Sandra‘s Closet

LOUIS VUITTON‘S CITY GUIDES COLLECTION IS EXPANDING WITH 4 NEW CITIES TO DISCOVER AND THE LAUNCH OF A MOBILE APP

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its unique take on the world through its City Guides, offering a careful selection of addresses chosen with originality and just a touch of bias. November 2015 sees four completely new cities added to the collection: Bangkok, Chicago, Prague and Rome. Fully updated, the Paris volume is packed with new addresses, as are London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Beijing, Saö Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo and Venice.

This year, for the first time, a mobile App will be available (as of November 2015) to complement the collection of City Guides. Easy to use, in one click you’ll be as well- informed as any local! Special guest contributors, secret addresses, city walks, cultural events: it’s the full City Guide perspective. Fluent, intuitive… Your route to the best possible travel experience.

25 cities available for iPhone and iPad, selected contents free to download, €9.99 (US$9.99) per city from the App Store.

Great news: the Paris City Guide will be downloadable for free on the App Store from November 5th until December 31st, 2015.

A NEW ACCESSORY FOR THE ELEGANT TRAVELLER

To complement the new Louis Vuitton City Guide App, the French Maison has produced a small leather case with the Monogram pattern, designed to protect your iPad and iPhone.
Available for “iPhone 6” and “iPhone 6 Plus“, the new cases come in four extra colors inspired by the city collection: blue for Paris, yellow for Rome, red for Beijing and pink for Tokyo.
An essential fashion accessory, not only elegant but also the perfect way to personalize your iPhone when you are travelling.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton Malletier

This was my outfit I wore to the opening night of the Cabinet of Curiosities by Thomas Erber in Bangkok. The photos were taken in front of one of my favorite pieces of the exhibition, for which Thai silk company Jim Thompson has teamed up with renowned French graffiti artist Olivier Burel, aka Ogreoner.

If you are tired of your black dresses in your closet, shock everyone and add a splash of color that could be best achieved with some vibrant accessories.

My look: Stretch-silk crepe and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, Paris leopard-print leather pumps and Classic Monogramme printed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, gold-plated glass pearl cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

French graffiti artist Olivier Burel, aka Ogreoner, with me in front of his work.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

Dear Swiss readers, great news! The sparkling December issue of L’Officiel Switzerland, packed with the very best of fashion and style for the upcoming holiday season is at newsstands nationwide from now (available in German and French)!

Are you desperately looking for present ideas for your loved ones? Fear not, the new December issue features an amazing Christmas Wish List 2014, packed with extravagant ideas that come in poster size to be taken on your next shopping trip!

And in case you are curious to find out what I am doing in Bangkok right now, I recommend reading the article about the Cabinet of Curiosities by Thomas Erber. 
More to be coming up soon on Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel Switzerland, © Karen Rosetzski – Style: Equiline van Dooren

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

If you have a weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed. This must-visit is one of the world’s largest weekend markets with over 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Everything is on sale here, shop ‘till you drop’, although not all at the best bargain rates.

The best way to get there is to hop on the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and other items. Almost everything can be found here, and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, wooden funitures, hand made decorated flowers, and much more.

My look: Tulle floral skirt and jacket (you need one for the Skytrain, the air conditioner feels like being in a freezer), both by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme, tank top by American Vintage, Vela nylon backpack (great piece to carry your personal belongings while travelling) by Prada, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, studded bracelet by H&M and golden sandals by Zara.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I spent New Year’s Eve at Ku Dé Ta, Bangkok‘s recently opened new 2-story hot spot on the 39th and 40th floor of Sathorn Square Building. First, I enjoyed an eight course meal at the beautiful Signature restaurant followed by some dancing at the night club on the same level. Being already known in the Asian club scene because of its sister venue in Singapore, this entertainment playground is an awesome place you don’t want to miss while being in Thailand!

My look: Studded leather shift dress and leather bra top, both by Saint Laurent, wild flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli, strappy sandals by Gucci, camouflage fold over clutch by Valentino, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

Again Happy New Year 2014 and thanks for following Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy New Year from Bangkok where I am at the moment. I hope that you started 2014 in a very fun way. Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!

On the first day of the year, I am exploring the Thai city a little more with all its shrines and spirit houses. Something that you can see here on every corner. It is a truly amazing place to visit.

My look: Zebra print top by Saint Laurent, grey mid-rise skinny leg distressed jean by J Brand, studded leather loafers by Miu Miu, Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society. In 1955, the founder of the Erawan hotel was told by an astrologist, that the time for laying the foundation stone was not really right. It could only be corrected by building a shrine in the area. Following this advice, the Thao Maha Brahma was enshrined one year later.

The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue, the Thao Mana Brahma, that sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles. The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. A very magical place to visit and a great spot to wish for a Happy New Year.

Enjoy some of my impressions and of course stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

What happens at night stays there. MAC captures the moment when flashing lights illuminate a flair for finery and limitless luxury that can only be described as divine. Gorgeous colours in rich finishes inspire an evening on the scene and to be seen. Enjoy yourself – past midnight, the darkness keeps the secrets.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster… I cannot wait to wear those shades for New Year’s Eve in the Thai capital.

Here are the products I got for myself (starting clockwise from top left):

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Captivating and Tonight’s Temptation – CHF 34.00
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Lavish Living – CHF 36.00
FROST LIPSTICK in You’ve Got It – CHF 31.00
FLUIDLINE EYE-LINER GEL in Deliciously Rich – CHF 27.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in You’ve Got It – CHF 32.00
KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL in Raven – CHF 25.00
The DIVINE NIGHT collection is in stores worldwide now. Great news is that MAC has recently launched an online shop for Germany and Switzerland. To visit the site, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht