Sandra‘s Closet

The Florentine fashion house reveals a new publication «Unexpected Pucci», edited by Laudomia Pucci and published by Rizzoli New York. A book narrating the world of Emilio Pucci beyond fashion by presenting key projects explored in the field of interior design and art from the 1960s to present.

The introduction is signed by Suzy Menkes, editor of Vogue International, followed by the valuable contributions of independent journalist Angelo Flaccavento, architect and designer Piero Lissoni and artists Francesco Vezzoli and Joana Vasconcelos.

«Unexpected Pucci defines the designer’s wider world, encompassing colorful rugs, modernist porcelain, furniture and interior design – all in the spirit of the early years of Milan’s Salone del Mobile. Perhaps the easiest artistic flow was in the rugs, where blocks, swirls and linear shapes were contained inside a geometric square – just like in the famous “Emilio” head scarves, as worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Capri set. Bringing things together—history and modernity, linear and rounded, pattern and plain – were all part of the artistry of Emilio Pucci. His prints stamped their place on the body or in the home». – Suzy Menkes

The brand’s artistic journey – from Mediterranean colours and silk scarves to ground-breaking
partnerships with international leaders of art and design – is told through chapters covering rugs,
porcelains, art and collaborations.

An archive treasure rediscovered. The Pucci rugs, first launched at the Museum of Decorative Arts,
Buenos Aires in 1970 have been reissued in the brand’s historic prints (Ovali, Occhi, Giardino,
Lamborghini, Menelik and Hawaii) available through a bespoke service at the Emilio Pucci Heritage Hub.

A dedicated chapter to chinaware, includes masterpieces made in collaboration with Rosenthal, where iconic prints (including the «unexpected» Pebble motif) adorn coffee and tea sets, vases and plates.

The final chapter of the book chronicles the brand’s collaborations and partnerships with leading brands of homeware and interior design. With Bisazza, Emilio Pucci turned prints into handmade decorative panels for interiors and swimming pools. Whereas unique seating solutions have been produced with Cappellini, including the Rive Droite armchair designed by Patrick Norguet, and the poolside collection by Piero Lissoni. With Kartell, the Florentine brand in 2014 launched the iconic Madame chair, designed by Philippe Starck. In 2016, the patterns from the Pucci’s project «Cities of The World» embellished the cups designed by Matteo Thun in 1991 for Illy.

To celebrate the launch of the book, an installation will be set up in Palazzo Pucci – also known as the Emilio Pucci Heritage Hub (via de’ Pucci 6, Florence), – where key elements from the book will be exhibited in a labyrinth inspired by the graphic and unexpected Torre print. Key highlights will include, chinaware, rugs and never-before exhibited artworks inspired by the founder Emilio Pucci.

«With this book, we want to narrate the versatility and the universe of our brand. These objects have overtime embellished key moments of our fashion house and I’m excited to share the creative richness of these deluxe collaborations, especially with the younger generation. » – Laudomia Pucci

Unexpected Pucci will be available September 2019 in all Emilio Pucci boutiques and online store as well as in the Rizzoli networks. Price 90 $| 90$ Euro.

I will be soon in Florence and cannot wait to discover this beautiful universe of one of my favorite brands. To read an interview that I did with Laudomia Pucci many years ago, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci

Finally, I am allowed to share with you the official photos of ACQUA DI PARMA‘s new home collection that were photographed at the iconic Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare in Portofino by Guido Taroni in his sister Virginia Taroni.

When I met with Laura Burdese, I asked her about the biggest challenge the luxury industry is facing at the moment. She replied: «Personally speaking, it is to build up a global brand into a world that is splitted in two. We have the Western and the rising huge Asian world. To bring these two universes together is sometimes hard. Masculinity for example is different in Asia than in Eurpoe. What seems probably feminine to us, is very masculine for Asian people. Sometimes you are tempted to do certain things just for one place and you can get lost intranslatuion in the middle. Therefore, the biggest challenge for me is to build up a global brand with the same values, and the same assets, that can be read in the same way through different cultures.»

Launching the new home collection is surely a great step forward into building up one global brand. The home is the place that brings people together around the world. Everyone dreams of creating a space of relaxation, comfort and pleasure. It is the most intimate and personal space. The place that reflects your choices and tastes more than any other. Objects, colours, books, music.

All these things create an atmosphere that defines you, creating a space where you can entertain friends and make them feel at home. A certain ‘savoir-vivre’ that is palpable in the air. Light, subtle tones released into the air by an elegant candle or a simply designed room diffuser, bring the brightest Italian style to every room. The new Acqua di Parma Home Collection lends the final touch to a genuine home.

The brand that is the symbol of Italian lifestyle has produced ten new fragrances for candles and room diffusers. A range of sensory impressions, not just for your personal pleasure but also for the well thought out art of welcoming guests, or for an elegant, carefullychosen gift. Five different fragrances capture the typical moments of Italian living: Luce di Colonia, Buongiorno, La Casa sul Lago, Caffè in Piazza and Oh, L‘amore.

And for those who want to recreate the breath of the unforgettable Italian Mediterranean in their own home, five fragrances inspired by the Blu Mediterraneo line: Arancia di Capri, Fico di Amalfi, Bergamotto di Calabria, Chinotto di Liguria and Mirto di Panarea. Essences that contain ingredients symbolising the magnificent natural landscapes of the Italian Mediterranean.

My personal favorite: Oh, L’amore.

Home Collection from Acqua di Parma lights up your living spaces with a touch of sophisticated Italian style and the sheer pleasure that comes from feeling perfectly at home. The new scented candles and diffusers combine sensuality and design, and further enrich the world of creations conceived for the home, ranging from the Cube to the refined Murano Glass Candles, Powder Soap and Scented Paper drawer liners. All for a sense of light, natural elegance, to experience along with the brand name which has come to symbolise Italian lifestyle.

LoL, Sandra

Scented paper drawer liners are so awesome for your closet.

Photos: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma #HomeCollection

I love Toile de Jouy, abbreviated «toile», the type of decorating pattern consisting of a usually white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern in a single colour depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers. PLEASE don’t miss the end of this post…. it is naughty Sunday and I have the most exciting toile pattern for you.

Toiles were originally produced in Ireland in the mid-18th Century and quickly became popular in Britain and France. The term, Toile de Jouy, originated in France and literally means «cloth from Jouy-en-Josas», a town in the south-west suburbs of Paris.

A Dior window filled with toile pieces from the Resort 2019 collection.

Mostly associated with fabrics  for curtains and upholstery in particular as well as wallpaper, toile is also used on teapots, and beddings. For Resort 2019, many fashion designers have rediscovered the pattern that was widely worn on shirts in the ’70s. This season, the fabric looks stunning on long skirts and accessories. Don’t miss Dior‘s take on it. It is my favorite. Oscar de la Renta‘s Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are inspired by bridal registry china – the idea struck after the design duo flicked through a Wedgwood book by Rizzoli.

Enjoy the best pieces below:

Pleated floral-print cotton-blend midi skirt by Oscar de la Renta

TRO floral-print textured-leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta

Isa toile double waist skirt by Tibi

Printed voile cotton skirt by Dior

Lady Dior Toile de Jour bag by Dior

When my manicurist Megan Biggi‘s moved to a new location (the best in Zurich, click here for her contact information), we were talking about the interior design of the room. During the conversation, I recommended this Toile de Jouy traditional pattern that is revisited with a new humoristic and pertinent approach, showing some erotic scenes that you only discover when you look closer. She loved the idea and now one wall in her spa is decorated with the high quality wallpaper as you can see below. I think it absolutely looks fantastic!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EROTIC TOILE WALLPAPER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

From spiral staircases to curving chairs, the creative yet practical designs of Bauhaus are one of a kind. This year, the Bauhaus celebrates 100 years since its founding in Germany by Berlin architect Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919. Until today, the Bauhaus Art School continues to shape art, architecture and design all over the world.

My beloved Mary Katrantzou dedicated her F/W 2018 collection to this fantastic movement – a testimony how art, culture, architecture and fashion are all linked together.

My look: Lazlo jacket and Alta intarsia stretch-knit turtleneck midi dress, both by Mary Katrantzou, Paris suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent, «16» bag by Celine, and caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole by Miu Miu. and vintage CC heart motif earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Bauhaus Art School

Last Friday, HERMÈS celebrated the reopening of its store in Gstaad with a cocktail inside the retail space followed by an after party at the Tennisclub.

After 6 months of renovation and expansion, the shop, that was first opened in 1974 in the internationally renowned Swiss Alpine ski resort, offers a brighter and larger retail space of 165 m² with a new entrance and a second floor. Designed by RDAI, a Parisian interior design firm, the team was particularly concerned with preserving the uniqueness of the typical mountain architecture and selecting exceptional materials that emphasize the natural character of its surroundings.

A newly positioned entrance and four large windows along the facade create a sunlight filled interior and offer a beautiful view of the pedestrian area of ​​Gstaad.

On the ground floor you will find the silk collections for women and accessories, while the ties and perfumes for men are arranged on both sides of the main entrance. Moreover there is a spacious area dedicated to leather goods, watches and equestrian collections.

The second floor, which plays with the design codes of the traditional chalet interior, is dedicated to the ready-to-wear and shoe collections for men and women as well as the collections for the home.

Gstaad – come up and slow down – and shop at HERMÈS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HERMÈS and © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, with all my heart I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas 2018 with the iconic Claridge’s Christmas Tree, that is designed this year by fashion icon and long-time friend of the hotel, Diane von Furstenberg.

«Claridge’s is my favourite hotel in the world and my home in London. I was so excited to be invited to create its legendary annual Christmas Tree. My tree is «The Tree of Love», celebrating all aspects of love and life.»
Diane von Furstenberg

This is the ninth time that Claridge’s has invited a distinguished guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. For the previous collaborations, click here please.

«The Tree of Love» is inspired by Diane’s passion and strong belief in the power of love, symbolising life and nature, and drawing particularly from the creative influences of the astrological world. This six-metre sculptural tree is coloured with a blue iridescent lustre and shimmer, and is decorated with over 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts.

It plays host to six different silver-leafed abstract designed animals – an owl represents knowledge and wisdom, a dove symbolises peace, a horse conveys strength and endurance. Highlighting the importance of nature within «The Tree of Love», a sculptural deer representing gentleness sits at the base, a peacock representing beauty, and nestled gently sleeping, is a silver-leafed mouse to symbolise curiosity.

The idea of the tree is that all is derived from the universe and the tree winds its way upwards towards the heavens from its roots. Diane has also included important, symbolic words that have long been her mantra including Peace, Harmony, Knowledge, Truth, Freedom, Enlightenment and Wisdom. In order to make this a fully immersive experience, the iconic London hotel’s lobby has been reimagined under her creative vision with a magical midnight blue skylight covered in dazzling stars and astrological star signs from the constellation.

To a magical Christmas time filled with love and laughter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s London

Two young renegades from Louis Vuitton have revived the tradition of furniture trunks with contemporary accessories, Sonos speakers for one. These trunks are the sort that a porter carries into your first class cabin on the Titanic or velvet clad Pullman couchette. T.T.TRUNKS opened in a new Paris boutique on Faubourg St. Honoré where the world’s most elegant travellers come to stay at Le Bristol Paris. EDEN BEING have curated a collection of these revivalist trunks inspired by five of the Oetker Collection hotels: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris, Eden Roc – St Barths, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, and The Lanesborough London. Each trunk model below comes in 5 different color combinations which are designed for one of the designated hotels.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Millésime trunk
€ 120,000

Farewell to the drinks cabinet, introducing the drinks trunk. Closed it exudes an air of mystery, opened it is an invitation to party. A masterful example of intelligent design by French malletiers, the T.T.Trunk’s Millesime stores everything the wine and cocktail connoisseur might think of. There is an easily portable case incorporated with space for a bottle and two glasses, to disappear together at a moments notice. An Eden Being limited edition designed for Eden Rock – St Barths lined in Goya Red with a discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Dandy trunk
€ 39,000

A trunk for today’s dandy, for the man about the world, with a zest for life’s many amusements. These cases will keep you uber organised on your travels with excellent compartmentalisation for cufflinks and sunglasses, ensuring you have the right watch at the right time. There is an inbuilt charging unit for phones and ipads, and Sonos speaker. Nickel clasps, smooth cowhide and craftsmanship exude first class luggage. This Eden Being limited edition is designed, in marine cowhide with vibrant sky blue interior and a discreet logo, for Eden Rock – St Barths, where the Dandy owner would be completely at home in the splashy surroundings, from yacht to pool party.

T.T.Trunks
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Havana trunk
€ 9,400
Designed for the cosmopolitan traveller and cigar smoker who appreciates all the craftsmanship synonymous with this mellifluous pleasure. Paying homage to the finest Havanas, this trunk ceremoniously transforms a languid smoke with a stylish assemblage of accessories, while intelligent design makes capacity. An Eden Being limited edition for Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in blue with discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
The Lanesborough Mademoiselle trunk
€ 7,500
Glamorous world travelers can carry a selection of their treasures with them across cities and continents in refined style. This case is a work of artisanal perfection conceived by the two Parisian malletier behind T.T.Trunks. It opens up to display your jewels and watches in colourful order, making the choice all the more enticing. An Eden Being limited edition for The Lanesborough in shades of lilac, and with discreet logo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of T.T.Trunks and Eden Being

Imprinted in the Maison Louis Vuitton’s heart since its beginnings, travel consistently informs the house’s olfactory creations.

It’s a state of mind that’s ever poised to venture out and conquer the world, with an insatiable curiosity, and a lightness of being, that embraces discovery — and it serves as a continuous inspiration for Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. After creating a first collection of women’s fragrances in 2016, which was followed by a range of men’s fragrances in 2018, the perfumer has mastered a new journey: four scented candles that transforms the home into another ambiance.

As a source of inspiration, movement is the Maison’s common thread from their very first trunks, through to their ready-to-wear and fragrances. With this in mind, Marc Newson aspired to contribute to Louis Vuitton’s first scented candles. Cast in handmade ceramic, these containers have a unique form. Created with portable convenience in mind, these candles are made with a natural leather handle. The hand-sewn handle is secured to the ceramic with metal rivets.

To embark on an olfactory journey, one can remove the gold-finished metal lid and place it underneath the candle, as a base. Discovering the fragrant wax poured in Grasse, France, with a colorful detail: a wick coated in a subtle touch of vibrant pigment, also hand painted in Grasse.

Scented candle L’Air du Jardin 220g 175 €
Scented candle Île Blanche 220g 175 €
Scented candle Feuilles d’Or 220g 175 €
Scented candle Dehors Il Neige 220g 175 €
Available as of 5th November at select Louis Vuitton stores and at louisvuitton.com

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In partnership with Mizensir, the Geneva-based specialists in candles and ambient fragrances, Caran d’Ache unveils its new edition of pencils made from fine woods and scented with the «Mémoire d’Ecolier» fragrance.

Interesting to know is that behind Mizensir, there is no other than master perfumer Alberto Morillas, who started along with his wife the family business in Geneva in 1999. The two initially set up a scented candle workshop and combined their skills to turn fragrances into wax. Today, the brand boasts more than one hundred different products, including a collection of perfumes, each creating a specific ambient message.

Alberto Morillas favours the very finest raw materials, paying homage to his Andalusian origins, his family and the numerous journeys and encounters that have marked his life. Now he has joined forces with another Swiss company for which craftsmanship plays also an important role: Caran d’Ache, the master craftsmen of drawing and writing.

Driven by a shared passion for creativity, excellence and Swiss Made ideals, the two family businesses have combined their unique know-how to create a new scented edition of four graphite Caran d’Ache pencils, that are delightfully scented with the retro fragrance «Mémoire d’Ecolier», whisking you back to a time when you were still sitting in school.

Me on my first day of school holding a Caran d’Ache pencil.

Bringing back childhood memories, this scent reveals notes and essences of Virginian cedar and Atlas cedar, underpinned by the sweetness of liquorice, rosewood and the freshness of birch. This unique scent of freshly sharpened pencils combined with sweet notes of candy hidden in school bags or desks offers aficionados of rare pencils the chance to recall their carefree childhood days.

The Caran d’Ache pencils edition no.8 set will be available for CHF 29.00 from mid-October from all Caran d’Ache boutiques and points of sale, as well as from the eBoutique.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Caran d’Ache and © Sandra Bauknecht

PRADA opens new spaces in the via della Spiga boutique in Milan, which have been expanded and feature the rolling out of a fresh image, with a new layout and interior architecture. The boutique is entirely dedicated to the women’s collections.

On the corner between Via Sant’Andrea and Via della Spiga, the façade is characterised by entrances on both streets and large windows, inserted in the stone frame of the building. Inside, the new layout of the spaces is on two levels for a total area of 400 square metres.

The space on the ground floor – dedicated to leather goods, accessories and footwear collections – is an original and sophisticated interpretation of the historic Prada display niche. New and elegant design elements stand out, among which the green marble tables sketched by the Milanese design firm BBPR and exclusively reproduced for Prada in a limited series.

The upper floor – reached by a marble staircase – houses the clothing collections and is characterised by the modern design of the ceiling beams and the pearl-grey carpeted floor, combined with the wooden details of the large windows and 1950s furnishings. The walls are decorated with bas-reliefs in shades of pastel green, inspired by the iconic prints of the brand.

On both levels, the display elements – made with details of polished wood – are flanked by furniture designed by Osvaldo Borsani and Giò Ponti, made exclusively for Prada and some special design pieces that pay homage to the masters of Milanese design of the 1950s.

From 10 September 2018, the Prada Sidonie bag, protagonist of the Prada Resort 2019 collection, will be available solely at the Via della Spiga store in two styles made of city calf leather in a different range of colors. The precious skin versions  – crocodile and ostrich – will be available in pre-order only.

Ladies, be prepared, the small shoulder bags are back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada