Sandra‘s Closet

10 years ago, I attended the launch event of Lancôme’s iconic «La Vie Est Belle» Eau de Parfum on a rainy day at Dolder in Zurich. This September, the French beauty house invited me again to celebrate one decade of its intoxicating notes with a fun party at Samigo Amusement. The weather was much better and the location offered all sorts of instagrammable spots and entertainment, from glitter tattoos to turning the wheel of fortune.

Until today, Julia Roberts is the face of the campaign. Her radiant personality and iconic smile symbolize the epitome of feminine grace and happiness that the scent aims to capture. With notes of Iris spring flowers, intoxicating patchouli, delicious praline and sensual warm vanilla, it is a gourmand scent. Over the years, several flankers have been launched. The fragrance is a true embodiment of Lancôme’s heritage with the «Crystal Smile» bottle, first designed in 1949 by Georges Delhomme.

Top notes: Pear and black currant
Middle notes: Orange blossom, jasmine and iris
Base notes: Praline, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli

Life is beautiful – this was the message of the night! A beautiful event with memories to be cherished for a long time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
@lancomeofficial #Lancome #LaVieEstBelle #MakeTodayBeautiful
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Zurich gets a new hot spot, or let me say several new hot spots in one. FIVE Zurich will open its doors on 30th of June, 2022. Dubbed the new dining and nightlife destination in Switzerland, the new luxurious lifestyle hotel is boasting 87 luxurious suites with glittering skyline city view or lush forest view. Reviving Zurich’s wild side, the new party and culinary hotspot boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Detox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool.

This stunning hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport within a 2-minute walk.

Recently shortlisted in the inaugural edition of the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2022 guide for two of its concepts, Maiden Shanghai and Cinque, FIVE is thrilled to expand its culinary offering to the discerning Swiss audience.

Delectable Dining
With breathtaking views of the vibrant city and magnificent mountains, these exclusive dare-to-be-different dining experiences include soul food meets street art at Soul St., imaginative Chinese at Maiden Shanghai, Japanese bites the FIVE Way at The Penthouse, a lounge for wine lovers at The Vault, a round-the-clock welcome at café and bar at Tune In and Zurich’s only out-of-doors Social Pool showcase a stellar line up culinary delights merged with FIVE’s legendary entertainment offerings.

Soul St.
Discover the art of global street food at this high energy immersive dining experience, which includes an open plan kitchen for guests to enjoy watching FIVE’s chef whip up fan favourite dishes. Diners can discover a selection of baos, authentic street tacos, a Vietnamese beef Pho, Chicken shawarma, the signature Nitro yoghurt bombs, Chicken tikka masala and Guacamole al mortero plated live on the table and a buzzing balcony bathed in fresh air, sunshine and lively tunes. With a vibrant mix of graffiti and art created by the most talked about International artistes such as Pichi Avo and Lau Rodriguez, this popular Instagram hotspot is known for its Global Street Food Party Brunch.
Soul St. Tip: Step into Soul St.’s eye-catching Volkswagen Van for an unforgettable in-van dining experience!

Maiden Shanghai
An MSG-free Chinese restaurant serving gourmet dishes, this 1920’s Shanghai-inspired restaurant boasts a stunning open air terrace, a high energy main dining room and a fun-dining, exclusive private dining room. Home to famed luxury lifestyle events including an award-winning brunch and weekly Ladies’ Night, this venue promises a glamorous take on traditional Asian cuisine with an exhilarating FIVE twist.

The Penthouse (Restaurant and Nightclub)
This day to night concept with evolving seasonal themes is all set to be Zurich’s most-coveted new destination for music and nightlife.
A distinctive venue that transforms from a restaurant serving a heavenly Japanese selection to a vibrant bar lounge and energetic nightclub with a stellar line-up of globally renowned DJs. Visitors can choose to sit indoors and be enveloped in the opulent décor of the fabulous restaurant area and private dining room or venture out on the terrace and marvel at picture-perfect skyline views and capture Insta-gold moments.

As twilight sets in, The Penthouse’s unisex, après hours bathroom bar will be the musical nucleus of FIVE until the early hours of the morning.
Dine on miso marinated black cod, salmon teriyaki or tempting sashimi, sushi and maki platters while sipping on FIVE’s one-is-never-enough signature cocktails such as The Mexican Cartel, Collins 2.0 and Sunset.

The Vault
An eclectic venue, which proudly houses Zurich’s greatest selection of Swiss wines, boasts of an in-house Master Sommelier that will guide guests through the perfect selection to suit their taste. The Vault will be a tantalizing retreat for wine lovers and novices alike along with an extensive cigar collection for cigar aficionados. The Vault’s tapas-style menu will focus on delectable wine and cheese pairings that’s FIVEs’ fun and feisty reinterpretation of traditional fondue.

Tune In
An all-day café and bar where visitors are warmly welcomed when they choose to pop in for a tasty takeaway or opt to sit in for an enjoyable tidbit and sip and watch the world go by from Tune Ins’ alfresco terrace garden. Serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast dishes, sweet treats in the form of luscious freshly baked pastries and scrumptious salads, pizzas and pastas for lunch and dinner, Tune In offers a playful plateful to fulfil any craving.

The Social Pool
Raising temperatures this summer, is our buzzing social pool. Framed by picturesque forest views, this stunning one-of-a-kind outdoor pool will host Zurich’s best pool days with live beats spun by globally renowned DJs, an integrated Jacuzzi space, tantalizing cocktails and delightful poolside nibbles – all served up with FIVE Flair!

«FIVE is thrilled to bring our pioneering dining and entertainment concepts to a brand new audience with the opening of FIVE Zurich. With revenge tourism taking centre stage on the global hospitality landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to build on our existing European clientele. ‘FIVERs’ come to us to indulge in the signature FIVE Vibe, which we’ve been celebrated for in Dubai – and which we will now introduce in Zurich.» – Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE.

To book call: +41 (0) 44 456 55 55
Email: fzh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of FIVE Zurich
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise

Before heading to the Dua Lipa show in Zurich as guest of YSL Beauty, I was invited to an intimate cocktail reception by the French Maison on the rooftop of the Kameha Grand Hotel. The dress code said black and gold. Every corner of the terrace offered another fun experience, from photo booth to make-up application, from specially created drinks to a fun claw machine. DJ Rebekah Abdeen warmed up the crowd for the upcoming concert taking place at Hallenstadion.

There is no doubt that Dua Lipa has become a worldwide phenomenon with a million of fans and several collaborations. She is one of the most streamed and celebrated artists in recent memory. Free, powerful and elegant! Three words that suit the British artist well, who had been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent to be the face of the brand’s bestselling fragrance Libre. A scent that evolves around masculine lavender and the feminine sensual, burning notes of orange blossom. It also comes with a good dose of florals and musks.

The concert in Zurich marks a big milestone in Dua’s career as it was her 50th concert.

 Thank you YSL Beauty for having me! Enjoy all my impressions below…

LoL, Sandra

Thank you Dijana Vasiljevic from the L’Oréal Luxe team for the lovely invitation.

DJ Libre 🙂

My plus one was my friend Cat.

With lovely Erica Coimbra from the L’Oréal Luxe team.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht #IamLibre
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Gucci opened the doors to its fully renovated store in Zürich, Switzerland this month at a new location. The boutique spans over 746 square meters across two floors and a terrace and showcases a full array of Gucci’s products including men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, shoes, jewelry and watches, silks, eyewear as well as Décor and Lifestyle collections.

With a look that invites customers to feel welcome and relaxed, the interior design is discreet. It is a new concept, first presented in Zurich. Contemporary luxury is suggested not only by the employment of beautiful and idiosyncratic materials, but also through a determinedly spare use of space. In keeping with the elegant and contemporary eclecticism that characterises Gucci’s collections, the store sees the combination of traditional and modern, industrial, and romantic. This reflects in the refined marble staircase contoured by Bronzed aged brass railing and Salvia Green satin panels.

On the terrace of the new Gucci store in Zurich, dressed head to toe in the Italian brand.

The terrace on the first floor pays tribute to the original architectural features of the store. The existing historical window frames are complemented by dark green metal aviaries, inviting customers to take a seat and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by the greenery. The concept effortlessly complements the product-offer from the House.

The mood within the store is one of discretion, where understated drama is created by the surprising and unexpected combination of materials. Juxtaposition of this sort, where opposites forge a new connection, is repeated ubiquitously: technical, mechanical display contrast with the softness of the rich fabrics that adorn the rooms; round tables offset rectangular ones; Salvia Green and ivory satin panelling elegantly complement the optical marble flooring. Throughout the store, one finds sumptuous chairs and sofas while vintage oriental rugs are layered over each other for a textured effect. The result is a space that entices, surprises and feels personal to Gucci.

Gucci Zurich
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 39, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 19:00, Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00

Mark your calendar! The Gucci Cruise 2023 show will take place on May 16, 2022 at 8.00 pm CEST at Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy. You can watch it live here. It will be full moon and the invitation revealed a cosmological theme, so stay tuned for #GucciCosmogonie. On behalf of each guest, the House has adopted a star and registered it under their name. How cool is this?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

A quick stop in Zurich before heading off to Boston to go to my hair dresser CHARLES AELLEN COMPANY who had just moved location. The new interior is even more breathtaking than its previous one. From a Parisian apartment style interior, it has now more an urban cool New York vibe with always the best floral decoration. I love the atmosphere, the location in the city center and the great music.

Charles Aellen Company
Sihlstrasse 37
CH – 8001 Zurich

+41 44 201 78 10

I only go to the hair dresser twice a year to get my ends cut and to do a deep nourishing SHU UEMURA or ORIBE treatment. Luckily, I don’t have grey hair yet and leave my hair color all natural.

My dream team: Charles to the left, Nathanael to the right.

However, I can recommend Charles and his team for every treatment or cut you can imagine. They are very advanced, always looking for the newest releases or hair trends. They have been working with celebrities worldwide and been constantly booked for photo shoots or during fashion weeks.

Now available at CHARLES AELLEN is the the famous K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask. K18Peptide™ is the patented molecular breakthrough clinically proven to reverse hair damage from: bleach + color, chemical services, and heat in just 4 minutes.

This mask doesn’t just make hair feel healthier, it actually reverses the damage with some pretty powerful bond-repairing science. How does it work? The K18 bioactive peptide is recognized as a natural building block by hair – the perfect, very welcome puzzle piece to reconnect broken keratin chains in the inner-most layers of hair, post heat and chemical services. When you use it, skip the conditioner, put this in towel-dried hair for four minutes, and watch miracles happen.

With my new hair cut I am off to Boston, hopefully leaving all this crazy snow behind…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

It is finally time to dress up and go out in style as restaurants are open again in Switzerland. One of my favorite spots to eat in Zurich is La Muña at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich that serves Japanese Peruvian specialties. Designed by Philippe Starck, it is a treasure chest, mingling imaginary memories of moments spent on the lake with extraordinary objects found in the city and around the world beneath the hotel’s spectacular dome.

As we have experienced lots of rain in Switzerland recently, my new wool-blend coat is the perfect cover-up for those chilly days. It works for going out as well as snuggling on the couch.

My look: Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row, cutout striped pleated wool-blend midi dress by Gabriela Hearst, Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings, and flower pendant cable-chain necklace, both by Dolce & Gabbana, two-tone slingback pumps by Prada, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

This Easter, I went on a special egg hunt and found an amazing treasure, a beautiful new watch at the newly opened TAG Heuer boutique in Zurich. Located on the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, it is the fourth flagship store in its home country of Switzerland, complementing its existing Geneva, Zermatt and Lucerne point of sales.

Launched in 1860, in Saint-Imier at the very heart of the birthplace of watchmaking, by a bold young named Edouard Heuer, it is owned since 1999 by French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. The name TAG Heuer combines the initials of «Techniques d’Avant Garde» and the founder’s surname.

Capturing TAG Heuer’s motto, originally introduced in 1991, «Don’t Crack Under Pressure», are prominent partnerships and brand ambassadors that express the brand’s passion for action and high performance, among them actors Chris Hemsworth and Patrick Dempsey, ATP next-generation tennis players Alex de Minaur, Frances Tiafoe, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime, and big wave surfer Kai Lenny. They are athletes, surfers, actors, pilots. Whatever the conditions, they want to make history and break records. No matter the pressure, the public and adversity, they never give up, they never back down from any challenge. Therefore you can imagine my excitement to be also a TAG Heuer ambassador, as I breathe the same energy. I never give up, I never let myself down. If I have a vision, I go for it, no matter what!

So which watch did I choose you might ask? You will be amazed. It’s not a ladies watch, not a diamond watch. I went for this amazing masculine Carrera Automatic Chronograph that sets a blistering new pace in prestige timekeeping in sumptuously chic black and rose gold. Housed in a 44-mm steel polished, fine brushed case, the legendary Calibre HEUER02 Automatic movement now comes outfitted with splendid finery. Sober yet stellar, 18K 5N rose gold accents the entire timepiece, from hands and indexes to the watch’s crowns and push-pieces.

The black brushed dial sits under a sapphire crystal dome, locked in with a ceramic black tachymeter fixed bezel. Inside, the manufacture Heuer 02 movement made with a vertical clutch and column wheel – signatures of improved chronograph timekeeping and high-quality manufacture movements – will last 80 hours with an impressive power reserve. The sporty yet elegant design is highlighted by a black alligator strap and steel folding clasp, exuding strength and speed.

The Carrera model has a beautiful story. In 1962, CEO at the time Jack Heuer, the great-grandchild of Edouard Heuer, wanted a clean and well-proportioned chronograph designed for drivers and inspired to the world of motor racing. When he heard the Spanish word «Carrera», used for the renowned Carrera Panamericana race, he loved the sound and the multiple meanings – including road, race, course and career – so much that he quickly decided that the product had to be called «Carrera». The Heuer Carrera was launched in 1963 and since then it has been a symbol of the brand and one of the most popular sport chronographs ever designed.

I personally love that this 44-mm case adopts well to my small wrist. It symbolizes strength, power and diversity for me. I see myself wearing it with a romantic floral dress as well as a business suit. Stay tuned for many unexpected combinations, for this certain twist, for this «je ne sais quoi» attitude that makes the difference. But don’t feel pressure, or at least don’t crack under it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. 

The past four weeks have been extremely intense for me. I would say it was probably the most intense time of my life so far. I moved out of the house I had lived in for 16 years and I didn’t do anything else for one month than packing boxes. Everybody in my friendship circle knows that I love doing everything by myself, especially when it comes to my beloved closet. So I wrapped every single piece in acid-free silk paper which is the least harmful for clothing.

During the past months, I had a severe moth and fur beetle problem in my old home which was built in 1896. Those insects hide very well in the old wood floors and moldings – it is almost impossible to fight them. The terminator treated the rooms, I had planted ichneumon wasps for over 10 weeks. Yet, they didn’t go away. Therefore, I had to check every item in order not to pack them.

During this one month, I had the moving company (I can absolutely recommend Hobi Transporte) come every week for two days to load parts. My new house is unfortunately not ready yet. The construction and refurbishment take much longer than expected.

My fiancé lives out of Switzerland which doesn’t make it any easier. However, I managed to get everything done and I am very proud of myself, even that I have to be now in an interim solution next door. Packing means venturing on a trip down memory lane. You find so many things that you might have forgotten about. I indulged in this ride, it made me cry sometimes or laugh. However, it was intense, yet very satisfying.

I am overly excited over the beginning of this new phase in my life. I am looking forward to the new home that we create by ourselves and that will be even more beautiful than my previous one. Every room will be dedicated to a designer.

I have never shown my home in all those years I have had my blog. Now that I moved out, I thought it is time for you to explore parts of it… The closet is missing. This I still keep for myself… one day, I will reveal it as well. Promised!

To new and beautiful ventures, quoting Paulo Coehlo: «If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Since its launch in 1992, the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign has united and inspired people globally to create a breast cancer-free world. Founded by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, the campaign is the American beauty conglomerate’s largest corporate social impact program. It has raised more than $89 million to support global research, education and medical services, with more than $73 million funding 293 medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).

«It really is something that can never be done by any one person; it has to be done by a group.» – Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
In Memoriam 12 August 1936 – 13 November 2011

 Around the world, people are experiencing challenging times living amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This is true for all of those impacted by the disease, especially the breast cancer community, which now faces increased risk and vulnerability. But these days have also brought a renewed sense of unity, hope and inclusivity, as we all join together in the mission #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

#TimeToEndBreastCancer on Instagram

The 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign has launched a new social media call-to-action to rally supporters and raise funds for BCRF: Show your Pink Ribbon and share what it means to you. For every public, in-feed Instagram or Facebook post during the month of October featuring both hashtags #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to BCRF up to $100,000.

For all my Swiss readers who would like to support the 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign, pay a visit to the Charity Pop-Up Store at Zurich’s Main Station from October 8-10, 2020, where you can profit from 50% off several products from brands belonging to The Estée Lauder Companies, such as Clinique, La Mer, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown etc… All proceeds will be donated to «Look Good Feel Better». Throughout the whole month of October, you can also buy those Pink Ribbon limited edition products:

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex with Pink Ribbon Bracelet – CHF 149.00
ESTÉE LAUDER Pink Perfection Lip Kit – CHF 65.00
CLINIQUE Moisture Surge 72-hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator – CHF 42.00 (50ml)
LA MER Crème de la Mer – CHF 100.00 (15ml)
(50% of the sale price of each product will be donated to «Look Good Feel Better»).

AVEDA Hand Relief ™ Moisturizing Crème with Cherry Almond Aroma – CHF 40.50 (150ml)
(The Estée Lauder Companies will donate CHF 5.00 for each sold product to «Look Good Feel Better»).

It’s more than a ribbon. It unites us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Estée Lauder Companies and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I received some of the products as samples.

EZGI CINAR launched her Zurich-based namesake demi-couture label in 2016. Her dreamlike collections are an homage to independent, passionate women, combining Swiss craftsmanship with Turkish romance. Dedicated to the woman who refuses to follow rules, preferring instead to make her own.

Me wearing the «All Dressed Up» mask

Now, she has taken her creativity further with the design of the most glamorous face masks that you can imagine. Made from scuba neopren, they are coated with mesh metal and / or crystals and lined on one side with a silicone strap to ensure the perfect fit for the ultimate protection.

Turning the mask around, you can see the immaculate craftsmanship. 

Personally speaking, I find them extremely comfortable to wear and the most stylish on the market.

TO SHOP EZGI CINAR FACE MASKS, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ezgi Cinar and © Sandra Bauknecht