Sandra‘s Closet

This week I flew to Bangkok to attend the launch celebration of the fifth Cabinet of Curiosities, the acclaimed yearly pop-up exhibition, that is presented this time by Siwilai, the renowned multi-brand concept store. More will be coming up soon about this event.

Wednesday evening, the exclusive pre-opening dinner took place at Bo.lan, one of the world’s best Thai restaurants, located in Sukhumvit. We enjoyed fine dining at its best, a very spicy Thai cuisine created from age old recipes. After we had finished, the most fun part of the night took place. We were all driven to the after party at Sugar Ray You’ve Just Been Poisoned (to be taken literally) in tuk-tuks. What a fun and very fast ride through the city of Bangkok.

Before I left to the event, those pictures of my outfit were taken on the terrace of my hotel, the Okura Prestige, a luxurious and contemporary five-star hotel.

My look for the night: Nude dress with pleated skirt, cutout suede sandals and scalloped laser-cut leather waist belt, all by Azzedine Alaïa, cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

The two protagonists: Barom Bhicharnchitr (Managing Director of Central Embassy and Siwilai) and Thomas Erber (Founder of Le Cabinet de Curiosités).

Lovely international company at the dinner table at Bo.lan.

A fun tuk-tuk ride with Swiss-Thai designer Laend Phuengkit, who also designed some limited edition pieces for the exhibition.

A truly fun night – stay tuned for more coming up from Bangkok soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew to Paris to attend the rest of fashion week. At Zurich airport, I got myself this perfect expert nail makeup set MANUCURE COUTURE COLLECTION by Dior for around CHF 86.00. It includes everything you need for a perfect manicure in mini sizes, from nail polish remover to the house’s iconic base and top coat as well as some classic shades. Love it, it is so perfect for traveling! Available around the globe at Duty Free shops.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s photos were taken at the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany. The probably largest and longest-lasting open air gallery in the world is actually an international memorial for freedom. With 1.3 km, it is the longest remaining part of the Berlin Wall, located near the city centre on Muehlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, next to the river Spree.

The East Side Gallery consists of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world, painted in 1990 on the east side of the Berlin Wall.

Inspired by yesterday’s post about Rihanna who’s sporting the military trend for our September 2014 cover of L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse, here is a gun salute to the revival of military chic fashion this fall. Therefore I went through my closet to look for my S/S 2010 Balmain pieces – the season when it had been up-to-date the last time.

My look: Military shirt and khaki tank top, both by Balmain (from the S/S 2010 collection, for the new F/W 2014 pieces, please click HERE), pants by Alexander McQueen (similar ones HERE), sneakers by Prada Sport, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, sunglasses by Valentino and Boy Bag with chains by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Hitchhiking with Chanel

One of the most impressive paintings at the East Side Gallery: Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing by Dmitri Vrubel.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love flying light with only hand luggage but it is always a nightmare in terms of finding small travel sizes of fluid beauty products. Here are some for the hair that I explored this summer, all come in TSA approved carry on travel size. It is also a great way to try new beauty essentials.

Sebastian Re-Shaper, 50ml, CHF 8.00
Sebastian Drynamic, 75ml, CHF 16.00
Sebastian Whipped Creme, 27ml, CHF 10.00
Sebastian Mousse Forte, 50ml, CHF10.00
Sebastian Trilliance Shampoo, 50ml, CHF 7.00
Sebastian Trilliance Conditioner, 50ml, CHF 7.00
SP Color Save Shampoo, 30ml, CHF 4.00
SP Color Save Mask, 30ml, CHF 4.50
SP Repair Shampoo, 30ml, CHF 4.00
SP Repair Mask, 30ml, CHF 4.50

Available at your nearest Wella Hair Salon, click here to find the closest one to you. I also recommend to check out Travel Size Hair Products, a website dedicated to hair products in small sizes. I love their slogan: “Take good hair days with you!“

The beautifully printed silk scarf “Tiger Life” is by Mourjjan, a Swiss fashion brand which is based in Klosters. They have the most amazing designs.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer was very special for me. I tried different things outside of my comfort zone. With my new job as editor-in-chief of L’Officiel Switzerland, I am challenged every day and I am loving it. To be able to always come up with new ideas for the magazine and my blog, it is indispensable for me to to feed myself regularly with new experiences!

Here you see me in the Italian Alps at Courmayeur hiking and conquering the Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest and most challenging mountain. It was a wonderful trip that I will treasure forever.

Sometimes, it is good to go out of your comfort zone to let the magic happen in your life. Eat food for example you have never tried before, shop a piece of clothes that looks exotic in your closet, go on holidays alone (just got back from 10 magical days by myself in Ibiza), meet new people, watch a show or read a book you would never want to watch or read normally. It will enrich your life and enlighten you. If you don’t seek new challenges, how will you ever know what you are truly capable of?

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or to get hurt. It will happen but no true story develops from reading and re-reading the same chapter over and over again. Sometimes not being in control is the most beautiful thing in the world. Afterwards you might be able to see things clearly again…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew to London for a very special and intimate dinner hosted by Net-à-Porter to celebrate one of my favorite designers Mary Katrantzou at the Blakes hotel. It is always a pleasure as Alison Loehnis, President of Net-à-Porter, brings together the most amazing women from all over the world.

Here you see me with my friend Anouschka whom I also had met at a previous event of Net-à-Porter. Some of you might recognize her from this post a few years ago when we went to an evening at the V&A museum with legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Funnily enough, we realized that we both went to the same school in Germany… what a small world. We stayed in touch and it is always great fun seeing each other.

Trio infernale reunited: Lupe and Anouschka with me.

My beloved Mary Katrantzou with me.

Meeting new friends last night: Olivia Buckingham from Hong Kong…

… and my stylish soul sister Sarah Somberg from San Francisco.

What a great gift: A one-of-a-kind art work by Mary Katrantzou.

It was an amazing night and I fell asleep like a little baby in my beautiful suite at the Blakes. A place I can totally recommend if you are looking for a small luxury boutique hotel. Stay tuned for the details of my outfit coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

There is a new hot spot in the Mediterranean Sea with the opening of the Cavalli Ibiza Restaurant & Lounge. Situated in the most exclusive area of the island, the new Cavalli experience presents his entertainment & nightlife concept in the heart of the promenade that welcomes yachts into the harbour of Ibiza Marina.

Recreating an astounding tropical garden of 2.000 square metres with a beautiful view, the property symbolises the three main worldwide renowned beacons of ‘made in Italy’ excellence: Fashion, Food, Design.

It features an open-air restaurant where luxury and innovation are merged in the décor and in the details to create a unique ambience, allowing the clients to live a ‘total experience’ in pure Cavalli style. The menu offers an incredible selection of traditional Italian recipes infused with Tuscan influences, as well as innovative new style dishes. It will also be possible to taste and appreciate, among others, the Tenuta Degli Dei red wine produced in the Tuscan winery owned by the Cavalli family.

The club & lounge embody the glamorous soul of the designer, hosting exclusive and fashionable parties and events where guests can sip on Roberto Cavalli Vodka-based cocktails. The music and lighting culminate in an experience that begins in the magnificent garden with 500 plants perfuming the Ibiza night: think jasmine, honeysuckle and magnolia…

«The pleasure of listening to enjoyable music, accompanied by great food and good company in an elegant and sophisticated setting … This is the philosophy of the Cavalli Restaurant & Lounge. I wanted to communicate all my passion for beauty and sensuality combining them in a hospitality project in Ibiza» says Roberto Cavalli.

Roberto Cavalli already owns Cavalli Caffè in Florence and Saint Tropez, while the others managed through licences are located in Kuwait City, Beirut, Dubai and New Delhi.

The next openings will be Riyadh, Bahrain and Doha. Furthermore, the Roberto Cavalli Group has also opened with licences, the Cavalli Club in Milan, Dubai and the Cavalli Miami Restaurant & Lounge.

Cavalli Ibiza Restaurant & Lounge
Paseo Marítimo Juan Carlos I 07800 Ibiza (Spain)

For reservation +34 971 192 197
www.cavallibiza.com

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Last weekend, I was invited to a very special birthday celebration, a trip and memories that I will treasure forever. My readers who have followed me since the beginning, might remember the amazing 40 hours in Venice for my friend Dan’s 40th birthday in 2011. Now it was time to get together for his wife Mel’s big day.

When I arrived at the airport, none of the guests had any idea where we would fly to. The boarding pass said to Dummy City and when we entered the amazing private jet, everyone was speculating where it would take us. After a fun 3.5 hours flight, we landed in a fairy tale of one and one thousands nights in Marrakesh. The magic red city, where the legends of the Orient still feel alive. And my outfit couldn’t have been a better match…

My look: Dotted silk cardigan and matching top, both by Dolce & Gabbana, transparent black plissée harem pants by Gucci, Boy bag with chains and metallic patent phone holder, both by Chanel, Alice leather sandals with pearls by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès.

Stay tuned for more from this weekend coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a crazy afternoon, driving back from Como to Zurich where I had literally fifteen minutes to get changed. Then I jumped in the next limousine to go to Basel to attend an exclusive gastronomic experience hosted by Audemars Piguet during Art Basel.

The famous watch manufacturer had invited the Roca Brothers, Joan (head chef), Josep (sommelier) and Jordi (in charge of the desserts), from Spain to prepare a very special dinner.

Their famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, Spain which opened in 1986 was first located next to their parent’s restaurant Can Roca, but moved to its current purpose built building in 2007. It holds three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world by the magazine Restaurant in 2013, after having been ranked second in 2011 and 2012.

The cuisine served by the restaurant is traditional Catalan, but with an interesting twist. Personally speaking, I find their dishes based on perfumes, and with unusual presentations, the most captivating.

They have created menus based on fragrances such as Calvin Klein’s Eternity or Carolina Herrera. This has resulted in a perfume being released by the restaurant itself, called Nuvol de Ilimona, which we were able to smell last night during the first dessert served, a lemon distillation. Smelling and tasting the food at the same time is an orgastic explosion.

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me last night

Audemars Piguet spoilt us last night with this feast for the senses! Thanks a lot for this amazing invitation! Below you can see the yummy menu…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Roca Brothers: Nacho Alegre for WSJ. Magazine

While you are reading this post, I am back in the Middle East. This time, I followed Chanel‘s invitation to Dubai. Here, the French house’s Cruise 2015 show will take place tomorrow evening.

The last time I flew with Emirates in their new amazing A380 was in January with Thierry Mugler for the launch of their newest fragrance Alien Eau Extraordinaire. In this post, I will tell you all about this fantastic trip to Oman.

The A380 is an experience in itself. The world’s largest passenger jet has a twin-deck, which means business and first class are on the top floor. Every business class seat has a built-in mini-bar, a personal storage area and a privacy divider. And here comes the best, there is even a real bar on this floor where passengers can mingle and enjoy a drink.

I spent one night in Dubai before leaving on a fun road trip to the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort which is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman.

When you arrive on top of the mountain, you will surely be taken by the breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem. The resort is as spectacular as its setting, with the natural beauty of Oman’s rugged mountain landscape on one side and a sandy beach on the other.

I have to say, I was amazed how fast you find total inner peace here through the power of nature. The resort is built on sand and you throw away your shoes in a second. Feeling the sand beneath your toes, you tantalize your senses, you enjoy an exciting remoteness and a barefoot luxury beyond imagination.

The team of Thierry Mugler invited us to “lâcher price” which means to let go and the Six Senses Zighy Bay offers the perfect surrounding. Being committed to environmental responsibility, the resort offers fresh, organic food prepared with ingredients that are cultivated in the region.

I stayed at a private villa with my own pool, 24-hour butler service and my own bike to drive around the resort. The rural charm of the rooms is amazing and I loved taking an outdoor shower in the morning.

One day, we went on a cruise. We had no cell phone coverage to really let go. It was such a beautiful afternoon that I absolutely enjoyed.

Let’s have a closer look at Alien Eau Extraordinaire, the new addition to Thierry Mugler‘s Alien family, created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg.

Pierre Aulas, artistic director at Parfums Mugler, explained me more about this beautiful floral fragrance launch. He is very charming and a genius when it comes to both, marketing and fragrance creating.

ALIEN EAU EXTRAORDINAIRE

Delicate floral notes transport a unique freshness and femininity. Exuding pure optimism, this scent is perfect for summer.

Top notes: Tunisian Neroli, Tea and Bergamot
Middle notes: Tiare Flower and Heliotrope
Base notes: Cashmeran and White Amber

It was such an amazing trip… Stay tuned for my upcoming post from Dubai, this time with Chanel!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht