Sandra‘s Closet

First of all, many greetings from Dubai where I am at the moment. Shopping here is absolutely amazing and I spotted something truly interesting that you might have not seen yet:
The exclusive Hublot watch “Lady Dubai” created for Dubai by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the largest retailer of Swiss brand timepieces in the Middle East. It is an absolutely limited edition. Only thirty of these unique watches have been produced and are only available in Dubai.

As you already know, I am not the biggest Hublot fan but this model here is another one that caught my attention. It is so fashionable. The shape is the typical Hublot Big Bang one with a white mother of pearl dial surrounded by a rainbow-coloured bezel set with semi-precious stones and a white crocodile strap.

The best is to come: The watch is accompagnied by six different interchangeable straps matching the colours of the bezel. The one I saw was number 13 and is available at their Dubai Mall store for approximately CHF 60.000.-. They would ship to your home address if you are interested…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

There has been a talk about the Fendi Peek-A-Boo bag since a few seasons, but all of a sudden it comes out of hiding and has reached the It-bag status. Created by Karl Lagerfeld and shown for the first time at the Fendi S/S 2009 runway, it has appeared in every Fendi show since then in different materials and colours. For the opening of their prestigious new shop in Las Vegas at the MGM Hotel, Fendi launched a limited Peek-A-Boo edition in 24 carats gold leaves (see picture above) for approximately $36.000. Spotted on many celebrities in various sizes, the shape of the bag is very Birkin-esque but with only one handle like the famous Kelly bag. It has a “kangaroo pouch” that can be draped open. The tote is very sophisticated but not looking to bourgeois like his Hermès forerunners plus the prices are far more attractive.

I am totally in love with them. Especially the unclasped look gives the bag a kind of sloughy cool appearance. My only problem is to decide which one I prefer as there are sooooo many beautiful versions out there. This summer my favourite model is the tapestry one but probably it is worth waiting with a view to the stunning yellow leopard version from the upcoming winter collection, see below.

For my Swiss based readers, Bongénie Grieder carries those bags.
Have you decided yet?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Me with Depeche Mode`s lead singer Dave Gahan

Swiss watchmaker Hublot and one of my favourite bands, Depeche Mode, had teamed up to create 12 exclusive Big Bang timepieces featuring the group`s album artwork. Each watch came in a box comprising some additional Depeche Mode gadgets and was auctioned off.
Last weekend Hublot and Depeche Mode presented the proceeds of this incredible joint project: a cheque for over $620.000 to the Teenager Cancer Trust. Dave Gahan, the band`s lead singer, had committed himself with great enthusiasm to the event after having recovered from his own cancer surgery last May.

If you are sad that you missed those charity watches, have a look at one of the newest signature Hublot models: the Big Bang Rose Steel Tutti Frutti. Not for a good cause, but the 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires are definitely worth the attention. The exquisite rose-coloured dream is accentuated by a matching alligator bracelet and would be the perfect eyecatcher for your wrist this summer. I am not always the biggest Hublot fan but this version gets my vote.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

Get ready for this coming Saturday! On February 20, an exclusive knitwear collection by Sonia Rykiel for H&M will be available in around 200 stores worldwide. The colours are flamboyant and the designs like her signature graphic stripes very à la mode.
It is the second part of the collaboration after the amazing success of Rykiel`s recent lingerie collection for H&M. The advertising campaign was shot by Sølve Sundsbø and captures the spirit of the brand perfectly, especially with the models` hair frizzed like the designer`s own.

It is also H&M`s first guest designer collaboration that includes children.

Available are very cute pieces for girls aged 18 months to 8 years.

Nathalie Rykiel

During my studies, I interned with Sonia Rykiel, the „Queen of Knits“, and worked by her side in her design office located above the famous Parisian shop in Saint Germain des Prés (175, blvd St. Germain). It was a very interesting time for me – not always easy but definitely a worth-while life experience. Today Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia`s daughter, is the president and artistic director of the fashion house.

I was in love with her knitwear a long time before I got to know her. Every piece I own has never gone out of fashion and was absolutely worth the investment. Therefore I am really looking forward to the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection.

The ultimate accessory is the UNICEF bag by Sonia Rykiel for H&M. Thirty per cent of the proceeds from the bag will go to a project supposed to improve the lives of children in cotton-growing communities in India. Read more on: www.hm.com/allforchildren.

Below you can find my favourites. Get your hands on an iconic piece with Rykiel`s hallmark stripes and rhinestones. Slogan sweaters are also always a major part of her collections. „Mon Pull Rykiel“ might be a good start! Combine your look with a little beret plus platform shoes and the Parisian joie de vivre will be all yours for little money!

If you are not able to make it on Saturday, no worries please, the whole collection (except for the UNICEF bag) will be sold online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos courtesy of H&M

As I have never outgrown my passion for Barbie dolls, this one is on top of my wishlist for Christmas: The Cat-burglar Barbie® by Christian Louboutin. Launched this December and first in a series of three, she received a complete head-to-toe Parisian make-over as envisioned by Christian Louboutin: “She needed great shoes, a thinner ankle and, to me, as I’m obsessed with feet, a foot more curved.”

The master of fabulous footwear completed her black cat-suit with four different versions of his statement red-soled heels that all come with miniature shoe boxes and cloth shoe bags (how adorable!!!). Also included with every one of the first Barbie® by Christian Louboutin limited edition dolls is a chic collectable calendar that documents all their jet-setting adventures together. Barbie “went” to Paris for one year exploring the designer`s ultra-fashionable life and visiting all his favourite places.

The moment Chanel models paraded down the Fall 2009 runway with mint green nails, I went finally crazy. It looked so cotton candy, reminding me of a mouth-watering sorbet melting softly. When MAC had launched their “Sugarsweet” collection last spring, their shade of green “Peppermint Patti” had been sold out immediately.
The same happend when Chanel`s Jade Nail Collection went on sale on Friday, Sept 11th at the N.Y.C. Fashion`s Night Out. Fashionistas grabbed every bottle they could get, probably as an investment. At ebay the little treasures went for up to $200.- (the retail price was $25.-).

In Europe, Chanel 407 Jade was only available at a few spots like Harvey Nichols in London. Germany or Switzerland did not receive it at all (but the cover model wore this perfect hint of shimmer for the november issue of German Vogue). How crazy is that?
Hollywood`s Eyebrow King Damone Roberts created with OPI his signature shade “Damone Roberts 1968” based on the wall colour in his salons (in Beverly Hills and N.Y.C.) and not surpisingly it was sold out fast.

For those of you that have missed the hype, I have some amazing – for your wallets utterly unique- suggestions to get a trendy green on your nails. Essie created for this winter a beautiful shade called „Mint Candy Apple“ and OPI have „Hey! Get in Lime“ in their brights collection. For the Zurich based readers, Beautyssima at the Rennweg has a wide range of OPI products.

If you think that you would never wear mint green nails, have a look at my way of working it. This outfit would look double-cool with it. But please do not start sucking your thumbs even if they will look so yummy!

LoL, Sandra