Bohemian luxury inspired by the gypsy free spirit, Gucci‘s romantic dresses embrace all of those feelings and I am truly addicted to Alessandro Michele‘s designs.
I wore this beautiful creation to the Zoofäscht in Zurich three weeks ago which is one of the highlights of the city’s social calendar. The black tie gala took place for the 15th time and raised CHF 780’000 for the zoo’s new Australia complex. It was a fun night with many show acts entertaining the generous guests.
My look: Appliquéd silk-jacquard and printed cotton maxi dress, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag and green suede sandals (S/S 2006), all by Gucci, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, Diorette ring and matching earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
I hope that you have enjoyed the impressions of the night. Happy Friday!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Zoofäscht 2016, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Zuza Speckert/NZZ
Last Friday, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The first social event after the summer break is always a lot of fun. This year, it was extremely hot which was perfect for this garden style celebration. If you decide to go, remember to wear wedges as standing in the grass can be quite challenging for thin high heels!
My look: Margarita orange gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, suede wedge sandals by Bottega Veneta, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Chanel and ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht
After 134 years at the same location in Zurich, Maison Gassmann moved and celebrated its new home located at Weinplatz 3 (the former Pastorini toy store) last week. The house has a rich history, its oldest part dates back to the early 13th century. Throughout the building you can find historic structures that are now integrated in the sophisticated contemporary interior design.
The brand portfolio includes a large variety of different established designers as well as newcomers, such as Etro, Missoni, Vilshenko and more, for women and children.
With Katja Hahnloser at the opening party last week.
2016, marks also the change of leadership for the renowned fashion store. With siblings, Michael and Katja Hahnloser, taking over the business from their father, the fifth generation is now in charge of the company. If you like to hear more about the heritage, click here please.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Maison Gassmann and © Sandra Bauknecht
Saturday one week ago, there was Street Parade in Zurich. It is the most attended technoparade in Europe, since the end of Love Parade in 2010. I prefer leaving the streets to the ravers as I find it too crowded but I still enjoy the music very much. Therefore personally speaking the place to be is the Boum-Boum au Lac party in the exclusive garden of the Hotel Baur au Lac.
My look: Giselle bandage halterneck jumpsuit by Hervé Léger, rock leather bracelet by Miu Miu, studded leather bracelet, Candy suede platform sandals and metallic patchwork camera bag, all by Saint Laurent, «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace by Chanel, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.
Tonight will be the Rive Gauche Party at the Baur au Lac garden, so stay tuned. More will be coming up shortly from this hot spot.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Before I left to Rio de Janeiro, Jo Malone celebrated the launch of the new Basil & Neroli collection at Zurich’s Juicery 21 at Sihlstrasse 93. Inspired by London’s playful exuberance, the fragrance combines floral neroli and a delicious wink of basil for a scent that is fresh, fun and full of adventure. Are you ready to have yourself a London lark?
Top note: Basil
Middle note: Neroli
Base note: White Musk
The Basil & Neroli Collection will be available from September 5, 2016.
Cologne 30ml (CHF 69.00) and 100ml (CHF 130.00)
Body & Hand Wash 250ml (CHF 47.00)
Body Cream 175ml (CHF 99.00) and Home Candle 200g (CHF 82.00)
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone
Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day. It has been an official national holiday since 1994, although the day had been suggested for the celebration of the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy as early as 1889. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.
I have been living in Switzerland now for over eleven years and I feel absolutely at home. I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss textiles which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to the «Swiss Dots».
«Dotted Swiss», also known as «Swiss Dot», is a sheer cotton fabric that is embellished with small dots. The dots can be applied in a number of different ways and colors. The design is said to have originated around 1750 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which emerged as a textile center in the 15th century.
I love this fabric especially in white on long maxi dresses. In combination with red accessories, it can take you everywhere from weekend brunch to evening events.
First collage:
1 Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London (30% off)
2 Belle Web Swiss-dot and lace silk top by Zimmermann
3 The Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino
Second collage:
4 The Garden Swiss-dot cotton maxi dress by The Great (50% off)
5 Belle Swiss-dot and lace silk midi dress by Zimmermann
6 Swiss dot tulle-paneled cable-knit sweater by REDValentino
7 Ren cutout suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
My absolute favorite of all:
Good Times lace-paneled Swiss-dot silk-georgette maxi dress by Zimmermann
To all my Swiss readers: Happy National Day!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via ZSG
Here is the outfit that I wore to the opening of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac two weeks ago. It was a rainy day but it couldn’t stop me from wearing this colorful outfit that blended in with the exhibited art of Finish shootingstar Jani Leinonen perfectly. Isn’t it wonderful to see how fashion and art inspire each other in multiple ways.
My look: Cropped trench jacket and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, printed cotton-blend faille skirt, matching bustier top, cigarette-inspired leather bag and iPhone case, all by Moschino, velvet bow booties by Miu Miu and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.
LoL, Sandra
Jani Leinonen with the host and inventor of Art in the Park Gigi Kracht.
Photos: Courtesy of Art in the Park and © Sandra Bauknecht
“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen
The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.
Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.
Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).
Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010), Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).
My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.
Stay tuned for more…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Two weeks ago, I accepted a lovely invitation by Silvio Denz, CEO and President of LALIQUE, to join him for an amazing dinner experience at Park Weggis, the partner hotel of Villa René Lalique, that was constructed in 1920 and brought back to life by my host in September 2015. Today, it boasts six exclusive suites and an up-scale gourmet restaurant. Manning the kitchen is none other than two-star chef and autodidact Jean-Georges Klein who had come to Weggis for this evening to spoil us with his dishes that are colourful and rich in contrast, for the eyes, the palate and the bite.
Silvio Denz to my left and Jean-George Klein to my right.
In terms of fashion, I went for an outfit that sported cascading layers of soft silk chiffon with a ‘trompe l’oeil‘ illusion of voluminous, layered ruffles. The feminine colours ensured a party-ready appearance.
My look: Feather cape by Balmain, sequined-bow tiered silk-chiffon gown, fringed cracked-leather pumps, feline earrings with crystals, fringed cracked-leather pumps, gold-tone crystal bracelet and crystal embellished ring, all by Gucci, envelope bag by Céline and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Last week, when I got back from New York, I attended in the evening the opening celebration of Dolce & Gabbana‘s new boutique in Zurich, the first one directly operated by the brand in Switzerland. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 10, the new 830 m2 three-story flagship offers women’s, men’s and children swear collections as well as a large selection of accessories. Male customers can also benefit from a special made to measure service.
Guests were browsing the store and everybody loved the new sunglasses. The natural beauty of the flora of Italy is interpreted in this luxurious and fashion forward limited edition eyewear collection.
My look: Printed silk jumpsuit, matching satin sandals, transparent belt, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag and crystal-embellished key earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Alexandra Pauli @ Call List Agency