Sandra‘s Closet

Each year in celebration of World’s Ocean Day, that is celebrated on the 8th of June, La Mer continues their quest to give back to the glorious entity that gave them so much, the ocean.

When founder Dr. Max Huber discovered the particularly nutrient-rich Giant Sea Kelp, he was inspired to harness the ocean’s legendary healing powers by bio-fermenting it along with other natural, skin-boosting ingredients like magnesium and iron, to formulate the heart of the La Mer line, the iconic Miracle Broth™.

Reflecting the ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, this year’s limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de La Mer is an artistic interpretation of the power of Giant Sea Kelp, and a painterly portrayal of the healing moisture that waits within. Those jars have already collector’s status.

YOU CAN SHOP THE LA MER BLUE HEART 2024 LIMITED EDITION HERE.
Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

Take La Mer on your next escape, so you can hydrate, revitalize and glow on the go.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider watch marries the pristine white gold of its case with the delicate shimmer of its enamelled dial and cover to create an elegant blend of rigorous discipline, understatement and visual balance. Its timeless lines designed by Philippe Delhotal in 2015 lend themselves to every expression of Hermès skills. Its slender curves highlight both bold, whimsical and minimalist motifs. The Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider watch airily reflects the playful imaginary world and the singular nature of Hermès time.

Crafted in a 3-piece limited edition, this pocket watch reinterprets the Mysterious Rider silk scarf motif created by illustrator and designer Viktor Hachmang. A finalist in the Grand Prix du Carré Hermès, the Dutch artist marries colourful, futuristic graphics with refined Japanese art and comic-book pop culture. His bright hues and geometric patterns bring to life the mysterious rider on a gleaming motorbike. In the background is a shop front reminiscent of the legendary and historic 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.

The cover featuring the biker and his roaring motorcycle is crafted in champlevé enamel. This demanding technique involves carving tiny cells in the metal, filling them with coloured glass powders mixed with natural oils, then firing them several times in a kiln at over 800°C to fix the pigments in place. This brilliantly colourful work of fine workmanship frames a refined white enamel dial. To craft the latter, the enamelling artisan applies a multitude of enamel layers that are successively dried and fired before being adorned with hand-painted red numerals and hour-markers. Beating at the heart of the Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider is the Manufacture Hermès H1950 ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement. A strap and pouch in matt Rouge H alligator leather, crafted in accordance with the Hermès saddlery and leather goods expertise, accentuate the overall crimson nuances of this creation.

I personally speaking have a thing for pocket watches … and this one is divine!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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Those who have an appreciation for classic art will find great value in Olympia Le-Tan‘s latest collection of clutches: a mesmerizing fusion of elegance and artistry inspired by the timeless grace of ballet. Made from canvas, they are designed to look like a hardcover book and have a gold-tone frame resembling gilt-edged pages.

Grab your pointe shoes and your tutu, and dance through life with the Ballet Collection. Let the world see your inner ballerina shine.

TO SHOP THE BALLET COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan
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French fashion house Jacquemus has partnered with luxury hotel group Four Seasons to create a summer experience at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas.  This close encounter between one of Europe’s leading fashion brands and the legendary Ocean Club will immerse guests in the Jacquemus world of «pop luxury» befitting of a destination that has been a playground for the international jet set since the 1960s.

Les Sculptures, a Jacquemus Boutique

CARLO, The Ocean Club’s on-site boutique, has transformed into a Jacquemus shopping experience, featuring selections for men and women from the brand’s Spring-Summer Ready to Wear Collection.  First unveiled in January at La Fondation Maeght in the South of France, founder and designer Simon Port Jacquemus’ signature designs and bold silhouettes were presented among sculptures by Giacometti, Braque, Calder and others.

Jacquemus at the Versailles and Ocean Pools

The collaboration continues with a reimagining of The Ocean Club resort experience at the iconic Versailles and Ocean Pools.  Jacquemus has designed fabrics for loungers, accent pillows, sunshades and pool toys that are printed with a hand-painted stripe pattern in combinations of black/white, yellow/white, blue/white and red/white.

The Versailles Pool is surrounded by tropical landscaping, and towering palms set the tone for a serene adults-only oasis.  The Ocean Pool, perched above the shoreline is 38-metres (125-feet) of infinity-edge turquoise water with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop.

Four Seasons at Home: The Ocean Club, in Partnership with Jacquemus, Debuts a Must-Have Pool Towel  

In celebration of this collaboration, Jacquemus has designed a luxe towel in bold black and white stripes exclusively for Four Seasons.  Generously sized at 100 by 180 centimetres (40 by 70 inches) the towel is finely crafted in Portugal from 100 percent cotton.

This very special Jacquemus accessory is available while quantities last, only at The Ocean Club and at shop.fourseasons.com.

Experience Four Seasons + Jacquemus at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas from June 7 to July 31, 2024 by booking a stay online this summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Four Seasons
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Follow the sun @jacquemus, @fourseasons and @fsoceanclub.

Vivienne, Louis Vuitton’s house’s iconic mascot, was introduced in 2017 and symbolizes the Maison’s more whimsical, playful side. The Fashionista capsule reimagines Vivienne as a fashion icon with its own bag, jewelry, or clothing inspired by Louis Vuitton’s most iconic designs, signature motifs and patterns.

The collection features eight maxi sized Viviennes with their own personalities designed as both collectible figurines and delightful bag charms: LV DENIM, LV MALLETAGE, LV GOLDEN, PINK LADY, LV PARISIENNE, SHOPAHOLIC, LV MIX, LV ROCK.

All crafted in the finest leather and fur with the savoir-faire and craftsmanship that Louis Vuitton has brought to its products for over 170 years.

To collect this set, the Vivienne Fashionista Coffret is a limited-edition piece, developed especially for the eight Vivienne Fashionista bag charms in a unique collectible case. Inspired of the House’s historic trunks, the case is made from wood and Monogram canvas with gold-finish hardware.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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After my crazy traveling, I came back to Zurich to attend a special event at «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen as Hublot and Andreas Caminada’s castle of Schauenstein celebrate 20 years with the special edition Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein. For this occasion, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and friends of the brand, such as retired cross-country skier Dario Cologna, who won four overall World Cup victories, and four Olympic gold medals, Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer Corinne Suter, and profi golfer Joel Girrbach came to Zurich.

With Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe

The Art of Gastronomy 

Blending meticulous expertise and a passion for fine artistry with time, gourmet cuisine and Haute Horlogerie share essential elements. Precise timing is vital for chefs, from ordering to plating up on the pass and through to service. This shared mentality has intertwined Hublot with the world of gastronomy. Hublot admires haute cuisine and those who convey their savoir-faire onto their dishes, skillfully fusing ingredients to create uniqueness while staying authentic. This connection has fostered remarkable partnerships and, notably, the iconic Big Bang Unico Gourmet watch. 

Final touch by 3 Michelin stars chef Andreas Caminada.

This expansive universe continues to evolve, illuminating new opportunities to explore the bond between Hublot and a chef, starting in 2017 with the one and only Andreas Caminada. 

Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein

A Tale of Fusion 

The story of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein goes all the way back to 2004 when Hublot redefined luxury watchmaking with the concept of «The Art of Fusion,» blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials. Around the same time, Andreas Caminada took his culinary odyssey to new heights, taking over the historic Schauenstein castle, earning him prestigious Michelin stars for his innovative cuisine. 

With Andreas Caminada

Over the past two decades, both Hublot and Andreas Caminada have personified the art of individuality in  their respective fields. Hublot’s groundbreaking creations, including the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines, mirrored Caminada’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection and culinary artistry at the castle. This shared dedication naturally led to an inevitable partnership in 2017, when the 3 Michelin Stars chef joined the Hublot Family as a brand ambassador. Since then, Caminada has garnered numerous acclaims, including the Sustainable Restaurant Award, and continues to amaze with each passing year. Collaborating in events such as the Art of Fusion Night in 2019 alongside Hublot, this culinary maestro consistently reinvents the fine dining experience, remaining true to Art of Fusion ethos. This relationship culminates in a collaborative celebratory watch, the perfect tribute to such a talent. 

The Schauenstein Castle is located in the village of Fürstenau, known as the smallest city in the world, in Switzerland’s Grisons canton. This captivating setting exudes a timeless allure and embodies the cherished ‘Swissness Attitude’ valued by Hublot. Within the acclaimed triple Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Caminada immerses guests in an exploration of culinary awakening, echoing Hublot’s philosophy of perpetual exploration in crafting extraordinary pieces. 

Gorgeous location for the launch event: The view from «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen.

In honor of the 20-year jubilee of the Schauenstein castle and of Caminada’s culinary prowess, Hublot unveils its new Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, underscoring its commitment to distinction and support for the best in their fields. 

Sporting the new beauty on my wrist. I love the size of the 42mm case.

As the watch’s name suggests, the concept revolves around the color black, highly prominent throughout the various features of the timepiece, a design philosophy inspired by Andreas Caminada’s looks and reflecting Hublot’s desire to explore ‘invisible visibility’ in high fashion style. The watch features a 42mm microblasted black ceramic case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, with black plated H-shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws and a satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber crown. The bezel, made of satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber inserts, complemented by the satined and microblasted black plated titanium pushers, add depth and texture to the design. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility. Additionally, the microblasted black ceramic case back is engraved with a depiction of Schauenstein’s castle in shimmering silver tones. 

Elevating the watch, the matte black dial serves as a canvas for the applied silver-toned logo of Andreas Caminada on the small seconds counter, reflecting the spirit of culinary fineness. The black plated satin-finished titanium hands provide striking contrast against the dial, emphasizing legibility and style. 

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein beats the in-house Hublot HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. Introduced in 2010 as the first movement designed by the manufacture, the Unico calibre saw refinement in 2018 with the launch of the 1280 reference, a slimmer iteration tailored to a broader range of wrists, used in this new release in collaboration with chef Caminada. 

With super sweet Corinne Suter

The watch proudly exhibits its inner workings with a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse of the column wheel automatic winding mechanism that orchestrates its chronograph functions, and a date at 3 o’clock. Boasting a 72-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy, it incorporates five patents for facilitated assembly, modernized architecture, and increased performance. The Unico 2 calibre offers a sleek 42-mm case and notable technical developments, including gentler winding, faultless chronograph display, and exceptional shock resistance, further emphasizing the best for the best with this limited edition. 

The Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein comes in a presentation case complete with a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle clasp on the black lined rubber strap. Each watch is accompanied by a signed booklet by Andreas Caminada, a custom-engraved knife, and a knife block, reflecting Caminada’s passion for precision and authenticity in watchmaking and gastronomy. 

Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The price is set at CHF 25,900 or EUR 29,600.

LoL, Sandra

With Dario Cologna

With Lucy Tallo, owner of PRticular

Profi golfer Joel Girrbach

Photos: ©Hublot Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart , © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2024 collection is being presented on April 18, 2024 at the Long Museum in Shanghai, which was founded by husband-and-wife collectors Mr. Liu Yiqian and Ms. Wang Wei, and is named for its elongated funnel shape. The largest private museum in China, it holds the country’s richest collection, including traditional, modern and contemporary Chinese art, Chinese revolutionary art, and contemporary works from Asia, Europe and the United States.

On the occasion of the first Voyager Show, the House reveals a vibrant collaboration with artist Sun Yitian. Known for her photorealistic paintings of toys and other mass-produced objects, she has collaborated on an exclusive series that colourfully animates the Pre-fall 2024 collection, spanning ready-to-wear, leather goods, trunks, accessories and fragrances.

Born in 1991 in Zhejiang, China, Sun Yitian lives and works in Beijing. She has been presented in solo exhibitions at galleries in Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Throughout her work, she explores the tension between «Made in China» mass production and artistic value, bringing items that may initially seem unremarkable or of little value into the context of galleries and museums. For her first collaboration with a luxury Maison, her work is further transposed to wearable pieces, introducing the element of savoir faire. Sun Yitian imagined toy-like animals including a pink rabbit, yellow duck, spotted dog, leopard, zebra, penguin and swan. They interact playfully with iconic and everyday pieces as the latest collectible series in which contemporary artists bring their distinct world to the universe of Louis Vuitton.

«The connection between paintings on a canvas and the viewer is somewhat static and silent, a form of observation with a certain distance. However, when my artworks are translated into clothing, bags, or perfumes, they become much closer to people, and this interaction is lively and unpredictable. It creates an equal relationship of use,» says Sun Yitian.

The process involved discussions between Sun Yitian and the Louis Vuitton where creativity across different materials and techniques manifested into design. Extra-large and subtly whimsical, her artwork makes a bold statement as prints or embroidery on ready-to-wear that complements Pre-fall 2024 silhouettes by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. Whether a cheerful leopard grinning on a petal pink coat or skirt; the duck in profile on a sky-blue hooded windbreaker; or an inflatable rabbit with Monogram flower eyes filling the front of an A-line dress or T-shirt, the looks signal bright, youthful energy.

With the addition of Sun Yitian’s animals, signature bags are reinterpreted in ‘Animogram’ canvas. From a zebra on the Alma in Epi calfskin to the duck and its shadow atop the On The Go tote in reverse varnished calfskin, each animal is paired with a key shape. Another version involves highly crafted animal coin purses associated with a specific bag and colour base such as the rabbit coin purse paired with a Noé in glossy white Monogram leather. New to the Pre-fall collection is the Mini Square Trunk, a handheld, hard-sided design that features either the dog in smooth calfskin or the leopard in grained leather, both with colourful quilted interiors. Bag charms, meanwhile, are dimensional and exude cuteness, from the leopard key holder that matches the Pop Flower collection to the XL inflatable rabbit happily clinging to each bag.

Sun Yitian’s Animogram creation extend to shoes with the menagerie popping up on several styles: printed on Monogram nylon mules; as leather patches on the Lous open back sneakers, or as playful lace accessories and in corresponding colour ways for the LV Archlight sneakers. The entire menagerie comes together as a detailed family portrait on the Carré 90 scarf and appear individually as well, accented with a graphic Louis Vuitton border.

Finally, Sun Yitian’s collaboration has inspired three limited editions of its iconic perfumes Spell on You, Imagination and Heures d’Absence, enriching the fragrance stories with playful decors. For the first time, these Louis Vuitton perfumes are adorned with precious charms – an animal and the LV signature pendant – attached to a fine golden chain. The pink rabbit joins Spell on You, its color resonating with the pink juice of iris pallida blended with sophisticated rose evoking romance with a touch of mischief. The orange leopard is paired with Heures d’Absence with its free-spirited and contemporary bouquet of mimosa, jasmine and May rose. The yellow duck returns to animate Imagination, a daring fragrance bursting with an amber accord with citrus and Chinese black tea. Each perfume, composed by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, comes in colorful packaging specially decorated by Sun Yitian featuring glossy LV Monograms. Specially for the occasion, Imagination has its own travel case in Reverse Monogram adorned with the duck.

In all their forms, Sun Yitian’s animals will be memorably linked to the Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2024 collection as an artistic expression rendered with fun and fantasy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024, this creation from the e CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection is an extraordinary haute horlogerie tribute to haute couture. The CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, inspired by the lively atmosphere in the rue Cambon atelier, orchestrates a choreography of couture busts to the rhythms of «My Woman» by Al Bowlly, a melody that Mademoiselle liked to hum.

The chandelier with diamond droplets, the plinth inspired by the upholstered sofa and the gold embellishments all evoke Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment. Mounted on a long gold chain necklace dotted with diamonds is the key for winding the mechanism of this unique piece, in which the time is displayed on tape measure. At once a musical box, a clock and an automaton, this exceptional piece was crafted by the expertise of a large team of highly skilled artisans. From the diamond-encrusted droplets of the miniature chandelier to the meticulously crafted and tuned musical mechanism, this unique creation is a tour de force of technical and aesthetic sophistication.

Unique Piece
Glass dome
Faceted onyx stone trimmed with 18K yellow gold set with 36 diamonds (3.60 carats)
Chandelier in 18K yellow gold with black coating, 18K yellow gold candlesticks
and 26 pear-cut diamonds tassels (~6.24 carats)
5 busts in natural aluminum ceramic trimmed with black leather ribbons each decorated
with one 18K yellow gold brooch set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds
(~0.40 carat). Tripod in steel with black coating and 18K yellow gold handle set
with 22 diamonds
(~0.31 carat). Top and lower ixing in 18K yellow gold.
Ribbon in natural aluminum ceramic printed with 24-hour and minutes indexes in black lacquer
Fine pearl and support in 18K yellow gold with black coating, and 18K yellow
gold indicator set with a baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
Base covered with a marquetry of 245 pieces of onyx trimmed with 18K yellow gold
circle set with 160 brilliant-cut diamonds (~23.04 carats) and 18K yellow gold feet.
Manual-winding movement
Power reserve: ~7 days
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 19.8×34.2cm
Diamonds: 336 brilliant-cut diamonds (~30.92 carats)
26 pear-cut diamonds (~6.24 carats)
1 baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
18K yellow gold winding key set with 229 brilliant-cut diamonds (~5.98 carats)
18K yellow gold long necklace set with 132 brilliant-cut diamonds (~8.27 carats)

Haute horlogerie craftsmanship at its best.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEBOUTON #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEPIQUEAIGUILLES #J12 #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELBOYFRIEND #COCOCOCO #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.

Here comes the second model of the CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection, that I absolutely adore. A tape measure motif is printed on the double-wrapped black and gold leather strap. The case in titanium and 18K yellow gold is adorned with a charm of a figurine of Mademoiselle in yellow gold and black lacquer set with a diamond.

Limited edition
18K yellow gold case
Titanium caseback with “LIMITED EDITION” mention
18K yellow gold and black lacquer Coco charm set with 1 brilliant-cut diamond
(0.01 carat)
Black-lacquered dial
Double row printed black leather strap with tape measure, golden leather trim and
lining with 18K yellow gold ardillon buckle
High precision quartz movement
Functions: hours and minutes
Water-resistance: 30 meters
Dimensions: 19.7×15.2mm
Diamond: 1 brilliant-cut diamond (0.01 carat)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.

Here comes my first must-have from the CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection. The PREMIÈRE watch is reinterpreted and adorned with charms of a spool of thread, a thimble and a figurine of Mademoiselle in steel coated with yellow gold* and black lacquer. The charms are attached to a woven leather bracelet that echoes the chain of the classic CHANEL bag.

Limited edition
Steel case coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron)
Steel caseback coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) with “LIMITED EDITION”
mention
Black-lacquered dial
Steel chain bracelet coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) interlaced with black
leather strap
Steel Couture charms coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) and black lacquer
High precision quartz movement
Functions: hours and minutes
Water-resistance : 30 meters
Dimensions: 19.7×15.2mm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding. – *0,1 micron