Sandra‘s Closet

“I started with 16,000 Swiss francs, 20 years ago, and the success of de Grisogono is a miracle, in every sense” says Fawaz Gruosi. “I simply saw another way of doing things in the jewellery world. I was lucky, a little crazy, I worked like a madman and still do.“

You have to meet Fawaz Gruosi to understand his power over women, he might be the most charming man on earth. He knows what women want, especially when it comes to jewelry design. The president, owner and founder of de Grisogono likes to push the limits and break the rules to come up with the most amazing pieces.

Last week, de Grisogono celebrated the launch of its new Crazy Scull watch at Hotel Costes in Paris which shows the most outstanding artisan jewelry and horology. It took over one year of research to create this one of a kind timepiece.

Being entirely hand-set with white diamonds, pink sapphires, rubies and also the black diamonds, the stones the Geneva based jeweler is famous for, this dual time watch comes on a galuchat strap.

I am a huge fan of jewelry that offers a certain twist, that is provocative and different. How much fun are those baguette-cut diamond teeth and the ornate gemstone tongue?!

The Crazy Skull is available from around €500.000 depending on the stones you choose at de Grisogono boutiques.

And I couldn’t agree more with Karlie Kloss who said at last week’s party, it is “the most extravagant Halloween accessory” you have ever seen.
Speaking of which, happy trick or treating!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of de Grisogono and © Sandra Bauknecht

MAYBELLINE has launched an extremely cool line of Baby Lips Electro Lip Balms in six new tinted shades with actress Emily DiDonato being the face of the campaign.

Are you on board to rock some sheer neon 80’s shades? Great news is that they don’t only look good but visibly renew lips in just one week. Smoother, less dry, more supple and better looking lips while enjoying electric color pigments in this exclusive formula.

The six new shades are Pink Shock, Minty Sheer, Strike a Rose, Berry Bomb, Fierce n Tangy and Oh Orange.

Apply in the center of your upper lip to the outer edges, following the contours of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip. Can be worn under lip color. CHF 4.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maybelline and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you looking for a last minute F/W 2014 spooky makeover? One thing is for sure, stylish wicked witches and storybook princesses are hitting the streets in Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Olympia Le Tan. Channel your favorite alter-ego in this selection of must-have pieces!

First I recommend getting an orange colored gown like this asymmetric silk-crepe dress by Haney (1) as a base. Then look for some fun accessories to spice up your look:

2 Devil patent-leather and point d’esprit headband by Eugenia Kim
3 Feather-trimmed rabbit-felt hat by Lanvin
4 Swarovski crystal-embellished mask by Jennifer Behr
5 Leather book clutch by Olympia Le Tan
6 Glitter suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
7 Latex lace mask by Atsuko Kudo

LoL, Sandra

This was my outfit that I wore to the Tiffany T collection launch party and the Louis’ restaurant opening last Thursday in Zurich. Brocade fabric mixed with animal print – when it comes to making a statement this season, nature is answering the call. If you are a risk taker, you will definitely take a walk into the wild in those glitter boots.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat, brocade dress and gold glitter leather boots, all by Saint Laurent, envelope leather bag with pink calf hair detail by Céline, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and earrings by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, Tiffany & Co. celebrated the launch of the brand’s newest collection TIFFANY T in Zurich at the Museum Bellerive. It marks design director Francesca Amfitheatrof’s first line for the iconic house. “The letter T is sculptural and bold and very closely linked to the architecture of New York City,” she explains. The trained jeweler and silversmith reimagined the letter T as a piece of engineering, which you can see in the mechanisms for these cuffs.

The Museum Bellerive was bathed in pink light. Guests enjoyed yummy food and champagne while exploring the new jewelry pieces.

Here I am wearing two Tiffany T bracelets, one in 18k white gold and one in 18k rose gold, both with round brilliant diamonds.

Sport commentator Marcel Reif framed by Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff, Managing Director Tiffany & Co. to the right and me to the left.

The collection is in stores now and available in different shapes in silver or gold. Personally speaking, I truly love the design, especially many bracelets worn together look really cool.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. and © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer Maguire who’s passion for jewelry design began at the young age of six, when her grandmother taught her the art of creating enamel jewelry. Though she loved watching and learning the craft, she didn’t realize at the time that she would one day follow in her grandmother’s footsteps. As an adult, Jennifer entered the fashion industry working in the public relations department for two of the world’s leading fashion houses – Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Witnessing these icons work through their design process inspired Jennifer to explore the creative side of the business, and in 2005 she launched her eponymous label, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.

Though Meyer has extensive Hollywood connections—her father is Universal Studios President Ron Meyer; her husband and father of her two kids is actor Tobey Maguire—her jewelry made its national debut when a stylist picked out one of Meyer’s leaf pendants for Jennifer Aniston to wear in ‘The Break-Up’ (see picture below).

Based in Los Angeles, she designs for the everyday woman. “Ask any woman where they received or bought a certain piece of jewelry and they will tell you a story,” explains Jennifer, pointing out the significance most women place on jewelry. Made by hand and with love, Jennifer’s jewelry is the perfect balance of understated elegance and unparalleled quality.

One of my favorite pieces is Jennifer Meyer’s charming Mommy 18-karat gold necklace which is handset with diamonds and made in the designer’s LA studio. This delicate piece will make a precious gift.

Speaking of which, happy birthday to my beloved mommy, whom I admire and love so much. Even when I don’t see you, the thought of you makes me feel loved and protected. Often, I catch myself doing something in a special way and realize that it was you who taught me to do it. I owe so much to you, I’m luckier than the luckiest lottery winner to have you as my mother. Mommy, thanks for everything. You gave me life and you’ve made my life full of hope, happiness and love…just by loving me! Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jennifer Meyer and © Sandra Bauknecht

We have a new hot spot in Zurich: the 80-seat restaurant LOUIS’ located on the lakeside in Wollishofen. The new place to eat  offers a unique view of the Zurich’s skyline along with a gastronomic experience at the highest level by chef Christoph Eisner and his team. Lars Krauss (pictured with me above at the opening last Thursday) has fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant together with his business partner Verena Thalmann. Their passion for the project can be seen in every single detail.

The interior design is beautiful with white as the main color and four pastel shades that can be found in various furniture elements. The eye-catching chandeliers were specially made for the restaurant. A small but fine champagne bar and lounge area on the gallery invites guests to linger. In the summer months the urban feeling is complemented by a tastefully furnished terrace with 80 seats.

The seasonally changing menu offers special lunch dishes in the price range of CHF 25.00 to 30.00. Highlights are for example lukewarm beetroots with a mousse of smoked trout (CHF 17.00), fried duck liver with apple compote (CHF 21.00), roasted corn-fed chicken stuffed with lemon, ricotta and dried tomatoes, accompanied by vegetable couscous (CHF 39.00), sautéed fillet of sea bass with ratatouille (CHF 48.00) and chocolate mousse with milk rice (CHF 14.00).

Restaurant Louis’, Seestr. 457, 8038 Zurich-Wollishofen, Switzerland
Phone: + 41-44 221 15 15
Monday – Friday 10am – 12am
Saturday 6pm – 12am
Sunday closed

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Restaurant

Jeremy Scott had fun with Moschino signatures at his first outing for the brand. I am crazy for his witty pieces and had to have this quilted handbag, designed to look like a mini jacket. Finished with gold chain handles and multiple internal and external pockets, it’s sure to become a cult favorite among fashion lovers around the globe.

My look: College coat by Saint Laurent, printed satin-jersey mini dress and jacket quilted leather shoulder bag, both by Moschino, suede boots by Balmain, soft merino wool and cotton-blend tights by Falke, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

An oriental floral fragrance, CLINIQUE Beyond Rose is a scent that has been customized for a Middle Eastern and Gulf audience. Arabia’s past, presence and future meet in this sophisticated perfume spray that is both modern and complex. An exclusive blend of the most precious balms and resins handcrafted around a unique wild rose accord.

Rose as you have never known it… sheer layers that build into an intense experience, with hints of amber and a shock of pepper.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top note: White pepper, freesia flowers and mate leaves
Middle note: Damask rose, rose oil and osmanthus blossom
Base note: Amber, labdanum, styrax and benzoin

Available now in Switzerland at Globus Geneva, Manor Geneva, Manor Lugano, Jelmoli Zurich and Manor Zurich for CHF 140.00 (100ml).
TO SHOP CLINIQUE BEYOND ROSE ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, © Gregoire Mahler

At the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event last week in NYC, there was a huge pop-up store where we could buy the collection first hand before it will hit the stores worldwide on November 6, 2014. The photos of the night will be coming up shortly.

Alexander Wang‘s inspiration was sportswear that “could be translated to things you can use in other events or situations. That idea of sports at night came into my head.” This was the outfit I got myself at the pop-up store and I was curious to try its functionality right after I landed at my private yoga class. The pieces have absolutely convinced me, the breathable fabrics have great quality and deliver what they promise. I recommend getting your shopping list ready before hand as those items will be flying off the shelves.

My look: Breathable top and pants, beanie with logo, water bottle, towel and key chain with mini boxing gloves, all by Alexander Wang x H&M.

If you are looking for a great yoga class in Zurich, try the Iyengar Yoga Center. Maya & Vasili Vlachos (pictured here with me) are the best ones in town. I have been training with them for many years.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht