Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, I was invited by JELMOLI to celebrate the opening of their contemporary fashion department on the second floor that features brands like Peter Pilotto, Jonathan Simkhai, Diane von Furstenberg, Rochas, Alexandre Vauthier and Koché among others.

The event was very unexpected and a real experience. Check-in began on the street in front of the department store (queue was shockingly long), then we boarded open-air buses and were driven to the underground delivery station below JELMOLI where the fashion show and party took place. A very successful and fun night.

Quick stop at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI before the event with a friend for a luxury treatment session that I can only recommend.

My look: Fringed printed cotton and silk-blend jersey dress by Loewe, embellished woven straw tote by Rosie Assoulin, ankle boots Kole by Chloé, bi-colour chain necklace by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, rose diamond ring by Piaget and faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.»
– Christian Dior

Bouquets of flowers are always a special and thoughtful gift. Now you can take the message «Say it with Flowers» to the next level and wrap yourself in this beautiful dress which is patterned with coated red blooms and the iconic slogan. The print is inspired by flower wrappers you’d come across in your local bodega. Isn’t it so cute? Combined with some leopard heels which are trending this upcoming season it is the perfect way to transition into fall.

My look: Waiting For Godet belted coated cotton-blend poplin maxi dress by Rosie Assoulin, white Duffle 6 bag by Saint Laurent, leopard-print calf hair sandals by Miu Miu, bear necklace and banana leaf print sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Natacha Ramsay-Levi is the first French woman to take the helm at Chloé since 1998. Incorporating the signature edge we saw from her at Balenciaga while maintaining Clare Waight Keller‘s sense of lightness, her debut S/S 2018 collection includes feminine dresses for which she has reworked iconic house codes, the new Rylee motorcycle boots and a new much-anticipated fragrance: Chloé Nomade. I am completely in love and you will see me wearing a lot of the French house in the next months!

My look: Appliquéd shearling-trimmed denim jacket by Gucci, paneled lace, stretch and jacquard-knit mini dress, and Rylee cutout woven leather knee boots, both by Chloé
, Bayswater shoulder bag by Mulberry, leopard sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, rose diamond ring and necklace, both by Piaget.

Where would you call home? Encounter the world with Chloé’s new floral chypre scent Nomade that includes notes of oak moss, Mirabelle plum and freesia. It’s about discovering your daring and adventurous side. It is all about crossing the next frontier, always pushing the boundaries of who you are. Start with the fragrance and work your way up to the collection – you will surely love it!

Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 97.00), 50ml (CHF 128.00) and 75ml (CHF 150.00).
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 52.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 57.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

It’s Oscar weekend, which means party time in my favorite city in the world. Here you see me at the famous Sheats-Goldstein House, one of the sexiest properties in all Los Angeles. The cave-like concrete-and-glass residence – which is located in Beverly Crest to be precise – was designed by John Lautner and played in many movies, such as in «The Big Lebowski» or «Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle», and served as the setting for a gazillion of fashion editorials.

Photo of James Goldstein and me via his Instagram @jamesfgoldstein

There were two subsequent owners before the mysterious multi-millionaire businessman James F. Goldstein purchased the residence in 1972, in a state of some disrepair. Goldstein commissioned John Lautner to work on the transformation of the house; a series of remodelings that would encompass the entire house over a period of more than two decades. Goldstein himself looks famous and likes to dress in head-to-toe leather always combined with a hat. His favorite brands are Balmain or Saint Laurent.

Goldstein’s personal hat collection in his house.

Goldstein loves to surround himself with celebrities, the house is plastered with memories of those encounters.

Coming back to the Sheats-Goldstein house. It  is probably the most dangerous house I have ever been in. Never get drunk there for sure! There aren’t any rails around the patio or along the outdoor hallway and boy, it’s steep. Everything is glass and even that I knew, I ran against it once, ending up with a huge bump on my forehead.

My look: Cropped suede jacket, patchwork printed silk-georgette dress, Anita fringed suede shoulder bag, suede ankle boots and brown studded belt, all by Saint Laurent. Rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love Valentine’s Day and always enjoy prepping the ultimate outfit. While classic reds and pinks are a quintessential choice, I’m loving the subtle hearts and little pops of color. The unexpected message on the Dolce box bag will definitely steal your heart!

My look: Perfecto leather biker jacket and Janis leather platform pumps with chains, both by Saint Laurent, vintage heart print chiffon dress by Moschino Cheap & Chic, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, heart shaped earrings by Chanel and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

Don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day contest with Dyson!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Since many years, I have been invited to SIHH, which is the year’s first gathering of professionals in the watchmaking segment and I love going there. Held in January, it sets the tone for the twelve months to come as it rolls out the latest trends. By visiting the glamorous watch fair, you are not only treated to champagne, 5-star hotel accommodation (I stayed at the beautiful Four Seasons in Geneva), but only amazing events with tons of celebrities visiting the prestigious event. 2018 has been one of the fair’s most interesting yet with incredible watches being unveiled and new exhibitors presenting their novelties.

New to the fair is French luxury house Hermès who is showing at SIHH for the very first time.

CEO Piaget Chabi Nouri with me

Altogether there are 35 exhibitors with many newly on-board CEOs such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget. The latter’s new CEO Chabi Nouri presented her fresh direction and won my vote for best booth at the fair. The beautiful tropical island themed decorations featured real lush palm tree embellishments, an indoor pool, and even a simulated skylight.

The brand’s new Altiplano Ultimate Concept, which is with only 2mm of exceptional horology the thinnest watch in the world, was one of the talking pieces of the fair. Personally speaking, I have fallen for Piaget‘s turquoise-colored Limelight Gala watch and some other favorites that you will find below:

LIMELIGHT GALA WATCH BY PIAGET
White gold, set with diamonds
Turquoise dial
Manufacture Piaget quartz movement 690P

PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER
Mini model
18k pink gold
Case set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Triple-loop bracelet

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD SELFWINDING BY AUDEMARS PIGUET
Selfwinding manufacture calibre 3120
Centre seconds, date,
37mm, dial comes now in pink gold
18-carat pink gold

TONDA 1950 BY PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
PF702 ultra-thin automatic movement with micro rotor
48-hour power reserve
Hand-beveled bridges
18ct rose gold case
Available in stones dial and with diamond setting
Alligator strap

FIFTY-SIX COMPLETE CALENDAR BY VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Precision moon phase
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
18K pink gold
40 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Alligator strap

The watches are getting smaller and so are the prices… many watchmakers are opting for less expensive models as Piaget launches for the first time watches in steel, as well as Jaeger-LeCoultre does for the so-called «Polaris» collection. Vacheron Constantin will be making a ladies line and Panerai is releasing a new range of 38mm timepieces, the smallest Panerai watches ever.

Roger Dubuis showed me a novelty for the ladies range that I have fallen in love with immediately but I am not allowed to talk about it until February…!

TONDA 1950 GALAXY by PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
PF702 ultra-thin automatic movement with platinum micro rotor
48-hour power reserve
Hand-beveled bridges
18ct gold case with diamond setting, 064ct
Blue Aventurine dial
Hermès alligator strap

The color to opt for is blue. There was not one booth that didn’t show a variety of azure, indigo, sky or cerulean. As there were so many, I decided to write a separate post about it which will be published soon…

Stay tuned! So much more to come!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Match made in heaven I would say. Today, PIAGET unveiled its new global brand campaign. Personally speaking I can see the signature of a woman, meaning CEO Chabi Nouri, behind the way the brand is communicating its vision.

Photographers Mert & Marcus captured top model Doutzen Kroes embracing the energy of the sun and the liberating joy that comes from cheerful, sun-filled moments. To reconnect with herself, one of her destinations of choice is the magical island of Ibiza where the campaign was shot. She is the heroine of a sun-drenched adventure with dangling colorful bangles on her wrist. Modern, luminous and feminine, she walks on «the Sunny Side of Life».

In the photo Doutzen wears the following jewelry:

Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring

TO SHOP THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF POSSESSION BANGLES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

The last two weeks I travelled through Yucatán and I have so many impressions to share with you. My final destination was the luxe-hippie beach town of Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, a place I fell in love with. Beautiful white-sand beaches, active social life, and the laidback lifestyle of a beach town, it is somehow cosmic and natural at once. So the print of the dress and the color of the shoes were a perfect fit. As I am very particular about my clothes, I had promised myself not to bring anything expensive or too fancy. This is the most fashionable I got on this trip and between us it is definitely not Tulum style. As one told me: «Tulum is hippie, golden sandals». There is not one place you can wear high heels and funnily enough, I loved it!

My look: Printed midi dress and green heels, both by Zara, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings by Etro, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and quilted bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Zurich is my happy place. I truly enjoy living in the Swiss city that offers so much quality of life. The lake is beautiful and I love those fall days when you can still sit outside and enjoy a moment of silence in the middle of the city.

My look: Manray leather-trimmed shearling jacket by Altuzarra, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior, printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, rose diamond ring by Piaget,
 quilted single flap bag «Stars and Stripes» in blue by Chanel (Paris – Dallas collection), boots with GG print and cream white leather by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht