Sandra‘s Closet

My favorite hotel in Paris? Clearly the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Its excellent service, great location and beautiful rooms provide everything you can wish for. Here you see me outside the hotel leaving for Lancôme’s Wôw-Party.

My look: Stretch-silk and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, cutout leather platform pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, necklace, cuff and earrings, all by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

I truly had a sparkling good time with Piaget at the 27th Biennale des Antiquaires. To ‘counterbalance‘ all the sparkles of the amazing jewelry inside, I went for this whimsical and sci-fi-esque galaxy print. Isn’t it fun when fashion takes you to outer space?! I got quite often stopped to get my pictures taken…

My look: Galaxy-print silk-chiffon biker jacket and matching silk-satin and leather dress, both by Christopher Kane, Boy bag with chains by Chanel, sunglasses by Céline, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, rose diamond ring, necklace and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget, emerald-cut diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Pure Matt 100 denier tights by Falke.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Every second year, the Biennale des Antiquaires takes place in Paris in the gorgeous halls of the Grand Palais. Whenever I look at its sinuous, cast-iron Art Nouveau balconies and curlicue stairways, I feel like being in another century. Personally speaking, it is one of the most fascinating places in the French capital and I couldn’t imagine a better backdrop for the most important event in the jewelry calendar. I was invited by Piaget as in 2012 (for the previous post, please click here) and was able to discover the house’s amazingly beautiful EXTREMELY PIAGET collection firsthand.

For the 27th edition of the Biennale des Antiquaires, interior designer Jacques Grange paid homage to Versailles and its French gardens with flowerbeds and foliage. The most stunning part was the scented indoor fountain in the center under the gigantic glass dome that master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian had transformed into an olfactory experience.

At the Piaget booth, I indulged in the most stunning High Jewellery pieces you can imagine. This year, Piaget is celebrating its 140th anniversary and to celebrate this occasion, the company seeked inspiration for its EXTREMELY PIAGET collection from its stellar period in its creative history from the 1960s and 70s. The pieces are enhanced by the most precious materials: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, hard stones and gold.

The collection is also characterized by great freedom of movement and multiple ways of beings worn. Personally speaking, it was the youngest and most modern collection at the Biennale des Antiquaires this year. You could easily imagine to wear it to a black tie gala or with jeans and a white tee like for example this beautiful bracelet with turquoises from Arizona above.

Let me show you my favorite pieces of the 125 that were presented:

Necklace in 18k white gold set with 46 turquoise beads (approx. 301cts), 48 chrysoprase beads (approx. 42cts), 1 emerald-cut cabochon (approx. 23.14cts), per-shaped chrysoprases, pear-shaped turquoises and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Sautoir exceptional High Jewellery watch in platinum set with 195 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 66.20 cts), 282 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 33.20 cts), 35 cushion-cut diamonds (approx. 16.30 cts) and 16 pear-cut diamonds (approx. 7.60 cts).  Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Necklace in 18K white gold set with 84 blue sapphire beads from Sri Lanka(approx. 127.40 cts), 490 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 41.69 cts) and 1 cushion-cut emerald from Columbia(approx. 19.39 cts).

Sautoir watch fishnet mesh in 18K white gold set with 404 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 31.30 cts).  Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Bracelet in 18K pink gold set with 8 pink opal plates (approx. 23.25 cts), 18 turquoise beads (approx. 5.31 cts) and 220 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.81 cts).

Cuff watch in 18K white gold set with 1’699 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 20.50 cts) (snow-setting). Natural opal dial. Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Ear cuffs in 18K white gold set with 28 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 11.59 cts) and 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.48 cts).

Ring with a sapphire (approx. 7 cts) and 10 diamonds in pear cut and 2 marquise diamonds (approx. 7.5 cts together).

I fell not only in love with this piece… The EXTREMELY PIAGET collection marks the continuity of the brand’s presence in the world of High Jewellery. The 1960s and 70s were some of their most innovative years – and the same is true of 2014. Congratulations, Piaget, for this amazing collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently I was invited by Chloé to Paris for the launch of the house’s new fragrance with the beautiful name Love Story. It is inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts; the campaign itself and the bottle design make this reference. I have to admit that it was a very special trip as I took a wonderful reminder with me home.

We were asked during the presentation if we remember how it felt being newly in love and how the small things in life were amazing, how it was even exciting to drink an espresso next to each other in a café. Sometimes we forget these little special moments in our busy schedules. But reminding yourself helps a lot…

After I arrived in Paris, I went straight to the Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme to interview the French actress and model Clémence Poésy, who already was the face of Chloé Eau de Parfum in 2008. She is modern, graceful, free-spirited and has this certain “Je ne sais quoi” allure that most French women seem to have naturally. “I am very proud to represent Chloé fragrance again,” she told me. “It was so evident for me to come back to a brand that I feel so connected to.”

Her favorite fashion labels are Chloé, ACNE and her designer friend Erdem. The blonde 31-year old only wears make-up when she has to and loves the British seaside. She seems very down to earth when she states: “Beauty comes from what you feed yourself with, how you care about people.”

After the interview, I got to see the different places where the new commercial was shot under the lens of Mélanie Laurent. Clémence Poésy stars in a love story where two people meet and indulge in the most beautiful moments.

First stop was the beautiful Pont des Arts, that has become famous for all the padlocks attached to its railing. Couples come here to “seal their love” with this romantic gesture. Afterwards they throw the key into the Seine river below. In June 2014, part of the parapet on the bridge collapsed under the weight of all of the love locks that had been attached to it.

Then we went on a boat tour on the Seine where I could explore the packaging and the bottle the first time.

After the cruise we were picked up by these lovely gentlemen for a ride in a vintage Citroën.

They brought us to the flower market where Anne Flipo, the “nose” behind the new scent Love Story waited to tell us a little more about the creation. It was very important for her to walk directly with the Chloé team to understand what they wanted to have. “Sexy and clean” was the mission. Sounds pretty contradictions but once you smell this beautiful scent you understand what it means.

Top notes: Neroli
Heart notes: Jasmin Stephanotis and Orange Blossom
Base notes: Musk and Cedarwood

A floral love story – fresh and sexy.

Anne Flipo with me

My beloved vintage Chloé sunglasses

At the rooftop party

The launch event culminated in the evening in a wonderful party over the rooftops of Paris where we enjoyed stunning views over Notre Dame, champagne and some fun dance moves. Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director of Chloé, celebrated along with Clémence Poésy, Mélanie Laurent and Anne Flipo this new declaration to femininity. Amazing women who all brought their vision to tell a beautiful story of love in a bottle.

Clare Waight Keller, Mélanie Laurent and Clémence Poésy at the party

Love Story Chloé will be available from today, September, 15 2014.
Love Story Chloé Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 97.00), 50ml (CHF 128.00) und 75ml (CHF 151.00),
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 52.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 57.00).

Read more about this trip also in the upcoming October 2014 issue of L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Clare Waight Keller with me

Live performance of Christine and The Queens

Male models at the fragrance bar

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my look that I wore to the Dior dinner in Paris on Monday evening with Charlize Theron. This time, I went for classy outfit in neutral colors.

My look: Smoking blazer by Balmain, strapless top, matching shorts and pearl necklace, all by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, bag by Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week in Paris with Dior, I had barely time for anything but I managed to have a quick shopping spree on Avenue Montaigne, the famous shopping street in the 8th arrondissement. Personally speaking, it is one of the most beautiful destinations to indulge in high fashion in the world. It boasts numerous stores, such as Givenchy, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, as well as other upscale establishments such as the Plaza Athénée hotel, with is under construction at the moment.

My look: Smoking blazer by Balmain, slub cotton-jersey top by James Perse, red skinny stretch-leather pants,  Sac Du Jour leather tote and red ankle boots, all three by Saint Laurent, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I was invited to Paris with Dior to discover their newest innovation: Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara. It was an amazing event as I was not only able to explore the new products, but also to experience the effect myself. Moreover, Dior did a professional photo shoot with me in their Boutique Ephémère Beauté Dior at 368 rue Saint Honoré in Paris.

The new mascara is truly special because it transforms your eyes with a single sweep, as if by magic. It pumps up extreme volume with the help of a thick brush, made from soft and supple elastomer, and gives your lashes a gleaming coat of deep black, or vibrant color due to its combination of waxes and a transparent gel base. For complete simplicity of use, you can rinse it off with just water or of course make-up remover. To put if briefly, it is the ideal mascara for those who want it all, right now.

Great news is that the new mascara comes in four different It-shades.
It-Purple – a dazzling, deep purple for a sophisticated allure. 
It-Blue – a saturated blue for electric eyes.
It-Pink – a pop pink for come-hither eyes.
It-Black – a breathtakingly deep black.

And here comes the most fun part of the new launch. The new mascaras are accompanied by four eyeliners Dior Addict It-Line Easy Liner in the same colors to mix and match. If you have ever felt insecure applying an eyeliner, this will be your chance to change this attitude. Applied in the blink of an eye thanks to its precision tip, its smooth fluid texture dries instantly. During the shoot in Paris, I got a great tip from the make-up artist: Make a dot where you want to end your line. You will see how easy drawing the line becomes because of  this little preparation.

For my photo shoot, we chose the Dior Addict It-Line Easy Liner in It-Blue and combined it with the Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara in It-Black. You can even layer the eyeliners… it is really fun playing around with the colors. Stay tuned as I will show you some fun combinations during the next weeks.

The new products are in stores now. Once you check them out, don’t forget to look also for the new Diorshow Mono Pop Eye Shadows that come in four shades. Adjust the intensity of your made-to-measure look and enjoy endless creativity!

We created a pretty big buzz when we started to shoot outside of the store…

If you like my look, please click here for more information.

Dior made this cartoon of me. I have to admit it is fun but I am not so sure if I really like it:-) …!
While you are reading this, I am on my way to Paris again with Dior for a very exclusive event. Stay tuned for more… I can only say J’ADORE DIOR!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

In June 2014, Cash & Rocket will return for its third consecutive year, and this time the amazing Valentino‘s Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli want to make this journey even bigger and better and are once again participating in the charity event, which will take place from June 5th to 8th, 2014.

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli with me

Seventy women from the worlds of fashion, music, cinema and business will begin the car tour from the striking Piazza San Marco of Venice which ends in London, with stops along the way in Geneva and Paris. The donations collected will help support three important humanitarian organizations – Shine On Sierra Leone, OrphanAid Africa and Sumbandila – to support African children and their families with health assistance and educational programs in Sierra Leone, Ghana and South Africa.

For the occasion and to further support the project, Maison Valentino will donate 20% of proceeds from the sale of several products from the Rouge Absolute Signature capsule collection and six other special products especially created by Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.

These special items will be available at www.valentino.com and www.net-à-porter.com and in Valentino boutiques in Paris and London.

Maria Grazia Chiuri, Co-Creative Director, came in first last year raising the most amount of money and she is determined to beat her own personal record. She will be personally involved in fundraising monies and will drive one of the thirty-five red sports cars that will travel 1600km, from Venice to London.

“As a woman and mother, I am very happy to be able to help other women and children. I am profoundly convinced that it is essential to give them an opportunity for development and education, which gives me a chance to give back what I have received” – Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The Valentino team can be followed along the different stages of the race through the dedicated donation website Just Giving. Let’s help Maria Grazia to win once again first place and to collect the most donations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and Cash & Rocket

Are you still looking for a lovely Easter surprise? Why not giving a subscription to L’Officiel Switzerland to your mum, a friend or just to yourself?

Great news for my Swiss based Sandra’s Closet readers, you get a special promo code and pay for 10 issues only CHF 84.00 (instead of CHF 96.00).

HOW IT WORKS:
1. For the German edition, visit www.lofficiel.ch/subscription and for the French edition, visit  www.lofficiel.ch/subscription/fr.
2. Fill in the form.
3. Very important! In oder to get your special discount, you have to enter the promo code SC2014 at checkout.
4. Submit.

The offer is valid until April 30, 2014.

Being the editor-in-chief of L’Officiel Switzerland has taken me on a wonderful journey that started with an amazing cover and fashion shoot in Paris. I am extremely proud of it and I would like to thank my wonderful dedicated team. Renowned photographer Marco Grob shot Swiss supermodel Patricia Schmid for our first issue. I did the styling and the three of us, being all aquarius, were a trio infernal! It is just a blessing to work with such highly professional people.

The first day, we photographed inside the gorgeous George V Hotel where my suite was transformed into a photo and hair & make-up studio.

The minute we started photographing this look, I knew this will be my cover!

Physical play for the best result possible!

Sometimes, you have to jump in yourself…

The second day, we shot on location. Poor Patricia, it was freezing cold even though the sun was shining. But what could she do… cropped tops are a must this summer.

Fighting the cold with quick stops in the car…

… and a hot foot bath in the end of the day!

All this work, blood, sweat and tears wouldn’t mean anything without you, my dear readers. Therefore I hope that you will support me as much for L’Officiel as you did for Sandra’s Closet.

Get your special subscription and enjoy the beauty of a print magazine while being up-to-date with daily news on Sandra’s Closet where I will also share behind the scenes shots of great stories that you have seen in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Cover photo: © Marco Grob – Behind the scenes: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my outfit I wore to the Dior Addict event in Paris. I love the beginning of spring when you get to sport for the first time your new season pieces and you know that the summer months are ahead of you. And sunshine in Paris is just divine…

My look: Polka dot print mini dress with lace undergarment by Dolce & Gabbana, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, vibrant camouflage-print bag, matching scarf and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht