Secret Boudoir

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Tuesday night, I attended a very unusual evening in Zurich, so-called SECRET BOUDOIR at Park Hyatt. Along with over 150 influential women, I was invited to indulge in a luxurious ladies only event with top brands like Dior, Acqua di Parma and Valisère.

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Dressed in the renowned lingerie label, surrounded by flower creations by Susanne Wismer Blumen, the products were presented in different installations with live models. While enjoying the event, we could indulge in gourmet chocolate from the oldest brand in Geneva, Chocolatier du Rhône. The only thing missing was definitely champagne as most of us were not up for the strong cocktails made with either Tanqueray 10 Gin or the luxurious Vodka, Cîroc.

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Copenhagen-based Tine Arentsen Willumsen, from Above & Beyond, who owns the concept Secret Boudoir and is the business woman behind this experiential marketing strategy says: Luxury has to be lived and felt! – Secret Boudoir is like walking into Vogue…actually participating and feeling the magic as a consumer!”

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Park Hyatt Zurich added to the fun by presenting “Sweet Temptations”, delicious “take away” cakes created in the design of handbags and colorful cupcakes.

A fun new concept that ended in an extremely entertaining girl’s night out around the corner…

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Secret Boudoir and © Sandra Bauknecht

My Day with the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

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As you might have realized already, some of this week’s posts have been dedicated to sustainable luxury. But what does this new fashionable expression actually mean?
Sustainability poses an opportunity to explore alternatives to the norm, to propose innovations and ideas for a closer connection of technology and nature, to develop and experiment with recycled and natural materials.

In our daily life, we are not willing to compromise very much in order to live and consume responsible-minded. Today, there are many brands who try new ways to combine both lifestyles. One of them is the Volvo Car Corporation.

Movie VolvoYesterday, we shot a short movie for the launch of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid in Switzerland.

Their new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, and the economy benefits are just incredible. At the touch of a button, you can choose which of the three driving modes you want to drive at any given moment: Pure, Hybrid or Power – meaning you have „three cars in one“. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a car park.

Yesterday, I had the car for the day and drove around the city of Zurich sometimes on pure electricity which was totally amazing. It is pretty impressive that it is not only totally silent, but you can accelerate reasonably hard in electric mode without the diesel motor kicking in. As you sink in the black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood, you are definitely not thinking of going green.

Let me take you on a ride to some of my favourite spots in my recent hometown.

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First stop: HOTEL BAUR AU LAC

I love this beautiful hotel set in its own park, with a stunning view overlooking the lake and the Alps. The terrace is one of my favourite places to lunch in the summer.

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This weekend, the famous hotel park will host the opening event of Zurich’s ninth “Art in the Park”. The exhibition shows sculptures in the garden of the legendary 5 star hotel until August, 6th 2012. It is created and curated by Gigi Kracht, the wife of Andrea Kracht, the hotel’s sixth-generation owner, in collaboration with Gallery Gmurzynska.

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A warm welcome upon my arrival.
My look: Orange-fuchsia bi-colour silk shirt and “Audrey” wayfarer sunglasses, both by Céline, stretch-leather leggings iconand green python “1970” bag, both by Gucci and booties by Chanel.

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On my way, I received many compliments from people who loved my car.

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Second stop: SHOPPING AT GUCCI

As you know, I love Gucci and I am a huge fan of their new sustainable collections. The trunk of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has enough space for many shopping bags. Awesome!

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It is always too much fun shopping with Stefano Polli, Gucci’s store manager in Zurich.

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Third Stop: SUSANNE WISMER BLUMEN

I love my green oasis at home to relax and I always have flowers on display. Yesterday, I got my favourite ones: a huge bunch of pale pink peonies.

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Fourth stop: RESTAURANT SEEROSE

Personally speaking, whenever I am there, I feel like being on vacation. Surrounded by the mountains and the lake, nature is embracing you in the city. Where else in the world can you find this?

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By the way, when you switch to the “pure” almost silent mode, you have a similar effect while driving. You can hear the wheels on the asphalt and the wind around you. Such a beautiful and relaxing feeling.

I hope that you have enjoyed my little ride through Zurich!

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The indicative price of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid luxurious “Pure Limited Edition” is starting at CHF 78.600,- in Switzerland.

After the initial batch of 1,000 cars for model year 2013 (of which 79 will go to Switzerland) this upcoming December, production of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 5,000 cars as of model year 2014.

Stay tuned for more… and a huge thank you to all who liked my facebook page. It has reached today over 30.000 likes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Zurich’s Most Beautiful Flower Shop

Zurich's most beautiful flower shop

At Dufourstr.138 in Zurich’s Seefeld quarter, there is the most beautiful flower shop:
SUSANNE WISMER BLUMEN.

Entering this green oasis will never fail to take your breath away and to inspire you for your own interior decoration. The charming florist and her team truly pursue their passion for flowers.
With the ongoing floral fashion trend, you are at the exactly right place.

For all of you living abroad, just enjoy the photos below.

LoL, Sandra

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IMG_6967Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht