Sandra‘s Closet

On Tuesday evening, I was invited to a lovely dinner in Zurich‘s new restaurant Ornellaia (absolutely worth the visit, I loved it!) to celebrate 10 years of ATELIER SWAROVSKI. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, who launched the brand in 2007, has collaborated since then with over 75 of the world’s most exciting contemporary designers of which two had come for the occasion to Switzerland: Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf.

Partners in shine: Rolf Snoeren, my humble self, Nadja Swarovski and Viktor Horsting.

Swarovski crystals and fashion are a never-ending love story. Nadja’s grandfather Martin Swarovski worked already closely with designers, such as Christian Dior, whom he helped to embellish the famous «New Look». Many fashion designers have used those famous crystals to embellish their collections.

«Working with crystal is like applying fairy dust to the collections.»
– Viktor & Rolf

From the new book «Brilliant: The Story of Atelier Swarovski»:

Left – Maggie Rizer in a look from Viktor & Rolf’s F/W 1999 «Russian Doll» collection, right – a necklace from Viktor & Rolf’s «Velvet Rock» collaboration with Atelier Swarovski in 2014 for which the duo used crystals on the jewelry embedded with velvet flocking.

In 2016 ATELIER SWAROVSKI added a home decor line, in 2017 the first fine jewelry collection first presented at the Oscars. The designs deriving from the versatile collaborations are truly special, adding to ATELIER SWAROVSKI’s success of today.

It was a lovely evening and I had a great time, especially with these two. Isn’t it great when your girlfriends are so beautiful and come in model sizes :-): Nadja Schildknecht and Mimi Mollerus, both wearing ATELIER SWAROVSKI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Christian Dancker – saltyimages.ch and © Sandra Bauknecht

BUCHERER PRESENTS THE MOST EXQUISITE – AND RACIEST – MOTORCYCLE OF ALL TIME
The tradition-steeped Swiss watch and jewellery company Bucherer presents the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION, the latest – and most unusual – member of the Bucherer BLUE EDITIONS watch collection that comprises 17 models so far all in collaboration with renowned brands such as Audemars Piguet, Chopard or Piaget just to name a few.

The custom motorcycle of Bündnerbike, the boutique Harley-Davidson workshop, is both a luxury one-of-a-kind product and a real beast. The rumble of 100 PS, an exciting, individual design and unique embellishments lend this motorcycle par excellence a magical, animalistic power of attraction. The one-of-a-kind model was produced in Switzerland in cooperation with the family company Bündnerbike and with a value of CHF 1.888 million it is the most expensive motorcycle in the world.

It took the watchmakers of Carl F. Bucherer, the jewellers of Bucherer Fine Jewellery and the specialists of Bündnerbike a year to design and produce the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION. A team of eight employees from both companies contributed all of their expertise. More than 2,500 working hours were invested in this project, which combines Swiss craftsmanship and the passion for exclusive, tailor-made and very cool products.

COOL STYLE – CUSTOMIZED
The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S. However, there is not a great deal left that is reminiscent of the initial model with its cool vintage style. Every metal element found on this one-of-a-kind motorcycle has been produced, welded, beaten, ground and polished by hand. The complete frame of the motorcycle is welded seamlessly, and even the rims are custom-made. The rotating camshaft is visible through a window in the camshaft housing, as are the valve control and the gold-plated throttle valves. Heat-resistant LED lights illuminate the scene.

The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is thus the world’s first motorcycle to have a motor that is lit up from the inside. Various parts of the motorcycle are also gold-plated. The cowhide saddle has been sewn by hand in Switzerland. A special detail: the iridescent colour. A specific technique had to be employed to illuminate the Harley-Davidson in this intense blue. In a first step, the entire motorcycle was silver-plated, before six colour coatings were then applied using a secret coating method.

COMBINING CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE DESIGN AND ART OF JEWELLERY MAKING
This unique piece is perfected by the incorporation of the arts of watchmaking and jewellery making. This is also a world first: never before have a manufacture watch and jewels been integrated in a motorcycle. The Dizzler rotating ring from the Bucherer Fine Jewellery collection was adapted for the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION to allow it to be mounted on the hand grips.

“That was a technical challenge,” says Jürg Ludwig Jr, Managing Director of Bündnerbike. “To ensure that the rings really stay in place, a special method was applied that guarantees a very strong hold. How this works remains a secret of the Bündnerbike blacksmith,” explains Ludwig. A further pair of Dizzler diamond rings can be found on the forks, while a large version of the Dizzler ring is located in the left half of the tank.

Underneath a glass dome made from armoured glass, another piece of jewellery of special value can be found in a retractable safe: a six-prong Heaven solitaire ring with a 5.40-carat diamond.

This is also a unique feature, as is the watch from Carl F. Bucherer at its side. This special custom-made watch, which is based on the Patravi TravelTec II model, is located in a second safe in the right half of the tank. The dial of this unique piece is adorned by elements of a motorcycle engine. To ensure that the vibrations of the engine do not damage the mechanical movement, the watch is housed in a cage with an elaborate holder made from silicon rings.

“It was a long road,” says Samir Merdanovic, Head of Manufacture Movements at Carl F. Bucherer, about the development process, which demanded a great deal of thinking. “The holder, for example, also serves as a watch winder. The watch is therefore wound regularly and continues to run, even if the motorcycle is not ridden for an extended period,” explains Merdanovic.

The owner can also look forward to wearing a further unique Carl F. Bucherer watch on their wrist. This has been created by the manufacturer exclusively for the buyer and also incorporates design elements of the motorcycle and its engine on the dial. Even when not riding the motorcycle, the buyer will therefore always have a piece of the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking at his or her side.

A testimony to the passion of craftsmanship, and probably the first motorcycle that makes the heart of every woman leap with joy! I definitely would like to turn the Dizzler rotating diamond ring…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer

Quintessence presents its first retreat edition which will take place in beautiful and stunning Courchevel between June 30th and September 1st, 2018.

Quintessence is an exclusive and immersive Boot Camp concept that invites guests to escape, challenge and pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings by experiencing a unique sports and fitness-based program combined with exquisite healthy cuisine. The week-long sports and wellness signature program DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF, led by highly qualified expert trainers, combines light, intense and restorative fitness sessions, sports, as well as time to relax. Limited to twelve guests, classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, women and men, regardless of experience and fitness levels.

A SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Quintessence is an invitation to challenge, boost and revitalise the body through a week-long exclusive workout program that alternates endurance, cardio and strength exercises.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF (one week long) includes various fitness sessions such as: HIIT, circuit training, Swiss ball, Core and Balance, weight and cardio trainings; outdoor sports: hiking, Aquabiking, Aquaboxing and golf initiation;  well-being periods: yoga, pilates, stretching and meditation classes.

A TEAM OF EXPERTS

Celine and Kevin, Quintessence’s trainers, fluent in French and English, give each guest the individualised attention and encouragement they need to complete this week of physical activity. Their aim is to ensure guests maintain and improve their fitness level, progressing at their own pace while having fun.

Celine is a certified Hatha Yoga 200h (RYT) and Vinyasa Yoga 200h (RYT) as well as Pilates instructor (Matwork II). Personal trainer since many years, she gathers a strong experience in various endurance, cardio and strength techniques.

Semi-pro, full back rugby player in the 4th French division, Kevin masters a wide palette of fitness trainings. He is a certified Fitness Training and Group Fitness instructor, as well as personal trainer and Mills GRITTM certified instructor.

Throughout the week-long program, guests will also have the pleasure to experience a cooking class during which the Quintessence Chef will reveal some tips about the original dishes crafted from the finest, locally sourced organic ingredients, designed to realign body and mind, delight the senses and encourage everyone to become more aware of their well-being.

VIP guests will regularly join the Quintessence weeks for exclusive talks on specific topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, welfare.

THE SETTING

Embodying French tradition and excellence, world-famous Courchevel is located at an altitude of 1300 m to 1850 m, offering breathtaking views and magical natural setting.

Quintessence guests are invited to retreat to a calm, refined and pure environment, in two luxurious and stylish chalets extending over 600 m2 and offering a total of nine rooms (4 different categories). They are designed to a high standard from locally sourced natural materials and exude authentic mountain charm.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
7-day total escape program (including accommodation – from Saturday to Saturday)
– price per person and per week:
• in a Standard Room, Double occupancy, starting at 3’100€
• in a Standard Room, Single occupancy, starting at 4’100€

TREAT YOURSELF TO AN ENERGY BOOST
1-day pop-in escape program (without accommodation) – price per person: 250€
Pop-in days are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Quintessence is more than a concept, it’s a philosophy of life. Uncover your quinta essentia – according to ancient philosophy, quinta essentia is a fifth substance in addition to the four elements of earth, fire, air and water, which ensures cohesion, life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Quintessence and © Sandra Bauknecht
Interior pictures: © Leila Ricci Photography www.leilaricci.com

«Give yourself a break.
Give yourself time.
Give yourself love.
Make YOU a priority.»
– Margo Marrone, Founder of The Organic Pharmacy

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet Margo Marrone, founder of THE ORGANIC PHARMACY, for the opening of the brand’s first spa in Switzerland at MARIONNAUD‘s Bahnhofstrasse shop in Zurich. Margo and I have clicked in a second. She is such an inspirational, passionate lady who’s story reads like a book, a real business woman with a heart of gold.

Her story begins over 27 years ago as a Saturday girl in her local pharmacy. Fascinated by the rows and rows of amber bottles, she watched person after person come in asking the pharmacist for help on their various ailments and was enthralled as he expertly blended from the amber bottles lining those shelves.

Later, she decided to study pharmacy and six years later she embarked on her career as a pharmacist specialising in herbal medicine, nutrition and well being with a focus on natural and alternate medicine. It wasn’t until several years later that she discovered homeopathy, a form of medicine that completely changed her life and that of her family.

Being shocked at the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics, which she became aware of whilst studying homeopathy, she truly understood what organic means and decided to use her herbal, homeopathic and pharmaceutical knowledge to create a shopping haven free from chemicals found in other stores. She took the idea to her husband Franco whose design skills and vision turned THE ORGANIC PHARMACY into a modern day health and beauty centre. The first store opened in 2002 in London on Kings Road. Today they have shops and distribution all over the world.

THE ORGANIC PHARMARCY skin care is based on homeopathic and herbal medicine with the principles that the quality of the ingredients and the purity of the formulation is paramount as well as the dosage. One of the things that makes them different is the science that the couple put into their formulations, with their own factory in London, they oversee the careful preparation and manufacture of the products, from start to finish. The high tech natural extracts, the pharmaceutical grade ingredients and their dosage in their products at levels that really count means serious results for healthy glowing skin.

Margo took the experience one step further by extending her offering to high quality supplements and spa treatments for her customer’s health and beauty needs. The touch of a fantastic therapist, the advice of a homeopath who knows you well – she is convinced that it all helps to live a balanced healthy life. Managing stress, cleansing our bodies, feeding our cells essential nutrients are key to a healthy anti-ageing lifestyle.

Maria, therapist at THE ORGANIC  PHARMACY Beauty Spa in Zurich has magic fingers! During the press conference she gave us a great insight about the different treatments available. Thank you to Katrin Roth of Sonrisa for being such a great model!

I had the pleasure to experience the ROSE DIAMOND FACIAL in Zurich at THE ORGANIC PHARMACY SPA with the most amazing therapist, Maria (sorry, I was so relaxed that I forgot to take a photo of me before and after). The brand’s most luxurious facial truly restores, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin with the power of diamonds and cosmeceuticals. Both are combined to moisturize, firm and brighten skin. A deep exfoliation using diamond dust, an enzyme peel and hydra-diamond exfoliation are followed by an intensely lifting massage leaving the skin looking instantly refreshed and rejuvenated. 

«The treatment that irons your wrinkles away…» – the Radio Frequency Facial…

… that therapist Maria only performed to Katrin’s right side left a spectacular result. Especially the fine lines under her right eye are almost gone.

All aesthetic facials combine the very latest technologies (including the most advanced tools to let the products penetrate the skin easier and deeper) with organic cosmeceuticals to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and pigmentation for a healthier, plumper, firmer and more radiant skin.

My favorite products that I can only recommend to you are the following:
Honey & Jasmine Mask – a rich, deeply moisturising and nourishing mask.
Carrot Butter Cleanser – a balm cleanser that melts on contact with the skin.
Superantioxidant Capsules – a potent all-in-one anti-ageing antioxidant mixture, protecting the cells and system from the inside.

I love Margo’s approach to beauty from the inside and outside!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday evening, ASMALLWORLD threw a party at Gallery Club, an intimate and stylish club in the heart of Zurich, to celebrate their «going public» event. It was time to glow up and enjoy this fabulous moment among dear friends and ASW members!

My look: One-shoulder stretch-knit jumpsuit by Stella McCartney, Betty chain red leather shoulder bag and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, both by Saint Laurent, single earring and cuff, both by Chanel. Diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – THANK YOU, DAVID!

Yesterday, I had another front row experience than usual by attending the «going public» event of ASMALLWORLD at the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich as the first listed social media company there. At 9.01 am, the «ring the bell» celebration took place in Swiss style with a cow bell and it was very exciting watching the first trading day happening in full swing.

My business look:My look: Embroidered wool cape, silk wool jacket with ruffled hem, and matching pants, floral printed silk blouse, feline earrings with crystals, red silk scarf and embellished leather pumps, all by Gucci and Kelly So Black by Hermès. Pearl necklace by Chanel, Mitza ring and daisy necklace, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – THANK YOU, DAVID!

My avid readers know that I am totally addicted to yoga and ESTÉE LAUDER‘s Advanced Night Repair (please don’t laugh about the combination, it is actually a match made in heaven). For me, there is not one beauty regime happening without a drop of this beauty elixir before. I use it day and night, but the latter is the most important, this is when my night time ritual starts – along with the Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix for the delicate eye area that repairs, fortifies and hydrates. After I applied the products, I start my bedtime yoga session. This calms me down, helps me to digest the impressions of the day and relaxes me after a busy day.

Carolina Fischer-Waibel with me at her ATHAYOGA studio in Zollikon.

To give you an impression we took some photos at the beautiful ATHAYOGA studio in Zollikon (there is also one in Zurich city) while training with Carolina Fischer-Waibel who owns the studio along with her husband Roland Fischer (he photographed me – thank you!).

Strong pose – the Dancer’s pose

Some of the poses are pretty strong, so you have to be careful when doing them before bedtime as they might give you energy on the spot. Just do this routine one or two hours before laying down. Other exercises are more gentle and a great remedy to anyone feeling stress, anxiety or tension in the mind or body. It will help you to decompress and prepare for a good nights rest.

Yoga before bedtime can calm down your mind which helps you to sleep better.

Did you know that yoga before bed can be some of your best defense against insomnia? By calming down your body and your mind, you’re putting yourself in a better position for sweet and restful slumber. Stretching is so important for your body. A flexible body makes a flexible mind. If you add a little beauty secret, the effect is even better.

Never without my Advanced Night Repair!

Personally speaking I like to apply Advanced Night Repair before starting my 15 minute yoga bedtime routine, as I have the impression that my skin is perfectly prepared for extra pampering afterwards due to the activation of  the blood circulation through the yoga flow.

But why is this product so great? Here are some facts:

In 1982, Estée Lauder revolutionised the beauty world with Night Repair being one of the first beauty companies to make the link between DNA damage and skin ageing. Moreover, it was the first ever serum to launch, the first ever repair product and the first skincare product to use hyaluronic acid. The packaging of the little brown bottle was groundbreaking by being reminiscent of a pharmacy product. Over the last 30 years, many scientists have worked on Advanced Night Repair to constantly improve it.

In 2013, a new formula Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II was launched that has won 127 beauty awards worldwide (pretty impressive, isn’t it?!). The new pioneering product has patents valid until 2033. Every 8th minute, a ANR bottle is sold worldwide, which are around 4.5 million bottles a year.

I truly recommend trying ANR as you can easily apply it before the beauty products you like to use in general. I am sure you will see the difference after a few weeks and might be interested in other products of the Advanced Night Repair family such as the Advanced Night Repair Ampoules (I like to use them as a cure for two weeks four times a year) and the Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, a weekly treatment ask that resets the look of your skin after the visible assaults of modern life. Your skin looks instantly fresher and renewed. For cleansing, I absolutely recommend the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm, a lightweight balm that melts to a cleansing oil to remove makeup and impurities. You’ ll love it!

If you like my outfit, visit SPORTLES (Thank you Megan Herak!). I am wearing Drapey V back by Onzie, Shakedown bra by Vimmia, and Captain ankle tight leggings by Alala.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Roland Fischer for Estée Lauder Switzerland

Instead of a runway show this year, creative director Demna Gvasalia headed to the streets to recruit fellow citizens of Zurich (he moved his headquarters to Switzerland  last year – for the previous post click here), to model for VETEMENTS‘ S/S 2018 lookbook. The casting was done by Swiss agency streetcasting.ch. Everyone seemed enthusiastic about the idea, with models including sulky teenagers, an accountant, an heiress and a motorbike enthusiast, to name a few.

Each “model” struck a pose in the designer’s latest creations and was photographed by himself, including various logo-printed pieces such as jeans and plateau ankle boots, and stand-out styles from the label’s latest collaborations with DHL, Tommy Hilfiger and Umbro. Try mixing one of the long dresses with a pair of oversized sneakers and a cap for a lookbook-worthy style. Oh, and don’t forget socks. To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transfered to the respective online shop.

Vetements x DHL, from left to right: DHL printed cotton shirt dress and DHL printed cotton T-shirt.

Vetements x Tommy Hilfiger, from left to right: Oversized hoodie in red and white.

Vetements Zürich, on her from left to right: Hooded contrast-panel emoji-print dress and embroidered cotton-blend sweatshirt.

Vetemens x Reebok, from left to right: Hooded emoji-print crepe de Chine dress, Granny small bag and x Reebok cotton-blend socks.

Vetements x Umbro: long-sleeved cotton-jersey top.

THE VETEMENTS STORY

VETEMENTS is the tongue-in-cheek design collective that shot to world renown and cult status thanks to its reputation as the ultimate «fashion disruptor». Led by creative director Demna Gvasalia, the troupe of talents are putting a new spin on chic. Having honed their friendship as well as their craft at Margiela, they are using VETEMENTS to question the very essence of fashion.

Even that I haven’t understood it yet, meaning I have not even one VETEMENTS piece in my closet, I think, Demna is a genius and I adore his work for Balenciaga incredibly.

TO SHOP VETEMENTS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
VETEMENTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN SWITZERLAND AT TROIS POMMES.

Enjoy some more photos of the S/S 2018 lookbook below. I am just wondering how foreigners will picture Swiss people after having seen this.

LoL (this week for the second time laughing out loud literally), Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of VETEMENTS, © Demna Gvasalia

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

It is a well established fact that ladies love a jumpsuit. They are more unexpected than a dress. In terms of dressing jumpsuits simplify your life. You can sit, dance and focus on the accessories. I have to admit that there is a bathroom issue but to me, jumpsuits are the ultimate uniform for the modern woman and an investment piece worthy of topping your shopping list.

Here you see me wearing a sequined one by Temperley London for the closing night of the Zurich Film Festival as guest of Etihad. The British designer does amazing jumpsuits. So I dare you to give them a try—I promise you won’t regret it!

My look: Tiara sequin-embellished jumpsuit by Temperley London, holographic faux leather clutch and holographic faux leather pumps, both by Stella McCartney, pearl earrings by Chanel and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in collage: © Sandra Bauknecht, Getty Images