Sandra‘s Closet

I love going on vacation by car as you can pack as much as you like. On the other hand, with the right hand luggage, flying can be also very convenient. For me, there is nothing quite like my new chic Lexicon Hardside Global Carry-On by Victorinox to induce that sense of wanderlust. The champagne coloured trolley is not just impossibly pretty, but also unbreakable and packed with lots of smart features. These include an interior compression system which allows you to make the most of the space inside, TSA-approved lock, built-in battery pocket for charging your USB devices, as well as premium 360° wheels for a smooth, easy roll.

My look: Appliquéd cotton-twill jumpsuit by Mira Mikati, pink satin bow hairband
by Prada, vintage white black rasoir cut-off cat-eye sunglasses by Miu Miu, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, silver-tone beaded choker by Isabel Marant, Ace sneaker with crystals by Gucci, and Shopper Bistrot Panier S straw tote by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew back from London Heathrow filled with amazing memories from Fashion Week that I will soon share with you. When I am flying, I like to be comfy but still look stylish. Leather leggings and a striped sweater are one of my favorite combinations and the trending baker boy cap adds a little French touch!

My look: Double-breasted wool-blend felt coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere striped sweater by Chloé, skinny leather pants by Gucci, large classic flap bag in caviar leather and long bi-colour scarf, both by Chanel, metal chain necklace by Prada, baker boy cap by Dolce & Gabbana, and corset-style booties by Valentino. Trolley by Victorinox.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.

Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.

My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I went to the Zurich opera ball (remember last year?) and only slept two hours. Sorry that I didn’t take some pictures of my outfit, I needed a photo-free evening. But I actually wore the same dress as for La Soirée Monegasque. When I got home pretty late, I still had to pack for Paris Fashion Week. Here you see me at the airport this morning.

My look: Leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson, Boyfriend cropped distressed jeans by Current/Elliott, Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim, flat tote bag by Saint Laurent, lace-up oxfords by Miu Miu (Available in many different colours. I bought mine in Zurich.) and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Very tired but all excited for some new adventures! Bonjour Paris!
Now, off to the Akris F/W 2013 show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know besides my family, the love of my life is fashion and the second one is travelling. Personally speaking, exploring new countries and experiencing new cultures are sources of inspiration for me. When I was a little girl, I had a map in my room with pins marking the cities and places I had already seen in my life. The only thing that I dislike about travelling is packing. But with the right luggage, it is much more fun.

Here is the perfect gift for all wanderlusty:

Rely on this lightweight hardside case to accompany you on your longer journeys:  
The Spectra Collection from Victorinox combines lightweight durability with 360 degree weightless movement. Constructed with 100% pure Bayer polycarbonate, these cases offer superior strength for the highest level of performance. As the lightest, pure-polycarbonate hardside collection with eight wheels and a dual-trolley handle system, Spectra offers guaranteed protection and handling ease to meet the demands of the modern traveler. The Swiss Tracker™ Bag Tracking Program will reunite you with your bag anywhere in the world should it ever be lost – for free and the Access™ Lock Combination Recovery Program allows you to register your lock combination on victorinox.com and recover it if it is ever forgotten.

My choice went to the limited edition suitcase Spectra by Victorinox in purple because I love spotting my suitcase from far away among all those black and grey ones. Such a stylish and elegant piece that I am sure every fashionable globetrotter would appreciate for Christmas. And if you add a travel voucher, you will surely make somebody very happy.

Available in four different sizes:
Spectra Global Carry-On (Cabin Size)  CHF 369.00
Spectra Extra-Capacity Carry-On CHF 399.00
Spectra 26 CHF 439.00
Spectra 29 CHF 469.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victorinox and © Sandra Bauknecht

To all my Swiss readers: HAPPY SWISS NATIONAL DAY!
For all others who are not familiar with this special celebration, here is some information: Swiss National Day is celebrated with fireworks and a public holiday. August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

The Alpine country is well-known in the world for its chocolate (My favourite: Lindt), their watches (IWC, Roger Dubuis, Swatch, just to name a few) and the famous Swiss army knives (Victorinox).

The colours of the Swiss flag, red and white, have inspired me today to this cute outfit:
Floral-print cotton mini dress by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, heart-intarsia cashmere sweater by Banjo & Matilda, red wrap watch by Swatch, Big Kiss leather lips clutch and Paloma fan-pleat satin pumps, both by Charlotte Olympia.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Last month, I was invited by Clarins to Paris for the launch of their newest products (stay tuned for the upcoming post on those amazing new beauty must-haves). I stayed at the Royal Monceau where the presentation and dinner also took place. One of the reasons why Clarins chose this newly renovated hotel that was re-imagined by the famous Philippe Starck is their amazing My Blend by Clarins (a new revolutionary approach on personalized skincare) spa.

Le Royal Monceau has always embodied “Parisian elegance” in all its spontaneity, culture and sagacity. Philippe Starck captured the spirit in perfection. The Royal Monceau is one of the nicest hotels I stayed in recently and I can only recommend it. Please see for yourself!

My look: Patchwork coat by Louis Vuitton, silk-crepe top by Vionnet, alpaca and wool gilet by Gucci, stretch-leather leggings by The Row, scarf by Chanel, Pistol leather ankle boots by Acne and animal-print Boston bag by Céline.

I travelled for the first time with my new Victorinox Spectra trolley (Thank you!) that works as a carry-on luggage perfectly and has a lot of space.

Some impressions of my room.

View from my hotel room.

Clarins Spa offers 4 new spa body treatments with 18 new exclusive PRO formula products. The Body Sculptor, The Moisture Quencher, The Firming Age Corrector and The Body Polisher are based upon a selection of masks, supplements and pure plant body oils from the PRO range, chosen by the therapist to meet your skin’s individual needs. The Clarins PRO products are truly amazing and are totally working their magic. All treatments are done manually which is the best to me. To search for the Clarins institut nearest to you, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When you hear the name Victorinox, you might associate it immediately with the Swiss Army Knife. But the Swiss brand has much more to offer, from travel luggage to watches to perfume and clothes.

I was recently invited to their hometown Ibach, Switzerland to visit the factory and to explore their newest project:
Christopher Raeburn for Victorinox – REMADE IN SWITZERLAND.

At the entrance a colourful and dramatic installation welcomed me presenting the capsule collection that the young UK designer has created for Victorinox for F/W 2011, consisting of eight items for both genders, each to be produced in a hand-numbered limited edition of 100 pieces.

“The project is a fantastic opportunity to align the innovation and individuality of my brand with the heritage and quality of Victorinox.”
– Christopher Raeburn.

Christopher Raeburn with me

From Parachute Poncho to Runway Couture

Raeburn has been known for his pioneering work taking old military surplus and transforming it into beautiful clothes since he launched in 2008 his label utilizing decommissioned military stocks of uniform and parachute fabrics to create functional and intelligent garments. Raeburn’s namesake designs are proudly REMADE IN ENGLAND in his small East London production facility.

For the project with Victorinox, he did the same. By taking apart the existing garments from local military surplus stores, he found inspiration and ideas to create new ones, re-imagining unexpected uses for the old and challenging the concept of what is considered new. Everything is proudly produced (“remade”) in Switzerland.

A rare find was a box of horseshoe nails that became the symbol of the project for Raeburn. He challenged Victorinox to recast that nail into scales for an Original Swiss Army Knife to complement the project. The nail also inspired a print used for linings and other graphic treatments.

For the project, Victorinox is working with local seamstresses and tailors. Corinne Kaiser, who is heading the team with Camilla from England, explained the process and the difficulties they experienced with some of the fabrics.

OFFICER’S PARKA constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bag outers, 2 front chest
pockets featuring reused original military Riri zips.

CAPTAIN’S COAT constructed from re-appropriated Swiss wool coats dating back up to 60 years and lined with over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

HORSESHOE NAIL KNIFE crafted from surplus military horseshoe nails melted down and recast as knife scales, packaged in reclaimed original coated paper box that held the nails.

PARACHUTE HOODIE constructed from 2 colours of surplus Swiss military air-brake
parachutes, tape from original parachutes and jersey cuffs from military balaclavas.

RECRUIT’S CAP constructed from offcuts of surplus Swiss military wool jackets and over-dyed cotton bed sheets, side panels can flip down to cover ears or fold up.

DUFFLE BACKPACK constructed from surplus heavy canvas Swiss tarpaulin with integrated
original buckles.

SENTRY’S SCARF constructed from surplus Swiss military blankets and over-dyed surplus Swiss military cotton bed sheets.

COCOON BLOUSON constructed from surplus Swiss military sleeping bags, reinforced with waterproof sleeping bag outer, can be roll packed like original sleeping bag.

The collaboration will be available throughout Victorinox flagships and most high-end shops worldwide. Check out the stop-motion preview below, it is pretty cool. Prices will range between CHF 700 – 2000 depending on the piece.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Victorinox