Sandra‘s Closet

Welcome to the ​Empathy Suite, a Sky Villa designed by and featuring the works of world-renowned artist Damien Hirst. The artist has collaborated with Bentel & Bentel Architects to design the world’s most expensive hotel room. If you are looking for some for Instagram-worthy moment and you have a spare $100.000 per night, it’s your place to stay at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Sin City has a reputation for excess, and the nearly $690 million renovation of the hotel has also filled it with a huge amount of impressive artwork, including works by Takashi Murakami, KAWS, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and, of course, Hirst.

Once you pass through the gilded doors, you’re met with a 13-foot-long tiger shark that has been trisected into three tanks of formaldehyde, lofted above bottles of top-shelf spirits – Hirst’s first bar project in the United States, featuring the fierce sculpture titled The Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded).

The 836-square-meters two-story sky villa sits on top of the Palms and is the first and only of «its kind featuring a collection of contemporary art at this scale.» It’s an eclectic mix of blue-chip and street art that rarely mingles under one roof. With many original pieces from some of Hirst’s most notable series, a custom butterfly-motif mosaic tiled cantilevered pool overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and Venus gray marble featured throughout the villa, it will surely attract lots of celebrities – especially after the announcement that they’ll be holding a three-night festival for the anticipated opening of the KAOS nightclub, featuring the likes of Cardi B, Skrillex, and Travis Scott, with additional performances by Alicia Keys and Hozier at their Pearl Theater.

And if you were wondering where the name Empathy Suite derives from…. , because Hirst wants you «to feel empathy when you’re in it; empathy with all your friends wherever they are and whether you’re with them or not and to feel empathy when you’re spending the night with them in the suite and empathy with the whole world the morning after.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Palms Casino Resort

I have to admit that I am a little behind posting. The last weeks have been crazy. I went to Las Vegas with Gucci, flew back for a few days to Zurich to prepare the launch of L’Officiel Switzerland (the first edition will finally hit the shelves on March 7, 2014) and then hit off to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Spirit Awards.

So I have to rewind a little to tell you all about the amazing time I had in Nevada. There is a saying that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…” but of course not on Sandra’s Closet. I will give you every little detail of this amazing time. This reason for it  was to discover the Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition, a glamorous new take on the striking scents.

Inspired by the modern rebel, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini created Gucci Guilty in 2010, a bold pair of fragrances for modern trend-setters. In 2011, Gucci Guilty Intense was launched, followed by Gucci Guilty Black in 2013. 20 million bottles have been sold, it is a true success story.

This year, it its all about a rock star attitude. The Italian brand has always loved rock’n roll and rock’n roll has always loved Gucci. For Frida Giannini, it is a constant source of inspiration. Therefore, I was invited to explore the brand’s newest stud collection in the Gucci store, located at The Crystals at CityCenter.

To live up to the rock star attitude, we enjoyed a Bruno Mars (Gucci dresses him) concert in the VIP area which was absolutely outstanding. Personally speaking, I have never been really crazy for his songs but after seeing him live on stage, I have become a huge fan.

The next day, Gucci has spoilt us even more with an exclusive dinner at the famous Joël Robuchon restaurant located at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas. Inspired by the fragrance’s main ingredients, the eight course menu was just divine, an explosion for all senses.

So let’s have a look at the first limited edition of Gucci Guilty (the scent stays the same), available for both for woman and men. To celebrate the brand’s signature mix of rock and glamour, the Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition is covered in more than 400 metal studs (in gunmetal for him and gold for her). Frida Giannini says: “I have always had a love of the rock aesthetic. I like to think of Gucci Guilty Stud as bottled rock attitude.“ One thing is sure, these exclusive flacons are true collectors’ items.

Gucci Guilty For Women Stud Limited Edition (right) 
ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Mandarin and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Peach, Lilac and Geranium
Base notes: Patchouli and Amber

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Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Stud Limited Edition (left)
AROMATIC FOUGERE

Top notes: Italian Lemon and Mandarin, Green Leaves and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Lavender, Coriander, Orange Flower and Neroli
Base notes: Cedar and Patchouli

Below you can enjoy some exclusive behind the scenes photos from the campaign shoot with Evan Rachel Wood and a little interview with her.

Tell us about Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition?

Gucci Guilty is releasing a limited edition bottle with studs on it to invoke a rock and roll vibe. It is a very seductive, provocative and bold perfume and now it’s taken to the next level.

How would you describe the person that wears Gucci Guilty Stud?

A Gucci Guilty woman is someone who is very confident, bold and daring. Someone that isn’t afraid to indulge in their guilty pleasure.

Do you think that perfume reflects personal style? Does Gucci Guilty match yours?

I think that Gucci Guilty does match my personal style and that perfume can reflect your personal style. I view my style as sleek and classy, but definitely with an edge. I think that’s why this perfume fits me.

On what occasion would you wear Gucci Guilty Stud?

One thing I love about this perfume is that is has a balance of sweet and spicy. You can wear it during the day but also at night when you’re out to have a good time. It’s a fragrance that makes a statement.

What does Rock n Roll mean to you?

Rock and roll means everything to me. Even more than acting, music is my first passion. Rock and roll has inspired me in very way. It has inspired me to be myself and to take chances. Rock and roll is all about pushing boundaries. I try to live my life by that.

What is your first memory of rock and roll?

My first memory of rock and roll was when I saw Labyrinth as a kid. That was when I first saw David Bowie. He was singing these rocks songs in a kid’s film and I completely fell in love with him! I thought, ‘who is this amazing person wearing makeup?

Who are your rock icons (musically and aesthetically – fashion)?

Patty Smith and Janis Joplin. Women who aren’t afraid to be loud and scream their hearts out.

What clothing item(s) do you think best reflects a rock and roll lifestyle?

Studs and spikes represent a Rock and Roll lifestyle. Anything that is different, weird, shocking or provocative are all things that represent a Rock and Roll style.

When you think Gucci, do you think Rock & Roll? Why?

I definitely think rock and roll when I think Gucci. Gucci also sponsored a David Bowie exhibition and the amazing Sound for Change live concert in London in 2013. Frida is also very Rock and Roll. It s said that she has 7,000 records!

The new limited edition is in stores now. Get yours as long it is available as it will be flying off the shelves…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, Gucci presented their studs collection (post coming up soon) at their Las Vegas store, which is located at The Crystals at CityCenter. The newest shopping heaven in town features the most luxurious designers on over 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2) of stylish retail space.

My look: Leopard print jacket, belted jersey dress, python sandals and Bamboo leather tote, all by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch, rose diamond necklace and ring, all by Piaget.

This is how I Vegas… indulging in the most outstanding shopping experience.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.

Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.

My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A city arises from the middle of nowhere in a feverish vision, like a mirage. Under the azure blue of a cloudless sky, Las Vegas keeps the desert dust at bay in the hypnotic ballet of neon lights. Along the Strip, the luxury hotels and casinos set the scene for a modern fairytale in which all dreams are possible. Amongst them stands the Bellagio Hotel. Its sumptuous gallery will welcome an entirely remodeled CHANEL boutique in end of this month.

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, creates a gold-plated collection and strews stardust over polyester dreams.

The iconic gold of CHANEL elegance slips into every texture. A silky powder on the skin, sunny lacquer on the nails or a sheer whisper on the lips, it highlights a radiant face that’s on a lucky streak.

LUCKY STRIPES

The Exclusive Creation of the collection concentrates the entire spirit of Las Vegas in its traditional square case. Lined up in rows, four shades of sand and bronze sweep through every variation of a fabulous desert in which gold embraces the sun and shines. On the surface of the colours, an embossed star design seems to extend a warmwelcome to the city of dreams. For an illuminating makeover, a beveled brush is ideal for choosing and blending shades, sweeping lightly over the cheekbones, face or eyelids.

CHF 85.-

ROUGE COCO SHINE BRILLANT

The extremely melt-away texture and playful spirit of the most mischievous CHANEL lipstick get into the game with a total golden look. BRILLANT: faithful to the style of Coco Chanel, its sheer golden shade gives a fun twist to the traditional codes ofelegance.

CHF 46.-

LE CRAYON LÈVRES VEGAS GOLD

It accentuates the centre of the upper lip with a golden line. A makeup tip that adds a touch of light and emphasizes the fullness of a sparkling smile.

CHF 34.-

LE VERNIS GOLD FINGERS

A semi-sheer golden lacquer glides over nails like a talisman for a Midas touch.

In Switzerland available starting February 20, 2012 in CHANEL stores only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel