Sandra‘s Closet

CARTIER HAS CREATED AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGH JEWELLERY PARURE COMPOSED OF A RARE ENSEMBLE OF 14 EMERALDS FROM COLOMBIA.
In 1975, Cartier created a necklace for the Mexican actress María Félix that went down in history: two fully articulated crocodiles, one paved with emeralds and the other with yellow diamonds.

The original crocodile necklace created for María Félix in 1975.

The same artisan sculptor behind this historic design was involved in the creation of the new jewellery set. Based around 14 cabochon-cut emeralds from Colombia totalling 46.45 carats, these exceptional gems feature remarkable consistency in terms of quality, colour and shape and are further enhanced by a series of emerald beads in the same intense shade of green.

Cartier High Jewellery necklace (H7000289), bracelet (H6023516), ring (H4345200), earrings (H8000448), white gold, diamonds, emeralds.

THIS CREATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY NECKLACE ORDERED BY MARÍA FÉLIX.
This strikingly realistic reptile, with a powerful body, legs that are ready to move, and an emerald gaze, is distinguished by its protective yet predatory attitude. The design of the four pieces which make up this collection is true to Cartier’s tradition of naturalism: with a single feature, the ridges on  the reptile’s back.
Stretching out towards the tail, the pieces can be wrapped around the neck, the wrist or the finger, or be suspended as a pair of pendant earrings. The animal’s legs, like its scales, have been specially designed to feel comfortable against the skin.
Through the design and lines, the jewellery artisans have created a dynamic, lively shape that demonstrates their unique expertise.

1,875 HOURS OF WORK WERE REQUIRED TO CRAFT THE NECKLACE, AND 1,019 FOR THE BRACELET.
A nod to a legendary Cartier necklace that today has been presented around the world through the Cartier Collection’s exhibitions, this necklace perpetuates the long tradition of High Jewellery at Cartier based on one of its iconic themes, its menagerie, in a stunning exercise in craftsmanship and style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier

How do fashion dreams come true in our days? Forget ad campaigns, press releases, fashion magazines, samples and announcements. You just take an It-bag and let it “unexpectedly” dangle from the arm of a celebrity. That is modern advertising and just happened when Lady Gaga sported Hedi Slimane’s first piece for Céline.

A preview for all fashionistas that will surely hit the runway as part of the designer’s inaugural collection for the brand during Paris Fashion Week next month. Slimane was announced as the new artistic, creative, and image director of the French fashion house back in February, succeeding Phoebe Philo.

While visiting Paris, the singer wore the structured bag that is personalized with Lady Gaga’s initials and features gold clasp.

Probably your next Birkin or Kelly bag will be the «Gaga» instead… I am already loving it and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Instagram/@sarahtannomakeup (Lady Gaga’s makeup artist Sarah Tanno)
Instagram/ @ladygaga

I am in love, yes IN LOVE! This is definitely the  chicest bag you could add to your summer wardrobe, DIOR‘s embroidered Book Tote! A veritable invitation to travel by the House’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, an evocation of sunshine, inspired by Mexican crafts, it is the perfect luxury staple piece to rock throughout the season. First seen at the DIOR S/S 2018 runway show, it sports geometrical motifs and requires more than thirty-two hours of work and over one million two hundred thousand stitches to create an interplay of arrestingly lovely patterns in mesmerizing shades of green, orange, red, fuchsia, violet and blue. It’s crafted in the fashion house’s studio in Paris.

Rihanna sporting her personalized DIOR book tote

Although the tote has just been released this season, celebrities all over are sporting the brand in a range of colors and customized names.

Check out the photos below to see how the elegant piece is made:

If you are dreaming of a limited edition piece, I recommend visiting DIOR’s pop-up store on the Greek island of Mykonos this summer at the upscale Nammos shopping village until Oct. 15, 2018.

There you can find exclusive pieces, including DIOR Book Tote bags featuring the name of the island woven into the canvas as well as striped bodysuits and sweaters, silk cravats and cotton pareos bearing the slogan «J’adior Mykonos.»

Great news is that the DIOR book tote is here to stay and has been designed in many different versions for F/W 2018 as well as for Cruise 2019.

DIOR Book Totes for F/W 2018

DIOR Book Tote for Cruise 2019

Such a great bag – my favorite is still the S/S 2018 in vibrant shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Making history as the first black woman to headline Coachella, the famous California music festival, Beyoncé used the opportunity to celebrate the culture of historically black colleges with her performance. To do so, she hit the stage in several custom college letter sweatshirts designed by Balmain while singing her famous songs, such as «Run the World (Girls)». Immediately after, fans were searching the internet for ways to get their hands on these cool pieces. And now, we can all finally buy a BAK-lettered sweatshirt.

Printed cotton-blend jersey hooded top

The six-piece collection, an iconic collaboration for music and fashion, features three T-shirts and three sweatshirts offered in black, hot pink, and bright yellow, like the one Queen Bey wore to open her Coachella set and riffs on the signature varsity styles and legacy of America’s 37 historically black colleges and universities.

Proceeds from the collection, fittingly, will be used to help fund the impressive work of UNCF (United Negro College Fund), which helps thousands of students attend college, thrive, graduate and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Cropped embellished cotton-blend jersey hooded top

Me with Olivier Rousteing

In a statement, Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing explained: «After experiencing that beautiful partnership, we weren’t ready to just walk away without adding gone final, perfecting touch. This collection of hoodies and tees, based on key designs from our Coachella efforts, responds to our need to repay an obvious debt for the inspiration we received from the signature spirit and legacy of America’s historically black colleges and universities(HBCUs). Which is why we are so very pleased to announce that proceeds from this collection will help fund the impressive work of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)—helping to guarantee that tomorrow’s leaders will be able to attend college, thrive and graduate.»

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt

 The Balmain x Beyoncé Coachella collection is available exclusively at Balmain’s Paris flagship store, at the House’s revamped digital platform and at NET-A-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balmain

Playful in polka dots – JO MALONE launches colourful colognes, stripy candles and brilliant bubbles. Bath time has never been this fun- enjoy this limited edition collection «QUEEN OF POP!», curated by Poppy Delevingne.

Shh… Busy Bathing!

Enjoy a long, uninterrupted soak with the new luxurious Bubble Bath, available in three different scents. It nourishes skin with wonderfully fragrant bubbles. A relaxing bath time indulgence, its formula is enriched with a blend of sumptuous, skin-conditioning ingredients to cleanse and soften. All dressed up in a decorative bottle from Queen of Pop.

Black Cedarwood & Juniper and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 95.00
Velvet Rose & Oud Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 100.00

«The design of the collection was inspired by my love of stripes, polka dots and all things pink…I wanted every product to be eye-catching and above all, fun. The Colognes, Candles and Bubble Bath will look amazing in any bathroom…»
– Poppy Delevingne

Blackberry & Bay, Grapefruit and Basil & Neroli Home Candle 200g – CHF 86.00

Amber & Lavender, Red Roses, Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.00

In stores now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Lovely gift and a not from Poppy – thank you!

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone
#FromPoppyWithLove

Last month, I flew to the Cannes Film Festival, and spent some amazing days there. Those who have been following me on Instagram have already seen a sneak preview of my experiences. One of them was a private dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi to present her first jewellery collection with Montblanc, so called «Les Aimants by Charlotte Casiraghi».

Needless to say that the location, the magnificently modern Villa La Favorite, was just perfect for this intimate gathering. The Côte d’Azur is the home of the monégasque royal family, so of course Charlotte had an idea what the most suitable party venue could be. Guests from within her circle of family and friends, as well as models Toni Garrn, Cindy Bruna and French actress Virginie Ledoyen enjoyed a first look at the new jewellery collection on the terrace of the magnificent Belle-Époque property while sipping a glass of champagne.

Left: MAN RAY (1890-1976) Nancy Cunard, 1927
Right: The new jewelry collection «Les Aimants» by Charlotte Casiraghi

Inspired by a 1920s photograph of Nancy Cunard (1896-1965), the writer, heiress, political activist, and muse to some of the 20th century’s most distinguished writers and artists, who was also known for wearing stacks of large African wood and ivory bangles, the line features a range of circular charm necklaces, rings and bangles made in black and white resin. Charlotte had the concept of attraction between opposites in mind, therefore the jewelry pieces come with a magnetic silver part to enable the stacking and give women the freedom to customize versatile and contemporary styles by pairing them in a creative way.

During dinner, Parisian duo Hollydays, introduced by Charlotte Casiraghi as dear friends to her heart, performed their original blend of pop and electro music while guests enjoyed a delicious menu that was also a creative interpretation of the theme with the contrasting colours and textures.

CEO of Montblanc, Nicolas Baretzki and Charlotte Casiraghi wearing pieces from the new collection «Les Aimants»

The party continued late into the night when more guests joined the after-party… Following its Cannes debut, the new collection is now available in Montblanc boutiques globally as well as on the brand’s e-commerce.

Enjoy more photos of this beautiful night below…

LoL, Sandra

French actress Virginie Ledoyen

Festival de Cannes jury member Khadja Nin

With Nicolo Oddi, founder & CEO Alanui, at dinner

Pierre Niney and Sveva Alviti

Creative Director of Montblanc, Zaim Kamal worked closely with Charlotte Casiraghi to create the new jewellery collection «Les Aimants».

Toni Garrn

With lovely Cindy Bruna, one of my favorite VS Angels

Sisters: S.A.R. Alexandra De Hannover and Charlotte Casiraghi

Photos: Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Aaliyah is truly one in a million — an unstoppable icon whose groundbreaking work in R&B music and film continues to inspire us all. For this reason M∙A∙C collaborated with Aaliyah Haughton for an outstanding limited edition make-up collection that includes many products you will surely adore!

LIPSTICK
Try Again: soft muted beige (matte) / Hot Like…: creamy fire-red (amplified)
More Than a Woman: cool deep red (amplified) /Street Thing: pure black with shimmer (frost)
CHF 28.00

LIPGLASS
Brooklyn Born: sheer nude with pearl / Li Li’s Motor City: coral with shimmer
At Your Best You Are…: warm berry / 1 In a Million: deep rich purple
CHF 26.00

AGE AIN’T NOTHING / EYE SHADOW X 9
Creative Copper: metallic gold (lustre) / That Somebody: gold brown with gold shimmer (satin)
Princess of Soul: muted golden brown (matte) / Gingersnap: muted pinky coral (frost)
Deception: cool medium brown (frost) / Dance in the Dark: deep cool brown (matte)
Lovesmoke: sterling silver (veluxe pearl) / Magic Moor: mauve plum with subtle shimmer (veluxe pearl) / Care 4 You: black with silver sparkle (lustre)
CHF 60.00

BRONZING POWDER
Baby Girl: pure golden with soft pearl
CHF 35.00

Available from July 5, 2018 in Switzerland exclusively at M∙A∙C Globus Geneva and M∙A∙C Store Lucerne and Zurich and at www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Why do all good things happen at the same time? Last week, I was invited by HUBLOT to join them in Capri for the launch of an amazing nautically-inspired piece in collaboration with ITALIA INDEPENDENT. As I had my girls’ weekend in Belgrade, I couldn’t go unfortunately but I still want to share this with you as I find the watch a true must-have. Paying tribute to Lapo Elkann’s passion and love for the sea by drawing inspiration from the nautical world and from his own experiences and memories within.

Lapo Elkan working on the new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent.

It has been several years since the Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann, and HUBLOT were discussing about a nautical-related watch. And for good reasons. From his earliest childhood, Lapo was cradled by the movement of the waves, thanks to his iconic grandfather who was himself passionate about sailing. Lapo even won the famous race, the Fastnet, with his brother aboard the mythical Stealth.

Lapo Elkann’s legendary grandfather, L’Avvocato (the lawyer), Gianni Agnelli, had indeed an all-consuming passion for sailing. This was to such an extent that he was responsible for creating Azzurra, the first Italian team and challenge to win the America’s Cup. During his enthralling life, he had several yachts built so that he could indulge in his favourite sport.

Saint Tropez 90 – Gianni Agnelli with model Elle Macpherson and Tim Jefferies on his yacht.

In the mid-1990s, he ordered from the naval architect German Frers an exceptional, unique sailing boat whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force’s F-117 fighters which were capable of avoiding radar detection. Like these aircrafts and thanks to the visionary Gianni Agnelli, this superyacht displayed the technical characteristic, a first at the time, of the wide use of Kevlar carbon and other composite material. The yacht was characterised by cutting-edge geometrical shapes, which together with the carbon fiber black sails would have a great influence on Lapo Elkann’s work as a designer.

Lapo Elkann and Ricardo Guadalupe unveiling the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent in Capri last week.

«This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

Paying tribute to this passion, HUBLOT and Lapo Elkann have once again come together to make a watch. And what setting could be more appropriate for its presentation than the blue of the island of Capri? It was here in the Hublot boutique on the main street Vittorio Emanuele, that guests were able to discover the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, the production of which will be limited to 100 pieces.

Based on the legendary Big Bang Unico chronograph, this watch uses the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces are machined in King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by the HUBLOT manufacture. On the dial, the indexes are in orange while its bezel is cut out of teak, a precious wood usually adorning the deck of the finest boats. With a 45-mm diameter and water resistance to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. This masterpiece of technology and watchmaking expertise is visible through the sapphire glass mounted on the back of the watch.

«As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil.
I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it.
I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch.
A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.»
Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia

Each model of the Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two straps. The first, inspired by the world of regattas, is cut out of a real boat sail in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base. The second, which is orange and striped, is made entirely of rubber. The watch is fitted with the revolutionary One Click system which means that both straps are interchangeable at whim.

The 100 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent watches will be delivered in a case containing a pair of Italia Independent sunglasses whose frames uses the same teak wood as the bezel of the watch. Do you fancy setting sail?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot and via L’Avvocato

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht