Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, when I got back from New York, I attended in the evening the opening celebration of Dolce & Gabbana‘s new boutique in Zurich, the first one directly operated by the brand in Switzerland. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 10, the new 830 m2 three-story flagship offers women’s, men’s and children swear collections as well as a large selection of accessories. Male customers can also benefit from a special made to measure service.

Guests were browsing the store and everybody loved the new sunglasses. The natural beauty of the flora of Italy is interpreted in this luxurious and fashion forward limited edition eyewear collection.

My look: Printed silk jumpsuit, matching satin sandals, transparent belt, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag and crystal-embellished key earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alexandra Pauli @ Call List Agency

One month ago, I went to Siena, one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, Italy, with a historic centre that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The Duomo, the Siena Cathedral (photo below), is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and definitely worth the visit. The Piazza del Campo (see photo above), the shell-shaped principal public space that is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, is filled with nice restaurants and bars. I loved strolling through the tiny medieval streets in my comfy flats. Sometimes, it feels great just to wear a little bit of mascara and be casual.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress and  green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, studded sandals by Alaïa, sunglasses by Céline, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Funnily enough, this look seems like being part of Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 collection that is inspired by the most famous landmarks of Italy. Don’t forget, the trunkshow ends today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently I went to a very special event that took place at Zurich‘s new Neo Club on Europaallee. IRO Zurich had invited the city’s fashionable crowd to explore how fashion meets art. Swiss graffiti artist Shark hosted the URBAN ART ACT during which he live painted one of the French brand’s fabulous leather jackets. The performance appealed so much to the audience that everyone wanted to have the piece. Great news is that you can win this individual item in the September issue of L’Officiel Switzerland that will hit the shelves Mid August.

Good luck to you! In the meantime, I recommend a visit the IRO shop in Zurich on Strehlgasse 5. Probably the color combination of black and gold has inspired you a little… I like to add a pop of color as I did with my green bag.

My look: Fur stole by Blumarine, lace mini dress, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, coin earrings and cameo coin necklace, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Graffiti artist Shark with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Andrea Monica Hug

Recently, I participated in the campaign shoot for the Il Tavolo Food Festival in Zurich which will take place in collaboration with the Park Hyatt from June 27 – 30, 2013.

As I was completely free in choosing my outfit, I went for some food inspiration: Lobster print and pasta earrings. Ellin Anderegg, the photographer, liked my bag so much that it immediately became part of the advertising photo. Next to me is Lucy Tallo, owner of PR/Ticular.

My look: Lobster silhouette shift dress (If you like the crustacean theme, have a look at this Lobster intarsia-knit sweater or the Lobster-print cotton-jersey sweatshirt) and Maverick suiting blazer, all by Tibi, cutout patent-leather ankle boots by Lanvin, Miss Sicily wool tapestry and leather tote and pasta earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally Zurich has its own Rolex store operated by Bucherer, the Lucerne-based watch and jewelry specialist founded in 1888. The new shop is located at the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse close to the Paradeplatz with 130 m² dedicated to everything beautiful the most popular fine watch brand in the world has to offer. As one of the guests put it: “You can never go wrong with a Rolex under the Christmas tree.” I think most of us would agree with that.

My look at the opening party: Printed stretch-silk mini dress, Miss Sicily wool tapestry and leather tote (Farfetch offers free global shipping from December 3-19, 2012), both by Dolce & Gabbana. Fur coat by Gucci, red boots by Prada and pearl necklace by Chanel, all from previous seasons.

LoL, Sandra

Tanja Fruithof, Managing Director Bucherer Zürich, Jörg G. Bucherer, President of the Board of Directors Bucherer AG, Gian Riccardo Marini, General Manager Rolex SA, Manuela Labhard, Store Manager Rolex Boutique in Ebony printed fitted dress by Mary Katrantzou, Guido Zumbühl, CEO Bucherer AG.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.

From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.

As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.

But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.

Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for  winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.

In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!

Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.

Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.

I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.

Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!

LoL, Sandra