Sandra‘s Closet

GG-encoded in those two simple letters is a storied system of values, and not just for Gucci. Since the 1960s, the monogram of the House’s founder Guccio Gucci has been featured across collections as a nod to its heritage. The initials similarly surface over and over again at the end of multiplayer games as competitors suddenly turn back into companions, saluting each other with the abbreviation for «good game.» This is the point of connection that Gucci Good Game explores, and that is celebrated in a special new capsule collection presented by the House.

Embraced in 2019, Gucci Good Game is the motto for the House’s ventures into the world of gaming as it creates hubs for play, self-expression, talent, freedom, and individuality – spotlighting the positive principles that are pivotal in making an enjoyable gaming experience possible. Encompassing the full spectrum of gaming from fun to professional, Gucci’s forays into the arena share a collaborative approach, involving various creators in the development of authentic experiences that aim to establish close and deep connections with gamers.

Over the years, the initiatives have seen the brand building a multifaceted presence in a select number of games as well as in immersive gaming platforms, including Roblox, The Sandbox, Zepeto, Hot Wheels Unleashed, Pokémon GO, Animal Crossing, Tennis Clash, The Sims – or partnering with XBOX to offer a limited-edition bundle. The GG initials reworked as the Gucci Good Game logo debuted with the Gucci Gaming Academy – itself a significant manifestation of the House’s principles in this field, and were prominently displayed in Gucci Town on Roblox, the persistent digital space for the Gucci Community on the platform.

Now bringing the spirit of Good Game into the House’s foundational landscape— fashion—the collection further celebrates the link between Gucci and gaming. With its double meaning, the GG becomes the defining motif of this casual-minded capsule. From bowling shirts and hoodies to slides and sneakers, metallics combine with rainbow hues to create an iridescent effect across items emblazoned with the monogram.

Echoing the exploration of new landscapes and meetings of worlds, the collection takes center stage in a visual narrative envisioned by King Kong Magazine, a collaborative project shot by photographer Piczo.

The Gucci Good Game collection will be available online at gucci.com, as well as in select Gucci Stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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As FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ fever takes hold, Hublot announced a dedicated the official «Hublot Loves Football» campaign with 15 football icons and 15 one-of-a-kind football designs created by my beloved friend fashion designer Mira Mikati.

Hublot will serve as the tournament’s official timekeeper, timing all 64 matches, right through to the final in Doha’s Lusail Stadium on December 18. With more than 1 billion viewers, the FIFA World Cup™ tournament is the world’s most watched sports event.

Designer Mira Mikati and Kylian Mbappé  during a creative session for Hublot Loves Football.

To illustrate the campaign, Hublot’s love of football, and the brand’s commitment to beauty in diversity, Hublot invited Lebanese fashion designer Mira Mikati to design a special, happy, colourful «Hublot Loves Football» campaign logo that brims with optimism. Her hand-drawn and painted design captures a youthful, hopeful enthusiasm and communicates a spirit of unity.

Mira with me during Paris Fashion Week.

«Play is at the heart of all my designs. When I’m not playing with colour, I’m playing with words. Just as football sparks joy on the pitch, I want my work to be a constant supply of happiness. Dreams really can come true. Meeting Hublot’s ambassadors and discussing their dreams, passions and how far these drivers can take you was very special. By interpreting every player’s dream, with Hublot we want to inspire other to dream just as big. Whether it’s playing for your country or designing your own collection, we want to inspire the next generation to believe they can achieve anything.» – MIRA MIKATI

In addition, Hublot brought Mira together with 15 Hublot Ambassadors and Friends of the Brand to create 15 unique designs to represent the football of their dreams. Each is a one-off, a piece of art created to capture the themes of hope and universal respect, as well as the individual personalities of the football stars and their shared passion for football. Some are hand-drawn and painted, others crocheted, representing the human element in football. Football is the people’s sport.

My Mira Mikati looks: Back to the ’80s – Santa Monica – Greetings from Verona – Vacation – Never Rest – Mira Mikati

The colors of the rainbow, playful, happy and above all else, colorful – something that perhaps best describe my lovely Mira Mikati. Her designs exude happiness in every detail and love wearing her creations. I am so proud of her for designing those footballs in a rather male dominated field.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Hublot/ Mirą Mikati and © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Louis Vuitton reveals a collaboration with master LEGO® builders, LEGO® Certified Professionals, for its holiday windows and store displays around the world. From now until January 1st, 2023, iconic LEGO® bricks will be used to construct festive scenes that celebrate imagination and the art of creation.

Conceived by the Louis Vuitton Visual Image Studio and realised by LEGO® Certified Professionals, these colourful and dimensional scenes further a creative exchange that began with the Louis 200 Trunks, for which the LEGO Group was among the Visionaries and contributed a giant birthday cake made from 31,700 bricks.

LEGO® Certified Professionals are an inspiring group of LEGO builders who have turned their passion for the LEGO® System-in-Play into their profession.
They are often referred to as master builders as they are the creative brains behind many large-scale LEGO builds that inspire joy in people around the world. For this occasion, which also coincides with the LEGO Group’s 90th Anniversary, the collaboration will have worldwide reach, enchanting people from outside and inside the stores. Snow-capped Christmas trees instantly evoke winter, while brick-covered backgrounds appear in vibrant arrangements of the Damier pattern.

Many of the trunk variations, including those developed for the High Jewellery niches, are panelled in LEGO tiles with realistic hardware and handles. They come both closed and open overflowing with brinks. Other scenes conjure the dream of Paris during the holidays, with highly detailed replicas of the Arc de Triomphe and Pont Neuf. Drawing inspiration from an archive photo, larger-than-life trunks are stacked to resemble the Eiffel Tower – a fantasy composition that shows the limitless possibilities of LEGO play. On a giant scale, the façades of certain Maisons will be further enhanced with exterior festive designs spanning 2 to 15 metres and accented with bricks. On a much smaller scale, special packaging during this period will feature LEGO motifs.

More than an imaginative interpretation of the Louis Vuitton universe, the collaboration with LEGO Certified Professionals underscores the enduring message of handmade creation. From a single brick to millions, the tradition of both brands finds joyful expression resulting from interaction. Once disassembled, the bricks will be repurposed through local partnerships so that kids in local schools can be inspired to build and learn through play.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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I am not a fan of those typical costumes for Halloween, poorly produced, made out of horrible materials, they create waste and are bad for the environment. Luckily, many Halloween costumes can be easily created just from the clothes in your closet and common household items.

Think of one of your favorite iconic movie characters and dress like them. If you have a lot of pink in your closet, then you can probably pull off an Elle Woods or become a Barbie girl (think of the latest Valentino Pink PP collection). Or be a «Queen of Hearts». Put on a long preferably red dress and find your household deck of cards for this easy DIY costume. Just attach some cards with safety pins and off you go. The easiest way is to play with make-up and accessories such as a pair of funky boots and stockings, top it off with a little flour in your hair to make it wiry and wild, and carry around your kitchen broom or your Dyson.

Personally speaking, I always put together costumes with pieces from my own closet. However, I know that my wardrobe is huge and I have many items that scream «dress up» already. Here some of my designer outfits that would be perfect for Halloween! Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana along with Prada are the brands that offer the easiest take on fashion with humor. For all details of the looks, click on the highlighted texts.

LoL, Sandra

Frankenstein’s Wife

Trick or Chic

Queen of Hearts

Old Hollywood Glamour

Pulp Fiction

Marie Antoinette

Great Gatsby

Racer Girl

Desperate Housewife

Barbie Girl

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography / Andrea Monica Hug
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi, are inspiring greatness at its best by collaborating with the Dubai-based world-renowned contemporary British artist Sacha Jafri for the inception of ‘The Six Elements’ Phantom.

Jafri is known for creating the world’s largest painting on canvas, Journey of Humanity (see above) over seven months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai. With his work having been shown in the most prominent Art Institutions across the globe. The Dubai-based artist is described as ‘The Pioneer of Magical Realism’ and this century’s true zeitgeist, bringing painting with raw emotion back to the forefront of the art world. Sacha’s work acts as an electric shock to the senses, reminding us of the magic in the mundane and awakening the child within us all. His recent paintings celebrate the life’s achievements of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, President Barack Obama, HE Nelson Mandela, David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson. Sacha Jafri is widely regarded as one of the world’s most celebrated living artists and has raised more than $140 million for charities across the world from the sale of his art.

Coming back to this beautiful collaboration. These six one-of-one Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II motor cars will each feature a unique, painted Sacha Jafri Gallery, inspired by the one of the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Air, with Humanity as the ‘sixth element’. The project has the expressed aim of raising $1 million for charity, with associations to be announced later this year. The chosen beneficiaries will be Humanity-centric, spanning three sectors: Education, Health, and Sustainability.

Selected for his inimitable vision, style and use of colours, Jafri is crafting a unique Gallery for each Phantom Series II, themed around the Six Elements. The principle of adding Humanity as an element builds on the ethos of the British artist’s works around the five traditional elements. The underlying message is the need to reintroduce a sense of humanity to the world and to find balance within ourselves.

For Sacha Jafri, each of the elements evokes different emotions, spirit, energy and purpose. Fire represents passion and belief. Fire is balanced by earth, which represents grounding and roots. Air is the essence of life, enabling us to breathe. Wind enhances our feelings of freedom, whilst Water, supports our lyricism and fluidity. Humanity brings love, embrace, and the linking of souls.

«The six Rolls-Royce Phantoms will embody the emotion of each elemental force. The artistic journey begins and ends with emotion and intention, fuelling my inspiration to create the colour palette of the ‘Six Elements’. Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Air are enhanced by the addition of a ‘new element’, Humanity – the very essence of life itself.
Rolls-Royce is a brand of intention, excellence, power, detail and passion – a brand that has been on a similar journey to my own. It has set new levels of achievement, with pioneering accolades yet to be surpassed. By embracing empathy, we are able to reconnect the spirit of our world, in connection with our Elements and the souls of not only the individual, but of the very idea of universal consciousness.
We are embarking on a journey that aims to continuously fulfil those values, keeping our intentions pure and driven, eternally. This commission is indicative of these principles, not only incorporating art for the sake of aesthetic inspiration, but also a nurturing of the soul, an uplifting of the spirit, and the embodiment of a true charitable cause.»
Sacha Jafri, Artist

The Rolls-Royce Phantom ‘The Six Elements’ motor cars will also feature a unique digital element. The marque is simultaneously launching «The Rolls-Royce That Keeps on Giving» NFT initiative, which includes six individual flythrough animations.

Each time any of the six NFTs are traded, a royalty of 20% will be donated to the chosen charity. The six distinct one-off NFTs are linked to each of the six Phantoms, however, owners can sell their NFT separately if they choose to do so. These NFTs will be uniquely embedded within the glove compartment of each Phantom Series II, enabling each of the six owners to view their NFT experience whilst sat within their car.

The eighth generation of Phantom was unveiled in 2017. When creating this new expression, Phantom Series II, Rolls-Royce designers and engineers were guided by the requests of clients, who implored Rolls-Royce not to make any major changes to an already iconic motor car. In answer to these client demands, only the lightest of design touches, embellishments, and adaptations have been incorporated. Indeed, Phantom Series II is not about what should be changed, but in fact, what should be preserved and protected.

Utterly unique to Phantom, the marque offers an extraordinary art-within-art canvas: The Gallery. Running the entire length of the fascia and conceptualised to house Bespoke creations with an uninterrupted glass enclosure. In this instance, these ‘Six Elements’ Phantom Series II motor cars were designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce around Jafri’s hand-painted galleries.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rolls-Royce, © Sacha Jafri and via Humanity Inspired
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On Monday, September 5th at 8.15pm on ProSieben Switzerland, DRESS UP airs for the first time and I am the expert guest juror in it. Together with top stylist Sascha Lilic I presented the first challenge for the ten candidates.

For this episode, they had to «style two «Dreamy Fairytale» looks for a high fashion editorial campaign on the same model and create the greatest possible contrast between the two looks.»

The candidates had 4.5 hours to fulfill the task. After that, they presented their work to us and we gave them immediate feedback. Sascha and I were a great team and we had a lot of fun together.

Are you curious to see the outcome? And who made it into the next round? Then watch the show on Monday evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ProSieben and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Ten candidates, six styling challenges, one winner – that’s Dress Up. In the new ProSieben TV show, ten styling talents face tough challenges and have to prove week after week that they have what it takes to be a styling professional.

The looks are judged by top stylist Sascha Lilic and an expert guest juror each week. I am very happy that I am at Sascha’s side in the first episode that will air on Monday, September 5th at 8.15pm on ProSieben Switzerland.

Sascha is absolutely amazing, he worked as a stylist for renowned magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar, among others and dressed many celebrities. His exquisite industry knowledge, witty humor and sense of style makes it a true pleasure to work with him.

The program will be shown every Monday on ProSieben Switzerland from September 5th. Other guest jurors are drag queen Hayden Kryze, influencer Romina Palm, hairstylist Teresa Hofmeister, presenter and curvy model Angelina Kirsch and famous fashion designer Christian Cowan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ProSieben and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Kim Kardashian’s signature style is entering a new frontier with her new Beats x Kim collection, modeling three neutral-toned versions of the brand’s popular Fit Pro earbuds of her own design.

With great sound quality, reliable battery life, excellent active noise cancellation and smart features reminiscent of the high-end Apple AirPods, there’s very little to dislike about these headphones.  The colors — named Moon, Dune and Earth — are designed to be a statement accessory and complement whatever your outfit of the day is. They’re a lot more muted than the other colors the Fit Pros come in, so as to be more versatile and neutral.

«I wanted to break away from the idea that headphones have to be colorful to make a statement,» said Kim Kardashian in a press release. «This collaboration is special because it allows you to blend in or stand out, and Beats is known for creating products that showcase individuality.»

«Kim brought her signature minimalist style to the first-ever Beats Fit Pro custom headphones,» said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services at Apple. «We’re excited to offer Beats’ most innovative headphones in a whole new, gorgeous color palette to music fans and fashion lovers alike.»

The new Beats x Kim version of the Beats Fit Pro will be available on Apple’s website for $199.99. You’ll also be able to pick up the new buds at in-person Apple Stores as well as authorized third-party retailers such as Zalando for Germany and Switzerland. The retail price is €229.95.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Beats/Zalando
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While being on holidays and talking to my friends, I have realized that not so many people know about Apple‘s new hero product, the Apple AirTags. In times when airlines are loosing just too many pieces of luggage, this small, circular tile-like item will be your savior. It allows you to track objects – from your luggage, to keys to your wallet – within Apple’s ‘Find My’ app and is working with Apple’s existing software. So on your next flight, you will already know if your suitcase has been loaded or not. One Apple AirTag costs CHF 35. Personally speaking a great deal for this kind of security. Just put it in your suitcase and you will know where it is.

However, my excitement goes further as you can update your gadget as the marriage of Hermès’s first-class savoir-faire and Apple’s advanced technology, that started in 2105, does not stop there this summer. The new collection comprises of a leather bag charm (CHF 299), a travel tag (CHF 449), a luggage tag (CHF699) and a key ring (CHF 349).

Inspired by a horse-racing token holder created by Hermès in the early 20th century, Apple AirTag Hermès is available in Barénia calfskin or Swift calfskin.

Pro equally demonstrated Hermès’s commitment to innovation, and its awareness of the fruits of fusing craft and computers. The Apple AirTag Hermès is the perfect exemplar of cutting-edge technology and artisanship – available online at Apple or Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès / Sandra Bauknecht
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Zurich gets a new hot spot, or let me say several new hot spots in one. FIVE Zurich will open its doors on 30th of June, 2022. Dubbed the new dining and nightlife destination in Switzerland, the new luxurious lifestyle hotel is boasting 87 luxurious suites with glittering skyline city view or lush forest view. Reviving Zurich’s wild side, the new party and culinary hotspot boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Detox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool.

This stunning hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport within a 2-minute walk.

Recently shortlisted in the inaugural edition of the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2022 guide for two of its concepts, Maiden Shanghai and Cinque, FIVE is thrilled to expand its culinary offering to the discerning Swiss audience.

Delectable Dining
With breathtaking views of the vibrant city and magnificent mountains, these exclusive dare-to-be-different dining experiences include soul food meets street art at Soul St., imaginative Chinese at Maiden Shanghai, Japanese bites the FIVE Way at The Penthouse, a lounge for wine lovers at The Vault, a round-the-clock welcome at café and bar at Tune In and Zurich’s only out-of-doors Social Pool showcase a stellar line up culinary delights merged with FIVE’s legendary entertainment offerings.

Soul St.
Discover the art of global street food at this high energy immersive dining experience, which includes an open plan kitchen for guests to enjoy watching FIVE’s chef whip up fan favourite dishes. Diners can discover a selection of baos, authentic street tacos, a Vietnamese beef Pho, Chicken shawarma, the signature Nitro yoghurt bombs, Chicken tikka masala and Guacamole al mortero plated live on the table and a buzzing balcony bathed in fresh air, sunshine and lively tunes. With a vibrant mix of graffiti and art created by the most talked about International artistes such as Pichi Avo and Lau Rodriguez, this popular Instagram hotspot is known for its Global Street Food Party Brunch.
Soul St. Tip: Step into Soul St.’s eye-catching Volkswagen Van for an unforgettable in-van dining experience!

Maiden Shanghai
An MSG-free Chinese restaurant serving gourmet dishes, this 1920’s Shanghai-inspired restaurant boasts a stunning open air terrace, a high energy main dining room and a fun-dining, exclusive private dining room. Home to famed luxury lifestyle events including an award-winning brunch and weekly Ladies’ Night, this venue promises a glamorous take on traditional Asian cuisine with an exhilarating FIVE twist.

The Penthouse (Restaurant and Nightclub)
This day to night concept with evolving seasonal themes is all set to be Zurich’s most-coveted new destination for music and nightlife.
A distinctive venue that transforms from a restaurant serving a heavenly Japanese selection to a vibrant bar lounge and energetic nightclub with a stellar line-up of globally renowned DJs. Visitors can choose to sit indoors and be enveloped in the opulent décor of the fabulous restaurant area and private dining room or venture out on the terrace and marvel at picture-perfect skyline views and capture Insta-gold moments.

As twilight sets in, The Penthouse’s unisex, après hours bathroom bar will be the musical nucleus of FIVE until the early hours of the morning.
Dine on miso marinated black cod, salmon teriyaki or tempting sashimi, sushi and maki platters while sipping on FIVE’s one-is-never-enough signature cocktails such as The Mexican Cartel, Collins 2.0 and Sunset.

The Vault
An eclectic venue, which proudly houses Zurich’s greatest selection of Swiss wines, boasts of an in-house Master Sommelier that will guide guests through the perfect selection to suit their taste. The Vault will be a tantalizing retreat for wine lovers and novices alike along with an extensive cigar collection for cigar aficionados. The Vault’s tapas-style menu will focus on delectable wine and cheese pairings that’s FIVEs’ fun and feisty reinterpretation of traditional fondue.

Tune In
An all-day café and bar where visitors are warmly welcomed when they choose to pop in for a tasty takeaway or opt to sit in for an enjoyable tidbit and sip and watch the world go by from Tune Ins’ alfresco terrace garden. Serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast dishes, sweet treats in the form of luscious freshly baked pastries and scrumptious salads, pizzas and pastas for lunch and dinner, Tune In offers a playful plateful to fulfil any craving.

The Social Pool
Raising temperatures this summer, is our buzzing social pool. Framed by picturesque forest views, this stunning one-of-a-kind outdoor pool will host Zurich’s best pool days with live beats spun by globally renowned DJs, an integrated Jacuzzi space, tantalizing cocktails and delightful poolside nibbles – all served up with FIVE Flair!

«FIVE is thrilled to bring our pioneering dining and entertainment concepts to a brand new audience with the opening of FIVE Zurich. With revenge tourism taking centre stage on the global hospitality landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to build on our existing European clientele. ‘FIVERs’ come to us to indulge in the signature FIVE Vibe, which we’ve been celebrated for in Dubai – and which we will now introduce in Zurich.» – Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE.

To book call: +41 (0) 44 456 55 55
Email: fzh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of FIVE Zurich
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