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
For S/S 2013, the designers have come up with some outstanding accessories. The ones I put together for you are like pieces of art, highly collectibles that probably belong more in a vitrine than to be worn. At least, it is fun to look at them.
THE SEASON OF EYE-CATCHING CLUTCHES
Lego clutch by Chanel
Butterfly clutch by Bottega Veneta
Clutch bag with Madonna print by Givenchy
Enameled resin perfume clutch by Lanvin
Jewel plexiglass butterfly clutch by Valentino
THE SEASON OF THE STATEMENT SHOE
Mink pumps by Céline
Magic square slingback pump by Louis Vuitton
Cherie poodle patent sandals by Charlotte Olympia
Strappy sandals by Alexander Wang
Patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals by Gucci
THE SEASON TO INVEST IN FASHION JEWELRY
Necklace by Christian Dior
Ruthenium-plated Swarovski crystal flamingo necklace by Roberto Cavalli
Metal circle earrings by Balmain
Large pom pom and raffia earrings by Dolce & Gabbana
Cuff by Erickson Beamon
I hope that you have enjoyed my little accessory report for S/S 2013.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the brands
Yesterday, I was invited by Montblanc to attend a lovely, very intimate lunch with caviar and champagne at their Arts & Artisanery lounge at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. The rooms of the suite are decorated so beautifully with artwork from the German house’s Cutting Edge Art Collection. Along with many celebrities, among them Emily Rossum, Billy Zane and Pat & Michael York, I had the honour to explore some of the amazing pieces from their high jewelry line, that will surely be seen tomorrow on the red carpet of the Oscars 2013.
My look: Neon stretch-crepe blazer by Antonio Berardi, printed cotton shirt
by Carven, pleated wool-crepe mini skirt
by Christopher Kane, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc, holographic faux leather pumps and matching faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney. (For more information on the holographic trend, please click here).
During lunch, I sat next to Pat and Michael York, who is famous for his roles in Cabaret, The Three Musketeers and Austin Powers, among many others. His wife Pat, a former editor of Vogue and Glamour magazine, and a passionate photographer, is a very captivating lady. With exhibitions all over the world, including one at Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland, her preferred subjects are dissected cadavers. “I love the human body,” she explained to me. “It is so fascinating. Once you’ve looked under the skin, we all look the same. You feel how meaningless is all racial and religious prejudice.”
This unique piece from Montblanc’s Bouquet Collection is absolutely breathtaking. It features three blooming diamond studded roses and a gigantic star-shaped “Montblanc Diamond” and drapes comfortably around the neck.
Billy Zane with me. The actor is probably best known for his role as the arrogant Caledon Hockley, Rose’s fiancé in Titanic.
The bracelet and necklace from the Riviera Collection feature a cascade of briolette diamonds and a beautiful embellished closure.
Montblanc’s iconic Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection is a tribute to elegance. For the Pétales Entrelacés motif, the rose petals, in warm pink gold with or without diamonds pavé, are crafted in an intertwined way for rings, earrings, necklaces and braclets.
The last two days have already been so wonderful and I couldn’t be any happier to join Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience. I am off this morning to attend the Montblanc Signature for Good Charity Brunch at the Bel-Air hotel where many celebrities are expected and a gorgeous charity project will be presented. You can follow me on the official Montblanc Twitter account @montblanc_world and on Instagram @sandrascloset.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Recently, I visited the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin, that is very close to Geneva. The Swiss brand that is known for its luxury watches and high end jewelry was bought in 1963 by Karl Scheufele, owner of a manufacturing company of the same kind in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, Chopard had four employees. The Scheufele family brought their knowledge and talents to Chopard and brought the company to what it is today. An established still family-owned business – with around 2.000 selling points around the world – that produces 75.000 jewelry pieces per year, and that makes the mechanical movements and all the gold used for the creations in-house. Today, Caroline Scheufele, a gemologist in charge for the precious stones buying and the exceptional creations, along with her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele run the business.
Me in front of the headquarters, wearing a dress and scarf by Gucci, coat by Etro, boots by Balenciaga and bag by Céline.
After a brief introduction, the lovely team showed me around the different manufacturing stations. The photos below are taken in the room where the beautiful Imperiale collection is made. It is very impressive to see how much work, love for detail and craftsmanship go into one piece of jewelry. And of course, the best part was, when I was able to try the stunning valuables on. My nail polish and dress matched the rose gold and the cushion-cut amethyst of the Imperiale ring (REF : 829221-5039) perfectly.
The Imperiale collection is inspired by ancient embroidered patterns and decorative elements of the East. This pattern recalls the refined craftsmanship and elegant designs of empires past, and lends an exotic twist to the jewelry pieces.
On the way to my favourite part of the visit, I spotted the famous Palme d’Or designed and hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard. (Do you remember when I went with Chopard to the Cannes Film Festival last year, if not, please click here).
Chopard’s diamonds have dominated the Cannes red carpet since many years. The high jewlery collections, designed by co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele, are truly breathtaking. Some of my favourites are the Precious Temptations and the Harrods Disney Princesses collections.
At the artisan atelier, I spotted also some made-to-order pieces like this absolutely amazing dog necklace. The goldsmith had several sketches of a dog’s physiognomy and produced a wax model before making the final piece. It is absolutely captivating to watch the passionate craftsmen at work.
The culmination of my imperial day with Chopard was a lunch at the famous Bayview restaurant at the Président Wilson hotel in Geneva. (Remember when I was there with La Mer. If not, please click here.) Such a treat prepared by one of the most famous chef in the world, Michel Roth (MOF and Bocuse d’Or – 1991) who served a feast for the eyes and culinary delight. The dessert in the shape of a ring was so cute. Thank you, Chopard, for that wonderful experience!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This Christmas, Cartier takes us on a Winter Tale. Two panther cubs play hide and seek in a snow-laden forest of fir trees. These mischievous cubs lead us on an enchanting adventure. Follow their journey (see video at the end of this post), filled with discoveries and precious gifts… wouldn’t it be lovely to have one of those beautiful jewelry pieces under the Christmas tree?!
Work on your seductive, feline side and nobody could reject your wish list… I mean, who on earth could resist those eyes?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Cartier 2012
Recently, Montblanc invited me to visit their headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. As I told you, I have been working on a very secret project with them that will be revealed tonight during a special launch event. Let me just tell that there has never been anything else like it.
ABOUT MONTBLANC
The company was first begun in 1906 with a partnership of three men: Claus-Johannes Voss, August Eberstein, and Alfred Nehemias and got its name Montblanc in 1913. Inspired by a trip to the United States where two of them had been fascinated by a new invention: the fountain pen, they had the vision to bring this achievement to Europe. For over a century, Montblanc has been associated with the “Art of Writing” and is famous for its writing instruments of outstanding quality, but its precision craftsmanship can also be seen in its own watchmaking workshop in Le Locle (Jura/Switzerland), in the well-crafted leather goods and the house’s jewelry line. In 2006, Montblanc even unveiled its own diamond cut in the shape of the famous “White Star”, the so-called “Montblanc Diamond Cut”.
Since its launch in 1924, the Meisterstück – and especially the original fountain pen, the Meisterstück 149 – has become the ultimate “power pen” with cult status, one of 20th century’s design classics with a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. The nib’s engraving “4810” is recording the height of the Mont Blanc in metres.
When you arrive at the headquarters, the “Montblanc House”, you are greeted by the outstanding Cutting Edge Art Collection, that the German brand has built up during the last 10 years under the creative supervision of Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director at the Montblanc Cultural Foundation (Please click here for a previous post if you are interested to hear more about this project).
The first stop of my visit was the nib manufacture, where Montblanc manufactures the nibs for all its writing instruments. The inhabitants of Hamburg are sometimes considered being chilly, forget this prejudice when you enter the world of Montblanc. I was cordially received and had an amazing tour around the different work stations. All nibs are made of gold. You absolutely need fine sensory motor skills to create such a detailed work and of course, a magnifying glass. Altogether, it needs 35 operational steps to finish the nib.
You can feel the great working atmosphere. Speaking to the employees, I learned that most of them have been with Montblanc for generations. The lady, whose hands can be seen in the collage, told me proudly, that she has worked for the company for over 30 years. The passion the team shares is utterly impressive.
Each employee can split his or her time accordingly to the different steps of production so that they are not doing the same work the whole day. After the whole process is completed, each of the finished fountain pen is tested in a separate quiet room with invisible ink. You can hear the sound the nib makes when touching the paper and suddenly understand Montblanc’s love for perfection in manufacturing.
As I love to write, I was eager to try it out myself and explored Montblanc’s Bespoke Nib Service which is available in selected stores worldwide. In keeping with Montblanc’s motto “Your handwriting – as unique as you are”, a signature is the lasting mark of someoneʼs personality, like your fingerprint revealing something special about you.
Therefore it was natural to Montblanc to develop the technology necessary to capture the individuality of human writing to offer the ultimate bespoke service, a personalized nib.
How does it work? I had to write a predefined sentence on a piece of paper that was placed on a special computerized pad. Montblanc than deciphered my distinctive style, the angle and the pressure that I used. By analyzing my form of my writing, it can be emphasized in a bespoke nib. Available for € 1500.-.
A handwritten note has become so rare nowadays in times of e-mails and text messages that it is even more special to the receiver. By keeping this in mind, you will really make a difference.
Many politicians and famous businessmen have used the ultimate “power pen” to sign contracts between companies and agreements between nations. On my way to Montblanc’s Star Lounge, where we had lunch with Christian Rauch, Managing Director for Montblanc’s Writing Instruments, I enjoyed looking at all the photos of celebrities that have been spotted with Montblanc writing instruments.
Later, I visited Montblanc’s Artisan Atelier, that was the most breathtaking part of my tour. Here, the house’s famous Limited Editions, exceptionally rare pieces, range from the annual Writers Edition and Patron of Art pens, restricted in number are created and produced, eagerly awaited by collectors all over the world. In some cases, they are sold out before they hit the shelves. Sabine Bach, Master Goldsmith at the Montblanc Artisan Atelier, introduced me to this exclusive universe and underlined that “some collectors always ask for the same limited edition number.”
The lovely brunette explained to me the process with such joy that I also became inflamed with passion for these amazing products. The environment is light, modern and quiet. The perfect surrounding for the craftsmen to produce such exceptional work. It can take up to two years for an artisan fountain pen to be finished, starting with design sketches, followed by the plastic print model, the so-called mock up, to the final touches. The limited edition number usually relates to the person it is dedicated. Prices range from € 10.000 to € 200.000 and higher.
And of course, you can even have your very own Bespoke Fountain Pen, starting at € 250.000. There is a desk with an installed video camera for the high-end customer to watch the manufacturing of its unique piece live from his or her home.
Each of Montblanc’s Limited Edition artisan fountain pens has its own story that reads like a fairytale. Below are some that I enjoyed the most:
Frida Kahlo Limited Edition 70
Dedicated to the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and inspired by her creative work, the fountain pen’s design features a cobalt blue body reminiscent of her birthplace Casa Azul, or Blue House along with beautiful golden ornaments. The limited edition is comprised of 70 pens, one for each page of her diary, whose famous final entry reads, “I’m happy to be leaving and I hope never to return.”
Limited Edition of 70, € 21.800
Beijing Opera Mask Limited Edition 3
The most bejeweled and extraordinary piece I have seen on my tour through the artisan atelier. Focusing primarily on the Chinese market, this fountain pen pays tribute to the famous Beijing Opera, symbolised by the opera mask that is embellished with black sapphires, diamonds and rubies. Only experienced craftsmen can set the gems so smoothly and delicately.
Limited Edition of 3 – € 120.000
Romancing Hearts Limited Edition 14
Imagine your beloved one surprises you with a poem written with such a beautiful fountain pen, that even goes by the name of Romancing Hearts. I am hopelessly romantic and this ornate 18k white gold fountain pen skeletonised in the shape of hearts, set in pink sapphires and framed with diamonds has definitely caught my eye. A total of 14 were made, referring to February 14, Valentine’s Day.
Limited Edition of 14 – € 72.000
Gaudi Limited Edition 125
Montblanc celebrates Antoni Gaudi‘s legacy with this gorgeous limited edition fountain pen. The skeleton body and is made with 18k gold and inspired by Gaudi’s spectacular architecture. The tower of Sagrada Familia is depicted in fine engraving on the 18k gold nib. As the famous cathedral was for 125 years under construction, the edition is limited to 125 pieces.
Limited Edition of 125 – € 19.500
Charlie Chaplin Limited Edition 88
Paying tribute to perhaps the greatest figure of 20th century cinema, Charlie Chaplin, this fountain pen shows Montblanc’s passion for detail in perfection. Intricate cog-wheels stand for the machines featured in Chaplin’s most celebrated film, Modern Times, and each detail recalls a different aspect of the silent actor’s famous persona. The captop for example is based upon his ever-present bowler hat; and the solid gold clip resembles his indispensable walking cane. The 18K rhodium-plated gold nib is engraved with Chaplin’s iconic accoutrements. The 88 stands for the age, Chaplin died at.
Limited Edition of 88 – € 21.800
Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81
The artistically skeletonised fountain-pen is made of 18k white gold and superbly studded with diamonds and rubies totalling more than 8 carats. This edition is limited to 81, the age at which Prince Rainer III died in 2005.
Limited Edition of 81 – € 200.000 (Half of the sales revenue will be given to the “Fondation Princesse Grace” to continue the cultural commitment lived by Prince Rainier III.)
One and a half year ago Parisian designer Susie Otero joined Montblanc to vamp up the jewelry line and bring her French flair to the German brand. Otero works from Paris and comes to Hamburg several times a month. I was lucky to meet her personally during my visit. A very elegant, sophisticated lady with great style and charisma.
Her impact on the line has been seen immediate when she developed the Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection as an homage to the late Hollywood actress and Princess of Monaco. Grace Kelly’s favourite flower the rose, a symbol of romance, provided the inspiration for the exquisite designs. She explained me that “each petal is different, has a different movement, is foldable like the petals of a real rose” which makes the pieces not only beautiful but very comfortable to wear.
The bangle from Montblanc’s Infiniment Vôtre Collection in warm skin flattering pink gold is held in the soft shape of the infinity motif. A diamond set in the Montblanc setting gives this precious piece a discreet signature. I love it.
But on top of my wish list are those beauties: The 4810 Collection hoop earrings in rose gold with pave set diamonds. I have completely fallen in love with their sparkle.
My visit to Hamburg was truly special, a wonderful experience. I have rarely seen a company with so many passionate and enthusiastic employees that absolutely seem to enjoy their work. Culture, quality, craftsmanship and continuity – these are the core values which Montblanc carries proudly into the 21st century, already writing another chapter in its history and I am very proud to be a little part of it!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Crystals, the new sparkling bangles collection by Sal y Limon, is just perfect for Christmas. Those handmade fun jewelry pieces will make you shine like a star or be the perfect surprise for a beloved friend. Available in many colours for CHF 54.- each, in Switzerland at Globus, Companys, Feldpausch, Schild and Loeb.
One lucky reader has the chance to win a set of three bangles (orange, pink, fuchsia). Send me an e-mail with your address and the header “Christmas Bangles” to .
All entries must be received until December 16st, 2012. 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.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht
After the Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week, I spotted Natasha Zinko, a London-based designer of Russian origin that graduated with a BA Honours recognition for Jewelry Design at Central St Martins. She opened her first store this year in the heart of London’s Mayfair district at 46 Maddox Street.
Her jewelry creations, like these skeleton earrings, are bold and very fashion forward. She also designs a ready-to-wear line called Abrakadabra. Of course, she caught my eye immediately because of her stunning Mary Katrantzou dress. Her friend wore head-to-toe Prada from the F/W 2012 collection. If you are interested in my look, click here for the previous post.
Natasha’s look: Typewriter dress by Mary Katrantzou (F/W 2012), embroidered book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, shoes and skeleton earrings by Natasha Zinko.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Great news for my Swiss readers: This upcoming Sunday, 2nd of December, from 12 -6 pm, you have the chance to meet and greet the jewelry designer GABRIELE FRANTZEN at GASSMANN in Zurich.
You have seen me many times wearing her amazing designs. Now, you will have the chance to explore her famous “Sense & Sensibilty” collection that is in the meantime available in 20 different shades with your own eyes or get your fingers on the new S/S 2013 “Zoo” designs.
For my foreign readers, you can shop Gabriele Frantzen’s designs online at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.
LoL, Sandra
SENSE & SENSIBILITY EMERALD
FLOWER CHOKER
KISSING PANTHERS
PEARL DRAKE
TIGER PENDANT
ZOO
Photos: Courtesy of Gabriele Frantzen, © Sandra Bauknecht
Chopard has created a very special new collection of Haute Joaillerie inspired by the iconic Disney Princesses in partnership with Harrods and the internationally renowned department store’s Disney themed Christmas celebration. For a previous post, please click here.
Last week, I visited Chopard’s headquarters in Meyrin/Geneva and saw those amazing pieces with my own eyes. Their beauty and craftsmanship are truly overwhelming. Stay tuned for a detailed post of my visit to be posted soon.
Caroline Scheufele has interpreted the key characteristics of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana by designing ten unique and exceptional Haute Joaillerie pieces unveiled at the Chopard boutique at Harrods.
The Disney Princess Collection by Chopard will be shown exclusively at Harrods until January with all of these one-off pieces available for sale.
Enjoy the photos below!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, Harrods and © Sandra Bauknecht
