Sandra‘s Closet

Congrats to my friend Tamara Ralph on her collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Both unveiled a new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon. Inspired by the Haute Couture designer’s aesthetic merging bold femininity, boundless creativity and timeless elegance, this limited edition in 18-carat pink gold shimmers with Frosted Gold and takes on a unique palette of graded hues ranging from brown and bronze to golden tones. This collaboration, which will be revealed on 22 January 2024 during Tamara Ralph’s runway show in Paris for the S/S 2024 Haute Couture Fashion Week, celebrates the natural synergies between Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture, while furthering the strong ties that Audemars Piguet has woven with creative worlds over the years.

Tamara and I at lunch at Gigi Ramatuelle in the summer

INSPIRING SYNERGIES
Believing in the power of creativity to feed culture, connect people and broaden horizons, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer has always looked to the larger world for inspiration. Over the years, the Manufacture has fostered enriching dialogues amongst fields of creative practice, including Haute Couture, with which it shares a strong commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship, precision and excellence. In 2020, Audemars Piguet began its partnership with designer Tamara Ralph, pairing several of its watches with her S/S 2021 Prêt-à-Porter collection. Pursuing their enduring relationship, Audemars Piguet and Tamara Ralph have collaborated this year on the design of a Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon inspired by Ralph’s Couture universe.

«My intention for the design of this piece is for it to capture the spirit and craftsmanship ofboth my brand as well as Audemars Piguet. The complications of watchmaking orchestrate a foundation which can be played with in terms oftextures, colours and designs, allowing for the savoirfaire of couture to shine through. Rich materials, unique colour palettes and ultimate precision are combined, creating an exquisite limited edition of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, inspired by Haute Couture.»
Tamara Ralph – Creative Director and Founder of Tamara Ralph

A REFINED PLAY OF TEXTURES AND LIGHT
The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon «Tamara Ralph» Limited Edition showcases an 18-carat pink gold case adorned with Frosted Gold. This ancient Florentine jewellery technique was revisited by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and adapted by Audemars Piguet artisans in 2016 to decorate the Manufacture’s timepieces. Tiny indentations are created on the gold surface with a diamond-tipped tool, giving a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. lts visual power is accentuated by the polished bevel outlining the octagonal bezel, while the case’s satin-brushed flanks provide added contrast. The juxtaposition of finishing techniques-a meticulous operation which required perfect alignment between the hammered, brushed and polished surfaces-gives sumptuous texture to the case, while bestowing it with endless plays of light. For its part, the caseback’s glareproofed sapphire crystal is held in place by an 18-carat pink gold octagonal frame, finished with satin brushing and polished chamfers and engraved with «Royal Oak Concept Limited Edition.» Lastly, the hexagonal crown, whose shape recalls the stainless steel screws punctuating the bezel, also plays with light thanks to its satin-brushed and polished finishing. lts translucent cabochon-cut sapphire adds yet another touch of feminine elegance to the case design.

A HARMONY OF COLOURS AND LAYERS
The multi-layered dial takes inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Tamara Ralph’s Couture creations. lt is composed of four overlapping circular pink gold plates, creating a ripple effect as they emanate from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Each layer presents a different colour, evolving from brown in the centre to bronze in the middle, to reach golden tones towards the dial’s extremity. While the brown and golden colours have been achieved through galvanic treatment, the bronze layer is covered with bronze lacquer. The dial is finished with a continuous sunburst satin-finishing radiating from the hands outwards, in seamless alignment from one plate to the other. Pushing details to the limit, each plate is adorned with a thin diamondpolished gold thread that adds depth to the dial. Matching with the circular, multi-layered architecture of the dial, the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock merges technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetic.

The cage’s upper frame incorporates three rings radiating from a decentred disc paved with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 0.04 carats). lts pink-gold-toned hue echoes the 18- carat pink gold hour and minute hands, both filled with luminescent coating for optimum legibility in the dark. At 12 o’clock, the applied pink gold AP monogram adds the final touch. Hour-markers have been left out to accentuate the purity and harmony of the dial design. The timepiece comes with a bronze-toned hand-stitched «large square scale» alligator strap. lt is also supplied with an additional brown alligator strap recalling the centre of the dial for a refined look. The two straps are decorated with a pearly finishing adding subtle elegance and glamour. The timepiece’s glittering hues and intricate details will catch the eye from up close and afar, just like a Couture piece would.

I am absolutely in love with this timepiece!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Anticipation is the greatest joy and what a better way to indulge in the holiday season than getting a luxurious advent calendar that will get you even more excited for Christmas.

As usual, click on the highlighted product description to be transferred to the shop directly.

Forte Beads 18-karat gold and multi-stone advent calendar by Carolina Bucci

This advent calendar is my winner this year. How cool is that? Thanks to Carolina Bucci’s advent calendar, you’ll have a completed bracelet by Christmas day – every drawer is nestled with two beads that you can arrange on the Lurex cord with 18-karat gold charms. Each one has been hand-carved from unique gemstones for a joyful play of colors.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by NET-A-PORTER

The NET-A-PORTER Advent Calendar might be in your letter to Santa, but don’t leave it in your Wish List – the annual set sells out notoriously fast. Carefully edited by the beauty buying team, 2022’s round-up showcases the year’s heroes: a mix of team favorites and best-sellers to power through a season of parties and pamper nights. Expect plenty of industry stalwarts and new discoveries for 2023’s top shelf.

Advent Calendar 2022 by Dr. Barbara Sturm

Including an extensive array of full sizes and minis from her coveted range of skin and haircare, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s advent calendar ensures you step into 2023 at your most radiant. Regenerative Purslane – the aesthetic specialist’s hero active – features across many, and they’re house in an elegant box inspired by jewelry cases.

Holiday 2022 Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma

Twenty-five gifts of colours and joy in an explosion of hues and radiance, only with Acqua di Parma’s Advent Calendar, the star of the Holiday Collection dressed in a visual symphony of the Maison’s golden shades of yellow with seasonal accents of red and green. The one-of-a-kind print is inspired by a Florentine artisanal technique by Italian craftsmen. The countdown to the Holidays begins as every window unveils a daily surprise to immerse in the complete Acqua di Parma universe, from Colonia and Blu Mediterraneo to Signatures of the Sun and the Home Collection. The hatbox is inspired by a luminous Italian home and makes for a stunning addition to your space.

Women 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar and
Men 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar, both by Clarins

This is a must for all love birds. There’s no better way to countdown to the festive season than with two advent calendars, one for her and one for him. Each has 12 drawers filled with an array of the brand’s must-have products. For her, it reveals make-up, skincare and body surprises to pamper and indulge in ahead of the big day, with favourites such as the brand’s bestselling Double Serum – a guaranteed favourite for healthy skin. More treats come in the form of the SOS Pure Mask, the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector and the Cleansing Micellar Water. For him, he will find everything for an ultra-refreshing skincare routine, including the ClarinsMen Energising Eye Gel, Active Face Wash, Super Moisture Lotion and Fresh Face Scrub. The small sized products are all so great for travelling!

Advent Calendar 2022 by Dior

Upgrade on the advent calendars of Christmases past for Dior’s spectacular iteration. Housed in a smart navy box, it’ll open to reveal 24 windows just waiting to be opened, overlaid with a delicate illustration of the brand’s Parisian Maison surrounded by celestial figures and constellations – the perfect depiction of this magical time of year. As the days roll by, you’ll discover a number of Dior delights, from perfume and lipstick to luxurious skincare and even mini candles.

LoL, Sandra

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

You know how much I love my Royal Oak Frosted Gold watch that Swiss Haute Horlogerie Manufacturer Audemars Piguet launched in collaboration with Carolina Bucci. 2022 marks a new milestone as Audemars Piguet presents a new limited edition 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramic. This timepiece is the fruit of the latest collaboration between the manufacture and Carolina Bucci. In celebration of the Royal Oak’s fiftieth anniversary, the Italian jewellery designer has created a dial endowed with a unique multi-coloured mirror effect paying tribute to the iconic Tapisserie design. Inspired by urban landscapes, the result is as unexpected as it is elegant. This limited edition is designed for both men and women and is available exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques and AP Houses.

A SUBTLE AND UNEXPECTED AESTHETIC
For her third collaboration with Audemars Piguet, Carolina Bucci has left behind her hammering technique, known as Frosted Gold, to enrich an all-black ceramic piece with a surprising dial. Always looking to meet new challenges, she decided to focus on contrasts. At first glance, the dial appears black, but on closer inspection it reveals a multi-coloured spectrum that brings the Tapisserie effect to life in the ever-changing light. To reach this result, a sapphire plate adorned with little squares achieved through micro-structuring is added on top of the brass dial plate to create rich rainbow-coloured plays of light. A golden metallisation, specially developed for the occasion, is also applied onto the back of the sapphire plate to create a mirror effect and shines light onto the dial. The pattern of iridescent colours varies from dial to dial, making each design unique. This limited edition comes in a presentation box that has also been designed by Carolina Bucci. For this special occasion, the jewellery designer wanted to use the Tapisserie pattern in relief, going into the finest details, to pay homage to the 1972 classic.

«I wanted to place a rainbow in the most unexpected of places, a little like when you see oil floating on a puddle in a city street… So here you have every colour of the spectrum on a canvas that is completely black, which is itself the absence of colour.»
Carolina Bucci – Jewellery Designer

MATERIALS FULL OF CONTRASTS
The black ceramic case and bracelet are highlighted by hexagonal pink gold screws that secure the bezel and create an elegant contrast of colours. All the components of the case and bracelet are finished with the Manufacture’s signature satin-finishing that is paired with polished chamfers for a maximum play on light. The bracelet has been slightly revised to provide a better visual effect. The pins connecting the links to the studs are no longer visible from the side, but are directly integrated into the studs.

The titanium and sapphire caseback is engraved with the inscription «Limited Edition Carolina Bucci» and reveals the Calibre 5800 beneath, which indicates the hours, minutes, seconds and date. In keeping with the finish on the screws, hour-markers and hands, the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight features elegant microbead-blasted, polished and satin finishes. On the dial, the AP monogram has vanished to leave pride of place to the long-form signature which has been engraved on top of the sapphire plate and filled with white lacquer due to the singularity of the dial imagined by Carolina Bucci.

My beloved Frosted Gold watch.

A COLLABORATION IN CONSTANT EVOLUTION
Carolina Bucci first started working with Audemars Piguet in 2016 for the 40th anniversary of the women’s Royal Oak that was created by Jacqueline Dimier in 1976. It was for this special occasion that the Italian designer was invited to reinterpret the original design by Gérald Genta. Together with the Manufacture’s watchmakers, she brought the ancestral technique of Florentine hammering, or Frosted Gold, to the complex architecture of the Royal Oak.

This technique consists of creating tiny indentations in the gold with a diamond-tipped tool that results in a sparkle that looks like diamond dust. Two models were initially released – the 15454 in 37 mm and the 67652 in 33 mm in a choice of white or pink gold – during an international event with Jacqueline Dimier in attendance. This marked the beginning of Audemars Piguet’s collaboration with Carolina Bucci. Since 2016, the Frosted Gold finish has been applied to numerous watch collections, sizes and complications.

In 2018, the designer signed a limited edition of 300 pieces for Audemars Piguet, entirely crafted in frosted yellow gold with a unique dial. Instead of the model’s trademark Tapisserie design, Carolina Bucci chose a mirrored dial with a flat surface evoking the surface of a lake on a calm day, reflecting the surrounding landscape. Despite its apparent simplicity, the mirrored dial presented a number of technical challenges that the Manufacture’s artisans were able to overcome to perfection.

In 2020, she went on to design the K.I.S.S. collection of gold bracelets – available in two sizes and numerous tones with matching necklaces – that were inspired by her previous projects with the Manufacture. These creations reinterpret the aesthetic codes of a mechanical watch spring, creating a link between Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie.

«Born in Le Brassus, raised around the world.»

Today, Carolina Bucci pays tribute to the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, with a design in black ceramic contrasted with multi-coloured reflections on the dial, providing the watch with unexpected plays of light. The Royal Oak Selfwinding 34 mm will not only surprise watch lovers with its iridescence, but will also seduce them with its sober and discreet refinement.

Price: CHF 48 500 // Limited Edition of 300 Pieces

LoL, Sandra

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

This year has taught us to keep it super simple. My dear Carolina Bucci has taken this message further and created K.I.S.S., a collection inspired by a fascination with the inner workings of a watch. In 2016, she launched with Audemars Piguet the famous Royal Oak Frosted Gold. Its shimmering sparkle reminiscent of diamond dust, that I love so much, comes from a surface treatment process rooted in an ancient gold hammering technique, also called the Florentine technique, which is an iconic style element used by Carolina Bucci for her eponymous jewelry line.

In 2018, when she was working with the master watchmakers at Audemars Piguet to finalize the designs for her limited edition Royal Oak, she began to ask herself a hypothetical question: What would these craftsmen and craftswomen create if they were let loose in the world of fine jewelry?

There is a word often used in high-end watchmaking to describe the technical aspects and achievements of the craft: complication. Whereas the word carries a negative meaning in most other areas of life, for the watchmaker, it is something to be pursued and acclaimed. This inspired the K.I.S.S. collection, specifically the balance spring, which is also called the heart of the watch. At Carolina Bucci, gold does things it shouldn’t do. So in this case, gold is elastic. Each bracelet and necklace is at its simplest, one single coil of 18k gold, just like a spring. Its minimalism means you can stack it with a timepiece or other jewelry.

Much as one tells the time on one’s watch, without thinking too much about it, these pieces are designed to be the opposite of complicated… to keep it super simple.

TO SHOP THE CAROLINA BUCCI K.I.S.S. COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

«A reflection on contemporary women»

Do you remember when I flew to Florence in the end of 2016 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of AUDEMARS PIGUET’s Royal Oak (for the previous post click here please)? It was love at first sight when I spotted the outcome of the creative collaboration between the Swiss watch manufacturer and my beloved Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci who was enlisted to reinvent the iconic watch model while paying tribute to its rich heritage. The Royal Oak Frosted Gold, which has been available in pink or white god so far, is absolutely divine and is still on top of my wish list.

This fall, they deliver another surprise with this eponymous 37mm limited edition Royal Oak in yellow gold. The shiny, silver-toned mirror, framed with the shimmering sparkle of a Frosted Gold case and bracelet, replaces the trademark «Tapisserie» Royal Oak dial. Described by its designer as «rebellious» in character, this is an attention-grabbing piece, made in the image of a contemporary woman: spontaneous, true-to-life and totally unapologetic.

Carolina Bucci’s original 2016 Frosted Gold design celebrated 40 years of Royal Oak for women. With this limited edition of 300 pieces, her design evolves in new directions. For the first time, the «diamond dust» finish appears in yellow gold – the designer’s favourite version of this precious metal. There’s novelty in the packaging as well, with a mirrored box bearing a Frosted Gold AP insignia. This mirrored box is also designed by Carolina Bucci, who believes in pulling out luxury watch packaging from the back of the closet to put it on display.

“For me, Royal Oak is the watch. I wear it all the time; it’s part of my style, my signature.”
Above all, being almost without precedent in the annals of the Manufacture, this mirrored dial is stunning. Carolina Bucci explains her inspiration with a certain, yet unexpected, creative logic: “With the first Frosted Gold design, I took the perfection of the Royal Oak case and bracelet and ‘roughed them up’ a little, juxtaposing the perfectly imperfect Florentine finish with Swiss watchmaking precision. Now I’m doing the opposite, taking the textured surface of the ‘Tapisserie’ dial and flattening it out into a perfectly smooth mirror. The motive for both is to create something interesting and unpredictable. It’s a fresh take on an icon made in the image of a contemporary woman. I know women with a great eye for keynote accessories who are going to love this. The mirror is always interacting with its environment, ever-changing according to what clothes you’re wearing, the décor of the room, the lighting, the time of day, the weather.”

“I designed the Royal Oak Frosted Gold in response to a challenge from Audemars Piguet.”

It’s a creation that has come with technical challenges. The mirrored dial is the most unforgiving component; only perfection will do. Carolina’s complete satisfaction with the result, which, has surpassed her own expectations, is testament to the Manufacture’s rigorous quality control, Carolina being known for her eagle eye and uncompromising standards.

Chairwoman of Audemars Piguet’s Board of Directors, Jasmine Audemars is an established fan of Frosted Gold and has been wearing the first edition 37mm selfwinding model since 2016. For her, “the creativity behind the Frosted Gold watch is simply amazing. It is both art and a very high level of technology. With Carolina Bucci, we created a kind of masterpiece.” She sees the new limited edition with its mirrored dial as «the final touch:» “It’s unique and fun. Who needs a selfie when you can look at yourself in your watch?”

This new limited edition ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD in yellow gold is in stores now for CHF 53’900.-.

Personally speaking, one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen! Bravo Carolina for your creativity and bravo Audemars Piguet for this collaboration.

TO SHOP CAROLINA BUCCI’S JEWELRY DESIGNS SHE IS WEARING IN THE PICTURES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Audemars Piguet 2018

Jacquemus named his S/S 2018 collection La Bomba that was inspired by French island girls from Corsica, Martinique or from the Caribbean. My favorites on the runway were his oversized straw hats (for a previous post about this trend, click here please) that epitomize summer perfectly. Nothing adds more glamour to your beach look than a gigantic straw hat.

My look: Oversized straw hat «La Bomba» by Jacquemus, Nescea feather bikini top and matching Brasiliana feather slip, both by L’Edoné, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings and printed basket bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, gunmetal lurex Caro bracelet and personalized black lurex Caro bracelet, both by Carolina Bucci, and sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I attended the opening of the eighth edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend in Gstaad. As I already mentioned in a previous post, the first night’s gala dinner «La Vie en Or» asked for something «glamorous with a touch of gold».

My look: Golden leather jacket with the slogan «Votez Coco» by Chanel, embellished stretch-jersey mini dress by Balmain, Dolce Box embellished croc-effect and textured-leather clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, metallic and matte-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, gunmetal lurex Caro bracelet and personalized black lurex Caro bracelet, both by Carolina Bucci, earrings by Prada, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Let’s get that party gstaaded – more coming up soon from this fab weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Dancing to the sounds of the Phly Boyz.

So in love with my personalized Caro bracelets.

With my friend Maja El Assali

Wycleaf Jean performing spontaneously during the dinner

Gianni and Helen Tronza with me

With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

After today’s earlier post about the launch event of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold by Audemars Piguet in Florence, I would like to show you this beauty in detail. For me, it was love at first sight. Since quite some time, I have been wishing for a rose gold watch but have not discovered the one I truly liked. Now I have found my match.

The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold from 2016 interpreted by Carolina Bucci.

A design icon – the Royal Oak from the ’70s created by Jacqueline Dimier

Celebrating 40 years of a women’s design icon, this contemporary timepiece is available in both white gold and pink gold and has been created in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci whom I met in her studio in Italy for an amazing interview that will be published shortly. Just like the Royal Oak Frosted Gold, I was immediately taken by her style, grace and sophistication. Moreover, she is a warm-hearted person and it felt like we have been knowing each other for ages.

Having fun at work: Carolina Bucci and Jacqueline Dimier

The original Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta in 1972 und reinterpreted by Jacqueline Dimier in 1976 as the first version for women. It was a first task when she joined the company in 1975. Rather than play down the masculine looks of the Royal Oak, Jacqueline Dimier shifted the approach and played to its strong character, adapting its handsome proportions to obtain a lighter, sleeker look.

In 2016, the Le Brassus Manufacture honours the style and character of another female designer, Carolina Bucci, who has contributed to the Royal Oak legacy.

The launch of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold enriches Audemars Piguet’s tradition of experimenting with jewelry techniques. Its defining feature resides in its shimmering sparkle reminiscent of diamond dust, which in turn comes from a surface treatment process rooted in an ancient gold hammering technique, also called the Florentine technique which is an iconic style element used by Carolina Bucci for her eponymous jewelry line.

By beating the gold with a diamond tipped tool, it creates tiny indentations on the surface that give a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. After many months of trial and error, Audemars Piguet’s experts developed it into a horological craft suited to the unique case and bracelet construction of the Royal Oak.

One of the challenges for Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen was for example that the original gradating bracelet construction demanded that the order in which the rest of the finishing (polishing and satin finish) is executed be reconsidered.

It took many weeks between both parties, Bucci’s Florentine craftsmen and Audemars Piguet’s manufacture to alter the surface of the gold in such a way that it sparkles when catching the light, while retaining the softness and flexibility of the Royal Oak’s bracelet. It is a very delicate alchemy to operate: nothing is added, nothing is removed, but the watch is transformed.

Today Audemars Piguet merges Jacqueline Dimier’s timeless design with Carolina Bucci’s contemporary approach, marking a dazzling link between modern horology and contemporary jewellery: The Royal Oak Frosted Gold, when a watch icon turns 40 years young!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 37 mm (MY FAVORITE!)
Ref: 15454OR.GG.1259OR.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat pink gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Silver-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Centre seconds – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 33 mm
Ref: 67653OR.GG.1263OR.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat pink gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Silver-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 37 mm
Ref: 15454BC.GG.1259BC.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat white gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Rhodium-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Centre seconds – Date

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD – 33 mm
Ref: 67653BC.GG.1263BC.01

CASE
Hammered 18-carat white gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 50 m.
DIAL
Rhodium-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
BRACELET
Hammered 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.
FUNCTIONS
Hours – Minutes – Date

I am so in love… hope you will like it, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

As the women’s Royal Oak celebrates its 40th anniversary, I was invited last week by Audemars Piguet to join them for the unveiling of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold in Florence at Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of the Italian city.

The dinner was held inside the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento that has a length of 52 m (170 ft), is 23 m (75 ft) broad and dates back to 1494. On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena by Giorgio Vasari. You immediately understand why it plays such a key role in Dan Brown’s «Inferno».

Interesting to know is that before the entrustment of Vasari, the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, were commissioned for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room. Leonardo started working on the «Battle of Anghiari», while Michelangelo focused on another portion of the wall for the «Battle of Cascina», but none of their work was ever completed. Attempts made to find Da Vinci’s original work behind the Vasari fresco have so far been inconclusive.

Two creative minds united: Jacqueline Dimier and Carolina Bucci

Personally speaking: The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold was love at first sight for me.

Coming back to the shining reinvention of an iconic design, that fast first created in 1976 for women by Jacqueline Dimier, the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold has been reinvented in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. Both attended the gala dinner along with Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer, model Arizona Muse, as well as actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto.

With Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias

With Freida Pinto

Power Ladies: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor in Chief Style Magazine/Bolero, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet and Dominique Lohm, PR Audemars Piguet/The Pool with my humble self

Beautiful table setting

Having a great time with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor-in-Chief Style Magazine/Bolero and David Pantillon, Country General Manager Switzerland

Chef Annie Féolde and her team framed by Freida Pinto and François-Henry Bennahmias

After a sensational dinner imagined by local 3* Chef Annie Féolde, the evening ended with a showcase concert by Brocken Back, sending us off in the crisp Florentine night with lots of amazing memories.

Live performance by Broken Back

The next day my adventure continued. I flew with a private jet back to Switzerland to visit Audemars Piguet’s manufacture in Le Brassus.

Stay tuned for more for more details on the visit and the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold that has captured my heart in a second as well as an amazing interview with Carolina Bucci and Freida Pinto.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my first look from the LuisaViaRoma Styling Lab: GYPSY VIBE and I can finally reveal the secret which pug dog I have adpoted: It is the cute Emilio Pucci one which is inspired by the house’s iconic Marquise bag.

You know already that I am a huge fan of the Florentine house and the Pucci S/S 2012 collection is definitely on my shopping list.

To shop the look, just click on the highlighted text:

Printed lace top and long organza skirt, both by Emilio Pucci, platform sandals by Versace, neon-coral PS1 small leather satchel (amazing colour) by Proenza Schouler, straw hat by Borsalino and Mirador crochet earrings by Carolina Bucci.

I hope that you like it as much as I do!

LoL, Sandra