you do with them, frame them or wear them!” The pairs come in sizes 36-41 and are sold through Amos Anderson during ‘Boutique’ exhibition which is officially part of Helsinki World Design Capital Year.

Boutique – Where Art Meets Fashion until 12th of November at Amos Anderson art museum.

Lady Gaga wears Minna Parikka’s bugs pumps on her European tour. See the original post by Terry Richardson on Terry’s Diary.

Gaga is already familiar with Parikka’s creations as on her visit in Helsinki in October 2010, she received a double platinum award designed by the Finish shoe designer.

Aren’t they amazing?! Check out Parikka’s website, it is truly worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Terry Richardson and © Minna Parikka

The second half of the Louis Vuitton – Yayoi Kusama collaboration (Please click here for the photos of the first arrival in July) will hit the shelves tomorrow, September 8, 2012 – much earlier than expected. Here is your sneak preview of the upcoming pumpkin-inspired products.
Aren’t they just polka-dot enthusiastic fantastic?!

LoL, Sandra

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots white

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves red

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town blue

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town red

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots green
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton