Sandra‘s Closet

Last Tuesday, I was invited by CHOPARD to celebrated their Ice Cube luxury jewelry collection. Moving away from the Maison’s iconic hearts, the geometric design of the line marries urban elegance and modernity. With their square facets meticulously crafted like so many reflections off ice, Ice Cube creations embody style, sophistication and glamour. The bangles will look amazing with your other arm candy stack. Just saying …

The evening started with a beautiful champagne reception at private member club Haute, followed by a seated dinner on the top floor where we could discover the Ice Cube collection, including luxury rings in gold, rose gold and white gold, diamond pendants, bracelets and earrings.

The entertainment was amazing that night as we danced and sang to the tunes of the Knights Club band. The energy in the room was as infectious as the sparkling jewelry on display. Thank you, CHOPARD, for having me!

YOU CAN SHOP THE CHOPARD ICE CUBE COLLECTION ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

The next generation in the CHOPARD family: Caroline Marie Scheufele had flown in from Asia.

With fashion designer Ezgi Cinar.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @swiss.pixel for Chopard
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Chopard’s new campaign celebrates the purity, appeal and contemporary character of Ice Cube jewelry. Shot by British fashion photographer and director Charlotte Wales, it reveals a captivating fusion between Bella Hadid’s beauty and the sunny radiance of Ice Cube jewellery. The skilful use of light creates a mesmerising atmosphere, while accentuating the perfect geometry of these creations. This symbiosis of light and jewelry reveals the very essence of Ice Cube design. Without shadow, there is no light: such is the common thread running through the images in this ‘Sculpted by Light‘ campaign.

A unique motif paying tribute to minimalism
As the collection’s central motif, the cube embodies an idea of geometric perfection and magnifies the light bouncing off its facets. Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele introduced this motif in 1999 through a watch that ditched flashy artifice to focus instead on pure shapes. Ever since, the collection has continued to evolve in a perpetual dialogue with light.

Reflecting the Bauhaus movement’s principles emphasising simplicity and functionality, this minimalist, uncluttered aesthetic is characterised by highly graphic lines using only essential elements: light, shape and resistant materials. Ice Cube meets the minimalist inspiration of modern architecture through its vertical nature evoking the skyscrapers of international capitals that are natural homes to the avant-garde. These streamlined, geometric designs are showcased in the new ‘Sculpted by Light‘ visuals.

Apparent simplicity, grounded in refinement
Ice Cube stems from a quest for perfection combining high technology and craftsmanship. While each cube with its identically repeated motif may appear simple, each of its four perfectly symmetrical edges is in fact subtly facetted. As a result, light finds a wealth of refraction points in these tiny surfaces, multiplying the jewellery’s brilliance. Highly technical machining resulting from six years of R&D has enabled perfect milling that creates taut lines on minute surfaces. This constantly optimised, diamond-equipped tool machines the precious metal to the nearest hundredth of a centimetre, producing a pre-polished surface of exceptional quality. The mirror-polished surface is further buffed with a dedicated pad to endow it with ultimate shine and brilliance: this phase is done exclusively by hand, as is the diamond paving on the gemset sections.

An ethical aura
Firmly committed to an ethical approach blending seamlessly with its identity, Chopard favours essential and enduring creations. As early as 2017, the use of ethical gold to produce the jewelry in the collection testified to the Maison’s commitment to responsible practices. While Chopard made ethical gold the norm for all its watch and jewellery creations the following year, the fact that it used Ice Cube to spearhead its sustainable endeavours demonstrates its attachment to a collection that is part of a contemporary approach in which materials are every bit as important as product design.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chopard
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

CARTIER LIBRE IS PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES AND PROVOKING UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS. DESIGNED WITH TOTAL FREEDOM BY THE CREATION STUDIOS, EACH YEAR A NEW COLLECTION DRAWS ON AN UNPRECEDENTED SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO UNVEIL PIECES THAT SURPRISE, PRODUCED IN LIMITED EDITIONS.

Cartier Libre questions form and design, and challenges expertise and savoir-faire in a constant pursuit of innovation. These creative explorations are part of the long-standing Cartier tradition of richly inspired collections from an insatiable and powerful curiosity. Creations of pure forms that defy limits and play with new perspectives of lines, volumes, contrasts and mobility. LIBRE Watchmaking, jewellery, accessories: all of the Maison’s realms of expression are electrified, re-explored and questioned. A creative, cultured mix, for collections free to express their style and spirit.

TUTTI TUTTI, THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE CARTIER LIBRE COLLECTION, IS BOTH BOLD AND SURPRISING.

With a single twist, the spirit of things shifts and astonishes. Beauty is viewed with the lightness of a sidestep: a ring flows freely like locks of hair and a watch creates bubbles with time, while a shower of golden marbles bursts into the air like laughter. Innovative designs, bright colours, contrasts, unexpected volumes, soft lines or material effects: the creative process is amplified in every sense to combine nature and design, aesthetics and surprise, lightness and preciousness. A new kind of tension – a joyful breath that evaporates mid-air in a burst of splendour.

I find those pieces extremely special and beautiful.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

I have always been obsessed with the designs of Victoire de Castellane. This summer, she offers a fresh take on the Milly Carnivora collection with new fine jewelry designs that pay homage to Milly-la-Forêt, Mr. Dior’s beloved garden.

Embellished with colorful lacquer and imbued with the atelier’s savoir-faire, the whimsical flowers celebrate Mr. Dior’s passion for nature and the creative director’s artistry. She has dreamed up bewitching flowers and gave life to fantastic blooms, lacquered in colorful hues, sprinkled with diamonds or precious stones.

A signature tonique by Dior Fine Jewelry’s Creative Director, lacquer is meticulously applied by hand and accented by gold and diamonds to complete the color palette of this extraordinary herbarium. It is just one more way this reimagined line embodies Dior savior-faire.

Necklace CHF 31.000, Earrings CHF 18.500, Ring CHF 19.500
I am in love…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

On our last evening at the beautiful One&Only Kéa Island Resort, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel’s Atria restaurant hosted by Net-à-Porter and YSSO, the London-based, Greek jewlery brand that I told you more about in the previous post.

The table setting with olives and green hues was once more breathtaking and the rising full moon made the scenery completely poetic. The dress code said «Greek Chic». Alexia Karides, who co-founded YSSO with her mother, explained us a little bit about her inspiration and limited-edition collaboration with the brand.

We received the iconic Flower Bud earrings as a gift. A blooming flower, captured in sweeping gold arches, the earrings depict the light and energy stored within a flower bud before opening.

An amazing trip – a huge thank you to Iona and her team –  for all these magic moments and memories to take home.

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

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

While being with Net-à-Porter at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, I discovered an interesting Greek London-based jewelry brand, called YSSO, which is celebrating craft, design and heritage.

Founded in 2020 by the mother-daughter duo, Alexia and Stalo Karides, who share the vision of modern jewlery with ancient beginnings. Combining their unique experiences — Stalo is an archaeologist and art historian with over 30 years experience in jewellery making and Alexia is an ex-corporate lawyer turned brand creative director — the two creatives tap into their Greek heritage to design organic and sculptural pieces, each handcrafted and completely unique.

«I AM PROUD TO WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ARTISANS IN ATHENS, GREECE WHO USE AGE-OLD JEWELLERY MAKING TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES TO BRING OUR DESIGNS TO LIFE.» – ALEXIA KARIDES

MODERN GREEK DESIGN
YSSO is a celebration of balance and harmony; ancient and modern. Their work is defined by the rich history and natural beauty of Greece. Drawing inspiration from the home country’s diverse landscape — they are incorporating elements from the sea, mountains, and flora — and partner exclusively with Athenian workshops in order to highlight traditional Greek jewlery making and goldsmithing techniques.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRACTICES
Craftsmanship is at the very heart of the brand. They work exclusively with a workshop in Athens dedicated to preserving Greece’s goldsmithing and traditional jewlery making techniques. By taking a more considered approach, they aim to reduce the significant risks and challenges posed by mass production to the survival of artisanal skills and to the planet. YSSO jewellery carries on the stories of craftsmen and the knowledge passed down for generations. Each piece is as unique as the hands that made it. They also prioritize the use of recycled and locally-sourced materials in addition to employing environmentally conscious production techniques.

With Alexia Karides inside the shop at the One&Only Kéa Island

One&Only Kéa Island partnered with YSSO on an exclusive jewlery collection, paying tribute to Kéa’s rich heritage and landscape. Taking design inspiration from the island’s reverence for acorns, a symbol of fertility, renewal, and new beginnings; with elements of rope motifs, a nod to nautical lifestyle, and «tetras» coins representing the four ancient city-states of Ioulida, Korissos, Karthaia and Piiess.

A limited-edition collection handcrafted at YSSO’s Athens workshops and sold at the hotel’s boutique.

YSSO NOTTING HILL
If you are in London, you can discover YSSO at a 3-week summer pop-up on Ledbury Road.
79-81 LEDBURY ROAD, W11 2AG
4 JUNE – 24 JUNE, 2024

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

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

As part of its partnership with UNICEF*, Louis Vuitton presents its new 2024 Silver Lockit collection, created in collaboration with House Ambassador, Millie Bobby Brown, who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She models the designs from this year’s collection, which once again illustrates Louis Vuitton’s tireless commitment to this global humanitarian organisation in its efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable children.

As with earlier editions, this collection features the emblematic miniature Lockit engraved with the word ‘LEARN’. This term is particularly meaningful to Millie as it shines a light on her actions to raise awareness of children’s rights and well-being, always advocating for a better world where children can grow, learn, be protected and thrive. For the first time, a full collection is proposed, consisting of an individual earring, a bracelet, and a pendant. The bracelet comes in four colours this year: red, blue, pink and black, and the pendant is redesigned with a longer chain. All products of this 2024 collection are engraved with the word ‘LEARN.’ The Silver Lockit, silver bracelet and necklace, from the permanent collection are still available.

«I am very proud to be a part of this project and to contribute through the design of this new Silver Lockit collection, which also supports an organization that’s incredibly dear to my heart. It’s my wish to ensure all children are provided access to an education.»

– Millie Bobby Brown

Louis Vuitton has raised more than $22 million for UNICEF since 2016 through sales of the Silver Lockit collection, which features new editions every year. For every Silver Lockit bracelet purchased, $100 is donated to UNICEF, and $200 are donated to UNICEF for every Silver Lockit earring and new pendant purchased.

The new edition will be available in stores worldwide as of 30th May 2024. The campaign for this new Silver Lockit collection will be revealed on the Louis Vuitton social channels starting 31st May 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Tiffany & Co. announces the launch of its latest high jewelry capsule collection: Rainbow Bird on a Rock. The creations are bold expressions inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch, first introduced in 1965. Its timeless design is reinterpreted with a curated selection of colored gemstones, diamonds and pearls accented by rare paillonné enamel. Each exceptional work of art captures the personality and whimsical nature of the original brooch, highlighting the House’s artistry and extraordinary savoir faire, which continue to be the essence of Tiffany High Jewelry.

The unique brooches feature exceptional gemstones and craftsmanship, resulting in one-of-a-kind designs with intricate and unexpected details, embodying the essence of Jean Schlumberger’s legacy. Notable codes include Jean Schlumberger’s iconic 18k gold wirework beautifully integrated into the designs, as well as archival references with gemstone drops set en tremblant appearing to be suspended from the bird’s head.

Tiffany & Co. will debut its first eight Rainbow Bird on a Rock creations this spring. Among the unique designs is a brooch showcasing a rare black opal of over 35 carats featuring an exceptional play-of-color with flashes of red, orange and purple, and another with a stunning champagne yellow zircon of over 66 carats. Other designs playfully feature turquoise accents on the bird, one of which is set with a striking rubellite of over 68 carats and another with a blue tourmaline of over 56 carats, evoking a tropical ocean. Paillonné enamel details, also seen throughout the designs, are a tribute to Jean Schlumberger and his love of the material. During his time, the designer revived this 19thcentury technique, a complex process whereby layers of translucent colored enamel are fired over 24k gold foil, resulting in translucent, vivid hues.

The capsule collection is a tribute to Jean Schlumberger’s enduring vision. It celebrates and uplifts the expert craftsmanship and extraordinary design sensibility that continue to drive Tiffany High Jewelry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Where selfcare meets diamonds…

Estée Lauder and Messika, each founded by a trailblazing visionary leader, share an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in both their products and service, along with a dedication to the celebration and advancement of women. The remarkable journeys of Mrs. Estée Lauder and Valérie Messika, both entrepreneurial pioneers in their respective industries, serve as inspiration to women leaders everywhere. Both brands, fueled by a determination to serve and elevate women, lay the groundwork for a formidable collaboration.

Reveal your inner diamond

The Estée Lauder x Messika collaboration represents a modern expression of the elevated glamour for which Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv is known. The partnership is based on a shared inspiration with diamonds, a key symbol both in the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Collection, and Messika Paris’ unique craftsmanship. Diamonds symbolize great strength, power, and longevity – a flawless radiance personified by the two brands, invoking a sense of unparalleled luxury. Just as diamonds hold their value forever, Re-Nutriv’s patented technology empowers skin to look and act younger for longer, visibly reversing skin cell aging and delivering a radical blueprint for recapturing time.

A women diamond jewelry box just as precious

Limited-edition packaging featuring an exclusive Messika X Estée Lauder design will be available on two Re-Nutriv skincare icons: Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Crème and Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Crème Rich. A special edition women luxury gift box that doubles up as a jewelry case for diamond jewelry, housing a selection of the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond collection products.

Channel your luck, win a diamond

As part of this collaboration, Swiss consumers can go on a Diamond Quest for this unique prize: Spread over 500 limited edition Messika x Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Creams there will be a radiant 1-carat Messika diamond worth worth CHF 15,000. The winner winner will have the chance to meet Valérie Messika in person at the Messika Atelier in Paris to receive the diamond diamond, mounted on a necklace from the iconic Messika Emotion collection.

Available in Switzerland from January 15th, 2024 exclusively at all Estée Lauder counters at Globus and on globus.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Estée Lauder / Messina
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Tiffany & Co. today announces the debut of its latest jewelry collection: Tiffany Forge. Crafted from sterling silver, Tiffany Forge celebrates the unique path that every individual creates. With a design that showcases links that are not closed; rather, they are open and unrestricted, the collection symbolizes a sense of openness to the twists and turns of life.

Tiffany Forge pays tribute to the House’s long tradition of crafting sterling silver masterworks, a metal that is deeply engrained in in the House’s heritage. Over a century ago, Tiffany & Co. set the U.S. standard for sterling silver purity (9.25 parts per 1,000 parts silver) and Tiffany Forge honors this legacy. When conceptualizing the collection’s signature open-link motif, Tiffany & Co. designers reimagined archival designs, including a pocket watch from the 1880s, a bracelet from Blue Book 1958 and a necklace from Blue Book 1975–76.

«Tiffany Forge and the collection’s signature open-link motif proudly honor our exceptional craftsmanship and showcases our hollowware workshop capabilities,» said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President, Product and Communication, Tiffany & Co. «Each design has a bold look and feel. The silver collections have always been an integral part of our legacy and we are excited to expand our silver offering to include Forge.»

The full suite of the new Forge creations is featured in multiple expressions of an open-link motif with bold designs, offered in either high-polished or blackened sterling silver. The collection will include both narrow and wide chain iterations in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings that play with scale and dimensionality.

The collection will be available at Tiffany & Co. stores globally, as well as on Tiffany.com, in October.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.