Sandra‘s Closet

Since 50 years, Grosscouture has been located at Bahnhofstrasse 22 in Zurich. After six months of refurbishment, the store’s massive renovation is now finished and it celebrated its new look with an opening cocktail last Thursday.

The new store harnesses sophisticated design cues inspired by the brands displayed. From Elie Saab to Versace, from Oscar de la Renta to Roland Mouret, many prestige houses are available at this shopping haven as well as the eponymous designs by owner Roberto Quaglia.

On the ground floor, you can find a large variety of evening gowns (Gross Couture is definitely the place to go if you are looking for your next black tie outfit…) as well as the new menswear section that offers bespoke tailored garments.

«With our three floors directly at Zurich’s Paradeplatz, we have all the top Iabels to offer you. We are proud to present you with fashion which lives up to the highest demands of luxury and lifestyle.

We live fashion – for you.» – Corina and Roberto Quaglia

Enriching the Bahnhofstrasse and supporting the retail business in Zurich is very dear to Robert Quaglia. His eyes glow with passion when he tells me about his vision while we are browsing through the beautiful selection. I really like the spacious store with its classy and warm interior design. Absolutely worth a visit…

Gross Couture AG, Bahnhofstrasse 22, CH-8001 Zürich
E-mail: – Phone :+ 41 44 750 9090.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gross Couture and © Sandra Bauknecht

Dolce & Gabbana‘s new Ortensia Collection for Pre-fall 2017 evokes an English garden in Sicily, with hydrangea petals in varying colors that come to life on beautiful dresses and accessories. I have fallen in love with the print immediately.

Looking for the perfect background to photograph this look, I came across the Meggenhorn Castle near Lucerne. Built in 1868/70, it is surrounded by vine yards and has Switzerland’s largest hydrangea collection that is open to the public throughout the entire year. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance and absolutely worth the visit. Also a great spot to get married.

My look: Hydrangea-print sleeveless cotton-poplin dress and floral sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, emerald green satin mules and Shopper Bistrot Panier S straw tote, both by Balenciaga and choker with evil eye symbol by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes it feels good to take a hike, to take some time off and then go on a hike. Switzerland offers so many beautiful spots with its breathtaking beauty – just perfect to recharge your batteries.

My look: ‘Star Studded’ Wonder Woman T-shirt by Valentino, cropped dark blue leggings by Miu Miu, zebra print calf hair hiking boots by Prada, sunglasses by Chanel, bum bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I had the pleasure to experience a very special facial at the GSTAAD PALACE that brings royal Mediterranean flair to the Bernese Oberland. Exclusive in Switzerland, only at the PALACE SPA, you can find the luxury cosmetics line MARGY’S MONTE CARLO.

The famous Palace spa.

The facial treatment concept of the Swiss-by-choice Margie Lombard, which Princess Charlène of Monaco has already pampered herself with, is comprised of natural care products, that are developed in Vevey. For the brainchild behind the luxury beauty brand, it has been clear from the beginning: A high-quality, effective skincare product consists of pure, undiluted ingredients. This is why, she uses exclusively pure substances produced in the body to counteract ageing highly effectively, which she has been able to imitate using Swiss bio-technology.

As a young entrepreneur, Margie Lombard learnt that collagen and hyaluronic acid are two fundamental elements of our body. They have been proven to influence the moisture content of the skin. If this is intact, it has a beneficial effect for a youthful appearance – uneven and wrinkled places also automatically become softer and gentler. In addition, Vitamin A in the selection of MARGY’S provides elasticity, while Vitamin E as an antioxidant has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the hydrolipid layer of the skin. All products are completely natural, contain no perfume at all and are formed on the basis of sandalwood oil and geranium oil.

«My products are not exotic, but instead classic and clearly results-oriented. Beautiful skin requires sound treatments based on clear biochemical laws, and not magic. I am convinced that I have found the “place-to-be” for my brand and my concept at the Gstaad Palace.», explains Margie Lombard happily.

The native Alsatian and Swiss-by-choice has dedicated herself entirely to skincare. At the age of 18 she already attended the well-known CARITA Institut in Paris and learned the craft of cosmetics from the experts. With this precious degree in her hand, she came to Gstaad, where she managed a cosmetics salon independently. Her talented hands and her beneficial facial treatments quickly became appreciated by guests from all over the world. Soon her career was already taking off.

Despite her love of the Saanenland, she moved on: She studied cosmetology and after long research founded her own line of spa products. Many famous people were now among Margie’s customers – including even Princess Charlène of Monaco. After stays in Dubai, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo, Margie Lombard then returned to the Bernese Oberland with her care formula. She has been a resident of Switzerland for more than 20 years, and lives with her husband and son in Zurich.

The complete product range of Margy’s Monte Carlo is available at the Palace Spa.

The Palace Spa provides three exclusive treatments with MARGY’S products. As well as this, guests can also buy selected products on the spot and thus continue the beauty regime at home.

Haute Couture Facial – 90 minutes / CHF 450.–
For true skin rejuvenation combined with sublime relaxation. A 90 minute facial employing unique Margy’s techniques to activate the natural ingredients and their benefits. Skin feels smoother, firmer and plumper, benefiting from intense moisturization.

The beautiful treatment room at the Palace Spa.

I tried this treatment and was fully convinced. My therapist Manuela worked with different massage techniques to let the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. It was absolutely relaxing and my skin felt moisturized and pampered afterwards.

Firming Lifting Facial – 60 minutes / CHF 210.–
This facial treatment – based on a highly-efficient algae mask – smooths the skin gently and tones the face. Highly moisturizing, skin feels firm and supple following this treatment.

Short Fresh-Up – 30 minutes / CHF 95.–
A quick freshness boost for the skin for a glowing start to the day or to be party-ready.

Bookable via e-Mail: or by phone: +41 33 748 50 00.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful heated jacuzzi that is part of the Palace Spa.

Photos: Courtesy of Gstaad Palace, © Sandra Bauknecht

An invitation that couldn’t have been more perfect for me on a very hot summer day. My favorite Parisian coiffeur visited my beloved Zurich hair dresser for a morning full of laughter, beauty and the launch of a great new hair care line.

Nathanael, Charles, my humble self and Christophe in Zurich

As you already know I like the products by Christophe Robin a lot (for more info have a look at this previous post). Now they are not only available at Net-à-Porter, but also exclusively in Zurich at Charles Aellen Company. Charles took his whole team to Paris to train with the Robin staff known for being absolute experts in hair coloring.

Charles Aellen and his team with Christophe Robin

Beautiful salon I go to in Zurich: Charles Aellen Company

Aellen’s beautiful salon was the perfect backdrop to indulge into the world of Christophe Robin’s new hair line dedicated to make the dream of volume come true. I was skeptical towards those new products as in general everything that gives me volume makes my hair look dull and it tangles much easier. After having used it, I am completely sold. For the first time, I had nice volume that lasted for many days without looking frizzy.

What is the secret behind it? Robin told me that the biggest problem is that the hair cannot breathe when washed with volume shampoo. That is the reason why it collapses the next day. Therefore he was looking for an alternative providing volume that would first of all not damage the hair and that would stay for longer.

During a trip to Morocco, where hair care is considered an art de vivre, a lifestyle, he came up with the idea to use rassoul clay, also known as the most noble of clays, and rose extracts for his new cleansing volumizing paste. This unique formula creates real volume, noticeable from the first use and effects that build up day after day.

Its exclusive composition is 85% natural origin. Protected and fortified, the hair instantly shows more volume at the roots and density down its length. The best? When mixed with water, its surprising paste-like texture transforms into a light foam, creating a moment of pure well-being.

The hair care routine for long-lasting volume includes the following products from left to right:

Volumizing Mist 150ml
Volumizing Conditioner 250ml
Delicate Volumizing Shampoo 250ml
Cleansing Volumizing Paste 250ml

I hope that you will like it as much as I do! Also try some of Robin’s other products, they are all amazing… While Christophe presented his line, he gave a tip for hair coloring. If you have the feeling it got too dark, just put some olive oil on at night on the freshly colored hair and sleep with it. You will be amazed in the morning by the result as it will wash the color out. Coconut oil by the way does not!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christope Robin, Charles Aellen, Marietta Budiner and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently a new kids concept store opened its doors in Zurich, KARAMELL. A true playground for the little ones (0-12 years) as well as for their moms. The brainchild behind it is no other than Sara Allerstorfer, who worked for 18 years at Switzerland’s renowned fashion magazine BOLERO as fashion editor and director. Through work, Sara and I have become friends and we always had a lot of fun when we travelled together, sharing a passion for Givenchy and being both working mums.

Sara and I working together during a shoot for BOLERO magazine in April 2011.

Sara has an expert eye when to comes to finding treasure from all over the world. Her store is filled with pieces that are produced in limited editions and in a sustainable way. The labels she carries come from all over the world, from Goteborg to Brooklyn to Tokyo and can only be found at KARAMELL in Zurich.

For us, she opened up about the challenges she encountered leaving her old job and how she feels today living her new dream.

You worked for 18 years as a fashion editor at BOLERO magazine. Why did you take the decision to leave such a «desirable» job and start something completely new?

The idea of my own store was a dream that I had already been dreaming for years. After my son’s birth, it was obvious for me that it would be a kids concept store because I could not find cool clothes for him in Zurich. And when he grew older, it even became worth. There were either clothes with allover prints in hideous colors, with tasteless motives or items in poor quality. Chains like H&M and Zara were no option at all, regarding their manufacturing process and quality.

And after 18 years in the print media world I needed a new challenge. Personally speaking, don’t be impressed by the «glamorous» fashion world. It is tough and not at all as glamorous as it sells itself via magazines and social media. All that glitters is not gold!

How long did it take you to get started?

To get KARAMELL on track took me one year. I had to find the right location, which is a challenge in Zurich; write a business plan; sort out financial matters; do research in kids fashion to find brands I liked and which are not distributed in Zurich yet; develop an interior concept, which then I realized with Virginia Maissen Interior Studio; go to fairs and showrooms for buying; etc.

What was your biggest challenge that you have encountered so far?

To have a good work-life-balance. To be a good mother and a good businesswoman.

What was the best moment you have experienced in your new environment?

When a customer came to the store and said: This is Instagram came true.

Once a little girl left her doll in the store. Several weeks later she came with her grandmother to pick it up. You should have seen her face. I have never seen such a happy little girl. You could almost touch the emotion she had in that moment, when I gave her back her beloved doll.

Do you think that your previous job as a fashion editor has helped you for your new task in terms of trends, contacts in the industry etc.?

Yes, absolutely. In the beginning it was not easy to convince brands to sell to me, as I did not have a physical store yet. I could not show any images, only talk about my concept and show moodboards. But I had my (good) name and credibility as a Fashion Director.

My expert eye helps me a lot in terms of trends. Sometimes I am a little bit too fashion forward for the kids world but luckily in the children’s universe fashion trends are not changing as quick as in the adult fashion business. It is also a lot more functionally and practically driven.

What is your favorite item in your store? Do you already have a bestseller?

I have three favorite items: The Jess Brown Rag Dolls, which are handmade from used clothes and old fabrics and therefore each one is unique. The sweaters and hoodies from ABC123me. The colors are amazing! And the jeans from East End Highlanders, a Japanese brand. Japanese are famous for the best denim in the world. I can only agree.

My bestseller so far is the tutu from Atsuyo&Akiko.

Would you do it again? 

This question is maybe too early to answer, as I have opened my store only 6 months ago. But I am very enthusiastic and excited about the project.

Thank you, Sara, for giving us this insight in your world!
I am so proud of you that you have dared to live your new dream and I am wishing you only the best!

KARAMELL is located at Seefeldstrasse 44, 8008 Zurich / Switzerland.
Phone: +41 44 558 25 19, E-mail:
Instagram: @karamellzurich

Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday 09.30 am – 5.30 pm
Thursday and Friday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am – 5 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sara Allerstorfer / Karamell

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of ‘Art in the Park‘ at the Baur au Lac hotel and the tenth time it has been organised in collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska. It is always a pleasure to visit the beautiful exhibition curated by Gigi Kracht. This year, some amazing artist were  present such as Spanish Surrealist Joan Miró with a “supporting cast“ – Mel Ramos, Rotraut, Allen Jones, Silvester Stallone, Sophia Vari, and Louise Nevelson.

Exhibition is open to the public till August 4^th, 2017.

My look: Embroidered paneled linen maxi dress by Delpozo, ruffled woven hemp sunhat by Rosie Assoulin, Kan I leather shoulder bag,  flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi and leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, asymmetric earrings by Dior and bangles by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

All photos of me at the exhibition: Thank you © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«A mother is the one who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.»

Are you still looking for the right gift for your mum this Mother’s Day? I have a great idea and an amazing contest for you today (how to win, see below please)! Create unforgettable memories for a very special person with moments of pure well-being.

Say thank you to your mother and spoil her with a delicious mother’s day brunch at Park Hyatt Zurich in the elegant Lobby Lounge or treat yourself.

If you have small children, no worries. In addition, plenty of chocolate cockchafer will be ready to be painted by the little ones.

Sunday, 14 March 2017 from 11 am to 3pm
CHF 80 per person, children 14 years old and younger can enjoy 50% off
Reserve a table by e-mailing masters. or by calling +41 43 883 1042.

This is your chance to win an invite for four people to the Mother’s Day Brunch at Park Hyatt Zurich this Sunday!

The lovely menu that is waiting for you on Sunday!

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Mother’s Day” to . All entries must be received until tomorrow Friday, May 12, 2017 at 3pm CEST.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Park Hyatt Zurich

Last week, I was invited by RAUSCH for a hair treatment and blow dry at MURAT TOKAY. The beautiful salon is located close to Bahnhof Enge in Zurich and Murat, whom I know from his previous job at Charles Aellen Company before he opened his own salon three years ago, is a true figaro, who has an extremely good eye for hair.

Murat Tokay in Zurich

But let’s come back to the company that has actually invited me, RAUSCH. Founded in 1890, it is still owned in third generation by the Baumann family. Guaranteeing the highest possible percentage of natural raw materials from nature, the Swiss brand uses the power of herbs for the health of your hair and skin. The philosophy is pretty impressive. Extracted from 87 herbs, oils and plant extracts, RAUSCH combines centuries-old herbal knowledge from convents with the most modern scientific technique. Premium quality, ideal tolerability and sustainability, the tensides used in RAUSCH haircare are produced using renewable raw materials and are ideal for cleansing and treating both hair and scalp.

My new hair beauty regime

When you start using the products, you might not have the wow-effect you will get from the ones that use a lot of silicones as they coat the hair in a plastic like substance which sits on the strand’s surface giving the appearance of silky soft and smooth hair, but which are actually not so good for the long term health of our hair. Why is that? It is pretty simple, the coating will prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

It makes absolutely sense to me. By using natural products, your hair will actually benefit in the long run, rather than offering a temporary mask that will cause your hair to worsen overtime

Let’s be frank, 125 years’ experience of careful dealings with herbs seems to be pretty trustworthy. Great news is that the products are fairly priced.

Me getting the hair analysis – on the iPad in front of me I could see my strands enlarged.

I got started off with a hair analysis and was very happy to hear that my scalp and hair is absolutely healthy, just very dry. Therefore they recommended their Egg-Oil NOURISHING SHAMPOO, that is said to nourish the structure of dry hair with valuable proteins from fresh egg yolk and wheatgerm extract. The best? It smells like cake dough. Promise me, to try it! At least smell it, it is so good!

With my new hair beauty regime that was recommended to me, I will hopefully enjoy shiny, bouncy hair styles like the one Murat created for me last week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Rausch

Yesterday was “Sechseläuten” (in Swiss German: Sächsilüüte), a traditional holiday in the city of Zurich. Since the early 20th century, it is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of April of every year.

I watched the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds) with my girlfriends wearing an embroidered top with lace sleeves, matching skirt and choker by Dolce & Gabbana, Dirty ’50s stretch-denim jacket by Saint Laurent, boots by Prada, bag by Chanel and sunglasses by Balenciaga.

Now, that I have been living in Switzerland for over twelve years, Sechseläuten is so much fun because you know many of the people who are walking the parade. You present the participants with flowers and you are gifted with the specialties of the guilds in return. This can be a glass of wine, a bread roll or even a radish.

The culmination of this popular tradition though is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives (see collage above).
It is said that the time between the lighting of the pyre and the explosion of the Böögg’s head is indicative of the coming summer: a quick explosion promises a warm, sunny one, a drawn-out burning a cold and rainy one. This year, its head was falling off very fast, after 9 minutes und 56 seconds which predicts a great summer.

Cheers to that!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht