Sandra‘s Closet

Your home interiors say as much about you as your wardrobe does, so they deserve just as much attention. So you’re happily adding another Dolce& Gabbana dress and Chloé bag into your shopping basket, about to click pay and – then, what’s that? There it is! Dreams come true – aA new homewear at Matchesfashion.com. Now, I am definitely damned – another reason for infinite midnight scrolling. Who needs sleep anyway when you can be covered in some Preen by Thornton Bregazzi eiderdown?!

Floral-print silk eiderdown by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Head HERE to the new Homeware Studio for exclusive ceramics, objets, throws and more by labels including Peter Pilotto, Luke Edward Hall and Maison Margiela. The fashion platform has got it all! From to-die-for Gucci cushions to Fornasetti candles, here are just a few of my favourite things…

Cushions by Gucci
A must for every fashionista’s home!

Sigmund throw by Missoni Home
A stylish way to get cozy while reading a book at home.

Star Eye porcelain vase by Gucci
Love it so much! Wouldn’t it bring such a whimsical touch to the home decor?! 

Monocle magnifying glass and ostrich feather pen, both by Maison Margiela
Beautiful accessories for every desk.

Painted ceramic plate by Peter Pilotto
Lunch in style with designer duo Peter Pilotto…

Herbarium porcelain set by Gucci
… while enjoying tea time with Gucci.

Anagram wool-blend blanket by Loewe
Love this blanket for a night in front of the TV.

Scented candles by Fornasetti
Statement pieces that will bring eye-catching effects to your coffee table.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Matchesfashion.com

Last week I showed you how to match your dinner invitations to your dress (click here for the previous post please). Now we can take it one step further and match the tablecloth and decoration to our outfits as London based designer Emilia Wickstead is bringing her coveted florals into the home. Exclusive to Moda, this collection of table linens (featuring prints lifted from her most-loved dresses) marks Wickstead’s first foray into interiors—and, better yet, it delivers within the month. Don’t miss it.

TO SHOP THE NEW AND EXCLUSIVE EMILIA WICKSTEAD HOME AND READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

ABOUT EMILIA WICKSTEAD

British-based and New Zealand born, spent her formative years in Milan and gained a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Fashion Design and Marketing at Central Saint Martin’s London with Honours in 2007.

After graduating, Emilia worked at fashion houses Giorgio Armani, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez and Vogue in New York and Milan. Before returning to London to establish her own label in 2008 by opening her first store in Belgravia. Originally commencing as a made-to-measure atelier, Emilia’s collections are currently seasonal ready-to-wear and showcased at London Fashion Week from S/S 2012.

Emilia Wickstead is stocked in retailers globally including Net-A-Porter, Selfridges, Matches, Harvey Nichols and Moda Operandi alongside of her flagship store which opened in 2014, on London’s Sloane Street.

I am a huge fan of her beautiful feminine designs!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead

The colours are breathtaking, the air is beguiling, and the hubbub in the streets is as exhilarating as it is inviting. Arabian nights, Mediterranean scents, spices and flavors, oasis, couscous, beautiful mosques, men in gabar, sandy dunes – Marrakesh continues to rank among the world’s top travel favourites for good reason. The beautiful fourth largest city in the country is an impressive combination of imperial history with palaces dating back to the 16th century and a contemporary urban lifestyle that offers stylish restaurants, trendy concept stores, and modern hotel resorts.

Me visiting the Schlatters in Marrakesh (for the outfit post, click here please).

In this oasis between the ocean and the Atlas Mountains, Swiss couple Rabia and Daniel Schlatter made a dream come true and built an enchanting palace in one of the most prestigious areas of the metropole along with a gigantic guest house. Last November, my friends spoilt me at their beautiful home and I am so happy to share this interior design heaven with you.

Daniel and Rabia Schlatter in the garden of their Marrakesh home.

The palace itself, that was finished in 2012, measures 3800 m², set in 30.000 m² of land with stunning gardens and a 5-star-hotel-worthy pool surrounding it. Two years ago, the construction of the guest mansion started – another paradise, peacefully situated next to the main house, that offers 2800 m² living space on a 15.000 m² lot, and that is now finished and also available for rent.

Amazing fabrics – every guest room looks different.

Rabia, who was born and raised in Casablanca, oversaw the creative process herself together with her husband Daniel, who as a young man did an apprenticeship as an architectural draftsman. In Marrakech, where opulence and luxury reign, there is no shortage of beautiful ateliers and home interior stores. But you have to be a local like her to know where to shop.

Love is in the detail –  every corner is beautifully decorated.

Over the years, she had collected magazines and created mood boards for the ateliers she worked with to come up with the most beautiful results possible. Her interior design studies helped her as well. Everything was produced in Morocco, only the fabrics for the curtains are from France and the UK. The brocade is from Syriah. The bedsheets and towels are from local suppliers. For the bathrooms, Rabia used Italian marble.

The seating area in the living room

Her distinguished taste can also be seen in the huge living room with its breathtaking vaulted ceiling and the fireplace as the focal point. An open layout lets you see right into the spacious dining room and seating area.

The stunning pool

Arched doorways allowing the afternoon light to pass beautifully and a gorgeous long pool mirroring the surrounding date palm trees makes entering the garden a «1,001 Nights» experience. But step inside the guest bedrooms to be amazed – king-sized beds, romantic fireplaces, gigantic bathtubs and private gardens are all standard features! A well-equipped gym and a hammam are also there for your pleasure.

The hammam

Built like a sultan’s palace, it’s understandable if guests don’t want to leave the Schlatters. For the wellbeing around 16 people are permanently employed only for the main house, from gardeners to housekeepers, a cook and Bouchra, the gouvernante who is handling everything to 2 guys at the gate and a driver.

Playground for boys

Speaking about cars, the best is yet to come. Daniel Schlatter has an outstanding passion for cars and built his own «Healey» museum on 800m2 in the basement with a bar, a seating area and a gazillion of details that make you feel as if Healey just had left his garage.

Enjoy more photos below… – I will be back soon and cannot wait!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Reto Gundli

It’s Oscar weekend, which means party time in my favorite city in the world. Here you see me at the famous Sheats-Goldstein House, one of the sexiest properties in all Los Angeles. The cave-like concrete-and-glass residence – which is located in Beverly Crest to be precise – was designed by John Lautner and played in many movies, such as in «The Big Lebowski» or «Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle», and served as the setting for a gazillion of fashion editorials.

Photo of James Goldstein and me via his Instagram @jamesfgoldstein

There were two subsequent owners before the mysterious multi-millionaire businessman James F. Goldstein purchased the residence in 1972, in a state of some disrepair. Goldstein commissioned John Lautner to work on the transformation of the house; a series of remodelings that would encompass the entire house over a period of more than two decades. Goldstein himself looks famous and likes to dress in head-to-toe leather always combined with a hat. His favorite brands are Balmain or Saint Laurent.

Goldstein’s personal hat collection in his house.

Goldstein loves to surround himself with celebrities, the house is plastered with memories of those encounters.

Coming back to the Sheats-Goldstein house. It  is probably the most dangerous house I have ever been in. Never get drunk there for sure! There aren’t any rails around the patio or along the outdoor hallway and boy, it’s steep. Everything is glass and even that I knew, I ran against it once, ending up with a huge bump on my forehead.

My look: Cropped suede jacket, patchwork printed silk-georgette dress, Anita fringed suede shoulder bag, suede ankle boots and brown studded belt, all by Saint Laurent. Rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s post might save marriages… the stunning Hermès Football Table is a piece of home decor that will satisfy both genders. If I am not mistaken, no luxury brand has ever touched a football table, so this might be one of the most high-end tables ever created. An item for your game room, if you have one, that is not only a piece of art but is actually designed for use.

In case you are wondering why the players on the rods are dressed as jockeys, here is the answer: it is an homage to the equestrian heritage of the Maison Hermès. Paying attention to detail and craftsmanship, the table is crafted from maple wood and calfskin leather in a demure dark blue and yellow gold color scheme.

The only drop of bitterness is the hefty price tag, but this might be still cheaper than a divorce… Available now for € 63.000 / $68.300.
TO SHOP, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

One of my favorite F/W 2017 pieces was the beautiful eiderdown coat by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi that gave birth to the designer duo’s first interior collection, Preen Home.

The eiderdown coat is crafted from waterproof crepe de chine and is featuring a swathe of clashing prints in this season’s signature black floral skull and purple flower bomb. The oversized cocoon coat includes a wrap belt embroidered with the message reading «out of the forest I came with my flowers». A firm editorial favourite, it has appeared in countless fashion publications including Vogue and Elle.

Preen Home is a «straight from the runway» collection, featuring prints from the ready-to-wear clothing line. Launching with pillows and eiderdowns, the designer duo plans to update the range with a new design every season.

Floral silk-satin quilted eiderdown

The roots of Preen Home can be traced to Bregazzi’s passion for vintage eiderdowns, that inspired these fanciful feather-filled pieces, taking comfort to its chicest level.

TO SHOP PREEN HOME, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Preen by Thornton Bregazzi / Preen Home and via Instagram @preenbythorntonbregazzi

«Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.» – Karl Lagerfeld

I love Christmas trees and my favorite one (besides my own) can be found at London’s Claridge’s Hotel where in the eighth consecutive year a creative visionary has been invited to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. This December, it is Karl Lagerfeld, one of the fashion world’s most influential creative forces, who created the stunning festive installation, a sixteen foot high inverted tree with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star which reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby. Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow. Under the centerpiece sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.The famous designer was inspired by his own childhood memories of Christmas.

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive Mayfair landmark, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent and ever-changing design. Scroll down to explore Claridge’s Christmas Tree designs through the years.

2016: SIR JONY IVE AND MARC NEWSON

2015: CHRISTOPHER BAILEY FOR BURBERRY

2014: DOLCE & GABBANA

2013: DOLCE & GABBANA

2012: KALLY ELLIS OF MCQUEENS

2011: ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANVIN

2010: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

2009: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

Merry Christmas to all of you – may you all sparkle as these beautiful trees with joy, love and laughter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s

Having an apartment in one of the most prestigious cities that has been designed by Roberto Cavalli sounds too good to be true? No, not at all, it will soon become reality. A new luxury tower in Dubai named «I Love Florence» will be the first in the world to carry the «Roberto Cavalli» brand, bringing the glitz and glamour of runway to private homes. For the first time, Roberto Cavalli designs the interiors of an iconic residential tower with a range of exquisite home accessories and ornate fittings from Cavalli interiors.

Gian Giacomo Ferraris, Chief Executive Officer of Roberto Cavalli, said: “We are excited to work on this project that combines the sophistication of fascinating Florence with the famed luxury of dazzling Dubai. The interiors of the lavish 34-storey waterfront skyscraper, located in one of the world’s greatest urban transformations, will offer its residents a refined living experience that also echoes the romantic vibes of the rustic streets of Florence.»

Work on the AED 800 million «I Love Florence» tower, developed by Dar Al Arkan, the largest listed real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and located on Dubai Water Canal in the Business Bay area, will commence in January 2018.
Yousef Bin Abdullah Al Shelash, Chairman of Dar Al Arkan, declared: «When we set out to draw our vision to become leaders in global real estate development, we decided to only settle for the best, hence our choice of Dubai Canal as a location, and the epitome of Italian luxury, Roberto Cavalli, to conceptualise and create truly outstanding living spaces, not only in the residential units, but across the tower’s amenities, including the lobbies, gym, swimming pool, yoga area, outdoor training area, and hallways. Residents and visitors will experience a true Florentine feeling.»

Towering over the 3.2 kilometres man-made waterway, the high-rise will combine stunning views of the canal’s vibrant outdoor and night scenes, with the elegance of the Florence’s Arno riverside, reflected in the interiors sketched by one of Italy’s most famed design houses. This is the first time ever that the iconic «Roberto Cavalli» fashion brand lends its name to a real estate development, anywhere in the world, to present rich interiors that project bespoke living.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

You know it is Christmas when a beautiful jewelry box arrives at your doorstep filled with two amazing new fragrances and a handwritten note by Aerin Lauder.

The new AERIN Tuberose collection is dedicated to one of my favorite flowers, the tuberose that imparts two different fragrances depending on when it is harvested—a dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk.

The new duo of scents aims to capture the different personalities of this incredible flower with two fragrances, luminous Tuberose Le Jour and sensual Tuberose Le Soir. These scents can be worn to suit different moods, occasions, and times of day.

Tuberose Le Jour Eau de Parfum

With the first spritz, you’ll immediately notice the sweet notes of Orange Blossom and Neroli before the fresh scent evolves into a floral heart of Indian Tuberose and Jasmine. Cedar and Cashmere Wood rounds it off nicely while adding just the right amount of warmth.

Tuberose Le Soir Eau de Parfum

This one is a slightly darker, more powdery version of the label’s Tuberose Le Jour scent. It opens with sweet notes of Mandarin Orange rounded out by a heart of Bergamot Tuberose and Ylang-Ylang. It closes with a warm base of Vanilla, Sandalwood and Amber.

Aerin, why did you create two fragrances—Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir—instead of one?

In India, the Tuberose is known as Rajanigandha, which translates as “fragrant at night.” Depending on the time of day, the Tuberose gives different scent impressions: dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk. We wanted to capture the beauty of Tuberose in its entirety with two scents that embody its differing personalities. Together the fragrances tell the complete story of this incredible bloom.

What type of woman did you have in mind when creating these fragrances?

The Tuberose Collection is for the modern woman—feminine, strong, and sophisticated. It is aimed at someone who appreciates the luxury and authenticity of wearing an artisanal fragrance blended from the finest ingredients.

What was the inspiration behind the packaging?

Reminiscent of fine jewelry, each translucent glass bottle is adorned with a suede-like cord and golden cap. The fragrance names are engraved on a golden plaque. The color of the suede-like outer carton complements each fragrance’s story and character—a pale pink for the delicate yet luminous Tuberose Le Jour, and a creamy rose for the rich and sensual Tuberose Le Soir.

Do you consider Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir strictly day and night fragrances?

It depends on the mood and the occasion, but I love the versatility of both scents. They can be worn at opposite ends of the day to capture each fragrance’s inspiration or layered together to create a unique scent altogether.

Happy 1st Advent! I love this time of the year when it is cold outside and you enjoy the coziness of your home. Decorating for Christmas is somethings I truly adore. In Zurich, I love passing by Globus to look for new baubles and gift ideas. Each year, they celebrate a new motto, now it is time to welcome the «Grand Hotel Globus»! Get inside the 5-star Christmas world…

Christmas world at Globus Bellevue in Zurich

My favorite: Lobster Bauble, CHF 24.90

So fun: Champagne Bucket Bauble, CHF 19.90

Great gift ideas…

THE HOTEL BAR.
N°01 Pineapple Mug / Shot Glass, CHF 29.90/12.90 / Shaker, CHF 54.90 / Bowl, CHF 6.90
N°02 Cigar Box with Cutter, CHF 299.00
N°03 Bottle Opener Anker, CHF 14.90
N°04 Whisky Glass, CHF 7.90
N°05 Le Tribute Gin with Tonic, CHF 119.00
N°06 Bar Spoon, CHF 15.90
N° 07 Backgammon, CHF 19.90
N°08 Tray, CHF 139.90
N°09 Strainer, CHF 22.90
N°10 Jigger, CHF 20.90
N°11 Cocktail Shaker, CHF 75.90

THE AFTERNOON-TEA.
N°01 Teapot, CHF 29.90
N°02 Bell Jar, CHF 39.90
N°03 Pastry Tong, CHF 29.90
N°04 Tea-Light Holder, CHF 12.90
N° 05 Champagne Bowl, CHF 19.90
N° 06 Champagne Truffes, CHF 6.60
N° 07 Seat of 4 Teaspoons, CHF 24.90
N° 08 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Limited Edition, CHF 99.90
N° 09 Grand Hotel Napkins, CHF 6.90
N° 10 Mules by Emanuela Caruso, CHF 299.00

From now on you can take the afternoon tea literally at Globus Bellevue‘s newly opened restaurant «tartar» on the first floor. Top chef Nenad Mlinarevic offers all sorts of culinary treats including the signature dish tartar in all sorts of interpretations.

«tartar» restaurant lead by top chef Nenad Mlinarevic

Moreover, besides Kiehl’s, Acqua di Parma, Aerin Lauder and Molton Brown, Globus Bellevue has expanded its product range. Tom Ford, Jo Malone London and Le Labo are now all available there. For the latter it is the first point of sale in Switzerland.

Have fun strolling through this beautiful Christmas world – for my foreign readers, I hope you could seek a little inspiration for your home as well.

Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht