Sandra‘s Closet

The past four weeks have been extremely intense for me. I would say it was probably the most intense time of my life so far. I moved out of the house I had lived in for 16 years and I didn’t do anything else for one month than packing boxes. Everybody in my friendship circle knows that I love doing everything by myself, especially when it comes to my beloved closet. So I wrapped every single piece in acid-free silk paper which is the least harmful for clothing.

During the past months, I had a severe moth and fur beetle problem in my old home which was built in 1896. Those insects hide very well in the old wood floors and moldings – it is almost impossible to fight them. The terminator treated the rooms, I had planted ichneumon wasps for over 10 weeks. Yet, they didn’t go away. Therefore, I had to check every item in order not to pack them.

During this one month, I had the moving company (I can absolutely recommend Hobi Transporte) come every week for two days to load parts. My new house is unfortunately not ready yet. The construction and refurbishment take much longer than expected.

My fiancé lives out of Switzerland which doesn’t make it any easier. However, I managed to get everything done and I am very proud of myself, even that I have to be now in an interim solution next door. Packing means venturing on a trip down memory lane. You find so many things that you might have forgotten about. I indulged in this ride, it made me cry sometimes or laugh. However, it was intense, yet very satisfying.

I am overly excited over the beginning of this new phase in my life. I am looking forward to the new home that we create by ourselves and that will be even more beautiful than my previous one. Every room will be dedicated to a designer.

I have never shown my home in all those years I have had my blog. Now that I moved out, I thought it is time for you to explore parts of it… The closet is missing. This I still keep for myself… one day, I will reveal it as well. Promised!

To new and beautiful ventures, quoting Paulo Coehlo: «If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

My blog turns 11 tomorrow and in case I receive some flowers, I have found the perfect vase to display them. Living up to my fashion addiction, Anissa Kermiche unites with Italian footwear label Nodaleto to reimagine its signature chunky-heel silhouettes, specifically the Bulla Corta boots, into a statement vase. It’s handmade in Portugal – a long-standing home fine ceramics ateliers – from earthenware with a semi-matte watertight glaze, available in different colors, left, right and as a pair and an open top. Arrange it alone or as part of a pair filled with fresh flowers for a quirky look.

To shop, click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

ANISSA KERMICHE X Nodaleto Bulla Corta earthenware left boot vase in white

ANISSA KERMICHE X Nodaleto Bulla Corta earthenware left boot vase in black

ANISSA KERMICHE X Nodaleto Bulla Corta earthenware left boot vase in red

Photos: Courtesy of Anissa Kermiche X Nodaleto
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, we may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

«Impeccably imperfect» – that is the new catchy slogan that the new Baur’s plays with. Imagined by Andrea Kracht and created by trendsetting interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who designed the elite nightclub «Annabel’s» in London as well as the «Beekman Hotel» in New York City and «Fortum & Mason» in Hong Kong, this hot spot in Zurich will finally reopen its doors in September this year.

I had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful interior during a guided art tour as guest of Gigi Kracht followed by a beautiful intimate ladies lunch on the terrace of the Baur au Lac.

Gigi Kracht (center with green jacket) surrounded by her girlfriends.

«Take a set, grab a treat» – the classic brasserie concept is elevated to a whole new level, blending contemporary chic with international grace in an artful, inviting ambience. The colors blend in perfectly, the retro vibe delivers a certain twist. I adore the interior design of the Baur’s. It gives me this international flair that we are sometimes missing in Zurich.

As I am at the moment designing my new home, color is also a must for me along with stunning wallpapers to create the perfect ambiance. The Baur’s has it all. I am not a minimalist and white rooms don’t make me feel at home. I couldn’t agree more with Brudnizki who says: «When I enter a white space, I feel like I’m being deprived of something. Color infuses my life.»

The best is yet to come. The green color combined with the coral red of the armchairs serves as the perfect backdrop for the highlight of the restaurant: the private art collection. Drawing on the expertise of Gigi Kracht, Andrea Kracht’s wife, that my avid readers know well from her Art in the Park events, the room is filled with selected works from the world’s most popular painters: thirty-three originals by artists such as Rashid Johnson, Rita Ackermann, and Martin Creed to photographs by the iconic Annie Leibovitz, to intimate art work by Louise Bourgeois who shares a raw look at female pain.

Painting by Louise Bourgeois

Even that these simple yet cruel images contain a sensual sense of loss and the often unspoken sorrow of miscarriage, they seem to belong there, to this place of happiness and relaxation among dear friends or business partners, providing the bar area with a certain coziness.

Photographs by Annie Leibovitz

Cigar aficionados will enjoy the cigar lounge that is decked out from top to toe in Baur’s green and decorated with artwork by Swiss artist Dieter Roth, who took tablecloths, or even the floor as his canvas to scribble on.

Painting by Dieter Roth 

Playing all together, the new Baur’s is a feast for all senses. Vive la Brasserie! Vive le Baur’s!

LoL, Sandra

Artwork by Martin Creed

Painting by Rita Ackermann

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Bored during quarantine? Worry not as the LV playing cards with matching LV pouch Arsene, or the new Vivienne playing card set will keep you entertained. If cards are not your style, how about a backgammon set as perfect companions.

Playing games is an extraordinary method to bond with loved ones. In my family, it is a tradition that we play during the holidays for example. Personally speaking, I am not only enjoying the socializing aspect of this form of entertainment. Many games involve the memorizing aspect, and this can be helpful to keep your mind focused and also help in improving your concentration level. Furthermore, I can be very competitive, especially when it comes to Scrabble…

I hope you will enjoy today’s selection of luxurious editions of the most popular games:

Crocodile-effect leather backgammon set by Aerin
CHF 3540

Walnut and stainless steel domino set by Brunello Cucinelli
CHF 1110

Brass and stone Tic-Tac-Toe set by Blue Carreon

CHF 1160

Domino box by Louis Vuitton
€ 2160

Playing Cards and Pouch Arsène by Louis Vuitton
€360

Playing Cards and Pouch Vivienne by Louis Vuitton
$ 720

Enzo crocodile-embossed leather playing cards set by Aerin
CHF 365

Solitaire game by Louis Vuitton
€ 1310

Backgammon set by Brunello Cuccinelli
CHF 6045

Shagreen and beech wood Jenga set by Aerin
CHF 1235

Walnut tic-tac-toe set by Brunello Cucinelli
CHF 480

Gifting such as game is always a great idea as those sets look also great as decoration.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

First of all, congrats to Net-à-Porter, my favorite shopping destination turns 20 this month and it never stops to amaze me. Last Thursday, I had the privilege too attend a very exclusive zoom meeting hosted by Net-à-Porter for their top clients to explore Masterpiece London, the world’s leading cross-collecting fair, before the official launch date today.

With Alison Loehnis to the right and Charlotte Olympia in the middle at another amazing Net-à-Porter event in London.

Our lovely host, Alison Loehnis, president of Net-à-Porter, was joined by experts from the art world for a virtual discussion on «Voyages of Discovery: journey, legacy and connection in art & design.»

Philip Hewat-Jaboor gave us some great insight into Masterpiece London.

Philip Hewat-Jaboor, chairman of Masterpiece and a distinguished collector himself of exceptional pieces from every category imaginable, including 18th-century and early-19th-century ceramics, marbles, furniture and antiquities, gave us a great introduction. What sets Masterpiece London apart from other art fairs is the juxtaposition of art and design from all periods and origins. It is the unmissable art fair at which visitors can view and buy the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery – from antiquity to the present day.

Emma Ward during the meeting in front of a Picasso painting.

«Art is incredibly subjective.» – Emma Ward

With almost 400 years of collective art world experience, Dickinson specialises in privately and discreetly handling rare Old Masters through to Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary masterpieces. Emma Ward, Managing Director, who runs the company, explained us how to navigate through today’s complex and fast-moving art world.

Stunning necklace by Fabio Salini

«I couldn’t find the perfect color combination. Therefore I divided the gems in two rows, into warm and cold colors.» – Fabio Salini

Gemologist and jewelry designer Fabio Salini worked for Bvlgari and Cartier before launching his own brand, creates original jewelry and events around the world. In 2004 he opened his Atelier in Rome, an elegant shop and design studio that has become the focal point of his work, representing the quintessence of his style. His keen interest in contemporary art as a form of expression and a source of inspiration has led to brilliant collaborations, like that with Fernando and Humberto Campana, rooted in a tantalizing mélange of jewelry, design and art. He sees himself as a contemporary artist, very much related to his emotions. He is a pisces, very moody, feelings change every single day.

Image of Rockefeller’s salon designed by Jean-Michel Frank in 1939, showing the Léger mural and Giacometti andirons.

«I believe that a less severe principle can be found—the mixing of styles. The noble frames that came to us from the past can receive today’s creations. The house that we build now can welcome ancient things of beauty.» – Jean-Michel Frank

Such a source of inspiration: Helena Rubinstein’s apartment.

«Re-editions can be problematic.» – Daniel Malarkey

Daniel Malarkey, art advisor, specialized in contemporary art and important design for collectors. I loved his advice and speech. He spoke about provenance and the designer’s work; how proportion, materials and form inspire contemporary design today: how then one commissions site-specific design for interiors and mixing 20th century with contemporary.

Van Cleef and Arpels Œillet handbag mirror. Unique piece, High Jewelry Collection, 2019
Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, pink sapphires, rubies, diamonds. £300.000

If this preview has whet your appetite, you can go even further with this online. Navigate on your own, you can do this from every corner of the globe. However, without the conversation with the exhibitors, you might be stuck. If you find something you like, make a telephone call, talk to the dealer, get engaged and learn more about the respective piece. Masterpiece’s exhibitors span all eras and disciplines and include many of the world’s most distinguished art dealerships.

Shopping art and design is actually similar to shopping at Net-à-Porter, do your homework. Understand the fabrics and materials, buy books and learn about iconic pieces. Buy the best you can afford, instead of buying 25 pieces, invest in THE one. You should feel comfortable in spending money so that you would like to do it again.

Chairs, ca. 1930, by Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941), Galerie Marcilhac

If you commission a piece, find a gallery, an artist or designer. Talk about the feeling of the house, work on the discussion and have an eye on proportion.

Invest in something you like. It might become an iconic piece. I am a collector myself, my collection of high end fashion pieces is my biggest passion that I have followed since over 25 years now. I buy what I personally adore and this is in general the best advice! In the meantime, my collection includes many museum-quality objects.

Do you remember the auction sale of the art collection put together by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé that was held from February 21-25 2009? Yves Saint Laurent was a tastemaker of his own who also got inspired by art, as you can see perfectly in the creation of the famous «Mondrian dress». It was the first ever auction sale to be staged in the Nave of the Grand Palais. The event turned out to be memorable with even 34.000 visitors. Record-breaking items were: the Brancusi sculpture, Madame L.R. which fetched 28.1 million euros. The Matisse Cuckoos went for a spectacular 32 million, smashing the estimated figure of 12 to 18 million euros. Marcel Duchamp’s Belle haleine, eau de voilette fragrance bottle fetched 7.9 million euros.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in their apartment with the famous dragon armchair.

Last but not least, a legendary item in the collection, Eileen Gray’s «dragon» armchair, defied all expectations, the sale price of 21.90 M€ being ten times the pre-sale estimate. This chair was absolutely different from her usual style, but you see how things can turn out surprisingly well.

Join Masterpiece Online (22 – 28 June 2020) for live panel discussions with leading cultural institutions, watch interviews and learn from experts, expert-led virtual tours or arrange a tailor-made private view for you and your friends.

Have a great start into the week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Rockefeller Foundation, Net-à-Porter and Masterpiece

I love Aquazzura shoes and I love their stores. Each one of our boutiques has a very different feel but share a common thread. One of my favorite ones is located at the heart of Milan in Via Sant’Andrea, 12. While I am furnishing my new house, this interior design has fully inspired me. I adore its fine custom made décor in fine, sophisticated materials, such as French marble, blown glass, velvet and brass.

You can shop a large selection of Aquazzura shoes online at Net-à-Porter.

The black and white stripes, which are recurrent features of the brand and which are being used for their shoe boxes for example, look so great together with the pale pink furniture and glossy lacquer paneling walls, inspired by 70’ Italian style. The beautiful interior was designed by Casa do Passadiço’s interior designers, Cláudia and Catarina Soares, in collaboration with Aquazzura’s Edgardo Osorio.

The golden brass wall is covered of thousands of hand-cut golden scales, creating a pattern that is reminiscent of the gold pineapple, another iconic symbol of the brand. Another highlight of the shop is the mouth-blown Murano glass chandelier, which adds to this intimate luxurious parlour a contemporary elegance and luxury.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

From chess and backgammon travel cases, to poker and croquet trunks, the House’s made-to-order games collection has expanded and evolved over the years, continuing in Louis Vuitton’s grandson, Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s, love of sports and games. Now, Louis Vuitton presents new additions to the gaming collection with its pocket Billiards table and Babyfoot (French for table football) as the ideal gift for the cue-sports lovers among us.

Louis Vuitton Pocket Billiard in Monogram

Available in the iconic Monogram motif, designed in 1896 by Louis Vuitton’s son Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, the table also comes in the darker Monogram Eclipse or Damier Graphite, bringing a patterned touch to any interior. Versions in Epi leather with its undulated texture, present a splash of colour in cyan and fuchsia, with the added option of a bi-coloured navy and pistachio variation or caramel and white in smooth leather.

Louis Vuitton Pocket Billiards
1. Damier Graphite – 2. Cyan Epi leather – 3. Fuchsia Epi leather – 4. Bi-coloured Navy and Pistachio Epi leather – 5. Monogram Eclipse – 6. Caramel and White leather

Babyfoot by Louis Vuitton in Monogram

Created with identical craftsmanship to that of a Louis Vuitton trunk, House canvases or leathers sheath the Billiards table’s and Babyfoot’s wooden body. Emblematic Louis Vuitton savoir-faire perfects the table’s design with delicate leather corners in the brand’s naturally tanned cowhide leather – each edge meticulously dyed with numerous layers of hand-applied paint.
Hand-pressed metallic hardware finishes the tables, each stud engraved with the House’s signature.

Babyfoot by Louis Vuitton
1. Damier Graphite – 2. Caramel and White leather – 3. Monogram Eclipse – 4. Cyan – 5. Fuchsia – 6. Pistachio

The tables are completed by carefully packed, essential accessories including billiard balls painted with flowers from the Monogram pattern encircling the numbers. Two pairs of leather and Monogram two-piece cues slot snuggly into place while a hot-stamped leather triangle completes the kit.

The players of the Babyfoot, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s «Groom», the famed character from the House’s 1921 advertising images, are each hand-cast in aluminium and, as a true testament of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire and history of personalisation, each player is meticulously handpainted by expert artisans in team colours to compliment the custom canvas or leather table. Artisanal, jewel-like counting coins boast a striking hand-painted Monogram flower, making tallying record wins even more satisfying.

Love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

«Working with Les-Ottomans has been a dream project. I love the homeware products they make and was thrilled to be asked to collaborate.» – Matthew Williamson

Former fashion designer Matthew Williamson has joined forces with Les-Ottomans to design a collection of tableware. Launched last fall at Maison & Objet, the collection includes porcelain plates, trays and textiles, each drawing on motifs and designs of peacocks and moons, long associated with Matthew’s design DNA.

The six dinner plates are crafted from porcelain and printed in Portugal. They were inspired by jewellery worn by the Sultans from the Ottoman Empire and updated with a contemporary twist. Rich tones of blue Ikat are the perfect background for the hand drawn, encrusted jewel-like peacocks, moons and stars finished with a delicate gold trim.

Peacocks, Matthew’s signature, are carried through on the trays. The motifs were hand-painted by artisans in India onto serving plates and trays made of iron. The peacock feathers are strikingly rendered in bright, contrasting tones and finished with fine ikat-like brush strokes. Those plates double as fabulous wall decoration.

«Our worlds, references and tastes are similar and the collection that he designed for Les-Ottomans is, not only stunning, but contemporary in the re-interpretation of Les-Ottomans world.»
Bertrando Di Renzo, Founder, Les-Ottomans

Bringing the collection together are the textiles. Uniquely hand drawn and painted textiles have always been a central characteristic of the Matthew Williamson and the Les-Ottomans collection includes cushions, tablecloths and napkins created in a range of mix and match prints for a maximalist and contemporary approach to table dressing.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE ON MODA OPERANDI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Matthew Williamson / Moda Operandi

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

Monkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem

Sequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dress by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earrings by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirt by Valentino

Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberry

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry

Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2

Medium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bag by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

Soleia printed cotton-voile pajama set by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

After the announcement of Sergio Rossi’s death, another creative mastermind has left us. This morning, I received the announcement that «it is with great emotion and sadness that the House of Hermès learned on the 4th of April 2020 the passing of Leïla Menchari, the Queen of Enchantment as Michel Tournier called her.»

The book in English entitled «Leïla Menchari, the Queen of Enchantment» can be ordered online on the Hermès website and shows most of her works for the French Maison.

Born in 1927 in Tunis, Leïla was a trained painter at the Beaux Arts School of fine arts in Tunis, then the Beaux Arts School of fine arts in Paris, she was a model for Guy Laroche for a while, before entering the Annie Beaumel‘s decoration team at Hermès in 1961.

Window display S/S 1995 with a sculpture by Christian Renonciat

An outstanding dreamer and storyteller, she was the Artistic Director of the windows of 24 Faubourg, the Hermès flagship store in Paris. Her visual concepts never ceased to arouse curiosity, astonishment and surprise to the amazement of passers-by, creating windows that opened to another realm. «Thanks to Leïla, exoticism found a home, happily and permanently, in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré», says Axel Dumas.

The glass green grotto from 1992 was among of Leïla’s highlights.

In 2017, Hermès à tire-d’aile, les Mondes de Leïla Menchari, an exhibition which celebrated her vision at the Grand Palais, allowed a wider audience discover her unique and poetic universe.
Leïla Menchari has long been the driving force behind the House’s Colours Committee, leaving a legacy through her elegance and her extraordinary sense of nuance evident in the Women’s Silk collection.

Sandy dreams from the land of the pharaohs in 2005.

«Many of us at Hermès have learned a lot from Leïla. She taught us to look at the world through the prism of color. She was a storyteller without equal that enchanted the world. We are infinitely grateful to her for all that she has done for us, that she passed on to us», adds Pierre-Alexis Dumas.

Primary colors in 1982.

An open, generous, resolutely modern woman, she was a woman of freedom. Her passing leaves to all those who had the joy of knowing and working with her, on both sides of the Mediterranean, the memory of a perpetual quest for beauty, a boundless passion for creation and craftsmanship.

Rest in Peace, Leïla Menchari! Below you can enjoy more of her amazing creations that might inspire you to redecorate your home …

LoL, Sandra

Leïla working in the windows on a display.

Photos: © Hermès