Sandra‘s Closet

«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

I am in Marrakesh at the moment and this morning I woke up to the safest news. One of my favorite designers Azzedine Alaïa passed away at the age of 77.

Known for his signature sculptural silhouettes and meticulous craftmanship, plus an exquisite line-up of shoes and bags, he rose to prominence in the ’80s. He was one of the few designers to completely ignore the traditional fashion seasons, creating his must-have pieces at his own pace.

Azzedine Alaïa with me

After moving to Paris in 1957, the Tunisian born Azzedine started his career at Dior, then went on to work at Guy Laroche and Thierry Mugler, before opening his own atelier in the late 1970s.

One of my favorite pictures in fashion history: Naomi Campbell photographed by Herb Ritts in Alaïa

He worked closely with celebrity fans including Naomi Campbell, who opened his last couture show in July in Paris. RIP Azzedine, you will be missed!

TO SHOP A LAST PIECE OF ALAÏA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alaïa and © Sandra Bauknecht

After the launch of AMBER MUSC in 2013 and ROSE MUSC in 2016, Narciso Rodriguez is launching a new fragrance to complement his Oriental Musc Editions this fall: SANTAL MUSC.

All three stand for pure luxury: addictive modern classics created through a masterful synchrony of East and West. Dedicated to discerning fragrance connoisseurs, I invite you to have a closer look:

AMBER MUSC (2013)

The quintessential fragrance. For centuries, the distinctive nature of both amber and musc have captured a sublime sensuality as scent dissolves into skin. Narciso Rodriguez melds the two iconic notes as one in this captivating Eau de Parfum Intense.

“The idea for the amber musc was to honor two great periods of fragrance with my own modern interpretation,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “and the results have been beyond my dream.”

The perfumer Aurélien Guichard synthesizes a golden balsamic accord with the smoky sweetness of oud wood, the illusive nature of incense and the lush smoothness of black patchouli to create a dusky palette. Narciso Rodriguez’s signature musc acts as a luminous counterpoint to this palette, softened by orange blossom.

ROSE MUSC (2016)

The poetic symbol of perfection in the annals of perfumery: rose, a most mythical ingredient. In both Eastern and Western culture, its rich yet delicate scent has served as the synonym of fragrance for over a millennium. For this creation, the world’s most iconic flower meets an equally iconic note, the signature musc of the famous designer.

“I was very passionate about the idea of creating a new fragrance using rose, the ultimate symbol of refinement, and musc, which is more raw,” says Narciso Rodriguez. “The process to find the precise scent was very challenging and I think we met the challenge.”

The perfumer Sonia Constant has obtained the supreme rose absolute for rose musc from Morocco. Golden saffron lends vibrancy to the top notes as a hint of labdanum adds a unique opulence to the heart of musc. Spicy black pepper and dusky patchouli further refines its intensity.

SANTAL MUSC (2017)

This new beautiful fragrance captures a discreet luxury that’s addictive by transcending boundaries. Narciso Rodriguez conceives a provocative balance of soft woody accords and bright florals with delicacy and nuance. Santal musc reinterprets the masculine-feminine with a sensuality both illusive and potent. It is a surprising contrast of deep warmth and silky softness.

“The santal musc was meant to be an entirely unique fragrance—very magnetic, very intriguing,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “I wanted to capture beauty and desire in a scent that both men and women would covet.”

Sonia Constant and Caroline Sabas create a transformative fragrance, bold yet enigmatic, with eclectic woody accords and floral notes.  The signature heart of musc is surrounded by sumptuous amber accords, sandalwood and vetiver heightened by fresh ylang flowers and a hint of cardamom spice.

Available as Eau de Parfum Intense for CHF 229.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez

Even pacifists can get behind that military vibe. This fall, leather boots come with a combat-style lace-up front for a tough-girl aesthetic. A great combination with a floral dress.

Cosmo faux pearl-embellished leather knee boots by Altuzarra

Rockstud leather boots by Valentino

Leather and suede knee-high boots by See by Chloé

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Glowing skin, make-an-entrance shades for lips and eyes, must-have accessories and made-to-be-gifted palettes. Bobbi Brown‘s holiday edit makes it easy to ace party season.

CAVIAR & RUBIES COLLECTION

With the holiday season now on the horizon, beauty brand Bobbi Brown is getting in the festive mood with this its new “Caviar & Rubies” makeup collection that features items for the eyes and skin and that makes me just want to buy it for the name alone!

Bobbi Brown Caviar & Rubies Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette – CHF 110.00
Bobbi Brown Caviar & Rubies Limited Edition Highlighting Powder – CHF 72.00
Bobbi Brown Caviar & Rubies Luxe Lip Color – CHF 47.00

STOCKING FILLERS

Bobbi Brown Evening Glow Eye Shadow Palette – CHF 74.00

Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Set – CHF 159.00

OPULENT GIFTS

Bobbi Brown Luxe Classics Mini Lip Set – CHF 169.00
Bellini – Uber Beige – Bond – Bahama Brown – Uber Rose – Tahiti Pink – Flame – Plum Brandy – Red Velvet – Imperial Red

Bobbi Brown Beauty Case – CHF 199.00

Bobbi Brown Deluxe Beauty Trunk – CHF 288.00

All products are in stores now.
BOBBI BROWN IS ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT NET-A-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

On the streets of Milan on my way to a business meeting…

My look: Perfecto leather biker jacket, Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, and star-appliquéd leather ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, floral print lace dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, rose diamond necklace, ring and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My favourite time of the year is right around the corner! My dearest readers, today I have a special surprise for you! Warm up your wallets and click through to be transferred to the Friends & Family Sale for 50% off your purchase of beautiful F/W 2017 pieces with code FRIENDS50, only valid until November 19, 2017. And an extra goodie for my British followers, you will receive free UK delivery. If you are off to a warm destination for New Year’s Eve, you will love my selection below…

Happy Shopping! Enjoy my favorite pieces I couldn’t resist…

LoL, Sandra

Pipe Dream Belt Silk Dress by Temperley London

Belted A-Line Dress by Emilio Pucci
M’O Exclusive Mahi Tie Blouse by Johanna Ortiz

Printed Cotton Dress by Peter Pilotto

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This took me by surprise. Moncler announced that the house will discontinue its GAMME BLEU and GAMME ROUGE runway collections after the S/S 2018 season, announcing a new strategy in the coming weeks. Because of this development, they also part ways with Thom Browne and Giambattista Valli, who designed the fashionable sub-labels of the outerwear brand that has more than a $1 billion revenue per year. Browne was in charge for GAMME BLEU, the line for men, since 2009. Valli partnered first with Moncler in 2008 for GAMME ROUGE, the womenswear collection.

TO SHOP MONCLER GAMME BLEU FOR MEN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

TO SHOP MONCLER GAMME ROUGE FOR WOMEN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Moncler is highly successful at the moment with high growth rates. This, of course, brings competitors in the game, trying to get on the gravy train as well. So, Moncler might prepare itself for a new consumer behavior, faster and more volatile.

While I was in Milan a few weeks ago, the Italian outerwear brand opened its new 800-square-metre flagship on Via Montenapoleone with a fantastic party. They even transformed the famous shopping mile into a winter wonderland and fake snow was falling from above the windows. Inside, products from their different lines, still including the Gamme collections, are presented next to each other and not divided into different departments.

I am curious to hear more about the brand’s new strategy. The wheels in fashion are turning, and obviously faster and faster…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moncler, © Sandra Bauknecht

Such great news! Tom Ford Lips & Boys goes to the fourth round by introducing 50 girls to his celebrated Lip Color collection. Named after women he admires in his daily life, from intimates to collaborators from around the world, the girls limited-edition collection debuts in clutch-sized, ivory and gold packaging. Designed to be worn on their own or layered with one another, each transforming color and finish amplifies a woman or man’s individuality, while inciting an insatiable desire to try more than one.

From lip color sheer in Lisa, Carine, and Amber to ultra-rich lip color in Emma, Grace, and Sasha, there’s a shade and finish for every girl. All shades are pictured below.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Lip Colors for Fall 2017: Alain, Charles, Connor, Federico, Magnus, Warren

Boys & Girls also introduces six new cream shades of boys showcased in a sleek, clutch-sized mahogany and gold case.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION TOM FORD BOYS & GIRLS LIP COLOR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color Sheers: Row 1 – Alexis, Alicia, Amber, Beatrice, Carine; Row 2- Carolyn, Edita, Ellie, Fabiola, Greta

Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color Sheers: Row 1: Ingrid, Isamaya, Julianne, Lara, Leigh; Row 2: Lena, Lily, Lisa, Marguerite, Natalia; Row 3: Nico, Nina, Rinko, Romy, Scarlett

Tom Ford Boys & Girls Ultra-Rich Lip Colors: Row 1 – Anne, Ashley, Bianca, Dakota, Emma; Row 2 – Gala, Georgie, Grace, Ines, Isla

Tom Ford Boys & Girls Ultra-Rich Lip Colors: Row 1- Joan, Katherine, Kyra, Loulou, Mariko; Row 2 – Marisa, Monica, Naomi, Rosie, Sasha; Row 3 – Sophia, Valentina, Violet, Zelda, Zoe

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty