Sandra‘s Closet

RENE ZIBOLD

The PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland has great style and many loyal followers on instagram (@monsieurené) who enjoy his daily fashion updates. Being fluent in four languages, he loves to travel. Other places inspire him, with the City of Light leading the way.

Your favourite city? La merveilleuse ville lumière: PARIS!
It’s the most beautiful city in the world, where I can find everything I really love!

Your favourite hotel? HOTEL ATHÉNÉE, a small, romantic and very elegant boutique hotel in the center of Paris. If you love Jacques Garcia’s interiors, you’ll adore it!

Your favourite restaurant? The CAFÉ RUC, in the beautiful neighborhood of Saint Honoré. The interior is also made by Jacques Garcia. The Suprême de volaille “minute” with “purée maison” is a must have! Dessert? Of course the Gâteau au chocolat!

Your favourite bar or nightclub? The GEORGES at the Centre Pompidou, also excellent for dinner. The view over Paris by night is breathtaking!

Your favourite sightseeing spot? The LOUVRE. I can spend hours in front of each masterpiece of Eugène Delacroix!

Your favourite park? The JARDIN DES TUILERIES next to the Louvre and after a walk I always enjoy a coffee and the delicious “tarte fine aux pommes“ at CAFE MARLY.

Your favourite shop? The DRIES VAN NOTEN men’s store at the Quai Malaquais. I just love the interior of the store and of course Van Noten’s beautiful men’s collections. Can’t wait to buy there the Fall 2013 collection!!!

Your must-have accessory? No matter if it’s summer or winter and where I am… I usually wear ETRO SCARVES. They really are my must-have accessory!

The best soundtrack for this destination? Jean-Claude Pascal: PARIS AU MOIS DE SEPTEMBRE. I’m in love with this song!

The best book to read while being on vacation there? I always buy ART or FASHION BOOKS in Paris. The BOOKSHOP at the PALAIS DE TOKYO has a fantastic selection.

Thank you, René, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

Here is what I wore at the famous Pin-up Studio in Paris for the Dior Iconic photo shoot. Of course, I changed for the official photo into a fantastic Dior leather top and some fabulous Dior jewelry which you will see soon.

My own look: Leather and cotton-jersey sweater, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, striped glossed rayure-effect blazer and flat tote bag, all by Saint Laurent and boots by Chanel.

Me with the lovely Montasar Dumas.

I had so much fun, thank you for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Dior event in Paris last week was truly amazing. The Dior team spoilt me constantly during my stay with wonderful birthday surprises. How creative they are was clear when we went for dinner Thursday night. Held at the ice rink of the Plaza Athénée which is located at the inner courtyard of the famous Parisian hotel, we were welcomed by a Swiss chalet atmosphere and a cute Saint Bernard dog.

View of the ice rink from the top

As I have done many dinners on the ice in St. Moritz before, I knew exactly what to wear in order not to get cold.
My look: Mink coat by Prada, fur boots by Prada Sport, scarf, bag and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and fur hat by Marc Jacobs.

Lovely Montasar Dumas (Dior Paris) and Huda Heidi Kattan with me.

From left to right: Me, Sofie Valkiers and Gala Gonzalez

Raclette prepared by three Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was a big surprise. Who would have expected having a Swiss traditional dish in Paris?! Very funny, the two Swiss ladies, Manuela and my humble self, were shoveling the yummy cheese in our mouth, whereas most of the other bloggers were a little overwhelmed by the heavy food.

Manuela Pastore (Dior Switzerland) explained enthusiastically how to eat raclette.

Pumpkin soup as a starter

Spotted – the cutest iPhone cover ever, available here.

A surprise birthday dessert. Thank you, Dior, for this wonderful experience!
Stay tuned for all the photos taken during the day for the house’s new beauty launches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear friend Karo from Geneva sent me this for my birthday and I thought it was so hilarious that I had to share it with you. Young Karl Lagerfeld and Grace Coddington… time flies!
Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special!

A huge thank you to the Dior team with whom I spent an amazing day today. I am in Paris at the moment for the launch of the French house’s newest mascara and something I cannot talk about yet. Follow me on Twitter and look out for #dioriconicevent to stay up-to-date. A detailed post will be coming up soon. Now, I am off to dinner at the Plaza Athénée Ice rink “Les Bancs d’Hiver” by Chef Alain Ducasse.

LoL, Sandra

One evening during the Biennale des Antiquaires, Piaget took us for a gala dinner to the beautiful L’Arc restaurant, that offers a stunning view of the city’s iconic Arc de Triomphe.

My look: Silk blouse (available with or without sleeves) and chain detail skirt (50% off), both by Givenchy, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, Leopard Nocturne African Queen clutch bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 runway and earrings from Chanel‘s Paris-Bombay collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My visit to the Biennale des Antiquaires last week was absolutely amazing. I was surrounded by outstanding beauty, extraordinary antiques and exquisite jewelry. Karl Lagerfeld has staged, decorated and created the visuals for the event as well as the backdrop. And being such a talented artist, he came up with a temporary world within the Grand Palais (the home of his Chanel shows) that was as beautiful as the thousands of objects d’art.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, floral and cherub-print dress by Dolce & Gabbana, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford, Rockstud suede and leather ankle boots by Valentino, cuff by Céline, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette earrings and ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie plus Velvet de Luxe 66 tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, the House of Piaget completely developed and crafted in-house, the new Couture Précieuse collection that pays homage to feminine beauty. It was such a pleasure, a true feast for the eyes, to see those magnificent high jewelry creations.

I absolutely loved the decor of the booth. David Downton, famous fashion illustrator and confidant of the world of Haute Couture, created eight sketches immortalising some of the models presented by Piaget. His work that is involving the use of gouache, acrylic paint and Indian ink, created splendid showcases for the jewelry sets.

The Couture Précieuse collection was inspired by three different motifs:

Radiant Laces:
The jewelry sets borrow from the field of corsets and ribbons and celebrate the beauty of feminine curves.

Diamond Embroidery:
Piaget dresses the skin with diamonds, as light and vaporous as a breath of air. Like sumptuous lace or stunning guipure dresses, the creations reveal the smoothness of a glimpse of skin beneath golden fabric and stones.

Magnificent adornments:
In these elegant and refined models, Piaget draws its inspiration from men’s dress suits, with the precious “brandebourg” motifs.

The quintessence of seduction is embodied in a sumptuous necklace embroidered with gold filaments and diamonds. Its entirely openwork, articulated structure makes it look like lace. This centrepiece of the collection is made in the same way as a Haute Couture dress, on the bias and finished with a smooth cut. It took more than 800 hours of work to create.

Gorgeous Embroidery Necklace (Ref.  G37LJ938)
White gold with 1513 brilliant-cut diamonds (44.19 ct), 133 baguette-cut diamonds (16.77 ct), 11 rose-cut diamonds (5.96 ct) and 4 pear-shaped diamonds (7.55 ct).

And the absolute star of the show is the necklace inspired by a traditional fan which merely hints at what its wearer wishes to reveal. The contrast between a delicate central rubellite motif and the finely fashioned net motif on the fan creates a transparent play on light and shade. Each of the fan sections was separately crafted being assembled, and which looks as if it is ready to open and close with the next passing breeze.

Fan Temptation Necklace (Ref.G37LJ240)
White gold with 728 brilliant-cut diamonds (47.13 ct), 5 pear-shaped rubellites (10.95 ct) and 1 cushion-cut rubellite (20.95 ct).

A re-edition of a vintage 1970s model, the cuff-watch is inspired by knit dresses. Its bracelet highlights the historical expertise of the chainmaker-jewelers of the House of Piaget. Gold is hand twisted, knit and formed into a mesh entirely by hand, much like the work of a fashion couturier. This provides an opportunity to emphasise the know-how of the Piaget artisans who, after patiently fitting each gold link on very tiny pins, give rise to these wonderfully supple and unique gold fabrics. It is a real nod to Piaget’s of the 1970s.

Gold Chain Cuff Watch (Ref. G0A38211)
White gold (189.5 g), Calibre 56P, Piaget Quartz movement
400 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.9 ct), diamond-paved dial and white gold bracelet

Personally speaking, my three favourite pieces are the ones below. I have especially fallen for the Lace Mystery Necklace. Its shape enhances the feminine curves of the body and draws all eyes to its dazzling brilliance. It is such a sensual piece of jewelry that could transform every evening gown in seconds to show-stopping appearance.

Lace Mystery Necklace (Ref. G37LM942)
White gold, 303 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.43 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (0.53 ct), 30 pear-shaped rubellites (7.34 ct), 29 round rubellites (6.03 ct), 50 round pink sapphires (4.17 ct) and 1 pear-shaped rubellite (10.61 ct).

Sublime Embroidery Earrings (Ref. G38LK800)
White gold with 378 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.44 ct).

Splendid Embroidery Necklace
White and pink gold  with 2395 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.54 ct), 10 square-cut diamonds (2.03 ct), 5 marquise-cut diamonds (2.21 ct), 1 triangle-cut diamond (0.09 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (1.50 ct), 1 cabochon pink sapphire (0.86 ct), 146 round pink sapphires (14.21 ct) and 3 pear-shaped pink sapphires (8.19 ct).

Seeing all the craftsmanship that has gone into those outstanding creations, it makes you appreciate the work even more. Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures from the Biennale des Antiquaires 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Making of Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

On Wednesday last week, I went with Piaget to the beautiful Château de Malmaison. Located at the gates of Paris, the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Empress Joséphine, has a large variety of porcelain collections, paintings and furniture on display.

The Château de Malmaison, purchased by Joséphine in 1799, became her permanent home after her divorce in 1809 and she lived there until she died in her bedroom in 1814.

Madame Bonaparte was famous for her interest in the field of botany and created magnificent gardens. Joséphine grew many rare species of plants and cultivated 250 species of roses, her favourite flower. Unfortunately, her heritage is not present today and the fields lie fallow. But this will be changing soon because the rose has a history that Piaget is committed to preserving.

Yves Piaget, scion of the company’s founders, has been celebrating his love of roses since over 30 years. The house’s Rose jewelry collection is a tribute to this dedication. The famous Yves Piaget Rose is named after him which was beautifully put on display at lunch. For Monsieur Piaget, “the rose is a symbol of love, joy and peace.” He explained, “that he was fascinated  by the rose breeder’s mutual challenges, beauty and performance,” and went on about “the two passions in his life: The Piaget company and the rose.”

Yves Piaget with me

Philippe Léopold-Metzger (to the left), CEO of Piaget, announced that Piaget will finance the rebuilding and reconstruction of Château de Malmaison’s rose garden that is meant to be completely finished in 2014. Then, it will present 750 rose bushes from the First to the Second Empire, enhancing the knowledge of the botanical work of the Empress. Amaury Lefébure (to the right), Director of Château de Malmaison, expressed his gratitude to the house of Piaget as this support “is something that very seldom happens in the life of a curator.”

The Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler will also be involved in the restoration of some of the original gowns worn by Joséphine. “Another chance to bring back the beauty to the castle.”

After we had enjoyed a great tour around the property and the chateau, we were treated to a beautiful and delicious lunch. Didn’t my sweater match the Yves Piaget Rose décor perfectly?! Stay tuned for a detailed outfit post coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

As promised less than two weeks ago, here is the new fragrance, that I was telling you about: Pleats Please by Issey Miyake – the perfume that moves you.

The launch event took place at the Louvre in Paris with a very different und beautiful presentation. Dressed in pleats of every colour, models leaped and danced, twirled and spinned, motivating the audience to join in the fun.

The designer Issey Miyake is known known globally for his signature pleats – a look that went around the world in more than 80 colours; it is contemporary yet timeless. Today, the iconic line Pleats Please Issey Miyake has its own fragrance. It is a scent that pays homage to a seminal fashion creation: an infusion of emotion and olfactory ode to joy.

The iconic L’Eau d’Issey and L’Eau d’Issey Pour l’Homme burst forth from the fountain of Issey Miyake fragrances; clear and shimmering, the waters heralded Issey Miyake’s first foray into perfumery.
Pleats Please is completely different, a joyous, light-hearted scent with meticulously sculpted facets created by perfumer Aurélien Guichard. For this new fragrance, the exuberance and heartiness of a floral bouquet was a must – flowers to define the femininity of a subtle delicate composition.

Perfumer Aurélien Guichard

Top Note: Nashi (a hybrid fruit that oscillates between pear and apple, with the pear note predominating).

Middle Notes: Peony and sweet pea. Indole adds a fleshly, voluptous touch and „gives substance to the note“, the perfumer explains. The accord is warm and vibrant, like „an invitation to fluidity“. (Remember Roja Dove who explained me the sexual power of indole. Click here if you would like to know more.)

Base notes: Cedar, patchouli, vanilla and white musks.

Available from September 2012. The product range comprises a trio of eau de toilette in three formats: 30, 50 and 100 ml. The EdTs are supplemented by two derivatives infused with the notes of Pleats Please: a creamy, body lotion and a deodorant spray.

The bottle is very interesting. Its shape is reminiscent of a bag that is put down on the floor. The cap takes the form of a floral calyx, a finely pleated abstraction that symbolises both a white flower and the Pleats Please fabric.

In his quest for the timeless and functional in fashion, Issey Miyake found his answer in pleats. Fashion keeps moving, and so does fragrance!

It was such a beautiful presentation at the Louvre! For more details about my look, please click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew for one day to Paris for the launch of a beautiful new fragrance which will be launched officially in September. Stay tuned as, of course, I will tell you all about it in the next days to keep you ahead of the game.

Unfortunately, the weather was not so good with some scattered showers during the day. The event took place at the Louvre and before that I had some coffee with other journalists at the charming Hotel Regina across.

My look: Pink rain coat by Chloé, Mathilda wool-twill blazer by Stella McCartney, rosette-embellished silk top by Lanvin, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci, Crossword tote bag by Fendi, Daisy necklace by Dior Haute Joaillerie, cowboy ankle boots and thin red patent leather bow belt by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Yolanda Di Mambro – © Sandra Bauknecht