Sandra‘s Closet

Something really exciting to share with you… for one week only you will be able to purchase the Gabriela Hearst bags that you cannot buy in a store or online besides now. These bags are highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists – on average there is a waiting list of 1,500 client per bag at any given time. If you really want the bag, you have to email, hope and wait.

The friends of Gabriella Hearst who were carrying the famous Nina bag as one of the first ones have caused a big hype: Miroslava Duma to the left and Brie Larson to the right.

My favorite: the Nina leather tote in cognac.

After having produced 20 of those must-have pieces for friends and family, the designer got so many requests that she created an It-bag without even thinking about it. Now, New York-based designer Gabriela Hearst has partner with NET-A-PORTER LTD to raise funds for Save the Children for the unprecedented hunger crisis and impending famine in Turkana, Kenya. The designer is committed to make a donation of $600,000. From the money raised, save the Children will provide cash transfers to those affected families, giving them the ability to purchase urgently needed food and clean water to help them survive the drought.

Gabriela Hearst …

… next to her beautiful Ella two-tone leather tote.

A trio of its own: the Nina, the Demi and the Ellie. Hard to decide… and not a lot of time left as they are selling out like crazy!

TO SHOP THE GABRIELA HEARST BAGS FOR ONE WEEK, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Please be aware that the proceeds from the sale of the bags by NET-A-PORTER will not be donated to Save the Children. Instead, NET-A-PORTER is helping to raise awareness about the important work that this charity does and the donation will be made by Gabriela Hearst directly. The donation is made up of the money Gabriela Hearst makes from wholesaling the bags to NET-A-PORTER.
Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst and Net-à-Porter

June 8th marks World Oceans Day which is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. This year’s overall theme is «Our Oceans, Our Future», with the focus on encouraging solutions to plastic pollution and preventing marine litter for a healthier sea life.

Shades of blue: GG Marmont matelassé mini bag by Gucci and the limited edition Crème de la Mer Blue Heart.

To commemorate World Oceans Day, La Mer has created as in previous years a special collector’s edition of its much coveted miracle cream «Crème de la Mer Blue Heart» which will be available from now for CHF 490.00 (100ml). The ultra-luxury skincare brand has long been a committed guardian in assisting with the protection of sea habitats. Inspired by its healing power and the natural regenerating properties of plants, the Crème de La Mer creator and aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber looked to the sea to transform the look of his skin.

THE MISSION

The La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund launches with a focus on protecting ocean habitats by expanding Marine Protected Areas and empowering ongoing ocean conservation projects around the globe.

This year, La Mer is taking its mission a step further through a New York City-based art walk and auction in collaboration with ocean conservation organization Project 0 and the storied auction house Sotheby’s.

Here is a glimpse of the extraordinary sea-inspired sculptures on display in New York City through the end of June.

THE LA MER
WAVE WALK

Partnering with La Mer, Project 0 brought together some of the world’s most influential artists, designers and culture-makers to create their own wave-inspired, charitable works of art.

On display in New York City during the months around World Oceans Day, the artworks will be auctioned off with all net proceeds going to ocean protection efforts. The online auction will be live until June 23rd, 2017. Sotheby’s will auction off select wave sculptures in an exclusive, live charity event on June 21st in NYC.

YOU CAN SHOP LA MER ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht
#LaMerBlueHeart – #LaMerWaveWalk

«Working with the most wonderful artisans from all over the world is completely natural for me,» commented Christian Louboutin ahead of the launch of his new Mexicaba totes that are exclusive to MATCHESFASHION.COM.

Handcrafted by local Mexican artisans from the Yucatán Peninsula and in collaboration with the Taller Maya Foundation, an organisation that supports the talents of local Mexican women, those absolutely beautiful totes are traditionally woven in riotous rainbow stripes and topped with vibrant, Mayan-style embroidered motifs alongside the designer’s crest-style logo.

Tap into the season’s wanderlust mood and carry it alongside a patterned maxi dress or to the beach. Infuse yourself with the vibrant spirit of Mexico.

TO SHOP THE EXCLUSIVE MEXICABA TOTES BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

This Monday, I had the great honor as guest of Lindt to watch two world-class tennis players, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, competing against each other in the charity Match for Africa 3 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, raising CHF 1.4 million for the Roger Federer Foundation.

Roger Federer with me before the match last Monday.

“I believe in the power of people. We know that a good education is a decisive factor to empower children by allowing them to take their future into their own hands,” said Roger Federer, who will play a fourth Match for Africa against John Isner on April 29 in Seattle, WA. “With my foundation, we want to provide one million children with the opportunity for a quality education by the end of 2018.”

Donations can be made online at match-for-africa.com.

My tennis-inspired look: Twill bomber jacket, matching jersey-trimmed pleated twill mini dress and silk twill scarf with pendant, all by Gucci, suede overknee boots by Roberto Cavalli, Betty Medium Chain leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent and mirrored sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last summer, Maria Grazia Chiuri was officially named Creative Director at Dior, making history as the first-ever female head designer in the prestigious fashion house’s 70-year history. To celebrate that milestone, the designer debuted her first collection for the brand with some to die for statement-making tees.

The ultimate must-have for all fashionistas among the midst of tulle, lace and an array of romantic gowns, is a white graphic t-shirt emblazoned with the words, “We Should All Be Feminists” that walked the runway tucked into a floor-length sheer tulle skirt.

TO SHOP THE DIOR MUST-HAVE TEES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Hurry up as they will sell out in the next hours for sure!

Rihanna wearing Dior’s feminist tee

Great news is that Dior announced that a portion of sales from its “We Should All Be Feminists” tees will benefit The Clara Lionel Foundation that was founded by the fashion house’s ambassadress Rihanna back in 2012 for whom «in the fight against injustice, inequality, and poverty, access to​ education and health​ is our most powerful weapon».

And if you happen to be at Dior, grab a pair of those ladylike kitten heels that are featuring an arched-heel slingback with J’Adior-printed ribbon trim. So cute!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and via Harper’s Bazaar UK

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated every year on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Bobbi Brown has worked hard to empower women beyond makeup. Through «The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls», that was launched in 2013, the cosmetic brand has partnered with organizations that make education and learning accessible to women and girls on a global level. In 2017, Bobbi Brown is is teaming up with Kiva by donating $300,000 to the global non-profit organization that helps low income women in over 80 countries secure microloans and create better futures for themselves.

What is it?
Pretty with a purpose – introducing Bobbi’s best-selling, multi-tasking lip and cheek formula Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge in limited edition Pretty Powerful Pink III. Your purchase will support Bobbi Brown’s donation to Kiva.

Who is it for?
The woman looking for a creamy color formula that can be used on both lips and cheeks.

How do I use it?
Press onto apples of cheeks, blending out and down toward hairline using your fingertips. Apply with fingertips or the Lip Brush (sold separately) on lips; can be worn alone or with Lip Pencil and Lip Gloss.

Why is it different?
One thing is clear: an educated girl is a pretty powerful girl. With the purchase of this limited edition shade, you will support Bobbi Brown’s $300,000 donation to Kiva. Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge is available now at all Bobbi Brown locations and online.

You can also support Kiva by lending directly to a woman or girl in a developing country. Once your loan is repaid, you can use the funds again and again – truly a gift that keeps on giving.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

One year after the launch of its global partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), LOUIS VUITTON launches its first #makeapromise day today on January 12th 2017 to raise funds for children in urgent need through its global network of stores.

Nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by conflict and millions more face risks from natural hazards and fast spreading epidemics. Every day, somewhere around the world, a child wakes up to a life filled with violence, persecution and hardship. Louis Vuitton renews its promise to bring hope for a better life to these children with the launch of #makeapromise day.

During this day, in 460 Louis Vuitton stores worldwide in more than 60 countries, 12,000 Louis Vuitton Client Advisors will act as special advocates of the “LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF” partnership and promote the sales of the Silver Lockit: a product specially designed to raise funds for UNICEF.

Since January 2016, the Louis Vuitton for UNICEF partnership has helped raise $2.5m to help bring children life-saving humanitarian support in Syria and Nigeria. And in doing so, it has brought hope to children who have endured the horrors of war and deprivation. To illustrate how the contribution has made a difference, in 2016, four and a half million children and their families in Syria were protected through the lifesaving provision of water.

For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant ($600) or bracelet ($500), $200 is donated to UNICEF.

#MakeAPromise
At the #UNICEFBall presented by Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière and Nicole Kidman make a promise to help children in urgent need. Photo by @PatrickDemarchelier
@nicolasghesquiere @UNICEF via @louisvuitton

On this occasion, Louis Vuitton renews its promise to help children and invites people all over the world to join the movement. Guests will be encouraged to come accompanied with someone close to make a pinky promise and to share their promise online with a special hashtag: #makeapromise. As a way of inviting people to spread the word, an exclusive offer will be made that day for those who purchase two Silver Lockits (offer available in all Louis Vuitton stores and on louisvuitton.com for January 12th 2017).

Shopping for a great cause! I like…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Empire stars Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett are the smoldering new faces of M.A.C. Viva Glam. The two join a long and familiar list of celebrities that have fronted the campaign, like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Nicki Menaj, and Ariana Grande.

The two new beauty musts will be launched in February 2017, shopping for a good cause.

LIPSTICK Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson
Bright fuchsia (matte) – CHF 28.00

LIPGLASS Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson
Rich fuchsia with pink pearl –  CHF 26.00

I am wearing them in this Christmas post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Last April, I wrote a post about the amazing project that LOUIS XIII did in collaboration with HERMÈS, SAINT-LOUIS, and PUIFORCAT.

Four French luxury houses joined forces to create something very special.

Personally speaking, I still find it very impressive that each decanter of LOUIS XIII takes four generations of cellar masters over 100 years to craft. It is a unique blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which is at least 40 years old.

A veritable journey through time, it has been present at every milestone in the history of luxury travel. In tribute to this odyssey, the four French luxury houses joined forces to create three unique masterpieces. To crown their rarity, the LOUIS XIII cognac they house is a tailor-made coupe enriched with a selection of one of the oldest Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, set aside over the decades by the Cellar Masters.

Touring the world.

Inspired by the iconic LOUIS XIII journeys, these objets-d’art have toured the globe, exhibiting their history and savoir-faire at Hermès boutiques, prestige museums and select venues in cultural capitals: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Paris and London… For one year, LOUIS XIII shared its ode to adventure with the world.

To close this exciting tour, each decanter has been auctioned by Sotheby’s. In New York, the Americas edition topped the record for sale of a LOUIS XIII decanter; in Hong Kong in October, the Asia decanter surpassed that total; and at the final sale in London on November 16, the Europe decanter fetched US$ 235,000, bringing the full total to US$ 558,000.

“LOUIS XIII and The Film Foundation are both committed to preserving a cultural legacy, honoring the past while ensuring that films survive into the future. The work of the foundation has helped to restore over 700 films, from the 1880s onward, encompassing well over 100 years of this extraordinary art form. We are grateful for our partnership with LOUIS XIII, and its generous and continuous support for the foundation’s mission,” said Martin Scorsese.

The proceeds will benefit The Film Foundation, created by Martin Scorsese in 1990 to restore and preserve cinematic heritage. A great project with a lot of success – bravo!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII

Bally has teamed up with French NGO, Soieries du Mékong, in a collaboration which calls upon the expertise of Cambodian silk weavers, to create 500 special edition silk scarves.

Soieries du Mékong, empowers women from some of the poorest rural areas of Cambodia by offering them sustainable employment and developing their hand-weaving knowledge and skill. Each silk scarf is individually handmade in Cambodia taking up to 40 hours to craft, with each strand individually measured and dyed before the weaving process, and then finished by hand.

The scarves will be available globally online from the beginning of November as well as in Bally retail stores within the US, UK, Switzerland, Germany, Milan, France, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Singapore.

Shopping for a great cause, we love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bally