Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I spotted the new jewelry collection by DIOR Joaillerie at the Zurich boutique and fell immediately in love. Named ASTRO DIOR, it is a celebration of the superstitious character of Christian Dior and consists of 12 necklaces in gold and mother of pearl, allowing you to now wear your astrological sign.

Christian Dior at a feast of St. Catherine, circa 1950

Christian Dior loved astrology. Therefore he visited Madame Delahaye, his clairvoyant, before opening his eponymous Maison in 1946. After the consultation, she confirmed to him that the launch of his brand was written in the stars.

Over the years, many references to the designer’s beliefs in astrology and mysticism appeared as he created certain pieces with a nickname deriving from those fields: Bonne étoile (lucky star), Horoscope, Tour de cartes (card trick) and Cartomancienne (cartomancer).

Astrological references on the DIOR runways

The House’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri continued this legacy by embroidering zodiac signs and celestial motifs on cashmere sweaters, bags and more.

Making of ASTRO DIOR 

Victoire de Castellane also celebrates this fascination with astrology now with the launch of these beautiful 12 necklaces that are available in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

ASTRO DIOR – Aries

ASTRO DIOR – Taurus

ASTRO DIOR – Gemini

ASTRO DIOR – Cancer

ASTRO DIOR – Leo

ASTRO DIOR – Viergo

ASTRO DIOR – Libra

ASTRO DIOR – Scorpio

ASTRO DIOR – Sagittarius

ASTRO DIOR – Capricorn

ASTRO DIOR – Aquarius

ASTRO DIOR – Pisces

 Photos: Courtesy of DIOR and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, the Bucherer Flagship Store in Zurich opened its doors after an intense refurbishment in new splendor at Bahnhofstr. 50. Inside, five floors of around 800 square meters await you to explore the most beautiful jewelry pieces as well as creations from several renowned watch brands, among them Piaget, Chopard and Roger Dubuis just to name a few. On the ground floor, a unique Rolex boutique, welcomes customers at the entrance.

Modern architecture meets spectacular design. The facade shines in Cristallina
Marble, the only one mined in Switzerland, generating a fascinating effect depending on how the sunlight reflects on it.

The renovation is another milestone in the over 130-year history of Bucherer. What many do not know: Although the family business’ roots are in Lucerne, Bucherer has been represented at the Bahnhofstrasse since the early ’40s.

To celebrate the occasion, I was invited to explore the fascinating collections of Bucherer Fine Jewellery that you see me wearing in the pictures, all created with passion and expertise for high jewelry.

Speaking of passion: if you visit the store, have a look at the Romance Lounge, that invite customers to take their time to indulge in the beautiful pieces as if they were sitting in a café.

My personal favorites are the new limited edition Clover rings that have been launched as a highlight for the re-opening. Bucherer’s VIP customers were of course able to explore the models beforehand and reserve their must-have. 18 unique pieces, each of them exclusive, valuable and rare – the number an homage to the founding year of Bucherer 1888. Prices range depending on the precious stones from CHF 22,000 to CHF 420,000.

To surprise their distinguished clientele in different ways, Bucherer plans to host exclusive events throughout the year on their event floor with roof terrace, that offers breathtaking views over the city. Outstanding service and strong customer relation – two main values the family business has been standing for since 1888.

Stay tuned for my next post from the opening party last Tuesday coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer
Photos of me: © Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart

I love seashell jewelry for the ultimate warm weather vacation style. Since last summer, the iconic puka shell necklace has made its way back into our closets (see previous post here), but in more elaborate and sophisticated versions. Follow the call of the sea with these coastal-inspired gems below. My absolute favorites are by Etro and Isabel Marant. Stay tuned for the whole look coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Layered silk and multi-stone necklace by Etro

Gold-tone and shell necklace by Isabel Marant

Gold-tone and shell choker by Isabel Marant

Set of three gold-tone, shell and bead bracelets by Isabel Marant

Gold-tone necklace by Isabel Marant

Shell, crystal and faux-pearl choker by Etro

Gold-tone, shell, faux pearl and crystal clip earrings by Etro

Gold-plated, shell and multi-stone anklet by Chan Luu

Merco gold-plated shell earrings by Aurélie Bidermann

Large Puka gold-plated necklace by Tohum

Photo of me: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Prada presents its very first collection of gold fine jewellery. In an exquisite, highly original style, precious materials are handcrafted in sophisticated designs that reinvent iconic symbols and the themes of the new collections.

I love the banana earrings.

For the first time ever, Prada’s collections now gleam with creations made of gold. Guitars, roses and rabbits, not to mention robots, bananas, and the brand’s triangular logo, relive Prada’s history in gold and diamonds, providing a fresh interpretation – with an unmistakable hint of irony – of the brand’s iconic symbols in the form of contemporary and timeless earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces.

How cute is also this bunny necklace?

Great news for ethnical jewellery fans: Prada’s fine jewellery is made using 18-carat gold and diamonds from suppliers with Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification. The RJC is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2015 to promote responsible practices from an ethical, social and environmental point of view and respect for human rights in the handling of metals and precious stones, from their extraction right through to their sale.

Great for every day: the delicate rose bracelet.

The sophisticated work that goes into making these items involves numerous meticulous steps and precise, artisan techniques: precision casting of the gold, CNC machining and wire drawing to cut the diamonds and create other elements. These processes pair traditional knowledge with technological innovation, ensuring perfect quality for each item.

Prada’s first jewellery collection is available now onwards in Prada boutiques and at prada.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

This week, I was invited for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Zurich to view their amazingly stunning travelling collection that will be here until the end of May 2019. Because it’s not every day you get to appreciate high jewellery pieces in person, I was extremely happy to explore those exquisite creations from the House of Tiffany. Needless to say, if they get sold, the travel will come to an end in Switzerland.

Have a look at this rare and refined jewelry that brilliantly blends beautiful gems and unparalleled craftsmanship. And as rare as they are, Tiffany & Co. invites you to discover those masterpieces.

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Green Tourmaline Handcuff
45,44 carat for the green tourmaline

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Necklace in Platinum with Emerald-Cut, Pear Shaped and Round Brilliant Diamonds of over 100 Carats
Each of the diamond strands varies in length and ends in pear-shaped diamonds to emulate the force of water rushing over the rim of the pavé diamond necklace.

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Round Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Central diamond of 5,05 carats, platinum ring

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Octopus Brooch in Platinum with a Baroque Pearl and Round Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
A beautifully formed and unusually large baroque pearl is masterfully transformed into an octopus. Set amid jeweled tentacles swirling with hand cut diamonds and sapphires, this lustrous gift of the sea takes on a powerful presence and playful spirit. The diamond tentacles are finished with bands of blue sapphires. Each stone is hand set along the curved surface, demonstrating the artisans’ skill in crafting this intricate design.

The best thing? Besides being able to ogle to your hearts’ content, mostly everything in the store sparkles beautifully, especially apt with Mother’s Day just around the corner, no? Treat the woman who does it all to a gift wrapped in the famous Blue Box. There are so many options in all price ranges…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
Stills: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. – Photo of the Ring: © Sandra Bauknecht

After this week’s post about the 15 most important runway trends, you know that we will be wearing capes, colorful leather jackets or gothically lovely lace dresses. But what about our shoes, bags and accessories? The fashionable additions to the season’s best outfits have an equally polished attitude. With barely a sneaker in sight, the runways were mastered by clasp bags, fancy kitten heels, and vibrant platform boots that complemented the looks. On the grunge side of things there were lots of cool offerings: punk chokers and most of all, though, there were chains just about everywhere.

Enjoy this season’s unbridled fun running through winter’s most memorable bags and catch up on the season’s most covetable accessories below.

LoL, Sandra

Fall’s ladylike spirit extends into handbags with a focus on proper flap bags with metallic logo clasps.

This is for the serious handbag collector! Novelty bags are nothing new, but this season’s are truly some of the most outstanding pieces you have seen so far.

Hygge is alive and well in the accessories of several designers. Quilted, fluffy, and snuggly, these pieces will make the next polar vortex much more bearable.

One thing is for sure, you won’t be fully dressed without a hat this fall. Whatever the mood, there’s a hat to match – the new pieces are truly sophisticated.

A lot is going on around the neck, from scarves combined with necklaces to mini bags.

This F/W 2019 season requires a defined waist. Take a substantial waist belt to add a little curve to your ensembles.

Ditch the sneakers for a comfy pair of platform boots in vibrant hues – the designers were sending the message on many runways.

Combat boots are a must this season. Equipped with pockets or worn to flowing dresses, the choice is yours.

These kitten heels are easier to walk in than stilettos, but they don’t come up short on style.

Opposites attract. Take blooming accessories to balance the season’s punk movement.

Nothings brings as much drama to an outfit than a huge silk bow.

Dark and spiky chokers are a must and elevate every look to new heights.

The fiercest of all F/W 2019 trends is probably the ear armor. This refers to earrings or cuffs that cover the bulk of the ear helix, looking like an especially glamorous armor.

Chain necklaces are back – mostly elegant and glamorous rather than grunge.

Symmetry is not necessary or recommended this season when it comes to earrings. Wearing only one earring is a great way to channel your inner pirate.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

B Blossom breaks new ground by introducing a fine jewellery collection inspired by the confident woman who leaves a mark in her way.
The star-shaped flower’s iconic design created by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896, is reimagined and emboldened in the guise of a stylish spherical stamp to meld attitude with playfulness.
Illuminated by diamonds, the pink and yellow gold range of rings, bracelets and cuffs, earrings, pendants and chain necklaces radiate the iconic flower’s rebirth in an ode to the precious matrix animating the Monogram’s potential for infinity.

Fashioned for the Louis Vuitton’s tribe, the Maison’s new interpretation of its signature Flower presides throughout this fine jewellery collection as the seal of a modern day avatar. Magnified by the power of gold, stones, and diamonds to redefine the signet ring and its play on heritage.

Seven playful rings offer a versatile interpretation of the House’s iconic design. Worn as single rings or stacked, they are available in malachite, onyx, white agate, pink opal, diamonds or plain gold in both yellow and pink gold. Complimented respectively by three statement signet rings, either in carved stone or the other in paveʼs diamonds.

These generous renditions emphasize the ring’s three dimensionality and its value as a statement piece. With the signature, Louis Vuitton star-shaped flower in diamonds set in white gold, these blossoms evoke Louis Vuitton’s unique know-how to heighten the preciousness of the materials, in a testament to elegant craftsmanship and multicoloured refinement.

Other iconic piece of the collection, a sumptuous bracelet in gold with sensual contour, encases in its curves, fives precious pearls paved of diamonds or in onyx. This impression strengthens the fierce beauty of the message in the stones and amplifies the impact of the design.

The collection’s approach to voluptuousness explores the geometric interplay by introducing a bead and a pendant monogram flower, set inside a single walled frame to be worn on short and long necklaces and bracelets. With earrings to compliment the contrasting shapes, these talismans add a minimalist feel to the iconic design, that exalt the sensuality of Louis Vuitton’s jewellery and exploit the harmony in the elements. Exquisitely sculpted mother of pearl, and the expert work on hard stones highlight the House’s approach to diamonds to showcase the essence of femininity. Set delicately off center, on a modern chain, the square frame can be paired with the rounded generosity of the bead to invite a modern interpretation of the monogram’s heritage.

As the adventurer it inspires, B Blossom finds its beauty in a finely nuanced metamorphosis
that encompasses the genesis of the original design, reinterpreted and sublimated
to entrust Louis Vuitton’s signature collection with a bold new attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

This week, Cartier presented its new jewellery signature line «Clash de Cartier» in Paris. English-Brazilian actress Kaya Scodelario is the face and captures the duality of this collection perfectly. She will next appear in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, a film about serial killer Ted Bundy, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released internationally on May 3rd.

The new collection shakes up the Maison’s aesthetic heritage of studs, beads and clous carrés. Together, they form a singular, ribbed mesh deriving from a clash of attitudes.

Jewellery that’s sharp? Yes, but soft to the touch. Geometric? Yes, but generously sized and feminine. Mechanical? Yes, as all of the pieces are assembled yet free to move. At its essence is opposition: bright, feminine curves and soft contours are contrasted with the nervous tension of a taut structure.

Clash de Cartier possesses an innate sense of proportion that draws on pure Cartier style. In volumes and reliefs, circles and squares, the collection honours the Maison’s penchant for geometry which dates back to the 1930s.

A classic style? No! It’s neo-classical, singular, unisex, whimsical. Bright, flowing, pulsating, Clash de Cartier breaks up the conventional architecture of shapes. The studs are held in place but free to move. This subtle motion entices light to flit and flicker; the metal seems softer. Crafted in 4N pink gold, the rings can be stacked and layered in all versions.

Behind the clean lines and even spacing, Clash de Cartier is a highly complex feat of craftsmanship.
How are the studs interconnected yet mobile? The ingenious articulated mechanism was entirely developed by the jewellery workshops. Each element is mounted and polished. Each step calls for a new technique, just the right tool.

The Clash de Cartier piece is precisely calibrated to magnetise the forces, to hold the studs in place. The buff-top domed clous carrés are finished with a bright polish that is produced over a series of operations. In a final sophisticated touch, the inside of each piece is delicately scalloped for comfortable wear.

In stores now, for more information about the collection and the movie, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier 

CARTIER HAS CREATED AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGH JEWELLERY PARURE COMPOSED OF A RARE ENSEMBLE OF 14 EMERALDS FROM COLOMBIA.
In 1975, Cartier created a necklace for the Mexican actress María Félix that went down in history: two fully articulated crocodiles, one paved with emeralds and the other with yellow diamonds.

The original crocodile necklace created for María Félix in 1975.

The same artisan sculptor behind this historic design was involved in the creation of the new jewellery set. Based around 14 cabochon-cut emeralds from Colombia totalling 46.45 carats, these exceptional gems feature remarkable consistency in terms of quality, colour and shape and are further enhanced by a series of emerald beads in the same intense shade of green.

Cartier High Jewellery necklace (H7000289), bracelet (H6023516), ring (H4345200), earrings (H8000448), white gold, diamonds, emeralds.

THIS CREATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY NECKLACE ORDERED BY MARÍA FÉLIX.
This strikingly realistic reptile, with a powerful body, legs that are ready to move, and an emerald gaze, is distinguished by its protective yet predatory attitude. The design of the four pieces which make up this collection is true to Cartier’s tradition of naturalism: with a single feature, the ridges on  the reptile’s back.
Stretching out towards the tail, the pieces can be wrapped around the neck, the wrist or the finger, or be suspended as a pair of pendant earrings. The animal’s legs, like its scales, have been specially designed to feel comfortable against the skin.
Through the design and lines, the jewellery artisans have created a dynamic, lively shape that demonstrates their unique expertise.

1,875 HOURS OF WORK WERE REQUIRED TO CRAFT THE NECKLACE, AND 1,019 FOR THE BRACELET.
A nod to a legendary Cartier necklace that today has been presented around the world through the Cartier Collection’s exhibitions, this necklace perpetuates the long tradition of High Jewellery at Cartier based on one of its iconic themes, its menagerie, in a stunning exercise in craftsmanship and style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier

Dear Santa! In case you were wondering what would be on top of my wish list for Christmas, here you go. Being a huge fan of DIOR‘s ROSE DES VENTS collection, I have fallen in love with the new star piece of this line. A plastron – a multi-strand necklace – in yellow and white gold, set with diamond, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, onyx, tiger’s eye, cornelian and pink opal discs. What I love most is its versatility. A twist of grains encircles the medallions so that they can be worn either way, with the star showing or just the colourful gemstone.

This piece would look so great with my limited edition ROSE DES VENTS summer bracelets.

The necklace is around CHF 90.000 and I have heard there is one in the Zurich’s DIOR store on Bahnhofstrasse… making your job easier, Mr Santa!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Dior