Sandra‘s Closet

Great news! SISLEY introduces a new mascara, called «So Stretch». After injecting intensity with my all-time favorite «So Intense», creating curves with «So Curl», and building density with «So Volume», SISLEY is launching a new «So», with the «So Stretch» formula, which shapes and coats lashes and enhances their beauty, length and vitality, leaving them longer, denser, stronger, and more beautiful, day after day. This new care-infused triple-action mascara lengthens, separates and shapes lashes instantly and flawlessly for a wide-eyed result.

With a single application, each lash receives just the right amount of product. Enriched with Bamboo powder and Beeswax, the lightweight, elastic texture of «So Stretch» instantly extends lashes to open up the eyes. In the blink of an eye, the lashes are coated from root to tip. The Beeswax contained in the formula works to effortlessly separate each lash for a clump-free, fanned-out result.

The shaping, sculpting and curling properties of Carnauba wax amplify the intensity of the eyes and promise lightweight, long-lasting volume. The lashes are lifted but never overloaded, giving a sophisticated, elegant and natural finish.

Specially designed to enhance the performance of the formula, the «So Stretch» mascara brush‘s supple, triangular fibres catch the lash fringe and coat it in mascara, separating even the smallest, finest eyelashes and reaching the most inaccessible corners. The long bristles ensure optimum lash separation and give an ultra-defined result that opens up the eyes.

Immediately from the first coat, the lashes are infused with the many benefits of different active ingredients. In addition to boosting length and intensity, the formula of «So Stretch» strengthens and nourishes eyelashes and contributes to proper growth. Enriched with softening Castor oil and Damask Rose, the new mascara leaves lashes supple and silky. With repeated application, they become longer, thicker and more resistant.

Personally speaking, I am still a huge fan of «So Intense», but I love to use the «So Stretch» as the final touch because it makes the lashes look extremely long and defined. A perfect combination for me.

The new «So Stretch» mascara is available in 3 shades:
Deep Black, Deep Brown, and Deep Blue, for CHF 62.00 each from February 2, 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © SISLEY

Breaking news for all gem lovers. Tiffany & Co. acquires an exceptional 80-carat diamond to reimagine its historic 1939 World’s Fair Necklace. Expected to be its most expensive piece ever, Tiffany will unveil the diamond necklace in 2022 when the doors of its transformed Fifth Avenue flagship store reopen, making history once again, just as the original necklace did nearly a century ago when it debuted at the World’s Fair in Queens, New York.

In August 2020, OMA unveiled images of the newly transformed Tiffany Fifth Avenue Flagship Store to open in 2022.

The original aquamarine design has been modernized with an extraordinary oval diamond of over 80 carats, the largest diamond ever offered by Tiffany and eclipsed only by the Tiffany Diamond, which famously is not for sale.

«What better way to mark the opening of our transformed Tiffany flagship store in 2022 than to reimagine this incredible necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair, one of our most celebrated pieces when we opened our doors on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue for the first time,» said Victoria Reynolds, Tiffany & Co. Chief Gemologist. «The new necklace perfectly reflects our brand heritage as a New York luxury jeweler, whose founder was known as the ‘King of Diamonds‘.»

Tiffany & Co. 80-carat, D color, internally flawless diamond inspired by necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair.

The breathtaking center stone – an over-80-carat, D color, internally flawless oval diamond – is not only very rare, it is a symbol of Tiffany’s industry-first approach to diamond traceability. Responsibly sourced in Botswana, Africa, the diamond will be set by Tiffany artisans in NYC.

Photograph of the aquamarine and diamond necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair_Tiffany & Co. Archives.

The original necklace’s sizable aquamarine and exceptional diamond forms entranced the millions who came to admire the international spectacle. With its forward-looking theme, «Dawn of a New Day,» the 1939 World’s Fair promised a glimpse into «the World of Tomorrow.» The fair’s intention was to inspire, in its over 44 million visitors, the dream of a better and more effervescent tomorrow. Tiffany’s masterpiece did just that – setting the stage for the opening of its iconic flagship store on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue the following year, in 1940 – foreshadowing what will be a similarly historic moment for the brand in 2022.

In 1878, the company purchased the famous Tiffany Diamond, an immense canary yellow stone from the new South African deposits. Once cut, the diamond weighed 128.54 carats.

Tiffany has acquired many rare and remarkable gemstones for its jewelry designs in its 183-year history, including the legendary Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds, as well as the Hooker Emerald, now exhibited at the Smithsonian and the Mazarin Diamonds, purchased by Tiffany at the auction of the French Crown Jewels.

LoL, Sandra

The massive 75.47-carat Hooker Emerald had been auctioned to Tiffany & Co, which initially set it in a tiara. Despite its beauty, the tiara remained unsold for decades. In 1950, the emerald was re-set into a brooch that included matching earrings. Five years later, the brooch was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. In 1977, she donated it to the Smithsonian.

Photos: © Tiffany & Co. and © OMA

Louis Vuitton has teamed up with acclaimed Swiss contemporary artist Urs Fischer on a multifaceted collaboration that highlights his playfully audacious creative vision across a wide range of leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories.

Entitled «Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer», Urs Fischer’s exuberant and textured reworking of Louis Vuitton’s signature Monogram is the starting point of this collection which features the Monogram’s flowers and LV initials in new hand-drawn versions that he calls «memory sketches». The resulting dream-like motifs have been meticulously adapted to suit each specific product across this comprehensive collection, changing in size, perspective, colour and application technique.

Available in two colourways, black and red and black and white, this new Monogram is the collaboration’s key decorative motif, and features throughout the collection’s designs. In addition to ready-to-wear, accessories and shoes, seven special-edition bags – a Keepall, Cabas, Onthego, two Neverfulls, Speedys, Pochettes Accessoires, and a charming, hard-sided beauty case – use the Urs Fischer Monogram to particularly impressive effect thanks to an exquisite tuffetage treatment that uses velvet-like material to create extra texture and tactile relief.

The collaboration also features a series of whimsical characters created by Urs Fischer. The enchanting animals and objects are united in a playful print that fills a colourful silk square.

«Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer» is both a perfect, large-scale showcase for Urs Fischer’s creative world and the latest exciting chapter in Louis Vuitton’s longstanding commitment to the arts. The collection will launch in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide in January 2021. For more information, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Pierre-Ange Carlotti

This Thursday, Prada will launch a new series of Timecapsule dedicated to knitwear. The exclusive section of prada.com offers – each first Thursday of the month at 3 pm CET – 50 limited edition and numbered articles, on sale for 24 hours only.

This drop presents a wool cardigan defined by a vintage inspired silhouette and an original geometric pattern.

Enabled by the new Prada e-commerce platform, the Timecapsule section is available in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom), Japan, South Korea, China, USA, Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and UAE. Prada Timecapsule will reach other markets over the course of 2021 following the new prada.com layout-relaunching calendar.

Next drop will be on February 4th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

Net-à-Porter has some amazing pieces on sale at the moment, up to 60% off. I put together a list of the must-haves I got for myself as I know I will treasure them for many seasons to come and so will you…

To shop, just click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

A beautiful and classic coat for many years to keep:
Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row (50%off)

Eye-catching and vibrant, this jacket will be your favorite this spring:
Double-breasted leather coat by Valentino (50% off)

Be prepared for the next Christmas celebration in style and any other party of course:
Lace-up satin mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

This piece will elevate every outfit to another level of style:
Grosgrain-trimmed wool-blend felt cap by Saint Laurent (30% off)

Classic polka dots are always a great choice:
Ruffled polka-dot silk-georgette mini skirt by Balmain (60% off)

The perfect pair of black boots:
Suede knee boots by The Attico (30% off)

A vintage-inspired dress is a great option for your next luncheon:
Ruffled polka-dot silk midi dress by Alessandra Rich (50% off)

The perfect pair of heels:
Aria 105 suede pumps by Aquazzura (40% off)

Get a pair of statement earrings for your next black tie event:
 Impatiens silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (30% off)

Try this trend now on sale (for the previous post, click here):
Tie-detailed leather tapered pants by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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I celebrated New Year’s Eve in grand style at the beautiful Gstaad Place hotel with friends. Towering over the village of Gstaad, the address offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, and always the best parties with unique service. Even if we weren’t allowed to dance, the celebration was great and we still managed to move on our seats.

I wore this beautiful black Monique Lhuillier gown inspired by classic ’50s couture. It has a guipure lace bodice trimmed with a waist-cinching satin sash and a frothy tulle skirt that’s discreetly padded to create all that volume.

My Look: Satin-trimmed guipure lace and tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, zodiac embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, crystal-embellished snake necklace, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Anna Moscatello
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New Year is the time to start a new chapter of life. Personally speaking, every day that you walk, you add valuable time onto your life. I enjoyed the fresh morning air on the first day of 2021 in Gstaad, getting a clear mind and the calories of last night burnt, all snuggled up in my cozy teddy coat and sweater.

My look: Teddy Bear Icon camel hair and silk-blend coat by Max Mara, sequin-embellished Polo bear jumper by Polo Ralph Lauren, Luck Lady stola by Louis Vuitton, silk satin-trimmed georgette shorts by Tom Ford, Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino, Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, and bow-detailed embellished velvet headband by Philip Treacy.

Wishing you 12 months of success, 52 weeks of laughter, 365 days of fun, 8,760 hours of joy, 525,600 minutes of good luck, and 31,536,000 seconds of happiness.
Happy New Year!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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It is the last day of the year and following my tradition, I would like to share with you my favourite outfits of 2020. A little retrospective recalling my most fashionable moments, mostly shot at home. I will remember 2020 as the year that sucked, not only because of the pandemic but because of many tragic moments affecting people that have been close to my heart.

2020 has challenged and squeezed our perceptions of what a bad year can be, draining the optimism and throwing us zinger after zinger. So let’s look at some good news to focus on as this year of bad news comes to a close. We will be getting back to «normal» at a certain point, which will be a different «normal», as the world has changed and we have to accept it.

However, I will never loose my love for fashion and dressing up, making every day a little bit more beautiful. In this sense, I am wishing you only the best and I hope that you will keep following Sandra’s Closet for the next years to come! To a fabulous 2021!

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2020: Happy New Year

Gstaad – Can’t Stop the Feeling – The Kitchen

Call Me! – Lunar New Year

FEBRUARY 2020: Lion’s Run

Birthday Girl Night Fever – V-Day – Wanted

Let’s Go – Milan Fashion Week

MARCH 2020: I’m a Herrera Woman

Coco Neige – Leopard Snake – Fashion

OMG – Yes Girl Yes! – Weekend

Let’s Stay Home – Storms Don’t Last Forever

APRIL 2020: Flowers and Lace

Reverse Psychology – Not Your Barbie Girl – World Dance Day

Love Being Active – Easter

We Look Cute Together – Thursday

MAY 2020: Digital Red Carpet

Peonies – Pretty Preppy – Wisteria Lane

Go Girl – Love CHANEL – LV Pont 9

JUNE 2020: Feathers

Countdown – Total Fashion – Oops! … I Did It Again

Escape the Night – Class of 2020 – World Oceans Day

Heels Over Pants – Dior Love

JULY 2020: Tropical

Bobby – Tipsy Tuesday – Comfy Glam

I Belong to The Hot Pants Club – Mary Mare – Glamour at the Pool

Sunday – Millennial Cool

Summer Black – Late Afternoon

AUGUST 2020: Now Showing

Lake Como – Villa d’Este – Valence

Missing Capri – Sylt

Bye, Bye Summer! – Hello Kitty

SEPTEMBER 2020: Bookworm

Traditional – Empty Nester – The Bat!

Tropical Meets Apple Tree – Muse – Oversized Cool

Diva! – Sport

OCTOBER 2020: Prada Love

Fall – Shape – Thousand In One Ways Sweater

Me Time – Wifey for Life – My Way

Cute – CHANEL Show – Boo!

NOVEMBER 2020: New Modern

Wednesday – Under Construction – Morocco Style

The First Look – The Art of Fashion

Thank you Fall – Black Friday

DECEMBER 2020: Weekend Vibes

Today – Do It With Passion – Grateful

Boss Lady – Season’s Greetings

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Now more than ever is the time to take the pleasure in dressing up, even if there is nowhere to go. Christopher and Tammy Kane‘s playful humour shines through their lifestyle brand, More Joy. First appearing on the Christopher Kane F/W 2019 runway, the More Joy logo took on a deeper, more personal meaning for the brother-and-sister founders, becoming their daily mantra.

The collection itself is uplifting and empowering, featuring the bold feel-good slogans «More Joy», «Sex» and «Special». Every piece is emblazoned with the statement prints to bring positive energy into your everyday life.

LoL, Sandra

Sex-print cotton-jersey sweatshirt

Special-print silk-satin eye mask

More Joy-print silk-satin pyjamas

Logo detail hot water bottle

Pack of three slogan-jacquard cotton socks

More Joy jute door mat

Set of three More Joy glass baubles

More Joy cotton face covering

Sex-logo print towel

Slogan print coaster set

More Joy large jacquard logo scarf

Photos: © Christopher Kane and © Sandra Bauknecht
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French couturier Pierre Cardin died at the age of 98 on December 29, 2020 in Paris. He became famous for his 1960s-era avant-garde and Space Age looks, pioneering fashion ready-to-wear and the fashion licensing system. He sold everything from cars, perfume to food with his name and maintained that he built his business empire without ever asking a bank for a loan. This made him rich but also diminished his brand’s reputation at the same time.

In 1995, quotes from WWD included «Pierre Cardin—he has sold his name for toilet paper. At what point do you lose your identity?». However, the Cardin name was still very profitable, although the indiscriminate licensing approach was considered a failure. All these things that we know today, Armani hotels, Cartier chocolate, Dior Vespas, Gucci sunglasses is based on the imagination of Cardin. He was a marketing genius and saw this endless merchandising potential at a very early stage.

A scandal: He presented his first ready-to-wear collection for women in 1959 at Printemps departments store in Paris.

Spanning a 60-year career, Cardin was the first designer to sell clothes collections in department stores in the late 1950s. «It’s all the same to me whether I am doing sleeves for dresses or table legs,» a telling quote on his website once read. His competitors criticized him for destroying the notion of luxury which didn’t affect Cardin at all.

Dior’s famous New Look success created by Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin.

Born Pietro Cardin on July 2, 1922 near Venice to French parents of Italian descent, he was educated in the not-so-glamorous French city of Saint Etienne. From an early age, he was interested in dressmaking, starting work at age 14 as an apprentice even though his father wanted him to become an architect. He moved to Paris in 1945, where he studied architecture and worked with the fashion houses of Paquin and Elsa Schiaparelli. A year later, he joined the then-unknown Christian Dior who rose to fame with his 1947 New Look collection.

The famous bubble dress in 1954.

In 1950, he founded his own fashion house and only four years later, he introduced the iconic «bubble dress», a short-skirted, bubble-shaped dress made by bias-cutting over a stiffened base. He was the first couturier to turn to Japan as a high fashion market when he travelled there in 1957. That same year, he was expelled from the Chambre Syndicale for launching a ready-to-wear collection for the Printemps department store as the first couturier in Paris to do as such, but was soon reinstated. In 1966, he resigned himself and began showing his collections in his own venue, the «Espace Cardin» (opened 1971) in Paris, formerly the «Théâtre des Ambassadeurs».

Pierre Cardin in 1970 in front of the Espace Cardin.

He also blazed a trail outside France long before other fashion multinationals in search of new markets. In 1979, he went to China to presented a collection when it was still largely closed to the outside world. And only two years after the Berlin Wall came down, in 1991, he staged a fashion show in Red Square in Moscow before 200,000 people, a first in Russian history.

In 1975, Cardin opened his first furniture boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. His furniture designs were highly inspired by his fashion designs. In both 1977 and 1979, he was awarded the Cartier Golden Thimble by French haute couture for the most creative collection of the season.

In 1974 he became the first couturier to be on the Time magazine’s cover. He was 52 at that time.

In 1975, Cardin opened his first furniture boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. His furniture designs were highly inspired by his fashion designs. In both 1977 and 1979, he was awarded the Cartier Golden Thimble by French haute couture for the most creative collection of the season.

Maxim’s restaurants are part of Cardin’s portfolio.

In 1981 Cardin bought Maxim’s restaurants in 1981 and soon opened branches in New York, London, and Beijing. A chain of Maxim’s Hotels (Palm Springs, California, 1986) were included in the assets. He also licensed a wide range of food products under that name.

Palais des Bulles

Like many other designers today, Cardin decided in 1994 to show his collection only to a small circle of selected clients and journalists. After a break of 15 years, he showed a new collection to a group of 150 journalists at his bubble home in Cannes, the so-called Palais des Bulles, woven into the cliffs on one of the most exclusive strips of the French riviera.

Pierre Cardin and Pierre Courtial in February 2020

For his latest venture in February this year he teamed up with Pierre Courtial, 27, who unveiled a collection at Cardin’s studio on Paris’s chic Rue Saint-Honore, with pieces that echoed some of the veteran designer’s geometrical aesthetics.

Pierre Cardin in 1950

«I’ve always tried to be different, to be myself,» Cardin told Reuters. «Whether people like it or not, that’s not what matters.» He also defended his zeal for licensing in an interview with the Wall Street Journal: «I don’t want to end up like Balenciaga and die without a nickel – then, 20 years after I’m dead, see others make a fortune from my name.»

Rest in Peace Pierre Cardin!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pierre Cardin