Sandra‘s Closet

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to show you the best new scents for men. Don’t undervalue the way you smell! Gentlemen, whether you are on a date, a business meeting, a party or just doing your daily chores, the first impression is the most important. The best men deserve the best men’s fragrance. Here we go! The new spring scents are vibrant, energetic and mostly fresh.

LoL, Sandra

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 GLAM MEN

Inspired by NYC, the city that never sleeps.
212 Glam Men is a limited edition summer fragrance that is vibrant and energetic.

Top notes: Chocolate and cocoa beans
Middle notes: Tobacco leaves and tonka beans 
Base notes: Musk and woods

Limited edition 212 MEN GLAM Eau de Toilette is available for CHF 102.00 (100ml),
in Switzerland exclusively at Import Parfumerie.

DOLCE & GABBANA – THE ONE SPORT

An homage to sports
After the original The One for Men from 2008 and The One Gentlemen from 2010, Dolce Gabbana launches the third fragrance from The One masculine line, lighter and fresher The One Sport. As it should, the campaign is represented by a man symbol, Adam Senn who is showing off his worked-out body.

Top notes: Aquatic notes and rosemary
Heart notes: Cardamom and sequoia
Base notes: Patchouli and musk

The One Sport EdT is available now for CHF 76,00 (30ml), CHF 98,00 (50ml) and CHF 135,00 (100ml). After Shave Lotion CHF 97,00 (100ml), After Shave Balm CHF 71,00 (75ml), Shower Gel CHF 45,00 (200ml), Deodorant Spray CHF 45,00 (150ml) and Deodorant Stick CHF 45,00 (75gr).

DIESEL – ONLY THE BRAVE TATTOO

I like the idea of “signing“ one’s body … – Renzo Rosso
The designer had his motto, “Only The Brave”, tattooed just above his ankle. The phrase is synonymous with success and, above all, evokes the boundless conviction of a fulfilled, self-made man. “The phrase is part of me. It stands for what I am and have always wanted to be.” Fragrance and tattoo are both “a trace” left on the skin… This is a new, fresh, mysterious sensuality around a water-pipe tobacco accord.

Top notes: Granny Smith Apple
Middle notes: Sage and Bourbon pepper
Base notes: Amber wood, benzoin, tobacco and patchouli

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo EdT is available now for CHF 79.90 (50ml).

CHRISTIAN DIOR – EAU SAUVAGE PARFUM (my favourite)

Variations of a legend
Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage, introduced in 1966, revolutionized men’s perfumes of that era. In May 2012, Dior will relaunch its famous scent, which was created by Edmond Roudnitska.

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Vetiver 
Base notes: Myrrh

Eau Sauvage Parfum EdP will be available from May 16, 2012 for CHF 98.50 (50ml) and CHF 134.50 (100 ml).

GANT

Water and sky have a fragrance.
Throughout the years, the New England coast has been a constant source of inspiration for GANT. The new scent captures the very essence of the relaxed lifestyle lived on and around the water in this area.

Top notes: Calabria lemon, coriander, Madagascan cinnamon bark
Middle notes: Provence lavender, White Virginian cedar, marine accord
Base notes: Suede accord, Australian sandalwood, North African cypress, black amber

Sold exclusively at GANT stores worldwide for CHF 59.50 (50ml) and CHF 89.50 (100 ml).

A*MEN PURE SHOT

Pure Shot – a fresh, aromatic, spicy, woody scent.
In time for the Olympics later this year, Thierry Mugler is launching a new limited edition flanker scent to its A*Men men’s fragrance, called A*Men Pure Shot. It’s is inspired by Oscar Pistorius, the 25-year-old South African 400-metre runner who has been called “the fastest man on no legs.“ Pistorius was born without a fibula in either leg; his lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old and he’s been using prostheses since his childhood. Pistorius’ carbon-fiber prostheses look very futuristic, and they play a big part in the A*Men advertising campaign.

Top notes: Icy mint and juniper berries
Heart notes: Cardamom and white pepper
Base notes: Sequoia and patchouli.

Limited edition, available end of March 2012, Eau de Toilette CHF 87.- (100ml).

In 1970, Henri Robert created N°19. A resolutely modern fragrance, with a daring combination of crisp green notes and powdery iris.

In 2011, Jacques Polge wrote a new chapter: N°19 POUDRÉ. An original score that gives N°19 a new powdery and musky facet.

In 2012, the N°19 bath line brings us three new ways to prolong the legen­dary accord of N°19 and N°19 POUDRÉ.

BODY CREAM

A true joy for the senses, its soft and creamy melt-away texture leaves an intense scent on the skin. The ideal way to enjoy its lingering fragrance all day long.
Glass jar, 150 g. CHF 106.-
Limited edition.

FOAMING SHOWER GEL

A bath and shower gel with an airy, generous foam. Light and fresh, its sheer texture leaves a delicate scent on the skin.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 60.-

BODY LOTION

Prolong the pleasure of bath time with this moisturising body lotion. Its light and exquisite texture is perfect for everyday use. The skin is soft and scented, subtly wrapped in the daring notes of N°19.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 68.-

Available in Switzerland end of April 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel -Ludovic Roy

Introducing the London Blooms Collection: Iris & Lady Moore, White Lilac & Rhubarb and Peony & Moss.
A trio of limited edition Jo Malone™ scents filled in bottles adorned by breathtaking botanical drawings which are reflecting the spirit of modern British gardens.

Iris & Lady Moore
A mingling between spicy-fresh, common-or-garden geranium and noble iris, powdery and poised. Brought together on dry-grass base of vetiver.

Tip: Mist Orange Blossom over Iris & Lady Moore. Shimmering Clementine flower brightens the powdery poise of Iris & Lady Moore.

White Lilac & Rhubarb
A daring juxtaposition. Tart-vibrant rhubarb cuts through the soft lilac, rose and sun-loving heliotrope.

Tip: Pair White Lilac & Rhubarb with Pomegranate Noir. The ruby-ripe juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, spiked with spicy woods, enrich the soft, fruity sweetness of White Lilac & Rhubarb.

Peony & Moss
Contrasting the dainty and the dirty. The gossamer lightness of delicate peonies grounded in earthy green.

Tip: Layer Peony & Moss with English Pear & Freesia. The juiciness of pear and the freshness of freesia amplify the soft florals and sweeten the velvet earthiness of Peony & Moss.

Those beautiful limited editions are in store now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli, Zurich.
Each cologne (100ml) CHF 130.-.

I love all three and the bottles together create such a lovely ambiance in your bathroom.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

This year Escada celebrates 20 years of their iconic limited edition fragrances, and for this special occasion the company are relaunching three of the most popular: Sexy Graffiti (originally from 2002), Island Kiss (from 2004) and Rockin’ Rio (from 2005).
All three are fruity floral fragrances.

Available now
Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 64.-), 50ml (CHF 86.-), 100ml (CHF 114.-)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 38.-)

Below you can find more information on the cherry picked three favourite editions that evoke the ultimate exciting moments of summer and some inspirations for a new look:

SEXY GRAFFITI

Sexy Graffiti by Escada is inspired by that magical summer moment when the late New York afternoon sun gives way to a fun party atmosphere where cocktails flow, music plays and the beautiful people make their way to the club bar.

Top notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit and mint
Heart notes: Lily of the Valley, red peony and violets
Base notes: Vanilla and musk

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Rosanda Illincic, Yolanda pink patent-leather pumps and Mini Loubi Lula satin frame clutch, both by Christian Louboutin and plexiglass and crystal cuff by Emilio Pucci.

ISLAND KISS

Island Kiss by Escada is inspired by the heady days of beach lounging in the Caribbean sea – the water lapping the shore in subtle ripples and the bright sunshine forming dimples of light on the ocean.

Top notes: Tropical red fruit, orange, passion flower and mango
Heart notes: Magnolia and peach
Base notes: Red fruits, wood and musk

Joan blue silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney, Lulu triangle bikini by Shimmi, Opyum suede pointed pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, Intrecciato silk-moire knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and turquoise cube ring by Kelly Wearstler.

ROCKIN’ RIO

Rock’in Rio by Escada is inspired by the ultimate holiday cocktail. Imagine the setting of a vibrant and glamorous bar along a Rio promenade – the beautiful and sun-kissed admire each other with their flowing hair and colourful flamboyancy.

Top notes: Coconut, pineapple, tangerine and papaya
Heart notes:  Sugar Cane and peach
Base notes: Sandalwood and musk

Flame lemon-yellow stretch-crepe dress by Preen, canary Honolulu printed silk-chiffon scarf by Swash, yellow patent-leather wedges by Jimmy Choo, Single quilted leather shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs, Katie enameled brass bracelet and stud earrings, both by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

I am so in the mood for summer and you?

LoL, Sandra

For Spring 2012, the “Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X Collection” has launched a lighter variation:

“Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X Collection L’Eau” which has peony and orange blossom accords and top notes of bergamot zest along with neroli, vanilla and iris.

This time the legendary bottle is transparent and dressed in calligraphy to better reveal the crystalline soft pink fragrance.

Limited Edition “L’Eau” Classique, Eau de Toilette 100ml, CHF 107.-
Available now.

I love Jean Paul Gaultier’s new fragrance for men “Kokorico”.

Fig leaf, patchouli, cedar, cocoa and vetiver together exhale pure masculinity with a feminine accent.

A striking trompe l’oeil bottle, a man’s face when viewed from the front that turns into a sexy and virile torso in profile.

Kokorico Eau de Toilette, 50ml (CHF 85.-) / 100ml (CHF 117.-)
Kokorico After Shave Lotion 100ml (CHF 77.-)
Kokorico After Shave Balm 100ml (CHF 52.-)
Kokorico Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 40.-)
Kokorico Déodorant Stick 75gr (CHF 36.-)
Available now.

And here is a little teaser of what is coming next:

Jean Paul Gaultier’s new limited edition 2012 summer fragrances “Urban Jungle”
which will be in stores in May 2012.

Classique Summer 2012 (for women) opens with fresh notes of clementine from Sicily, rose and orange blossom. Exotic flower of ylang-ylang forms the perfume’s heart note together with petals of jasmine, lily of the valley and white iris, while the base notes are oriental and warm with amber, vanilla and fresh musk.

Limited Edition Classique Summer Eau de Toilette, 100ml (CHF 84.-)

—————————————-

Le Male Summer 2012 (for men) begins with fresh aromatic accords of lavender, mint and cardamom. The heart exudes green – it contains notes of green leaves and grass. Vanilla, sandalwood and musk complete this composition.

Limited Edition Le Male Summer 2012, Eau de Toilette, 125ml (CHF 80.-)

The signature bottles in the shape of male and female torsos and their can boxes are decorated with vivid design inspired by safari, an urban jungle, tropical leaves, flowers and vines.

Can you smell summer already?

LoL, Sandra

I love all colours, but purple is definitely one of my absolute favourites. Christian Dior described it as a demanding and sophisticated shade: the “king of colours.” This favourite colour comes now in three new limited-edition nail polishes: Les Violets Hypnotiques.

From the iconic lilac worn by the couturier’s muse Mitzah Bricard to the deepest aubergine shade adorning the legendary bottle of the Poison fragrance, purple comes in endless shapes and forms in the Dior world. The gorgeous shades were already seen on the models at the Dior Haute Couture S/S 2012 show in January.

I bought this amazing limited edition trio of hypnotic, elegant and captivating purples in Paris this week at the Christian Dior boutique at 30 avenue Montaigne. It is also available at Harrods now.

From left to right:
The sensual, luminous aubergine shade of Orchid (Dior Vernis No. 981)
Its intense, shimmering version: Shadow (Dior Vernis No. 783)
The deep, enchanting purple of Poison (Dior Vernis No. 996)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, © Sandra Bauknecht

After or – of course before – your visit to the Gucci museo, you can enjoy a nice lunch at the restaurant that is located on the museum’s ground floor.
And here the logomania is to be taken literally, see for yourselves:

Aren’t those little sugar “cubes” just too cute?!

This happens when you are having lunch with bloggers…

Right next to the restaurant is the museum shop that offers a large selection of art, fashion and photography books plus all sort of Gucci-labelled goodies, from chocolates to Caran d’Ache pencils and small leather goods.

In a seperate room, so-called “Icon Store”, you can find all sorts of special edition bags and scarfs, made for the museum. These pieces are only available here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to Yves Saint Laurent’s newest nail polishes duos Les Manucure Couture Les Fauves that are available now in four different combinations, only in selected department stores for CHF49 each.

Duo N° 1 – Griffe Dorée – Gold and Black Shatter

Duo N° 2 – Griffe d’Argent – Silver and Black Shatter (on my nails below)

Duo N° 3 – Griffe de Sable –  Beige and Black Shatter

Duo N° 4 – Griffe de Jade – Khaki and Black Shatter

What looks like you just stepped out of a nail salon is actually quite easy to apply yourself and it is a lot a fun watching the effect happen. So how does it work exactly? Shatter polish is a special top coat applied over your regular nail colour that gives a “crackled” effect on the finish. As the shatter coat is matte, you can apply a topcoat for a high gloss finish if desired.

OPI was among the first ones to introduce the shatter polishes. Below you can see some of my favourite combinations.

LoL, Sandra

OPI Spark de Triomphe (gold) with OPI White Shatter on top

NARS Ecume (white) with OPI Blue Shatter on top

The name Nina Ricci is famous, especially the house’s most famous perfume, “L’Air du Temps” (created in 1949), but the brand has dropped off the fashion radar for quite some years. The French fashion house was founded by Maria “Nina” Ricci and her son Robert in Paris in 1932, and has been owned by the Spanish beauty and fashion group Puig since 1998.

After Maria Ricci’s death in 1970, the label went through a difficult phase, with different owners and designers. In 2009, designer Peter Copping, who had worked for Louis Vuitton, took over and since then Nina Ricci has been on the rise again. I absolutely adore Peter’s designs.

When designing the F/W 2012 collection which will be presented this Thursday during Paris Fashion Week, Peter Copping, Creative Director of Nina Ricci, asked himself what the Nina Ricci uniform would be. First and foremost among the house codes is the little black dress.

Here you can see me in Paris, posing in front of the Nina Ricci store window on Avenue Montaigne in the same dress that was on display:
Ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, tweed and leather jacket by Antonio Berardi, Black Mamba gold-plated snakeskin-effect cuff by Yves Saint Laurent, studded leather ankle boots by Valentino and Constance leather clutch by Jason Wu.

Tweed materials are another house signature; here Copping whipped them up in a feminine and soft style. Combined with a floral skirt, it takes your summer wardrobe to the next level.

Tweed coat, open-knit crew-neck sweater, mini pansy-print skirt, ruched linen wedges and Liane top handle bag, all by Nina Ricci.

For all perfume lovers, I recommend Nina Fantasy, a gorgeous Limited Edition version of her classic Nina fragrance, which will be availbale in Switzerland in April, just in time for spring.

Slightly sweeter smelling than the original, the scent combines top notes of bergamot, mandarin and pear with the delicate, powdery heart notes of cherry blossom, rose and heliotropes. Base notes are mate and brown sugar.

The white procelain bottle in the shape of a flamboyant apple is very fairytale-like. It draws inspiration from spring and magical moments. It is finished with a golden stem and leaves, engraved with the Nina Ricci signature, and has some sweet illustrations in golden pink.

Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition, 50ml, CHF 77.-

LoL, Sandra

Since news were out last November that Marni will be the next to collaborate with H&M, I have been waiting curiously for Consuelo Castiglioni’s vision on that project.

Tonight at a very intimate preview at an art gallery in Zurich, H&M presented the new collection for men and women. One sentence: it’s awesome! I adore the iconic Marni prints, the chunky plastic bangles and necklaces plus the signature tribal vibe.

Necklace € 49.95

The collaboration, which debuts March 8 in stores and online, is priced reasonably; most pieces are under € 100, with accessories such as hats and scarfs costing around or less than € 19.95.

Check out the looks below! And stay tuned for more exciting things as I will be leaving for Milan tomorrow…

LoL, Sandra

Cashmere Jumper for Men € 99.-

Printed T-Shirt € 29.95

Set of 2 Bracelets € 29.95

Printed Skirt € 79.95

Jacket € 99.-

Leather Bag € 79.95

Silk Scarf € 19.95

Men Short € 39.95

Hat € 9.95

Necklace with White Flowers € 49.95

Silk Top € 79.95

Shoes € 59.95

From left to right: The lovely Swiss H&M team, Sita, René and Gray, all dressed head to toe Marni at H&M.

On Sita: Silk Skirt € 59.95On René: Printed T-Shirt for Men € 19.95

On Gray: Hodded Dress € 149.-

Lovely gift, thank you!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of H&M