Sandra‘s Closet

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

It is always a pleasure to be invited by Montblanc to one of their special events. This summer, it was Florence calling for the launch of the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection which takes its inspiration from safari travel and exploration.

With this beautiful vegetable-tanned leather collection that is finished with vintage gold hardware for the modern adventurer, Montblanc continues their story of innovation.
So gentlemen, whether you plan an excursion to the sandy dunes of Sahara or a safari to the plains of East Africa, this line is for you.

If you are rather an urban nomad, you will love those 1926 Montblanc Heritage piece as well as they offer an extremely chic and stylish way to carry personal items or technology around the city.

Ladies adventurers: Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc, and my humble self, exploring the launch event.

I am absolutely convinced that many ladies will fall for its vintage feel and the earthy, easy to combine desert hues, too. At the latest, when they spot the bright red printed lining that is inspired by the vibrant fabrics worn by the regal Maasai tribe.

Dubbed the Heritage 1926 collection in recognition of the year Montblanc added leather goods to its business with a small collection of pen cases, the new range features backpacks of different sizes, portfolios, document holders and brief cases, as well as a mid-size weekender and some fine stationery.

Hugh Jackman with me

The launch party took place at Europe’s largest private garden. Italian hospitality at its best with great music, fine food, beautiful displays to create a whole world around the new collection and a special guest that is a true adventurer: Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman who had flown in for this special occasion.

An Italian worker explaining how the tanning process of the leather works.

Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal explained to me that for the first time, Montblanc has been using traditional Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather that will take on a patina with age. An early trend for next summer has been spotted at Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence: Seventies-style bohemianism that plays exactly with that vintage feel that makes the products genuinely personal.

At Montblanc’s manufacture in Tuscany where the leather goods are produced.

The morning after the launch party, I visited the Montblanc manufacture in Tuscany and saw with my own eyes the leather craftsmanship that goes into each of those pieces. I was extremely impressed by the different steps that have to be applied in order to achieve the antique gold color finishing of the metal fittings or the bridge and clasp closing systems.

I am sure that the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection will be a full success among all gentlemen and ladies adventurers. Below you can enjoy some more of my impressions of this fantastic event in Florence …

LoL, Sandra

At the launch event in Florence dressed in Gucci.

The evening started with a cocktail reception in the largest private garden in Europe.

Every little detail was perfect.

Mr Hugh Jackman had fun as we did!

On our way inside the tent where dinner was served, we felt like adventurers on a safari.

You could feel the mood behind the collection perfectly.

Seated dinner

Beautiful ambiance

Pieces from the 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection on display.

Photos in Collage/Still: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Montblanc
All other photos from the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2012, my relationship as MONTBLANC ambassador started with the launch of my very own ink Sandra Berry, a fuchsia hue, that was limited to 100 pieces.

My beautiful limited edition Sandra Berry ink by Montblanc.

Now, in 2016, I was honored to be part of their new social media campaign that focuses on the Urban Spirit collection, a brand new leather line defined by its innovative functionality – the ultimate companion for the independent traveller’s daily needs.

Being featured on Montblanc’s Facebook page along with brand ambassador Hugh Jackman, how cool is this?!

For the campaign I had to answer some questions about myself and the city of Zurich:

Favorite place in your city and why ?
I love the area around the Stadthausquai and the Münsterbrücke as it makes me feel like being in Paris. It shows the beauty of Zurich in perfection.

What does Urban Spirit in your city inspires you?
The urban spirit of Zurich is very cosmopolitan, combining Swiss traditions with cultural influences from all over the world. It is a melting pot that inspires me every day just by hearing different languages. Zurich is a metropole and a small little village at the same time, a place where you can do business and feel like being on holidays with its beautiful mountains and stunning lake.

And here are the social media campaign photos shot by lovely Andrea Monica Hug:

Stay tuned for all the details of the look coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht