Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, the day before the Oscars, I attended the Montblanc Charity Brunch at the iconic Bel-Air Hotel. During the event the German house’s “Signature For Good” 2013 collection was presented which aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide.

Hilary Swank with me yesterday

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank was the star guest among many celebrities who arrived on the red carpet. To support this good cause, the brunette actress joined the project and travelled to Ethiopia. Here are some impressions she shared during yesterday’s interview.

What can you share about Montblanc and UNICEFʼs partnership?

What struck me about Montblancʼs relationship with UNICEF was this shared belief in the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of their situation and location. Seeing in person how Montblanc is so committed to this issue in Ethiopia and how UNICEFʼs programmes are making a difference was also very touching to me, knowing that this commitment is not short term. They have been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade and committed to do doing so in the long-term because when it comes to this kind of work, it is the only way you can really make an impact and end the cycle of poverty.

What will your most enduring memory from this visit be?

I will always remember the enthusiasm and warmth of the children but also the determination and dedication of the UNICEF staff on the ground. One special memory is the children who were part of the Gender Club, an educational group that promotes 4 gender equality for boys and girls, showing them what to do if they have been abused, violated in any way and what their rights are. It empowers these kids to figure out how to get to school, find the closest water well. Itʼs all about putting their minds together to find solutions to their every day challenges. It is inspiring to me, to see young people helping out with these programmes, striving to only to improve their own situation, but helping others around them enjoy better lives. These kids were so special to me, and I will carry their spirits and their smiles in my heart forever.

Writing by hand seems to be less and less common in the developed world, do you every worry about it?

Our society relies far too much on emails, text messages and other forms of digital communication, yet the written word can be so much more meaningful. Because handwriting is unique and personal to each and every one of us, it adds a special touch to the messages we share. Montblanc does a wonderful job at reminding us what a unique experience writing by hand can be, particularly if you have the right instrument to shape your thoughts and emotions with. Call me old-fashioned, but I love to receive a handwritten note from a friend or loved one.

CEO Montblanc International, Lutz Bethge, during the field trip in Ethiopia

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” collection includes special edition writing instruments, jewlery pieces and leather accessories.

All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children within its Schools for Africa, Asia and Latin America programmes.

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Bracelets

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Writing Instruments

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Leather Family
The collection will be in stores in March 2013.

To ensure all children have access to a proper education to learn how to read and to write is such a great cause worth supporting. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars for UNICEFʼs education programmes worldwide. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for a detailed post from the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

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

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

For the sixth consecutive year, US label Tommy Hilfiger will launch a limited edition handbag in support of Breast Health International, a leading non-profit foundation that advances breast cancer research and treatment. The American designer has great support from two famous ladies.

The 2012 BHI campaign features acclaimed Anglo-French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, photographed by celebrated Hollywood actress, screenwriter and producer Drew Barrymore.

“I am very proud to be partnering with Breast Health International for a sixth year,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “The annual limited-edition collaboration is a great way for us to engage consumers in raising awareness and funds for this important initiative. We are excited and honored to welcome Charlotte Gainsbourg and Drew Barrymore in support of this year’s campaign.”

This year’s limited-edition handbag is a navy leather tote with white accents and red handles, inspired by the Tommy Hilfiger brand‟s classic American cool heritage. Additional features include a central divider pocket, mobile phone pocket, and rose gold tone magnetic closures.

The handbag will debut exclusively on tommy.com today on September 27, 2012, and be available in select Tommy Hilfiger stores in Europe, the United States, Canada and the Asia-Pacific region starting October 1, 2012  for €299.
(€100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living, a global BHI initiative that provides assistance to women with breast cancer and their families by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that may not be covered by traditional health insurance programs.)

Last year’s celebrity ambassador for the Tommy Hilfiger/BHI handbag was Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger. For the previous post, please click here.

Stay tuned for a post in which I am wearing this fab bag. Thumbs up for shopping for a good cause! Get yours online today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

This October sees the launch of L’Occitane‘s extremely beautiful limited edition Shea Butter Fortune Flowers collection. The colourful range was inspired by two West African traditions: Basket weaving and storytelling. Decorated with striking motifs that evoke the baskets woven by women, the collection captures the delicate scents of “fortune flowers” whose qualities are praised in popular folklore.

Generosity is another African tradition – so it made perfect sense to include a fund-raising soap in this collection. All profits from the sale of this product – sales price in store minus taxes, transport and production costs – will go towards fighting preventable blindness in developing countries.

The limited editions come in three new scents to captivate the senses:
ROSE PETALS: Evokes the sweet floral notes of rose with a hint of the sugar-coated scent of candied almonds.
DATE BOUQUET: Recalls the mouth-watering essence of this deliciously sweet fruit.
MANGO FLOWER: Reveals a full and zesty aroma – the olfactory signature of the wide open spaces of Burkina Faso.

HAND CREAM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 30ml (CHF 10.-)
HAND CREAM COLLECTOR 150ml (CHF 27.-)
ULTRA RICH BODY CREAM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 100ml (CHF 31.-)
LIP BALM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 15ml (CHF 15.50)
SOLIDARITY SOAP (Rose Petals) 50g (CHF 2.50)
Available Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Occitane and © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news for my Zurich based readers – this week, you can shop new and vintage designer clothes for a good cause. 20% of the proceeds will go to the Sanni Foundation.

Where? Sparkle PR Solutions, Dufourstr. 48, 8008 Zürich
When? Tuesday, September 11th, 2012 from 9am to 7pm

LoL, Sandra

Help support the United Nations World Food Program with DKNY‘s and FEED‘s fashionable collaboration.

FEED began in 2006 when model activist Lauren Bush designed a bag to benefit the United Nations World Food Program. To date, FEED has raised enough money through the sale of products to provide over 60 million school meals to children around the world. All FEED products are made with sustainable materials designed as an alternative to disposable paper and plastic bags, and manufactured under fair labor standards.

With each item sold from this capsule collection, DKNY will make a guaranteed donation to support the work of FEED. Check out more details on this collection for a cause:

With the purchase of a city survival canvas and shell tote you will supply 100 emergency meals to children.

With the purchase of a canvas and shell diaper bag you will provide micronutrient powder for a mother and her baby for a full year.

With the purchase of matte-rubber Wellington boots you will supply 25 emergency meals to children in need.

Shopping has never felt so good!

LoL, Sandra

“I’m renowned for my love of a high collar and I wanted to create a true collector’s item,” says Karl Lagerfeld of his jewel-encrusted collar.

Fusing “the masculine with the feminine and uniting the world of fine jewelry and high fashion”, the designer’s spectacular collar is an extraordinary collector’s piece. Handcrafted from black suede, sparkling with pavé black diamonds and a single emerald- cut stone, produced exclusively for the Vogue UK jewelry editor Carol Woolton-curated Brilliant exhibition at Masterpiece, London, the capital’s luxury art and design fair, it will be on display from June 28th – July 4th. The piece will be accompanied by a hand-signed sketch from Mr Lagerfeld himself.

A percentage of profits from the sale will be donated to children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

This collar will be available for shipping from 7th July.
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Mary Katrantzou has designed a Teflon Easter Egg for the Fabergé Easter Egg Hunt in London. The giant floral-embellished egg, which is on display at the fashionable May Fair Hotel for 40 days and 40 nights, went for £12.000.- in the charity auction.

The egg features several “metal flowers, Swarovski crystals, bells and whistles, the May Fair’s vibrant three-colour tiered Egg is described as ‘Man Meets Machine Meets Mother Earth'”. Reminiscent of Mary Katrantzou‘s beautiful S/S 2012 collection.

Happy Easter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou

Do you remember LUISAVIAROMA’s charity project “Pug Dogs for Happy Kids” that I presented to you last January? You can click here for the previous post.

Twenty one pug dogs were customized exclusively for LuisaViaRoma by a selection of the most prominent international luxury fashion designers and bloggers were asked to adopt one of those little soft toys.

As you know, I adopted the Emilio Pucci pug dog.

Finally the pug dogs are to be auctioned off starting March 19th for UNICEF in support of children in Bangladesh on eBay. For more information on how to bet, please click here.

Happy auctioning for a good cause and a big thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht