Sandra‘s Closet

After Resort 2020‘s clever styling trick (see trouser tuck) that has seen sandals wrapped around your pants, designers are taking the trend up a notch this fall and present trousers in tapered shape with ties at the cuffs that offer the same stylish effect.

Left: Badeloisa high-rise zebra-print leather trousers by Isabel Marant
Right: Duardo tie-detailed leather tapered pants by Isabel Marant

Left: Bow-embellished checked wool straight-leg pants by JW Anderson
Right: Olive green bow-embellished wool straight-leg pants by JW Anderson

Left: Tie-detailed leather tapered pants by Dolce & Gabbana
Center: Pleated leather tapered pants by Gucci
Right: Tied-cuff leather wide-leg trousers by Bottega Veneta

LoL, Sandra

JW Anderson F/W 2020

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Courtesy of the Brands
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Last night, I had the pleasure to enjoy a talk hosted by Net-à-Porter’s Global Beauty Director Newby Hands, arguably one of the most qualified experts in the game, and Dr. Nigma Talib ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, who is qualified to treat an array of health conditions such as allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, chronic fatigue and menopause. Furthermore, she is the author of the best selling book «Reverse the Signs of Ageing» and «Younger Skin Starts in the Gut».

To shop Dr. Nigma Talib’s books, click here please.

With over 15 years of experience in naturopathic practice, she is responsible for the radiant glow of some of Hollywood’s most famous faces, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Penelope Cruz. Based on the link between digestive health and premature ageing, her products target common skin concerns that are a result of our diet. Her passion for creating quality and science based supplements and skin care has reached consumers internationally and started in Net-à-Porter being one of the first pioneers to introduce vitamin supplements to the fashion industry.

For Nigma, it’s all about maintaining the right balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria that populate the gut. She explained that we have 100 trillions bacterias, good, bad and ugly ones. 70-80% of our immune system is in the gut. If it is unbalanced, we experience problems, such as bloating, constant chronic diseases, skin problems, fatigue and much more. Newby, who suffered from migraines before, told us that Nigma changed her life in only 36 hours.

Nigma’s daily tips:

– Eat slowly, never in front of a TV (try to chew a piece of bread very slowly and it will taste sweet because you break down the carbohydrates)
– Be 80% healthy and 20% you can cheat
– Take a probiotic (it is very important that the probiotic you take can survive the acidity of your stomach), collagen, Vitamin C, E, zink, and selenium (women in their 30s with thyroid problems mostly lack selenium).
– Stop eating salads at all, even for lunch. They are too hard to digest and don’t have a lot of nutrients. Opt for steamed vegetables, they are very good for your hormones, especially cauliflower, broccoli clean out your «dirty hormones».
– Especially in the cold season, your body needs warming food. Nigma even warms up her blueberries in the morning.

When you age, your stomach produces less acidity which can cause problems. Maintaining a healthy acid–alkaline balance means, that your blood levels should be alkaline, but your stomach acidy.

Your hormones are messengers. If they send the wrong message, you gain weight, you are moody or age prematurely. If your hormones go crazy in your late 30s or 40s, first make sure that your gut gets going. It will solve a lot of your problems.

Nigma explains: «Supplements are so helpful. I tested them on more than 1000 patients over so many years. They looked five years younger when they changed their diet and took them regularly.»

Nigma’s Vitamin C cocktail seems to be a true miracle product. Both, Newby and Nigma, were sipping this kind-of-looking-like-a-fancy-Bellini drink while talking. The sachet includes 1000mg of Vitamin C of which 90% will be absorbed by your body. This encourages collagen production and helps to get rid of dry skin. It will also boost your iron and energy levels (a little tip from Newby: take one sachet before going out and you will be in great form). Nigma’s Vitamin C supplement is not giving you diarrhea.

Something extremely interesting Nigma was explaining to us is that if you don’t drink enough water, you might be carving for sweets as the dehydration causes your sugar levels to sink. Too much sugar can cause skin sagging. It decreases the immune system because sugar sticks to collagen or the white blood cells.

Nigma divides the problems in different kind of faces:

The Dairy Face
– darkness under the eyes
– eye puffiness
– adult acne
Eliminate animal milk, and opt for nut milks with no sugar!

The Sugar Face
– sagging skin
– spots, pimples, redness
Too much sugar messes up the hormonal cycle.

The Gluten Face
– puffiness all over
– inflammation, redness
Like bread rises, your face gets puffy.

In terms of a healthy diet, Nigma recommends an ayurvedic lifestyle. Himalaya salt will help with your insulin levels. Look around your farmer’s market to find fresh and locally produced food. This in combination with the right supplements will improve your well-being in a short amount of time.

TO SHOP DR. NIGMA TABIL ND AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dr. Nigma Stabil ND, © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Happy Monday to all of you! Being in quarantine made me realize once more to be grateful for every day when you wake up healthy, for every moment you can spend with someone you love. In challenging times it’s more than important to focus on positive things, work on your goals and dreams. Take time for yourself to think! Become your own muse, your own motivation, and your source of inspiration. You don’t need anyone else, just yourself. This will also help you to gain confidence and most importantly self-love which will make you shine from the inside.

My look: Monogram long sleeve fitted shirt, and Onthego MM tote, both by Louis Vuitton, pleated grosgrain-trimmed striped cotton-seersucker midi skirt by Thom Browne, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, pink hair clip by Gucci, Loulou heart-shaped sunglasses by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch and love bracelets, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

That bat! That guilty bat that most likely made the coronavirus outbreak happen. Who would have thought that this little animal can have such an impact on the whole world? Taking the current situation with a certain dose of humor, imagine today’s outfit without the bat necklace, it wouldn’t be the same… It gives it that certain wow-effect and blurs the line between where art ends and fashion begins.

My look: Ruched mesh-paneled cotton-poplin midi dress, Puzzle printed leather shoulder bag, bat necklace, all by Loewe, and Tribute beige lace-up suede sandals by Saint Laurent, and embellished square butterfly sunglasses by Celine.

Wishing you a happy Sunday. I am in quarantine until tomorrow … We had dinner with a friend who got diagnosed Covid-19 positive the next day. Thank God we are all fine because we kept the distance. However, it makes me think how much the world has changed… just because of this one guilty bat or that one person who ate it to be frank!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

I am a  true addict when it comes to my daily fragrance ritual. Wearing fragrance well requires a little more skill and finesse. Where you put your perfume, matters a lot. Target areas such as pulse points of the neck, the wrists, inner elbows, back side of your knees along with a hair mist for an enhanced and multidimensional olfactive trail. I also love misting my scarf, or the seam of my coat, because they move with the air, which helps with the diffusion of the scent. Talking about leaving a lasting impression. And never rub your wrists together as it destroys the molecules.

By the way, the best place to store fragrance is not on the shelf but in your cabinet away from sunlight, and at room temperature.

Here are my favorites at the moment:

GOOD GIRL GONE BAD Eau Fraîche
A limited edition scent for summer – CHF 240

Adding a cool and aquatic olfactive touch to the original perfume Good girl gone Bad by KILIAN for the warmer season, somewhere between floral and airy, it is the season’s nectar keeping summer bees busy. The perfume opens with notes of luminous Orange Blossom from North Africa and Roses from Turkey and Morocco but in its heart this new blend comes true: Egyptian Jasmine Sambac is splashed with a watery uplift and the ever-voluptuous Tuberose that is gentler by a textured sensation of freshness.

WOMAN IN GOLD
A perfume as complex and dazzling as the woman who wears it.

Inspired by Gustav Klimt‘s famous «Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer», it is my favorite for the colder season or for romantic nights. As complex and glamorous as the work of art, it opens with a blend of tart Bergamot, ripe Mandarin Orange and Aldehyde top notes that leads to a heady Rose Petal heart combined with Freesia and Geranium. The drydown consists of smooth Vanilla Absolute peppered by Patchouli and Akigalawood. Those Kilian flowers are composed like a narcotic dependence.

Woman In Gold Travel Set – Eau de Parfum and Refills, 4 x 7.5ml
Perfectly sized to accompany me on my travels or during the day, this beautifully engraved travel spray atomizer comes with three additional refills.

KILIAN’s  first hair mist, under the scent of Woman in Gold perfume, is joining the season’s seduction arsenal as a protective and perfumed secret weapon of the finest order. It is the final touch to one’s hair styling ritual. Carefully considered to offer the best of scent and science with UV protective elements, it comes with hydrating properties to help protect hair against the drying effects of the sun. It is so long-lasting, the best hair mist I have ever had. I truly hope that this will stay as it is a limited edition at the moment.

Like Kilian Hennessy says: «In perfumery, it is as much about seduction as it is about protection».
Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © By Kilian and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Be a diva in a positive way. Enjoy dressing up – even at the pool! Exude great style and personality with confidence and express your own style while not letting others influence who you are or want to be. I am wishing you a happy weekend. I am going to spend mine in my garden and you?

My look: Crystal-embellished chainmail midi dress by Paco Rabanne, Allia cutout ruffled Swiss dot tulle-paneled swimsuit by Zimmermann, Chiara butterfly wing-embellished sandals by Sophia Webster, ice cube clutch bag and crystal embellished sunglasses, both by CHANEL, crystal embellished butterfly earrings by Miu Miu, and crystal embellished headpiece by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

In November 2019, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. For the previous post, click here please.

Yesterday, after months of speculation, LVMH has called off its planned mega-merger with the American jeweler. The result? Tiffany sinks 11% and is now suing the French luxury conglomerate to keep the acquisition on track. The jewelry giant alleged LVMH sought to leverage US social justice protests and the coronavirus pandemic to «avoid paying the agreed price for Tiffany shares.»

LVMH explained that the deal’s contract set a November 24 deadline, and that requests from Tiffany and the French government to delay the deal led to its pulling out. In return, Tiffany accused LVMH of not doing its part to win approval of the deal from antitrust authorities.

Tiffany’s famous 5th Avenue store in New York City

More details can be found in LVMH’s press release from yesterday: «After a succession of events which undermine the acquisition of Tiffany & Co, the Board of LVMH met to review the situation relating to the contemplated investment in light of these recent developments.

The Board learned of a letter from the French European and Foreign Affairs Minister which, in reaction to the threat of taxes on French products by the US, directed the Group to defer the acquisition of Tiffany until after January 6th, 2021. Furthermore, the Board noted Tiffany & Co.’s requested to extend the «Outside Date» in the Merger Agreement from November 24th to December 31st, 2020.

As a results of these elements, and knowledge of the first legal analysis led by the advisors and the LVMH teams, the Board decided to comply with the Merger Agreement signed in November 2019 which provides, in any event for a closing deadline no later than November 24th, 2020 and officially records that, as it stands, the Group LVMH will therefore not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co.»

Key figure: Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co.

In course of Tiffany & Co.’s lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SE and related entities («LVMH»), Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board, said, «We regret having to take this action but LVMH has left us no choice but to commence litigation to protect our company and our shareholders. Tiffany is confident it has complied with all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and is committed to completing the transaction on the terms agreed to last year. Tiffany expects the same of LVMH.»

He stated further, «We believe that LVMH will seek to use any available means in an attempt to avoid closing the transaction on the agreed terms. But the simple facts are that there is no basis under French law for the Foreign Affairs Minister to order a company to breach a valid and binding agreement, and LVMH’s unilateral discussions with the French government without notifying or consulting with Tiffany and its counsel were a further breach of LVMH’s obligations under the Merger Agreement. ‎Moreover, this supposed official French effort to retaliate against the U.S. for proposed new tariffs has never been announced or discussed publicly; how could it possibly then be an effort to pressure the U.S. into revoking the tariffs? Furthermore, as we are not aware of any other French company receiving such a request, it is all the more clear that LVMH has unclean hands.»

Tiffany CEO Alessandra Bogliolo in 2018

Tiffany emphasized that its business remained strong, with sales in the last three months of 2020 expected to exceed the same period last year and that the COVID-19 pandemic has not prevented other parties from making antitrust filings on a timely schedule.

Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Bogliolo underlined, »The fundamental strength of Tiffany’s business is clear. The company has already returned to profitability after just one quarter of losses, and we expect our earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 will actually exceed the same period in 2019.»

The famous movie scene: Audrey Hepburn in «Breakfast at Tiffany’s».

Tiffany is seeking to expedite the Delaware proceedings to obtain a ruling prior to November 24, 2020 ordering LVMH to comply with its obligations and complete the transaction on the agreed terms.

An unpleasant turnaround of what we thought would become a love story of the luxury industry. I am very curious to see the outcome. I mean if LVMH walks away completely, Kering or Richmond might jump on the deal and acquire Tiffany. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Funny composite from the NY Post
Photos: Tiffany & Co., LVMH, Getty

Breaking news from LVMH this morning, Kim Jones will join Fendi as artistic director for womenswear collections. In his first substantive foray into womenswear, he will oversee haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur. The designer will continue in his role as artistic director at Dior Homme, another LVHM-owned Maison.

I loved Kim’s first Dior Homme campaign for S/S 2019: shot by the legendary Steven Meisel, models were posing in relaxed tailoring. 

Previously, Jones worked as menswear director at Louis Vuitton, before he moved to Dior’s menswear in 2018 where he invigorated the House by mixing sports and streetwear references with skillful luxury tailoring. Jones even reinterpreted some of the iconic pieces like the Bar Suit for men. Born in 1973 in Hammersmith, London, he is a graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design. He was raised in Kenya, where his father worked as a hydrogeologist. Throughout his childhood, he also traveled through Ecuador, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Botswana, and brought this wanderlust into his adult life. He claims to have visited Japan «around 70 or 80 times.»

Celebrity friend: David Beckham wore a Dior Homme suit designed by Kim Jones for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

Jones knows the industry from all angles. As well a being a designer, he’s worked as a stylist and art director for Dazed & Confused, Arena Homme+, Pop, AnOther, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, 10 Men, V Man, i-D, Numéro Homme, and Fantastic Man.

While streetwear’s and activewear’s presence in the luxury fashion sphere might seem normal these days (especially during the recent pandemic), it hasn’t always been the case. However, Kim Jones was one of the first designers to preempt the merge.

Karl Lagerfeld with Silvia Venturini Fendi

With the death of Karl Lagerfeld last year, Fendi lost its designer of more than 54 years. This was the longest time ever, a designer had reigned at a fashion house. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who had stepped into Lagerfeld’s role in the interim, will return to focusing on accessories and menswear collections, Fendi’s statement said.

Punk meets couture: Dior Homme’s ad campaign for F/W 2019

«Kim Jones has continuously proven his ability to adapt to the codes and heritage of the LVMH houses while revisiting them with great modernity and audacity,» said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns both brands.

According to Fendi, Jones will present his first ready-to-wear collection for the label in the F/W 2021 during Milan Fashion Week in February, that will hopefully take place.
Are you ready for the next level of FENDIMANIA?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi / Dior

Whenever I receive a press preview from JO MALONE LONDON, I am totally excited. The photos and the stories behind the launches are always dreamlike and so beautiful. This fall, we are invited to enter the ancient Hanging Gardens and indulge in a lost moment in time, reimagined in the present to inspire two new fragrances. Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne, bright and luscious. Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, smooth and noble. Together they capture the fragrant essence of this majestic scene.

FIG & LOTUS FLOWER COLOGNE

A new light floral Cologne inspired by the luscious figs and lotus flowers of the ancient Hanging Gardens. Honoured in many parts of the world for its loveliness, the lotus flower is an elegant water blossom and the perfect pairing for juicy fig in Jo Malone’s latest Cologne.

Top Note: Fig Leaf
Middle Note: Lotus Flower
Base Note: Vetiver

FIG LOVE

Plump, juicy and luscious, figs are known as the «fruit of the gods» – and with good reason. The fig has long featured in stories, poems and paintings across many civilisations. Said to be the world’s oldests planted tree, the fig tree. The season for the tree’s bounty is, however, fleeting– a moment of perfection, condensed and concentrated. A succulent pearl in nature’s treasure trove that few can resist.

Originally cultivated in Asia Minor around 9400 BC, where they lapped up the dry heat, figs are believed to be the first domesticated crop. A member of the mulberry family, the fig is a flowering tree – but not as one might imagine. The flowers grow secretly within the fruit, known as syconiums. A complex little secret to add to their magic. A tree mysterious enough for the Buddha to have found enlightenment beneath, a branch of which was supposedly taken by the emperor of India’s daughter to Sri Lanka, where it was replanted in 288 BC. Still alive today, it is the oldest planted tree in the world.

Many have been captivated by their siren call. In Greek mythology, it is said Apollo turned a crow’s feathers from pure white to black to punish it for dawdling by a tree or ripening figs while fetching him water. Alexander the Great is believed to have sought refuge from the heat under a huge fig tree when he arrived in India in 326 BC. And then, of course, they are said to have been grown in the legendary Hanging Gardens. A majestic wonder to fathom, a terraced garden adjoining a royal palace, planted with fruit trees complete with shaded walkways and cool streams to admire. Where the bountiful fig trees are believed to have stood water-splashed and abundant with temptingly plump figs alongside it’s the prized lotus flower.

We have paired the vibrant, juicy fig with lotus flower, luscious and crystaline, for a light floral fragrance that is water-splashed and graceful, that embodies the allure of this ancient wonder of the world. A place built by a king for a queen he adored. A timeless love to echo through the ages.

CYPRESS & GRAPEVINE COLOGNE INTENSE

An evergreen woody scent inspired by the statuesque trees of the ancient Hanging Gardens. Discover the story of the cypress, the slender and spellbinding tree that brings its aromatic notes to Jo Malone’s new Cologne Intense.

Top Note: Cypress
Middle Note: Grapevine
Base Note: Moss

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

The allure of the grape is not to be underestimated. Depicted dangling over the mouths of adoring Gods, heroes, emperors and kings in art, in pottery, in poems and beyond, they are the symbol of opulence, decadence and the desire for more, as ancient as civilisation itself. Droplets of temptation, easily plucked from the vine that burst with sweetness in one bite.

In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, transformed a lost lover into a grapevine. In fact, mythologies, folklore and religions across many cultures all have tales to tell of the grapevine’s prized gift to the world. Symbolising abundance and prosperity, the ancient world could never get their fill of these juicy jewels, the red and black varieties are said to be particularly rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Cultivated since 6,000 BC, grapevines spread their tentacles through Egypt to Asia Minor, flourishing across the Roman Empire and captivating all who whose paths they crossed with all the forms they could take.

The sap from the vines was traditionally used by folk healers in hope of soothing skin ailments and treat eye infections, while the leaves were applied to wounds to stem bleeding. A natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory ointment of sorts, it was said to bring a radiance to the skin and to detoxify the liver. A veritable jack of all trades.

With such a distinguished history, it’s only right that the grapevine takes a starring role in Jo Malone’s new collection. Said to have been grown in the Hanging Gardens where a noble king created a special garden for his beloved queen full of lush greenery. A paradise to escape to, with its glimmering waterfalls and wondrous verdant terraces. Where fruits from the grapevines are said to be enjoyed during social receptions. By pairing the unusual entwined grapevine note, woody with a hint of warm amber and juicy grape notes with the freshness of the Cyprus, it is bringing a twist on the classic fougère. A reimagining of a scented garden, famed throughout the world for its astonishing beauty and created as a gesture of overwhelming love.

FRAGRANCE COMBINING™

Like a true love story, those two new fragrances can be combined with each other, also great in combination with WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT.

Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.–
Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne 100ml, CHF 135.–
Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 50ml, CHF 116.–
Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 100ml, CHF 165.–
Cypress & Grapevine Exfoliating Shower Gel 200ml, CHF 47.–
Available now at all Jo Malone London counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone and © Sandra Bauknecht
Follow: @JoMaloneLondon #LOSTINWONDER

I would consider myself a fashionable bookworm. In my house, I have my own little library, filled with all sorts of books. Reading is so much more my thing than watching TV. During quarantine I indulged in so many captivating books – psychological thrillers are my favorite genre. You can find my reading list on my Amazon x Sandra’s Closet book shop. Stay tuned, as I will upload a new section very soon. Don’t forget, fashion can be as imaginative as your favorite stories.

My look: Peggy paisley-print ramie midi dress by Zimmermann, Sundance 140 metallic vegan leather platform sandals by Aquazzura, embossed leather shoulder bag by Fendi, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Pétales de Camélia ring in yellow gold with diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewellery, Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

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