Sandra‘s Closet

Louis Vuitton is breathing a new graphic rhythm into its men’s leather goods lines, LV Epi Initials and LV Epi Patchwork Graphite. Damier Graphite canvas and Epi leather are brought to life with touches of pop colour, combining the iconic House’s signatures with the LV Circle from F/W 2017.

Both collections place Epi leather in the spotlight. Launched in 1985, it features a distinctive grain and textured effect. Over the years, the first coloured leather to be introduced at Louis Vuitton has been dressed in a selection of strong, tangy, cool or deep colours. Here it is available in navy blue and black, punctuated with flashes of pop blue, acid green, and burgundy with a touch of Damier for the LV Epi Patchwork Graphite, or accompanied by the LV Circle signature for the LV Epi Initials line.

Available in four iconic Louis Vuitton shapes, the Danube, the Christopher backpack, the Bumbag and the Keepall, the shapes complement one another in a combination of highly generational styles and colours. The small leather goods reveal coloured linings, as does the trio of Damier Graphite canvas pouches that nest together like Russian dolls.

A perfect compromise between suppleness and structure, LV Epi Initials & Patchwork Graphite meet the needs of today’s city dwellers. These striking, casual collections will appeal to leather enthusiasts as well as cool, free-spirited personalities.

Available from May 31st 2019 in Louis Vuitton stores and on louisvuitton.com.
And needless to say, those pieces would also look good on us women!

LoL, Sandra

© Louis Vuitton
Photographer: Joseph Molines
Model: Leonard Mushiete @REBEL MANAGEMENT

Swiss luxury watchmaker HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO, the artist behind Storytelling Art, unveiled the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero, which could be viewed at the Baselworld trade fair this week. Paying homage to the 21st century woman, who distinguishes herself through the multiplicity of her roles, in this exclusive timepiece she is embodied as the heroine of modern times. This collaboration marks an exploratory approach to art and watchmaking.

The 21st century woman is a real muse. In turn wife, mother, friend, lover, business woman, femme fatale, fashion icon or night owl, for every hour of the day the modern woman sets herself apart as unpredictable, multifaceted and unique. She is disarming and makes light of the simple or complex adventures that she comes up against; drawing upon her charm, she juggles the lives that fill each of her days.

The dial tells the story of this heroine of modern times with ‘Lipstick’, an iconic work by the artist. Enigmatic behind her dark glasses, she remains majestic in the face of the unexpected and affirms her femininity, armed with her lipstick. Spinels in shades of red, topazes for the turquoise version, and forty-two fine stones decorate the bezel of the new 39-mm case, which is adjusted to her feminine wrists.

With one touch of its “One Click” patented fastening system, the leather strap makes way for a version in alligator and rubber, a touch of sophistication appropriate for the moment. Available in red and turquoise, the special series will be available in 50 copies of each tone.

«When I am asked ‘What innovative and modern idea develops your painting?’ Without hesitation, I answer fusion… Using different graphic styles (cubism, impressionism, surrealism, figurative, etc.) on the same plane or over my works—just like a film director uses special effects to tell a story—will always represent an extremely exciting challenge for me.»
Marc Ferrero

HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO cultivate the art of exploration in their respective fields, with fusion as the guiding principle. Personally speaking, I love these two models. They are sophisticated and cool and honor us women of today that manage to master everyday life with all its facets.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HUBLOT

Recently, I was invited by GARNIER to explore the brand’s new Organic skincare range. 11 products the company has been working on for 10 years. Sustainable sourcing, respect for the environment, vegan formulas and new organic certifications, all come together to write this new chapter.

But do organic products really work? The idea that a high-performance product can be made from ingredients drawn from nature, rather than the laboratory, might seem too good to be true. Still, skincare that’s kind to your skin and the environment is real. Here’s why..

The effectiveness of an organic product depends on how the ingredients are processed and how the overall product is formulated. Finding the correct balance of ingredients in a formula takes intensive research. This is especially true when working with natural extracts, which are inherently complex and diverse.

GARNIER has spent over 10 years sourcing and developing the right combination of natural and organic ingredients for the new Garnier Organic product line. The products are certified organic by the Soil Association according to rigorous international standards. Formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, each product harnesses a star natural ingredient, carefully blended in a formula to benefit a specific skin type.

The lemongrass is harvested in Sri Lanka, thyme and lavender, both come from France, and the precious argan oil derives from Morocco.

Swiss food blogger and author of «Eat Better, Not Less» Nadia Damaso treated us to some amazing vegan culinary dessert treats. Her cookbook, which has immediately become a bestseller in Switzerland, offers healthy yet super delicious mostly plant-based recipes that are completely free from refined sugar and lactose.

You are what you eat. Great skin is a combination of nutrition and the right skincare. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your GARNIER Organic Konjac Botanical Cleansing Sponge and gently buff your way to clearer, softer skin while you are preparing your vegan dinner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography

Here are all the details regarding my outfit that I wore to the shoot with my daughter for annabelle magazine. For today’s post, I added the sweater and the headband. If you look closer, you will see that the redhead on the print wears exactly what I am wearing. How fun is this?!

My look: Floral-print wool and mohair-blend blazer, floral-print wool and mohair-blend wide-leg pants, oversized Ignasi Monreal sweatshirt, rose print silk tie neck blouse, Marmont fringed logo-embellished metallic cracked-leather pumps, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, and web headband with crystals, all by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

Why carry one bag if you can have two? Women never have enough space in their handbags and CHANEL has the solution to stay organized with the so-called Side-Packs, spotted on the Maison’s S/S 2019 runway. It is a new style of wearing your It-piece that capture breezy allure and a seaside spirit. Worn by twos, like shoulder bags, their metallic chains crisscross at the hip. Mini or maxi versions can also be hooked together, with or without a pair of mules. I am sold and CHANEL set a new trend… again!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#CHANELByTheSea
#CHANELSpringSummer

CHANEL is taking is back to the ‘80s, and I want in. If I had to buy one piece this summer, it would be this crisp white button-down shirt that Kaia Gerber wore on the Maison’s S/S 2019 runway show that is in stores now for €1990. It has already become the must-have piece of the season for celebrities and bloggers and was featured in several editorials.

In case you are one of the lucky ones to get it, don’t miss the oversized logo earrings and the fabulous Side-Packs about which I will tell you more over the weekend.

LoL, Sandra

Look 6 on the CHANEL S/S 2019 runway worn by Kaia Gerber.

Lily Aldridge US Vogue – February 2019

CHANEL’s new S/S 2019 eyewear campaign

Ciara (@everythingrelatedfashion/Instagram)

Cardi B. (@iamcardib/Instagram) with the must-have shirt and the Side-Packs.

Photos: Via © CHANEL, Dazed Digital – if not stated otherwise.
#CHANELByTheSea
#CHANELSpringSummer

YSL Beauté inaugurates an ephemeral space in Zurich: the #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL where each room and suite are dedicated to the Parisian brand’s ‘beauty’ pleasures. You can visit this fun pop-up space at MANOR in Zurich until April 13, 2019.

So let me take you through the YSL BEAUTY HOTEL, a true temple for beauty addicts that I visited on Monday before the official launch.

First, guests register in the lobby and receive their key, which opens the door to the extraordinary experience downstairs in the department store. If you are lucky, you can open the vault with your key and win some amazing surprises.

Artistic, intimate and mysterious, at the Beauty Bar you can discover the novelties and the intoxicating Black Opium scent. In the bedroom, you will find the perfect look for your lips and you can engrave your lipstick or perfume bottle as I did. A graffiti artist decorates the YSL products and gift boxes with intrepid colors. A unique personalization service that makes every product or gift unique.

Great news is that you can attend a masterclass where the YSL Beauté make-up artists share their secrets. It is always fun to learn new techniques. I truly enjoyed mine with Jérémy Mahfoud. Alone or with friends, make an appointment today, by calling +41 78 655 27 86.

Last but not least, break your Instagram. Lights, camera, action! Special photo corners invite you to snap the perfect shot and to share them on your social media channels under #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL. The concept reminds me a lot of the Stylenanda Pink Hotel in Seoul, that I visited past October.

Enjoy your stay – Happy Beautolidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

On Fendi’s S/S 2019 runway, there was quite a variety of military-inspired bags. All coming with several pockets to help you stay organized. My favorite style is this cross-body version below that is crafted from smooth leather with three compartments – one designed for a phone and another labelled ‘Secrets’ in gold hot-stamped lettering (how cute is this?!) – then set on a slender adjustable strap that’s completed with gold-tone metal hardware. Utilitarian style at its best. A bag that allows you to go hands-free. Perfect for all mummies, for travelling and more…

LoL, Sandra

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in tan

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in orange

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in khaki-green

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in black

Mini leather cross-body bag in white

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Recently, I attended the Swiss launch event of CLINIQUE‘s newest beauty launch Clinique iD™ at Clouds in Zurich. The motto is simple, customize, don’t compromise. The idea behind the new cartridges that are inserted in your favorite texture of the Dramatically Different Moisturizer (Moisturizing Lotion, Oli-Control Gel and Hydrating Jelly) is to create a personalized custom-blend hydrator.

15 combinations are possible. Concerned with irritation? Pores and uneven skin texture? Uneven skin tone? Fatigue? Lines and wrinkles? For all these problems, CLINIQUE offers a solution. Choose one of three hydration bases, insert one of five cartridges with concentrated actives and you’re done. Instant, optimised results can be achieved with every use. The product in each bottle is said to last three months. Great skin, your way!

With Valeska Jansen (left) and Shari Jafari (right), Brand General Manager Clinique, Switzerland.

Personally speaking, I think it is an easy-to-use product for all skin types as you can personalize it for your concern, but especially great for younger skin. My daughter is a true addict and her complexion has absolutely changed in a short amount of time.

I found my combination with CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™, a tool that scans your skin to find the areas you have to target. My problem, no surprise… tired skin. My solution? Dramatically Different Moisturizer Moisturizing Lotion combined with the orange cartridge «Fatigue».

CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™

Beautiful sunny weather 

Shari Jafari giving an introduction speech about the newest launch.

Drinks were matching the colors of the cartridges…

… as well as the macarons.

Great music and lots of activities kept the guests busy…

… and offered many photo opportunities.

You could decorate a transparent make-up pouch with those stickers…

… or get your make-up refreshed.

The new Clinique iD™ Active Cartridge Concentrates are available now for CHF 75.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Never rest – keep rising. Publishing an online magazine means you never have a free day. You have to upload new content on a daily base. Funnily enough, I never had a day where I didn’t know what to write about. It is more that I don’t find the time to feature everything I like. I love what I do and therefore I do it often.

In terms of fashion, I adore the pajama trend. Face it, everyone loves something cozy to go to work, or for just running errands. The velvet material makes it look stylish while being comfortable.

My look: Embroidered velvet shirt and matching velvet straight-leg pants, both by Mira Mikati, Pineapple jacquard pumps with mouse face by Gucci and embroidered book tote by Dior. Gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, 18K diamond nameplate necklace by Louis Vuitton, daisy necklace and Mitza ring, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht