Sandra‘s Closet

Such a magic weekend … yesterday, I attended the Kispiball 2019 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that always takes place at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I felt very honored to draw the four exclusive raffle prizes, such as a Chopard watch or a beautiful fine jewellery ring by Bucherer.

My look: Gena embroidered silk chiffon dress by Costarellos, Dionysus pink velvet super mini bag, and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Miu Miu and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
A few photos in the collages © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, I went to Metzingen in Germany, a picturesque town close to the city of Stuttgart, that is dedicated to shopping. Once you arrive, you will think, that you made it to a gigantic American shopping mall – OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, where you can find high-end designer stores, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry and many more with discounts of up to 70% all year round. The reason for my visit was the opening of the newly built BOSS Flagship Outlet that offers the complete product range on a sales area of over 5,000 square meters and that is the largest store of the HUGO BOSS Group worldwide.

To celebrate the occasion, over 600 guests, among them brand ambassadors, German supermodel Eva Padberg and actress Bettina Zimmermann, were invited to indulge in special treats, such as being sketched by an illustrator, or getting their new sweaters or T-shirts personalized. Eva told us that her favorite fashion trend for the upcoming season is pink, no wonder she wore a pink BOSS sweater and looked stunning in it.

My look: Dark blue leather biker jacket, long belted palm-leaf printed silk dress, white booties, and Taylor crossbody bag in black, all by Hugo Boss.

All pieces that I am wearing in this post are available now at the BOSS outlet store. OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is absolutely worth the visit and something special is coming up. On October 11 and 12, 2019, the shopping destination is celebrating in a big way with the FASHION CITY EVENT, that offers special performances, great promotions, shopping on friday until midnight and the start of an own CLUB for customers.

Stay tuned, as I will tell you more about it next week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Hanna Ruff (Instagram @blubbhanna @hr_photodesign)
Photos during the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

Venezia è un film – Venice is a film – I was thrilled to be invited by Atelier Swarovski to Venice for a beautiful night at the Baglioni Hotel Luna, during the 76th Venice International Film Festival, to celebrate this grand event of Marie Claire Italia for their September issue.

Daniele Luchetti, Sveva Alviti, Alessandra Mastornardi, Manola Moslehi, Marco Maccarini, Antonella Bussi, and Fotinì Peluso.

Indulging in the silence of nature, away from the crowded squares, set in the lagoon, Daniele Luchetti, a director who becomes a fashion photographer for the first time, tells the story of traditions and Venetian crafts, of landscapes to be preserved with the help of female protagonists, four Italian actresses, Alessandra Mastronardi, Sveva Alviti, Fotinì Peluso, and Benedetta Porcaroli, all dressed in the new season.

Oysters and champagne waited for us in the hotel’s stunning Marco Polo salon, while Antonella Bussi, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire Italia, took the stage with Manola Moslehi and Marco Maccarini, announcers of Radio Italia, who were also the presenters of the beautiful evening. Thanks to Atelier Swarovski, the night was even more sparkling and brilliant, with the beautiful fine jewelry on display in a stunning showcase.

Atelier Swarovski stands at the forefront of a global conscious luxury movement with Swarovski Created Diamonds that mark a new step forward in the company‘s brilliant history of innovative man-made materials. Identical to mined diamonds, they possess the same composition, hardness, brilliance and fire – just as a greenhouse-grown orchid is identical to one found in nature.

The event culminated in a live performance of Italian singer Paola Turci. Playing the guitar, she immediately started singing her famous song «Volo così». You don’t need to be Italian to feel the emotions of the language and the power of this amazing woman.

After ending her performance with a cover of «Hallelujah» by Leonard Cohen, we moved up to the terrace on the third floor overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore, one of the most romantic postcards of Venice. All dancing with a musical selection designed for the event by Radio Italia DJ Paolo Negri, we enjoyed cocktails and dancing until late at night.

On the terrace: Marion and Laurence Kaelin and Marc-Henri Debluë, Marie Claire Suisse

Filming before the event

With Paola Turci at the after party.

Beautiful outfit: Fotinì Peluso in a red Valentino gown and earrings by Atelier Swarovski.

With Marion Kaelin in David Tomaszewski and Catherine Poulain in Tony Ward Couture.
For all details of my look, click here for yesterday’s post.

On the occasion of the event Marie Claire launched the social hashtags #MCCinema and #MCFutureVisioni. Below are more photos of this fabulous event!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Marie Claire Italia and © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s been 175 years since Johannes Baur opened the iconic Baur au Lac as the first hotel built directly on Lake Zurich. As one of Europe’s few grand hotels it is owned by the same family since its inception. The Baur au Lac is definitely the place to be when it comes to high end celebrations. Just one weekend ago, I was honored to be invited to the hotel owner’s daughter’s wedding that was one of the most beautiful and romantic events I have ever attended.

Countless stories could be told – if it were not for the hotel’s discretion which also became part of its reputation. But the hotel was making its own history: In 1853 in its Petit Palais, the «Peace of Zurich» was made. And in 1892 Baroness Bertha von Suttner convinced, here in the Baur au Lac, the Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel of the necessity for an international peace prize.
Marc Chagall sketched his glass paintings for Zurich’s Fraumünster Church while staying as a guest of the hotel. And it was here that Franz Liszt accompanied his son-in-law, Richard Wagner, on the piano for the world premiere of Die Walküre. The Baur au Lac has welcomed the likes of Kaiser Wilhelm II, General Ulysses Grant, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Queen Elizabeth II and many more.

To celebrate its big birthday year, the Baur au Lac has been rolling out the red carpet with some enticing events. One of them was the famous truly scintillating summer party that took place last Saturday in the incredible ambience of the hotel’s garden with stellar performances and all you can drink champagne! The first and finest social event that marks the end of the summer break brings together everyone who loves to live it up! Epic performances and a culinary explosion of flavours: from hot to cold and sweet to spicy, the buffets were filled with all sorts of culinary delights. I had a lot of fun that night …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

In February, I met Cameron Saul the first time during a breakfast in Zurich. Cameron is absolutely inspiring to talk to, a true visionary who really makes a difference in this world. Together with his father Roger (Founder of British luxury fashion brand Mulberry), he launched the Bottletop Foundation in 2002 through a design collaboration with Mulberry.

One of the iconic Bottletop x Mulberry bag.

At the heart of the campaign was a handbag made from recycled bottle tops in Africa that was lined with Mulberry leather in Europe. The bestselling design was heralded as a sensation by the international fashion press, generating local employment and raising vital funds for grass roots education projects in Africa.

Cameron Saul with me in Zurich in the beginning of the year.

In the end of April, I flew to London to celebrate the launch of #Togetherband, held at the Quadrant Arcade. A movement started by Bottletop, the sustainable British accessories brand, to bring awareness to the 17 Global Goals formulated by the UN in 2015 through a partnership with the UN Foundation, WWF, Project Everyone, Eco Age, Global Citizen and the Founding Partner UBS. These groups created the #TOGETHERBAND campaign, which promotes those 17 Global Goals that are meant to protect the earth and foster prosperity by 2030.

They include no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, climate action, clean water and sanitation and life on land, among many others. The #TOGETHERBAND campaign sets out to create a global community of over one billion active citizens coming together to achieve the Goals through sustainable fashion, contemporary art, music and documentary film.

At the heart of the 17 month non-profit campaign are 17 sustainably and ethically produced friendship bands. The bracelets are created using recycled ocean plastic and melted-down firearm metal from El Salvador and are made by a group of women in Nepal who have been rescued from human trafficking. The colour of each band represents a different Global Goal which will be fronted by 100 carefully curated high-profile Official Ambassadors, among them Doutzen Kroes, Michelle Yeoh and Arizona Muse, for each goal from across the cultural spectrum, with the power to affect real change and inspire a movement.

Cameron and I at the launch event with our Togetherband bracelets in front of the iconic tapestry that is made up of upcycled metal tabs collected from those discarded on the streets each of which is then individually prepared and hand painted in Brazil.

With each band you buy, you get one to give to a friend, and you’re encouraged to share the bands on social media with #TOGETHERBAND. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sales will go towards projects to further the Goals. Interesting to know is that the UBS Optimus Foundation has been selected to help fund life-changing projects with the profits from this campaign.

With Gabriel Cohen, UBS Wealth Management, to the left and Cameron Saul to the right.

Sergio P. Ermotti, UBS Group Chief Executive Officer, says: «We are excited to be the Founding Partner of #TOGETHERBAND. Sustainability is a priority for our clients and for us. As the leading global wealth manager, UBS already contributes to setting the standards and collaborates in and beyond our industry. We are particularly proud that the UBS Optimus Foundation has been selected to help fund life-changing projects with the profits from this campaign.»

Cameron Saul, Co-Founder of BOTTLETOP, says: «We have always believed in the power of sustainable design and creative culture to engage people powerfully in development issues. Through #TOGETHERBAND we are thrilled to combine artisanal craftsmanship with the immediacy and reach of social media to facilitate a cross cultural conversation around the Global Goals as we engage everyone who wants to come together for a healthy future.»

I am very proud to be among those Ambassadors, raising awareness for Goal 12, which stands for responsible consumption and production, something I have been trying to communicate for a long time through my blog. Should the global population reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles. Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. Therefore I always recommend to keep your pieces and combine them in different ways. Furthermore, I constantly try to convey the message to invest in clothing of good quality that will last and to stay away from fast fashion.

With lovely Arizona Muse who is one of the Official Ambassadors for the campaign.

HOW
The 17 month non-profit #TOGETHERBAND campaign will feature one goal promoted per month through a combination of live events, films and targeted social media outreach by key global thought leaders. The campaign ladders up to the UN General Assembly in September 2020; the key milestone ten years ahead of the target date for us to have achieved the Goals. 100% profits from the campaign will be donated to ground-breaking projects advancing each of the Global Goals.

Rocking #Togetherband: With singer Izzy Bizu who also live performed at the after party.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Led by 100 carefully curated Official Ambassadors for each Global Goal, this is designed to be a high visibility social media campaign. Each Ambassador will share their support for the Goal they are representing by showing themselves wearing their #TOGETHERBAND in selfies and by posting documentary film content on their social media channels – creating a tidal wave of visibility and attention for each Global Goal.

Buy One Give One:
With every band purchased you will receive two.
One to wear and one to share.
Mini #TOGETHERBAND RRP £20 / $25
Regular #TOGETHERBAND RRP £35 / $45

#TOGETHERBAND will be sold at www.togetherband.org and via select retail partners.
Enjoy more photos below…

LoL, Sandra

Switzerland in the house: a close friend of Cameron and part of the movement: Nachson Mimran, Creative Director of the Alpina Gstaad Hotel and CEO and Co-Founder of TO.org.

Bottletop bags on display at the event.

With Cameron’s father, Roger Saul, founder of Mulberry, at the launch event.

Event location.

Izzy Bizu singing live at the after party.

After party of a successful launch event.

Photos: Courtesy of Togetherband and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, I went with friends for the first time spontaneously to the Zürcher Theater Spektakel. It was a fun and welcome alternative to an usual Saturday evening in Zurich, different, alternative and mind-opening. Founded in 1980 as an annual meeting of independent theatre groups, it quickly evolved into a cultural event of international appeal. Today it ranks among the most important European festivals for the contemporary performing arts, a popular venue for both renowned and upcoming theatre and dance companies from all over the world.

Walking to the festival already feels like being on vacation again.

The festival is spread over 18 days at the «Landiwiese». It feels like being somewhere else in the world. This superb, park-like site, located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich, hosts various different sized activities during the festival. Onsite restaurants and bars, performances under the open sky and versatile ad hoc events offer all sorts of entertainment to enjoy the open-air season.

Here are some of my photos that I took last night. Enjoy!

«Nieder mit den Alpen» (down with the Alps)…

… «freie Sicht aufs Mittelmeer» (unobstructed view of the Mediterranean), an initiative of the Social Muscle Club…

… that celebrated «ein Tisch für alle» (a table for everyone) last night.

All sorts of live acts attract the open-minded spectators.

People of all ages enjoy the atmosphere outside… watching the people themselves is already a spectacle.

You can even get open-air massages…

… relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Zurich…

… or buy some arts and crafts.

For the festival’s schedule, click here please. It goes on until September 1, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

NET-A-PORTER hosted cocktails in Paris during Haute Couture Fashion Week to celebrate a collection of its high jewelry designers. Private gallery Hôtel du Grand Veneur was the setting for a beautiful mirrored spiral shaped installation which housed over 20 rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from the world’s most renowned high jewelry maisons, including Chopard, Piaget, Buccellati, Lorraine Schwartz, Boehmer et Bassenge, Boghossian, Giampiero Bodino, Nadia Morgenthaler, Ana Khouri, Repossi, De Grisogono, Bina Goenka and many more.

With my beloved Lupe Puerta, Global Director of VIP Client Relations at NET-A-PORTER

NET-A-PORTER offers great service for their EIP (Extremely Important Person) customers, now taking it one step further with EIP Privé. The new high jewelry pieces are part of this new concept that was introduced to a selected clientele during Paris Fashion Week. In general, the EIPs can request to see exquisite one-of-a-kind creations via private appointments and «try before you buy», so that the jewel might never be seen by another customer again.

With lovely Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director of NET-A-PORTER.

To give the best service possible, NET-A-PORTER‘s dedicated team of personal shoppers receive comprehensive diamond and gemstone education from the Gemological Institute of America.

Amazing piece, a combination of ring and bracelet, by Bina Goenka.

Good to know is that the iconic online shopping destination adheres to the Kimberley Process, a certification scheme committed to the removal of conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. It was established in 2003 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting its creation.

Jewelry creations by Chopard.

Since 2014, NET-A-PORTER has also been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council – the only retailer to stake this claim. In addition, all fine jewelry sold over the site is tested, marked and certified according to the Hallmarking Act 1973, which guarantees the purity of precious metals.

A huge thank you goes to my personal shopper who does the best job! I am a huge fan of the EIP service and I can only recommend buying at NET-A-PORTER.

Enjoy more impressions of the night below!

LoL, Sandra

Alison Loehnis, President of NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER, with actress Mandy Moore.

With Alberto Cibrario, Sales Department Operations Manager at de GRISOGONO.

On display: high jewelry pieces by de Grisogono.

Chabi Nouri, CEO, Piaget

Gaia Repossi, Jewelry Designer

Ana Khouri, Jewelry Designer

Photos: © François Durand / Getty Images for Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht

Munich-based designers Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof left careers in engineering and fashion consulting to launch their own label, which is defined by luxurious fabrics and elegant silhouettes.

After Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin, TALBOT RUNHOF finally opened their first exclusive salon in Switzerland in partnership with Maison Gassmann, a local fashion institution since 1882, that has carried the brand since many years. To celebrate the occasion, an opening party took place that was a lot of fun!

With Johnny Talbot (left) and Adrian Runhof (right) at the opening party.

The interior design of the new store by Patrick Ferrier makes customer feel like they are at home.  It blends in perfectly with the beautiful location – the medieval «House to the Golden Sheep» in the old town of Zurich. Warm purple and gold tones create an elegant atmosphere alongside the original wooden floors and cool retro chandeliers. On the ground floor, you can find the whole collection, including beautiful evening wear with flattering gathered details and rich colors, while the basement serves as a generous VIP area for the ultimate and discreet shopping experience.

«We are part-time Swiss,» says Adrian Runhof, «so it was on top of our bucket list to finally open a boutique in Zurich. With Katja and Michael Hahnloser we have ideal partners and longtime friends to realize this dream.»

Adrian, you have been living in Switzerland now for almost a decade? Why did you move here and how do you like it?

I live predominately in Munich but happily spend a considerable amount of time in Switzerland. For approximately the last 10 years, we have a wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Zurich where we often go hiking and swimming, preferably with our border terrier, Cooper. Without a doubt, Switzerland has an unbeatable quality of life… quality of air… quality of nature… quality of EVERYTHING…

Zurich marks the opening of your 4th store and the first one in Switzerland. You opened it in partnership with Maison Gassmann that have been carrying your designs since many years. Can you tell me a little bit about the story behind?

Katja and Michael Hahnloser from Maison Gassmann have been been carrying TALBOT RUNHOF in the their boutique for many years now. What started as a business relationship has developed into a very close friendship. They are young, cool, creative and enthusiastic; always up for a challenge.

How would you describe the Swiss fashion/clothing style compared to other PoS for example? Is the buying different from your other stores?

Our swiss customers are definitely risk takers… always looking for that special piece. That statement piece. That piece that requires a keen eye for fashion.

Choosing my outfit for the opening night with Johnny & Adrian.

TALBOT RUNHOF is known for creating amazing bespoke gowns. Can the Swiss ladies meet you in person from time to time?  Do you offer the same service as in Munich for example?

Now that we have a boutique in Zurich, the frequency with which I have a bowl of pasta at BINDELLA, go swimming at the HÜTTENSEE or simply hang out in our boutique in SCHIPFE 4 has increased dramatically. For me it is that perfect balance of work and pleasure.

Our wonderful team in our boutique in Zurich offers exactly the same service as in our other three boutiques in Germany… what a lot of people do not know is that TALBOT RUNHOF is a 100% MADE IN GERMANY product. So if a dress is not available in your size or color, more often that not, we can make it within a reasonable amount of time.

In love with my TALBOT RUNHOF jumpsuit in silver.

How can I imagine the creative process between you two?

Over the last almost 30 years, Johnny and I have developed a very special way of working together. We never went to fashion school. We never learned how to be fashion designers. It’s a very unconventional yet intuitive ping pong game we play, batting around an idea until we feel it is right for the TALBOT RUNHOF customer.

Who would you love to see in your dresses? 

For us, our customers are the real celebrities.

Thank you, Adrian, for your time and insider on the Zurich store opening.

I have been a big fan of TALBOT RUNHOF since the beginning. Originally, the company, founded in 1992, was called «All About Eve». In 2000, it was renamed in TALBOT RUNHOF, to match the faces behind and due to trademark issues, as Wolfgang Joop had already launched a perfume of the same name on the market.

The designer duo catered to the huge demand for modern evening dresses in the ’90s and built up a core of loyal customers over the years. Their small store and atelier in Munich was located close to ESMOD, where I studied fashion design at that time and I always admired their work as a young student. So you can imagine, that it is a real honor that our paths have crossed over the years again and again… businesswise and privately.

Talbot Runhof Boutique Zurich
Schipfe 4, 8001 Zurich
Phone +41 44 533 88 04
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm

TO SHOP TALBOT RUNHOF ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Part of the family, Cooper, the cutest dog ever!

Photos: © Talbot Runhof and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday I flew to London as guest of UBS to watch the UK premiere of «The Mother», a powerful narrative dance production based on Hans Christian Andersen‘s dark tale, choreographed by Arthur Pita and starring super ballerina Natalia Osipova, principal of the Royal Ballet, alongside multi-award winning dancer Jonathan Goddard, that was accompanied by an amazing original live music performance.

My look: Tempest ballet dress by Zimmermann, vintage shocking pink quilted heart-shaped vanity case and key necklace, both by Chanel, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent and  Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

With my lovely host Gabriel Cohen, UBS Wealth Management, …

… and with primaballerina Natalia Osipova at the gala dinner.

After the ballet, I was invited by UBS to join the gala dinner at Skylon restaurant in the presence of the two dance superstars. A true pleasure to meet those outstanding talents in person, especially for me as I used to dance ballet professionally when I was younger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, the Houses of CHANEL, FENDI (LVMH) and KARL LAGERFELD all came together at the Grand Palais in Paris to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld at a celebration designed, directed and staged by Robert Carsen.

The many facets of this extraordinary man were evoked through a tapestry of videos filmed throughout his life, interspersed with testimonials from people who knew him, as well as the generous «live» contributions of highly talented actors, musicians, dancers who interpreted some of the music and literature Karl loved so much.

Charlotte Casiraghi, H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, Andrea Casiraghi and Madame Emmanuel Macron paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.

Actresses Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, friends of Karl Lagerfeld, recited and read excerpts from works by his favourite authors, such as Virginia Woolf, Stéphane Mallarmé, Colette and Edith Sitwell.

Pianist Lang Lang at Karl Forever at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The extraordinary Jookin dancer Lil Buck, the brilliant violinist Charlie Siem (who played Paganini, one of the favourite composers of Karl Lagerfeld’s mother Elizabeth), Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo, accompanied by his troupe of 17 tango dancers and his 7-piece orchestra from Buenos Aires (Carlos Gardel was Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite singer and the tango was his favourite dance), the celebrated pianist Lang Lang (who played Chopin on the grand piano designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the 150th anniversary of Steinway), and American artist Pharrell Williams were also on stage to pay homage to the man who had deeply marked them and who was their friend.

The Steinway designed by Karl Lagerfeld on display.

These artists – as well as the 2,500 guests present at the Grand Palais to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld – were immersed in a spectacular exhibition of 56 giant enlargements of portraits taken throughout his life by some of the most famous photographers in a setting designed by Robert Carsen, inspired by Karl’s favourite colours: black and white enhanced with a touch of red.

In turn, the participants also paid tribute to the aesthete, this man of culture, photographer, creator… in an exceptional moment as grand as his talent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld, © Luc Castel and Julio Piatti