Sandra‘s Closet

After my crazy traveling, I came back to Zurich to attend a special event at «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen as Hublot and Andreas Caminada’s castle of Schauenstein celebrate 20 years with the special edition Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein. For this occasion, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and friends of the brand, such as retired cross-country skier Dario Cologna, who won four overall World Cup victories, and four Olympic gold medals, Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer Corinne Suter, and profi golfer Joel Girrbach came to Zurich.

With Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe

The Art of Gastronomy 

Blending meticulous expertise and a passion for fine artistry with time, gourmet cuisine and Haute Horlogerie share essential elements. Precise timing is vital for chefs, from ordering to plating up on the pass and through to service. This shared mentality has intertwined Hublot with the world of gastronomy. Hublot admires haute cuisine and those who convey their savoir-faire onto their dishes, skillfully fusing ingredients to create uniqueness while staying authentic. This connection has fostered remarkable partnerships and, notably, the iconic Big Bang Unico Gourmet watch. 

Final touch by 3 Michelin stars chef Andreas Caminada.

This expansive universe continues to evolve, illuminating new opportunities to explore the bond between Hublot and a chef, starting in 2017 with the one and only Andreas Caminada. 

Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein

A Tale of Fusion 

The story of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein goes all the way back to 2004 when Hublot redefined luxury watchmaking with the concept of «The Art of Fusion,» blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials. Around the same time, Andreas Caminada took his culinary odyssey to new heights, taking over the historic Schauenstein castle, earning him prestigious Michelin stars for his innovative cuisine. 

With Andreas Caminada

Over the past two decades, both Hublot and Andreas Caminada have personified the art of individuality in  their respective fields. Hublot’s groundbreaking creations, including the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines, mirrored Caminada’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection and culinary artistry at the castle. This shared dedication naturally led to an inevitable partnership in 2017, when the 3 Michelin Stars chef joined the Hublot Family as a brand ambassador. Since then, Caminada has garnered numerous acclaims, including the Sustainable Restaurant Award, and continues to amaze with each passing year. Collaborating in events such as the Art of Fusion Night in 2019 alongside Hublot, this culinary maestro consistently reinvents the fine dining experience, remaining true to Art of Fusion ethos. This relationship culminates in a collaborative celebratory watch, the perfect tribute to such a talent. 

The Schauenstein Castle is located in the village of Fürstenau, known as the smallest city in the world, in Switzerland’s Grisons canton. This captivating setting exudes a timeless allure and embodies the cherished ‘Swissness Attitude’ valued by Hublot. Within the acclaimed triple Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Caminada immerses guests in an exploration of culinary awakening, echoing Hublot’s philosophy of perpetual exploration in crafting extraordinary pieces. 

Gorgeous location for the launch event: The view from «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen.

In honor of the 20-year jubilee of the Schauenstein castle and of Caminada’s culinary prowess, Hublot unveils its new Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, underscoring its commitment to distinction and support for the best in their fields. 

Sporting the new beauty on my wrist. I love the size of the 42mm case.

As the watch’s name suggests, the concept revolves around the color black, highly prominent throughout the various features of the timepiece, a design philosophy inspired by Andreas Caminada’s looks and reflecting Hublot’s desire to explore ‘invisible visibility’ in high fashion style. The watch features a 42mm microblasted black ceramic case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, with black plated H-shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws and a satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber crown. The bezel, made of satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber inserts, complemented by the satined and microblasted black plated titanium pushers, add depth and texture to the design. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility. Additionally, the microblasted black ceramic case back is engraved with a depiction of Schauenstein’s castle in shimmering silver tones. 

Elevating the watch, the matte black dial serves as a canvas for the applied silver-toned logo of Andreas Caminada on the small seconds counter, reflecting the spirit of culinary fineness. The black plated satin-finished titanium hands provide striking contrast against the dial, emphasizing legibility and style. 

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein beats the in-house Hublot HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. Introduced in 2010 as the first movement designed by the manufacture, the Unico calibre saw refinement in 2018 with the launch of the 1280 reference, a slimmer iteration tailored to a broader range of wrists, used in this new release in collaboration with chef Caminada. 

With super sweet Corinne Suter

The watch proudly exhibits its inner workings with a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse of the column wheel automatic winding mechanism that orchestrates its chronograph functions, and a date at 3 o’clock. Boasting a 72-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy, it incorporates five patents for facilitated assembly, modernized architecture, and increased performance. The Unico 2 calibre offers a sleek 42-mm case and notable technical developments, including gentler winding, faultless chronograph display, and exceptional shock resistance, further emphasizing the best for the best with this limited edition. 

The Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein comes in a presentation case complete with a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle clasp on the black lined rubber strap. Each watch is accompanied by a signed booklet by Andreas Caminada, a custom-engraved knife, and a knife block, reflecting Caminada’s passion for precision and authenticity in watchmaking and gastronomy. 

Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The price is set at CHF 25,900 or EUR 29,600.

LoL, Sandra

With Dario Cologna

With Lucy Tallo, owner of PRticular

Profi golfer Joel Girrbach

Photos: ©Hublot Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart , © Sandra Bauknecht
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On our last evening at the beautiful One&Only Kéa Island Resort, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel’s Atria restaurant hosted by Net-à-Porter and YSSO, the London-based, Greek jewlery brand that I told you more about in the previous post.

The table setting with olives and green hues was once more breathtaking and the rising full moon made the scenery completely poetic. The dress code said «Greek Chic». Alexia Karides, who co-founded YSSO with her mother, explained us a little bit about her inspiration and limited-edition collaboration with the brand.

We received the iconic Flower Bud earrings as a gift. A blooming flower, captured in sweeping gold arches, the earrings depict the light and energy stored within a flower bud before opening.

An amazing trip – a huge thank you to Iona and her team –  for all these magic moments and memories to take home.

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Sandra Semburg
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This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casa was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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It’s not every day that Christian Louboutin takes over an iconic theatre to put on a show. Last night, the fashionable guests arrived at Le Trianon in Montparnasse. They were greeted by crowds of fans that were eagerly waiting for the K-pop stars to arrive for the event.

For last night’s F/W 2024 presentation, Louboutin threw what most people would call the party of a lifetime, the Loubishow. During the champagne reception, I indulged in the new collections on display, from amazingly embellished cowboy boots to denim models. I had also the chance to preview of the revered tradition of the annual cabas series, this year dedicated to Rio de Janeiro. Lots of sparkles and embellishments – exactly what I love!

At around 9.30pm, we were asked to go inside the theatre to enjoy the show. Sitting front row, it was a pleasure witnessing the mesmerizing dance performance happening in sparkly Louboutins. After that we enjoyed the after party. It was an absolutely amazing night.

Monsieur Louboutin on the balcony.

With my dear friend Jani Gerard.

And now time for new season shopping … Don’t forget, Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life. Below you can find my favorite new models for F/W 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Last week, I attended the Clé de Peau Beauté press lunch at the iconic Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich to find out about the two new launches for the eyes that I would like to present you in this post as they are absolutely amazing!

The Maison has updated the Eye Contour Cream Supreme formulation and the outcome is outstanding.

This high performing eye cream targets multiple eye concerns with immediate results. With continued use, it visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles, and diminishes the impression of under-eye bags and drooping of the upper eyelids. The eye area is revitalized and more youthful-looking.

Clé de Peau Beauté Laboratories has spent more than a decade studying how skin ages to preserve its youthfulness. They developed the exclusive Future-Sculpt Technology and proprietary blend of Golden Botanical Extracts to focus on signs of aging that have not yet appeared. The pioneering science now paves the way to skin’s future, appearing more resistant to those telltale signs.

The updated Eye Contour Cream Supreme formulation contains powerful Lempuyang Extract, five times more concentrated than previous formulas.
Derived from the nutrient-rich, slow-growing rootstock of Indonesia’s ginger plant, this extract is coveted for its revitalizing and replenishing properties – key to achieving a more youthful-looking eye area, where the skin is particularly delicate.

The new formulation has been given an added boost with the inclusion of Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, to help brighten the under-eye area. The texture is absolutely amazing, it is like a velvet veil on your skin.

Available for CHF 290 (15ml).

By achieving a formulation that blends pigments with skincare ingredients, Clé de Peau Beauté offers a new dimension of eye make-up with the new Eye Color Solo shadows, that are able to deliver both lasting color and moisture. The included Light-Empowering Enhancer masterfully controls light on both the surface of the skin and beneath it. This unique formulation was created by blending  a skincare ingredient, Skin-Empowering Illuminator MK, into a gelatinized oil with luminous pigments. The new eyeshadows deliver an eight-hour moisture while providing 12-hour luminous finish. They can be easily applied with your fingertips thanks to a perfect texture.

From seaside inspiration to seamless application, the six new shades are inspired by the sea and the beauty surrounding it.

From left to right front: Pink Ocean Dawn – Toasty Sand – Deep Blue Ocean
From left to right back: Glistening Pearl – Sunkissed Coral

My favorite shade: Deep Sea Amethyst

The refillable cases are available for CHF 51.00 in the beginning of March.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Being back in St. Moritz is always fun! Especially if some amazing things are happening in the Engadin mountains. Moncler hosted a star-studded show in the snowy woods and it was also the start of the 117th edition of the International Horse Races this weekend.

Photo: @alex_lambrechts

The so-called White Turf, which has been held annually since 1907, is a top-class event: it combines exciting horse racing, fine catering, attractive music and art performances set against a unique mountain backdrop on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. In 2010, I reported for the first time about it. If you are curious, click here for the previous post.

Giving interviews …

In 2024, the event will take place on 4, 11 and 18 February and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from all over the world. The St. Moritz Racing Club is behind the organisation, while the main sponsors are UBS, Genesis and DC Aviation Group.

The weekend was fantastic. Crisp blue skies, and lots of sunshine were the perfect backdrop to enjoy the first race Sunday with over 45 horses from four countries competing in the three disciplines of galloping, trotting and skikjöring on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. However, the temperatures were almost too warm and due to the lack of precipitation throughout the previous week, the racecourse had also to be covered with artificial snow.

For families, I recommend the White Turf Family Days which take place on the Saturdays before the races – 3, 10 and 17 February – to celebrate young racing talent. The programme includes pony, trotting and flat races as well as mounted UBS Kids Skikjöring and duathlon competitions.

I wore head to toe DiorAlps (for the details, click here please).

In case you are wondering about the dress code, the more glam the better. Fur is seen everywhere (however, lots of fake fur in comparison to previous years), even on the dogs of the attending high society. If you are not into horses, you will still enjoy the scenery and watching people on the frozen lake. An event in Switzerland not to be missed!

Tickets for White Turf St. Moritz 2024 are available online here.
The VIP packages are almost sold out.

Below you can enjoy some more impressions… I ended the beautiful day with drinks at the new Grace hotel.

LoL, Sandra

With hat designer Fabienne Breederland @fabienne_breederland, who designed a special «White Turf» edition, that I am wearing in the photo.

With my friend Jasmin Brunner @jazbrunner, who has her own cashmere brand that is available at Jelmoli.

Having fun with Annakarina Goldkind @goldkind_annakarina.

My dear friend and colleague Jorge Guerreiro @jorge_jsbg_guerreiro and our lovely host Tina Seiler of Oppenheim & Partner at the after party.

With artist Ginny Litscher @ginnylitscher, who designed a special artwork for the White Turf, and event sponsor Irene Franco @ifra77 of Genesis Europe.

With Jorge and champagne expert Dan Roznov @champagnespy, who took my favorite photo of me at the event below.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of The White Turf
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! #whiteturf #horseracing #skikjöring #stmoritz #winners

This weekend I flew to London for my dear friend Lisa Tchenguiz’s birthday party that took place at the new jewel in London’s nightlife crown, Lío London. Being known for its Ibiza glamour, Lío is a global phenomenon that delivers high octane cabaret for the 21st Century.

With the lovely birthday girl Lisa Tchenguiz

The fully immersive experience combines a Mediterranean inspired menu with extraordinary acts and world class performers from dance, theatre, erotica, and acrobatics to create the pinnacle of theatrical dining.

Last year, Lío London opened its doors as the first permanent site in the capital for the Pacha Group. I can only recommend a visit as it is a spectacular, sassy and sexy modern show restaurant that brings pulsating performances to experience while you taste some delicious dishes. The food offering is an exquisite journey through Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Attila Kalanyos – former Executive Chef of Kensington Palace.

You enter the fantastic location on an original 1924 double-sided staircases. Mirrored ceilings, a moveable DJ booth, next to the restaurant section add to the ambiance of the room. After dinner on Fridays and Saturdays the main room transforms into a club for diners to continue the party hosted by big name DJs, London favourites and Lío owned nights.

Lisa’s birthday party had it all, stunning performances, yummy food, an excellent crowd of friends and some great music. Thank you for having me! London times are always good times.

Lío London, 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL
@liolondonofficial #loveliolondon
Phone number: +44 203 535 0000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Create space in your closet and give children a future

You might love the feeling of starting the new year tidied up. If yes, I might have an idea for you. Go ahead and sort out your wardrobe. Your well-preserved items could be a great addition to an upcoming fashion sale hosted by my dear friend Susanne Schroff for her SANNI Foundation.

The SANNI Foundation is a charitable trust that aims to provide people in need in India and Myanmar. The focus lays fighting against extreme poverty, the education of children and youth, healthcare and the empowerment of women. 100% of the donations reach those in need because SchroffInvest covers all administration costs and the foundation board members are volunteers.

What can I donate?

High-quality designer clothes, shoes, bags and accessories for women and children. The items must be clean and in good condition.

Where can I bring my clothing donations?

Drop off your clothes and accessories to Walde Immobilien AG at Zollikerstrasse 65 in Zollikon until February 20, 2024. The reception staff will assist you from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

When and where does the sale take place? 

The fashion sale starts with a VIP Sale on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm and continues on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10am to 4pm.

Location:
Walde Immobilien, House of Real Estate, Zollikerstrasse 65 in 8702 Zollikon

What does your donation do?

100% of the proceeds from our exclusive fashion sale will go towards a project to support children and their families in the slums of Delhi.

See you there and please donate some of your items! By helping to prolong the life of garments and accessories through second-hand shopping, you also promote a circular economy, that reduces the cost of resources employed in supplying, washing and disposing of clothing. Don’t forget, sustainability is the sum of many contributing factors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © SANNI Foundation
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Last week, I was invited by Christian Louboutin to a Red Night at The Connaught in London Mayfair. The evening started with drinks at the brand’s flagship store on Mount Street. As my plane was delayed, I missed that part and went straight to the party that was filled with many treats and a special tarot session.

Among fashion designers, Christian Louboutin stands out as one of the most influential, thanks to his ability to transform extraordinary shoes into true icons, all thanks to his distinctive signature: the red sole.

The dress code said a touch of red and for me that not only included the soles of my shoes but also a little touch of red on my jacket. The red sole of Louboutin shoes has become a symbol of luxury, style, and status, representing a fashion statement that doesn’t go unnoticed.

With beautiful Anna Lange, Christian Louboutin Store Manager Mount Street, at the event.

My gorgeous bag from the Flamencaba collection.

Spoilt to the fullest with this beautiful red quilt.

This holiday season, Christian Louboutin has a huge range of fantastic footwear, must-have accessories, and stocking fillers. I attached you some of my favorites available now below.

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Do you remember my dear friend Nina? I have been writing several times about her in the past (for a previous post click here). Well I have great news for my Zurich based followers. Nina and the City (former Kids and the City) will be part at Amatista’s (a luxury concierge service) first Christmas Market at the Ballroom of the Dolder Grand on Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 (from 2pm-9pm). Nina will be presenting as always fashion, accessories and lovely Christmas gift ideas.

The Amatista Christmas market will have tons of highlights, from specially curated art pieces, a caviar tasting, a champagne lounge, a pianist, a cigar stand (aka hubby parking spot) and much more. All in all 17 partners will be presenting their goodies at several booths.

However the top highlight will be the fashion show by Nina and the City presenting exclusively for Switzerland the first F/W 2023 collection from Nimo with Love. Behind Nimo with Love is Nicole Mohrmann, whom I have known for many years also from my time in Munich. She has spent years building lasting and trusting relationships with small workshops in India who embrace her vision of Nimo as becoming one big, global family, that creates beautiful things. The brand is committed to a culture and environment that is respectful, caring, nurturing and encouraging – and values creativity in all aspects.

Hand-sewn details, such as beads and embroidery, as opposed to glued-on, perfectly aligned stitches, made with thread that integrates perfectly in the design … The attention to detail asks for high-end craftsmanship. Nimo With Love works with small businesses who sew a heritage of artisanal expertise into each and every piece of the collection. Each garment is hand-made with passion. It takes a whole village to turn a beautiful fabric into a beautiful wearable textile!

Hope to see you all there … I’ll definitely be. I am also excited to see the newest holiday installation by my favorite Finish artist Jani Leinonen, that will be revealed on December 1, 2023.

RSVP on .
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nina and the City, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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