Sandra‘s Closet

In the magnificent setting of the famous Forte Belvedere in Florence with stunning views over the Tuscan city, Salvatore Ferragamo launched their newest fragrance. A creation dedicated to women who like to play with their different characters. “My life is a play” is their credo.

When I arrived in my hotel, a game waited for me: a little bag filled with wooden letters. I was asked to come up with the possible name of the new fragrance that would be presented in the evening. As I love playing scrabble, I did a pretty good job and wrote the actual name «Misteriosa» which I didn’t know at that time yet. I took a photo on instagram as proof.

Luciano Bertinelli, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo Parfums, unveils the new scent.

“My life is a play” was also the theme of the exclusive cocktail party and gala dinner. We were welcomed above the city of Florence with stunning installations by Patricia Urquiola. The perfect backdrop for the newest addition to the Signorina family, «Misteriosa». The new oriental fruity scent offers an innovative olfactive interpretation of black shades with a strong gourmand core.

Top notes: Wild Blackberry and Neroli
Middle notes: Orange Blossom and Tuberose
Base notes: Black Vanilla Mousse and Patchouli

Photographer Zhanna Bianca, Massimiliano Giornetti, Grace Hartzel and my humble self.

A dance performance, a gourmet menu and many more surprises waited for me. I had the honor to be seated next to Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, and the special guest star on scene: top model Grace Hartzel, the new face of Signorina, with whom I had a lovely conversation.

What does it mean to you to be the face of this new fragrance?
It makes me feel so wonderful! It has always been my dream to be the testimonial of a luxury fragrance brand. Working with the Salvatore Ferramamo team was so amazing, they are all fantastic and we had so much fun.

What was your immediate thought/emotion when you smelled Signorina Misteriosa for the first time?
I could feel the unpredictable, daring and mysterious belladonna phantom and become her.

You like Mangas, you cut a bang yourself which gave you a lot of success, you seem to do everything your very own way. Today, you were the star on the dance floor. Are you a Signorina Misteriosa? And if you feel like it, please tell me why.
Yes I do feel like a big part of me is her, because I love to be independent and do things my own way.

What do you like most about Mangas?
I love how it’s such a different world. It’s so fantasy. The characters are very inspiring, and the artwork is beautiful.

What would be the best advice you would give to a young upcoming model friend?
To express your own style and personality. Have inner strength and be kind.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What would be your biggest dream to come true?
I want to pursue music and acting.

Graze in 3 words.
Joy , groovy, cosmic.

On stage: Luciano Bertinelli, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo Parfums, with Grace Hartzel.

What a great night. Later, Grace and I went on the dance floor. That is the beauty of life. We can choose every day which one of our facets we are going to interpret. Let the play start, but always remain the same person!

Signorina Misteriosa is available now as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 69.00), 50ml (CHF 99.00) and 100ml (CHF 129.00), as Duschgel 200ml (CHF 40.00) and as Bodylotion 200ml (CHF 45.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Zhanna Bianca
The perfect backdrop for Misteriosa: Florence

One of my favorite dishes in Florence: the traditional pappa al pomodoro – bread and tomato soup.

Beautiful dance performance with spectacular views of the Duomo in Florence.

The new ad campaign and below the video:

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Zhanna Bianca, @ Grammio
A huge thank you to my fellow Marionnaud blogger and friend Katrin Roth for taking all the photos of me! Love traveling with you!

Mid February, St. Moritz hosted for the first time a Swiss Red Cross Gala, also marking the 150th anniversary of this institution. In celebration of this great cause, the iconic White Turf tent was supposed to be the stunning location on the frozen lake to welcome over 300 guests from the business, economic, political and cultural worlds. Unfortunately due to the warm weather conditions, the event had to shift to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, ice cube bag and pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

The evening’s theme was: «clean water for every day». The gala’s proceeds will therefore go towards helping the victims of forgotten disasters and the water program in Nepal.
Clean drinking water and functioning sewage treatment systems are things we take for granted in Switzerland. They are part of our lives. However, the daily lives of well over 700 million people around the world are very different. They have no access to even a minimum of clean water.

If you would like to donate something to the Swiss Red Cross, please find herewith the details:

Credit Suisse AG, 8070 Zurich
BIC: CRESCHZZ30A IBAN: CH35 0483 5082 7306 1100 1
Endorsement: SRC Gala 2016

Thank you for your donation!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

During Haute Couture S/S 2016 fashion week in Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier hosted a show that took the audience to the the wild clubbing days of the 80s, when Le Palace in Montmartre, was the center Parisian night life such as Studio 54 in New York. It was an homage to the creatures of the night, models with big hair were smoking cigarettes and drinking champagne while strutting down the runway in signature looks such as tuxedos, pajama suits, lingerie dresses and bomber jackets.

Gaultier’s style is unique and so are his catwalks. Nobody else is able to transform a fashion show into a party. I am always leaving in a good mood, ready to dance and party myself.

In the evening, to celebrate the occasion, Jean Paul Gaultier invited a few lucky ones for a spectacular dinner at the Grand Colbert. A night to remember, and not only by the surprises. A contortionist painted in gold welcomed the attendance while they had a cocktail.

Talking heads out of food cloches got lost in a surreal very funny conversation. The surprise showcase of Beth Ditto and Allanah Star, a Parisian night figure, popping out of a cake to wish the House of Gaultier a happy 40th anniversary, were some of the highlights of the dinner. Complete craziness abounded at the Paris brasserie, which gathered longstanding close friends including Farida Khelfa, Victoria Abril and Blanca Li, who at one point began chanting in unison “Jean Paul, Jean Paul.”

Among the fashionable guests was also Daphne Groeneveld who stars in Jean Paul Gaultier Classique‘s new fragrance campaign captured by fashion photographer Miles Aldridge.

Later the evening evolved into a dance fest, after each guest was given a cardboard mask with an image of Gaultier’s face to sport. A night to remember. Have fun exploring all the fun moments.

The scene at the Jean Paul Gaultier party

Alexina Graham, Daphne Groeneveld and Soo Joo Park

Jean Paul Gaultier with Blanca Li, Victoria Abril and Farida Khelfa

Manuel Puig and Marc Puig

Allanah Starr

Jose Manuel Albesa and model Hugo Marquez

Talking to Farida Khelfa

Marc Zaffuto and Emmanuel d’Orazio

Here you can spot me to the left taking great shots of Beth Ditto’s performance.

Beth Ditto

She is such a love! Beth Ditto, you literally rock!

A great honor to be invited by Monsieur Gaultier to such a spectacular dinner.

DJ Kiddy Smile

Reunited with Catherine Baba after our trip to Columbia last December.

Swiss girls: Erica Martinez and me

Alongside four decades in fashion, 2016 marks the first year the Gaultier fragrance label is being developed by Puig. The television ad is for both perfume blockbusters — Le Male for men and Classique for women. Its backdrop is a factory but, of course, with a twist à la Gaultier. While all of his iconography is evident — think women in corsets and men sporting striped shirts — the setting is industrial. Gaultier himself also appears in the clip, appearing at the very end of the advert.

LoL, Sandra

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Classique

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

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Photos: Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier, Images by Saskia Lawaks – Vogue, Images by Thomas Kelly – Say Who,  Access Fashion Media and © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, the 31th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers. I am once more guest of Piaget and couldn’t be anymore excited about it. If you have a look at this post about last year’s event, you will understand immediately what I am talking about.

One year ago, the sun and stars were out on a Saturday afternoon at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, co-hosted by Piaget for the eighth consecutive year and held on the beach in Santa Monica. The event paid tribute to some of this year’s most important films and also attracted the biggest names in Hollywood, including the Swiss brand’s international brand ambassador and Best Supporting Female nominee for «A Most Violent Year,» Jessica Chastain, along with Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Matt Bomer, Emma Stone, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Munn, Miles Teller, Andy Samberg and Emmy Rossum.

I am sure that you are curious how such an award ceremony takes place. So let me walk you through the different steps.

Click here to get all details of me look.

First, it takes place during the day in Santa Monica. Many people are waiting outside of the fences at the beach to spot their favorite celebrities. You arrive and walk the red (in this case pink) carpet and feel like a star yourself…

Cate Blanchett in Schiaparelli Couture on the pink carpet

Julianne Moore dazzled in Dior Couture

Emma Stone donned a lace Monique Lhuillier dress.

With CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger

CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger framed by Swiss girls Lauriane Gillieron, Alizée Gaillard and myself.

Before the award ceremony itself takes place, you can enjoy the start of the event in Piaget’s VIP lounge. Featuring modern, luxurious details and a grand piano in the center, winners, nominees and friends of the House joined Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger for a celebratory glass of champagne and a peak at the High Jewellery Mediterranean Garden collection.

Actor Eric Roberts at the piano inside the lounge.

Piaget was the jeweler and watchmaker of choice for many of the attending stars, including my humble self, who wore stunning earrings from Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection, along with my Limelight Gala watch and a rose diamond ring.

During the Independent Spirit Awards, you can get really close to the stars and have a chat with them.

Ethan Hawke

I did an interview with Jessica Chastain (if you are interested in reading it, click here please).

Kerry Washington, who plays the Olivia Pope in «Scandal»

«Magic Mike» star Matt Bomer

Long-time friend of the House Emmy Rossum

Anne Heche

Sylvie Meis

Marcia Cross wore a long Piaget Rose sautoir in rose gold.

Inside the award tent.

As the ceremony takes pretty long in general, you are very thankful for food and drinks.

Cate Blanchett won Best Female Lead in 2014 and is nominated again tomorrow for «Carol», in 2015 she was presenting Best Feature which was «Birdman».

In 2015, Best Female Lead was the title for Julianne Moore for her amazing performance in «Still Alice».

 Jessica Chastain and Andy Samberg presented the winner of Best Male Lead: Michael Keaton for «Birdman».Patricia Arquette won as Best Supporting Female in «Boyhood».

 Oprah Winfrey introducing the clip from «Selma».Scarlett Johansson was presenting Best Director. Richard Linklater won for «Boyhood.»

And yes, there is a prompter in the tent…

… which everyone including the hosts of the ceremony, Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen, were using.

Alizée Gaillard, Mousse Jacquier and Lauriane Gilliéron

But the best about this trip is always to treasure the fun moments with your girlfriends and of course with you, my dear readers. I am so excited being back in my favorite city in the world and for tomorrow’s event! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget

Today is my birthday and yes, I do love having birthdays! I am honest, I love cake, a glass of champagne, surprises and being surrounded by my friends…

I still remember two years ago when I celebrated into my big day during the opening celebration of the new Audemars Piguet store in Zurich. I had the honor to be seated next to the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who went on stage to tell the guests that nobody was allowed to leave the party before midnight because of me. Great memories!

Let’s see what will happen today…

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me

The newly launched Diamond Fury watch

And if anyone is looking for a birthday surprise for a loved one, have a look at Audemars Piguet‘s newest watch launch, that was presented during SIHH 2016: Diamond Fury, a true Haute Joaillerie talisman, that reveals its mysterious character via a secret panel which, when touched, subtly unclips to show the dial beneath. It took passion, perfection, over 1,500 hours and 4,635 brilliant-cut diamonds to created this amazing cuff watch with a punk-rock goddess streak.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Audemars Piguet

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, I was invited to a very special seated dinner by LA PRAIRIE to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest product CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD from the Cellular Radiance Collection at a private home in Zurich.

The exquisite 3-course menu prepared by Frank Widmer, Park Hyatt Zurich’s renowned chef,  let us indulge in the essence of golden opulence.

With Frank Widmer at the dinner. The dress code was a touch of gold.

Gold-infused main course.

Werner Dirks, General Manager La Prairie Switzerland.

CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD

The Swiss beauty brand’s latest advancement in radiance is a gold-infused serum that fills wrinkles within one hour using potent age-defying technology to revitalize and perfect the skin. Bathed in golden light, your skin is visibly perfected in an instant. Over time, this liquid gold deeply revitalizes and enhances your complexion. You will look sublime, irresistible, as if lit from within.

The scientists at La Prairie have harnessed the power of pure gold and combined it with an exclusive Golden Lotus Blend made with Lotus Japonicas, an extraordinary flower long-revered for its luminous and brightening abilities.

Apply the new fluide in the morning and evening after cleansing, toning and the serum application. Allow it to absorb completely. If you need additional moisture, it can also be applied over your favourite moisturizer.

2016 starts with probably the most luxurious skincare release of the year. CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD will be available for CHF 620.- (40ml) from January 25, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

What else could you wish for? A castle, a princess and a shoe designer. Sometimes dreams come true and you can feel like Cinderella. Only difference? I wouldn’t leave my heels behind.

Hostess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis framed by Alexa Chung to the right and me to the left.

The occasion was very special. Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis, Gianvito Rossi and mytheresa.com hosted a private dinner at the Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg, Germany to celebrate their collaboration.
The designer and the luxury e-tailer celebrated their successful on-going relationship which includes special capsule collections created exclusively for the site.

The Silver Salon

Cocktails were served in the breathtaking Silver Salon followed by dinner in the castle’s magnificent ballroom. Mike Skinner then entertained the crowd with a DJ set in the stunning Yellow Salon.

Gianvito Rossi with me in the Yellow Salon

It was truly a night to remember – a princess for one day. And isn’t Cinderella proof that a pair of shoes can change your life?

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI AT MYTHERESA.COM, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

The Ballroom

Fantastic couple: Justin O’Shea and Veronika Heilbrunner with me

Justin O’Shea and Serge Biasin

Singer Lena Meyer-Landrut with me

German actress Iris Berben

Dancing partners: Daisy Lowe with me

Selfie time for Lena Meyer-Landrut and Hannah Herzsprung

If you like my look, click here for the details.

Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis and guests

Dancing Time

Mike Sinner with his wife Claire in Balmain

Photos:© Getty / Gisela Schober & Isa Foltin for Mytheresa x Gianvito Rossi
© Sandra Bauknecht and via Bunte Magazine

Two weeks ago, I attended Switzerland’s first «Amour de Vie – a fabulous night for a good cause“» charity event at the Park Hyatt in Zurich. A special benefit auction in collaboration with Sandra Nedvetskaia and top live entertainment ( The Bourbon Street Band from Manchester and DJ Young Bugs) guaranteed a unique, young fest to gather fundings for RIGHT TO PLAY. 100 % of all auction and Tombola proceeds raised CHF 27.450 that night.

A great cause and a fun party! We at L’Officiel Switzerland knew immediately we had to be part of it and became media partner ofd this fab event!

LoL, Sandra

The two masterminds: event organisator Sophia Marti (SVM Events) and auctioneer Sandra Nedvetskaia.

Park Hyatt’s famous chef Frank Widmer was “auctioned” off himself…

Great conversation with golf pro Roger Furrer, ambassador for Right to Play, during the dinner.

 The beautiful crowd…

Our newly wed Livia Zafirou, Managing Editor at L’Officiel Switzerland.

Photos: Courtesy of SVM Events and © Sandra Bauknecht

John Malkovich with me

When I read about this project, I was immediately drawn to it. Such a cool idea! John Malkovich and director Robert Rodriguez have teamed up with LOUIS XIII Cognac, one of the most luxurious spirits in the world, to make a movie that predicts what life will be like 100 years in the future. «100 YEARS: THE MOVIE YOU WILL NEVER SEE» won’t be released – and now read carefully – until November 2115. Yes, my dear readers, that means we all will never get to watch it.

The famous LOUIS XIII Cognac

LOUIS XIII Decanter Baccarat

The inspiration behind it was to draw attention to all the hard work that it takes to make each decanter of LOUIS XIII Cognac. Its grapes grow in the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the most sought-after area of the Cognac region, in France. Just as four generations of cellar masters dedicate their lives to creating a masterpiece that they will never be tasting, the cast and crew of «100 Years» will never see the final cut of the film.

Grande Champagne landscape

A French art de vivre enthusiast, John Malkovich not only plays the leading role alongside Shuya Chang but also developed the original screenplay for «100 Years». This ground-breaking film comes with a lot of special effects and imagines how our planet might look like in a century in three different scenarios.

The first one shows the Earth overtaken by nature after it has been devastated by chemical warfare. Another explores the idea of a dark world ruled by technology. And in the third hypothetical vision, humanoid robots have taken control of the planet and humans have to run to escape.

To ensure that «100 Years» remains secure until its official premiere one century from now, the film was placed in a state-of-the-art safe, created in partnership with Fichet-Bauche, which will open automatically in 100 years when the timing is complete. The custom made piece is a marvel of design, featuring bulletproof glass and a revolutionary timer. Upon the closing of the safe, the door will not open until the countdown is complete, not even with a code or a key, regardless of access to a power source.

Le Grollet House of LOUIS XIII

For the premiere on November 18, 2115, one thousand guests from around the world received an exclusive invitation to give to their descendants to attend the big event at the House of LOUIS XIII, the Domaine du Grollet, in Cognac, France. Isn’t it amazing to imagine that some people might look up this post in 100 years and think of us, the ones that never saw the movie.

This outstanding project «100 Years» was celebrated on last Wednesday with an exclusive preview of the film’s trailer at James Goldstein‘s Sheats Goldstein Mansion in Los Angeles. During the invitation only event, John Malkovich, with LOUIS XIII, ceremoniously placed the film reel into the custom safe and set the timer for the official premiere in November 18th, 2115. This safe will be transported around the world under high-level security for an international tour beginning in Hong Kong on December 11th, before it reaches its final destination at the House of LOUIS XIII in Cognac.

Owner of the residence James Goldstein

Ed Westwick

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis, director Robert Rodriguez and actor John Malkovich share a toast.

Actresses Jamie King and Emma Roberts

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis at the party in Beverly Hills, California.

Film costumes on display.

Designer Zac Posen

Have fun watching the exclusive trailer below and join the conversation on social media with #notcomingsoon. You can follow LOUIS XIII on its social channels including: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Either PR masterpiece or craziest film project ever, the concept is pretty cool. Don’t you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII, Getty Images for Louis XIII