Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to do an amazing film project with them for the opening of their new store in Gstaad. Unfortunately, the dates correlated with the launch of my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” and I couldn’t accept.

Nevertheless, I was lucky to join the French house’s press event which took place a few days later at the famous Swiss ski resort. For the first time, I took the train from Zurich to Gstaad. Unfortunately, you have to change trains twice but the last ride from Zweisimmen is absolutely worth the trip. The Goldenpass Railway is reminiscent of a miniature “Orient Express” with turquoise plush chairs and beautiful wood carvings (see photo to the right above).

I stayed at the new luxury hotel, the Alpina Gstaad which just had opened its doors a few days ago. More than a place to stay in the mountains, it is combining Swiss tradition and thoughtful luxury in perfection. It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen so far in the Alps.

The hotel’s design makes use of materials and craftsmanship typical to the region, including centuries-old fir wood crafted by master artisans. The result goes beyond Swiss stereotypes to create a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic.

Facilities include 56 rooms and suites, Japanese cuisine from Megu, a Cuban cigar room and a Swiss ‘Stübli’ restaurant.

Staying in a brand new hotel room is, of course, awesome. The Alpina Gstaad offers everything you can dream of, a fireplace that lights up by pushing a button, lots of space for storage, Acqua di Parma bath products, a Nespresso coffee maker and many other things to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

How gorgeous are those bedside lamps in the shape of a cowbell?!

Healthy breakfast in the room.

A beautiful surprise from Louis Vuitton was waiting in the room for me that you have seen me wearing in a recent post. Please click here if not.

A true attraction is the hotel’s Six Senses Spa, where I had a signature massage. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and of course, sauna, steam bath and much more. The only thing that I have found quite challenging is that you have to walk through the main lobby to get to the spa. Always feels weird in a bathrobe…

I enjoyed my stay at the Alpina Gstaad very much and can absolutely recommend this hotel! A huge thank you to Louis Vuitton for those amazingly well organized and fun days in the Swiss mountains.

Stay tuned for all the photos from the opening event and for a very interesting interview that I did with Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know besides my family, the love of my life is fashion and the second one is travelling. Personally speaking, exploring new countries and experiencing new cultures are sources of inspiration for me. When I was a little girl, I had a map in my room with pins marking the cities and places I had already seen in my life. The only thing that I dislike about travelling is packing. But with the right luggage, it is much more fun.

Here is the perfect gift for all wanderlusty:

Rely on this lightweight hardside case to accompany you on your longer journeys:  
The Spectra Collection from Victorinox combines lightweight durability with 360 degree weightless movement. Constructed with 100% pure Bayer polycarbonate, these cases offer superior strength for the highest level of performance. As the lightest, pure-polycarbonate hardside collection with eight wheels and a dual-trolley handle system, Spectra offers guaranteed protection and handling ease to meet the demands of the modern traveler. The Swiss Tracker™ Bag Tracking Program will reunite you with your bag anywhere in the world should it ever be lost – for free and the Access™ Lock Combination Recovery Program allows you to register your lock combination on victorinox.com and recover it if it is ever forgotten.

My choice went to the limited edition suitcase Spectra by Victorinox in purple because I love spotting my suitcase from far away among all those black and grey ones. Such a stylish and elegant piece that I am sure every fashionable globetrotter would appreciate for Christmas. And if you add a travel voucher, you will surely make somebody very happy.

Available in four different sizes:
Spectra Global Carry-On (Cabin Size)  CHF 369.00
Spectra Extra-Capacity Carry-On CHF 399.00
Spectra 26 CHF 439.00
Spectra 29 CHF 469.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victorinox and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, are you looking for the perfect location to celebrate a fabulous hen party or for an extraordinarily entertaining evening with girlfriends?
Your search is over! “Spa and the City” makes women’s hearts beat faster.

The “Spa and the City” lifestyle-offer at Lucerne‘s ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA in the Penthouse Spa Suite addresses today’s young and frivolous female. And MONTANA spoils you with welcome drinks, cult films, sexy private butler who goes by the name of Mr Spax, mouth-watering food and “hot” surprises for you ladies!

Cosmetic treatments boost feeling good about yourself, handsome private butler Mr Spax eagerly awaits mixing you a drink at the Suite Bar – and in the whirlpool on the balcony you can soak up the sights of the city as you sip champagne.
A colourful, sexy and cheeky offer that can be complemented with additional services such as limousine-shuttle, massages, beauty and Botox treatments, as well as jewellery, slinky lingerie and erotic toy presentations – not forgetting free-flow champagne, chocolate fountains and any other personal wish we’re able to fulfill!

The new and extravagant package is sure to leave lasting memories, with loads of highlights and laughs. And here comes the good news: YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN THE SPA AND THE CITY PACKAGE FOR YOU AND FOUR OF YOUR GIRLFRIENDS. This original package (see Spa and the City Package below), which bears the artistic signature of no lesser than the master of graphic arts himself –namely British-born star illustrator Jason Brooks – is yours to enjoy.

All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Spa and the City” to with your address and why you would love to win.
Probably you are having a special occasion to celebrate, just tell me.
Travel costs are not included. All entries must be received until November 30, 2012. 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.

Spa and the City Package (Your chance to win this package)
• Welcome drink
• Use of and overnight stay in the Penthouse Suite 606 with own spa area
(Including buffet breakfast)
• Private Butler Mr Spax from 17.00 until 24.00
• 3-course finger food dinner
• Large film selection
• Beauty Bag with exclusive choice of products

From CHF 248 per person, bookable for 3 to 8 people.

Additional services, with surcharge:
• Cosmetic Treatments (Massages, Beauty-Treatments, Botox)
• Product Presentations such as Jewellery, Erotic Toys or Lingerie
• Free-flow Champagne / Prosecco
• Chocolate-Fountain with Fruit-Sticks
• Hairstyling, Personal Fashion Advice
• Photography
• Limousine Service to the Personal Party!

Further details and info concerning additional services or to book, please click here.
Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Art Deco Hotel Montana, Jason Brooks

Don’t forget to shop the unique collaboration Maison Martin Margiela with H&M that hits selected stores worldwide officially today! This year, the French fashion house is sharing their unconventional fashion framework with H&M and their re-editions are to-die-for (Have a look at this previous post where you can see them in detail)! In case that you have missed the party pics of the amazing launch party in NYC, click here.

If you cannot get enough of Maison Martin Margiela, I recommend a visit to one of my favourite hotels in Paris: La Maison Champs-Elysées. The design hotel was the first to be decorated by Martin Margiela and voted among the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

Its location between the Grand Palais and the Avenue Montaigne is perfect, especially during Paris Fashion Week.

I stayed in one of three “Lost Moulding” suites: N° 112 Paul Bodin, designed by Martin Margiela. The wooden mouldings in the rooms start and finish at random, like a work in progress, offering various shades of white. A large central space with sliding side doors separates the lounge from the bedroom, enhancing the feeling of privacy. The luxurious, modern bathroom is extremely spacious and beautiful.

And here is more for all Margiela-fans among you: Replica Fragrances by Maison Martin Margiela, a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods that embodies the interest of Maison Martin Margiela for vintage clothing and accessories.

All three recently launched feminine fragrances “Flower Market”, “Beach Walk”, “Funfair Evening” are divine and instantly evoke images, impressions, positive emotions that reflect our collective subconscious. Composed by the master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, along with Marie Salamagne, each ‘Replica’ fragrance captures a specific olfactory moment, recalling memories that we all share. 100ml (CHF 109.-)

“Flower Market”
Paris, 2011

Freshly cut flowers, wet petals, buckets and vases brimming with water, leaves crushed on the floor, a multitude of floral compositions… Maison Martin Margiela captures the delicate fragrance of the flower market.
The green freshness of just-cut stems echoes the sensuality of the floral accord. Transparent notes of freesia and Grasse rose petals dotted with water, are enveloped by creamier notes of Sambac jasmine and tuberose.

“Beach Walk”
Calvi, 1972

A stroll along the ocean. Feet sink into the sand. Waves brush the skin. The sun at its zenith radiates the beach. “Beach Walk” evokes the memory of a summer day.
Fresh as the spray of the ocean, bergamot, lemon and pink pepper are instantly fused. Radiant and sensual ylang ylang follows, illuminating the addictive scents of coconut milk, musk and heliotrope.

“Funfair Evening”
Santa Monica, 1994

In the warm night air, the sound of laughter and playful melodies. The obscurity is broken by splashes of multicoloured neon. Colour reigns vibrant and explosive. An odour of candy fills the air.
From the first breath, the ambiance of the funfair comes to mind. The soft and enveloping fragrance of sweets… Notes of apple and star anise join to reveal a marshmallow accord created with caramel and orange blossom.

Enjoy indulging in your very own Margielamania and see you at H&M!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, La Maison des Champs-Elysées, Maison Martin Margiela, © Sandra Bauknecht

Good morning from NYC! The sun is shining and I am awake early due to the time difference. This is the view of my beautiful hotel, the MONDRIAN SOHO.

I am typing this while I am enjoying my healthy breakfast in bed, some fresh pineapple with a soy cappuccino (actually three). This feels like heaven on earth.

The reason for my trip to NYC is an amazing invitation from H&M for their upcoming collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela. Tonight, on Tuesday October 23 at 8.30pm EST (Wednesday October 24 at 2.30am CET/1.30am GMT) the big launch party will take place here in New York. There will be an exclusive live footage from the red carpet on Facebook!

And of course, lots of photos from the event, the celebrities and my look here on Sandra’s Closet during the next days! Can you believe that it was one year ago, that I was here for the Versace for H&M launch party…?!

In the meantime, I have some beautiful photos of the hotel and my room for you:

To embellish the lobby walls, Mondrian SoHo has collaborated with NYC-based painter and photographer Marilyn Minter in presenting a wallpaper installation of her famous Kicksilver photograph, that captures a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos in a splash of metallic vodka.

Here you see my room that offers some very sweet details. I love the colour combination of creamy blue and white.

A little surprise was waiting for me on the desk…

So excited for tonight…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week was my “German” week. On Tuesday, I went to Hamburg to finalize an amazing project for Sandra’s Closet’s upcoming third birthday and then I drove to Frankfurt, which is my place of origin. I was born and raised in the picturesque Taunus, a part of the Central German Uplands, located at the gates of Frankfurt. I love the Hessian mentality and have to admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time here recently but whenever I am back, I feel at home.

I am staying at the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star luxury castle hotel, that is owned by the Landgrave and Princes von Hessen. It offers you living history to touch and feel. Exclusive furnishings and an impressive collection of antiques and paintings from the private estate of the mother of the last Kaiser convey the authentic ambience of a castle from imperial times and makes me feel like a little princess.

Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane and showed my daughter the school I went to: St. Angela Schule in Königstein, a private all-girls school, attached to an Ursuline convent. Personally speaking, I loved this mono education and truly enjoyed my time there. Until today, I am close to my five best friends from school. When I saw the pillar we decorated for our graduation, I was so touched that the tears kept rolling down my cheeks.

This morning, another event has touched me deeply: Sandra’s Closet reached over 50.000 likes on Facebook overnight, which means 10.000 likes in 2 months. This is so amazing and I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for following my blog that has taken me on such a beautiful adventure. I feel very blessed!
If you haven’t liked Sandra’s Closet on Facebook yet, please do so here.

Below you can enjoy some more photos of my outfit and the castle hotel:

My look: Fur vest and biker boots by Miu Miu, red wool dress and gold horsebit necklace by Gucci, wool cashmere gauze Rottweiler scarf by Givenchy and Diorette earrings by Dior Haute Joaillerie and tote bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht via Instagram

One evening during the Biennale des Antiquaires, Piaget took us for a gala dinner to the beautiful L’Arc restaurant, that offers a stunning view of the city’s iconic Arc de Triomphe.

My look: Silk blouse (available with or without sleeves) and chain detail skirt (50% off), both by Givenchy, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, Leopard Nocturne African Queen clutch bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 runway and earrings from Chanel‘s Paris-Bombay collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Wednesday last week, I went with Piaget to the beautiful Château de Malmaison. Located at the gates of Paris, the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Empress Joséphine, has a large variety of porcelain collections, paintings and furniture on display.

The Château de Malmaison, purchased by Joséphine in 1799, became her permanent home after her divorce in 1809 and she lived there until she died in her bedroom in 1814.

Madame Bonaparte was famous for her interest in the field of botany and created magnificent gardens. Joséphine grew many rare species of plants and cultivated 250 species of roses, her favourite flower. Unfortunately, her heritage is not present today and the fields lie fallow. But this will be changing soon because the rose has a history that Piaget is committed to preserving.

Yves Piaget, scion of the company’s founders, has been celebrating his love of roses since over 30 years. The house’s Rose jewelry collection is a tribute to this dedication. The famous Yves Piaget Rose is named after him which was beautifully put on display at lunch. For Monsieur Piaget, “the rose is a symbol of love, joy and peace.” He explained, “that he was fascinated  by the rose breeder’s mutual challenges, beauty and performance,” and went on about “the two passions in his life: The Piaget company and the rose.”

Yves Piaget with me

Philippe Léopold-Metzger (to the left), CEO of Piaget, announced that Piaget will finance the rebuilding and reconstruction of Château de Malmaison’s rose garden that is meant to be completely finished in 2014. Then, it will present 750 rose bushes from the First to the Second Empire, enhancing the knowledge of the botanical work of the Empress. Amaury Lefébure (to the right), Director of Château de Malmaison, expressed his gratitude to the house of Piaget as this support “is something that very seldom happens in the life of a curator.”

The Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler will also be involved in the restoration of some of the original gowns worn by Joséphine. “Another chance to bring back the beauty to the castle.”

After we had enjoyed a great tour around the property and the chateau, we were treated to a beautiful and delicious lunch. Didn’t my sweater match the Yves Piaget Rose décor perfectly?! Stay tuned for a detailed outfit post coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

Recently, I was invited by Cinnamon Circle, the new online source for luxury hotels and travels, for an afternoon tea in honour of the Dukes Hotel London at the Baur au Lac in Zurich.

The boutique hotel’s director, Mrs Debrah Dhugga, who is one of the few women in such a leading position, had flown in from London to present her small hidden gem personally. It was such a pleasure talking to her. Having an amazing aura, she radiates passion and enthusiasm. “If I stood still, Dukes wouldn’t have moved forward”, she explained to me. “When I started, it was a 4-star hotel, now it is a 5-star hotel that won the coveted prize of ‘England’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2011.”

Debrah Dhugga with me

Debrah had a lot of fantastic ideas and translated her plans into action. For example, being a woman herself, she realized that female guests want something different. Therefore, she created the Duchess Rooms. Cuddly bathrobes, safe locks at the door, magazines are just a some of the feminine touches that make her female travellers feel like being at home. And only female members of the hotel’s staff will take care of the ladies during their stay.
Today, 24% of Debrah’s clientele is female.

Kids are very welcome at the Dukes Hotel. Upon their arrival, the little guests are welcomed by Dukesy, a cute plush dachshund, and mini duke and duchess outfits are waiting for them in the room. The hotel even offers a “Mr & Mrs Afternoon Tea” for children. For the complete service offers, please click here.

Debrah with Dukesy

Famous barkeeper Alessandro Palazzi is running the Dukes Bar that has a lot of history because it used to be Ian Fleming‘s drinking hole. The New York Times wrote: “The hotel bar which some say concocts one of the world’s best Martinis”.

And there is one that I will definitely have to try: Fleming 89, a new martini which celebrates the link between Dukes Bar and James Bond. Created by Alessandro Palazzi in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose “89” Eau de Cologne was famously worn by James Bond, the flavour, colour and smoothness of the martini are a sophisticated complement to the aroma of this quintessentially English gentleman’s fragrance.

James Bond fans can book the ultimate Dukes Bond experience, available from 3rd September, 2012 until 13th January, 2013 here.

The hotel restaurant Thirty Six offers modern-traditional food with its classical twist, prepared by Michelin-stared chef Nigel Mendham.

My favourite spot: The Perrier Jouet Lounge that features the finest champagne cocktails in an intimate and relaxed setting. 
One thing is for sure, my next stop: Dukes Hotel London!

LoL, Sandra

Debrah Dhugga framed by Cinnamon Circle’s founders, Manuela Weber and Jörn Pfannkuch
Photos: Courtesy of Dukes Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fashion-conscious vodka-lovers out there, here is your new fashionable drink: ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA.

Roberto Cavalli says about the tasty addition to his universe on his blog: “In life it takes imagination! I believe I have it!
 I do not remember if I told you what it was that prompted me to create the ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA. I go clubbing… I notice that vodka is the most popular drink… smooth… or with some juice… the most fashionable vodka is French… French…? Why not Italian…? I design the Cavalli style bottle and my son Tommaso selects the best distillery… that’s how the first Italian Vodka is born!”

A few days ago, I created a special cocktail… I can say I am not fond of high volume alcohol drinks… but I really like my cocktail… maybe too much! I get into a nasty habit of making one before bed… l put the glass near the bed and I enjoy it ‘til the last delicious drop! It helps me fall asleep… gently! Try it and let me know how you like it…”

Here is the recipe:

If you are in Florence, I recommend a visit to Caffè Giacosa, one of the city’s most famous cafés. After a painstaking restoration faithful to the original structures, Roberto Cavalli, a born Florentine bound to tradition, reopened this lovely spot. There you can enjoy and shop chocolate, pastries, wines and spirits, all embellished with the iconic Cavalli logo and animal prints.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht