Sandra‘s Closet

Friday’s dress code «Parisian Chic – Je Ne Regrette Rien» for the amazing  ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad was so much fun. I went through my closet and put together some vintage and new pieces for this Cancan-style outfit. The tights incorporated excessive glitz that you cannot see so well on the pictures. I hope that you like it as much as I do.

My look: Vintage bustier with a theatrical Parisian print of the late 19th century by Dolce & Gabbana, stretch-knit high-waisted panties by Prada, Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, burlesque can-can style boots by Louis Vuitton, feather boa by Dior, grape colored feather brooch by Christopher Kane, feather-embellished velvet headband by Prada, Jennifer glitter net tights by Wolford, Eiffel tower pearl earrings, multi-strand pearl body chain necklace and lace sleeves, all by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Breaking news last night: Raf Simons and Calvin Klein part ways after less than two years and eight months before the end of his contract. But the fashion world saw it coming after PVH (which also owns Tommy Hilfiger) chief Emanuel Chirico criticised last month the brand’s bumpy financial performance and high-fashion approach for which on the other side Simons won multiple awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America during his time at Calvin Klein.

With Raf Simons in 2014 when he was still at Dior.

Here lays exactly the problem. The Belgian designer, as well known for his cult menswear label as his well-regarded times at Jil Sander and Dior, was clearly committed to the cause of the iconic brand that consumers know for its denim, underwear and provocative marketing campaigns. He was given a multi-million-dollar salary and the title of chief creative officer. He oversaw all aspects of marketing and design for the American megabrand, a degree of control he did not have at Dior.

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 ad campaign shot by Willy Vanderperre

Unfortunately, the brand, that was renamed Calvin Klein 205W39NYC under Simons (sorry, but I have hated the name from the beginning), hoped to create a marketing effect through the high-end ready-to-wear collection for its lower-priced products. But this transformation didn’t take place. Personally speaking, I liked the looks Simons designed but I didn’t buy one single piece. Somehow I never felt the urge.

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 show in NYC

For the American fashion industry, it is a big loss to see Simons go. But on the other hand, it is the only way to go. The brand will NOT even stage a runway show in February which is truly sad as his show definitely got a lot of international attention.

#MyCalvins – bestselling items the brand will focus on even more.

What will happen now with Calvin Klein? Needless to say, probably not another big designer name. but a strategy that will shift the focus of its marketing campaigns from high-fashion to more affordable items. Cobbler, stick to your trade!

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 runway collection

TO SHOP A LAST PIECE FROM RAF SIMONS FOR CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Calvin Klein and © Sandra Bauknecht

From the It-bag to the It-belt…! Drawing inspiration from the ezcaramuzas of Mexico (female equestrians in the traditional Mexican rodeo known as charrería), Maria Grazia Chiuri has designed a number of feminine outfits for the DIOR Cruise 2019 collection with eye-catching details: Corsets and wide leather belts in plain black or totally embroidered in Mexican flowers emphasized the models’ waists. In reference to the equestrian world and the House’s heritage, each style of belt is in the form of the ‘Saddle’ bag with its emblematic curved flap and tab decorated with a golden “D”.

Those belts will be flying off the shelves now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DIOR

Dear Santa! In case you were wondering what would be on top of my wish list for Christmas, here you go. Being a huge fan of DIOR‘s ROSE DES VENTS collection, I have fallen in love with the new star piece of this line. A plastron – a multi-strand necklace – in yellow and white gold, set with diamond, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, onyx, tiger’s eye, cornelian and pink opal discs. What I love most is its versatility. A twist of grains encircles the medallions so that they can be worn either way, with the star showing or just the colourful gemstone.

This piece would look so great with my limited edition ROSE DES VENTS summer bracelets.

The necklace is around CHF 90.000 and I have heard there is one in the Zurich’s DIOR store on Bahnhofstrasse… making your job easier, Mr Santa!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Hybrid fashion has been trending for some time now and it is a must when you are looking for refreshing staples. Here you see me wearing a deconstructed sweater that instantly catches your eye. Spliced with a lace-trimmed cream satin camisole through the middle, it slouches off the shoulder and has an adjustable spaghetti strap. The gray wool-blend is knitted with touches of cashmere so it feels soft and cozy. Perfect for a stroll through the city.

My look: Cashmere coat in pink by Prada, paneled wool-blend, lace and satin sweater by Alexander Wang, drawstring shorts by Givenchy, suede overknee boots by Dior, Kelly «So Black» by Hermès, GG jacquard pattern knitted scarf, and rabbit-felt fedora, both by Gucci.

The key to fight the autumn blues is to wear some vibrant colors and to have a glowing complexion. One product I can highly recommend is LA MER‘s new The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation SPF 20. This all-in-one compact is also a hybrid product, a mixture between powder and foundation, especially great for touch-ups on the go. With healing hydration from Miracle Broth™ and color capsule technology, it gives skin a lift of luminosity—for a fresh, flawless look and a plumper, firmer feel, like cashmere for your skin. Available now for CHF 115.00 including a refill and additional sponge applicator.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2018 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that always takes place at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital that celebrates its 150 anniversary this year.

My look: Velvet-trimmed embroidered tulle and satin maxi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, Patsy textured-leather tote by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps and floral silk pin, both by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, vintage collier by Dior, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

That night, the nightmare for every fashionista came true, someone was wearing the same gown as me. But to be honest, it’s not the disaster you think it is. We had accessorized it completely differently, I had attached a floral pin. So, we both laughed about it, because that’s pretty much all you can do if you don’t want to grab a pair of scissors to alter the dress.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
A few photos in the collages © Sandra Bauknecht

«Ultra Rouge adds new magic both to the experience of lipstick and the expression of red. Because the formula acts as an overprint, like an ink tattooing the lips and like an extremely weightless coloured film, it enabled me to develop new, highly saturated and luminous shades. Like a painter with a new colour palette.» – Peter Philips

Meet DIOR‘s first weightless, ultra-pigmented long-wearing hydrating lipstick with the comfort of a lip ink: Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge. A true revolution in the history of lipstick, it delivers high colour impact and wear for up to 12 hours. The colours seem more saturated with a luminous, semi-matte finish for incredible sensoriality and hydration.

Always at the cutting edge, DIOR challenged its research department to combine the desire for dazzling colour with the need for long-lasting comfort. The fruit of in-depth scientific studies, Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge is the first lipstick composed of a polymer combined with a plant-based oil.

Application Tips
1. Start by lining the lips with Dior Rouge Ink Lip Liner.
2. For perfectly even results, then apply Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge with the Backstage Lip Brush working from the center of the lips outwards.
3. For a bolder colour finish, apply the lipstick directly on the lips. For optimal application, extend the tip of the stick by 2 mm.

Available in 26 ultra-saturated couture shades of which DIOR named four it-shades that make strong statements:

999 Ultra Dior – «You can never be too much of a woman, so enjoy it.» Red par excellence, iconic yet different.
770 Ultra Love – «Believe in yourself, if you don’t, who will?» This loved-up raspberry is easy to wear yet has a strong temperament, setting the tone for rosewoods and beiges that border on coral.

851 Ultra Shock – «It’s better to be shocking than boring.» A high-impact heady burgundy carries intense shades in its wake, from wines and deep browns to greyish taupes and deep purples.
777 Ultra Star – «All of us are stars, aren’t we?» Poppy stars in a palette of bright hues fed on pop culture.

Two cursors of intensity:
Alongside these honorable reds, two collectible shades stand out. These two extreme shades can either be worn alone, making a powerful statement, or as a base or finishing touch to modify another shade:

111 Ultra Night 47, a black that enables you to intensify each shade or practice your lip artistry.
000 Ultra Light 47, a pure white to neutralize your natural lip colour or soften another shade.

To play with colours and intensities, use the white and black shades.

Personal note
I brought my new lip combo to my trip to Korea but it took me a while to get used to the application of the lip liner as it would not work so well on my upper lip. Why? I didn’t get enough colour. You have to be careful of the angle you hold the pen. Once you have got it, it is amazing. In combination with the lipstick, it holds extremely long while hydrating your lips at the same time.

ROUGE DIOR ULTRA ROUGE: CHF 51.50
DIOR ROUGE INK LIP LINER: CHF 39.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht
@diormakeup @diorbeautylovers

During the 14th Zurich Film Festival I was invited by Swarovski to the «Women of Impact» lunch at Storchen followed by a thought-provoking evening featuring conversations with high-profile personalities from the film industry and raising the topic: «Why are there still so few women who are successful in the film industry as a director or producer?» This was discussed by the directors Jennifer Fox and Sedika Mojadidi, the producer Alison Dickey and the actor John C. Reilly as well as Shakila Ebrhaimkhel. The event was be chaired by two female entrepreneurs, Nadja Schildknecht and Carolina Müller-Möhl.

Women of Impact: Mimi Mollerus, Carolina Müller-Möhl, Astrid von Stockar, my humble self, Tamy Glauser, Dominique Rinderknecht and Sarah Andrina Schuetz

For my outfit I went for full Swarovski bling. Finally I had the chance to wear my crystal-embellished boots that I adore so much. Following the question raised that night, I thought Dior’s «Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?» tee would take the same line. You see, I really put effort in this combination, taking fashion as a medium to express myself.

My look: Leopard jacquard blazer and Niki Swarovski crystal-embellished leather knee boots, both by Saint Laurent, striped top «Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?» by Dior, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, oversize acetate sunglasses with crystals by Gucci, and Swarovski embellished earrings by Prada.

The woman that impressed me most that day: Shakila Ebrhaimkhel, an investigative TV journalist in Afghanistan, who tries to bring corruption to light. Over the course of four years, her life has been documented by Sedika Mojadidi in FACING THE DRAGON. The documentary offers a unique insight into today’s seething Afghanistan and explores the question of whether there is a future there for strong women in this country. Today, after loosing her husband when she was pregnant with her third child, and  threats to her life, Shakila lives in Munich. In only two years, she learnt perfect German and works as a journalist again. A truly inspirational woman!

From left to right: Monika Schaerer, Birgit Berthold-Kremser, Jennifer Fox, Wendy Mitchell, Carolina Mueller-Moehl, Alison Dickey, John C. Reilly and Nadja Schildknecht.

So many inspirational women that day – thank you, Swarovski, for shining a light on women’s empowerment!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Remy Steiner/Getty Images for Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer I have been going bold. More specifically, I have been reaching for the brightest and the most eye-catching stripes I could find. The glamour and thrill of retro moment feels right again this season: let stripes meet their match with transparent pieces and punk details, and feel instantly more trendy. Moreover, nothing transcends seasons – or decades – more seamlessly than stripes.

My look: Rio Grande asymmetric ruffled striped linen blouse by Johanna Ortiz, striped bodysuit «J’Adior» by Dior, lace-trimmed Swiss-dot tulle midi skirt, pencil box clutch, and cherry earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana, embellished metallic leather sandals by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and Lady Exaclibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, I was invited by a dear friend from Munich to a very special celebration, the Great Gatsby party, held at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jan-Cap-Ferrat, France. The decoration and the ambiance were divine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful villas on the Côte d’Azur, located between Nice and Monaco. The villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild is also a museum, a pleasant daytrip destination, that houses a rich fine and decorative arts collection in a Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo.

My look: Vintage nude silk dress with plissé by Ralph Lauren Black Collection, feather stole, satin evening bag with fake fur trim, choker and earrings, all by Dior, long pearl and feather necklace by Lanvin, t-bar spectator shoes by Yves Saint Laurent (S/S 2004), feather-embellished velvet headband by Prada, brooch (worn in my hair) by Matthew Williamson and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht