Amatista Christmas Market in Zurich

Do you remember my dear friend Nina? I have been writing several times about her in the past (for a previous post click here). Well I have great news for my Zurich based followers. Nina and the City (former Kids and the City) will be part at Amatista’s (a luxury concierge service) first Christmas Market at the Ballroom of the Dolder Grand on Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 (from 2pm-9pm). Nina will be presenting as always fashion, accessories and lovely Christmas gift ideas.

The Amatista Christmas market will have tons of highlights, from specially curated art pieces, a caviar tasting, a champagne lounge, a pianist, a cigar stand (aka hubby parking spot) and much more. All in all 17 partners will be presenting their goodies at several booths.

However the top highlight will be the fashion show by Nina and the City presenting exclusively for Switzerland the first F/W 2023 collection from Nimo with Love. Behind Nimo with Love is Nicole Mohrmann, whom I have known for many years also from my time in Munich. She has spent years building lasting and trusting relationships with small workshops in India who embrace her vision of Nimo as becoming one big, global family, that creates beautiful things. The brand is committed to a culture and environment that is respectful, caring, nurturing and encouraging – and values creativity in all aspects.

Hand-sewn details, such as beads and embroidery, as opposed to glued-on, perfectly aligned stitches, made with thread that integrates perfectly in the design … The attention to detail asks for high-end craftsmanship. Nimo With Love works with small businesses who sew a heritage of artisanal expertise into each and every piece of the collection. Each garment is hand-made with passion. It takes a whole village to turn a beautiful fabric into a beautiful wearable textile!

Hope to see you all there … I’ll definitely be. I am also excited to see the newest holiday installation by my favorite Finish artist Jani Leinonen, that will be revealed on December 1, 2023.

RSVP on .
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nina and the City, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Clé de Peau Beauté Launches in Switzerland

I am happily announcing that I am a new ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté. Founded in Japan in 1982, the ultra luxury skincare and makeup brand is finally available in Switzerland again. Today Clé de Peau Beauté is owned by the Shiseido Group. The name says it all, Clé de Peau means in French the key to skin’s beauty.

Mathieu Arsac, Marketing Director Shiseido Group, Switzerland, with me.

Yesterday, influencers and journalists were invite to Signau House in Zurich for an intimate lunch and to discover the products first hand.

«INTELLIGENT – EXQUISITE – UNCOMPROMISING»

Clé de Peau Beauté’s mission has always been to forge new frontiers in advanced skin cell science. It was the first brand in 1982 to consider the skin on a cellular level. Based upon decades of research and with a sophisticated combination of cutting-edge Japanese technology and precious ingredients, scientists unlocked the power of Skin Intelligence – skin’s innate ability to distinguish between good and bad stimuli to achieve and maintain its ideal condition. Scientists considered the epidermis as the third brain. Clé de Peau Beauté products were created to empower skin to reach this highly desired state of harmony – the key to skin’s radiance, and optimal qualities of texture, tone and contour.

«SKIN BEHAVES LIKE A BRAIN.»

Luxurious in every aspect, from masterfully crafted formulations to highly sensorial experiences, Clé de Peau Beauté adopted the global language of luxury, French. With a full range of exceptionally crafted skincare, color, and complexion products, Clé de Peau Beauté helps women to unlock skin’s innermost potential and, ultimately, transform skin and reveal the radiance within.

During the next weeks, I will explain you the different products, my skincare routine further and give you some make-up tips. So stay tuned for more.
Clé de Peau Beauté is available in Switzerland at Globus and Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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My Look: Retweet

Retweet, repeat, Zurich is an amazing town to live in! Last weekend, I wore this look to go to lunch with my girlfriends and enjoyed walking around town in it.

My look: Light blue double-face cashmere jacket with zipper, Kelly belt in epsom leather in gold with palladium buckle, Constance Slim Wallet in evercolor leather in gold and lime, and Twilly Grand Théâtre Nouveau, all by Hermès, denim ruffle detail midi dressicon by Chloé, Aliya 85 wedges in suede leather by AquazzuraLV x Yayoi Kusama Neverfull MM by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by Fendi, and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Unboxing Valentino Event

A global unboxing. Expressing their creative vision, talented stylists have reinterpreted the amazing Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection through an interactive styling experience around the world. From Anna della Russo‘s vibrant approach in the Dubai Mall to Rebecca Corbin-Murray‘s floral windows in London and Clément Lomellini‘s progressive interpretation in Paris. In Switzerland, I had the honor to host the event. It was an amazing day filled with beautiful encounters, and fashionable talks.

Exploring the Unboxing Valentino collection under my creative proposal, clients discovered outfit combinations and different style tips catered to their personal needs.

What is Unboxing Valentino’s S/S 2023 collection about? Designed by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, it celebrates the «diversity and complexity within purity». Revealing the essence by «unboxing», hence its name, removing unnecessary things and creating new expressions on the diversity of body, face, history, colour and texture. A second skin is created; conveyed through a palette of sensuous fleshy tones, in beige, light camel and ebony.

Layering plays a key role in the collection, allowing the wearer to play around, to celebrate their own individuality and body type. One must-have is the bodysuit, the second-skin jersey offers the perfect base for every look created.

The Toile Iconographe pattern, first introduced in the S/S 2023 Pre-Collection, is worn head to toe. The VLogo aims at reproducing the effect of monochrome, like an iconographic canvas. The looks can easily be transformed from day to night. Being very versatile, those pieces will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Through a framework of couture, Piccioli and his team harmonized volume and shape in complex creations. Coats and jackets, preferably worn oversized, have an urban attitude and are blended with detachable feathers. Personally speaking my favorite is the nude androgynous blazer – I couldn’t resist this one. Following the «unboxing» principle, it is lined with an organza vest, revealing its immaculate sartorial craftsmanship.

Vibrant shades are also introduced, from red to violet blue, from teal green to yellow. Worn in combination with fleshy tones, the bicolor options offer a modern, yet sophisticated approach to the day and night wardrobe.

I have fallen in love with the dresses created in «oblique plissé» that allow its wearer to change their look just by removing the cape shoulder with a button placed on the center back. The shape of the dress is achieved just by the underpinned body which works as its only lining. Airy, light, dynamic and absolutely modern, those dresses are a must for summer.

Precious embroideries take center stage on separates and outerwear pieces. A new technique has been introduced that demands extreme precision and expertise, the «plissé embroidery». For the first time presented at the S/S 2023 show, it requires nine different craftsmanship steps to obtain these one-of-a-kind pieces. My stunner piece of the collection is the beautiful coat in aquarium color, it needed a place in Sandra’s Closet.

For night, I recommend pairing your look with one of the stunning sparkly bags that the Maison offers. Available in the most vibrant shades, they add the perfect touch to every outfit.

Fashion is a language that speaks to everyone, and this collection does just that. It celebrates individuality and diversity while emphasising the importance of removing the inessential to reveal the essence. The Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection inspires people to express themselves and their identities by capturing their own essence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht/ Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: Paid collaboration with Valentino. #PartnershipwithValentino #SuppliedbyValentino
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My Look: Egg-Citing

Egg-citing news… In the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand, you can find an impressive floral Easter egg made of real flowers. Last year, it was created by Finish artist Jani Leinonen. For more information, click here please. This year, it is inspired by Peter Shire’s «Big Sur» Sofa that you can also find in the hotel (see my previous outfit post here). You can admire the installation, which is made of 12.000 carnations, until the end of the Easter vacations.

My look: Pink double-breasted blazer, front-zip off-shoulder top, transparent-panel midi skirt, and ombré high-top sneakers, all by Alexander McQueen, crystal-embellished Hourglass tote bag by Balenciaga, and silver-tone crystal choker by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Attila / Dolder Grand
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My Look: Bubbles and Bows

This was the outfit that I wore to the MAC Bubbles and Bows Party at Kraftwerk in Zurich. The Valentino Pink PP collection is one of my favorites off all time and it was the perfect match for the theme of the night. Time to glam up!

And by the way this is not my last all pink look… stay tuned.

My look: Silk-moiré mini shirt dressicon, silk-moiré shortsicon, bow-detailed wool and silk-blend crepe braletteicon, wool-blend cape, One Stud mini leather shoulder bag, stretch-knit tightsicon, VLogo signature earrings, and Discobox 180mm platform pumps, all by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Decadent Dinner Party

Recently, I followed YSL Beauty‘s invitation to a decadent dinner party that took place at Die Giesserei Oerlikon in Zurich. The YSL Beauty team transformed this amazing location into the most instagrammable spots with different areas all dedicated to the Maison’s iconic products, from the famous Libre scent, to make-up and skincare. After the dinner, we went downstairs to the underground club where we danced all night long.

The dress code said «all black with a touch of decadence» and needless to say, I went for a head-to-toe Saint Laurent outfit. All details of my look will be coming up shortly. Stay tuned and in the meantime enjoy the impressions of this fun night.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography #indulgeingold #yslbeauty
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MAC Bubbles and Bows Party at Kraftwerk

You know the Christmas season is around the corner when brands start to show up with their festive collections. This season, I was invited by MAC Cosmetics for the launch of Bubbles & Bows at Kraftwerk in Zurich. The evening was such a great success with lots of magical surprises from a drag queen’s live act to dancers performing in big plastic bubbles.

As the name and packaging suggests, the MAC Cosmetics Bubbles & Bows party kits and limited edition make-up are festive and fun – and very sparkly, too. The collection is not only a perfect holiday gift, but also a treat for yourself. With everything you need to create a custom going-out look this winter, from glowy eye creations and signature fluttery lashes, to bold festive lip shades, the magic will be all yours thanks to the legendary cosmetic brand. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
#MACHoliday #MACBubblesAndBows @MACCosmeticsSwitzerland
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My Look: Kispi

Finally after three years, the Kispiball (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) took place again at the wonderful Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I danced all night long in my Dolce & Gabbana gown and enjoyed being among my dear friends.

My look: Strapless polka-dot silk-organza gown, and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, pink double bow satin pumpsicon by Mach & Mach, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Vive la Légèreté

This week, Hermès celebrated its theme of the year «Vive la Légèreté» in Zurich in an intimate celebration at Kunsthaus. The motto was translated in multiple ways into a breathtaking setup, from the airy clouds decorating the swings where you could take a photo to the dreamlike pegasus installations at the open ceiling. Yvonne Leuthard, Press & Influence Manager Hermès Switzerland, explained to me that those pieces were used at another event in Paris before. Sustainable luxury is something very dear to the French Maison.

Ease became a subject of inspiration to which creatives and craftsmen were invited to respond. Hermès has always been a house dedicated to the quality and sensuality of materials and textures. Known for its precision and artistic complicities, a plethora of its offerings feature silk, soft and light as air.

Thierry Outin, General Director Hermès Switzerland, Sara Mathivet, Store Manager Hermès Zurich, and Florian Craen, Executive Vice-President Sales & Distribution, who had flown in from Paris for the night, welcomed the guests. Dancers dressed in floral costumes performed at the cocktail reception as well at the dinner and made the celebratory event a success.

The food was vegetarian with several outstanding courses prepared by Franzoli, from a fresh herb consommé to a «fir branch» to an amazing pavlova that was presented in a shape of a mountain. The titles of the courses were very pictorial, «the lake», «the undergrowth», «the meadow», «the glacier», «the forest», and «the summit», all inspired by Swiss landscaping.

The culmination of the night was a «golden rain» from above that gave this feeling of lightness and hope. Lightness is when the everyday becomes miraculous, it is in the gentleness of a smile, the tenderness of a touch, the gracefulness of a gesture and the beauty of a night like this.

Thank you, Hermès, for having me!

LoL, Sandra

My outfit was perfectly matching the theme with my winged heels and the cloudy skirt.

The Hermès crocodile gang.

With Kim Dang from NZZ

Photos:  © Sandra Bauknecht
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