Sandra‘s Closet

YSL Beauté inaugurates an ephemeral space in Zurich: the #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL where each room and suite are dedicated to the Parisian brand’s ‘beauty’ pleasures. You can visit this fun pop-up space at MANOR in Zurich until April 13, 2019.

So let me take you through the YSL BEAUTY HOTEL, a true temple for beauty addicts that I visited on Monday before the official launch.

First, guests register in the lobby and receive their key, which opens the door to the extraordinary experience downstairs in the department store. If you are lucky, you can open the vault with your key and win some amazing surprises.

Artistic, intimate and mysterious, at the Beauty Bar you can discover the novelties and the intoxicating Black Opium scent. In the bedroom, you will find the perfect look for your lips and you can engrave your lipstick or perfume bottle as I did. A graffiti artist decorates the YSL products and gift boxes with intrepid colors. A unique personalization service that makes every product or gift unique.

Great news is that you can attend a masterclass where the YSL Beauté make-up artists share their secrets. It is always fun to learn new techniques. I truly enjoyed mine with Jérémy Mahfoud. Alone or with friends, make an appointment today, by calling +41 78 655 27 86.

Last but not least, break your Instagram. Lights, camera, action! Special photo corners invite you to snap the perfect shot and to share them on your social media channels under #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL. The concept reminds me a lot of the Stylenanda Pink Hotel in Seoul, that I visited past October.

Enjoy your stay – Happy Beautolidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

So far, Sami Khouri and his team, aka Mr. Samigo, was known for offbeat pop-ups. Now he runs the former Quai 61 at the port Enge. The restaurant, which belongs to the city, was built as part of the garden exhibition in 1959 on 64 poles into the lake. The location offers guests a view of the Glarus Alps or the city of Zurich.

For the first time, I went there last weekend and truly loved the performances by artists, musicians and burlesque dancers, and much more – while enjoying great food among dear friends. Ordering your meal works very unconventionally.

The food menu is already fun!

At the beginning of the night, you are asked to fill in a paper with your choice of three or four courses and your name. Don’t be surprised, your fork or knife are not going to be changed during the dinner. I had the burrata, the hummus, the vegetable curry and the chocolate cake which were all very delicious. The entrecôte and the home-made vanilla ice-cream also looked yummy.

Very different from what we know from Zurich’s nightlife, it is a breath of fresh air in our hometown. You can enjoy the show while having dinner, smoke a cigarette in the bar upstairs or just go dancing later. To book a table at this crazy place called «Samigo Amusement», you have to send a message to this mobile phone number +41 79 360 20 65.
Mythenquai 59, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Friday evening, I celebrated International Women’s Day among my beloved girlfriends at the St. Gotthard Hotel in Zurich where Ljuba Manz and Raquel Marquard hosted an event with Jelmoli filled with everything you can dream of, shoes, a runway show, champagne and laughter.

With Raquel Marquard to the left and Ljuba Manz to the right.

Silvia Affolter moderated the night in a very fun way. First, we all had a closer look at a selection of shoes that would make every girl’s heart leap with joy. Brands such as Alexandre Vauthier (one of my favorites at the moment), Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia were on display as well as jewelry by Austrian jeweler A.E. Köchert.

The fashion show – inspired by St. Tropez – included a lingerie part in collaboration with Beldona. Beautiful lace ensembles – one in combination with a lace mask – got the audience in awe.

A young label from Switzerland, only 3 years old, Ina Kess was introduced. Two beautiful sisters, Katharina and Isabelle Staub, who both studied economics, launched the label in order to fulfill their own need. They design pieces that work for the office, for a night out and in which you can also attend your yoga class. Katharina explained how annoyed she was to carry around a bag of clothes to have everything she needed with her.

Katharina and Isabelle Staub of Ina Kess with Silvia Affolter

Ljuba entertained us amazingly with some fun statements how to treat men well.

Jelmoli presented also looks from renowned designers such as Moschino, Missoni, Peter Pilotto and 3.1. Phillip Lim. The so-called «House of Brands» really shifted during the past years under the helmet of CEO Franco Savastano and has transformed itself into a true luxury haven. Soon, the whole beauty department on the ground floor will also go through renovation. Ladies, no need to fly to London or Paris any longer… we will soon have our own little «Harrods» or «Galeries Lafayette» in Zurich.

Franco Savastano, CEO Jelmoli, had every reason to smile that night, being one of the only men allowed in the room enjoying the fabulous show.

Guests of the night were invited after the fashion show to the presidential suite where they were able to shop everything that was presented on the runway. If you like any look or shoe below, just show the photo to a sales person at Jelmoli. They will happily help you.

I am so in love with these Alexandre Vauthier sandals.

The only recommendation I have and this comes on a very personal note, please include also smaller sizes in your buying, as well as half sizes for shoes!

By the way, the gentlemen enjoyed a great dinner and a Patoro cigar at the iconic Hummerbar next door…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

For the first time ever, I did an interview together with my daughter for Swiss annabelle magazine. Over all these years, I tried to keep her out of the press and never showed her on my blog. Although she has been the one behind the camera, since I started my blog in 2009. Whenever it was possible, I took her with me on my business travels, to fashion shows or we interviewed designers such as Hilfiger or Lagerfeld.

Anouk with me at work: Meeting the Olsen Twins, Karl Lagerfeld and Tommy Hilfiger.

You would imagine she would love to follow in my footsteps, but you are completely mistaken. My girl is absolutely not impressed by the world of fashion as she has seen behind the curtains and knows it is in general not as glamorous as it seems. She dreams of studying psychology and acting in the US. I am very proud of her as she is one of the most grounded people I know. Being extremely responsible with her social media, she uses it only privately.

This diversity between us interested annabelle magazine. When Jacqueline Krause-Blouin, deputy editor-in-chief, approached us, it was important for me that Anouk took the decision herself. Now, being almost 17 years old, she saw it as an interesting project and we had a great conversation during the interview. The photos were taking by Pierluigi Macor and his assistant which ended up being a very fun afternoon.

TO READ THE INTERVIEW (IN GERMAN), CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

Naj Oleari is a beloved Italian brand that garnered extraordinary fame for its original patterned fabrics inspired by nature, which were applied to every kind of accessories. Many of those symbols became iconic especially for young people of the ’80s generation obsessed with designer labels.

This year, Naj Oleari Beauty is ready to come back and tell its new story with the launch of a complete make-up line (50 products – 200 references), packed in rose gold for a modern and refined look. The mythical illustrations of Naj Oleari adorn the details and finishes of every product. Compacts and lipsticks are made with innovative magnetic closures that make them even more practical and elegant.

Furthermore, it is the first time that a make-up line has been made with perfumes created exclusively by Maitre Parfumeur. Lipstick smell like marshmallows for example and nail polishes like fig sorbet.

Tonight, I attended the launch event in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse at WeSpace. The room was divided into different corners with several activities, from getting your hair braided or a professional make-up look to a photo booth. My favorite part was to make my own lipstick. I wanted to create a perfect nude shade and mixed white, red and brown.

First, I had to melt the wax, then I added some glitter and raspberry extract for an anti-aging effect. The hardest decision was to choose the scent. Vanilla and coconut convinced me the most. After that, I had to go back to the stove to melt everything together. The liquid was filled into a small compartment and put for 20 minuted in the fridge. Et voilà I have the best smelling nude shade.

Thank you for this experience! Naj Olevari is available from end of March at all Müller drugstores in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last April, I introduced you for the first time to Quintessence, the luxury boot camp concept  that invites guests to escape, challenge and pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings by experiencing a unique sports-based programme combined with exquisite healthy cuisine (free of gluten, lactose, refined sugar and alcohol). For the previous post, click here please.

The season 2 of Quintessence retreats will take place in the French Alps, between May 25th and June 14th and between August 31st and September 21st.
Willing to offer extraordinary and exclusive locations, Quintessence chooses for its S/S 2019 season to settle in Megève, in a unique early 20th century farmhouse, entirely restored and renovated in an outstanding residence of 650m2. The house has its own spa and indoor swimmingpool, extends over three levels and unveils an extraordinary volume underlining its verticality. Hung on the mountainside, immersed in a verdant area, this cosy cocoon whose original wooden structure has been preserved is unique. An invitation to reconnect your body and mind.

The sports and wellness signature programme DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF, under the guidance of high qualified trainers, alternates training sessions (cardio and strength), yoga and pilates, hikes, as well as time to relax (relaxation, meditation, spa and massages). Classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level.

Limited to 12 participants
Short stays from 2 nights, starting at € 685.-

The full programme 6 days/7 nights typically includes:
8x fitness sessions (cardio / strength / core&balance / flexibility / HIIT / circuit training)
6x yoga, pilates, stretching or relaxation sessions
3x hikes
2x fitness assessments (on day 1 and before departure)
2x aquasports sessions
2x free afternoons
1x cooking class
1x 30-minute coaching session

For more information, I kindly invite you to visit the Quintessence homepage here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Quintessence Retreats and © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking, SIHH in Geneva, the famous Swiss watch trade fair, is one of the most enjoyable events of my yearly must-dos. Nevertheless, a lot has changed during the past years. In 2020, the so-called Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie will take place in May right after Baselworld. It makes sense especially for all the visitors from abroad to come only once to Switzerland.

This year, Van Cleef & Arpels decided not to be exhibiting due to the little business the brand has with retailers and distributors. Two other luxury watch brands, Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet, are leaving next year for similar reasons. It seems that most of the prestigious watch companies are dealing more and more directly with their consumers.

Happy Sandra after seeing Audemars Piguet’s amazing high jewellery watch Sapphire Orbe (a detailed post to follow).

In the meantime others joined the exhibition for the first time, for example Bovet, known for their handmade watches with artistic finishes and highly complicated movements. In addition, Breitling and Bucherer recently became members of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), which manages SIHH. This might be the first step in replacing Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet for 2020.

Still trending: Colourful straps as seen at Piaget, Cartier and Audemars Piguet.

But most importantly what will we wear in 2019? Cuff watches, tourbillons, dial sets with miniature paintings, skeleton movements, shaped cases and still lots of celestial influences… Below are some of my favorite ladies’ watches revealed during the 29th Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie.

AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked
A watch that is brilliant in every way.
White “frosted gold”, 37mm, manual winding manufacture skeleton movement with a rainbow magic of its 32 baguette-cut sapphires (2.24 carats). MY FAVORITE!

RICHARD MILLE RM 37-01 Kiwi
Fancy a little watchmaking sweetness to help you through the winter?
Colored Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT, 34.400 x 52.30mm, self-winding mechanical movement, limited edition (30 pieces)

ROGER DUBUIS Excalibur Shooting Star
The coolest booth for the fastest girls in the world.
Pink gold set with diamonds, 36mm, flying tourbillon, skeleton manual winding movement.

PIAGET Possession Cuff Watch
A booth filled with sand for a little time out at the beach – a perfect backdrop to show the expert application of gold-working, a skill for which the brand is historically famed.
Pink gold set with 162 diamonds, 29mm, gold Milanese mesh strap.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE Rendez-Vous Moon Jewellery
One the sky is the limited. Nature played an important role at Jaeger Le-Coultre.
White gold case with mother-of-pearl dial and polished rhodium-plated appliqués, diamonds ~168 (~3.43 carats), calibre : 925B/1.

CARTIER Baignoire Allongé
Women are in for a treat at Cartier. Part of the Maison since 1912, the Baignoire features an ellipsis-shaped dial and  earned its unusual name in the late 1950s thanks to its strong resemblance to a bathtub.
Extra-large model, pink gold, dial set with brilliant-cut diamonds (293 diamonds,~1.50 carats), dark alligator leather strap, manual movement 1917 MC.

During the next days, I will show you much more as the most distinguished models deserve their own post, don’t you think? Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Some Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Wether there is snow or not, it doesn’t matter… Gstaad has this special energy. You come up and slow down. Here you see me in a comfy outfit strolling through the picturesque village.

My look: White snow jacket with fur gilet by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, longsleeved camouflage hoodie and matching sweat pants, both by Natasha Zinko, skull print scarf by Alexander McQueen, vintage aviator sunglasses by Balenciaga, Flashtrek logo-appliquéd suede, leather and canvas ankle boots by Gucci and shearling bag by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Finally, the weather in Gstaad got colder and I saw the drops of snow falling, so it was time to cuddle up on top of the mountain in this warm, winter wonderland inspired, layered outfit.

My look: Floral oversized down jacket by Balenciaga, reversible intarsia wool-blend and jacquard jacket by Etro, wool turtleneck bodysuit by Alaïa, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack and studded wool-silk shawl, both by Gucci, Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi, and black fur snow boots by Prada Linea Rossa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A must-do while visiting Gstaad is having lunch at Wasserngrat Restaurant on a beautiful sunny day. It is always Saturday’s highlight during the ASW Winter Weekend in December. Once you are on the sun deck, you will understand the Swiss ski resort’s slogan: «Come up and slow down».

My look: White mink coat with floral intarsia, intarsia jacquard flowers cardigan, and rose print silk shirt, all by Gucci, paneled leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, vintage white mink ear muffs and 2.55 quilted bag with attached hanger, both by Chanel, fur snow boots by Prada Linea Rossa, white leather gloves by Prada and Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography