Sandra‘s Closet

Why do all great things tend to happen at the same time? This what I am asking myself constantly, for example last week, the Zurich Film Festival has officially opened, Paris Fashion Week has started, and the tempting Oktoberfest in Munich celebrated its end. As you cannot attend everything, I had to decline an exclusive invitation to Paris with a heavy heart.

Last Friday, OMEGA has officially opened its «Her Time» exhibition in the French capital at the city’s historic Hôtel de Sully. Having already been showcased in Milan, Moscow, Shanghai and Sydney, this exhibition displays the house’s evolution of women’s timepieces and changing styles, from early Lèpine pendants and the iconic Ladymatic, through to «secret jewellery watches» and today’s latest creations.

Such a beautiful family, Kaia Gerber, Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford and Presley Gerber.

As an added highlight for guests, OMEGA also welcomed Cindy Crawford along with her beautiful children, Kaia and Presley, who have recently been announced as the brand’s newest ambassadors. Moreover, a family portrait taken by Peter Lindbergh on Malibu Beach was unveiled to celebrate the occasion. Having joined OMEGA in 1995, Cindy Crawford is one of brand’s closest friends and has been a renowned figure in the house’s advertising and events for over 20 years.

Raynald Aeschlimann at last Friday’s event in Paris with the supermodel family

OMEGA’s President and CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann said about the «new family members» of his brand:«Kaia and Presley represent the next generation of watch wearers. They are good looking, motivated, inspirational and full of energy. It’s incredible to have such a passionate family tradition within our brand and I’m so excited to begin working with these two young people.»

Personally speaking, I couldn’t agree more with Raynald. Kaia and Presley are stunning as their mom, who has been one of my favorite models since ever. I had the chance to meet the family on several occasions and they are all not only super good-looking, but also extremely kind and fun to talk to.

Framed by Kaia and Cindy last January at Nikki Beach in St. Barts.

Fashion soulmates

I liked Cindy’s look a lot. Surprisingly, she decided not to go for something new season but to wear a knee-length dress in iridescent sequined jersey by Givenchy from their Pre-fall 2014 collection that I sported for the Fashion Days Zurich three years ago.

The «Her Time» exhibition can be seen at the Hôtel de Sully until the 15th of October 2017 from 9am to 7pm each day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OMEGA and © Sandra Bauknecht

From October 30th to November 25th 2017, CHANEL is taking over the entire 1st floor of the store Colette. Throughout the month of November, happenings around the theme of music will be taking place, and a selection of Ready-to-Wear pieces and accessories from the F/W 2017 and the Cruise 2018 collections will be unveiled within a dreamlike scenography.

Beauty talks will also be part of the program. Between artistic encounters and lots of surprises, a truly experience awaits you in the CHANEL ephemeral space at Colette.

Chanel window display at Colette from May 29th to June 3rd, 2017.

It is not the first time CHANEL is collaborating with Colette. In 2011, the French Maison already had a pop-up store at the legendary Parisian boutique. Back then, you were able to get your favorite CHANEL bag customized for example (see photo above). Over the years, they have also created many times beautiful window displays together.

CHANEL AT COLETTE
213, rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
Phone +33 1 55 35 33 90
From October 30th to November 25th 2017
From 11am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, via Highsnobiety
#CHANELatcolette

If you spent your childhood in a pair of Converse or even Nikes, you already know, the right sneakers can make a statement. If you pay attention to the proportions, dresses work well when paired with just the right comfy footwear. And not only will you earn major style points for thinking outside the box, but your feet will surely thank you. Here you see me wearing this kind of look on my way to the Maison Sisley in Paris.

My look: Olwen cutout printed cotton-jersey dress and Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag, both by Stella McCartney, embellished metallic sneakers and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci, earrings by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you to my daughter for taking them!

On the streets of Paris in one of my favorite outfits of the season. I am so in love with Dior’s must-have pieces combined with a silk robe. Such a cool trend!

My Look: Contrast piping silk robe by Balenciaga, slogan tee «We Should All Be Feminists» and J’adior patent leather pumps, both by Dior, heart-appliquéd jeans by Stella McCartney, pearl embellished sunglasses and classic bag in white with black piping, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know, I flew to Paris last week with Sisley and stayed at the wonderful Hotel Bristol. Those three days were incredibly busy and unfortunately the weather was not the best so I preferred staying comfortable in my rainbow stripes.

My look: Striped cotton-jersey top by Chloé, cropped high-rise wide-leg jeans and Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag, both by Stella McCartney, embellished leather mid-heel loafers, and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci, earrings by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This is truly breaking news –  Colette, the famous Parisian concept store, is closing down after 20 years. Saint Laurent will be taking over the Rue Saint Honoré location.

The founder of Colette, Colette Roussaux, and her daughter, Sarah Andelman, in their store.

Founded in 1997 by Colette Roussaux, the house has been led by her daughter Sarah Andelman in recent years.

The boutique became renowned for its extreme fashion edits, from high end designers to upcoming street labels, Colette had it all and combined this choice with an eclectic mix of lifestyle products. You could always find up-and-coming designers, such as Proenza Schouler, Mary Katrantzou and Rodarte.

Mary Katrantzou with me wearing her «Jewel Tree Dress» at Colette.

Personally speaking, I went to many fashion events that were hosted at Colette and it was always a pit stop during fashion week for inspiration. I shopped next to Kate Perry and partied with Mary Katrantzou during her launch event with Longchamp.

Colette, you will be missed! Stay tuned, the next breaking news will be coming up shortly as H&M will be announcing their next designer collaboration today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Colette, via Agnes Dherbeys for The New York Times, © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know I am very happy to be an Eden Being ambassadrice, the online shopping destination of the Oetker Collection. Embodying the finest of traditional hospitality, these elite luxury hotels are all very individual yet unified by a desire to deliver their guests the best of life. Eden Being stands for this sophisticated philosophy as well. Throughout the website you can discover a passion for living, an appreciation for culture, gastronomy and the pleasures of nature. The idea behind this website is to bring you memories of your travels to your doorstep, to find exclusive treasures and to get one of a kind pieces.

When I was in Paris last week with Sisley, I stayed at the beautiful Le Bristol, the iconic five star hotel located at 112, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. A beautiful place to spend time in the French capital that I can only recommend.

This historic palace hotel, where the elegant 18th century interiors are maintained to the highest levels of contemporary luxury, offers you this unique Parisian style, that «je ne sais quoi» attitude that we all admire in French ladies, surrounded by haute couture.

If you are there, have a Bellini at the Le Bar du Bristol. It is absolutely fabulous and enjoy some delicious gold-encrusted crêpes for the most stylish breakfast you have ever imagined.

While I was there, Eden Being had opened its doors to the Barefoot Playground Pop-up Boutique in the hotel’s lobby dedicated to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the relaxed glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Thinking of palm-fringes pools, sun-dappled lunches and insouciant glamour, I got inspired for everything I need for this perfect Riviera style.

From now, the motto has changed and Eden Being welcomes the Cabana Pop-up Boutique to Le Bristol which will be there until July 13th.

Different and desirable rare objets make up this cabinet of curiosities by Milanese collector Martina Mondadori. The designer and Cabana Magazine publisher defines her personal collection as extravagant bohemian chic, crazy elegance and eclectic charm.

Everything is timeless and yet beautifully in tune with the times. So browse away through glassworks from Venice, hand painted ceramics, gold-plated pendants, Afghani cuffs and abstract sculptures. A boutique of beautiful rarities.

I couldn’t resist this stunning embroidered book clutch below that Olympia Le Tan (for a previous post on her upcoming collection with Lancôme, click here please) created in collaboration with Cabana Magazine for Eden Being.

It is constructed from cotton-canvas with a gold-tone brass frame and features a beautiful hand embroidered cover. It is a limited and numbered edition (I own number 4 of 16). This week, I wore it in Ibiza and will soon show you the outfit post.

Needless to say, I brought home some amazing memories. So please stay tuned and in the meantime happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Eden Being and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today I am on my way to Paris with Sisley and I couldn’t be happier to be back in one of my favorite cities in the world. Here everything feels much more chic than anywhere else.

My look: Gaby belted fil coupé dress by Erdem (40% off on sale – here even 50% off), Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, Dioressence pumps by Dior, cuff by Chanel, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, I flew to Paris to attend the exclusive launch event of Ruinart’s new artist for 2017: Jaume Plensa, the renowned Spanish artist who is known for his monumental sculptures in steel, glass, marble, polyester resin, concrete and bronze.

He is recognized for his silhouettes of human bodies seated or kneeling who seem to scrutinize the horizon in a meditative manner, like the contemporary thinkers. His sculptures, which play with the relationship between words, signs and the human body, have today become his signature. They are recognisable amongst all the works of art throughout the world and have turned Jaume Plensa into one of the most important players of the contemporary artistic scene.

Plensa’s amazing art work for Ruinart

Each year, Ruinart invites an artist to create a special artwork for the oldest Champagne house of the world. With Plensa, Ruinart has chosen an artist who has been able to express language, but more importantly the alphabets, the cultures of the world, their spiritualities, their transmissions and the visionary and erudite spirit of dom Thierry Ruinart, a key personality in the history of Ruinart at the confluence of philosophy and the art, merging the heritage with the future.

The event took place at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris where Plensa also gives lectures. First we had the possibility to explore historic documents while enjoying my favourite champagne, Ruinart‘s Blanc de Blancs. Later, we were asked to move into the next room where the stunning installation by Jaume Plensa was revealed in his presence that will later tour the world.

The sculpture takes up the shape of characters that he has already created, but there is never any repetition in his work. Every piece is unique. Every letter, assembled by hand, creates a second skin for the form, which is always reborn in a different manner. In the base of the sculpture he has engraved two dates: 1729 and 2016. They are like a secret code, an encrypted message, linking the history between the foundation of Maison Ruinart and the creation of the work of art.

With artist Jaume Plensa at the event in Paris

The next morning, I had the chance to interview Jaume Plensa who is a very witty, charming and interesting gentleman. I loved his answers, the most significant quotes are in bold. Enjoy!

What are the basics of creating for you? With what do you start?

That is a very interesting question as this is something I am asking myself every day in the studio. I guess the main subject in my work is that I try to create something that people could touch and be touched by. I work a lot in public spaces. Mainly my work is based to identify yourself in the myth of others. We have to break borders and the walls we have been permanently creating throughout history. When I am working with alphabets or portraits of people from different cultures, it is interesting to recognize that we are all so similar. It is just the little things that differ.

You use a lot of letters in your work. Do you have a favorite letter or alphabet?

You cannot compare one alphabet with another. When you see Hebrew for example which is very rigid and you compare it with Chinese, that seems to be fireworks. Hindi is so beautiful always with a line on top which makes it so rich to look at.

How long was the process to create for Ruinart and did you have immediately something in mind when you were approached?

In general the way I work is that an idea is born with the shape, the material and the specific scale. Obviously depending if it is for a show, a gallery or for a public space, my attitude can be changing.

It took me around 6 months to create the piece that had been revealed last night. I never understood art as a direction. My obsession was to grow up as a person, art was just the consequence of my life. I have never been interested in being in artist, but I enjoy it very much to express my emotions with visual art. The main material is life.

When I listen to you, I don’t get the impression that you will ever loose inspiration. Do you ever feel pressure to not being inspired?

Not at all. Creation is a way to breathe. I love when I am flying and the flight attendant is saying «If the pressure is low, please pull the oxygen mask, press it firmly on your mouth and breathe normally.» There are many moments when life asks us to breathe normally, I think it is something we must honor, it takes a little while but the most beautiful experience is when you understand that you are breathing normally.

Do you ever get frustrated when you are creating because something is not working out the way you have planned it?

Of course. My assistants are happy when I am not there. I have a lot of temperament. Creation is a dialogue with you and yourself. You could be your best friend, but also your worst enemy. That is one of the most beautiful experiences in creation when you must understand yourself, when you must accept yourself and this gives always a lot of frictions.

The best about Jaume Plensa?

I have the privilege to be an artist, so I have the capacity and ability to observe the world. That is an amazing situation.

Only 20 bottles of the special edition signed by Jaume Plensa will be available worldwide for €3500 worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ruinart, © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday I flew to Paris with Ruinart for a special event that I will tell you more about this week. Being in the French capital with its sophistication, style and allure, I felt like wearing lace, bows and pearls, one of my favourite combinations.

My look: Feather cape with contrasting bow and lace lining and pussy-bow velvet-trimmed lace dress, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, lace-up leather pumps by Saint Laurent, large classic flap bag in caviar leather and smiley emoji black pearl crystal long necklace, both by Chanel, Agnes felt hat with net veil by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht