Sandra‘s Closet

If you were to take a look inside your favorite fashionstia’s closet, I guarantee you would find a pair of designer espadrilles. Chanel started the comeback of the iconic classic a few seasons ago… and now they are on everyone’s shopping list. Those quintessential summer shoes look great with everything from a summer frock to cut-off shorts. Shop my picks for the chicest around below.

1 Tian leather-trimmed printed coated canvas espadrilles by Gucci
2 Python espadrilles by Proenza Schouler3 Embellished suede espadrilles by Giuseppe Zanotti
4 Printed brocade espadrilles by Dolce & Gabbana
5 Star-appliquéd leather espadrilles by Saint Laurent
6 Dreya snake-effect leather espadrilles by Jimmy Choo
7 Belgravia suede espadrilles by Aquazurra
8 Jean canvas espadrilles by Castañer
9 Woven canvas espadrilles by Manebi
10 Tweed espadrilles by Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today is my birthday and yes, I do love having birthdays! I am honest, I love cake, a glass of champagne, surprises and being surrounded by my friends…

I still remember two years ago when I celebrated into my big day during the opening celebration of the new Audemars Piguet store in Zurich. I had the honor to be seated next to the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who went on stage to tell the guests that nobody was allowed to leave the party before midnight because of me. Great memories!

Let’s see what will happen today…

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me

The newly launched Diamond Fury watch

And if anyone is looking for a birthday surprise for a loved one, have a look at Audemars Piguet‘s newest watch launch, that was presented during SIHH 2016: Diamond Fury, a true Haute Joaillerie talisman, that reveals its mysterious character via a secret panel which, when touched, subtly unclips to show the dial beneath. It took passion, perfection, over 1,500 hours and 4,635 brilliant-cut diamonds to created this amazing cuff watch with a punk-rock goddess streak.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Audemars Piguet

Dressing in winter when going out is always a hassle. If you wear heavy outerwear, you will be stuck at the coat check or if you try to go light, you will be freezing the whole evening. Therefore winter layers are the way to go. Here you see me past Wednesday in Paris when leaving for Jean Paul Gaultier’s private dinner during couture week. The trick is to layer without bulking up and to stay stylish even in cold temperatures. A cape is a great way to wear even the most voluptuous sleeves. And in the end, when I went on the dance floor, I just left the light black ensemble …

My look: Tweed military cape by Balmain, black ruffled tulle top and matching pants, by Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, long blouse with black bows and padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag, both by Alexander McQueen, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, pearl earrings by Chanel and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, a courier brought me a great delivery from Giorgio Armani: The new duo of highly exclusive fragrances called Vert Malachite and Rouge Malachite which are part of La Collection de Terres Précieuses (Precious Lands) by Armani/Privé.

Malachite

Inspired by Mister Armani’s travels, this launch is a tribute to Russia, and the malachite, which is an iconic semi-precious stone in the country’s culture of luxury.

Armani/Privé Haute Couture F/W 2015

Most of the Armani/Privé fragrances are a tribute to the haute couture collections. The new launch is inspired by Mister Armani’s Haute Couture F/W 2015 collection «Shocking» which was an exploration of bejeweled tones taking inspiration from the rich colors of semi-precious stones such as malachite, amethyst, lapis-lazuli and more.

Here are the two new floral oriental compositions in the iconic beautifully designed bottles:

Armani/Privé Rouge Malachite
A floriental fragrance for women and men featuring tuberose, woodsy notes and amber.

Armani/Privé Vert Malachite
A woody aromatic fragrance for women and men featuring lily, green and woodsy notes.

The new fragrance duo will be available in Switzerland from Mid February 2016 (get yourself on the list) for CHF 305 (100ml) each at Jelmoli, Manor Geneva & Lugano, Globus Zurich, Genva, Lausanne, Bern & Glatt, and at Amavita (St. Moritz), Artho (Meilen), Drogerie von Gruenigen (Gstaad), Hyazinth (Basel & Luzern), Osswald (Zug), Osswald (Zürich) und Spiess (Bern).

LoL, Sandra

Armani/Privé Haute Couture F/W 2015

Photos: Courtesy of Armani

This week during Maison & Objet Salon in Paris, Lalique and Steinway have announced the launch of Masque de Femme, a new piano – a work of unique and customized art – designed by the famous French crystal maker.

Nature’s beauty and structure have always informed great design. Lalique worked on an elegant design for Masque de Femme focusing on two of its iconic motifs, ‘Coutard’ and ‘Masque de Femme’.

The Coutard design was created by René Lalique in 1935 for the famous Coutard fountain and represents a geometric motif of water droplets evoking both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco genres through restrained symmetry and shape. To adorn the same fountain, René Lalique created the Masque de Femme pattern inspired by his love of women and nature. This design is a classic and avant-garde work of art that reveals the face of the mysterious nymph, Arethusa surrounded by aquatic life.

In total, 1043 individual Lalique crystals adorn the Masque de Femme piano: – 1025 black crystal Coutard cabochons – 2 Masque de Femme panels: 80×80 mm – 2 Masque de Femme panels: 30×30 mm – 2 Swallow panels – 12 Coutard panels (4 on each leg of the piano).

To make an instrument that combines the best of Steinway & Sons and Lalique, its artisans had to be extremely meticulous. Requiring two years of development to perfect the exact techniques needed to ally the crystal and traditional materials of Steinway, this piano took over 500 hours of work to install the crystal elements alone.

Each Coutard cabochon perfectly blends with the piano, like drops of water that come alive on the black lacquer with an elegantly restrained tactile quality. Each crystal has been worked, shaped, cut, polished and signed at the Lalique factory in Alsace and then placed on the piano in the workshops of Steinway & Sons in Hamburg.

This magnificent grand piano (Steinway Model B) is a wonderfully balanced and versatile piano that does extremely well in intimate settings, teaching studios and mid-sized venues. The Model B is the favourite grand piano among private customers.

Dimensions: Length 211cm x Width 148cm.
The piano, available in black, will be taken on a world tour in 2016 that will include concert dates with renowned artists. At the end of this global tour, the piano will be auctioned off.

Most of you know how much I adore playing the piano and this piece of art would definitely make it even more fun.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Steinway & Sons and Lalique

Today, I would like to draw your attention to the latest retro sunglass collaboration between Olivia Palermo and Westward Leaning.

Flower 14 aviator-style acetate and metal mirrored sunglasses

For her encore collection with the American brand, Olivia has created a stunning collection of sunglass styles featuring their beloved mirrored lenses, each one is hand-assembled in San Francisco. Each lens is available in a variation of amber and pink, set in different frame styles.

My favorite pair of sunglasses: Vanguard D-frame acetate mirrored sunglasses

TO SHOP THIS HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Westward Leaning

This March, JO MALONE will bring you closer to nature with the launch of the new limited «THE HERB GARDEN» collection. Comprised of five fragrances created by Anne Flipo, this extravagant series marries together unexpected ingredients to bring out the best in both.

No matter the season, this garden has something for everybody.:

SORREL & LEMON THYME
«It is those stolen few moments when you step outside to breathe in the new season and find yourself enveloped with green and vivid scents.»

Top Notes: Bigarade, Petitgrain
Middle Notes: Sorrel, Lemon Thyme, Rosemary
Base Notes: Geranium Leaves, Moss
__________

WILD STRAWBERRY & PARSLEY
«This peppery scent evokes those late summer afternoons, when shadows lengthen and the
sun mellows.»

Top Notes: Parsley, Tomato Leaves, Blackcurrant
Middle Notes: Blackcurrant, Violet Leaves
Base Note: Moss
__________

NASTURTIUM & CLOVER
«This fragrance is all about the thrill of getting lost in a rambling, bucolic and rustic English garden;
a surprise around every corner.»

Top Notes: Rocket, Lemon
Middle Notes: Nasturtium, Jasmine
Base Note: Vetiver
___________

CARROT BLOSSOM & FENNEL

«This unexpected cologne conjures the earthy satisfaction of a home harvest: the journey from planting a garden, nurturing it, finding fresh ingredients and then finally reaching that moment of cutting into homegrown fennel and slicing a crisp, sweet carrot.»

Top Notes: Carrot, Fennel
Middle Notes: Rose, Orange Flower Water,
Base Note: Moss
____________

LAVENDER & CORIANDER 
«This scent captures the deep warmth of midday heat on high summer days; the calming quality
of lavender juxtaposed with the energy of coriander for a muscular, clean modern fougère. The most masculine of the five fragrances.»

Top Notes: Lavender, Coriander
Middle Note: Sage
Base Note: Tonka Bean

Available from March 2016 for CHF 72.00 each Cologne.
And isn’t the model just absolutely adorable?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse pop goddess, brings her blonde, bold spirit to M·A·C in a collaboration that’s as mesmerizing as her music. Inspired by the light and dark dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer, Ellie’s thoughtfully curated collection emulates her two signature looks: effortless au naturel by day, and breathtaking bombshell by night.

Ellie Goulding with me

HALCYON NIGHTS | CHF 60.00| LIMITED EDITION

Starry Eyed Cream high pearl (Frost) (Eyeshadow)
You My Everything Mid-tone peachy brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
Hanging On Muted plum-brown (Satin) (Eyeshadow)
Saddle Golden orange brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
This Love Pinky orange-pearl (Cream Colour Base)

HALCYON DAYS | CHF 60.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Root Red taupey brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Tint Soft peachy brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Wished I Stayed Light cream pearl (Cream Colour Base)
Every Time You Go Creamy peachy pink (Cream Colour Base)
Medium Dark Blot Pressed Powder Medium dark

LIPSTICK | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Only You Muted mid-tone coral (Cremesheen)
Without Your Love Warm seashell pink (Cremesheen)

PLUSHGLASS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Explosion Warm light golden shimmer
Goodness Gracious Creamy pinky peach

PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Revved Up Creamy peach
Innocent Nude beige

POWDER BLUSH DUO | CHF 39.00| LIMITED EDITION

I’ll Hold My Breath Medium warm bronze / Peachy pink pearl (Matte/Satin)

HAUTE & NAUGHTY | CHF 34.00| LIMITED EDITION

Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Black

LASH | CHF 19.00 | LIMITED EDITION

20 Lash
30 Lash

LUSTRE DROPS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Pink Rebel Blue-pink with gold pearl

BRUSHES | LIMITED EDITION

209 Eyeliner (CHF 32.00)
129 Powder/Blush (CHF 54.00)
217 Blending Brush (CHF 34.00)

The collection is in stores now. Available exclusively at all M∙A∙C Manor counters, M∙A∙C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

This February 14th, surprise your better half with one of these creative Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
Rosebud set of 12 stretch-lace thongs by Hanky Panky
MY FAVORITE!!! How cool is this? Presented in a long white box with a red bow, twelve of the brand’s signature claret thongs are wrapped onto stems to resemble a bouquet of a dozen red roses.

Rosaviola scented oval, 35g by Diptyque + Olympia Le-Tan
Diptyque and French fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan team up to create the playful ‘Rosaviola‘ collection. With its soft notes of rose, traces of lipstick and rich leather, this unique fragrance captures the allure of the inside of a woman’s purse. It’s encased in a small oval with a printed hanging cord, letting you fill small spaces or even your closet with the warm, powdery scent.

Love gold-tone Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin
There is nothing more powerful than love and it is nice to carry the statement around your neck. Lanvin’s necklace is cast from gold-tone brass and is embellished with a sizable Swarovski crystal that’s faceted to catch the light.

Maharani stretch tulle-trimmed embroidered Leavers lace chemise by La Perla
La Perla’s describes the Leavers lace from its ‘Maharani‘ collection as, “an enchanted garden of thread where large flowers blossom across the body.” Trimmed with stretch-tulle, this embroidered claret chemise is characterized by its glamorous V-back and scalloped neckline.
Doracora 100 neon-trimmed patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin says these eye-catching ‘Doracora’ pumps “steal glances wherever you wear them.” They’re crafted from super glossy blush patent-leather decorated with a cute neon-pink heart at the toe.

Liz Taylor embellished guipure lace-trimmed stretch-crepe dress by Christopher Kane
I LOVE!!! This off-the-shoulder dress is inspired by an amazing love story and named after Hollywood screen siren Elizabeth Taylor – the decorative crystal embellishments are inspired by the Taj Mahal diamond gifted to her by Richard Burton. This elegant piece is cut from stretch-crepe and trimmed with pretty guipure lace, playfully patterned with love hearts.

Heart Falabella embellished cross-body bag by Stella McCartney
An array of sparkling white crystals brings glamour to Stella McCartney’s black heart-shaped Falabella bag. It’s crafted from glossy faux-suede in Italy and features a recycled bottle-lined interior and a cross-body ruthenium-chain strap.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands