Sandra‘s Closet

Say bye bye to dark circles with Bobbi Brown‘s new eye essentials. Fake a good night’s sleep with the new Skin Corrector Sticks and Concealer Sticks that will provide you with a brighter, more well-rested look. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance, full-coverage or a lightweight best concealer makeup, those sticks will cater to your needs.

Skin Corrector Stick
A natural-looking color-correction stick that neutralizes dark undereye circles and discoloration on the face with up to 12 hours of coverage. This stick preps skin for concealer by color-correcting dark spots anywhere on the face. The creamy formula delivers immediate moisture for smoother, plumper-, healthy-looking skin and up to 12 hours of comfortable coverage.
CHF 48.00 – available in 12 shades.

For green-brown discolorations choose the Peach Corrector Shade.
For blue-violet discolorations choose the Bisque Corrector Shade.

Skin Concealer Stick
A color-true concealer stick for evening and brightening imperfections with up to 12 hours of crease-proof comfort. Bobbi Brown’s first-of-its-kind transformative stick conceals imperfections with creamy coverage. The comfortable formula stays the day without settling, creasing, or caking and delivers immediate and all-day moisture for smoother, plumper-, healthy-looking skin.
CHF 48.00 – available in 18 shades.

Step 1
Hydrate and prep with Vitamin Enriched Eye Base by patting cream along undereyes. Start at the inner corners and work outward.

Step 2
Starting from the inner corners and keeping as close to the lashlines as possible, dab the Corrector Stick on any discoloration to neutralize tone using the Full Coverage Touch Up Brush.

Step 3
Finish by blending the Concealer Stick over the Corrector for bright, even, crease-free coverage.

Tonight, January 19, 2022 at 7pm CET time, you can join Bobbi Brown Pro Make-up Artist Michèle Clausen for a masterclass on how to neutralize discoloration for an instantly well-rested look. Michèle will explain how to achieve fresh, wide-awake eyes, say bye bye to dark circles.

YOU CAN JOIN THE LIVE SESSION TODAY HERE.

Great news is that during the live session, you will be getting a code to receive 25% off the products! See you later!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In the end of October I was invited to the Dolder to discover to indulge in a tale of winter. It was a cozy evening that started with cocktails on the terrace of the beautiful suite, followed by a wonderful conversation in front of the fireplace.

With Dr. Bill Lumsden at the Dolder

Dr. Bill Lumsden, who heads up Glenmorangie’s innovations and has been with the company for more than 25 years, gave us an insight into the world of whisky. He is a true icon with an amazing and truly captivating Scottish accent. His favourite phrase is «What if?». With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame and has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else.

This year, Dr. Bill has challenged himself and his team once more to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky.  Inspired by the coziness of a winter jumper, the whisky experts will release Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter next month, a 13-year-old single malt with notes of fruit, honey, cocoa dust and spice, designed for crafting fireside drinks.

So when Dr. Bill Lumsden found himself snowed in at home, wearing his most colourful winter knit, he began to wonder «What if?». He started imagining a whisky that would capture the feeling of being wrapped up indoors, enveloped in a snug winter jumper, while outside was thick with snow.

With this wintry whisky in mind, Dr Bill took a parcel of Glenmorangie mellowed in bourbon casks and finished it in casks which once held Sicily’s fortified Marsala wine – loved for its sweet and fruity flavours. Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter is part Christmas cake, part Highland hip flask. The limited edition whisky has notes and aromas of fruit, honey and Brazil-nut toffee, knitted together with cinnamon, ginger and clove. The whisky was crafted in stills ‘as tall as a giraffe’ to allow more space for taste and aroma. Then they age it in the finest casks, all to bring joy to whisky lovers old and new.

Dr Bill said: «We all know the delight of snuggling up in a winter jumper by the fire, when it’s snowy outside. With flavours as bright and vivid as my favourite woollen sweater, Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter deliciously captures those magical, cosy moments. The experience begins with light flurries of fruit and honey, building to torrents of cocoa dust, flakes of red pepper and chunks of Brazil-nut toffee. It culminates in a feels-like-forever finish that swirls with cinnamon, ginger and clove.»

What’s more, Glenmorangie has created a series of six hot and cold wintry drinks for whisky fans easy to make at home, using the new pour, and other whiskies from the brand’s portfolio. These include a Winter Old Fashioned, a bold and velvety Quinta Ruban Hot Chocolate, and a Pumpkin Scotch Latte. The recipes can be found below:

WINTER APPLE TODAY (hot)
INGREDIENTS:
50ml X by Glenmorangie Whisky
75ml apple juice naturally cloudy
25ml squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Cinnamon sugar
METHOD
Gently heat all ingredients, except the whisky, in a saucepan, do not allow to boil. Moisten the rim of a heatproof glass cup and dip it in cinnamon sugar in reverse, then fill it with the hot applelemon juice. Then add the Glenmorangie X and stir. Garnish: orange zest (peel) in strips.

FIRESIDE MULE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Original
125ml Ginger Beer
25ml squeezed lemon juice
25ml apple juice natural
Some sugar, dash of Angostura bitters
METHOD
Gently heat all ingredients in a saucepan, do not allow to boil, then transfer to a heatproof glass cup Garnish: Ginger cookie

WINTER OLD FASHIONED (cold)
INGREDIENTS
50ml X by Glenmorangie
1 tsp Demerara Sugar
3 dashes Bitters
Cinnamon Stick and Orange Twist, to garnish
METHOD
Pour ingredients into an Old Fashioned glass. Stir to dissolve sugar, then fill with cubed ice. Stir to
chill, then garnish with cinnamon stick and orange twist.

MULLED MORANGIE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
30ml Glenmorangie Lasanta
100ml red wine*
50ml press apple juice
Mulling spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, anise, vanilla)**
1 dessert spoon of Demerara sugar
One slice (wheel) of orange
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a simmer on a low heat. Do not allow to boil. Pour into
a heat proof cup or mug.
*Alternatively, buy a pre-made bottle of mulled wine from the grocery store
** Alternatively, add a mulling sachet to your red wine

PUMPKIN SCOTCH LATTE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Original
50ml Espresso
50ml ready-made Spiced Pumpkin Syrup
100ml Hot Milk
Whipped Cream and Cinnamon, to garnish
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a reusable coffee cup. Stir, then add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

QUINTA HOT CHOCOLATE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
50g Dark Chocolate (chopped or broken up)
50ml Double Cream
Pinch of Salt
1 tsp Demerara Sugar (to taste)
Orange Twist and Gingersnaps on side for dipping
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a saucepan and simmer on low heat until chocolate has melted (do not boil).
Serve in a glass mug and place the orange twist on top, with gingersnaps on the side for dipping.

Now winter can come…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Andrea Monica Hug
Responsible Drinking: The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure to fly to Paris with Hublot for the launch event of the House’s collaboration with DJ Snake, who has such a huge presence in today’s musical landscape that he needs no introduction. The electronic music star first came to public attention with the track «Turn Down For What», released in 2013. Since then, the hits have racked up: «Lean On», «Loco Contigo», «Let Me Love You» with Justin Bieber, and «Selfish Love» with Selena Gomez. Diplo, Kanye West, Lil Jon… the collaborations keep on coming!

Framed by Ricardo Guadalupe to the left and DJ Snake to the right.

He became the first French artist to have two songs with over a billion plays on Spotify, and the awards have rained down: Billboard Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, and no fewer than three NRJ Music Awards. Hublot and DJ Snake have been partners since January 1st 2018, when he presided over the decks at Hublot’s closing evening during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There is something else that needs no further introduction… when Hublot invites, there is always a dazzling party. The evening started with a cocktail reception at the Accor Arena in Paris.

The big reveal during the cocktail reception.

The exclusive Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake was revealed at exactly at 9:30 p.m., when Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe and the watch’s namesake, DJ Snake, presented the 100-piece limited model for the first time to the invited guests, among them Adriana Lima, Iris Mittenaere, Didi Stone and Richard Orlinski.

Afterwards, DJ Snake, the most streamed French artist in world and Hublot ambassador since 2018, heated up the crowd with his international hits.

«To be able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch which reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the start of my partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to have been able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the fantastic watchmakers and technicians at this Swiss brand.»
DJ Snake

The Big Bang DJ Snake is a vibrant watch boasting myriad facets, just like the talented artist who inspired it. The instantly recognisable iconic design of the Big Bang here gleams with a thousand coloured reflections. The bezel and the six titanium components of the 45-mm case are adorned with a «Newton’s Rings» effect. This process, which is technically similar to a black PVD treatment, is achieved through charging with colours and precisely orienting the components to a certain position to obtain the required colour.

At the DJ put: DJ Snake wearing the Big Bang DJ Snake and me wearing the Big Bang Unico Summer.

The result is an optical effect in which the colors change depending on the light and when viewed from different angles. Not only that, but the surface of the parts was hardened before the iridescent treatment in order to improve its adherence. This operation is a complex one as it is difficult to obtain the same gradation of colour on each of the 100 watches being produced. The cut-outs on the outer edge of the bezel were designed by DJ Snake himself. These notches make the Big Bang DJ Snake immediately recognisable, distinguishing it from other collections. An illustration of the «Art of Fusion» philosophy so dear to Hublot!

The upper face of the sapphire dial features a map of the world in the same colours as the case. This globe acts as DJ Snake’s signature. A nod both to his travels across the planet for his concerts and to the fact that his hits have made the world his home. The lower section is skeletonised and treated to create sections with a black fumé finish.

This semi-transparent finish allows a glimpse of the famous calibre HUB1242 UNICO movement, a flyback chronograph with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Bang DJ Snake will be supplied with two straps which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented One Click system. The first is made from rubber, with a grey, black and purple camouflage pattern which echoes the myriad colours reflected by the watch case. The second, also rubber, has a black ribbed structure. The clasp on these straps also features the same «Newton’s Rings» effect as the case and bezel.

I am loving it and hope, that you will do too. Please enjoy more impressions of that fantastic night below. I feel so honored to be photographed by famous photographer German Larkin for Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

With German Larkin who photographed…

Adriana Lima and…

and my humble self for Hublot! I love those photos.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hublot, © German Larkin

Today, I was invited by SHISEIDO to a press conference at Metropol restaurant in Zurich to discover the new SHISEIDO Ultimune concentrate. It was wonderful to finally meet again in person, to indulge in a very yummy Japanese lunch and to discover a piece of traditional Japanese history and do a FUROSHIKI workshop, the art of Japanese gift wrapping.

The famous SHISEIDO Ultimune concentrate was the first product to target the immune system many years ago. It has immediately become a bestseller. 25 years of research and 200 beauty awards later, one is sold every 7 seconds. This fall, SHISEIDO’s #1 serum gets even stronger with an innovative anti-aging technology powered by 8 botanical ingredients. It activates skin’s inner defenses and stimulates its vital flow to lead your skin to its ideal condition.

Our skin is a fully active organ. The nerves and the immune system, both play an important role in the anti-aging process. SHISEIDO now targets also the vascular system to improve the blood circulation of the skin and unveils the ImuGenerationsRED Technology™. Inspired by major scientific discoveries it targets two factors involved in the maintenance of a strong and youthful-looking skin. By attacking two key cells, the Langerhans cells as well as the NK cells (natural killer cells), it boosts the skin’s self-defense system to fight external and internal factors that impact skin’s health and accelerate its aging.

Relying on unprecedented Lifeblood™ findings, it improves the vital network to constantly promote the delivery of essential nutrients and defensive cells to every corner of the skin. Maintaining a healthy vital flow will thus foster the skin’s ability to resist harmful factors and reduce the signs of aging appearance. The capillary network in our skin is dense and well-structured when we are young. With age, it gets weaker and disorganized, which leads to sagging skin.

The new technology works with two main ingredients:

1. Fermented Roselle Extract that helps to activate the NK cells to remove aged cells also called zombie cells
2. Houttuynia Cordata Extract that activates the so-called APJ sensors that are key factors for healthy capillaries to reinforce, extend capillaries and optimize the supply of nutrients and immune cells

Furthermore, the new Ultimune concentrate works with aromachology to support a stronger skin: the so-called IMUCALM Compound™ – a fragrance, blended with Lotus and Rose which has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones and strengthen the barrier function of the skin.

The new product promises after clinical tests:

• after three days, skin looks visibly more radiant
• after one month, skin is firmer and looks more resilient
• after one bottle (approximately 1.5 months when used morning and evening), wrinkles are visibly diminished and skin looks younger as renewed.

The new SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 3.0 is available now for CHF 102.00 (30ml),  CHF 151.00 (50ml) and CHF 176.00 (75ml). The serum bottle is refillable, 100% recyclable and comes from 94% naturally derived materials.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
@Shiseido #Ultimune #ShiseidoSkincare #PowerIsYou @globus

The Met Gala is typically held on the first Monday in May, but this year, the event was postponed due to COVID-19 and falls right in the middle of fashion month. As Iris Apfel once said: «When we were small children, we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time, so why stop?». This is how Met Gala is for me, a huge party for everyone who loves to dress up and has never stop to indulge in fashion.

Ensemble, Christopher John Rogers (American, born 1993), F/W 2020; Courtesy Christopher John Rogers. Photo: HAPPYMONDAY / Courtesy of the Costume Institute

Also referred to as «fashion’s biggest night out,» the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the Costume Institute will host its first two-part exhibition, on the theme of American fashion, during 2021 and 2022. Part one, «In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,» will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18, 2021, and will remain on display when «In America: An Anthology of Fashion,» opens on May 5, 2022 in the period rooms of the American Wing. Both shows will run through September 5, 2022.

Below, you will find my personal selection of outfits, that I loved or didn’t like and hope you will enjoy it.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion that makes us dream – my favorite look of the gala: Iman in Harris Reed

Cracking the codes: Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture and Maria Tash jewelry and A$AP Rocky in ERL

Wild West: Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Fitting the American theme of the upcoming exhibitions perfectly: Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams in CHANEL

Sporting the American flag: Debbie Harry in and with Zac Posen

Trio infernal with an American «Statue of Liberty» touch: Sienna Miller in Gucci, Hamish Bowles in Thom Browne, and Emily Blunt in Miu Miu

Feathers were also a trending theme: Serena Williams in Gucci

One of my favorites last night: Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

And another one of my favorite looks: Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

Hailee Steinfeld in Iris Van Herpen

Donatella Versace in Versace

Whoopi Goldberg, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Carey Mulligan in Valentino

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

Literally eye-catching: Hunter Schafer in Prada

Gigi Hadid in Prada

A great look, but somehow not for her: Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung and Jimmy Choo shoes

Beautiful: Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang

Mmh… definitely not my favorite look: Vera Wang in Vera Wang

Playing dress-up: Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Making a statement: Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior

Flowers were a huge theme: Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

LOVE: Irina Shayk in Moschino

YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager), who came out as transgender last year, paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this «pay it no mind» sash.

Anna Wintour wore a floral Oscar de la Renta gown.

Stunning in Oscar de la Renta: Karlie Kloss and designer Wes Gordon

Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta. Her bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces.

Dan Levy in Loewe

Designer Virgil Abloh in Off-White

And here comes the golden king in his amazing outfit that revealed different layers: Lil Nas X in Versace

Photos: via Vogue.com

Last Tuesday, I enjoyed a night at the museum with Veuve Cliquot for the unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau in Berlin. On display in the entrance hall was the champagne house’s new, exciting collaboration with the Japanese artist who dressed the La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition in her signature patterns, the polka dots. Also on display was Kusama’s artwork «My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night», a vibrant floral sculpture.

Among the guests from art and culture were German A-listers Iris Berben, Lea van Acken, Andreas Mühe, Christian and Karen Boros, William Fan, Franz Dinda, Hardy Krüger jr, Esther Perbandt, Johann König and many more.

German actress Iris Berben exploring the early years of the Kusama exhibition.

The evening started with a private guided tour through the amazing retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (92). From an upper class Japanese family that owned a seed nursery business, Yayoi Kusama grew up in a conservative environment. When she left school, and against her mother’s wishes, Yayoi decided to leave Japan, which she considered too small a country, and her family, where art as a career was not appreciated. Kusama left for the US, first Seattle, before settling in New York.

As a painter, sculptor, author, and performance artist, but also a filmmaker, writer, and a female artist of Asian origin in a predominantly male, Western art world, her audacity knew no bounds, as her controversial «happenings» showed. She soon gained recognition and her tenacity paid off: from the 1960s onwards she was one of the few female artists to make a living from her work.

Since her early years, the artist has experienced obsessions and hallucinations; she uses art as a sort of antidote for healing, a kind of self-medication. The canvases she covers with nets and dots have a dual effect; she demonstrates a mastery of repetition that at the same time reveals its infinite character; its overflow is liberating. Interesting to know is that Kusama was the first person in the 20th century to use this method of harnessing an individual’s potential for artistic expression and creativity for openly psychotherapeutic purposes. Today this has acquired the name «art therapy».

As a young artist, Kusama gained inspiration from plants and flowers, which she saw as a symbol of life, birth and regeneration. In later years, they became part of her figurative languages as positive symbols conveying vital energy and regeneration.

The flower is what led her to paint dots at the start of her career – the famous polka dots, which have become her signature. At her happenings in the late 1960s she covered her own and the participants’ bodies in these dots.

«Polka dots are a life, and the moon, the sun, and the stars are one of hundred of millions of polka dots. This is my grand philosophy. With peace from polka dots, I would like to deeply launch my longing for eternal love. Polka dots shall continue to proliferate and appeal to the people with my message.» – Yayoi Kusama

This message of hope and optimism has made her a much-loved figure who is avidly followed by a wide public. She was one of TIME magazine‘s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and is now a style icon. She has collaborated with countless brands; from couture (remember the fantastic collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2012) to streetwear, Kusama’s name fascinates and inspires.

In honor of Madame Cliquot, Veuve Cliquot has commissioned Yayoi Kusama to create a joyful, original work celebrating the new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012. Two bold destinies, two innovative minds, two avantgardists who influenced their times.

With Petra Nagel, Managing Director Moët Hennessy Deutschland (LVMH)

Celebrating this magic encounter, we were invited outside after the tour to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a wonderful vegetarian/vegan dinner with live performance accompanied by three amazing vintage champagnes; Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 2012, La Grand Dame Rosé 2006 and La Grand Dame 2008 Magnum.

A beautiful evening – thank you Veuve Cliquot for inviting me to Berlin, for these unforgettable memories and a message of hope and optimism.

I fully enjoyed the dinner thanks also to the lovely company of Karen Boros, Lea Van Acken and Hendrikje Kopp.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

As announced in June, this weekend, LuisaViaRoma hosted the fourth edition of the charity event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF. Unfortunately, due to my holidays in South of France, I couldn’t be there. What a pity as the event looked amazing.

Held in the magical Certosa San Giacomo of Capri, the unforgettable event featured a cocktail reception, a gala dinner and a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Mother of three: beautiful Karolina Kurkova

International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests from all over the world attended the night and helped raise more than 5 million euros to sustain UNICEF’s work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe.

Maria Sillandi, Andrea Panconesi and his daughter Luisa Panconesi

The event, hosted by Andrea Panconesi, CEO of LuisaViaRoma, Paolo Rozera, UNICEF Italia Executive Director, and Tommaso Chiabra, Fundraising Chairman UNICEF Italia, saw performances by Italian revelation singer Madame, as well as special live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning artist John Legend.

Katy Perry with her husband, actor Orlando Bloom

At the end of the night guests were treated to a very special surprise when John Legend joined Katy Perry on stage for a duet performance of Moon River.

Like mother, like daughter: Leni and Heidi Klum

The attendance of notable guests made the night even more special, amongst them: Orlando Bloom, Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Bakalova, Saweetie, Heidi and Leni Klum, Natasha Poly, Emily Ratajkowski, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Sydney Sweeney, Olivia Culpo, Sabrina Elba, Tina Kunakey, Cindy Bruna, Jon Kortajarena, Frida Aasen, Lais Ribeiro, Dylan Penn, Eiza González, Nat Kelley and Karolina Kurkova.

Emily Ratajkowski and Vanessa Hudgens

The incredible live auction included amazing lots such as Steve McQueen‘s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, Richard Orlinski, and a Pablo Picasso Drawing Notebook; a Yamaha Grand Piano played by John Legend during his performance; a week-long vacation on the new amels 74m superyacht Synthesis and a Portfolio of 10 iconic images from Capri and Amalfi coast by Slim Aarons.

During the evening, a stunning art performance took place, Franchise Freedom by DRIFT, a breathtaking display of hundreds of flying drones over the skies of La Certosa. The extravagant performance left guests speechless.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild

In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF’s programs in helping to make every child count.

LoL, Sandra

A family affair: Heidi’s husband Tom Kaulitz was also at the event.

Photos: © Getty Images for Luisaviaroma

Capri, Ischia, the beautiful Amalfi Coast, I adore those places and enjoyed the past days there. Everything there smells like summer, from the slices of lemon to the salty skin after sea-bathing, from the beautiful flowers around every corner to the solar-soaked elements. There really is nothing like summer days, where time seems to stop, and the world moves slowly, all under the nourishing warmth of the sun. Therefore I love ACQUA DI PARMA’s BLU MEDITERRANEO collection. Those novel fragrances evoke the charm of the Italian Mediterranean and you can immerse yourself in this beautiful energy, even after you are back home.

Recently, I was invited by ACQUA DI PARMA to celebrate summer at Brera restaurant in Zurich. Along the beautiful scents, we enjoyed great food and cocktails that were inspired by the ingredients of each fragrance. Enjoy those beautifully fresh and buoyant fragrances to make your summer days halcyon.

ARANCIA DI CAPRI
Discover the relaxing and bright fruity fragrance Arancia di Capri encapsulating the signature scents of orange, mandarin, and lemon of Capri.

Top Notes: Italian Sweet Orange, Italian Mandarin, Italian Lemon
Heart Notes: Petit Grain, Cardamom
Base Notes: Caramel, Musk

FICO DI AMALFI
Fico di Amalfi by Acqua di Parma offers a revitalising scent that continuously surprises just like the spectacular view of the Amalfi coast.

Top Notes: Italian Lemon, Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit
Heart Notes: Fig Nectar, Pink Pepper, Jasmine Petals
Base Notes: Fig Wood, Cedarwood, Benzoin

MIRTO DI PANAREA

Mirto di Panarea will enchant you with its uplifting fragrance, bringing a sense of renewal to your soul.

Top Notes: Myrtle, Basil, Italian Lemon, Italian Bergamot
Heart Notes: Marine Breeze, Jasmine Absolute, Damask Rose Absolute
Base Notes: Lentisc Ansolute, Juniper, Virginian Cedarwood, Amber

BERGAMOTTO DI CALABRIA

With Bergamotto di Calabria, Acqua di Parma created an enchanting eau de toilette celebrating the majestic Calabria and its golden Bergamot fruit.

Top Notes: Calabrian Bergamot DOP, Citron
Heart Notes: Cedarwood, Red Ginger
Base Notes: Vetiver, Benzoin, Musk

My favorite ACQUA DI PARMA BLU MEDITERRANEO scent was not included in the menu, but I absolutely suggest you try this yummy gourmand fragrance when you get a chance.

MANDORLO DI SICILIA
Acqua di Parma has created an eau de toilette spray with a caressingly soft scent evoking the sweet memories of a Sicilian way of life: Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia.

Top Notes: Star Anise, Italian Bergamot, Italian Orange
Heart Notes: Green Almonds, Ylang Ylang
Base Notes: Madagascar Vanilla , Lebanese Cedarwood, Tolu Balsam, Musk

Wishing you a lovely weekend with lots of sunny moments!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
#vibrantlyalive

Following the great success of the past years, LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF Italia announce the fourth exclusive edition of the charity gala event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

The event will be held at the historic La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on Saturday July 31st, with the mission to raise funds to support UNICEF charities and projects around the world.

All funds raised during the event will support UNICEF’s Italia work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, UNICEF Italia continues to fight on a daily basis for the rights of children in need — providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection from conflicts, natural disasters and inequality.

Rita Ora at the LuisaViaRoma 2020 edition.

The unforgettable evening will feature live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning singer John Legend.
In addition to the musical performances, the gala will include a cocktail reception and a star-studded exclusive dinner, followed by a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Always breathtaking: Mathilde Gøhler with her husband Remee Jackman last year.

The auction will include incredible items such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a voyage on the «Extreme E» ship. In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF Italia. This year, a part of LuisaViaRoma’s contribution will facilitate the restoration of La Certosa in Capri, with the aim to maintain and protect the local institution.

Special scarf edition for the 2020 event by LuisaViaRoma x 100% Capri

LUISAVIAROMA’s CEO, Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF’s Italia Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and UNICEF Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra will be hosting the charitable event alongside Event Chairs: Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortajarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aasen and Karolina Kurkova.

Coming back to Capri for the event: beautiful Natasha Poly

«Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.» Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

With Andrea Panconesi in 2013 at a LuisaViaRoma event in Tuscany.

«We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion of doses of vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.» – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LuisaViaRoma / UNICEF

I celebrated New Year’s Eve in grand style at the beautiful Gstaad Place hotel with friends. Towering over the village of Gstaad, the address offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, and always the best parties with unique service. Even if we weren’t allowed to dance, the celebration was great and we still managed to move on our seats.

I wore this beautiful black Monique Lhuillier gown inspired by classic ’50s couture. It has a guipure lace bodice trimmed with a waist-cinching satin sash and a frothy tulle skirt that’s discreetly padded to create all that volume.

My Look: Satin-trimmed guipure lace and tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, zodiac embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, crystal-embellished snake necklace, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Anna Moscatello
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