Sandra‘s Closet

Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the world’s pre-eminent super-luxury SUV, promises the intrepid owner an unrivalled blend of comfort and capability surmised as «Effortless, Everywhere». In addition to conveying its occupants to their destination in absolute serenity, off road or on road, Cullinan offers two unique Bespoke features to ensure that, on arrival, clients are equipped with everything required for their adventure.

The first is the Recreation Module, a motorised drawer cassette designed to fit securely and invisibly into the luggage compartment floor of Cullinan. At the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories and paraphernalia personally selected by the motor car’s commissioning client, each item ensconced in its own individually tailored container. The Recreation Module can be trimmed to match or contrast with the car’s interior and exterior colourway according to the commissioning client’s preference.

THE LUXURY OF VERSATILITY
The Recreation Module provides 48 litres of space that can be configured precisely to accommodate the customer’s requirements. Furthermore, the entire assembly can be removed and stored separately, allowing customers to create Recreation Modules for specific hobbies and applications, from fly fishing, rock climbing, snowboarding or parascending to kite-boarding or base-jumping. For example, a Cullinan client could devise three individual Recreation Modules for shooting, skiing and photography equipment, then select and install the appropriate unit prior to departure.

While the Recreation Module adds enormously to Cullinan’s versatility and individuality, it does so without compromising the car’s spacious 2,245 mm loading length and boot capacity of up to 1,930 litres.

KING OF THE NIGHT
In late 2019, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commissioned photographer Mark Riccioni to create a series of innovative and subversive images featuring Black Badge Cullinan, under the cover of darkness, among the distinctive automotive subcultures of Greater Los Angeles. To support the project, the marque developed a personalised Urban Photography Recreation Module, incorporating specialist equipment including a DJI Mavic Mini drone, 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro and 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro for image capture and editing on location. The Bespoke Collective of Designers, Engineers and Craftspeople also found room for Riccioni’s Sennheiser PXC550 MkII noise-cancelling headphones, Persol PO3225-S sunglasses and outerwear from streetwear brand Supreme.

HOSTING SERVICE
To accommodate hosting in even the most rugged locations, the marque developed a permanent Bespoke feature for Cullinan named the Hosting Service. This remarkable marriage of design, craftsmanship and engineering offers a range of accoutrements to create the perfect beverage while enjoying the world’s most breathtaking vistas. Suited to hosting up to eight adults, the Hosting Service comes complete with glassware and the utensils for creating a fresh cocktail or a classic gin and tonic for passengers. Elegant highball glasses are adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden chopping boards are made of the highest quality American walnut. Additionally, space is provisioned for a light snack service.

THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE
As well as the Recreation Module, the rear compartment can accommodate a second Bespoke feature, unique to Cullinan, that customers can specify to enhance their explorations. With the tailgate open, a touch of a button deploys the Viewing Suite – two rear-facing sociably arranged either side of a retractable cocktail table. The Viewing Suite provides the perfect place in which to relax and reflect on the day’s events. Truly the best seat in the house.

I love the Urban Photography Recreation Module, let’s see if I can convince my lovely fiancé to transform his car into a blogger vehicle, haha! A little dressing drawer would be nice too …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rolls-Royce

CHANEL‘s signature watches receive the rainbow treatment for Watches & Wonders 2021 with the introduction of the Electro collection «inspired by the electronic dance music culture of the 1990s,» as Arnaud Chastaingt, director of the maison’s watchmaking creation studio, explains. «This musical movement created a radical new visual universe,» and became Chastiangt’s starting point for this new watch collection centred on the J12, that enters a polychromatic world of the rainbow setting.

Let’s have a look at those amazing timepieces constituting the CHANEL Electro line:

J12 Electro Box
The J12 Electro Box is a 12-piece collection of black ceramic watches each set with baguette-cut sapphires of the same colour, and together form the rainbow gradient. The set costs over CHF 1 million.

J12 X-Ray Electro Star
This 38 mm model in 18k white gold is set with over 32 carats of baguette-cut diamonds and 13 carats of sapphires. Totalling 267 baguette-cut stones, the sapphires are set on the flanks of the case and links, creating a rainbow gradient of colour. It’s powered by the cal. 12.1 movement made by Kenissi, the movement maker partially owned by CHANEL.

J12 X-Ray Electro Caliber 3.1
A creative and technical feat, the J12 X-RAY watch, featuring the Caliber 3.1 movement, is made entirely of sapphire crystal and set with baguette-cut diamonds. A fully transparent creation, available in a limited edition of 12 numbered pieces.

J12 White and Black Electro Dream
This polished white ceramic J12 has the bezel, crown, and back in 18k white gold. It is similarly set with coloured sapphires on the dial and bezel, while the movement is the cal. 12.1 automatic made by Kenissi. The J12 Black Electro Dream is the chromatic opposite – matte black ceramic with the same coloured sapphires and cal. 12.1 movement.

J12 Electro Dream
This is the base model, a 33 mm ladies watch in polished black ceramic and equipped with a quartz movement. The numerals and scales on the dial and bezel are printed in a rainbow gradient of colours.

Première Electro
Next up is my favorite watch from the entire Chanel Electro collection (as it is also one of the more affordable ones). The simplistic octagonal Première Electro gets a complete new look through the gradation of the leather and a shocking-pink Chanel logo. The watch is powered by a quartz movement.

Code Coco Electro
This quartz watch is a very modern take on the classic jewelry watch. It’s a bold statement.

Boy Friend Electro
Last but not least, the CHANEL Boy Friend Electro is the watch that stands out from this collection. Instead of using bright rainbow colors as accents to emphasize the inspiration behind the collection, CHANEL settled on captivating gem-setting.

Chanel actually makes blingy ladies watches look cool. I am loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Today, I received the Pre-Watches & Wonders 2021 preview from Cartier that I wanted to share with you immediately. It is all about precious diamond watches, that are all standing out for their elegance, mastery of design, and fiery stones.

«Because Cartier is above all a jeweller, Cartier watches, whether they are for men or women, blur the lines between these two founding professions of the Maison, allowing for the best of both worlds. This is why our creations transcend all categories. They are not just instruments for telling the time, nor are they simply jewellery. They are a third type of object with their own uniqueness. Cartier watches only resemble themselves.
The complexity of Cartier watchmaking is due to its duality. It is being able to express creative freedom while working under technical constraints. This intellectual challenge is exciting. And the challenge is all the greater when aesthetics take precedence over the rest. It means that we must master the technical side, making it feel like second nature so that emotion is able to emerge. This intuitive intelligence has always been evident in our designs. The creative process is the result of a controlled tension between the head and heart, an alchemy from which meaning and identity emanate.» – MARIE-LAURE CEREDE – Director of Design for Watchmaking at Cartier

REPTILIS WATCH

Like a precious brocade, the diamond-paved chevrons weave into each other, edged with princess-cut diamonds. Like precious scales, these mobile elements snake around the wrist like a flexible, hinged ribbon. At the centre, a rectangular dial accentuated by four diamond hour markers. Light bursts forth, reflects and resonates all over.
12.8 mm, thickness: 6.6 mm
18K rhodium-finish white gold
Case and bracelet set with
232 brilliant-cut diamonds (3.75 cts)
and 70 princess-cut diamonds (6.06 cts)

ROSARY WATCH

Geometric elegance with the richness of random paving all the way to the heart of the dial. Everything is treated graphically; the refined design is pushed to the extreme between round and square. The tempo of its forms is born from the rhythmic succession of curved discs, paved and set with a small black square, evoking an Art Deco influence. At 12 o’clock lies a singular hour marker, also a black square.
17 mm, thickness: 8.26 mm
18K rhodium-finish white gold
Case, dial, and bracelet set with
1191 brilliant-cut diamonds (5.57 cts)

PANTHÈRE SONGEUSE WATCH
Making its emblematic animal the guardian of its precious hours is the approach that Cartier has taken this year, presenting a new interpretation of the feline through three exceptional timepieces. Designers, artisans… when it comes to this incarnation, jewellery and watchmaking speak the same language. Since 1914 when it first appeared on a wristwatch in the form of a spotted coat of diamonds and onyx, now, more than ever, the feline is THE Cartier signature.28.4 mm, thickness: 7.8 mm
18K rhodium-finish white gold
Case, dial and panther head set with
1116 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.57 cts)
Pear-cut emerald eyes (0.04 ct),
black onyx nose and sapphire spots (0.25 ct)
Bracelet set with
325 brilliant-cut diamonds (9.15 cts)28.4 mm, thickness: 7.8 mm
18K rhodium-finish white gold
Case, buckle, dial and panther head set with
734 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.95 cts).
Case and dial with enamel
Pear-cut emerald eyes (0.04 ct),
black onyx nose and sapphire spots (0.38 ct)
Blue alligator leather strap
Numbered limited edition of 30 pieces28.4 mm, thickness: 7.8 mm
18K rhodium-finish white gold
Case, dial, buckle and panther head set with
1039 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.67 cts)
Pear-cut emerald eyes (0.06 ct),
black onyx nose and black lacquer spots
Black alligator leather strap

All five watches have quartz movements.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

Judith Leiber Couture’s intricately detailed clutches have been carried by so many influential women – from actresses and philanthropists to heads of state – since the label was founded in 1963. The miniature bags are impeccably crafted to look like beautiful works of art. I am completely obsessed with them, such collector pieces. Today’s edit includes my favorites of the season to suit every personality. Wouldn’t one of them make such a lovely Valentine’s Day surprise?!

LoL, Sandra

Coins crystal-embellished clutch bag

Candy Bar Rich & Delicious crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch

Mickie Chihuahua crystal-embellished minaudière

Hot Lips crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch in red or in pink

Swan Odette crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch

Peach crystal-embellished rose gold-tone clutch

Bow Just for You crystal-embellished gold-tone clutch

Butterfly Fireclipper crystal-embellished gold-tone clutch

Hamburger crystal-embellished clutch bag

Rainbow Fries crystal-embellished clutch

Frozen Drink Ice Cold crystal-embellished crossbody bag

Once Upon A Time crystal-embellished clutch bag

Photos: Courtesy of Judith Leiber
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Breaking news for all gem lovers. Tiffany & Co. acquires an exceptional 80-carat diamond to reimagine its historic 1939 World’s Fair Necklace. Expected to be its most expensive piece ever, Tiffany will unveil the diamond necklace in 2022 when the doors of its transformed Fifth Avenue flagship store reopen, making history once again, just as the original necklace did nearly a century ago when it debuted at the World’s Fair in Queens, New York.

In August 2020, OMA unveiled images of the newly transformed Tiffany Fifth Avenue Flagship Store to open in 2022.

The original aquamarine design has been modernized with an extraordinary oval diamond of over 80 carats, the largest diamond ever offered by Tiffany and eclipsed only by the Tiffany Diamond, which famously is not for sale.

«What better way to mark the opening of our transformed Tiffany flagship store in 2022 than to reimagine this incredible necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair, one of our most celebrated pieces when we opened our doors on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue for the first time,» said Victoria Reynolds, Tiffany & Co. Chief Gemologist. «The new necklace perfectly reflects our brand heritage as a New York luxury jeweler, whose founder was known as the ‘King of Diamonds‘.»

Tiffany & Co. 80-carat, D color, internally flawless diamond inspired by necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair.

The breathtaking center stone – an over-80-carat, D color, internally flawless oval diamond – is not only very rare, it is a symbol of Tiffany’s industry-first approach to diamond traceability. Responsibly sourced in Botswana, Africa, the diamond will be set by Tiffany artisans in NYC.

Photograph of the aquamarine and diamond necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair_Tiffany & Co. Archives.

The original necklace’s sizable aquamarine and exceptional diamond forms entranced the millions who came to admire the international spectacle. With its forward-looking theme, «Dawn of a New Day,» the 1939 World’s Fair promised a glimpse into «the World of Tomorrow.» The fair’s intention was to inspire, in its over 44 million visitors, the dream of a better and more effervescent tomorrow. Tiffany’s masterpiece did just that – setting the stage for the opening of its iconic flagship store on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue the following year, in 1940 – foreshadowing what will be a similarly historic moment for the brand in 2022.

In 1878, the company purchased the famous Tiffany Diamond, an immense canary yellow stone from the new South African deposits. Once cut, the diamond weighed 128.54 carats.

Tiffany has acquired many rare and remarkable gemstones for its jewelry designs in its 183-year history, including the legendary Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds, as well as the Hooker Emerald, now exhibited at the Smithsonian and the Mazarin Diamonds, purchased by Tiffany at the auction of the French Crown Jewels.

LoL, Sandra

The massive 75.47-carat Hooker Emerald had been auctioned to Tiffany & Co, which initially set it in a tiara. Despite its beauty, the tiara remained unsold for decades. In 1950, the emerald was re-set into a brooch that included matching earrings. Five years later, the brooch was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. In 1977, she donated it to the Smithsonian.

Photos: © Tiffany & Co. and © OMA

I just love this bag! Daniel Lee‘s blown-up take on Bottega Veneta‘s intrecciato weave creating perfectly shaped squares feels so modern and sophisticated. The structured, ’90-inspired silhouette is crafted from two layers of soft leather that’s thickly padded so it feels soft and puffy.

In my closet: Cassette small Intrecciato-leather cross-body bag in green

There are two options. First, wear the adjustable leather strap cross-body or tuck it inside to carry as a clutch as seen above or opt for the version with the chunky chain strap in gold (my favorite) or silver, which happens to be another new addition this fall, see below.

In my closet: Cassette chain-embellished padded intrecciato suede shoulder bag in dark brown

YOU CAN SHOP THE FULL VARIETY OF THE DIFFERENT PADDED CASSETTE BAGS HERE.

It is hard to decide, isn’t it?

LoL, Sandra

Photo brown bag: © Sandra Bauknecht. Photo green bag: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: © Bottega Veneta
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

The trunk table clock is the latest addition to today’s objects of desire. The perfect combination
of the art of travel, close to Louis Vuitton’s heart, and watchmaking craftmanship. Rather than just an accessory, a timepiece showcased in its tailor-made trunk.

The table clock, made to the same high standards as a watch, reproduces the Tambour Moon Dual Time concave dial and makes the perfect gift for a watch-loving connoisseur.

Similarly, it features a double time-zone, essential for globetrotters, and a bright dial displaying coloured flags. These emblematic Louis Vuitton symbols call to mind the customised patterns of the trunks of bygone days. As for the 80 mm-diameter hemispheric steel case suspended in its trunk, it draws inspiration from 18th century navy chronometers – indispensable, high-precision tools for long-distance navigators, allowing them to calculate longitude. A counterweight makes this table clock automatically turn towards the person opening the trunk for the utmost visibility. Once extracted from its case, it will keep this orientation when placed on a table or desk.

The trunk, a travel icon since the House was founded in 1854, acts as a case. Covered in Monogram Eclipse canvas on the outside, the trunk’s interior is lined in microfibre, reproducing the flags on the dial and the Louis Vuitton signature. With its symbolic trunk, the Trunk Table Clock sits perfectly in tune with Louis Vuitton’s heritage and further celebrates the exceptional Art of Travel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / ©Philippe Lacombe

More CHANEL to drool over. I am so in love with its Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 quilted gift box with 4 iconic mini bags.

Despite the high price of CHF 26250 per box, it won’t stop fashionistas around the world to add it to their collection. Personally speaking, it will be a great investment because those four mini iconic bags are smaller than the smallest bag of their line which makes them absolutely unique.

The four objects of desire included are: a Boy Bag, a Classic Bag, a Gabrielle Bag and the 2.55 Bag. All true gems of the Maison that will never go out of style. On top, the big box in diamond quilting is also one of a kind and I am convinced that the price for the collector box will skyrocket in the future. An investment you will never regret.

It is available in two versions, in black or pink/red shades. The Zurich store has a set in black… just saying!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: © CHANEL – Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

For CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show, models wore iconic shoes with a black toe, an 8cm heel and revisited proportions.

Mademoiselle called them pumps. «They are the final touch of elegance», she used to say. To perfect the silhouette that Gabrielle Chanel introduced to the world, it was necessary to create a shoe that went with any outfit, one that was elegant, could be worn morning to night, and was suited to the new lifestyle of women.

The Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida surrounded by CHANEL House models wearing suits and two-tone shoes (1964, F/W Haute Couture).

In 1957, Mademoiselle Chanel created the two-tone slingback shoe in beige and black. It created a highly graphic effect: the beige lengthened the leg while the black shortened the foot. Whereas shoes had previously been made in a single color that matched the color of one’s clothing, Mademoiselle Chanel once again overturned the codes of fashion by pairing beige and black with all outfits. In her words, «You leave in the morning wearing beige and black, you have lunch in beige and black, and you attend a cocktail party wearing beige and black. You’re dressed for the entire day!» Chanel’s slingback shoe experienced instant success. It varied in style, offering versions with a straighter or thinner heel and a rounded, square or pointed toe.

The beautiful heels for CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show were produced at Massaro.

Mademoiselle Chanel improved its comfort with the help of Massaro (which has remained Chanel’s custom shoe brand to this day) by adding an elastic strap. Located «just steps away from Rue Cambon,» the Massaro workshop continues to create all of the footwear creations for Chanel’s Haute Couture and Métiers d’Art collections. Starting with his very first collection, Karl Lagerfeld had channeled his talent to modernize this model. The two-tone shoe thus lends itself to a myriad of metamorphoses. In just one season, it may be transformed into a ballerina slipper, boot or sandal without losing any of its original spirit. «It’s become the most modern of shoes and makes beautiful legs,» Karl Lagerfeld explained many years ago.

Virginie Viard at CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show finale.

This season, Virginie Viard continued the legacy and created in my eyes one of the It-shoes of the season, comfortable and stylish in one. I love mine and will show you how I wore them on all my recent travels around Europe. They are available now for CHF 900.

LoL, Sandra

CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 ad campaign

Photos: © CHANEL, © Photo Philippe Garnier / Elle-Scoop
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I just love those shoes.

Here comes the coolest collaboration of this summer. Dior joins forces with Vespa to create an exclusive scooter and a range of matching accessories, celebrating the sunny spirit and art of living of the two houses that were founded in the same year, in 1946.

Out of this passionate dialogue, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter comes to life, its monohull architecture and subtle graphic lines paying tribute to the heritage of the two brands. A symbol of refinement, this object of desire reflects their shared commitment to the excellence of savoir-faire and virtuoso art of detail.

A contemporary version of the iconic Vespa 946 – presented in 2012 in Milan and recognized for its elegant, streamlined curves and technological innovation – the new model was designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections. The scooter is made in Italy, adhering to the exacting standards, commitment and precision of a couture atelier.

Echoing the design of the saddle, a top case patterned with the Dior Oblique motif – designed by Marc Bohan in 1967 – is specially designed to be fixed on the luggage rack, adding a distinctive allure. A helmet adorned with the same iconic motif rounds out the unique range.

Symbols of escape to new horizons, these limited-edition creations will launch in spring 2021 in Dior boutiques around the world and subsequently in a selection of Piaggio Group’s Motoplex stores. The accessories, including the helmet and top case, will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior