Sandra‘s Closet

On Saturday, the Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a great afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom-Boom au Lac party is the best way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park. Dancing with my little sister and my friends to the techno beats in a fun outfit was just amazing!

My look: Plunging neck metallic bodysuit and Candy embellished suede and leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent, lace flared pants by Givenchy, GG Marmont leather belt bag by Gucci, feather, crystal and bead earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, Diorette daisy necklace and Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, pink, green and orange, all by Dior Joaillerie, and Amulette necklace by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Sunday, I attended the private viewing of the 16th edition of ART IN THE PARK in Zurich, followed by an extremely delicious lunch created by Michelin Star chef Laurent Eperon. It is truly impressive what GIGI KRACHT has achieved over the past years, bringing the most prestigious artists to the garden of the iconic Baur au Lac hotel. Every time, I am there, I am amazed by the beauty of this oasis in the middle of the city. For the 2018 edition, Gigi invited one of New York’s ultimate ingenious artists, DONALD BAECHLER, a prominent figure in the Neo-Expressionist and Pop Art movements during the 1980s. He had especially flown in for the occasion to share with us a unique glimpse into the stages of his practice.

My look: Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London, leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, sunglasses from the Cruise 2018 «The Modernity of Antiquity» collection and bangles, both by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace by Etro, long necklace in white and gold by Roberto Cavalli, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

With the lovely hostess, Gigi Kracht, who made this exhibition happen all by herself!
Bravo, Gigi!

Eight sculptures of Donald Baechler will be on display in the Park until August 3, 2018.

Even the lunch was inspired by the work of the American artist and we could spot the different sculptures on our plates or the table decorations. Loved it!

During lunch we were able to ask Donald Baechler questions.

«I started as a painter. One of the sculptures in the exhibition was made in 2002, based on a drawing from 1986. The first sculptures were exercises how to make things as I had not been a sculptor before. I was interested in learning, to teach myself about structure, how to hold up something without it collapsing.»
– Donald Baechler

Donald Baechler with me in the garden of the Baur au Lac.

«I’m interested in discreet and very mute objects, and I’ve never really been interested in narrative or psychology or these things which many people read into my paintings and probably into the sculptures,» Baechler remarked recently about his work.

Colour me impressed – don’t miss the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch – THANK YOU!
Photos of the food: © Sandra Bauknecht, me in front of the skull sculpture: Adam Sheffer

Living in Switzerland during the festive season means that you are treated to cheese fondue and raclette almost every evening when you are invited. Those are great meals with friends as they are traditionally for sharing and perhaps some of the most iconic foods that people relate to the Alpine country. But to be honest, those amounts of melted cheese can be quite heavy in your stomach, so you better dress up in something comfortable. I like to call it mountain chic.

My look for the opening of the Chalet au Lac: Suede-paneled embroidered wool coat, high waisted suede skirt, wool and cashmere-blend intarsia sweater, and embroidered bag, all from Emilio Pucci’s F/W 2011 collection, drop flower earrings with green crystals and black fur stole, both by Gucci, embellished choker by Dolce & Gabbana, and Paris ankle boots by Saint Laurent.

A great place to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a mountain cabin in Zurich is the Baur au Lac‘s pop-up CHALET AU LAC which is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm -11pm until December 31, 2017 in the park of the iconic hotel.

Reservations: +41 44 220 50 66, 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac, © Sandra Bauknecht

On Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2017 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that takes place each year at the 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. This year, I went for a romantic look with a vintage floral print.

My look: Ruched floral-print stretch-silk maxi dress by Alessandra Rich, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals by Saint Laurent, ice cube bag by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget, plexiglass crystal and glass pearl necklace and crystal embellished butterfly earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me at the gala: © David Biedert Photography
All other pictures: © Sandra Bauknecht

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of ‘Art in the Park‘ at the Baur au Lac hotel and the tenth time it has been organised in collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska. It is always a pleasure to visit the beautiful exhibition curated by Gigi Kracht. This year, some amazing artist were  present such as Spanish Surrealist Joan Miró with a “supporting cast“ – Mel Ramos, Rotraut, Allen Jones, Silvester Stallone, Sophia Vari, and Louise Nevelson.

Exhibition is open to the public till August 4^th, 2017.

My look: Embroidered paneled linen maxi dress by Delpozo, ruffled woven hemp sunhat by Rosie Assoulin, Kan I leather shoulder bag,  flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi and leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, asymmetric earrings by Dior and bangles by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

All photos of me at the exhibition: Thank you © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One question I have been asked many times in my life is how I can stay slim while enjoying food so much. I think the key to success is to listen to your body and mine tells me constantly to feed it with Japanese food when possible. It is the best, it is healthy and you always feel light after, but full of energy.

Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa brings his delicacies to Munich.

When I was in Munich for Oktoberfest, I couldn’t wait to visit the Mandarin Oriental that has undergone an extensive refurbishment of the public areas in 2015 and has opened its doors to a new and innovative gastronomy concept, by introducing the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa to the Bavarian capital, and to Germany.

The restaurant follows the successful format of the chef’s original Matsuhisa Beverly Hills and his five other exclusive outposts around the world.

 Having arrived on the first floor, atop the new curved staircase, on my way to Matsuhisa Munich.

Offering Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned New Style Japanese-Peruvian cuisine as well as individual creations by Chef Loris di Santo the menu has an emphasis on seafood, featuring signature dishes such as the legendary Black Cod and Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños, alongside grilled lamb cooked over tealeaves with Peruvian Anticucho sauce, as well as traditionally prepared sushi.

One of my favorite starters: Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños.

So yummy! The iconic Blad Cod.

The sushi bar.

My all time favourite food – I could eat it every day.

The semi-private dining section.

The restaurant accommodates 95 guests including eight seats at the exclusive live cooking counter. Moreover it offers a semi-private dining section with space for up to 10 people. In this intimate setting, guests can experience Omakase, a bespoke culinary experience exploring the chef’s choice of tailor-made menus. Matsuhisa, Munich will also feature an exclusive eight-seat live cooking counter where skilled chefs will prepare a variety of Nobu’s famous Japanese-Peruvian dishes.

Designed by Amsterdam-based FG Stijl, Matsuhisa, Munich reflects Nobu’s Japanese origins. The luxurious and timeless decor provides provide a warm and inviting atmosphere in brown and gold, using natural materials including stone, leather and wood.

 Matsuhisa, Munich opens daily from 7 – 11:30pm (Mon-Sun). For reservations, call
+49 89 290 98 1875 (available from 10am to 6pm).

Great news for my Swiss readers, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy this very special cuisine. The hotel Baur au Lac celebrates 10 years Nobu Matsuhisa at Rive Gauche! The world-renowned kitchen of Nobuyuki „Nobu“ Matsuhisa will join the iconic restaurant until November 13, 2016.

Two seatings per evening – 6pm and 9pm. Reservations: +41 44 220 50 60.

I will be going and am looking forward to enjoying a fabulous dinner there…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Munich and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The first social event after the summer break is always a lot of fun. This year, it was extremely hot which was perfect for this garden style celebration. If you decide to go, remember to wear wedges as standing in the grass can be quite challenging for thin high heels!

My look: Margarita orange gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, suede wedge sandals by Bottega Veneta, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Chanel and ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday one week ago, there was Street Parade in Zurich. It is the most attended technoparade in Europe, since the end of Love Parade in 2010. I prefer leaving the streets to the ravers as I find it too crowded but I still enjoy the music very much. Therefore personally speaking the place to be is the Boum-Boum au Lac party in the exclusive garden of the Hotel Baur au Lac.

My look: Giselle bandage halterneck jumpsuit by Hervé Léger, rock leather bracelet by Miu Miu, studded leather bracelet, Candy suede platform sandals and metallic patchwork camera bag, all by Saint Laurent, «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace by Chanel, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Tonight will be the Rive Gauche Party at the Baur au Lac garden, so stay tuned. More will be coming up shortly from this hot spot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography 

Here is the outfit that I wore to the opening of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac two weeks ago. It was a rainy day but it couldn’t stop me from wearing this colorful outfit that blended in with the exhibited art of Finish shootingstar Jani Leinonen perfectly. Isn’t it wonderful to see how fashion and art inspire each other in multiple ways.

My look: Cropped trench jacket and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, printed cotton-blend faille skirt, matching bustier top, cigarette-inspired leather bag and iPhone case, all by Moschino, velvet bow booties by Miu Miu and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Jani Leinonen with the host and inventor of Art in the Park Gigi Kracht.

Photos: Courtesy of Art in the Park and © Sandra Bauknecht

“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen

The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.

Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.

Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).

Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010),  Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).

My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht