Sandra‘s Closet

Glow is the new lift. – This is ORVEDA’s science.
«The Science of tomorrow is as kind to the skin as possible. It will not change the skin’s pH, strip it of its natural oils or impact on its microflora. Bacteria, yeast and enzymes – made possible through the power of biotechnology – are beauty’s new factories and its future.» – Sue Y. Nabi

Recently, I had the chance to meet one of the most inspiring persons I have ever interviewed at SPITZENHAUS in Zurich: Sue Y. Nabi, who created ORVEDA together with Nicolas Vu, a hip-hop producer and a champion in many sport disciplines.

Sue Y. Nabi with me at Spitzenhaus in Zurich

Looking back to an amazing career, Sue Y. Nabi was the CEO of both L’Oréal and Lancôme for 20 years, she launched the vegan and highly concentrated beauty brand ORVEDA. Her vision is a healthy, glowing skin because it is before anything a stronger skin.

Sue, first of all what does ORVEDA mean?

«Or» means at the «Origin of» and «Veda» because it is inspired by the Ayurvedic philosophy and science that states that the skin has the power to heal by itself.

What were your first career steps? What is your background?

I was born in North Africa, in Algiers, and raised there until 16 years old. From an early age, without even knowing what the term meant, I was obsessed with biotechnology. Don’t ask me why. I just loved it and studied bio chemistry and environmental science. When I finished my engineering studies, I was feeling that I am not ready to work. I was obsessed with fashion and wanted to do something with it. I met with Yves Saint Laurent who was still alive at that time. I had a connection and he put me in contact with somebody working for him who warned me not to go into the fashion world that was at that time much smaller than today. He suggested to work in a big company and learn how to do marketing. Therefore I entered L’Oréal at the age of 25, after having done an MBA at Paris Business School. This was step one. I did 20 years at L’Oréal and for the last ten years, I was the CEO of Lancôme and L’Oréal. 

Sue Y. Nabi changed the world of beauty advertising by championing diversity in age or skin colors.

What was your game changer?

One of the biggest changes that I initiated was how we see advertising. It didn’t make sense for me to have a 25-year-old model being the face of a campaign for women suffering from menopausal skin conditions.

On a Sunday, I had a magic moment in my apartment watching TV. I saw Jane Fonda presenting her book and I loved her skin that was even at a certain age glowing and full of life. The day after, I called around to get a meeting with her before she left Paris. Three days after, we had a coffee and six months after, she was shooting our advertising. Nicole Garcia, who is a famous French actress and filmmaker, made the first campaign for «Age Perfect» and it became a huge success. This tiny line of L’Oréal became the best-selling line of the brand thanks to Jane Fonda. 

It opened other doors, I decided to be more diverse and inclusive which is a big thing today. At that time, brands went for Western models like Claudia Schiffer for example. I decided to book Penélope Cruz, the first brunette. Rachida Brakni, the first Arabic ambassador, Gong Li from China and South African actresses. Also men were important. I signed Pierce Brosnan who was 60 years old at that time, Matthew Fox, and Patrick Dempsey. That was new as well. When people were looking at Hollywood, I was looking at TV shows. Also something that is huge today. Those were my years with L’Oréal – the brand did 10% of growth during 4 years. We took it to new heights.

Created under Sue Y. Nabi, La vie best belle has become one of the bestselling fragrances.

Why did you leave L’Oréal for Lancôme?

In 2009, I was feeling very comfortable with my job. The CEO came and told me that they need me for another brand that was not in good shape and this brand was Lancôme. So I used the same recipe. I looked for the face of the brand and tried to create amazing products. I was in Shanghai for my first trip for Lancôme when I received a phone call from Julia Robert‘s agent telling me that she is waiting for me tomorrow in Malibu. So I immediately hoped on the plane and met with her. That was the start of an amazing relationship. She became the face of the campaign. Furthermore, I created many bestsellers, including Visionnaire and Génifique eye serums and La vie est belle fragrance, that is today the number one perfume ahead of Chanel and Dior which was a big bet. People told me to stay away from scents as other brands were so much stronger in this sector. I worked for three years with Oliver Polge, Dominique Ropion, and Anne Filipo to create the best scent possible. It is 10 times more expensive than others in the mass market. When the success happened, I was 44 and I said to myself, I have two options, I finish my life at L’Oréal for the next twenty years or I try to do something different.

Sue Y. Nabi and Nicholas Vu

How did you get started? What is your vision behind ORVEDA?

Nicolas and I started working on Orveda in 2014 with a simple, shared vision: to do things in a better way. Thanks to my business travels through Asia, mainly South Korea and Japan, I heard a lot of things about skin care, what people were complaining about, what they didn’t trust any more and what they were looking for.

Therefore Nicholas Vu and I started to create a skincare line that ticks all the boxes that people were complaining about. We created the probably most concentrated skincare line in the world. Some products go up to 40% of active ingredients. In big companies, they work on nice textures for around two years and they put a hint of active ingredients in it because textures is the way you sell products over the counter, it has to be quick and easy. They don’t care about the longterm results as much as we do. We did it the other way. I asked the laboratory I was working with in France to build the texture around the products with 30% to 40% of active ingredients which was of course a challenge and very importantly we tested them on sensitive skin.

The second thing was that people were fed up with the term «anti-aging». It is not about aging, it is about looking your best at the stages in your life. If somebody is 50, they can look 40 if they take care of their skin. Anti-aging makes you feel guilty. It creates stress which produces cortisol which is the hormone of aging. People said they want to look healthy, rested, refreshed, glowy, just the best version of themselves. All words were not linked to age. Therefore I decided to study the science of glow which is more comprehensive than the science of aging. The latter is about wrinkles and firmness.

If you want to have a glowy skin, you need to work on hydration, on nutrition, on skin texture and evenness, transparency, the way the light travels your skin, you need to work on the size of the pores, on the fine lines, on the architecture of the skin, you need to work in fact on more than 10 skin parameters. This fact was a surprise for me who had worked for such a long time in the industry. It motivated me to come up with a line that caters to glowy skin because this is something we love at every age.

First step to boost your hydration and increase rosiness: The Healing Sap has to be applied not later than 3 minutes after cleaning your skin as the pores are then still open.

At ORVEDA, our glow rivals make-up. This didn’t come from a marketing idea, it derived from a real life happening. When we tested one of our star products, called «The Healing Sap», we gave it to 25 women to do a clinical testing for one month. After the testing was over, the clinic called me and told me, that many of the women called asking to keep the product. All these ladies were heavy foundation users, after four weeks of using our product, they stopped wearing foundation. Therefore we say, glow that rivals make-up.

You can test all the products at SPITZENHAUS in clear bottles to see the texture and colors.

How does it work?

Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic, Naturopathic and Taoist principles, ORVEDA works with skin, not against it. Understanding the skin as a «me-cosystem», it actually works on 3 levels:

On level 1: The skin’s natural moisture barriers. Our unique formula combines a marine enzyme and natural prebiotic to help heal the skin’s natural moisture barriers and helps to promote healthy skin microflora.
On level 2: It literally acts as «make-up from within», thanks to bio-fermented Kombucha black tea. Skin luminosity, skin transparency, superficial skin tones and visible skin texture are all visually improved. Kombucha colors your collagen pink. When you are young, the collagen is pink and blue, the older you are getting the more yellow and green it turns. It is visible from outside. Kombucha is also loved by plastic surgeons as it has a filling effect so that the light is better reflected.
On level 3: Depending on the SKU, it will help to correct all the visible flaws visible in your skin, including the appearance of fine lines, unevenness, visible pores, excess shine, superficial redness, the feel of dryness, rough skin, the appearance of contour definition and more…

What else is inside?

Our signature mix is made of: natural prebiotics that come from fermented potatoes and that, just like taking prebiotics for your gut, are designed to feed the good bacteria on your skin.
Bio-fermented marine enzymes, that come from deep inside the volcanic waters off the Californian coast, that, able to survive in such high temperatures, are designed to boost the healing of the moisture barrier of the skin. And as mentioned before, bio-fermented Kombucha black tea, that is known in Asia, for centuries, as «the long life beverage». On top of these 3 signature ingredients, you will also find the best, state-of-the-art cosmetic actives depending on each product.

Important is always go from water (serum) to oil and to put the cream (which is water and oil) in the middle.

What makes ORVEDA unique?

All our products are highly concentrated with up to 88% of the actives having a bio-fermented origin. They work with immediate effect, with your skin, not against it. Our products have cleaner formulations, we got rid of all the nasty stuff: they do not contain parabens, nor phenoxyethanol, no artificial colorants (the colour of our products is the natural colour of its ingredients or we use natural colourants), no alcohol that dries out the skin.
We have replaced mineral oils with botanical oils. And in all our cleansers, we have replaced sulfates with botanical cleansing agents that are not drying. Our formulations are VEGAN which means that they do not contain animal extracts and are not tested on animals (like the law in Europe requires).

Finally all Orveda packaging is made of Pure Glass that better protects our active formulations and we use less than 5% plastic.

What is the difference between «probiotic» and «prebiotic»?

«Probiotic» is the scientific name for bacteria. «Prebiotic» can be considered a kind of food for our good bacteria strains. All ORVEDA products contain only prebiotics. These are made from fermented potato fibers that are clinically proven to feed the good bacteria that live on our skin. By feeding the good bacteria that live on our skin with these fibers (in the same way that we feed the good bacteria in our gut with fibers from fruits and vegetables), we can strengthen our good bacteria and therefore can better protect our skin. ORVEDA does not use probiotics (i.e. ‘live’ bacteria) in any of our products owing to the fact that these cannot stay alive in formulations.

A truly amazing product: The Prebiotic Emulsion is designed to preserve skin’s moisture and to help prevent natural moisture loss. Augmented by a reusable cosmetic silicone mask, to be washed after each use. Important is always go from water to oil, put the cream in the middle.

Why don’t you sell night creams?

We do not sell night creams because we feel that night creams are just a greasier version of day creams… We recommend using our highly concentrated overnight masques. If you prefer, you can also use our day cream at night, since it is also suitable for night usage i.e. AM + PM.

The scent is beautiful. Can you please tell me a little bit more about it?

Our scent is made of Galbanum and is more expensive than traditional skincare fragrances. This rare plant that has a very unique scent that makes you feel like you are in a green forest… It has been used for centuries for its relaxing and soothing powers. It was created by a master Parisian perfumer exclusively for us.

With Christof Hoerler of SPITZENHAUS, who is also a huge fan of ORVEDA.

Is ORVEDA for women only?

No, it is actually a genderless line which means that all our products can be used either by women (they are made for women) or men (they are strong enough for men’s skin).
You can actually share your products with your husband/companion/son, which is also a way to «invest» smartly in ORVEDA .

Thank you, Sue, for your time and all these amazing insights!

After having tested the range, I can highly recommend some amazing products, such as The Healing Sap, the Eye Make-up Remover & Lash Serum that leaves a coat of lash serum while removing your eye make-up and the Ironing Effect Masque.

If you are interested, I recommend a visit to SPITZENHAUS for a complete personalized introduction to the brand.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Orveda, Spitzenhaus, L’Oréal, Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht
#IAMORVEDA

Deep, intense ingredients born in the desert. Musk, amber and oud. Blended with quintessentially English florals. Captured in two mysterious scents.

Jo Malone’s Head of Global Product Development, Céline Roux, and Master Perfumer, Anne Flipo embarked on this journey to create something completely new for the brand.

Left: Anne Flipo – Right: Céline Roux

What inspired the concept of Absolu?

Céline: «It all began with my travels to the Middle East – I’ve visited a few times and have always been inspired by their passion for scent and ritual of layering fragrance. As you walk around all the markets and souks there, you’ll notice the air is infused with rich, deep, warm scents. So, I started to think about how we could interpret this, but with a Jo Malone London signature.»

Anne: «Together we identified the elements that are key in the Middle East – amber, oud and white musk. Not only are they in the air, but people also use them to scent their clothes and their hair. We then created a base around these three ingredients. The result is something truly unique and exclusive to Jo Malone London.»

Céline: «The thought of flowers came naturally after we’d worked on the base. We asked, ‘how could we combine the Middle Eastern air with an imaginary English garden?’ It felt like the perfect way to give each Absolu scent our signature freshness, and that Jo Malone London twist.»

Rose & White Musk Absolu
An English rose. Flowering in the heart of the Arabian desert. Unexpected. Mysterious. Enfolding with petal-fresh sweetness. Rich with oud and amber. Balanced on a powdery clean base of white musk. Soft and sensual. A mesmerising treasure. Brought to life in Jo Malone’s first Cologne Absolu. A bold new innovation in scent that dives straight into the heart note of the cologne, keeping our signature freshness, while leaving a beautiful, lingering trail of scent.

What makes Absolu different to other Jo Malone London Colognes?

Céline: «Absolu combines base and heart notes alone, to exude both warmth and freshness, woods and flowers, earth and air – creating captivating scents that evolve on contact with the skin and continue to inspire the senses after they are applied. We approach an Absolu in a very different way to our classic Colognes. Instead of starting with the top notes and the first olfactive impression, we work from the base up and emphasise one of the ingredients to complement each of the flowers we chose. So for Rose it was White Musk, and for this one we really pushed the amber to complement the elusive aroma of violet. We also eliminated the top notes entirely, so you go straight into the heart of the fragrance.»

Violet & Amber Absolu
In the Arabian night, an ethereal violet mysteriously blooms. Beloved of the British flower bed, its elusive scent of darkly purple petals and violet leaves wraps around oud and white musk, anchored by warm, sophisticated amber.

Why did you decide to work with violet?

Céline: «Violet is one of the most-loved flowers in the British flower garden! It was also a favourite among royals and poets. There are many quotes about violet in Shakespeare – one of my favourites is from Sonnet 99, “The forward violet thus did I chide. Sweet thief, whence didst thou steal thy sweet that smells, if not from my love’s breath?” So, it’s something of a classic.»

How would you layer and combine Violet & Amber Absolu?

Céline: «I recommend pairing it with Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense – it brings even more depth and sensuality to the scent.»

Anne: «I combine it with Wood Sage & Sea Salt – it really amplifies the woody notes in the base and creates a very enthralling fragrance. It’s also intriguing to layer Violet & Amber with Rose & White Musk – the two Absolu scents together have such intensity and a really addictive quality.»

Both are available now ONLINE and in Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Zurich, Globus Glatt, Globus Bellevue, Globus Lucerne, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne and at Perfumery Hyazinth in Basel for CHF 280.00 (100ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London and © Sandra Bauknecht
@JoMaloneLondon #ScentAbsolu

For the first time ever, I did an interview together with my daughter for Swiss annabelle magazine. Over all these years, I tried to keep her out of the press and never showed her on my blog. Although she has been the one behind the camera, since I started my blog in 2009. Whenever it was possible, I took her with me on my business travels, to fashion shows or we interviewed designers such as Hilfiger or Lagerfeld.

Anouk with me at work: Meeting the Olsen Twins, Karl Lagerfeld and Tommy Hilfiger.

You would imagine she would love to follow in my footsteps, but you are completely mistaken. My girl is absolutely not impressed by the world of fashion as she has seen behind the curtains and knows it is in general not as glamorous as it seems. She dreams of studying psychology and acting in the US. I am very proud of her as she is one of the most grounded people I know. Being extremely responsible with her social media, she uses it only privately.

This diversity between us interested annabelle magazine. When Jacqueline Krause-Blouin, deputy editor-in-chief, approached us, it was important for me that Anouk took the decision herself. Now, being almost 17 years old, she saw it as an interesting project and we had a great conversation during the interview. The photos were taking by Pierluigi Macor and his assistant which ended up being a very fun afternoon.

TO READ THE INTERVIEW (IN GERMAN), CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news for all beauty addicts and fashion lovers around the globe, this month Isabel Marant, the queen of effortless Parisian chic, is launching a make-up collection with L’Oréal Paris. Five multi-purpose products in a range of perfect shades, the line is ideal for creating the insouciant, pared-back look Marant’s customers adore. Below, take a first look at the products as the designer gives us an insight about the process behind creating the collection, and how the partnership came about.

With Isabel Marant – the queen of effortless Parisian chic

L’ORÉAL X ISABEL MARANT – WANTED: ONE COLLECTION OF EFFORTLESS PARISIAN ALLURE

For your first ever makeup collection, what did you want to bring to women?
Exactly what I want in my makeup bag. The essential products for every day, for life on-the-go. I approached this makeup collection in the same way I design my ready-to-wear collections: to be wearable anytime, anywhere. For me, Parisian cool style is not about social media perfection, it is a natural elegance: Super-natural for day then statement updates for night with a dark eye or a bright red lip. But never both at the same time. And always worn with a slight offbeat edge. Imperfection has a charm all its own. A makeup embracing your own personality.

This collaboration is Paris meets the Wild West, what inspires you about that era?
I love the myth of the Wild West. That borderless way of life, eyeing new horizons and feeling the endless possibilities of adventure. The way our culture is today. This modern reinterpretation of the West has been a theme of my fashion collections. The wildness of that era, the exploration, the rebelliousness… it is a continuous inspiration to me.

Why on-the-go makeup products?
For this collection, the question I asked myself was the same as when I design clothes: “what do I want to wear? What do I need that I don’t already have?” And the answer is makeup that’s effortless because we’re all on the go. Who goes back at home to change after a long day of work? I wanted to create products that are practical, fast on the draw! That can be applied on the go. Products that are small enough to take with you anywhere, any time. And also what was important to me was that each of these is multi-purposed. Easy to use and easy to take with you anywhere.

How did you decide what you wanted to include as essentials?
For me, every day makeup should be about wearing just one thing. One brush of mascara or a touch of lipstick or a little shadow. To create this collection, started with those three products. Then, the addition is a bit of color on the cheeks. The look I envision is makeup without trying, slightly undone. Easy natural elegance.

What influenced which colors you wanted?
For this collection, I had in mind colors “hors du temps”, timeless. The sought after Parisian look of today with a modern feel. We have three red lipsticks for that modern women can dress up with.

Isabel Marant F/W 2018

What inspired the L’Oréal Paris x Isabel Marant graphic aesthetic?
The inspiration is my Fall Winter 18 Collection, which is cowboyish: The “Wanted Posters” from the Wild West that we have reinterpreted in a modern way. And Black on white is the signature!

With each product emblazoned with either to SMILE, to SHINE, to AMAZE… is the message to wear makeup with confidence?
Absolutely. For me, that’s the difference between embracing first the woman, her personality, rather than the makeup first. It is very important to me. Those sentences are a lift me up to women using my products. And it is also a small touch of humour. We had fun in thinking about those sentences.

Let’s talk about each essential.
SMILE – You’re known for your smile – what is lipstick to a smile?
I love red lipstick: Beautiful alone, lipstick can even be more powerful with a smile! We’ve created 7 Isabel Marant shades for Color Riche, 2 nudes, for a bare lip look, 3 different reds for that bold lips you spot brightening a grey day on the Paris streets, and two deeper plum shades.

WANTED – Why a double-duty translucent mascara?
This transparent mascara is very natural but in the same time very sexy and you can also use it to tame your brows. Transparent, it suits every lash color, and gives a very natural, ‘wet’ look – a dewy, just emerged from water finish – that works on everyone. I love it.

SMOKE – When and where do you rock a smoky eye?
I’l l create a smoldering smoky eye to go out. The handy pocket shadow combines matte black for the smokiness with a beautiful iridescent black, blended with chromatic emerald and blue shimmer to add depth and intrigue to any eye color. Smudge on with your fingertips for a nonchalant Paris night.

AMAZE – When do you most need or use a cheek tint?
At the final stage of a show, when all the final touches being placed start showing up. When you just need a most subtle touch of color and light on the face. What’s genius about this cheek tint is that the formula adapts to your skin’s natural coloring.

SHINE – How does this highlighter reintroduce shine?
This is the light to detract any shadows or dullness. It’s a flattering, anytime highlighter that puts women in their best light. A multi-purpose cream that turns into a powder on skin, to blur imperfections while it subtly highlights.

What did you learn in the L’Oréal Paris labs that you didn’t know before about makeup?
So much. There’s a level of technology involved in the colors and in the textures. For example, AMAZE really amazed me! A formula that responds to the pH of your skin!

You’re the epitome of the natural look, how does this new capsule collection achieve that effortless result?
I would say understated not overdone. We’ve made the tones and the shades for natural looks – that take a nude lipstick, transparent mascara, a cheek tint for a flush that looks healthy and natural.

WANTED: WHEN THE WILD WEST HITS PARIS

How is the spirit of the Wild West captured in the campaign?
The Wild West comes to the Paris of today. So, of course the first shot is a woman on horseback. You see these strong women who dare to kick up dust, stand tall and prepare to duel in the City of Lights. These heroines will not stand for the status quo. The world is theirs – and they know it.

What made you decide – “Women on horseback!”
It was inspired by my Ready to Wear Fall 18 Collection. Uninterrupted horizons and low skies were the unseen backdrop for my silhouettes that inspired me. It’s such a powerful image, the rider on horseback. I enjoy rewriting the myth of the Wild West, the Wild West in Paris. These are heroines in their own right, not a cowboy in sight.

Is the Isabel Marant woman a loner or part of a bigger gang?
I don’t like the idea to put people in boxes. But I see my “girl” as an independent-minded woman shaping her own paths – yet joining up with other women to travel stretches of road at a time together.

Isabel Marant’s F/W 2018 campaign was photographed by Juergen Teller.

WANTED: A SHARED FORCE OF FEMININITY

What are the 3 values distinct to the Isabel Marant brand?
Sincerity, pioneering spirit, joy.

What is self-worth to you?
It’s self-respect, having an inner voice that speaks up for yourself, not down. Being yourself without letting the others change your point of view.

When did you first hear “Worth It”?
“Je le bien” I remember hearing as a teenager. It stood out at the time, but it must have resonated, even as a tomboy teenager raiding her dad’s wardrobe and not subscribing to the feminine ideals of the time.

What does “Worth it” bring to mind today?
It makes me think of women having to take ownership of their identities and choose their own path. Unfortunately, it is still not the case everywhere in the world.

Why L’Oréal Paris & Isabel Marant?
I love dressing women all around the world, in all their diversity – with a vision of femininity that I share with L’Oréal Paris. I like to give women the confidence to express themselves freely.

Both represent facets of the Parisian look, how would you describe French style in a few words?
French style is style. It’s somewhat hard to define the Parisian look. It is a carefree nonchalance, without trying just simply elegant, not pretentious. I think my style is really Parisian.

How do both you, and L’Oréal Paris champion women?
Giving each woman the freedom to be whoever she wants to be.

How do you define beauty?
Beauty is embracing yourself, it adds confidence.

WANTED: ONE SELF-MADE DESIGNER

How did your journey to a most wanted fashion designer begin?
I was actually going to study economics, but then because I couldn’t find the kind-of clothes I wanted to wear in the shops, I started making them myself. And that’s how the label first began.

Over 24 years as creative head of your label, what are your greatest triumphs?
I’d say one of the things I love most is seeing someone on the street wearing one of my designs from years ago. Seeing a pair of boots or a dress, be loved and worn for seasons. That to me is the greatest triumph.

Known for her conic heels: Lileas ruched leather ankle boots for F/W 2018

As a fashion designer, everybody wants more of you, how do you deal with fame?
I don’t see myself as famous. I’m not recognized all the time and luckily in Paris, people are mostly discreet, they want to play it cool and that’s great with me.

Your designs have a very distinctive Parisian signature, how do you describe it?
Effortless, free. A silhouette that speaks of self-affirmation and individuality with an art of contrast. Tomboyish but sexy.

What drives you to stay independent?
I always had creative freedom since I was young and that is never going to change. Freedom is everything to me.

You’ve said before what you do isn’t about fashion, rather “getting dressed.” How does that ethos translate into this beauty collection?
This collection is about getting ready: getting ready for a special day or getting ready for a party, the essentials to have always in your bag but still embracing yourself. Essentials that aren’t about creating an entirely new look but giving elegance to the look you have.

What makes Parisian style so desired by the world?
This is a question I’m often asked. I think Parisians are known for not overdoing their style, for having discreet elegance. Just having that little touch of charm. That’s said, French don’t look to work on their style but in fact they do!

WANTED: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE DESIGNER

How do you feel about your reflection?
I am happy with who I am and I am not afraid of time passing. I see the movement of time. I see aging as a beautiful thing that does not need to be changed and I do things for myself, to keep my mind and my body healthy. I’m very happy to be here, doing what I do.

Why such social media discretion?
I lead a full life, I’m a busy working woman. I cannot spend my time on social media because I don’t have time. But I am curious about what customers have to say about the brand. In the past, it was difficult to get feedback and get customers points of views.

Agnès Varda and her historical alter ego in her most recent movie.

Who’s your superhero?
Agnès Varda, one of the only female film Directors of the New Wave. I like what she represents for the French cinema, and what she has made smoothly for the feminist cause.

Do you see yourself as feminist?
I am not a feminist as a militant but rather in the way that equality is so rooted in me that I do not really think about people’s gender when I think of them. A majority of women work in my company, but this was never thought-out and I don’t make a political statement of it, they were just the best persons, the right moment.

If you could live in any other decade, which one would it be?
In the Wild West of the 19 th Century. 

What would you say to your younger self?
Stand up for yourself. Trust your voice. And don’t listen to anyone else. Follow your own path.

What is your mantra? Favorite quote?
Less is more.

One makeup product that you couldn’t live without?
A beautiful red lipstick which galvanizes when you are a little bit down.

Indians or cowboys?
I love the culture, the history and the myths surrounding both. Indians and cowgirls you mean?!

AVAILABLE NOW ONLY AND EXCLUSIVE AT MANOR IN SWITZERLAND.

HIGHLIGHTER: CHF 14.90
BROW MASCARA: CHF 16.90
LIP GLOSS: CHF 15.90
LIP STICK : CHF 21.90

TO SHOP ISABEL MARANT PRÊT-À-PORTER AND ACCESSORIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris and © Sandra Bauknecht

Hailed as one of fashion’s rebels, Jeremy Scott creates decadent high fashion from American cultural obsessions. With a fanatical following of pop music’s biggest icons, the irreverent designer provokes and pushes into fashion’s outer limits. Scott’s collection for M·A·C introduces manic colour for eyes, lips and cheeks specially packaged in cheeky tribute to the days of mixtapes, boomboxes, new music and unhinged creative expression taking root on city streets.

What is your relationship with M·A·C and how did you choose M·A·C to partner with?
M·A·C has been my partner for creating the looks for my shows for so many years. They’ve been a wonderful partner whose support has helped me to create my own vision in so many different endeavors. M·A·C has not only supported my designs from a cosmetic perspective, but they’ve helped to bring my documentary to life, and their philanthropic efforts separate them from any other brand. M·A·C is really the makeup that’s used by professionals and comes from the origins of high fashion – the purest connection to fashion of any other makeup company. M·A·C is the real deal.

What is the inspiration behind your M·A·C collaboration?
Music is a constant in my life. When I’m prepping for my show or dressing a pop star for her tour, I put music on and we use it as a muse to bring these different images and visions to life. I thought I could take this idea of taking a makeup palette and turning it into a boom box, cassette, and CD and it would pay homage to music which I find so important. We created these pieces with the outer packaging box just like it. It doesn’t look like a makeup packaging box and,I think that’s the purist expression of my creativity right now. So much of my outlook on fashion and beauty is about what I do, the humor I have and the way I see things and how I alter them and blur these lines. I can’t wait to share this collection with the world.

Model Jasmine Sanders backstage at Jeremy Scott’s S/S 2018 show

What does makeup mean to you and how does it affect fashion?
Makeup is such a big tool for creating and fulfilling my life’s work. Models walking down the runway is a silent film showcasing my designs. Makeup captures the mood that I’m trying to express and helps me with the message. It’s a great way to change your mood. Putting on a bright lipstick or a bold smoky eye can impact a look so drastically. Pairing a statement makeup look can turn simple jeans and a T-shirt into a totally different look. There are many men around me that inspire me and many women that inspire me to see different things in my designs. It’s really important to let people interpret my work in their own way.
I put it out there as a proposal with my own inspirations behind it. It’s for everybody else to take and process it for it to become theirs. I love that different people can perceive my designs in different ways. For both beauty and fashion, I would encourage everyone to follow your own instinct. If you feel beautiful using a certain lipstick or colour or texture, that’s where you’re going to experience the triumph of the individual. Confidence is true beauty.

What defines beauty to you?
There is so much versatility in makeup. During a certain period of time it creates a different expression or emotion and goes even beyond what apparel can achieve. As a designer, I tell my story through my fashion shows. The models are silent, so we use the lighting, the makeup and the music of the soundtrack to bring it to life in the moment. It’s the moment I’m trying to capture for the viewers and want them to stay in it for as long as possible.
I really hope that this collection with M·A·C invites new customers to both M·A·C and Jeremy Scott. There are so many more people that we have to touch and think people can find themselves through the excitement and a part of the world that I created with M·A·C.

Karlie Kloss on the Jeremy Scott S/S 2018 runway

What do you predict will be the main trends of 2018?
Honestly, when I look at makeup I think of it as something that is so individual. It is really time for the person wearing it to be themselves. There are endless styles, tastes and opinionsthat you can tune into. This collection with M·A·C, undoubtedly has opened more people to be a part of my fashion world and to experience this expression. Fashion and beauty to me is so much more exciting than an “inor an out list.” People should follow their instincts, bold, fun, or personal.

What are some of your fashion tips for the everyday and for the runway?
I think fashion is so amazing because it’s so individual. Everyone has different body parts that they want to be shown or love to see. Fashion is about dressing for the things you find beautiful in a way you feel confident. Even when I’m doing a show, I’m constantly trying to find the right outfit for the model to convey and characterize the look. All of these beautiful women and personalities, it’s so fun to match them to particular pieces. It can really create a moment that is so individual just by the way that she carries the clothes and how it speaks to their reality.

Gigi Hadid on the Jeremy Scott S/S 2018 runway

Please describe the Jeremy Scott woman!
The Jeremy Scott woman is always musically involved. She’s the one that’s on stage at the concert, or she could be backstage. She could be the lead singer or a fan with the enthusiasm of a girl going to her first concert. Music is a constant inwho the Jeremy Scott girl is.

What is one motto that you choose to live by?
I guess it’s really to never wait for yourself. There was a time period when I was first starting out and I would tell myself things like “that’s for later when you have more success.” I would think that I needed to give it more time or that I wasn’t just ready for it yet. I recently came to realize that everyone needs to live their life in all of its capacities and not wait for your ideas. I constantly remind myself of that. It’s the right time to stretch out of your comfort zone and embrace the fear that comes with the unknown.

What is your favourite item in your collection with M·A·C?
If I really have to pick, I would choose the boombox which is my M·A·C Jeremy Scott Lo-Fi / Eye Shadow x 29. It’s so strong and bold withall of the different colours. It really makes a statement. It truly suits all of the different beauties who love and wear my clothes. Everyone’s skin colour is different and everyone’s personality is so unique. I wanted my products to represent many different moments and didn’t want to leave any of my beauties out. I wanted this collection to offer out diversity and versatility and what we created allows me to put my arms around so many people.

FUTURE EMOTION / LIP X 9
LIVING IN STERE: WARM NUDE (MATTE)
VIOLETTA: BRIGHT COOL PURPLE (AMPLIFIED)
WILD MEMORIES: WARM INTENSE RED (MATTE)
BREATHING FIRE: BRIGHT WARM PINK (MATTE)
NIGHT CLUB SCHOOL: DEEP WINE (AMPLIFIED)
CARMINE ROUGE: COOL DEEP RED (MATTE)
DIGGING IT: DEEP DUSTY BROWN (MATTE)
MORANGE: LOUDMOUTH ORANGE (AMPLIFIED)
HAPPY SONG: MID-TONE ROSY PINK (MATTE)
CHF 49.00 

ACOUSTICA / CHEEK X 3
HEAVEN IN YOUR SMILE IRIDESCENT POWDER: PALE FROSTY HIGHLIGHT (FROST)
ACOUSTICA BRONZING POWDER: WARM BROWN (MATTE)
WALL OF DESIRE POWDER BLUSH: MID-TONE PINK (SATIN)
CHF 49.00 

LO-FI / EYE SHADOW X 29
LO-FI: SOFT BEIGE WITH GOLD SHIMMER (SATIN)
CREATIVE COPPER: PEACHY GOLD WITH SHIMMER (LUSTRE)
BITE THE BEAT: MID-TONE WARM BROWN (MATTE)
ENDLESS FREQUENCY: MID-TONE PEACH (MATTE)
DISCO THERAPY: BRIGHT MUTED ORANGE (MATTE)
SUPERIOR SOUND: SOFT CREAMY PINK (FROST)
HAPPY SONG: BUBBLEGUM PINK (SATIN)
BIRD’S EYE VIEW: BRIGHT FUCHSIA PINK (SATIN)
WALKING HEARTBEATS: MID-TONE RED (MATTE)
VACATION SPEED ZONE: DEEP PLUM WITH RED PEARL (VLXP)
GHOST STORY: CREAMY WHITE WITH ICY SHIMMER (FROST)
MORNING TICKET: SILVER METALLIC FROST (VLXP)
US DANCE REMIX: FROSTY COOL GUNMETAL (VLXP)
SUBTLY ELEGANT: MUTED PALE GREY (MATTE)
BONUS TRACK: WARM BROWN WITH SILVER SPARKLE (FROST)
BEAUTIFULLY CHARRED: MID-TONE BROWN WITH GOLD SHIMMER (FROST)
RAVEN EYED: TRUE BLACK (MATTE)
VIDEO EMOTIONS: BLACK PURPLE (MATTE)
MEMORIES OF SPACE: BRIGHT TRUE YELLOW (MATTE)
REMIXOLOGY: MUTED LIME GREEN (MATTE)
BEATALLICA: DEEP FOREST GREEN (MATTE)
SYNTHESEYES: PALE MINT GREEN (SATIN)
OLDIE BUT GOODIE: LIGHT SEA FOAM (MATTE)
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: AQUAMARINE BLUE (SATIN)
AT THE TURNTABLE: SKY BLUE (MATTE)
ELECTRIC EEL: BRIGHT BLUE WITH SHIMMER (FROST)
SHE’S A MACHINE: LAVENDER WITH SHIMMER (FROST)
JAM SESSION: BRIGHT LILAC (SATIN)
NEW WAVE MIX: BRIGHT VIOLET PURPLE (MATTE)
CHF 148.00

Exclusively available at selected M·A·C Manor Counters and M·A·C Store Lucerne & Zurich and at www.maccosmetics.ch from today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
#MACJeremyScott

Momentum and possibility, movement and progression have always been the forces behind Shayne Oliver’s vision, driving the artistic direction of his collections and collaborations. These elements have informed Oliver’s overall point of view, which he brings to his new collaboration with Longchamp. The founder of New York-based cult menswear label HOOD BY AIR joined forces with the luxury French leather goods and fashion house, Longchamp, to develop an inventive capsule collection of travel accessories and ready-to-wear that merges the distinct creative spirit of both collaborators.

Taking the concept of travel gear into a new era, the collection Longchamp by Shayne Oliver merges Longchamp’s history of craftsmanship and French elegance with Oliver’s transformative aesthetic, resulting in a dynamic offering for both men and women. The collection includes leather goods, footwear, ready-to-wear and garment bags, as well as a new iteration of Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage® tote, reimagined by Oliver.

«I really like the idea of working with brands that are masters of their craft,» Oliver shared. «Longchamp has a prestigious history of providing luxury travel essentials with expert craftsmanship. It made total sense to work with them on my first all accessories project.»

Throughout the collection, proportions are challenged and silhouettes are altered, disrupting the preconceptions of modern day travel. Travel takes on a new art form, underscored by unwavering freedom and temporal mobility. «While this is not the first collaboration for Longchamp or Shayne Oliver, it was a particularly energizing experience to work with Shayne in order to offer an unexpected collection to our customers,» said Longchamp Artistic Director and granddaughter of the founder, Sophie Delafontaine. «Designing Longchamp product through Shayne’s lens was an exciting challenge that allowed us to create product that is truly original.»

Sophie Delafontaine and Shayne Oliver

ABOUT SHAYNE OLIVER

Trinidad and Brooklyn raised, Shayne Oliver is the founder of the creative cult label Hood by Air based in New York City. Oliver’s interest in fashion and experimentation began at an early age where he founded the HBA creative collective in an underground warehouse dance community that subsequently emerged as a major fashion house in 2013. After exponential success and collaborations with the brand, Oliver decided to expand his vision by guest designing at major fashion houses under the legacy series A.S.S.O. (As Seen by Shayne Oliver) in order to promote his core concepts of individuality, high/low juxtaposition and expression. 2018 sees A.S.S.O.’s major collaboration with French luxury fashion brand, Longchamp, in a redesign of the capsule. The A.S.S.O. series will continue to work with designers who are considered Masters of Craft in their industries. These partnerships will propel conceptions of Oliver while paying homage to the brands’ heritage and legacies.

 As a designer, how did this collaboration with Longchamp enrich your personal point of view? 

I like to challenge myself and do things that are unconventional, I think that can be very liberating. I liked how this project had a strong sense of heritage and a different perspective that was based in people’s everyday lives. I was inspired by this. For me, living in New York, Longchamp is part of the, dare I say, streetwear, because a lot of people own Longchamp bags. It has a language that feels very organic to me. 

New York is my home and it will always be what I am inspired but Paris is fashion. 

How did this collaboration with Longchamp come about? 

The first thing that interested me about the project was the garment bag and from there, and I began to think about how travel influenced me in my own collections from the past. I came to think about the travel ties that we did for my previous brand HOOD BY AIR. (HBA) and bringing that into the language of Longchamp via the graphic. 

What do the graphics symbolize? 

HIATUS means ‘a gap’ or ‘a break’. The HIATUS logo relates to the period when we began working on this collaboration, at the time it was very important that I took a break. It was specifically the right time for this collaboration to happen so I feel like it was a great way of speaking about what was going on in my life – about needing to take a hiatus from the project I was working on and focusing on where I was heading, which is this new project ‘by Shayne Oliver’ – a series of collaborations with brands that have great heritage and renowned craftsmanship and putting my own spin on it. 

These bags are meant for the realness of life, it is less about having it be logos. 

This capsule collection brings some interesting styles, what inspired them? 

The collection is made to be used in multiple different ways, it is multipurpose. This multi-functionality is how I like to live my life in general and so I tried to make that as much a part of this as possible. 

SLING BAG 

For one, a lot of things that were happening to me at the time that involved healing, including physically being injured. We used the idea of an arm sling, like a sling you use when you are healing yourself, and turned it into a bag but it can still be used both ways. 

DOUBLE LE PLIAGE® 

This came from the idea of having a bag that was more personal and having one bag that was more business. You know which side you are using by the graphic on the front. The HIATUS side is meant for having fun and the other is more business. I was trying to make the Le Pliage® consistent with this idea of the new world. 

T-SHIRT 

We introduced a t-shirt style for the collaboration that speaks to the usage of the Longchamp graphic. I felt like it was important for that to be printed on a t-shirt as part of this new aesthetic for the collaboration. We then added the handles from the iconic Le Pliage® so it is branded in a way that mixes the new idea of branding and the old idea of branding. 

Longchamp By Shayne Oliver will launch at select Longchamp stores including the Longchamp Soho store in the US and on Longchamp.com before rolling out to Longchamp stores internationally in early May 2018.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp

Past weekend, NZZ am Sonntag published their curated list of the 50 best dressed, most stylish people of Switzerland and I was voted among them. Thanks a lot to the jury!

I share position 20 with Jacques Herzog, the famous architect of Herzog & de Meuron, who are known for their long-standing collaboration on architectural and fashion projects with Miuccia Prada among others. To find out more who has been included, and for more photos and interviews (unfortunately in German), visit bellevue.nzz.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, via NZZ am Sonntag

British jewelry designer and daughter of Mick Jagger, Jade Jagger brings her gemstone proclivities and free-spirited sensibilities to a collection for M·A·C. In tribute to her rock ‘n’ roll heritage, Jagger shares all the lustre of her eclectic lifestyle with pearlescent Mineralize Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Blushes and Skinfinish. Jewel tones and deep golds take on all the cool glamour of the designer’s vision. Below she tells us a little bit more about her inspiration:

Jade Jagger

Jade, can you share with us your inspiration for the collection?
Maybe I’m not quite as young and adventurous as my daughters are with makeup, but my inspiration speaks truly to the gold tones since they suit everyone and are universally accepted no matter the time of the day. I love the lipsticks and the eye shadow palettes because the application is so buildable. I can go quite natural during the day and while I’m in the car going to an event at night I can use that same lipstick or palette to create a more defined or daring look. The jewel-like tones and reflective pigments in my M∙A∙C collection were inspired by the precious stones used in my jewellery designs. 

Georgia May Jagger, Jade Jagger, Lizzy Jagger

Who is Jade Jagger and who are her role models/strongest influences?
Jade Jagger is a mother and a designer and a strong willed and sexy person to me. I’m influenced by so many things in the world and we are so fortunate to be alive. Different points in nature and the insurgence of cultures really brings indigenous beauty to the forefront of my mind. I love getting inspiration from modern people and architecture and studying the simple things like the shape of a leaf or the colour of the sky. Finding influence in these ways has always been a big part of me. It’s so hard to remember everything that I’ve been inspired by but Andy Warhol played a huge part since he was so intimate with his work yet itappealed to such a huge culture.

The beautiful end result of the collaboration

How was the creative process with M∙A∙C and what was the key concept you wanted to deliver?
The creative process with M∙A∙C was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was so creative, inspiring, and kind hearted, really making sure to take my visions and bring them to fruition. I really had to understand that there was an entire process to learn when it comes to creating a makeup line and deciding on what the packaging would look like. It was great to have creativeliberty and really make something that I feel so proud of.

Rings from Jade Jaggers’ Neverending Collection

What are the similarities and differences in launching this collection and designing your pieces?
Designing my jewellery pieces is quite similar to developing my collection with M∙A∙C when it came to gathering ideas and understanding the needs and the wants. The main difference that I found, was with my M∙A∙C collaboration, we are creating so many products that are being launched as a collection. There needs to be elements that connect each piece to one another and create this comprehensive makeup story that we are trying to tell. When it comes to my jewellery designs, I’m not necessarily looking at it as a collection, but rather I make a lot of unique one-off pieces that create individual stories of their own.

Jade Jagger sketching

How do you keep your designs refreshing and unique?
Each year we go through a regeneration process. We get influence by bringing all of these different experiences together whether the basis is architecture or the garden, I’m able to determine these new concepts based on everything I’m exposed to. I’m always keeping notes and doing sketches, so delivering unique pieces is a stable yet growing and organic process.

Thank you, Jade, for this insight!
Let’s know have a closet look on the make-up collection itself:

BURNING LIGHTS MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

NANO NUDE Soft beige
SUEDE Mid-tone bronze
SPACE Dark olive brown
JUNGLE GREEN Dark green

GOLDEN SHINE MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

CHAMPAGNE Soft champagne gold
ROSE Rose gold
GOLDEN Bright copper
BROWN Deep reddish brown

MINERALIZE RICH LIPSTICK, CHF 36.00 CAD (LIMITED EDITION)

OPAL BEACH Soft peach nude
SUNSET PEARL Mid-tone rosy brown
ROLLING RED Pinkish red

MINERALIZE BLUSH, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON SHIMMER Soft peach with brown
PERFECT BRONZE Rose with brown

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SATIN SHIMMER Deep brown with gold pearl

The collection is exclusively available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, © Pamela Berkovic, © Robert St Sparks, © Robery Astley Sparke – #MACJadeJagger

You know it is Christmas when a beautiful jewelry box arrives at your doorstep filled with two amazing new fragrances and a handwritten note by Aerin Lauder.

The new AERIN Tuberose collection is dedicated to one of my favorite flowers, the tuberose that imparts two different fragrances depending on when it is harvested—a dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk.

The new duo of scents aims to capture the different personalities of this incredible flower with two fragrances, luminous Tuberose Le Jour and sensual Tuberose Le Soir. These scents can be worn to suit different moods, occasions, and times of day.

Tuberose Le Jour Eau de Parfum

With the first spritz, you’ll immediately notice the sweet notes of Orange Blossom and Neroli before the fresh scent evolves into a floral heart of Indian Tuberose and Jasmine. Cedar and Cashmere Wood rounds it off nicely while adding just the right amount of warmth.

Tuberose Le Soir Eau de Parfum

This one is a slightly darker, more powdery version of the label’s Tuberose Le Jour scent. It opens with sweet notes of Mandarin Orange rounded out by a heart of Bergamot Tuberose and Ylang-Ylang. It closes with a warm base of Vanilla, Sandalwood and Amber.

Aerin, why did you create two fragrances—Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir—instead of one?

In India, the Tuberose is known as Rajanigandha, which translates as “fragrant at night.” Depending on the time of day, the Tuberose gives different scent impressions: dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk. We wanted to capture the beauty of Tuberose in its entirety with two scents that embody its differing personalities. Together the fragrances tell the complete story of this incredible bloom.

What type of woman did you have in mind when creating these fragrances?

The Tuberose Collection is for the modern woman—feminine, strong, and sophisticated. It is aimed at someone who appreciates the luxury and authenticity of wearing an artisanal fragrance blended from the finest ingredients.

What was the inspiration behind the packaging?

Reminiscent of fine jewelry, each translucent glass bottle is adorned with a suede-like cord and golden cap. The fragrance names are engraved on a golden plaque. The color of the suede-like outer carton complements each fragrance’s story and character—a pale pink for the delicate yet luminous Tuberose Le Jour, and a creamy rose for the rich and sensual Tuberose Le Soir.

Do you consider Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir strictly day and night fragrances?

It depends on the mood and the occasion, but I love the versatility of both scents. They can be worn at opposite ends of the day to capture each fragrance’s inspiration or layered together to create a unique scent altogether.

Last Sunday, I had a very interesting afternoon as guest of SWAROVSKI that made its debut with the «WOMEN OF IMPACT» discussion featuring Hollywood star Glenn Close, who had come to Switzerland that day to promote her new movie «THE WIFE» (in which the protagonist liberates herself from her husband) and to be honored with the Golden Icon Award at the 13th Zurich Film Festival.

Women of impact from left to right: Nadja Swarovski, Carolina Müller-Möhl, Glenn Close, Annie Starke and Nadja Schildknecht.

The famous actress joined her daughter Annie Starke (who also plays in the movie «THE WIFE»), Astrid von Stockar, and Member of the Swarovski Executive Board Nadja Swarovski for the «WOMEN OF IMPACT» talk, organized by the Müller-Möhl Foundation and Spoundation Motion Picture, that focused on the role of women in business and society, and women’s opportunities to create positive impact.

Glenn Close with me on Sunday after the talk at the Zurich Film Festival Summit Dinner at Terrasse.

Regarded as one of the most famous actresses of her generation, the Grand Dame of Hollywood has spent a successful 40 years working in the film business. Her roles in «FATAL ATTRACTION», «DANGEROUS LIAISONS» and, more recently, «ALBERT NOBBS» are unforgettable. But the multitalented Close is also a celebrated and successful screenwriter and producer with a total of highly respectable six Academy Award nominations to her name. Younger audiences will know Close for her award-winning portrayal in the TV series «DAMAGES».

Nadja Swarovski

The conversation started with a one to one discussion Nadja Swarovski, for whom «this exciting event provides a fantastic platform to showcase our passion for culture and the performing arts, alongside our wider commitment to supporting women’s empowerment issues across society.»

Swarovski strives to empower women across its value chain, from those who craft its products to those who wear them. The Swarovski Foundation partners with global charities to support programs that work with women on the ground, promoting their economic, social and political empowerment. Swarovski is also a signatory of the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of principles for business offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

How can you have impact as a woman?

Nadja Swarovski: Knowledge is power. Nobody can strip you from that knowledge, wether this is through your education or experience. If you have that tool, you can have that positive impact in the world.

Do you have a female quota at Swarovski?

Nadja Swarovski: It is amazing how the company has changed over the last 30 years. At this moment now we are 70% female workers in the factories and the offices. But our customer base is 90% women in terms of sales purchasing or gift giving. It helps Swarovski that we have so many female workers as they can identify themselves with the consumer in the end of the day and know what they would like to wear. This has all an impact on the product design, the marketing and more.

You are the only female board member. Do you have a different style?

Nadja Swarovski: I definitely have a different style. I am also half American which gives me another style. I am more outspoken than the Tyrolean girl. Moreover, I was also very blessed to be raised by a very kind father and grandfather. This shapes your attitude towards men differently in a more embracing way. In general, I am convinced that intelligent men do not feel threatened by women. They enjoy the collaboration.

Do you have advantages?

Nadja Swarovski: One advantage is certainly motherhood, that female point of you which a man can or cannot rely to.

Why do you think Europe is still so far behind equality in the business field between men and women?

Nadja Swarovski: I think American women consider themselves more equal to men. They have a deeper understanding of the human condition. My theory is that this is because Europe was suffering so much during World War II. The men were at war, the women were home. I think those roles between the fighter and the mother were so much more distinguished. We almost just growing out of it now.

Glenn Close coming on stage with her daughter Annie Starke

How did you experience your role in «The Wife»?

Glenn Close: It was a fascinating challenge to play a woman pre-feminism. My daughter Annie plays her in the ’50s. It basically is a movie for me about this complex relationship as marriage. It resonated with me. I think I never like to go over the same emotional territory just to keep myself interested and to stretch as an artist. So this was definitely new territory for me.

Do you think that women of your generation have a different approach towards men?

Glenn Close: I cannot speak for all women of my generation but I can speak personally. I think my first instinct, and I wasn’t disabused of it by my mother, was to confront a man with: «Who do you like me to be? I can be that!» And then all of a sudden you find yourself saying: «But I am not that person.» Either you have to do something about not being in a relationship anymore or if you are lucky, you have a relationship that can evolve with you.

Women in the ’50s like my mother were expected to support their husbands. My dad was a brilliant doctor. My mother never went to college. They got married very young at the age of 18. She started to raise the children and never complaint. In the end of her life, she said that she feels like she never has accomplished anything. And we would always say: «But you raised us.» For me that was sad. She was an incredible women, had a library but my father never really supported her interests. Therefore I like the movie as it has great messages for both, men and women.

Is it true that behind every great man, there is always a greater woman?

Glenn Close: Yes, I think probably men do better when they have a great support by a woman.

Do you think that being with somebody in your industry makes a relationship easier?

Glenn Close: I dated both, and it didn’t work out. I dated civilians as I call them and actors. I think it is the personality, you cannot generalize. I see wonderful relationships within my industry that have lasted a long time and I am very envious. It can happen and it is wonderful when it happens. I look at my wonderful daughter and my future son-in-law who works in the financial business and who is extremely supportive to her.

What would be your advice for a young actress?

Glenn Close: You have this crazy belief that you will be able to live this dream. You have that engine that keeps you going and you have to get up and up and up.

My theory is that it is not about how many times you fall down, it is how many times you get up!

You have many choices to take. My advice is to be very subjective about what you think is good and be as true to that as you possibly can. I have always trusted that if I thought something was worth putting the time and energy in, that other people would feel the same way. It is deeply gratifying for me to achieve this award because it means that people agreed that the stories I have chosen to tell have been worth telling.

It can be hard to get great roles at a certain age but you seem to be the opposite, why?

Glenn Close: I think maybe because I am always open to anything and I don’t have to have a certain paycheck to do something. After a while you hope of course for a good paycheck especially when your daughter is getting married (laughs).

Thank you for having me! Let’s all become women of impact! Let’s start in our daily life with our children, family members and friends… if we make an impact in our close circle, we will already create a much better world. Give a smile to the people you meet on the street, already this makes a positive impact on others.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Remy Steiner/Getty Images for Swarovski, via ZFF
© Sandra Bauknecht