Sandra‘s Closet

History does repeat itself, and so do trends. Here’s another throwback to ’90s hair must-haves (after the revival of the barrettes) that is celebrated this S/S 2018 season: SCRUNCHIES.

Sarah Jessica Parker with a perm and a scrunchie in 1988.

It was no other than Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City who sentenced scrunchies in one episode to the purgatory of style faux pas with her portentous proclamation to her boyfriend Berger for mentioning a scrunchie in his novel, claiming that no New Yorker in her right mind would ever wear one. Love them, hate them, but you cannot ignore them, scrunchies were making a comeback even on the catwalk, and funkier than the ones we had been wearing decades ago.

Times change. Would it be controversial to say that now looking at those fabulous Balenciaga leather ones, I actually disagree with Carrie Bradshaw and totally think that they really are rather fabulous?!

YOU CAN SHOP THE BALENCIAGA SCRUNCHIES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS AT BROWNS FASHION AND NET-A-PORTER. FOR AROUND €150 EACH.

Styling tip: Because those leather scrunchies tend to keep sliding down your hair, I recommend giving it a good grip by applying SACHAJUAN’s Hair Powder to the part where the base of your ponytail will be. This will give your hair texture, fullness and help keep your scrunchie stay in place without adding any weight to your tresses.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and © Getty Images

A NEW SERUM FOR THIRSTY SKIN
HYDRATE WELL, AGE WELL
Every day, our skin is subjected to the ill effects of the cold, wind, pollution, UV rays, stress, fatigue and unhealthy lifestyles. These aggressors weaken and disrupt the skin’s natural hydration mechanisms. As a consequence, fine dehydration lines appear, the skin feels tight, and it loses its plump, supple and radiant appearance. As optimal hydration is the key to keeping skin youthful, Sisley created HYDRA-GLOBAL in 2007 to solve these problems. This hydrating anti-ageing product can restore the skin’s hydric balance while promoting the circulation of water within the epidermis to transport moisture deep down.

IN 2018, SISLEY’S RESEARCH IS GOING EVEN FURTHER BY CREATING HYDRA-GLOBAL SERUM Anti-Aging Hydration Booster – a «super-product» that boosts hydration and deeply quenches the thirstiest skin by helping it to restore itself by means of its natural hydration mechanisms. Hydra-Global Serum kick-starts intense and autonomous hydration by reteaching the skin how to take in water, circulate it through the different skin layers and retain it as much as possible.

THREE ACTIONS
1. Boosts water reserves
2. Promotes water circulation in the epidermis
3. Retains water at the skin’s surface – for longer.

Filled with water, the skin is more supple and more bouncy. The complexion is radiant and wrinkles are softened. Continuously moisturized, the skin is ready to withstand the hands of time and the gel-serum texture leaves a bare-skin sensation. Apply it morning and evening to face and neck as it perfectly complements the moisturizing action of all daily skin care products.

HYDRA-GLOBAL SERUM Anti-Aging Hydration Booster will be available from May 2, 2018 for CHF 247.00 (30ml).

Don’t forget, hydration is the first step in anti-ageing. As I am having very dry skin, I am totally in love with this new serum. After only a few days of having used it, I can see a big difference!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sisley Paris

Gosh, sometimes I still remember the time when I was a little girl and wore barrettes in all sorts of colors, especially in school to keep my hair out of my face. Funilly enough, I kept loosing them to the dislike of my mum. Now, we are back with this trend. But this S/S 2018 season, you would want to hold on to them tightly because they’re so much fancier and you wouldn’t want to loose a gold or bedazzled hair clip for over €100 each.

How to wear this hair accessory in 2018? The coolest way is to position it on the level of the top of your ear. Gucci‘s jaw-dropping, rhinestone-affixed logo version is a such a pretty way to secure a swept-back style.

TO SHOP GUCCI’S LOGO BARRETTES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Simone Rocha’s cast of Victorian-esque Brits captured the hearts of It-girls worldwide with their pearl-encrusted barrettes placed properly to the side.

TO SHOP SIMONE ROCHA HAIR CLIPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Donnatella Versace’s delicate gold hairpins that graced the beautiful heads of Gigi, Kendall, and Kaia Gerber in Milan will definitely be on every fashionista’s shopping list.

TO SHOP VERSACE’S MEDUSA SLIDE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

But leave it to the showstopping House of Saint Laurent to deliver the most extravagant (and expensive) hair clip of the season.

TO SHOP SAINT LAURENT’S EMBELLISHED HAIR CLIP, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

As these decorative details quickly make their way onto red carpets and the heads of street style’s finest, all that is left to say is: Let party season begin. Barettes in 2018 are much fancier than in the ’90s!

And to keep your hair in place, I recommend BJÖRN AXEN’S MEGAFIX HAIRSPRAY SUPER STRONG HOLD. This hairspray gives you shine, holds and is easy to brush out leaving no white flakes.

Stay tuned! Another ’90s hair trend is back that I will tell you all about this week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The «Louis Vuitton New Wave» collection heralds a new attitude, taking inspiration from the musical genre of the same name to revisit the joyful, colourful spirit of the Eighties in an unexpected way.

This collection is rooted in the art of travel that sealed the House’s reputation as soon as 
it was founded in 1854. In particular, one trunk was decorated with a graphic, multicoloured motif that undulated like a wave. From this historical detail comes the subtle quilted design of the «Louis Vuitton New Wave» line. To make these bags the ideal everyday companion, like a favorite leather jacket you never leave home without, the house chose to create each style in exceptionally soft, supple lambskin.

Available in store starting July 7th.
Freesia and Emerald colours available starting September.

I am so in love with the embellished or denim version. One of those will definitely be on my shopping list!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

My search for the perfect day to night dress was over when I found this gorgeous embellished one. Mini stands in this case for minimal dressing effort with a huge effect. This showstopper makes a sharp and chic style statement. Combined with my favorite clutch ever, the Chanel cigar box, I love wearing it around the clock.

My look: Ruffle trimmed single breasted wool coat by Gucci, Showmanship Dark Rush dress by Mary Katrantzou, suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent, and cigar box clutch by Chanel from the Coco Cuba Croisière 2017 collection. Tribale earrings by Dior and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Quintessence presents its first retreat edition which will take place in beautiful and stunning Courchevel between June 30th and September 1st, 2018.

Quintessence is an exclusive and immersive Boot Camp concept that invites guests to escape, challenge and pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings by experiencing a unique sports and fitness-based program combined with exquisite healthy cuisine. The week-long sports and wellness signature program DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF, led by highly qualified expert trainers, combines light, intense and restorative fitness sessions, sports, as well as time to relax. Limited to twelve guests, classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, women and men, regardless of experience and fitness levels.

A SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Quintessence is an invitation to challenge, boost and revitalise the body through a week-long exclusive workout program that alternates endurance, cardio and strength exercises.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF (one week long) includes various fitness sessions such as: HIIT, circuit training, Swiss ball, Core and Balance, weight and cardio trainings; outdoor sports: hiking, Aquabiking, Aquaboxing and golf initiation;  well-being periods: yoga, pilates, stretching and meditation classes.

A TEAM OF EXPERTS

Celine and Kevin, Quintessence’s trainers, fluent in French and English, give each guest the individualised attention and encouragement they need to complete this week of physical activity. Their aim is to ensure guests maintain and improve their fitness level, progressing at their own pace while having fun.

Celine is a certified Hatha Yoga 200h (RYT) and Vinyasa Yoga 200h (RYT) as well as Pilates instructor (Matwork II). Personal trainer since many years, she gathers a strong experience in various endurance, cardio and strength techniques.

Semi-pro, full back rugby player in the 4th French division, Kevin masters a wide palette of fitness trainings. He is a certified Fitness Training and Group Fitness instructor, as well as personal trainer and Mills GRITTM certified instructor.

Throughout the week-long program, guests will also have the pleasure to experience a cooking class during which the Quintessence Chef will reveal some tips about the original dishes crafted from the finest, locally sourced organic ingredients, designed to realign body and mind, delight the senses and encourage everyone to become more aware of their well-being.

VIP guests will regularly join the Quintessence weeks for exclusive talks on specific topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, welfare.

THE SETTING

Embodying French tradition and excellence, world-famous Courchevel is located at an altitude of 1300 m to 1850 m, offering breathtaking views and magical natural setting.

Quintessence guests are invited to retreat to a calm, refined and pure environment, in two luxurious and stylish chalets extending over 600 m2 and offering a total of nine rooms (4 different categories). They are designed to a high standard from locally sourced natural materials and exude authentic mountain charm.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
7-day total escape program (including accommodation – from Saturday to Saturday)
– price per person and per week:
• in a Standard Room, Double occupancy, starting at 3’100€
• in a Standard Room, Single occupancy, starting at 4’100€

TREAT YOURSELF TO AN ENERGY BOOST
1-day pop-in escape program (without accommodation) – price per person: 250€
Pop-in days are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Quintessence is more than a concept, it’s a philosophy of life. Uncover your quinta essentia – according to ancient philosophy, quinta essentia is a fifth substance in addition to the four elements of earth, fire, air and water, which ensures cohesion, life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Quintessence and © Sandra Bauknecht
Interior pictures: © Leila Ricci Photography www.leilaricci.com

Attico is a rising brand from Italian street style stars and designers Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio. «We wanted to make thrown-together appear dressed up, dressed-up feel everyday, and every entrance feel like the entrance,» they say of the brand’s aesthetic, which is inspired by classic peignoirs robes – expect embroidered silks, sparkling sequins and rainbow colors. One of their hottest accessories are the ankle cuffs that are available in several colors. Here you see Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in one of their stunning looks with the designer duo itself.

Get her look: Sequined tulle wrap mini dress, Baby patent-leather slingback sandals, and buckle fasten anklet, all by Attico.

By the way, I am proud of myself. This is the first collage I created with Photoshop and Indesign!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Instagram @rosiehw
Stills: Courtesy of Attico

In 2016, Christine Nagel took over the reigns as the resident nose at Hermès. Breathing new life into the Maison’s fragrance world while living up to the traditional elements and quality the brand is famous for, Nagel seeked inspiration from the orient and its long history of perfumery for the house’s first foray into fragrance oils which are part of the new HERMESSENCE collection.

«I wanted to return to the origins of perfumery and immerse myself in its history. Each of these five creations is an individual expression of a dream of Orient.»
– Christine Nagel

Originally created by Nagel’s predecessor, Jean-Claude Ellena, around six years ago, the ten eaux de toilette – all made of exquisite and unexpected notes – are now joined by three new unisex contributions, that are based on oriental notes such as cedar, agarwood, and myrrh.

For her new concept, Nagel ties to ancient scent applications and suggests layering them with one of the two oils from the collection, both grounded by musk, one laced with cardamom, the other enchanted by iris.

HERMESSENCE Eaux de Toilette
Myrrhe Elegantine – Agar Ebène – Cèdre Sambac
CHF 278.00 (100ml)

HERMESSENCE Essences
Cardamusc – Musc Pallida
CHF 402.00 (20ml)

My personal favorite combination is Cèdre Sambac together with Musc Pallida. Warm, sensual and extremely yummy. Try for yourself – Hermès is about craftsmanship – so now it’s up to you to use your skin as your canvas! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès and © Sandra Bauknecht

I have always been obsessed with straw hats, but this season’s large statement versions are truly to die for. Oversized and twisted into a wave at Jacquemus, the beachy style is so much more than your basic Panama hat.

Oversized straw hat «La Bomba» by Jacquemus

Missoni’s S/S 2018 floppy hats fit right along this description – very visible, supersized straw hats that are protecting not only your head but also your back from the sun.

Oversized striped straw hat by Missoni

Woven oversized straw hat by Missoni

Delpozo, fashion’s reigning prince of prêt-à-couture, showed large bow straw hats. Those headpieces on the S/S 2018 runway were huge and stiff, holding their shape perfectly.

Delpozo S/S 2108

This summer, there are many options to find the perfect floppy Sunday straw hat.

Large paper-braid glamour hat by Sensi Studio

Gucci really made an impression with interestingly shaped straw hats tied with a ribbon in different shades.

Straw hat with ribbon by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The colours are breathtaking, the air is beguiling, and the hubbub in the streets is as exhilarating as it is inviting. Arabian nights, Mediterranean scents, spices and flavors, oasis, couscous, beautiful mosques, men in gabar, sandy dunes – Marrakesh continues to rank among the world’s top travel favourites for good reason. The beautiful fourth largest city in the country is an impressive combination of imperial history with palaces dating back to the 16th century and a contemporary urban lifestyle that offers stylish restaurants, trendy concept stores, and modern hotel resorts.

Me visiting the Schlatters in Marrakesh (for the outfit post, click here please).

In this oasis between the ocean and the Atlas Mountains, Swiss couple Rabia and Daniel Schlatter made a dream come true and built an enchanting palace in one of the most prestigious areas of the metropole along with a gigantic guest house. Last November, my friends spoilt me at their beautiful home and I am so happy to share this interior design heaven with you.

Daniel and Rabia Schlatter in the garden of their Marrakesh home.

The palace itself, that was finished in 2012, measures 3800 m², set in 30.000 m² of land with stunning gardens and a 5-star-hotel-worthy pool surrounding it. Two years ago, the construction of the guest mansion started – another paradise, peacefully situated next to the main house, that offers 2800 m² living space on a 15.000 m² lot, and that is now finished and also available for rent.

Amazing fabrics – every guest room looks different.

Rabia, who was born and raised in Casablanca, oversaw the creative process herself together with her husband Daniel, who as a young man did an apprenticeship as an architectural draftsman. In Marrakech, where opulence and luxury reign, there is no shortage of beautiful ateliers and home interior stores. But you have to be a local like her to know where to shop.

Love is in the detail –  every corner is beautifully decorated.

Over the years, she had collected magazines and created mood boards for the ateliers she worked with to come up with the most beautiful results possible. Her interior design studies helped her as well. Everything was produced in Morocco, only the fabrics for the curtains are from France and the UK. The brocade is from Syriah. The bedsheets and towels are from local suppliers. For the bathrooms, Rabia used Italian marble.

The seating area in the living room

Her distinguished taste can also be seen in the huge living room with its breathtaking vaulted ceiling and the fireplace as the focal point. An open layout lets you see right into the spacious dining room and seating area.

The stunning pool

Arched doorways allowing the afternoon light to pass beautifully and a gorgeous long pool mirroring the surrounding date palm trees makes entering the garden a «1,001 Nights» experience. But step inside the guest bedrooms to be amazed – king-sized beds, romantic fireplaces, gigantic bathtubs and private gardens are all standard features! A well-equipped gym and a hammam are also there for your pleasure.

The hammam

Built like a sultan’s palace, it’s understandable if guests don’t want to leave the Schlatters. For the wellbeing around 16 people are permanently employed only for the main house, from gardeners to housekeepers, a cook and Bouchra, the gouvernante who is handling everything to 2 guys at the gate and a driver.

Playground for boys

Speaking about cars, the best is yet to come. Daniel Schlatter has an outstanding passion for cars and built his own «Healey» museum on 800m2 in the basement with a bar, a seating area and a gazillion of details that make you feel as if Healey just had left his garage.

Enjoy more photos below… – I will be back soon and cannot wait!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Reto Gundli