Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, I attended an interactive digital event to celebrate the awe of nature with the new Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim Holiday Collection.

Barbara De Laere, Aveda Global Brand President, and Phillip Lim, Co-Founder and Creative Director of 3.1 Phillip Lim, shared firsthand the inspiration behind the collection, their favorite holiday traditions, and what they see as the future of sustainability for their respective industries. The event was hosted by Aveda’s Global Advocate for Sustainability, Arizona Muse.

«Our shared values to protect and care for the planet will manifest beauty. It is a beautiful cycle, a cycle of gifts.» – Phillip Lim

Aveda’s collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim is inspired by a mutual awe of nature, each element a celebration of botanical forms and expressions. The power of nature is in full bloom this holiday season as those two like-minded brands are bringing the botanical world of beauty to life thorough special-edition accessories and gift packaging created with sustainability at heart. The Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration includes four covetable, limited-edition hair accessories – a hair towel wrap & carrying bag, scrunchie trio, detangling comb, and wooden paddle brush –  as well as special-edition gift packaging, all featuring striking prints that combine the joyful colors of the holiday seasons with those found in the natural world.

Made with no compromises, the detangling comb for example is produced with recycled materials as post-consumer recycled polypropylene, and the hair towel wrap is made from 100% organic cotton.

The most amazing part are the gift boxes that can be reused and are made with 100 % recycled paper.  As they are so beautiful, you don’t need extra wrapping paper. Less layers that make the box a gift itself. The artwork that is featured was designed in collaboration with botanical artist, Sophie Parker.

Available globally beginning November 1st at Aveda salons, spas, stores, select retail partners and online, each element of the Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collection pulses with botanical-inspired graphics and vivid colors from nature for a joyous and unexpected expression of the holiday season.

Botanical Repair Light Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Rich Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Strengthening Collection – CHF 84.00
Cherry Almond Softening Hair & Body Essentials – CHF 51.00
Hand Relief & Foot Relief Home and Travel Essentials – CHF 77.00
Moisturizing Travel Trio – CHF 36.00 / CHF 28.00
Feed My Lips Lip Gloss Duo – CHF 24.00

As Phillip said, «it is about the 3 Ps. The people, the planet and the products.»

Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aveda, © Sandra Bauknecht

Maximum moisture plus powerful repair, that is what BOBBI BROWN‘s cult-favorite EXTRA Skincare Collection is all about. Now, the Extra Repair Complex is boosted with 5x more Argireline Peptide than the original formula which helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

It boosts moisture and replenishes the skin with amino acids and peptides, the building blocks of the skin to support skin’s natural collagen.

The best is yet to come. The EXTRA Skincare collection is not only skin loving, but also planet conscious from now on. You can refill and reuse your packaging with a replacement pod of this deeply moisturizing new formula, available for the EXTRA EYE REPAIR CREAM (CHF 109.00) and the EXTRA REPAIR MOISTURE CREAM INTENSE (CHF 159.00).

Refill. Reuse. Repeat. Available from October 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bobbi Brown
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to test them.

What I love about my job a lot is that I get to try many different products. This way, I can select what really works and does the magic for me before featuring it on my blog.

Personally speaking, I like to change my skincare routine from time to time as I have the impression that my skin likes to be challenged and to get new impulses. Like any regimen, skincare is a very personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. However, luxury skincare products frequently contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or more unique ingredients. Therefore I recommend investing in prestige skincare. Think of it as an investment in yourself.

Waking up to healthier and more revitalized skin is something we all wish for. Let me introduce you to YSL OR ROUGE, where the secret to good skin grows in Moroccan gardens. Ažfter years of research, and analysis of more than 100 plants, YSL Beauté discovered that Moroccan Sa
ron was a unique plant, containing a super sugar called crocin. Together, crocin and crocetin, (it’s powerful molecular precursor) deliver unparalleled double protection against skin aging. Crocin modulates inflammation – one of the primary triggers of lines, wrinkles and an uneven tone and texture. Crocetin activates cellular protection to counteract free radical damage and make skin more resilient to aggressors.

Experience unparalleled lifting and firming with the best-selling power duo, OR ROUGE Crème Fine and OR ROUGE Le Serum; both remastered into an even higher-performing, lightweight and effective formula for a daily defense against fine lines and wrinkles. Their daily use leaves skin looking naturally more vibrant, re-contoured and re-plumped.

Now more concentrated in both crocin and crocetin from Sa
ron, the newly reformulated OR ROUGE Le Serum is the first step to dramatic skin renewal for sublimely smooth, uniform, plumped and radiant skin. It comes with the highest concentration ever of Saffron pistil meets Saffron water: the essence that’s formed during the distillation process and carries powerful skin protecting properties. Re-igniting epidermal cell energy deep down, it brings about uniformity and a visible skin transformation.

OR ROUGE Crème Fine is the second step that also uses the power of the pistil in the saffron flower to regenerate skin and fight the 11 visible signs of aging. Infused with shea butter and apricot oil, the skin is immediately more hydrated, protected and nourished. Its daily use reinvigorates the skin texture, visibly boosting radiance and resurfacing younger, supple skin. The fine and luxurious texture is 100% formulated without parabens, sulfates and mineral oil.

Repackaged in a sleek, couture design that has received the highly respected recognition of responsible sustainable luxury, you can experience the true luxury of the OR ROUGE collection with new environmentally conscious refillable packaging.

With OR ROUGE, YSL presents modern women with a new manifesto for living the life they choose – and getting the skin they want. Personally speaking, I find OR ROUGE very soothing and hydrating,  keeping moisture locked in and making my skin soft and youthful looking. It feels like golden hour for your skin…

You won’t regret making the investment! I am not telling you to change your skincare routine but sometimes it is worth trying something new to activate the renewal process. You are also not eating spaghetti every day … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

Following on from Rouge Hermès, the founding gestures of Hermès Beauty, comes Rose Hermès. Composed of eight shades of Rose Hermès Silky Blush, two brushes, a Pommette blush case and three rosy lip enhancers, the new Rose Hermès collection of refillable and durable objects opens a new chapter for Hermès Beauty.

While Rouge Hermès is colour contained within a distinct line, Rose Hermès is the hue of a sensitive and radiant presence, the subtly nuanced continuation of a narrative composed of all the candid, tender, sensual, fresh, muted, intense and electric pinks the house has created since its origins.

I love the new products. With its round case and wide, off-centre mirror, Rose Hermès Silky Blush defies conventions. It is a disc of white and gold light in satin-finish permabrass, marked with the concave ex-libris created by Émile Hermès in 1923 and designed by Pierre Hardy to become an exceptional object for everyday use. It is distinctive for its lightness conceived for use from morning to night, anywhere.

Slipped inside its orange box then into its outer sleeve in recycled paper, this is a pure Hermès object: its use determines a gesture, a beauty ritual. As a sustainable object, it is refilled ny simply removing and replacing the powder pan.

Rose Hermès Silky Blush is a long-lasting powder that clings to the skin with the first touch. An ally in pink, its presence can be asserted or softened with a single gesture.
It is composed of key notes in a chromatic harmony of colours and scents. A new fragrance created by Christine Nagel in the same vein as Rouge Hermès reveals notes of arnica and sandalwood given a twist by hints of green tea.

The Blush Brush comes with a lacquered wooden handle and brushed metal ferrule. The goat bristle fibers, hand-assembled by a French brush-maker, exalt an everyday gesture. It enhances a daily ritual, inviting gentle application to the skin.

The Rosy Lip Enhancer is a rosy lipstick, gentle, subtle and gradual, sheer and translucent. It enhances the lips while hydrating them. It melts over the lips leaving a matt luminosity, a weightless and translucent halo that exposes emotions. It is inspired by the feel of Butler calfskin, developed by Hermès in 2012, whose butter-like name evokes smoothness in harmony with its soft, voluptuous finish and rich, full hand. This leather is often used in bags in natural shades starting with the Constance, an emblem of timeless elegance.

Rose Lip Enhancer borrows this candle wax texture, while also echoing another living legacy from the Hermès leather workshops: that of the warm, kneaded beeswax used by leather artisans to coat and protect their linen threads prior to saddle stitching. It is available in three pinks, all for a radiant smile.

Rose Hermès Silky Blush is available in eight shades for CHF 77.00 each.
Blush Brush (2 sizes) CHF 69.00 and CHF 104.00.
Rosy Lip Perfector is available in three shades for CHF 51.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès and © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to test them.

Around two years ago, I told you the first time about #Togetherband, a movement started by Bottletop, the sustainable British accessories brand, to bring awareness to the 17 Global Goals formulated by the UN in 2015 through a partnership with the UN Foundation, WWF, Project Everyone, Eco Age, Global Citizen and the Founding Partner UBS.

Now, they have launched sunglasses in collaboration with Little Sun, a nonprofit global partnership that promotes and builds solar energy for communities without access to electricity. For every pair bought, a solar-powered lamp will be donated to a child without electricity in sub-Saharan Africa to help them read books, do homework and take them to new exciting places.

I am wearing the Alé sunglasses.

The sunglasses frames are constructed using 100% recycled polycarbonate. It’s a strong material made from post-consumer waste like old CDs and electrical appliances. #TOGETHER sunnies are also carbon negative, which means they offset more carbon than is emitted through their creation and distribution.

• Gender neutral eyewear
• Frames made from 100% recycled polycarbonate
• The lenses are UV category 3
• For every #TOGETHER product you buy, a tree is planted

Those classic sunglasses shapes work on so many faces. Alé is great for square and triangular faces, Rae works on round and oval face shapes, and Kai is perfect if your face is more rounded.

YOU CAN ORDER THE YELLOW SUNGLASSES ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottletop / #Togetherband and © Sandra Bauknecht

Unveiled during Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2021 show by Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, the Felt Line, features three iconic leather good pieces and reflect the Maison’s ground-breaking approach to circular creativity. Designed using several eco-responsible materials: organic cotton and recycled wool-based jacquard, 100% recycled polyester derived from existing stocks, as well as recycled plastic for the chains.

A Keepall, a Keepall XS and a Soft Trunk — a design created by Virgil Abloh since his very first fashion show for Louis Vuitton; these three staple pieces from the menswear collection showcase Louis Vuitton’s commitment to circular creativity. Moving blankets — functional, protective and on-the-go — were Virgil Abloh’s inspiration for this new adventure, perfectly in line with the sustainability dedication he has shown since joining Louis Vuitton in 2018. A real creative challenge, this holistic approach is embodied in the creation and use of sustainable and responsible materials used for each product in the Felt Line collection.

An innovative textile — the main material of the pieces — was designed using 43% certified organic cotton, the highest standard, and 20% recycled wool. The unpredictable result of this jacquard underscores the uniqueness of each leather good, on which the Monogram pattern appears and disappears thanks to a lurex thread tufting. The global process emerges in every detail of these three light and practical models, as well as in a form of stylistic adaptation. The lining comes from the House’s existing stocks of 100% recycled polyester, which have been upcycled, thus maximising the use of existing materials and limiting production. The chains and corners were produced using 70% recycled plastic with a multi-colour effect reflecting the jacquard’s chromatic aspects. For the straps and handles, an LWG (Leather Working group)-certified leather was selected, the most exacting environmental label for tanning.

Meeting all the quality and durability criteria cherished by Louis Vuitton, the three models of the Felt Line, as well as one piece of ready-to-wear, a long coat, express the choice of a responsible and sustainable sophistication. By celebrating beauty and creativity in everyday life, which is the central theme of the F/W 2021 fashion show, the Felt Line demonstrates the vivacity of Louis Vuitton’s expertise and ingenuity to provide the best response to its clients’ needs as well as the challenges of the contemporary world. All products feature the signature initially conceived by Virgil Abloh, placed on a leather patch from existing stocks. This emblem is the symbol of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development policy, as by 2025, 100% of its products will be created through eco-conception.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) plan. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

In January, I wrote about the huge impact the Netflix series Bridgerton has on fashion (for the previous outfit post, click here). All of a sudden, corsets, rushed floral dresses, empire lines are all back in the game. The series’ costume with all of their fanciful and over-the-top looks have given us a sweet and much-needed outfit inspiration.

Here is the new H&M collaboration that celebrates those kind of looks. In a whimsical collection made from more sustainable materials, LA-based Brock Collection brings their signature laid-back charm to thoughtfully crafted romantic silhouettes.

Think country florals, corset tops and dreamy ruffles, effortlessly paired with classic denim for a modern touch. All made from more sustainable materials like organic linen, organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel™ Lyocell.

«Brock Collection has always been about connecting the threads between uptown polish paired with a down-to-earth ease, which we are so happy to bring to a new audience. Each piece in the collection is special and carries a certain romantic charm, but is totally effortless,» says Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock, Designers and Co-Founders of Brock Collection. The pair met in New York City while attending Parsons School of Design and after founding the brand in 2014, relocated to Los Angeles. Since then their emphasis on craft and cut and love of vintage references has gained a cult following.

«We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Brock Collection, who are well-known for their luxe craftsmanship, impeccable fits and structures, and have quite the celebrity following. But there’s also beauty in the fact that their designs always feel down-to-earth, thoughtful and easy to wear — I believe that’s the key to their success. We want to celebrate romance and make it accessible to the many. By adding more sustainable materials, it creates for a collaboration I hope our customers around the world will fall in love with,» says Maria Östblom, Head of Design at H&M.

Brock Collection x H&M is available now in Europe in selected stores and online. It will launch in the US and Canada on June 24, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Brock Collection / H&M, Netflix
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Stella McCartney supports Greenpeace‘s campaign to stop Amazon deforestation. The T-shirt as well as the sweater are both part of this collaboration with the iconic non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of climate change. They have been made in Italy from soft organic cotton-jersey that’s tie-dyed and patterned with a vibrant rainforest print. With no toxic chemicals, this sustainable cotton uses up to 70% less water than conventional cotton. The same goes for the pants that have been made from sustainable viscose that stands for no deforestation.

My look: Greenpeace printed organic cotton-jersey sweatshirt, Greenpeace printed tie-dyed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt, and Julia elasticated-cuff cady trousers, all by Stella McCartney, Relax shearling flip flops by Aquazzura, Neughman pilot sunglasses by Tom Ford, logo hair clip by CHANEL, diamond earrings by Cartier, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Hearst rate goes up from season to season. I absolutely adore Gabriela Hearst‘s designs, this cashmere coat is one of my favorite pieces in my closet. Each garment is thoughtfully designed and crafted using the most luxurious fabrics. Her collections are inspired by the ranch she grew up on in Uruguay and her current life in New York City.

Being a trendsetter in the industry (she is now also at the helmet of Chloé), Gabriela Hearst has partnered with EON, which is a leading digital identity platform for fashion and apparel – connecting products throughout their lifecycle by unlocking visibility, traceability, and insight through a QR code, that let’s you explore the supply chain and learn about your garment’s journey.

My look: Dream leather-trimmed fringed cashmere coat by Gabriela Hearst, embroidered-collar belted denim shirt dress by Chloé, shiny Rose Schéhérazade Porosus Crocodile 25 Birkin bag by Hermès, So Kate 120 striped glittered suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and pearl necklaces, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were shot at the Gstaad Palace Hotel.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Upcycled by Miu Miu continues to pursue a sustainable ideology, now giving new life to pre-loved denim in collaboration with Levi’s®. A selection of classic denim pieces is re-fashioned by Miu Miu, seen through the brand’s maverick and determinedly playful eye and worn by Miu Miu muses, the actor Emma Corrin and models Lila Moss and Georgia Palmer, all portrayed by Johnny Dufort.

A celebration of iconic garments, this project includes vintage MADE IN USA men’s 501® jeans and Trucker Jackets from the 1980s and 1990s. Born out of American workwear and, from the mid-1950s onwards, a symbol of youthful rebellion, these iconic pieces have been customised and personalised by Miu Miu, in a play between masculinity and femininity, and aimed squarely at an equally free-spirited Miu Miu woman.

The vintage denim is hand-embellished with instantly recognisable Miu Miu crystal, pearl, floral and all-over diamanté embroideries, puffed sleeves and bold leather patches featuring Art Deco-inspired intarsia motifs. Jeans are cut off to the thigh or finished with ivory silk duchesse turn-ups while the Trucker Jackets are adorned with oversized white lace collars.

The iconic Levi’s® backpatch is re-invented in Miu Miu pink and carries the brand’s logo alongside. The finishing touch is a specially commissioned Miu Miu carrier bag stamped with the Levi’s® logo in return. Upcyled by Miu Miu in collaboration with Levi’s® is unveiled in London Selfridges and Shanghai IAPM mid-May. Afterwards, the collection will also be available online at miumiu.com, 18 select Miu Miu stores worldwide and Dover Street Market Los Angeles.

Inspired and inspiring – no two pieces in this collection are the same. Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, refreshed – renewed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
#UpcycledbyMiuMiu #LevisxMiuMiu