Sandra‘s Closet

“The last bastion of hospitality left in the world” – Roja Dove
This is what the famous perfumer said about the beautiful Lausanne Palace & Spa hotel and I could do nothing else but agree with him.

Located in the heart of the Olympic capital, with a magnificent view over the Lake Geneva and the Alps, this charming five-star luxury hotel is only a throw stone from the most elegant shopping streets and the picturesque old city. The entire property has been renovated over the past years, thus creating a unique environment, combining luxury and refinement, well-being and savoir-vivre. Its blend of the traditional with modernity is lending the hotel its unique character. The Lausanne Palace & Spa, an unforgettable experience.

Me in front of the Lausanne Palace & Spa, wearing a flared barnacle-intarsia dress by Alexander McQueen, a light blue leather jacket by Gucci and a black bag with golden zippers by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

View from…

…my beautiful renovated room.

My favourite flowers, peonies, were waiting for me.

The Lausanne Palace Signature Scent
“The scent is soft and elegant recreating the impression the hotel itslef conveys. As you enter you are greeted at once by a marriage of elegant understatement, tradition, and refinement.
To recreate the atmosphere I have created a bespoke scent which blends soft balsamic, amber-like elements with a very precious and rare rose, rose de Mai, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous guests and my origin” – Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose
Base notes: Cedar, patchouli and leather

Some parts of the hotel are still reminiscent of its Belle Epoque soul.

Coco Chanel Suite – A fashionista’s dream
A privileged client of the Lausanne Palace & Spa for many years herself, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel greatly inspired this suite in blue sky and cream tones. Located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the 170m² of space includes everything you can dream of.
The best feature: A vast dressing room of 24m² embellished with an English shower judiciously completes this apartment. Princess Grace of Monaco, wrapped in her mink stole, and Prince Albert visited as well.

Dining at Lausanne Palace & Spa is a true experience, thanks to four restaurants and a variety of culinary options. Le Côté Jardin offers healthy, creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau, La Table d’Edgard serves French-inspired gastronomic cuisine. Italian restaurant La Grappa is just a few minutes by feet away from the hotel.

In the center of the lobby, the new 1915 Bar (the year of the hotel’s inauguration) welcomes the guests throughout the day.

The LP’s Bar (above) and the Habana Bar (below) serve refreshing cocktails and cigars.

At the Parisian-style la Brasserie du Grand-Chêne, guests like the Rolling Stones, enjoy typical brasserie dishes, such as entrecôte with French fries. Opened from 6:30 am to 1:00 am, hot dishes served until midnight.

The Palace Sushi Zen, where 3 specialists from the Land of the Rising Sun will prepare dishes in front of guests.

The Cellier invites you to taste carefully selected wines in an unforgettable setting.

The 2100 square metres CBE Concept Spa of the Lausanne Palace offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and contemporary or traditional rituals: sports rooms, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, solarium and relaxation rooms.
I had an Ayurvedic massage which was absolutely wonderful.

The Yogi Booster, a relaxing bar and lounge, to enjoy healthy drinks and treats in the spa.

My stay at the Lausanne Palace & Spa was truly unforgettable and I can absolutely recommend this hotel and its boutique to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lausanne Palace & Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert of Monaco made it official with a religious ceremony at the main courtyard in the palace in front of 4000 invited guests.

The bride looked stunning in a breath-taking custom-made Armani Privé (the haute couture line of Giorgio Armani) silk duchesse off-the-shoulder ivory gown with subtle pearl and gold-tinted Swarovski crystal embellishments and an amazing train.

A long off-white silk tulle veil was placed on top of her chignon which had quite a very beautiful diamond encrusted floral accent.

Photos: © Getty Images

For the evening reception and gala, Charlene wore another fantastic Armani Privé gown. The newlyweds looked much more relaxed than during the religious ceremony and had definitely the world’s largest wedding cake ever.

LoL, Sandra

It is the weekend of weddings, Charlene Wittstock, now called Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene, has finally married long-time bachelor Prince Albert, son of late Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, in Monaco and Kate Moss has tied the knot with indie rocker Jamie Hince in Cotswolds. We all have been speculating the last weeks what the famous brides will be wearing for their big day.

Charlene went for Chanel and wore a pale blue suit jacket with beautiful lace trims and a long, flowing skirt.

“It’s a collaboration between me and Karl Lagerfeld,” Charlene explained to Vogue. “We wanted something to match the color of my eyes. It is my creation and I’m proud of it. It’s feminine and keeps with tradition yet has a little twist that reflects my personal style. I thought it was a nice change to go for trousers instead of a skirt, especially since I’m an athlete and have always kept my clothes clean and simple.”

Let’s see what she will be wearing today for the religious ceremony. Rumours are that she decided to go for Armani…

Montblanc takes part in the crowning moments as they have created a one-of-a-kind writing instrument, a Création Privée from the Artisan Atelier Hamburg, that the couple used to seal their civil union.

The very unique fountain pen is embellished with precious stones (161 rubies and 128 diamonds) and the monogram of the Princely Couple.

Kate Moss looked absolutely stunning in her John Galliano vintage-style dress with sequins and rhinestone details. She teamed it with Manolo Blahnik shoes.

After the furore in Spring surrounding John Galliano (he was sacked as chief designer of Christian Dior for an anti-semitic tirade), she was said to be in turmoil but she stood by her friend John Galliano after all.

Wouldn’t you sign this?!

I am invited this weekend as well to two weddings and I am off now to Austria…
Congrats to all newlyweds!

LoL, Sandra

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