Sandra‘s Closet

Designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the timeless Arceau watch revels in playing the transformation game. Epitomising Hermès style, its round case with stirrup-shaped lugs welcomes several highly creative and demanding artistic crafts. Enhanced with leather marquetry, silk threads and miniature painting, the Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch thus unites a diverse range of skills. Its singular aesthetic reveals a joyful interpretation of the Mon Premier Galop shawl by artist Tong Ren.

Fascinated by traditional basketry work, the Chinese-born designer combines simple lines, colour blocks and refined decorative-trimming motifs. His drawing depicts a horse moving across the sand, accompanied by a fluttering butterfly and lit up by a mischievous sun playing with the clouds. Its faltering gait imbued with a sense of fragility and daring evokes the moment of grace of those first steps of horseback.

This magical moment comes to life on the dial of the Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch with its 30-piece jigsaw-like nature uniting several skills deeply cherished by Hermès. The sky and the radiant sun are crafted in enamel, a meticulous technique that involves applying a multitude of enamel layers with a brush and drying them in a kiln to guarantee unique colours and contrasts.

Standing out against this radiant blue background, the horse composed of silk threads along with fine tesserae in various shades of leather that are first trimmed to just 0.5 mm thick. Individually assembled on the dial, the leather and silk threads form a delicate, colourful decor enlivened by a tiny hand-painted gold mobile applique.

Issued in a 24-piece limited edition, the Arceau Mon Premier Galop watch in white gold set with 82 diamonds beats to the rhythm of the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. The sapphire case-back reveals the finishes and the «sprinkling of Hs» motif adorning the bridges and oscillating weight. Adding a final touch, a Zephyr blue Swift calfskin strap accentuates the play on light and textures adorning the watch face.

I am loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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Louis Vuitton’s collection of beautifully crafted connected objects continues its journey with the introduction of the new portable LV Nanogram Speaker, designed to travel with today’s adventurers in self-expression. Developed in three crafted declinations, including a limited ‘Damoflage’ edition conceived by Louis Vuitton’s Men Creative Director, Pharrell Williams. A lightweight, portable fashion accessory that’s packed with features and delivers breathtaking sound, the LV Nanogram Speaker was concepted and designed in the same spirit that has guided the Maison’s creativity for generations.

The LV Nanogram Speaker is fitted with a natural cowhide leather handle pointing back to those trunks and finished with yellow stitching and a red-dyed edge. This is tethered to the speaker with Louis Vuitton engraved steel studs, evoking memories of the fixings that held wooden reinforcement batons in place on the Maison’s early trunk designs. The detail is a melody of elegant, understated touches.

The body carries debossed Louis Vuitton Monogram flowers; the perforated aluminium speaker grille is laser-cut to reveal the LV initials; the rubber ring is decorated with 12 letters spelling out the name of the Maison, each of which is backlit by an LED when the speaker is activated; and the steel buttons are all gently engraved with an icon to indicate their function.

The LV Nanogram Speaker will come in three colourways: essential, timeless «Silver»; soft, natural «Copper»; and statement khaki green «Damoflage». The latter  debuted at Louis Vuitton’s Men’s S/S 2024 show. This exclusive animation takes elements of French camouflage and Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Damier motif and fuses them together in a striking, digitised pattern.

Speaker LV Nanogram Copper: CHF 2’040.-

Speaker LV Nanogram Silver: CHF 2’040.-

Speaker LV Nanogram Damoflage: CHF 2’360.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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When you want to live the good life, I recommend a stay at the Carlton St. Moritz and a fun dinner at the Fondue Gondola Pop-Up directly in front of the hotel with a spectacular view over the lake and the Engadin mountains.

My look: GG Supreme cropped hooded jacket, double G jacquard striped scarf, and small Horsebit Chain shoulder bag, all by Gucci, necklace by Alessandra Rich, black and silver jumpsuit (Look 3 Coco Neige Collection 23/24), shearling high boot with logo (F/W 2021), and square sunglasses with heart mirrors at the side, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Who doesn’t want to nail make-up quickly in the morning, especially when you’re in a rush? While wearing make-up can be fun, applying a perfect and polished look that lasts during the day can be challenging, especially if you have to do it in just five minutes. The key to success is to use the right technique and first and foremost the right products that help you achieve a flawless and radiant look in seconds.

Let me show you my 5 minute makeup routine and how AMAZING this makeup is from Clé de Peau Beauté! I love multi-purpose products and those ones truly work their magic.

1. Long-Lasting Hydrating Veil – SPF 25
Start with this long-lasting and moisturizing primer for a flawless base. A long-lasting and moisturizing primer that blends makeup and skincare

2. Le Fond de Teint Foundation  in O40 Light Tan Ocher
Blending makeup and skincare, this foundation can be used instead of your daily moisturizer. It instantly blurs imperfections and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a radiant finish.

3. Radiant Corrector for Eyes in Almond
This creamy, luminous concealer enhances the beauty of eyes by concealing dark circles, dullness, and an uneven skin tone without settling into the wrinkles.

4. Eye Color Quad in 303 (can be refilled)
Each shade is designed to not only adorn your eyelids with elegant color and control light for a delicate sheen, but to also care for the delicate skin around the eyes. Start with the darkest shade on the outer edge of your eyelid and in the crease and blend it well with the lighter shades upwards.

5. Perfect Lash Mascara in 2 Brown
This perfect multi-benefit mascara separates, lengthens, curls, and creates rich volume in a single application. I like to wear brown for a more natural look.

6. Powder Blush Duo in 103 (can be refilled)
A silky-textured blush duo for defining and illuminating cheeks. Colors can be used alone or together to create an exquisite look from natural to dramatic.

7. Cream Blush in 1
The best cream blush I have ever tried. It is buildable and easily blendable leaving cheeks beautifully flush with the perfect touch of sheer, radiant color.

8. The Luminizing Face Enhancer in 202 Golden Galaxy
This multi-dimensional, silky-smooth highlighting powder masterfully manipulates light on the skin and achieves a radiance to flatter your facial features and expressions. I apply to the areas of my face like the cheekbones or forehead where I want the light to hit my face.

9. Lip Glorifier (Glow Revival Conditioning Balm) in 1 Neutral Pink
This amazing product has a beautiful rose scent that revives your lip color in seconds. I absolutely love it for a super natural effect.

10. Lipstick Shimmer (Glistening-Shine Luxe Color) in 313 Gold-Boldly Bronze
If I want to intensify my lip makeup, I apply another layer of lipstick shimmer that creates a radiant, iridescent finish with a subtle glimmer and long-lasting, unparalleled moisture.

If you want to watch the video how I apply the products, come say hi on Instagram. 10 products, 1 magic!
In Switzerland, you can shop Clé de Peau Beauté at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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GUCCI TO PRESENT ITS NEXT CRUISE COLLECTION IN LONDON NEXT MAY
London, where everything started. The House will showcase its Cruise 2025 collection, designed by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, in London, on May 13. The choice of location pays tribute to Gucci’s profound connection to the British capital, intrinsically linked to the brand’s heritage, and offers new opportunities to delve into the integral role the city has played in shaping the brand’s narrative throughout its storied history as a world-renowned symbol of Italian craft, visionary creativity, and innovative design.

Gucci Creative Director Sabato De Sarno

GUCCI AND LONDON
The story of Gucci began in London in 1897 when a young Guccio Gucci took a job as a luggage porter and liftboy at the city’s exclusive The Savoy hotel. Carrying guests’ luggage through its famous revolving entrance doors and operating the lift up to the rooms and suites, the teenage Guccio encountered up close the tastes and lifestyle of the international elite, absorbing – as if by creative osmosis – new ideas, broader horizons, and more worldly cultural concerns. Inspired by these experiences, and with a new-found aspiration to make his name synonymous with the art of luggage making, Guccio returned to Florence and in 1921 founded his eponymous leather-goods house, followed by the first Gucci store on the city’s Via della Vigna Nuova.

LoL, Sandra

Rodolfo and Guccio Gucci in front of their Florence store in the late 1940s.

Photos: © Gucci
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Being back in St. Moritz is always fun! Especially if some amazing things are happening in the Engadin mountains. Moncler hosted a star-studded show in the snowy woods and it was also the start of the 117th edition of the International Horse Races this weekend.

Photo: @alex_lambrechts

The so-called White Turf, which has been held annually since 1907, is a top-class event: it combines exciting horse racing, fine catering, attractive music and art performances set against a unique mountain backdrop on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. In 2010, I reported for the first time about it. If you are curious, click here for the previous post.

Giving interviews …

In 2024, the event will take place on 4, 11 and 18 February and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from all over the world. The St. Moritz Racing Club is behind the organisation, while the main sponsors are UBS, Genesis and DC Aviation Group.

The weekend was fantastic. Crisp blue skies, and lots of sunshine were the perfect backdrop to enjoy the first race Sunday with over 45 horses from four countries competing in the three disciplines of galloping, trotting and skikjöring on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. However, the temperatures were almost too warm and due to the lack of precipitation throughout the previous week, the racecourse had also to be covered with artificial snow.

For families, I recommend the White Turf Family Days which take place on the Saturdays before the races – 3, 10 and 17 February – to celebrate young racing talent. The programme includes pony, trotting and flat races as well as mounted UBS Kids Skikjöring and duathlon competitions.

I wore head to toe DiorAlps (for the details, click here please).

In case you are wondering about the dress code, the more glam the better. Fur is seen everywhere (however, lots of fake fur in comparison to previous years), even on the dogs of the attending high society. If you are not into horses, you will still enjoy the scenery and watching people on the frozen lake. An event in Switzerland not to be missed!

Tickets for White Turf St. Moritz 2024 are available online here.
The VIP packages are almost sold out.

Below you can enjoy some more impressions… I ended the beautiful day with drinks at the new Grace hotel.

LoL, Sandra

With hat designer Fabienne Breederland @fabienne_breederland, who designed a special «White Turf» edition, that I am wearing in the photo.

With my friend Jasmin Brunner @jazbrunner, who has her own cashmere brand that is available at Jelmoli.

Having fun with Annakarina Goldkind @goldkind_annakarina.

My dear friend and colleague Jorge Guerreiro @jorge_jsbg_guerreiro and our lovely host Tina Seiler of Oppenheim & Partner at the after party.

With artist Ginny Litscher @ginnylitscher, who designed a special artwork for the White Turf, and event sponsor Irene Franco @ifra77 of Genesis Europe.

With Jorge and champagne expert Dan Roznov @champagnespy, who took my favorite photo of me at the event below.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of The White Turf
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! #whiteturf #horseracing #skikjöring #stmoritz #winners

Yesterday, I arrived at the Carlton St. Moritz for a weekend of fun. The White Turf is taking place and the Moncler Grenoble show.

Stunning views over the White Turf and St. Moritz from my suite.

Happy me arriving at The Carlton St. Moritz.

The mighty forests of the Engadin make an appearance at the Carlton Hotel. With unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountains and frozen Lake St. Moritz, my beautiful hotel suite is not only spacious, but ultra luxurious.

I started the evening with drinks at the bar in front of one of the carefully restored open historic fireplaces, followed by a dinner at the Grand restaurant. The newly developed menu gives pride of place not only local produce but to wild products from the surrounding forests. Both the look and flavor of dishes are inspired and enhanced by these gifts of the outdoors, which are picked and collected seasonally before being expertly prepared. The ingredients embody and authentic connection to the region.

I am wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Via Johannes Badrutt 11
7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 836 7000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – First Collage Photos Courtesy Carlton St. Moritz
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Just nine days after officially becoming Moschino’s creative director, Italian fashion designer Davide Renne had died of an undisclosed sudden illness last fall. The Milan fashion scene was shaken.

This week, the House of Moschino announced the appointment of Adrian Appiolaza as the new Creative Director. He will make his debut with the F/W 2024 Women’s collection, which will be showcased on February 22nd at 6:00 PM CET at the Museo della Permanente during Milan Fashion Week.

Born in Argentina in 1972, he grew up in Buenos Aires where his grandmother owned a tailoring business that initiated his love for fashion. However, it was actually his love of music that made him move to Europe to be part of the Manchester music scene, rather than his affinity with fashion.

When he made the move to London in the early 90s, he studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins. He worked then at Alexander McQueen. However his career kicked off when Phoebe Philo invited hime to join her team at Chloé after noticing his graduate collection in 2002. From here, the designer worked under Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu from 2006, then headed to Louis Vuitton as senior designer for Marc Jacobs in 2010. A quick return to Chloé as Clare Waight Keller’s design director in 2012 saw him then move to Loewe in 2014, working closely with Jonathan Anderson as the brand’s ready-to-wear design director for a decade before starting his job at Moschino.

The designer is true fashion collector himself and his own personal collection contains rare pieces from Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela and Comme des Garçons to name just a few.

I think he is the perfect choice for Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moschino and via Instagram @adrianappiolaza
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My birthday is coming up on the 30th of January, which means a brand sparkling new year is laying ahead of me! My last year was like a detox. A cleansing process that I see as a jumpstart into the new year ahead. I lost some friends but I also found amazing new ones. Lots of new possibilities, adventures, memories to be made, I celebrate the strength I’ve found in myself and the love I’ve received from those around me.

My look: Double-breasted two-tone crepe blazer, and off-the-shoulder ruched crystal-embellished crepe mini dress, both by Balmain, Ursina crystal-embellished leather pumps by Amina Muaddi, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and silver-tone crystal choker, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Clinique La Prairie.
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In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. Sometimes, it feels just wonderful to be spoilt. This can be a memorable experience you’ll be able to look back on fondly, a love letter, someone taking good care of you or a precious item that you will treasure for a lifetime and hand over to the next generation. As we know today, some items are truly investment pieces.

In terms of those must-haves, I would wish for something from this list below … just putting it out in the universe as my birthday is coming up. You never know what the fairy birthday godmother might bring … if you need help, just ask for Jean-Gilles, Antinea, Faby or Martin :-)! And now it is time for celebrations.

LoL, Sandra

Panthère de Cartier ring by Cartier

LOVE bracelet, 18K rose gold with diamonds by Cartier

Matte Alligator Birkin Faubourg 20 handbag by Hermès

Birkin Disco Faubourg 20 bag by Hermès

Mini Vert Yucca Epsom Kelly 20 by Hermès

Gilbert & George Lady Dior Art Bag #8 by Dior

Day Date 36 Oyster Everose gold with diamonds and rainbow dial by Rolex

Day Date 36 Oyster in yellow gold with diamonds and turquoise dial by Rolex

Oyster Perpetual Day Date 36 Puzzle by Rolex

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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