Sandra‘s Closet

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its collaborative streak, this time partnering with Proenza Schouler for a capsule collection inspired by travel, the open road, and the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo. The products in this collection are crafted from high quality, sustainable materials, such as recycled eco cashmere and upcycled leather, and made using responsible manufacturing practices involving natural dying and tanning methods. The campaign features Laura Dern and her son Ellery Harper.

Inspired by the great American road trip, the collection is titled The Power of Two and plays with the recognizable Mercedes-Benz logo. Each of the pieces are responsibly made, designed to «be loved and last,» and is also designed to be gender-neutral.

The Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler apparel collection will be available from November 9, globally on Proenza Schouler’s website, as well as at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, London’s Selfridges, as well as at Mercedes-Benz’s brand space at Odeonsplatz in Munich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: #Mercedes-Benz x Proenza Schouler

At Editions de Frédéric Malle, matching a person to the right perfume – whether in person or virtually – has always been a crucial part of the brand’s mission. «From the get-go – twenty years ago – I thought that, while a face-to-face session with one of our specialists was always going to be the ultimate, you shouldn’t have to go to a store to get a great experience or find the right match,» says Frédéric Malle today. «Not everyone was able to visit our stores, but we had a perfume for almost everyone. That’s why we were the first perfumers to launch a website, which at the time seemed to many people counterintuitive. I always knew that a virtual experience could eventually be just as fun and accurate – a similar type of exchange, but in a way, more intimate, and quite extraordinary.»

With Frédéric Malle

The original e-commerce site contained the first attempt, an almost Proustian questionnaire that – seemingly by magic, or intuition – produced amazingly accurate recommendations. At first, Malle answered each one personally. It was so good it’s still there, 20 years later.

This acuity was a triumph of study and observation of people’s visual language, individual style choices, and aesthetic preferences. In the early years, Malle had made a point of personally working the floor at the rue de Grenelle boutique, getting to know the clientele, learning the art of pairing customer and scent, and training his perfume consultants to be expert matchmakers. This felt crucial: the combination of rationality and instinct, meticulous refinement and fantasy, was to Malle the ethos of the company embodied. «By simply observing and really listening to people, we learn so much,» he says, «and as a result, we can give really precise advice. And this made-to-measure, very careful way of looking at people, helps them to find the freedom they really want – the freedom to be themselves. And they, in turn, because they are so varied and multifaceted, allow us the freedom of incredible creativity and the desire to generate an even-more eclectic perfume collection.»

Enter Kakanias. The Athens-born, LA-based artist, known for the whimsy and theatrical drama of his illustration, would seem at first glance an unlikely match for the painstaking Malle. «When I work with him, I try to get into his skin,» says Kakanias. «He’s so precise – and I’m not.» And yet, the two are not only longtime collaborators, but have become dear friends. Their skill-sets are in fact complementary and both share a fascination with observing and capturing the world in all its fabulous, glamorous, complex dimensions. Together, they combined their different landscapes, experiences, and intuitions to create a series of deft visual character sketches.

The Find your Match quiz combines both: at first glance a beautiful collage of images, of characters, the questionnaire will, in fact, result in the perfect perfume. What’s your ideal setting?  What shoes do you wear – what coat – and what underwear? What do you drive? This self representation is reflected by an algorithm, based on Malle’s years of observation, that he calls «a true representation of my brain,» translated into images with Kakanias‘s inimitable whimsical grace («It wasn’t easy – there were so many objects!») and leads to a result of uncanny accuracy.

What starts as a delightful escape from your day can become so much more. How do you want to use perfume – as weapon, as seduction, as discretion, as disguise? Will you want to sparkle, dominate, charm? What are the important moments in life, when you want to shine? Do you see yourself running a board meeting in Louboutins? Trysting in the woods with abandoned hair? Meeting in-laws while carrying a Birkin? Riding a Vespa across the Bridge of Sighs at midnight, en route to a highly exclusive and vaguely sinister after-hours club, with Dante in your pocket? Maybe all four at once!

It’s almost like going to a psychologist, a meeting of the minds in your telephone – but at the end, you’ll have the perfect scent. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What was your childhood like? (OK, maybe not that – but who knows? This stuff is powerful.) You’ll gradually hone in on a reflection of how you see yourself, and how you wish to be seen: your perfect match. And it will change your life.

Here are my results. Musc Ravageur is one of my favorite scents. So the quiz truly works… have fun! YOU CAN START THE QUIZ HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Frédéric Malle and © Sandra Bauknecht
#fredericmalle – #whoareyou? – #findyourperfume
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This is definitely the year of designer collaborations. I can barely keep track, haha! Versace partnered with Fendi for FENDACI, Gucci tapped both The North Face and Balenciaga, while Chloé teamed up with Fusalp for a collection of skiwear. Now comes another collaboration that might sell out immediately: Kim Jones and Kim Kardashian West have joined forces for FENDI x SKIMS.

A creative clash of two seemingly opposing visions, united by a shared appreciation for empowered femininity and modern luxury. The signature FENDI style codes and the revolutionary aesthetic of SKIMS come together in an exclusive limited-edition edit of ready to wear and accessories.

«The innovation in fabrics and fit typical to Skims paired with the luxury and quality of Fendi may feel unexpected to some people, but the similarities between our creative vision and goals are so closely aligned,» Kardashian West said in the original press release. «It’s that tension that excites me.»

This partnership makes complete sense and forgive me, father, for liking FENDI & SKIMS. Kim’s obsession for body-conscious silhouettes and Fendi’s iconic logo and elevated sportswear, this is a match made in marketing heaven.

Shop the collection at fendiskims.com from Monday, November 9 at 3pm CET and in FENDI boutiques worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

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

This holiday season, Nespresso is collaborating with Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, to enchant coffee lovers with the launch of its annual Festive collection, inspired this year by the forest.

Inspired by the beauty and depth of Nature’s forests, Nespresso’s ‘Gifts of the Forest’ collection encapsulates the brand’s devotion to the precious environment coffee is grown in. The collection features a range of limited-edition coffees for both the Original and Vertuo systems, along with festive infused accessories, making for delightful and inspiring gifts for family and friends. Coffee lovers can also gift this festive season knowing Nespresso is giving back to the forest, as the brand goes beyond its agroforestry commitments, by helping to protect 10 million trees in the Amazon.

To bring the design of their limited-edition collection to life, Nespresso has partnered with Colombian luxury fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, whose innovative designs and interplay between nature and sustainability truly transports coffee aficionados into Nespresso’s festive universe.

Johanna Ortiz says «For me, design and nature go hand in hand which is why this collaboration resonated personally. Colombian coffee also has a truly special place in my heart and as an active supporter in the fight against climate change, knowing that Nespresso is going beyond its agroforestry commitments by supporting the protection of 10 million trees in the Amazon, it was another huge reason why this collaboration made perfect sense. When designing the collection, I took the idea of capturing the beauty of the forest throughout every piece, by incorporating rich forest canopies and dark earthy tones within my designs. It’s been an amazing process and partnership which I have deeply enjoyed.»

Explore and wander through Nespresso’s Forest Variations coffees. From forest fruits to luscious canopies of trees, this year’s Festive coffee range includes two flavored coffees and one black coffee.

Uncover the hidden flavors of Forest Black
A canopy of trees shelters Forest Black’s coffees to protect the flavor hidden in each bean. Discover this blend of shade-grown coffees from Colombia and beyond. A spicy espresso, its exotic woody notes will transport tastebuds to the depths of the forest.

Taste the berries of the Forest with Forest Fruit Flavour
Like gems that light up the forest floor, forest fruits are the gifts trees give us. Juicy berry aromas run through this season’s flavoured espresso as the South American Arabicas’ lingering cereal character takes on a festive sweet pastry note.

Delight in the treasures of the trees with Forest Almond Flavour
Forest Almond Flavour is the forager’s delight of the season. With the sweet, nutty flavour tucked into this espresso’s South American Arabicas, get ready to uncover almond notes marked by vanilla and a light fruitiness in this coffees’ smooth cereal character.

Nespresso lovers can also surprise and delight guests with delicious Gifts of the Forest coffee cocktail recipes, specially crafted to enhance the sensory experience. Each coffee-infused recipe has been curated by Nespresso with the Gifts of the Forest collection in mind, bringing a taste of nature and sophistication to each glass.

Moreover, there is a beautiful range of limited-edition accessories and gifts this festive season to surprise loved ones. You can countdown in style with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz advent calendar. For this edition, its stunning packaging has been designed by Johanna Ortiz as part of her festive collaboration. Available for both Vertuo and Original coffee lovers, this year’s advent calendar will take Nespresso lovers through a different coffee each day from December 1 to 23, with a special gift on the 24.

You can also add a burst of color with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz NOMAD travel mug, which blends well into nature as it comes in a ‘Deep Cherry’ shade, emulating the rich ripe berries of the forest.

In addition to its coffee offer, there are two exclusively designed items for the festive season. Shoppers can get their hands on an alluring reversible organic-cotton tote bag as well as a useful notebook made from sustainable materials. Both are decorated with the signature Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz pattern showcasing sweeping forest canopies and capturing the true essence of the forest.

For coffee lovers who like a touch of sparkle on the go, Nespresso is also revamping its iconic Touch travel mug, that will be available in a golden colorful a limited time only.

Nespresso is also proud to be partnering with Conservation International to gift back to the forest this Festive season. For almost 20 years Nespresso has been focused on protecting nature through agroforestry projects to protect the ecosystems its coffee farms rely on. To take this further beyond coffee farming and support the local communities that call the forest home, Nespresso is also announcing its contribution to protecting 10 million trees in the Amazon Forest in La Pedrera, Colombia. The effort is in collaboration with Conservation International and La Pedrera’s Madroño community. Forest conservation plays a huge role in Nespresso’s sustainability vision, which is to create a cup of coffee that has a positive impact on the world – from the coffee cherry to the cup.

The limited edition Gifts of the Forest collection is now available on www.nespresso.com and in selected boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nespresso

This was my outfit that I wore to the wonderful evening at the Dolder Grand with Glenmorangie. I am such a big Zimmermann fan. The creations are so feminine and easy to wear. Combined with muted colors or black, the dresses also work their magic during winter time.

My look: Concert embroidered floral linen-blend lawn dress by Zimmermann, Kronobotte 85 leather knee boots by Christian Louboutin, Kelly So Black in box leather by Hermès, and clip earrings by CHANEL (Métiers d’Art 2012 Paris – Bombay).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
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In the end of October I was invited to the Dolder to discover to indulge in a tale of winter. It was a cozy evening that started with cocktails on the terrace of the beautiful suite, followed by a wonderful conversation in front of the fireplace.

With Dr. Bill Lumsden at the Dolder

Dr. Bill Lumsden, who heads up Glenmorangie’s innovations and has been with the company for more than 25 years, gave us an insight into the world of whisky. He is a true icon with an amazing and truly captivating Scottish accent. His favourite phrase is «What if?». With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame and has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else.

This year, Dr. Bill has challenged himself and his team once more to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky.  Inspired by the coziness of a winter jumper, the whisky experts will release Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter next month, a 13-year-old single malt with notes of fruit, honey, cocoa dust and spice, designed for crafting fireside drinks.

So when Dr. Bill Lumsden found himself snowed in at home, wearing his most colourful winter knit, he began to wonder «What if?». He started imagining a whisky that would capture the feeling of being wrapped up indoors, enveloped in a snug winter jumper, while outside was thick with snow.

With this wintry whisky in mind, Dr Bill took a parcel of Glenmorangie mellowed in bourbon casks and finished it in casks which once held Sicily’s fortified Marsala wine – loved for its sweet and fruity flavours. Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter is part Christmas cake, part Highland hip flask. The limited edition whisky has notes and aromas of fruit, honey and Brazil-nut toffee, knitted together with cinnamon, ginger and clove. The whisky was crafted in stills ‘as tall as a giraffe’ to allow more space for taste and aroma. Then they age it in the finest casks, all to bring joy to whisky lovers old and new.

Dr Bill said: «We all know the delight of snuggling up in a winter jumper by the fire, when it’s snowy outside. With flavours as bright and vivid as my favourite woollen sweater, Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter deliciously captures those magical, cosy moments. The experience begins with light flurries of fruit and honey, building to torrents of cocoa dust, flakes of red pepper and chunks of Brazil-nut toffee. It culminates in a feels-like-forever finish that swirls with cinnamon, ginger and clove.»

What’s more, Glenmorangie has created a series of six hot and cold wintry drinks for whisky fans easy to make at home, using the new pour, and other whiskies from the brand’s portfolio. These include a Winter Old Fashioned, a bold and velvety Quinta Ruban Hot Chocolate, and a Pumpkin Scotch Latte. The recipes can be found below:

WINTER APPLE TODAY (hot)
INGREDIENTS:
50ml X by Glenmorangie Whisky
75ml apple juice naturally cloudy
25ml squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Cinnamon sugar
METHOD
Gently heat all ingredients, except the whisky, in a saucepan, do not allow to boil. Moisten the rim of a heatproof glass cup and dip it in cinnamon sugar in reverse, then fill it with the hot applelemon juice. Then add the Glenmorangie X and stir. Garnish: orange zest (peel) in strips.

FIRESIDE MULE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Original
125ml Ginger Beer
25ml squeezed lemon juice
25ml apple juice natural
Some sugar, dash of Angostura bitters
METHOD
Gently heat all ingredients in a saucepan, do not allow to boil, then transfer to a heatproof glass cup Garnish: Ginger cookie

WINTER OLD FASHIONED (cold)
INGREDIENTS
50ml X by Glenmorangie
1 tsp Demerara Sugar
3 dashes Bitters
Cinnamon Stick and Orange Twist, to garnish
METHOD
Pour ingredients into an Old Fashioned glass. Stir to dissolve sugar, then fill with cubed ice. Stir to
chill, then garnish with cinnamon stick and orange twist.

MULLED MORANGIE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
30ml Glenmorangie Lasanta
100ml red wine*
50ml press apple juice
Mulling spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, anise, vanilla)**
1 dessert spoon of Demerara sugar
One slice (wheel) of orange
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a simmer on a low heat. Do not allow to boil. Pour into
a heat proof cup or mug.
*Alternatively, buy a pre-made bottle of mulled wine from the grocery store
** Alternatively, add a mulling sachet to your red wine

PUMPKIN SCOTCH LATTE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Original
50ml Espresso
50ml ready-made Spiced Pumpkin Syrup
100ml Hot Milk
Whipped Cream and Cinnamon, to garnish
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a reusable coffee cup. Stir, then add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

QUINTA HOT CHOCOLATE (hot)
INGREDIENTS
50ml Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
50g Dark Chocolate (chopped or broken up)
50ml Double Cream
Pinch of Salt
1 tsp Demerara Sugar (to taste)
Orange Twist and Gingersnaps on side for dipping
METHOD
Pour ingredients into a saucepan and simmer on low heat until chocolate has melted (do not boil).
Serve in a glass mug and place the orange twist on top, with gingersnaps on the side for dipping.

Now winter can come…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Andrea Monica Hug
Responsible Drinking: The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Lost & found… after ditching fancy clothes during the lockdown, I cannot get enough of dressing up. Racy, big-cat prints are never out of style – go head-to-toe for the win. The perfect fall colors!

My look: Draped leopard jacquard-knit jacket, and matching leopard jacquard-knit jumpsuit, both by Alaïa, Montana 120 stretch-satin thigh boots by Christian Louboutin, «16» bag by Celine, leopard print sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, metal glass pearls leather earrings, and leather belt with chain, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Prada presents the eleventh drop of the new Prada Timecaspule, an exclusive product for men and women: exclusively at prada.com the first Thursday of every month, for 24 hours only.

Reminiscent of vintage silhouettes, the new Timecapsule wool sweater is animated by an original graphic blending a ’70s-tinged aesthetic with modern takes on classic knitwear motifs. Traditional argyle geometries transform into an unexpected, pixel-inspired jacquard pattern, while a triangular macro inlay evoking retro skiwear designs adds striking contrast.

An exclusive product for men and women: a limited number of articles, exclusively online, for 24 hours only November 4, 2021, the new drop of Prada Timecapsule is signed with a serial number that makes it unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Jacquard knit – Chevron intarsia – Unisex fit with a vintage-inspired silhouette – Crewneck – Regular shoulder – Ribbed knit trims – Jacquard logo – Price: € 1500.

The sweater is available here. Next drop will be on December 2, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

After Daniel Lee‘s success at Bottega Veneta releasing the uber fabulous The Pouch bag, there is the new hit in line. I am completely obsessed with The Point that is named for its triangular top handles, which are an established house signature.

Making a fashion statement: The Pouch in the large size.

As The Pouch – especially in the big size (which is the most recognizable fashion statement) – isn’t always the most practical when it comes to carrying as it doesn’t come with shoulder straps, I was really excited for The Point.

Available in a beautiful range of colours and textures in two sizes, small and medium, each one has a structured magnetic frame and knotted shoulder strap, which can easily be concealed inside if you prefer to carry it by the distinctive ‘V’ top handle.

I went for the small size, which I find perfect, in the lime color. Bottega Veneta is really great when it comes to colors. The shades are special and all so beautiful.

There are many different versions of The Point already, from the classic in a range of unexpected but delightful colors as well as other intricate interpretations like this one below in pink intrecciato woven leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter and Bottega Veneta, Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images, David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Last week, I attended an interactive digital event to celebrate the awe of nature with the new Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim Holiday Collection.

Barbara De Laere, Aveda Global Brand President, and Phillip Lim, Co-Founder and Creative Director of 3.1 Phillip Lim, shared firsthand the inspiration behind the collection, their favorite holiday traditions, and what they see as the future of sustainability for their respective industries. The event was hosted by Aveda’s Global Advocate for Sustainability, Arizona Muse.

«Our shared values to protect and care for the planet will manifest beauty. It is a beautiful cycle, a cycle of gifts.» – Phillip Lim

Aveda’s collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim is inspired by a mutual awe of nature, each element a celebration of botanical forms and expressions. The power of nature is in full bloom this holiday season as those two like-minded brands are bringing the botanical world of beauty to life thorough special-edition accessories and gift packaging created with sustainability at heart. The Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration includes four covetable, limited-edition hair accessories – a hair towel wrap & carrying bag, scrunchie trio, detangling comb, and wooden paddle brush –  as well as special-edition gift packaging, all featuring striking prints that combine the joyful colors of the holiday seasons with those found in the natural world.

Made with no compromises, the detangling comb for example is produced with recycled materials as post-consumer recycled polypropylene, and the hair towel wrap is made from 100% organic cotton.

The most amazing part are the gift boxes that can be reused and are made with 100 % recycled paper.  As they are so beautiful, you don’t need extra wrapping paper. Less layers that make the box a gift itself. The artwork that is featured was designed in collaboration with botanical artist, Sophie Parker.

Available globally beginning November 1st at Aveda salons, spas, stores, select retail partners and online, each element of the Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collection pulses with botanical-inspired graphics and vivid colors from nature for a joyous and unexpected expression of the holiday season.

Botanical Repair Light Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Rich Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Strengthening Collection – CHF 84.00
Cherry Almond Softening Hair & Body Essentials – CHF 51.00
Hand Relief & Foot Relief Home and Travel Essentials – CHF 77.00
Moisturizing Travel Trio – CHF 36.00 / CHF 28.00
Feed My Lips Lip Gloss Duo – CHF 24.00

As Phillip said, «it is about the 3 Ps. The people, the planet and the products.»

Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aveda, © Sandra Bauknecht