Sandra‘s Closet

Do you remember my dear friend Nina? I have been writing several times about her in the past (for a previous post click here). Well I have great news for my Zurich based followers. Nina and the City (former Kids and the City) will be part at Amatista’s (a luxury concierge service) first Christmas Market at the Ballroom of the Dolder Grand on Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 (from 2pm-9pm). Nina will be presenting as always fashion, accessories and lovely Christmas gift ideas.

The Amatista Christmas market will have tons of highlights, from specially curated art pieces, a caviar tasting, a champagne lounge, a pianist, a cigar stand (aka hubby parking spot) and much more. All in all 17 partners will be presenting their goodies at several booths.

However the top highlight will be the fashion show by Nina and the City presenting exclusively for Switzerland the first F/W 2023 collection from Nimo with Love. Behind Nimo with Love is Nicole Mohrmann, whom I have known for many years also from my time in Munich. She has spent years building lasting and trusting relationships with small workshops in India who embrace her vision of Nimo as becoming one big, global family, that creates beautiful things. The brand is committed to a culture and environment that is respectful, caring, nurturing and encouraging – and values creativity in all aspects.

Hand-sewn details, such as beads and embroidery, as opposed to glued-on, perfectly aligned stitches, made with thread that integrates perfectly in the design … The attention to detail asks for high-end craftsmanship. Nimo With Love works with small businesses who sew a heritage of artisanal expertise into each and every piece of the collection. Each garment is hand-made with passion. It takes a whole village to turn a beautiful fabric into a beautiful wearable textile!

Hope to see you all there … I’ll definitely be. I am also excited to see the newest holiday installation by my favorite Finish artist Jani Leinonen, that will be revealed on December 1, 2023.

RSVP on .
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nina and the City, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Egg-citing news… In the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand, you can find an impressive floral Easter egg made of real flowers. Last year, it was created by Finish artist Jani Leinonen. For more information, click here please. This year, it is inspired by Peter Shire’s «Big Sur» Sofa that you can also find in the hotel (see my previous outfit post here). You can admire the installation, which is made of 12.000 carnations, until the end of the Easter vacations.

My look: Pink double-breasted blazer, front-zip off-shoulder top, transparent-panel midi skirt, and ombré high-top sneakers, all by Alexander McQueen, crystal-embellished Hourglass tote bag by Balenciaga, and silver-tone crystal choker by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Attila / Dolder Grand
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«Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don’t work.» Joking aside, there is a huge discussion going on in Switzerland. It is said that the classic cow bells worn by Swiss bovines could be damaging the animals’ hearing and feeding habits, according to researchers in Zurich.

So it might be much safer if fashionistas wear them instead. Call me a dopey cow. I love fashion with a sense of humor and nobody does it better than Jeremy Scott for Moschino. This costume actually makes quite some noise when you are wearing it. So you can meet me easily under the mistletoe.

My look: Tweed jacket with cow bells, and matching pencil skirt, silk shirt with cow print, cow print leather bag, and funny cow hoop earrings, all by Moschino (F/W 2021), Averly 100 bow-detailed satin pumps by Jimmy Choo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Krug Chalet at Dolder Grand in Zurich.
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Attention, please! Here comes another Valentino Pink PP look but this time in combination with a great pair of jeans. I love this outfit so much. Hot pink has definitely been the color of 2022, taking inspiration from the ultra-bright world of Barbie and Ken, aptly named the «Barbiecore»trend, which was further amplified by paparazzi photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of Greta Gerwig‘s forthcoming Barbie movie.

My look: Double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend coat, 3D-flower lurex-jacquard wool-blend scarf, tie-neck silk-georgette shirt, VLOGO reversible leather belt, VLOGO leather-trimmed wool fedora, Roman Stud maxi clutch bag in nappa leather, VLogo signature earrings, and Tan-Go leather ankle boots, all by Valentino, distressed high-rise wide-leg jeans by Peter Do.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Dolder Grand in Zurich.
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For F/W 2022 Dolce & Gabbana were challenging the dress codes for the metaverse. The outcome? Superheroine proportions in vibrant colors, a new tailoring that focused on a triangle silhouette with extremely broad shoulders that signal power and confidence.

My look: Cropped wool-ponte blazer, and matching wrap-effect wool-blend ponte midi skirt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, lace bralette, lace leggings and chain and leather waist belt, all by CHANEL, Medusa Aevitas embellished satin platform pumps by Versace, and graffiti classic city tote bag by Balenciaga, leather, faux pearl and crystal choker, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Dolder Grand in Zurich.
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When I saw the teddy dress on the F/W 2022 runway, I knew immediately this piece needs a place in my closet. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish and glamorous, it is the perfect choice when it comes to a black tie winter gala, or when you want to attend an outdoor event in style.

My look: Teddy Bear Icon camel hair-blend coat, Mito camel hair maxi dress, Tannas bag, and Hoopyt headband, all by Max Mara, Iriza 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin, necklace and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Dolder Grand in Zurich.
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The Dolder Grand makes Christmas extra magical with a very fun Advent Calendar created by Finnish artist Jani Leinonen , who had already designed the impressive floral Easter Egg past Spring. Highlighting the center of the Canvas Bar & Lounge, this pop art work will make every art lover’s heart beat faster with its secret messages hidden behind the 24 doors. I attended the cocktail reception in presence of the artist in this vibrant Valentino Pink PP outfit.

My look: Embroidered cardigan (Look 46 Pre-collection S/S 2021) by CHANEL, bow-detailed wool and silk-blend crepe bralette, wool and silk-blend crepe skirt, One Stud 100 embellished patent-leather pumps, pink VLogo signature gloves, VLogo signature earrings, and One Stud mini leather shoulder bag, all by Valentino, and feather, crystal and bead earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

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

This year, Jani Leinonen, a world-renowned artist, is responsible for the impressive floral Easter egg in the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand. The installation «Seed in Their Pocket» can be enjoyed alongside it, whereby Leinonen implemented themes of current social issues for both the installation and the Easter egg design. The Finn has a long-standing relationship with the traditional Zurich hotel, which made this art coup possible.

Jani and the finished floral egg installation.

He is one of the most sought-after artists in the world and his works always captures the pulse of the times. The Finnish artist has recently completed a particularly special project for the Dolder Grand – he created the design for the annual 2.5-meter-high Easter egg, which can be enjoyed at the main entrance.

Decorated with over 12,000 carnations by the in-house florist team of four ladies over several days of craftsmanship, it bears the incomparable signature of the artist.

«When the Dolder Grand approached me with this Easter project, I was amazed by the fact that it was made of real flowers. These colourful and beautiful organisms are of great cultural importance,» says Leinonen.

Inside the Dolder Grand on display: «Chapel of Remorse» by Jani Leinonen.

120 famous works of art, including Dalí, Murakami and Tinguely, enhance the ambiance of the Dolder Grand. The Finnish artist’s works have been exhibited at the hotel since 2009, and there are currently six pieces on display. Getting the 44-year-old artist to design the Easter egg this year was a major coup, not least because Jani’s unmistakable style and his unique ability to create pieces that reflect societal issues in a provocative way have made him famous across the globe.

«I’m not particularly religious, but I live in a Christian culture and grew up with stories from the Bible,» says Leinonen.

For him, the story of Easter is one of the most fascinating. For Jani, Jesus’ last words on the cross are the most important aspect: Forgive them, for they know not what they do.

«These words are as relevant today as they ever were, as he says these words to the soldiers who are blindly following orders from their superiors.»

He therefore decided to bring across this message on the Easter egg with just a single word: FORGIVE.

The «Seeds in Their Pockets» installation is also on display alongside the egg. It comprises dried flowers the artist collected in war zones, each with a tag bearing the name of the country in which Leinonen found it. On the day Russia invaded the Ukraine, the Finn read a newspaper article and wrote a poem. It is the story of a Ukrainian woman who meets a Russian soldier and tells him to put sunflower seeds in his pocket so that flowers grow at the place where he dies. «For me, this is a really strong image of war. I discovered that flowers grow on many of the battlefields in these war-torn countries, and it’s mostly the national flowers of the countries.»

With lovely Christina (NewInZurich) and Laura (PR/TICULAR) at the lunch.

I had the pleasure to explore Jani’s works and the making of the installation life at the Dolder Grand this week, followed by a lovely luncheon on the terrace in the presence of the artist.

The egg installation will be on display until Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolder Grand and © Sandra Bauknecht
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This is a whole new level of style. Matching your outfit to the scent. Inspired by the emblematic creations of Yves Saint Laurent, Le Vestiaire des Parfums is a collection of fragrances that each interprets a centrepiece of the couturier’s wardrobe.

Here I am wearing Caftan, and styled a look that is matching the scent. With its its loose-fitted and floating cut, Yves Saint Laurent transformed the caftan into a modern, iconic piece, and made it a firm stable in the YSL wardrobe. I combined it with an oriental vest and accessories from different seasons. By juxtaposing unexpected materials, such as wicker and velvet, I created a vibrant mix that all of a sudden becomes seasonless.

My look: Satin-striped canvas djellaba, cotton-velvet vest, YSL-plaque wicker basket bag, shell drop clip earrings,  Marrakech cord and silver-tone necklace, woven lurex tassel necklace, Patti beaded suede necklace, and Zoe chain-embellished satin pumps, all by Saint Laurent, Big Bang All Black Zermatt by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken inside the Terrazza Suite at the Dolder Grand.
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This was my outfit that I wore to the wonderful evening at the Dolder Grand with Glenmorangie. I am such a big Zimmermann fan. The creations are so feminine and easy to wear. Combined with muted colors or black, the dresses also work their magic during winter time.

My look: Concert embroidered floral linen-blend lawn dress by Zimmermann, Kronobotte 85 leather knee boots by Christian Louboutin, Kelly So Black in box leather by Hermès, and clip earrings by CHANEL (Métiers d’Art 2012 Paris – Bombay).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.