Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, Zurich’s first Fashion Night Out took place, so-called “Die lange Nacht der Mode”. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound so fashionable in German. But I had a lot of fun at three different events that I am showing you below:

First Stop: Jelmoli
Press conference with Ilaria Venturini Fendi

Founded in 2006 by Ilaria Venturini Fendi, who is part of the Fendi family empire, Carmina Campus is the brand that focuses on handbags, jewels and furniture out of reused materials. Each handcrafted item is a unique one of a kind piece. All of Illaria’s sustainable creations are made with care and consideration for the environment. The designer used her natural aversion to waste and her innate understanding of fashion to start an eco conscious label with a distinctive style. Therefore she is only working with already-existing materials either living their second life or unused but out of production.

Ilaria Venturini Fendi with me

With projects in Kenia addressing poverty, she helps women to start their own business, proclaiming: “It’s not charity, it’s work.” I was truly impressed by her spirit and creativity, she designs bags made out of trash bags, shower curtains, old school uniforms and so on. She even collaborated with Mini for a collection made out of color samples, material offcuts, and other castoffs from the production of the British-built convertible. Under Fendi’s direction, 50 one-of-a-kind bags were manufactured.

Carmina Campus is available at Jelmoli in Zurich. You can also shop the collection online here.

Second stop: H&M Showroom
Presentation of the new fall 2013 collection

The lovely H&M teamed welcomed me to their new showroom. On display was the beautiful runway collection that had been presented during Paris Fashion Week. Dubbed “Modern Drama,” the color palette was mainly about black and white with a few vibrant key pieces, like this bright red dress, very much reminiscent of the ’70s, edgy and feminine in one.

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager H&M Switzerland, with me outside on the balcony…

…overlooking the fashion parade.

Third stop: Vestibule
Late night shopping

At Vestibule, fashionistas mingled to shop the new season must-haves to the sound of DJ Annina Frey. I fell in love with this amazing faded botanical printed canvas Polly small flap clutch by 3.1 Phillip Lim and the Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang.

What a great night!

LoL, Sandra

Laurence Antiglio, owner of Vestibule, with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes you have to be lucky… and in this case it was me. Coming pack from Los Angeles to repack for Paris Fashion Week, I had the chance to attend the opening party of the new Diesel Black Gold shop-in-shop at Jelmoli which is the biggest one in Europe. Especially for the night, Andreas Melbostad, Creative Director Womenswear, had flown in from New York. I was very honoured to be among the guests invited to an intimate dinner at Clouds afterwards where I got the chance to talk to the designer of Norwegian origin who had worked for the likes of Calvin Klein, Nina Ricci and Yves Saint Laurent before.

Andreas Melbostad with me

The new shop-in shop at Jelmoli

Dinner at Clouds

One day after I got back from Paris Fashion Week, just one week after the amazing dinner party, Diesel celebrated its recently opened shop on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse.
And some famous guests came …

Two great parties in one week! Thank you, Diesel!

LoL, Sandra

For the outfit post, please click here.

Actor Adrien Brody with me

Joseph Fiennes, framed by his wife Maria Dolores Diéguez to the left and me to the right

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

Here is something for my Zurich based readers: This week, Mes Amis and Gut Juwelier are hosting together a Spring Reception where you can browse through the newest arrivals of interior decorations and jewelry designs while enjoying a glass of bubbly.

Please find below all the details:

Probably you can find some beautiful inspirations for your Easter weekend. For those, who cannot make it, enjoy the photos!

LoL, Sandra

I have been meaning to show this post to you since quite a while but time just flies. Nevertheless, everything you see here, is in stores now which is a very good thing. I am sure there are some looks that have been shown on the runway of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Days Zurich International Closing Night last November that you will surely adore. So let’s get started.

Arzu Kaprol is known for her architectural femininity. A Paris Fashion week must, the designer of Turkish origin was inspired by “bones” for her S/S 2013 collection that she has kept in a muted color palette. Very pretty!

Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos is the designer behind the one of my favorite labels presented at the FDZ: Dimitri. A graduate from renowned fashion school ESMOD like me, he had worked for Jil Sander, Vivienne Westwood and Hugo Boss before launching his own label in 2007. His S/S 2013 designs are vivid and colorful, feminine and seductive.

Berlin-based designer Dawid Tomaszewski founded his eponymous label in 2009. His designs are inspired mostly by art and architecture. For S/S 2013, he came up with an extremely eye-catching collection in luxurious fabrics, of which every piece has the potential to become a favorite.

The culmination of the International Closing Night was the S/S 2013 show of New York-based designer Charlotte Ronson, who is part of the famous Ronson family. Her twin sister Samantha is a famous DJ and her brother Mark, a music producer and the face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme.

Charlotte Ronson backstage with me

Backstage she told me that water had been her main source of inspiration for this lovely slightly romantic collection. She combined ocean’s blues and greens with light yellows reminiscent of the sun. Her all time favourite, floral prints were of course also part of Charlotte’s designs. Personally speaking, what I liked most, was the mix of feminine details with a sporty approach, which took her looks from sweet to cool. Well done!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Monday, I attended during Paris Fashion Week the Roger Vivier Cocktail to celebrate the launch of the book ‘Roger Vivier’, held at the boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The tome will be available from April 2nd in the Roger Vivier boutiques and in fine bookstores.

Among the guests was Inès de la Fressange (see photo with me above), a French model, aristocat, designer of fashion and perfumes, and former muse for Karl Lagerfeld (Inès walked in the Chanel S/S 2011 runway show at the age of 54.). She has a very cute section on the Roger Vivier homepage, called “Ines’ Little Diaries”. Personally speaking, she looked absolutely stunning and was very lovely to talk to.

Inès de la Fressange and Bruno Frisoni

Today, designer Bruno Frisoni is at the helm of Roger Vivier. He’s one of the most charming designers in fashion and his witty humor can be seen perfectly in the picture I took of him at the event. He knows well how to design shoes in which ladies feel elegant.

Roger Vivier himself (1907–1998) was a French fashion designer who specialized in shoes and became famous for his stiletto heel. He was called the “Fragonard of the shoe” and many critics compared his creations to Fabergé. He designed the footwear for Queen Elizabeth II that she wore to her coronation in 1953 and the famous “buckle” shoes, Catherine Deneuve sported in the iconic French movie “Belle de Jour”, together with Yves Saint Laurent clothing.

Blogger girls from left to right: Me, Elisa Nalin, Tamu McPherson and Eleonara Carisi.

When we left the event, every guest got this cute little iPhone cover.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF ROGER VIVIER AT LUISAVIAROMA AND MYTHERESA.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Roger Vivier

Sunday night, I had a blast in Paris at the Purple x Bulgari dinner at the famous Café de Flore, followed by the after party at Le Montana. The room was filled with the “Who’s Who in High Fashion” and of course many celebrities such as Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody.

Enjoy some of the impressions! It doesn’t get more “in” than here…

Caroline Gaimari (Purple) with me

Famous crowd: Tilda Swinton, Haider Ackermann, Betony Vernon, Sandro Kopp, Waris Ahluwalia, and founder/owner of Purple Olivier Zahm

Arriving from the Givenchy F/W 2013 runway show with an extravagant hairdo: Models Magdalena Frackowiak and…

…Isabeli Fontana, here with Olivier Zahm

Patrick Liotard-Vogt (Chairman A Small World) and Olivier Zahm

Olivier Zahm and designer Haider Ackermann

Patrick Liotard-Vogt with me

Charlotte Stockdale, Derek Blasberg, Samantha Traina, and Gaia Repossi

One of my favourite designers: Olivier Theyskens with me

At the after party at Le Montana

Waris Ahluwalia

I truly had a blast and went to bed far too late. But when I got to my hotel room, I had a meltdown when spotting the fag burns in my beloved strapless lace and tulle dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

I truly hope that Dolce & Gabbana can save this amazing piece!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Purple © Stéphane Feugère, © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, here are some impressions of the Montblanc ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 charity brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles that was truly outstanding. Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year and this time the German house supports UNICEF educational projects, which benefit children around the globe giving them access to education and aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.

Here you see me arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air which is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood, surrounded by stunning homes and mansions.

Me on the red carpet (I could totally get used to that feeling.)

Two of the official photos (© Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank (Actress), Rosario Dawson (Actress), Christopher Lambert (Actor), Patricia Arquette (Actress), Peter Fonda (Actor), Joel Madden (Singer – UNICEF Ambassador), Alyssa Milano (Actress – UNICEF Ambassador), Michael York (Actor), Olga Kurylenko (Actress), Martin Landau (Actor), Petra Nemcova (Model), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Billy Zane (Actor), Mimi Rogers (Actress), Emmy Rossum (Actress), Jane Seymour (Actress), Clemens Schick (Actor), Alexander Ludwig (Actor), Tom Hooper (Director), Natasha Henstridge (Actress), Lydia Hearst (Socialite) and Tippi Hedren (Actress) joined Lutz Bethge (CEO Montblanc International) and Caryl M. Stern (CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF) to support a very special cause.

Academy Award winner Hilary Swank

Emily Rossum

Cas Anvar who plays Dodi Al-Fayed in the new Diana movie with Naomi Watts.

Alexander Ludwig (Hunger Games)

Natasha Henstridge

Christopher Lambert

Rosario Dawson

Martin Landau

Jane Seymour

Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

DJ Bob Sinclair

German actor Wayne Carpendale

Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago)

German actor Clemens Schick

Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc, and Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation

During the brunch, Lutz Bethge gave a very emotional introductory speech regarding Montblanc’s new charity initiative, Signature for Good, and his field trip with actress Hilary Swank to Ethiopia last October, where he was able to witness the incredible work of UNICEF. “I will never forget the pride in the eyes of those children to go to school. Something that I haven’t seen in my own children.” He was very impressed by the so-called “gender clubs” where the children have a chance to talk about issues such as domestic abuse or child labour, “because school helps them make a change.”. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars.

Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, brought tears to the eyes of the audience. “You are not only helping children to learn and to write, you give them a brighter future, you unlock doors that would have been shut. We do whatever it takes to save a child all over the world.” It gave me shivers when she stated that “19.000 kids will die today and the same amount tomorrow and so on of causes we could already save.” UNICEF lowered that number by 40%. Caryl M.Stern went on: “No matter where we go, we all want the same for our children, we want them to be safe, healthy, educated, to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Our own children get a great seat at the table, but there are some who don’t get a seat at all. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make.”

The very moving moment culminated when Hilary Swank went on stage to share her personal experience from her field visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF. The actress had tears in her eyes when she gushed about “the smile on the children’s faces when they go to school and their determination to learn.”

As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted guests with a dazzling performance of two songs.

Symbolic of Montblancʼs commitment to giving children access to better education, guests were invited to pledge their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel-Air.

I have been deeply impressed by UNICEFʼs life-changing work in Africa and the impact of Montblanc’s contribution over the recent years in funding education programs. If you like to support the good cause, have a look at the new ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 collection which is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos (Red Carpet):  © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Being in Los Angeles for this one night that Hollywood waits for every year is truly amazing. I have enjoyed every second of being here. The 2013 Oscars mark the first year that the famous ceremony is no longer officially called the Academy Awards. The Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood was home to a red carpet filled with amazing gowns.

Here is my best dressed list:

Comprehensive victory: Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a Dior Couture gown combined with a long Chopard necklace draped down her back, won the Best Actress 2013 Oscars for her work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and was the most stunning appearance on the red carpet.

Glamourous perfection: Amanda Seyfried in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

So pretty: Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

The biggest fashion trends on the 2013 Oscars red carpet were neutral hues and dramatic dark metallics. White was THE colour like last year. Trains had a major moment. Bright hues were rarely seen, but berry shades made a big entrance as spotted on Jennifer Garner for example. When it comes to Hollywood glitz and glamour, the Oscars never disappoints.

A radiant winner: Anne Hathaway in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewlery

British singer Adele performed her Academy Award winning song Skyfall (‘Best Original Song’) at last night’s ceremony for the first time wearing a black silk dress with degradé hand-embroidered crystals by Burberry.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars, both in Gucci.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Picture: “Argo.”
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Directing: Ang Lee, “Life of Pi.”
Foreign Language Film: “Amour.”

Stay tuned for many more posts coming up from Los Angeles…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Burberry, ©Joe Klamar/AFP

Yesterday, I was invited by Montblanc to attend a lovely, very intimate lunch with caviar and champagne at their Arts & Artisanery lounge at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. The rooms of the suite are decorated so beautifully with artwork from the German house’s Cutting Edge Art Collection. Along with many celebrities, among them Emily Rossum, Billy Zane and Pat & Michael York, I had the honour to explore some of the amazing pieces from their high jewelry line, that will surely be seen tomorrow on the red carpet of the Oscars 2013.

My look: Neon stretch-crepe blazer by Antonio Berardi, printed cotton shirt by Carven, pleated wool-crepe mini skirt by Christopher Kane, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc, holographic faux leather pumps and matching faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney. (For more information on the holographic trend, please click here).

During lunch, I sat next to Pat and Michael York, who is famous for his roles in Cabaret, The Three Musketeers and Austin Powers, among many others. His wife Pat, a former editor of Vogue and Glamour magazine, and a passionate photographer, is a very captivating lady. With exhibitions all over the world, including one at Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland, her preferred  subjects are dissected cadavers. “I love the human body,” she explained to me. “It is so fascinating. Once you’ve looked under the skin, we all look the same. You feel how meaningless is all racial and religious prejudice.”

This unique piece from Montblanc’s Bouquet Collection is absolutely breathtaking. It features three blooming diamond studded roses and a gigantic star-shaped “Montblanc Diamond” and drapes comfortably around the neck.

Billy Zane with me. The actor is probably best known for his role as the arrogant Caledon Hockley, Rose’s fiancé in Titanic.

The bracelet and necklace from the Riviera Collection feature a cascade of briolette diamonds and a beautiful embellished closure.

Montblanc’s iconic Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection is a tribute to elegance. For the Pétales Entrelacés motif, the rose petals, in warm pink gold with or without diamonds pavé, are crafted in an intertwined way for rings, earrings, necklaces and braclets.

The last two days have already been so wonderful and I couldn’t be any happier to join Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience. I am off this morning to attend the Montblanc Signature for Good Charity Brunch at the Bel-Air hotel where many celebrities are expected and a gorgeous charity project will be presented. You can follow me on the official Montblanc Twitter account @montblanc_world and on Instagram @sandrascloset.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I drove from Zurich to St. Moritz to attend a very intimate event at Galerie Gmurzynska for the exhibition opening of a new unique work by Karl Lagerfeld, in a brand new medium: “FIRE ETCHINGS”; forming the artist’s answer to contemporary portraiture.

As I knew that Karl Lagerfeld would be present, there was no doubt, I had to be there. First, the invitation was supposed to be a dinner which was changed last minute into a brunch. The guests were waiting patiently for over three hours for Karl Lagerfeld’s plane to land. When he entered the room, his presence was unbelievable. He shook hands and talked to everyone.

A magic moment: Shaking hands with Karl Lagerfeld.

“FIRE ETCHINGS” is truly outstanding. On display was Karl Lagerfeld’s gigantic body of work created from backlit glass that has had its image etched into the surface. The “Kaiser” explained that a company near Nuernberg, Germany, which usually produces church windows manufactured his artwork for him.

Large scale and unique, for “FIRE ETCHINGS” Lagerfeld has abstracted some of his current muses: the rapper, Theophilus London; and the models, Freja Beha Erichsen and Aymeline Valade.

When Karl Lagerfeld was asked to explain his artwork a little, he replied with a quote by Voltaire: “Everything that needs an explanation is not worth the explanation.”

In his hands the whole time? His iPhone with a Karl by Karl Lagerfeld cover.

Karl Lagerfeld with Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer

Also present at the exhibition opening were actor Rick Yune to the left (2 Fast 2 Furious and James Bond – Die Another Day) and famous L.A.-based DJ Eddie Ruscha.

My look: Leather and cotton-jersey sweater, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent and jacket, scarf, cuff, bag, all by Chanel, fur boots and coat, both by Prada.

What an amazing day! If you are interested, the exhibit in St. Moritz will remain open until the 23rd of March, 2013. For further information, please contact the Galerie Gmurzynska directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht