Sandra‘s Closet

As Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign and the emblem of her favourite city, Venice, the lion is part of her symbolic language. It’s one of her sources of inspiration and she would use it in her creations, to embellish the buttons of her suits or the clasps of her handbags.

Since 2013 the lion, reinterpreted by the Jewelry Studio of Creation, has given rise to 3 majestic high jewelry collections.

In 2018, the SOUS LE SIGNE DU LION jewelry collection opens a new chapter and presents 8 pieces inspired by the lion of Venice. The lapis blue and astral white medallions refer to the lion in St Mark’s Square and the sculptural lion, in yellow gold and rock crystal, evokes a Venetian baroque style.

Really really beautiful…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL

Breaking news! CHANEL launches its first men’s make-up line, BOY DE CHANEL.
First available in Korea on September 1, 2018, it will be available in the rest of the world from November 2018 online, and from January 2019 in CHANEL stores.

By creating BOY DE CHANEL, CHANEL reaffirms the ever-changing codes of an unchanging vision: beauty is not a matter of gender; it’s a matter of style.
With its sleek blue night packs, the BOY DE CHANEL line consists of three essential products: a foundation, a lip balm and an eyebrow pen. Three make-up enhancers, to erase imperfections with accuracy, undetectably. Each offers textures for instinctive use, imperceptible formulas and a long, infallible hold for a natural result.Why shouldn’t men start to do the same efforts we take every morning! To more gender equality – be only you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel
#BOYDECHANEL #BEONLYYOU #CREATEYOURSELF

This summer, gingham has re-emerged and is having a big moment. It’s appearing everywhere ― on runways, red carpets and Instagram. Jonathan Anderson played with the idea of sculptural shapes for Loewe’s S/S 2018 runway and  this midi dress, which is one of my summer favorites, has a cutout waist and feminine gingham poplin panels that really stand out against the contrasting twill. By the way, you can also unbutton the dramatic ruffled shoulders for a simpler look which I haven’t done so far as I like the drama…

My look: Convertible cutout twill and gingham poplin dress, and Barcelona gingham mini bag, both by Loewe, Agon embellished platform pumps by Gucci and Eiffel tower pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Times are over that I am a desperate housewife thanks to the DYSON Cyclon V10 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner – the investment to purchase the best in vacuum technology to date. With the V8, you’re getting everything that any elite carpet or hardwood vacuum can and should offer. With no cords, HEPA allergy filtration, the ability to clean all flooring types, and a lightweight body, this vacuum is a cleaning lover’s dream. With the exclusive soft roller cleaning head designed to pick up large and small debris, the V10 is not only going to replace your vacuum, but your broom, too.

My look: Silk floral apron wrap dress by Natasha Zinko, floral-print silk-satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana, GG Marmont leather belt bag and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and earrings by Chanel.

Happy week – time to clean my shoe closet now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A trip into the blue… from one location to the other. This is what I love – finding unexpected little places, beautiful hotels and exploring new territories. Here you see me on the rooftop terrace of the Hotel de Tourrel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the South of France. With only 7 rooms, it is a real treasure in the city center.

My look: Patchwork cotton top and patchwork asymmetrical-hem skirt, both by Loewe, DiorClub2 D-frame acetate sunglasses by Dior, Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé, beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, daisy necklace by Dior Fine Jewellery, Amulette necklace by Cartier, cuff by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To all my US readers, I am wishing you a very Happy 4th of July! When I lived in Chicago, it always felt so special since it’s a celebration of all things summer with backyard barbecues, beach days, and fireworks. To honor this memory, I am wearing stars and stripes, blue, red and white today. I added some rainbow colors as a symbol of LGBT pride and to remember the true meaning of Independence Day: «Home of the Free because of the Brave».

My look: Jacquard-knit mini dress by Givenchy, Peggy striped platform sneakers by Gucci, embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs, D-fence visor cap in white cotton by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello summer! Time to wear one of my favorite denim trends for S/S 2018: a ’70s-style jumpsuit, which is, without a doubt, a statement piece. The head-to-toe, all-in-one garment creates a striking look that is comfortable and stylish in one.

My look: Denim jumpsuit and Diana Falabella box bag, both by Stella McCartney, suede platform sandals by Miu Miu, aviator sunglasses with Swarovski crystals and black hair clip, both by Chanel, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

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

«Never look back, baby! It distracts from the now.
If Cinderella went back to pick up her shoe,
she wouldn’t have become a princess!»

Sometimes it is still fun to look back at some great memories such as the amazing ASW Summer Weekend in St. Tropez two weeks ago. Here you see me on my way to the dinner in the port of the French Riviera’s picturesque hot spot.

My look: Perforated stretch-knit maxi dress by Balmain, Monogram fringed shoulder bag and metallic and matte leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

As promised here are the details to my all white look that I wore to the Dîner en Blanc in Paris last Sunday.

My look: Desdemona white lace dress by Temperley London, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white «Duffle 6» bag by Saint Laurent, Eiffel Tower pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, and white camelia sunglasses, all by Chanel, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you Emily May Nind for taking them!