Sandra‘s Closet

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Gucci is pleased to announce the development of Gucci Places, its initiative designed to invite people to explore locations around the world that have inspired the House.
The very first Gucci Place, which was unveiled earlier this year was Chatsworth in Derbyshire, England, where Gucci supported House Style exhibition. Chatsworth was also the location of the Gucci Cruise 2017 advertising campaign.

Gucci Cruise 2017 advertising campaign

Now Gucci has chosen a variety of further locations that reflect the taste and values peculiar to the House, and designated these: Gucci Places. The idea is to encourage people to discover interesting and unexpected stories about these places, and so become part of a community. The Gucci Places programme is thus a network of locations connected to Gucci, all of which possess the quality of being able to surprise, arouse interest and inspire a creative response.

To bring the Gucci Places programme to life, the Gucci App has functionality that enables people to become involved in the story of each designated Place. It is configured to use the geolocation services of a user’s mobile device so that when you are in the proximity of a Gucci Place you will receive a push notification to invite you to visit the relevant location. When in the Gucci Place, the App allows users to check in and win a badge associated with it. You can thus collect the badges of all the Places recommended by Gucci, and can share these on social media.

The App also provides a detailed description of the Place, featuring texts, pictures and/or videos. Users can also access an information section, which enables them to contact the Place by email or phone, or visit its website. Each Place has a section on the App dedicated to the events it is staging, enabling you to browse the scheduled programme.

Furthermore, an exclusive selection of products, based on those in Gucci’s Courrier collection, is being created as part of the Gucci Places initiative. Special patches inspired by each Gucci Place have been developed and will feature on the products, which will be available for purchase at the relevant Gucci Place (when feasible) and at the nearest Gucci store.

The patches are inspired by the Place in question and reflect Gucci’s eclectic aesthetic, incorporating motifs that reference the location – a coat of arms, perhaps, or a design detail from a building.
The first products featuring the Chatsworth patch have been on sale at Chatsworth House and the Gucci flagship store in Sloane Street, London, since July.

The new Gucci Places are:

The Biblioteca Angelica, Rome, Italy. Founded in 1604, the this was the first public library in Europe and has a vast bibliographic collection, featuring manuscripts that belonged to the Augustinians. Gucci hosted a private party here to celebrate the publication of A Magazine Curated By Alessandro Michele, and it was also the setting of the Gucci Pre-Fall 2017 look book, shot by Derek Ridgers.

Castello Sonnino, Montespertoli, Firenze, Italy. A family home, historical wine estate and an international educational centre, Castello Sonnino was originally a customs post between the territories of Florence and Siena, and dates back to the 13th century. It was the location of the Gucci Cruise 2016 advertising campaign.

Moreover, Caterina de Renzis Sonnino, who lives and owns the Castle, has starred in the latest Gucci Cruise 2018 advertising campaign.

Maison Assouline, London, United Kingdom. Originally a banking hall designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922, this Grade II listed building is now home to the all-encompassing Assouline cultural lifestyle hub. The limited-edition Gucci book, Blind For Love, by Nick Waplington, documenting the Gucci Cruise 2017 collection, was published by Assouline and presented at this store at a special book signing by the artist.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, California, USA. In 2011, LACMA launched its first annual Art + Film Gala. Each year the event celebrates the work of an accomplished filmmaker and artist who have made significant contributions in art and film. Since its inauguration, Gucci has been the presenting sponsor of this benefit event.

Bibo, Hong Kong. An extraordinary restaurant with a 1930s feel. Here, seasonal French gastronomy is served in a space featuring the works of some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists, including Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. To celebrate the #GucciGram Tian digital art project, which took place during Art Basel Hong Kong 2016, Gucci held a private dinner at Bibo.

Waltz, Nakameguro, Tokyo, Japan. A shop specialising in cassettes, vinyl, VHS tapes and boomboxes, Waltz is a truly unique place. It also carries old magazine editions. The area of Meguro and its nostalgic atmosphere, where Waltz is located, evokes the set of the Fall Winter 2016 campaign which was shot in Tokyo by Glen Luchford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:Courtes of Gucci

Say hello to the seven bag wonders of the world. I am so in love. Last spring, VERSACE launched the competition «7 Bags 7 Cities» and invited everyone to participate in the customization of seven limited edition of the Palazzo Empire bag featuring seven capitals.

Participants were asked to photograph a unique and inspiring place in the city of their choice. The Italian fashion house then selected their favorite images and used them to create the new Palazzo Empire bag with each city’s skyline being injected into the design. Great news for the winners: they will be invited to attend the Versace S/S 2017 show to be held in Milan in September.

Discover the seven limited edition Palazzo Empire handbags closer here…

BEIJING
Shop D4027, 4/F, SKP, 87 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District

HONG KONG
Shop G122, Ground Floor, Gateway Arcade

MILAN
Via Montenapoleone, 11

NEW YORK CITY
647 Fifth Avenue

PARIS
45, avenue Montaigne

SAO PAULO
Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2232

TOKYO
6-7-12, Ginza

Only ten copies of each design will be produced and sold in the Versace boutiques in the seven selected capitals. So hurry up to catch one of those pieces of art!

TO SHOP THE CLASSIC PALAZZO EMPIRE TOTE BAG IN DIFFERENT COLOURS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

Penhaligon’s has unveiled their very first gourmand fragrance, EQUINOX BLOOM, inspired by the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, and the transitional moment when day turns to evening and when cold winter yields to spring.

Created by Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp, Equinox Bloom plays with an olfactory palette inspired by the delights of high tea, accompanied by the heady bouquet of the first sweet spring flowers.

Perfumer Olivier Cresp

“During one of my recent visits to London, I enjoyed an incredible brunch in a smart, refined place, where the magnificent atmosphere of the rooms, furnished with opulent floral compositions, ensnared my senses almost at once. While admiring the floral scenery, my brunch included delightful toasts topped with honey and marmalade and these gourmand facets inspired me to bring to Equinox Bloom a trendy, modern inflexion to the generous floral bouquet. To me, this luxurious and abundant refinement reflects Penhaligon´s generosity in fragrances in a perfect way.” – Olivier Cresp, Perfumer.

A subtle, sweet treat from Penhaligon’s, Equinox Bloom plays on the country’s favourite traditions and pleasing transitions – day to night, winter to spring – offering up a delicious and distinctive blend of gourmand and floral infusions to truly delight the senses.

GOURMAND FLORAL

Top Notes: Neroli Bigarade Essence, Violet Leaves Absolute, Chantilly Accord
Middle Notes: Frangipani, Orange Blossom Absolute, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrox, Benzoin Siam Absolute, Brown Sugar Accord

Equinox Bloom is available now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (€ 139.00) and 100ml (€ 189.00).

And if you are happen to be in Hong Kong, please enjoy Penhaligon’s special afternoon tea at The Four Seasons Hotel.

The hotel’s pastry chef Ringo Chan designed a new selection of treats inspired by the new scent Equinox Bloom, among them jasmine lemon cake pops, rose and pink praline éclair, and aqua sphere and white peach verrine, as well as a selection of afternoon tea buffet items.

The Lounge, G/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196-8820

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Four Seasons, © Penhaligon’s and © Conor Beary 2016

The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.

My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings by Gucci.

I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!

In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.

In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!

My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This spring, you could enjoy a special Jimmy Choo themed afternoon tea at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. This fashion afternoon tea featured tempting items such as edible miniature high heels and sandwiches made to resemble the design of the CAYLA clutch.

Cayla studded snake clutch by Jimmy Choo

Who could resist those mouth-watering savoury bites such as Foie Gras High Heels on Crispy Brioche Bread or sweet temptations like Milk Chocolate High Heels filled with Lemon and Chocolate Biscuits. For more information, please call MO Bar at +852 2132 0077.

In case that you won’t make it to Hong Kong, check out the Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley Hotel in London.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Jimmy Choo

In January 2013, CHANEL opened at Hysan Place, the new luxury temple located at the centre of the island, its largest boutique in Hong Kong. To celebrate the event, CHANEL presents the exclusive limited edition HONG KONG COLLECTION. The uniquely modern elegance and glittering beauty of the Chinese metropole inspire a luminous colour palette. Exclusive creations for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic glow, evoking the lights of the city as they reflect in the waters of the China Sea.

OMBRES MATELASSÉES
The elegant rectangular case reveals an original combination of five shadows embossed with the iconic quilted motif of CHANEL. Like the shimmering light on water, the PEARL RIVER palette offers a harmony of golden white, a vintage gold nuance and intense peach for a soft, radiant effect on eyelids. Ideal for sculpting the eyes in a natural or more sophisticated makeup look, intense brown is paired with a very luminous silver white shade that makes eyes look bigger and illuminates the entire face.

LE VERNIS
Two contrasting nail colours echo the extremes of the eye palette. Elegant and modern EASTERN LIGHT is a luminous, very opaque white enamel. Deep and intense WESTERN LIGHT is a chocolate brown glowing with a pearly red heart.

Like a city combining multiple influences, the two nail colours can be worn together for an original effect. To reinterpret the elegance of a French manicure, apply the light colour to the bottom edge of the nail and apply the dark colour from the centre to the tip of the nail.

Great news for my Swiss readers, the collection is now available exclusively in Switzerland at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

We love LANVIN and LANVIN loves Hong Kong!
All aboard! Celebrating the upcoming grand opening of Lanvin’s Hong Kong flagship store on Icehouse Street, fashionistas can take a ride on the iconic beautifully decorated HK tramway.

In the meantime, beauty addicts rejoice worldwide: Lanvin’s Creative Director Alber Elbaz will be collaborating with Lancôme for a special limited edition make-up collection which is set to hit counters on 15th of June, 2013.

The probably cutest beauty launch of the year.
In your bathroom soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lanvin and Lancôme