Sandra‘s Closet

Next week, the 2023 edition of Watches and Wonders, the famous watch fair, will be taking place in Geneva. From March 27 to April 2, 2023, the 48 exhibiting Maisons will present their watch novelties and iconic models.

Arriving at last year’s fair.

While the first days will be dedicated to professionals, great news is that the Salon will open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April, 2023. On top of that, the Salon will also take over the streets of Geneva with a special «In the City» program open to all to celebrate watchmaking together.

My favorite booth last year: Van Cleef & Arpels

More than just a trade show, Watches and Wonders Geneva is a passionate experience to be enjoyed in person. It is also a place where you can listen to and learn from the professionals. An extensive program has been specially designed for the weekend with conferences, guided tours and exhibitions. Connoisseurs, enthusiasts and those who are simply curious will be able to discover the marvels of the 48 exhibiting Maisons, from the greatest historical watchmakers to independent workshops and artisans. From exceptional pieces and new collections to skilled craftsmanship, there will be something to satisfy every curious mind.

At the Piaget booth in 2022.

EXHIBITING MAISONS
A. LANGE & SÖHNE | ALPINA WATCHES | ANGELUS | ARNOLD & SON | BAUME & MERCIER | BEAUREGARD | BELL & ROSS | CARTIER | CHANEL | CHARLES ZUBER | CHARRIOL | CHOPARD | CHRONOSWISS | CYRUS GENÈVE | CZAPEK & CIE | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT | GRAND SEIKO | GRÖNEFELD | HAUTLENCE | HERMÈS | HUBLOT | HYSEK | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | LAURENT FERRIER | LOUIS MOINET | MONTBLANC | ORIS | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER | PATEK PHILIPPE | PEQUIGNET | PIAGET | REBELLION TIMEPIECES | RESSENCE | ROGER DUBUIS | ROLEX | RUDIS SYLVA | SPEAKE-MARIN | TAG HEUER | TRILOBE | TUDOR | U-BOAT | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | ZENITH

TICKETS are CHF 70 per person and can be obtained through the ONLINE TICKETING at watchesandwonders.com.
Here you will also find more information about the weekend.

In parallel, for the first time, Watches and Wonders will also be present in the heart of its host city. This festival of watchmaking, called «In the City», will be free and open to everyone. Visitors can therefore wander freely through the Rues Basses of the city center and spot the WandW display columns. This will be the sign that the boutiques have surprises in store: including historical pieces, demonstration workshops, a chance to chat with the watchmakers, a preview of new pieces, etc. To add spice to the experience, an interactive watch rally has been organized especially for the occasion. Using the QR codes scattered along a route, the public will be able to discover the participating boutiques and emblematic sites.

When the sun goes down, «In the City» will continue to beat in the heart of Geneva: on March 30, all the participating boutiques will stay open until 9pm, while a special program has been created for this evening of festivities. Artists, dancers and musicians will take over five stages along the streets, beginning at 5pm. At the Pont de la Machine, a conference on «Geneva, Switzerland and Watchmaking» will be open to all who register. A collection of food trucks will be stationed at the city’s main crossroads with one objective: get ready for a free concert from the celebrated DJ/Producer The Avener at Quai du Général Guisan, at 8pm.

DJ/Producer The Avener

The heart of Geneva will be beating to the rhythm of watch movements from March 27 to April 2, 2023. The wonder of watchmaking is within everyone’s reach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Watches & Wonders, © Sandra Bauknecht
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Recently, I had the best time in St. Moritz. I have to admit that I had completely forgotten how much fun this ski resort can be. I stayed at the beautiful, luxurious Carlton Hotel, a place I can absolutely recommend, that soon will be celebrating its 110th anniversary. Here, the charity gala «Hot Party in the Snow» took place on Sunday night.

It was already the 17th time the charity gala took place in favor of the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, the legendary «Hospital of Peace». More than 9,000 doctors, medical professionals and employees treat over 1.5 million patients every year, regardless of nationality, skin color and religion: civilians, soldiers and tourists, as well as patients in need from the numerous crisis areas in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey , wounded refugees from Syria, etc. For years, the hospital has also supported and organized aid operations in disaster regions around the world.

Prof. Arnon Afek

The auction and donations raised more than € 500,000 for the magnificent charity work of the largest and most comprehensive medical center in Israel and the entire Middle East. Professor Arnon Afek, Associate Director General, Sheba Medical Center, Yoel Har-Even, Global Director Sheba Medical Center, Dr. Ellen Ringier, chairwoman of the honorary committee of the gala and gala co-chairperson Renate Gräfin von Rehbinder were delighted to welcome around 180 guests, among them philanthropist Sir Andrew Cook, entrepreneur and art patron Grazyna Kulczyk, book author and media entrepreneur Maria Theresia von Seidlein, Lodenfrey owners Sabine & Ralph Michael Nagel, designers Rolf Sachs and Carlo Rampazzi, and my dear friend Ljuba Manz-Lurje, who had invited me to the event.

Ljuba Manz

After some moving speeches, the charity auction led by Reto Barmettler of Sotheby’s, took place. 100% of the donations and the proceeds of the charity auction will benefit the children in the Sheba Medical Center. In addition to urgently needed medical equipment for the hospital, which could be symbolically auctioned off, highly coveted events such as a VIP package for Art Basel or a cooking course with one of the best Italian chefs in the world, Mario Gamba, went under the hammer.

Carlo Rampazzi with his artwork

A designer piece by Carlo Rampazzi, and sparkling jewelery by BVLGARI, Tornaghi and Asprey were also auctioned. Trips to the best island resort in the Maldives were also in great demand: The Nautilus Maldives or on the most exclusive private yacht The World.

I auctioned off the art work by Robert Indiana, donated by Galerie Gmurzynska. I love Indiana’s work and as my daughter is born April 4th, it was the perfect act for me.

Amazing duett, the «singing doctor» Yoel Hareven with Riki Ben Ari

After a gourmet dinner, we danced the calories off to the beats of Riki Ben Ari, powerhouse diva from Israel and finalist of the Eurovision Song Contest, and Amar Pure, scene DJ from Munich, provided a hot sound. The n-tv presenter and non-fiction author Carola Ferstl hosted the evening.

It was a beautiful evening among friends that ended in the legendary Dracula nightclub. Drink, dance and donate at its best.

LoL, Sandra

Martha Wiedemann (Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz), Stephanie Lehnort (General Manager Hotel Carlton), Rebecca Wiedemann (Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz)

Sabine Parenti, Louise Thérèse Blouin, Renate Gräfin Rehbinder

Yvonne Winkler

Richard Ossen, Carolin A. Geist

Daniel Gutenberg, Ellen Ringier

Mafalda von Hessen und Rolf Sachs

Tatjana Hoffmann

Annette Zierer, Carola Ferstl

Grace Rong Li in Zimmermann, Dr. Yonat Floersheim, Philip Nasrallah

Lodenfrey owners Ralph Michael and Sabina Nagel

Oliver Fritz, BUNTE Magazine

Lavender Howard, Martin Schoeller

Rita Müller, Kathy Dobers (Cartier)

Helen Prinzessin zu Oettingen-Wallerstein

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © BrauerPhotos / S.Brauer
First Collage: Screen Shots of BUNTE and Gala Magazine
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You might have already seen the internet being bombarded with photos of the most beautiful glamping tent in the world … LOUIS VUITTON has created this stunning Pop-Up space designed in the style of a yurt, which is the traditional tent of the nomads, in St. Moritz.

Complementing the pop-up store’s location, customers are able to purchase the Maison’s must-have pieces, rare collector’s items, as well as the ski collection which offers a complete wardrobe, designed for both style and performance. I personally fell in love with the beautiful exotic leather pieces in sparkly hues never seen before.

The iconic Louis Vuitton emblems adorn the outside wall of the yurt. Inside, on the other hand, nothing reminds you of camping. Light wood, off-white seating and a cone-shaped open fireplace invite you to spend a cozy time. The interior is reminiscent of an apartment. There is also a huge seating area outside where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of bubbly snuggled in a logo embellished cashmere blanket.

In addition to the main LOUIS VUITTON Store, the Yurt Pop-Up is open until April 10, 2023 and has the same opening hours as the Louis Vuitton Store, which means Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pop-Up is located on Via Maistra (next to Kulm Country Club & Bar). Absolutely worth the visit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Sledding into the weekend… something I can only recommend when being in Gstaad. Take this refreshing break! Even the ride up to the Eggli with the modern gondola lift designed by Porsche is an unforgettable experience. It effortlessly covers the 500 meters in altitude in just 5 minutes and offers breathtaking views of Gstaad and the mountain panorama surrounding the village. You can rent the sleds when you buy your ticket for the gondola ride and take it with you up the mountain. Just make sure that you are dressed with several layers as it can be very cold.

However before sledding down the Eggli Run back to Gstaad, enjoy a fondue on the terrace of the Bergrestaurant Eggli that offers delicious food and drinks for all tastes. There is also a very instagrammable spot with the #Gstaad.

Opening hours: December 16, 2022 until March 12, (daily 9:00 am – 4:30 pm)
Reservations at +41 33 748 95 59 or rest.eggli@bergbahnen-gstaad.ch.

Another great experience is the «Fondue Night on Eggli». When the sun goes down and the lights go on in the valley, peace has returned to the Eggli. On this special occasion, you have the unique opportunity to enjoy this unique atmosphere on the mountain. After enjoying a fondue à discretion (meaning as much as you like), you can sled down the Eggli Run back to Gstaad.

Dates: Every Thursday in February, 02/09/16 and 23, 2023. Reservations are required.
For more information, visit the website please.
If you like my outfit, click here for more information.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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For the fourth time, Hublot celebrates its special relationship with Zermatt, the iconic Swiss Alpine resort town nestled at the base of the Matterhorn. Two original new creations are being released to mark this special occasion.

At first glance, they have nothing in common. On one side is the steep, jagged and rugged shape of the Matterhorn, carved out in rock over hundreds of millions of years. On the other, the mastery of perfect, modern lines by a contemporary manufacture. Yet, once again, Hublot has fused the elements and brought to life a creation that glorifies the silhouette of Switzerland’s most famous mountain within its legendary Big Bang.

However, this is not just any representation of the Matterhorn. It is depicted as it appears from Zermatt, because the Matterhorn has been the main witness to the union between Hublot and the iconic Alpine resort. For the last five years, the two entities have joined forces to celebrate their «Swissness». For example, Hublot has set up the most traditional of its boutiques at the heart of the resort, made entirely from wood in the purest respect for local architectural traditions. The Hublot boutique has since become an integral part of the charm and the magic of the area.

Hublot Boutique in Zermatt

Of course, Hublot, as an advocate for emotions and meaningful connections, was always going to take it to the next level! To reach the summit of the Zermatt ski resort, visitors now take the Hublot-Express (Gant-Blauherd), one of the resort’s most modern cable cars, built in 2016, and reaching an altitude of 2600 metres. The goal? To carve through fresh snow, or powder for more accomplished skiers, and arrive at Chez Vrony, the century-old family restaurant for whom Hublot is also the «Official Timekeeper». Click here for my first time in Zermatt in 2015 or click here to see me wearing the previous model, the Big Bang All Black Zermatt.

The new Big Bang Zermatt is part of this local dynamic, combining the best of Swiss tradition with modern watchmaking. The latest pieces in a collection created in 2017, the two new Big Bangs explore the two faces of watchmaking, like a climber scaling the two iconic faces of the Matterhorn.

Each version is available in a steel case – a return to the basics that has not been used by Hublot in a Zermatt special edition since 2018. The material, which features alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces, echoes the unique reflection of schist, the typical Swiss stone similar to slate which forms a large part of the Matterhorn. The sunray finished dial will illuminate this with an ever-changing light, like the faces of the Matterhorn under the continuously shifting sun.

These two editions both boast the special Big Bang Zermatt feature of which collectors are so fond: the Matterhorn at 9 o’clock on the men’ model, and at 3 o’clock on the ladies’ model. The latter boasts a bezel set with 36 diamonds which also punctuate the hour indices. Each bezel is equipped with screws made from titanium, a material inspired by the needs of mountaineers, whose equipment must be both light and strong. Once again, Hublot has mastered the fusion of substance and shape, colour and material, Alpine and watchmaking symbols.

Both versions are powered by a self-winding chronograph and complimented by two nubuck straps: the first in slate grey, the second in snow white, in a dual tribute to the iconic colours of Zermatt.

The BIG BANG STEEL ZERMATT is available for CHF 14’300.00 and the BIG BANG STEEL DIAMONDS ZERMATT is available for CHF 18’100.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
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Recently, I followed YSL Beauty‘s invitation to a decadent dinner party that took place at Die Giesserei Oerlikon in Zurich. The YSL Beauty team transformed this amazing location into the most instagrammable spots with different areas all dedicated to the Maison’s iconic products, from the famous Libre scent, to make-up and skincare. After the dinner, we went downstairs to the underground club where we danced all night long.

The dress code said «all black with a touch of decadence» and needless to say, I went for a head-to-toe Saint Laurent outfit. All details of my look will be coming up shortly. Stay tuned and in the meantime enjoy the impressions of this fun night.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography #indulgeingold #yslbeauty
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You know the Christmas season is around the corner when brands start to show up with their festive collections. This season, I was invited by MAC Cosmetics for the launch of Bubbles & Bows at Kraftwerk in Zurich. The evening was such a great success with lots of magical surprises from a drag queen’s live act to dancers performing in big plastic bubbles.

As the name and packaging suggests, the MAC Cosmetics Bubbles & Bows party kits and limited edition make-up are festive and fun – and very sparkly, too. The collection is not only a perfect holiday gift, but also a treat for yourself. With everything you need to create a custom going-out look this winter, from glowy eye creations and signature fluttery lashes, to bold festive lip shades, the magic will be all yours thanks to the legendary cosmetic brand. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
#MACHoliday #MACBubblesAndBows @MACCosmeticsSwitzerland
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Finally after three years, the Kispiball (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) took place again at the wonderful Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I danced all night long in my Dolce & Gabbana gown and enjoyed being among my dear friends.

My look: Strapless polka-dot silk-organza gown, and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, pink double bow satin pumps by Mach & Mach, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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In general, hair salons are closed on Mondays (actually not sure if this is only a European thing…), so it was a lovely surprise when I received the invite from AVEDA to get spoilt on a Monday morning at the hair dresser.

As you know, I have been using AVEDA products for a long time. I admit that I always switch between brands or product lines during the month as for me personally speaking my hair gets a kick from the alternation. However, the reason why I am a big fan of the house, that was acquired in 1997 by the Estée Lauder Companies, is that AVEDA is a cruelty-free brand with a mission to care for the world by creating vegan, high-performance hair, skin and body formulas for beauty professionals and consumers, all with sustainability at heart. Green chemistry at its best.

During an intimate breakfast at Eddine Belaid in Zurich, we learnt a lot about the history of the brand. The face of the campaign, Anja Leuenberger, was also present and told us about her experiences with the hair products, that helped her to finally achieve longer, healthier hair.

Aveda was founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher, a pioneer of holistic beauty, and a champion of environmental responsibility.  Born in Austria in 1941 to an herbalist mother and a shoemaker father, Horst began working in the salon across the street at the age of 14. «I was not a good student at all but I was very eager to be something different,» he said. Horst was a natural talent, and by 17 he was working as a stylist at a prestigious salon in Rome, tending to international celebrities. By the young age of 20 he had won the European Hairstyling Championship, which he used as a springboard to tour Europe and the United States. «What is a calling? It’s like almost a fire inside me and it keeps me alive,» he said.

He opened his first salon in Minneapolis as a European hairdresser, and then several others, becoming a successful salon entrepreneur in his twenties. In the late sixties, Horst suffered burn out from overwork and recovered thanks to herbal remedies prepared by his mother, as well as to the practice of yoga and meditation. Following a retreat in India in 1970, Horst integrated ayurveda in his lifestyle and his salon business model.

He adopted a holistic thinking, the belief that individual beauty is directly linked to the beauty of the world around us. His were ideas that would revolutionize the beauty industry. In India, he also received the inspiration to create Aveda. With Shiv Nath Tandon, whom he met in an Indian ashram, he developed his first Clove Shampoo in a kitchen sink in Minneapolis, together with doctors of ayurveda, Vinod and Kusum Upadhyay. All have continued to work with Aveda since the early 1970s.

Out of this well-timed collaboration, AVEDA, which stands is Sanskrit for «all knowledge», was born in 1978 with the vision to bring beauty professionals botanical products that would be good for them, their guests, and the Earth and its communities. Horst’s foresight is a testament to how far ahead of his time he was, and although no longer with us his legacy lives on in countless ways.

Horst Rechelbacher taught us that: «Every day presents every one of us with the opportunity to create positive effects. Even the simplest, seemingly insignificant choices we make in our daily lives—what to eat, what to wear, what to use on our bodies and in our homes—have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond us personally.»

Living up to this legacy, I was spoilt this Monday morning. The ritual started with smelling the different essential oils AVEDA has to offer. After choosing my favorite one, I got a neck and shoulder massage, that AVEDA salons are known for. The journey of relaxation starts already then.

I then received two different in-salon treatments after washing my hair, first the famous SHINE TREATMENT, that helps improve the condition of damaged hair and only takes 5 minutes. It refreshes your color, tints your natural hair, and corrects uneven tones or adds clear, eye-catching shine. It lasts up to 20 washes.

And as the second part of the ritual the BOTANICAL REPAIR™ professional treatment that transform your hair with molecular plant repair to strengthen strands from the inside out. Dry, damaged hair is instantly transformed with stronger, softer, visibly smoother and shiner hair in just one treatment. It is plant-powered, bond building and scientifically formatulated to treat three key layers of hair, so that it is transformed from the inside out. The hair is visibly revived and shinier after the treatment.

With the AVEDA Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Overnight Serum for home, you can get healthy hair while you are sleeping.

I received the treatment at Eddine Belaid in Zurich, an AVEDA exclusive salon.

I have also some great news for you. Until November 4, 2022 you receive a 30% off site wide discount on all AVEDA products with the code AVFAMILY.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of AVEDA and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Every fall, the Zurich Film Festival takes place and provides a platform for the most promising filmmakers from around the globe. It aims to promote exchange between emerging directors, successful film workers, the film industry and the general public by showing the year’s greatest discoveries and most anticipated films.

Wearing a black Monique Lhuillier gown and Christian Louboutin shoes and bag.

I attended the opening night of the 18th Zurich Film Festival that kicked off at Zurich Convention Center with the European premiere of the inspirational Netflix production THE SWIMMERS. The film was presented personally by director Sally El Hosaini and actor Matthias Schweighöfer. The President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, who had just returned from NYC, emphasized the unifying effect of cinema on people and set the mood for the 11 festival days with his speech.

The cast of THE SWIMMERS as well as the real Yusra Martini on stage at the opening night.

I can absolutely recommend watching this amazing movie that tells the true story of sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, both talented swimmers, who were forced to flee the civil war sweeping their native Syria in 2015. They make the dangerous crossing to Europe in a refugee boat. When the engine fails on the open sea, they use ropes to pull the boat behind them for hours, saving numerous lives. Once in Germany, they met a swimming teacher (played by Matthias Schweighöfer) who trained them for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

«It is not just an inspirational film that reinforces our belief in the good of people,» explained Artistic Director Christian Jungen in his speech, «With war once again raging in Europe, it is also an extremely important film of our time, because it throws a spotlight on the plight of refugees. Cinema is the medium of empathy that allows us to view the world through the eyes of others.»

The Zurich Film Festival runs until October 2, showing 146 films, including a record 38 world and European premieres with star guests like Eddie Redmayne, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sir Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Til Schweiger, Daniel Brühl and Iris Berben in attendance.

Christian Jungen, Elke Mayer, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ignazio Cassis, Yusra Mardini, Sally El Hosaini, Nathalie Issa, Corine Mauch, Sven Spannekrebs at the Opening Night.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, THE SWIMMERS will be available on Netflix from November 23, 2022. Please watch the movie, it will change the way you look at the refugee situation tremendously.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ZFF, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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