Sandra‘s Closet

In times of quarantine and lockdowns, during holiday season or just for fun, board games  are always a welcome distraction of the day. If you have a fellow fashionista friend, this could be a great gift idea. Board games have been rendered in a variety of shapes and materials by several fashion houses, from luxe crystal-embellishments to sturdy wood. I have gathered some of the most beautifully designed chess sets and game boards that are sure to delight everyone from game novices to Kasparov-level players.

LoL, Sandra

Lambskin, resin and silver metal, black and ecru checkers set by CHANEL (Métiers d’Art 2021 Le Château des Dames) (FYI, the Zurich store has one set left)

Chess set by Prada

Acrylic chess set by Jonathan Adler

Horsecut chest game by Hermès

Crystal-embellished Dominoes game by Rosantica

K/Ikonik monogram card game by Karl Lagerfeld

Barocco Medusa puzzle game by Versace

Decorative backgammon set by L’Objet

Nudes tournament size backgammon set by Alexandra Llewellyn

Helios mahjong set by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
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The North Face and Gucci collaborate on the second chapter of designs that celebrates the spirit of exploration and pushes the limits of tradition. The latest selection of ready-to-wear and accessories embraces self-discovery through a mix of bold logo prints, geometric patterns and forest-themed motifs.

From jackets and T-shirts to cats, from backpacks to tracking boots, a massive selection of 126 co-branded pieces with an outdoor-inspired feel is available now.

My absolute favorite piece from the second chapter is the hooded cotton-blend canvas-jacquard down jacket. The sizing runs pretty big. I am wearing an XXS.

The collection is colorful and vibrant. TO SHOP THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE NORTH FACE x GUCCI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Gucci
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It’s weekend, time to go to the cinema. In my recent posts linked to the new House of Gucci movie, I shot inside the Pathé cinema in Spreitenbach (click here for the post), which offers you the ultimate theater experience before, during and after your screening.

«Feel like a star!» – that is the motto when you book the VIP concept, unique in Switzerland, at Pathé Spreitenbach for only CHF 49.00 per person. The VIP experience begins with an automatic check-in kiosk. Through the golden elevator you access the VIP Area on the first floor, including a private bar and 3 exclusive rooms, VIP Lounge, VIP Bed and IMAX VIP. You can enjoy tasting soft drinks and unlimited snacks for free. The bar also includes a wide selection of wines and champagne.

From check-in to the end credits, it’s all about exclusivity, privacy, comfort, luxury, and of course, the best of technology with the IMAX VIP room and the Dolby Atmos sound that equips the VIP Lounge and VIP Bed.

VIP LOUNGE ROOM
26 double sofas and 9 individual sofas (how cool is this when you would like to go to the cinema by yourself) in soft velvet to the touch and in trendy colors are available in the VIP Lounge. Each place is equipped with an induction smartphone charger. The first row even offers extra comfort for those who want to stretch their legs. A cabinet for storing your bag, a shelf equipped with elegant tasting glasses and a shelf for storing your snacks and drinks complete the equipment.

VIP BED
In the VIP BED, 11 double beds await you for an unforgettable cinema experience. These exclusively designed beds offer an incredible view of the screen, while ensuring the privacy of the spectators. Each has 2 orthopedic mattresses. The headboard is electrically and individually adjustable. An induction charger for smartphones, as well as two lockers for storing your personal effects complete the equipment of each bed.

IMAX VIP
With unrivaled image quality (DMR-Digital Media Remastering), pure, vibrant and immersive sound, and oversized rooms, the IMAX experience is arguably the best cinema experience possible. Want to take this experience to the next level? Discover IMAX VIP: 16 cocoon seats with adjustable electric backrests and footrests, an induction charger for smartphones, an adjustable tablet, and a locker to store your personal belongings.

KIDS CINEMA
You will love accompanying your children to the cinema, exclusively at Pathé Spreitenbach! The cinema was created by children for children: colorful Fatboy bean bags, a slide and even a ball pool! The brightness, the sound as well as the choice of films also meet the needs of small moviegoers. You can also privatize the Kids Cinema for a fun birthday party for your little one.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pathé and © David Biedert Photography
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On 12 and 13 of November, Prada will present the sixth iteration of Prada Mode at the Levenson Mansion in Moscow featuring an installation by artist Damien Hirst. A traveling social club with a focus on contemporary culture, Prada Mode provides members with a unique art experience along with music, dining, and conversations.

Pharmacy exterior © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

For Prada Mode Moscow, Damien Hirst will transform the historic building with his installation, Pharmacy. Hirst created Pharmacy restaurant in Notting Hill, London in 1998, six years after the inaugural installation of the same name at the Cohen Gallery New York.

Pharmacy was conceived as a fully functioning restaurant and bar in an installation of Hirst’s floor-to-ceiling medicine cabinets, and specially made butterfly paintings. Hirst designed furniture, architectural details such as a huge molecular model in its window, light boxes, and a wallpaper design taken from a catalogue of prescription medicine.

© Tate, London 2012 © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

In Moscow, Hirst will present the third iteration of Pharmacy restaurant, the second being installed at his Newport Street Gallery, London. It is fitting for this to be made especially for Prada Mode: the artist’s long-time friend Miuccia Prada designed the staff uniforms for the original restaurant.

«I’m so excited to be invited by Miuccia to recreate Pharmacy for Prada Mode in Moscow,» said the artist. «I’m pulling out all of the stops to make this amazing, and the four floors of the historic Levenson building will provide the perfect place for it. I can’t wait to get going! I’ve always thought great restaurants can be art, and Pharmacy is a living breathing artwork, best filled with people and art as one.»

One of the most extravagant houses in Moscow… Levenson Mansion.

The Levenson Mansion is a private residence on Moscow’s Patriarch Ponds. The Art Nouveau landmark was designed by architect Fyodor Shechtel in 1900 for the A.A. Levenson Skoroprinting Company, an official purveyor of his majesty Emperor Nicholas II’s Imperial Court.

Last year, Fondazione Prada and Damien Hirst came together in aid of Save The Children.

Prada Mode Moscow will welcome members to access the club at any time over the course of the two-day project to participate in morning and afternoon panels and discussions as well as nightly events featuring exhilarating performances and live music, sampling specialty cocktails and dining throughout. Pharmacy installation will then open to the public from November 14th to 20th 2021.

LEVENSON MANSION
9, TRYOKHPRUDNY LANE
MOSCOW
NOV 12–13 2021

Update on October 21, 2021: Due to today’s news, please be informed that the Prada Mode Moscow event is now postponed. The new dates will be announced soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and © Damian First if not stated otherwise

(V) Vaccinated – Valentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

I absolutely love cars. Being German, I also adore driving fast. Due to the recent hail storm, my beloved car got pretty destroyed and therefore I am looking for a new one. What is important to me? I love luxury and racing – two things MASERATI is synonymous with. My focus is on power: the experience should be unforgettable on a daily basis, with driving pleasure and performance at the heart. However, thinking about the environment and future, electric power should also be considered.

Let’s get started. A drive is worth a thousand words so I was very curious to test drive the MASERATI Ghibli L4 MHEV 2WD in Grigio Maratea, a petrol mild-hybrid version, that is the very first MASERATI in history to include an electric power source of any kind.

My journey was a fascinating one and I will be given you a personal insight how I felt limitless among expansive landscapes at the wheel of the MASERATI. This car is designed to deliver an awe-inspiring driving experience. Sculpted forms and fluid volumes are connected by clean lines to form a unique style that is unmistakably for the Italian car manufacturer.

For starters, the MASERATI Ghibli was launched in 2013 and got a minor refresh for 2021, mostly on the inside, with a new centre dash. The Hybrid identifiers on the outside are restricted to a discreet, blue line on the badging and a revised front grille. The brakes are also painted blue.

That «small size» (compared to other MASERATIS) offers more nimble handling and easy parking in the streets of Switzerland.

Inside, the Ghibli gives you a wealth of premium features such as power-adjustable front seats that can be both heated and ventilated. Hand-stitched details, premium leather upholstery, and shiny inlays come together to give you a true sense of opulence, and the four-door setup offers comfortable seating for four when you want to bring a few friends along for the ride.

Sporty, sophisticated and dynamic. I truly enjoyed the driving experience and I will definitely consider this high-end Italian luxury sports car for my next set of wheels.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maserati | Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.
#Maserati #MaseratiGhibliHybrid #PerformanceCharged

«Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.»

She is my muse, my idol – Iris Apfel is a true inspirational fashion icon and she just turned 100. Reason enough for H&M to collaborate with the birthday girl, who belongs to the world’s 50 best-dressed women. What better way to make a memorable celebration than creating a collection filled with eclectic garments and loud accessories?!

The upcoming collection, which will hit the shelves in the beginning of 2022, got a head start this week as the Swedish fashion giant celebrated and hosted her 100th birthday during New York Fashion Week 2021, cementing her status as a long-time fashion muse.

Imagine that you enter a room filled with eternal flair and a century’s worth of moments: you hear laughter, and chandeliers glitter; you see magnificent shapes and colors as if lifted from an artist’s palette — the smell of summer flowers and citrus fruits gives you goose bumps. That’s how I believe it feels entering Iris Apfel’s wardrobe.

A little preview of the upcoming Iris Apfel x H&M collection.

Iris was born in 1921 in the concrete jungle of New York. She studied art and fashion at prominent universities in the US, and her career is as inspirational as her style. She is a self-made businesswoman, style icon, fashion designer, and interior decorator. She has always succeeded on her different career paths with her oh-so-famous «why be boring?» attitude. If you happen to visit the Big Apple, you will quickly recognize «the Big Apfel.» Her esthetic of bright clothing, layers and layers of fun accessories, and thick, round, oversized glasses are just Iris dressing for herself and herself only. This has inspired people worldwide to create and celebrate their own style that they feel good in.

«Style is not about spending a lot of money. It’s not about what or who you wear, but how you feel when wearing something. Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude,» says Iris Apfel.

Iris represents the notion that style and inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone, regardless of the price. «I think that H&M is a fabulous outfit worldwide and absolute pioneers in their field — which I love! I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!» says Iris.

«With this collaboration, we are celebrating a unique and extraordinary woman and her creative and audacious style,» says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M. «She shows that style is ageless and keeps encouraging people to show who they are with fashion — and to have fun at the same time.»

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection will include an assortment of clothing and accessories created with Iris’ bold sense of style, designed for all ages and sizes.

«The collection is playful, opulent and rich with vibrant colors, vivid prints and opulent fabric choices. The look is indulgent with a more-is-more attitude and crowned by over-the-top jewelry, which is very much a signum for Iris,» says an excited Ann-Sofie Johansson.

The collection launches at the beginning of 2022.
I hope that you will enjoy all of my favorite Iris Apfel quotes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M / Iris Apfel

With several high-end audio products already under its belt, Louis Vuitton now adds a portable speaker to its range of connected products. Seamlessly combining tradition and innovation, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker is an example of unique design and genuine craftsmanship.

Through superior sound quality and cutting-edge technology, it really comes into its own through the Maison’s unconventional approach to creating beauty in an everyday object. Not only does the speaker provide the ultimate audio-visual experience, it also represents the House’s skill in turning a utilitarian item into a work of art. With creativity running through every strand of Louis Vuitton, the Horizon Light Up speaker is no exception. Challenging perceptions of how objects should look and feel, as well as what is possible in terms of design, the speaker takes on a form that is unique in the audio market with inspiration coming from the Toupie (‘Spinning Top’) handbag, designed by the brand’s Artistic Director of Women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière. Just as the Toupie rewrote the rule book for evening bags, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker aims to reinvent the world of portable speakers.

Bound in noble leather and with metal components, the speaker boasts the House’s emblematic signatures. Only when the device is switched on does its purpose become obvious in an explosion of sound, light and movement. As the covered woofer vibrates like a heartbeat, a dynamic light show synchronises to the beat with a colourful digital interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram flower. A top ring with LED backlighting provides three different animations in seven carefully selected, graduated colourways. A concave, steel middle band features the cut-out letters ‘L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N’ that glow in colours to match the dancing top ring.

Elegant and discreet, the speaker can be used inside and out, and is equally at home in the living room, office or garden, on a country retreat, a city break, or at a beach club party. The unconventional shape offers myriad acoustic benefits. When sitting on its dock, the sound is played at 360 degrees, but by placing the speaker on its side, music can be sent in a specific direction. At the top of the speaker, a leather strap is attached, a unique element that is as fashionable as it is freeing. Beautiful and compact enough to be carried as an accessory, either with or without its protective pouch, the speaker is truly portable, a perfect representation of Louis Vuitton’s Spirit of Travel.

The Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker weighs approximately 1kg and measures a mere 18cm in diameter – a remarkable feat of engineering that involved housing the highest quality acoustic components in a diminutive and complex case to deliver a unique audio experience.

With all the convenience of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth®, the speaker is also compatible with Apple AirPlay® 2, and Qplay via Wi-Fi. It can be charged via USB-C (through the speaker or dock), with a full charge providing up to 15 hours of playtime. Depending on the occasion, it can also be paired or grouped in larger numbers to accommodate bigger spaces and multiple rooms.

A dedicated Louis Vuitton Connect app controls all of the speaker’s functions including colour combinations, animation sequences and mono or multiroom set-up to be operated via a smartphone.

Living up to all of the House’s promises, the beautiful, practical and covetable Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker will be a welcome addition to any lifestyle occasion. Fated to be a future icon, it is sure to become the ultimate accessory for those who appreciate high-quality acoustics and ultimate craftsmanship, as well as for the contemporary traveller.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. AirPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has co-created a magnificent Bespoke Phantom in a unique collaboration with Hermès. Designed and handcrafted by a combined team of Bespoke specialists at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, and Hermès in Paris, Phantom Oribe reflects the personality and passions of its owner, Japanese entrepreneur and art collector Yusaku Maezawa, who envisioned the car as a «land jet», bringing the serene exclusivity of private air travel to the road.

Yusaku Maezawa

The car’s striking two-tone exterior matches the characteristic green and cream glazes of antique Japanese Oribe ware, of which Maezawa-san is a prominent collector. The upper part is finished in Oribe Green, a fully Bespoke colour created exclusively for the client; in an unusual move, Rolls-Royce has made the paint available for use on the client’s private jet the Phantom will be paired with. Developed over many months by specialists in the Surface Finish Centre at Goodwood, it perfectly captures the lustrous, deep-green glaze that characterises these 16th century ceramics. The effect is beautifully completed by the cream-white lower section.

The Oribe ware-inspired colourway harmoniously continues through the interior, created and realised through a true meeting of minds between Hermès designers and craftspeople, and the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople. Together, they applied their shared expertise and ingenuity to ensure every individual component embodies the finest traditions of both houses.

The interior is finished predominantly in Hermès Enea Green leather, extending to details that include the immediate touch-points of the client; for example, the steering wheel, duchess handles, gear selector and the rotary controls for the motor car’s climate settings.

The Hermès leather flows around the upper instrument panel, interior pillars and parcel shelf. It also enrobes less visible surfaces including the glove compartment and luggage compartment lining, centre console, decanter stowage compartment and Champagne cooler. In a sign of the project’s truly collaborative nature, and the two makers’ mutual esteem, the glove compartment lid is embossed with the signature Habillé par Hermès Paris.

Delicate Hermès piping adorns the headrest cushions and calf supports of the rear seats, while soft Seashell White accents and matching lambswool floor mats create a sense of light and space throughout.

The interior is also replete with examples of Rolls-Royce Bespoke design and handcraftsmanship. Wooden speaker frets, for example, are formed by meticulously perforating the Open Pore Royal Walnut veneer applied to the doors, creating a seamless, textured aesthetic and delicate haptics. Open Pore Royal Walnut is additionally applied to the centre and rear consoles and picnic table backs; in another first for Rolls-Royce, the interior features Hermès «Toile H» canvas on the door armrests, centre and rear consoles and, most notably, the signature headliner.

Hermès brings its distinctive equestrian heritage and innovative craftsmanship know-how to the car, with the leather upholstery created using stitching and edge-painting techniques originally employed by master saddlers. For Phantom’s Gallery, a feature unique to Rolls-Royce, that runs the length of the motor car’s fascia, Hermès commissioned an artwork based on a design by the celebrated French artist and illustrator Pierre Péron (1905–1988) who created many of the House’s iconic scarves. The work, inspired by the famous Hermès horse motif, is hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut and is presented as though staged in an art gallery, behind glass.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös added, «This majestic and tasteful Rolls-Royce Phantom demonstrates what is possible when talented people from two of the world’s great houses work closely together alongside a far-sighted, inspirational client like Maezawa-san. It is a meeting of minds, expertise, visions and skill that represents the very best of our respective craftspeople and capabilities.»

I am speechless. What a beauty! Bravo!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rolls-Royce

Designer water bottles are a thing now. Sustainable fashion is trending and designers have been getting a bit more creative by offering accessories that help to reduce and prevent plastic waste.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a reusable water bottle. And while you’re at it, why not take it to the next level with one of these stainless-steel designer versions?

Don’t forget, hydration will never be out of style…

LoL, Sandra

Fredy cotton-canvas water bottle holder by Chloé

SIGG salamander-print metal water bottle by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Logo-print 750ml stainless-steel water bottle by Adidas by Stella McCartney

The Quench logo-print bottle holder by Kurt Geiger London

FF-logo suede water bottle holder by Fendi

Crystal-embellished water bottle by Rosantica

Bottle holder by Louis Vuitton

Vintage Check bottle holder by Burberry

Set of two More Joy-print aluminium water bottle by More Joy by Christopher Kane

Logo-embossed moiré holder and bottle by Marine Serre

1994 structured chain-link bottle holder by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.