Sandra‘s Closet

As promised, here are some impressions of the Montblanc ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 charity brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles that was truly outstanding. Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year and this time the German house supports UNICEF educational projects, which benefit children around the globe giving them access to education and aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.

Here you see me arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air which is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood, surrounded by stunning homes and mansions.

Me on the red carpet (I could totally get used to that feeling.)

Two of the official photos (© Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank (Actress), Rosario Dawson (Actress), Christopher Lambert (Actor), Patricia Arquette (Actress), Peter Fonda (Actor), Joel Madden (Singer – UNICEF Ambassador), Alyssa Milano (Actress – UNICEF Ambassador), Michael York (Actor), Olga Kurylenko (Actress), Martin Landau (Actor), Petra Nemcova (Model), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Billy Zane (Actor), Mimi Rogers (Actress), Emmy Rossum (Actress), Jane Seymour (Actress), Clemens Schick (Actor), Alexander Ludwig (Actor), Tom Hooper (Director), Natasha Henstridge (Actress), Lydia Hearst (Socialite) and Tippi Hedren (Actress) joined Lutz Bethge (CEO Montblanc International) and Caryl M. Stern (CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF) to support a very special cause.

Academy Award winner Hilary Swank

Emily Rossum

Cas Anvar who plays Dodi Al-Fayed in the new Diana movie with Naomi Watts.

Alexander Ludwig (Hunger Games)

Natasha Henstridge

Christopher Lambert

Rosario Dawson

Martin Landau

Jane Seymour

Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

DJ Bob Sinclair

German actor Wayne Carpendale

Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago)

German actor Clemens Schick

Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc, and Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation

During the brunch, Lutz Bethge gave a very emotional introductory speech regarding Montblanc’s new charity initiative, Signature for Good, and his field trip with actress Hilary Swank to Ethiopia last October, where he was able to witness the incredible work of UNICEF. “I will never forget the pride in the eyes of those children to go to school. Something that I haven’t seen in my own children.” He was very impressed by the so-called “gender clubs” where the children have a chance to talk about issues such as domestic abuse or child labour, “because school helps them make a change.”. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars.

Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, brought tears to the eyes of the audience. “You are not only helping children to learn and to write, you give them a brighter future, you unlock doors that would have been shut. We do whatever it takes to save a child all over the world.” It gave me shivers when she stated that “19.000 kids will die today and the same amount tomorrow and so on of causes we could already save.” UNICEF lowered that number by 40%. Caryl M.Stern went on: “No matter where we go, we all want the same for our children, we want them to be safe, healthy, educated, to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Our own children get a great seat at the table, but there are some who don’t get a seat at all. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make.”

The very moving moment culminated when Hilary Swank went on stage to share her personal experience from her field visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF. The actress had tears in her eyes when she gushed about “the smile on the children’s faces when they go to school and their determination to learn.”

As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted guests with a dazzling performance of two songs.

Symbolic of Montblancʼs commitment to giving children access to better education, guests were invited to pledge their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel-Air.

I have been deeply impressed by UNICEFʼs life-changing work in Africa and the impact of Montblanc’s contribution over the recent years in funding education programs. If you like to support the good cause, have a look at the new ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 collection which is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos (Red Carpet):  © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

This was my outfit that I wore to the Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new ‘Signature For Good 2013‘ initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air Saturday morning.

Of course, the sun was shining in Los Angeles but temperatures were quite chilly so that I was very thankful to have brought something warm.

My look: Pale pink mink fur coat with flower intarsia, black satin bag with floral embellishments, both by Prada,dress with leather and lace appliqué, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds, Princess Grace de Monaco limited edition (8 pieces) watch, both by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the brunch…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht,
Photos of me (collage): © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Yesterday, the day before the Oscars, I attended the Montblanc Charity Brunch at the iconic Bel-Air Hotel. During the event the German house’s “Signature For Good” 2013 collection was presented which aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide.

Hilary Swank with me yesterday

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank was the star guest among many celebrities who arrived on the red carpet. To support this good cause, the brunette actress joined the project and travelled to Ethiopia. Here are some impressions she shared during yesterday’s interview.

What can you share about Montblanc and UNICEFʼs partnership?

What struck me about Montblancʼs relationship with UNICEF was this shared belief in the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of their situation and location. Seeing in person how Montblanc is so committed to this issue in Ethiopia and how UNICEFʼs programmes are making a difference was also very touching to me, knowing that this commitment is not short term. They have been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade and committed to do doing so in the long-term because when it comes to this kind of work, it is the only way you can really make an impact and end the cycle of poverty.

What will your most enduring memory from this visit be?

I will always remember the enthusiasm and warmth of the children but also the determination and dedication of the UNICEF staff on the ground. One special memory is the children who were part of the Gender Club, an educational group that promotes 4 gender equality for boys and girls, showing them what to do if they have been abused, violated in any way and what their rights are. It empowers these kids to figure out how to get to school, find the closest water well. Itʼs all about putting their minds together to find solutions to their every day challenges. It is inspiring to me, to see young people helping out with these programmes, striving to only to improve their own situation, but helping others around them enjoy better lives. These kids were so special to me, and I will carry their spirits and their smiles in my heart forever.

Writing by hand seems to be less and less common in the developed world, do you every worry about it?

Our society relies far too much on emails, text messages and other forms of digital communication, yet the written word can be so much more meaningful. Because handwriting is unique and personal to each and every one of us, it adds a special touch to the messages we share. Montblanc does a wonderful job at reminding us what a unique experience writing by hand can be, particularly if you have the right instrument to shape your thoughts and emotions with. Call me old-fashioned, but I love to receive a handwritten note from a friend or loved one.

CEO Montblanc International, Lutz Bethge, during the field trip in Ethiopia

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” collection includes special edition writing instruments, jewlery pieces and leather accessories.

All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children within its Schools for Africa, Asia and Latin America programmes.

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Bracelets

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Writing Instruments

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Leather Family
The collection will be in stores in March 2013.

To ensure all children have access to a proper education to learn how to read and to write is such a great cause worth supporting. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars for UNICEFʼs education programmes worldwide. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for a detailed post from the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited by Montblanc to attend a lovely, very intimate lunch with caviar and champagne at their Arts & Artisanery lounge at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. The rooms of the suite are decorated so beautifully with artwork from the German house’s Cutting Edge Art Collection. Along with many celebrities, among them Emily Rossum, Billy Zane and Pat & Michael York, I had the honour to explore some of the amazing pieces from their high jewelry line, that will surely be seen tomorrow on the red carpet of the Oscars 2013.

My look: Neon stretch-crepe blazer by Antonio Berardi, printed cotton shirt by Carven, pleated wool-crepe mini skirt by Christopher Kane, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc, holographic faux leather pumps and matching faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney. (For more information on the holographic trend, please click here).

During lunch, I sat next to Pat and Michael York, who is famous for his roles in Cabaret, The Three Musketeers and Austin Powers, among many others. His wife Pat, a former editor of Vogue and Glamour magazine, and a passionate photographer, is a very captivating lady. With exhibitions all over the world, including one at Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland, her preferred  subjects are dissected cadavers. “I love the human body,” she explained to me. “It is so fascinating. Once you’ve looked under the skin, we all look the same. You feel how meaningless is all racial and religious prejudice.”

This unique piece from Montblanc’s Bouquet Collection is absolutely breathtaking. It features three blooming diamond studded roses and a gigantic star-shaped “Montblanc Diamond” and drapes comfortably around the neck.

Billy Zane with me. The actor is probably best known for his role as the arrogant Caledon Hockley, Rose’s fiancé in Titanic.

The bracelet and necklace from the Riviera Collection feature a cascade of briolette diamonds and a beautiful embellished closure.

Montblanc’s iconic Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection is a tribute to elegance. For the Pétales Entrelacés motif, the rose petals, in warm pink gold with or without diamonds pavé, are crafted in an intertwined way for rings, earrings, necklaces and braclets.

The last two days have already been so wonderful and I couldn’t be any happier to join Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience. I am off this morning to attend the Montblanc Signature for Good Charity Brunch at the Bel-Air hotel where many celebrities are expected and a gorgeous charity project will be presented. You can follow me on the official Montblanc Twitter account @montblanc_world and on Instagram @sandrascloset.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I arrived in Los Angeles in the late afternoon and went straight to my hotel, the Beverly Wilshire, one of the filming locations for the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman”. There, I attended a cocktail reception at the Montblanc Arts & Artisanery Lounge located at the fabulous Royal Suite, followed by a dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, Osteria Mozza.

My look: Black crystal embellished wool dress by Emilio Pucci and patent pumps with bows by Saint Laurent.

The decoration couldn’t have been more perfect for an Oscar experience…
The last photo of this post was taken this morning when I woke up after two hours of sleep. Gorgeous sunshine in the city of angels. I just love L.A.!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Los Angeles to live the ultimate Oscar experience with Montblanc. Stay tuned for many upcoming posts from my favourite city in the world. In the meantime, you can enjoy those exclusive behind the scenes photos of how my Montblanc Limited Edition Bespoke Ink SANDRA BERRY was born.

It all started with a trip to the headquarters in Hamburg… do you remember?

After the concept of “Sandra Berry” had been visualized in spring 2012, I had many sleepless nights, dreaming about the color for my personalized ink. Funnily enough, I mixed tons of nail polishes together to come up with that one hue I was thinking of. In Hamburg, the lovely and extremely professional Montblanc team helped me to finalize the perfect shade.

A few weeks later, I received the bottles with three slightly different colors. Now, it was up to me to choose. Sample number 3 became SANDRA BERRY.

The next step was the design of the bottle. In Zurich, I met with the ladies from Montblanc at one of my favourite restaurants in town, Bindella, for a very fun arts and crafts session. After a yummy lunch complemented by a tiramisu, the shape of the bottle, the bows, the colours and tags were finally determined.

In December right before the big launch event, we met at the Montblanc offices in Zurich to finish the product by hand. While enjoying champagne and chocolate truffles, we brought the packaging to perfection.

Those of you who were lucky to get one of the 100 limited edition bottles, know now, how much work and passion went into SANDRA BERRY. I truly hope that you will like it.

For my Swiss based readers: If you like to know more about the colour pink, have a look at my column in the recent March edition of the SI Style magazine in which I am telling you all about it. There is a reason why you “look in the pink”…

Talk to you soon from Los Angeles!

LoL, Sandra

Photo Sandra Berry: © Etienne Schwank. All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look that I wore to my birthday lunch. I have to admit that I a completely crazy for the new Saint Laurent collection and went a little overboard on shopping my must-haves.

My look: Boxy sculpted dress with broad shoulder details and black leather tote (also available in white), both by Saint Laurent, grey suede ankle boots from a previous collection when it was still Yves Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc and cotton velvet tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Valentine’s Day make her blush with something from this gift guide. Of course, those ideas work perfectly for every woman you love, your girlfriend, your mother, your daughter and your wife. If nobody is treating you, treat yourself and say be mine!

BEAUTY

Valentine’s Day is getting close, what if he offered you the new fruity floral KENZOAMOUR I♥U ?
A bouquet for every day, a subtle love message every morning.

Top notes: Grapefruit and black currant
Heart notes: Rose, cherry and lilac
Base notes: Musk and cedarwood
Available now. CHF 80.50 (40ml)

When it comes to the art of gifting, Jo Malone offers some of the most beautiful choices. For Valentines’ Day, the brand’s Red Roses fragrance is lovely, composed of seven types of roses from around the world.

Celebrate the essence of romance with the Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™. A trio of exclusive accords to layer with voluptuous Red Roses. Create individual effects: Sweet Lemon brings tantalising transparency; Scarlet Velvet Rose adds richness; and Honeycomb, a nectar-like warmth. Write your own love story…
Available at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva for CHF 130.00

For Valentine’s Day, Bobbi Brown recommends to mix unusual colour combinations, her favourite at the moment: pink and red.

PINK & RED COLLECTION (New and limited edition shades from left to right):
Sheer Colour Tint in Sheer Pink and Sheer Cherry, CHF 39.00
Sheer Lip Gloss in Cheery (new) and Pretty in Pink, CHF 35.00
Nail Polishes in Pink Valentine and Valentine Red, CHF 27.00
Creamy Matte Lip Color in Hot (new) and Heart, CHF 38.00

The message that street artist Curtis Kulig spreads is amazing: Love is universal. Everything about the newest Smashbox collection “Love Me” is true to Curtis, to his art. Cute, beautiful and cool in one with hearts allover.

LOVE ME COLLECTION (In Switzerland exclusively availabe at Marionnaud)
Eye Shadow Palette in Admire Me (pink-brown) and Entice Me (blue-purple), CHF 44.00
Be Legendary Lipstick in Love Me (red) and Tempt Me (coral), CHF 26.00
Blush in Idolize Me (light pink), CHF 40.00
Paint Pen Eye Liner in Jet Black, CHF 29.00
Lip Enhancing Gloss in Adore Me (coral red) and Charm Me (bubblegum pink), CHF 24.00

FASHION

Declare your love with this playfully embellished jersey T-shirt by Lanvin. 
Blooming with vinyl flowers and sparkling with crystals, it will make the heart of every fashionista girlfriend leap with joy!

You cannot go wrong with a pair of fabulous shoes:
Love Me heart-appliquéd suede pumps by Charlotte Olympia

The Valentines Bayswater leather clutch by Mulberry is the perfect gift for your beloved one.

This beautiful Valentine bag by Gucci is part of a whole collection dedicated to love.

WATCHES & JEWELRY

You’re crazy in love? Say it out loud! Make it perfectly clear with A LA FOLIE (GZ281) — the Swatch watch that says,” I’m mad about you. True love has nothing to hide”, created especially for Valentine’s Day.

Model: Gent
Dial: pink with heart-shaped opening revealing some pink components within
Case: 34 mm solid mat white plastic
Bracelet: bi-colour mat white and pink silicone, smells like vanilla
Available now for CHF 70.00.

How cute is Montblanc‘s Valentine necklace?! It pairs a large heart in warm pink gold combined with the house’s star emblem in stainless steel. The two pendants are firmly tied together with an adjustable leather cord which is available in black or brown.
Available for CHF 325.00.

I hope that I could inspire you a little. And last but not least, here is an amazing contest for you:

VALENTINE’S DAY SSENSE Selfie Contest
To celebrate love in the modern world SSENSE is hosting a contest. The idea is simple: participants take a photo of themselves and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #SSENSELOVESME. Two entries will be picked on Valentine’s Day, and the winners will receive a $2,500 gift card to use on ssense.com.

To participate: Follow @SSENSE on Instagram. Take a photo of yourself. Post that photo to Instagram with the hashtag #SSENSELOVESME and mention @SSENSE. The contest ends at 12:00pm EST on Valentine’s Day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

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One dress – two ways. I am so in love with my tiger print dress by Mulberry from the F/W 2012 collection, a versatile piece that works for chic as well as for casual occasions. Personally speaking, I think that Emma Hill, Creative Director of Mulberry, has brought the British label to an amazing level of style. I have become quite a fan of her designs. During LUISAVIAROMA‘s third edition of Firenze4Ever in 2011, I had the chance to meet her personally. For the post, please click here.

My chic look to the left that I wore to the SIHH 2013:
Tiger print dress(the same print is on sale: animal print silk blouse),Lily leather shoulder bag with tiger embellishment, both by Mulberry, Tribute patent-leather Mary Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, 4810 Collection hoop earrings by Montblanc.

My casual look to the right:
Same dress, bag and earrings, plus mohair sweater and scarf with tiger, both by Mulberry, Culte sunglasses by Miu Miu and ruffled leather ankle boots by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During last week’s SIHH 2013, I visited also the Montblanc booth that was an absolute eyecatcher due to the extraordinary pieces of the Montblanc Cutting Edge Art Collection that currently comprises more than 180 artworks.

In the collage above you can see me with Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, and some of Montblanc’s very special guests…

Of course, the house’s newest watch highlights such as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours were also presented at the booth.

Me visiting the Montblanc booth

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Pair

Pair watches are a huge trend especially in Asia and wouldn’t those watches just be perfect for this gorgeous couple below?!

Montblanc friends of the brand Olivia Palermo (wearing Montblanc Star Classique Automatic watch) and Johannes Huebl (wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph) in front of an artwork by Hiroyuki Masuyama.

Proving that Olivia is a style icon all over, she combined tweed and leather with statement heels, golden jewelry and a vibrant clutch that would upgrade every outfit to a new level.

The couple being interviewed in front of an artwork by Stephen Craig.

Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco
Pétales de Roses Motif
This beautiful unique piece has been sold during the fair, but of course there was more to be admired…

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Diamonds

Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic RG Diamonds

Christopher Lambert during his visit at the Montblanc booth

The famous actor was wearing the Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres (Northern Hemisphere).

Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres, Southern+Northern Hemisphere

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc