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

The famous ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad is approaching fast and Friday’s dress code «Je ne regrette rien» might leave some with questions. Therefore I put together a little guide with lots of inspiration for you to get ahead of the fashion game. For those not coming, take this post as an idea for your next holiday festivities. You might outshine even the Christmas tree…

As many designers are looking into their archives for inspiration, time-traveling on our part is absolutely trending. From sixties retro to nineties nostalgia, the only mission is to stand out of the crowd. And there is truth in the fact that French women seem to always get it right! It is the widely adored allure of «je ne sais quoi» attitude. Their ability to assemble an outfit in the most put together way without looking too made up.

When it comes to partying, the capital of France has enthralled party planners and party goers for centuries. This December, ASW will bring the opulent glamour and intrigue of Paris nights to their members. Think of red plush, sparkling lights, think of the time when Edith Piaf first sang her iconic song «Je ne regrette rien» in 1960 or seek inspiration from the late 1970s through the 1990s, when «Les Bains Douches» was the nightclub to go in Paris. Imagine Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, and Brigitte Bardot, dancing at «Chez Régine» or transform yourself into a burlesque dancer that could have popped out of the famous «Moulin Rouge» or «Crazy Horse» with feathers, sequins and showing off lots of skin. For the gentlemen the motto is to become the most handsome dandy or French lover. It is the allure that counts. Don’t forget a touch of sleaziness is always welcome during Parisian nights… here you can can…. here life is a cabaret.

Below are some outfit inspirations, to shop just click on the highlighted text:

LIFE IS A CABARET
Crystal-embellished feather and felt hat by Gucci, feather-trim velvet bustier dress and tasseled sequined chiffon pouch, both by Attico, Salsa feather-embellished suede sandals by Charlotte Olympia, long feather scarf by Yves Salomon and smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent.

BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA
Cold-shoulder lace-up stretch-tulle midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, sequined long dress by Temperley London, lace ribbon garter by Folies by Renard, Talitha feather-trimmed glossed-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, and ruffle-trimmed woven clutch by The Vampire’s Wife.

YES WE CAN CAN
Bow-detailed glittered stretch-velvet mini dress by Balmain, Pandor ruched printed silk-blend lamé mini dress by Isabel Marant, Vivienne glittered velvet clutch by Jimmy Choo, Marguerite 100 velvet and leather-trimmed mesh mules and Daisy 100 leather-trimmed velvet ankle boots, both by Malone Souliers by Roy Luwolt.

BELLE DE NUIT 
Fringed embellished tulle jacket and crystal-embellished tulle jumpsuit, both by Naeem Khan, leopard-print turban headband by Gucci, Cleo crystal-embellished satin platform sandals by René Caovilla, Disco Pandora embellished glittered perspex clutch by Charlotte Olympia and gold-tone earring by Balenciaga.

FRENCH LOVER
Gold-fit satin-striped wool-blend suit, metallic jacquard suit, and lace-up leather derby shoes, both by Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered collar shirt, feather print scarf and dancing skeleton loafers, all by Alexander McQueen, and sequin blazer by Saint Laurent.

FOREVER CRAZY
Taking the theme to the next level and wearing the motto on your skin… those temporary transfer tattoo stickers are available here.

Looking forward to a great party ahead! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last weekend, I was in Gstaad for the 8th edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend. The three days in the snow (in this year’s case a lot of snow) of the private international travel and social club has become known as one of the most fun events of the year.

Guests from all over the world came to the chic Swiss winter getaway for great fun, parties, dancing, fondue and philanthropy. This year’s surprise guest was no other than Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper, musician and actor, who first achieved fame as a member of the New Jersey hip hop group The Fugees, entertained ASW members spontaneously with special performances during dinner or at the after parties. His catchy slogan of the weekend? « There is always an after party after the after party!» And the three-time Grammy Awards winner was right as we danced the night away…

The famous Gstaad Palace opens its doors one week before the season officially starts just for the ASW Winter Weekend.

Bugatti love!

Shopping suite with La Martina.

The weekend kicked off with the Chairman’s Apéro in the Gstaad Palace lobby, which is personally speaking the best one in the world. The night continued with a special theme: «La Vie en Or», glamorous with a touch of gold. Caviar and vodka were served and we partied late at the hotel’s night club GreenGo. For my look, click here for the previous post please.

Stunning Beluga ice bar outside.

On display: the raffle prizes, two beautiful watches by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The stunning golden decor in the «Salle Baccarat».

Dancing and hotel queen: Ljuba Manz 

The Chairman’s Apéro

Golden girls and fashionistas by heart: Irina Cerutti and Nataly Parafieva

The gorgeous ASW team!

Surprise performance by Wycleaf Jean and the Phly Boyz

Saturday was all about indulging in the mountain scenery with a lift ride to the Wasserngrat restaurant. The snowy weather and the freezing cold temperatures didn’t stop anyone. To the sounds of the Phly Boyz we all warmed up and enjoyed the après-ski inspired lunch with wine and fondue.

Swiss cosiness

Framed by Patrick Liotard-Vogt and Ferrari racing driver Josh Cartu

Ljuba Manz with her husband Marco Conte

Former Swedish ice hockey star Peter Forsberg with his lovely wife Nicole Nordin.

With Wycleaf Jean and Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Best Friends: Patrick Liotard-Vogt, Derek Tanner, Micaela Savides, Noelle Frautschi and Dr. Pablo Richard.

Swiss cheese fondue at its best!

Let the music play!

The culmination of the weekend was the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner at Gstaad Palace’s «Salle Baccarat», followed by the after party in the lobby that was transformed into the hottest club of the town for that night. Wyclef Jean surprised us once more, such a talented musician.

Gian Testa and Katja Grauwiler of Grauwiler Testa PR surrounded by friends

Swedish friends: Karl-Hendrik Nilsson, Justine Petrén, Peter Forsberg and Nicole Nordin.

CEO Asmallworld Jan Luescher with his lovely girlfriend Emily Maynind

Armand Arton, Raquel Marquard and my humble self to the left.

Alain and Violet Lentz with ASW CEO Jan Luescher and Emily Maynind

Martin Tobler Parmigiani Fleurier with his girlfriend Maja El Assali

Congrats and thank you to Martin and Jessica Tönnesson for their generosity. They auctioned of a lunch with Robert de Niro on the set of «The Irishman» and a song with Wycleaf Jean.

Brothers: Patrick and Olivier Liotard-Vogt 

Former Brosis singer Indira Weis had a lot of fun.

My beautiful friend Raquel Marquard with me.

Thank you, ASMALLWORLD, for another fantastic weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

If there’s one night to go all out and turn on the flash, it’s undoubtedly New Year’s Eve. But some of us are challenged throughout the whole festive season with specific dress code for special parties. Personally speaking, I will attend the 8th annual ASW Winter Weekend Mid December at the fabulous Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and for Friday night’s dinner «La Vie en Or» the dress code says asks for «glamorous, with a touch of gold». This is great! I love any reason to wear sparkle, but such an occasion is the perfect time to shine. And gentlemen, you are in this, too!

«Golden Girl» or just a little golden accessory – you decide how much you would like to shine.

From full-on sequin dresses to just the right gold accessory, there isn’t one right way to fulfill the dress code. The golden rule is you have to feel comfortable, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing destroys an outfit – whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are – like an ill-fitting jacket, shirt or trousers.

In general, gold is the perfect color to lift an all-black or an all-white outfit to something glamorous and fun. Perfect for all festive occasions!

To make your life a little easier, I put together a fun guide for all budgets so that you don’t need to worry about anything and can focus entirely on celebrating the start of the winter season in style!

HIGH END BUGDET – Full Looks

Get his look: Metallic jacquard dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, shirt gold detail shirt by Comme des Garçons, turn-up hem wool-blend tailored trousers by Prada, ruler cufflinks by Paul Smith, skull and polka dot tie by Alexander McQueen and leather embroidered loafers by Gucci.

Get her look: Racko open-back sequined cady mini dress by Rachel Zoe or wondering lace-paneled fil coupé georgette blouse by Temperley London and sequined wool mini skirt by Marc Jacobs, Anya d’Orsay metallic patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Celeste sequined canvas clutch by Jimmy Choo and Roma gold-tone earrings by Annie Costello Brown.

HIGH END BUDGET – Great Accessories

Stand out with a statement headpiece with a touch of gold and be the queen of the night: embellished satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lifting every basic look to new heights: Candy box by Jimmy Choo.

LOW BUDGET – A touch of Gold

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outfit, I recommend getting some fabric with golden sequins. Those accessories will have a great effect on your outfit and can be combined with all sorts of colors. Moreover they are less expected than some golden shoes or a handbag. I still love the mixture between gold and black the best.

You don’t need to be an expert in tailoring to do some cuffs or a belt. If you get a stretchy material, you can even glue it together instead of sewing it. In case you are to lazy for some DIY, you can order them directly here:

Cuffs with gold sequins

Sequined belt

The perfect touch of gold for a man: the right colored pocket square.

LOW BUDGET – Taking the Dress Code Literally up a Notch

Zara has some cool pieces in gold. Minimal investment for a maximum effect.

Be the star of the night: golden bomber jacket for men by Zara.

The perfect touch of gold for women and great for dancing: shorts in gold combined with a black top by Zara.

And don’t forget… you want to start the New Year with something new for good luck, it’s a great excuse to add a new piece to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping! And I am looking forward to seeing some of you in Gstaad…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Gstaad Palace and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I had the pleasure to experience a very special facial at the GSTAAD PALACE that brings royal Mediterranean flair to the Bernese Oberland. Exclusive in Switzerland, only at the PALACE SPA, you can find the luxury cosmetics line MARGY’S MONTE CARLO.

The famous Palace spa.

The facial treatment concept of the Swiss-by-choice Margie Lombard, which Princess Charlène of Monaco has already pampered herself with, is comprised of natural care products, that are developed in Vevey. For the brainchild behind the luxury beauty brand, it has been clear from the beginning: A high-quality, effective skincare product consists of pure, undiluted ingredients. This is why, she uses exclusively pure substances produced in the body to counteract ageing highly effectively, which she has been able to imitate using Swiss bio-technology.

As a young entrepreneur, Margie Lombard learnt that collagen and hyaluronic acid are two fundamental elements of our body. They have been proven to influence the moisture content of the skin. If this is intact, it has a beneficial effect for a youthful appearance – uneven and wrinkled places also automatically become softer and gentler. In addition, Vitamin A in the selection of MARGY’S provides elasticity, while Vitamin E as an antioxidant has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the hydrolipid layer of the skin. All products are completely natural, contain no perfume at all and are formed on the basis of sandalwood oil and geranium oil.

«My products are not exotic, but instead classic and clearly results-oriented. Beautiful skin requires sound treatments based on clear biochemical laws, and not magic. I am convinced that I have found the “place-to-be” for my brand and my concept at the Gstaad Palace.», explains Margie Lombard happily.

The native Alsatian and Swiss-by-choice has dedicated herself entirely to skincare. At the age of 18 she already attended the well-known CARITA Institut in Paris and learned the craft of cosmetics from the experts. With this precious degree in her hand, she came to Gstaad, where she managed a cosmetics salon independently. Her talented hands and her beneficial facial treatments quickly became appreciated by guests from all over the world. Soon her career was already taking off.

Despite her love of the Saanenland, she moved on: She studied cosmetology and after long research founded her own line of spa products. Many famous people were now among Margie’s customers – including even Princess Charlène of Monaco. After stays in Dubai, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo, Margie Lombard then returned to the Bernese Oberland with her care formula. She has been a resident of Switzerland for more than 20 years, and lives with her husband and son in Zurich.

The complete product range of Margy’s Monte Carlo is available at the Palace Spa.

The Palace Spa provides three exclusive treatments with MARGY’S products. As well as this, guests can also buy selected products on the spot and thus continue the beauty regime at home.

Haute Couture Facial – 90 minutes / CHF 450.–
For true skin rejuvenation combined with sublime relaxation. A 90 minute facial employing unique Margy’s techniques to activate the natural ingredients and their benefits. Skin feels smoother, firmer and plumper, benefiting from intense moisturization.

The beautiful treatment room at the Palace Spa.

I tried this treatment and was fully convinced. My therapist Manuela worked with different massage techniques to let the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. It was absolutely relaxing and my skin felt moisturized and pampered afterwards.

Firming Lifting Facial – 60 minutes / CHF 210.–
This facial treatment – based on a highly-efficient algae mask – smooths the skin gently and tones the face. Highly moisturizing, skin feels firm and supple following this treatment.

Short Fresh-Up – 30 minutes / CHF 95.–
A quick freshness boost for the skin for a glowing start to the day or to be party-ready.

Bookable via e-Mail: or by phone: +41 33 748 50 00.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful heated jacuzzi that is part of the Palace Spa.

Photos: Courtesy of Gstaad Palace, © Sandra Bauknecht

For the Russian night «La Nuit des Tsars» during the ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad, I went for white fur and burgundy velvet, taking cues from the 19th century and old-world Russian luxury.

My look: Mink shrug and fur hat, both by Prada, ruffle-trimmed embroidered silk-blend tulle mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Lily velvet knee boots and velvet waist belt, both by Saint Laurent, vintage eagle earrings and matching clutch bag, both by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier and «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert

There is no color that looks more feminine as red. It is always eyecatching and the perfect hue for the Christmas season. Here you see me wearing it at the ASW party at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad two weeks ago.

My look: Rilla crochet cage stitch gown by Hervé Léger, Masai pearl necklace by Dior, Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch and Janis pumps with studs, both by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

The Jimmy Choo installation in the lobby

With Derek Tanner

With lovely Hasna Bouchaab

With the host of the night Chairman of ASW Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Murder on the Dancefloor: Deborah Neufeld, Sarah Flückiger and Anne Limbach with me.

With Martin Tobler,  GM Switzerland Parmigiani Fleurier SA, Patrick Liotard-Vogt and Mike Baur, Swiss Start Up Factory, in the photo booth.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography (A huge thank you!) 
and © Sandra Bauknecht