Sandra‘s Closet

Thank you for your sweet comments regarding my recent outfit post “Amazing Grace“. So many of you liked my Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland. The iconic brand was founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry. From the beginning technical innovation has led to the creation of knitwear as outerwear, the signature argyle pattern and the classic twinset.

For the first time, Pringle of Scotland is set to trial a new retail format focusing on cashmere editions, its expertise in knitwear and show casing the current collections with the opening of a seasonal store in St.Moritz, Switzerland, that will be open from now to April 2014. Catering to the resort’s discerning global clientele, it will showcase exclusive Scottish handknits, luxurious cashmere and fur accessories and special re-editions exclusive to the Engadin store.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland

I cannot wait to fly to London soon to visit The Burberry Beauty Box in London’s Covent Garden. This new retail concept brings the house’s must-have fashion and beauty together in an innovative format that allows you to explore the connections between make-up, fragrance and accessories through personalised physical and digital experiences.

Featuring the full Burberry Beauty collection of make up and fragrance, as well as limited edition beauty products, the new space also houses accessories including sunglasses, scarves and an exclusive selection of bags, available only in the store. A new look will be revealed each month, available to experience in store.

Below you can discover some of Burberry signature looks:

Brit – an irreverent look inspired by music

Body – a natural, nude look

Tender – a fresh, dewy look

Icon – a timeless look inspired by the Burberry icons

All products are gift-wrapped in exclusive Burberry Beauty Box gift packaging. Payments are taken using a mobile point of sale system on iPads and iPhones, which also offers the option of digital receipts. What a great concept! Love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry

Yesterday I flew to Paris to celebrate the reopening of GUERLAIN‘s legendary address – 68, avenue des Champs-Elysées, which will officially open its doors this Saturday. Since 1914, it had been the house of the family and also the first boutique with only 45m² until 2005.

Peter Marino, Laurent Boillot (CEO Guerlain) and Guy Martin (Chef G68)

Today, it has become a temple of beauty with 1000m² on four floors, expressing the house’s DNA with an unbelievable atmosphere that has not forgotten its past. It is the biggest mono brand beauty store in the entire world. Peter Marino designed the store concept, displaying amazing pieces of art and giving the house’s history space. He encrusted marble into marble in a modern way and said that he relied on his wife for any advice on beauty.

For Peter Marino, “perfume is something in the air, something that is not concrete, that travels through the atmosphere.” Therefore he came up for example with a ceiling installation in the entrance that he called “lost in fragrance”, a very flowing and captivating interior design.

Yesterday with Guerlain’s famous face Natalia Vodianova

A happy Sandra exploring Guerlain’s temple of beauty, filled with house’s iconic fragrances and makeup products.

The store also has a private shopping room where you can indulge into the Haute Perfumery.

Here, you will find exceptional bottles, like for example the Queen Secret, a diamond encrusted bee that opens her wings to reveal the perfume you choose (€400.00 per piece) or a perfumed watch that combines the craftsmanship of watchmaking, jewelry and perfume making.

On display in the store are also some amazing vintage pieces.

An hommage to Guerlain’s iconic L’Orchidée Impériale line is this artwork by Marc Quinn.

To celebrate the opening, different limited or special editions have been launched such as a face powder of which only 400 pieces will be available or L’Eau 68, created by Thierry Wasser, that weaves a thread between the past and the future. Its scent, floral and woody, plays off the contrast between warm and cool spices.

Moreover, you can find a silk scarf selection or perfumed gloves which are amazing and said to keep their scent for a very long time.

The charming Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director of Guerlain, with me yesterday.

On the fourth floor, the amazing Guerlain spa is located. Nine rooms offer a relaxing and calming atmosphere with a very holistic approach. Every treatment is tailor-made for the customer. Different massage techniques from all over the world are combined to cater to the needs of the individual.

The waiting area has its own orchid garden and the entrance is just breathtaking.

In the basement, you will find the G68 restaurant where one of the best French chefs Guy Martin is treating his exclusive clientele to sophisticated and luxurious food – French Haute Cuisine. Martin has worked closely with Guerlain’s in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser. Following the same approach to creativity, they invented food that is called like the fragrances, working with similar ingredients. Martin said: “You have to understand the brand. You have to work with the best qualities, looking for the right products. It is a cuisine of comfort, pleasure and travel.”

I am completely in love with their tea selection named after their iconic fragrances that is also available to buy.

Guerlain’s legendary address is a feast for your senses, where you can indulge in luxury and beauty like nowhere else.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I attended a press conference at Jelmoli in Zurich to explore the house’s unique shop concept called SAHLING Düfte and to hear more about the newest fragrance launch of Penhaligon’s London: IRIS PRIMA.

In a unique partnership with English National Ballet, the new scent was created by famous perfumer Alberto Morillas to capture the very essence of ballet.

As most of you know, I have been dancing ballet all my life (here you see me with my daughter) and I had immediately my very own ideas how to put all those amazing things about classical dance in one bottle. From the costumes, to the sets on stage, the theatre make-up and the elegant rehearsal rooms, there are many aspects to consider.

At today’s press conference with Kris Dembinski, Head of Global Sales Penhaligon’s London.
(If you like my look, please click here for the details.)

Kris told me that it took one and a half year to develop this amazing new scent. During the process, they met with ballet dancers, went backstage, watched how they prepare themselves, their dedication and passion. The British brand even decided to sponsor two dancers to give them the chance to develop their skills even more.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper and amber
Middle notes: Iris absolute, Arabian jasmine, hedione and paradisione
Base notes: Leather, sandalwood, vetiver, amber, vanilla and benzoin

Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 180.00) and 100ml (CHF 250.00).

If you are in Zurich, pay a visit to Jelmoli’s new corner, it is absolutely worth it. The retro-style apothecary furniture is a wonderful backdrop to shop luxurious fragrances.

Besides Penhaligon’s, Sahling Düfte carries Juliette Has a Gun, Annick Goutal, Il Profvmo, Etro and Amouage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Penhaligon’s London and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, MCM‘s first European flagship store opened its doors in Zurich. As you already know, I felt very honoured to be the blogger host for this wonderful event.

My relationship with MCM dates back to my early college years when I designed a complete collection for the German brand that was founded by Michael Cromer in Munich in the Mid ’70s as ‘Michael Cromer Munich‘ (MCM). Today, it belongs to Sungjoo Design Tech & Distribution, and has been renamed ‘Mode Creation Munich‘ (MCM).

The company’s owner Sung-Joo Kim, a very fascinating lady, had flown in from South Korea for the event along with some famous celebrities. She was ranked among the “Top 50 Women to Watch” by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 and selected as one of the “New Century Leaders” in CNN for the Best of Asia in 2003.

The new amazing colossal MCM store, located at the iconic Münsterhof, offers 160 square metres full of the brand’s must-haves.

Bettina Zollinger, store manager MCM Zurich, with me at the opening party.

Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me in front of the shop. I am carrying the Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag from MCM’s upcoming F/W 2014 collection. For all details regarding my look, please click here.

To celebrate the first European flagship store, MCM released an exclusive Zurich Visetos line. The luxurious special edition, only available in Zurich is inspired by the city’s coat of arms, featuring a unique blue and white colourway available on various classic shapes.

How cute are these MCM doggies?!

The party crowd outside…

Spotted: Guya Merkle, owner and designer of Vieri Haute Joaillerie, the luxurious high end jewelry brand.

German actor Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht

Renowned South Korean actor Sang-Woo Kwon

Another famous guest: Designer Albert Kriemler, Creative Director of Akris.

At work

Lovely Fiona Hefti compèred the event.

The ribbon cutting ceremony

Later, I was invited to the official dinner held at the Zunfthaus zur Waag, during which Swiss singer Paloma Würth performed some of her songs. The highlight of the menu was definitely the logo cake for dessert.

Thank you, MCM, for this beautiful event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM, Tillate and © Sandra Bauknecht

After I had finished my amazing shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing in Munich, I went to the opening of the house’s new ‘Maison’ in the evening. As some of you might already know, I had been living in the Bavarian city for eight years and it is definitely my favourite German spot. Therefore, I was completely excited to see Louis Vuitton’s new location as well as spotting so many familiar faces in an iconic location at the heart of the city. It was the former Munich post office known as Residenzpost and I had been there many times in my life.

For more details about my look, please click here. The fabulous trench coat is also from Louis Vuitton and belongs to the Icons collection.

When I entered the new ‘Maison’, I felt like entering ‘Vuitton Heaven’… I embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries through an outstanding range of must-haves and inspiring art installations. Paying tribute to the history of the building, the store also showcases an area dedicated to ‘Ecriture’, the new collection of writing instruments.

A real eye-catcher can be spotted in the form of the first German postage stamp, the ‘Schwarze Einser’ in permanent display. A limited edition of Louis Vuitton stamps were also edited for the event and I am very happy to have such a set at home.

Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the superb event.
Enjoy my impressions:

German actress Hannah Herzsprung

Model Franziska Knuppe with me

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu

Gorgeous Olivia Palermo

Jamie McGregor Smith, photographer for Louis Vuitton, shot some nice pics of me on the stairs of the new store.

German actress Alexandra Neldel

What an honor: American actress and star of the night Uma Thurman framed by Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe, to the left and my humble self to the right.

Richard Deacon‘s sculpture “Sunday in the Country”, 2005

The after party took place right next door. The decoration was amazing, with hot-air balloon dummies placed in the center of the room.

Olivia Palermo’s model-boyfriend, Johannes Huebl.

Very sweet Cosma Shiva Hagen with me

Live act: Marina and the Diamonds

The famous singer with me

Germany’s Next Top Model winner 2009, Sara Nuru

The German magazine Bunte named me a style icon, wow! It was an unforgettable event and I am so happy that I was part of it. A huge thank you to the Louis Vuitton team!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Brauer Photos and © Jamie McGregor Smith

In celebration of their tenth anniversary, Italian fashion brand Forte_Forte presented their luxurious highly limited edition capsule collection “10” at Vestibule in Zurich last week.

Forte_Forte  is designed by Paolo and his sister Giada Forte, who is the soul of the label and had come all the way from Italy for this special event (see photo above with me). It was a true pleasure to meet the lovely designer who is expecting her first child in July.

Giada, who studied knitwear design, is in charge of the creative part and her brother Paolo, who worked in the family knitwear company before, looks after the financial aspects.

Forte_Forte offers delicate, feminine pieces that are rich in special finishings and impress with lovely hand-made details, such as precious embroidered labels and small beautiful perfumed bags in which they are sold.

A very special and beautiful collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Forte_Forte, Vestibule and © Sandra Bauknecht

In January 2013, CHANEL opened at Hysan Place, the new luxury temple located at the centre of the island, its largest boutique in Hong Kong. To celebrate the event, CHANEL presents the exclusive limited edition HONG KONG COLLECTION. The uniquely modern elegance and glittering beauty of the Chinese metropole inspire a luminous colour palette. Exclusive creations for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic glow, evoking the lights of the city as they reflect in the waters of the China Sea.

OMBRES MATELASSÉES
The elegant rectangular case reveals an original combination of five shadows embossed with the iconic quilted motif of CHANEL. Like the shimmering light on water, the PEARL RIVER palette offers a harmony of golden white, a vintage gold nuance and intense peach for a soft, radiant effect on eyelids. Ideal for sculpting the eyes in a natural or more sophisticated makeup look, intense brown is paired with a very luminous silver white shade that makes eyes look bigger and illuminates the entire face.

LE VERNIS
Two contrasting nail colours echo the extremes of the eye palette. Elegant and modern EASTERN LIGHT is a luminous, very opaque white enamel. Deep and intense WESTERN LIGHT is a chocolate brown glowing with a pearly red heart.

Like a city combining multiple influences, the two nail colours can be worn together for an original effect. To reinterpret the elegance of a French manicure, apply the light colour to the bottom edge of the nail and apply the dark colour from the centre to the tip of the nail.

Great news for my Swiss readers, the collection is now available exclusively in Switzerland at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Many of you who have been following Sandra’s Closet since a while, might know Nina already. Her concept pop-up shop KIDS AND THE CITY is a must-visit in the area of Zurich when you are looking for the newest accessories, gift ideas and objects of desire from emerging designers from all over the world. Great news is that she will be opening her doors for 4 days next week. You are herewith cordially invited to a Spring Fling – a private sale featuring numerous exclusive brands, such as La Capra Cashmere, Happycoat, Heartwork by Envie, A Simple Hug, Loup y es-tu, Des Artistes, Treibgut, Caspita and many more new collections.

Nina Arnold-Shah

March 19th to 22nd, 10.00am – 07.00pm Friday 10.00am – 03.00pm 
OR BY APPOINTMENT  Kids and the City by Nina Arnold-Shah +41 79 768 37 23
Breitackerstrasse 4 – 8702 Zollikon/ Switzerland  
RSVP to

And here is your exclusive preview of some of the gorgeous new treasures Nina has put together for us:

CASPITA

Rings Micro Quintessence with coloured stones, CHF 1’200 each

Earrings Micro Quintessence Chakra Sahasrara, CHF 2’700

Necklace Micro Quintessence Chakra Anahata, CHF3’300

ATELIER SHAKO

Shako, the mastermind behind those beautifully crafted bags, was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. After her studies in Spain, she moved to France to work for Hermès. In 2009, she launched her eponymous label Atelier Shako in Geneva to fulfill her passion for outstanding design and craftsmanship.

Clutch CHF 760.-

HEARTWORK BY ENVIE

Founder and designer Nina Eiber is based in Vienna and specializes in luxury, limited edition silk scarves with contrasting prints on either side.

My favourite: Vogue scarf CHF 260.-

ZOJORA

Travel inspired accessories from across the globe. 
Necklaces CHF 45.- / Bracelets CHF 29.-

TREIBGUT

Inspired by flotsam and jetsam, the idea was to create a mojo reminiscent of the life at the sea. All bracelets can be custom-made and can vary therefore  in prices.

Bellinzona with citrine – CHF 335.-

Brindisi CHF 225.-

A SIMPLE HUG

Such a cute idea: Top-quality matching shirts for father and son – a unique offer.
Father & Son shirt set – starting at CHF 160.-

ENGEL & BANDITEN

The cutest school cones ever, available for CHF 109.- each.

I hope that you are a little inspired now. See you at Nina’s next week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands and Kids and the City

To celebrate 60 years of design, Chloé is releasing a capsule collection of its most popular styles. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion and Jacques Lenoir, the label has seen many famous designers creating some of the iconic fashion styles, such as Karl Lagerfeld‘s Galaxie dress, Violon dress and Eventail clutch, Phoebe Philo‘s Camera bag, python boots, Silverado bag, paisley-print silk scarf, and wedge sandals, Stella McCartney‘s Ananas pineapple T-shirt and Hannah MacGibbon‘s shorts and cape.

Available online exclusively at net-à-porter, the anniversary heritage collection is also sold in a pop-up shop in the atrium of Paris department store Printemps.

Below you can explore the complete limited re-edition collection. If you like something, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.
Personally speaking, I can only say how happy I am that I have kept all my fabulous Chloé pieces over the years… no need for me to go shopping!

Silk-crepe blouse by Gaby Aghion – Chloé F/W 1960

The Galaxie dress by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé S/S 1978

The Éventail clutch by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé F/W 1979 – a limited re-issue of 60.

The Violon dress by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé S/S 1983 – a limited re-issue of 60.

The Pineapple top by Stella McCartney – Chloé S/S 2001.

The Camera bag by Phoebe Philo – Chloé S/S 2004.

Python boots, Silverado bag and paisley-print silk scarf by Phoebe Philo – Chloé F/W 2004.

Broderie anglaise blouse and wedge sandals by Phoebe Philo – Chloé S/S 2006.

Cape and leather shorts by Hannah MacGibbon – Chloé F/W 2009.

In honour of Chloé’s 60th anniversary, net-à-porter is giving you the chance to share your favorite Chloé moments (e.g. street style shots, favorite products, campaign imagery etc.) to be in with a chance to win a camera bag by Phoebe Philo. All you have to do is share your moments using the #ilovechloe hashtag on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Net-à-porter then shares an edit of their favourite entries on their #ILOVECHLOE pinboard.

Have fun and good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter, Printemps and Chloé