Sandra‘s Closet

Last Tuesday, I was invited by CHOPARD to celebrated their Ice Cube luxury jewelry collection. Moving away from the Maison’s iconic hearts, the geometric design of the line marries urban elegance and modernity. With their square facets meticulously crafted like so many reflections off ice, Ice Cube creations embody style, sophistication and glamour. The bangles will look amazing with your other arm candy stack. Just saying …

The evening started with a beautiful champagne reception at private member club Haute, followed by a seated dinner on the top floor where we could discover the Ice Cube collection, including luxury rings in gold, rose gold and white gold, diamond pendants, bracelets and earrings.

The entertainment was amazing that night as we danced and sang to the tunes of the Knights Club band. The energy in the room was as infectious as the sparkling jewelry on display. Thank you, CHOPARD, for having me!

YOU CAN SHOP THE CHOPARD ICE CUBE COLLECTION ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

The next generation in the CHOPARD family: Caroline Marie Scheufele had flown in from Asia.

With fashion designer Ezgi Cinar.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @swiss.pixel for Chopard
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Chopard’s new campaign celebrates the purity, appeal and contemporary character of Ice Cube jewelry. Shot by British fashion photographer and director Charlotte Wales, it reveals a captivating fusion between Bella Hadid’s beauty and the sunny radiance of Ice Cube jewellery. The skilful use of light creates a mesmerising atmosphere, while accentuating the perfect geometry of these creations. This symbiosis of light and jewelry reveals the very essence of Ice Cube design. Without shadow, there is no light: such is the common thread running through the images in this ‘Sculpted by Light‘ campaign.

A unique motif paying tribute to minimalism
As the collection’s central motif, the cube embodies an idea of geometric perfection and magnifies the light bouncing off its facets. Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele introduced this motif in 1999 through a watch that ditched flashy artifice to focus instead on pure shapes. Ever since, the collection has continued to evolve in a perpetual dialogue with light.

Reflecting the Bauhaus movement’s principles emphasising simplicity and functionality, this minimalist, uncluttered aesthetic is characterised by highly graphic lines using only essential elements: light, shape and resistant materials. Ice Cube meets the minimalist inspiration of modern architecture through its vertical nature evoking the skyscrapers of international capitals that are natural homes to the avant-garde. These streamlined, geometric designs are showcased in the new ‘Sculpted by Light‘ visuals.

Apparent simplicity, grounded in refinement
Ice Cube stems from a quest for perfection combining high technology and craftsmanship. While each cube with its identically repeated motif may appear simple, each of its four perfectly symmetrical edges is in fact subtly facetted. As a result, light finds a wealth of refraction points in these tiny surfaces, multiplying the jewellery’s brilliance. Highly technical machining resulting from six years of R&D has enabled perfect milling that creates taut lines on minute surfaces. This constantly optimised, diamond-equipped tool machines the precious metal to the nearest hundredth of a centimetre, producing a pre-polished surface of exceptional quality. The mirror-polished surface is further buffed with a dedicated pad to endow it with ultimate shine and brilliance: this phase is done exclusively by hand, as is the diamond paving on the gemset sections.

An ethical aura
Firmly committed to an ethical approach blending seamlessly with its identity, Chopard favours essential and enduring creations. As early as 2017, the use of ethical gold to produce the jewelry in the collection testified to the Maison’s commitment to responsible practices. While Chopard made ethical gold the norm for all its watch and jewellery creations the following year, the fact that it used Ice Cube to spearhead its sustainable endeavours demonstrates its attachment to a collection that is part of a contemporary approach in which materials are every bit as important as product design.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chopard
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Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! I hope you get spoiled to the fullest and celebrate the most important thing in the world, LOVE! Thank you to all of you for completing every one of my days by reading my blog. Fashion makes me so happy and I love what I am doing. The best way to feel kind of normal during those troubled times.

This week I went back to Zurich and shot many beautiful looks at the Baur au Lac in Zurich. Here you see me in one of my favorite restaurants, the Baur’s wearing my Valentine’s Day outfit for today. Now, I am driving up to Gstaad to be with my Valentine! Every love story is wonderful but ours is my favorite … cannot wait to see you!

My look: Ruffled organza-trimmed printed silk crepe de chine dress by Rodarte, off-the-shoulder cashmere cardigan by Alexander McQueen, Rosie Glass crystal-embellished bow-detailed PVC slingback pumps by Amina Muaddi, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag, and Impatiens silver-tone crystal clip earrings, both by Oscar de la Renta, Happy Hearts 18-karat white gold diamond ring by Chopard, and Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

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

Valentine’s Day will be different this year: with limited options for spontaneous getaways or romantic nights out, it is time to rethink the ways in which we can show appreciation for those who are dear to us. But when expectations are out the window, opportunities for new traditions arise. Let’s get creative! From small handwritten gestures to a beautiful gift. Treat your partner (or yourself!) with a Valentine’s Day surprise. Looking for inspiration? Have a look at my suggestions below:

Ruffled organza-trimmed printed silk crepe de chine dress by Rodarte

Bracelet As de Coeur by Hermès

Cherries T-Shirt by Miu Miu

GG and heart crystal-embellished choker by Gucci

Crystal-heart drop clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Happy Hearts 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Chopard

Valentine’s Day plate set by Louis Vuitton

Valentine cotton-jersey hooded sweatshirt by Balenciaga

Nike Air Force 1 Valentines Day 2021 for Women by Nike
I LOVE that they feature cute heart-shaped air holes on the top of the sneaker rather than the usual circle holes.

Nike Air Force 1 Valentine’s Day for Men by Nike
For the madly in love couples that love to match, there is also a sneaker for men.

Personalized chocolate by Toblerone

Besides all those fabulous gift ideas, there’s nothing quite like a handwritten Valentine’s Day card. Beautifully handcrafted, they’re ready to be filled with your love notes.

Love Valentine’s Day card by Smythson

Have a lovely Valentine’s weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Who would have ever thought that we will be wearing cycling shorts and chunky headbands again? But let’s be frank, in their modernized way, they look absolutely stunning, don’t you agree?!

My look: Melissa satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, bow-strap crepe blouse, appliquéd jacquard-knit shorts, embellished satin pumps, frame comic-print leather bag, and bow-detailed embellished satin headband, all by Prada, Grace cat-eye 60’s style sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Happy Hearts 18-karat white gold diamond ring by Chopard, 18-karat yellow gold earrings with diamonds and yellow gold diamond ring, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day, the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation in 1291, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. It is celebrated everywhere in the country, as it always has been, with meetings in town squares, fetes, fireworks and bonfires.

I have been living in Switzerland now for over fourteen years and since March, I am also a proud double citizen, being German and now also Swiss.

I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss watches which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to some of the most iconic watchmakers.

Possession 34mm stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch by Piaget

L’Heure du Diamant 35.75mm 18-karat white gold, satin, diamond and mother-of-pearl watch by Chopard

Ballon Bleu de Cartier 33mm stainless steel and diamond watch by Cartier

Rendez-Vous Night & Day 34mm medium stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Da Vinci Automatic 36mm stainless steel and alligator watch by IWC Schaffhausen

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

NET-A-PORTER hosted cocktails in Paris during Haute Couture Fashion Week to celebrate a collection of its high jewelry designers. Private gallery Hôtel du Grand Veneur was the setting for a beautiful mirrored spiral shaped installation which housed over 20 rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from the world’s most renowned high jewelry maisons, including Chopard, Piaget, Buccellati, Lorraine Schwartz, Boehmer et Bassenge, Boghossian, Giampiero Bodino, Nadia Morgenthaler, Ana Khouri, Repossi, De Grisogono, Bina Goenka and many more.

With my beloved Lupe Puerta, Global Director of VIP Client Relations at NET-A-PORTER

NET-A-PORTER offers great service for their EIP (Extremely Important Person) customers, now taking it one step further with EIP Privé. The new high jewelry pieces are part of this new concept that was introduced to a selected clientele during Paris Fashion Week. In general, the EIPs can request to see exquisite one-of-a-kind creations via private appointments and «try before you buy», so that the jewel might never be seen by another customer again.

With lovely Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director of NET-A-PORTER.

To give the best service possible, NET-A-PORTER‘s dedicated team of personal shoppers receive comprehensive diamond and gemstone education from the Gemological Institute of America.

Amazing piece, a combination of ring and bracelet, by Bina Goenka.

Good to know is that the iconic online shopping destination adheres to the Kimberley Process, a certification scheme committed to the removal of conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. It was established in 2003 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting its creation.

Jewelry creations by Chopard.

Since 2014, NET-A-PORTER has also been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council – the only retailer to stake this claim. In addition, all fine jewelry sold over the site is tested, marked and certified according to the Hallmarking Act 1973, which guarantees the purity of precious metals.

A huge thank you goes to my personal shopper who does the best job! I am a huge fan of the EIP service and I can only recommend buying at NET-A-PORTER.

Enjoy more impressions of the night below!

LoL, Sandra

Alison Loehnis, President of NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER, with actress Mandy Moore.

With Alberto Cibrario, Sales Department Operations Manager at de GRISOGONO.

On display: high jewelry pieces by de Grisogono.

Chabi Nouri, CEO, Piaget

Gaia Repossi, Jewelry Designer

Ana Khouri, Jewelry Designer

Photos: © François Durand / Getty Images for Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

Last week I was in Cannes for the Film Festival and attended some absolutely amazing events. One of them was an invite by Caroline Scheufele to join her for Chopard‘s annual grand soirée. This year’s «Wild» theme was taken literally and Diana Ross took the stage with an incredible performance in front of a digital waterfall and surrounded by thousands of palm trees that transformed the venue into a true wild jungle full of diamonds and jewels. Guests, among them Kate Moss, Petra Nemcova, Adriana Lima and Kendall Jenner, danced until late to the sounds of DJ Mark Ronson.

My look: Embroidered tulle dress, Dionysus medium embellished coated canvas shoulder bag and leather platform pumps, all by Gucci, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, «Tribale» earrings by Dior and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The private dinner before the party took place at the gardens of Bâoli right next to the marquee especially set up for the occasion at Port Canto on the Croisette.

In a splendid luxurious setting filled with colourful and tropical flora and fauna, next to the models wearing Chopard’s latest Red Carpet creations and vividly coloured gowns by Elie Saab, Caroline Scheufele welcomed guests to her private dinner party.

Diana Ross rocking the stage.

With Kendall Jenner at the private dinner.

I hope you enjoyed my first impressions from this years’ film festival. More coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht