Sandra‘s Closet

A new collection of Silver Lockit bracelets, designed by Virgil Abloh – Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Artistic Director from 2018 to 2021 – launched within the LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF partnership.

Following his initial collaboration in 2020, Virgil Abloh reimagined a second Silver Lockit bracelet collection, continuing to support children in need through the Maison’s partnership with UNICEF. Reinterpreted once again by Virgil Abloh, this new collection for 2022 echoes his first Silver Lockit collaboration– bearing the same Virgil Abloh signatures – but with new materials and colors: chain, padlock, and Louis Vuitton charm in natural or black titanium, with neon yellow, rainbow or black cord bracelets.

Launched in February 2020, Virgil Abloh’s original take on the Silver Lockit bracelet brought a breath of fresh air to the collection. The Men’s Artistic Director added his signature bold chain, linked to a thicker cord; the silver padlock and a Louis Vuitton charm in the back, giving a final touch to the design.

Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has raised over $18 million USD for UNICEF through the sale of its Silver Lockit bracelet and pendant collections. New versions of the Silver Lockit bracelet have been launched annually to continue to support UNICEF. For every Silver Lockit by Virgil Abloh sold, $100 is donated to UNICEF.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Tiffany & Co. has released its new Advent Calendar – the second-ever – celebrating Jean Michel Basquiat’s Equals Pi which was most recently seen in the House’s About Love campaign.

Transforming the traditional holiday countdown into a canvas spotlighting the same masterpiece featured in About Love, Basquiat’s 1892 painting, Equals Pi (1982) is the centerpiece of Tiffany’s latest Advent Calendar which includes 24 blue boxes filled with the most extraordinary Tiffany jewelry and objects and will be available worldwide now. Each Tiffany Blue Box® in the Advent Calendar features a custom-numbered hangtag.

As part of its ongoing efforts to bring art to more communities in its founding city, Tiffany & Co. is proud to announce a new partnership with Free Arts NYC. The House will donate $250,000 from purchases of the 2021 Advent Calendar to the organization and the funds will support a series of programs that will give children from underserved communities in New York City greater exposure to the creative arts.

Limited edition. Priced at $150.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co.

This holiday season, Nespresso is collaborating with Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, to enchant coffee lovers with the launch of its annual Festive collection, inspired this year by the forest.

Inspired by the beauty and depth of Nature’s forests, Nespresso’s ‘Gifts of the Forest’ collection encapsulates the brand’s devotion to the precious environment coffee is grown in. The collection features a range of limited-edition coffees for both the Original and Vertuo systems, along with festive infused accessories, making for delightful and inspiring gifts for family and friends. Coffee lovers can also gift this festive season knowing Nespresso is giving back to the forest, as the brand goes beyond its agroforestry commitments, by helping to protect 10 million trees in the Amazon.

To bring the design of their limited-edition collection to life, Nespresso has partnered with Colombian luxury fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, whose innovative designs and interplay between nature and sustainability truly transports coffee aficionados into Nespresso’s festive universe.

Johanna Ortiz says «For me, design and nature go hand in hand which is why this collaboration resonated personally. Colombian coffee also has a truly special place in my heart and as an active supporter in the fight against climate change, knowing that Nespresso is going beyond its agroforestry commitments by supporting the protection of 10 million trees in the Amazon, it was another huge reason why this collaboration made perfect sense. When designing the collection, I took the idea of capturing the beauty of the forest throughout every piece, by incorporating rich forest canopies and dark earthy tones within my designs. It’s been an amazing process and partnership which I have deeply enjoyed.»

Explore and wander through Nespresso’s Forest Variations coffees. From forest fruits to luscious canopies of trees, this year’s Festive coffee range includes two flavored coffees and one black coffee.

Uncover the hidden flavors of Forest Black
A canopy of trees shelters Forest Black’s coffees to protect the flavor hidden in each bean. Discover this blend of shade-grown coffees from Colombia and beyond. A spicy espresso, its exotic woody notes will transport tastebuds to the depths of the forest.

Taste the berries of the Forest with Forest Fruit Flavour
Like gems that light up the forest floor, forest fruits are the gifts trees give us. Juicy berry aromas run through this season’s flavoured espresso as the South American Arabicas’ lingering cereal character takes on a festive sweet pastry note.

Delight in the treasures of the trees with Forest Almond Flavour
Forest Almond Flavour is the forager’s delight of the season. With the sweet, nutty flavour tucked into this espresso’s South American Arabicas, get ready to uncover almond notes marked by vanilla and a light fruitiness in this coffees’ smooth cereal character.

Nespresso lovers can also surprise and delight guests with delicious Gifts of the Forest coffee cocktail recipes, specially crafted to enhance the sensory experience. Each coffee-infused recipe has been curated by Nespresso with the Gifts of the Forest collection in mind, bringing a taste of nature and sophistication to each glass.

Moreover, there is a beautiful range of limited-edition accessories and gifts this festive season to surprise loved ones. You can countdown in style with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz advent calendar. For this edition, its stunning packaging has been designed by Johanna Ortiz as part of her festive collaboration. Available for both Vertuo and Original coffee lovers, this year’s advent calendar will take Nespresso lovers through a different coffee each day from December 1 to 23, with a special gift on the 24.

You can also add a burst of color with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz NOMAD travel mug, which blends well into nature as it comes in a ‘Deep Cherry’ shade, emulating the rich ripe berries of the forest.

In addition to its coffee offer, there are two exclusively designed items for the festive season. Shoppers can get their hands on an alluring reversible organic-cotton tote bag as well as a useful notebook made from sustainable materials. Both are decorated with the signature Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz pattern showcasing sweeping forest canopies and capturing the true essence of the forest.

For coffee lovers who like a touch of sparkle on the go, Nespresso is also revamping its iconic Touch travel mug, that will be available in a golden colorful a limited time only.

Nespresso is also proud to be partnering with Conservation International to gift back to the forest this Festive season. For almost 20 years Nespresso has been focused on protecting nature through agroforestry projects to protect the ecosystems its coffee farms rely on. To take this further beyond coffee farming and support the local communities that call the forest home, Nespresso is also announcing its contribution to protecting 10 million trees in the Amazon Forest in La Pedrera, Colombia. The effort is in collaboration with Conservation International and La Pedrera’s Madroño community. Forest conservation plays a huge role in Nespresso’s sustainability vision, which is to create a cup of coffee that has a positive impact on the world – from the coffee cherry to the cup.

The limited edition Gifts of the Forest collection is now available on www.nespresso.com and in selected boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nespresso

If you are living in Switzerland, you will definitely know AVANZAR, the brainchild of Margarita Heredia Forster. The dual Ecuadorian-Swiss citizen established the Swiss-based foundation in 1999 to enable disadvantaged women in her home country Ecuador and their families to lead a self-determined life in economic independence by teaching them skills and know-how. The foundation is financed entirely by charitable donations from private individuals and institutions; numerous volunteers also support AVANZAR in its administration and daily work in the programs it offers.

Teamwork: Flo und Margarita

AVANZAR develops its own programs to meet the social and economic needs of underprivileged women who fall outside the scope of what the government and private sector offer. For example, Atelier Avanzar has been very successful in producing fashionable knitted bags. The designs are created in collaboration with the well-known Zurich accessory designer Florence Bachofen-Székely, and the bags are sold in the Atelier’s online store as well as at private sales and fairs.

This F/W 2021 season, the bags are extremely beautiful and I absolutely love the mood of the campaign.

GIORGIA
This yarn and leather crossbody bag with its sober design has the perfect size so you really want to carry it with you every day. The adjustable leather handle is attached to the bag with pretty brass-colored rings and rivets. The bag closes securely with a zipper that has a leather tassel detail. Inside there is a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

ADA FRINGES
This soft bag with its snap closure and eye-catching leather fringe detail is the perfect accessory to complement the trendy boho look. Thanks to its volume it is a practical and fashionable companion, always and everywhere. The easiest way is to squeeze it casually under your arm or carry it in your hand. In the spacious interior there is a zippered compartment in which valuables can be safely stored.

SELVA
This medium-sized handbag in leo pattern spices up any outfit! It can be worn comfortably with the adjustable nylon handle over the shoulder or as a crossbody. The short handles made from the softest leather make it pleasant to carry the bag by hand or in the crook of the arm. A zipper closes the bag securely, and inside it has a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

WUAPA VINTAGE
The embossed leather details on the side of this bag create this coveted vintage look. It has plenty of space and soft leather handles lie comfortably on the shoulder or over the arm. On the sides, this bag has decorative elements created from leather and hook closures, and it is lined with water-repellent nylon fabric. It closes with a magnetic closure. Inside it has a zippered compartment for valuables and a leather strap with a hook for your keychain.

LAURA
This bag is the perfect companion through everyday life. It impresses with subtle details and accents: Rivets and knitwear make it an easy statement piece. The shape reminiscent of a saddle bag offers generous space. Valuables are safely stowed in the zippered interior compartment, and thanks to two additional interior compartments, even small items will not get lost.My Swiss based readers can explore the collection live during the Atelier Days in the first week of November at Erlengut in Erlenbach / Lake Zurich, Erlengutstrasse 1a, where 20 labels will present their collections.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9 am – 6 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Avanzar / Atelier Avanzar
#DoGood #BuyGood

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign unites and inspires people globally in the mission to create a breast cancer-free world. Founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, the Breast Cancer Campaign is the Estée Lauder Companies’ largest corporate social impact program and supported by their employees worldwide. The campaign has raised more than $99 million to support global research, education and medical services, with more than $80 million funding 321 medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
CHF 149.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Breast cancer is not a disease that has a single story. It is as diverse and complex as our global community and it profoundly impacts everyone it touches – patients, loved ones, doctors, caregivers, advocates and more. My mum had this terrible disease twice in her life and I am very grateful that she successfully fought it twice. However, I know about the impact it has on the whole family.

In support of everyone touched by breast cancer, this year’s campaign features layers of the Pink Ribbon—the universally recognized symbol for breast cancer. Shades of pink, textures, and designs intertwine to signify the diversity of the disease, the equity they hope to help achieve and the unity they have in support of the entire breast cancer community worldwide.

ESTÉE LAUDER
Brave & Beautiful Kit
CHF 69.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Together, the Estée Lauder Companies are accelerating the progress towards a more equitable and beautiful future for the breast cancer community and beyond. It’s #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

How can you help? The 2021 Breast Cancer Campaign has launched a new social media call-to-action to rally supporters and raise funds for BCRF: Join them in helping fund lifesaving breast cancer research by grabbing your favorite pink lipstick, drawing a ribbon, sharing your story, and tagging 5 people in your post to do the same.

LA MER
Crème de La Mer The Moisturizing Cream 15ml
CHF 100 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

For every public, in-feed Instagram or Facebook post during the month of October featuring both #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together, the Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation up to $150,000.

Great news for my Swiss readers: on October 21, 2021, the Estée Lauder Companies will be hosting a charity sale between 11am – 7pm at Giessereihalle, Puls 5, 8005 Zurich. Products for sale are marked down up to 50%, all proceeds will go 100% to «Look Good Feel Better».

LoL, Sandra

BOBBI BROWN
Powerful Pinks Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss Duo
CHF 52.00 (of which 100% are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Crème with Shampure™ Aroma
CHF 27.00 (of which CHF 10 are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

CLINIQUE
Great Skin, Great Cause Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
CHF 99.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies, Photo of me: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received some of the products to try them.

(V) Vaccinated – Valentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

Today, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful charily raffle by Glasswing International on THE FLOORR to win a pair of earrings worth $14,250 donated by Loree Rodkin.

The exquisite open pavé leaf earrings feature shield tops and are made in 18k white gold with a black rhodium finish; the pavé contains 2.30 ct multi-coloured diamonds and .40 ct brown diamonds. They truly are a joy to behold and a beautiful statement piece to add to your jewelry collection.

The raffle tickets start at $100 (£73/86€) and the money will be used to transform the lives of children and youth born into cycles of poverty and violence throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and in New York City.
Over the past fourteen years, Glasswing’s work has impacted the lives of over 1.5 million people, transformed over 100 schools into safe and stimulating environments, and engaged over 20,000 students a week with after-school programs.

The Seventh Annual Glasswing International Benefit Gala honors their dear friend and champion Carmen Busquets.

«I learnt a lot from the courage and gratitude of the children and youth we spent time with, and from their honest and fearless way of expressing how they feel. Raising money for them is incredibly rewarding but it doesn’t come close to spending time with these kids!» – Carmen Busquets

You can learn more about Glasswing and how to enter in the raffle here.

THE FLOORR Charity Raffle closes at 11.59am on September 23rd, 2021.
THE FLOORR will email the winner directly by September 25th, 2021. All non-winners will be notified via RallyUp. The winner will be randomly selected by RallyUp, using a certified algorithm to draw the winner from all entries purchased via the RallyUp platform. 100% of the proceeds of THE FLOORR Charity Raffle will benefit Glasswing International.

I already entered the raffle and hope you will, too.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Glasswing International, Loree Rodkin and THE FLOOR
This raffle «THE FLOORR Charity Raffle, Supporting Glasswing International» is organised by Glasswing International of 199 Water Street, 34th Floor, New York, NY 11038; and conducted by RallyUp of Tucson, Arizona. THE FLOORR Ltd and Sandra’s Closet have no role in and accepts no responsibility for the same.

In a year of great resilience, two Italian Maisons, Emilio Pucci and Acqua di Parma, brighten up the holiday season with a new collection that celebrates life, love and joy. United by the common values of traditional workmanship, a joyous spirit and a passion for beauty, they come together to support the Rewrite the Future campaign from Save the Children, the international organisation which has been working for 100 years to save children at risk and guarantee their future, against a background of challenging social conditions and a lack of educational facilities.

Holiday 2021 Magnolia Nobile Gift Set – CHF 247.00

Emilio Pucci is a company that specialises in combining essential design with the joy of colour. The company founder created a rich universe of prints and an unmistakeable style, for which he was awarded the accolade of The Prince of Prints. This collaboration between the two companies expresses the perfect harmony between this joyful style of the fashion house and the radiance of Acqua di Parma.

Holiday 2021 Barbiere The Daily Ritual – CHF 134.00

The Vortici print, inspired by an Emilio Pucci archive theme, is presented in Parma yellow for the Holiday Season, and reinterpreted in a harmonious movement of light and colour. It’s a swirl of positivity and the joy of living which takes us on a journey into the universes of Italian beauty, from sophisticated urban architecture to splendid floral gardens and the Mediterranean coast, bring a sensation of freedom and confidence in its wake.

My favorite: The Holiday 2021 Advent Calendar will be available for CHF 595.00.

The Emilio Pucci x Acqua di Parma Collection will be available from October in the Boutiques and e commerce outlets of both companies, as well as through the retail and wholesale channels.

LoL, Sandra

Holiday 2021 Fico di Amalfi Gift Set – CHF 122.00

Holiday 2021 Essenza Gift Set – CHF 187.00

Holiday 2021 Notte di Stelle Diffusor – CHF 121.00 (180ml) and CHF 249.00 (500ml)

Photos: © Emilio Pucci / Acqua di Parma
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored.

Around two years ago, I told you the first time about #Togetherband, a movement started by Bottletop, the sustainable British accessories brand, to bring awareness to the 17 Global Goals formulated by the UN in 2015 through a partnership with the UN Foundation, WWF, Project Everyone, Eco Age, Global Citizen and the Founding Partner UBS.

Now, they have launched sunglasses in collaboration with Little Sun, a nonprofit global partnership that promotes and builds solar energy for communities without access to electricity. For every pair bought, a solar-powered lamp will be donated to a child without electricity in sub-Saharan Africa to help them read books, do homework and take them to new exciting places.

I am wearing the Alé sunglasses.

The sunglasses frames are constructed using 100% recycled polycarbonate. It’s a strong material made from post-consumer waste like old CDs and electrical appliances. #TOGETHER sunnies are also carbon negative, which means they offset more carbon than is emitted through their creation and distribution.

• Gender neutral eyewear
• Frames made from 100% recycled polycarbonate
• The lenses are UV category 3
• For every #TOGETHER product you buy, a tree is planted

Those classic sunglasses shapes work on so many faces. Alé is great for square and triangular faces, Rae works on round and oval face shapes, and Kai is perfect if your face is more rounded.

YOU CAN ORDER THE YELLOW SUNGLASSES ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottletop / #Togetherband and © Sandra Bauknecht

Following the great success of the past years, LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF Italia announce the fourth exclusive edition of the charity gala event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

The event will be held at the historic La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on Saturday July 31st, with the mission to raise funds to support UNICEF charities and projects around the world.

All funds raised during the event will support UNICEF’s Italia work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, UNICEF Italia continues to fight on a daily basis for the rights of children in need — providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection from conflicts, natural disasters and inequality.

Rita Ora at the LuisaViaRoma 2020 edition.

The unforgettable evening will feature live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning singer John Legend.
In addition to the musical performances, the gala will include a cocktail reception and a star-studded exclusive dinner, followed by a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Always breathtaking: Mathilde Gøhler with her husband Remee Jackman last year.

The auction will include incredible items such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a voyage on the «Extreme E» ship. In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF Italia. This year, a part of LuisaViaRoma’s contribution will facilitate the restoration of La Certosa in Capri, with the aim to maintain and protect the local institution.

Special scarf edition for the 2020 event by LuisaViaRoma x 100% Capri

LUISAVIAROMA’s CEO, Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF’s Italia Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and UNICEF Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra will be hosting the charitable event alongside Event Chairs: Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortajarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aasen and Karolina Kurkova.

Coming back to Capri for the event: beautiful Natasha Poly

«Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.» Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

With Andrea Panconesi in 2013 at a LuisaViaRoma event in Tuscany.

«We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion of doses of vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.» – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LuisaViaRoma / UNICEF