Sandra‘s Closet

Véronique Nichanian was, of course, inspired for her menswear collection by the sport theme which is the main topic at Hermès for 2013. “Chic le sport” – effortless, casual and sporty luxury has been embodied in the most recent designs and accessories.

TO WATCH THE MOVIE TIE CROQUET, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

These printed ties offer a poetic and quirky take on the world, with a wink at sports, and the modern digital world. Each CHF 200.-.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Hermès, Video: Courtesy of Hermès

Busy men demand skincare products that work hart, smart and fast. Therefore gentlemen, I have good news for you. You can check off multiple items off your daily grooming to-do list with this single, highly advanced, efficient product:

PRO LS ALL-IN-ONE FACE TREATMENT by LAB SERIES Skincare for Men
Today’s most advanced face essentials combined in one super-light, fast-absorbing formula.

What are the benefits?
Soothing: Calms the look of irritation and redness
Moisturizing: Replenishes hydration, helps rebuild and fortify the all-important moisture barrier
Repairing: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Mattifying: Absorbs oil instantly, leaving skin looking clean and less shiny

Apply it after cleansing or shaving, great for everyday use, for travel and for your gym bag. Available in Switzerland starting from March 11th, 2013 for CHF 38.00 at selected department stores and online at www.labseries.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Lab Series

This week, I went to Geneva for the 23rd Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – SIHH 2013. Of course, my first stop had to be the IWC Schaffhausen booth that had been once more the most impressive one seen at the famous watch fair. Do you remember the amazing Italian ’50s/’60s theme for the Portofino watches in 2011 or the aircraft carrier for the Pilot watches in 2012?

Speaking of IWC Schaffhausen, you are talking superlatives which is entirely in keeping with the creative spirit that reigns at the Swiss watchmaking company. After the amazing launches and events of the last years, I had been pretty curious if this could be topped. And yes, they did it! As director Marc Forster said, “arriving at the IWC booth feels like arriving at a film set”. And this time, I arrived at a race track. The booth was filled not only with the most exquisite watches, but with the most stunning race cars you can imagine.

So ladies and gentlem, start your engines. In 2013, IWC Schaffhausen embarks on the Formula One season as the Official Engineering Partner of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team and relaunches the Ingenieur family that appears in a new, modern and very impressive light.

Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, puts his finger on it when he says: “Three outstanding quality features set the new Ingenieur collection apart: top-quality IWC movements, sophisticated functions and innovative materials.”

The story of the Ingenieur is strongly connected to the rapid progress made during the 1950s when technological progress dramatically increased the presence of magnetic fields. The Ingenieur, a pure and simple man’s watch, became famous as the antimagnetic watch of that time. When in 1976, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the “Ingenieur SL” designed by Gérald Genta (above on display at the booth), an icon was born.

In 2013, the Ingenieur has become the perfect watch for the racetrack as the set-up of a Formula One™ racing car and the assembly of a high-precision timepiece, both exemplify the art of engineering at the highest-possible level. Materials used in motorsport, such as carbon fibre, ceramics and titanium, are the hallmarks of the new design line.

My favourite model: The Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance (Ref. 3224) features a rubber strap with a textile inlay, which is stitched with signal-yellow or red thread.

Personally speaking, it’s one thing to look at those photos and read all about those new must-have timepieces, but it’s quite another to strap them on your wrist and examine them up close. The new Ingenieur watches will surely be a hit for IWC, so better race to the next IWC dealer and get your hands on them. The pole position will be all yours, at least style-wise.

What a beauty: The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. 3792) features a perpetual calendar together with a digital date display and leap year indicator.

Have fun exploring whom I spotted at the booth and stay tuned for more photos coming up, especially from the amazing IWC Race Night with top celebrities from all over the world.

LoL, Sandra

Michela Cerruti, daughter of Aldo Cerruti, an Italian racing driver that might be soon spotted driving the Formula One tracks.

German soccer goalkeeper Jens Lehmann

German actor Thomas Kretschmann

Former French soccer player Zinédine Zidane with me

Actor Ralf Moeller

From left to right: Zinédine Zidane, Ralf Moeller and Jean Reno

Boris Becker with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos of 2nd collage: Courtesy of IWC

According to Tim Blanks, the ninth-floor penthouse, where Roberto Cavalli presented his F/W 2013 men’s collection Sunday night in Milan, once belonged to the Gucci who was gunned down by his wife. Overlooking the rooftops of Milan, the spectacular views were the perfect backdrop for the outstanding presentation. Daniele Cavalli, who has been at the helmet of the menswear arm since two years, had a vision and transformed the amazing flat into a gentlemen’s club in impressive colours of purple and burgundy.

Instead of a fashion show, the collection was presented on mannequins, next to the photos and videos created by well-known photographer Rankin. I totally liked that approach as you could truly look at all the details of the looks and believe me, there were many.

Precious fabrics, from crocodile-printed pony skin to all-over sequined embroideries, of course the uniqueness of a print, and Daniele’s strongest talent, the combination of all those eye-catching details (see all the photos below please).

Daniele told me a little about his inspiration, that he used a teleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope, to create his very special prints, in form of kaleidoscopic patterns.

So then, no fashion shows this season. The reason?
The runway and the long walk before the public and photographers enhances and highlights the spectacular nature of feminine seduction. The same does not apply to the male essence. On the contrary, this might be the motive behind the skepticism of many men towards fashion. This collection aims at celebrating male reality.

Many famous journalists attended the event, among them Suzy Menkes…

… and Tim Blanks, who were both listening to Daniele’s vision.

Eva Cavalli chatting with Tim Blanks

Guests of the event were spoilt to all sorts of Cavalli Vodka drinks and enjoyed a musical performance of The Cyborgs. A fashion show that was more a fashion party in the world’s most stylish gentlemen’s club ever. Thumbs up!

Have fun looking at all the photos from the amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photographer Rankin with Alex Postiglione

Me at work in the kaleidoscopic room where the accessories were presented.

Olivier Zahm (Purple magazine) with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When money’s no object and your other half has everything he can wish for, finding a perfect Christmas present might be quite challenging. Only the most unique or outrageous for your loved one will obviously do, so here’s my pick of the ridiculously extravagant and special, part fantasy and all fun, from a ten thousand dollar backgammon set to a bag filled with garden tools.

Technology and men, you cannot go wrong with that! This limited edition cell phone was designed by Lapo Elkann, heir to Italy’s Fiat Automotive empire, and the creator of one of the most modern labels today, Italia Independent, in collaboration with Vertu. 
The phone boasts with the vibrant blue motif of Italia Independent and offers all the luxury concierge services Vertu is known for.
Constellation Blue by Vertu – CHF 9.700

For the nature lover:
Bag filled with garden tools by Prada, CHF 1990.-

This might be the perfect addition for your gardener to enjoy a snack outside:
3-piece picnic cutlery set by Hermès – CHF 1400.-

Luxury gaming is the perfect gift for the holiday season.
Chess set boxed in the house’s iconic Saffiano leather by Prada – CHF 3240.-

Hermès is also in the game and proposes, of course, something truly luxurious:
Backgammon set by Hermès – CHF 11050.-
The very exclusive piece is competing with …

… Prada’s playful approach at a more accessible price.
Backgammon set and Nine Men’s Morris, both by Prada, each CHF 2490.-

Miuccia’s “It-bag” for all lovers of this sport:
Golf bag – CHF 1240.- and tees – CHF 200.-, both by Prada

A very exclusive scent might always be a good choice. Let me introduce you to the new Essenze by Ermenegildo Zegna collection, comprising of five signature fragrances, each dedicated to one raw material, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris.

Available exclusively in Ermenegildo Zegna Boutiques (Switzerland, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Italy, UK, France, Germany, Austria, North America and Mexico).
In Zurich also sold at Jelmoli. Each scent (125ml) – CHF 260.-

For the true connoisseur: Your beloved one will love you for this leather travel case and spray, that will surely become his portable business trip companion. Not only is it the perfect size to slide into his briefcase, but, at 30ml, it’s way beneath the 100ml liquid limit on flights.
Acqua di Parma Essenza Leather Travel Spray – CHF 120.- (30ml)

Or how about this collector’s item designed by Silvia Fendi: A quintessentially case in black crocodile embossed leather for the Italian house’s signature scent, a limited edition object of luxury and desire bearing the emblematic Fendi codes. 
In Switzerland only available at the Fendi Boutique in Geneva.
Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition 2012 – CHF 337.-

Your world-travelling husband and boyfriend will thank you forever! Sleepless nights and drowsy mornings have become a common experience in today’s life. This bracelet with it’s Natural Frequency Technology helps wearers with a good and restful sleep and you might want to steal it off his wrist …
Sleep Bracelet with Natural Frequency Technology by Philip Stein, CHF 360.-
Available at Swiss Shop Duty Free, in Zurich at Max Affolter Uhren & Bijouterie, Limmatquai.

Who says I don’t cater to all tastes, here is an offbeat way to spice up your beloved man’s pen collection. You just have to choose if he is more the gun or sword type…
Pens, each CHF 330.- and document cases, each CHF 490.-, both by Prada

I hope that you have found some inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, Prada, Vertu, Philip Stein, Ermenegildo Zegna, Acqua di Parma

Louis Vuitton is always good for beautiful Christmas gift inspirations. The French house’s holiday brochure is full of perfect surprises for the festive season. The bags are guaranteed winners, and the accessories are everything a LV fan could want. Dear Santa, below is my wish list…

LoL, Sandra

Tote MM Majestueux bordeaux, in Monogram, leather, lizard and ostrich

Lockit Monogram Transparent noir (Collection Cruise 2013)

Bag Charm Carrousel marron.

Suitcase 35 Christmas Baubles in Monogram (How amazing are Louis Vuitton ornaments for your tree?!)

Charm Car, white and yellow gold, diamonds

Vuitton City Guides 2013 suitcases in Monogram Macassar

Calypso MM in Damier Inifini onyx for MEN

Montre Tambour Voyagez II, rose gold

Sequined Shoes for MEN

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Daniele Cavalli‘s reign at his family label has elevated the iconic style to another, more contemporary and definitely sexier level. The young Florentine is in charge for the house’s menswear label since a few seasons and I am absolutely in love wit his creations. In my dream world, men would walk around in those clothes from day to night.

Young Daniele has an amazing sense for colours and for creating new interesting materials, as he transformed tiger stripes into a tonal motif on a black leather bomber jacket for F/W 2012. The purple duffle coat and croc print silk scarf would take every man’s outfit to new heights.

You can shop Roberto Cavalli Men at LUISAVIAROMA.COM and FARFETCH.COM.

Me with Daniele, whom, it would not be hard to imagine in many of the looks.

Sketches & mood boards

Beautiful black & white photo in the last issue of Italian Max featuring a Roberto Cavalli Menswear S/S 2012 total look! Great style!

Robert Pattinson wears Roberto Cavalli yellow trousers in the September 2012 issue of BlackBook. Awesome pic!

This is a photo of the Roberto Cavalli F/W 2012 Menswear advertising campaign.

For S/S 2013, Daniele got inspired by the butterfly, the icon of transformation, and used a cage filled with them as the backdrop of show. From caterpillar to cocoon to full glam rock chic, if you’re going to be in Roberto Cavalli’s gang next summer, you will need some pastel shades of lilac and sky blue. To add Daniele’s signature ’70s feel, go for his metallic purples and silver. The thin lapelled-suits with neck scarves should definitely be on your wish list, gentlemen!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli, via BlackBook and Italian Max

Lorenzo Villoresi presented his latest fragrance MARE NOSTRUM AURA MARIS during Pitti Fragranze in Florence.

Mare Nostrum is the ancient name of the Mediterranean sea, a theme that the Florentine perfumer has always loved, rich of cultural, historical, mythological, environmental suggestions. Such a variety of different worlds and precious visions cannot be contained in only one fragrance.

This is why he is launching today the first fragrance of the Mare Nostrum collection, Aura Maris, the sea breeze. This fresh and gentle scent will be followed by other creations inspired by the many visions and sensations of the Mare Nostrum concept.

MARE NOSTRUM
Crossed by sweet currents, caressed by the breath of soft breezes and countless changing perfumes. Mighty, generous sea, the scene of exciting visions that cannot be told, salvation and danger alike for men and for heroes. There, skimming the crest of the waves, Poseidon rides his chariot drawn by golden-maned horses. In the deepest seas fair Nereides live, their long locks wafting in the foamy waters, to the sound of the salty surf.

AURA MARIS
The sea breeze gently brushing the ocean waves, bearing happy tidings of the summer sun, with the aromas from the Mediterranean shrubs. The tingling fragrance of the salty foam, the sunlit reflections of citrus fruits the lightest touch of meadow flowers and the golden rays of the sun on a glimmering sea.

Top notes: Fresh, green, citrus with Bergamot notes, Mandarin and soft floral fruity touches.
Middle notes: Fresh, floral with aromatic woods nuances, Narcissus, Patchouli, Jasmine.
Base notes: Fresh citrus floral, with soft ambery, musky and woody touches.

For a previous post on Lorenzo Villoresi, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

This fall, Tom Ford introduces four new Private Blend fragrances. The collection, so-called JARDIN NOIR, is dedicated to four classical flowers: Narcissus, hyacinth, rose and lily. “When you showcase their darker and less innocent aspects, flowers can become so thrilling and beautiful, they could almost ruin you. That was the sensation I was after,” says Tom Ford.

Here are the four new amazing scents:
Jonquille de Nuit, Ombre de Hyacinth, Café Rose and Lys Fume.

Jonquille de Nuit

”Unusual top notes of wild Alpine cyclamen, acacia and angelica seeds, balanced with Egyptian violet leaf and bitter orange leaf absolute, provide a contrasting structure which allows the heady narcissus heart to spill into the senses. This powerful floral vibration is pushed, heightened, and teased to the brink—until a sensual, hypnotic base of orris and warm amber arrest this frenetic blossoming.”

Ombre de Hyacinth

”Merged with the rich earthiness of galbanum and the green drive of violet leaf, then enhanced with a glamorous veil of Magnolia leaf ORPUR and cool, incense-inflected Olibanum, lovely Hyacinth becomes a maddening enigma. It plays distance against desire with gem-like shimmers of pink peppercorn and jasmine absolute that tease and entice. The tension finally breaks as Persian galbanum, benzoin and musk pull back the curtain to reveal Hyacinth’s addicting sensuality.”

Café Rose (My favourite)

”Three precious rose essences dance with exotic spices and dark coffee. Saffron and black pepper entice the tight blossoms of Rose de Mai to unfurl. Then, the lush and saturated heart of precious Turkish rose oil and Bulgarian rose absolute creates an enveloping, narcotic haze—until a teasing bite of coffee essence cuts through the romance and awakens dervish passion. Incense resin, amber, sandalwood and patchouli surround this dance with sensual, creamy depth.”

Lys Fume

”Soft notes of Italian mandarin and pink peppercorn and cool, spicy nutmeg and turmeric entice you into a lush and overgrown garden of night-blooming tropical white lilies, tangled with ylang ylang from Moheli. The intoxicating air, soaked with this expansive floral effect, is streaked with the beautiful, sub-tropical melancholy of balsamic, South Indian davana essence and West Indian Demerara rum essence. A woody harmony of rich vanilla absolute from Madagascar, amber-toned cistus labdanum, styrax and oakwood creates a dreamy, hypnotic warmth.”

The collection will be available at all Tom Ford Private Blend counters from September 2012 in Switzerland. 50ml (CHF 250.-) and 250ml (CHF 660.-)

Gentlemen, pay attention. This fall, here is the elixir that will infatuate the ladies around you. TOM FORD NOIR includes notes of bergamot, verbena, caraway, baie rose, violet flower, black pepper, nutmeg, iris, geranium, rose, clary sage, opoponax, amber, patchouli, vetiver, civet and vanilla. A truly sexy composition.

Ladies, be careful. This scent is dangerous stuff!

Tom Ford Noir will be available from September 2012. 50ml (CHF 120.-) and 100ml (CHF 156.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

LUNA ROSSA, Prada’s newest men’s fragrance, seeks inspiration from the Italian house’s sailboat of the eponymous name which regularly participates in the prestigious America’s Cup (For more information on the famous competition, scroll to the end of this post please).

The scent and ingredients blended by Daniela Andrier, Prada Luna Rossa is a masculine fragrance without compromise that reinterprets traditional ingredients with agility.

A wave of aromatic freshness crashes through the scent conveying strength and dynamic energy, while its signature is noble and sensual.The backbone of the fragrance is lavender – an unmistakable natural ingredient in perfumery – but here pushed to the edge in a unique modern interpretation. Even the Prada Luna Rossa fragrance bottle is inspired by the technological excellence and sleek, dynamic beauty of extreme sailing boats. The power of the elements is reflected in the materials and design, which project both strength and sophistication.

Top Notes: Lavender Absolute and Bitter Orange
Middle Notes: Clary Sage and Spearmint Nanah
Base Notes: Ambroxan and Ambrette Absolute

Prada Luna Rossa for Men EdT 50ml (CHF 87.-) / EdT 100ml (CHF 117.-)
Aftershave Lotion 125ml (CHF 85.-)
Shower Gel 200ml CHF 50.-)
Deodorant 150ml (CHF 45.-)

Available September 2012.

The Luna Rossa Story

The America’s Cup is the most coveted and elusive prize in sport and the apex of the sailing world. It is an intense competition propelled by an almost mythological history, the obsession and dedication of its participants and thrilling advances in design and engineering. It is a race fought along lines of technology and athleticism, but fundamentally bound by the forces of nature; enjoyed the world over both for the visceral excitement of the competition and the grace of the boats as they cut through the waves.

The Luna Rossa sailing team emerged from the shared determination and grand ambition of two men. Patrizio Bertelli, CEO of Prada and German Frers, one of the world’s foremost yacht designers, met in 1997 to discuss a cruising boat and the designer made a provocative jibe – “why not the America’s Cup?”. There was no turning back. In order to meet strict entry deadlines Bertelli organized a crew from scratch in a record time of just two weeks – a process usually taking many months. Since then, the Luna Rossa team is one of the most renowned and beloved competitors of the America’s Cup – the oldest and most prestigious trophy in sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Carlo Borlenghi