Sandra‘s Closet

As you know, I spent a beautiful day on a yacht in Cannes with Chopard. I was very excited to be among the first ones to hear about the new partnership between Chopard and Happy Hearts Fund. A charity organization founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she had survived the devastating tsunami in Thailand in 2004. She had broken her hip four times and for many months it was unsure if she could ever walk again. She is definitely one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, from the inside and the outside!

And we had something in common, we both wore Dolce & Gabbana head to toe… (for all details of my look, please click here).

To raise money for her foundation, Chopard will launch this beautiful and delicate bracelet “Happy Baby” with a heart-shaped pink sapphire inside. An amazing present for a lady, girl, or baby. The beautiful piece of jewelry will be in stores in the end of June 2013 and will be sold for CHF 1000.-, of which CHF 250.- will go to the Happy Hearts Fund, that rebuild schools in areas devastated by natural disasters.What a gorgeous initiative!

That is a bracelet with heart – literally… enjoy some impressions from the yacht below!

Lovely pick-up for the yacht.

View from the tender before the arrival on board.

On board: My humble self, Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard, Anna Netrebko, famous opera singer and Petra Nemcova.

Having fun with lovely Anna who wanted to have a picture with me because she loved my Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana. What an honor!

A little photo shoot.

It looks lovely if you are wearing two or three bracelets together as seen on Petra.

Gosh, I wished all press conferences could be held like on a yacht next to a jacuzzi. Repeating myself, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Cannes, I spent one day on a gorgeous yacht chartered by Chopard in the presence of some famous celebrities. While allowing myself to enjoy the sunshine and a glass of bubbly, I got to know an amazing project that I will be revealing soon.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress, bucket bag featuring a floral and face print, matching heels, sunglasses and Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Chopard to see the screening of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who were both present. The “Montée des Marches” at the Palais des Festivals, the legendary black tie event, is something I will never forget. Being on the red carpet in Cannes feels very special. I was able to experience it already last year and if you are interested, have a look at the previous post by clicking here.

Since 1998, my host Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. To mark the 15th anniversary of this partnership, the watchmaker-jeweller organised several high profile events during the festival fortnight including a photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection that I will show you very soon on the blog. Chopard also crafted the Festival’s supreme award, the legendary Palme d’Or.

I hope you will like my little photo diary of the night including the most unforgettable moments like walking on the red carpet.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals and pound printed leather pouch, both by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

Model and actress Adriana Karembeu arrived at the same time like me.

Of course, the two leading actors of the movie “Behind the Candelabra”, Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, came last.

The American drama directed by Steven Soderbergh is about the life of pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas in his best role ever) and the secret affair he had with young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). The movie is based on a true story, Thorson’s memoir, and unveils the excessive lifestyle of the performer and his intimate circle of friends, lovers, and businessmen. I have absolutely loved the film. Matt Damon and Michael Douglas perform amazingly. You experience the different stages of the gay couple’s relationship that they always kept behind closed doors as Liberace was not open about his homosexuality.

Standing ovations and a good laugh when Matt Damon hugged Michael Douglas intimately.

Later, the “Behind the Candelabra” after party took place at the Chopard Terrace at the famous Hotel Martinez in the presence of the movie cast and many other celebrities.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Art Director of Chopard

What an honour to have a little chat with the famous Michael Douglas!

Exceptional soprano Anna Netrebko

Model and ex-girlfriend of Leonardo di Caprio Erin Heatherton is the new face of Chopard.

Rosario Dawson recognized me from the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch in Los Angeles last February. How sweet!

I had so much fun that night, thank you, Chopard, for that unforgettable experience and Valeria for taking all those photos of me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Palme d’Or: Courtesy of Chopard

After a relaxing flight over the Alps, I arrived in Cannes where the sky is blue and the sun is shining. What a treat! I spoiled myself with some yummy ice-cream before getting ready now for the red carpet. Tonight, I am attending the film viewing of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who will be both present, followed by the movie party at the Chopard Terrace at Hotel Martinez. Below is a little teaser of my dress… any idea which designer I am going to wear?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Cannes with Chopard for the 66th Cannes Film Festival. As some of you might remember, I had this amazing red carpet experience already last year as guest of Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler. Since 1998, Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. 2013 marks the 15th anniversary of this partnership, and of course this is celebrated with several high-profile events, including a “In Love with Cinema” photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection.

What has truly caught my attention is the brand’ s new eco-conscious initiative. This year’s red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival is turning green. In a collaboration with ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining), the sculptor of Cannes’ iconic Golden Palm trophy, Chopard, has joined Eco-Age creative director and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth, wife to Colin, to create ’The Journey’, its journey to sustainable luxury, which already begins at the very start of the production chain and involves issues such as respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. Those entirely ethical Haute Joaillerie models will mark the Geneva-based manufacturer’s first Green Carpet Collection.

At the Green Carpet collection press launch: Fan Bing Bing, Livia Firth,Marion Cotillard, Caroline Scheufele, Colin Firth and Laura Bailey

The dazzling beauty of these two Green Carpet Haute Joaillerie models, a cuff bracelet and a pair of earrings in 18ct white gold, finely chased like lacework and entirely set with diamonds, is indeed an adventure in itself. Crafted by the jewelers, gem-setters, polishers and gold casters of the Chopard Haute Joaillerie workshops, they bear exquisite testimony to the exceptional know-how of the Geneva firm.

Stay tuned for many exciting posts coming up from Cannes soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, © ARM

Being in Los Angeles for this one night that Hollywood waits for every year is truly amazing. I have enjoyed every second of being here. The 2013 Oscars mark the first year that the famous ceremony is no longer officially called the Academy Awards. The Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood was home to a red carpet filled with amazing gowns.

Here is my best dressed list:

Comprehensive victory: Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a Dior Couture gown combined with a long Chopard necklace draped down her back, won the Best Actress 2013 Oscars for her work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and was the most stunning appearance on the red carpet.

Glamourous perfection: Amanda Seyfried in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

So pretty: Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

The biggest fashion trends on the 2013 Oscars red carpet were neutral hues and dramatic dark metallics. White was THE colour like last year. Trains had a major moment. Bright hues were rarely seen, but berry shades made a big entrance as spotted on Jennifer Garner for example. When it comes to Hollywood glitz and glamour, the Oscars never disappoints.

A radiant winner: Anne Hathaway in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewlery

British singer Adele performed her Academy Award winning song Skyfall (‘Best Original Song’) at last night’s ceremony for the first time wearing a black silk dress with degradé hand-embroidered crystals by Burberry.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars, both in Gucci.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Picture: “Argo.”
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Directing: Ang Lee, “Life of Pi.”
Foreign Language Film: “Amour.”

Stay tuned for many more posts coming up from Los Angeles…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Burberry, ©Joe Klamar/AFP

Recently, I visited the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin, that is very close to Geneva. The Swiss brand that is known for its luxury watches and high end jewelry was bought in 1963 by Karl Scheufele, owner of a manufacturing company of the same kind in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, Chopard had four employees. The Scheufele family brought their knowledge and talents to Chopard and brought the company to what it is today. An established still family-owned business – with around 2.000 selling points around the world – that produces 75.000 jewelry pieces per year, and that makes the mechanical movements and all the gold used for the creations in-house. Today, Caroline Scheufele, a gemologist in charge for the precious stones buying and the exceptional creations, along with her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele run the business.

Me in front of the headquarters, wearing a dress and scarf by Gucci, coat by Etro, boots by Balenciaga and bag by Céline.

After a brief introduction, the lovely team showed me around the different manufacturing stations. The photos below are taken in  the room where the beautiful Imperiale collection is made. It is very impressive to see how much work, love for detail and craftsmanship go into one piece of jewelry. And of course, the best part was, when I was able to try the stunning valuables on. My nail polish and dress matched the rose gold and the cushion-cut amethyst of the Imperiale ring (REF : 829221-5039) perfectly.

The Imperiale collection is inspired by ancient embroidered patterns and decorative elements of the East. This pattern recalls the refined craftsmanship and elegant designs of empires past, and lends an exotic twist to the jewelry pieces.

On the way to my favourite part of the visit, I spotted the famous Palme d’Or designed and hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard. (Do you remember when I went with Chopard to the Cannes Film Festival last year, if not, please click here).

Chopard’s diamonds have dominated the Cannes red carpet since many years. The high jewlery collections, designed by co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele, are truly breathtaking. Some of my favourites are the Precious Temptations and the Harrods Disney Princesses collections.

At the artisan atelier, I spotted also some made-to-order pieces like this absolutely amazing dog necklace. The goldsmith had several sketches of a dog’s physiognomy and produced a wax model before making the final piece. It is absolutely captivating to watch the passionate craftsmen at work.

The culmination of my imperial day with Chopard was a lunch at the famous Bayview restaurant at the Président Wilson hotel in Geneva. (Remember when I was there with La Mer. If not, please click here.) Such a treat prepared by one of the most famous chef in the world, Michel Roth (MOF and Bocuse d’Or – 1991) who served a feast for the eyes and culinary delight. The dessert in the shape of a ring was so cute. Thank you, Chopard, for that wonderful experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Chopard has created a very special new collection of Haute Joaillerie inspired by the iconic Disney Princesses in partnership with Harrods and the internationally renowned department store’s Disney themed Christmas celebration. For a previous post, please click here.

Last week, I visited Chopard’s headquarters in Meyrin/Geneva and saw those amazing pieces with my own eyes. Their beauty and craftsmanship are truly overwhelming. Stay tuned for a detailed post of my visit to be posted soon.

Caroline Scheufele has interpreted the key characteristics of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana by designing ten unique and exceptional Haute Joaillerie pieces unveiled at the Chopard boutique at Harrods.

The Disney Princess Collection by Chopard will be shown exclusively at Harrods until January with all of these one-off pieces available for sale.

Enjoy the photos below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, Harrods and © Sandra Bauknecht

Beaches, waves, deckchairs and flip-flops… Not without humour and cheekiness, Chopard celebrate the pleasures of an endless summer with the latest model in their Happy Sport collection: the HAPPY BEACH CHRONO.

With its generous 42mm case in 18-carat rose gold, the Happy Beach Chrono will leave no one cold on the warm sandy beaches this summer. With its painted dial representing a strip of sand swept by the waves and its little moving flip-flops set with diamonds, it leaves no room for doubt: the Geneva-based watch and jewelry company is celebrating the theme of the beach, the summer and the pleasures they bring.

Presenting the chronograph and date functions in a window eccentrically placed at 4.30, the Happy Beach Chrono is powered by a quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 30 metres. Its rotating bezel in 18-carat rose gold is topped with blue gloss indicators, while its crown, also in 18-carat rose gold, is set with a blue sapphire. Finally, in a nod to the beach chairs of yesteryear, the Happy Beach Chrono’s water-resistant brushed canvas strap is white with blue stripes – just as it should be.

Happy Beach Chrono, a timepiece at the height of the fun you will be having this summer! Let the dancing flip-flops set with diamonds reflect the paradise we all dream of when the summer heat arrives. For price inquiries, please contact the Chopard boutique nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
Please have a look at the recent issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column. This time, I am telling you more about my trip to the Film Festival in Cannes with Chopard last May.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht