Sandra‘s Closet

Part Two of my “Flankers Are Fun” story is dedicated to the seductive and floral aquatic new scents that can surely be pretty addictive. (For Part 1 click here please).

FAN DI FENDI Eau Fraîche by Fendi

The famous Italian fashion house launches every season its iconic Baguette bag in new interpretations. The same goes for its iconic scent that is scheduled to be released in a fresher version, the new edition of the Fendi perfume this spring.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and cardamom
Heart notes: White flowers and green tea leaves
Base notes: Leather and woody notes
Eau Fraîche CHF 93.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 1, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

ACQUA DI GOIA Eau Fraîche by Giorgio Armani

Introducing a new experience of radiant and natural femininity, the new scent is a fresher, luminous and more delicate version of the iconic fragrance.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Grapefruit, Primofiore lemon and mandarin zest
Heart notes: Ylang-ylang, water jasmine and a jasmine tea accord
Base notes: Cedarwood, brown sugar and musk
Eau Fraîche CHF 91.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml) 
Available in Switzerland from April 2013.

EAU LEGERE by Bottega Veneta

This year, a new version of the self-titled debut fragrance from 2011, the Italian fashion house’s second scent Eau Légère will be coming out, which will offer more freshness and clarity.

LEATHERY FLORAL CHYPRE 
Top notes: Bergamot and pink pepper
Heart notes: Gardenia and jasmine
Base notes: Oak moss and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 79.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml) and CHF 134.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 4, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

HYPNOTIC POISON EAU SECRETE by Christian Dior

Hypnotic Poison was introduced in 1998 (one of my favourite fragrances); and this year, the lighter version Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète will see the light of day, smelling of fatal attraction, extreme sensuality and seduction.

ORIENTAL VANILLA 
Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Heart notes: Neroli and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla
Eau de Toilette CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 149.00 (100ml)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.

Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots. 
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:

FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)

EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.

LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior

CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht

There is no end in sight, for the ones who like the bright and vibrant trend, the summer 2013 offers lots of bold pop colours, with Burberry Prorsum, Gucci and Jil Sander leading the way.

For those who cannot wait for the runway pieces to arrive, what about this cool outfit:
Striped stretch-ponte dress by Issa, cutout suede sandals by Guiseppe Zanotti and grained-leather clutch by Miu Miu.

The best make-up collection to complement the look comes this spring from Giorgio Armani: The Pop Collection will hit the stores this month. Enjoy the “top of the pops”:

FACE & EYES BLISS PALETTE – CHF 109.-

Fabulous neutrals mixed with bright popping shades for eyes and face.
Coral Bliss Palette 01 (One Shot), Rose Bliss Palette 02 (One Shot)

ROUGE D’ARMANI SHEERS – CHF 54.-

From left to right:
Beige 100 (One Shot), Ecstasy 500 (already part of the line), Beige Rosé 101 (One Shot)

FACE FABRIC – CHF 71.-

The “stretch”-technology of this products helps to “fit” the contours of your face for a seamless, semi-matte finish. Organic colorants, blended with translucent pigments create subtle, nude tones. Available in three shades: 0.5 (One Shot), 3.5 and 4.5

BLUSHING FABRIC - CHF 60.-

The “second skin” blush comes in two vibrant, limited-edition shades this spring.
High Density Orange 8 (One Shot), Fuchsia 9 (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

For F/W 2012, Giorgio Armani draws a “no complex” style, for confident women who play with men dress codes humorously. His couture collection shows contrasts with these eccentric but still classic women suits, mixing bright, vibrant colours.

In opposition to these silhouettes, Linda Cantello, International Makeup Artist, came up with a pale matte skin, subtly rock and glamorous. “Clothes were very colorful so we imagined with Mr Armani a monochrome face, with no blush or contour.”
Inspired by the ’80s, the makeup is matte black and white. A new conception of the smokey eye, with a matte black “neo classic” look.

First, Luminessence, the new brightening and anti-dark spots skincare range, is applied to regenerate skin’s light and obtain a default less matte result. Maestro concealer is smoothed on under the eyes and gives the last touch to unified skin.

The “smokey eye” is reinvented with a black shadow swept around the eye in a “teardrop” shape, stretched to the inside of the eyelid and under the eye.

The colour is defined and softened with a white liner applied on top of the upper eyelid emphasizing the C-shape. The anthracite grey pencil #4 is faded with a brush on the arch of the eyebrow, the latter being emphasized with a black pencil.

To contrast and soften the look, a matte soft dusty rose, Rouge d’Armani #526, is applied on the lips with the fingertips.

Your shopping list:

On the skin: Essence in lotion Luminessence bright primer, bright regenerator concentrate, BB cream bright revelator universal greige.

Skin tone: Maestro Concealer dark circles eraser AMAZING!
(Available in Switzerland in September 2012 for CHF 53.-)

On the eyelids: Neo classic look through the colours, the textures and the shapes, with the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” palette #1 Neo Black – Harmonie noire
(One Shot – Available in Switzerland  this month for CHF 89.-)

and the NEW Armani Eyes To Kill Quad palette #1 Maestro – Harmonie blanche
(Available in Switzerland in November 2012 for CHF 81.-) and the “Smooth Silk” black pencil #4

Lips are matte soft, enhanced with Rouge d’Armani #526 Plum from the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” collection. (One Shot – Available in Switzerland this month for CHF 54.-)

I just would like to have everything and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani’s exclusive fragrance line, Armani Privé, has expaned its ‘Les Eaux’ collection with a new edition: FIGUIER EDEN - a real ode to nature.

With their ingredients and precious bottles, ‘Les Eaux’ each illustrate the colourful emotions and fragrant scents of legendary gardens.
Personally speaking, I love fragrances that have a fig accord and this one smells amazingly well, a very sophisticated scent.

The story of FIGUIER EDEN

A heritage of Mediterranean culture, the beneficial fig tree is deeply rooted in mythological and Biblical tales and legends. A symbol of wisdom associated with the goddess Athena, it grows alongside the olive tree at the heart of the Garden of Eden, offering the flavor of its fruit and the shade of its branches in this pure, calm and luminous space.
‘Les Eaux’ are a tribute to history and nature.

Top notes: Citrus, bergamot and pink pepper.
Middle notes: Fig, Moroccan iris and spicy notes.
Base notes: Woody notes and amber.

Armani Privé – Figuier Eden is available as 100 ml EDT for CHF 189.-.

If you are at the counter, have a look at the other Armani Privé creations as well. The four fragrances from ‘Les 1001 Nuits’ are a journey inspired by oriental legends: Oud Royal, Rose d’Arabie, Ambre Orient and Cuir Noir are among my favourites as well.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and © Sandra Bauknecht

« The strength of the sea and the brightness of the sky are the elements that I am drawn towards the most when in Pantelleria and that inspired me Acqua di Gio. For Acqua di Giò Essenza, I wanted to create a concentrate of power and sensuality. »

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani has always loved the Mediterranean, and drew his inspiration from the rock-strewn landscape of Pantelleria to create Acqua di Giò in 1996. A fresh, sensual blend that has become a classic men’s fragrance. An irresistible combination of sea’ salty accents, sparkling citrusy notes, musk and woody cedar, this exceptional scent embodies masculinity in harmony with nature, a fragrance of escape and sensuality.

Today Acqua di Giò Essenza opens a new chapter with an Eau de Parfum, a new interpretation of Acqua di Giò, more intense, composed by Alberto Morillas.

Top notes: Cascalone, Sicilian bergamot essence and grapefruit zest.
Heart notes: Paradisone, jasmine absolute from Grasse, basil and sage.
Base notes: Patchouli,  Atlas cedar, vetiver from Haiti, ambrox, animalic ambergris and clary sage.

The result is an incomparable sensuality, the tantalizing lure of the skin.

The bottle shares the same architectural lines as the Acqua di Giò bottle, with the addition of light and technology. An engraved silver-plated plaque embraces the base of the glass like a mirror, to give the fragrance an even greater dazzle. In a click, the new magnetic cap bearing the Armani logo, opens and closes the bottle with a simple, sensual gesture.

The campaign was shot by Bruce Weber starring Simon Nessman.

LoL, Sandra

Thursday night, the Trophée Chopard in partnership with Variety Magazine at the Martinez Hotel took place. Each year at the Cannes Film Festival, Chopard rewards the talent of two young actors. And the Swiss jewelry and watch brand seems to have a good nose for their awardees. Many gifted performers, such as Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Diane Kruger and Gael Garcia-Bernal, have received the Trophée Chopard before.

The exceptional patron in the person of Sean Penn honoured this year’s rising stars, Shailene Woodley for her co-starring (and Golden Globe-nominated) role in The Descendants and Ezra Miller for his performance in We Need to Talk About Kevin, with a beautiful laudatory speech.

Shailene looked radiant in her black silk devore velvet gown combined with the strappy ‘The Egrette’ sandals, both from Jason Wu’s F/W 2012 runway collection

Ezra Miller gave a very moving thank you speech.

The awardees, Shailene Woodley and Ezra Miller, to the left with Sean Penn and Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard, to the right.

After the award presentation, we went upstairs to the Chopard Lounge where the amazing highly exclusive (by invitation only) after party for around 200 guests took place. The terrace was filled with celebrities and we danced until dawn.

Caroline Scheufele in a peach-coloured long gown by Emilio Pucci and Chopard jewelry with me

Eva Herzigova in Alexander McQueen with Bérénice Béjo wearing a pretty polka-dot dress with a cinched waist and paired  with a pair of glittering Chopard pearl earrings, of course.

Bérénice Béjo with me

Lana Del Rey in an ivory single-breasted suit by Moschino.

Very sweet Shailene Woodley with me.

Awardee Ezra Miller with me

Famous Spanish actress Paz Vega and face of L’Oréal Spain in a sequined dress from Giorgio Armani’s S/S 2012 runway collection that reflected the light interestingly and Chopard jewelry with me.

Chinese actress and singer Fan Bingbing with me. Her forest-green fully embellished gown with a plunging neckline by Elie Saab that gave all the attention to her sensational Chopard jewelry looked stunning on her.

L.A.-based film producer, movie studio chairman and co-founder of Miramax Films Harvey Weinstein with me. He came without his wife Georgina Chapman, who is the founder of Marchesa.

Highlight of the night was Lana Del Rey’s amazing performance. I love “Video Games”…
The singer is amazingly sweet and charming to talk to.

Lana’s necklace from Chopard’s Red Carpet Haute Joaillerie collection, is a one-of-kind piece that is original, unexpected with a tinge of humour. Composed of pink rubellites, diamonds and onyx, it has a maximum magnitude, brilliance and fire.

Lana Del Rey, Caroline Scheufele, Marion Cotillard and Ezra Miller

Eva Herzigova and Sean John Combs (P.Diddy)

This was such an amazing night! I truly love my job! Stay tuned for a detailed post on my look coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here are some exciting news: Giorgio Armani is designing Lady Gaga’s wardrobe for her Born This Way Ball tour which kicks off in Seoul on April 27th. It is not the designer’s first time collaborating with Lady Gaga.

Remember her series of outfits specially designed for her that she wore on the occasion of the 2010 Grammy Awards ceremony, followed by a number of red carpet events.

“Collaborating with Lady Gaga is always an exciting experience for me. I admire the way she uses fashion as a scenic element and as a means to build a character,” says Giorgio Armani. “She is an artist of many talents and great intelligence. Creating stage costumes for her is a stimulating and creative exercise.”

The custom Giorgio Armani wardrobe created for Lady Gaga is characterized by extreme forms and futuristic materials – latex, metal, studs, PVC – crafted with couture savoir faire. Each outfit is completed with detailed, other-worldly accessories.
Enjoy your sneak preview of Armani’s amazing theatrical sketches:

The first design includes a black bodice made of tubular PVC elements connected with metal studs, with mirrored metal inserts to define a curvaceous design. The ensemble is highlighted by a matching headpiece, robotic thigh-high boots, and exaggerated gloves ending in mirrored nails.

Another look is created via a shiny black grid-patterned PVC bodice with matching headpiece and embroidered ankle boots.  Highlights include shoulders outlined by a play of sharp spikes, black Swarovski jet crystals and flowing fringe, creating a moving architecture.

On the third black bodice, transparent Plexiglas, black crystals and luminous studs create a Cubist composition of abstract guitars. The matching headpiece follows in the shape of a keyboard; the boots are black vinyl.

The final design is a long tunic with leg-o-mutton sleeves made of skin-toned latex. Luminous PVC elements create flashes of synthetic light inside the garment. The same avant garde lighting is featured on the triangle decorating the chest, on the headpiece, and on the platform of the matching latex ankle boots.

This is definitely not a “Bad Romance” between Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

During the next days, I will show you the newest makeup looks for the Holiday 2011 season. The festive time of the year stands mostly for shimmering, dramatic colours. Giorgio Armani’s Creative Makeup Director Linda Cantello has seeked inspiration from the ’30s. An inspiring era…which is setting the tone for the season. Pure lines, sophisticated colours, luxurious details… Art Deco in all its glory with one of its iconic materials: Madre Perla. Madre Perla inlaid in a precious case, heralding a must-have product. Madre Perla, too, in Linda Cantello’s colour inspiration, with subtle reflections and iridescent effects.

“Like a 1930s’ boudoir… A touch of lacquer and patinated metals add a sophisticated feel to satiny, pearlescent tones. Delicate shades reminiscent of the silk lingerie of the time.” (Linda Cantello)

FACE & EYES PALETTE
CHF 77.- (black lacquer case)

Inspired by Art Deco style, Giorgio Armani’s famous black case is decorated in real Madre Perla. Precision work done entirely by hand in the purest tradition of luxury craftsmanship. Inside are found three luminous, satiny powders in sand, champagne and aqua. Silky shadows that skilfully combine a featherlight texture with radiant colour. Blended over the eye area, the three shades sculpt and illuminate the eyes. Lightly dabbed onto the facial contours, the sand and champagne tones catch the light to increase the radiance of the complexion. The Face & Eye Palette is also available in Giorgio Armani’s iconic black lacquer case.

Eyes to Kill Gold Silver

EYES TO KILL EYESHADOWS
CHF 48.-

Giorgio Armani’s most spectacular shadow is revealed in a limited edition of three metallic shades subtly patinated: a gold, as an echo to antique gilt, a toned down silver plutonium, and an intermediate shade blending gold and silver. Thanks to Colorfil color matrix, these creamy, powder-free shadows adhere to the eyelid like a second skin, without ever fading or flaking.

Eyes to Kill Silver

Gloss Armani Pink

GLOSS D’ARMANI
CHF 41.-

A play of light and shade for the eyes… while the lips are adorned in vibrant lacquered shades. A real weave of colour, Gloss d’Armani offers comfortable, long-lasting hold, expressed in four limited edition shades: barely iridescent rosewood enhances the natural colour of the lips, while a velvety “amaranth” red and sienna intensely emphasise their shape. And an unexpected choice: a bold amethyst, which is vivid yet so translucent on application that it matches any skin tone.

Gloss Armani Purple

Gloss Armani Red

The beautiful collection will be available starting this month.
My must-have: Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow in Gold Silver.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Charlene Wittstock, the future bride of Prince Albert, is known for her simple and classy elegance. The tall blonde has actually been a huge fan of Giorgio Armani’s work and she is said to tie the knot this July in a gown by Armani Privé.

Albert Kriemler, © Keystone

But recently she has been seen more and more in Albert Kriemler’s designs for Akris that she even wore for her engagement (see photo above) and during the festivities for the British Royal wedding. As for me, the Swiss brand seems to be the perfect match for the future princess.

Charlene once said that she likes Akris so much because of its modern approach to fashion. I would sign that sentence. Albert Kriemler has a huge talent to dress women very classy witout ever looking old or too conservative.

I am truly wondering who will be designing Charlene’s bridal dress and I am actually pretty convinced that Albert Kriemler has settled the race. After having further enquiried, the house of Akris gave me the following statement: „The good relations between Charlene Wittstock and us have further strengthened.“ That sounds pretty promising, doesn’t it?

Please enjoy the photos of Charlene wearing Akris below:

Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert de Monaco  during their Ireland visit – © Wire Images

Charlene during the day in a casual elegant outfit © Abaca Press

Charlene  & Prince Albert de Monaco during their Ireland visit – © Getty Images

Charlene Wittstock in a double-faced coat and dress by Akris, also in grey, and carrying the house’s Allegra ostrich clutch, British Royal Wedding April 29 2011

Charlene Wittstock in a dove-gray Akris dress in silk dupioni, British Royal Wedding Pre- Dinner April 28 2011
This gives me pretty much of an idea how she would look like in an Akris bridal gown, just amazing!

LoL, Sandra

Engagement Photo: © Amadeo Turello – Courtesy of Akris