Sandra‘s Closet

The perfect look for a late afternoon coffee meeting during those hot summer temperatures in the city. Airy and sophisticated, white with a touch of color, one of my favorites this season.

My look: Suraya cutout crochet-trimmed Swiss-dot silk maxi dress by Zimmermann, embellished necklace with coin charm by Oscar de la Renta, Ambra plateau sandals by Gianvito Rossi, Maya fringed woven tote bag by Sophia Webster, crystal-embellished round acetate sunglasses by Gucci, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Clash de Cartier ring large model in pink gold with amazonite, and LOVE bracelets, all by Cartier, and Big Bang Millennial Pink watch by Hublot.

Off to Capri today, my first flight after lockdown… I am so excited!

LoL, Sandra

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

The breathtaking crystalline beauty and the stunning phenomenon of the Blue Grotto inspires Hublot to renew its tribute to Capri. It is the third masterpiece created as an homage to the Italian island. Furthermore, in 2018, the Swiss watch manufacturer launched there a watch model in collaboration with Italia Independent. Click here for the previous post.

When the Art of Fusion reveals itself in nature, Hublot’s designers couldn’t help but be inspired! The new Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri features the bright blue colour of the waters that sparkle in the depths of the cave. And just like the magic of summer – its intensity and the fleeting impression of time it embodies – Hublot has created a special edition of just 30 numbered pieces, available exclusively in the boutique on the island.

«Symbolising “la dolce vita”, Capri is dotted with secret coves, sunny lanes to be discovered, clifftop flower gardens and balconies lined with pine, lemon and olive trees. Boasting dizzying views over the sumptuous Bay of Naples, the pearl of Southern Italy is a veritable treasure trove which inspired Hublot to set up its boutique there in 2017. We think it deserves to be celebrated again.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

 The 45-mm case is made of polished black ceramic with a satin finish, surrounded by a bezel which is machined from ceramic in a vivid turquoise blue. The same wave of blue is seen lapping around the striated rubber strap and brings the dial of the chronograph to life with its chiaroscuro effect. This timepiece contains the HUB1143 self-winding chronograph movement with a power reserve of 42 hours.

The summery feel and contemporary design of this unisex model is perfect for the longest, hottest days of the year, especially as it features ceramic: a lightweight, hypoallergenic material which warms to body temperature.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri
Limited to 30 pieces, Price: 12’900 CHF / 13’400 EUR / 13’600 USD / 11’200 GBP.

I will be in Capri next week, let me know if you want one… 🙂

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
#Hublot #ClassicFusionCapri #HublotLovesSummer

This is by far my favorite look of the season. It just makes me so happy. Dior’s Dioraura collection is inspired by the creative community, Monte Verità, located close to Ascona in Switzerland. The beautiful pieces all feature muted rainbow colors reminiscent of the sunset, reflecting the themes of aura and energy. In today’s troubled time, it sends also a message: the rainbow knows no gender! It stands for diversity and is a symbol of peace. The same goes for Hublot‘s new Big Bang Millennial Pink, whose color involves everything from gender roles to ideas of beauty, evolution, and science. It’s a positive hue that represents a kind of tongue-in-cheek prettiness. It’s a way to be pretty while holding on to your intellectual mindset.

My look: Dioraura long dress in multicolor silk, Dioraura Book tote in multicolor stripe embroidery, J’adior bracelet set in multicolor cotton and with antique palladium finish metal detailing, and Dioraura Mitzah scarf in multicolor silk twill, all by Dior, C-plaque suede platform sandals by Chloé, gold-tone and wood hoop clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Aurora oversized butterfly acetate sunglasses by Zimmermann and Big Bang Millennial Pink by Hublot.

Millennials are increasingly redefining what it means to be a grown-up in a seriously troubled world. Sometimes, we all want to be soothed — and what better way to do that than looking at your watch in gentle millennial pink. So uplifting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #Hublot #BigBangMillennialPink #Dioraura

In an ever-changing world, Hublot stays true to its philosophy of being first, unique, different: unveiling a new Big Bang, christened Millennial Pink, designed in collaboration with Garage Italia and Lapo Elkann. A new approach to timekeeping, one which looks to the future, setting trends. More than a watch, it is a state of mind. Gender Neutral.

«At Hublot, we are particularly proud of the Art of Fusion. But the list of things we cherish also includes the ability to innovate, to change, to be different, and, of course, our watchmaking expertise. This Big Bang Millennial Pink that we have created with Lapo Elkann from Garage Italia sits perfectly within this pioneering vision. Our expertise in materials technology has enabled us to create a unique colour for this watch, Millennial Pink, symbolic of the world available to us, in its constant state of flux.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

«At Garage Italia, we want to be part of a world where the character of every person is defined by their love of life and their inclusivity, rather than by their power or their superiority. More than simply a product, we want to create something which represents a positive change.»
Lapo Elkann – FOUNDER & CREATIVE CHAIRMAN of GARAGE ITALIA

For some, it is powder pink or pastel; for others, a subtle blend of beige and salmon, apricot and grapefruit. Intriguing and undefinable, Millennial Pink takes its place today as a pink which is not in the exclusive realm of women, nor that of men, but truly a symbol of a completely new generation. This special hue marks a seismic shift which will change the status quo: established traditional values are being reconsidered through a lens of positivity. Pink – this pink – expresses a gentle, inclusive and confident approach to life. A fresh, young vision, full of substance, which redefines style.

This chromatic illustration of a new era could not escape the notice of Lapo Elkann, Founder & Creative Chairman of Garage Italia, and his team. It is this way of thinking, shared by Hublot and its partner Garage Italia, which gave rise to the Big Bang Millennial Pink.

Its 42-mm case sets the tone: made from modern, lightweight aluminium, a unisex and monochrome material, anodised, satin-finished and through-tinted millennial pink. This technical feat has been made possible thanks to research undertaken by Hublot’s engineers. This highly specific colour is obtained by anodisation, a process which both protects and decorates a part, and which has the advantage of giving the case and its components the desired pastel shade combined with remarkable resistance to scratches and impacts. Its proportions ensure it sits perfectly on any wrist. Gender Neutral. The Unico chronograph manufacture movement, boasting a 72-hour power reserve, has a chronograph mechanism on the dial side and a column wheel.

The highly versatile Big Bang Millennial Pink is supplied with two straps. The first is made from rubber and has a deployant buckle made from titanium covered with a decorative layer of the same anodised and satin-finished millennial pink aluminium as the case. The second strap is a mix of Velcro and knitted PES fabric, and is secured with a sporty buckle in millennial pink anodised and polished aluminium. The two straps are easily interchangeable thanks to Hublot’s exclusive patented One Click system.

Disruptive, creating new codes for traditional luxury, the Big Bang Millennial Pink produced in collaboration with Garage Italia will only be available in a very exclusive limited edition of 200 pieces. Price: CHF 19.900,  € 20.700, $ 20.900 or £ 17.300.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht
This post is sponsored. To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #BigBangMillennialPink

Hublot launches a collection of Spirit of Big Bang timepieces tapping into the current pastel trends. The new Spirit of Big Bang 39mm collection embodies the «Art of Fusion» concept by being both timeless and fashion-forward, created for the modern woman expressing her style through a technically advanced and stylish timepiece. The new timepiece is paired with an alligator and rubber strap of pastel new shades: in light pink or light blue, the new strap matches its dial and lends the Spirit of Big Bang a touch of originality and femininity, to enrich the collection.

These newcomers reignite the success of the Spirit of Big Bang collection whose design is directly inspired by the Big Bang with a barrel shape. The new models combine all the signature elements of the iconic Spirit of Big Bang range including the tonneau-shaped case. Six H-shaped screws create a «sandwich» case construction, which enables an infinite number of combinations of materials and colours.

Available in 39mm, in titanium or in King Gold, the new Spirit of Big Bang captures the current pastel trend with the option of satin-finished and polished ceramic in light blue or pink. The colours indefinitely extend their power by also covering the satin-finished sunray dial completed with 50 diamonds set on the bezel, as well as the alligator strap stitched onto white rubber.
Each timepiece is equipped with the HUB1710 self-winding movement. At its heart, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 50 hours.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot #SpiritOfBigBang

For its second artistic collaboration with the master of Storytelling Art, Hublot invites «Lipstick», Marc Ferrero’s most emblematic work, back onto the dial of its Big Bang One Click 39mm. In white or black, symbolising inseparable complementarity, it illustrates the universal duality of day and night. An essential white that is subtle and minimalist, seductive without being a seducer. A deep black that is audacious and magnetic. Two watches to remind us that the day without the night is not a day, and that the night without the day is not a night.

«I love the power of black and white. Shade and light. Yin and Yang. One is profound, unclassifiable, eternal. The other is subtle, ethereal, timeless. They symbolise antitheses and complementarity. Choosing black and white means getting straight to the point without an excess of tonalities. The black and white make ‘Lipstick’ even more graphic and its red lipstick more magnetic.» – Marc Ferrero

This time, the artist known for his typically colourful palette tells a story in black and white, in the form of two limited-edition numbered models in a run of 100 pieces. One, in satin-finish polished steel and resin, with a lacquered dial and calf and rubber strap, all in white. The other, in black ceramic with a lacquered dial and calf and rubber strap, in a pairing of black and white. Two opposites that attract and complement each other. Marc Ferrero conveys the message of a free woman in this iconic duo of watches, by affixing his work from the dial and extending to the strap.

Playing with contrasts, only the lipstick asserts itself in colour, in a flashy red, a reminder that, underneath the large black glasses, «Lipstick» is paying tribute to the woman of the 21st century. A heroine of modern times, multifaceted, assured and enigmatic. A woman who dares to do anything, directly, and without subterfuge.

If you are interested in the first collaboration from last year, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

In Wednesday’s post about the departure of Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard from Baselworld, I rose the question if this will be the end of the famous watch and jewelry show. Here is the answer and some more breaking news as the Swiss watch manufactures belonging to the LVMH Group, the world leader in luxury, have chosen to leave Baselworld in order to join the other flagship brands of the Swiss watch industry in Geneva from 2021 onwards. This includes all brands from the LVMH Watchmaking Division, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, as well as the House of Bvlgari.

Within this context of clearly weakened representation of the Swiss watch industry and hence inevitably lower participation, it appears clear to the brands composing the Division and to the House of Bvlgari that they must also withdraw in order to preserve their image and their relations with their clients as well with the media.They will therefore not be taking part in the 2021 edition of Baselworld.

The four Maisons are examining various potential event formats corresponding to the need to present their strategic directions and new products to their commercial partners – as well as to the international press – next year. The LVMH Watchmaking Division on the one hand, and Bvlgari on the other, will decide on their plans in the coming weeks, according to their respective objectives.

Stéphane Bianchi

Stéphane Bianchi, CEO Watchmaking Division LVMH, said: «We are sorry to have to leave this over 100-year-old Baselworld event to which our Maisons have been consistently loyal. It is nonetheless clear that we must respond quickly and make other arrangements. We are facing an opportunity to reinvent the format and content of one of the key moments of our watchmaking year, which represented both a major commercial challenge and a lever of influence for our brands. With this in mind, we will do our utmost to be present alongside the other prestigious Maisons that will gather in Geneva in April 2021, and thereby meet the requirements of our partners and clients while offering them an unrivalled experience.»

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO Bvlgari Grou., stated: «Grouping the entire Swiss watch industry in a single location, Geneva – the historical capital of watchmaking – and around a single date, is a major opportunity to at last revive a sector that all too many divisions and divergent interests have weakened compared to the rest of the luxury sector in which Bvlgari is active and that is making much faster progress. We are looking forward to going to Geneva in April 2021, even though we still need to define the terms of our participation, which we will specify in the coming weeks. We are also delighted not to have to make up for the lack of institutional watch shows, which in 2020 forced us to take tactical initiatives that were necessary in the short term but undesirable in the medium term.»

So, dear ladies and gentlemen, this is the answer, this is the end of Baselworld…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Once steeped in the opulent luxury and tranquillity of this setting, who wouldn’t want to suspend time and never have to return to normality? Fully renovated, one of my favorite hotels in the world, the legendary Eden Rock on Saint Barthélémy just reopened its doors again, two years after the resort was hit by Hurricane Irma. United by their shared values, Hublot and Oetker Collection are continuing their collaboration, with two brand new Classic Fusion models being added to the Eden Being collection featuring exclusive custom-made pieces.

A 45 mm chronograph version provides a glimpse of the self-winding movement, and a second 38 mm version dazzles, set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. These are available as ultra limited editions – just 25 of each model – which can be engraved with the initials of their future owners. They will be available first of all at Eden Rock – St Barths, and also through the Oetker Collection network and Hublot boutiques.

Usain Bolt and Ricardo Guadalupe at the launch event in Saint Barths.

Eden Rock – Saint Barths has played host to glittering stars including Greta Garbo. Excellence, exclusivity and exuberance are just a few of the qualities that Hublot and Oetker Collection share to delight their clientele. Its forthcoming reopening provides an opportunity to renew our collaboration through a Classic Fusion model for men and one for women. Even though, once there, you are sure to stop counting the hours…
Ricardo Guadalupe
CEO Hublot

Drawing inspiration from Eden Rock Saint Barths the two timepieces feature details that ensure this mythical place lives on in memory. This exceptional hotel boasts a history dating back to the 1950s, regularly visited by illustrious personalities representing all facets of the world’s rich cultural heritage, from music to cinema and literature, as well as artists seeking inspiration.

The HUB1155 skeleton self-winding chronograph movement showcases the collaboration with Eden Rock St Barths at 3 o’clock. The second watch sparkles with precious diamonds symbolising eternity, with the white lacquer of its dial set with 10 rubies. These two timepieces are available with three straps: a white alligator strap delicately edged with red thread, along with white and red full rubber straps, both finely ribbed.

Deliberately white like the pristine sand of the beach or the sun-bleached walls – everyone will have their own interpretation – the watch has a single touch of colour; the famous Eden Rock red. These creative and aesthetic choices conjure up the perfect getaway.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

Having made a huge investment in the industrialisation of sapphire—the most difficult material to produce—in several colours (transparent, black, yellow, blue and red), to have the quantity necessary to create its models, and given the impossibility of offering an emerald green in this material, Hublot has now explored new avenues.

Today, the brand is able to take a new approach to the ultra- technical and contemporary design of the MP-11 model by shaping its case in an innovative material never before used in watchmaking. Endowed with a deep green that can compete with the finest emeralds, SAXEM combines peerless resistance with a brilliance that comes close to that of a diamond. Within this fully transparent case beats a manual-winding manufacture calibre with an exceptional 14-day power reserve ensured by seven barrels that can be seen from the dial side.

Hublot reaffirms its place as a leader of innovation by making its MP-11—after 3D carbon and transparent sapphire—in a high-tech material that has never been used for a watchcase. Its name is SAXEM, as in Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral. In order to obtain this unparalleled shade of green, transparency and radiance, the Hublot manufacture mixed aluminium oxide, the basic component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The resulting material is both harder than emerald (which is too soft to be machined) and endowed with a brilliance that is greater than that of sapphire.

This jewel of technicality and transparency is produced in a limited run of 20 pieces. An  exploit reserved for connoisseurs, available for CHF 120.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #Mp11Saxem

After Mykonos, Capri and Porto Cervo, HUBLOT conquered another Mediterranean jewel last week, inaugurating a pop-up boutique on Ibiza for the summer. It was also an opportunity to unveil the Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza, an innovative watch in blue ceramic, limited to only 50 pieces, that draws its creative inspiration from the island, its festive nature and its symbolism.

Ibiza the white island; like its immaculate traditional fincas, stands out against the pure azure sky and overlooks the crystal-clear blue sea. This Mediterranean pearl, imbued with bohemian nonchalance, harbours elegant, intimate places and radiates the festive atmosphere of the season.

HUBLOT has set up shop here for summer 2019, dedicating its blue-and-white Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza model to the island. Crowned with a blue ceramic bezel, the 45-mm case encloses a chronograph movement, held on a bi-material strap in blue rubber and white alligator. As a nod to the hippy spirit that is part of Ibiza’s charm, the Peace and Love symbol features on the seconds counter drawn at 3 o’clock on the dial.

A horological dedication to the enchantment of Ibiza, and a way to treat yourself to celebrate the summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © HUBLOT