Sandra‘s Closet

Prada and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) present the last phase of the educational programme Sea Beyond, a tailor-made pilot conceived for secondary schools all around the world to raise awareness on ocean preservation and sustainability.

Sea Beyond sought to educate the new generations about adopting more responsible and mindful
behaviors towards the ocean and its resources, promoting sustainable consumption in line with the
United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the first phase of the project (October 2020 – January 2021), high school teachers in ten cities around the world (Berlin, Cape Town, Lisbon, London, Mexico City, Milan, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Venice) took part in webinars conducted by UNESCO-IOC experts, in which they received training on how to develop an educational module dedicated to the theme of ocean sustainability. Every school received a «Sea Beyond» toolkit made of recycled cardboard, containing educational as well as creative materials to enable students to play an active role in a global ocean sustainability movement.

During the project’s second phase, starting on the 25th January 2021, students, as true «sea ambassadors», have been tasked with developing awareness campaigns focused on ocean preservation as part of an international competition.

At a virtual event on the 26th March 2021, an international jury will announce the winning campaign. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Assistant Director General of UNESCO, will be joined by international personalities who have dedicated their talent and careers to saving our ocean.

Jury members include (from top left to bottom right): Italian writer Alessandro Baricco; aquanaut, oceanographic explorer and environmental advocate Fabien Cousteau; environmental artist Anne de Carbuccia; marine scientist and social entrepreneur Kerstin Forsberg; and Italian gold-medalist free diver Alessia Zecchini. The jury will help Prada and UNESCO selecting the most creative project. The event will be moderated by Brazilian marine activist and artist Patricia Furtado de Mendonça.

The winning campaign will be disseminated on Prada and UNESCO social channels as well as on
www.pradagroup.com and www.ioc.unesco.org, while the school of the selected project will be
honored with an award of € 5,000 to be invested in educational materials.

The whole event will be live-streamed on www.pradagroup.com, starting from 2.00 pm CET
on March 26th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

As part of its Louis Vuitton for UNICEF partnership, Louis Vuitton adds four new colours of the Silver Lockit bracelets and launches its first Doudou Louis.

In continuation of its #MAKEAPROMISE campaign, Louis Vuitton is committed to raising awareness and funds for UNICEF to support the most vulnerable children around the world. Perfectly color coordinated, the new Silver Lockit bracelets come in pastel blue, pink, celadon green, and black.
Incorporating recycled silver and organic cotton for the first time, the Silver Lockit bracelets feature the iconic padlock as well as the LV signature circular logo.

In its rainbow of pastel colors, Doudou Louis, the Louis Vuitton for UNICEF teddy bear, appears for the first time in textile format. Made from organic cotton, the Monogram printed textile covers the teddy bear, with embroidered Monogram flowers making up Doudou Louis’ blue eyes.

Worldwide launch today, on January 29th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

La Prairie, the luxury skincare house, has comissioned award-winning Swiss artist Douglas Mandry to produce a series of images of Swiss landscapes that highlight the beauty of Swiss nature and its inherent fragility.

«Capturing Swiss nature is a testimony of its sublime essence. Looking at a landscape, I start to simplify shapes. Once I have captured this piece of nature, I transform it. This is the starting point of my creations: merging my experience of nature with my cultural background.»

For the collaboration with La Prairie, Douglas Mandry traveled throughout Switzerland to capture the wild environment and impressive landscapes of his homeland.
«After hours of walking, sometimes I just happen to be at a place which strikes me. Capturing this nature is for me a testimony of its sublime essence. Afterwards, I try to re-appropriate this untouched and unspoiled environment and make it my own. So the whole process is about merging my experience of nature with my cultural background,” explained Mandry.

Experimenting with both traditional photographic techniques and pioneering new processes, Mandry uses the medium as a raw material, stretches it, reworks it to go beyond the qualities of the original photograph. By manipulating his photographs in this way and combining them with non-photographic elements, he creates a new typology of objects that rests somewhere between two- and three-dimensionality.

With this new venture, La Prairie proudly continues to collaborate with Swiss artists. Douglas Mandry’s inspiring tribute to Swiss nature speaks to La Prairie’s own tireless pursuit of timeless beauty. A pursuit that has become a purpose, for the luxury house who supports initiatives promoting culture and science through the prism of Switzerland as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Left: The three unique works that will be auctioned off. Right: Mandry at work.

To that end, three unique works, the striking result of La Prairie’s collaboration with Douglas Mandry will be auctioned online on Artnet Auctions from November 4-18, 2020.
The proceeds of the sales will be donated as part of the brand’s ongoing support for ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) through its ETH Foundation. Their pioneering work in the field of climate studies, glaciology and environmental conservation is shared with La Prairie’s overarching commitment to protecting and preserving its land of origin.

Please enjoy this little interview with Douglas Mandry:

Tell us more about yourself an as artist. What is your background?
I was born in Switzerland and work in Zurich today as an artist and photographer, where my studio is based. I graduated in 2013 from Lausanne’s ECAL University for Design and Art with a specialisation in photography.

What are your main sources of inspiration?
I do read a lot. I am inspired basically by any possible thing. I try to cultivate a background in image paintings, philosophy, and a bit of technology too. My work is a response to society, to different aspects of the society I have grown up in and I live in. My own experience of life has become a tool for inspiration.

Please share some insight about your creative process. What is the idea behind «breaking/manipulating» reality?
The way we experience reality is so complex and has many layers to it. As a photographer, if you think of representing reality, you think of constructing a certain reality through photography. When I was studying and doing my own photographs, I realised that I was more interested in constructing my photographs than actually taking them. The whole process before I take the picture is, for me, as — if not more — interesting than taking the picture or enjoying the result. Photography has so many aspects to it: between the moment you create or you have an idea of creating an image, until the way you or someone else experiences it, it’s actually a lot of steps. It is a succession of steps and each one is equally important to create a result.

What is your definition of Swissness?
To me, Swissness has two sides to it. On one hand, a high respect for tradition, knowhow and craftsmanship. And on the other hand, an advanced interest for progress in technological precision and development. Two sides which work really well in one concept.

How was your collaboration with La Prairie? What does the brand evoke to you?
La Prairie evokes to me many Swiss qualities, such as a close connection to nature but also a certain very precise know-how and elevated craftsmanship. This is what I consider the essence of Switzerland to be.

Do you think that art and beauty are related? How?
I believe beauty is everywhere. Art can be used to question beauty or to establish beauty standards across time and different cultures. They are more than related, they flow with each other.

Tell us about your future projects.
I am currently developing a project focusing more specifically on the topic of Swiss glaciers, working both with archive photographs and experimental image-making tools.

Thank you, Douglas!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Prairie

Jimmy Choo collaborates with footwear label Timberland to create a lineup of glamorous reinterpretations of the signature boots that debuted over 40 years ago and remain popular today.

The limited-edition collection comprises four designs – three unisex and one women’s style. From subtle gold glitter to statement crystal embellishment, the capsule is a unique marriage that fuses two brand’s design iconography. Featuring embellished gold glitter and one-of-a-kind crystal detailing, the versatile range epitomises off-duty glamour.

A limited edition style, encrusted in all-over Swarovski crystals, makes it the ultimate in statement streetwear.

Shot on location in the Californian desert, Hawaiian skater, surfer and model Evan Mock and beauty entrepreneur Kristen Noel Crawley navigate the rugged desert terrain with an energised attitude, taking urban style back to nature. The landscape highlights the raw beauty of the desert while mirrored installations reflect the fusion of the dual brand aesthetics: high fashion glamour blended with outdoor utility.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP JIMMY CHOO x TIMBERLAND COLLECTION.

Continuing Timberland’s pledge to plant 50 million trees over the next five years, a tree will be planted for every pair of Jimmy Choo x Timberland boots created in support of Timberland’s pursuit of a greener future. Shopping for a good cause, we love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo / Timberland
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Since its launch in 1992, the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign has united and inspired people globally to create a breast cancer-free world. Founded by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, the campaign is the American beauty conglomerate’s largest corporate social impact program. It has raised more than $89 million to support global research, education and medical services, with more than $73 million funding 293 medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).

«It really is something that can never be done by any one person; it has to be done by a group.» – Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
In Memoriam 12 August 1936 – 13 November 2011

 Around the world, people are experiencing challenging times living amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This is true for all of those impacted by the disease, especially the breast cancer community, which now faces increased risk and vulnerability. But these days have also brought a renewed sense of unity, hope and inclusivity, as we all join together in the mission #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

#TimeToEndBreastCancer on Instagram

The 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign has launched a new social media call-to-action to rally supporters and raise funds for BCRF: Show your Pink Ribbon and share what it means to you. For every public, in-feed Instagram or Facebook post during the month of October featuring both hashtags #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to BCRF up to $100,000.

For all my Swiss readers who would like to support the 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign, pay a visit to the Charity Pop-Up Store at Zurich’s Main Station from October 8-10, 2020, where you can profit from 50% off several products from brands belonging to The Estée Lauder Companies, such as Clinique, La Mer, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown etc… All proceeds will be donated to «Look Good Feel Better». Throughout the whole month of October, you can also buy those Pink Ribbon limited edition products:

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex with Pink Ribbon Bracelet – CHF 149.00
ESTÉE LAUDER Pink Perfection Lip Kit – CHF 65.00
CLINIQUE Moisture Surge 72-hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator – CHF 42.00 (50ml)
LA MER Crème de la Mer – CHF 100.00 (15ml)
(50% of the sale price of each product will be donated to «Look Good Feel Better»).

AVEDA Hand Relief ™ Moisturizing Crème with Cherry Almond Aroma – CHF 40.50 (150ml)
(The Estée Lauder Companies will donate CHF 5.00 for each sold product to «Look Good Feel Better»).

It’s more than a ribbon. It unites us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Estée Lauder Companies and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I received some of the products as samples.

This week, Prada and Sotheby’s unveiled a selection of highlights from «Tools of Memory», an online auction to raise funds for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and its efforts to safeguard learning for students around the world in the face of the unprecedented disruption caused by COVID-19. At the peak of the pandemic, school closures to contain its spread interrupted the education of more than 1.5 billion children and youth – 90% of the world’s students – disproportionately impacting girls and women, for whom education is often a lifeline.

Prada will donate its proceeds raised in this auction to specifically benefit UNESCO’s new campaign entitled Keeping girls in the picture and their Global Education Coalition’s Gender Flagship, which has been leading collaborative efforts to promote the continuity of learning during closures and ensure a safe return to school for all women everywhere.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: GALLERIA SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE – IN YELLOW, RED, BLUE, GREEN – AUTHOR: MIUCCIA PRADA 

An online sale like no other, every item featured is an original piece from the Prada F/W Men’s and Women’s fashion shows, including one-of-a-kind garments worn by the models, photographic prints of candid moments backstage, polaroid, seat cards and invitations, objects from the runway décor, and vinyl with the accompanying music for both presentations by Frédéric Sanchez.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: ANTI-HERO STATUE, MEN’S SHOW CENTERPIECE – PAINTED WOOD, 370 CM HEIGHT – AUTHOR: AMO/REM KOOLHAAS 

The sale features 72 lots in total and will open for bidding on Sotheby’s website from 2-15 October. Pop-up teaser exhibitions will also be staged at Sotheby’s in London and New York in the lead up to the sale. Debuted in January and February this year, Prada’s F/W 2020 shows transformed the grand hall of the Deposito of Fondazione Prada into two piazzas, designed by research and design studio AMO. An equestrian statue and a representation of the Greek Titan Atlas designed by Rem Koolhaas formed the centrepieces of the Men’s and Women’s shows respectively, and will now appear as highlights of the auction.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: CARNATION PRINT ORGANZA DRESS – WORN BY LICETT MORILLO – AUTHOR: MIUCCIA PRADA 

From layered fringes to deconstructed pleats, geometric prints, knitwear and shearling-lined outerwear, «Tools of Memory» features over 40 looks from the house’s F/W 2020 presentations. Comprising the clothing, shoes, and accessories worn by the models only for fittings and on the catwalk, each outfit is presented as an individual lot. Further items include unique garments, footwear and eyewear, handbags and jewellery, which will not be available to purchase in Prada’s stores but will be offered exclusively here.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: BEADED FRINGE EMBROIDERY DRESS – ITEM NOT FEATURED IN THE SHOW – AUTHOR: MIUCCIA PRADA 

A one-of-a-kind pastel blue dress with an embellished beaded fringe neckline also joins the line-up. Making its debut appearance, the dress was originally created for the show but the same prototype in a different colour featured on the final catwalk.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: PRE-SHOW PHOTOGRAPH OF GIGI HADID AND RIANNE VAN ROMPAEY – LARGE FORMAT FINE ART PRINT – AUTHOR: DANIEL ARNOLD

Photographic prints by Daniel Arnold, Phil Meech and model Gigi Hadid capture moments before and after each presentation backstage. Totems to the season, these shots as well as polaroid records of the models Kaia Gerber and Mensah Benjamin’s fittings, immortalise the backstage process and on-stage performance of the fashion experience.

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: PRE-SHOW PHOTOGRAPH OF BANGALI DRAMMEH – LARGE FORMAT FINE ART PRINT – AUTHOR: DANIEL ARNOLD 

Detailed information about the online auction can be found on sothebys.com as well as on prada.com.

POP UP EXHIBITION DATES AT SOTHEBY’S
London 16-23 September
New York 18-22 September

LoL, Sandra

ITEM FEATURED IN AUCTION: ATLAS STATUE, WOMEN’S SHOW CENTERPIECE – PAINTED WOOD, 370 CM HEIGHT – AUTHOR: AMO/REM KOOLHAAS 

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and UNESCO
#PradaSothebys #PradaToolsOfMemory #PradaFW20

I love elephants and will never forget my first encounter with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. A memory I’ll treasure forever. To ensure that they remain in existence for many centuries to come, I joined the Matriarch Club, a group of 100 high profile women, in London last year, and will be leading the CoExistence charge as one of their Matriarchs. Due to the current pandemic, everything needed to be postponed but I hope that our USA adventure can take place in 2021. This powerful movement aims to build a $10m fund for human-wildlife-coexistence projects across Asia. Stay tuned, I will tell more about this great initiative soon.

I love this BURBERRY + Space for Giants suede-trimmed nylon jacket.

Much to my delight, I discovered that Net-à-Porter has teamed-up with Space For Giants and developed an exquisite capsule collection with several designers to support their amazing conversation work. As you will see, the collection is inspired by safari influences and you’ll find lots of linens and neutral tones and an overall utilitarian aesthetic. Ole Lynggaard has also designed 5 incredibly special Elephant charm pendants in 18 karat yellow gold with emeralds and diamonds.  All profits from this collection will benefit Space for Giants.

OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN x Space for Giants

By purchasing an item, you are answering the call of the wild and in this way you are making a supersonic effort that Africa’s ecosystems and the mega-fauna they contain are conserved. That means ending the poaching of elephants, because elephants are a keystone species and if they are thriving, their precious habitats are, too. And it means finding new ways to fund forever the protection of these landscapes so they can continue to bring their benefits for generations to come.

And if you are still not convinced, here are 10 reasons why to love elephants:

Elephants love deeply and are passionate about life.
Elephants are feminists! Elephant herds are matriarchal.
Elephants make great friends with strong social bonds.
Elephants are resourceful and can adapt to any situation easily.
Elephants are all about teamwork.
Elephants are fast learners and have one of the largest and most complex brains in the living world.
Elephants make great parents and are very protective and nurturing of their young.
Elephants are excellent communicators.
Elephants are environmentalists.
Elephants don’t forget, but they do forgive.

TO SHOP THE SPACE OF GIANTS CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
The perfect pieces for your next safari…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Introducing the Polo Ralph Lauren face mask collection, featuring two models—the Polo cloth mask and the Polo high-filtration mask – for all the ways you work and play. While Ralph Lauren hasn’t announced a firm release date, you can sign up for updates on the brand’s webstore (you will find the link below). It’ll be worth the wait, as it’ll become the new grail for masks, there are not many designer face protections around, and shopping them will help a good cause.

Fifty percent of the net purchase price (excluding VAT) of each mask will be donated to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, powered by the UN Foundation.

The Polo Cloth Mask
80% Particle Filtration
Antimicrobial-treated cotton inner lining to preserve fabric freshness, two layers of non woven filtration, breathable outer layer. Sign up now here, coming fall 2020.

The Polo High-Filtration Mask
95% Particle Filtration
The most advanced option, the Polo High-Filtration Mask features an antimicrobial-treated shell and inner lining to preserve fabric freshness, a customizable fit, and disposable filters for a higher level of breathability. Sign up now here, coming fall 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Ralph Lauren

Lollapalooza, the American music festival, is taking a luxury gloss for its Paris edition and invites you to a tailor-made event in collaboration with Balmain and Jean Imbert to celebrate together the essence of Lolla Paris: music, fashion and gastronomy, for a bucolic and musical picnic on Sunday July 19th on the lush green grounds of the beautiful Hippodrome ParisLongchamp (2 Route des Tribunes, 75016 Paris), the popular horse-racing complex. In the wake of the corona pandemic, it is possible because France allows 5000 capacity events, but it is vastly downsized compared to previous years.

Balmain created a designer picnic blanket, while chef Jean Imbert took care of the gourmet nibbles and Veuve Cliquot to indulge completely.

Building upon Balmain and Lollapallooza’s long-term commitment to supporting the life-saving work of (RED), the ticket sales will be used to support The Global Fund COVID-19 response.
Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a catastrophic impact on the globe’s most vulnerable communities. To help raise awareness and funds for this initiative, Olivier Rousteing has customized five pairs of the house’s best-selling Balmain Sneakers, as well as several collector’s picnic blankets to be sold online on the day of the event—with all profits raised going to The Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response.

Balmain Music Festival in 2019 and the new sneaker model with straps

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

– Access will be at the main entrance to the Hippodrome, at the Grid of Honor.
– Doors will open from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
– End of the event at 4:00 p.m.
– Ticket received by e-mail to be printed in A4 format.
– Identity document of the purchaser of the valid ticket, which must be presented at the entrance.
– The ticket being valid for 2 people, you will be asked to come together at the entrance to access the event.
– According to the sanitary measures in force at the time of the event, please bring a mask.

TO GET YOUR TICKET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain

Today, let’s talk about some refillable, eco-responsible luxury lipsticks with precious leather cases, and also a «clean» formula! La Bouche Rouge Paris is a new super trendy makeup brand made in France.

This Dreamy New Beauty Line Wants to Make the Planet a Better Place

Would you be surprised to hear that many cosmetics, no matter how tiny or massive the price tag, are made in the same factory? It’s true, and Nicolas Gerlier, a French beauty veteran, has set forth to break the mold with his new company La Bouche Rouge. The lipstick brand fuses Parisian luxury and environmental accountability, and is the first start-up aided by LVMH’s cosmetology research division. It is exclusively available in Switzerland at Spitzenhaus.

No more plastic in beauty – change your red to change the world

The Red Serum is a revolutionary lip care, enriched with natural antioxidants and anti-aging active substances. The serum contains no beeswax or animal fats and is free from micro-plastic particles. A patented method is used to micronize the pigments, which are then added to a vegetable oil. This gives the pigment a special radiance, the product is wonderfully to apply and wear and it bonds exceptionally well with the lips. The formulation is absolutely free from immuno-compromising substances such as parabens, silicones and mineral oils – this is critical, because studies show that used regularly, the wearer ingests an amount of product equivalent to three whole lipsticks per year.

Handmade to be loved forever

The lipstick container from La Bouche Rouge celebrates the age-old artisanal craft of the tanneur. Handmade at the Tannery du Puy in the Auvergne, the stylish leather case is not only an especially stunning object. It can also be refilled and enjoyed for many years to come as it accompanies you on your way. This leather case also makes a small contribution to stemming the tide of environmental pollution caused by plastics. Because, as things stand now, over a billion plastic lipstick containers end up in landfill every year. It took four years of intensive research and a total of 423 trials to arrive at the perfect basis for La Bouche Rouge lipsticks.

What if a lipstick could be a socially responsible act

A very special lipstick has grown out of the earnest endeavor to reduce plastic waste in the cosmetics industry. Its formula is absolutely free from micro-plastics. It is also sold in a leather case that can be refilled indefinitely. Did you know that the cosmetics industry is the third-largest source of plastic waste (after the automobile and fashion industries)? 82 % of all drinking water worldwide is also tainted. With its new sustainable lipstick project, La Bouche Rouge would like to sensitize consumers, encouraging them to rethink their purchasing behavior when it comes to cosmetic products, and to act more responsibly in general. Since April, 2019 La Bouche Rouge has also supported the Eau Vive project in Togo, which has given 25 communities access to clean drinking water and works to improve hygienic conditions overall.

I am loving it! Visit Spitzenhaus to explore the collection with your own eyes. It is worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Rouge Rouge / Spitzenhaus