Sandra‘s Closet

When money’s no object and your other half has everything he can wish for, finding a perfect Christmas present might be quite challenging. Only the most unique or outrageous for your loved one will obviously do, so here’s my pick of the ridiculously extravagant and special, part fantasy and all fun, from a ten thousand dollar backgammon set to a bag filled with garden tools.

Technology and men, you cannot go wrong with that! This limited edition cell phone was designed by Lapo Elkann, heir to Italy’s Fiat Automotive empire, and the creator of one of the most modern labels today, Italia Independent, in collaboration with Vertu. 
The phone boasts with the vibrant blue motif of Italia Independent and offers all the luxury concierge services Vertu is known for.
Constellation Blue by Vertu – CHF 9.700

For the nature lover:
Bag filled with garden tools by Prada, CHF 1990.-

This might be the perfect addition for your gardener to enjoy a snack outside:
3-piece picnic cutlery set by Hermès – CHF 1400.-

Luxury gaming is the perfect gift for the holiday season.
Chess set boxed in the house’s iconic Saffiano leather by Prada – CHF 3240.-

Hermès is also in the game and proposes, of course, something truly luxurious:
Backgammon set by Hermès – CHF 11050.-
The very exclusive piece is competing with …

… Prada’s playful approach at a more accessible price.
Backgammon set and Nine Men’s Morris, both by Prada, each CHF 2490.-

Miuccia’s “It-bag” for all lovers of this sport:
Golf bag – CHF 1240.- and tees – CHF 200.-, both by Prada

A very exclusive scent might always be a good choice. Let me introduce you to the new Essenze by Ermenegildo Zegna collection, comprising of five signature fragrances, each dedicated to one raw material, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris.

Available exclusively in Ermenegildo Zegna Boutiques (Switzerland, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Italy, UK, France, Germany, Austria, North America and Mexico).
In Zurich also sold at Jelmoli. Each scent (125ml) – CHF 260.-

For the true connoisseur: Your beloved one will love you for this leather travel case and spray, that will surely become his portable business trip companion. Not only is it the perfect size to slide into his briefcase, but, at 30ml, it’s way beneath the 100ml liquid limit on flights.
Acqua di Parma Essenza Leather Travel Spray – CHF 120.- (30ml)

Or how about this collector’s item designed by Silvia Fendi: A quintessentially case in black crocodile embossed leather for the Italian house’s signature scent, a limited edition object of luxury and desire bearing the emblematic Fendi codes. 
In Switzerland only available at the Fendi Boutique in Geneva.
Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition 2012 – CHF 337.-

Your world-travelling husband and boyfriend will thank you forever! Sleepless nights and drowsy mornings have become a common experience in today’s life. This bracelet with it’s Natural Frequency Technology helps wearers with a good and restful sleep and you might want to steal it off his wrist …
Sleep Bracelet with Natural Frequency Technology by Philip Stein, CHF 360.-
Available at Swiss Shop Duty Free, in Zurich at Max Affolter Uhren & Bijouterie, Limmatquai.

Who says I don’t cater to all tastes, here is an offbeat way to spice up your beloved man’s pen collection. You just have to choose if he is more the gun or sword type…
Pens, each CHF 330.- and document cases, each CHF 490.-, both by Prada

I hope that you have found some inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, Prada, Vertu, Philip Stein, Ermenegildo Zegna, Acqua di Parma

Vertu, the market leader in luxury mobile phones, has added an elegant and feminine feel to its latest smartphone, Constellation which has resulted in the birth of Constellation Candy. Constellation Candy is on offer in a collection of bold summer shades, created to seamlessly complement and enhance the discerning lifestyle of the fashion forward female. The Constellation Candy touchscreen model offers an unrivalled range of category leading exclusive services.

Constellation Candy Tangerine- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Inspired by the turn of the season and the bright hues of summer, Constellation Candy is available in mint green, raspberry and tangerine, with 0.34 carats of natural gem stones, all delicately handset in a reduced setting around the pillow on the front of the phone: Rubies for the Raspberry Candy; Tsavorites for the Mint Green Candy and Orange Sapphires for the Tangerine Candy. Each Constellation Candy uses only the highest quality exotic alligator skin on the back plate and for the complementary handset slip case.

Constellation Candy Mint Green- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Each Constellation Candy is hand made by a single craftsman using only high performance materials, such as a single piece of flawless 3.5” HD multi-touch sapphire crystal for the screen, an 8 megapixel camera with an intricate ruby surround on the shutter key, polished ceramic pillow, surgical grade stainless steel with satin and polished finish, highest quality leather on the back plate of the phone as well as Vertu’s unique high fidelity sound system.

Constellation Candy Rasberry- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Vertu prides itself on being a pioneer of delivering relevant, tailored luxury information and services direct to a mobile handset through Vertu Concierge and continues to expand this proposition to deliver an unparalleled customer service.

Registering a Vertu Constellation Candy handset provides access to an array of exclusive services designed to ensure that a Vertu owner’s life is beautifully arranged. At the heart of these exclusive services is the independent concierge service, designed to meet the needs of Vertu’s discerning customers. Vertu owners will receive expert assistance, recommendations and priority bookings around the clock. Vertu Concierge can arrange anything from bespoke gifts to money-can’t-buy events and experiences and are 100% committed to fulfilling a Vertu owner’s every request.

Examples of Vertu’s exclusive opportunities available from Vertu Concierge (subject to availability):

VIP personalized styling at Stella McCartney (see my card above)

As London’s leading female fashion designer, Stella McCartney needs little introduction. Her stunning designs make waves on red carpets and fashion pages across the world.

Vertu owners’ can enjoy a similarly A-list experience at her flagship London store with an amazing opportunity available only through Vertu. Vertu owners’ only need to call concierge to receive a Private Wardrobing Card giving access to a wealth of VIP treatment at no cost.

The card includes the contact details of a wardrobe consultant to help choose the most show-stopping pieces from Stella’s range of luxury ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and perfume. Vertu owners can book a private store appointment – or request one at home, workplace or hotel – and receive personalised styling and a limited-edition gift.

The card also entitles a Vertu owner to a car service from a central London location to the store and back; gift service; shipping to home address on request; and same-day delivery in central London.

Global Fashion Weeks VIP Access

New York, London, Milan and Paris are the most prolific and world renowned fashion hubs, where couture is central to local culture. During Fashion Week, models, celebrities, socialites and members of the press gather to scoop the inside track on new designs and styles for the upcoming season, while a host of catwalk shows and glamorous parties add to the event’s firm hold on the social calendar.

Attendees catch a glimpse of this year’s haute couture before anyone else, amid the ultimate in style and sophistication. A Vertu handset owner can enjoy a highly bespoke fashion week experience with invitations to all the most influential shows.

With Vertu’s Constellation Candy, a door is opened to a world of exclusive privilege to discover a life beautifully arranged.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vertu and © Sandra Bauknecht

Signature White Gold: 34.000€

Last week, I met Perry Oosting, President of Vertu. During the lovely press dinner, I have learnt a lot about the phone that is truly more than just a phone. I have to admit that I was pretty impressed.
I am familiar with the concierge service you get once you own an American Express Centurion Card but that something like this exists also when buying a phone, I didn’t know.

Perry Oosting (Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht)

„Vertu was born from a simple question: why would someone not wish to enjoy the same quality in their mobile phone as they did in their grand complication watch, fountain pen, luxury car or any other premium product? Luxury experience and enrichment was foremost in the minds of that team; every customer touch point was to be attended to and the experience was to be something truly special. What came of this was something that has become Vertu’s unique differentiator, and something for which it has become renowned: a dedicated concierge service, available at the touch of a button. This service grew into something much more: a full suite of luxury services, partnerships, benefits and opportunities, channeling relevant, tailored information, sourced independently by Vertu for its customers. The luxury of time really is something precious, and for the Vertu user, these dedicated services that are delivered to the phone help them to maintain a life that is beautifully arranged.“

– Perry Oosting, President of Vertu

Signature Red Gold: 34.000 €

Here are some of the other lifestyle services offered by Vertu:

– Vertu City Brief which is a highly curated and independent global digest of information covering more than 200 cities and destinations worldwide.

– Vertu Select that delivers original articles selected to inspire, inform and entertain based on a user‟s region, preferences and passions.

– Vertu Remote Assist that is currently available with Constellation Quest. Vertu Remote Assist is dedicated to providing technical assistance 24 hours a day and is a unique offering in the mobile phone market.

– Vertu.me which was introduced with the launch of Constellation Quest in October 2010. Vertu.me is a service that provides the user with a Vertu email account and effortless harmonisation of the device‟s lifestyle and business tools.

Those very luxurious fashionable mobile phones can be embellished with diamonds, made of pure gold depending on your budget. One thing is for sure, those lifestyle services coming with the Vertu will help you live your life beautifully arranged. For further information, please visit their website.
Stay tuned for Vertu’s new smartphone launch this fall.

LoL, Sandra

Constellation Quest: 7.700€