Sandra‘s Closet

Classy and fabulous – this is how I feel in SAINT LAURENT. After this week’s IG Live Beauty Talk for Mother’s Day with Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (owned by L’Oréal, which holds exclusive licenses for the name), this post is an other homage to the French Maison. Shot at the Zaha Hadid exhibition at Galerie Gmurzynska – I am wearing pieces from the brand’s beautiful Resort 2021 and S/S 2021 collections.

SAINT LAURENT, that is today owned by the Kering Group, is one of the most iconic brands of the 20th Century. Founded by legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1961, it quickly revolutionized the way fashion and society intertwine with the launch of its iconic «Rive Gauche» collection just five years later, becoming the first couture house to launch ready-to-wear. Today, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello, who was appointed in April 2016 after Hedi Slimane left the company, continues to honor the label’s trailblazing spirit with his empowering, dynamic and boundary-pushing designs.

My look: Two-tone ribbed wool jacket, pussy-bow ruffled silk crepe de chine blouse, cotton-blend satin shorts, Jodie rose-embellished white leather platform sandals, Cassandra medium YSL-plaque dark green leather cross-body bag, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, all by Saint Laurent, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds by Cartier, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:  © David Biedert Photography
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I love CHANEL – THE END!

But seriously ladies, when I attended the CHANEL S/S 2021 show in Paris last fall, I knew I had to have this fun look with those crazy prints.

My look: Neon pink printed black sweater with white collar, matching neon green printed black jersey skirt, both by CHANEL (Look 26 from the S/S 2021 runway collection), necklace with bag charm, and chain creole earrings , both by CHANEL, python medium classic Box bag in fluo pink by Celine, Saint-Sulpice chain-embellished faille pumps by Saint Laurent, Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at La Réserve Eden au Lac.
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The famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said «Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing to take away.» From the power of his words, modern power style begins! I love to incorporate tailoring that embodies the ultimate juxtaposition between the masculine and the feminine. In speaking about dressing for success, a power suit is one that lives at the intersection of conservatism and boldness. Modern, powerful, and sexy, add a pair of heels that command authority and play with the accessories. My masculine watch challenges the traditional norms of femininity and exudes confidence, allowing me to express strength and perseverance. Being in line with Saint-Exupéry, definitely not a piece to take away from me…

My look: Asymmetric pinstriped and Prince of Wales checked wool blazer and matching Prince of Wales checked wool and cashmere-blend tapered pants, both by Alexander McQueen, ribbed-knit thong bodysuit by Michael Kors Collection, Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer, Jumbo Lilico sandals in navy blue and black, and matching Bonnie Jumbo Lilico velvet bag, both by Sophia Webster.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

This Easter, I went on a special egg hunt and found an amazing treasure, a beautiful new watch at the newly opened TAG Heuer boutique in Zurich. Located on the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, it is the fourth flagship store in its home country of Switzerland, complementing its existing Geneva, Zermatt and Lucerne point of sales.

Launched in 1860, in Saint-Imier at the very heart of the birthplace of watchmaking, by a bold young named Edouard Heuer, it is owned since 1999 by French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. The name TAG Heuer combines the initials of «Techniques d’Avant Garde» and the founder’s surname.

Capturing TAG Heuer’s motto, originally introduced in 1991, «Don’t Crack Under Pressure», are prominent partnerships and brand ambassadors that express the brand’s passion for action and high performance, among them actors Chris Hemsworth and Patrick Dempsey, ATP next-generation tennis players Alex de Minaur, Frances Tiafoe, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime, and big wave surfer Kai Lenny. They are athletes, surfers, actors, pilots. Whatever the conditions, they want to make history and break records. No matter the pressure, the public and adversity, they never give up, they never back down from any challenge. Therefore you can imagine my excitement to be also a TAG Heuer ambassador, as I breathe the same energy. I never give up, I never let myself down. If I have a vision, I go for it, no matter what!

So which watch did I choose you might ask? You will be amazed. It’s not a ladies watch, not a diamond watch. I went for this amazing masculine Carrera Automatic Chronograph that sets a blistering new pace in prestige timekeeping in sumptuously chic black and rose gold. Housed in a 44-mm steel polished, fine brushed case, the legendary Calibre HEUER02 Automatic movement now comes outfitted with splendid finery. Sober yet stellar, 18K 5N rose gold accents the entire timepiece, from hands and indexes to the watch’s crowns and push-pieces.

The black brushed dial sits under a sapphire crystal dome, locked in with a ceramic black tachymeter fixed bezel. Inside, the manufacture Heuer 02 movement made with a vertical clutch and column wheel – signatures of improved chronograph timekeeping and high-quality manufacture movements – will last 80 hours with an impressive power reserve. The sporty yet elegant design is highlighted by a black alligator strap and steel folding clasp, exuding strength and speed.

The Carrera model has a beautiful story. In 1962, CEO at the time Jack Heuer, the great-grandchild of Edouard Heuer, wanted a clean and well-proportioned chronograph designed for drivers and inspired to the world of motor racing. When he heard the Spanish word «Carrera», used for the renowned Carrera Panamericana race, he loved the sound and the multiple meanings – including road, race, course and career – so much that he quickly decided that the product had to be called «Carrera». The Heuer Carrera was launched in 1963 and since then it has been a symbol of the brand and one of the most popular sport chronographs ever designed.

I personally love that this 44-mm case adopts well to my small wrist. It symbolizes strength, power and diversity for me. I see myself wearing it with a romantic floral dress as well as a business suit. Stay tuned for many unexpected combinations, for this certain twist, for this «je ne sais quoi» attitude that makes the difference. But don’t feel pressure, or at least don’t crack under it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. 

Yesterday, LVMH announced the appointment of Frédéric Arnault to the role of CEO of
TAG Heuer from 1 July onwards. Frédéric joins some of his siblings in taking on a senior role within LVMH. Four of founder Bernard Arnault’s five children now occupy senior positions within the group, at Louis Vuitton and luggage maker Rimowa among others.

Frédéric Arnault (25)

A former student of France’s École Polytechnique (X2014), Frédéric Arnault (25) started his professional career at Facebook before moving on to consulting firm McKinsey. At the start of 2017 he joined TAG Heuer to manage its smartwatch activities. Since being appointed Chief Strategy and Digital Officer in October 2018, he has led an ambitious transformation and digitalisation campaign within the Maison in close collaboration with Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of the Watchmaking Division and TAG Heuer.

Presented this week: a special edition of Tag Heuer’s third-generation luxury Connected Watch for is dedicated to passionate golfers.

Fréderic’s position as head of the company will see him play a role in supporting innovation and accelerating the development of TAG Heuer, as he has done with the successful launch of the latest Connected watch after piloting the entire design phase.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Ayrton Senna Special Edition 2019

A pioneer of the watchmaking industry since 1860, the Maison will continue to maximise the value of its iconic ranges Carrera, Monaco and Aquaracer, all the while cementing its avant-garde status inthe industry with its third generation of smartwatches.

Stéphane Bianchi (53)

Stéphane Bianchi (53) will assume the role of CEO of the Watches and Jewelry Division from 1 July onwards. The role was held by Jean-Claude Biver before. This will see him take the reins of jewelry Maisons Chaumet and FRED, in addition to TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith.

Jean-Marc Mansvelt, Managing Director of Chaumet, and Charles Leung, Managing Director of FRED will report to Stéphane Bianchi in his new role. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, will continue to report to Toni Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tag Heuer

In Wednesday’s post about the departure of Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard from Baselworld, I rose the question if this will be the end of the famous watch and jewelry show. Here is the answer and some more breaking news as the Swiss watch manufactures belonging to the LVMH Group, the world leader in luxury, have chosen to leave Baselworld in order to join the other flagship brands of the Swiss watch industry in Geneva from 2021 onwards. This includes all brands from the LVMH Watchmaking Division, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, as well as the House of Bvlgari.

Within this context of clearly weakened representation of the Swiss watch industry and hence inevitably lower participation, it appears clear to the brands composing the Division and to the House of Bvlgari that they must also withdraw in order to preserve their image and their relations with their clients as well with the media.They will therefore not be taking part in the 2021 edition of Baselworld.

The four Maisons are examining various potential event formats corresponding to the need to present their strategic directions and new products to their commercial partners – as well as to the international press – next year. The LVMH Watchmaking Division on the one hand, and Bvlgari on the other, will decide on their plans in the coming weeks, according to their respective objectives.

Stéphane Bianchi

Stéphane Bianchi, CEO Watchmaking Division LVMH, said: «We are sorry to have to leave this over 100-year-old Baselworld event to which our Maisons have been consistently loyal. It is nonetheless clear that we must respond quickly and make other arrangements. We are facing an opportunity to reinvent the format and content of one of the key moments of our watchmaking year, which represented both a major commercial challenge and a lever of influence for our brands. With this in mind, we will do our utmost to be present alongside the other prestigious Maisons that will gather in Geneva in April 2021, and thereby meet the requirements of our partners and clients while offering them an unrivalled experience.»

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO Bvlgari Grou., stated: «Grouping the entire Swiss watch industry in a single location, Geneva – the historical capital of watchmaking – and around a single date, is a major opportunity to at last revive a sector that all too many divisions and divergent interests have weakened compared to the rest of the luxury sector in which Bvlgari is active and that is making much faster progress. We are looking forward to going to Geneva in April 2021, even though we still need to define the terms of our participation, which we will specify in the coming weeks. We are also delighted not to have to make up for the lack of institutional watch shows, which in 2020 forced us to take tactical initiatives that were necessary in the short term but undesirable in the medium term.»

So, dear ladies and gentlemen, this is the answer, this is the end of Baselworld…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This is industry news that I don’t want you to miss. Stéphane Bianchi, President of the LVMH Watch Division, and Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Bvlgari Group, are announcing the first LVMH Swiss Watch Manufactures Exhibition.

The event will take place at the Dubai Bvlgari Hotel in January 2020 and will include Bvlgari,
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. The four watch brands will introduce to the international medias and retail partners their watchmaking news 2020.

Dubai Bvlgari Hotel

«In between Geneva in January and Basel in March, we have had in the recent years two major product presentations in the first quarter. This early discovery of our strategies, news and novelties has allowed our media and retail partners to better plan the year ahead and as such we have decided on this set up for 2020 to balance the scheduling of the other events», declared Jean-Christophe Babin.

Watch news this month: TAG Heuer’s second of five limited-edition Monaco timepieces that mark the icon’s 50th anniversary. 

As previously announced, Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith are also confirming in parallel their presence at Baselworld 2020, late April/early May.

«We remain very supportive and loyal to Baselworld and the Swiss watchmaking industry. However, it was not possible for us to go 13 months without a global presentation of our products and brands. This additional event further confirms the LVMH commitment to the strategic and profitable watch category», said Stéphane Bianchi.

Hublot – proud official timekeeper of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.

Personally speaking, I find this idea very interesting. Let’s be frank, watch fairs are extremely expensive and not very flexible. In my post about SIHH 2019 from January, I told you already about several changes that are going to happen next year with many brands leaving Baselworld or the SIHH. Solutions were found though, with the Geneva- and the Basel-based shows uniting forces and coordinating their dates from 2020.

Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Adventure

Still, the situation isn’t ideal for everyone. I am curious to see LVMH’s own, private «Pre-Baselworld event» in Dubai, in January 2020. The location is an interesting choice as well… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

An example of Bvlgari’s new watch creations for 2019

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands