Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I went on a girls trip with my daughter to London. We had an absolute blast despite the rainy weather.

Here is what I wore on the arrival day:
Houndstooth coat by Gucci, navy and green printed silk blouse by Stella McCartney, cropped wool pants by Giulietta, my beloved Suzanne studded leather ankle boots by Chloé, flap-over bag by Tom Ford, rainbow coloured scarf by Christopher Kane, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Daisy necklace by Dior Haute Joaillerie and 18-karat gold horsebit necklace by Gucci.

Stay tuned for more from London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For Spring 2012, TOM FORD introduces a limited edition collection of smoldering, molten-toned colour inspired by the beauty of a radiant, bronzed face.

“I have always loved the look of tanned, glowing skin, whether it is achieved with bronzing powder or with a natural tan,” says Ford.

I was able to try some of the new products and I am absolutely sold on them.
These are my favourites:

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust, Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust, Nail Lacquer in Burnished Rouge and Cream Color for Eyes in Platinum.

The TOM FORD BRONZING POWDER has been created to achieve an unmistakably sexy glow, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder features a rare mineral blend of brilliant and energizing sunstone, amber and black tourmaline crystals, in a choice of shimmer or matte finish. It captures and enhances the skin’s golden and bronze undertones, flawlessly highlighting your natural, sensuous radiance.

When used in combination with colour on the eyes, cheeks and lips, the Bronzing Powder can help to create one of Tom Ford’s favorite looks—the burnished, sun-goddess face.

Bronzing Powder Gold Dust, CHF 82.- (shimmer)
Bronzing Powder Terra, CHF 82.- (matte)

A new introduction, the TOM FORD CREAM COLOR FOR EYES delivers four pure and luminous, metallic shades—Platinum, golden Guilt, burnished red Illicit and shimmering Spice—with an ultra-smooth, non-creasing and long-wearing finish. Its highly reflective, ultra-pigmented formula combines advanced color technology with antioxidant-rich ingredients.

I love this creamy eye colour as it is very easy and fast to apply and stays on the whole day.

Cream Color for Eyes, each CHF 38

The collection also includes a new shade of TOM FORD LIP LACQUER called Gold Dust. It infuses the perfect amount of gold-particle pearls into a clear and lustrous lacquer that lavishes and nourishes the lips. Gold Dust can be worn on a nude lip as a seductive lip accent, or layered over a TOM FORD LIP COLOR to create a glistening, gold sheen.

This lip lacquer comes with such a yummy taste that you would like to lick your lips all the time.

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss Gold Dust, CHF 42.-

Four new shades of TOM FORD NAIL LACQUER complete the look. Silver Smoke, Gold Haze, Burnished Rouge and Burnt Topaz are extra-amplified colors formulated with unique mirror pearls to maximize their metal effect and create a molten mirror look. The groundbreaking, high-performance formula with bendable coating delivers high coverage and shine while staying color true throughout wear.

As for me, the Tom Ford nail lacquers last for a very long time, awesome texture!

Nail Lacquer, each CHF 42.-

This Tom Ford Beauty Spring 2012 limited edition collection will be available in Switzerland end of April.

LoL, Sandra

On my nails: Burnished Rouge

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Tuscany, where the Gucci headquarters are based in a little town called Casellina, at the gates of Florence. Here Frida Giannini’s beautiful designs come also to life.

Please follow me on an exclusive tour through the bag manufacture:

The first stop is the leather department where the research of fabrics is taking place. When the doors opened, I thought that I had arrived in paradise. Two tables full of the most luxurious materials, from matte crocodile to suede ostrich and colourful python leather. Gucci only uses exotic skins that have a certification to make sure all the guidelines are met.

Crocodile and alligator skins

Matte, rubberized crocodile leather

One of my favourites: The matte suede-effect ostrich leather to the left.

Among the beautiful python samples,…

…I spotted the emerald-coloured one used for my 1973 bag.

The famous interlocking GG started 10-15 years ago with Frida Giannini. Before that time the signature fabric was the one to the right. Frida lives and works in Rome.

One of the most expensive fabrics is still handmade on a wooden loom in a procedure dating back to the 18th century.
It takes the Gucci’s craftsmen one hour to create a maximum of 15cm.

It is truly impressive to see how much work, time and dedication is going into the creation of the right fabrics for a Gucci bag. And all made in Italy!

Next stop is the cutting department where all the important skin materials, such as anaconda, python and lizard, are cut. The artisans have to spend many years working with standard leathers before being allowed to cut noble skins.

The reason is clear: You need lots of skins for an excotic leather bag as the craftsmen have to match the colour and pattern of the skin to achieve maximum beauty. And when it comes to these fine materials, you want to limit the wastage to a minimum.

Third stop: The prototype room. We were not allowed to take photos in there as the Gucci team works one year ahead. My eyes spotted prototypes for 2013 (how exciting!). But I am very sorry, my lips have to be sealed!

90% of the work is done manually in this department. Everything starts with a design. From the paper pattern, the artisans develop a product which after the designer’s, in this case Frida Giannini, final approval will become a sample.

In the prototype room, we were also introduced to the amazing travel trunk which is exclusively done here. Two craftsmen work one entire month on this piece. Design by Tom Ford.

In 2011, ten pieces were done. Among the lucky owners are  John Travolta and Jennifer Lopez.
The price for the travel trunk in fabric as seen here is € 30.000 (special order).

Here are the photos of the crocodile version made out of 23 skins for € 240.000. Divine!

Paulo (in front), who has been with Gucci for 38 years, and Marco are the two artisans producing the travel trunks.

Final stop: The room where the iconic Bamboo handles and accessories are produced.

Gucci uses exclusively Chinese bamboo because of its quality. There is still a lot of wastage as it is very important that the bamboos have a fairly regular diameter and that distance between the noses is equal.
Please enjoy the procedure:

1. Choose the right bamboo and smooth it.

2. Bend it with heat.

3. Give it the burnished colour.

4. Cut and finish it.

5. Apply the sealing wax by hand.

6. The protection will help to maintain its shape.

7. Prepare the wholes for the metal parts to be attached.

Once you see all the work going into a bag, you appreciate it even more. The Gucci people are truly dedicated to their work and you can feel their passion for the product which comes with a very high level of perfection.

No, I didn’t need a doctor even that I went into raptures over the Gucci manufacture. Similiar to a science lab: Some of the workers wear white coats embroidered with the Gucci logo.

Thank you, Gucci, for letting me be part of this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

I am completely exhausted but so happy! The last days were filled with so many exciting moments and lots of fun. Here you see me yesterday night having dinner with some friends at the ABC Kitchen after the Polyvore Live fashion show which was amazing! If you would like to know who was at the dinner, check out the secretstylist by clicking here.

You can see the braid and the make-up look I wore for one of the outfits on the catwalk. Red lips and only mascara. On my nails: silver (Reade) and blue (Commerce) only on the ring finger from Ten Over Ten.

Here is my Valentine’s Day treat: This gorgeous “punk”-style purple fur bag by Tom Ford. It has a hidden mirror in the handle and comes with a flap-over closure. Completely in love!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
And don’t forget if there is nobody to treat you, treat yourself!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © secretstylist

Happy New Year 2012 to all of you!
May it  be filled with love, peace and joy… and lots of shopping sprees!

I started the New Year 2012 very relaxed in St. Moritz. If you stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can allow yourself to enjoy quiet and relaxation! I have recharged my batteries and I am full of energy for many exciting things to come. Stay tuned as I will be leaving very soon to Italy again!

My look for a walk around the lake of St. Moritz: Black mink coat with grey fur collar by Prada, 912 low-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, black cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker, Sam fine-knit scarf by Isabel Marant, Intrecciato leather gloves by Bottega Veneta, sunglasses by Tom Ford and snow boots by Prada Sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If I whetted your appetite for some serious Tom Ford shopping, have a look at the retailers list by clicking here. Good news is that a new Tom Ford boutique just has opened its doors in St. Moritz on the famous Via Serlas (see photo above).

Germany has got its first Tom Ford shop since last month in Munich.The 1400 square foot, two-story franchised flagship store is located at Falckenbergstrasse adjacent to Maximilianstrasse (see photos below).

My New Year’s Resolution for 2012: I want a “Ford Fiesta”!
With this in mind, Happy New Year!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marion Heinrich, © Sandra Bauknecht

Have a look at the most discreet must-have It-bag of the season: The Carine bag by Tom Ford.

Fashion icon Carine Roitfeld has once again collaborated with the famous fashion designer Tom Ford. They launched for F/W 2011 the “Carine” bag. It’s signature hardware is the fetish-style “shackle” closure, reminiscent of a pair of cufflinks. This shoulder bag comes with an internal zip pocket and is offered in a variety of materials, all of them specially developed for Tom Ford, such as shiny alligator, python, goat skin, nappa leather, patent, or suede. The “Carine” is a style that will be continued within the Tom Ford accessories collection and will be reinterpreted and adapted according to the mood of the season.
A new classic – I couldn’t resist!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I recently stumbled upon this picture of Tom Ford photographed by Nigel Parry for the October issue of GQ Russia in a very ironical way, taking the scent of a woman literally. For all critics, he is not a misogysnist, he is just the king of sex!

Multi-talent Tom Ford is a true fragrance connoisseur and his two new additions to his Private Blend collection are absolutely divine. He is bringing his luxe aesthetic to the world of scents. You have to try them, they are lovely for winter, warm and sensual!

SANTAL BLUSH

Top notes: Indian spices, cumin, cinnamon, carrot seeds and fenugreek.
Heart notes: Jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose.
Base notes: Australian sandalwood, cedar, benzoin, musk and oud.

“TOM FORD SANTAL BLUSH is a mesmerizing, spicy wood oriental designed around the richly textured creaminess of Sandalwood, and contrasted with exotic Eastern spices, intoxicating florals, and sumptuous woods. This is a complex scent with a hypnotic and mysterious pull. Masala spices from India, Cinnamon Bark Oil Sri Lanka ORPUR™, Cumin Seed Oil, Fenugrec Absolute and Carrot Seed Oil, are enriched by a floral blend of Jasmine Absolute, Rose Absolute and Ylang Madagascar. An infusion of richly textured Sandalwood captives, Australian Sandalwood, Benzoin, Agarbois™ and Skin Musks, transport the scent to another level. A nude colored juice displayed in a transparent bottle, Santal Blush expresses a modern earthiness. It is as sensual as beautifully contoured nude skin.”

SANTAL BLUSH EdP 50ml, CHF 260
SANTAL BLUSH Decanter 250ml, CHF 660

JASMIN ROUGE

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black and white pepper.
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine, broom, neroli, ylang-ylang and clary sage.
Base notes: Mexican vanilla, labdanum, leather, wood and amber notes.

“TOM FORD JASMIN ROUGE is a voluptuous, saturated, spiced floral presented in a deep-red bottle. Two bespoke ingredients, Sambac Jasmine Sepals Absolute and Clary Sage Essence, are brought into unexpected union: Together, they create a scent that is hedonistic and erotic. This composition is enhanced with unusual, exotic spices such as Indian ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, and lively florals such as Ylang Ylang, Italian Broom Flower and Neroli. Finally, an accord of Labdanum Resin, Amber and Abstract Woods is wrapped in Vanilla Bean Infusion and Leather to create a sensuous texture. Jasmin Rouge is as audacious as lacquered red lips and dark, smoky eyes.”

JASMIN ROUGE EdP 50ml, CHF 260
JASMIN ROUGE Decanter 250ml, CHF 660

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, GQ Russia and © Sandra Bauknecht

After conquering the world of fashion, fragrance and film, Tom Ford has brought his impeccable vision to the world of beauty. His first cosmetics collection features a complete range of colour and skin treatments.

It all started last September in New York with a lipstick… my first beauty product by Tom Ford was the Lip Color 07 Pink Dusk, a lovely soft pink shade that goes with everything. The texture is truly amazing, leaving your lips moisturized while providing them with rich colour.

The next time I was back in the States, I couldn’t resist to get more. I truly recommend the eyeshadow palettes. The colours stay on the whole day and you can play with the effects as the textures can be built up, from soft to bold. The glittering shades can be tapped over the lid for an overall glamorous look, perfect for New Year’s Eve.

From left to right:
Eye Color Quad 01 Golden Mink, Lip Color 14 Sable Smoke, Lip Lacquer (a great way to let your lips shine, it works with all shades or can be worn alone) and Lip Gloss 02 Rose Crush.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From left to right:
Cheek Color 01 Love Lust (a perfect peachy tone), Eye Color Quad 09 Violet Dusk and 10 Titanium Smoke, Nail Lacquer 10 Viper and 09 Plum Noir.

Those nail polishes are amazing! They stay on forever without loosing their brilliance!

In Europe, Tom Ford Beauty is available aready in selected stores, such as Harvey Nichols in London or Printemps in Paris. In Switzerland, the complete range will be available in March. At the moment, you can buy only the lipstick collection.

Please enjoy the photos of Tom Ford’s beauty campaign photographed by famed duo Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott featuring supermodel Lara Stone and designer Tom Ford himself, plus some stills. I love those pics! Isn’t Lara looking absolutely stunning and flawless?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford