Sandra‘s Closet

Inspired by love, Paco Rabanne‘s new limited edition BLACK XS POTION for him and her is the elixir that seals a love story through thick and thin. Living intensely, provoking to the extreme, the olfactory secret offers the promise of pure passion. The Black XS rock stars flirt with excess, especially when it comes to love.

Their must-have fashion item: ‘Vampire Kiss’ Teddy embellished satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent for him and her.

WOODY SPICY

Top notes: Juniper berries
Middle notes: Cashmeran wood and cistus
Base notes:  Rum and woody notes

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Grapefruit
Middle notes: Baccara rose and Hellebore rose, known in former times as “witches’ rose”
Base notes: Black sandalwood and amber

Limited Edition – on counter now.
Black XS Potion for Her 50ml CHF 75.00
Black XS Potion for Him 100ml CHF 86.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paco Rabanne Fragrances and Saint Laurent

Looking outside at this dreadful weather, I love taking a hot shower. LE PETIT MARSEILLAIS has launched three new shower gels for the fall season, of which one is for men, that give you a little mood boost during this stormy season.

Verveine & Citron (Verbena & Lemon) Shower Gel gently cleanses, nourishes and hydrates the skin. Its scent is fresh and fruity.

Lait d’Acacia (Acacia Milk) Shower Gel comes with a delicate smell of flowers. It contains milk from acacia blossoms which is very soft and extremely moisturizing.

Bois de Cade & Fougère (Cade & Fern) Shower Gel for Men has a masculine woody smell and promises to nourish the skin while stimulating his (and probably also her) senses.

In Switzerland available at Coop for CHF 3.95 each (250ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, I was invited by IWC Schaffhausen to celebrate at Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel the legend of the famous Silver Arrow. The slogan “IWC. Engineered for Men.” got a whole new meaning when I entered the room as I was one of the only women there. But as I love cars, watches and speed, I felt very much at ease.

The star attraction of the event was a vehicle that has gone down in the annals of motorsport and laid the foundations for that legend: the Mercedes-Benz W 25. It set up the course record in 1934 and came in for a pit stop in Zurich on its journey back to the course in central Switzerland this upcoming weekend at the 11th International Klausen Hill Climb 2013.

The W 25 on display with the characteristic silver aluminium bodywork that earned this vehicle and its successors the nickname “Silver Arrow” is the last roadworthy model in the series and at the same time the jewel in the crown of the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection.

Having fun with my colleagues, Dörte Welti and Jeroen van Rooijen.

Black-and white photographs and film footage transported us back to the world of the 1920s and 1930s – the era of the original Klausen Hill Climb races.

In the foyer, we had the opportunity to peek over the shoulder of a watchmaker at work. All very fitting, because the designer engineers at IWC Schaffhausen took some of their inspiration from the W 25, and, as part of the relaunch of the Ingenieur watch collection in 2013.

The best was yet to come, I won the main prize that was presented to me by Linus Fuchs, IWC Managing Director Switzerland. See you this weekend at the Klausen Hill Climb!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC and © Sandra Bauknecht

In Frankfurt am Main in Germany, the 65th International Motor Show IAA has opened its doors and a fashionable collaboration on wheels between two companies that are linked by history, tradition and exclusiveness has been unveiled:
The Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna.

Featuring an unique new look in colour scheme, materials and finish, the car, presented as a limited edition concept, is intended for development into a production version in 2014 and will maintain the same personality and quality of the current Quattroporte range.

The exterior comes with a special effect paint finish that simulates the fluidity and purity of metal, by using ultra-fine aluminium pigments. A gloss black primer amplifies the brilliance of the aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth. The platinum metal colour effect finish is warmly nuanced to express the car’s classic and sophisticated yet technically advanced character. The material and chromatic research behind the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition is based on a play between the classical and the contemporary.

A leading role is played by its interior. Classical warm hues like mocha and greige are re-interpreted in a modern key to emulate Zegna’s latest men’s S/S 2014 fashion collection, conveying a formal, sophisticated character.

Interior components such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in genuine soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth, bright fabric that, due to Zegna’s vast experience and know-how, guarantees the level of performance needed for automotive applications.

I am loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati

Live free, fast and strong. Live 1000 lives but know that you only have one.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever.
Live as if you’ll die today.”
James Dean

Dior Homme. A composition that rocked the world, daring fresh boldness and surprise. An olfactory shock in true Dior style, changing habits and transcending norms. It is amazing how many interpretations it contains. A fragrance with 1000 faces, a stunning array of possibilities: A masculine Iris, the shock of opposites attracting. A faintly animal iris that expounds a sensual, sexy feel, accompanied by leather and wood to re-orchestrate virile accords. Amber and spices exude but do not invade, as though saying: “Follow me, it’s up to you.” No doubt about it, I will follow. I love this scent so much, it is so extremely sexy on a man.

Robert Pattinson is the face of the new campaign, shot by Romain Gavras. Below you can find some exclusive behind the scenes photos.

“Dior Homme eschews every masculine cliché. It explores a new virility, immediate yet complex.” François Demachy

DIOR HOMME
Masculine, Woody, Spicy Iris

Top notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Guatemalan Cardamom and Vaucluse Lavender
Middle notes: Tuscan Iris and Absolute Amber
Base notes: Virginia Cedarwood and Haitian Vetiver

Signature

A dimly lit dressing room. Costumes scattered on the floor, sequins and feathers. She has stubbed out her cigarette and removes her make-up, peering at her reflection in the neon-lit mirror. Conceal the shadows, pile on smoky eyes and flaming red lips. Overdo it, wear a mask to make believe it’s not really you, half-naked in this hopeless dive. A sharp intake of breath, she stops her handiwork…

He could be there, just behind the door. Among the fumes of stale tobacco she catches the scent that she loved on his neck, a delicious blend of wood and flowers. Gentle but virile. Tender-hearted Narcissus. This fragrance is her life. Leading her a merry dance.

“Little Bastard” or “Gentleman”: she doesn’t care. His signature is to do as he likes. She fixes her hair, a sad look on her face. Smoothes it listlessly, twists a few curls. Her heart isn’t in it. The tears well. Suddenly, the sillage swells, she smells the scent of spices and lavender in a musk and amber embrace. Her head reels, giddy. He appears, out of nowhere. She smiles at him in the mirror. Life. Goes on.

Dior Homme Fragrance Collection
For every day in your life, for all the lives you have!

Dior Homme
Wear Dior Homme like a tailored suit. This unique woody, aromatic signature trails in your wake. The surprising notes she loves to nuzzle at your neck. A sexy appeal, rigorous and sharp yet disarmingly casual. Feel effortlessly elegant. Sensual, supple and free.

Dior Homme EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml  (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Intense
The noble sophistication of a strong, potent signature. Giddy with love. Wood and Amber draw you in. Intense Iris joins the fray, exudes her powerful charm. A physical signature whose sillage entices. Shrouding the lapel of a cashmere coat, designed to be embraced. For a Prince of the night with enigmatic charm.

Dior Homme Intense EDP spray 50ml (CHF 104.50), 100ml (CHF 143.00) and 150ml (CHF 172.00)

Dior Homme Sport
A convertible speeds along an empty beach. An outdoor fragrance that plays on perfect jeans and a sexy T-shirt, the perfect fit. Like a rush of freedom, on the road. The vibrant woody freshness of the sillage hooks you in.

Dior Homme Sport EDT spray 50ml (CHF 95.00), 100ml (CHF 130.00) and 150ml (CHF 156.00)

Dior Homme Cologne
Clear and radical, it envelops with a musky citrus signature. Sheer elegance. The sillage states the casual charm of a classic white shirt. Unostentatious but stylish. Elegance in broad daylight: a fragrance for the skin, for you.

Dior Homme COLOGNE EDT spray 75ml (CHF 104.50) and 125ml (CHF 143.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

ITALY MEETS ARABIA

Acqua di Parma‘s new Colonia Intensa Oud is absolutely wonderful, something we would like to smell on our men. Bringing together two different worlds, this unique fragrance blends the distinctive Italian freshness of the cologne with the richness of the finest ingredients of the Middle East. The fragrance is the portrait of a man who embodies the best of different cultures, and confident in his own unique identity.

Congratulations! Last month, Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Oud won the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Award in the Men’s Luxury category in New York.

Top notes: Orange and Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Coriander, Amyris wood and Agarwood essential oil
(Agarwood essential oil is known to be a sign of charismatic, ancestral virility in the worlds of incenses, balms, particularly found in male Middle Eastern fragrances)
Base notes: Sandalwood, ceadrwood, patchouli, musk, wood and forest notes

A complete line for those who love this captivating fragrance in every aspect of their lives. The Eau de Cologne is available in 180ml and 100ml sizes, as well as in a Travel Spray 30ml format for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of this Eau de Cologne at any time and place.

Colonia Intensa Oud is now also available as a Shampoo and Shower Gel, Perfumed Deodorant and as a skilfully crafted Cube Candle for those who would love to spread the enigmatic notes of this Eau de Cologne in their daily routine and in their homes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma

Introducing POLO RED, the new Ralph Lauren fragrance for men with a fiery edge and daring confidence. Inspired by the designer’s legendary luxury car collection and the resulting adrenaline rush, it captures speed and seduction in a powerful scent.

Nacho Figueras, professional polo player and face of the fragrance, says: “When I’m playing polo I need to push myself and be the first to the ball – that’s when my adrenaline rushes to its peak. Riding a horse is very much like driving a car: it’s about the race and hitting the right curves to get the most speed. Whether riding a polo horse or behind the wheel, I’m in control.”

WOODY SPICY

Top note: Red grapefruit
Middle note: Spicy red saffron
Base note: Deep red wood

In Switzerland exclusively available at Marionnaud from July 2013.
Eau de Toilette 40ml (CHF 60.00), 75ml (CHF 75.00) and 125ml (CHF 98.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

The Mediterranean love story of Dolce & Gabbana’s LIGHT BLUE fragrances returns with a fascinating new chapter. This time, the two lovers chart a new course, with Italian model Bianca Balti cast as a classic Mediterranean beauty who takes the lead in a game of seduction. She is irresistible to the gorgeous David Gandy.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are extremely proud of Light Blue’s legacy, which includes several fragrance awards. Light Blue was also featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York as one of the century’s most groundbreaking scents.

Bianca Balti’s character portrays the Italian femme fatale in perfection.

Light Blue Pour Femme is available as EdT 50ml (€ 69), 100ml (€ 93), Shower Gel 200ml (€ 34), Body Cream 200ml (€ 36) and Deodorant Spray 150ml (€ 34).

David Gandy celebrates his third Light Blue advertising campaign with this episode.

Light Blue Pour Homme is available as EdT 40ml (€ 49), 75ml (€ 61), 125ml (€ 86), Shower Gel 200ml (€ 28), Deodorant Spray 150ml (€ 28) and Deodorant Stick 75g (€ 28).

The advertising campaign features the glittering sapphire blue waters of Capri and was shot by Mario Testino. This time the imagery has a retro Mediterranean look, with Bianca dressed in a 50s style bikini of high-waisted briefs and a balcony bra, like the seaside fashion of Capri when Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy holidayed there. The island has always been one of Italy’s most beautiful summer playgrounds and the backdrop to many great love affairs.

Below you can enjoy some exclusive behind the scenes shots. David and Bianca look so stunning together… I love it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

During the last weeks, I have tried many many new scents for men. Here is my list of the ones we would like to smell on our men this summer. The ones I can truly recommend.

DIOR HOMME COLOGNE
Citrus Aromatic

This new version is absolutely wonderful, my personal favourite. Modern, fresh and warm in one, another hit created by François Demachy.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Grapefruit
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 104.50 (75ml) and CHF 143.00 (125ml).

LE BEAU MALE by Jean Paul Gaultier
Aromatic Fougère

Eighteen years ago, “Le Male” irreversibly shook up the world of perfume by introducing an unprecedented masculine archetype: the sensual sailor with a soft heart. Today, this object of desire is the leader of a new olfactory generation. The freshness in the new fragrance is as powerful as it is addictive.

Top notes: Mint and mugwort
Middle notes: Lavender, sage and orange blossom
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 81.00 (75ml) and CHF 112.00 (125ml).

VERSACE EROS
Aromatic Fougère

Love, passion, beauty and desire: these are the key concepts of this new men’s fragrance. Named after the Greek god of love and son of goddess Aphrodite – Eros, it celebrates the perfection of the male body. For the passionate man, who is the master of himself! For all heroes among you…

Top notes: Mint oil, lemon and green apple
Middle notes: Ambroxan, tonka bean and geranium flower
Base notes: Vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss and cedarwood

Available now for CHF 90.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

BVLGARI MAN EXTREME
Woody Aromatic

Bulgari unveils a new expression of masculine charisma, a fragrance that melds an intense Mediterranean freshness and a modern woodiness, evoking Rome’s vitality and strength.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, pink grapefruit and cactus juice
Middle notes: Cardamom, amber and freesia
Base notes: Woody notes, vetiver and benzoin

Available now for CHF 112 (100ml) and CHF 84 (60ml).

ACQUA ESSENZIALE by Salvatore Ferragamo
Aromatic Fougère

The nose behind this fragrance is Alberto Morillas. The famous perfumer was inspired by water as the most essential natural element. A signature scent that celebrates a man’s real essence. Perfect for summer!

Top notes: Grapefruit, mint, mandarin and lemon tree leaf
Middle notes: Geranium, cascalone, rosemary and lavender
Base notes: Patchouli, musk, cistus and vetiver

Available now for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 109.00 (100ml).

ETERNITY MEN SUMMER by Calvin Klein
Woody Acquatic Fougère

This beautiful limited edition for 2013 reminds you of the romantic sound of the waves and the summery smell of the sea.

Top notes: Tarragon, bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: Seaweed, cedar oil, violet, mimosa and lavender oil
Base notes: Patchouli, amber, driftwood, musk and cashmere

Available now for CHF 101.00 (100ml).

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK pour Homme
Aromatic Fougère

This scent is one vision of the modern man: Seductive, courageous and witty, for all of you who desire a new sensual experience.

Top notes: Lavender and coriander
Middle notes: Green notes, neroli and orange blossom
Base notes: Cedar and patchouli

Available now for CHF 78.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml) and CHF 126.00 (90ml).

1 MILLION INTENSE by Paco Rabanne
Woody Spicy

The original 1 Million fragrance was launched in 2008. This year, a new intensified, deeper version is hitting the market, an embodiment of extravagance, a wonderful spicy oriental composition.

Top notes: Cardamom, blood mandarin, saffron and black pepper
Middle notes: Cinnamon, neroli and rose
Base notes: Orris root, sandalwood, leather and patchouli

Available now for CHF 87.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Gentlemen, get the grit out of your hair. Clean Brew by Redken extra cleansing shampoo works best for extra dirty hair as it washes away a hard day of work or play. The formula contains a premium blend of malt (nourish & condition), brewer’s yeast (strengthen & boost body) and orange zest (purifying) that intensely cleanses to eliminate dirt and oil while helping to purify the scalp. Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse.

Include beer and you will have surely a shampoo that men will notice! And ladies, those purifying ingredients work perfectly for us as well. So it is time to borrow from the boys, and this time not only his shirt, but his shampoo.

Available in Switzerland Mid April 2013 for CHF 28.00 (250ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Redken and © Sandra Bauknecht