Sandra‘s Closet

Supporting female entrepreneurship is something dear to my heart. In March I was invited to an intimate dinner to elect the 2022 Bold Woman Awardees. An invite I joyfully accepted. For 50 years, the House of Veuve Cliquot has awarded businesswomen who have built, taken on or developed a business. To date, 350 women in 27 countries have been honored. In Switzerland 18 bold businesswomen were already awarded and in 2022, there are two more.

On the 1st of September, Veuve Clicquot presented the two Swiss winners in a special ceremony at Aura restaurant in Zurich. Unfortunately, as I hosted an event for Patek Philippe that night, I couldn’t join the celebration. However I would like to congratulate the two winners:

Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2022:

Antonella Santuccione Chadha – WOMEN’S BRAIN PROJECT
Women’s Brain Project is a scientific organization addressing the influence of sex and gender on mental and brain diseases.

Antonella Santuccione Chadha , who is a doctor specialized in clinical pathology, neuroscience and psychiatric disorders, received the award for being her pioneering work in Alzheimer’s research. Not only is she the Chief Medical Officer at Altoida, a Swiss-American start-up company, she also founded the Women’s Brain Project with three colleagues to research the female characteristics of brain diseases. Her company received special attention with scientific publications on the gender-related differences in Alzheimer’s disease.

Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award 2022:

Fanny Queloz – ARTS & DESIGN MANUFACTURE
Arts & Design Manufacture offers exclusive artisanal creations in the realization of high-end watchmaking projects.

Fanny Queloz was recognized as a young entrepreneur, and administrator of Arts & Design Manufacture. The company in Chaux-de-Fonds was founded in 2019 and offers exclusive handcrafted watchmaking creations. The 32-year-old is committed to maintaining and developing this craftsmanship so that the company can continue to establish itself in a niche market. The relationship with her employees is particularly important to her. She works a lot with local subcontractors and strives to offer innovative materials with respect for the environment. All processed raw materials are certified, controlled and traceable in compliance with the «REACH» guidelines.

If you would like to find out more about this year’s awards and the guidelines, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Veuve Cliquot
@veuveclicquot #boldbyveuveclicquot #VeuveClicquotxWomen
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration. Drink responsibly!

Last Tuesday, I enjoyed a night at the museum with Veuve Cliquot for the unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau in Berlin. On display in the entrance hall was the champagne house’s new, exciting collaboration with the Japanese artist who dressed the La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition in her signature patterns, the polka dots. Also on display was Kusama’s artwork «My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night», a vibrant floral sculpture.

Among the guests from art and culture were German A-listers Iris Berben, Lea van Acken, Andreas Mühe, Christian and Karen Boros, William Fan, Franz Dinda, Hardy Krüger jr, Esther Perbandt, Johann König and many more.

German actress Iris Berben exploring the early years of the Kusama exhibition.

The evening started with a private guided tour through the amazing retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (92). From an upper class Japanese family that owned a seed nursery business, Yayoi Kusama grew up in a conservative environment. When she left school, and against her mother’s wishes, Yayoi decided to leave Japan, which she considered too small a country, and her family, where art as a career was not appreciated. Kusama left for the US, first Seattle, before settling in New York.

As a painter, sculptor, author, and performance artist, but also a filmmaker, writer, and a female artist of Asian origin in a predominantly male, Western art world, her audacity knew no bounds, as her controversial «happenings» showed. She soon gained recognition and her tenacity paid off: from the 1960s onwards she was one of the few female artists to make a living from her work.

Since her early years, the artist has experienced obsessions and hallucinations; she uses art as a sort of antidote for healing, a kind of self-medication. The canvases she covers with nets and dots have a dual effect; she demonstrates a mastery of repetition that at the same time reveals its infinite character; its overflow is liberating. Interesting to know is that Kusama was the first person in the 20th century to use this method of harnessing an individual’s potential for artistic expression and creativity for openly psychotherapeutic purposes. Today this has acquired the name «art therapy».

As a young artist, Kusama gained inspiration from plants and flowers, which she saw as a symbol of life, birth and regeneration. In later years, they became part of her figurative languages as positive symbols conveying vital energy and regeneration.

The flower is what led her to paint dots at the start of her career – the famous polka dots, which have become her signature. At her happenings in the late 1960s she covered her own and the participants’ bodies in these dots.

«Polka dots are a life, and the moon, the sun, and the stars are one of hundred of millions of polka dots. This is my grand philosophy. With peace from polka dots, I would like to deeply launch my longing for eternal love. Polka dots shall continue to proliferate and appeal to the people with my message.» – Yayoi Kusama

This message of hope and optimism has made her a much-loved figure who is avidly followed by a wide public. She was one of TIME magazine‘s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and is now a style icon. She has collaborated with countless brands; from couture (remember the fantastic collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2012) to streetwear, Kusama’s name fascinates and inspires.

In honor of Madame Cliquot, Veuve Cliquot has commissioned Yayoi Kusama to create a joyful, original work celebrating the new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012. Two bold destinies, two innovative minds, two avantgardists who influenced their times.

With Petra Nagel, Managing Director Moët Hennessy Deutschland (LVMH)

Celebrating this magic encounter, we were invited outside after the tour to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a wonderful vegetarian/vegan dinner with live performance accompanied by three amazing vintage champagnes; Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 2012, La Grand Dame Rosé 2006 and La Grand Dame 2008 Magnum.

A beautiful evening – thank you Veuve Cliquot for inviting me to Berlin, for these unforgettable memories and a message of hope and optimism.

I fully enjoyed the dinner thanks also to the lovely company of Karen Boros, Lea Van Acken and Hendrikje Kopp.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

Spreading pure optimism, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama‘s works are full of vibrant energy and colorful positivity. Being one of the most important contemporary artists of our times, the 92-year has worked primarily in sculpture and installation, but is also active in painting, performance, film, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Her work is based in conceptual art and shows some attributes of feminism, minimalism, surrealism, Art Brut, pop art, and abstract expressionism, and is infused with autobiographical, psychological, and sexual content.

Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, Kusama’s art work «My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night» for Veuve Cliquot, a flower that wraps La Grande Dame 2012 Magnum.

From all my heart, 
the life of flowers flew away.
My everlasting affection for the flowers,
flew of beyond the universe
to show its vitality,
to gaze at the extremes of life.
– Yayoi Kusama

This year, she has collaborated with French champagne house Veuve Cliquot again to create the special edition La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama, sending a cheerful message to the whole world. It is with its iconic symbols, that Yayoi Kusama adorns La Grande Dame 2012 case and bottle. The opulent flower symbolizes vital energy, love and celebration of life. The polka dots, Yayoi Kusama’s signature patterns are reworked like champagne bubbles to embody La Grande Dame 2012.

Twist with Madame Clicquot! © YAYOI KUSAMA

Previously in 2006, Yayoi Kusama had already played with her famous polka dots by revivifying the original portrait of Madame Clicquot for a charity auction in Tokyo. So, the dialogue between the artist and the Maison has never stopped and has reached another milestone in its most inspiring and sharing ways.

More than 150 years separate Madame Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama, and yet it is almost as many common points that unite their unique and fascinating destinies. From Yayoi Kusama’s work to Madame Clicquot’s development of the House of Veuve Clicquot, these two daring figures demonstrate strong and flawless commitment. And today, their destinies converge in an unparalleled collaboration.

La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama is available for CHF 250.00 at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, ©Yayoi Kusama
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored but I only show products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

This week, I flew to Berlin for a very special event hosted by Veuve Cliquot: a unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau. The dress code said «colorful chic», so I went for this artsy, sophisticated look with a touch of elegance and a little bit of Veuve Cliquot orange.

My look: Layered embroidered silk-organza and pointelle-knit dress by Fendi, The Pouch large gathered intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, Arkendisc 130 patent-leather platform sandals by Christian Louboutin, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and gold-tone, bead and faux pearl clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

Stay tuned as I will show you much more of this wonderful evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The past twelve months have been challenging, forcing most people to adapt to new realities. However, when you start progressing it’s all worth it. Do not bury your head in the sand – especially despite COVID 19. Instead find joy in the little things. It is also the time to find great opportunities but you may have to leave where you are comfortable.

I am very grateful for my life, for everything I have been blessed with, and all those beautiful moments and encounters I experienced in the past months. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, you just have to make the best out of your very own situation. I was lucky to spend the past three months at the beautiful Gstaad Palace hotel, where life felt kind of normal.

Sometimes, I would sit in the lobby and indulge in a glass of champagne, cherishing the moment and thanking the universe for this privilege. Having a glass of bubbly has always been my treat, a moment for myself. One of my favorite champagnes is Veuve Cliquot‘s La Grande Dame, that has been created in homage to Madame Clicquot (1777 – 1866), one of the world’s first international businesswomen. Known in her time as «la Grande Dame de la Champagne», she took on her husband’s wine business when widowed at 27. Despite the challenging circumstances, the young lady didn’t bury her head in the sand. Under her ownership, she created the famous brand that still bears her name, «Veuve Cliquot» (veuve means widow in French). Thanks to her skill with wine,  she invented the riddling process, which involves bottles being placed upside down on a riddling rack. Everyday the bottles are gently shaken and turned. This method is still used by modern champagne makers.

In the glass, La Grande Dame 2008 has a light golden hue. After opening up, the nose reveals notes of dried fruit – almonds, figs, apricot – ripe white fruit (pear) and subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. In the mouth the attack is powerful and sharp. The Pinot Noir stands out with its freshness, mineral notes and power. With 92%, it is the highest percentage of the grape ever used since the founding of the Maison.

It is also the Year of the Ox. What will it bring? Will things improve, or are we in for another rough ride? Zodiac experts believe the Year of the Ox is a period when hard work will be rewarded even more than usual. This has been interpreted by many as a great opportunity. They say knowledge is power, and it’s true. You won’t find opportunity without knowledge. Spending the extra time you might have due to the current deceleration with reading and learning something new, might be rewarded in the end.

Being open to new things is the key to staying young in my opinion. In terms of fashion – this is still an outfit post – I tried for the first time wearing something in latex. Skin-tight with a wet look shine, latex leggings are a unique eye-catcher. Although is quite an hassle to put the them on on, they are the most comfortable thing in the world and feel like a second skin. Great side effect –  your skin is so soft after taking them off. The combination with the checked blazer and blouse balances out the sexiness and adds a ladylike appeal. I am absolutely in love with this look – feeling like a grande dame!

To shop, click on the highlighted product descriptions:

My look: Double-breasted velvet-trimmed checked wool blazer, pussy-bow checked silk-chiffon blouse, checked silk scarf, black latex legging, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, croc-effect leather belt, and Diane embellished two-tone leather pumps, all by Saint Laurent, and Chinese New Year Ox-embroidered clutch by Olympia Le-Tan.

Drink and shop responsibly!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is a collaboration with Veuve Cliquot. Drink responsibly!
We may also earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. 

If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift idea, I have one and it is getting even better… I am giving one lucky prize draw winner the chance to win this amazing CLIQUOT TAPES COLLECTOR BOX that is filled with six VEUVE CLIQUOT Brut Yellow Label 75cl bottles, worth almost CHF 1000.

The famous French champagne brand, which is part of the LVMH Group since 1986, is going Retro, Chic! and celebrates its love for retro aesthetics and beautiful objects, with the new CLIQUOT TAPE limited edition. As a true symbol of retro style dating back from the 1960s, VEUVE CLIQUOT revisits the audio cassette with a collection of 6 distinct designs. From disco to zebra patterns each CLIQUOT TAPE has its own look and feel, and you don’t need pick your favorite one as the collector box includes them all!

Once you enjoyed your bottles of VEUVE CLIQUOT Brut Yellow Label, you can display the beautiful tapes. Whether you want to store your own audio cassettes or any other things, this giftbox has been conceived to be kept for life. In case you don’t want to keep them, no hard feelings throwing them away. The packaging is 100 percent recyclable.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «RETRO, CHIC!» to . All entries must be received until December 24, 2020. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

Good luck and cheers!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Veuve Cliquot, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I was invited by Veuve Cliquot to kick off the summer season with the launch of the new Veuve Clicquot Petit Rich! Those small 20cl bottles are currently available exclusively at Samigo Amusement in Zurich. For more information on the champagne, click here for a previous post.

Black lace is such a hot trend right now and will even be bigger for F/W 2019. Snap up a piece and make the right fashion statement.

My look: Pussy-bow lace blouse, and pleated lace midi skirt, both by Christopher Kane, wool twill jacket, red Janis pumps, and Monogram fringed shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch by Gucci, and Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Event photos and photos of me at the event: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in garden: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last evening of Paris Fashion Week, Veuve Clicquot hosted a toast-worthy event with its Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2013, held at the iconic Place Vendôme. The room was filled with amazing women and it was a true pleasure listening to their passions and inspirations.

For 2013, Veuve Clicquot recognized the achievements and contributions of such inspirational businesswomen as Hélène Boulet-Supau, Co-director of the e-commerce site Sarenza (France).

Bea Petri (Swiss winner, Schminkbar) framed by Christelle Huwiler (PR Manager at Moët Hennessy Suisse S.A.) to the right  and me to the left.

Celebrating trailblazing winners from 9 countries (France, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Finland, Holland, Canada, Germany and Australia) around the world, the celebration went on the next day at Reims, the capital of Champagne, nestled in this region, amidst the champagne vineyards.

The Widow Clicquot spent her life on these lands, taking the reins of the champagne company after her husband’s early passing in 1805. As the “original businesswoman,” she brilliantly built Veuve Clicquot into a champagne brand of international renown and success. Respectfully referred to by her peers as “La Grande Dame de la Champagne,” she has inspired subsequent businesswomen for generations.

Originally intended as a homage to Veuve Clicquot when it was first conceived forty-one years ago, the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award has since grown both in scope and size.

Delphine Arnault and Inés Sastre with me to the left.

Drinking champagne and meeting the most amazing women in such a beautiful ambiance – the perfect night to finish off Paris Fashion Week!

And here I go again… I landed this morning in Paris to attend the Isabel Marant for H&M launch party. I am super excited. Do you remember the Versace for H&M (2011) and the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M (2012) events in NYC?! Always superlatives… follow me on instagram (@sandrascloset) for live updates.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.

This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Harrods