Sandra‘s Closet

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure to fly to Paris with Hublot for the launch event of the House’s collaboration with DJ Snake, who has such a huge presence in today’s musical landscape that he needs no introduction. The electronic music star first came to public attention with the track «Turn Down For What», released in 2013. Since then, the hits have racked up: «Lean On», «Loco Contigo», «Let Me Love You» with Justin Bieber, and «Selfish Love» with Selena Gomez. Diplo, Kanye West, Lil Jon… the collaborations keep on coming!

Framed by Ricardo Guadalupe to the left and DJ Snake to the right.

He became the first French artist to have two songs with over a billion plays on Spotify, and the awards have rained down: Billboard Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, and no fewer than three NRJ Music Awards. Hublot and DJ Snake have been partners since January 1st 2018, when he presided over the decks at Hublot’s closing evening during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There is something else that needs no further introduction… when Hublot invites, there is always a dazzling party. The evening started with a cocktail reception at the Accor Arena in Paris.

The big reveal during the cocktail reception.

The exclusive Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake was revealed at exactly at 9:30 p.m., when Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe and the watch’s namesake, DJ Snake, presented the 100-piece limited model for the first time to the invited guests, among them Adriana Lima, Iris Mittenaere, Didi Stone and Richard Orlinski.

Afterwards, DJ Snake, the most streamed French artist in world and Hublot ambassador since 2018, heated up the crowd with his international hits.

«To be able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch which reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the start of my partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to have been able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the fantastic watchmakers and technicians at this Swiss brand.»
DJ Snake

The Big Bang DJ Snake is a vibrant watch boasting myriad facets, just like the talented artist who inspired it. The instantly recognisable iconic design of the Big Bang here gleams with a thousand coloured reflections. The bezel and the six titanium components of the 45-mm case are adorned with a «Newton’s Rings» effect. This process, which is technically similar to a black PVD treatment, is achieved through charging with colours and precisely orienting the components to a certain position to obtain the required colour.

At the DJ put: DJ Snake wearing the Big Bang DJ Snake and me wearing the Big Bang Unico Summer.

The result is an optical effect in which the colors change depending on the light and when viewed from different angles. Not only that, but the surface of the parts was hardened before the iridescent treatment in order to improve its adherence. This operation is a complex one as it is difficult to obtain the same gradation of colour on each of the 100 watches being produced. The cut-outs on the outer edge of the bezel were designed by DJ Snake himself. These notches make the Big Bang DJ Snake immediately recognisable, distinguishing it from other collections. An illustration of the «Art of Fusion» philosophy so dear to Hublot!

The upper face of the sapphire dial features a map of the world in the same colours as the case. This globe acts as DJ Snake’s signature. A nod both to his travels across the planet for his concerts and to the fact that his hits have made the world his home. The lower section is skeletonised and treated to create sections with a black fumé finish.

This semi-transparent finish allows a glimpse of the famous calibre HUB1242 UNICO movement, a flyback chronograph with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Bang DJ Snake will be supplied with two straps which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented One Click system. The first is made from rubber, with a grey, black and purple camouflage pattern which echoes the myriad colours reflected by the watch case. The second, also rubber, has a black ribbed structure. The clasp on these straps also features the same «Newton’s Rings» effect as the case and bezel.

I am loving it and hope, that you will do too. Please enjoy more impressions of that fantastic night below. I feel so honored to be photographed by famous photographer German Larkin for Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

With German Larkin who photographed…

Adriana Lima and…

and my humble self for Hublot! I love those photos.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hublot, © German Larkin

Following the great success of the past years, LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF Italia announce the fourth exclusive edition of the charity gala event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

The event will be held at the historic La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on Saturday July 31st, with the mission to raise funds to support UNICEF charities and projects around the world.

All funds raised during the event will support UNICEF’s Italia work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, UNICEF Italia continues to fight on a daily basis for the rights of children in need — providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection from conflicts, natural disasters and inequality.

Rita Ora at the LuisaViaRoma 2020 edition.

The unforgettable evening will feature live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning singer John Legend.
In addition to the musical performances, the gala will include a cocktail reception and a star-studded exclusive dinner, followed by a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Always breathtaking: Mathilde Gøhler with her husband Remee Jackman last year.

The auction will include incredible items such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a voyage on the «Extreme E» ship. In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF Italia. This year, a part of LuisaViaRoma’s contribution will facilitate the restoration of La Certosa in Capri, with the aim to maintain and protect the local institution.

Special scarf edition for the 2020 event by LuisaViaRoma x 100% Capri

LUISAVIAROMA’s CEO, Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF’s Italia Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and UNICEF Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra will be hosting the charitable event alongside Event Chairs: Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortajarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aasen and Karolina Kurkova.

Coming back to Capri for the event: beautiful Natasha Poly

«Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.» Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

With Andrea Panconesi in 2013 at a LuisaViaRoma event in Tuscany.

«We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion of doses of vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.» – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LuisaViaRoma / UNICEF

In the second collaboration between the Swiss watchmaking manufacture and the brilliant American artist Shepard Fairey, HUBLOT presents the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece. A veritable titanium sculpture to be worn on the wrist, it symbolises the natural cycles of life and the unity between different cultures.

Hublot is staying true to its motto «Be the first, be unique, be different» by deepening its commitment to its «Hublot Loves Art» programme. After unveiling new collaborations with artists Takashi Murakami and Richard Orlinski, Hublot is today presenting its third watchmaking work of art of the year, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey.

As its name indicates, it has been designed by American artist Shepard Fairey. Painter, graphic designer, DJ, illustrator, street artist, skateboarder and founder of the OBEY Clothing company, Fairey – also known by his pseudonym Obey – is probably the most politically influential artist of his generation. His works include the famous «Obama Hope» poster, an iconic image from Barak Obama’s electoral campaign in 2008, as well as the piece entitled «Liberté, égalité, fraternité» which he created as a symbol of hope for France after the 2015 terrorist attacks.

His works are on show in the world’s most prestigious museums such as the Smithsonian in Washington, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the MoMa in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to name but a few. He has been a Hublot ambassador since 2018.

Hublot and Shepard Fairey chose a watch from the Classic Fusion collection as the basis for their second collaboration. On this piece, the American artist, greatly involved in the project, chose to bring to life a piece symbolising a mandala, an ornamental symbol whose origins can be traced back simultaneously to several cultures across the planet. The mandala represents harmony, the cycle of life and the elements, as well as the precious nature of time in the mind. Here, this pattern is brushed and engraved into the titanium, the material used to create the bezel and the 45-mm diameter case. This work continues on the dial, which has also been finely cut to reveal the self-winding chronograph movement, a calibre HUB1155 offering a power reserve of 42 hours. In the centre, the hands display Fairey’s signature «Star Gear» mark. Fitted on a lined black rubber strap, the black stainless steel deployant buckle is also brushed.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey timepiece is available now as a limited edition in the Hublot e-shop and boutiques. Hublot and Shepard Fairey have agreed that this timepiece will help to raise funds for Amnesty International, an NGO formed of over 10 million people in 150 countries, which campaigns to put an end to human rights violations, in accordance with the theme of global harmony represented by the design engraved on the watch.

Price: € 21.700 – Limited Edition of 50 Pieces

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot