Sandra‘s Closet

Celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, we honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Looking at the news right now, I wish we could unite women to have more female presidents leading countries worldwide. I am truly convinced we would have a better world. To all those strong and amazing women out there, this day belongs to you!

LoL, Sandra

Printed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt by Jennifer Fischer

Better Days Plate by Yinka Ilori

Set of three enamel and gold-tone bracelets by Roxanne Assoulin

Love GG-Supreme canvas bag by Gucci

Titty Committee set of two mini earthenware jugs by Anissa Kermiche

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Happy International Women’s Day to all my fabulous readers and all those fantastic women in this world! You are the fire, the light, the roar; you’re a woman. May the world hear you roar. All I wish on this special day that you never stop dreaming and believing in yourself. Don’t let yourself hold back by criticism of jealous people! Put on some fun clothes and enjoy this day.

I love the unexpected combination of denim and brocade. And even if it’s tempting, don’t bite your croissant bag too hard… it is a great way to indulge in something sweet without the calories!

My look: Brocade-detail denim jacket, ruffle detail skirt, croissant crossbody bag, and leaf embroidered high denim boots, all by Moschino, and vintage earrings by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at Baur’s in Zurich.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, La Prairie announces lead patronage of Niki de Saint Phalle‘s most substantial U.S. retrospective at MoMA PS1 in New York.

On view from March 11 to September 6, 2021, Niki de Saint Phalle: Structures for Life will feature over 200 works created from the mid-1960s until the artis’s death, highlighting Saint Phalle’s interdisciplinary approach and engagement.

Niki de Saint Phalle. Californian Diary (Order and Chaos). 1994

La Prairie honours Niki de Saint Phalle’s audacious and visionary feminist spirit – her defiance of social norms and her willingness to break the codes both in her personal life and work. The work of Niki de Saint Phalle has a particular resonance for La Prairie as it was her striking use of cobalt blue that was the inspiration behind La Prairie’s iconic Skin Caviar Collection colour.

Niki de Saint Phalle. Flaçon de parfum. 1982

In 1982, Niki was developing her eponymous fragrance from her atelier in a shared design studio in
New York where La Prairie’s team would often engage in creative exchanges. When La Prairie
encountered Niki de Saint Phalle’s cobalt blue – her favourite colour that she describes «as the colour
of joy and luck» – the link became clear: only cobalt blue would do. A fortunate encounter that would
spark a bond with the House of La Prairie and seal it forever.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Collection

Just as Niki de Saint Phalle raised awareness on modernist, progressive views, La Prairie’s founder paved the way to pioneering discoveries. Dr. Paul Niehans was a dreamer, a seeker of beauty. Art was central to his science, central to his dream to hold time in his hand, central to his pioneering spirit. A spirit mirrored in Niki de Saint Phalle’s inner flame of audacity. She expressed a new femininity, one which stood in opposition to the conventional influences and values of society.

Niki de Saint Phalle working on the set for The Travelling Companion at her studio near Milly-la-Forêt. 1977.

Through her lifetime, Niki de Saint Phalle used her platform as an artist to bring attention to various issues advocating for women’s equality to provoke and trigger conversations – a legacy that today continues to inspire new generations of artists and women beyond. Niki de Saint Phalle also shaped art movements such as Nouveau Réalisme. As the only woman in the 1960s-founded group, she offered a unique perspective and proved her art was as innovative as her male counterparts.

Niki de Saint Phalle. La femme et L’oiseau fontaine. 1967–88

«Niki de Saint Phalle created artwork that explicitly rejected patriarchal values and artistic convention. Her Nanas confront Western standards of femininity and decorum: they are brash, ecstatic, and embrace sexuality. She created her Nanas at such a large scale specifically so that they could dominate – literally tower over – men. Saint Phalle was also an iconoclast in her personal style and way of life,» according to Ruba Katrib, Curator of the exhibition.

Last Night I had a dream, 1968-1988

This collaboration with the upcoming exhibition at MoMA PS1 in New York is an opportunity for the Swiss luxury house to enable the world to experience Saint Phalle’s revolutionary work. It is also an expansion of La Prairie’s support of art and culture by creating new connections with the world of art and its various representatives, whether emerging or established artists or cultural institutions. A commitment that continues to flourish and to build on the House’s existing partnerships with art fairs Art Basel and West Bund Art & Design and the iconic Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland.

More information at moma.org/ps1. I would love to see this exhibition and truly hope that we will be able to travel to the U.S. soon again.

LoL, Sandra

Niki de Saint Phalle with La Fontaine Stravinsky

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie, © 2021 Niki Charitable Art Foundation
© Michiko Matsumoto, © Leonardo Bezzola Estate

After a year like no other, supporting and celebrating feels more important than ever for NET-A-PORTER that showcase their #PowerToChange commitment by collaborating with incredible female designers to create an exclusive INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EDIT, reflecting the designers’ personal interpretation of female empowerment. 13 exclusive pieces across ready-to-wear, lifestyle and jewelry, with 100 percent of the NET-A-PORTER profits donated to Women for Women International, helping women living in war-torn countries rebuild their lives and creating lasting change in their communities.

To showcase these 13 exclusive fabulous pieces, some incredible women have been invited to wear these T-shirts with pride, among them supermodel, mother, writer and activist Coco Rocha, Interior designer, culinary storyteller and entertaining expert Athena Calderone and Model, student and co-author of Mixed Feelings, Naomi Shimada, just to name a few.

The exclusive collection consists of nine T-shirts, designed by Stella McCartney, Emilia Wickstead, Westman Atelier, Tove, Anya Hindmarch, Jennifer Fisher, Simone Rocha, Amina Muaddi and Ninety Percent; jewelry by Roxanne Assoulin and Alighieri, and homeware by Anissa Kermiche.

Model and LGBTQ+ campaigner Teddy Quinlivan sports Westman Atelier’s ‘FORCE FEMININE’ T-shirt.

«Nothing is more powerful than women connecting, inspiring and advocating for
each other which is why I’m so honored to be supporting Women for Women International. We have to invest in those who are held back by social, cultural and economic inequality. Women are the driving force of change.» – Gucci Westman / Wetsman Atelier

Author, writer and founder of Gal-Dem – the award-winning media company committed to sharing the perspectives of people of color from marginalized communities – Liv Little is wearing the Tove ‘Womanhood’ embroidered T-shirt.

In addition to the donation of 100 percent of profits from the sales within this collection, for every public post tagged #PowerToChange, @womenforwomen and @netaporter on TikTok or Instagram, between now to March 8, 2021, NET-A-PORTER will donate $1 to Women for Women International.  I encourage you to take part in this, so please do share your posts and pledges!

TO SHOP THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EDIT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

On Friday evening, I celebrated International Women’s Day among my beloved girlfriends at the St. Gotthard Hotel in Zurich where Ljuba Manz and Raquel Marquard hosted an event with Jelmoli filled with everything you can dream of, shoes, a runway show, champagne and laughter.

With Raquel Marquard to the left and Ljuba Manz to the right.

Silvia Affolter moderated the night in a very fun way. First, we all had a closer look at a selection of shoes that would make every girl’s heart leap with joy. Brands such as Alexandre Vauthier (one of my favorites at the moment), Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia were on display as well as jewelry by Austrian jeweler A.E. Köchert.

The fashion show – inspired by St. Tropez – included a lingerie part in collaboration with Beldona. Beautiful lace ensembles – one in combination with a lace mask – got the audience in awe.

A young label from Switzerland, only 3 years old, Ina Kess was introduced. Two beautiful sisters, Katharina and Isabelle Staub, who both studied economics, launched the label in order to fulfill their own need. They design pieces that work for the office, for a night out and in which you can also attend your yoga class. Katharina explained how annoyed she was to carry around a bag of clothes to have everything she needed with her.

Katharina and Isabelle Staub of Ina Kess with Silvia Affolter

Ljuba entertained us amazingly with some fun statements how to treat men well.

Jelmoli presented also looks from renowned designers such as Moschino, Missoni, Peter Pilotto and 3.1. Phillip Lim. The so-called «House of Brands» really shifted during the past years under the helmet of CEO Franco Savastano and has transformed itself into a true luxury haven. Soon, the whole beauty department on the ground floor will also go through renovation. Ladies, no need to fly to London or Paris any longer… we will soon have our own little «Harrods» or «Galeries Lafayette» in Zurich.

Franco Savastano, CEO Jelmoli, had every reason to smile that night, being one of the only men allowed in the room enjoying the fabulous show.

Guests of the night were invited after the fashion show to the presidential suite where they were able to shop everything that was presented on the runway. If you like any look or shoe below, just show the photo to a sales person at Jelmoli. They will happily help you.

I am so in love with these Alexandre Vauthier sandals.

The only recommendation I have and this comes on a very personal note, please include also smaller sizes in your buying, as well as half sizes for shoes!

By the way, the gentlemen enjoyed a great dinner and a Patoro cigar at the iconic Hummerbar next door…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Today it is International Women’s Day (IWD), a focal point in the movement for women’s rights, a day to celebrate womanhood. Let’s all be confident today and wear something fun that makes us feel good. I am looking forward to spending the evening among my best girlfriends, who always support and inspire me, who make me smile, whom I admire.

My look: Armonia checked wool-blend and cotton-gabardine trench coat and Nina leather tote in cognac, both by Gabriela Hearst, Philly pleated cloqué midi dress by Emilia Wickstead, embellished satin pumps by Miu Miu, and «DG hands» limited edition sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

«You can’t let someone else lower your self-esteem, because that’s what it is – self-esteem. You need to first love yourself before you have anybody else love you.»
– Winnie Harlow

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of inspirational women such as Winnie Harlow. I admire the Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and activist who shows us to love ourselves with all our little imperfections.

Role model Winnie Harlow posing naked on her Instagram @winnieharlow

She was diagnosed with vitiligo, the chronic skin condition, characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. Harlow was a victim of bullying by other children and was reportedly called a «cow, zebra, and all manner of other disparaging slurs» throughout her childhood. The verbal harassment led to her changing schools numerous times and dropping out of high school, after which she contemplated committing suicide.

Her life changed when Tyra Banks discovered her for the twenty-first cycle of the U.S. television series America’s Next Top Model. Winnie gained easily prominence as a contestant despite her skin condition and finished sixth place. From then, she has worked as a successful model and was the face for several campaigns.

Get her look she wore on the streets of New York City recently: Custom Crystal fox fur coat by M.A Skinz, feather-trimmed embellished printed crepe blouse and cropped chain-trimmed printed crepe straight-leg pants, both from Prada‘s Resort 2018 collection and D’orsay Marlene heels in petal by Roger Vivier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Vivier (Photo by Gotham/GC Images), via Winnie Harlow and stills courtesy of the brands

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated every year on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Bobbi Brown has worked hard to empower women beyond makeup. Through «The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls», that was launched in 2013, the cosmetic brand has partnered with organizations that make education and learning accessible to women and girls on a global level. In 2017, Bobbi Brown is is teaming up with Kiva by donating $300,000 to the global non-profit organization that helps low income women in over 80 countries secure microloans and create better futures for themselves.

What is it?
Pretty with a purpose – introducing Bobbi’s best-selling, multi-tasking lip and cheek formula Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge in limited edition Pretty Powerful Pink III. Your purchase will support Bobbi Brown’s donation to Kiva.

Who is it for?
The woman looking for a creamy color formula that can be used on both lips and cheeks.

How do I use it?
Press onto apples of cheeks, blending out and down toward hairline using your fingertips. Apply with fingertips or the Lip Brush (sold separately) on lips; can be worn alone or with Lip Pencil and Lip Gloss.

Why is it different?
One thing is clear: an educated girl is a pretty powerful girl. With the purchase of this limited edition shade, you will support Bobbi Brown’s $300,000 donation to Kiva. Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge is available now at all Bobbi Brown locations and online.

You can also support Kiva by lending directly to a woman or girl in a developing country. Once your loan is repaid, you can use the funds again and again – truly a gift that keeps on giving.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today is International Women’s Day! It’s time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of us women. Yet let’s also be aware that this tremendous progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity.

«Here is to good women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.»

In honor of International Women’s Day, LUISAVIAROMA provides you with this special promotion code: MDLSUK. Spend more and save more: 10% OFF $500, or 15% OFF $1000.
Applies to select full price products only. Excludes fine jewelry and items tagged ‘permanent‘ and ‘essential‘. This code is valid from now until March 16, 2016 (23:59 CET).

Get the look with 15% off: Pink dress with ruffles by Gucci, book clutch by Olympia Le Tan, pumps by Gianvito Rossi and leather bracelet by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Keep your dreams big and your aspirations high… Happy International Women’s Day!

LoL, Sandra

Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is MAKE IT HAPPEN which represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater efforts to tackle gender inequalities issues that still affect societies all over the world.

Launched for the first time in 1911, organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate this special day, specific to their local context and interests.

Therefore, Net-à-porter will donate 20% of all profit made today to the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality! Shopping for a good cause, I like! TO SHOP PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Here are some of my favorites of the month:

1 Braided leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi
2 Hendrix crepe and cotton-twill peplum top by Peter Pilotto
3 Laser-cut glossed-leather tote by Alaïa
4 Candy leather sandals by Saint Laurent
5 Slim fringed appliquéd leather tote by Marni
6 Suede skirt by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-porter