This is your invitation to the Gucci F/W 2013 fashion show!
Watch it this Wednesday afternoon at 2pm CET (8am EST) here on Sandra’s Closet livestreamed from Milan. I am so excited to see what one of my favourite designers Frida Giannini has come up with for the next season.
Talk to you later, I am packing for Los Angeles…
LoL, Sandra
The Dior event in Paris last week was truly amazing. The Dior team spoilt me constantly during my stay with wonderful birthday surprises. How creative they are was clear when we went for dinner Thursday night. Held at the ice rink of the Plaza Athénée which is located at the inner courtyard of the famous Parisian hotel, we were welcomed by a Swiss chalet atmosphere and a cute Saint Bernard dog.
View of the ice rink from the top
As I have done many dinners on the ice in St. Moritz before, I knew exactly what to wear in order not to get cold.
My look: Mink coat by Prada, fur boots by Prada Sport, scarf, bag and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and fur hat by Marc Jacobs.
Lovely Montasar Dumas (Dior Paris) and Huda Heidi Kattan with me.
From left to right: Me, Sofie Valkiers and Gala Gonzalez
Raclette prepared by three Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was a big surprise. Who would have expected having a Swiss traditional dish in Paris?! Very funny, the two Swiss ladies, Manuela and my humble self, were shoveling the yummy cheese in our mouth, whereas most of the other bloggers were a little overwhelmed by the heavy food.
Manuela Pastore (Dior Switzerland) explained enthusiastically how to eat raclette.
Pumpkin soup as a starter
Spotted – the cutest iPhone cover ever, available here.
A surprise birthday dessert. Thank you, Dior, for this wonderful experience!
Stay tuned for all the photos taken during the day for the house’s new beauty launches.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
During last week’s SIHH 2013, I visited also the Montblanc booth that was an absolute eyecatcher due to the extraordinary pieces of the Montblanc Cutting Edge Art Collection that currently comprises more than 180 artworks.
In the collage above you can see me with Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, and some of Montblanc’s very special guests…
Of course, the house’s newest watch highlights such as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours were also presented at the booth.
Me visiting the Montblanc booth
Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Pair
Pair watches are a huge trend especially in Asia and wouldn’t those watches just be perfect for this gorgeous couple below?!
Montblanc friends of the brand Olivia Palermo (wearing Montblanc Star Classique Automatic watch) and Johannes Huebl (wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph) in front of an artwork by Hiroyuki Masuyama.
Proving that Olivia is a style icon all over, she combined tweed and leather with statement heels, golden jewelry and a vibrant clutch that would upgrade every outfit to a new level.
The couple being interviewed in front of an artwork by Stephen Craig.
Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco
Pétales de Roses Motif
This beautiful unique piece has been sold during the fair, but of course there was more to be admired…
Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Diamonds
Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic RG Diamonds
Christopher Lambert during his visit at the Montblanc booth
The famous actor was wearing the Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres (Northern Hemisphere).
Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres, Southern+Northern Hemisphere
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc
One of the most exciting events of the year is the IWC gala held during the SIHH. Each year, Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, brings glamour and worldclass celebrities to Geneva. One night that makes you feel more like being in Hollywood than in Switzerland.
Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, with me
On the red carpet at this incredible event were Ewan McGregor, Zinédine Zidane, Karolina Kurkova, Ross Brawn, Eric Dane, Adriana Lima, Luis Figo and Matthew Fox, among many others. I had so much fun watching all of them arrive and was spotted myself…
Racing driver for the Mercedes GP Formula One™ team: Nico Rosberg
Model Victoria Silvstedt
Unzipped, the best “backolleté”: Karoline Huber, CMO IWC Schaffhausen, in Tom Ford
This year, the theme “IWC RACE NIGHT” was of course matching the house’s newest launch of its new Ingenieur watches that I had a closer look at during a tour around the amazing IWC booth earlier that day. (For the post, please click here.) The latest collection aptly expresses the spirit of the new partnership between the Schaffhausen watchmaker and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.
My look: Black jumpsuit by Michael Kors, shrug by D&G Dolce Gabbana, Elsie bag by Chloé, Tribute patent-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, cuff by Stella McCartney, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and earrings by Chanel.
Tim Jefferies
Actor Ralf Moeller with me
Photographer Peter Lindbergh with me
Lovely Karolina Kurkova
Two angels in Geneva: Victoria Secret Models Karolina Kurkova and Adriana Lima in Roberto Cavalli
Grey’s Anatomy “McSteamy” Eric Dane with me
Together with IWC CEO Georges Kern, Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey compèred the IWC Race Night, while Nico Rosberg and his sleek Formula One™ racing car galvanized the atmosphere. The moment, we heard the sound of the engine, it was clear why each of the over 850 guests had ear plugs at the table.
A spectacular competition between some prominent guests ensued when Nico Rosberg invited them to change the tyres on his Formula One™ car. In a simulated pit stop, top model Karolina Kurkova, film stars Matthew Fox, Jean Reno and Eric Dane, as well as Asian actors Francis Ng and Kiichi Nakai tried to get the sleek-bodied vehicle back on the track in the 3 seconds that were given to them.
Great team work: Karolina Kurkova and Jean Reno
A happy Eric Dane
Concentrated: Tim Jefferies and Marc Forster
Those two are having fun: Marc Forster and Kevin Spacey
Personally speaking, the culmination of the night was a private concert from the British band Jamiroquai. Lead singer Jay Kay has such a rhythm and incredible presence on stage that I couldn’t stop dancing all night… as you can see in the last picture.
Thank you, IWC, for letting me be part of this outstanding event!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This week, I went to Geneva for the 23rd Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – SIHH 2013. Of course, my first stop had to be the IWC Schaffhausen booth that had been once more the most impressive one seen at the famous watch fair. Do you remember the amazing Italian ’50s/’60s theme for the Portofino watches in 2011 or the aircraft carrier for the Pilot watches in 2012?
Speaking of IWC Schaffhausen, you are talking superlatives which is entirely in keeping with the creative spirit that reigns at the Swiss watchmaking company. After the amazing launches and events of the last years, I had been pretty curious if this could be topped. And yes, they did it! As director Marc Forster said, “arriving at the IWC booth feels like arriving at a film set”. And this time, I arrived at a race track. The booth was filled not only with the most exquisite watches, but with the most stunning race cars you can imagine.
So ladies and gentlem, start your engines. In 2013, IWC Schaffhausen embarks on the Formula One season as the Official Engineering Partner of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team and relaunches the Ingenieur family that appears in a new, modern and very impressive light.
Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, puts his finger on it when he says: “Three outstanding quality features set the new Ingenieur collection apart: top-quality IWC movements, sophisticated functions and innovative materials.”
The story of the Ingenieur is strongly connected to the rapid progress made during the 1950s when technological progress dramatically increased the presence of magnetic fields. The Ingenieur, a pure and simple man’s watch, became famous as the antimagnetic watch of that time. When in 1976, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the “Ingenieur SL” designed by Gérald Genta (above on display at the booth), an icon was born.
In 2013, the Ingenieur has become the perfect watch for the racetrack as the set-up of a Formula One™ racing car and the assembly of a high-precision timepiece, both exemplify the art of engineering at the highest-possible level. Materials used in motorsport, such as carbon fibre, ceramics and titanium, are the hallmarks of the new design line.
My favourite model: The Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance (Ref. 3224) features a rubber strap with a textile inlay, which is stitched with signal-yellow or red thread.
Personally speaking, it’s one thing to look at those photos and read all about those new must-have timepieces, but it’s quite another to strap them on your wrist and examine them up close. The new Ingenieur watches will surely be a hit for IWC, so better race to the next IWC dealer and get your hands on them. The pole position will be all yours, at least style-wise.
What a beauty: The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. 3792) features a perpetual calendar together with a digital date display and leap year indicator.
Have fun exploring whom I spotted at the booth and stay tuned for more photos coming up, especially from the amazing IWC Race Night with top celebrities from all over the world.
LoL, Sandra
Michela Cerruti, daughter of Aldo Cerruti, an Italian racing driver that might be soon spotted driving the Formula One tracks.
German soccer goalkeeper Jens Lehmann
German actor Thomas Kretschmann
Former French soccer player Zinédine Zidane with me
Actor Ralf Moeller
From left to right: Zinédine Zidane, Ralf Moeller and Jean Reno
Boris Becker with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos of 2nd collage: Courtesy of IWC
Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.
For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.
“Anna” of 2013
Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:
Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior
Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.
Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots.
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.
With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:
FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)
EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.
LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior
CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht
According to Tim Blanks, the ninth-floor penthouse, where Roberto Cavalli presented his F/W 2013 men’s collection Sunday night in Milan, once belonged to the Gucci who was gunned down by his wife. Overlooking the rooftops of Milan, the spectacular views were the perfect backdrop for the outstanding presentation. Daniele Cavalli, who has been at the helmet of the menswear arm since two years, had a vision and transformed the amazing flat into a gentlemen’s club in impressive colours of purple and burgundy.
Instead of a fashion show, the collection was presented on mannequins, next to the photos and videos created by well-known photographer Rankin. I totally liked that approach as you could truly look at all the details of the looks and believe me, there were many.
Precious fabrics, from crocodile-printed pony skin to all-over sequined embroideries, of course the uniqueness of a print, and Daniele’s strongest talent, the combination of all those eye-catching details (see all the photos below please).
Daniele told me a little about his inspiration, that he used a teleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope, to create his very special prints, in form of kaleidoscopic patterns.
So then, no fashion shows this season. The reason?
The runway and the long walk before the public and photographers enhances and highlights the spectacular nature of feminine seduction. The same does not apply to the male essence. On the contrary, this might be the motive behind the skepticism of many men towards fashion. This collection aims at celebrating male reality.
Many famous journalists attended the event, among them Suzy Menkes…
… and Tim Blanks, who were both listening to Daniele’s vision.
Eva Cavalli chatting with Tim Blanks
Guests of the event were spoilt to all sorts of Cavalli Vodka drinks and enjoyed a musical performance of The Cyborgs. A fashion show that was more a fashion party in the world’s most stylish gentlemen’s club ever. Thumbs up!
Have fun looking at all the photos from the amazing night!
LoL, Sandra
Photographer Rankin with Alex Postiglione
Me at work in the kaleidoscopic room where the accessories were presented.
Olivier Zahm (Purple magazine) with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I still owe you my report of the third and fourth night of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. Friday was dedicated to the Swiss Designers which might be interesting especially for my foreign readers to see what the small country I am living in has to offer!
Personally speaking, we have some young designers that are making some fabulous fashion. The only thing during the presentation that I didn’t like was the slowness of the models. Due to that, the energy was missing. But luckily you cannot see that in the photos, enjoy:
Young students at the Fashion Institute at Donghua University in Shanghai have joined forces with one of the main sponsors, Oerlikon, to design an innovative collection using unusual fabrics produced with the help of the traditional Swiss company’s machines. They named their label Wensibo. Avant-garde fashion mixed with a little Alexander McQueen and spiced up with futuristic elements.
Javier Reyes, who grew up in Mexico, was inspired by the desert as well as daily urban life for his very feminine S/S 2013 collection. Very wearable and contemporary.
Sabine Portenier and Evelyne Roth founded their eponymous label, Portenier Roth, in 2007. Once a year, they are presenting a collection that includes elements of all seasons.
Kazu Huggler is one of my favourite Swiss designers. During the MBFDZ, she presented her 10th anniversary couture collection that was inspired by the beauty of nature and its metamorphosis. Her designs are influenced by her Asian origin which adds a certain unseen uniqueness.
The last show was presented by Little Black Dress and absolutely the most beautiful collection of the event of the third night. Joanna Skoczylas and Eliane Diethelm‘s LBD White label is dedicated to bridal wear and just beautiful. Congrats!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Last night, my secret project with Montblanc has finally been revealed during a wonderful evening celebration at the Montblanc Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.
I am so excited and honoured to tell you that I have got my own bespoke ink with the lovely name: SANDRA BERRY and amazingly enough, it is the first personalized ink Montblanc has ever created looking back to a corporate history of 100 years.
Christian Rauch, Managing Director Writing Culture and Leather Goods Montblanc International, who had flown in especially for the event, revealed with me the Montblanc Bespoke Ink Edition SANDRA BERRY.
The Montblanc team and me had spent many inspiring hours working on this unbelievable project. I will post the behind the scenes pics that shows the whole creative process during the next weeks. Of course, I knew that it had to be a pinkish berry hue. After I visited the Montblanc’s headquarters in October where I experienced the World of Montblanc, my bespoke ink was finally created in accordance to my specifications and wishes.
For the launch event, the Montblanc boutique was beautifully decorated with many vibrant details reminiscent of the ink’s colour. Guests arrived on the pink carpet matching the berry shade perfectly and enjoyed rosé champagne by Perrier-Jouët.
A big surprise for me was the birthday cake in the shape of an inkwell, the Montblanc team surprised me with, to celebrate the third anniversary of Sandra’s Closet.
A caricaturist drew the guests of last night’s event with, of course, Sandra Berry.
The party went on until late at Zurich’s Icon Club. Enjoy the photos of last night.
Great news for my readers: The Montblanc Bespoke Ink Edition SANDRA BERRY is limited to 100 bottles and will be exclusively given away on my blog. Stay tuned for the upcoming post with all the details.
I still feel like being on cloud nine… my very own ink! Thank you, Montblanc, for making dreams come true!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Etienne Schwank and © Sandra Bauknecht