Sandra‘s Closet

«I decided who I wanted to be, and that is who I am.» Gabrielle Chanel

The bold, independent character of Gabrielle Chanel would determine her fate and change the course of history. In 2017, CHANEL created a fragrance in her honor, a reflection of her extraordinary, determined and passionate spirit: GABRIELLE CHANEL. From the scent to the bottle—both firsts in the history of CHANEL—and the choice of name, it pays tribute to the woman she was before Coco Chanel.

This creation is an expression of Gabrielle in the radiant light of her personality laid bare. It illustrates the liberated woman who revolutionized an era with her visionary take on the world, fashion and beauty. Driven by an inner strength, she was an avant-garde inventor who changed the rules, broke with convention, and made her voice heard. This namesake fragrance is her aura. It personifies the freedom to be unique, to truly be one’s self.

In 2019, GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum is reinvented with GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE. Familiar but unlike no other, this new olfactory variation shows a more vibrant and opulent side. Inspired by the very essence of Gabrielle’s radiance, the fragrance shines with intensity, inviting all women reveal their true selves, to follow their instincts by expressing their freedom and speaking their mind. The voluptuous scent works its magic to reveal each individual identity. Solar, it heightens the dazzling charisma of the woman who wears it with warmth and luminosity.

Margot Robbie is the face of the campaign, for the previous post click HERE please.

«With GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE, I wanted to cut to the essentials, to the heart of the fragrance, and reaffirm it with a more voluptuous trail.»
– Olivier Polge, House of CHANEL Perfumer-Creator

This grand floral immediately produces a solar vibration on the skin and makes the woman who wears it shine. Its vibrant heart, stirred by the four white flowers revered by the House, «like a chorus in CHANEL fragrances», radiates throughout the composition. The essence of creaminess, Grasse tuberose plays a majestic role. Elegant and slender, opalescent white, the delicate star-shaped flower prevails as the most fragrant of the plant kingdom. Grown in Grasse exclusively for CHANEL and extracted using a process specific to the House, it is divested of its usual leather, waxy, green and animal facets.

Softened in such a way, it reveals a modern quality, as if smelled in the open field. The enigmatic scent, warm and opulent, is a natural expression of its petals’ velvety texture. The other flowers serve to transcend it: jasmine, the essence of intensity; ylang-ylang from the Comoros, the essence of radiance; and Tunisian orange blossom, the essence of freshness.

A fragrance is like a musical composition…

A matter of balance, the art of creation… To highlight this floral nectar, Olivier Polge, in cooperation with the CHANEL Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, revisited the entire composition. The luminous and airy GABRIELLE CHANEL becomes solar and enveloping with the ESSENCE. He gave the top notes a softer whisper of citrus and added a tangy dash of red berries, and heightened the sensual, voluptuous trail with base notes of sandalwood, vanilla and white musk.

Available from August 31, 2019.

GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE Vaporisateur 50 ml CHF 127.-
GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE Vaporisateur 100 ml CHF 183.-

Furthermore, there will be two amazing additions to the original fragrance GABRIELLE CHANEL offering two new ways of perfuming: a Twist and Spray and a Hair Mist. Two new products to enrich a line that already features a Foaming Shower Gel, a Moisturizing Body Lotion and a Deodorant Spray. A fragrance ritual that prolongs the floral, luminous and solar trail of GABRIELLE CHANEL.

With its new travel-friendly design, GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum is easy to slip into your purse and take with you wherever you go. Simple and intuitive to use, GABRIELLE CHANEL Twist and Spray gives you the freedom to wear fragrance at any time of day.

In a travel-friendly format you can slip into your purse, GABRIELLE CHANEL Hair Mist offers a new approach to perfuming. Spray directly on your hair or brush to scent your locks with the sunny, floral notes of the fragrance. Its new formula makes hair look smoother, softer and shinier, while intensifying the trail of GABRIELLE CHANEL.

Both also available from August 31, 2019.

GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum Twist & Spray 3×20 ml CHF 151.-
GABRIELLE CHANEL Parfum Cheveux 40 ml CHF 70.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL, #GABRIELLECHANEL #CHANELFRAGRANCE

The shape of Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created. There is something enticing about their structure with its mesmerizing symmetry, yet captivating simplicity. This F/W 2019 season, designers were inspired by the structural benefits of this three-dimensional triangle shape that allows an evening handbag to provide spaciousness with plenty of room to store the necessities of the night.

Personally speaking, those pyramid bags have a luxury feel, and retain an element of the mysterious that I truly love. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Pyramid bag in black and gold stripes by CHANEL

Embellished  pyramid bag by CHANEL

Pyramid metallic leather clutch by Saint Laurent

Pyramid bag by LZL

Lia leather pyramid bag by Nita Suri

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Saint Tropez at the French Riviera. I love this contradictory place with its jet setter elegance and quaint old town French style. One of my favorite brands at the moment is Zimmermann. Their luxe bohemian clothing is sure to evoke wanderlust and all of their offerings for the perfect beach wardrobe.

My look: Verity floral-print linen maxi dress and floral-print cotton headband, both by Zimmermann, Saffiano double handle mini satchel by Prada, round sunglasses with triple chain by Chanel, The Rockstud 105 leather sandals by Valentino and rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s post is dedicated to the new luxurious drops for the sporty girls – a must for extreme athletes who are into high fashion. These items may be too precious for actual use but can serve as the perfect decor for sport lovers.

Ping Pong Set James Monogram Eclipse Canvas by Louis Vuitton (€1500)

Table tennis, anyone? Ideal for travel, this sporty set includes two professionally designed ping-pong paddles, regulation balls in a custom holder, and an exclusive cover crafted of masculine Monogram Eclipse canvas, accented with an LV Circle medal.

Basketball by CHANEL (€1990)

As part of the accessories of the Métiers d’Art Paris-New York 2018/19 collection, this basketball is available in black with either silver or gold detailing. It comes with the matching harness that’s either detailed with silver or gold hardware on the black leather sling. Let’s start playing basketball…

Skateboard by CHANEL (Price on request, on the US website $7700)

With this, the skateboard has officially become a luxury item. The cruiser-style must-have by CHANEL is crafted from black lacquered wood that is accented with a white interlocking logo. Its underside features an embossed quilting pattern referencing the French house’s signature technique.

Surfboard by CHANEL (Price on request, on the US website $8900)

On the surfboard you can see a standout silver detail on the board which is made from aluminum, glass and polyurethane.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

When the heat wave hit Zurich, I took these photos in my garden of my new beach look that has become one of my favorites this summer. I definitely felt like ice in the sunshine and wished sometimes the CHANEL clutch was made of real ice cubes.

My look: Crystal-embellished lace maxi dress and knotted halterneck bikini, both by Alessandra Rich, set of two silver-tone calf hair brooches and leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent, ice cube clutch bag, straw hat, logo belt and logo earrings, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

CHANEL announces Margot Robbie as the face of the new fragrance GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE. Beyond her talent and radiant beauty, the House was drawn to the captivating personality of the Australian actress and producer, who stars in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film, Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood.

Created by Olivier Polge in cooperation with the CHANEL Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, this new olfactory interpretation of GABRIELLE CHANEL reveals a trail that is more voluptuous and opulent, solar and enveloping. Composed around four white flowers revered by CHANEL (jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom and tuberose), ESSENCE gives a majestic role to Grasse tuberose.

GABRIELLE CHANEL ESSENCE will be available as of September 1, 2019 in Europe, the USA, Canada, Latin America, Central America, the UK, South Africa and Australia.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © CHANEL #GABRIELLECHANEL #CHANELFRAGRANCE

Today’s post is dedicated to my favorite facial summer 2019 sunscreens that will protect your skin from harmful rays with these trusty products that work as make-up or do their job without. They won’t make you look pale or will clog your pores, but they will prevent your skin from aging through the sun.

Let’s start with the basics. The number on the container means it will last times that amount it takes your skin to burn in the sun. For example, if you’re a whiter shade of pale and it takes five minutes for you to feel the burn, and you have an SPF 15 on, you’re going to last 75 minutes before you need to reapply. So keep a handy reinforcement in your bag to keep topping up as the number is individual to the wearer. Check in with yourself to see what fits throughout the day.

Personally speaking, I love these cushions. Healthy glow make-up, that you can take with you wherever you go this summer thanks to their travel-friendly packaging. In the blink of an eye, the complexion is warmed up and corrected with a lightweight, non-cakey finish. Applied all over the face or in touch-ups, it instantly creates an endlessly buildable, glowing natural tan, while offering sun protection.

GUERLAIN Fresh Bronzing Fluid Make-up
Buildable sun-kissed glow – SPF 20 (available in two shades, I wear «natural») – CHF 40.00

CLARINS Mineral Sun Care Compact
Enriched with antioxidants –  SPF 30 (universal nude beige) – CHF 45.00

SHISEIDO Sports BB Compact
Very water-resistant – SPF 50 (available in three shades, I wear «medium») – CHF 43.20

For a more classical application to protect your facial skin, I recommend these products that also work perfectly under foundation without leaving your skin pale and white. Both provide instant hydration and long-lasting comfort for face, neck and décolleté. Skin’s youthfulness is preserved at all times.

CHANEL UV Essentiel Complete Protection
UV – Pollution – Antiox – SPF 50 – CHF 68.00

SISLEY Super Stick Solaire Teinté
Tinted sun care – very high protection – SFP 50 – CHF 70.00

Better looking skin starts with healthy habits. Therefore I recommend LA ROCHE-POSAY’s wearable sensor and the companion app to measure your exposure to UV, pollution, pollen and humidity. No battery is needed. You will get personalized advice and product recommendations as well, a skincare regimen tailored to you.

LA ROCHE-POSAY My Skin Track UV
Available on apple.com – CHF 69.95

LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Shaka Fluide 
Invisible ultra-resistant for sensible skin – SPF 50 – CHF 31.90

Wishing you a beautiful and wrinkle-free summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Viktor & Rolf launched the Tulle capsule collection on the occasion of their 25th year anniversary last year, a reinterpretation of their iconic couture collections. Made in soft tulle fabrics, the garments serve as contemporary layering pieces available in a multitude of vibrant colour variations with kitsch slogans for the ultimate fashion statements. As the designer duo stopped doing ready-to-wear in 2015 to focus only on couture, this is for everyone who still wants to wear their amazing designs in daily life.

My look: Red sheer tulle cape, and Dream On. Icon 1.2 T-shirt, both by Viktor & Rolf Tulle,  «Paris Cosmopolite» Pré-fall 2017 Métiers d’Art Gabrielle bag, cuff and earrings, all by Chanel, lace flared pants by Givenchy, Bianca leather sandals by Saint Laurent, and embellished aviator sunglasses by Alexander McQueen.

Stay tuned for a full report coming up from Viktor & Rolf’s outstanding Haute Couture show last week in Paris to which I wore this look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

From bright sparkling eyes to bronzers, here are the key must-haves for summer 2019 to get on your radar. My beauty mantra for the hot season is simple: the less work I have to do, the better. As it turns out, we should all be embracing the fact that wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup in sweltering temperatures is never a good look. I recommend some sparkle for your eyes and the right amount of bronzer for a sun-kissed complexion. Enjoy!

NARS Exposed Cheek Palette (top left)
Cheeks are up front and versatile with a limited edition palette of six universally flattering shades in a breakthrough formula that delivers unparalleled color. LOVE! CHF 66.60

CHANEL Bronzer and Highlighter Duo in 317 Medium (top right)
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2019 collection, this two face powders palette, consisting of a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter, fits in every bag for immediate touch-ups. CHF 78.00

TOM FORD Soleil Contouring Compact in Bask (center left)
Blush, highlighter and bronzer in one for the perfect complexion. CHF 100.00

NUXE Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder (center right)
Beautifying and long-lasting, this multi-usage powder with its yummy Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance (orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla) provides an immediate «healthy glow». CHF 35.00

ESTÉE LAUDER Desert Heat Eyeshadow Palette (bottom)
Turn up the heat with 9 silky shadows to emphasize, customize and dramatize your eyes. Matte and shimmer finishes, limited edition. CHF 72.00

BOBBI BROWN Molton Drama Eye Shadow Palette
Brighten your eyes with these ten highly pigmented colors in four different finishes, including 5 Chrome Metal Eye Shadows for a hypnotic glow. My favorite this summer! CHF 84.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday I flew to London as guest of UBS to watch the UK premiere of «The Mother», a powerful narrative dance production based on Hans Christian Andersen‘s dark tale, choreographed by Arthur Pita and starring super ballerina Natalia Osipova, principal of the Royal Ballet, alongside multi-award winning dancer Jonathan Goddard, that was accompanied by an amazing original live music performance.

My look: Tempest ballet dress by Zimmermann, vintage shocking pink quilted heart-shaped vanity case and key necklace, both by Chanel, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent and  Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

With my lovely host Gabriel Cohen, UBS Wealth Management, …

… and with primaballerina Natalia Osipova at the gala dinner.

After the ballet, I was invited by UBS to join the gala dinner at Skylon restaurant in the presence of the two dance superstars. A true pleasure to meet those outstanding talents in person, especially for me as I used to dance ballet professionally when I was younger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht