Sandra‘s Closet

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” could be easily changed to “Swarovskis are a girl’s best friend”. Those crystals sparkle, glitter and reflect the light just beautifully. This can be seen in perfection in the Austrian house’s new advertising campaign, created by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse, and photographed by award-winning British photographer Nick Knight.

It features Supermodel Candice Swanepoel in a variety of poses as an action woman – sleek, confident and accessorized with dazzling sporting gear made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS including a motorcycle helmet, dumb bells and skiing goggles. The radiance of Swanepoel’s beauty and her exquisitely crafted fantasy props is juxtaposed with Knight‘s stunning still lifes of lush freshly-cut garden roses, sprinkled with dewdrops of crystal stones.

Check out these cut behind the scenes shots of Swarovski’s global media campaign, that can be seen exclusively here on Sandra’s Closet. I am dying for this helmet.

If you want to get your hands on some Swarovski sparkle, check out the newest summer collection TROPICAL PARADISE that will take you on an exotic journey.
Destination? Latin America!

Creative Director Nathalie Colin explained, “I was strongly influenced by my travels in Brazil and Mexico, where I discovered intense creative energy and joie de vivre.” Signature Swarovski techniques such as Pointiage®, faceting, and the pavé setting, are evident throughout the collection along with an array of vibrant colors that conveys the festive spirit of Tropical Paradise. Turquoise tones symbolize the clear waters of the seas of Acapulco, beetles appear beside dragonflies and pink flamingos, all inspired by the diversity and exuberance of South America.

My favourite piece: Texture Big Shape Necklace
Wouldn’t that be just the perfect statement necklace? It could be worn in a casual way over a grey sweatshirt or would be complementing an evening gown perfectly.

During Paris Fashion week, I was able to browse through this beautiful collection at the stunning showroom, located at an inner courtyard on the famous Rue Sant Honoré. Enjoy those extraordinary pieces!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht
Campaign Photos: Swarovski 2013 Ad Campaign ©Nick Knight

Last weekend, I went to the preview of the new James Bond movie SKYFALL (directed by Sam Mendes) in Zurich, in which Bond’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the sacrifice.

Personally speaking, Skyfall is one of the best Bonds in its 50-year history. I truly enjoyed its outstanding dose of Bond-esque humour and Javier Bardem is excellent as crazy bad-guy Silva. Of course, there has to be a female temptation for 007 and Bérénice Marlohe showed off why she’s the new Bond Girl on the red carpet for the royal premiere in London this week.

The beautiful actress, who plays the character of Sévérine, worked her curves in a sizzling red draped couture gown by dame Vivienne Westwood. The show stopping frock featured designer’s iconic corset and was accessorized with Stephen Webster fine jewelry pieces from his F/W 2012 collections ‘Forget me Knot’ and ‘Deco Haze’ set in 18ct white gold with hematite and white diamonds. That is what I would call “dressed to kill”.

Inspired by the new Bond film, Skyfall, Stephen Webster has created four exclusive designs for Swarovski which encapsulate all the movie magic of 007’s latest adventure. On screen, French actress Bérénice Marlohe is wearing select jewelry pieces from the collection. As Stephen Webster stated: “Without question, collaborating with Swarovski on the jewelry for Skyfall has been exciting from the word go. The themes in the film seem to fit perfectly with the design aesthetic of the jewelry I create, and the many creative meetings at Pinewood Studios between Swarovski, ourselves and the Bond team have only added to our enthusiasm for the project. We can’t wait to see the jewels, shaken not stirred within the movie.” The beautiful collection is available in Swarovski stores worldwide.

If you are interested to find out more about Stephen Webster, I recommend this previous interview I did with him this summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski, Stephen Webster, IMDb and © Getty Images

Sparkling fashion label Swarovski launches a new scent for women, so-called SWAROVSKI EDITION. After the huge success of last year’s launch AURA, the brand presents its new delightful limited edition fragrance that will hit stores this month. The design of the bottle is reminiscent of the house’s clutch evening purses.

A fruity-floral fragrance created by perfumer Sonia Constant.

Top notes: Clementine and red currant jam
Middle notes: Wild rose and gardenia
Base notes: Cedar and musk

Available now as a limited edition Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 71.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski

Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus. – Oprah Winfrey

This look is inspired by the More Than a Feeling with Swarovski contest, an outfit that bursts with floral energy finished off with Prada’s super-hot summer accessories.

Floral-print devoré stretch-jersey top and matching ruched silk skirt, both by Nina Ricci, cadillac clutch, sandals with flame detail and jewel detail, earrings, bracelet, hair pin and statement necklace, all by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet my new friend Little Energy, one of the newest residents of LovLots City by Swarovski. The quirky and unique Emotis spread vibrant feelings through the air. This is your chance to win your own figurine. I am very proud to be the hostess for the More Than a Feeling contest in collaboration with Polyvore and Swarovski. Good luck to win the sweetest little man in the world. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred to the competition. I’ll be looking through all of the entries and judging the winner, so I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

To inspire you a little, I will show you some of my recent adventures with Little Energy. Last month, when I went on my crazy road trip through the US, I got this cute companion in San Francisco. With his little cloud and lightning on his head, he was the perfect little mojo to take care of me. Seems to be necessary after I had hit that horrible hail storm during my trip. As you see, Energy and I had a lot of fun together. Hopefully, you will meet him soon…

So I took him to Hawaii and up to the top of the volcano Haleakalā. Little Energy was deeply impressed by the silversword plants that only grow there.

Of course, he wanted to go swimming and relaxed at the pool or in the Missoni cabanas of the Four Seasons Hotel Maui at Wailea.

When we arrived in Dallas, Texas, he wanted to have tea time at American Girl Place, get a manicure, brush his teeth and sleep a little. Energy has so much energy that he barely rest. It is hard to keep up with him.

Then I challenged him and took him on a  shopping spree at the Highland Park Village, the premier shopping destination of Dallas. Our favourite, of course Stella McCartney.

Being in Texas, we had to see a rodeo, cowboys and Fort Worth, the city that truly captures the Western spirit well.

And of course, Southfork Ranch, the famous filming location for the „Dallas“ television series that was popular in the `80s and has been continued this year.

Back in Switzerland, he found his space on my desk. Little Energy likes to watch me at work and tries to inspire me, as for example for one of my recent outfits. He finds the Prada flame heels so energizing. Don’t forget to join the competition that will end on August 9, 2012 at 11.59pm EST. 
Click here to enter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Lovers of everything Hello Kitty, please have a seat! I have some exciting news for you: Your favourite icon has been turned into a rock star by Swarovski for fall. The gothic inspired collection features your favorite cat in a darker fiercer look, and I am sure you will just love it!

Above you can see some of the cutest pieces:

Ring – 119.- CHF
Leather Bracelet – 190.- CHF
Wristlet Pouch – 200.- CHF
Hello Kitty Limited Edition 2012 – Price on request
(Collectors, make sure to get your hands on one of the 88 Limited Edition figurines – with 23325 brilliant crystals adorning it.)

LoL, Sandra

Swarovski pursues its story and opens a chapter on the theme of love: Aura by Swarovski Collection Mariage. Boasting an olfactory composition inspired by moments of happiness in a marriage, it brings women good fortune and bliss.

The fragrance is composed of 3 main notes:

Sparkling and fruity, lychee blends perfectly with tea leaves to symbolise the seal of emotional commitment.
A delicate blend of peony and lotus evokes happiness, serenity and the promise of an eternal alliance.
In moments of intense love, white musk wraps women in a luminous and glittering aura.

This limited edition collection is available now.

Aura by Swarovski Collection Mariage EdT Légère CHF 73.- (50ml)
Prestige Edition EdT Légère CHF 121.- (50ml)
Makeup Jewel Crystal Gloss, Rose Scintillant CHF 73.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski Parfums

Swarovski once again adds sparkle to the big screen! Julia Roberts stars as the queen in Mirror Mirror, a fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, wearing spectacular handmade costumes adorned with over 100,000 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Oscar®-winning costume designer Eiko Ishioka (Immortals) put her imagination to the test. “The Swarovski crystals were used in Eiko’s designs in creating three spectacular handmade costumes for the Queen, adorned with over 100,000 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in nearly twenty colours, including the outrageous golden costume ball and blood-red party dress, as well as the elaborate wedding gown,” said assistant costume designer, Martine Gagnon.

In theatres now, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince (Armie Hammer) in this magical adventure comedy, directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell).

A visually stunning movie for the whole family!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Jan Thijs. Copyright 2012 Relativity Media. All rights reserved.

Exclusive on Sandra’s Closet, your Baselworld 2012 preview: The Austrian company Swarovski will present their first collection entirely intended for men. After launching the first collection of men’s jewelry and accessories in 2010, it seems to be the next obvious step.

The new line which is called Piazza Grande will be officially presented in the end of the week. Here is your sneak preview. For a closer look, just click on the tiny pictures. Prices start at CHF 900.- and go up to CHF 1350.-.

I have to admit that it took me some time to get used to the Swarovski crystals on the dial which is quite an unusual look for a man. But this is obviously the emancipation of the stronger sex!

LoL, Sandra

Here is an eye candy for all fans of Hello Kitty and Swarovski crystals among you:
First introduced in 1974, Hello Kitty has been winning over the hearts of the young – and young at heart – ever since. Being an icon of the pop culture, the oh-so-adorable little cat upgrades its look in a sparkling collaboration between the Japanese company Sanrio and Swarovski through jewelry pieces, charms, accessories and figurines. You might have to be a truly dedicated fan to be willing to spend such amounts of money on those playful sparkling pieces. But if you are, I am convinced that you will love those girly treasures.

Clutch, CHF 820

Ring Set, CHF 130

Charm Sitting, CHF 95

Necklace, CHF 330

Earrings, CHF 120

Helly Kitty fans might ask themselves: “What’s better than a Hello Kitty doll?”
Here is the answer: “A Hello Kitty doll covered in Swarovski crystals of course!”

Limited Edition 2011, CHF 10.000

With almost 20.000 crystals embedded into its surface by hand, this iteration of the the world’s cutest kitty is pretty glittery. And also rare – only 88 of them will be made.

The collection will be available starting in August in the 1900 Swarovski stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Swarovski 2011