Sandra‘s Closet

Disney‘s Oz The Great and Powerful, has hit the cinemas worldwide. The American fantasy adventure film directed by Sam Raimi, stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs, Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, and Michelle Williams as Glinda. The film is based on L. Frank Baum‘s Oz novels, and also homages the 1939 MGM film, .

To celebrate the theatrical release, OPI is launching a beautiful collection featuring 6 limited edition and 1 Liquid Sand™ shades. Below are the names and descriptions for each:

What Wizardry Is This?
This new Liquid Sand™ lacquer is a mix of soft crème and warm, subtle glitter shades.

When Monkey’s Fly!
I’m simply bananas for this gold confetti.

Lights of Emerald City
White confetti adds city girl flair and style to nails.

Which is Witch?
Is this silver glitter with irridescent sparkle or the other way around?

I Theodora You
This adorable, sheer pink is bewitching on you.

Glints of Glinda
Only a good witch could turn beige from meek to chic.

Don’t Burst My Bubble
Don’t wake me…I’m dreaming about puffy clouds of white.

As with all OPI nail lacquers, those shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
This limited edition promotion is in stores now (for CHF 23.90 in Switzerland) and will surely fly off the shelves, so better hurry!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Being in Los Angeles for this one night that Hollywood waits for every year is truly amazing. I have enjoyed every second of being here. The 2013 Oscars mark the first year that the famous ceremony is no longer officially called the Academy Awards. The Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood was home to a red carpet filled with amazing gowns.

Here is my best dressed list:

Comprehensive victory: Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a Dior Couture gown combined with a long Chopard necklace draped down her back, won the Best Actress 2013 Oscars for her work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and was the most stunning appearance on the red carpet.

Glamourous perfection: Amanda Seyfried in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

So pretty: Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

The biggest fashion trends on the 2013 Oscars red carpet were neutral hues and dramatic dark metallics. White was THE colour like last year. Trains had a major moment. Bright hues were rarely seen, but berry shades made a big entrance as spotted on Jennifer Garner for example. When it comes to Hollywood glitz and glamour, the Oscars never disappoints.

A radiant winner: Anne Hathaway in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewlery

British singer Adele performed her Academy Award winning song Skyfall (‘Best Original Song’) at last night’s ceremony for the first time wearing a black silk dress with degradé hand-embroidered crystals by Burberry.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars, both in Gucci.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Picture: “Argo.”
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Directing: Ang Lee, “Life of Pi.”
Foreign Language Film: “Amour.”

Stay tuned for many more posts coming up from Los Angeles…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Burberry, ©Joe Klamar/AFP

Over a year ago, a dear friend of mine handed me “50 Shades of Grey” in English and said: “You have to read it, it is so sexy.” Busy as I was, I put it to the side without being too interested in it. During my summer holidays in the States, I observed that almost every woman at the pool was reading this book and magazines were full of reviews. Most of my girlfriends had already been talking about it. So I was starting to wonder what was this “50 Shades of Grey” thing I kept seeing everywhere? A few weeks ago, when I caught the stomach flu, I refrained from my prejudices and gave it a try. Being honest, I admit that I have become Fifty Shades of Grey crazy and have read the three books extremely fast. Somebody said to me recently in astonishment: “But you are a journalist, you cannot like that book!” Another woman exclaimed while I was reading: “You are so lucky, you still have the third book to finish”. Tastes differ.

The story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele is extremely unrealistic, cheesy and platitudinous but it is so captivating, truly entertaining to read. Personally speaking, E.L. James has summarized what women like to dream about. The story is about an extremely good-looking billionaire (other women start stuttering when they see him) who has only eyes for the woman he loves, who bizzarely enough has all the time in the world to be with his wife (the zillions of dollars just earn themselves), who is the best lover you can imagine (always putting her satisfaction first and is on hand 24/7), who doesn’t want to have a prenup, “as all of his belongings are hers now, too”. Christian, who was adopted and had a horrible childhood, enjoys the BDSM lifestyle in bed but Anastasia is able to change his vision of life (women always like to think that they could change the man of their dreams).

Writing this, I have to smile because it sounds so bad, it is definitely a kind of “mommy porn”, but please give it a try. It is absolutely captivating. At least, you want to know what everybody is gossiping about… and in 2013, the story will hit the cinemas.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last weekend, I went to the preview of the new James Bond movie SKYFALL (directed by Sam Mendes) in Zurich, in which Bond’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the sacrifice.

Personally speaking, Skyfall is one of the best Bonds in its 50-year history. I truly enjoyed its outstanding dose of Bond-esque humour and Javier Bardem is excellent as crazy bad-guy Silva. Of course, there has to be a female temptation for 007 and Bérénice Marlohe showed off why she’s the new Bond Girl on the red carpet for the royal premiere in London this week.

The beautiful actress, who plays the character of Sévérine, worked her curves in a sizzling red draped couture gown by dame Vivienne Westwood. The show stopping frock featured designer’s iconic corset and was accessorized with Stephen Webster fine jewelry pieces from his F/W 2012 collections ‘Forget me Knot’ and ‘Deco Haze’ set in 18ct white gold with hematite and white diamonds. That is what I would call “dressed to kill”.

Inspired by the new Bond film, Skyfall, Stephen Webster has created four exclusive designs for Swarovski which encapsulate all the movie magic of 007’s latest adventure. On screen, French actress Bérénice Marlohe is wearing select jewelry pieces from the collection. As Stephen Webster stated: “Without question, collaborating with Swarovski on the jewelry for Skyfall has been exciting from the word go. The themes in the film seem to fit perfectly with the design aesthetic of the jewelry I create, and the many creative meetings at Pinewood Studios between Swarovski, ourselves and the Bond team have only added to our enthusiasm for the project. We can’t wait to see the jewels, shaken not stirred within the movie.” The beautiful collection is available in Swarovski stores worldwide.

If you are interested to find out more about Stephen Webster, I recommend this previous interview I did with him this summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski, Stephen Webster, IMDb and © Getty Images

This weekend, I was invited by Dior to the Zurich Film Festival that is celebrating the art of film in all its facets this year for the 8th time. In a very short amount of time, it has established itself upon the national and international festival landscape.

We started in the afternoon with the vernissage “Stars in Dior”, a beautiful exhibition of photographs featuring celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Sharon Stone, who have often worn creations by the house of Dior, whether they were designed by its founder or his successors, on the set, at cinema-related events or simply in their everyday life.

At the vernissage framed by Manuela Pastore (Sales Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the left and Sonya Burch-Baumann (PR Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the right.

Later, we went to the screening of “Love is all you need” (Den skaldede frisor), a film directed by Academy Award Winner Susanne Bier and starring Pierce Brosnan plus a famous Danish cast, among them Trine Dyrholm and Kim Bodnia.

The heartwarming story is very moving but at the same incredibly funny with a hint of absurdity. A hairdresser (Trine Dyrholm) who has lost her hair to cancer finds out her husband (Kim Bodnia) is having an affair, travels to Italy for her daughter’s wedding and meets a widower (Pierce Brosnan) who still blames the world for the loss of his wife.
Of course, nothing goes according to plan and yet everything works out in the end. The film was shown in Danish/English with German subtitles and I have to admit that the original soundtrack added even more charm to it.

The Dior after party took place at the Frauenbadi that was beautifully decorated.
What a great night!

My look: Black belted gown by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, cropped fur jacket by Prada, feather stole, handbag and pearl multi-strand necklace by Dior, pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

In the end, Dior spoilt us even more with the wonderful coffee-table book “Stars in Dior” (Available in stores for around €45.-) and a bottle of the house’s recently launched fragrance: MISS DIOR – Le Parfum.

The scent is announced as elegant, sensual and intoxicating nocturnal perfume extract. The nose behind this fragrance is François Demachy who said he “wanted to bring something precious and luminous to the composition of Miss Dior Le Parfum, like an oriental jewellery set or the reflections of shimmering fabric.” Yet again, beautiful Natalie Portman is the face for the campaign, formerly she presented Miss Dior Cherie.

MISS DIOR – Le Parfum
Oriental – Chypre

Top notes: Mandarin
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose absolute and Turkish rose absolute
Base notes: Patchouli, amber and vanilla.

Available now for CHF 129.50 (40ml) and CHF 179.50 (75ml).
My new favorite, such a warm, beautiful and very feminine perfume. A must for all lovers of oriental fragrances.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, IMDB and © Sandra Bauknecht

Miu Miu’s acclaimed series of short films, the Women’s Tales, just screened together for the first time as part of the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori – Venice Days.

Zoe Cassavetes, Massy Tadjedin, Miuccia Prada, Giada Colagrande, Lucrecia Martel, Maya Sansa

The short films, by four leading international female directors, show how the Miu Miu short film platform has managed to combine credible filmmaking themes and a strong feminine point of view with fashion.

The four films in the series are: The Powder Room, directed by Zoe Cassavetes; Muta, directed by Lucrecia Martel; The Woman Dress, directed by Giada Colagrande and the newest It’s Getting Late, directed by Massy Tadjedin. (To watch the movies and for exclusive interviews plus behind-the-scenes footage, just click on the titles to be transfered directly).

Some of the leading stars of contemporary cinema including Gemma Arterton, Patricia Clarkson, Aubrey Plaza, Rinko Kikuchi and Maya Sansa lead the all-female casts, and soundtracks are scored by some of music’s finest new talents including Au Revoir Simone and Zola Jesus. The diverse films, set in LA, London, a witches’ cavern and a mysterious ship, explore feminine rituals, codes and gestures, each touching on the theme of being a woman. Each director applies their distinctive point of view through their particular filmic style, with elements of melodrama, surrealism and film noir reflecting the world of Miu Miu in multifarious dimensions. Highlights from the Miu Miu collections take leading roles too – sunglasses, accessories, and key looks from the ready-to-wear collections are all beautifully showcased – but also perform as important plot devices, central to the narratives. Following the wide success of the first four films, Miu Miu will continue to commission further Women’s Tales films into the future, details to be released soon.

Here are some photos of the newest release It’s Getting Late:

I just spent the last two days at the St. Moritz Art Masters and today, I am off to the Venice Film Festival. Stay tuned for some amazing photos to be posted soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

While being in Texas, I had to see the famous Southfork Ranch, renowned as the filming location for the “Dallas” television series and went directly after my shopping spree at the Highland Park Village (click here to see also the details of my look).
My most embarrassing moment: Thanks to my coral shape heels, I fell down the grand staircase in the entry hall of the Ewing Mansion and of course, being in the United States, there was a lot of excitement and I had to fill out the “Southfork Ranch Injury Damage Report”.
My answer: “Relax and blame it on Chanel!”

Exciting news for all fans: Dallas has returned to television after two decades away.

In this Dallas, J.R.(Larry Hagman) and Bobby (Patrick Duffy) continue on in Southfork, but now the focus has shifted to their sons, John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). Of course, the boys stake out their claim on the Ewing name – albeit in disparate ways. John Ross, being the son of the more ruthless J.R., is interested solely in continuing to drill for oil, while Christopher, whose father is the kindhearted Bobby, sees his focus shifting toward alternative fuel sources and green energy.

I have started to watch it and truly enjoy seeing all the well-known faces together with the new young actors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of TNT

My German speaking readers will know what I am talking about. Silvia Seidel was an icon. In 1986, she played the role of Anna in the eponymous television series, followed by a motion picture in 1987, a young ballerina who finds herself paralyzed after a car accident, and afterwards learns how to walk and dance again. Because of her, ballet schools in Germany were flooded with little ballerinas. Personally speaking, she had absolutely inspired me to follow my love for dancing to that day. The dress codes were all pink, ballet slippers and tutus.

Tonight, I heard that she killed herself last week at the age of 42. I am shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of such an inspirational, extraordinary talent that unfortunately had the peak of her career at a too young age.

Rest in Peace, Silvia and thank you for the inspiration!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © dapd und © Sandra Bauknecht

OPI has a very special treat in store for all of you this Holiday 2012! In celebration of James Bond’s Golden Anniversary OPI is releasing their first-ever 18 karat gold leaf top coat “The Man with the Golden Gun” together with a complete nail polish collection of 12 shades (The Spy Who Loved Me, Casino Royale, You Only Live Twice, Die Another Day, Skyfall, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Living Daylights, Live And Let Die, Tomorrow Never Dies) dedicated to the famous spy.

“For 50 years Bond beauties have graced the big screen with their dazzling looks and opulent style, and gold has always played a prominent role,” commented Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s executive VP and Artistic Director, in the press release.

Inspired by the world of 007, this stunning top coat contains real 18 karat gold and comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable gold bottle – the ultimate holiday gift!

Burgundy and golden nails were all over the F/W 2012 runways. So get your hands on this combination for the ultimate new season manicure. Available October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

In stores now are OPI‘s new six limited edition nail lacquers and a new shatter, inspired by Sony Pictures’ The Amazing Spider-Man.
With an all-star cast including Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, this highly-anticipated series reboot opens in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012.

The film villain’s reptilian look can be replicated with a high-fashion twist by using the new deep green shimmer Shatter coat.  Shatter the Scales is inspired by graffiti art and works when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter the Scales from matte to glossy in seconds.

Shatter the Scales

The line features six nail lacquers in addition to Shatter the Scales, ranging from white, coral and pink to mood-setting hues of blue, nickel and yellow-green:

From left to right:
Shatter the Scales
Green shatter top coat.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls
Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Call Me Gwen-ever
Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls
Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Just Spotted the Lizard
Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.

Number One Nemesis
Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.

Into the Night
This perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.

Just Spotted the Lizard on my nails

This limited edition promotion is available in Switzerland for CHF 23.90.
Have fun flying high with those new must-have shades and stay tuned for OPI’s newest collection coming up that is inspired by Germany, my home country with funny names for the shades such as “Don’t Pretzel My Buttons”, “Nein! Nein! Nein! OK fine!” and “Every Month is Oktoberfest”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht