Sandra‘s Closet

This summer, Clarins has opened the doors of a new beauty temple in Zurich. Hard to believe, this new concept marks the first of its kind for the French brand in Europe.

Located in the city center at Gebergasse 6, just around the corner of the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and very close to the Jelmoli parking, the new Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa houses the complete range of products, from fine scents to high performance skin care on the ground floor.

One level up, the skin spa welcomes its customers for the most exclusive skin treatments. The second floor is reserved for the in-house training center. Altogether, the shop has a size of more than 280 square meters.

Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa opening party in Zurich

I truly recommend a visit to indulge into the world of Clarins. In 1954, Jacques Courtin-Clarins had a pioneering vision when he opened his first Clarins institute in Paris. Still today, the house is known for creating luxury products based exclusively on plants as the eternal source of inspiration and innovation.

Flown in for the occasion: Prisca Courtin-Clarins (SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director Clarins), Laurent Malaveille (General Manager Clarins Switzerland) and Natalie Bader (CEO Clarins).

During the hectic holiday season, let time stand still while you enjoy a treatment, and some time for yourself. Or find a little gift for a loved one as this very cute advent calendar that I got for myself.

24 days filled with little surprises, beauty products in small sizes that I love to take with me when travelling. Available for CHF 99.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

In 2012, my relationship as MONTBLANC ambassador started with the launch of my very own ink Sandra Berry, a fuchsia hue, that was limited to 100 pieces.

My beautiful limited edition Sandra Berry ink by Montblanc.

Now, in 2016, I was honored to be part of their new social media campaign that focuses on the Urban Spirit collection, a brand new leather line defined by its innovative functionality – the ultimate companion for the independent traveller’s daily needs.

Being featured on Montblanc’s Facebook page along with brand ambassador Hugh Jackman, how cool is this?!

For the campaign I had to answer some questions about myself and the city of Zurich:

Favorite place in your city and why ?
I love the area around the Stadthausquai and the Münsterbrücke as it makes me feel like being in Paris. It shows the beauty of Zurich in perfection.

What does Urban Spirit in your city inspires you?
The urban spirit of Zurich is very cosmopolitan, combining Swiss traditions with cultural influences from all over the world. It is a melting pot that inspires me every day just by hearing different languages. Zurich is a metropole and a small little village at the same time, a place where you can do business and feel like being on holidays with its beautiful mountains and stunning lake.

And here are the social media campaign photos shot by lovely Andrea Monica Hug:

Stay tuned for all the details of the look coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

Straight from sunny Florence I flew to back to snowy Switzerland to visit the manufacture of Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux. Being the oldest fine watchmaker that is still in the hands of its founding families (Audemars and Piguet), I had the chance to indulge in the brand’s history and to explore the craftsmanship first hand.

Wearing a work coat and shoe covers for protection at the manufacture.

The modern part of the manufacture.

Since 1875, the company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of Haute Horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. At the heart of the Swiss Jura, numerous masterpieces are created in limited series embodying a remarkable degree of horological perfection, including daring sporty models, classic and traditional timepieces, splendid ladies’ jewellery-watches, as well as one-of-a-kind creations.

I was deeply impressed seeing the precision that goes into the assemblage of the 3120 movement that comes also with my favorite watch, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold  – 37 mm .

The entrance to the museum.

Over the years, Audemars Piguet has collected vintage models that are beautifully presented in the in-house museum that is only open to private tours.

An impressive family history

Musical watch, around 1840, Piguet & Meyland

Repetition Minutes, 1875, Louis Audemars

The first Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta in 1972.

Until today, all information on sold watches are written down by hand. In the ’30s, customers included Bulgari, Van Cleef and Bucherer.

At the moment, Audemars Piguet is building a new museum in Le Brassus designed by Danish architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). Incorporating the existing building, the new form of a hairspring will showcase the history of the oldest, family owned watchmaker (see below).

LoL, Sandra

Collage and last photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet, all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week during the Zurich Film Festival, I was guest of NESPRESSO to see the Swiss premiere of «Bridget Jones Baby», the continuing adventures of British publishing executive Bridget Jones as she enters her 40s, starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey. «What if» is a major question in this movie that is so much fun. I was laughing through the entire film. The good vibes of the evening continued after the screening with the delicious plates prepared with passion and originality by the young and talented chef Ralph Schelling.

My look: Lace-paneled stretch-silk cady gown by Alessandra Rich, palladium-tone, crystal and Plexiglas® necklace and earrings, both by Miu Miu, padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag by Alexander McQueen and cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Greetings from NYC where I am at the moment for a new amazing project coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso, © Andrea Monica Hug (event and me at the event) © David Biedert Photography (photos of me outside in color)  and © Sandra Bauknecht

Friday night, Tommy Hilfiger hosted an exclusive dinner during the Zurich Film Festival. The American designer had come to Switzerland with his wife Dee for this very special occasion along other celebrities such as Olivia Palermo with her husband Johannes Huebl, «Harry Potter» star Daniel Radcliffe, who premiered his new movie «Imperium» and Woody Harrelson, who was for «LBJ» in the Swiss metropole.

The location as Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, stated couldn’t have been a better match. The Razzia restaurant with its neoclassical architecture was Zurich’s first cinema in the 1920s.

After a lovely dinner, guests enjoyed live performances by Swiss music star Marc Sway and Dutch singer Glennis Grace. It was truly a great night and I danced until dawn.

Festival director Nadja Schildknecht, CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Daniel Grieder and his wife Sandra, both ladies looking stunning in their Tommy Hilfiger suits.

Daniel Grieder welcoming his guests at Razzia.

Style icon Olivia Palermo with model husband Johannes Huebl, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger.

German actress Veronica Ferres at the Tommy Hilfiger Dinner in celebration of the 12th Zurich Film Festival.

With Woody Harrelson.

Great show! Singer Marc Sway performed without a microphone.

Two Hollywood stars in Zurich: Woody Harrelson and Daniel Radcliffe.

Great ambiance at the after party.

A truly lovely guy that I captured especially for my daughter: Daniel Radcliffe.

Thank you, Tommy Hilfiger, for another amazing dinner party! Truly a highlight of the Zurich Film Festival…

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Zurich Film Festival, one of the biggest highlights is the exclusive dinner hosted by Tommy Hilfiger. Last year, the American designer himself welcomed the guests at Razzia restaurant and thanked his long-time CEO Daniel Grieder on stage. Later, stars such as Johannes Huebl, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Elisa Sednaoui listened to the private concert by Marlon Roudette.

Playsuits and over-the-knee boots are definitely no longer for fashion victims only, they have become a must this season.

My look: Silk-chiffon playsuit by Emilio Pucci, bi-colour Sac De Jour nano leather tote by Saint Laurent, suede over-the-knee boots by Dior, earrings by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis .

Stay tuned… tonight it is time for the Tommy Hilfiger dinner again.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Silvia Binggeli, Editor-in-Chief of Annabelle.

Nadja Schildknecht, Daniel Grieder CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Europe, Elisa Sednaoui, Tommy Hilfiger, Clara Paget and Johannes Huebl.

Marlon Roudette entertaining the crowd at the Tommy Hilfiger dinner.

With German actor Moritz Bleibtreu.

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, the opening night of the 12th Zurich Film Festival took place with the screening of the drama «Lion» that stars Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and David Wenham. It is a very sad movie based on the true story of a five-year-old boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.

Festival directors and founders of the ZFF Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri with Iain Canning, Garth Davis and Harvey Weinstein on the green carpet before the screening.

For the opening night, film mogul Harvey Weinstein, director Garth Davis and producer Iain Canning had flown in. All three joined ASMALLWORLD at the dazzling opening night for an exclusive dinner at Conti restaurant, followed by an after-party to dance the night away.

My look: Candace novelty essential dress by Hervé Léger, leather bag with logo by Moschino, leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, «Extremely Piaget Lace Decoration» cuff  and pendant, both by Piaget.

I truly love the color combination of the berry hue and the turquoise details.

Extremely Piaget “Lace Decoration” pendant in 18K pink gold, set with 356 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 5.69 ct) and 25 turquoise pearls.

Extremely Piaget “Lace Decoration” cuff in 18K pink gold, set with 1,602 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 20.87 ct) and 50 turquoise cabochons.

I hope that you enjoyed the impressions and my look of the first night at the ZFF. There will be a lot more coming up soon… so please stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Muriel Hilti/Custom Images, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Asmallworld

PRADA has finally established a commanding presence in Zurich again with a new boutique on the legendary Bahnhofstrasse; one of the most exclusive shopping enclaves in Switzerland.

The new space covers a total area of approximately 1,100 square meters over three floors and offers collections for both men and women. In design, Prada sought to combine the strength of its own heritage with a dynamic evolution of style and technology.

Borsani chairs evoke classic Italian design while a sleek black marble façade and rhythmic composition of windows harmonize with the architectural elements of the existing building. The iconic checkerboard motif is reinterpreted through the use of accentuated color schemes. Expansive video walls, green ceiling beams, floors laid with yellow and white geometric patterns and green Alpine marble accents enhance furnishings and spaces.

The ground floor is dedicated to leathergoods, accessories and women’s footwear. The first floor is exclusive to women’s collections and offers very intimate spaces for Made to Order services. The second floor, dedicated to the men’s collections and Made to Measure, is characterized by more masculine colors, furnishings and geometric elements.

Last week, PRADA hosted a private VIP opening event where guests got to explore the gorgeous store before its official party this Thursday.

Checking out the beautiful Galleria Saffiano small leather shoulder bag collection.

You can shop PRADA also online now at mytheresa.com and net-à-porter.com.

Enjoy some more photos below of the amazing new shop in Zurich and stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © David Biedert Photography

Honestly, I would have never imagined that I would ever write a post about toilet paper until I tried those luxury bottom wipes which became Gwyneth Paltrow‘s favorites as well as she called it ‘the gold standard of toilet paper’ on her lifestyle blog «Goop».

JOSEPH’s Toiletries is a Swiss brand that is challenging the ways we cleanse and re-hydrate our skin where it is most delicate. The philosophy behind? Why not treating the bottom the same way one would treat any other part of the body?

Developed with the help of leading dermatologists and beauty care experts, this toilet paper, which comes packed in a very tasteful white box tied with a slate grey silk ribbon, is accompanied by a gentle cleansing as well as a balancing care product, both made with Swiss glacial water to protect and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

All JOSEPH’S Toiletries products are hypoallergenic, matching the skin’s pH value and are both paraben and alcohol-free. All materials are certified to ensure the products are as sustainable as they are desirable.

I love those beautiful dispensers. JOSEPH’S Toiletries mounting system has been handcrafted by award winning interior designer Bagno Sasso to complement the most elegant and modern bathrooms of homes and hotels.

TO SHOP JOSEPH TOILETRIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of JOSEPH Toiletries and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Nature is so beautiful that adding to it serves no purpose.” – Robert Dallet (1923 – 2006)

Every year, Hermès picks a theme for the respective year, which is highlighted through their collections and store windows. In 2016, the French Maison is honoring its love for nature with «Nature at Full Gallop».

Last week, I was invited to an intimate dinner by the House at the Museum Rietberg in Zurich to celebrate this beautiful inspiration. The location was amazing, decorated like a jungle. The dinner was served on the «Carnets d’Equateur» porcelain which I showed you in a previous post and that pictures wild creatures such as the jaguar, lion, tiger, elephant and toucan alongside the rare, the manama, capuchin and wooly monkeys.

The design was created by late animal artist Robert Dallet and is a voyage to the core of creation. I find it extremely beautiful.

My look that night: Margot bonded stretch-crepe dress by Roksanda, So Black Kelly bag and silk scarf, both by Hermès, Songe pumps in cracked leather by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings by Miu Miu.

My avid reader might recognize the dress as I wore it already 4 years ago (for the previous post, click here please). It got relaunched this season because of the hype Melania Trump caused wearing it in white for her speech to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.

Absolutely trending this F/W 2016 season: wrapping a silk scarf around the handle.

Taking photos in the Hermès selfie box. Have fun with more pictures below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Sandra Bauknecht