Sandra‘s Closet

Today, we celebrate World Oceans Day to remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe. It is a day to celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.

 «Gender and the Ocean» is the main topic for 2019, striving to build greater ocean and gender literacy, and to discover possible ways to promote gender equality in ocean-related activities such as marine scientific research, fisheries, labour at sea, migration by sea and human trafficking, as well as policy-making and management.

In front of an artwork that was for auction by Gao Xiaowu «Rebirth Evolution-Art».

Here you see me in Monaco at the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean hosted by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. It was the second edition of this high-profile event dedicated to a sustainable future of a protected ocean. Among the prestigious guests were Orlando Bloom, Kate Perry and Adrien Brody.

My look: Ruffled georgette and lace gown by Elie Saab, Broadway lurex floral jacquard clutch and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery,  diamond ring and diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring by Piaget, choker with evil eye symbol and blue earrings, both by Chanel, and Tonda 1950 clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos Gala Guests/Stage: ©Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
All others: © Sandra Bauknecht
#WorldOceansDay #SaveOurOcean

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

To accompany the launch of MIU MIU‘s newest fragrance TWIST that stars MIU-se Elle Fanning as the face of the campaign, the Italian fashion house has launched a limited edition collection of TWIST WITH ME T-shirts that celebrate the invigorating spirit of the MIU MIU girl.

Available from now in white in MIU MIU stores worldwide for €390, and from May 14th in black exclusively at miumiu.com. Will you Twist in it?!

Sensual and surprising, the new scent capture the quirky spirit of the MIU MIU girl according to her own Miu-d.

Fresh Top Notes: Vert de Bergamot & Apple Blossom
Sensual Heart Note: Pink Amber Accord
Irresistible Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Cedar Wood

The new Miu Miu TWIST is available for CHF160 (100ml), CHF110 (50ml) and CHF84 (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

This week, Cartier presented its new jewellery signature line «Clash de Cartier» in Paris. English-Brazilian actress Kaya Scodelario is the face and captures the duality of this collection perfectly. She will next appear in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, a film about serial killer Ted Bundy, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released internationally on May 3rd.

The new collection shakes up the Maison’s aesthetic heritage of studs, beads and clous carrés. Together, they form a singular, ribbed mesh deriving from a clash of attitudes.

Jewellery that’s sharp? Yes, but soft to the touch. Geometric? Yes, but generously sized and feminine. Mechanical? Yes, as all of the pieces are assembled yet free to move. At its essence is opposition: bright, feminine curves and soft contours are contrasted with the nervous tension of a taut structure.

Clash de Cartier possesses an innate sense of proportion that draws on pure Cartier style. In volumes and reliefs, circles and squares, the collection honours the Maison’s penchant for geometry which dates back to the 1930s.

A classic style? No! It’s neo-classical, singular, unisex, whimsical. Bright, flowing, pulsating, Clash de Cartier breaks up the conventional architecture of shapes. The studs are held in place but free to move. This subtle motion entices light to flit and flicker; the metal seems softer. Crafted in 4N pink gold, the rings can be stacked and layered in all versions.

Behind the clean lines and even spacing, Clash de Cartier is a highly complex feat of craftsmanship.
How are the studs interconnected yet mobile? The ingenious articulated mechanism was entirely developed by the jewellery workshops. Each element is mounted and polished. Each step calls for a new technique, just the right tool.

The Clash de Cartier piece is precisely calibrated to magnetise the forces, to hold the studs in place. The buff-top domed clous carrés are finished with a bright polish that is produced over a series of operations. In a final sophisticated touch, the inside of each piece is delicately scalloped for comfortable wear.

In stores now, for more information about the collection and the movie, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier 

A weekend of beauty! For the 23rd time the Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS (formerly GALA SPA AWARDS) were awarded in the end of March in Baden-Baden at the beautiful Brenner’s Park Hotel that is part of the Oetker Collection. My avid readers might remember my time to unwind at Villa Stéphanie, their «House of Wellbeing» next door. For me, it was an absolute pleasure to be back at one of my favorite places to detox and relax. I enjoyed the warm temperatures in the garden next to the blossoming cherry blossom trees after a wonderful facial and massage before getting ready for the night.

How beautiful is Brenner’s Park Hotel’s pool when you see the cherry blossom trees blossoming outside?!

The Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS are among the most important international beauty and spa awards. In addition to winners in six categories, two outstanding personalities are awarded the «Beauty Idol» and the «Special Prize». Personally speaking, I have a close relationship to Gruner + Jahr as my first job after my studies was at German Marie Claire magazine that belonged 50% to the  publishing house.

Spoiled upon arrival in the room…

Over 200 invited guests from the cosmetics industry, well-known representatives of the luxury hotel industry, from culture and show business gathered at the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, among them Franziska Knuppe, Eva Padberg, Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Verona Pooth. Scroll through the best moments of the weekend, the bright winners and the glamorous looks of the evening that was hosted by Barbara Schöneberger, who is truly one of the most entertaining women I know.

Model Miranda Kerr is Beauty Idol 2019
The «Beauty Idol» was awarded to Miranda Kerr, the famous Australian «Victoria’s Secret» angel. Miranda is known not only as a top model, but also as an entrepreneur. Together with her mother Therese Kerr, she runs a beauty brand for sustainable natural cosmetics under the label «KORA Organics» (TO SHOP KORA ORGANICS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.). In addition, Miranda Kerr, a certified health coach and practicing buddhist, has dedicated herself to the topic of empowerment: In 2010, she published her first book «Treasure Yourself», followed by «Empower Yourself» in 2013. Despite her success, Miranda Kerr is very much down to earth and announced that she is pregnant with baby number three that night. For this inspirational personality, the jury honored her this year as «Beauty Idol» in 2019.

To read a previous interview I did with Miranda about her travel tips for Australia, click here please.

Special Prize for Günther Bonin
This year, the «Special Prize» went to environmental protector Günther Bonin, who set up the organization «One Earth – One Ocean». Together with his team of experts and volunteers, he developed the concept for a «maritime garbage collection». This special coastal waste collection catamaran, the so-called «SeeKuh», fishes floating plastic parts on the water surface with the help of a net. It uses solar energy and can pick up two tons of garbage per trip, which can then be recycled ashore. In addition to cleaning up the waters and seas, Günther Bonin wants to provide information in the long term, so that not so much garbage gets into the environment. The jury thanked Günther Bonin for his special commitment with the «Special Prize».

All other award winners at a glance:

Category «Luxury Concepts»: Shiseido – Future Solution LX / Intensive Firming Contour Serum

Category «Innovation Concepts»: Foreo – Foreo Ufo

Category «Cult Concepts»: Nivea – Q10 Series

Category «Organic Concepts»: Dr. Hauschka – Regeneration Day Cream 

Category «Medical & Health Concepts»: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Spa Nescens, Switzerland

Category «Spa Concepts»: – Corinthia Hotel London – ESPA Life at Corinthia, United Kingdom

From left to right: Award winners Thomas Kochs (ESPA Life at Corinthia), Hans-Peter Veit (Victoria Jungfrau Frau Hotel & Spa), Maren Speckmann-Munz and Nicoline Woehrle (Dr. Hauschke), Kerstin Unger (Nivea), beauty idol Miranda Kerr, Editor-in-chief Gala Anne Meyer-Minnemann, host Barbara Schoeneberger, winners Günther Bonin, Johannes Scheer (Shiseido Group Germany) and Audrey de Saint Priest (Foreo) with their awards.

Switzerland in the house: with my dear Alana Netzer.

Barbara Schöneberger and CEO Oetker Collection Frank Marrenbach on stage.

A true beauty idol: Miranda Kerr

Eva Padberg with me

Anne Meyer-Minnemann and Cathy Hummels

Franjo and Verena Pooth

GNTM juror and celebrity make-up artist Armin Morbach with me

Franziska Knuppe

Always fun times with Princess Lilly Sayn-Wittgenstein

Let’s Dance: Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi and Victoria Swarovski

The night culminated in a fun after party… thank God we had lots of beauty products in our room to look fresh the next day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GALA, © Axel Kirchhof/Gala, the respective locations and © Sandra Bauknecht

A long-time friend of the House of CHANEL and of the late Karl Lagerfeld, Pharrell Williams has signed a CHANEL ready-to-wear and accessories capsule collection for the S/S 2019 season.

With a rainbow palette, Pharrell Williams has imagined a line in the colours of optimism. In the spirit of street art, the musician appends his signature and his writing in the form of CC, N°5 and Coco embroideries and graffitis on a hooded sweatshirt, an oversize shopper and white sneakers with mismatched laces.

The collection was launched first in Seoul’s newly opened CHANEL store on March 28, 2019.

Pharrell Williams performing at the opening party in Seoul.

The artist combines his name with that of the House of CHANEL – CHANEL-Pharrell – on block colour t-shirts, short and long robes, rhinestoned costume jewelry, leather belts, terry towelling bucket hats, hip packs in suede, loafers that also come as mules, as well as rectangular-shaped, shield and round glasses with a pop attitude.

The singer and songwriter also has fun sharing a memory, that of a bet he made with a friend about a future collaboration with CHANEL: we find this story printed on the back of a long-sleeve t-shirt that comes in eight different colours.

CHANEL-Pharrell, obvious assonances, a creative affinity: discover this collaboration exclusively now in certain CHANEL boutiques around the world.

Personally speaking I like it a lot. Nevertheless it seems not very «CHANEL» to me and reminds me somehow a little bit too much of Gucci … but every brand has to find a new way to navigate through the possible bumpy times ahead and to secure new customer groups. Especially that the emperor had to leave his kingdom… the wheel of fashion is turning fast and you have to be creative to survive. And let’s be honest, Coco Chanel was a trendsetter. It’s in the DNA of the Maison!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of © CHANEL
#CHANELPharrell

Sometimes, the world is small, extremely small. At the risk of straying too far afield, let me provide some background on the story behind this fabulous launch event in Hamburg last week.

Best friends since over 30 years: Dr. Annette Christoph with me.

I went to a girls’ school. My school years were fantastic. We were five girls who have all stayed close friends since then. One became my maid of honor, the other one the godmother of my daughter and so on. We all work in different fields, I am the only one in fashion. Therefore I was amazed when my friend Dr. Annette Christoph invited me to Hamburg for the launch event of Sioux x Til Schweiger. Her partner in life, Lewin Berner, bought Sioux in 2010 with other private investors after it had gone through interim difficulties. If you are born in Germany, you will be familiar with this Swabian company with a long-standing tradition that is specialized in footwear. Now, for the first time, the brand is taking with German actor Til Schweiger a celebrity ambassador on board.

With Lewin Berner at the event.

Besides acting, Til is also a filmmaker. In the end of 2018, he celebrated the premiere of the 13th film directed by himself and the first with an American actor as a lead. In the remake of the German movie «Honig im Kopf» (2014) «Head full of Honey» Nick Nolte starrs alongside Matt Dillon and Emily Mortimer. It is a moving story about a man suffering from Alzheimer’s who embarks on a final road trip with his granddaughter. Unfortunately, the US version was not as successful as the German one.

Til Schweiger is a funny guy!

This year, Til has discovered another talent of him that lies in his DNA. His great-grandfather was a shoemaker all his life and now Til himself enters a long-term partnership with the cult shoe label and will design in close cooperation with the creative team of Sioux his own shoe collections.

In September 2014, Til had already founded Barefoot Living. The idea arose when friends and fans asked him where the interior design of the film sets in his iconic German movies, such as «Keinohrhasen» or «Zweiohrküken» (if you haven’t seen them, please do… so funny), was from. The answer was easy as Til Schweiger also lives privately in these designs. Today, Barefoot Living offers furniture and home accessories as well as cashmere sweaters, and some cosmetics.

Hamptons feeling at Barefood Deli

Later, Til expanded this lifestyle concept by opening Barefood Deli in Hamburg, the restaurant where the launch event with Sioux took place and even an hotel, the Barefoot Hotel Timmendorfer Strand.

Sioux x Til Schweiger launch event last week.

Til Schweiger: «By partnering with Sioux, I’m expanding my Barefoot Living concept, which closes a gap for me, because shoes have been missing so far. I have always wished for footwear that is casual, stylish and comfortable in one. I had already been familiar with Sioux’s iconic model, the so-called «Grashopper» from my childhood days, but recently I have rediscovered the company for me. It was crucial for me to have a partner with a lot of know-how by my side, who perfectly implements my feel-good concept and shares my own values.»

The result of this cooperation are three relaxed styles. Including a newly interpreted «Grasshopper» in Til’s carefully selected leathers with natural crepe sole, a casual leather sneaker in a slightly destroyed look and a really comfortable biker boot. The latter also comes with a natural crepe sole, an unusual combination, that plays a central role in this capsule collection and is one of Til’s favorites.

Gladiator to Governator: Ralf Moeller told Til that he sent Arnold Schwarzenegger a photo of the biker boots and that he would love to have a pair as well.

To celebrate this fantastic collaboration, Til had invited some of his celebrity friends who all came to his restaurant to toast on their talented buddy. Please enjoy some of the best impressions of the evening below. It was a fun night and I ran into lots of familiar faces.

Ralf got already his hands on the biker boot, which seems to become a celebrity’s must-have.

During his welcome speech, Til mentioned what he truly liked about Sioux was the work environment, as you cannot feel any hierarchy, only passion for the craftsmanship.

Lewin Berner, managing partner of Sioux and a true passionate Swabian entrepreneur who is literally on fire for his company, had every reason to be happy that night. His goal of bringing Sioux back to its old strength just got a huge step closer. The collection will be available as a limited edition online and at the selected stores from now. Only 333 pairs of each model will be produced.

And the next step? Starting this month, the dream team is working with Til’s daughter Luna Schweiger on a women’s collection… She will also become the face of the campaign. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

German actor Fahri Yardim and Til Schweiger’s partner in the German TV crime series «Tatort».

Entrepreneur and founder of Air Berlin Joachim Hunold with Lewin Berner.

With German photographer Stephan Glathe, who shot the campaign for Sioux x Til Schweiger, Lewin Berner, Dr. Annette Christoph and Uta Zilly-Linke.

German TV host Johannes B. Kerner

Photos: Courtesy of Sioux and © Sandra Bauknecht 

CHANEL is taking is back to the ‘80s, and I want in. If I had to buy one piece this summer, it would be this crisp white button-down shirt that Kaia Gerber wore on the Maison’s S/S 2019 runway show that is in stores now for €1990. It has already become the must-have piece of the season for celebrities and bloggers and was featured in several editorials.

In case you are one of the lucky ones to get it, don’t miss the oversized logo earrings and the fabulous Side-Packs about which I will tell you more over the weekend.

LoL, Sandra

Look 6 on the CHANEL S/S 2019 runway worn by Kaia Gerber.

Lily Aldridge US Vogue – February 2019

CHANEL’s new S/S 2019 eyewear campaign

Ciara (@everythingrelatedfashion/Instagram)

Cardi B. (@iamcardib/Instagram) with the must-have shirt and the Side-Packs.

Photos: Via © CHANEL, Dazed Digital – if not stated otherwise.
#CHANELByTheSea
#CHANELSpringSummer

Hello from New York Fashion Week that has officially kicked off last night with the highly acclaimed amfAR Gala. The black tie event honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS. It starts with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner (don’t come for the food, it was horrendous), a live auction of luxury items, musical performances, and a special tribute to amFAR’s honorees.

Wearing Balmain at the amFAR 2019 Gala in NYC.

My favorite encounter of the night: Milla Jovovich, such a sweetheart!

This year, the foundation for AIDS and HIV research was honoring actress Milla Jovovich, auctioneer Simon de Pury and photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Heidi Klum with me

Since 1998, the amfAR Gala New York has become one of the city’s most successful and high-profile AIDS benefit events and consistently attracts some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, art, and AIDS advocacy. With that said, last night was no different: Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, as well as supermodels Heidi Klum, Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karolina Kurkova, were present among others.

Heidi came with two girls from her casting show «Germany’s Next Topmodel»: Cäcilia (18) and Vanessa (21). The first episode aired today but did we already see the winner here?

The Chainsmokers live on stage.

The amfAR Gala culminated with a performance by The Chainsmokers. Talk about a star-studded event! Below you can enjoy more impressions of the night…

LoL, Sandra

The gorgeous event location at Cipriani Wall Street.

With my beloved Tiffany Dowd of Luxe Tiffany.

My favorite auction piece: a photograph of Kate Moss shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott went for $100.000 thanks to Karen Elson’s and Simon de Pury’s great performance.

With Kevin Frost, CEO amFAR

Photos: © amFAR (in collages) – all others: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands