Sandra‘s Closet

Paris Couture Week is always amazing, especially in the summer, when the weather is nice. One of my favorite places to stay and a true insider tip is the hotel Maison des Champs-Elysées. Located in the heart of Paris’ «Golden Triangle», parallel to the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, this very special non-conformist 5-star hotel teases your expectations, with theatrical elements in a relaxed atmosphere.

Celebrating an elegant marriage of contemporary lines and unobtrusive luxury, the impressive decoration of the hotel can be seen in every detail. It is the result of the collaboration with iconic fashion designer Martin Margiela. Each corner is full of surprises and creates a magnificent setting for your stay in Paris. Offering a peaceful atmosphere and all the facilities of modern luxury comfort for good value of money, the hotel has 57 tastefully furnished rooms and suites. There is also a smoker’s lounge called the «Blind Bar» across from the lobby area that is dressed all in white, and even an outdoor terrace where you can relax and meet from morning to night in the midst of the city.

This month, I stayed at the Gilded Lounge Suite, in which artistic pretence is given perfect expression, whose walls are covered with wallpaper made from black and white photographs of the gilded lounge on the second floor. The perspectives and ornamental richness of the Napoleon III style are thereby reproduced in trompe-l’œil fashion throughout the suite. In the bedroom, a large bookcase filled with books covers the wall above the bed.

Last time, I booked the White Cover Suite. The lower part of the classic Haussmann walls with picture rails, surrounds and plinths breaks with the upper part which consists of large panels of stretched white cotton. The pictures, objects and furnishings are delicately covered with white cotton. A series of Ural alabaster lights on the bedroom ceiling become visible in the evening and frame a broad mirror, creating a magical setting.

The team is so lovely and always very happy to help with anything. I can absolutely recommend the hotel. By the way, I pay my stays and this post is not sponsored, but fully authentic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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KILIAN HENNESSY inherited a taste for creation from his family’s generations-old cognac business. His namesake perfume collection BY KILIAN epitomizes both luxury and modernity, using some of the world’s finest raw materials and rare essential oils. The elegant bottles and boxes are all refillable and reusable. His newest launches «Body Pleasures» include shower gels, body lotions as well as scented hair and body oils. I met with the irrevocably French fragrance-maker who gave me some amazing tips for his favorite place on earth.

Your favourite city?
PARIS – It is the most beautiful city for me, full of culture. It inspires me, helps me to create. I was born there and then raised from 1-7 in Cognac. At the age of 7, I returned to Paris. As of now, I haven’t found a better city.

Your favourite hotel?
LE BRISTOL – It is the perfect hotel for a romantic weekend with exceptional service.
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 53 43 43 00

Your favourite restaurant?
CAVIAR KASPIA – It is owned by a couple which are good friends of us. The food is absolutely excellent and it has a fun vibe. We are always there for Russian New Year’s – the most exciting place to be! The waiters are dancing on the table, they even get naked. We always have a blast.
17 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 65 33 32

Your favourite dish there?
POTATO CAVIAR – It is a baked potato with a huge amount of caviar on top.

Your favourite bar?
MATHIS BAR –  The most elegant and handsome bar in Paris.
3 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 25 73 01

Your favourite nightclub?
CLUB RASPOUTINE – The only club in Paris for people my age. They play house music, kind of hardcore, but a lot of fun.
58 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 47 20 02 90

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
LA VICTOIRE DE SAMOTHRACE at the LOUVRE. I cannot go to the Louvre without stopping by to see her. It is a sculpture that was at the bow of a ship which you can still see in the exhibition. The woman has wings with a veil that is covering her naked body. Looking at her, you imagine the wind that is pulling the fabric to show of parts of her body. It is very sensual, you can feel so much strength. If I don’t have any more elan, I go see her.
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Your favourite park?
I don’t do parks.

Your favourite shop?
MR PORTER – Even that there are still a few brands missing. I love that it is shopping with no hazzle. Just trying at home and if it doesn’t fit, they pick it up. So easy.

Your must-have accessory?
It would be MY SCENT. Otherwise I just got this amazing BLACK SUEDE TOTE BAG by SAINT LAURENT that I cannot live without anymore.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
IL VENAIT D’AVOIR 18 ANS by DALIDA – I cannot live without. It’s part of my culture, such a gorgeous song.

The scent of Paris?
ECCENTRIC – All excesses blend well in Paris. Here women have a posture to look beautiful in a «negligée way». The message they convey is «I kind of work on it but I didn’t do anything». This is FRENCH CHIC. So the scent would be a gorgeous tuberose, jasmine like VOULEZ-VOUZ COUCHER AVEC MOI. For example in the States where women tend to be more made up, the scents are more subtle.

TO SHOP BY KILIAN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Thank you, Kilian, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via The Telgraph, ©Mathieurivrin, Courtesy of the Locations, Mr Porter, © Kilian Hennessy and © Sandra Bauknecht

Beaumarchais lived here, fabulous parties took place here, and great names have stayed here. Yet for more than half a century, the Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil, also known as Hôtel des Ambassadeurs de Hollande, has been left slumbering in the heart of Le Marais. This winter a part of this unique building, recognised as one of the most beautiful in Paris, will come to life again and open its doors to the public once more. It is here that CHANEL has chosen to install a double ephemeral boutique.

The Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil is classified as a National Heritage Site, and its high doors carved with two gargoyle heads and the coat of arms belonging to the family that acquired the townhouse in the 17th century, give one a hint of its impressive stature that lies within. These doors open onto the Cour d’Honneur, surrounded by two buildings, where one immediately senses a breath of magic and of mystery in the air. At the entrance four sundials have kept their polychrome in spite of the years gone by.

The two ephemeral boutiques break from the traditional codes of CHANEL. Each space has been left in its untouched state: exposed stone walls are bare having been simply adorned with facades of transparent glass, giving pride of place to the history of this hôtel particulier which over the centuries has been witness to so many lives. The floor, with it’s worn appearance, is made from resin to resemble Corten steel. This desire for purity also offers a glimpse of the immense renovation in progress of these buildings and those hidden in the rear courtyard.

Within this minimalist environment only the black linear clothes rails and the wooden console tables mounted on glass supports, emerge here and there. In the first building, on the left, the ready-to-wear collections and the accessories are presented over a single floor of 127m².

A second space, consisting of just 37m², and made to look like the studio of a great artist, is housed in the building on the right. In complete respect for the mineral and almost archaeological atmosphere of this setting, once again, nothing has been changed, adorned, reconstituted or hidden. Here, only authenticity, miraculously preserved over the ages, prevails. Pierced with a window, this boutique brings together the CHANEL shoes.

Like a stroll through time and history it reminds us that a piece by CHANEL is anchored in modernity and the air du temps, yet is also transmitted from one generation to the next. The Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil is one of its most beautiful showcases yet.

CHANEL Ephemeral Boutique
47 rue Vieille du Temple
75004 Paris
+33 1 40 09 59 60
Open from now to the end of May 2017
From Monday to Sunday 11am to 7pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Olivier Saillant © Chanel

I have this desire to explore the world, therefore I love traveling. Last month, one of my favorite trips was my visit to Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux. The whole report will be coming up shortly. Here is a little teaser in form of an outfit post. When we took the photos, it started raining but you still see the beauty of the surrounding.

My look: Cropped houndstooth wool cardigan, matching wool pleated mini skirt, crystal embellished butterfly earrings and crystal embellished biker boots, all by Miu Miu, tiered ruffled crepe top by Alexander McQueen, long bi-colour scarf by Chanel, python print nylon bag with leather bows and wool jacket with ruffles, both by Prada, merino wool-blend tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Sunday, I drove to Colmar in Alsace, France that is well known for its famous Christmas market. I can absolutely recommend this weekend excursion. From Zurich, it took me around one and a half hour to get there by car. Once you have arrived, you will enter the magic of Christmas at its best. First of all there’s the ambiance of the Old Town, illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale.

Colmar town centre is essentially pedestrian, comprises numerous architectural treasures such as monuments, churches, museums and alleys, full of imposing buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Enjoy some of yesterday’s impressions below.

My look: Belted shearling coat and studded wool-silk shawl, both by Gucci, Tiger embroidered cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Kenzo, Le Garcon mid-rise slim boyfriend jeans by Frame Denim, suede boots by Prada Sport, boy bag with chains by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget, Pasha C watch by Cartier and Carlina round-frame gold-tone sunglasses by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

RENE ZIBOLD

The PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland has great style and many loyal followers on instagram (@monsieurené) who enjoy his daily fashion updates. Being fluent in four languages, he loves to travel. Other places inspire him, with the City of Light leading the way.

Your favourite city? La merveilleuse ville lumière: PARIS!
It’s the most beautiful city in the world, where I can find everything I really love!

Your favourite hotel? HOTEL ATHÉNÉE, a small, romantic and very elegant boutique hotel in the center of Paris. If you love Jacques Garcia’s interiors, you’ll adore it!

Your favourite restaurant? The CAFÉ RUC, in the beautiful neighborhood of Saint Honoré. The interior is also made by Jacques Garcia. The Suprême de volaille “minute” with “purée maison” is a must have! Dessert? Of course the Gâteau au chocolat!

Your favourite bar or nightclub? The GEORGES at the Centre Pompidou, also excellent for dinner. The view over Paris by night is breathtaking!

Your favourite sightseeing spot? The LOUVRE. I can spend hours in front of each masterpiece of Eugène Delacroix!

Your favourite park? The JARDIN DES TUILERIES next to the Louvre and after a walk I always enjoy a coffee and the delicious “tarte fine aux pommes“ at CAFE MARLY.

Your favourite shop? The DRIES VAN NOTEN men’s store at the Quai Malaquais. I just love the interior of the store and of course Van Noten’s beautiful men’s collections. Can’t wait to buy there the Fall 2013 collection!!!

Your must-have accessory? No matter if it’s summer or winter and where I am… I usually wear ETRO SCARVES. They really are my must-have accessory!

The best soundtrack for this destination? Jean-Claude Pascal: PARIS AU MOIS DE SEPTEMBRE. I’m in love with this song!

The best book to read while being on vacation there? I always buy ART or FASHION BOOKS in Paris. The BOOKSHOP at the PALAIS DE TOKYO has a fantastic selection.

Thank you, René, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

The Dior event in Paris last week was truly amazing. The Dior team spoilt me constantly during my stay with wonderful birthday surprises. How creative they are was clear when we went for dinner Thursday night. Held at the ice rink of the Plaza Athénée which is located at the inner courtyard of the famous Parisian hotel, we were welcomed by a Swiss chalet atmosphere and a cute Saint Bernard dog.

View of the ice rink from the top

As I have done many dinners on the ice in St. Moritz before, I knew exactly what to wear in order not to get cold.
My look: Mink coat by Prada, fur boots by Prada Sport, scarf, bag and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and fur hat by Marc Jacobs.

Lovely Montasar Dumas (Dior Paris) and Huda Heidi Kattan with me.

From left to right: Me, Sofie Valkiers and Gala Gonzalez

Raclette prepared by three Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was a big surprise. Who would have expected having a Swiss traditional dish in Paris?! Very funny, the two Swiss ladies, Manuela and my humble self, were shoveling the yummy cheese in our mouth, whereas most of the other bloggers were a little overwhelmed by the heavy food.

Manuela Pastore (Dior Switzerland) explained enthusiastically how to eat raclette.

Pumpkin soup as a starter

Spotted – the cutest iPhone cover ever, available here.

A surprise birthday dessert. Thank you, Dior, for this wonderful experience!
Stay tuned for all the photos taken during the day for the house’s new beauty launches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht