Sandra‘s Closet

4th of April marks the start of the 64th annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, and one stand will definitely attract the crowds, as rare books dealer Lux Mentis has a very special treasure on display.

A signed first-edition copy of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been rebound in goatskin to feature one thousand white diamonds – totaling nearly 30 carats – and one showstopping two-carat emerald-cut sapphire in the shade of the iconic Tiffany blue. The book will eventually be valued at $1.5 million; a magnificent piece showcasing spectacular craftsmanship created to mark the centenary of the writer’s birth, a literary treasure.

Award-winning master bookbinder Kate Holland worked with a team of British craftspeople on the project, that was masterminded by Paul Suntup of US bookbinders Dragon Rebound, which specializes in rebinding first editions and rare books.

The book sits on a custom plinth by glass artist Jade Pinnell, inside a birdcage by Dominic Parish, referencing the birdcage in the story, which symbolizes the reluctance to be confined or restricted of the lead character Holly Golightly — famously played in Blake Edwards’ 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany’s film by Audrey Hepburn. The whole, including a portfolio of images by photographer David Attie, are housed in a custom trunk also by Parish, a British cabinetmaker and craftsman who has produced work for royal families and private collections. The trunk references Golightly’s peripatetic lifestyle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DRAGON REBOUND and Courtesy of David Attie Estate
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Tiffany & Co. announced today that powerhouse couple Beyoncé and JAY-Z will star in its latest campaign celebrating modern love. This is how LVMH is bringing its playbook to its largest-ever acquisition and the advantages and challenges of marketing brands rooted in the 19th century in today’s world.

Synonymous with the world’s greatest love stories since 1837, Tiffany’s debut of «ABOUT LOVE» marks the latest evolution of the luxury jeweler’s new creative direction. The campaign is the result of a close collaboration and a shared vision between both the Carters and Tiffany & Co.

«Beyoncé and JAY-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values. We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.» —Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product & Communications

As the first time the couple has appeared in a campaign together, «ABOUT LOVE» is an exploration of connection and vulnerability. The Carters’ love story is illuminated by the iconic Tiffany Diamond and set against the backdrop of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Equals Pi (1982).*

As part of a private collection from its creation until now, this campaign marks the work of art’s first public appearance, propelling Tiffany’s long-standing tradition of working with New York creatives forward. Ushering in a new brand identity, this campaign embodies the beauty of love through time and all its diverse facets, forging a new vision of love today.

Worn in a campaign for the first time in history, the Tiffany Diamond weighs 128.54 carats and boasts an unprecedented 82 facets. Seen on Beyoncé throughout “ABOUT LOVE,” it is considered among the most important gemstone discoveries of the 19th century. Unearthed in 1877 in the Kimberley Mines of South Africa, founder Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the rough diamond in 1878, solidifying the brand’s reputation as a diamond authority. House icons including designs from Jean Schlumberger and the Tiffany T collection are also featured throughout. Most notably, JAY-Z wears Jean Schlumberger’s legendary Bird on a Rock brooch, reconstructed as a pair of one-of-a-kind cuff links. Jean Schlumberger was best known for dressing high society’s elite in the 1960s and ’70s, so it is appropriate that his unmistakable designs live out his legacy on one of today’s greatest creative forces.

A film by acclaimed director Emmanuel Adjei has also been created and features a musical
performance of the classic song «Moon River.» Made famous in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the iconic tune is reimagined with vocals by Beyoncé, captured by JAY-Z on a Super 8 camera. The couple selected the Orum House in Los Angeles to serve as the setting for the film, in which nostalgic flashbacks are interwoven with cinematic, dreamlike visuals. Basquiat’s Equals Pi appears once again as a common Tiffany Blue® thread throughout the narrative. The accompanying «ABOUT LOVE» print campaign was shot by Mason Poole and styled by June Ambrose and Marni Senofonte.

«ABOUT LOVE» reflects Tiffany’s continued support of underrepresented communities. As a part of
the house’s partnership with the Carters, Tiffany & Co. is proud to pledge a USD $2 million
commitment towards scholarship and internship programs for Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs). Additional details on this initiative are forthcoming.
«ABOUT LOVE» launches globally in print on September 2. The accompanying film will launch on
Tiffany.com September 15 and will be amplified through global media activations. The campaign will further unfold later this year with additional films created by acclaimed director Dikayl Rimmasch and second unit director, Derek Milton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co. – @TIFFANYANDCO
*Partnership done in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing high-profile artists, photographers, designers and creatives.

This week, I was invited for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Zurich to view their amazingly stunning travelling collection that will be here until the end of May 2019. Because it’s not every day you get to appreciate high jewellery pieces in person, I was extremely happy to explore those exquisite creations from the House of Tiffany. Needless to say, if they get sold, the travel will come to an end in Switzerland.

Have a look at this rare and refined jewelry that brilliantly blends beautiful gems and unparalleled craftsmanship. And as rare as they are, Tiffany & Co. invites you to discover those masterpieces.

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Green Tourmaline Handcuff
45,44 carat for the green tourmaline

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Necklace in Platinum with Emerald-Cut, Pear Shaped and Round Brilliant Diamonds of over 100 Carats
Each of the diamond strands varies in length and ends in pear-shaped diamonds to emulate the force of water rushing over the rim of the pavé diamond necklace.

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Round Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Central diamond of 5,05 carats, platinum ring

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Octopus Brooch in Platinum with a Baroque Pearl and Round Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
A beautifully formed and unusually large baroque pearl is masterfully transformed into an octopus. Set amid jeweled tentacles swirling with hand cut diamonds and sapphires, this lustrous gift of the sea takes on a powerful presence and playful spirit. The diamond tentacles are finished with bands of blue sapphires. Each stone is hand set along the curved surface, demonstrating the artisans’ skill in crafting this intricate design.

The best thing? Besides being able to ogle to your hearts’ content, mostly everything in the store sparkles beautifully, especially apt with Mother’s Day just around the corner, no? Treat the woman who does it all to a gift wrapped in the famous Blue Box. There are so many options in all price ranges…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
Stills: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. – Photo of the Ring: © Sandra Bauknecht

I have just received the tragic news that another legend has left the planet. Fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who opened his eponymous fashion house in 1952, died past Saturday aged 91 as his partner – former haute couture designer – Philippe Venet has announced today. The couple lived in a Renaissance chateau near Paris.

«Balloon Coat», Hubert de Givenchy, 1958

The aristocratic gentleman was known for his sophisticated and ladylike chic in the 1950s and 1960s and famous for having designed much of the personal and professional wardrobe of Audrey Hepburn, as well as clothing for clients such as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and Grace Kelly.

At the age of seventeen, he moved to Paris where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. Givenchy’s first designs were done for Jacques Fath in 1945. Later he did designs for Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong (1946) – working alongside the still-unknown Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior, followed by 5 years working for the avantgarde designer Elsa Schiaparelli before he opened his own design house at the Plaine Monceau in Paris in 1952.

Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy in 1954 film «Sabrina».

His style was marked by innovation, contrary to the more conservative designs by Dior. At 25, he was the youngest designer of the progressive Paris fashion scene. His first collections were characterized by the use of rather cheap fabrics for financial reasons, but they always piqued curiosity through their design. Audrey Hepburn, later the most prominent proponent of Givenchy’s fashion, and Givenchy met in 1953 during the shoot of «Sabrina». He went on to design the famous «little black dress» she wore in «Breakfast at Tiffany’s».

In 1961, when Audrey Hepburn got the roll of Holly Golightly, designer Hubert de Givenchy designed the famous black dress which became one of the most iconic clothing items of the 20th century.

He also developed his first perfume collection for her (L’Interdit and Le de Givenchy) and made Audrey Hepburn the face of it. For the very first time a star was the face of a fragrance’s advertising campaign and probably the last time that it was done for free, only by friendship.

At that time, Givenchy also met his idol, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Although a renowned designer, Givenchy not only sought inspiration from the lofty settings of haute couture but also in such avant-garde environments as Limbo, the store in Manhattan’s East Village. In 1954, Givenchy’s prêt-à-porter collection debuted.

1957 Babydoll Dress by Givenchy

The House of Givenchy was split in 1981, with the perfume line going to Veuve Clicquot, while the fashion branch was acquired by LVMH in 1989. As of today, LVMH owns Parfums Givenchy as well.

De Givenchy retired from fashion design in 1995. His successor to head the Givenchy label was John Galliano, followed by a five-year stay from Alexander McQueen and a term from 2001 to 2004 by Julien Macdonald. As we all know, Riccardo Tisci revived the Givenchy brand tremendously from 2005 until 2017. This season, Clare Waight Keller presented her first runway show for Givenchy.

Rest in peace, Hubert de Givenchy and thank you for all those wonderful fashionable moments.
You will never be forgotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Givenchy, Getty Images

“I believe in manicures.”

The words famously uttered by film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn could not ring truer at OPI. That’s why the number one salon brand worldwide is unveiling Breakfast at Tiffany’s – a holiday collection that captures the elegance and effervescence of Audrey as Holly Golightly in the American cinema classic.

The collection’s It-shade: I Believe in Manicures

The new limited edition Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades take their inspiration from Audrey’s classic beauty and sense of playfulness. Timeless reds and burgundies share the marquee with sophisticated, chic glitter shades. The collection also evokes the film’s most memorable fashions, including Holly’s sexy pink party frock, statement-­making little black dress, and elegant five-­strand pearl necklace. And the collection wouldn’t be complete without a signature shade aptly named I Believe in Manicures.

All Breakfast at Tiffany’s nail lacquer shades are also available in GelColor, for a salon-­perfect finish with two-­week wear. I Believe in Manicures – along with five additional shades in timeless hues of pearl, wine, burgundy, coral and dark purple -­ will also be available in OPI’s Infinite Shine No Light Gel Lacquer formula, part of a three-­step gel lacquer system that offers long wear, shine and ease of removal.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades offered in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

I Believe in Manicures
And I believe in this precious, light blue.
(Available in all three formulas: GelColor, Infinite Shine, and nail lacquer.)

Champagne for Breakfast
Wake up to this bubbly, sparkling silver.

Black Dress Not Optional
This elegant Little Black Dress black is a must-have.

Apartment for Two
Make room for this cozy, romantic raspberry.

Rich & Brazilian
Get a Brazilian, compliments when you show off this rich burgundy.

Meet my “Decorator”
A hot little red for rendezvous and other “meetings.”

Got the Mean Reds
Everything will be all right…just put on some red!

Fire Escape Rendezvous
Make a date with this matte, glittery ruby.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A matte pearl for early morning window shopping.

Sunrise…Bedtime
A glittery dawn pink for night owls and party girls.

Can’t Read without my Lipstick
This creamy, elegant maroon is one for the books.

Five-and-Ten
Indulge in a little retail therapy with this shimmery champagne.

Additional Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades offered in both in GelColor and Infinite Shine formulas:

Girls Love Pearls
Just like this lustrous silver, they add a touch of class to everything.

I’ll Have a Manhattan
This sleek dark purple mixes perfectly with classic cocktails.

Can’t Tame a Wild Thing
This daring red is too free to let anyone pin it down.

Ring the Buzzer Again
Anyone who wears a scarlet this rich is too fabulous to carry a key.

Party at Holly’s
Come by at 6, this burnished mahogany is the perfect access to a wild night.

The collection includes a dazzling array of holiday gift items. My favorite? The luxurious “Mini Mani Month” – a set of 25 OPI Mini Nail Lacquers that makes the perfect surprise for all beauty lovers.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by OPI is available now.
Nail Polish 15 ml : CHF 19.90 • Infinite Shine 15 ml : CHF 24.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI. Breakfast at Tiffany’s ©2016 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. Audrey Hepburn™ & logo image™-­‐trademark, copyright ©2012 and likeness property of Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti -­‐ All rights reserved.

It’s easy to forget in the daily madness of Fashion Week that New York is about more than fashion. But the party never stops in the city that never sleeps. So to kick off the S/S 2014 season, many amazing events took place. Here is one ordinary Tuesday night to give you an idea how busy it can get but of course how much fun it is at the same time. I still enjoy those days and nights very much and couldn’t agree more with Holly Golightly in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” : “I’ll never get used to anything. Anybody that does, they might as well be dead.” Speaking of which…

6:00 pm – COCKTAILS AT TIFFANY’S

The evening started with a cocktail hosted by bloggers to celebrate the new Atlas collection at Tiffany & Co.’s famous flagship store on Fifth Avenue, which has been a magnet for the famous and fashionable. I mean who can resist those diamonds sparkling from streamlined showcases that surround pedestals of granite and burl wood. A place where dreams come true…

8:00 pm – NARCISO RODRIGUEZ S/S 2014 SHOW

Around 7.30 pm, I was heading down to 37th street in the dynamic, up-and-coming Midtown West Hudson Yards neighborhood to see the Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2014 runway show in an intimate surrounding. A study in minimalism, those clean cuts and feminine chiffon fabrics showed that sex appeal doesn’t need much.

Great news, during the next 3 days, you have the chance to pre-order the amazing Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2014 collection straight from the runway here.

9:00 pm – DOM PERIGNON x JEFF KOONS EVENT

Next stop: 711 Greenwich Street. The Stephan Weiss Studio with their spacious, two-level event space were the perfect location to host the launch party for Dom Pérignon’s new collaboration with famous artist Jeff Koons (photo with me below). A detailed post will be coming up shortly.

One thing is always missing at those events, food! So very late at night, I went with a friend to Buddakan to finally eat dinner…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht