Sandra‘s Closet

Once steeped in the opulent luxury and tranquillity of this setting, who wouldn’t want to suspend time and never have to return to normality? Fully renovated, one of my favorite hotels in the world, the legendary Eden Rock on Saint Barthélémy just reopened its doors again, two years after the resort was hit by Hurricane Irma. United by their shared values, Hublot and Oetker Collection are continuing their collaboration, with two brand new Classic Fusion models being added to the Eden Being collection featuring exclusive custom-made pieces.

A 45 mm chronograph version provides a glimpse of the self-winding movement, and a second 38 mm version dazzles, set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. These are available as ultra limited editions – just 25 of each model – which can be engraved with the initials of their future owners. They will be available first of all at Eden Rock – St Barths, and also through the Oetker Collection network and Hublot boutiques.

Usain Bolt and Ricardo Guadalupe at the launch event in Saint Barths.

Eden Rock – Saint Barths has played host to glittering stars including Greta Garbo. Excellence, exclusivity and exuberance are just a few of the qualities that Hublot and Oetker Collection share to delight their clientele. Its forthcoming reopening provides an opportunity to renew our collaboration through a Classic Fusion model for men and one for women. Even though, once there, you are sure to stop counting the hours…
Ricardo Guadalupe
CEO Hublot

Drawing inspiration from Eden Rock Saint Barths the two timepieces feature details that ensure this mythical place lives on in memory. This exceptional hotel boasts a history dating back to the 1950s, regularly visited by illustrious personalities representing all facets of the world’s rich cultural heritage, from music to cinema and literature, as well as artists seeking inspiration.

The HUB1155 skeleton self-winding chronograph movement showcases the collaboration with Eden Rock St Barths at 3 o’clock. The second watch sparkles with precious diamonds symbolising eternity, with the white lacquer of its dial set with 10 rubies. These two timepieces are available with three straps: a white alligator strap delicately edged with red thread, along with white and red full rubber straps, both finely ribbed.

Deliberately white like the pristine sand of the beach or the sun-bleached walls – everyone will have their own interpretation – the watch has a single touch of colour; the famous Eden Rock red. These creative and aesthetic choices conjure up the perfect getaway.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

Tuesday marked the preview of the Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades booth at Design Miami, where new designer Andrew Kudless presented the Swell Wave, his first Objet Nomade.

Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades is an ever-expanding collection of limited, collectible furniture inspired by the House’s DNA and by reinterpretations of its travel spirit.

Pieces from the collection have been imagined by some of today’s most creative designers: Patricia Urquiola, India Mahdavi, Atelier Oï, Atelier Biagetti, Barber and Osgerby, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Damien Langlois-Meurinne, Raw Edges, Zanellato/Bortotto, Marcel Wanders, Tokujin Yoshioka, Nendo, André Fu, and Andrew Kudless.

Louis Vuitton’s new pieces are presented inside the fair. You can discover the Maison’s savoir-faire until December 8, 2019 at Paradise Plaza, Miami Design District (by appointment only).

LoL, Sandra

Photo credit: Joe Schildhorn/BFA

Need less and want more – you can do it! Something my detox week at Vivamayr Maria Wörth has taught me. And this applies to every aspect of life. You don’t need to wait for a personal trainer, grab a mat, put on some comfy clothes and head out to nature to indulge in some dancing or yoga fun. It will change your life, promised!

My look: Need Less Want More T-Shirt (design by the contemporary artist Hadrien Dussoix) by By Naomé, Lucie Essentials Technical Knit Bra and Laure Essentials Technical Knit Legging, both by Ernest Leoty, and TechLoom Pro Mesh Sneakers by APL Athletic Propulsion Labs.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Disco. Decadence. The ultimate indulgence. Sometimes you get an invitation that is so amazing you want to show it to the world… in this case a dear friend of mine is celebrating a Studio 54 party in New York City next weekend. I couldn’t have wished for a better theme. Studio 54, the legendary world-famous night club of the late ’70s, located at 254 West 54th Street, between Eighth Avenue and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, was the landmark of various parties in the art and fashion world and the hot spot for all celebrities of the era.

At the peak of the disco dancing and music trend, it was founded and created by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager in 1977, and sold in 1980 to Mark Fleischman, who reopened the club after it had been shut down following Rubell and Schrager’s convictions on charges of tax evasion.

Studio 54 has become a dress code in itself: it means sparkling mini dresses, sequins, jumpsuits, platform sandals and Farrah Fawcett hair. Michael Kors admittedly skipped his own prom for a night out at Studio 54, so it’s fitting that the former NYC club serves as inspiration for his F/W 2019 collection.

TO SHOP ALL CLOTHING AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS BELOW, JUST CLICK ON THE HIGHLIGHTED DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE:

One of my favorite pieces of the collection – Look 65 (also featured in the ad campaign)
Feather-trimmed sequined silk-georgette mini dress by Michael Kors Collection.

Look 13
Asymmetric sequined stretch-jersey halterneck dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 52
Glittered cashmere tank by Michael Kors Collection

Look 56
Knotted stretch-lamé midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Look 67
Metallic fil coupé leopard-jacquard midi dress by Michael Kors Collection

Another designer who is constantly inspired by his mom’s Studio 54 days is Michael Halpern. Since he graduated Central Saint Martins MA in the class of 2016, the London’s resident New Yorker is going for full glitter-disco looks. Just one word: amazing!

Look 3
Draped sequined tulle halterneck midi dress by Halpern

Look 12
Asymmetric sequined chiffon mini dress by Halpern

Look 22
Sequined tulle flared pants and off-the-shoulder ruffled sequined tulle top, both by Halpern.

Look 25
One-sleeve draped asymmetric stretch-jersey midi dress by Halpern

Look 32
Draped animal-print sequined stretch-tulle jumpsuit by Halpern

And as far as your beauty looks are concerned, look no further than the just-released Studio 54 for NARS collection. Start the party with iconic shades; own the night with exclusive bolds and brights.

Never Enough Mini Lipstick Coffret by NARS

Limited Edition Explicit Content Mascara Set by NARS

Studio 54 Outshine 4-Piece Lip Gloss Set  by NARS

Softcore Blush and Balm Set – Torrid by NARS

Glitter. Glamour. Excess. Expression. Consider this your VIP ticket beyond the velvet rope. Once you’re in, anything goes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Recently, I was invited by SEPHORA to explore their FROSTED CHRISTMAS specials at Kaufleuten in Zurich within a festive atmosphere. The event was a beauty addict’s winter wonderland. Have a sneak peek below into this beautiful universe, get inspired and make your beauty wishes come true!

I included my favorite products but there is so much more to discover…

Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Collector’s Set by Fenty Beauty by Rihanna – CHF 49.90
A limited- edition collection of five mini Gloss Bomb shades.

«Winter Wonderglam» Eye Shadow Palette by Tarte – CHF 71.90
Includes 24 eye shadows, a liquid eye liner, a mascara and a double-sided applicator.

«Brow Superstars» in a hat by Benefit – CHF 89.90
Everything you need for the perfect eyebrows.

«GingerbreadBronzed & Kissed» Set by Too Faced – CHF 49.90
Includes a Gingerbread Tan Bronzer and a Matte Lipstick in Peach Kiss plus a limited edition pouch.

Life Liner Duo Pencil by Huda Beauty –  CHF 32.50
The ultimate lifeproof, dual-ended eyeliner with a liquid tip one side and pencil on the other.

Christmas Set «Holiday Heroes» by Mario Badescu – CHF 59.90
Everything you need to perfectly clean your skin.

Igloo Box of Masks by Sephora – CHF 29.90
7 masks for every occasion.

Set «Carnaval Dreams» by Sol Janeiro – CHF 49.90
Including Lip Balm «Brazilian Kiss», Facial Cream «Brazilian Bum Bum», Shower Gel «Brauzilian 4 Play» and Cream «Coco Cabana».

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Debora Zeyrek for Sephora
#sephoraswitzerland #SephoraFrostedChristmas @sephoraswitzerland

Thursday one week ago, I had the privilege to be celebrating my 10th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich among dear friends and most amazing Sandra’s Closet readers. With all my heart, I would like to thank everyone who came and made this evening so special, also for the many beautiful and thoughtful gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that surprised me with the best cake ever and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

The evening was dedicated to the most luxurious products by LA MER, the Genaissance de La Mer collection. The brand’s best anti-aging skincare products offer accelerated renewal and visibly erase signs of time with the help of potent crystals. Inspired by the latter, guests were invited to enjoy a personalized crystal reading by Alexandra Kruse.

I have been blogging for one decade now and so much happened over these past 10 years. I have always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run. Nobody knows what the future holds. So let’s enjoy life to the fullest, be kind and inspire each other every day. Thank you to everyone for the journey.

Happy 1st Advent!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan – © Sandra Bauknecht and via my lovely guests

Another festive décor not to miss in London is to be found at THE LANESBOROUGH, that takes on a touch of couture with the unveiling of a Ralph & Russo inspired Christmas Tree installation, as imagined by creative genius, Tony Marklew.

Inspired by the heritage of the British luxury house and the intricate detailing portrayed in Ralph & Russo’s most recent F/W 2019 couture collection, the artistic installation brings to life the magic of couture, enchanting onlookers with a canopy of chandelier-like crystals and ornate leaf embellishment, adorned with silk petal flowers in bold hues of raspberry and ruby red.

Tamara Ralph

Established in London in 2010 by duo Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, Ralph & Russo is an international luxury brand revered for producing designs that are contemporary, timelessly elegant and sought after worldwide. In 2014, Ralph & Russo became the first British guest member in almost a century to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show their first runway collection as part of the S/S 2014 couture season.

Ralph & Russo Couture F/W 2019

Ralph & Russo is loved all over the world for its bold and unapologetically glamorous silhouettes, and famously dressed Meghan Markle in her engagement portraits. Its first ready-to-wear collection launched exclusively with Net-à-Porter, and each piece is made using the same exquisite craftsmanship, modern artistry and detail as its couture pieces.

Bringing the glamour and personal touch of a truly couture Christmas to every hotel guest this festive season, of which the resident cat, Lilibet, is of no exception. To honour the hotel’s most loved resident and her first Christmas at THE LANESBOROUGH, Ralph & Russo have hand-crafted a bespoke collar bearing the crown sigil.

Lilibet arrived in June 2019 and is the latest addition in what is becoming something of a trademark among the sister Oetker Collection properties. Lilbet is a Siberian Forest Cat which means she has very fluffy fur. Siberians are fun-loving, energetic felines and hypoallergenic.
Lilibet joins Burmese cat Fa-Raon from Le Bristol Paris and Kléopatre from Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden.

The hotels have a small team of cat-loving employees, known as the Cat Committee who have kindly volunteered to look after the house cats.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough Hotel and © Ralph & Russo

Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s  tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin.

This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.

Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.

«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin

The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.

I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin

Last weekend, I flew to Frankfurt am Main in Germany to attend my 25 year class reunion. It feels always nice to be home, seeing my family and indulging in childhood memories. Here you see me in my parents’ garden in my favorite hidden corner. I love anything zodiac, therefore this sweater was a must for me. I was definitely born under a lucky star… feeling grateful.

My look: Embroidered wool cape, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, skinny denim pant with embroidery, embellished oversized square-frame sunglasses, and Ultrapace mid-top sneaker, all by Gucci, neon pink cashmere scarf by Ralph Lauren Black Label and astro cashmere sweater by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Marni renews its commitment to support philanthropic activities by promoting a charity initiative in collaboration with the OTB Foundation.

Throughout the holiday season, Marni will present a special blown glassware collection consisting of glasses, vases and bottles, which will be on sale in selected mono-brand boutiques across the globe starting from tomorrow, November 28th.

The initiative aims to support the «Future Brain» project – www.progettoheal.com – promoted by the Heal Onlus Association and dedicated to children hospitalized at the pediatric oncology department of the Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome.

Each product is entirely handmade in Colombia through a meticulous artisanal process that requires time and care for every detail.

Through this initiative, Marni intends to promote permanent psychological assistance to young patients and their parents, through educational and recreational activities at the department.

Shopping for a good cause is a great reason to shop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni