Sandra‘s Closet

Once a year, the Wiener Staatsoper turns into the world’s most beautiful and elegant ball room for the Vienna Opera Ball: a glamorous gala of unique splendour and allure, the ball of all balls, much-copied around the world. It had been on my bucket list since a long time, it is something you should have experienced once in your life.

My dear friend Ljuba Manz invited me for this spectacular night where around 300 debutantes make their dream come true and dance the first polonaise on this unique ballroom floor. After that, it’s Alles Walzer or “Let the waltz begin!“. For more information about the history and the strict dress code, click here for a previous post.

My look: Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London, cropped shearling jacket with mink and embellishments and Saffiano double handle mini satchel, both by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, diamond ring and diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Tonda 1950 clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Music and dance all over the opera building, sumptious floral decorations, ladies in elaborate gowns, and gentlemen in elegant tailcoats, made the Vienna Opera Ball an unforgettable event for me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Some of the photos were taken before the gala at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Vienna.

For F/W 2019, LOUIS VUITTON accessories stylishly combine many of the House’s iconic codes.

The timeless Monogram shawl asserts a new freedom and can be worn in versatile ways. Reinterpreted in a tie-dye version, it celebrates the colours of an Indian summer.

Highlighted with 3D technical appliqué details for a trompel’oeil effect with Louis Vuitton’s signature motifs or in appliquéd silk with a pop upcycling vibe, it reinvents the concept of patchwork craftsmanship. An oversized scarf in double-faced, pleated silk beautifully enhances the look.

Twisted silk also features on costume jewellery, including fine bracelets adorned with charms and a featherweight choker.

The fashion jewellery plays with Louis Vuitton’s signatures. Worn on its own as an XL statement piece or in a mini-sized pair, an earring teams the House’s V with semi-precious stones. Long and short necklaces, worn on their own or layered, combine enamelled and diamanté heraldry charms, whose links are inspired by trunk locks.

I personally adore this three ring set. Such a cool accessory.

Leather rubs shoulders with the Monogram canvas in a new reversible fine belt. Its iconic jewel clasp, inspired by the Dauphine bag from the S/S 2019 collection, offers a discreet
signature.

A new accessory, the iPhone case hangs around the neck like an authentic high-tech silicone jewel.
It adds an ultra-modern and innovative accent to the look, offering the perfect blend of style
and function.

The sunglasses boast a sculptural form. A real technical feat, this featherweight, moulded design propels accessories into the future.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

A new limited edition collection to welcome spring by Jo Malone London. Five unexpected scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line the banks of a winding river.

Hemlock & Bergamot Cologne 30ml
Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly-delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Cade & Cedarwood Cologne 30ml
The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Lupin & Patchouli Cologne 30ml
Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Willow & Amber Cologne 30ml
The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Nettle & Wild Achillea Cologne 30ml
The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

In stores now for CHF 72.00 each 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London
#WildlyWonderful – #FragranceCombining

My avid followers know that I love LA MER products and that I have worked with the brand on several occasions as their ambassador. Last September for example I invited my girlfriends for an exclusive LA MER dinner at my house and in November I hosted an event at Jelmoli for my dear readers.

Originally developed by scientist Max Huber to treat burns sustained after a lab accident, LA MER’s unique blend of transformative biofermented sea kelp has seen the moisturizer achieve cult beauty status. The formulation is now found across the brand’s skincare range to target and transform specific areas. What I love most about LA MER products is the fact that I don’t need to worry about the right age group or skin condition, the only thing I need to choose is the texture depending on my personal needs. Everything from this nutrient-rich line rejuvenates the complexion and alleviates the natural effects of aging by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.

Sometimes I look at my bathroom shelf and think it looks like a LA MER beauty counter! Besides the famous moisturizer, they are many different additions to choose from, from serums to masks, from eye care to cleansers. Furthermore, there is a miracle product that I would like to introduce you today: the LA MER CONCENTRATE. Luxury products like these are definitely an investment but I find a little goes a long way and personally my skin is something I invest in.

The LA MER CONCENTRATE has become a must-have accessory for me.

This lightweight elixir restores a vibrant and healthy complexion, and delivers effective results with the smallest amount of product. Besides this, there are two reasons why I am truly convinced:

1. I love to take care of my skin day-to-day at home or while traveling. Especially the part under my eye or around my nostrils tends to get easily irritated while I am in a plane or switch from one climate zone to the other. The LA MER CONCENTRATE soothes visible irritation and redness as it helps strengthen and restore fragile skin, leaving it look deeply revitalized. I always carry it with me and even use it around the eyes and over make-up.

The LA MER CONCENTRATE joins me on every trip I do.

2. I love its healing effect. The LA MER CONCENTRATE is one of the brand’s most loved formulas. Blended with a high dilution of its signature Miracle Broth™, it helps to stimulate your skin’s natural renewal process. I used it for 24 months on this ugly scar on my hand and it almost disappeared.

The application is easy, just use the doe-foot applicator to administer just a touch in the morning or evening or if needed.

As a big fan, I have a little surprise for my Swiss followers. If you spent more than CHF 150, you will receive a LA MER Pouch with a Deluxe Soft Cream 7ml (CHF 45.00) and a Deluxe Cleansing Foam 30ml (CHF 30.00) with the promo code: sandralamer. Offer valid until March 31st, 2019.

TO SHOP WITH THE SPECIAL PROMO CODE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. It’s about making the mental shift that will allow you to power through whatever life throws at you. Start each day with an unstoppable attitude to succeed and try to stay motivated throughout the day, regardless of circumstances. Put on a look that you feel confident in and defy the odds against you. I love my new Dior pieces that make me feel extremely good and the coat adds the right amount of color to cheer up the day.

My look: Green oversized cashmere trench coat by Loewe, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery, printed voile cotton skirt , Saddle calfskin belt, Oblique Saddle bag, shoulder strap, and J’adior earrings, all by Dior, Rockstud cut out leather combat boots by Valentino. Diamond heart necklace in yellow gold and Amulette necklace, both by Cartier, Jardin de Milly La Forêt daisy necklace and Mitzah ring, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So far, Sami Khouri and his team, aka Mr. Samigo, was known for offbeat pop-ups. Now he runs the former Quai 61 at the port Enge. The restaurant, which belongs to the city, was built as part of the garden exhibition in 1959 on 64 poles into the lake. The location offers guests a view of the Glarus Alps or the city of Zurich.

For the first time, I went there last weekend and truly loved the performances by artists, musicians and burlesque dancers, and much more – while enjoying great food among dear friends. Ordering your meal works very unconventionally.

The food menu is already fun!

At the beginning of the night, you are asked to fill in a paper with your choice of three or four courses and your name. Don’t be surprised, your fork or knife are not going to be changed during the dinner. I had the burrata, the hummus, the vegetable curry and the chocolate cake which were all very delicious. The entrecôte and the home-made vanilla ice-cream also looked yummy.

Very different from what we know from Zurich’s nightlife, it is a breath of fresh air in our hometown. You can enjoy the show while having dinner, smoke a cigarette in the bar upstairs or just go dancing later. To book a table at this crazy place called «Samigo Amusement», you have to send a message to this mobile phone number +41 79 360 20 65.
Mythenquai 59, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Friday evening, I celebrated International Women’s Day among my beloved girlfriends at the St. Gotthard Hotel in Zurich where Ljuba Manz and Raquel Marquard hosted an event with Jelmoli filled with everything you can dream of, shoes, a runway show, champagne and laughter.

With Raquel Marquard to the left and Ljuba Manz to the right.

Silvia Affolter moderated the night in a very fun way. First, we all had a closer look at a selection of shoes that would make every girl’s heart leap with joy. Brands such as Alexandre Vauthier (one of my favorites at the moment), Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia were on display as well as jewelry by Austrian jeweler A.E. Köchert.

The fashion show – inspired by St. Tropez – included a lingerie part in collaboration with Beldona. Beautiful lace ensembles – one in combination with a lace mask – got the audience in awe.

A young label from Switzerland, only 3 years old, Ina Kess was introduced. Two beautiful sisters, Katharina and Isabelle Staub, who both studied economics, launched the label in order to fulfill their own need. They design pieces that work for the office, for a night out and in which you can also attend your yoga class. Katharina explained how annoyed she was to carry around a bag of clothes to have everything she needed with her.

Katharina and Isabelle Staub of Ina Kess with Silvia Affolter

Ljuba entertained us amazingly with some fun statements how to treat men well.

Jelmoli presented also looks from renowned designers such as Moschino, Missoni, Peter Pilotto and 3.1. Phillip Lim. The so-called «House of Brands» really shifted during the past years under the helmet of CEO Franco Savastano and has transformed itself into a true luxury haven. Soon, the whole beauty department on the ground floor will also go through renovation. Ladies, no need to fly to London or Paris any longer… we will soon have our own little «Harrods» or «Galeries Lafayette» in Zurich.

Franco Savastano, CEO Jelmoli, had every reason to smile that night, being one of the only men allowed in the room enjoying the fabulous show.

Guests of the night were invited after the fashion show to the presidential suite where they were able to shop everything that was presented on the runway. If you like any look or shoe below, just show the photo to a sales person at Jelmoli. They will happily help you.

I am so in love with these Alexandre Vauthier sandals.

The only recommendation I have and this comes on a very personal note, please include also smaller sizes in your buying, as well as half sizes for shoes!

By the way, the gentlemen enjoyed a great dinner and a Patoro cigar at the iconic Hummerbar next door…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

I love Toile de Jouy, abbreviated «toile», the type of decorating pattern consisting of a usually white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern in a single colour depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers. PLEASE don’t miss the end of this post…. it is naughty Sunday and I have the most exciting toile pattern for you.

Toiles were originally produced in Ireland in the mid-18th Century and quickly became popular in Britain and France. The term, Toile de Jouy, originated in France and literally means «cloth from Jouy-en-Josas», a town in the south-west suburbs of Paris.

A Dior window filled with toile pieces from the Resort 2019 collection.

Mostly associated with fabrics  for curtains and upholstery in particular as well as wallpaper, toile is also used on teapots, and beddings. For Resort 2019, many fashion designers have rediscovered the pattern that was widely worn on shirts in the ’70s. This season, the fabric looks stunning on long skirts and accessories. Don’t miss Dior‘s take on it. It is my favorite. Oscar de la Renta‘s Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are inspired by bridal registry china – the idea struck after the design duo flicked through a Wedgwood book by Rizzoli.

Enjoy the best pieces below:

Pleated floral-print cotton-blend midi skirt by Oscar de la Renta

TRO floral-print textured-leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta

Isa toile double waist skirt by Tibi

Printed voile cotton skirt by Dior

Lady Dior Toile de Jour bag by Dior

When my manicurist Megan Biggi‘s moved to a new location (the best in Zurich, click here for her contact information), we were talking about the interior design of the room. During the conversation, I recommended this Toile de Jouy traditional pattern that is revisited with a new humoristic and pertinent approach, showing some erotic scenes that you only discover when you look closer. She loved the idea and now one wall in her spa is decorated with the high quality wallpaper as you can see below. I think it absolutely looks fantastic!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EROTIC TOILE WALLPAPER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy 6oth Birthday, Barbie! Time flies…  Today, every passing minute sees more than 100 dolls sold worldwide, with 58 million sold every year. The iconic plastic doll has been a surgeon, a pilot, a singer and a president. She has been in a wheelchair and has a prosthetic leg. She’s been the Duchess of Cambridge, several characters in «Mad Men» and every member of Destiny’s Child.
But on her debut at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, she was just a doll in a swimsuit and ponytail, with white sunglasses in her hand.

First Barbie in 1959

Barbie’s success has remained as she continues to reflect culture and the world girls see around them.
Her evolution has been crucial, but never was easy. Created by Ruth Handler, who owned the toy company Mattel with her husband Elliot. She was inspired by the paper dolls her daughter Barbara played with, as well as a German doll named Bild Lilli.

Did you know that the inspiration for Barbie came from German BILD Zeitung? A doll called Lilli that was created in 1955.

Immediately, Barbie had a lot of success. She was an «adult», different to the baby dolls of the time. By 1960, Barbie was gainfully employed, as either a nurse, fashion editor, or flight attendant. The next year, she had a boyfriend, Ken, and the year after that, her first car and a pink dream house.

Lately, new additions to the «Barbie Fashionistas» line included a doll using a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg. For International Women’s Day 2018, Mattel released a new batch of dolls based «real-life role models» (for the previous post, click here please), among them aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo.

This year, more than 20 new «Sheroes» will be immortalized as Barbies: among them, supermodel and activist Adwoa Aboah, and gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the first female Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

Me dressed in the Moschino x Barbie collection (for the post, click here).

Barbie did many designer collaborations such as an amazing shoe collection with Charlotte Olympia, was dressed by the likes of Moschino, Lagerfeld, or Christian Louboutin among others.

Margot Robbie will portray Barbie in upcoming movie about the child’s toy.

At 60 years old, Barbie stars in a Netflix series, «Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures,» and has almost 40 animated films to her name. In January, it was announced that Margot Robbie will play Barbie in a live-action movie. With 2 million followers on her instagram @barbiestyle, she’s one of of the big social media influencers and shares her outfits, and street-style shots.

I have been a Barbie fan since my early childhood and am proud of my pretty impressive collection. In my daughter’s old playroom, we still kept the Barbie corner. Happy Birthday, Barbie! Thanks to you, I feel sometimes like a little girl again…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Barbie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Today it is International Women’s Day (IWD), a focal point in the movement for women’s rights, a day to celebrate womanhood. Let’s all be confident today and wear something fun that makes us feel good. I am looking forward to spending the evening among my best girlfriends, who always support and inspire me, who make me smile, whom I admire.

My look: Armonia checked wool-blend and cotton-gabardine trench coat and Nina leather tote in cognac, both by Gabriela Hearst, Philly pleated cloqué midi dress by Emilia Wickstead, embellished satin pumps by Miu Miu, and «DG hands» limited edition sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht