Sandra‘s Closet

Each year, Aesop unveils its gift kits that I am always a huge fan of. Themed around «Sensory Chronicles,» the 2020-2021 kits are inspired by the power of imagination with a forgotten work of literature included in each gift kit. As well as the literature, the kits contain a range of stand-out Aesop products.

Take a look at the four kits below, that are all housed in a biodegradable case which is produced from 100 percent recycled material. The 2020 gift kits are available from now until October 31, 2021. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The Chance Companion Kit
Aesop’s ‘Chance Companion’ set includes two full-size bottles of the brand’s best-selling hand and body products, making it the perfect gift for fans of the label. It comes in a recycled paper pulp presentation box that’s printed with a QR code – scan it to hear short stories by the modernist writer Katherine Mansfield.

The Lore Collector Kit
Aesop’s ‘The Lore Collector’ set is all about nourishing your body as well as your mind. It includes four soothing staples to help skin remain hydrated and supple. Plus, if you scan the QR code on the recycled pulp packaging, you’ll hear a relaxing audiobook with tales from folklorist Lafcadio Hearn.

The Seasoned Wayfarer Kit
Aesop’s ‘Seasoned Wayfarer’ set is a thoughtful gift for those who love hosting. It includes three aromatic products for the home, all packaged inside a recycled paper pulp presentation box printed with a QR code – scan it with a phone to unlock a range of audio stories by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.

The Metaphysical Voyager Kit
With Aesop’s ‘The Metaphysical Voyager’ kit, you can enjoy skin-friendly benefits and some magical storytelling as well. You’ll find a scannable QR code on the recycled pulp packaging that reveals an audiobook version of the Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis‘ The Delirium and other stories.

The Ardent Nomad Kit
Each skincare product in Aesop’s ‘The Ardent Nomad’ kit is infused with Parsley Seed, an antioxidant-rich extract that promotes a calm, supple complexion. It’s boxed in recycled pulp packaging – scan the QR code to hear audio samples from the diary entries of legendary explorer Isabelle Eberhardt for an inspirational way to start the day.

LoL, Sandra

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

CHANEL presents ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE, the first lip color offering extreme shine and intensity: a comfortable ultrawear texture that is easy to apply and wear, offering a satin brilliance that dazzles non-stop. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE reconciles all contradictions in a single creation. Its fluid formula fuses with lips and dresses your smile in elegance in all circumstances.
Delicate and creamy, water-resistant, it also withstands the rubbing and smudging of daily life. Its thin, supple mesh is composed of two agents: the first traps pigments for unchanging color radiance, while the second locks in a blend of oils for continuous shine. In a single stroke, this ultra-comfortable second skin imprints lips with lasting color and shine for up to 12 hours.

Each color expresses all of its intensity with a savvy mix of finely ground pigments. Coated in oils, they reveal an extremely pure color presence. On application, a volatile oil evaporates, leaving nothing but vibrant radiance on the lips. In addition to delivering extreme shine and intense color, ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE cares for lips and envelops them in comfort. The skin barrier of the lips is perfectly preserved by an antioxidant complex of Sappan wood and vitamin E.

The packaging comes in a tube that dresses up in a shiny gradation of black lacquer with a sheer finish to reveal the pure, radiant shade inside. Its high-precision curved and streamlined applicator with an ultra-soft foam tip adapts to the shape of the lips to leave just the right amount of product, for application that is easier than ever.

THE PALETTE*
60 Inflexible, a luminous iridescent beige
61 Continuous, a luminous beige
62 Still, a real natural nude
63 Ultimate, a pinky nude
64 Exigence, a rosewood
65 Impertur bable, a brick pink
66 Permanent, an intense rosewood
67 Steady, a light pink
68 Unlimited, a slightly pink luminous coral
69 Rémanence, a bright pink
70 Immobile, a raspberry pink
71 Mythe, a metallic red
72 Iconique, a brick red
73 Invincible, a true red
74 Expérimenté, a strong brown-red
75 Fidélité, a brown nude
78 Tenacious, a light plum
79 Éternité, a deep burgundy red
80 Timeless, a profound cherry red
81 Obstination, a deep brown
* Shades available depending on market

In stores Mid January 2021 for CHF 46.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

When the art of jewellery-making encounters that of watchmaking, poetry is never far away. Like a summer sky after a storm, the Big Bang Unico High Jewelry Rainbow is embodied in a rainbow of brightly coloured gemstones on a backdrop of 18ct pink gold. When scarlet blends into fuchsia to become ultraviolet, a tiny bit Klein blue, turquoise, then sky, the green is shaded in chlorophyll to become soft, seize upon a vibrant yellow and blossoms in a warm orange. In an invisible closed 24 carats setting, 290 precious and fine gemstones draw an audacious, vibrant and joyful spectrum around the dial where the House’s iconic movement is revealed. The coordination and mastery of exceptional skills—selecting, cutting, sorting and setting—which totally encompass the radical plans of Hublot micromechanics.

«It requires meticulousness, expertise and dexterity to obtain this harmonious gradation of the gemstones and create a perfect connection between the emotion they arouse and the watchmaking technique. Draughtsmen, gemologists and setters worked together to achieve this setting in which pink gold is present only to gently emphasise the contours. The Big Bang Unico High Jewelry Rainbow condenses the purity and precision of these incredible professions.»
Ricardo Guadalupe
HUBLOT CEO

A symbol heralding optimism, wisdom and balance, the rainbow stretches across the entire 45-mm case; one hundred rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, tsavorites, and yellow and orange sapphires line up in a radiant chromatic composition. 112 baguette-cut gemstones edge its bezel in studied hues that echo the subtle shades of the 48 gemstones set on the dial and the indexes. The UNICO manufacture HUB1242 chronograph flyback mechanism with double clutch mechanism and column wheel appears in contrast. Putting the finishing touches to this jewellery piece, the celestial phenomenon unfolds across the alligator and natural rubber strap and illuminates the buckle clasp set with 30 other gemstones. Available for CHF 330.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot #Hublot #HublotHighJewellery

In 2009, Valentino caused a fashion frenzy when its creative directors at that time power duo, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, came up with what would be one of the maison’s most fortuitous accessories: the Rockstud sandals. With their dainty shape and small pyramidal studs, the shoes were immediately loved by fashionistas around the globe.

Me with some Rockstud details

Now in the creative directorship solo, Piccioli is celebrating the style’s 10th anniversary with a new program called Valentino Garavani Rockstud X. Categorized as an «open lab» the series will see Piccioli collaborate with a rotating cast of guest designers on the Rockstud. First up: the conceptual British designer Craig Green (see cover photo). Already known for his partnerships with Moncler and Adidas, this is the first time Green has reached the upper echelons of the fashion world, where arguably Valentino reigns. The Valentino x Craig Green collaboration product will be unveiled in early January 2021 while the product is set to launch in stores around late February 2021.

However, you don’t need to wait until February to get your hands on something very beautiful from Valentino. For S/S 2021, Piccioli is making the Valentino Rockstud bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions, embellishing gladiator sandals and bags that will be a big hit. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences.

TO SHOP THE NEW ROMAN STUDS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

«Look like a girl. Act like a lady. Think like a man and work like a boss… »

Here I am standing at the construction site of my new home, actually what will be my future bathroom. I truly enjoy the creative process of building and designing. Even that it is not possible to live there yet, I can see the rooms already coming to life in my imagination. It is very time consuming, yet extremely satisfying.

My look: Asymmetric open shoulder dress, by Louis Vuitton, Boss Lady pumps in pink by Sophia Webster, Niki mini studded quilted textured-leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, CC logo tights by CHANEL, and Lecce leather belt by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here it is: the PANTONE Color of the Year 2021 and great news is that we are getting two as in 2016. The global color authority announced PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colors of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.

«The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,» said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. «Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.»

Usage
A marriage of strength and optimism, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating do not have to be used in equal proportions, either color can take precedence whether for apparel, beauty, home furnishings, product design or packaging.

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in Apparel and Fashion Accessories
Illuminating punctuated by a touch of Ultimate Gray conveys a message of sunshine and strength. Enduring Ultimate Gray provides a great bouncing off point with Illuminating bringing in some brightness by way of a scarf, footwear, handbag, shawl, tops. With its energetic presence the marriage of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination for activewear. The high visibility contrast of Illuminating and Ultimate Gray adds to its appeal for outerwear.

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in Beauty
A mix of warm and cool tones, combining Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in hair or nail makes a dramatic statement. Illuminating sparkles and shimmers when paired with Ultimate Gray in eye make-up.

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in Home Decor
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination to set the mood in any room in the home adding a dose of sunshine and positivity. Juxtaposing Illuminating with Ultimate Gray in table linens, sheeting and home accessories including pillows and tabletop infuses vitality and liveliness. Painting a front door in bright yellow Illuminating conveys a warm and welcoming message when supported by solid and dependable Ultimate Gray in the exterior finishes. The ideal combination for any office whether in the home or in a commercial space with Ultimate Gray providing the firm foundation for Illuminating, a vibrant yellow that heightens awareness and enhances intuition, lighting the way to the intellectual curiosity, originality, and resourcefulness of an open mind.

Personally speaking I love this combination and wore it already today as I cannot wait for 2020 to be over. Let’s hope for an amazing 2021 without masks…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Pantone

Upcycled by Miu Miu is a special collection of vintage dresses reworked and transformed by Miu Miu, while the memory of the originals is preserved in cloth.
A strictly limited selection of just 80 one-off and numbered designs, Upcycled by Miu Miu is built around precious, anonymous finds, dating from the Thirties to the Eighties, carefully sourced from vintage clothing stores and markets worldwide.

Actresses Chen Ran debuted Upcycled by Miu Miu the first ever digital Green Carpet Fashion Awards, hosted by Eco-Age and in collaboration with Camera della Moda last month.

Once restored, pieces are re-fashioned and finished with signature Miu Miu embroideries and embellishments. Each piece is entirely unique and all are completed by hand. Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, renewed and sustained, enriching the lives of the women who will wear them by return.

Upcycled by Miu Miu dresses are available in nine selected Miu Miu boutiques worldwide: Milan, London, Paris, Moscow, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, St. Moritz.

LEFT: 8 /80: A 1960s ivory cocktail dress customised with a white silk crepe collar, green satin bow belt detail and all-over diamanté embroidery; available at Miu Miu New York.
RIGHT: 13 /80: A 1960s embroidered coral red crepe day dress customised with a contrasting black crepe panel and white collar; available at Miu Miu Hong Kong.

LEFT: 14 /80: A 1960s short belted dress in white silk crepe with one-sided pleats on the front, customised with white and emerald green crystal embroidery and all-over diamanté embellishment; available at Miu Miu Shanghai.
RIGHT: 21/80: A 1970s periwinkle blue cotton and linen day dress customised with a white duchesse and lace collar, finished with diamanté embellishment; available at Miu Miu Tokyo.

LEFT: 25 /80: A 1970s green silk crepe day dress customised with a white collar and cuffs, finished with diamanté embroidery; available at Miu Miu Milan.
RIGHT: 26 /80: A 1970s silver and gold knitted cocktail dress customised with all-over diamanté embellishment, a crystal neckline and rose peach silk gazar bow detail; available at Miu Miu Paris.

LEFT: 27 /80: A 1970s white batiste cotton pleated tea dress customised with all-over diamanté embellishment and jewelled neck and cuff detailing; available at Miu Miu Moscow.
RIGHT: 31 /80: A 1970s pale pink pleated crepe day dress customised with embroidered black silk faille sleeves, a crystal jewelled belt, a white crepe collar and feathered hem skirt detailing; available at Miu Miu London.

LoL, Sandra

Actress Elisa Visari wearing Upcycled by Miu Miu.

Photos: © Miu Miu

I just love this bag! Daniel Lee‘s blown-up take on Bottega Veneta‘s intrecciato weave creating perfectly shaped squares feels so modern and sophisticated. The structured, ’90-inspired silhouette is crafted from two layers of soft leather that’s thickly padded so it feels soft and puffy.

In my closet: Cassette small Intrecciato-leather cross-body bag in green

There are two options. First, wear the adjustable leather strap cross-body or tuck it inside to carry as a clutch as seen above or opt for the version with the chunky chain strap in gold (my favorite) or silver, which happens to be another new addition this fall, see below.

In my closet: Cassette chain-embellished padded intrecciato suede shoulder bag in dark brown

YOU CAN SHOP THE FULL VARIETY OF THE DIFFERENT PADDED CASSETTE BAGS HERE.

It is hard to decide, isn’t it?

LoL, Sandra

Photo brown bag: © Sandra Bauknecht. Photo green bag: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: © Bottega Veneta
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Today, the House of Chloé has already announced its new designer after Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s exit was announced last week. It is no other than Uruguay-born, New York–based designer Gabriela Hearst, whose eponymous extremely successful label turned five this year.

Gabriela Hearst’s famous It-bags have been successful from the beginning.

While Ramsay-Levi’s designs were much appreciated by industry insiders, the brand’s heat with consumers, especially in terms of It-bags, cooled under her reign. That might be one of the reasons why Gabriela Hearst has been chosen. She is bringing a track record of success with handbags. Her iconic «Nina» style has been a huge hit from the beginning, followed by models such as «Patsy», «Diana» and «Demi». These bags are all highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists.

A true rancher by heart: Gabriela Hearst  

Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s 17,000-acre ranch, Santa Isabel in Paysandu, Uruguay, surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep, where the notion of luxury meant things were beautifully crafted and made to last. Her approach to «slow and conscious luxury», which is defined in her craft-forward aesthetic and focus on sustainability might be the other reason for being Chloé’s lead candidate.

Chloé’s new CEO Riccardo Bellini

CEO Riccardo Bellini, who joined from Martin Margiela in late 2019, who welcomed Hearst in a statement this morning. had already indicated in an interview with WWD last month, that Chloé was seeking B Corporation certification for its social and environmental performance and was creating an advisory board to hold the company accountable.

Hearst’s first runway show for F/W 2017 was produced to have as low as an environmental impact as possible, and from there her commitment to the issue has only grown. Now, she opts for eco-friendly fabrics and chooses to use recycled yarns whenever she can.

Power couple: Gabriela and Austin Hearst

Hearst’s lead investor is her husband, publishing heir Austin Hearst, whom she married in 2013. She opened her first store in New York in 2018, followed by another in London the following year, and made her Paris Fashion Week debut in September. In 2019, LVMH Luxury Ventures, an investment arm of LVMH, took a minority stake in Gabriela Hearst, making it the only American brand other than Marc Jacobs in which the global luxury conglomerate is invested.

My two favorite looks from the Gabriela Hearst F/W 2020 runway.

I am loving her cashmere knitted pieces. Incredibly soft and each piece has a tag where you can explore its garment journey. Stay tuned for many outfit posts coming up! Honestly speaking, I am truly looking forward to seeing her at the helmet although I liked Natacha’s designs a lot.

TO SHOP GABRIELA HEARST ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Gabriela’s first collection for Chloé will be presented next March. All the best, I am sure it will be different and fabulous!

LoL Sandra

Wearing Gabriela Hearst dress and Nina bag

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

My kind of weekend vibes… fighting the grey and cold weather with some vibrant colors and some tropical prints that will put you immediately in a good mood.

My look: Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino, printed stretch-cotton poplin shorts, jungle mix face mask, and orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana, wool cape with contrast trims in red, inverted cat-eye sunglasses, and snake finger ring with crystals, all by Gucci, Cassette Intrecciato leather cross-body bag by Bottega Veneta, and 76 suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

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