My Look: Lunar New Year

The Year of the Rat has officially begun and I am celebrating the start of the lunar new year today with an outfit post inspired by Shanghai during the 1920s, at that time known as «The Paris of the East, the New York of the West», a melting pot of different nations and styles.

The photos were taken inside the Maestro Suite at The Dolder Grand in Zurich.

My look: Crystal-embellished ruched velvet gown by Paco Rabanne, ostrich feather-embellished taffeta clutch by The Atticoicon, Edwige embellished satin sandals by Saint Laurent, marabou-trimmed crystal clip earrings and iconmarabou feather headband, both by Alessandra Rich, and feather boa by Michael Kors Collection.
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

My Look: Amazing Lace

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I adore Alessandra Rich‘s exquisite gowns that are perfect for any black tie event. Not too long, in fabrics that don’t wrinkle, they offer comfort and great fitted shapes. This embroidered one with shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals is one of my favorites as the stretch-tulle panel elegantly references the season’s conceal-and-reveal trend.

My look: Swarovski crystal-embellished lace gown by Alessandra Richwhite «Duffle 6» bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Seamaster watch in steel with diamond dial by Omegacrystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

For the event with George Clooney in Shanghai where the photos were taken, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

With George Clooney in Shanghai

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I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

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Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

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Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

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During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.

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Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

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Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

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After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

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The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

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A warm welcome by lovely Raynald AeschlimannVice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

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A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy 5th Birthday, Sandra’s Closet!

Sandra's Closet 5th Birthday November 2014

OMG! This week had been so busy, that I have almost forgotten a very special day. On November 23, five years ago, the probably biggest adventure of my life has started, I published my first post and Sandra’s Closet was born. I am so grateful for all the amazing things that have happened since then. I travelled to the most distinguished places, met many celebrities and fashion designers (click here to see most of them) and appeared in many publications (check out the press section here).

Below I put together some of my personal highlights over the last five years:

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Being the face of the Closed F/W 2011 campaign.

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Walking a runway show during New York Fashion Week F/W 2012.

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I designed this limited edition “Zurich” tee in collaboration with Closed.

Montblanc_Sandra_Berry_Bespoke_Ink_Sandra_BauknechtThe launch of Sandra Berry, my very own bespoke limited edition ink by Montblanc.

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I went with Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience to Los Angeles in February 2013.

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I became the ambassador for Piaget.

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Being at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles with Piaget was an amazing experience.

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In August 2013, we shot a fun social media campaign with MCM in Berlin to celebrate the limited edition collection: Craig & Karl – EYES ON THE HORIZON.

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I hosted a fun event with MCM to celebrate the launch of their new backpacks in November 2013 in Zurich.

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In December 2013, I hosted the Goldenized event at Patrizia Pepe‘s Zurich store.

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Before becoming the editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland, I had for three years, from 2011-2014, a monthly column in SI Style magazine.

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Being invited by Omega for a dinner with George Clooney in Shanghai in May 2014 (post coming up soon).

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Hosting a lunch with IWC and star guest top model Karolina Kurkova during the Zurich Film Festival 2014 (post coming up soon).

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Being an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger’s BHI campaign in October 2014 made me very proud.

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Designing a Samsung tablet during the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2014 that we will be raffled off soon here on my blog was an extremely fun project.

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And last but not least something I am really proud of: I am in a book that was launched recently in German during Berlin Fashion Week and in English during London Fashion Week (a detailed post will be published shortly). Fashion Germany, the new coffee-table 208-page tome presents the country’s most important people in the world of fashion.

My blog has taken me on such a beautiful adventure and I would like to thank you all for following me and supporting my work. Without you, the success wouldn’t have been possible. Stay tuned during the next weeks as some amazing raffles will be coming up to thank you for all your time that you are spending on Sandra’s Closet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © David Biedert Photography, © Christoph Schemel and © Sandra Bauknecht

Shanghai Nights

Shanghai Nights Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a crazy and fun night out in Shanghai. After all those meetings during the day, I was starving and couldn’t wait to go for dinner. The weather here is boiling hot and very humid, day and night. So, I went back to my hotel for a quick change and to refresh myself a little before hitting the road on the famous Bund.

My look: Denim vest by Forever 21, white crochet top by Guess, pants by Blumarine, sequined clutch by Victoria’s Secret, scarf by Maison Scotch, Jezebel fluo coral pumps (love them!) by Minna Parikka and gold lace cuff by Bonnie Star.

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For dinner, I went to Mr & Mrs Bund by Shanghai-famous chef Paul Pairet, a place that I can absolutely recommend. Great food in a stylish ambiance. Afterwards, I just had to walk up the stairs to the next floor, home to Bar Rouge, one of the best nightclubs and lounges in the Chinese metropole. Being outside, with stunning views of Pudong, it is the place to see and be seen. The bartenders literally set the bar on fire.

I am off now to Xian and hope that I will still have internet connection to keep you posted…

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Shanghai Bund

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Yesterday, I had a day filled with interesting meetings. In between, I found the time to visit the iconic Bund, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The waterfront area, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. Facing Pudong, I was overwhelmed by the stunning views of the skyline. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the city’s distinctive landmark, is just breathtaking.

My look: Eyespy cut out printed dress by Tibi,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu, Apophis cuff by Saint Laurent and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

Happy 4th of July to my American readers. I still remember how much fun I had last year in Maui celebrating that special day…

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: From Beijing to Shanghai by Train

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Yesterday, I took the train from Beijing to Shanghai which was a very fun adventure. First of all, getting all my luggage down to the platform was an even bigger challenge than finding my way around. In contrast to our stations, only travellers with a valid ticket are allowed there.

You might be wondering what I was wearing. Karl Lagerfeld once said: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Mr Lagerfeld, I think that you have never been on a Chinese train. But I have to admit that it feels a little like you have lost control over your life… especially after a 5 hours ride. However the first class looks amazing, more like being on a plane.

My look: Pink cashmere hooded top, matching track pants (both 50% off) and tee, all three by Juicy Couture, GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers.

I am staying at the brand-new extremely beautiful Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. More photos coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

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My ticket, my Victorinox luggage and my Rodtnes bag (great for travelling).

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The high-speed train

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First class interior

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First impression of Shanghai, I love it!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fashion Days Zurich 2012 – Swiss Designers

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I still owe you my report of the third and fourth night of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. Friday was dedicated to the Swiss Designers which might be interesting especially for my foreign readers to see what the small country I am living in has to offer!

Personally speaking, we have some young designers that are making some fabulous fashion. The only thing during the presentation that I didn’t like was the slowness of the models. Due to that, the energy was missing. But luckily you cannot see that in the photos, enjoy:

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Young students at the Fashion Institute at Donghua University in Shanghai have joined forces with one of the main sponsors, Oerlikon, to design an innovative collection using unusual fabrics produced with the help of the traditional Swiss company’s machines. They named their label Wensibo. Avant-garde fashion mixed with a little Alexander McQueen and spiced up with futuristic elements.

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Javier Reyes, who grew up in Mexico, was inspired by the desert as well as daily urban life for his very feminine S/S 2013 collection. Very wearable and contemporary.

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Sabine Portenier and Evelyne Roth founded their eponymous label, Portenier Roth, in 2007. Once a year, they are presenting a collection that includes elements of all seasons.

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Kazu Huggler is one of my favourite Swiss designers. During the MBFDZ, she presented her 10th anniversary couture collection that was inspired by the beauty of nature and its metamorphosis. Her designs are influenced by her Asian origin which adds a certain unseen uniqueness.

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The last show was presented by Little Black Dress and absolutely the most beautiful collection of the event of the third night. Joanna Skoczylas and Eliane Diethelm‘s LBD White label is dedicated to bridal wear and just beautiful. Congrats!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Miu Miu Experience in Shanghai

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A multisensorial event hosted in Shanghai at the iconic Park Hyatt depicts the Miu Miu world in a glitzy experience, with performances and a fashion show taking guests through a 1940s-flavored glamour bash.

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For the occasion, one of the world’s highest hotels, possibly one of the Chinese’s megalopolis most memorable spots, has been completely restyled by renowned Hollywood set designer Carl Sprague.

Giving life to a cinematic fantasy of glamorous abandon, Sprague has created a sensational set for a party held up high in the sky setting the stage for glamorous stars to banter, dine, sing and dance the night away.

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The event occupied five of the Hyatt’s fourteen floors. Throughout the evening a dinner, a fashion show and a series of performances and acts brought the Miu Miu world to life throughout the luxurious venue. The Supper Club style dinner, featuring the Miu Miu Fall Winter 2011/12 fashion show (see photo above), took place with models meandering through the tables. Three other floors were turned into the party venue.

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Performances included London band Florrie in concert and Variety International in a unique 1940s-themed edition of their world-renowned variety show: a jazz club, an illusionist act, cabaret and much more, in a spectacular mingling of song, dance, circus and vaudeville.

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Miu Miu 09_Misty RabbitDJ sessions by Misty Rabbit and Dan Lywood animated the party until late.

The unforgettable experience transported more than 800 guests, for one night, into a parallel dimension of glamorous emotion: a depiction of the Miu Miu world in its lively complexity.

And guess why such an event took place in Shanghai?! I would say because the Chinese are the customers of the future, if not already of today…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Thomas Sabo Goes Asia for F/W 2011

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Yesterday, I was invited to explore the upcoming Thomas Sabo F/W 2011 collection. The presentation was held at the Asian restaurant Tao’s in Zurich and the location couldn’t have been better for the so-called „Exotic Issue – Pop goes Asia“ that draws inspiration from the electrifying nightlife of an Asian megacity, merging the power pop era of the ’80s with the coquettish charm of a ’30s Shanghai.

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The new Thomas Sabo collection is dazzling and original, for both women and men. It brings up a kind of holiday feeling, the same you experience entering a foreign and magic world.

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Enjoy the positive karma of the Buddhist Great Blessing symbols – which promise joy, health, peace and long life, among other things. What a lovely gift to surprise a beloved one!

TS6Left: T0292 Panda pendant with white syn. zirconia and black enamel, T 0300 Fan pendant with black syn. zirconia and red enamel, 925 Sterling silver
Right: T0294 Panda pendant with white syn. zirconia, black enamel and a hand-crafted, white imitation pearl, 925 Sterling silver

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Right: H1755 Earrings with black syn. zirconia, 925 Sterling Silver

And not only for modern Geishas and Kung Fu fighters…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Thomas Sabo and © Debora Zeyrek for Tilllate