Sandra‘s Closet

Last Tuesday, I enjoyed a night at the museum with Veuve Cliquot for the unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau in Berlin. On display in the entrance hall was the champagne house’s new, exciting collaboration with the Japanese artist who dressed the La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition in her signature patterns, the polka dots. Also on display was Kusama’s artwork «My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night», a vibrant floral sculpture.

Among the guests from art and culture were German A-listers Iris Berben, Lea van Acken, Andreas Mühe, Christian and Karen Boros, William Fan, Franz Dinda, Hardy Krüger jr, Esther Perbandt, Johann König and many more.

German actress Iris Berben exploring the early years of the Kusama exhibition.

The evening started with a private guided tour through the amazing retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (92). From an upper class Japanese family that owned a seed nursery business, Yayoi Kusama grew up in a conservative environment. When she left school, and against her mother’s wishes, Yayoi decided to leave Japan, which she considered too small a country, and her family, where art as a career was not appreciated. Kusama left for the US, first Seattle, before settling in New York.

As a painter, sculptor, author, and performance artist, but also a filmmaker, writer, and a female artist of Asian origin in a predominantly male, Western art world, her audacity knew no bounds, as her controversial «happenings» showed. She soon gained recognition and her tenacity paid off: from the 1960s onwards she was one of the few female artists to make a living from her work.

Since her early years, the artist has experienced obsessions and hallucinations; she uses art as a sort of antidote for healing, a kind of self-medication. The canvases she covers with nets and dots have a dual effect; she demonstrates a mastery of repetition that at the same time reveals its infinite character; its overflow is liberating. Interesting to know is that Kusama was the first person in the 20th century to use this method of harnessing an individual’s potential for artistic expression and creativity for openly psychotherapeutic purposes. Today this has acquired the name «art therapy».

As a young artist, Kusama gained inspiration from plants and flowers, which she saw as a symbol of life, birth and regeneration. In later years, they became part of her figurative languages as positive symbols conveying vital energy and regeneration.

The flower is what led her to paint dots at the start of her career – the famous polka dots, which have become her signature. At her happenings in the late 1960s she covered her own and the participants’ bodies in these dots.

«Polka dots are a life, and the moon, the sun, and the stars are one of hundred of millions of polka dots. This is my grand philosophy. With peace from polka dots, I would like to deeply launch my longing for eternal love. Polka dots shall continue to proliferate and appeal to the people with my message.» – Yayoi Kusama

This message of hope and optimism has made her a much-loved figure who is avidly followed by a wide public. She was one of TIME magazine‘s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and is now a style icon. She has collaborated with countless brands; from couture (remember the fantastic collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2012) to streetwear, Kusama’s name fascinates and inspires.

In honor of Madame Cliquot, Veuve Cliquot has commissioned Yayoi Kusama to create a joyful, original work celebrating the new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012. Two bold destinies, two innovative minds, two avantgardists who influenced their times.

With Petra Nagel, Managing Director Moët Hennessy Deutschland (LVMH)

Celebrating this magic encounter, we were invited outside after the tour to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a wonderful vegetarian/vegan dinner with live performance accompanied by three amazing vintage champagnes; Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 2012, La Grand Dame Rosé 2006 and La Grand Dame 2008 Magnum.

A beautiful evening – thank you Veuve Cliquot for inviting me to Berlin, for these unforgettable memories and a message of hope and optimism.

I fully enjoyed the dinner thanks also to the lovely company of Karen Boros, Lea Van Acken and Hendrikje Kopp.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
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Here are some amazing summer fragrances that’ll transport your nose to sunnier shores. From Dior‘s interpretation of a French Riviera icon, to Louis Vuitton‘s Californian Dream, there’s almost too many brand new summer perfumes to treat yourself to this season. Here are my favorites:

ON THE BEACH by LOUIS VUITTON

On the Beach, the new perfume by Louis Vuitton, recounts the delights of the coastline and the desire for wide open spaces, a blissful long stretch of beach, and the peaceful rush of the ocean. It is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. I liked it a lot, as it really evokes the memories of laying at the beach.

Top Notes: Yuzu and Neroli
Middle Notes: Pink Pepper, Rosemary, Sand, Thyme and Cloves
Base Note: Cypress

EDEN-ROC by DIOR

This new fragrance dedicated to the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, is a burst of emotion that lingers in the air like a gentle Mediterranean breeze. A bright encapsulation of the Riviera, its balanced blend of mineral and plant essences invoke the feeling of discovery in a landscape of paradisiacal beauty. It is an a Amber Floral fragrance for women and men.

Top Notes: Sea Salt, Citruses and Mineral notes
Middle Notes: Jasmine and Coconut
Base Note: Pine Tree and Labdanum

SOLEIL BLANC by TOM FORD

This Amber Floral fragrance is for women and men. Unexpected, sultry and addictive, this solar floral scent has been one of my summer favorites since its launch in 2016. It evokes emote private islands where summer lasts all year.

Top Notes: Pistachio, Bergamot, Cardamom and Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine
Base Note: Coconut, Amber, Tonka Bean and Benzoin

COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU BRUME DE PARFUM by CHANEL

The iconic scent switches to summer mode. Specially devised for the warmer days, this limited edition reveals a fresher and fruitier aspect of the fragrance with a formula as light as a perfume mist. A summer variation that allows fans of the scent’s boldness to enjoy its citrus and floral notes without moderation. It is a is a Chypre Fruity fragrance for women.

Top Notes: Orange and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose and Jasmine
Base Note: White Musk

No 9 ~ wunderwind ~ by LENGLING

This bold yet sensual composition is as wonderfully invigorating as a walk in a shady grove of pine trees. The fresh, spicy fragrance of the needles and Mediterranean herbs is perfectly combined with the warm breeze blown across from the nearby sea. Honey and soft musk will caress your soul and awaken its vitality…

LENG-Note: «Shady pine tree grove»
Pine needles absolue, honey, rosemary, thyme absolue, resiny incense
LING-Note: «Sunny sea»
Sea breeze tones, floral ozone notes, lemon, musk, watermelon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of the Brands
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Louis Vuitton introduces the Vendôme Flex collection, three signature staple styles for the men’s wardrobe.

This classic and timeless line includes a Derby shoe, loafer and Chelsea boot, and combines shoemaking expertise with all of today’s needs for comfort and elegance. Each of the three Vendôme Flex styles requires the mastery of expert artisans at the Louis Vuitton shoe workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy. The traditional Goodyear-welted seam has been enhanced with a new flex technique, the result of an extensive reworking of the traditional sole, lining, and upper leather to improve their softness. Special technical materials have also been placed within the insole to provide comfort formerly reserved for sneakers.

Comfort aside, these iconic and timeless shapes exude a modern and relaxed attitude in a contemporary style. The Derby is made from a single piece of waxed calfskin, while the loafer and Chelsea boot feature accents of Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram canvas across the former’s upper, and along the tab of the latter. Crafted in the finest leathers and sublimed by exceptional craftmanship, the three Vendôme Flex styles indulge in a world of supple elegance, breathing independence and freedom with every step.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

With several high-end audio products already under its belt, Louis Vuitton now adds a portable speaker to its range of connected products. Seamlessly combining tradition and innovation, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker is an example of unique design and genuine craftsmanship.

Through superior sound quality and cutting-edge technology, it really comes into its own through the Maison’s unconventional approach to creating beauty in an everyday object. Not only does the speaker provide the ultimate audio-visual experience, it also represents the House’s skill in turning a utilitarian item into a work of art. With creativity running through every strand of Louis Vuitton, the Horizon Light Up speaker is no exception. Challenging perceptions of how objects should look and feel, as well as what is possible in terms of design, the speaker takes on a form that is unique in the audio market with inspiration coming from the Toupie (‘Spinning Top’) handbag, designed by the brand’s Artistic Director of Women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière. Just as the Toupie rewrote the rule book for evening bags, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker aims to reinvent the world of portable speakers.

Bound in noble leather and with metal components, the speaker boasts the House’s emblematic signatures. Only when the device is switched on does its purpose become obvious in an explosion of sound, light and movement. As the covered woofer vibrates like a heartbeat, a dynamic light show synchronises to the beat with a colourful digital interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram flower. A top ring with LED backlighting provides three different animations in seven carefully selected, graduated colourways. A concave, steel middle band features the cut-out letters ‘L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N’ that glow in colours to match the dancing top ring.

Elegant and discreet, the speaker can be used inside and out, and is equally at home in the living room, office or garden, on a country retreat, a city break, or at a beach club party. The unconventional shape offers myriad acoustic benefits. When sitting on its dock, the sound is played at 360 degrees, but by placing the speaker on its side, music can be sent in a specific direction. At the top of the speaker, a leather strap is attached, a unique element that is as fashionable as it is freeing. Beautiful and compact enough to be carried as an accessory, either with or without its protective pouch, the speaker is truly portable, a perfect representation of Louis Vuitton’s Spirit of Travel.

The Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker weighs approximately 1kg and measures a mere 18cm in diameter – a remarkable feat of engineering that involved housing the highest quality acoustic components in a diminutive and complex case to deliver a unique audio experience.

With all the convenience of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth®, the speaker is also compatible with Apple AirPlay® 2, and Qplay via Wi-Fi. It can be charged via USB-C (through the speaker or dock), with a full charge providing up to 15 hours of playtime. Depending on the occasion, it can also be paired or grouped in larger numbers to accommodate bigger spaces and multiple rooms.

A dedicated Louis Vuitton Connect app controls all of the speaker’s functions including colour combinations, animation sequences and mono or multiroom set-up to be operated via a smartphone.

Living up to all of the House’s promises, the beautiful, practical and covetable Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker will be a welcome addition to any lifestyle occasion. Fated to be a future icon, it is sure to become the ultimate accessory for those who appreciate high-quality acoustics and ultimate craftsmanship, as well as for the contemporary traveller.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. AirPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Unveiled during Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2021 show by Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, the Felt Line, features three iconic leather good pieces and reflect the Maison’s ground-breaking approach to circular creativity. Designed using several eco-responsible materials: organic cotton and recycled wool-based jacquard, 100% recycled polyester derived from existing stocks, as well as recycled plastic for the chains.

A Keepall, a Keepall XS and a Soft Trunk — a design created by Virgil Abloh since his very first fashion show for Louis Vuitton; these three staple pieces from the menswear collection showcase Louis Vuitton’s commitment to circular creativity. Moving blankets — functional, protective and on-the-go — were Virgil Abloh’s inspiration for this new adventure, perfectly in line with the sustainability dedication he has shown since joining Louis Vuitton in 2018. A real creative challenge, this holistic approach is embodied in the creation and use of sustainable and responsible materials used for each product in the Felt Line collection.

An innovative textile — the main material of the pieces — was designed using 43% certified organic cotton, the highest standard, and 20% recycled wool. The unpredictable result of this jacquard underscores the uniqueness of each leather good, on which the Monogram pattern appears and disappears thanks to a lurex thread tufting. The global process emerges in every detail of these three light and practical models, as well as in a form of stylistic adaptation. The lining comes from the House’s existing stocks of 100% recycled polyester, which have been upcycled, thus maximising the use of existing materials and limiting production. The chains and corners were produced using 70% recycled plastic with a multi-colour effect reflecting the jacquard’s chromatic aspects. For the straps and handles, an LWG (Leather Working group)-certified leather was selected, the most exacting environmental label for tanning.

Meeting all the quality and durability criteria cherished by Louis Vuitton, the three models of the Felt Line, as well as one piece of ready-to-wear, a long coat, express the choice of a responsible and sustainable sophistication. By celebrating beauty and creativity in everyday life, which is the central theme of the F/W 2021 fashion show, the Felt Line demonstrates the vivacity of Louis Vuitton’s expertise and ingenuity to provide the best response to its clients’ needs as well as the challenges of the contemporary world. All products feature the signature initially conceived by Virgil Abloh, placed on a leather patch from existing stocks. This emblem is the symbol of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development policy, as by 2025, 100% of its products will be created through eco-conception.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) plan. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

This week, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to Geneva to explore the Maison’s Objets Nomades, a collection of travel-inspired furniture and objects made in collaboration with internationally renowned designers, the most amazing high jewelry and timepieces as well as an exceptional collection of trunks at a private home. You get a sneak preview in this outfit post. A detailed report will follow shortly.

My look: T-shirt with Louis Vuitton logo, technical jersey cargo pants, LV Pont 9 shoulder bag in Rose Dahlia , Stellar sneakerboots, Silk Pop Monogram BB bandeau, Louise hoop earrings, and Louise scarf ring, all by Louis Vuitton, and cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Christine!)
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First presented during Virgil Abloh’s debut S/S 2019 show for Louis Vuitton, this season the LV TRAINER inspires new style variations in keeping with its exacting standards: each pair requires at least seven hours of manufacturing.

Drawing inspiration from vintage basketball sneakers, held dear by Virgil Abloh, and set on a technical rubber sole injected with gel and encrusted with contrasting Monogram flowers, this new version will add a lively touch to all the memories summer 2021 has in store for you. The House’s identity stands out once again with the LV signature on the tongue and side and the #54 signature on the back, recalling 1854, the year Louis Vuitton was founded.

As always, the Monogram pattern is in the spotlight, whether reinvented on denim or embossed on grained calfskin, nubuck or smooth leather. But with its blend of materials and patterns, each LV Trainer boasts its own identity in a rainbow of vivid hues, symbolising all the colours of a summer under the sun of optimism, from dawn to sunset.

Burgundy lit up by sunny orange, blue enhanced with black accents, green contrasted with yellow details… The colours are galvanised on a grained and smooth leather design. The collection also showcases the essential white leather sneaker, adorned with the hand-written Louis Vuitton signature, and the denim canvas one, this time beige-tinted, alongside a reflective silver leather model.

This season, three versions in suede leather and denim take on neon pink and yellow shades, echoing the ready-to-wear line. One of them is entirely covered with pink rhinestones, to attract light and style at every step. While the white leather sneaker is bound to last, each colour and style variation will be subject to a limited drop launch.

Lastly, a pair of sandals, available in identical neon shades, adds the finishing touch to the collection. Fitted with the same sole as the sneaker, it is light and supple, the perfect variation of a model designed to be worn at any time of the day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Like mother, like daughter … I am so happy to have Anouk back from Boston for a few months. That has been the best Mother’s Day gift. We have spent an amazing weekend together. Here you see us on  our way to the intimate shop opening of the newly refurbished Hermès store in Zurich on Saturday (post coming up soon). We are wearing the same cropped top but styled it differently. Below you will find the details of my outfit, Anouk’s look will be posted tomorrow.

My look: Off-the-shoulder cropped cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, tiered ruffled leather maxi skirt by Saint Laurent, Arfee leather ankle boots by Isabel Marant, stole New Libris in Rose Indien, and shiny Rose Schéhérazade Porosus Crocodile 25 Birkin bag by Hermès, multi-print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana, silk satin bow brooch in black (Cruise 2020) by CHANEL, leather, faux pearl and crystal choker by Alessandra Rich, Anita sunglasses by Louis Vuitton (F/W 2012), rose diamond ring by Piaget, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:  © David Biedert Photography
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Oh! Wait.. how old am I? Probably too old for being in the playroom of Gstaad Palace hotel. However, I still have that inner child in me which also translates from time to time in my choice of fashion. Candy colors, soft shapes, and cute prints have always attracted me, as they are providing a grown-up way to add a playful edge to any look. The key to staying young? Not growing old in your mind!

My look: Crochet-knit cotton-blend jacket, and fringed polka-dot crochet-knit cotton mini skirt, and The Whirl leather clutch in pink, all by Bottega Veneta, leather over-the-knee boots by Alexander McQueen, pearl and crystal necklace by CHANEL, and logomania superstition scarf by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Designer water bottles are a thing now. Sustainable fashion is trending and designers have been getting a bit more creative by offering accessories that help to reduce and prevent plastic waste.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a reusable water bottle. And while you’re at it, why not take it to the next level with one of these stainless-steel designer versions?

Don’t forget, hydration will never be out of style…

LoL, Sandra

Fredy cotton-canvas water bottle holder by Chloé

SIGG salamander-print metal water bottle by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Logo-print 750ml stainless-steel water bottle by Adidas by Stella McCartney

The Quench logo-print bottle holder by Kurt Geiger London

FF-logo suede water bottle holder by Fendi

Crystal-embellished water bottle by Rosantica

Bottle holder by Louis Vuitton

Vintage Check bottle holder by Burberry

Set of two More Joy-print aluminium water bottle by More Joy by Christopher Kane

Logo-embossed moiré holder and bottle by Marine Serre

1994 structured chain-link bottle holder by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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