Sandra‘s Closet

Thursday night, I attended Breitling‘s red-carpet event at Zurich’s Hallenstadion. The innovative Swiss watch brand celebrated the debut of its new Navitimer 8 collection and Breitling’s new global CEO, Georges Kern introduced his brand’s next chapter. The event was the European stop on Breitling’s international tour, which debuted in Shanghai in late January and which will move on to New York City at the end of February.

As 2018 marks the Year of the Dog, I’ve chosen an offbeat ode to one of my favorite four-legged friends with this dog print gown and hope that you will like it as much as I do.

My look: Dog print silk chiffon gown by Dolce & Gabbana, classic Paris D’Orsay pumps with bow and metallic-trimmed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, necklace by Dior, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Georges Kern, CEO Breitling, introducing his brand’s next chapter.

With Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Always fun talking to former soccer player Günter Netzer and his lovely wife Elvira.

Walking into a #legendaryfuture…

Exploring Breitling’s versatile history and the new Navitimer 8 collection…

My Dolce & Gabbana gown is an ode to the Year of the Dog.

Having fun on the dance floor with Barbara Becker.

Thank you, Georges Kern, for this fantastic night!

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, Courtesy of Breitling © Alexander Scheubel, © Harold Cunningham, © Hervé Le Cunff for Blick, © Sandra Bauknecht

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Living in Switzerland during the festive season means that you are treated to cheese fondue and raclette almost every evening when you are invited. Those are great meals with friends as they are traditionally for sharing and perhaps some of the most iconic foods that people relate to the Alpine country. But to be honest, those amounts of melted cheese can be quite heavy in your stomach, so you better dress up in something comfortable. I like to call it mountain chic.

My look for the opening of the Chalet au Lac: Suede-paneled embroidered wool coat, high waisted suede skirt, wool and cashmere-blend intarsia sweater, and embroidered bag, all from Emilio Pucci’s F/W 2011 collection, drop flower earrings with green crystals and black fur stole, both by Gucci, embellished choker by Dolce & Gabbana, and Paris ankle boots by Saint Laurent.

A great place to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a mountain cabin in Zurich is the Baur au Lac‘s pop-up CHALET AU LAC which is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm -11pm until December 31, 2017 in the park of the iconic hotel.

Reservations: +41 44 220 50 66, 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac, © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy 1st Advent! I love this time of the year when it is cold outside and you enjoy the coziness of your home. Decorating for Christmas is somethings I truly adore. In Zurich, I love passing by Globus to look for new baubles and gift ideas. Each year, they celebrate a new motto, now it is time to welcome the «Grand Hotel Globus»! Get inside the 5-star Christmas world…

Christmas world at Globus Bellevue in Zurich

My favorite: Lobster Bauble, CHF 24.90

So fun: Champagne Bucket Bauble, CHF 19.90

Great gift ideas…

THE HOTEL BAR.
N°01 Pineapple Mug / Shot Glass, CHF 29.90/12.90 / Shaker, CHF 54.90 / Bowl, CHF 6.90
N°02 Cigar Box with Cutter, CHF 299.00
N°03 Bottle Opener Anker, CHF 14.90
N°04 Whisky Glass, CHF 7.90
N°05 Le Tribute Gin with Tonic, CHF 119.00
N°06 Bar Spoon, CHF 15.90
N° 07 Backgammon, CHF 19.90
N°08 Tray, CHF 139.90
N°09 Strainer, CHF 22.90
N°10 Jigger, CHF 20.90
N°11 Cocktail Shaker, CHF 75.90

THE AFTERNOON-TEA.
N°01 Teapot, CHF 29.90
N°02 Bell Jar, CHF 39.90
N°03 Pastry Tong, CHF 29.90
N°04 Tea-Light Holder, CHF 12.90
N° 05 Champagne Bowl, CHF 19.90
N° 06 Champagne Truffes, CHF 6.60
N° 07 Seat of 4 Teaspoons, CHF 24.90
N° 08 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Limited Edition, CHF 99.90
N° 09 Grand Hotel Napkins, CHF 6.90
N° 10 Mules by Emanuela Caruso, CHF 299.00

From now on you can take the afternoon tea literally at Globus Bellevue‘s newly opened restaurant «tartar» on the first floor. Top chef Nenad Mlinarevic offers all sorts of culinary treats including the signature dish tartar in all sorts of interpretations.

«tartar» restaurant lead by top chef Nenad Mlinarevic

Moreover, besides Kiehl’s, Acqua di Parma, Aerin Lauder and Molton Brown, Globus Bellevue has expanded its product range. Tom Ford, Jo Malone London and Le Labo are now all available there. For the latter it is the first point of sale in Switzerland.

Have fun strolling through this beautiful Christmas world – for my foreign readers, I hope you could seek a little inspiration for your home as well.

Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Sassy, rather rebellious, Jean Luc Amsler will always be there where we least expect him.»

Franco-Swiss fashion designer JEAN LUC AMSLER was born in Switzerland in the mid-1960’s. After his studies, he moved to Antwerp and then to Paris, where he started his fashion career in the mid 1980’s. He gained experience by working at renowned houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Louis Scherrer, Christian Dior and Cartier, just to name a few. By 1992, Jean Luc felt that he had reached the point where he could design for himself, and he started his own eponymous couture brand in Paris.

For us, he shares his insider scoop on the city I live in with us, ZURICH. With the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the city offers a unique mixture of attractions. Jean Luc’s tips are absolutely great – even I have discovered something I didn’t know about before. Enjoy!

Your favourite city?
ZURICH, because it is my grand father’s city.

Your favourite hotel?
THE DOLDER GRAND, where I presented my first show in 1994.
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich, Phone +41 44 456 60 00

Your favourite restaurant?
KRONENHALLE, I still have great memories there with Gustav Zumsteg in 1995.
Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Phone +41 44 262 99 00

Zurich, 1979. Yves Saint Laurent with Gustav Zumsteg’s mother Hulda Zumsteg (left) at Kronenhalle.

(Gustav Zumsteg was the owner of the restaurant Kronenhalle until his death in 2005. Moreover, he had worked his way up from the level of apprentice to chief designer at the traditional silk company Abraham, which he later acquired. Zumsteg collaborated with renowned Parisian fashion houses, such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, and most of all Yves Saint Laurent, with whom he became very close.)

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
TINA BAR, for its selective cocktail menu and the cosy atmosphere. It’s also in the middle of the old town, a great area to walk around and get lost during the night.
Niederdorfstr. 10, 8001 Zurich, Phone +41  44 250 76 80

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
LINDENHOF HILL, because there you can admire the whole city and also read a book in the park. A quiet spot in the heart of the city.
Lindenhof, 8001 Zurich

(The Lindenhof is a moraine hill and a public square in the historic center of Zurich. It is the site of the Roman and Carolingian era Kaiserpfalz around which the city has historically grown. The hilltop area -including its prehistoric, Roman, and medieval remains – is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.)

Your favourite park?
The BRUNO WEBER PARK. It’s like entering in a fairytale, a mix of art and fantasy.
Zur Weinrebe 3, 8953 Dietikon, Phone +41 44 740 02 71

Your favourite beach ?
COCOA BEACH, the perfect place for a drink when the sun goes down. It’s a little island on the roof of the city.
Förrlibuckstrasse 115, 8005 Zurich, Phone +41 43 444 40 50

Your favourite shop?
MARKENTUSSI in Zurich’s North, it is a heaven for vintage clothes and furniture. They carry Chanel, Louboutin… many Parisian brands.
Kornhausstrasse 43, 8037 Zurich, Phone +41 43 557 63 93

Your must-have accessory?
My glasses from VIU, I discovered this new Swiss designed eyewear brand and I love it!
Viu Flaghsip Store Zurich, Grüngasse 4, 8004 Zurich, +41 44 508 79 04

The best soundtrack for this destination?
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM composed by Clint Mansell for the eponymous movie, it represents dream and drama…

Annemarie Schwarzenbach (23 May 1908 – 15 November 1942)

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
LA QUÊTE DU RÉEL by Anne Marie Schwarzenbach, it means the quest of reality.

(Born in Zurich, Annemarie Schwarzenbach was a homosexual Swiss writer, journalist, photographer and traveler. Her father, Alfred, was a wealthy businessman in the silk industry. From an early age she began to dress and act like a boy, a behaviour not discouraged by her parents, and which she retained all her life. In fact in later life she was often mistaken for a young man.)

Thank you, Jean Luc Amsler, for sharing your insider scoop on Zurich with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jean Luc Amsler, © Marianne Feilchenfeldt-Breslauer († 2001), © Richard Emler and courtesy of the different locations

Zurich is my happy place. I truly enjoy living in the Swiss city that offers so much quality of life. The lake is beautiful and I love those fall days when you can still sit outside and enjoy a moment of silence in the middle of the city.

My look: Manray leather-trimmed shearling jacket by Altuzarra, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior, printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, rose diamond ring by Piaget,
 quilted single flap bag «Stars and Stripes» in blue by Chanel (Paris – Dallas collection), boots with GG print and cream white leather by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2017 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that takes place each year at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. This year, I went for a romantic look with a vintage floral print.

My look: Ruched floral-print stretch-silk maxi dress by Alessandra Rich, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals by Saint Laurent, ice cube bag by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget, plexiglass crystal and glass pearl necklace and crystal embellished butterfly earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me at the gala: © David Biedert Photography
All other pictures: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tonight, I attended the ERDEM x H&M pre-shopping event in Zurich at the brand’s flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse 92. I was very honored to wear this stunning look from the designer collaboration as one of the first ones. The collection is truly beautiful, lots of stunning pieces, don’t miss them!

My look: Fake fur leopard print coat, floral dress, crocodile printed leather handle bag with Swarovski crystals, floral stockings and bow earrings, all by Erdem x H&M. Rockstud leather pumps by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Remy Steiner / Getty Images for H&M
© Sandra Bauknecht (Thanks to my daughter for taking them!)

Something for my Swiss based readers today, especially for those who are looking for some cute Christmas gifts that you cannot find anywhere else. Let me introduce you to one of my dear friends Nina who started her business «Nina and the City» formerly known as «Kids and the City» 10 years ago as she was giving birth to her second child and the series «Sex and the City» was at its peak popularity. At the time, the focus was on personalized accessories for urban babies as the original name of the company indicated. My avid readers might still remember, for all others have a look at previous posts from 2010 and 2013.

Nina is a great business woman combining motherhood and her pop-up store in an amazing way. Her concept grew quickly and over the years the scope of the business broadened by including accessories for urban mothers being it textile or jewelry.

Today, «Nina and the City» distributes over 80 brands from all over the world. The differentiation lies in the uniqueness and the smaller scale productions of the products that range from fully affordable to more exclusive. The secret is in the discovery of unknown brands around the world in which Nina – the «truffle dog» as her friends call her – excels.

As every year, Nina and the City will soon open its doors again for a traditional
Private Christmas Sale.

Dates
Oct 31 – Nov 3 : 9 am – 7 pm
Nov 4: 9 am – 2 pm
Nov 6-7 : 9 am – 7 pm

Address
Binderstrasse 61, 8702 Zollikon, Switzerland

For us, she gave us a sneak preview about what to expect and told us about her favorites that will be available for sale next week:

These rings look so adorable stacked! Wear the initials of your family…

Rings – diamond rings with initials that are made out of 18 kt solid yellow, white or rose gold. The diameter of the circle is 8mm and the initial is surrounded by 0,17-0,21 kt (depends on which initial) white (F-VS), brown or black diamonds. This gives an amazing sparkle. To top it off a black rhodium can be added. The rings are stackable for those who have more loved ones to honour with initials. The rings are fully tailored for a very affordable price.

A beautiful look from Manidou

Fashion – cashmere from la Capra, women fashion from Ann&Line, scarves from Manidou (all Swiss brands!) and capes from the Capemädchen.

A personalized bangle

Personalized jewelry – broad variety of personalized jewelry from bangles to bracelets or necklaces in different gold tones, plated or solid, with diamonds or without and for every budget.

With plenty of unique gift ideas and Christmas around the corner, it’s definitely an event not to be missed! See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands via Nina and the City

Washing has never been more stylish! Finally after touring around the globe, the HERMÈS Laundromat pop-up store is coming to Jelmoli Zurich from October 25 till November 4, 2017.

What is the Hermèsmatic exactly? In celebration of the French brand’s silk squares 80th anniversary, it will offer complimentary dip-dye services on the famous scarves. Giving an artistic upgrade to the traditional laundromat with orange laundry baskets and Hermès logos plastered all over the walls, the shop also features washing machines in the House’s signature shade that perform the transformation.

Shoppers can bring their own Hermès scarves for a fresh dip-dye makeover. There are three different color options, fuchsia, emerald green, or denim blue, available. After the washing machine, it will be put in a dryer and will come out super soft again. Ironing and folding will complete your transformation. After 48 hours your foulard is ready for collection. All for free!

What a great way to have a new scarf…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès – © Alain Benoît and © Martial Schmeltz