Sandra‘s Closet

After a seemingly endless corona year of 2020 that paradoxically also flew by, 2021 has finally arrived. And about time, right? But as we look forward to new, layering-forward wardrobe opportunities, the hottest trend is actually revisiting the best of decades past. Time-honored preppy essentials that feel fresh and exciting with updated silhouettes and boundless styling options that all remind us of the good old times. Have fun getting lost in fashion nostalgia …

My look: Double-breasted frayed checked tweed blazer, and asymmetric frayed checked tweed shorts, both by Balmain, VLOGO silk shirt by Valentino, bow-detailed embellished velvet headband by Philip Treacy, Tanger leather-trimmed tasseled suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent, vintage clip-on blue earrings (S/S 1995) and dark blue 2.55 bag in velvet, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography
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Celebrating the spirit of discovery and being all wrapped up in some of the must-have The North Face x Gucci pieces, I would be hard to lose in a snowstorm such as we experienced in the end of last week. Just in one day, my garden transformed into a winter wonderland. The perfect backdrop to sport the vibrant colors, and prints inspired by garments from the ‘70s.

My look: Printed down vest, and ankle boots, both by The North Face x Gucci, rose-embroidered cotton-blend socks by Gucci, Phillipe cashmere-blend bouclé sweater, matching Pablo cashmere-blend bouclé midi skirt, and colour-block tasselled cashmere scarf, all by Gabriela Hearst, FF-jacquard shearling-lined ski headband by Fendi, and pochette Métis by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

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

A new addition to Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection: the ravishing Scarlet Poppy. This new floral has been inspired by the extravagant and exotic great scarlet poppy from the wild steppes of Asia. Amplified by velvety iris, notes of barley and tonka bean add a double hit of sweet decadence while a succulent fig accord draws you into this opulent scent.

Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection travels the world, collecting treasured ingredients to create unexpected fragrances. This latest Cologne Intense comes in a rich red bottle design, referencing the flower that inspired it.

«Scarlet Poppy is a grand, ravishing, deep floral, and the volume grows and grows as
you wear it. It’s a larger-than-life fragrance but still very sophisticated and refined.»
Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance

Jo Malone London recommends layering Scarlet Poppy with Poppy & Barley. The pairing of the two enhances the poppy note, creating an inviting floral scent.

Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 100ml, CHF 171.-
Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 50ml, CHF 120.-
Available at all Jo Malone London counters in Switzerland from January 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone London #CologneIntense

The Nantucket watch has been forming solid attachments for almost 30 years. Its story, all about links, began in 1991, when iconoclastic Hermès designer Henri d’Origny boldly sketched the outlines of a companion to the Cape Cod watch, an equally distinctive model named Nantucket.

This assertive timepiece featured a «rectangle within a rectangle», forming an unprecedented case inspired by the anchor chain links of the Chaîne d’ancre bracelet, an Hermès classic imagined by Robert Dumas in 1938.

Nantucket’s story continues today with the Chaîne d’ancre, evoking its early days. This model offers a new take on the iconic link, which merges seamlessly into a light and supple steel or rose gold bracelet. The faithful hours and minutes hands sweep over numerals whose font is also inspired by
the Chaîne d’ancre universe.

The case of the Nantucket is crafted from gold or steel in the Hermès watchmaking workshops, and freely adorned with diamonds. Light plays across the sandblasted silver-plated dial itself thanks to a sprinkle setting, or sparkles brightly in a jewellery setting around a mother-of-pearl dial. With a light and natural touch, Nantucket interweaves its own codes of rebellious elegance.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès

Leonard Paris is pleased to announce the arrival of Georg Lux, the Maison’s newly appointed Creative Director.

Graduated from the Modedesign school Lette-Verein of Berlin, Georg Lux joined Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where he successfully achieved his studies. In 2011, he was appointed by Tara Jarmon who also entrusted him with the responsibility for her Bal Edition line and the illustration of her collection books.

Georg Lux

Georg Lux’s talent for sublimating the silhouette with elegance and femininity will be supported by the Leonard studio, with whom Georg will share a fresh vision of the House’s exceptional heritage. He will develop sustainable ready-to-wear collections in close collaboration with the best craftsmen, at a time when taking time is essential.

Leonard Paris is determined to offer the opportunity to a young generation of designers to share their design vision, whilst preserving the heart and essence of a well-established brand with solid values.

Leonard Paris S/S 2020 Campaign

«I am honored and delighted to be able to work with talented craftsmen with exceptional know-how. I am looking forward to continuing to carve the history of Leonard, inspired by its exceptional heritage,» comments Georg Lux.

Nathalie Tribouillard

«We are very pleased to work with Georg to continue to win over Leonard’s devotees across the globe. His work at Leonard comes at a turbulent time, but one that heralds an extremely demanding post-crisis period, full of hope for reinventing our French craftsmanship around digital technology and respect for our planet», comments Nathalie Tribouillard, Maison Leonard CEO.

Georg Lux’s first collection for Leonard Paris is Pre-Fall 2021, and his first presentation for the French Maison will take place during the upcoming Paris Fashion Week on March 5th 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Leonard Paris

Refined elegance. An edge of authenticity. The power of personal style. Evoke effortless allure with a limited-edition collection inspired by Claudette, inimitable mother and muse to François Nars. Drawn from nostalgia and the irreverent spirit of 1970s Paris Rive Gauche, each boldly wearable shade paints an intimate portrait of unapologetic style and unconditional love. A vision of beauty.

«I am very lucky to have an extremely beautiful, glamorous and elegant mother on whom I was always able to practice makeup.» – Founder and Creative Director, François Nars

THE COLLECTION
AUDACIOUS SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
Introducing the cult-favorite sensorial formula, now with a soft-focus finish. Each swipe delivers delicate color with medium-sheer coverage and a petal-soft powder finish.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ ANAÏS (pink nude)
▪ MATHILDE (rose beige)
▪ SYLVIE (berry red)
▪ BÉRÉNICE (warm brick red)
▪ SANDRINE (scarlet red)
▪ ANOUK (red)

AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
A muse, bouche. Four new shades of the cult-favorite luxury satin lip formula, named for the most inspiring women in François’ life: his mother, Claudette Augustine; and grandmothers, Léa and Ginette.
Audacious Lipstick glides on like satin across lips with single-stroke coverage.
Bold, ultra-saturated color feels hydrating and stays put—without bleeding or feathering. The NARS logo is embossed on the bullet of each lipstick.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ LÉA (neutral spiced rose)
▪ AUGUSTINE (taupe nude)
▪ CLAUDETTE (rust red)
▪ GINETTE (deep brown red)

CLAUDETTE CHEEK DUO – CHF 63.00
Cheek to chic. A duo of sophisticated Blush shades for a natural-looking rush of color.
Our cult-favorite, bestselling blush formula delivers a weightless, natural-looking rush of cheek color. Superfine micronized powder pigments ensure an irresistibly soft, blendable application. Buildable shades deliver a natural wash of color to every skin tone – a light swipe of even the highest-intensity hues deliver a natural-looking flush.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ CROISETTE (matte bright peach)
▪ NINOTCHKA (matte toasted amber)

ST GERMAIN DES PRÉS EYESHADOW PALETTE – CHF 58.00
All eyes on yeux. Featuring six warm, neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes. Each finish stays soft with a vibrant effect. Pure pigments suspended in an innovative liquid binding system create rich, high-impact color in just one stroke.
SHADES:
▪ TOP ROW (left to right)
• ENVIE (shimmering taupe)
• JOIE (shimmering champagne)
• RUE DE TOURNON (shimmering bronze)
▪ BOTTOM ROW (left to right)
• L’ÉPHÉMÈRE (matte rust)
• NOSTALGIE (matte cinnamon brown)
• LIBÉRATION (deep matte brown)

In Switzerland available from February 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS
For the Claudette Collection campaign, François Nars photographed his original muse and inspiration, his mother Claudette at the Hotel Regina in Paris.

This body cream is so amazing, that it deserves its own post. CHANEL enriches the GABRIELLE CHANEL perfuming ritual with a body cream, the perfect way to treat yourself to a precious moment just for you. Its creamy texture wraps the skin in the luminous floral notes of GABRIELLE CHANEL and intensifies the solar and voluptuous trail of the fragrance. It also works great in combination with any other scent you like to wear…

The cream moisturizes the skin and gently perfumes the body for a truly pampering experience. Delicately pearly, enriched with a moisturizing active ingredient derived from rose and jasmine, it leaves the skin soft, supple and luminous. Whether a moment of pleasure in the morning, a sensual touch after your bath or a gentle caress at the end of the day, each application becomes a ritual of relaxation and delight. The new square frosted glass jar with a shimmering gold lid only adds to its desirability!

GABRIELLE CHANEL Body cream – Jar 150 g – CHF 106.-
Available Mid January 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Here is the outfit I wore for my Gstaad experience last week. Cozy and warm, yet stylish, waterproof and protective, wearing a great ski suit makes you look awesome on the slopes and is also perfect for all other activities in the mountains.

Great news is that this ski suit is equipped with the RECCO® system. Since its launch in the 80’s, this rescue system has become the standard bearer in avalanche search and rescue technology. It’s always on and ready to go with no batteries that might run out and lasts a lifetime. For the wearer the system consists of a permanently attached «reflector» which is sewn into the Dolce & Gabbana outerwear pieces. When an avalanche happens, professional rescuers pull out a RECCO® detector which scans the slide area for signals and allows them to easily find those lost under the snow.

My look: Tropical rose print ski jacket, matching tropical rose print ski trousers, printed silk scarf, and roll-neck jersey sweater, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino, vintage white mink ear muffs by CHANEL, medium shearling Bobby bag in grey by Dior, and LV Timeless metallic stole by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

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

Gstaad is one of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury ski resorts and definitely my favorite winter destination. Last weekend, I indulged in a very special experience and enjoyed winter and nature in and around Gstaad from close up.

It started at the Gstaad Palace with a beautiful and very romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautiful village of Gstaad up to the unspoiled snowy countryside. I leaned back and felt the calming rhythm of the horses. I loved the tranquillity of nature from the carriage.

However unfortunately, at one point we had stop as it would have been to steep for the horses and we were driven in a jeep up the snowy roads to a rural and charming chalet. Inside a delightfully cheesy experience awaited us. It’s a Swiss tradition to spend some cosy and convivial hours together on the steaming caquelon, eating a rustic and authentic cheese fondue.

Something that should be on your bucket list if you are not living in Switzerland. Important to know… don’t drink anything but these three beverages: Sip only white wine (or in my case champagne), kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea with your fondue meal. Water might cause stomach pain in combination with the cheese.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – my favorite champagne nicely chilled in the snow.

The chalet is so charming, don’t be afraid of the outhouse, it is quite an experience.

If you had too much cheese, you can walk back to the hotel, it takes around 2.5 hours to the Palace. Otherwise, you will be driven back with the jeep to your starting point.

It is a truly unique and special experience that you can book via EXPERIENCE event agency.
E-mail: info @experience.ch, Phone: +41 33 748 86 66.

I will be doing it again next weekend … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This will be probably THE collaboration of 2021! A collaboration which connects two brands with similar history and values, The North Face x Gucci celebrates the spirit of exploration in select locations around the world. Both brands have rich archives, and favoured pushing innovation and breaking the rules. The resulting collection features pieces with unique and distinguishing details to be kept for a lifetime.

We all are dreaming of getting away. Especially in the midst of a global pandemic that has so many of us huddled close to home constantly, it’s an alluring collection, in which we could go camping and hiking in style. I mean who wouldn’t like to sleep in a The North Face x Gucci tent!

The launch has happened very exclusively with just a few clients having the opportunity to shop the collection starting on the 8th of January online. I was among those fashion victims (haha) that clicked on the «add to basket button» and was lucky to get the must-have logo bomber jacket that sold out in seconds.

The collection is also available in a Gucci Pin – pop-up shop in Berlin from the 9th of January and in a few other uniquely designed spaces around the globe. From the end of January, the collection will be available to the public.

Real world meets virtual world: The North Face x Gucci collection is also available for avatars in Pokémon GO. Do you like the ready-to-wear, soft accessories, luggage, and shoes, as well as unexpected items for your next adventure?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci