Met Gala 2017

Always on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes place and its 150-foot-long red carpet is probably one of the most-watched fashion events of the year with a gazillion of celebrities walking it in the most exquisite gowns. This year, it celebrated the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” that will go on until September 4, 2017.

Today I would like to share my personal list of best-dressed (and worst-dressed) celebrities that made their way last night into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur for the party of the year. The dress code called for avant-garde black tie, either you go big or go home, enjoy!

My favorite look on the red carpet: Lily-Rose Depp‘s pink Chanel look detailed with oversized silver camellias and a creeping vine.

Who did meet the dress code the best? The answer is clearly Rihanna. She showed up once again in a full-on fashion fantasy from the Comme des Garçons F/W 2016 runway that was also an architectural miracle, paired with Rihanna Loves Chopard jewelry.

As 2017 Met Gala cochair of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition, Pharell Williams wore ripped denim by Comme des Garçons Jeans with a black biker jacket, and plaid shirt. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, paired her straight-off-the-F/W-2017-runway red onesie with a blonde topknot. Not showing any arms, it looked like a fashionable straightjacket.

Cara Delevingne appeared as a sci-fi fashion fantasy wearing an embellished pantsuit from Chanel‘s Spring 2017 Couture collection. I love how she always surprises.

One of my favorites! Even that Zendaya rejected the theme of the night, she ensured all eyes were on her wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print.

Two thumbs up for bringing glamour to the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in a Valentino dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Lily Collins showed up with a graphic dark bob and black lipstick, juxtaposing her sweet Giambattista Valli gown and her fierce Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Plus-size model Ashley Graham channeled her inner flamenco dancer in a fabulous custom H&M dress. So pretty!

I am in love with Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown that featured a draped gold beading at the bodice, giving way to a plumed train in shades of blue. She had the best accessory of the night with her … her husband:-)! Couple goals I would say!

Another one arrived with her handsome husband who might have thought looking at his wife Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCartney, of Ed Sheeran singing «I’m in love with the shape of you» …

If you don’t have a husband to bring, bring the designer of your dress! That was Dakota Johnson‘s motto of the night, as she appeared in a stunning ruffled black Gucci gown with Alessandro Michele at her side.

Radiant like a sun goddess, actress Jessica Chastain in a yellow fluid Prada gown paired with some stunning Piaget jewelry.

Lupita Nyong’o also dazzled in Prada, pulling off the vibrant orange shade with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing in a nude, asymmetrical Cinderella-esque Tommy Hilfiger dress. I am just not so sure about the stay-up.

Showstopper! Leave it to Bella Hadid to steal the show in a glittering catsuit by none other than Alexander Wang. She looked so fabulous!

Priyanka Chopra did not disappoint in a bold Ralph Lauren trench coat gown with an unbelievably long train. Very different, something I like. I am just not a big fan of her booties in combination.

Like it or not, the award for most nude goes to none other than Kendall Jenner, whose slinky La Perla Haute Couture dress will absolutely go down in Met Gala history.

When it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s understated Calvin Klein dress, I love the cut and the color, but I am not fond of the ankle length.

Katy Perry was unfortunately not among my favorites last night. The custom red tulle gown by Maison Margiela, designed by John Galliano himself, was topped with a heavy-looking wool coat covered in adornments like tulle flowers and plenty of beads. On the veil, a cryptic message across her eyes spelling “Witness” was embroidered, nevertheless it was truly one of the night’s most creative looks.

My favourite picture of the night! Have a look at Sarah Paulson dressed in a beautiful classy Prada gown. Her facial expression says everything! The American Horror Story actress seemed to have a heart attack after bumping into Madonna with the designer of her camouflage Moschino dress by her side, Jeremy Scott. Declaring war on fashion in camouflage, the famous singer was definitely not going incognito. I am not a fan of her look.

Swiss power at the Met Gala… Roger Federer in Gucci. I adore this snake embellishment on his back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Getty Images, © Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock, © Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Sephora Opening in Zurich

Yesterday evening, I attended the long awaited opening of SEPHORA in Zurich as a shop-in-shop concept at Manor located at Bahnofstrasse 75.

Craziness a few seconds after the doors opened at Sephora Zurich.

Here are some facts:
Selling Space65 m² (small, but filled with great stuff)

Staff: 10 sales associates and one shop manager

Question: which Becca highlighter should I get…

Exclusive brandsMade In Sephora, Too Faced, Make Up For Ever, Marc Jacobs,
Becca, Dr.Jart+, Tony Moly, Caolion, Skinfood, Too Cool for School

Other brands availableNars, Benefit Make Up and Benefit Skincare

ServicesSephora Make Up Bar and Benefit Brow Bar
Thanks to Click & Collect at manor.ch/sephora customers can order all their favorite products online and get them delivered to their preferred  Manor department store in Switzerland.

A goody bag filled with so many amazing products… thank you, Sephora!

Founded in 1969, Sephora is today part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and present in 32 countries worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Myriam Françoise at the opening yesterday.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Andrea Monica Hug and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ruinart Jaume Plensa Launch Event in Paris

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Two weeks ago, I flew to Paris to attend the exclusive launch event of Ruinart’s new artist for 2017: Jaume Plensa, the renowned Spanish artist who is known for his monumental sculptures in steel, glass, marble, polyester resin, concrete and bronze.

He is recognized for his silhouettes of human bodies seated or kneeling who seem to scrutinize the horizon in a meditative manner, like the contemporary thinkers. His sculptures, which play with the relationship between words, signs and the human body, have today become his signature. They are recognisable amongst all the works of art throughout the world and have turned Jaume Plensa into one of the most important players of the contemporary artistic scene.

Jaume_Plensa_Artwork_RuinartPlensa’s amazing art work for Ruinart

Each year, Ruinart invites an artist to create a special artwork for the oldest Champagne house of the world. With Plensa, Ruinart has chosen an artist who has been able to express language, but more importantly the alphabets, the cultures of the world, their spiritualities, their transmissions and the visionary and erudite spirit of dom Thierry Ruinart, a key personality in the history of Ruinart at the confluence of philosophy and the art, merging the heritage with the future.

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The event took place at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris where Plensa also gives lectures. First we had the possibility to explore historic documents while enjoying my favourite champagne, Ruinart‘s Blanc de Blancs. Later, we were asked to move into the next room where the stunning installation by Jaume Plensa was revealed in his presence that will later tour the world.

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The sculpture takes up the shape of characters that he has already created, but there is never any repetition in his work. Every piece is unique. Every letter, assembled by hand, creates a second skin for the form, which is always reborn in a different manner. In the base of the sculpture he has engraved two dates: 1729 and 2016. They are like a secret code, an encrypted message, linking the history between the foundation of Maison Ruinart and the creation of the work of art.

Jaume_Plensa_Sandra_Bauknecht_RuinartWith artist Jaume Plensa at the event in Paris

The next morning, I had the chance to interview Jaume Plensa who is a very witty, charming and interesting gentleman. I loved his answers, the most significant quotes are in bold. Enjoy!

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What are the basics of creating for you? With what do you start?

That is a very interesting question as this is something I am asking myself every day in the studio. I guess the main subject in my work is that I try to create something that people could touch and be touched by. I work a lot in public spaces. Mainly my work is based to identify yourself in the myth of others. We have to break borders and the walls we have been permanently creating throughout history. When I am working with alphabets or portraits of people from different cultures, it is interesting to recognize that we are all so similar. It is just the little things that differ.

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You use a lot of letters in your work. Do you have a favorite letter or alphabet?

You cannot compare one alphabet with another. When you see Hebrew for example which is very rigid and you compare it with Chinese, that seems to be fireworks. Hindi is so beautiful always with a line on top which makes it so rich to look at.

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How long was the process to create for Ruinart and did you have immediately something in mind when you were approached?

In general the way I work is that an idea is born with the shape, the material and the specific scale. Obviously depending if it is for a show, a gallery or for a public space, my attitude can be changing.

It took me around 6 months to create the piece that had been revealed last night. I never understood art as a direction. My obsession was to grow up as a person, art was just the consequence of my life. I have never been interested in being in artist, but I enjoy it very much to express my emotions with visual art. The main material is life.

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When I listen to you, I don’t get the impression that you will ever loose inspiration. Do you ever feel pressure to not being inspired?

Not at all. Creation is a way to breathe. I love when I am flying and the flight attendant is saying «If the pressure is low, please pull the oxygen mask, press it firmly on your mouth and breathe normally.» There are many moments when life asks us to breathe normally, I think it is something we must honor, it takes a little while but the most beautiful experience is when you understand that you are breathing normally.

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Do you ever get frustrated when you are creating because something is not working out the way you have planned it?

Of course. My assistants are happy when I am not there. I have a lot of temperament. Creation is a dialogue with you and yourself. You could be your best friend, but also your worst enemy. That is one of the most beautiful experiences in creation when you must understand yourself, when you must accept yourself and this gives always a lot of frictions.

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The best about Jaume Plensa?

I have the privilege to be an artist, so I have the capacity and ability to observe the world. That is an amazing situation.

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Only 20 bottles of the special edition signed by Jaume Plensa will be available worldwide for €3500 worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ruinart, © Sandra Bauknecht

Mode Suisse Edition 11

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Last night, I attended the 11th edition of the MODE SUISSE at the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst in Zurich. Ruling the runway were upcoming and established Swiss labels. A well prepared and entertaining presentation that showed a lot of passion for fashion in Switzerland. Some might still be too experimental, reminiscent of graduates at a design school, but the dedication that went into the work was absolutely worth it.

Bravo for the model casting! Very professional!

Mode_Suisse_2017Some of my own impressions of last night.

Mode_Suisse_Sandra_Bauknecht_GirlsSquad-1Girls squad: Laurence Antiglio, my humble self, Alexandra Kruse, Lisa Feldmann and Catherine Gonin.

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MODE SUISSE 11th Edition – THE DESIGNER

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Ruling the runway was this upcoming Swiss label, one my favorites of last night. A little touch of Vetements paired with some Alessandro Michele ruffles, Julia used some of the most trending details of the season for this fun collection.

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LYN Lingerie
Just beautiful! Those lingerie pieces are ultra daring and very luxurious, all hand-made in the Swiss atelier, soon also available at Breuninger Germany.

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enSoie
Founded by Monique Meier, enSoie creates socially responsible fashion in Zurich, Los Angeles and Kolkata. Now in the hands of the youngest daughter Anna Meier, the label experiences a makeover. So Zurich, so Swiss, so traditional! 

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LIDA NOBA
Inspired by her Iranian roots, the designer created fluid lines with feminine details. Personally speaking, some of the looks were a little too much “Chloé”, but other parts have absolutely convinced me such as the dress below.

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GARNISON
The label’s post-dandy menswear starring Louis Vuitton-exclusive Noah Brown (see above) and Zegna-boy Fallou Gueye (see below).

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Julian Zigerli
Julian Zigerli’s second showing of womenswear and the gender fluid menswear that he is known for, this season inspired by the musical «Cats».

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For me, this was not Julia Winkler’s strongest collection. The looks were not very flattering, the music was depressive, this season she was a little too much experimental.

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WUETHRICHFUERST
The designer duo made their much-anticipated debut at Mode Suisse. The fashion brand is based in Basel and their garments are not particulary linked to the seasons. The cosmic prints reminded me a bit of Christopher Kane. I like!

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Adrian Reber
The Swiss designer uses vintage fur patches to create new pieces. I would like to see some men on the Swiss streets in those extravagant looks or probably not… what do you think?

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HEAD – Genève
The work of Jeremy Gaillard, Vanessa Schindler and Flore Girard de Langlade were presented during the 11th edition of  Mode Suisse.

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Special Guest – DOROTHEE VOGEL
Dorothee continues to be one of the most significant players in Swiss fashion. Her perfectly finished waisted jackets are legendary.

I hope that you enjoyed my little summary of last night. Great news is that Mode Suisse intents to make sure Swiss designer fashion is not only presented on the catwalk but becomes a day-to-day experience for everyone. You can try on and buy Edition 11 creations in the Mode Suisse pop-up store until February 25, 2017. Location: enSoie, Strehlgasse 26, 8001 Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mode Suisse 11 by Alexander Palacios and © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the ladies and of me: © David Biedert Photography

Houston, We Have a Gaga!

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Last night, the Super Bowl took place in Houston, Texas. If you are not familiar with it, just a brief explanation. It is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football in the world. The day on which the Super Bowl is played, is now considered by some as an unofficial American national holiday, is called “Super Bowl Sunday“. Believe me, I lived in the States, it is truly a lot of fun! Can you imagine… it is the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption, after Thanksgiving Day and in addition, the Super Bowl has frequently been the most-watched American television broadcast of the year; the seven most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history are Super Bowls.

Therefore brands are eager to collaborate and advertise on that day while this sports event fascinates the nation. This year, Tiffany & Co. and Atelier Versace took center stage with the help of Lady Gaga who dazzled with a stunning half-time show.

She opened the show in a futuristic custom made, Atelier Versace fully beaded iridescent jumpsuit with sculptural shoulder detail and matching fully embroidered boots, both with Swarovski crystal accents.

She later topped her look off with a custom-made, Atelier Versace cropped gold jacket fully embroidered with Swarovski accents and accentuated with armor-like shoulder pads topped with a cluster of dramatic gold spikes.

For her final set, the singer wore another custom-made, Atelier Versace look, this time rocking a pair of fully embroidered hot-pants and cropped sculptural white jacket made of a special silicon material with metallic hardware details and coordinating Swarovski crystal accents.

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And that was not all… Lady Gaga was everywhere on Super Bowl Sunday, except not playing the game. The pop star is the face of Tiffany & Co.’s new fashion jewelry collection, Tiffany HardWear.

20170206100535-Tiffanyhardwearcollection_resized_773x464Pieces from the new Tiffany HardWear collection.

She stars in the new ad campaign that aired last night for the first time right before her half-time performance. It marks the first time Tiffany has advertised during the Super Bowl, but it has a long connection with the game. The company has crafted the Vince Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the winning team, since the game’s inception.

Former US Vogue editor Grace Coddington served as creative director of the new campaign, which was photographed by David Sims. “In New York, you’re born knowing that Tiffany is the best, and that it is where the magic happens,” Gaga said in a statement. The shoot is part of Tiffany’s long-running Legendary Style campaign, which has previously featured Lupita Nyong’o and Elle Fanning.

See the one minute movie below:

It will be interesting to watch the famous jewelry brand’s future development as it goes through tumultuous time in its history. Earlier Sunday the House announced that CEO Frederic Cumenal stepped down. Former CEO Michael Kowalski is leading the company until a replacement is found. The resignation came amid a time of plummeting sales for the brand.

Let’s boost the economy and shop a beautiful piece from Tiffany & Co. which is also available now at NET-A-PORTERicon.

web-gettyimages-633958880.jpgLOVE IT! Tom Brady holding his daughter Vivian and kissing his wife Gisele Bündchen.

Ah sorry, I completely forgot to tell you, who won… ok first of all, fashion again. Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen‘s husband, has now a record for the fifth Super Bowl win for a quarterback after the biggest comeback in the game’s 51-year history. In one of the most exciting games in recent Super Bowl history, the winner of the game is the New England Patriots. The Atlanta Falcons were off to an early lead in the game, but the Patriots were able to catch up and tied the game.

And everyone please never forget:

DiamondsThank you to the lovely Kelly Fisher Katz, for this fun quote. Gentlemen, her husband Martin Katz, offers just the right pieces… just saying!

Have a lovely evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christopher Polk/Getty Images, © Tom Pennington/Getty Images and Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Karl Lagerfeld’s Swarovski Tiara

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On February 23, 2017, the famous Vienna Opera Ball, one of the most exclusive highlights of the Viennese social calendar, celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is an event steeped in tradition and timeless glamour, where debutantes and their partners dance the opening waltz and dazzle wearing fairytale tiaras as they are introduced into society. This year marks a very special collaboration as the tiara is designed by an emperor. No other than «Kaiser Karl», KARL LAGERFELD, teamed up with SWAROVSKI to design the sparkling tiara that will crown the heads of the debutantes.

Swarovski Tiara 2017 - Mood 1 (c) Thomas Schrott_Swarovski

Embellished with 394 clear and saphire blue Swarovski crystals along with five Swarovski crystal pearls, the Swarovski Tiara is named “LE BEAU DANUBE BLEU” (The Blue Danube) which is the common title of a famous waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Thomas Schrott/Swarovski, © Karl Lagerfeld and © Reuters

ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad

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Last weekend, I was in Gstaad for the seventh edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend. The three days in the snow (in this year’s case no snow) of the private international travel and social club has become known as one of the most fun events of the year.

Guests from all over the world come to the chic Swiss winter getaway for great fun, parties, dancing, fondue and philanthropy.

foto_083With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt

The weekend kicked off with the Chairman’s Apéro in the Gstaad Palace lobby, which is personally speaking the best one in the world. The night continued with a special theme: «La Nuit des Tsars», Russian glamour at its best. Caviar and vodka were served and we partied late at the hotel’s night club GreenGo.

foto_111Beautiful table setting for the «La Nuit des Tsars».

foto_016Beluga noble Russian vodka…

foto_091… pairing yummy Kaviari caviar – a culinary delight.

foto-2-kopieDancing to the fabulous sounds…

foto_131 of the Phly Boyz.

Saturday was all about indulging in the mountain scenery with a lift ride to the Wasserngrat restaurant where we all enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and an après-ski inspired lunch with wine and fondue. A live performance of the Phly Boyzs who already had entertained us the night before made sure we move and would fit in our gowns for the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner at Gstaad Palace’s «Salle Baccarat».

foto_121Fondue lunch at Wasserngrat from above.

foto_056An afternoon full of laughter…

foto_160… and fun!

To raise money for the good cause, guests were eager to buy raffles tickets as the prizes were truly tempting, from limited edition diamond watches by Parmigiani to weekend getaways at some of the most luxurious spots in Switzerland. Later, we partied far into the smallest hours to the sounds of the live band Hot’n’Cold.

foto_090Amazing raffle prizes by Parmigiani for the lucky winners. 

foto_110Having fun at the after party.

The next morning, we all embraced the memories of the weekend during brunch and everyone agreed that this weekend was the best one so far of all editions. Oh my Gstaad! Cannot wait to be back next year…

In the meantime enjoy many more photos below and stay tuned for the outfit posts coming up soon!

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foto_064Gorgeous Ljuba Manz with me

foto_086Maya El Assali and Martin Tobler Parmigiani Switzerland

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foto_066Guests enjoying the Patoro cigars.

foto_073Angela Boffa, Monique and Thomas Hollinger framed by the Phly Boyz.

foto_094The Chairman’s Apéro

foto_098Derek Tanner and Alexander Manz.

foto_096Remee Jackman with Mathilde Goehler, my humble self and Patrick Liotard-Vogt.

foto_067Dr. Pablo Schneider, Patoro Cigars and Dominique Martin

foto_122CEO Asmallworld Jan Luescher

foto_099Lucy Tallo, Katja Grauwiler with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm (editor in chief Style Magazine and Bolero) and her husband David Hanselmann.

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foto_022Designer Luca Rubinacci with his girlfriend on the way to lunch.

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foto_069Love is in the air: Remee Jackman and his gorgeous girlfriend Mathilde Goehler

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foto_032Luca Rubinacci with Patrick Liotard-Vogt

foto_138Noelle Frautschi, Maya El Assali and Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm

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foto_011Gorgeous couple: Dr. Pablo Schneider with Noelle Frautschi

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foto_042Beautiful ambiance for the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner.

foto_028With Mathilde Goehler at the cocktail.

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foto_054Princess Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg

foto_072Ljuba Manz drawing a prize.

foto_019Sarah and Daniel Klein

foto_118Having fun at the after party with Lisa Lotz and Iman Grailsamer.

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What a fun weekend! Bravo ASMALLWORLD!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert

Meet the New Boys

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«I love seeing a woman in a man’s suit. Why not have a lipstick named after a man?» – Tom Ford

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My dearest ladies, it is time for you to meet the new boys. Tom Ford has it all worked out for us, lipsticks and the stronger sex, what else do we need. LIPS & BOYS is a 50-piece lipstick lineup that unveils now 25 new shades, literally 25 new boys, including for the first time, 10 modern matte shades, all available now for CHF 39.00 (2g) each.

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From nuanced nudes like Bradleyicon and Alexandericon to the unabashed bold reds of Nicholas iconand Dominicicon, all lipsticks come with specially-treated pigments that deliver pure color to suit our every mood. What I love most about them is the small size as they fit perfectly in my evening clutches.

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My favourite shades? Patrickicon, a fresh and vibrant coral and Ashtonicon, a rosy berry.

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If you are living in Zurich, come and visit Jelmoli this weekend. You are invited to experience the new lipstick collection in the presence of some handsome male models – each of them representing another type of boy. And of course your favorite one will pose with you for a cute selfie that you can share on instagram with the hashtag #TFLIPSANDBOYS.

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For all living abroad, the new shades are also available online HERE.
iconHave fun!

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Johannes Diboky and Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa

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This summer, Clarins has opened the doors of a new beauty temple in Zurich. Hard to believe, this new concept marks the first of its kind for the French brand in Europe.

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Located in the city center at Gebergasse 6, just around the corner of the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and very close to the Jelmoli parking, the new Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa houses the complete range of products, from fine scents to high performance skin care on the ground floor.

One level up, the skin spa welcomes its customers for the most exclusive skin treatments. The second floor is reserved for the in-house training center. Altogether, the shop has a size of more than 280 square meters.

ambiente4Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa opening party in Zurich

I truly recommend a visit to indulge into the world of Clarins. In 1954, Jacques Courtin-Clarins had a pioneering vision when he opened his first Clarins institute in Paris. Still today, the house is known for creating luxury products based exclusively on plants as the eternal source of inspiration and innovation.

prisca-courtin-clarins-laurent-malaveille-clarins-sandra-bauknecht-sandras-closet_blog-natalie-bader-clarins-2aFlown in for the occasion: Prisca Courtin-Clarins (SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director Clarins), Laurent Malaveille (General Manager Clarins Switzerland) and Natalie Bader (CEO Clarins).

During the hectic holiday season, let time stand still while you enjoy a treatment, and some time for yourself. Or find a little gift for a loved one as this very cute advent calendar that I got for myself.

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24 days filled with little surprises, beauty products in small sizes that I love to take with me when travelling. Available for CHF 99.00.

LoL, Sandra

clarins_adventcalendar_2016Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

With Audemars Piguet in Florence

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As the women’s Royal Oak celebrates its 40th anniversary, I was invited last week by Audemars Piguet to join them for the unveiling of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold in Florence at Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of the Italian city.

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The dinner was held inside the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento that has a length of 52 m (170 ft), is 23 m (75 ft) broad and dates back to 1494. On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena by Giorgio Vasari. You immediately understand why it plays such a key role in Dan Brown’s «Inferno».

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Interesting to know is that before the entrustment of Vasari, the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, were commissioned for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room. Leonardo started working on the «Battle of Anghiari», while Michelangelo focused on another portion of the wall for the «Battle of Cascina», but none of their work was ever completed. Attempts made to find Da Vinci’s original work behind the Vasari fresco have so far been inconclusive.

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_09_jacqueline_dimier_and_carolina_bucci_officergbTwo creative minds united: Jacqueline Dimier and Carolina Bucci

royal_oak_frosted_gold_audemars_piguetPersonally speaking: The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold was love at first sight for me.

Coming back to the shining reinvention of an iconic design, that fast first created in 1976 for women by Jacqueline Dimier, the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold has been reinvented in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. Both attended the gala dinner along with Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer, model Arizona Muse, as well as actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto.

sandra_bauknecht_francois_henry_bennahmiasWith Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_11_palazzo_vecchio_firenze_officergb

sandra_bauknecht_freida_pintoWith Freida Pinto

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_13_palazzo_vecchio_firenze_officergb

Power Ladies: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor in Chief Style Magazine/Bolero, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet and Dominique Lohm, PR Audemars Piguet/The Pool with my humble self

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_10_palazzo_vecchio_firenze_officergb

table_setting_audemars_piguetBeautiful table setting

sabina_hanselmann_diethelm_david_pantillon_sandra_bauknechtHaving a great time with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor-in-Chief Style Magazine/Bolero and David Pantillon, Country General Manager Switzerland

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_14_palazzo_vecchio_firenze_officergbChef Annie Féolde and her team framed by Freida Pinto and François-Henry Bennahmias

chefs_audemars_piguet_dinner

After a sensational dinner imagined by local 3* Chef Annie Féolde, the evening ended with a showcase concert by Brocken Back, sending us off in the crisp Florentine night with lots of amazing memories.

ap_royal_oak_frosted_gold_launch_21_broken_back_officergbLive performance by Broken Back

sandra_bauknecht_audemars_piguet_private_jet

The next day my adventure continued. I flew with a private jet back to Switzerland to visit Audemars Piguet’s manufacture in Le Brassus.

Stay tuned for more for more details on the visit and the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold that has captured my heart in a second as well as an amazing interview with Carolina Bucci and Freida Pinto.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht