Sandra‘s Closet

While being in Milan, I went to a press event hosted by Bulgari in their newly re-opened boutique in Via Montenapoleone for the launch of the Monete S/S 2012 collection.

Given Bulgari’s ancient Greek origins and Roman influence, ancient coins are seen as a magnificent way to link the past and the present. Therefore the Italian house has relaunched its historic Monete collection from the `60s with a beautiful new design featuring goddess-adorned coins and chunky gold chains remininscent of Ancient Rome. The Monete theme runs though a line of leather handbags and jewlery pieces.

In the evening, the gardens of the Bulgari hotel were the perfect location to celebrate the launch of the new collection. Milan became Ancient Rome and all eyes were on the limber acrobats from Cirque du Soleil.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week in Milan, there was quite a party stress going on.
Across from the Gucci party on Via Montenapoleone, Louis Vuitton celebrated the re-opening of their shop on the famous street, followed by a dinner and later a party with cocktails and music to toast the exhibition “The Art of Fashion” curated by Katie Grand which is on show at La Triennale di Milano until October 9th, 2011.

The interior of the Louis Vuitton Via Montenapoleone store.

Gorgeous decoration.

Party people

Lots of celebrities were there.

Beautiful Isabeli Fontana (right) in a sequined dress from the Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2011 collection.

Anna dello Russo in a head-to-toe look from the Louis Vuitton F/W 2011 runway

Enjoy those photos from the exhibition:

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Sandra Bauknecht

LoL, Sandra

Founded by Alexander Brenninkmeijer in 2005, Clemens en August is a men’s and women’s ready to wear lifestyle brand.

In the 19th century the two brothers Clemens and August sold high quality fabrics directly to the wealthy farmers in the north of the Netherlands. Walking by foot from farm to farm they offered an exceptional value. This would later become the famous high street brand C&A.

160 years later Alexander Brenninkmeijer, scion of the C&A dynasty, also bypasses the traditional retailing by selling his men´s and women´s collection at contemporary art centers and museums. He realized that his strategy is very similar to the way his ancestors had worked and as a homage he named his label “Clemens en August” (but its absolutely not part of the C&A brand). The collection is sold exclusively on “tour” around the world.  Each season, Clemens en August “tours“ 10 cities for 3 days only.

For my Swiss based readers, Clemens en August is with the Essential Collection in Zurich (Giesshübelstrasse 62c) from tomorrow until Saturday (Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2011).
Don’t miss out!

The next stops will be among others in Munich (Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, Oct 6 – 9, 2011), Vienna (Leopold Museum, Museumsquartier, Museumsplatz 1, Oct 13 – 15, 2011) and Amsterdam (White Space, M.J. Kosterstraat 18, Oct 14 – 16, 2011).
For other cities, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

A year of events in celebration of Gucci’s 90th anniversary culminated last week. During Milan fashion week, Gucci hosted a party at their Via Montenapoleone store. For this evening, a new limited edition canvas bag (see photo above) was launched that will only be available there.

Party guests were able to explore the shoe artisan corner where you could watch the different steps of manufacturing a pair of Gucci loafers live. Shoes bought that night were personalised with the buyer’s initials.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Florence Monday night, Gucci partied on and opened their new GUCCI MUSEO inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia located in Florence’s Piazza Signoria. It was in 1921 that Guccio Gucci opened his company and first store in Florence with a dream and a vision that still lives on today through a heritage of icons and values that continue to inspire the House.
Conceived by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the GUCCI MUSEO is a living space encapsulating the House’s “Forever Now” philosophy. A permanent exhibition from its rich and culturally significant archive, which has been preserved and amplified throughout the years, will be juxtaposed with contemporary art installations supported by the Pinault Foundation. An icon store, bookshop, caffè and gift shop complement the exhibition spaces to create a destination location for visitors. The museum will be open from today all year round.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images

“The skin and the psyche have an undeniable influence on each other – the psyche affects the skin and vice versa.”

– Prof. Volker Steinkraus

Are you stressed out at the moment? We all know the feeling of running late and being constantly short of time. Daily pressures can easily upset our inner balance. Stress and an irregular lifestyle leave their mark – not just on the face. The way we feel is directly reflected by the skin and, conversely, the skin affects our feelings. If our skin appears lacklustre and stale, we don’t feel well in ourselves.
Meditation, breathing and yoga are all useful tools to help us rediscover our inner balance. To provide adequately for the body, it is important to inhale and exhale consciously. Five minutes in the morning, at noon and in the evening are enough to restore our inner balance. Or you could incorporate a simple yoga exercise such as the “tree” into your daily routine. I practise yoga on a regular base. It truly helps me in stressful times and I can even do it in a hotel room.

Yoga tree pose (see photo above)
Find a place where you can relax and won’t be disturbed.
Starting position: Standing straight, shift your weight onto one leg (standing leg). There should be hardly any weight at all on the other leg (free leg). Breathe in and out deeply ten times. Stretch your arms out to the sides and transfer your weight completely to the standing leg. Lift your free leg and rotate the knee as far as possible towards the outside, placing your foot on the inner thigh. The arms should be stretched upwards and slightly bent, with the palms and fingers of the hands pressed together. Tense the abdomen and hold the position for 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

To take more care of your inner self, you can also create an individual skin care ritual using the beauty products described below. SBT Skin Biology Therapy is also designed for men.

Cell Culture Face Cleansing | oil

Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil is a gentle and natural cleanser, based on a combination of the finest oils. The skin is cleansed gently of dirt, makeup and impurities, while natural sebum excretion is reduced. Body and soul are in harmony and the skin regains its fresh radiance.

Application
To cleanse, apply Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil to dry skin and massage in gently. Then rinse with tepid water, which gives the oil a milky consistency. Finally, dry the face.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil is available in retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 150 ml EUR 34.00

Cell Culture Face Cleansing | toner

Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner is an alcohol-free toner containing Cell Culture Phase and is ideal for preparing the skin to absorb moisturiser after cleansing. It removes superfluous cleansing products and provides long-term care for the skin, instantly giving it a wonderfully soft and well-hydrated feel.
Tip: Soak two cotton wool pads in Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner and place on the eyelids for about 1 minute to draw inner strength for the day ahead. The toner is also available in a limited-edition spray bottle (available online only, while stocks last ), perfect for giving your skin a refreshing boost while on the go.
Application
Apply with a cotton wool pad or use as a face splash.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner is available in retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 200 ml EUR 34.00

Cell Culture Face Care | mask

Cell Culture Face Care I mask is an instantly moisturising, intensively nourishing cream-gel mask which supports and cares for dry skin of any age, soaking it with pure moisture and rich nutrients. The high concentration of Cell Culture Phase, collagen and panthenol provides dry and tired skin with the ideal basis to regain its radiant, smooth appearance.
Tip: Apply a thin layer of mask to the face before your yoga workout and treat yourself and your skin to a feeling of total well-being in just one exercise.
Application
After cleansing or exfoliation, apply generously to face, neck and décolleté, massaging gently into the skin. For maximum relaxation, leave on for 10 minutes, then remove with a warm cloth. Then apply your usual skin care products.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Care I mask is available from retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 75 ml EUR 69.00

For the story behind SBT and its founder Prof.Dr. Volker Steinkraus, I recommend to check out a previous post of mine by clicking here.

Here are some good news for my Zurich based readers: This week, Prof.Dr. Volker Steinkraus will come to Jelmoli on September 28, 2011 from 3-6pm. If you buy some SBT products, you will receive his new book for free. It is also your chance to get it signed and to talk to the distinguished expert about your own skin.

LoL, Sandra

To celebrate the first year of Spiga2 (Dolce & Gabbana’s the first multi-brand shop), the store was transformed into a huge bedroom. Women were be in bed with the latest collections from the Spiga2 designers.

This season’s must: A pair of sparkling shoes!

Fausto Puglisi with his muse Masha and me in the middle

Dolce & Gabbana’s protégé Fausto Puglisi‘s s vibrant designs are available at Spiga 2 and of course, the Sicilian designer was also present.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Anna dello Russo is a huge fan of Fausto’s designs and couldn’t resist to get her favourite dress in different colours.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Ben Hider/Getty Images; © Jemal Countess/Getty Images

For 2011’s Cannes International Film Festival, Only The Brave Foundation and Le Baron have invited celebrities (Jude Law, Kirsten Dunst an many more) to sign a Diesel Black Gold denim, during their fabulous nights at Le Baron Piano Bar.

This denim is now sold by auction on ebay until 22nd September : all profits will be donated to the Only The Brave Foundation, that supports and develops a variety of innovative development projects in Africa.

Many celebrities attended last week’s S/S 2012 runway presentation in New York City, among them Gerard Butler with his date Petra Nemcova and the Roitfeld girls.

“It’s time to reflect.” This was written on the program at the Diesel Black Gold S/S 2012 show. There were dangling mirrors hanging down, perfectly reflecting the light and preparing the audience for a show full of metallics. I am in love with those shiny materials. As this is already a huge trend for F/W 2011, I am glad to see that this is going to stay for a while.
Let the light of Diesel Black Gold shine on me…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel Black Gold

A new little apple from the popular DKNY collection – DKNY Golden Delicious brings aromas of apple known as ‘Golden delices’. The very warm and senseous scent has just arrived in stores.

Floral Woody Musk

Top Notes: Mirabelle Plum, Golden Delicious Apple and African Orange Blossom

Middle Notes: Casablanca Lily, Lily-of-the-Valley, Vanilla Orchid and Rose

Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood and Teak Wood

DKNY Golden Delicious EdP 30ml / CHF 55.00 – 50ml / CHF 85.00 – 100ml / CHF 118

DKNY Golden Delicious Shimmering Body Lotion 150ml / CHF 57.00

DKNY Golden Delicious celebrates luxury and splendor. Therefore DKNY Fragrances teamed up with Los Angeles based celebrity jeweler Martin Katz to create the world’s first million-dollar fragrance bottle for the new scent.
The bottle is carved from polished 14-karat yellow and white gold and features 2,909 precious stones sourced from all over the world; a 1.65 carat Turquoise Paraiba Tourmaline from Brazil, a 7.18 carat Oval Cabochon Sapphire from Sri Lanka, 15 Round Brilliant Vivid Pink Diamonds from Australia weighing 1.28 carats, 4 Round Rose Cut Diamonds weighing 0.32 carats, a 3.07 carat Oval Cut Ruby and a 4.03 carat Pear Shape Rose Cut Diamond. Hand-placed by designer Martin Katz, these stones create a stunning skyline of New York City that is so iconic to the DKNY brand.

The DKNY Million Dollar Bottle will be showcased across the globe and then sold on October 15, 2011 for a good cause on their Facebook page. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to the global charity – Action Against Hunger.

For my Swiss based readers, you will be able to admire the Million Dollar Apple this week at Jelmoli from September 22 – 24, 2011.
On Friday, September 23, 2011, you have the chance for an exclusive preview from 11am – 5 pm. The first five readers who will come to the event and mention the code “1 Million @ Sandra’s Closet” will get a glass of champagne and a little gift from DKNY!

Good Luck!

LoL, Sandra

“ … The right dress, at the right time, can change your life forever…”

– Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli presents “The Glam Gallery”, a selection of red carpet gowns, among the most representative of the Maison Cavalli, on sale from early October on the online store at www.robertocavalli.com. From Hollywood to Cannes, his vibrant and sexy style is admired by many celebrities who are recognised worldwide in his multi-faceted designs.

Lady Victoria Hervey in a stunning red gown by Roberto Cavalli at the Roberto Cavalli Opening Boutique London Party last Saturday

“The Glam Gallery” makes the unattainable world of the red carpet accessible for every woman: dream gowns are available exclusively to clients of the online store www.robertocavalli.com who, by registering on the site from now, will have the possibility to access a special selection of the evening gowns and purchase them in advance. This is your chance to look like a star.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Be part of London Fashion Week and watch the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 fashion show live on Sandra’s Closet tomorrow at 4pm London time. You can shop coats and accessoires directly after the show. Stay tuned for more to come.

LoL, Sandra