Sandra‘s Closet

Venezia è un film – Venice is a film – I was thrilled to be invited by Atelier Swarovski to Venice for a beautiful night at the Baglioni Hotel Luna, during the 76th Venice International Film Festival, to celebrate this grand event of Marie Claire Italia for their September issue.

Daniele Luchetti, Sveva Alviti, Alessandra Mastornardi, Manola Moslehi, Marco Maccarini, Antonella Bussi, and Fotinì Peluso.

Indulging in the silence of nature, away from the crowded squares, set in the lagoon, Daniele Luchetti, a director who becomes a fashion photographer for the first time, tells the story of traditions and Venetian crafts, of landscapes to be preserved with the help of female protagonists, four Italian actresses, Alessandra Mastronardi, Sveva Alviti, Fotinì Peluso, and Benedetta Porcaroli, all dressed in the new season.

Oysters and champagne waited for us in the hotel’s stunning Marco Polo salon, while Antonella Bussi, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire Italia, took the stage with Manola Moslehi and Marco Maccarini, announcers of Radio Italia, who were also the presenters of the beautiful evening. Thanks to Atelier Swarovski, the night was even more sparkling and brilliant, with the beautiful fine jewelry on display in a stunning showcase.

Atelier Swarovski stands at the forefront of a global conscious luxury movement with Swarovski Created Diamonds that mark a new step forward in the company‘s brilliant history of innovative man-made materials. Identical to mined diamonds, they possess the same composition, hardness, brilliance and fire – just as a greenhouse-grown orchid is identical to one found in nature.

The event culminated in a live performance of Italian singer Paola Turci. Playing the guitar, she immediately started singing her famous song «Volo così». You don’t need to be Italian to feel the emotions of the language and the power of this amazing woman.

After ending her performance with a cover of «Hallelujah» by Leonard Cohen, we moved up to the terrace on the third floor overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore, one of the most romantic postcards of Venice. All dancing with a musical selection designed for the event by Radio Italia DJ Paolo Negri, we enjoyed cocktails and dancing until late at night.

On the terrace: Marion and Laurence Kaelin and Marc-Henri Debluë, Marie Claire Suisse

Filming before the event

With Paola Turci at the after party.

Beautiful outfit: Fotinì Peluso in a red Valentino gown and earrings by Atelier Swarovski.

With Marion Kaelin in David Tomaszewski and Catherine Poulain in Tony Ward Couture.
For all details of my look, click here for yesterday’s post.

On the occasion of the event Marie Claire launched the social hashtags #MCCinema and #MCFutureVisioni. Below are more photos of this fabulous event!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Marie Claire Italia and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I spent two amazing days in Venice with Atelier Swarovski and Marie Claire Italia for the Film Festival. Before telling you more about the event, I would like to show you my sparkling outfit. The dress is from Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 2013 collection and for me one of the best gowns every done with Swarovski crystals. It is like a piece of art. To finish off the look, I combined some real diamonds with some eye-catching items from Atelier Swarovski’s new Tigris collection.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals (S/S 2013) by Mary Katrantzou, Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, Cha Cha crystal-embellished suede pumps by Alexandre Vauthier, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Tigris statement necklace, Tigris drop earrings, Tigris bangle, Tigris stacking rings and Tigris cocktail ring, all by Atelier Swarovski.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Stefano Trovati for Atelier Swarovski – © Marie Claire Italia
© Sandra Bauknecht #AtelierSwarovski #MCCinema #MCFutureVisioni

Any pet lover will say that life just seems better with a dog. The furry friends keep us company, entertain us, comfort us, protect us, and seem to make life fuller and more complete. I grew up with a dog and I still remember those beautiful years at his side. Today, I cannot pass a dog without a little cuddle. Henry kept me company while taking the photos of this floral-print linen outfit that is one of my favorites at the moment.

My look: Goldie cropped ruffled floral-print linen top, Goldie floral-print kick-flare linen trousers, and floral-print cotton visor, all by Zimmermann, Marmont fringed logo-embellished metallic cracked-leather pumps by Gucci, logo earrings, side packs in yellow, and  yellow logo cuffs, all by Chanel, «Mitza» ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and cat eye metal mirrored sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Revised for the Resort 2020 collection, the Prada Bowling Bag is a 21st century classic.
An archive style originally presented as part of S/S 2000 «Sincere Chic» Collection, in turn, it is an echo of the mid-twentieth century Accessories: A memory of memories.

Prada S/S 2000 runway (isn’t the quality of the photos hilarious)

I remember buying it during my first year as an editor at Marie Claire magazine (I cannot believe this was almost 20 years ago) and of course it is still in my closet soon to be worn again.

Reminiscent of the aesthetics of modern design in its straightforward contours, automobile chassis in their reliefs contrast similar materials in vibrant colors to evoke the visual vocabulary of fashion and a broader design vocabulary. Miuccia Prada always combines architecture, art and fashion in perfection.

Prada Resort 2020

It was represented on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the debut of this then iconic and today archetypal model in New York on May 2, 2019 as part of the Prada Resort Runway Show.

The reinterpreted bowling bag is a symbolic Prada silhouette made of fine, soft calf leather offered in four hyperclassic color combinations: white with black, cinnamon with white, white with red and black with white (what a pity the pink and white one is not produced). The Prada Bowling Bag is available from on November in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Thank God, I still have it in my closet, like this I am ahead of the game… therefore you should always keep your pieces until their time has come again.

LoL, Sandra

My Prada bowling bag and lip print skirt, both from the S/S 2000 runway collection.
I love the perforated leather detail….

Photos: © Prada, © Sandra Bauknecht

As my avid readers know, I am a big fan of Parmigiani Fleurier‘s Tonda model. I personally own the Tonda 1950 Clarity, the Tonda 1950 Galaxy and the Tonda Métropolitaine. I love that you don’t see these pieces very often. Now there is a new model in the watch family celebrating the lunar calendar in all its glory. The moon has always played an important part in my life, I cut my hair according to the moon phase and full moon deeply affects my sleeping habit and emotions.

Two years after it first appeared, Parmigiani Fleurier is updating the aesthetic of the Tonda 1950 Lune with a model featuring a slate dial and a second design with round diamonds on the bezel. Both showcase the poetry of the «lunar calendar» complication which illuminates their dial with a new layout. Behind this harmony, it is easy to forget the sheer mechanical complexity required to create an ultra-thin self-winding movement which comprises so many time indications. The Tonda 1950 Lune is both a technical and beautiful tour de force.

Tonda 1950 Lune with Slate Dial – CHF 29.000

With a rose gold case matched with a slate colour dial, this Tonda 1950 Lune is the epitome of the classic elegant watch. The lunar calendar, displaying the two hemispheres, is located at 10 o’clock instead of its previous position at 12 o’clock. This offset layout balances the date at 3 o’clock, the logo at 1 o’clock, and the small seconds window at 6 o’clock. All of the time indications are structured to create a pleasingly harmonious dial. The alligator strap is available in black for men.

Tonda 1950 Lune with Diamonds – CHF 37.000

On the other hand, the Tonda 1950 Lune with diamonds features a rose gold case, a mother of pearl dial, a beautiful complement to the light which plays across the precious stones – a combination which cannot fail to enthral. Additional touches adorn the piece, such as the moon at 10 o’clock which is set in the middle of a starry sky, and the gold outline around the date window at 4 o’clock. Lastly, the dial has been made smaller to accommodate a slightly broader bezel, allowing larger diamonds to be set within it, offering exceptional sparkle and brilliance, unlike any other.
The alligator strap is available in ficelle, red and indigo for women.

The calibre PF708

The Tonda 1950 Lune owes its slender proportions to its calibre, the PF708, a mechanism combining precision and reliability with automatic winding thanks to its platinum micro-rotor. Its elements have been carefully arranged on the main plate to ensure the various time indications are harmoniously displayed. As is standard practice at Parmigiani Fleurier, and one of its hallmarks, it boasts hand-applied finishes and bevelled bridges. Its sublime structure is complemented by «Côtes de Genève» decoration.

ABOUT PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Taking its name from its founder, watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani, the fine watchmaking brand was founded in 1996 in Fleurier, in the Swiss valley of Val-de-Travers. With its own watchmaking centre ensuring its independence, the brand has both full control over the production process and unique creative freedom. For over twenty years, the Parmigiani Fleurier signature has resided within timepieces that command the utmost respect, in harmony with watchmaking traditions. They are the labour of a lifetime – that of Michel Parmigiani, the talented individuals who assist him, and the special relationship between the Manufacture and the masterpieces of the past, enabling it to invent a bold future.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier

Besides this season’s zebra pattern trend, you should not miss another black and white animal print as fashionistas can’t get enough of dalmatian prints. When «too much» is never enough, those pieces are giving major Cruella De Vil vibes.

It is a great example how fashion and cinema are linked together. In 2021, Emma Stone will be giving a new twist to the iconic villain as she plays her in the upcoming film «Cruella», showing the Oscar-winning actress as the younger, significantly more punk version of the famous protagonist who is crazy for the black and white dots.

Here’s your first look at Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil in Disney’s Cruella. The film, also starring Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Joel Fry, comes to theaters May 28, 2021.

Below you can find the best dalmtian print pieces available this season. Have fun and get ahead of the fashion trend.

Animal-print cotton-twill trench coat by Burberry

Pussy-bow dalmatian-print silk blouse by Burberry

Dalmatian-print high-rise pleated midi skirt by Burberry

Crystal-embellished animal-print faux fur coat by Miu Miu

Logo and dalmatian print nylon backpack by Burberry

Dalmatian furry cropped blouse by Batsheva

London dalmatian print bag by Manu Atelier

Pre-owned vintage Dalmatian shoulder bag by Louis Vuitton

I am on my way to the Venice Film Festival with Atelier Swarovski. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Disney

Yesterday, another big name in the world of fashion left us. Esteemed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh died at the age of 74, as announced in a post on his official Instagram account Wednesday with the above picture.

«It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Lindbergh on September 3rd 2019, at the age of 74,» the post on his Instagram read. «He is survived by his wife Petra, his first wife Astrid, his four sons Benjamin, Jérémy, Simon, Joseph and seven grandchildren. He leaves a big void.»

Born in Poland in 1944, Lindbergh grew up in Duisburg, Germany, where he made his first steps as a photographer before moving to Paris in 1978 to pursue his career. I was lucky to work with Peter Lindbergh at an early stage in my career. Being a young editor at German MARIE CLAIRE magazine, he shot a lot for us under the creative helmet of our fashion director Florentine Pabst. Thanks to her, I was able to meet and observe the work of such amazing talented people, like him or Karl Lagerfeld.

This cover shoot for British VOGUE in January 1990 was one the reasons why I wanted to become a fashion editor. I was 14 at that time and was dreaming to pursue this career that thankfully became true. Thank you, Peter!

Renowned for his cinematic, elegant style, his iconic January 1990 cover shoot for British Vogue, featuring Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford, Lindbergh is considered to have launched the phenomenon of the supermodel. The creative photographer was also known for his firm stance against re-touching, something that is hard to imagine in today’s world of filters and photoshop.

Peter Lindbergh, IWC Schaffhausen campaign, 2011

Other high-profile works of his include the three Pirelli calendars, in 1996, 2002 and 2017, the advertising campaigns for IWC Schaffhausen and the portraits of actresses such as Lupita Nyong’o, Helen Mirren and Uma Thurman.

British Vogue’s September 2019 issue shares «Forces for Change» covers by Peter Lindbergh.

Before working on Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s guest-edited edition of British Vogue, he photographed her for the cover of Vanity Fair in 2017. Earlier this year, he shot musician Rosalía for the cover of Vogue España, as well as model Gigi Hadid for Vogue Arabia.

In the introduction to his 2018 photography book «Shadows on the Wall,» he wrote, «It should be a duty for every photographer working today to use his creativity and influence to free women and everyone from the terror of youth and perfection.» Amen to that!

Rest in peace, Peter! You will be missed…

LoL, Sandra

Peter Lindbergh, Vogue 1991

Peter Lindbergh, Vogue, August 1988

Iconic: Anna Winter’s first VOGUE cover photographed by Peter Lindbergh, November, 1988

One of my favorite photos: Nadja Auermann photographed by Peter Lindbergh for German MARIE CLAIRE, June 1996

Devon Aoki photographed by Peter Lindbergh for German MARIE CLAIRE, April 2001

Meghan Markte photographed by Peter Lindbergh for Vanity Fair, October 2017

Photos: Peter Lindbergh / Courtesy of Peter Lindbergh, Paris / Gagosian Gallery
Via VOGUE, © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s been 175 years since Johannes Baur opened the iconic Baur au Lac as the first hotel built directly on Lake Zurich. As one of Europe’s few grand hotels it is owned by the same family since its inception. The Baur au Lac is definitely the place to be when it comes to high end celebrations. Just one weekend ago, I was honored to be invited to the hotel owner’s daughter’s wedding that was one of the most beautiful and romantic events I have ever attended.

Countless stories could be told – if it were not for the hotel’s discretion which also became part of its reputation. But the hotel was making its own history: In 1853 in its Petit Palais, the «Peace of Zurich» was made. And in 1892 Baroness Bertha von Suttner convinced, here in the Baur au Lac, the Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel of the necessity for an international peace prize.
Marc Chagall sketched his glass paintings for Zurich’s Fraumünster Church while staying as a guest of the hotel. And it was here that Franz Liszt accompanied his son-in-law, Richard Wagner, on the piano for the world premiere of Die Walküre. The Baur au Lac has welcomed the likes of Kaiser Wilhelm II, General Ulysses Grant, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Queen Elizabeth II and many more.

To celebrate its big birthday year, the Baur au Lac has been rolling out the red carpet with some enticing events. One of them was the famous truly scintillating summer party that took place last Saturday in the incredible ambience of the hotel’s garden with stellar performances and all you can drink champagne! The first and finest social event that marks the end of the summer break brings together everyone who loves to live it up! Epic performances and a culinary explosion of flavours: from hot to cold and sweet to spicy, the buffets were filled with all sorts of culinary delights. I had a lot of fun that night …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

With this outfit post, I would like to invite you to explore the Net-à-Porter x Zimmermann capsule collection of luxe bohemian pieces sure to evoke wanderlust like this paisley print dresses with cut out details. Find everything you need for the perfect transitional wardrobe. I wore recently to a night out with one of my beloved girlfriends.

My look: Fringed wool-jacquard cardigan by Etro, Eyes on Summer cutout printed cotton and silk-blend chiffon maxi dress by Zimmermann, waist bag with chains and pearls by Chanel, Bianca leather sandals by Saint Laurent, gold-tone necklace with shell charms, gold-tone and shell choker, long gold-tone and shell necklace, and gold-tone and shell earrings, all by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When you come to London, I don’t want you to miss this season’s Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, the legendary designer afternoon tea inspired by the world of fashion, that sees the iconic designs of Christian Dior take to the cakewalk for an unprecedented solo show inspired by the exhibition I told you about earlier this week – Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A Museum.

The Dior Couture Collection transforms landmark pieces into exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. From the Junon Dress worn by Theo Graham at Le Pré Catalan in Paris 1949 to the Bar Jacket which has been synonymous with Dior since it took to the catwalk in 1947 as part of the «New Look,» each piece this season takes inspiration from Dior’s fashion history.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose a loose leaf tea from the hotel’s extensive collection.

Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866
Please note that the Dior Couture Collection will be served until 29 September 2019.

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £60.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £70.00 per person.
Signature Mocktail Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of a refreshing Mango & Rooibos mocktail, £70.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £76.00 per person.

We had such a great time and I hope that you will enjoy it as well!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht