Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I got back from a wonderful trip to Geneva with Nescens. The last weeks have been crazy with travelling, Los Angeles, Paris, next week, I will fly to London and Vienna. Therefore, I am so happy to have a very relaxing weekend ahead of me that I am planning to spend most of the time cuddled up in bed with my laptop. I have so many amazing things to show you.

For my Swiss based readers, I have also two reading suggestions for the weekend: First of all, my new column in the SI Style magazine is out now. This time, I am telling you a little bit more about my experience with the Fifty Shades of Grey triology. Second of all, the recent edition of Swiss News, the international magazine of Switzerland, is available now featuring a beautiful three-page portrait of one of my favourite designers, Mary Katrantzou.

And in case you are curious in which linen I will be all cuddled up, most of my bedding is by Christian Fischbacher. I just love their quality, fabrics and designs. The one you see in the photos is Cloque, one of my favourites as it doesn’t need to be ironed. Have a great weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

First of all, I am addicted to Jo Malone products so please excuse my excitement for the newest addition. Finally I can surround myself with one of my favorite colognes, English Pear & Freesia, at home. The scent is inspired by a walk in an orchard and captures the luscious scent of just-ripe pears, cooled by the autumn air, ready to twist free from the tree. I love the surprising, sensuous freshness of sweet pears, wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, on a subtle background of scrambling wild roses and skin-warming amber, patchouli and woods, perfect to enlighten every room.

THE ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA HOME COLLECTION

Scent Surround™ Diffuser 165ml – CHF 86.00

Scent Surround™ Room Spray 175ml – CHF 62.00

Available in Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli in Zurich and Globus in Geneva from April 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

The 2013 theme at Hermès is “chic le sport” – and this can be seen in their most recent porcelain collection: RALLYE 24. For the launch of the new accessories for men and women, the French Maison has created three cute videos that can be seen exclusively in Switzerland on Sandra’s Closet. Here is the first one concerning the new china:

TO WATCH THE MOVIE PING PONG, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Rallye 24 with the emblematic anchor chain is reminiscent of a car race track with its straight lines and oval corners. Glossy as a car’s paintwork, the rims of the dish speak the language of racing liveries: grey, yellow, green, red, blue, black. This might be the first china that you don’t have to convince your husband to buy. Twirl your starter flag…

Another protagonist of the video is the TOOLBOX bag:

Presented for the first time in 2010, this bag offers everything a modern business woman needs to carry her “tools” in a chic way. The lock is inspired by the Kelly bag. Available in three sizes, 20, 26 and 32, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap.

Toolbox in Veau Evercolor, CHF 6800.- (as pictured)
Toolbox in Veau Grizzly/Veau Barenia, CHF 7850.-

Stay tuned for two more videos coming up during the next days!

LoL, Sandra

Photos and video: Courtesy of Hermès

Recently, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to do an amazing film project with them for the opening of their new store in Gstaad. Unfortunately, the dates correlated with the launch of my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” and I couldn’t accept.

Nevertheless, I was lucky to join the French house’s press event which took place a few days later at the famous Swiss ski resort. For the first time, I took the train from Zurich to Gstaad. Unfortunately, you have to change trains twice but the last ride from Zweisimmen is absolutely worth the trip. The Goldenpass Railway is reminiscent of a miniature “Orient Express” with turquoise plush chairs and beautiful wood carvings (see photo to the right above).

I stayed at the new luxury hotel, the Alpina Gstaad which just had opened its doors a few days ago. More than a place to stay in the mountains, it is combining Swiss tradition and thoughtful luxury in perfection. It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen so far in the Alps.

The hotel’s design makes use of materials and craftsmanship typical to the region, including centuries-old fir wood crafted by master artisans. The result goes beyond Swiss stereotypes to create a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic.

Facilities include 56 rooms and suites, Japanese cuisine from Megu, a Cuban cigar room and a Swiss ‘Stübli’ restaurant.

Staying in a brand new hotel room is, of course, awesome. The Alpina Gstaad offers everything you can dream of, a fireplace that lights up by pushing a button, lots of space for storage, Acqua di Parma bath products, a Nespresso coffee maker and many other things to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

How gorgeous are those bedside lamps in the shape of a cowbell?!

Healthy breakfast in the room.

A beautiful surprise from Louis Vuitton was waiting in the room for me that you have seen me wearing in a recent post. Please click here if not.

A true attraction is the hotel’s Six Senses Spa, where I had a signature massage. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and of course, sauna, steam bath and much more. The only thing that I have found quite challenging is that you have to walk through the main lobby to get to the spa. Always feels weird in a bathrobe…

I enjoyed my stay at the Alpina Gstaad very much and can absolutely recommend this hotel! A huge thank you to Louis Vuitton for those amazingly well organized and fun days in the Swiss mountains.

Stay tuned for all the photos from the opening event and for a very interesting interview that I did with Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, Christmas Eve is here and the tree has been revealed. Each season, I love to surprise my family with another colour scheme. This year, I went for white, black, silver and gold with a hint of glittering brown.

I had the idea of a “Christmas tree forest” and pulled up two, one for my daughter with lots of teddybears in gold and silver and a matching taller one for the adults, which obviously is a very girly one, with shoes and bags. (I couldn’t resist the French Christmas at Globus.)
Christmas ornaments are such a sweet surprise for a beloved friend, a lovely gift to be remembered once a year.

As you see, the trees are fake but with the white snow, I think they look pretty. Somehow, I have always felt sad for all those trees being cut down for just a few days… and such a fake one is actually pretty practical as no fir needles are coming down and it looks the same from beginning to end.

A personal tip to take your fake tree to the next level: Spritz it with Jo Malone‘s Pine & Eucalyptus Scent Surround™ Room Spray that instantly fills your home with a breath of fresh air from the woods and feel the tree come alive.

I am wishing you all a Merry X-Mas with lots of laughter, love and of course awesome presents!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I absolutely love scented candles and their calming effect. By creating a cozy atmosphere, just its glow can be comforting.
But mind, they are many differences in terms of quality and it is advisable to buy one made of good ingredients as some candles might produce smoke laced with toxins.

I recently came across CALMING PARK scented candles that are produced in Grasse, France, the world capital of perfume. They are made of organic palm wax and paraffin with a 12% perfume concentration. Their scents are absolutely gorgeous!

The classic range is available in 5 different fragrances:

CACTUS
The calming note of cactus, the pure transparece of water flowers and aloe vera on a background of precious woods.
CASHMERE
The exotic soothing trip to India, the woody notes of patchouli and cedar mingle with precious incense and myrrh balms.
FIG-BAMBOO
The cut grass, the leaves of the green fig tree and the gourmand wood notes accompanying the pure and calming bamboo.
SEQUOIA
The relaxing sandalwood note, , fresh pink berries associated with zesty notes of lime and tangerine spiced with cinnamon bark and clary sage.
SPA DE PROVENCE
The calming scents of the dew from a provencal garden, clarity leaves of green tea and fig, powdery notes of mimosa and heady jasmine on a wooden background of olive and orange leaves.

Today, you have the chance to win the very special candle L’ABSENCE that jazz sensation Melody Gardot has created in collaboration with CALMING PARK.

L’ABSENCE
The relaxing scent of lavander, the sensual notes of the ocean meet the woody notes of cedarwood, cashmere and iris, spiced up by patchouli and white musc.

To win, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Calming Park” to and like Sandra’s Closet on Facebook.

All entries must be received until January 4, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

For those who don’t want to rely on their chance to win, L’ABSENCE is available as limited edition at selected CALMING PARK’s stockists:

– LIMITED STOCK, ZURICH
– HAUTE PARFUMERIE THEODORA, GENEVA
– LISA FEILER, BERN
– EXCELSIOR, MILAN
– FIERTE, SEOUL

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Melody Gardot, © Agi Simoes and © Sandra Bauknecht

Have you been looking for the perfect gift for a beloved one?
What about something stylish and special for the home? Below, you will find some oh-so luxe ideas that are tailored for the haute couture inspired taste. If you are interested, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop!

LoL, Sandra

Giles illustration Leah plate by Giles

Nador velvet down and feather-filled cushion by Missoni

Nerja floral-print modal and cashmere-blend throw by Missoni

Miss Lanvin 34 porcelain figurine by Lanvin

Set of six Russian dolls by Lanvin

Mirrored stainless steel champagne bucket by Maison Martin Margiela by L’ATELIER d’Exercises

Monogrammed wool-blend blanket by Gucci

Even though Christmas itself is only a moment between 24 Dec and 25 Dec, for most of us Christmas decorations take a lot of time. Every year I try to set up a different Holiday theme and go beyond the traditional green-red-gold style. Personally speaking, my husband cannot understand why we need so many ornaments in different colors but I truly love the fact that my Christmas tree never looks the same.

I have been collecting Christmas ornaments since many years. Whenever I am travelling, I am taking one home. My tree is therefore full of memories and each ornament has its own little story. This little cutie was a present from my friend Mel recently.

How adorable are those mini lipstick hangers, Chanel-like bags and shoes, who wouldn’t like to have a Birkin dangling on the tree?!
Those must-haves are available in Switzerland at Globus. The Swiss department store is celebrating Noël à la française (French Christmas) and offers a selection of the most fashionable Christmas ornaments ever!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus und © Sandra Bauknecht

During Art Basel and Design Miami 2012, MARNI presented, for the first time in the US, the exhibition “L’Arte del Ritratto” in collaboration with the photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The new edition of 125 chairs from the Marni Charity Project are sold now exclusively at the Marni Miami Store, where last night personalities from the art, design and fashion industries gathered together for a private cocktail hosted by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni Creative Director. The project reaffirms Marni’s involvement with charitable initiatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni