Sandra‘s Closet

If you have ever enjoyed the exquisite gastronomy by Andreas Caminada, you will understand how much passion goes into it. Therefore it seems so obvious that he is the new chef in the Hublot brigade. Both share spirit and determination for what they do. It is this quest for perfection that brings together the Swiss watch manufacturer and its friends!

In the kitchen with Andreas Caminada to the left and Ricardo Guadalupe to the right.

Last week, I was invited by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, to an exclusive lunch at Schloss Schauenstein, home of Andreas Caminada, to celebrate this new collaboration in Fürstenau, the smallest village in Europe.

Some impressions of the beautiful lunch I enjoyed last Thursday.

Andreas Caminada looks more like a rock star but in his heart he is a countryman who works with local products, grows some of it, and whose cuisine has absolute watchmaking precision. He likes simple and natural things. An international reference, at nearly 40 he is the youngest chef in Europe to have won a third Michelin star, which he did 7 years ago, and his 19 Gault & Millau points and stars have launched him to the firmament of gastronomy. He skilfully combines audacity, innovation and tradition. Eating at his table is like sitting down at the family table, so convivial is the atmosphere he cultivates. I can absolutely recommend a visit to his restaurant which has been voted as one of the best restaurants in the world for eight years. The beautiful castle Schloss Schauenstein has also rooms where you can stay overnight.

There are destinies that life brings together. 2004, the year that changed everything for Hublot and for Andreas Caminada, the year that marked the start of their dizzying rise. For Hublot, it was the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver as CEO and the birth of the Big Bang, unveiled a few months later in 2005. For Andreas Caminada, it was his first Michelin star.

Hublot & Andreas Caminada – the taste for excellence fused.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday night in Milan, Hublot presented its new Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection at the famous shop of Italian luxury tailor Rubinacci. You might ask yourself now: what do you get when you mix the watchmaking expertise of Hublot, the limitless creativity of Italia Independent through its founder Lapo Elkann, and the treasures of the famous Italian tailor Rubinacci? The Art of Fusion! And we all know that when it comes to fashion, the Italians are ahead of the game!

Since 2014, two collections have been born from the partnership between Hublot, Italia Independent and Lapo Elkann. Although both of the previous collections were based on the legendary Big Bang Unico model, this time the magic of this wildly creative team was unleashed on the Classic Fusion model. Its name seems to have predestined it for this new special edition: there has never been such a fine example of the fusion of the ‘classic’ and innovation.

“As a creator, I have always put customisation and bespoke designs, which for me represent real luxury, at the heart of my different projects. It is with this in mind that I conceive and design unique objects, which meet my tastes and requirements, but also satisfy my clients. I like the fact that they become truly mine and that they are distinctive, and this is the case for the Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection.” Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent.

Lapo Elkann with Luca Rubinacci

This was a task that was made-to-measure (no pun intended) for Lapo Elkann who is frequently named “the most elegant man in the world” and who has made bespoke designs and customisation his signature. He brought Ferrari’s ‘Tailor Made’ programme to life, and he is continuing and expanding upon the concept with Garage Italia Customs; cars, boats, planes and helicopters, with a unique level of customisation, personalisation and innovative creativity for the whole mobility industry. Lapo also applies this same expertise to the creations that he designs for Hublot and Italia Independent.

Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, Lapo Elkann, Luca Rubinacci and Mariano Rubinacci.

The “sartoria Rubinacci” was not chosen at random: since 1932, three generations of Rubinacci have been at the reins of this institution of good taste and masculine refinement: Gennaro, the founding grandfather, Mariano, the father who now manages the house from Naples and, of course Luca, master of the store in Milan, and one of the most photographed men on the planet thanks to his unique style. Between them they have dressed everybody from the Duke of Kent to singer Bryan Ferry, not to mention of course the Agnelli family, of which Lapo Elkann is the worthy successor.

Lapo and Luca choosing the fabrics.

The House of Rubinacci holds the most beautiful collection of fabrics in its archives. It was here, in the more than 60,000 square metres of precious houndstooth, tweeds and other cloths that Hublot and Lapo Elkann found a collection of tartans—squared coloured wool weaves from the seventies—that they brought back to life by including them in the Classic Fusion as a chronograph. The dial and straps have therefore been made using these precious fabrics to offer this range of 45 mm timekeepers an end result that is the epitome of elegance. “La vera sprezzatura!”

I chose these fabrics thinking about the costumes that we make for Lapo Elkann. I began with the extravagant colours of a vivid tartan with a sporty tone, then a more traditional houndstooth—in the style of an Italian gentleman—that I wanted in black and white, the colours of his favourite team Juventus F.C. I didn’t think that it was possible to put wool on the straps and dial of a watch. But, Hublot managed it and the result is better than I could have hoped for. We have achieved a balanced watch, with a pattern effect that is neither too bold nor too light.“ Luca Rubinacci

A collection full of Italian style and spirit!

LoL, Sandra

The Phly Boyz were entertaining the guests at the event in Milan.

Rubinacci – the epitome of style.

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

THE 500TH LAFERRARI TO BE BUILT TO BENEFIT THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE

On the occasion of the bilateral summit between the Italian and German governments that took place at Ferrari on the 31st of August, Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that FERRARI will produce an additional LaFerrari, one more than the original 499 planned.

The 500th LaFerrari of this limited edition series, the first hybrid supercar by the Prancing Horse, will be sold at auction to benefit the people of central Italy affected by the earthquake of the 24th of August.

LaFerrari literally means “The Ferrari” in most Romance languages, in the sense that LaFerrari is the ‘definitive’ Ferrari.

The project of the LaFerrari (project name, F150) was first unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. Only 499 units have been built, and each cost more than 1 million US dollars.

THE FERRARI WATCH
HUBLOT MP-05 LAFERRARI SAPPHIRE

A new piece for 2016, the HUBLOT MP-05 LaFerrari Sapphire dresses Hublot’s Ferrari engine-inspired movement in an all-sapphire case so that you can match your watch to your car.
For more information, visit the Hublot website.

FERRARI RED LIPS
GIORGIO ARMANI ROUGE D’ARMANI LIPSTICK in 409 Ferrari Red

And ladies, relax, to enjoy something in Ferrari style, we don’t need our wallets to explode. Just a gorgeous lipstick for ultimate red lips and the attention will be all yours… which means a Ferrari driver might not focus on his car but on you:-).

Watches, lipstick and cars – Ferrari Red is the common thread!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Recently, I flew to New York to attend the opening celebrations of HUBLOT‘s new Fifth Avenue flagship store. As you can imagine everything was superlative and I cannot wait to show you all the details. Here you see me on my way to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

My look: Sarai signature essentials dress by Hervé Leger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, boy bag with chains by Chanel and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, I flew to New York for the 110th anniversary celebration of Montblanc. It was freezing cold when I landed. I stayed at the PIERRE hotel on the Upper East Side, a perfect location, very close to the Central Park, where those photos were taken.

My look: Wool toggle coat by Gucci, key embroidered cardigan, matching sweater and scarf, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Maria high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, biker boots by Miu Miu, The Falabella medium faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney and sunglasses by Chanel.

Now, two weeks later I am back in the Big Apple for the opening party of Hublot‘s gigantic Fifth Avenue store. The sun is shining and it feels like summer. I am staying again at the PIERRE hotel and enjoy a spectacular view over the city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Baselworld 2016 has officially started and one launch has immediately caught my eye. HUBLOT releases a burst of colour in shades to make your mouth water! After lace and denim, it’s time to place linen centre stage. This natural plant fibre is not only used for the strap, it also adorns the case and dial of the new Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen collection.

A unique weaving process creates a unidirectional weft comprising 100% natural fibres, dyed and paired with a transparent composite. It offers an innovative alternative to carbon fibre, with which it shares mechanical strength, but is lighter in weight and allows an infinite palette of hues. For the strap, HUBLOT has selected a pure linen fabric sewn onto rubber. It is made from flax gathered, spun and then woven by hand, using only the very best fibres.

This radiant collection is available in 4 eye-popping colours – Ocean Blue, Turquoise, Purple and Orange. Four models, each released in a limited edition of 200 pieces, house the HUB4300 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement in a 41 mm case.

341.XL.2770.NR.1201 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Ocean Blue – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XL.2770.NR.1237 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Turquoise – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XO.2770.NR.1206 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Orange – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XP.2770.NR.1205 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Purple – Limited to 200 pieces

Polished steel with 6 H-shaped titanium countersunk, polished & locked screws
Set with blue or orange sapphires, topazes or amethysts
10 ATM, approximately 100 metres

I love the purple one! And you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Today and running through the week, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has opened its doors. Only invited journalists and retailers from around the world are able to visit this most exclusive watch fair in Geneva at the Palexpo convention center. Renowned watch brands, such as IWC Schaffhausen, Audemars Piguet, Piaget, Montblanc, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin just to name a few display their newest timepieces. As all of these houses have in general famous ambassadors, you will most likely run in many celebrities at the exhibition. In the evening, exclusive events take place. One that is definitely not to miss is IWC Schaffhausen’s gala night which always takes place on Tuesday evening. Enjoy some of my impressions of last year and stay tuned for the new ones coming up soon!

Monday night is Montblanc night. Charlotte Casiraghi wore the same Montblanc earrings than me.

French actor Pierre Niney

Tuesday is THE day at the IWC Schaffhausen booth, many celebrities (here among them Nico Rosberg, Louis Hamilton, Ronan and Storm Keating) visit the Swiss watch manufacturer.

Framed by Marc Forster and Luis Garcia Fanjul.

IWC brand ambassador Karolina Kurkova with me

In the evening, the IWC gala «Journey to the Stars» took place which was amazing.

With Adriana Lima and Barbara Becker.

Great performance by Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall.

Love her! Emily Blunt

Having fun!

James Marsden.

With IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern 

British Formula 1 racing car driver Lewis Hamilton

As SIHH is all about watches, I would like to show you two of my favorite models I spotted last year. First the Big Bang Broderie by Hublot. Sized at 41mm, these beautiful watches come in three styles (two are shown in the picture). All are limited to 200 pieces, each style.

And second, Cartier‘s Rêve de Panthère watch. In this spectacular creation, Cartier’s panther emblem enters the decoration – at once diurnal and nocturnal – of a day/night movement that belongs to the great tradition of the Maison’s complications. Like by magic, The background sky changes from starry night to shining sun for an extraordinary interpretation of time measurement.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and Cartier, © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, many greetings from Dubai where I am at the moment. Shopping here is absolutely amazing and I spotted something truly interesting that you might have not seen yet:
The exclusive Hublot watch “Lady Dubai” created for Dubai by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the largest retailer of Swiss brand timepieces in the Middle East. It is an absolutely limited edition. Only thirty of these unique watches have been produced and are only available in Dubai.

As you already know, I am not the biggest Hublot fan but this model here is another one that caught my attention. It is so fashionable. The shape is the typical Hublot Big Bang one with a white mother of pearl dial surrounded by a rainbow-coloured bezel set with semi-precious stones and a white crocodile strap.

The best is to come: The watch is accompagnied by six different interchangeable straps matching the colours of the bezel. The one I saw was number 13 and is available at their Dubai Mall store for approximately CHF 60.000.-. They would ship to your home address if you are interested…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Me with Depeche Mode`s lead singer Dave Gahan

Swiss watchmaker Hublot and one of my favourite bands, Depeche Mode, had teamed up to create 12 exclusive Big Bang timepieces featuring the group`s album artwork. Each watch came in a box comprising some additional Depeche Mode gadgets and was auctioned off.
Last weekend Hublot and Depeche Mode presented the proceeds of this incredible joint project: a cheque for over $620.000 to the Teenager Cancer Trust. Dave Gahan, the band`s lead singer, had committed himself with great enthusiasm to the event after having recovered from his own cancer surgery last May.

If you are sad that you missed those charity watches, have a look at one of the newest signature Hublot models: the Big Bang Rose Steel Tutti Frutti. Not for a good cause, but the 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires are definitely worth the attention. The exquisite rose-coloured dream is accentuated by a matching alligator bracelet and would be the perfect eyecatcher for your wrist this summer. I am not always the biggest Hublot fan but this version gets my vote.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht