During the 14th Zurich Film Festival I was invited by Swarovski to the «Women of Impact» lunch at Storchen followed by a thought-provoking evening featuring conversations with high-profile personalities from the film industry and raising the topic: «Why are there still so few women who are successful in the film industry as a director or producer?» This was discussed by the directors Jennifer Fox and Sedika Mojadidi, the producer Alison Dickey and the actor John C. Reilly as well as Shakila Ebrhaimkhel. The event was be chaired by two female entrepreneurs, Nadja Schildknecht and Carolina Müller-Möhl.
Women of Impact: Mimi Mollerus, Carolina Müller-Möhl, Astrid von Stockar, my humble self, Tamy Glauser, Dominique Rinderknecht and Sarah Andrina Schuetz
For my outfit I went for full Swarovski bling. Finally I had the chance to wear my crystal-embellished boots that I adore so much. Following the question raised that night, I thought Dior’s «Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?» tee would take the same line. You see, I really put effort in this combination, taking fashion as a medium to express myself.
My look: Leopard jacquard blazer and Niki Swarovski crystal-embellished leather knee boots, both by Saint Laurent, striped top «Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?» by Dior, leather and jersey leggings
by Givenchy, oversize acetate sunglasses with crystals
by Gucci, and Swarovski embellished earrings by Prada.
The woman that impressed me most that day: Shakila Ebrhaimkhel, an investigative TV journalist in Afghanistan, who tries to bring corruption to light. Over the course of four years, her life has been documented by Sedika Mojadidi in FACING THE DRAGON. The documentary offers a unique insight into today’s seething Afghanistan and explores the question of whether there is a future there for strong women in this country. Today, after loosing her husband when she was pregnant with her third child, and threats to her life, Shakila lives in Munich. In only two years, she learnt perfect German and works as a journalist again. A truly inspirational woman!
From left to right: Monika Schaerer, Birgit Berthold-Kremser, Jennifer Fox, Wendy Mitchell, Carolina Mueller-Moehl, Alison Dickey, John C. Reilly and Nadja Schildknecht.
So many inspirational women that day – thank you, Swarovski, for shining a light on women’s empowerment!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Remy Steiner/Getty Images for Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht
With Patrick Liotard-Vogt at the opening of the 13th Zurich Film Festival.
Festival directors and founders of the ZFF Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri with Iain Canning, Garth Davis and Harvey Weinstein on the green carpet before the screening.
John Malkovich, my humble self, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger
Trudie Götz (
Stefanie Heinzmann performed at the after party.
A day later, Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife posted this on instagram. Very cute of her!
