Sandra‘s Closet

The new Sixième Sens par Cartier collection showcases that extra touch of soul unique to High Jewellery, an expression of art that inspires like no other.

Trompe-l’oeil or graphic games, optical effects or evocative power, the compositions play with Earth’s gravity. Disrupting our perceptions, this collection draws us into a world where our senses are stimulated and awakened. Even our sixth sense, that exhilarating rush of emotion that touches the heart.

With the Imperio necklace, Cartier continues its reflection on movement: how do you give rhythm to a composition and create a sense of speed? To answer these questions, Cartier borrows from the codes of kinetic art. Lines of tension, brisk strokes, geometric shapes and mirrored construction.

Graphic patterns are further accentuated by colour contrasts such as the black of the onyx and the green of the emeralds.  A chromatic combination that has been part of the Maison’s stylistic repertoire since 1910 and which accentuates the effect of perspective. It all combines to confuse the gaze that converges on the central stone: an exceptional 23.55-carat Colombian emerald with no inclusions. This octagonal stone has a perfectly homogeneous green colour with bluish undertones that harmonise with the other emeralds. Since my visit to an emerald mine in Muzo, Colombia in 2015, I have so much appreciation and love for those amazing, powerful green stones.

Like every piece of Cartier High Jewellery, the choice of stones pays tribute to their beauty. All must meet the highest standards of excellence and quality set by the Maison’s experts. A duty and a responsibility, both social and environmental that Cartier has pioneered, by being committed from the very beginning in terms of sourcing coloured stones. Therefore the Maison is a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery council (RJC), an organisation created in 2005 that sets standards in the areas of social and environmental responsibility for the jewellery and watchmaking industry.

With almost thirty different ways to wear it, this was the challenge the Cartier design studio and workshops had to face. This approach to jewellery has been part of the Maison’s history since the appearance of the first headbands that could be transformed into necklaces and, around the 1920s, bracelets that could be dismantled into brooches. Each new High Jewellery collection is an opportunity for Cartier to push the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity.

This necklace allows itself to transform. It can be worn short, long, split in two to be worn either together or separately. Opt for the diamond or emerald alone as a pendant, multiple combinations further increased by the possibility of unfastening the triangular motif that can be worn as a brooch… When worn, the jewellery piece reinvents itself, divides its charms and multiplies its appearances.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

The outfit for which I had received the most compliments this summer was definitely this full-on Dolce & Gabbana denim and brocade patchwork look that I wore to a summer party in Saint Tropez.

Isn’t this outfit just fabulous? So vibrant, fun and playful. I love the idea of using stock fabrics to produce new looks, a truly sustainable approach to fashion without loosing the style aspect out of sight! Bravo, Dolce & Gabbana, well done!

My look: Patchwork brocade, drill and jacquard vest, patchwork drill and brocade jacquard bustier top, patchwork denim and jacquard midi skirt, short necklace with patchwork details and rhinestones, printed turban, Devotion denim slingback pumps, Sicily leather-trimmed patchwork denim tote, and floral embellished rhinestone sunglasses, all by Dolce & Gabbana. Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier. Vintage Chandra earrings with white porcelain and pink tourmaline by Bvlgari (worn in shoot), and oversized gold-tone, leather, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana (worn at party).

LoL, Sandra

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

I got so many lovely messages regarding my two last Prada outfit posts and lots of you were curious about the locations I shot the looks in Milan. Thank you for your interest!

For Prada‘s F/W 2021 campaign #FeelsLikePrada, the Italian fashion house came up with an amazing concept. The patterns of the show decorate buildings, houses and walls in different cities around the world. You can find them in Paris, Milan, Florence, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York and Hong Kong until October 21, 2021.

Left: Feels Like Prada – Milano – Corso Garibaldi 95 – Building artwall
Right: Dinner with Prada – Milano – Via Spallanzani – Viale Regina Giovanna (Porta Venezia) – Building artwall

Feelings – emotions and senses, intimacy and tactility. The Prada F/W 2021 campaign, showcasing the collections for women and men designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, is an exploration of the evocation of feeling.

To feel has connotations both sensorial and emotional – rather than intellectual discourse, it is about instinct, spontaneity. Photographed by David Sims, each image is implicitly a fragment of an independent narrative – yet presented in serial, laid side-by-side, these photographs form a new abstract story of their own, expressing emotion. Deeper than appearance, this campaign is about what feels like Prada.

Building in New York

This narrative will come to life through a variety of experimental activations during Fall 2021, spanning digital and physical – life, re-fashioned, through the lens of Prada. Real-world spaces and quotidian objects will be enveloped in tactile patterns drawn from the Prada F/W 2021 collection, alongside building façades also featured in the campaign imagery – objects and places that can be touched, felt.

Prada objects at the Wet Market in Shanghai

The campaign as a whole is a proposition, a proposal – positing a vision of a brand, intentionally multi-faceted, to reflect its complex and ever-transforming nature. It is that which – always – feels like Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
Prada F/W 2021 Campaign
Photographer: David Sims – Creative director: Ferdinando Verderi
#PradaFW21 #FeelsLikePrada #Prada

Ladies, please let me introduce you to the amazing ORIBE Renewal Remedies Transformative Professional Treatments that are only available in salons. In Zurich, you can book them at CHARLES AELLEN COMPANY. After having tried the procedure, I can absolutely recommend the treatment. My hair felt immediately much softer, more shiny and really really nice. I haven’t been to the hair dresser in 10 months and my strands truly needed some love. As I love my length, I was afraid that we have to cut a lot but thanks to the revolutionary salon treatment experience, Charles only needed to take off a little bit.

The Renewal Remedies Transformative Professional Treatments are custom blended by your hair stylist. These antidotes are designed to help restore the holistic health of hair, perfecting and protecting from root to tip. Your hair is transformed to lustrous, polished perfection, complete with movement and reflective shine for truly transcendent results.

First you start with the Foundations that are the base of Renewal Remedies treatments. Formulated with Bio-Synergy, a restorative sugar-protein complex, Renewal Remedies fortifies the inner structure of hair while restoring the damaged outer layer by creating a shield that locks in essential moisture and smoothes the cuticle. Designed to address the full spectrum of hair concerns, each treatment improves texture and provides intense hydration while increasing vibrancy, smoothness, and strength.

4x Smoother.* – 4x Softer.* – 74% more manageable.*

After that you choose the Amplifiers.

For damaged or weak hair: Strengthening Amplifier

Strengthen the inner structure of hair.
Prevent breakage.
Improve elasticity.
Fortify strands.
The Strengthening Amplifier, formulated with a protective blend of 12 amino acids and a patented fortifying complex, penetrates the cortex to help strengthen the inner structure of hair while preventing breakage. The Strengthening Amplifier and Foundation work together to significantly improve elasticity and the tensile strength of hair with each application.

For frizzy or curly hair: Smoothing Amplifier

Improve smoothness, softness and manageability.
Seal in moisture.
Reduce frizz.
Protect against humidity.
The Smoothing Amplifier, formulated with a specialized cross-linked polymer and a hydrating marine complex, forms a protective barrier on the hair fiber to seal in moisture and reparative nutrients while locking out humidity. The Smoothing Amplifier and Foundation work together to deliver superior smoothness, softness and control while significantly reducing frizz, even in high humidity.

For color-treated hair: Color Retention Amplifier

Extend the life of color through multiple washes.
Shield from oxidative stress.
Restore the protective outer layer of strands.
Increase vibrancy of color.
The Color Retention Amplifier, formulated with color-lock technology and a natural luminosity-enhancing antioxidant, helps extend the life of color while shielding from oxidative stress. The Color Retention Amplifier and Foundation work together to restore the protective outer layer of strands, while creating a noticeable difference in prismatic vibrancy and shine of color through multiple washes.

Good to know is that the bottles are made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic and are recyclable, with the PCR being domestically sourced and produced in the United States. The applicator bottles and applicator tips were developed to be reused multiple times. They can easily be rinsed, dried and used at least ten times.

I went for the Foundation for Fine to Medium Hair in combination with the Strengthening Amplifier. After the shampoo, the mixed product is applied and is left for around 10-15 minutes. Afterwards it is washed out and you can feel and see the result immediately.
I am truly happy. Thank you, Charles!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Oribe and © Sandra Bauknecht
*based on a clinical test conducted on human hair against a control group.

Isabel Marant puts her signature twist on the classic denim style, presenting this stud-embellished denim jacket and ruffled strapless dress. It is a great way to upgrade your classics. The white boots have the same studs like the jacket. I am totally obsessed with this look.

My look: Depaline studded embellished denim jacket, Dolizi strapless denim peplum mini dress, Luliette embellished canvas and suede ankle boots, Silver In Love star earrings, all by Isabel Marant, and The Pouch small gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

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

Feels Like Prada – I have been collecting Prada from the early beginning (thank you, Mama, for spoiling me at an early age). Miuccia Prada’s first creation was the now-classic Prada backpack called the Vela, which made its debut in 1984. In 1988, she showed her first ready-to-wear collection for F/W, that was focused on clean lines and timeless silhouettes. Since then, she has influenced how we think about fashion, without you knowing about it probably. Personally speaking, she is the real trendsetter in the industry, sometimes even a little ahead of time.

For me, it is fascinating to see how the young generations crave now for Prada. The recent launch of the re-edition nylon bags caused a true fashion frenzy. Needless to say, I feel blessed that I have kept everything in my closet. I love to mix and match from different seasons as you can see in this look, shot during Milan Fashion Week.

My look: Cropped organic denim jacket, denim bralette (both F/W 2021), synthetic reflective silver track pants (F/W 2017), frame comic-print leather bag (S/S 2018), light green pumps (S/S 2012), spiked bead collar necklace (S/S 2003), and wide blue head band (F/W 2020), all by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

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

Prada presents the tenth 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.

Halloween‘s distinctive color palette and eerie atmosphere inspire the graphic of the new Timecapsule shirt, featuring spiders and webs in a vivid play of black and orange. Faded and irregular along the edges, the placed print creates a distinctive, vintage look, emphasizing each piece’s uniqueness. The shirt is also enriched by a contemporary rubber badge logo on the chest pocket.

An exclusive product for men and women: a limited number of articles, exclusively online, for 24 hours only. The garment is decorated with a special logo created by OMA, the architecture firm founded by Rem Koolhaas, and with a serial number that makes it unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Oversized – Short sleeves – Bowling collar – Breast pocket – Straight hem – Mother-of-pearl buttons – Rubber badge logo on the front pocket – 100% Cotton – Sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). Made In Italy. Price: CHF 995.

The shirt is available here. Next drop will be on November 4, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for beauty enthusiasts and skincare aficionados this festive season, then look no further than NET-A-PORTER’s ’25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar’. Expertly curated and valued at over €1500.00, every drawer is packed with full-size and mini versions of best-selling products, from party-ready makeup by Charlotte Tilbury and Victoria Beckham Beauty, to cult lotions, serums and masks from Omorovicza, Sunday Riley and Oribe.

Available for only €295.00 from October 11, 2021 in the UK, all other European countries from Mid October. Mark your calendar and CLICK HERE TO SHOP IT THEN.

LoL, Sandra

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

«The centennial, for me, represents an opportunity to bear witness to Gucci’s eternal vitality that year after year, is reborn, it renews itself, reestablishing an unusual relationship with contemporaneity as a boy, forever young, observing the world with a powerful vision. I recognized the manifestation of its youth in its having intercepted and traversed, for one hundred years now, popular culture in all its forms. Above all, in music: the only medium, aside from fashion, more reactive to the times that mutate and mark the new, the today, the now», Alessandro Michele.

Conceived as a tribute to celebrate the centennial of the Maison, Gucci 100 manifests a deep connection between two universal languages, the language of clothing as an expression of personal identity and the language of music that recalls a collective memory.
It all begins with reflections on a number: 22,705. This is the extensive number of songs in which the word «Gucci» appears among the lyrics from 1921 to date according to Musixmatch, the Music Data Company that manages the world’s largest archive of music lyrics and that has collaborated with the Maison for this research.

«It isn’t a revisionist attempt to rummage through the past: if anything, mine is a ‘reverse’ revisionism of the House’s history, stitched back together by a piercing note, a melody, a refrain. Also because, if I were to depict Gucci, for me it would be an eternal teenager who hangs out at places where music is heard and played», continues Alessandro Michele.

Ready-to-wear and accessories feature the Gucci 100 logo or are adorned with verses from three songs chosen by Alessandro Michele from among the countless tracks that mention the brand: «Music is Mine Gucci Seats Reclined», from the song «The R» (1988) by Eric B. & Rakim, «This One’s Dedicated To All You Gucci Bag Carriers Out There It’s Called You Got Good Taste» from «You Got Good Taste» (1983) by rock band «The Cramps» and «And The Men Notice You With Your Gucci Bag Crew» from Amy Winehouse’s «Fuck Me Pumps» (2003). (© Sony Music Publishing)

The Campaign
Jazz, Psychedelic, Japanese Punk, Disco, Hip Hop, Afrobeat: these genres serve as the musical backdrops to a century-long journey in which a cast of characters moves through an evolution of sounds, harmonies, movements, tastes, and styles. Shot by Joshua Woods under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, the campaign channels love for life itself, the pleasure of conviviality, the beauty of dance, the overwhelming energy of music, the thrill of performance. Images that manifest, through their «analogic» charm, Gucci’s desire to express optimism and the pleasure of getting dressed as a shared moment of joy and amusement.

The campaign’s finale reveals a scale model of the legendary «Seville by Gucci» Cadillac, a paradigmatic expression of the late ‘70s flair and a testament to the Maison’s forward thinking. Originally produced in a very limited edition starting in 1978, Gucci has collaborated with Mattel Creations to create its first official collectible with Hot Wheels, a 1:64th scale replica of the ’82 model of the Cadillac in a limited edition of 5,000 pieces worldwide.

Blending fashion and music – love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #Gucci100
Campaign credits: Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director: Christopher Simmonds – Photographer & Director: Joshua Woods – Make up: Diane Kendal – Hair: Paul Hanlon

You know that I have a big thing for rainbow watches and today I would like to present a new one that has absolutely caught my eye.
Since 2017, Hublot has been setting its watches with all the colours of the rainbow. However, the watch brand has never combined all of its seven colours in one piece. Until now! Two exceptional High Jewellery pieces adorned with the full rainbow spectrum, from the case to the dial and to the bracelet. Two Big Bang Tourbillon models made from King Gold or white gold, which allow a glimpse beneath the sapphire to reveal the fascinating automatic tourbillon manufacture movement.

While Hublot is now completely synonymous with its Art of Fusion, the watch brand is also a master of the Art of Colour. It excels at imbuing all the materials it uses with colour, from those it has built expertise in, such as sapphire, to those it has patented, like vibrantly coloured ceramic.

Polishing of the stone

With a Pop Art spirit and a penchant for bright tones, Hublot loves its watches to really show their colours. Juxtapositions, gradations, contrasts, no Pantone is out of reach – not even the palette required for «Rainbow Maximalism». While the Rainbow trend has recently taken the fashion world by storm, for Hublot, this love of polychromy is anything but fleeting – unlike the rainbow itself – with the first Big Bang Rainbow released in 2017.

Stone heating

This piece totals almost 36 carats, with 484 invisibly set baguette-cut stones of seven different types to echo the seven visible colours of the spectrum: bright red rubies, fuchsia pink sapphires, ultraviolet amethysts, topaz in Klein blue, leaf green tsavorites, lemon yellow sapphires and bright orange sapphires. Two striking creations with generous dimensions of 43 mm; two unique pieces crafted from King Gold or white gold, with the integrated bracelet further reinforcing the visual impact, as the graduated spectrum of colours radiates outwards from the bezel to the bracelet.

Gem setting

The colour gradation is expertly executed, subtle yet captivating. It would be impossible to choose a favourite colour or stone. It must be said that, when it comes to perfectly combining and harmonising colours, nature knows best. The continuous transition between the seven types of stones further accentuates the piece’s artistic appeal. To reproduce the perfection of nature takes 1200 hours of work, selecting the stones, choosing their colours, cutting them and setting them to ensure the perfect gradation of colours. Nothing is left to chance in this work of art, including its mechanism, a manufacture movement entirely designed and manufactured in-house. It features a tourbillon at 6 o’clock which is no less striking than the piece itself: self-winding, with a micro-rotor visible on the dial side, and three bridges made from transparent sapphire. Once again, Hublot has fused innovation with expertise, combining Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie in a truly stunning watch.

Multicoloured is no longer a fashion faux pas; rather a deliberate multifaceted style. With all the colours of the rainbow combined in a single watch, are you ready for a look versatile enough for your every mood?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot