Sandra‘s Closet

When it comes to make-up for the festive season, the more is merrier. Now, it is all about adding the right sparkle and glittering through the winter festivities. Therefore, I don’t want you to miss Patrick Starrr’s fifth, final and fiercest collection with M∙A∙C: «Slay Ride»!

Throughout his journey from photographer to self-taught makeup artist to M∙A∙C Orlando Freelancer to boundary-breaking mega-influencer, Patrick has inspired with his beauty-for-all philosophy.
Now he brings sultry magic to the holidays with ultra-glam hues made to fit everyone.

New custom-designed shades of Lipstick, Dazzleglass, Pigment and Mineralize Skinfinish – plus Eye Shadow x 6 Palettes and the return of most-wanted must-have Patrick’s Powder – are all dolled up for the ultimate slay ride in glittery red packaging.

LIPSTICK, CHF 28.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
PEACHY PETTER Creamy neutral beige (Matte)
SPANK ME SANTA Dirty rose (Matte)
SLAY RIDE Brownish orange red (Matte)

DAZZLEGLASS, CHF 26.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
SANTA GOT MONEYY True gold with gold pearl
HOT COCO BISH Mid-tone brown
TWERK FOR GIFTS Peach gold with shimmer
RIDE MY SLEIGH True red
SILENT NIGHT Deep purple red

OH, HOLY EYES EYESHADOW X 6, CHF 60.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
MAMASTARRR’S COOKIE Pinky beige (Matte)
GIFT GIVER Gold shimmer (Lustre)
SHE’S GRAVY Mid-tone peachy beige (Matte)
FA LA LA LA LA Light reddish brown (Matte)
JINGLE BALL BRONZE Peach gold sparkle (Lustre)
SHADY SANTA Dark red brown (Matte)

SMOKY SLEIGH EYESHADOW X 6, CHF 60.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
SANTA’S STILETTOS Muted reddish brown (Matte)
TREE TOPPER Teddy bear brown with gold pearl (Frost)
STOCKING STUFFER Muted beige (Matte)
HOLIDAY SECRET Green-gold sparkle (Lustre)
RIBBON REALNESS Muted burgundy plum (Matte)
GAGGING FOR GIFTS Deep brown (Matte)

PIGMENT, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
OMIGAUD IT’S GOLD Sparkling chunky peach gold
PATRICKSTARRR Sparkling coral pink
TWINKLING LIGHTS Sparkling bronze gold

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
BABY IT’S GOLD OUTSIDE Mid-tone bronze gold with sparkle

SET POWDER, $ 35.00(LIMITED EDITION)
PATRICK’S POWDER Colourless, ultra-fine with matte finish

Limited Edition, in Switzerland exclusively available online at 6th December and in select stores, M∙A∙C Store Zurich, Lucerne and M∙A∙C Manor Zurich and Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics
#MACPATRICKSTARRR @maccosmetics @patrickstarrr

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

“Everything that Victoria’s Secret creates is about a woman feeling confident and empowered—and also having fun with what she is wearing, This collaboration is going to be bold, fun and playful.” – Mary Katrantzou

Consider it THE collaboration of the season: my beloved Mary Katrantzou has teamed up with Victoria’s Secret for a capsule collection that will make its debut on the runway at this year’s VS Fashion Show, which is returning to New York City on November 8, 2018 after previously holding shows in Shanghai and Paris. Immediately after the show airs, the Mary Katrantzou-designed pieces will be available to shop both online and in stores for holiday.

The collaboration marks the second time Victoria’s Secret has partnered with a luxury fashion brand for its annual show. The first was last year’s capsule collection with Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. I adore Mary’s colorful, feminine designs and out-of-this-world floral prints, perfect pieces to be worn under and over!

At this year’s VS Fashion Show, it is said that at least 18 new models will make their debut in the show, including Winnie Harlow, Duckie Thot, and Sadie Newman. It will also be the first Victoria’s Secret show in 17 years without Alessandra Ambrosio, who retired from the runway last year.

The most important question is still: who will wear the million-dollar Fantasy Bra this year? Mmh… I am thinking who needs a million-dollar bra if you can have one by Mary Katrantzou?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou
AP Photo/Kristian Dowling

Watching Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet is a Holiday tradition that’s full of magic and wonder. In honor of that beloved tradition, OPI has collaborated with Disney in celebration of their new blockbuster, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms to bring shades of royalty to your nails.

OPI created 12 new limited edition nail colors and three perfectly coordinating glitter shades inspired by the Disney movie. Journey through the magic of the Four Realms this holiday season and choose from classic Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor.

Shades top left to top right: Dancing Keeps Me on my Toes – Tinker, Thinker, Winker? – Dreams Need Clara-fication – March in Uniform – Dazzling Dew Drop – Envy the Adventure
Shades bottom left to bottom right: Lavendare to Find Courage – Berry Fairy Fun – Toying with Trouble – Candied Kingdom – Ginger’s Revenge – Black to Reality

Great news! Glitter shades are available for the first time as Infinite Shine:
Gold Key to the Kingdom – Dreams on a  Silver Platter – I Pull the Strings

It doesn’t matter if you’re cold as ice, never sacrifice your sparkle. I love the combination of these three shades: Dreams Need Clara-Fication, Tinker Thinker Winker?, and Dreams on a Silver Platter.

The collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland today and will be available for at least 3 months. Nail Polish CHF 19.90 (15ml) and Infinite Shine CHF 24.90 (15ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI
#OPIandNutcracker

This Holiday, break from the everyday and take a technicolour trip in an all-new shiny, pretty, kaleidescopic collection.
More is more – so lose yourself in bauble-bright, hallucinatory hues built to party, including shiny pretty shadow – high-intensity pressed glitter eye shadows created for major sparkle.

LIPSTICK
A WINK OF PINK MID-TONE ROSE PINK WITH BRONZE GOLD SHIMMER (FROST)
AT LEISURE CREAMY PINK BEIGE WITH GOLD PEARL (FROST)
BABETOWN DIRTY BEIGE PINK (CREMESHEEN)
BOTH CHEEKS BRIGHT FUCHSIA (MATTE)
STRAIGHT FIRE METALLIC TRUE RED (MATTE METALLIC)
CHF 28.00

LIPGLASS
CAKETOP PINKY PEACH WITH ICY SHIMMER
ICE ORCHID MID-TONE COOL PINK
ROSEBUDDY DEEPENED BERRY
SCARCELY SEEN LIGHT BEIGE PINK
TUDOR ROSE HOT MAGENTA WITH PINK PEARL
CHF 26.00

SHINY PRETTY SHADOW
P FOR PINK ROSE GOLD WITH SILVER SPARKLE
JUST CHILLING GREY WITH SILVER SHEEN
MAJOR WIN ASH PINK WITH SILVER SHIMMER
MAKE A WISH TARNISHED OLIVE SHIMMER
JOY TO GREY BROWN WITH SHIMMER
CHF 26.00

DAZZLELINER
A LITTLE MOONLIGHT BLACK WITH SILVER AND GOLD PEARL
HOLIDAY TIME! GOLD WITH PINK SHIMMER
MIDNIGHT TOAST MIDNIGHT BLUE WITH SILVER PEARL
STATUESQUE TRUE SILVER SHIMMER
CHF 28.00

EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH
OH DARLING METALLIC GOLD
SNOWFLUSHED METALLIC BRONZE PINK
CHF 41.00

Available at all M∙A∙C Counters and Stores and at www.maccosmetics.ch from November 2018.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

Aren’t these watches just so beautiful?! In an ode to life, HUBLOT once again displays its positive attitude by celebrating one of the world’s most popular holidays: El Día de los Muertos. Hublot imparts its interpretation on this life affirming celebration with the HUBLOT Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina, the most carefree piece from the skull series.

Your attitude determines your altitude and at HUBLOT life is always viewed in the most beautiful and joyful way. The Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina, launching at the 11th annual SIAR ( Salón Internacional Alta Relojería) watch fair in Mexico is a tribute to life. The Big Bang is ready for the big celebration transforming its iconic design into a party-ready, carefree, elegant and eccentric timepiece available in eye-catching fuchsia, purple, green, turquoise and blue.

Bringing to life the traditional face-paint of the «calaveras» and the sophisticated make up worn by the «Catrinas» (Elegant Skull) during the celebrations the timepieces showcased a lacquered dial in black or white, engraved with coloured lacquer. The colourful and elegant dresses are conveyed through the straps with stitched multi-coloured skulls and the bezel covered in a 42 sapphire rainbow.

There are three limited editions in total: a steel version featuring a white lacquered dial with a matching white leather and rubber strap (100x pieces – CHF 15.400), a ceramic version (100x pieces – CHF 16.400) and a King Gold version (50x pieces – CHF 27.400) both with matching black lacquer dials and black leather straps.

The One Click interchangeable strap system allows the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina to be transformed instantly and worn with blue or pink leather straps. The timepiece features the HUB1710 self-winding mechanical movement with a 50-hour power reserve.

Whether to pay tribute to El Día de los Muertos – an Aztec tradition dating back more than three centuries, and a celebration which has been recognised as part of world cultural heritage (UNESCO) since 2008 – or as a daily reminder to live fully, the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina tattoos the pulse of life to your wrist. A watch full of life and joy, it aims to transform every moment into a happy one.

Life in HUBLOT colors, I am on!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

To be honest, nobody actually needs an excuse to head to Ladurée and grab some perfectly yummy macarons. Now, you have one reason more to go. A limited edition box and a sophisticated tea tin, emblazoned with the label’s signature motifs, such as the golden spider’s web and the tiger, is the latest outcome of the collaboration between the Maison’s new brand T by Ladurée Paris and English designer Charlotte Olympia.

«It was a fantastic experience going through the process of creating my unique tea and macaroon and I look forward to indulging in my dream teatime collaboration.»
Charlotte Olympia​

Charlotte Olympia has chosen an elegant and surprising gourmet tea to go with the tin. Composed of a subtle blend of Indian and Chinese black teas and flavoured with bergamot, almond and chocolate, it’s a truly delectable treat.

Leaf tea (100g): 30€
Gift Box (8 Macarons): 21.50€

Window display on 56, Maddox Street in London W1S 1AY

Available now at Thé&Beauté store 232 rue de Rivoli – Paris 1er, in Charlotte Olympia’s store on 56, Madddox Street in London and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and La Durée
© Sandra Bauknecht

Breast cancer … it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. Fact is though, every 19 seconds a woman is diagnosed with this terrible disease somewhere on this planet. So, don’t be ignorant, during breast cancer awareness month October go for a medical checkup, it might save your life. Moreover you can shop for a good cause by getting one of the PINK RIBBON 2018 products below. The Estée Lauder Companies’ iconic brands support the mission #TimeToEndBreastCancer to create a breast cancer-free world. In Switzerland they raise funds for the «Look Good Feel Better» foundation that helps people with cancer deal with the appearance side effects of cancer treatment.

LIMITED EDITIONS ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair with Pink Ribbon Keychain
Enjoy the #1 repair serum plus a collectible keychain, honoring and supporting breast cancer awareness.
CHF 149.00 (50ml) of which CHF 20.00 will go to charity.

Powerful Pink Color Collection
A make-up set with everything you need.
CHF 75.00 of which CHF 15.00 will go to charity.

Powerful Pink Contour & Highlight Minaudière
This golden, sophisticated clutch holds a Pure Color Lipstick, plus powerful pink makeup shades to sculpt and glow-on-the-go.
CHF 195.00 of which CHF 30.00 will go to charity.
All three available at Estée Lauder counters or online.

LIMITED EDITION BOBBI BROWN
Pinks with Purpose Lip Color Duo
Think pink with this set featuring two of our iconic, semi-matte lipsticks that deliver comfortable, full-coverage color in a single swipe.
CHF 59.00 of which CHF 15.00 will go to charity.
Available at Bobbi Brown counters and online.

LIMITED EDITIONS CLINIQUE
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Limited-edition bottle of the famous yellow lotion in a jumbo size for a great cause. Adorned with a 5-charm key ring including the Pink Ribbon.
CHF 89.00 (200ml) of which CHF 17.00 will go to charity.
Available at Globus and Jelmoli.

Moisture Surge – 72Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Enjoy 72 hours of non-stop hydration, even after washing your face.
CHF 39.00 (50ml) of which CHF 7.00 will go to charity.
Available at Manor, Marionnaud, Import and Beauty Alliance.

LIMITED EDITION LA MER
Cleansing Micellar Water
This light, fresh, sea-inspired cleanser sweeps away dirt and micro-emulsifies makeup in one rinseless step.
CHF 60.00 (100ml) of which CHF 12.00 will go to charity.
Available at all La Mer counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«A reflection on contemporary women»

Do you remember when I flew to Florence in the end of 2016 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of AUDEMARS PIGUET’s Royal Oak (for the previous post click here please)? It was love at first sight when I spotted the outcome of the creative collaboration between the Swiss watch manufacturer and my beloved Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci who was enlisted to reinvent the iconic watch model while paying tribute to its rich heritage. The Royal Oak Frosted Gold, which has been available in pink or white god so far, is absolutely divine and is still on top of my wish list.

This fall, they deliver another surprise with this eponymous 37mm limited edition Royal Oak in yellow gold. The shiny, silver-toned mirror, framed with the shimmering sparkle of a Frosted Gold case and bracelet, replaces the trademark «Tapisserie» Royal Oak dial. Described by its designer as «rebellious» in character, this is an attention-grabbing piece, made in the image of a contemporary woman: spontaneous, true-to-life and totally unapologetic.

Carolina Bucci’s original 2016 Frosted Gold design celebrated 40 years of Royal Oak for women. With this limited edition of 300 pieces, her design evolves in new directions. For the first time, the «diamond dust» finish appears in yellow gold – the designer’s favourite version of this precious metal. There’s novelty in the packaging as well, with a mirrored box bearing a Frosted Gold AP insignia. This mirrored box is also designed by Carolina Bucci, who believes in pulling out luxury watch packaging from the back of the closet to put it on display.

“For me, Royal Oak is the watch. I wear it all the time; it’s part of my style, my signature.”
Above all, being almost without precedent in the annals of the Manufacture, this mirrored dial is stunning. Carolina Bucci explains her inspiration with a certain, yet unexpected, creative logic: “With the first Frosted Gold design, I took the perfection of the Royal Oak case and bracelet and ‘roughed them up’ a little, juxtaposing the perfectly imperfect Florentine finish with Swiss watchmaking precision. Now I’m doing the opposite, taking the textured surface of the ‘Tapisserie’ dial and flattening it out into a perfectly smooth mirror. The motive for both is to create something interesting and unpredictable. It’s a fresh take on an icon made in the image of a contemporary woman. I know women with a great eye for keynote accessories who are going to love this. The mirror is always interacting with its environment, ever-changing according to what clothes you’re wearing, the décor of the room, the lighting, the time of day, the weather.”

“I designed the Royal Oak Frosted Gold in response to a challenge from Audemars Piguet.”

It’s a creation that has come with technical challenges. The mirrored dial is the most unforgiving component; only perfection will do. Carolina’s complete satisfaction with the result, which, has surpassed her own expectations, is testament to the Manufacture’s rigorous quality control, Carolina being known for her eagle eye and uncompromising standards.

Chairwoman of Audemars Piguet’s Board of Directors, Jasmine Audemars is an established fan of Frosted Gold and has been wearing the first edition 37mm selfwinding model since 2016. For her, “the creativity behind the Frosted Gold watch is simply amazing. It is both art and a very high level of technology. With Carolina Bucci, we created a kind of masterpiece.” She sees the new limited edition with its mirrored dial as «the final touch:» “It’s unique and fun. Who needs a selfie when you can look at yourself in your watch?”

This new limited edition ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD in yellow gold is in stores now for CHF 53’900.-.

Personally speaking, one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen! Bravo Carolina for your creativity and bravo Audemars Piguet for this collaboration.

TO SHOP CAROLINA BUCCI’S JEWELRY DESIGNS SHE IS WEARING IN THE PICTURES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Audemars Piguet 2018

Mosaic. The very name conjures up images of art and light, the meticulous assembly of multi-coloured fragments of which the combination forms an artistic motif. In a 41 mm-diameter Arceau rose gold watch, 2,200 tiny juxtaposed leather squares form a horse profile inspired by the HERMÈS «Robe du Soir» silk scarf designed by Florence Manlik in 2018.

HERMÈS «Robe du Soir» silk scarf designed by Florence Manlik in 2018.

Set against an electric blue backdrop and matching strap, the colourful fragments are lit up by the rose gold glow of the round case with its asymmetrical lugs and slim leaf-type hands. The slender hours and minutes hands are driven by a self-winding Manufacture Hermès movement that can be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back. This horological creation imbued with the HERMÈS saddle- and leather-making heritage is issued in a 12-piece limited numbered edition.

It’s all there in a notebook kept safely under lock and key, harbouring the secrets of the Hermès artisan who imagined and developed this exclusive technique. A full year and a half of R&D was devoted to devising a process that her touch alone is capable of mastering. For several weeks, she patiently fashions a miniature work of art composed of thousands of variously coloured leather squares. First of all, no less than 3,500 tesserae are finely cut out from carefully selected full-grain calfskin. Subsequently, to fit inside the even smaller space afforded by the dial,
2,200 leather fragments compose an equestrian motif.

Such a piece of art.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès