Sandra‘s Closet

John Malkovich with me

When I read about this project, I was immediately drawn to it. Such a cool idea! John Malkovich and director Robert Rodriguez have teamed up with LOUIS XIII Cognac, one of the most luxurious spirits in the world, to make a movie that predicts what life will be like 100 years in the future. «100 YEARS: THE MOVIE YOU WILL NEVER SEE» won’t be released – and now read carefully – until November 2115. Yes, my dear readers, that means we all will never get to watch it.

The famous LOUIS XIII Cognac

LOUIS XIII Decanter Baccarat

The inspiration behind it was to draw attention to all the hard work that it takes to make each decanter of LOUIS XIII Cognac. Its grapes grow in the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the most sought-after area of the Cognac region, in France. Just as four generations of cellar masters dedicate their lives to creating a masterpiece that they will never be tasting, the cast and crew of «100 Years» will never see the final cut of the film.

Grande Champagne landscape

A French art de vivre enthusiast, John Malkovich not only plays the leading role alongside Shuya Chang but also developed the original screenplay for «100 Years». This ground-breaking film comes with a lot of special effects and imagines how our planet might look like in a century in three different scenarios.

The first one shows the Earth overtaken by nature after it has been devastated by chemical warfare. Another explores the idea of a dark world ruled by technology. And in the third hypothetical vision, humanoid robots have taken control of the planet and humans have to run to escape.

To ensure that «100 Years» remains secure until its official premiere one century from now, the film was placed in a state-of-the-art safe, created in partnership with Fichet-Bauche, which will open automatically in 100 years when the timing is complete. The custom made piece is a marvel of design, featuring bulletproof glass and a revolutionary timer. Upon the closing of the safe, the door will not open until the countdown is complete, not even with a code or a key, regardless of access to a power source.

Le Grollet House of LOUIS XIII

For the premiere on November 18, 2115, one thousand guests from around the world received an exclusive invitation to give to their descendants to attend the big event at the House of LOUIS XIII, the Domaine du Grollet, in Cognac, France. Isn’t it amazing to imagine that some people might look up this post in 100 years and think of us, the ones that never saw the movie.

This outstanding project «100 Years» was celebrated on last Wednesday with an exclusive preview of the film’s trailer at James Goldstein‘s Sheats Goldstein Mansion in Los Angeles. During the invitation only event, John Malkovich, with LOUIS XIII, ceremoniously placed the film reel into the custom safe and set the timer for the official premiere in November 18th, 2115. This safe will be transported around the world under high-level security for an international tour beginning in Hong Kong on December 11th, before it reaches its final destination at the House of LOUIS XIII in Cognac.

Owner of the residence James Goldstein

Ed Westwick

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis, director Robert Rodriguez and actor John Malkovich share a toast.

Actresses Jamie King and Emma Roberts

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis at the party in Beverly Hills, California.

Film costumes on display.

Designer Zac Posen

Have fun watching the exclusive trailer below and join the conversation on social media with #notcomingsoon. You can follow LOUIS XIII on its social channels including: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Either PR masterpiece or craziest film project ever, the concept is pretty cool. Don’t you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII, Getty Images for Louis XIII

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

Goth glam with a quirky twist – this Halloween we’re all about velvet, flowy 70’s dresses and fun accessories. H&M offers a great selection of dress-up pieces for adults and kids (see below):

Such a cute Halloween collection for kids at H&M.

Use Halloween as an excuse to bring out your inner glam goth. (Not to be confused with glam rock.) For inspiration, turn to fictional style icons like Morticia Addams, Jessica Lange in «American Horror Story: Coven» or Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in «The Witches of Eastwick».
Or just Cher, period.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher floating in style in «The Witches of Eastwick».

This season’s It-item – the 70’s maxi or midi dress – is the perfect hero of the glamoween look, and don’t forget to top it off with the perfect shade of “blood” red for lips and nails.

If you are more opting for an investment in something you could wear all year, I recommend brands such as Balmain and Givenchy this season. They have great velvet dresses with that certain goth attitude that could be transformed with the right accessories into the perfect Halloween outfit. And then it is truly time for GLAMOWEEN!!!

Get the look: Feather and raccoon jacket and velvet ruffle midi dress, both by Givenchy, satin belt by Balmain, embroidered collar by Vivetta, «Black Spider» hairband by Caterina Capelli, double feather-embellished silk-trimmed leather tickler and My Tie leather and silk-charmeuse cuffs, both by Kiki de Montparnasse and Horatio leather and jacquard platform sandals by Paul Andrew.
Glamore Lipstick – Virgin by Illamasqua.

LoL, Sandra

Photo (Cover): Magnus Torsne, Styling: Emma Elwin
Photo «The Witches of Eastwick»: All Over Press
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Saturday night as part of the 11th Zurich Film Festival, I attended the wonderful IWC Schaffhausen “For the Love of Cinema” Gala Dinner at the Park Hyatt hotel during which Oscar winner Christoph Waltz presented the first-ever Filmmaker Award, worth CHF 100,000 in sponsorship. The award was set up by the Association for the Promotion of Film in Switzerland, which was founded last December by Marc Forster, IWC CEO Georges Kern, the co-directors of the Zurich Film Festival Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, and the CEO of Ringier, Marc Walder.

To celebrate the occasion, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer had invited some 200 VIP guests from the worlds of film, media, politics and commerce.

On the red carpet

Bernhard Burgener, Norbert Preuss and Michael Steiner (“Und morgen seid ihr tot”) and Lisa Blatter and Jan Gassmann (“Europe, She Loves“) receive the Filmmaker Award. 

From the four nominated films, the jury picked two winners: “Und morgen seid ihr tot” (“Tomorrow You’ll Be Dead”) and “Europe, She Loves”. Christoph Waltz, who presented the award, shot to fame with roles in “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained” by the American cult director Quentin Tarantino.

Christoph Waltz

“I am proud to be here in person to present this award, which is very important for the Swiss film industry. Providing sponsorship for filmmakers is a necessary and relevant task, one which makes a significant contribution to the diversity of Swiss film,” said the two-time Academy Award winner. The two winning projects were also each presented with an IWC watch – the Portugieser Automatic in stainless steel with a black dial and a special rotor engraving with “1st Filmmaker Award Zurich 2015”.

Actor Christoph Waltz, IWC CEO Georges Kern and director Marc Forster during dinner.

Philipp Fankhauser and band performed at the gala. 

After the dinner, we continued the party at Club Adagio into the small hours of the morning. It was a truly amazing night… thanks IWC Schaffhausen for having me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lennart Preiss/Getty Images for IWC

Alexa Chung has announced her first venture into tech by launching social style app ‘VILLOID’, inspired by the computerized wardrobe in the 90s movie Clueless.

VILLOID is a new social style app set to revolutionize the way you get dressed in the morning. Similar to Instagram but specifically for fashion and with a buy button, it’s a virtual dressing room on the user’s phone.

“I suppose that scene in Clueless where the computer puts an outfit together from Cher’s wardrobe really stayed with me.“ says Alexa Chung. “Clothes are fun, making mistakes is fun, being inspired is fun. VILLOID celebrates the process of getting dressed and showing your friends.”

VILLOID offers users a platform where they can share their style by uploading products and photographs onto a mood board, follow friends and fellow style mavericks, love boards and individual items. For anything they can’t live without – there is the option to click the handy buy button and purchase the item. Consider this the paper dolls for the modern age.

It’s the British style guru’s first delve into the world of technology, an area she didn’t know a vast amount about when she teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jeanette Dyhre Kvisvik and her team who had been working with a similar idea.

“Alexa and I immediately bonded, merging our ideas and utilizing her style genius, we have managed to make the best dressed app on the market.” says Dyhre Kvisvik.

“I wanted to get to learn something about a field I knew nothing about and I felt I could offer the tech field something I knew a lot about….clothes. Most decisions I make when it comes to new projects are based on whether it could further my education. The tech world was something I was incredibly curious about. Silicone Valley sounds like a bouncy castle I want to play on.” says Alexa.

Think of window shopping as a social game, only this this time it exists in the palm of your hand. VILLOID offers an opportunity to view a curated feed of style choices chosen by you, the user. Take yourself on a journey into the VILLOID world, discover people, endless brands and ways of pairing items together that until now, only ever existed in your mind.

Early adopters of VILLOID include model and singer Pixie Geldof who has already crowned VILLOID as “the most addictive app in life.” The app is now available in App store globally. The Android version is in planning, set to launch late 2015/early 2016.

Needless to say that when I read about this new app this morning, I had to sign up immediately to know what they are talking about. I have to admit that it seems quite fun but I am not sure if I will get completely into it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexa Chung, Villoid and © Sandra Bauknecht
Instagram: @Villoid

During the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, I had the chance to interview one of my favorite actresses, Jessica Chastain, who is the new face of Piaget. The beautiful «redhead» has established herself as one of the finest film actresses of her generation, earning numerous award nominations. In 2012, Time magazine featured her as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World“.

Jessica Chastain is superb as the agent Maya in «Zero Dark 30».

Trained at the Julliard School in New York City, she made her feature film debut in Dan Ireland‘s «Jolene» in 2008. Since then, she has earned critical acclaim for her leading roles in many major movies including among many others Kathryn Bigelow‘s «Zero Dark 30», for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and received her 2nd Academy Award nomination.

Jessica Chastain in «A Most Violent Year».

Her most recent box office success came from her role in JC Chandor‘s «A Most Violent Year», for which she was honored with a Golden Globe nomination. She will next be seen in Guillermo Del Toro’ latest movie «Crimson Peak» and Ridley Scott’s «The Martian», both set for release Fall 2015.

«I am not so interested in being like everyone else.»

Jessica Chastain with me at the amfAR gala in 2013.

Two years ago, I met you at the amfAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes and was impressed by your kindness and great aura. What helps you to be that grounded?
Tough thing to answer. I feel so grateful, my whole life I wanted to be an actor and to be part of the magic of what making movies are and I get to do it. There is not one day that I forget how special that is.

Which character would you love to play that you haven’t played yet?
I can tell you for theatre. I would love to play Roselynne in «As You Like It» because it is my favourite Shakespeare character but for film, I don’t know because maybe the role isn’t written yet. When I look back on films that I love from the 30s and 40s, the amazing performances, like Rita Hayworth, it’s I wouldn’t want to make a remake of those roles because it kind of looses what was so special about the original. I am gonna answer perhaps it is not written yet.

During our photo shoot for the new Possession campaign for Piaget in Paris recently.

You have the most beautiful hair. Do you think that being a «redhead» has influenced you, your career? How was it in your childhood? Blessing or curse?
If there is something about you that is unique and different, you have to celebrate it. That is what you have to love and this is what you makes you special as you get older. I am not so interested in being like everyone else. I like to meet people that are different, that are strange, that have different point of views and challenge my own way of thinking. When you are in a group, it is so much more interesting when there is so much individuality that becomes the group. So that’s what I think about the red hair.

You have been also the ambassador of the YSL fragrance, «Manifesto», and now you are the face of Piaget. How do you choose the right brands to collaborate with?
The reason why I love Piaget is first of all their engagement towards the Independent Film Spirit Awards. They have been the main sponsors for eight years. I love independent cinema, this is where my heart lies. Independent cinema celebrates diversity and creativity and for a brand like Piaget to sponsor it, means that it goes along with their believes, with their designs, the artwork is truly important to me, so working with Piaget was a no-brainer.

Her first official appearance as the new ambassador for Piaget: Jessica Chasten with Piaget jewelry at the Globen Globes.

What is your first memory of Piaget?
I think the watches are so incredible. Think about Jackie Kennedy with her most exquisite watch. I have worn Piaget for the first time at the Golden Globes, an amazing bracelet that was all diamonds but is was actually a watch. I have never seen such precision, beauty and art. This is the strongest memory I have of wearing their jewelry.

What was your first piece of jewelry? And can you tell us the story how you got it?
Probably a piece of jewelry that I got from my grandmother. It is not something you could wear. I don’t even know how to call it. It is covered in jewels and you can pull out one section for perfume and in the other section you can put your lipstick in. It is so special and beautiful. It means so much to me because it is from my grandmother that is very close to me.

Would you buy a piece of high jewelry yourself? Or does it always have to be a gift?
Of course, I like jewelry as a gift, jewelry is very sentimental, very emotional. But I have bought jewelry for myself. It makes me feel very independent, very powerful to be able to buy my own jewlery. I don’t require that it is always bought for me.

Jessica and my humble self at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica last February.

What is your favourite piece of jewelry? And why?
I wear earrings right now that I am obsessed with but I don’t own them. For daily life, I have a pair of diamond rose earrings from Piaget which are my favourites at the moment.

Do you like roses, flowers? What do they mean to you?
Flowers are so beautiful to me. Look at the connection between flowers and art. The sensuality what a flower is. A flower is life. It is life and art together and romance. That is probably why I love the earrings so much.

What is the most beautiful jewelry a woman can wear?
Her smile.

A secret about you that we don’t know yet.
(Laughs). I have a lot of secrets but I cannot think of any that I want to tell to the world.

Jessica Chastain in three words.
I have to give you more than three. I am loyal, very very loyal. I am a hard worker, I work so much and I am passionate.

Thank you, Jessica!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve Granitz/WireImage, Courtesy of Piaget and © Sandra Bauknecht
This interview was also featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

Meet the face of GUCCI‘s newest fragrance BAMBOO: GAL GADOT. In 2004, the Israeli actress and model won the Miss Israel title and is known for her role as Gisele in The Fast and the Furious film series. She also stars as Wonder Woman in the upcoming movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice along with Ben Affleck and Jeremy Irons.

Gadot seems to be the epitome of a Wonder Woman as she is a wife, a mother of a 4-year-old girl and a successful businesswoman. She served for two years as a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. Strong and beautiful, the same duality that Gucci Bamboo reflects. I met her in NYC for the launch of the new campaign.

Were you involved in the creative process of creating the fragrance? Or was it already finished?
I came to this beautiful result. It was already done. But before we shot the commercial, I really wanted to know what am I shooting. The moment I smelt it, I was so happy because it is just so good. It has all the right elements, it’s sexy and floral, but not too heavy. It’s sweet, but not too sweet and it’s fresh! I love it.

What is a bamboo for you? A strong wood or a weak plant?
It is both. It’s adjustable.

You seem to be a Wonder Woman. Model, actress, wife and mother in one. How do you accommodate all those tasks?
I just do it. I don’t sleep much.

How do you look so gorgeous when you don’t sleep a lot?
(Laughs) Two hours of hair and makeup. And I try to stay healthy. I work out a lot and eat good things. I keep my skin always clean before I go to bed. I try to wear light makeup and I drink a lot of water. And the most important I stay happy and positive.

You were in the Israeli army. How was that?
It’s mandatory in Israel. We all have to go, men do three years and women two. It was a good experience for me, I learnt a lot. It is not about you, it is about giving back to community which I find a beautiful thing. The discipline taught me a lot. You need to get up at 6 am, you run, you are on your legs constantly.

Did you learn how to use a weapon? Did this help you with your role as Wonder Woman?
Yes, of course, I learnt how to use a weapon. But it didn’t help me for Wonder Woman as she only uses a sword, a lasso and a shield.

In the commercial for Gucci Bamboo you are a multifaceted woman. In one scene, you are even fencing. Please tell us a little more about shooting the campaign.
Unfortunately, that is the only scene I couldn’t do myself due to my busy schedule. Art Director Fabien Baron came up with this beautiful vision how we wanted to promote this fragrance on the big screen and make people experience this perfume visually. It is basically a woman how is strong and powerful but at the same time she is feminine, sexy and elegant.

What is your first memory of a perfume?
I remember the first time I ever used a perfume. I sneaked in my mother’s bathroom and I just bathed myself in different scents. I was around 8 or 9 years old.

Do you ever worry about aging?
Not yet. I just had a discussion with my husband about the fact that women don’t age as good as men. And I was asking myself why. We try so hard to stay young, use all those facial creams and treatments. So I came to the fact that it is just nature. Once we cannot reproduce anymore, we start aging. But on the other side, there are so many older women today that are relevant, so strong and symbolize so many good things. I have four grey hairs already and I feel good about them. I don’t tear them out, I feel I earned them.

What makes you the most happy?
My family.

Do you have a role in mind you would like to play in the future?
I actually do, but it is kind of depressing. I would like to do a movie that deals with the Holocaust.

By whom do you get inspired?
By people who are optimistic, who are grateful for life, who are original and think outside of the box.

Israeli women have a special aura. Why is that?
We say what we think, there is no filter. Stylewise it is just affected by the weather. It is so hot we dress less.

Gal Gadot in three words.
Mother, wife and actress. Heart, smile and fruit.

Thank you, Gal, for this lovely interview!

To find out more about GUCCI BAMBOO, please click HERE for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Sandra Bauknecht

What’s better than a fairy godmother? Jimmy Choo of course! In the celebration of the release of Disney’s «Cinderella», Jimmy Choo Creative Director Sandra Choi has designed an enchanting shoe which reimagines the iconic glass slipper. Even Cinderella would be jealous.

TO SHOP THE CRYSTAL COVERED POINTY TOE PUMP ‘CINDERELLA’, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Please note: Each pair of the Cinderella slippers are Made To Order and will be delivered in October 2015. As all orders are custom made, they are also non-refundable.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

MAC launches the Cinderella collection which feeds the little girl in us who used to dance around in glittery heels hoping for a Prince Charming. The 17-piece collection is encased in sky-blue packaging with the classic Cinderella logo.

It will all be available online Feb. 26 and in stores starting March 5, just before the official remake of the Cinderella film comes to theaters on March 13. In Switzerland, it will be available at MAC Manor Zurich, MAC Manor Geneva, MAC Store Lucerne and online.

My personal favorites that are truly special from previous makeup collections are:

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER
Coupe D’Chic – light golden peach with gold shimmer, CHF 42.00

MAC STUDIO EYE GLOSS
Lightly Tauped – light beige with gold pearl, CHF 37.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC, © Sandra Bauknecht

This announcement seems just natural: OPI is launching six new limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ Fifty Shades of Grey, the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book by E L James. Available in January 2015, the collection includes five grey nail lacquers in varying shades and textures, along with one rich red hue. Fifty Shades of Grey arrives in theaters on Valentine’s Day weekend of 2015. As you know, I binge-read the trilogy (click here for my book review) and cannot wait to see the movie.

The OPI collection includes the following shades:

My Silk Tie
This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

Romantically Involved
I’m in a deep relationship with this luscious crème red.

Dark Side of the Mood
This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

Shine for Me
This shimmering silver with subtle blue sparkle really turns me on!

Cement the Deal
I’d sign anything to get my hands on this stony, cool gray.

Embrace the Gray
Let this chic, moody gray crème become one with you.

Each nail lacquer shade features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The collection will be available from 19th January 2015 for a limited time only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI