Sandra‘s Closet

Having made a huge investment in the industrialisation of sapphire—the most difficult material to produce—in several colours (transparent, black, yellow, blue and red), to have the quantity necessary to create its models, and given the impossibility of offering an emerald green in this material, Hublot has now explored new avenues.

Today, the brand is able to take a new approach to the ultra- technical and contemporary design of the MP-11 model by shaping its case in an innovative material never before used in watchmaking. Endowed with a deep green that can compete with the finest emeralds, SAXEM combines peerless resistance with a brilliance that comes close to that of a diamond. Within this fully transparent case beats a manual-winding manufacture calibre with an exceptional 14-day power reserve ensured by seven barrels that can be seen from the dial side.

Hublot reaffirms its place as a leader of innovation by making its MP-11—after 3D carbon and transparent sapphire—in a high-tech material that has never been used for a watchcase. Its name is SAXEM, as in Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral. In order to obtain this unparalleled shade of green, transparency and radiance, the Hublot manufacture mixed aluminium oxide, the basic component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The resulting material is both harder than emerald (which is too soft to be machined) and endowed with a brilliance that is greater than that of sapphire.

This jewel of technicality and transparency is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces. An  exploit reserved for connoisseurs, available for CHF 120.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #Mp11Saxem

In 2016, two icons partnered to create one unforgettable collection, the Hello Kitty Collection by OPI. The collection became an instant favorite –the most talked about OPI collection of all time with the most searched for shade ever, Let’s Be Friends!

Due to huge demand, these two icons are saying Let’s Be Friends again! With this collection, Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary. Born from the Japanese «omotenashi» tradition of gift giving, the pop culture icon will celebrate by offering fans the ultimate in holiday gifting. The 2019 OPI Hello Kitty Collection includes 12 signature shades plus three festive glitters, ranging from frosty whites and pinks to deep velvety hues and lots of sparkles.

Inspired by the first collection, best-selling shade Let’s Be Friends!, a powdery pink, will make its return.

Sanrio’s beloved character inspires a range of colors from those evoking frosty landscapes to warm pink sparkles (Let’s Be Friends, Glitter to My Heart, A Hush of Blush, Let’s Celebrate!). Classic reds, rich golds and shimmering pewter (All About the Bows, A Kiss on the Chic, Many Celebrations to Go!, Isn’t She Iconic!) pay homage to the signature Hello Kitty bow while being perfect for the season. Blues and purples in the collection vary from icy hues to deep velvet tones (Pile on the Sprinkles, Hello Pretty, Let Love Sparkle, My Favorite Gal Pal). Additionally, three playful and festive holiday glitters are sure to be the life of the party (Glitter All the Way, Born to Sparkle, Dream in Glitter).

All 15 Hello Kitty Collection shades will be available in classic Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90), long-wear Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and GelColor formulas.

The Hello Kitty by OPI collection will be available from today in Switzerland for at least 3 months.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of OPI

The colourful world of Pop Folk Market arrives on marni.com, with a series of fun furnishings, design and lifestyle objects available online from 8 October, for a limited time only.

Interpreting the spirit of the brand through a design that finds inspiration in the multifaceted identity of the collections, unconventional materials and unexpected colours, the Marni Pop Folk Market products are unique and eclectic, and creatively adapt to any space.

Marni’s new online Market features a line of bags in exclusive colour combinations, like the retro Crochet Bag in cotton and wool, the Hammock Bag, and the iconic Striped Bag. This edition of Marni Market also sees the introduction of a Fish Bag in a fluorescent-shade knit, and an original reworking of the Basket Bag in PVC, characterised by the POP FOLK inlay.

The marketplace also hosts metal sculptural pieces in the shape of giraffes, as well as mushrooms, robots, magazine holders, miniatures and coffee tables in woven PVC.

Every Market creation is unique, handmade by Columbian artisans, who have collaborated with the brand for many years. With respect for local traditions, each product is made according to meticulous artisanal processes that require close attention to detail.

Marni explores the main products of Pop Folk Market through a series of images and video clips narrating a road trip, during which the southern sun highlights ironic snapshots of daily life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni
#MarniPopFolkMarket #MarniMarket

The two iconic Parisian brands are joining forces to introduce a makeup collection like no other. KARL LAGERFELD and L’Oreal Paris are pleased to announce an unprecedented collection of beauty products, featuring feminine shades with a sophisticated, rock-chic touch. It is one of the last projects of Karl Lagerfeld‘s life as the makeup collection was initiated by him before his passing on February 19.

Another homage to the couturier and connected by their Parisian heritage, both KARL LAGERFELD and L’Oreal Paris share a vision based on elegance, style and relentless innovation. As Karl once said, «Tomorrow I could be the opposite of what I am today» — which is also the idea this collaboration invites women to explore.

The striking campaign was inspired by Karl’s most iconic quotes. It features the inimitable Helen Mirren, Doutzen Kroes, Liya Kedebe, Ming Xi, Luma Grothe, Louise Bourgoin and Soo Joo Park.

Eyeshadow Palette – CHF 23.90
Eyeliner Matte Signature – CHF 20.90
Mascara – CHF 23.90
Highlighter Duo Compact – CHF 23.90
Colour Riche Lipsticks – CHF 21.90

In Switzerland, the limited edition Karl Lagerfeld x L’Oréal Paris collection will be in stores end of October 2019, exclusively at Manor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © L’Oréal

«Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.»
Gabrielle Chanel

«Noir» and «Blanc,» the CHANEL absolutes, made elegant, timeless and iconic by Gabrielle Chanel and still the enduring signature of her House today. For F/W 2019, black and white, the ultimate symbolic (non) colours of CHANEL, are explored and reinterpreted by Lucia Pica, CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, for a stylized and sumptuous beauty collection.

From the formalized and abstract to the silken and sensuous, Lucia Pica infuses her new approach to these power colours of CHANEL with both an appreciation of their transcendent absolutism and an eye for the nuanced gradations of the spaces in-between.

In tune with the Modernist architectural and cultural environment of Paris, part of the embracement by CHANEL of black and white could be seen as a reflection of her time; the ebony and ivory of Art Deco interiors, the delineated graphic lines of the Moderne, the stylized photographic and cinematic images that proliferated, even those images of Mademoiselle herself… It is while bearing all of this in mind that Lucia Pica has approached the ultimate graphic colours of CHANEL, both celebrating and humanizing them – literally making them flesh, for the contemporary consumer.

Lucia Pica now sees these colours from the life of Gabrielle Chanel as part of a manifesto for modernity in beauty for contemporary women. Embracing the aura of the silver screen and the silver print, particularly concentrating on the gradations of colour to be found within these processes, sepias, greys and new «Rouge Noirs» emerge. Sparkling, shimmering textures add an all-over glow of glamour, while delineated and structured mattes make a more direct appeal. Altogether, the collection is a meeting of fantasy and reality, the stylized with the organic, a perfect harmony of absolutes.

«Black and white are the colours I relate most to Gabrielle Chanel; the time she lived in, the power she gave these colours, the way they appeared in her life. Black and white were in her surroundings, in the interiors, in the architecture of Paris as well as in the symbolism of her life.» Lucia Pica

LIPS
Rouge Allure Liquid Powder CHF 48.-
974 Timeless
978 Bois de Nuit
Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême CHF 48.-
128 Rose Nocturne (Edition Limitée)
130 Rouge Obscur

Rouge Coco Gloss CHF 39.-
814 Crystal Clear (Edition Limitée)
816 Laque Noire (Edition Limitée)

NAILS/HANDS
Le Vernis CHF 33.-
713 Pure Black (Edition Limitée)
711 Pure White (Edition Limitée)
Le Lift La Crème Main Galet 50 ml CHF 80.- (new!)
La Crème Main 50 ml CHF 64.-

EYES – The intense focus of the collection
Les 4 Ombres CHF 77.-
332 Noir Suprême (Edition Limitée)
334 Modern Glamour
Ombre Première Top Coat CHF 43.- (my favorites!)
317 Carte Blanche (Edition Limitée)
327 Pénombre (Edition Limitée)

Stylo Yeux Waterproof CHF 35.-
949 Blanc Graphique
88 Noir Intense (Repromotion)

Le Volume Ultra Noir de CHANEL CHF 47.-
90 Ultra Noir

FACE
Le Gel Pailleté CHF 60.-
(Edition Limitée)
A transparent shimmering gel

«There is an idea of extreme fantasy as well as reality in this collection, of something very stylized or delineated while embracing the day-to-day. There is a certain palpability to the texture; it is so real it becomes part of your skin. At the same time the sparkle hovers above it, becoming almost like an aura, a kind of glamour seen in films – LE GEL PAILLETÉ is very much about this.» Lucia Pica

The Noir et Blanc de CHANEL make-up collection will be available from end of August, 2019. The Le Lift La Crème Main (hand cream) will be available from beginning of September 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

PRISON ART is the result of the entrepreneurial vision of Jorge Cueto, a former inmate of the Puente Grande federal penitentiary in Jalisco, Mexico. Unjustly arrested for fraud in 2012, Cueto spent 11 months behind bars before a judge determined there was no crime to prosecute and that he was innocent. Today, this organization helps former prisoners reintegrate into a normal life through creative artwork in Mexico.

Jorge Cueto launched Prison Art in late 2013 after being unjustly arrested.

This craftsmanship and know-how of PRISON ART is part of a project by premium tequila brand PADRE AZUL and tequila aficionado, PADRE AZUL co-owner and Swarovski partner Georg Weis. The new «Padre Azul Cristalino Añejo Tequila», limited to 1,000 bottles, is also a co-production with Swarovski, who have created the unique skull with an engraved number for each bottle. The bottle itself was designed for the special edition by PRISON ART and part of the proceeds will be donated to the charitable organization.

Cristalino Tequila, which uses a special process to remove the natural color, currently happens to be the new trend in Mexico. Crystal clear in the glass, «Padre Azul Cristalino Añejo Tequila» convinces on the palate with maturity and a finely honed composition of aromas.

The limited edition is an ideal gift for tequila aficionados, and once the bottle is empty, it remains a precious designer item. But that means acting fast, because only 1000 bottles are available worldwide for €1000 each. You can order your bottle here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prison Art, Swarovski and Padre Azul

«Sometimes you just need to allow inspiration to find you—wherever in the world it may be.» – Duro Olowu

Nigerian-born, London-based fashion designer Duro Olowu, the prince of prints, created his first-ever makeup collection with Estée Lauder, that I don’t want you to miss as I spotted it myself in British Vogue. Beautiful, vibrant and full of life are the six customized make-up products, inspired by his own effortlessly stylish clothing collections, which celebrate freedom of expression, individuality, and the strong, confident woman who wears them.

Being trendy has never been of interest to Duro. He has always been more interested in the culture of style to create pieces that effortlessly stand the test of time. His prints are inspired by his Nigerian, Jamaican, and British backgrounds, as well as his love of art. About his creative process he says: «Fabrics always tell a story, and, when mixed well, exude the kind of joie de vivre and allure I am constantly inspired by.»

In Switzerland, the Estée Lauder x Duro Olowu collection is only available online.
CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSFERED DIRECTLY. Great news is that shipping is free until this Sunday, Aug 4, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Duro Olowu with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Estée Lauder, Magazine in Collage: British Vogue

After Mykonos, Capri and Porto Cervo, HUBLOT conquered another Mediterranean jewel last week, inaugurating a pop-up boutique on Ibiza for the summer. It was also an opportunity to unveil the Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza, an innovative watch in blue ceramic, limited to only 50 pieces, that draws its creative inspiration from the island, its festive nature and its symbolism.

Ibiza the white island; like its immaculate traditional fincas, stands out against the pure azure sky and overlooks the crystal-clear blue sea. This Mediterranean pearl, imbued with bohemian nonchalance, harbours elegant, intimate places and radiates the festive atmosphere of the season.

HUBLOT has set up shop here for summer 2019, dedicating its blue-and-white Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza model to the island. Crowned with a blue ceramic bezel, the 45-mm case encloses a chronograph movement, held on a bi-material strap in blue rubber and white alligator. As a nod to the hippy spirit that is part of Ibiza’s charm, the Peace and Love symbol features on the seconds counter drawn at 3 o’clock on the dial.

A horological dedication to the enchantment of Ibiza, and a way to treat yourself to celebrate the summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © HUBLOT

Kilts, bagpipes, unicornsand the legendary Loch Ness monster –experience all this and more with the Scotland Collection by OPI!

Inspired by fashion trends for the season, including windowpane plaid and classic houndstooth in unique fabrics with detailed embellishments, this collection includes 12 new shades for F/W 2019 in various shades of purple, blue andred, along with pops of orange, dark green and taupe.

The striking landscapes of Scotland are represented in these hues, from rolling hillsides filled with purple heather bloom (Good Girls Gone Plaid (hero shade), Boys Be Thistle-ing at Me, You’ve Got that Glas-glow, Edinburgh-er & Tatties) to fiery foliage in brilliant shades of red, orange and deep green (A Little Guilt Under the Kilt, Red Heads Ahead, Suzi Needs a Loch-smith, Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green) to thousands of miles of coastline and numerous lakes and rivers in every shade imaginable of blue (Rub-a-Pub-Pub, Nessie Plays Hide & Sea-k, OPI Grabs the Unicorn By The Horn, and Nice Set Of Pipes).

“After seeing so many variations of plaid forecasted for fall fashion, we knew we’d end up in Scotland for inspiration this season,” declares OPI co-founder and brand ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “The collection’s hero shade, Good Girls Gone Plaid, captures the moody, ethereal beauty of Scotland in autumn. Its dark amethyst hue takes on the appearance of super trendy black in certain light, but with much more dimension thanks to the jewel undertones.”

Scotland Collection by OPI is available in Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90), Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and GelColor formulas for in-salon treatments from Mid August 2019 for at least 6 months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © OPI

Only Watch is a biennial charity auction of unique timepieces created by the finest brands for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It will be held in Geneva on November 9, 2019 for the 8th time. 40 million Swiss Francs were raised in the previous 7 editions with 99% of proceeds going directly to research projects of AMM, the Monaco-based association (Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies).

LOUIS VUITTON is taking part for the sixth consecutive time in Only Watch and presents a bold and unique piece: the «Escale Spin Time» watch with a dial inspired by tattoo art, that I don’t want you to miss as it is so beautiful.

Made using Grand Feu champlevé enamelling and painted by hand, the dial is a creation by Anita Porchet, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking. The dial required 200 hours of work and used two specific traditional techniques which are only mastered by very few artisans in Geneva: Grand Feu champlevé enamelling and miniature painting.

The dial is a white gold plaque, recessed by hand and covered with Grand Feu enamel. Three shades of enamel — black, turquoise and transparent — were selected to bring out the floral design. The choice of powders, the repeated layers, as well as the finesse of the grain meant that many hours of meticulous work had to be undertaken before the dial could go through a series of firings at 840°C.

Then came the miniature painting process. During this final stage, around ten colours were applied one after the other using a brush, each one requiring drying time in a furnace heated to 100°C.
The delicate design of the 18-carat white gold hand forms the stem of a rose on this dial, which is set with white diamonds and rubies. To mirror the exquisite beauty of the dial, the bezel, lugs, and 41 mm diameter case crown made of titanium and white gold, are also set with white diamonds.

The Escale Spin Time for Only Watch contains the LV79 caliber, which cleverly displays the time in a playful manner using rotating cylinders. Here, each cylinder is set with diamonds, a process which required 40 hours of work. The patented self-winding movement was entirely developed and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton and highlights the expertise of Louis Vuitton watchmakers.

The exceptional creation is presented in a custom Monogram canvas watch case — also hand-painted — recalling the floral pattern of the dial. Finally, the watch also comes with four alligator straps — black, red, green and white — and is fitted with an 18-carat white gold ardillon buckle set with diamonds. The 2019 Escale Spin Time for the Only Watch auction is a delicate, technical object; a precious tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton