Sandra‘s Closet

One of the most exciting events of the year is the IWC gala held during the SIHH. Each year, Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, brings glamour and worldclass celebrities to Geneva. One night that makes you feel more like being in Hollywood than in Switzerland.

Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, with me

On the red carpet at this incredible event were Ewan McGregor, Zinédine Zidane, Karolina Kurkova, Ross Brawn, Eric Dane, Adriana Lima, Luis Figo and Matthew Fox, among many others. I had so much fun watching all of them arrive and was spotted myself…

Racing driver for the Mercedes GP Formula One™ team: Nico Rosberg

Model Victoria Silvstedt

Unzipped, the best “backolleté”: Karoline Huber, CMO IWC Schaffhausen, in Tom Ford

This year, the theme “IWC RACE NIGHT” was of course matching the house’s newest launch of its new Ingenieur watches that I had a closer look at during a tour around the amazing IWC booth earlier that day. (For the post, please click here.) The latest collection aptly expresses the spirit of the new partnership between the Schaffhausen watchmaker and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.

My look: Black jumpsuit by Michael Kors, shrug by D&G Dolce Gabbana, Elsie bag by Chloé, Tribute patent-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, cuff by Stella McCartney, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and earrings by Chanel.

Tim Jefferies

Actor Ralf Moeller with me

Photographer Peter Lindbergh with me

Lovely Karolina Kurkova

Two angels in Geneva: Victoria Secret Models Karolina Kurkova and Adriana Lima in Roberto Cavalli

Grey’s Anatomy “McSteamy” Eric Dane with me

Together with IWC CEO Georges Kern, Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey compèred the IWC Race Night, while Nico Rosberg and his sleek Formula One™ racing car galvanized the atmosphere. The moment, we heard the sound of the engine, it was clear why each of the over 850 guests had ear plugs at the table.

A spectacular competition between some prominent guests ensued when Nico Rosberg invited them to change the tyres on his Formula One™ car. In a simulated pit stop, top model Karolina Kurkova, film stars Matthew Fox, Jean Reno and Eric Dane, as well as Asian actors Francis Ng and Kiichi Nakai tried to get the sleek-bodied vehicle back on the track in the 3 seconds that were given to them.

Great team work: Karolina Kurkova and Jean Reno

A happy Eric Dane

Concentrated: Tim Jefferies and Marc Forster

Those two are having fun: Marc Forster and Kevin Spacey

Personally speaking, the culmination of the night was a private concert from the British band Jamiroquai. Lead singer Jay Kay has such a rhythm and incredible presence on stage that  I couldn’t stop dancing all night… as you can see in the last picture.

Thank you, IWC, for letting me be part of this outstanding event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

IWC’s gala event “A Night in Portofino” brought together well known faces – including many Hollywood celebrities. Guests arrived on the red carpet and were able to browse through the beautiful exhibition that showed Peter Lindbergh’s Days in Portofino on their way to the main hall where they finally arrived in the carefree days of the 1950 and `60s.

The entire evening was outstanding showing a “making-of“ film of the shoot and an impressive performance of Zurich Opera House, with a 60-strong orchestra and tenor Neil Shicoff.

Another highlight of the night was also when Tim Jefferies and Georges Kern started to introduce the Friends of the Brand. When all celebrities were on stage, you felt like being at the Oscar’s.
Enjoy all those beautiful photos of a night to remember.

LoL, Sandra

The IWC booth at the 21st SIHH was designed in the style of the 1950s and `60s right down to the last detail, transporting the visitors to the Italian-style joie de vivre of Portofino, to the sweet dolce fa niente… as the hours go by.
The hostesses were dressed in beautiful petticoats with make-up and hair finishing off the perfect vintage look. A scooter parked in front of the “Via Scafusia”, an ice-cream vendor, a cinema for press presentations were just among those amazing ideas to create the wonderful surrounding.
Have fun seeing all the celebs who came to the fair. Hollywood made in Switzerland, two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra