Sandra‘s Closet

In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, M·A·C Cosmetics invites its community in Switzerland to join the fight to end HIV/AIDS by getting the lipstick that gives back 100% to charities helping people impacted by the epidemic.

Funds raised from M·A·C VIVA GLAM lipsticks directly support charities around the world working to reduce new infections and help people currently living with HIV/AIDS. In Switzerland, M·A·C Cosmetics has been working for years with the Geneva-based organization Groupe Santé Genève, which is committed to universal access to health and is particularly active in the fight against HIV, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. They organize health promotion campaigns and promote prevention, particularly among people at risk, while helping to improve their quality of life.

«Giving back to our community has always been core to our brand DNA, and we are proud of the incredible strides M·A·C VIVA GLAM has made in helping people affected by HIV/AIDS over the past three decades. However, there are still millions of people around the world who continue to be impacted by the epidemic,» says Aïda Moudachirous-Rebois, Global Chief Marketing Officer, M·A·C Cosmetics. «This World AIDS Days serves as another key moment to rally our community around our mission of creating an AIDS-free generation.»

VIVA GLAM was started in 1994 by M·A·C founders Frank Toskan and the late Frank Angelo who saw the HIV/AIDS epidemic directly affecting their community in Toronto. They created M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipsticks, which donated 100% of the selling price to organizations serving people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Thanks to this powerful mission, nearly 30 years later VIVA GLAM has raised more than $520 million USD (and counting).

While great progress has been made over the past several decades in reducing AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections, the fight is far from over. More than 39 million people around the world are currently living with HIV, which continues to disproportionately impact certain populations – particularly young women and adolescent girls, gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and racial and ethnic minorities.

This World AIDS Day, put your money where your mouth is by purchasing a M·A·C VIVA GLAM lipstick at a local M·A·C location or online here.

The Viva Glam lipsticks are available for the retail price of CHF 32 online at maccosmetics.ch and at the M·A·C counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © M·A·C Cosmetics
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An ode to joy and movement. A dial where time dances and gives life to the mischievous, colourful Arceau Belles du Mexique.

There are two core elements in any dance: movement and rhythm. The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch pays tribute to the men and women who perpetuate the tradition of the hat dance. Originally from Jalisco, the central Mexican region on the shores of the Pacific, it features these dancers, renowned for the relative immobility of their torsos contrasting with frantic footwork. They are depicted from above on a Hermès silk scarf released in 2017. The virtuoso design celebrates dance, movement and exhilaration.

The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch places this motif inside in a round, 38 mm-diameter white gold case. The dancers’ agility is showcased, as seven of them arranged around the hours and minutes are mobile and whirl freely in step with wrist movements. Watchmakerchoreographer Hermès thus stages a show combining body movement mastery with total freedom of expression – the very def inition of a choreography whose gestures are codif ied and that each dancer executes according to his or her own sensitivity. This free, colourful circle dance is performed around a ring of 23 diamonds surrounding the central hours and minutes hands. Like the seven others surrounding them, these dancers are entirely hand-crafted. Their relief is created by successive individual layers of paint. All fourteen dancers are then applied to the base of a painted dial.

The seven central figures are mounted on a free axis that makes them twirl at the slightest movement. The other seven catch and hold the light emanating from a bezel set with 82 diamonds. They are the motionless spectators of a central scene where the hat dance vies with the dance of time for the privilege of ticking off the hours and minutes. Beneath the stage beats a selfwinding movement that perpetually charges the watch with new energy. The poet Virgil was so right when he wrote that spirit endows matter with movement.

Numbered limited edition of 12.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HERMÈS
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This Christmas, discover Sisley’s very first beauty advent calendar and enter a whimsical world where collages and embroidery mix and mingle. Designed by Isabelle d’Ornano, the calendar is adorned with a joy-filled patchwork of inspirational words and colorful images that capture the spirit of Sisley perfectly. Each of the calendar’s twenty-five drawers contains a carefully selected gift from Sisley’s skincare, makeup, haircare and fragrance collections. Enjoy a moment of surprise each day and delight in discovering beauty treasures in the lead up to Christmas.

Personally speaking, I love all the small sized beauty products as they are so perfect for travelling! As I don’t want to spoil the surprises, I can only tell you that there are also some full size products included. Available for CHF 730.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of SISLEY Paris
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Do you remember my dear friend Nina? I have been writing several times about her in the past (for a previous post click here). Well I have great news for my Zurich based followers. Nina and the City (former Kids and the City) will be part at Amatista’s (a luxury concierge service) first Christmas Market at the Ballroom of the Dolder Grand on Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 (from 2pm-9pm). Nina will be presenting as always fashion, accessories and lovely Christmas gift ideas.

The Amatista Christmas market will have tons of highlights, from specially curated art pieces, a caviar tasting, a champagne lounge, a pianist, a cigar stand (aka hubby parking spot) and much more. All in all 17 partners will be presenting their goodies at several booths.

However the top highlight will be the fashion show by Nina and the City presenting exclusively for Switzerland the first F/W 2023 collection from Nimo with Love. Behind Nimo with Love is Nicole Mohrmann, whom I have known for many years also from my time in Munich. She has spent years building lasting and trusting relationships with small workshops in India who embrace her vision of Nimo as becoming one big, global family, that creates beautiful things. The brand is committed to a culture and environment that is respectful, caring, nurturing and encouraging – and values creativity in all aspects.

Hand-sewn details, such as beads and embroidery, as opposed to glued-on, perfectly aligned stitches, made with thread that integrates perfectly in the design … The attention to detail asks for high-end craftsmanship. Nimo With Love works with small businesses who sew a heritage of artisanal expertise into each and every piece of the collection. Each garment is hand-made with passion. It takes a whole village to turn a beautiful fabric into a beautiful wearable textile!

Hope to see you all there … I’ll definitely be. I am also excited to see the newest holiday installation by my favorite Finish artist Jani Leinonen, that will be revealed on December 1, 2023.

RSVP on .
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nina and the City, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Right now, I am in Florence as guest of Farfetch and Gucci for an outstanding private client experience. I will share many amazing moments with you, starting with an amazing dinner at the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant headed by the Italian three-Michelin-star chef.

The restaurant is part of Gucci Garden, that is also home to the brand’s gallery space. Opened in 2018 , it is situated in Florence’s central Piazza della Signoria, that also neighbors the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar.

With lovely Liz Parmar from the Frafetch team.

One of the key figures in the new Italian cultural Renaissance is Massimo Bottura of three Michelin star Osteria Francescana in Modena. He inspired Karime Lopez, who is ist the helm of Gucci Osteria in Florence, to free her creativity and evolve her cuisine beyond tradition: to be more imaginative, more open and more inventive. From Mexico City, to travelling the world and now Florence, she cooks Italy through her experience, full of travel, discovery and dazzling insights.

I was blown away by this amazing culinary experience in this beautiful location that comes with a contemporary spirit of an historic space. Karime Lopez creates her own culinary universe by interlacing the colours and flavours of Italy and beyond, with irreverent and poetic surprises.

Purple Corn Tostada
Purple Corn Tostada with Adriatic Marinated Bonito, a hint of spice & citrus

Taka’s Bun
Steamed Bun & Pork Belly of Cinta Senese

Memories of a Summer in Versilia
Crispy cod & Mediterranean flavors

Shining Through
Panettone, Clouds & Zacapa Rum

Still Hungry
Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream

I personally adored that the pasta dish was enjoyed after the dessert. That is a specialty of Massiomo Bottura.

In case I vetted your appetite, please find herewith the details of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura:

Piazza Della Signoria, 10
50122 . Firenze . Italy
T. +39 05575927038
M. gucciosteria.

More to come from Florence.
TO SHOP GUCCI X FARFETCH, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

This week, I had the best time visiting Langebaan, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the eastern shore of Langebaan Lagoon, situated 120 km north of Cape Town. I visited South Africa last time 23 years ago and was really happy to be back.

The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of the city. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make Langebaan popular for sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing and fishing, and the town offers numerous holiday facilities for water sport enthusiasts. As you can see, the wind conditions were perfect for kitesurfing that day, and bad for my hair :-).

Bird-watchers also love to visit the area to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park. The park is most busy during the spring flower season (August to September) when the wild flowers are in bloom. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

After kitesurfing, I recommend having a Savanna Dry, South Africa’s most loved cider that is best enjoyed with a slice of lemon, at the Wunderbar. As the place offers an unspoiled view of the lagoon, it is beautiful to enjoy a sundowner there.

For dinner, I went to Queens Cottage Wood-Fired Kitchen. If you are a meat lover, you are in the right place to enjoy a mouth-watering, wholesome and flavorful wood-fired cuisine.

To burn off the calories, I went sokkie dancing at Die Watergat.  It is a style of social ballroom dance with a partner, also referred to in Afrikaans as «langarm».

I had the best time in Langebaan, and cannot wait to hopefully be back soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Paris, the 1920s. Art Deco style is at its peak. The frenzy of the era is in full swing. It is a time of exuberance; sequins lead the way. With her avant-garde and free-thinking spirit, Gabrielle Chanel embraced this geometric and contrasting aesthetic, and experimented with a completely new style. Within the walls of her rue Cambon Atelier, the designer celebrated life by creating evening gowns studded with striking sequins. In 2023, the Makeup Creation Studio honors her daring spirit by creating dazzling eye looks for the holiday season. The carefree splendor and liberating glamour of that era shine today in a new exclusive collection that symbolizes the Roaring Twenties in all its magnificence. With only one goal in mind: to shine. Infinitely.

COLLECTION MAKE-UP HOLIDAY 2023

PRECIOUS EYES

Like a delicately embroidered cascade of sequins on a dress that twirls to the beat of the music, the five shades featured in the LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE palette are flecked with flamboyant sparkles. These precious, dazzling flashes of Pink Gold, Diamond White, and Shimmering Black can be combined for a graphic, contrasting eye look.

Illuminated eyelids swing to the rhythm of a graphic black line created using SIGNATURE DE CHANEL eyeliner. This intense duet then follows the tempo of NOIR ALLURE mascara, which fans out the lashes, gives them volume, and adds mysterious depth to the overall look. Irresistibly magnetic.

LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE
Création Exclusive Yeux
CHF 100.00

THE DESIRE TO DAZZLE

DUO LUMIÈRE captures the splendor of the 1920s within a radiant powder that illuminates the complexion and creates a signature look. The embossed sequins of this exclusive creation are reminiscent of the sparkles that were dear to Gabrielle Chanel.

Shades of Pink Champagne and Crystal White contain iridescent pigments that, upon contact with the skin, instantly boost radiance, offering elegance in concentrated form. When swept over the tops of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose with the brush applicator, these spellbinding, shimmering shades brighten the complexion and leave it with a delicate pearlescent luster.

DUO LUMIÈRE
Création Exclusive Teint
CHF 67.00

LASTING ALLURE

A nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT puts on quite the show with four irresistible shades. On the outside: a new limited-edition case adorned with golden trim, which can be refilled as many times as desired. On the inside: a protective, moisturizing formula enriched with ume flower extract and plant waxes.

This season, the highly pigmented lipstick comes in the shades Midnight Red, a hypnotic, metallic red hue, and Roaring Purple, a deep, iridescent crimson, in addition to Beige Brut and Rouge Puissant. A vibrant tribute to shine. A finish as brilliant as the light of the setting sun. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE is available in two delicate, mesmerizing shades: Golden Beige, a golden coral, and Fancy Prune, a powerful metallic plum hue. Delicately applied, these unique new jewels of lipsticks will allow your lips to shimmer all night.

ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT
Midnight Red – Roaring Purple – Beige Brut – Rouge Puissant
CHF 71.00

ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE
Golden Beige – Fancy Prune
CHF 50.00

Art Deco style, right down to one’s fingertips. LE VERNIS lights up manicures with its bold, precious, delightfully sultry colors.
White Silk, a rosy white; Tuxedo, an antique gold; and Sequins, a shimmering black. Three new shades created for the holidays… and maybe even beyond.

LE VERNIS
White Silk – Tuxedo – Sequins
CHF 37.00

In stores from end of October 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Meet Wanda, the new contemporary bag from the House of Ferragamo honouring the late Wanda Miletti Ferragamo, who took over the reins when Salvatore Ferragamo passed away in August 1960. Until her death on 19 October 2018, at the age of 97, she was the intelligent and steadfast leader of the Salvatore Ferragamo company, overseeing the growth of the entire company from management and finance to inventory and technical issues. Her mission was striving to push forward and maintain her husband’s legacy in the world of quality Italian goods.

Ferragamo’s new creative director, Maximilian Davis, reimagined the bag in three new geometric proportions. «I want each piece to feel playful, but also desirable as an object,» he says. «I want it to stand on its own.»

Compact and sparkly, the micro version of the Ferragamo Wanda bag is my favorite and comes covered in tonal micro-crystals so it can go with yours on your most special occasions. The lines are geometric, with the handle integrated into the panels and Gancini buckles on the sides that are a lovely nod to the Italian brand’s heritage. Carry it as a handbag or crossbody bag with the detachable strap.

TO SHOP THE FERRAGAMO WANDA BAG, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:© Ferragamo / © Sandra Bauknecht / @georgiashane
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Kilian Hennessy‘s inspiration: At night, there are no rules but one: just be Smoking Hot! KILIAN PARIS newest smoky fragrance is a truly caramelized delight. It features Kentucky Tobacco Absolute, infused with a hookah drag of Apple-flavoured Shisha Tobacco and intense Bourbon Vanilla. Evoking everything from European clubs to Eastern hookah lounges, Smoking Hot redefines what a smokey scent is today, going almost where it’s too hot to handle.

Personally speaking, in general I am not a fan of smoky fragrances at all, but this one had me at first smell. It is so extremely interesting and contradictious. Its smoky part is so well counterbalanced with the sweet feminine side. It opens with forbidden fruit: a round Apple Hookah flavour blends with warm Cinnamon Bark essence. In a slow burn, notes of fire-cured Kentucky Tobacco Absolute emerge. Harmonized with Oakmoss, this resonant tobacco absolute leads into a Bourbon Vanilla, with balsamic tonalities. Also known as a Pure Jungle essence™ Bourbon Vanilla, it is of the highest quality Vanilla available, especially intense, and textured. When crossed with Orcanox™, a powerful sensuality comes full circle.

The perfume notes: Hookah Flavour, Tobacco Absolute, Bourbon Vanilla Pure Jungle Essence
Olfative family: The Smokes
Perfumer: Mathieu Nardin

This unisex scent is available for CHF 250.00. The bottle is refillable.
TO SHOP KILIAN PARIS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Kilian Paris – © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

I am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration featuring global pop star Kylie Minogue in the campaign. Fusing two creative identities and being born from a shared vision of femininity, empowerment and confidence, the capsule collection is co-designed by Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi and JPG’s creative director, Florence Tétier. It revisits archive pieces from the Parisian fashion house, adapting them to contemporary tastes.

«Fashion for me has always been about collaboration with like-minded creatives, and pure personal self-expression. Jean Paul Gaultier and Jimmy Choo have both been part of my fashion journey, and I’m thrilled to work with both of them to celebrate this exceptional collection,» says Kylie Minogue of the partnership. «It’s our collective histories fusing, to create something fresh and new,» she adds.

Acting as an evolution of the longstanding relationship between Kylie and both brands, the campaign follows a long line of made-to-measure Gaultier looks and custom Jimmy Choo shoes. The campaign sees Kylie showcasing the new footwear collection and transforming into a modern-day pin-up.

My favorite pair of the collection: The black leather wedge pumps show both the icons of the cities that are home to the brands, the Eiffeltower and Big Ben, in their plexiglass heels.

For Jimmy Choo, the collaboration follows its recent team-up with Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi and for JPG, the collection follows its recent release with the corset-loving London ready-to-wear label KNWLS, alongside news of its next guest designer: Simone Rocha.

TO SHOP JIMMY CHOO x JEAN PAUL GAULTIER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / JPG
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!