Sandra‘s Closet

Are you planning your festive look for New Year’s Eve? Check out GUERLAIN‘s holiday make-up collection that has some gorgeous, limited edition, collector’s pieces. Comparing to what other luxury brands have been releasing this winter, GUERLAIN is surely one that got the attention of many. I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer so let’s begin.

GOLD PALETTE (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 105.00
In a lacquered compact with stylised palm leaf motifs inspired by Art Déco style, nestled in a black and gold case, the new Guerlain Gold Palette offers a complete make-up set (face, eyes, brows and lips) to create a Gold & Chic look that’s a must for spending New Year’s Eve with the Great Gatsby. Its Wet & Dry texture lets you intensify the colours each time you wet the brush. The shades can be applied on their own or layered, dry or wet, for a buildable result rising in a crescendo, from day to night.

METEORITES GOLD LIGHTS (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 80.00
This refined box in the style of an antique jewel holds the delicate Météorites pearls. For the first time this year, they come in golden colours (white, yellow, pink, champagne). This unique combination enfolds the complexion like a beautiful piece of jewellery that lights up the face. The Gold Pearl Météorites bathe skin in a halo of light, revealing all of its radiance.

TERRACOTTA GOLD LIGHT (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 80.00

It perfectly enhances your natural sun-kissed glow and catches the light thanks to the precious hints of gold contained in the formula. It’s made with incredibly fine mother-of-pearl and imitates the dazzling light of skin that’s been left silky by the sun. Enriched with moisturizing active ingredients, it won’t dry out the skin and it ensures lasting comfort.

ROUGE G DE GUERLAIN LIPCOLOR (LIMITED EDITION) – 65.50
Cast in a gold and black fine jewellery pack that reveals a mirror on opening, Rouge G adorns your lips with an incandescent stroke of colour. This season, Guerlain has designed two exclusive (limited-edition) shades for its star lipstick. Ultra-pigmented, creamy and plumping, it lets us play with different intensities and stays true on our lips all night long.

• 822 Glamorous Cherry – this red illuminates the complexion of brunettes
• 823 Flaming Red – creates an intense effect for blondes

GOLD LIGHT TOPCOAT (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 33.00
A limited-edition topcoat in Gold Light to dress your lashes, eyebrows and hair with precious hints of gold.

Enjoy your week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Expensive handbags now come with raincoats (yes, I know, your Hermès Birkin also has a cover for protection). But! Suede meets spring showers? No problem anymore…

My favorite? Chanel‘s must-have It-bag. And if you just want to show the trend with your favorite handbag in your closet, visit Handbag Raincoat, a.k.a. the most genius items you probably didn’t realize existed. Coming in a variety of sizes, depending on how big your purse is, it will protect handbags from inopportune weather.

LoL, Sandra

Chanel S/S 2018

Balenciaga S/S 2018

Valextra Raincoat for Iside Medium Bag

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Christmas can be magic and I wish that this holiday has brought only the best for you. I hope you have experienced the same pleasure like me feeling like a child again, cuddling with your new fashionable toys.

My look: Lace tiger shawl dress and leopard shaped backpack, both by Dolce & Gabbana, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Like a blanket that always stays with you – it has sentimental values.» – Nicolò Oddi

Sometimes, it is fascinating how a fashion item can rise to fame in a short amount of time, mostly thanks to Instagram. One piece that has been spotted all over is an oversized cuddly cardigan handcrafted from 980 grams of Cariaggi cashmere. Created by Nicolò Oddi in dialogue with his sister and muse Carlotta in the beginning of 2016, luxury Italian label ALANUI is defined by its colorful jacquard knitwear that pays homage to Native-American iconography, focusing on this one style only.  The production of one ethnic-style cardigan can take up to 11 hours.

Carlotta Oddi in her own design, a fringed pink jacquard-knit cashmere cardigan by ALANUI.

Carlotta Oddi herself steers a large part of that success – after all, she’s probably the label’s best testimonial. She’s admired by many for her individualistic look, which can also be seen in her 97,700 Instagram followers. It all started a few years ago when Carlotta flew to Hawaii with a large vintage cardigan in her suitcase, a gift from her brother Nicolò, a piece that became her travel companion and that inspired both siblings to create their own line.

TO SHOP ALANUI CARDIGANS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

This season the siblings have added for the first time sweaters with fringe, cardigans with hoods, ponchos, and small accessories like cashmere hats. Moreover they launched their first collaboration with the concept store Colette. Today, the must-have knitwear has spread like wildfire, selling worldwide across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Canada, and the USA. A statement of pure luxury that has inspired other designers to copy it.

ETRO seeked inspiration from ALANUI this season. I have to admit that I like those cardigans a lot and great news is that they are much cheaper. Who would have thought this?
From left to right: Fringed red intarsia wool cardigan, reversible intarsia blue wool-blend and jacquard jacket, reversible intarsia multi colored wool-blend and jacquard jacket, and fringed black and white wool-jacquard cardigan, all by Etro (all 40% off on sale).

By the way ALANUI means «large path» in the Hawaiian language. This might be a good omen, and it will carry them a long way further.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alanui, Net-à-Porter and via Instagram @carlottaoddi

«Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.» – Karl Lagerfeld

I love Christmas trees and my favorite one (besides my own) can be found at London’s Claridge’s Hotel where in the eighth consecutive year a creative visionary has been invited to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. This December, it is Karl Lagerfeld, one of the fashion world’s most influential creative forces, who created the stunning festive installation, a sixteen foot high inverted tree with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star which reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby. Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow. Under the centerpiece sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.The famous designer was inspired by his own childhood memories of Christmas.

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive Mayfair landmark, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent and ever-changing design. Scroll down to explore Claridge’s Christmas Tree designs through the years.

2016: SIR JONY IVE AND MARC NEWSON

2015: CHRISTOPHER BAILEY FOR BURBERRY

2014: DOLCE & GABBANA

2013: DOLCE & GABBANA

2012: KALLY ELLIS OF MCQUEENS

2011: ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANVIN

2010: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

2009: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

Merry Christmas to all of you – may you all sparkle as these beautiful trees with joy, love and laughter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s

What if your instincts were guided by your sense of smell,
leading you towards new adventures?
What was long suspected has finally been proven…
the power of scent unconsciously influences our behaviour.

My avid readers know that I am a perfume junkie and I love niche fragrances. This week, I came along a new scent that I have fallen in love within a second: PSYCHEDELIC LOVE by INITIO from the Carnal Blends collection.

FLORAL POWDERY
Bergamot, Rose, Hedione, Heliotropin, Myrrh, Vanilla, Almond and Patchouli
CHF 199.00 (90ml)

A transgressive reference to psychedelic trips, this fetishist composition has the effect of a double-action bomb: first, it triggers an immense, addictive and egotistical pleasure, before diffusing itself and titillating its target, who is left completely hooked.

What is this scent of subversion?
Stupefying fragrance – The signature of this narcotic bomb lies in three essential ingredients: rose, hedione and heliotropin.

While hedione activates the brain regions linked to pleasure and the libido, heliotropin goes even further. Equally tender and illicit, this crystalline powder hides its intentions well. Beware of its creamy, powdery and floral facets, wavering between vanilla and almond!

Used in over doses, heliotropin becomes a psychoactive substance. A forbidden shiver rushes over the skin. A substance under strict regulations. Its possession is strictly controlled by law, because heliotropin is used for the chemical synthesis of MDA, a prohibited drug and substitute for ecstasy. Confronted with this diabolical indulgence, no one is safe from an olfactory obsession that can soon become a real addiction!

Scientists have long rejected the idea that certain fragrances are capable of releasing sex hormones. However, a team of researchers from Bochum University (Germany) demonstrated that specific scented molecules known as hedione (methyl dihydrojasmonate) can activate brain regions linked to the libido, triggering impulses and attraction in their wake.

This discovery led to the creation of Carnal Blends, an unprecedented collection by INITIO in which all of the formulas are enriched with hedione – a word very aptly derived from the Greek hedone (meaning «pleasure»), a mysterious molecule that plays the role of the final detonator.
Each of these fragrances dares to showcase fantasy raw materials, carnal notes and passionate, distinctive accords, celebrating rebellious olfactory compositions capable of arousing pleasure and inciting physical attraction.

INITIO takes fragrances to new heights, with enhanced powers that defy the imagination.
Wild nature and the science of pheromones fuse deeply together within the formulas, working their magic imperceptibly. The Magnetic Blends, that include a pheromonal molecule, are great to be blended. I adore wearing MAGNETIC BLEND 7 (Musks – CHF 190.00 (90ml)) under PSYCHEDELIC LOVE.

INITIO fragrances stir your instincts. Ladies, no man is safe anymore. Trust me, those are the sexiest scents on the planet! You will thank me forever…

In Zurich available at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Initio

For the S/S 2018 season, the sheer clothing is here to stay, runways all over the world have been caving in to the alluring aesthetic, proving that the sexiest of fashion trends is still going strong. I embraced this look for the black tie ASW Foundation Gala Dinner, that was followed by an extravagant after-party with a live band in the lobby of the Gstaad Palace. One must celebrate when one has the opportunity! Live for the moments you can’t put into words…

My look: Ruffled tiered lace gown and floral-print velour and stretch-tulle lingerie set, both by Alessandra Rich, Bianca leather sandals and velvet waist belt, both by Saint Laurent, 2.55 quilted bag with attached hanger by Chanel (Front Row Only F/W 2016 collection), «Diorette» ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Prada presents PRADA SILVER LINE, an itinerant project offering customers the chance to acquire exclusive products – which are chosen for each leg of the journey – and presented inside an original installation.

For the Christmas Holiday, for one month, this imaginary railway station stops for the first time at the Galaxy shopping mall in Macau, hosting a selection of women’s luxury bags and accessories.

In particular, the Prada Cahier bag is reinterpreted in three new styles made of exotic leathers. A different selection of items will be developed for each future city of the itinerant retail space.

The concept is a reconstruction of an ideal train in which the various target is aesthetic themes are combined in a single design. The exterior is a metal shell reminiscent of the American Streamliners of the ’30s and ’50s. The interior features walls cover in floral-patterned red silk brocade to create a luxurious, romantic look. The setting is completed by the iconic black-and-white chequered floor which characterises Prada stores around the world since 1913.

Around and outside the train’s coach, a series of installations including life-size Prada robots and a ticket booth, which serves as a concierge service’s booth, finish off the perfect ambiance.

From January 2018, PRADA SILVER LINE will touch on several cities, including Dubai and later on some of the most important locations in Asia, Europe and the United States.

I am loving it… cannot wait for the PRADA SILVER LINE to hopefully stop in Zurich…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Last weekend, I was in Gstaad for the 8th edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend. The three days in the snow (in this year’s case a lot of snow) of the private international travel and social club has become known as one of the most fun events of the year.

Guests from all over the world came to the chic Swiss winter getaway for great fun, parties, dancing, fondue and philanthropy. This year’s surprise guest was no other than Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper, musician and actor, who first achieved fame as a member of the New Jersey hip hop group The Fugees, entertained ASW members spontaneously with special performances during dinner or at the after parties. His catchy slogan of the weekend? « There is always an after party after the after party!» And the three-time Grammy Awards winner was right as we danced the night away…

The famous Gstaad Palace opens its doors one week before the season officially starts just for the ASW Winter Weekend.

Bugatti love!

Shopping suite with La Martina.

The weekend kicked off with the Chairman’s Apéro in the Gstaad Palace lobby, which is personally speaking the best one in the world. The night continued with a special theme: «La Vie en Or», glamorous with a touch of gold. Caviar and vodka were served and we partied late at the hotel’s night club GreenGo. For my look, click here for the previous post please.

Stunning Beluga ice bar outside.

On display: the raffle prizes, two beautiful watches by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The stunning golden decor in the «Salle Baccarat».

Dancing and hotel queen: Ljuba Manz 

The Chairman’s Apéro

Golden girls and fashionistas by heart: Irina Cerutti and Nataly Parafieva

The gorgeous ASW team!

Surprise performance by Wycleaf Jean and the Phly Boyz

Saturday was all about indulging in the mountain scenery with a lift ride to the Wasserngrat restaurant. The snowy weather and the freezing cold temperatures didn’t stop anyone. To the sounds of the Phly Boyz we all warmed up and enjoyed the après-ski inspired lunch with wine and fondue.

Swiss cosiness

Framed by Patrick Liotard-Vogt and Ferrari racing driver Josh Cartu

Ljuba Manz with her husband Marco Conte

Former Swedish ice hockey star Peter Forsberg with his lovely wife Nicole Nordin.

With Wycleaf Jean and Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Best Friends: Patrick Liotard-Vogt, Derek Tanner, Micaela Savides, Noelle Frautschi and Dr. Pablo Richard.

Swiss cheese fondue at its best!

Let the music play!

The culmination of the weekend was the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner at Gstaad Palace’s «Salle Baccarat», followed by the after party in the lobby that was transformed into the hottest club of the town for that night. Wyclef Jean surprised us once more, such a talented musician.

Gian Testa and Katja Grauwiler of Grauwiler Testa PR surrounded by friends

Swedish friends: Karl-Hendrik Nilsson, Justine Petrén, Peter Forsberg and Nicole Nordin.

CEO Asmallworld Jan Luescher with his lovely girlfriend Emily Maynind

Armand Arton, Raquel Marquard and my humble self to the left.

Alain and Violet Lentz with ASW CEO Jan Luescher and Emily Maynind

Martin Tobler Parmigiani Fleurier with his girlfriend Maja El Assali

Congrats and thank you to Martin and Jessica Tönnesson for their generosity. They auctioned of a lunch with Robert de Niro on the set of «The Irishman» and a song with Wycleaf Jean.

Brothers: Patrick and Olivier Liotard-Vogt 

Former Brosis singer Indira Weis had a lot of fun.

My beautiful friend Raquel Marquard with me.

Thank you, ASMALLWORLD, for another fantastic weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Last Friday, I attended the opening of the eighth edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend in Gstaad. As I already mentioned in a previous post, the first night’s gala dinner «La Vie en Or» asked for something «glamorous with a touch of gold».

My look: Golden leather jacket with the slogan «Votez Coco» by Chanel, embellished stretch-jersey mini dress by Balmain, Dolce Box embellished croc-effect and textured-leather clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, metallic and matte-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, gunmetal lurex Caro bracelet and personalized black lurex Caro bracelet, both by Carolina Bucci, earrings by Prada, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Let’s get that party gstaaded – more coming up soon from this fab weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Dancing to the sounds of the Phly Boyz.

So in love with my personalized Caro bracelets.

With my friend Maja El Assali

Wycleaf Jean performing spontaneously during the dinner

Gianni and Helen Tronza with me

With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Photos: © David Biedert Photography