Sandra‘s Closet

The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute in New York City and marks the grand opening of its annual fashion exhibit. Celebrating this year’s theme “China, Through The Looking Glass”, it seems to be one of the most challenging yet. See below who honored China’s heritage and its present culture on the red carpet best.

This year’s award to best dressed of the night goes to:

Rihanna wearing Chinese designer Guo Pei

The butt girls:

Jay Z and Beyoncé in Givenchy

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West in Roberto Cavalli

Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez, both in Atelier Versace.

Best Chinese inspirations:

Zendaya Coleman in Fausto Puglisi

Karolina Kurkova in Tommy Hilfiger

I am always looking forward to seeing Sarah Jessica Parker‘s outfit because she has never let us down in pulling off the best looks. And let’s just say the headpiece combined with her H&M dress is divine.

Georgia May Jagger in Gucci and Alessandro Michele

Chloë Sevigny in J.W. Anderson

Very sophisticated: Tom Ford and Rita Ora in his design.

Alexa Chung in Erdem

George Clooney and Amal Clooney in Maison Margiela

Not so inspired by the Chinese theme… but great to watch:

Jeremy Scott kissing Kate Perry‘s hand who is wearing Moschino.

Also Madonna wore Moschino.

Stella McCartney framed by Cara Delevingne, Sofia Richie, and Zhu Zhu, all dressed in her designs.

Alexander Wang kissed by Lady Gaga in Balenciaga

Miley Cyrus and Zoë Kravitz dressed in Alexander Wang.

Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection

Robert Pattinson and FKA twigs in Christopher Kane (definitely not my favorite gown of the night).

Supermodel Joan Smalls arrived at the Met Gala in a black tulle and purple silk one-sleeved Roberto Cavalli gown with cutouts and sheer paneling. Her date was the newly appointed designer of the Italian fashion house Peter Dundas. Isn’t this gown to die for?!

Anna Wintour in Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos via: Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com, Moschino, Vogue and Style.com

Last Wednesday, Trudie Götz and her team celebrated the opening of her two new concept stores, TROIS POMMES – THE STORE, one for women on Bahnhofstrasse 18 and one for men on Bahnhofstrasse 12 in Zurich. The new three-story shop for ladies is filled with everything a fashionista’s heart desires, the must-have pieces from well-known designers such as Givenchy, Saint Laurent and Peter Pilotto among others. For this special occasion, jewelry designer Harumi Klossowska and cashmere guru Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman had flown in to get to know their Zurich customers. Great concept, amazing interior, two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As part of the 10th Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen invited me for the opening of the “Timeless Portofino” exhibition.

CEO Georges Kern was joined by Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh to present the amazing result of a photo shoot which involved a host of stars, such as Emily Blunt, Zhou Xun, Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz among others and was organized by IWC especially for the launch of its new Portofino Midsize collection. Before the exhibition set off around the world, IWC celebrated the world premiere with around 250 guests and invited them to a glamorous gala dinner (see yesterday’s post here). Enjoy my outfit post and the photos that I took from above upon the arrival of the famous guests as I was already inside the exhibition.

My look: Embroidered wrap-over mini-dress by Balmain, metallic and matte-leather pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Tom Ford, statement necklace by Dior, «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Portofino midsize watch with diamonds by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos in collage: © Sandra Bauknecht and  Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for IWC
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s outfit post is dedicated to the amazing IWC Schaffhausen gala that took place last September during the Zurich Film Festival. I wore a very colorful gown by Peter Pilotto that I adore. The “mix and match” effect of the fabrics is extremely up to date. Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett, who was the star of the night, sported the floral print trend as well. I have included some impressions of this extraordinary event for you. A huge thank you to Andrea Monica Hug who took some photos of me upon my arrival.

My look: Freya kaleidoscope print crepe gown by Peter Pilotto, laser-cut leather clutch by Christopher Kane, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, earrings by Prada, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Kurt Eschbacher interviews Cate Blanchett during the gala

Lovely Karolina Kurkova (I hosted an intimate lunch with her one day before) framed by IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern to her right and photographer Peter Lindbergh to her left.

To the sounds of DJ Jack-E, we partied the whole night… definitely another unforgettable night!

Photos: © Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for IWC
© Andrea Monica Hug/ Chic in Zurich 
© Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, a really fun event for the readers of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland magazine in collaboration with DIOR took place at Jelmoli in Zurich. The exclusive invitation could be found in our recent February issue and was dedicated to the launch of the brand’s new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR collection.

In my position as editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland. I welcomed the guests together with Michelle Fisher, Dior’s make-up expert, who shared some amazing tips with us.

One of the biggest trends in fashion and beauty is the no makeup look which means you wear makeup without looking like you do. Dior is a true pioneer in achieving this natural look with the new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR line: weightless velvety freshness, a foundation that breathes, a range for flawless skin with a incredibly fine, exceptional texture, as light and beneficial as a breath of fresh air, for an enhanced complexion with sheer correction. Like after a day in the great outdoors,you achieve the fresh, radiant beauty of a natural healthy glow.

The DIORSKIN NUDE AIR range includes:

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR SERUM FOUNDATION
A few drops of this ultra-fluid are enough to create perfect nude makeup with a velvety finish and a no-makeup feel that is both ultra-natural and luminous. Made with oils that evaporate instantly, the talc-free Diorskin Nude Air formula deposits an undetectable film of makeup on the skin. Dior introduces Oxygen Activ™ technology, an innovative combination of a hyper-oxygenated oil, Cranberry oil, vitamins and minerals. Revitalised, the skin breathes and becomes more beautiful each day.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR LOOSE POWDER
Impressively light, this loose powder sets and protects makeup while protecting skin from urban assaults.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR POWDER COMPACT
The powder compact transparently unifies and mattifies the complexion to create the illusion of a fresh and radiant glow.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR TAN BRONZING POWDER
Available in a range of naturally blended shades, the bronzing powder warms the skin tone giving a sunny complexion that radiates vitality.

Guests were able to experience this new light makeup along with the complete range of DIOR products during the night and were able to get a complete makeover.

The DIOR team: Michelle Fisher, Giuseppe Oltolini and Manuela Pastore with me.

Sophie Handke and Nina Aryapour with me

Personally speaking, it was so lovely to meet my readers last night. Some had even come from Basel, Zug and other Swiss cities. This morning, the first photos of yesterday’s event popped up on my Facebook wall and I am happy to share them with you. Thank you, ladies, for coming, for posting, for commenting and for being loyal readers of L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. You are the reason I am doing this job with all my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Young Park with me

Jackie and Paula Iller with me

Jo Dema and Bojana Veljkovic with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (A huge thank you to my daughter for taking them!)
Thank you to Sophie Handke, Nina Aryapour, Jo Dema, Bojana Veljkovic and Young Park for the lovely pictures!

The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were held last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Rapper LL Cool J hosted the show for the fourth consecutive time. In all, 83 Grammy Awards were presented, one more than in 2014.

Sam Smith accepts the Best New Artist award from singer Taylor Swift onstage

Sam Smith was the big winner at the 2015 Grammys, taking home four awards for best new artist, best pop vocal album, record of the year and song of the year. In an upset, Beck took home album of the year for Morning Phase, beating out Beyonce’s Beyonce.

But what interests us most are the best dressed winners and of course the worst as well. Enjoy, from a dreamy Giambattista Valli frock on Rihanna to Taylor Swift’s sexy Elie Saab gown, most of the celebs hit all the right notes on the music industry’s biggest night.

Rihanna in Giambattista Valli Couture

Taylor Swift in Elie Saab

Beyoncé in Proenza Schouler

Nicki Menaj in Tom Ford

Rita Ora in Prada

Ariana Grande in Atelier Versace (one of my favorite looks)

Awkward moment: Miley Cyrus in Alexandre Vauthier grabs Katy Perry’s boob who wore Zuhair Murad

Weird boob situation: Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell

Kiss of the night: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

Also in love: Nicole Kidman in Thierry Mugler Pre-fall 2015 with her husband Keith Urban

Ageless beauty: Jane Fonda in Balmain Pre-fall 2015

Looking cute: Charli XCX in Moschino…

… but how cute is her doggy?!

And last but not least: Queen M Madonna in Givenchy Couture…

… who still knows the best how to seek attention in the right moment.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Valerie Macon/Getty Images, Reuters, Wireimages

While you are reading this, I am on my way to the SIHH, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, in Geneva. I love this watch fair where this year 16 brands exhibit their new creations in an outstanding and extremely luxury environment. IWC Schaffhausen is one of them and I know that their booth as well as their party will once more make history.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the brand’s iconic Portugieser watch line and launching a new collection at this year’s SIHH, I will of course keep you posted with some essential information.

To raise your enthusiasm, I would like to show you some very exclusive photos (some of you might have seen some in the October issue of L’Officiel Switzerland) of the amazing Ladies Lunch “Timeless Portofino” during the 10th Zurich Film Festival Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Watches (co-partner of the ZFF), and my humble self hosted at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to celebrate the new IWC Portofino midsize watches.

IWC CEO Georges Kern framed by Karolina Kurkova to the right and myself to the left

You have seen my new beautiful watch in many outfit posts. Thanks a lot to those who sent me your lovely comments about this new beauty in my closet.

Special guest of the event was Karolina Kurkova, the charming blonde chatted over lunch about her life with my girlfriends and took a souvenir photo with each guest. As an additional gift, there was a handwritten card with a personal dedication of the famous top model. Karolina is truly an amazing woman!

Enjoy all the pictures below and stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Karolina was checking on the photos (a true pro) to make sure all of them were immaculate.

Karolina framed by Monika Kern to the left and Margarita Forster to the right.

Having fun with David Biedert backstage taking some pics.

Photos: Courtesy of IWC, © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Vegan as a fashion statement» – Stella McCartney has been the pioneer to blend fashion with sustainability by creating shoes and bags without using animal products. The only drop of bitterness? Her designs are high-priced and not easy to afford. Inspired by the idea to offer fashion with added value at a consumer-friendly price point, my lovely friend Swiss model Bianca Gubser partnered up with Nicole Frank to launch The No Animal Brand collection.

Their designs of shoes and bags that are manufactured without using any animal products look great as you can see and are now available in Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich. Other point of sales in Europe are going to follow soon. Below you see some impressions of the launch event in the beginning of December.

LoL, Sandra

Clifford Lilley, Raquel Marquard and Franco Savastano with me

Thank you David Biedert Photography for the lovely pictures!

I am so excited as I will be leaving this Sunday to Salzburg following Chanel‘s invitation to watch their upcoming Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art collection that will be presented on December 2nd, 2014 in the Austrian city. To celebrate this occasion, Karl Lagerfeld created a video-clip with the title “Reincarnation” (watch the trailer at the end of this post).

This new short film was the perfect opportunity for Karl Lagerfeld to develop an artistic collaboration with Pharrell Williams, a close friend of the House and personal friend of the designer. In fact, the artist composed and wrote the lyrics to “CC The World“, the original soundtrack for Reincarnation, and he also played one of the lead roles and will be, along with Cara Delevingne, the face of the upcoming campaign of the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art collection.

Once again Karl Lagerfeld had imagined an episode from the life of Gabrielle Chanel. Embodied by Geraldine Chaplin, Gabrielle Chanel is holidaying in the suburbs of Salzburg in 1954. At her hotel she meets a young lift-boy played by Pharrell Williams who wears a jacket which would later inspire the iconic CHANEL jacket.

“It was time to show the origins of the CHANEL jacket, inspired by the one worn by the lift attendant in a hotel near Salzburg in the 1950s (…) Reincarnation is the story of a lift attendant’s jacket being reincarnated as a timeless piece of women’s wear,” declares Karl Lagerfeld.

Reincarnation is also the evocation of another era, that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which Karl Lagerfeld brings to life for one night in the heart of the 1950s.

Karl Lagerfeld adds: “None of this would have been possible without Pharrell Williams, Cara Delevingne and Geraldine Chaplin. It’s the perfect cast. Pharrell is a genius and Geraldine at her best in the role of Gabrielle Chanel in the year of her comeback.”

Reincarnation will be screened in Salzburg on December 1st, 2014 the night before the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d’art show and I couldn’t be happier to be there to watch it live. Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: © Chanel

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This week I flew to Bangkok to attend the launch celebration of the fifth Cabinet of Curiosities, the acclaimed yearly pop-up exhibition, that is presented this time by Siwilai, the renowned multi-brand concept store. More will be coming up soon about this event.

Wednesday evening, the exclusive pre-opening dinner took place at Bo.lan, one of the world’s best Thai restaurants, located in Sukhumvit. We enjoyed fine dining at its best, a very spicy Thai cuisine created from age old recipes. After we had finished, the most fun part of the night took place. We were all driven to the after party at Sugar Ray You’ve Just Been Poisoned (to be taken literally) in tuk-tuks. What a fun and very fast ride through the city of Bangkok.

Before I left to the event, those pictures of my outfit were taken on the terrace of my hotel, the Okura Prestige, a luxurious and contemporary five-star hotel.

My look for the night: Nude dress with pleated skirt, cutout suede sandals and scalloped laser-cut leather waist belt, all by Azzedine Alaïa, cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

The two protagonists: Barom Bhicharnchitr (Managing Director of Central Embassy and Siwilai) and Thomas Erber (Founder of Le Cabinet de Curiosités).

Lovely international company at the dinner table at Bo.lan.

A fun tuk-tuk ride with Swiss-Thai designer Laend Phuengkit, who also designed some limited edition pieces for the exhibition.

A truly fun night – stay tuned for more coming up from Bangkok soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht