Sandra‘s Closet

This morning, I attended the Omega press conference in the presence of Nicole Kidman that I will show you very soon. It was freezing cold today in Vienna so that I didn’t feel like being outside for too long. In the afternoon, I took a “Fiaker”, a horse carriage, to the city’s iconic Sacher hotel to treat myself to the probably most famous chocolate cake in the world: Original Sacher-Torte.

Its story began in 1832, when it was created by a 16 year old apprentice in his second year, Franz Sacher, for Wenzel Clemens Prince Metternich, the chancellor of Austria. The head chef was ill and not able to fulfill the important order so that the teenaged Franz Sacher had to invent something on the spot. That was the day when the victorious career of the renowned Austrian dessert composition began…

The basis is a chocolate cake, thinly coated by hand with best-quality apricot jam. The chocolate icing on top of it is the crowning glory. You can order it online here.

My look: Python-print down jacket by Roberto Cavalli, red knit dress with chiffon ruffles and black scarf with gold threads, both by Gucci, boots by Balmain and my beloved leather tote by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I was with Montblanc in Los Angeles recently. One spot that is fun to visit is Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum which is located right next to the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame.

I jumped in the middle of all the touristy action and went a little crazy. But I mean where on earth can you in one day…

…get a close-up with Steven Spielberg…

…sit next to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump…

…dance with Madonna…

…chat with Jack Nicholson…

… make fun with Jim Carrey…

…get a photo with Angelina Jolie…

…see Michael Jackson again…

…hold hands with Robin Williams…

…swing your hips with Beyoncé Knowles…

…be so close to Hugh Jackman…

…hang from the ceiling next to Spiderman…

…and get to film with Alfred Hitchcock?

My look: Two-layered top by Gucci, distressed gray jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, embellished sandals by Prada, bangles by Chanel, necklace and sunglasses, both by Roberto Cavalli and Elsie bag by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

And of course, last but not least, here are all the details of my look that I wore to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich International Closing Night:

Sequined mini dress with chain detail and marabou cape, both by Balmain, Kelly So Black by Hermès, cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Tribute Two textured-leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.

Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots. 
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:

FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)

EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.

LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior

CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht

Before leaving my hotel room on Sunday night, I took some photos of my outfit by myself. Somehow, I knew that I would be so busy at the Cavalli event that I would forget to ask somebody to take some pics of my look. Good decision!

I wore a dress and a belt from Matthew Williamson‘s S/S 2009 collection. The British designer is always a great choice when you are looking for cocktail attire. His designs are beautiful and non-seasonal as you can see. Click here to shop a great selection of Matthew Williamson dresses.

My look: White dress with colourful embellishments and wide studded belt by Matthew Williamson, fringed leather bag by Roberto Cavalli, overknee boots and earrings with marina chain motif and dark garnet colored beads, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

According to Tim Blanks, the ninth-floor penthouse, where Roberto Cavalli presented his F/W 2013 men’s collection Sunday night in Milan, once belonged to the Gucci who was gunned down by his wife. Overlooking the rooftops of Milan, the spectacular views were the perfect backdrop for the outstanding presentation. Daniele Cavalli, who has been at the helmet of the menswear arm since two years, had a vision and transformed the amazing flat into a gentlemen’s club in impressive colours of purple and burgundy.

Instead of a fashion show, the collection was presented on mannequins, next to the photos and videos created by well-known photographer Rankin. I totally liked that approach as you could truly look at all the details of the looks and believe me, there were many.

Precious fabrics, from crocodile-printed pony skin to all-over sequined embroideries, of course the uniqueness of a print, and Daniele’s strongest talent, the combination of all those eye-catching details (see all the photos below please).

Daniele told me a little about his inspiration, that he used a teleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope, to create his very special prints, in form of kaleidoscopic patterns.

So then, no fashion shows this season. The reason?
The runway and the long walk before the public and photographers enhances and highlights the spectacular nature of feminine seduction. The same does not apply to the male essence. On the contrary, this might be the motive behind the skepticism of many men towards fashion. This collection aims at celebrating male reality.

Many famous journalists attended the event, among them Suzy Menkes…

… and Tim Blanks, who were both listening to Daniele’s vision.

Eva Cavalli chatting with Tim Blanks

Guests of the event were spoilt to all sorts of Cavalli Vodka drinks and enjoyed a musical performance of The Cyborgs. A fashion show that was more a fashion party in the world’s most stylish gentlemen’s club ever. Thumbs up!

Have fun looking at all the photos from the amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photographer Rankin with Alex Postiglione

Me at work in the kaleidoscopic room where the accessories were presented.

Olivier Zahm (Purple magazine) with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Daniele Cavalli‘s reign at his family label has elevated the iconic style to another, more contemporary and definitely sexier level. The young Florentine is in charge for the house’s menswear label since a few seasons and I am absolutely in love wit his creations. In my dream world, men would walk around in those clothes from day to night.

Young Daniele has an amazing sense for colours and for creating new interesting materials, as he transformed tiger stripes into a tonal motif on a black leather bomber jacket for F/W 2012. The purple duffle coat and croc print silk scarf would take every man’s outfit to new heights.

You can shop Roberto Cavalli Men at LUISAVIAROMA.COM and FARFETCH.COM.

Me with Daniele, whom, it would not be hard to imagine in many of the looks.

Sketches & mood boards

Beautiful black & white photo in the last issue of Italian Max featuring a Roberto Cavalli Menswear S/S 2012 total look! Great style!

Robert Pattinson wears Roberto Cavalli yellow trousers in the September 2012 issue of BlackBook. Awesome pic!

This is a photo of the Roberto Cavalli F/W 2012 Menswear advertising campaign.

For S/S 2013, Daniele got inspired by the butterfly, the icon of transformation, and used a cage filled with them as the backdrop of show. From caterpillar to cocoon to full glam rock chic, if you’re going to be in Roberto Cavalli’s gang next summer, you will need some pastel shades of lilac and sky blue. To add Daniele’s signature ’70s feel, go for his metallic purples and silver. The thin lapelled-suits with neck scarves should definitely be on your wish list, gentlemen!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli, via BlackBook and Italian Max

This was my look for the amazing Caviar & Oyster Collection Dinner with Bobbi Brown:

Black dress with angel wing sleeves by Stella McCartney, Soft Stirrup black brocade leather clutch, Noah high heel cut-out pump, both by Gucci, bangle, goldfish cuff and cocktail ring, all three by Roberto Cavalli, earrings by Chanel.

Of course, I created my make-up with the beautiful new products by Bobbi Brown:

I used the Caviar & Oyster Palette (CHF 120.-) for the eyes (I blended all eight shades and dabbed Ballet Sparkle with my fingertip), then I applied the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (CHF 33.-) in Black Ink with the Smokey Eye Liner Brush (CHF 43.-) and smudged it with the Long-Wear Eye Pencil (CHF 33.-) in Jet. To finish off the smokey look, I layered the new limited edition Dual-Ended Mascara (CHF 33.-) in Black.

On my lips I wore Brightening Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-) in Moonlight Pearl and on my cheeks Blush (CHF 41.-) in Pretty Pink.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich Opening Night on Wednesday:

Mietta embroidered crepe top, Jessica flared crepe mini skirt, both by Stella McCartney, fur shrug by Prada, gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, bow-embellished suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu, Trapeze bag by Céline and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

If you are wondering why I brought such a huge bag, I was carrying two cameras. During the next days, I will show you all the photos from the events and runway shows.

There was a lot of press coverage from the night and I gave some interviews. If you are interested to see them, have a look at annabelle, 20 Minuten online and NZZ.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Screenshots via annabelle, 20 Minuten and NZZ