Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was wondering what Justin O’Shea has been doing lately and just when I was thinking about the former global fashion director of MyTheresa and street style figure, I read the news on BoF: O’Shea will launch his own brand, SSS World Corp. This marks his return to design following his departure from Brioni in October where he worked as creative director for only one season. The runway debut of his new self-funded menswear brand will take place in Paris in June during the menswear shows. It is said to have a luxury streetwear price-point.

O’Shea’s one capsule collection at Brioni

As BoF states: «SSS World Corp will have advice, production and manufacturing support from Berlin-based 032c, the contemporary culture magazine and clothing line helmed by Joerg and Maria Koch. It will launch a full wardrobe, with product categories including outerwear, tailoring, shirts, t-shirts, swimwear, footwear and jewellery.»

“People don’t want to buy into a label, they want to buy into an idea,” O’Shea tells BoF of the concept behind the brand. “There needs to be some kind of element of contradiction and something which makes them feel like they’re getting individuality rather than something that’s a blank approach.”

«It’s that mixture between formal and street, which inevitably I think is the trend that will go forward.»

O’Shea says he is confident about SSS World Corp’s launch and positioning. “You take what Demna [Gvasalia’s] doing at Vetements, they’re doing whatever they want and they’ve now paved the way because they stayed on their own trajectory. That [attitude] is lacking in menswear compared to womenswear and that’s where I found my relevance.“

Good luck, Justin, I am curious to see the new collection…

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Justin O’Shea, Getty Images

Chinese fashion designer Min Liu brings her personal twist on Chinese traditionalism to a mythically charged M·A·C collection. Meditating on the creation and rejuvenation of life, it features bold reds, deep peony pinks and misty metallics, capturing the flow of energy that connects mountains, oceans – and all of us.

This makeup collaboration is nearly otherworldly beautiful. The artwork alone is as amazing as nearly any other one that M·A·C Cosmetics has produced.

Pearlmatte Face Powder – Limited Edition – CHF 49.00
The stunning wave pressed into the powder is beautiful and the blend of the colors will create the ideal look on nearly any face.
First Waves – pink, red, grey-beige oversprayed with pearl

Cream Color Base – Limited Edition – CHF 32.00
All Year Red – warm bright red

Eyeshadow x 2 Fortune Duo Lotus – CHF 33.00
Pink – bright pink matte
Platinum Shadow – sparkling silver

Fluidline – CHF 26.00
Blacktrack – black (Repromote/ Permanent)

Lipglass – Limited Edition – CHF 29.00
Fortune Red – warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – peachy pink

Lipstick – Limited Edition – CHF 31.00
Dynasty Red – matte warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – matte peachy pink

Makeup Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 33.00

Brush Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 59.00
129SE Powder / Blush Brush
263SE Small Angle Brush
246SE Synthetic Fluffy Eye Brush

In Switzerland in stores now exclusively at Jelmoli, M·A·C stores Lucerne and Zurich and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © M·A·C Cosmetics

Today, luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget launches at NET-A-PORTER, marking the first time the elegant creations by the iconic Swiss Maison will be sold through a luxury global online retailer, aside from their standalone stores and own brand e-commerce site.

“As the ultimate e-commerce platform for luxury, NET-A-PORTER is the ideal partner for Piaget’s first foray outside of the Maison’s own channels. We are delighted to bring the Piaget Possession collection to the NET-A-PORTER client as she shares many of the same values as Piaget: audacious creativity, elegant style and positive energy.”
Chabi Nouri, Piaget CEO as of the 1st of April 2017

NET-A-PORTER will launch both fine jewellery and watch creations from «Possession», a signature Piaget collection that welcomes colour for the first time with an assortment of bold ornamental stones, the so-called «Possession Colour Collection». The introduction of bright and bold Piaget colours to an iconic jewellery collection called for an equally vibrant and colourful collaboration with a woman who embodies the vitality of Possession. A dynamic force in the world of fashion, Olivia Palermo is the face of the campaign for Piaget for the second year running.

The collection trigger an emotion, a collection the buyer pins to a memory, or a mark of success as a gift to herself or to someone else.

A key feature with each piece is the movement – this is the only collection of jewellery known that has movement. The central band on the ring turns – spinning it can be quite addictive – the bezel between each cabochon on the pendant also turns, as does the diamond bands set against each cabochon on the bracelets. It is this feature of turning that evokes the particular memory for the wearer.

Possession 18-karat rose gold, malachite and diamond necklace

There is an incredible selection available to purchase in diamonds or in an array of captivating colours. Depending on your favourite shade, or what a certain colour may mean to you, you can choose from:

· Lapis lazuli – is said to represent friendship, truth and brings harmony into relationships.
· Malachite – is said to garner protection against ‘the evil eye’ and also attracts love and money.
· Onyx – is said to repel negativity and protects the wearer against hostility from others.
· Carnelian – is believed to bring it’s wearer good luck, helps to calm ones temper and brings about good humour.
· Turquoise – is believed to attract money, success and love and is the stone of friendship in many cultures.

If you love all of the colours and simply cannot chose, the trend for stacking bracelets remains and you can decorate your wrists with all colours and their significant meanings.

The tagline behind Piaget’s «Possession» collection is «turn and the world is yours» signifying the power and success of women who wear the beautiful pieces

If you need help choosing, let me know by shooting me an e-mail to and I will be happy to give you some direction. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

TO SHOP PIAGET ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

It is Sunday, time to play with your loved ones. Personally speaking, I love card and board games and this is one of my favorite things to do with my family on a lazy weekend. A feast for the eyes are the backgammon boards and custom-made games tables designed by Alexandra Llewellyn which I found over the EDEN BEING website.

The London based British designer stocks a collection of in-house designs, all made in the UK, that can be available immediately or personalised with engraved or painted messages, initials, and dates. They can also be commissioned with exquisite semi-precious stone and brass playing pieces.

Alexandra also takes one-off commissions for games tables and games boards, creating a truly original way to commemorate memories and life achievements. Every detail is created in close conversation with the client. What a lovely gift for a loved one!

Alexandra Llewellyn

Since her childhood, which she spent in Cairo, Alexandra has played backgammon. The rattle of dice on large wooden crate-boards signaled the game in play, as she strolled through the streets with her Egyptian step-grandfather. As she travelled more her interest in backgammon evolved, over countless games. She became enthralled by the idea that board games operate as an independent vocabulary requiring neither common language nor culture, and the idea that games bring people together.

Alexandra collaborated with legendary photographer Terry O’Neill, whose images defined the Swinging Sixties and the Seventies.

Launched in December 2010, Alexandra Llewellyn Designs embody an exquisitely unique vision of the oldest recorded board game in the world. Alexandra’s designs are owned by client’s such as Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson, Jacquetta Wheeler, Sony Music, Eden Rock, Mark Ronson and Paloma Faith. I love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alexandra Llewellyn Design Ltd. 2016, some taken at Chilham Castle, Kent

You don’t need to be Superwoman to have figured out that patches are trending at the moment along with slogan tees. All super powers are reunited when you also match your scent to your look. Embrace your alter ego with the limited edition Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau Fraîche Wonder Woman Eau de Toilette, a floriental fragrance with sugar cane facets.

My look: Superwoman cotton-jersey T-Shirt by Chloé, patch-appliquéd skinny jeans by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rockstud embellished leather sandals by Valentino, Sac de Jour in green, by Saint Laurent, embellished leather bag strap by Fendi, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal, all by Gucci and Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau Fraîche Wonder Woman Eau de Toilette
(from April 1, 2017 for CHF 128.00 / 100ml)

Top Notes: Sugar Cane Juice, Lemon Sorbet
Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Labdanum Neo
Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk

Bring out your inner hero, ignite your passion for all things daring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Around 18months ago, the first Apple Watch Hermès hit the shelves. Now for Spring 2017, it presents itself with a new collection of bands in 3 different colours:

• 38 mm Double Tour in Bleu Zéphyr Epsom calfskin

 • 42 mm Single Tour in Lime Epsom calfskin

• 42 mm Single Tour in Colvert Swift calfskin

The collection now features a new model that pairs Apple Watch with the 38 mm Double Buckle Cuff in Fauve Barénia calfskin and includes an exclusive Hermès Sport Band in signature orange.

Availability
• New Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Hermès bands are available to order on apple.com and hermes.com beginning today in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and USA, a well as in select Apple and Hermès stores, select specialty stores and department stores.
• New Apple Watch Hermès models and bands will be available at Apple Galaxy Macau and at Hermès in Taipei Bellavita in late March.

Pricing
Single Tour is $339 (US) – €349
Double Tour is $489 (US) – €499
Double Buckle Cuff is $689 (US) – €749

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Jonas Lindstroem/Hermès

My avid readers know how much I am in love with St. Barths. It is truly my favorite place for beach holidays as it combines both, the beauty of the Caribbean with the allure of the South of France – but without being so pretentious as St. Tropez can be from time to time.

My view of the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS when landing on the island last month.

When I am going, I like to rent a house with my friends. But undoubtably besides that, there is not a better place to stay on the island than the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS, which is ‘beyond perfect’.

Impeccable attention to detail, the hallmark of Oetker Collection hotels, creativity and sheer art de vivre, make it one of the most desirable resorts in the world for the travelling elite. And the location is stunning, perched on a rocky promontory that sheers the white sands of St Jean Bay in two; there is nowhere to match EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS for luxurious relaxation and play.

Impressions of the beach-side VILLA ROCKSTAR – a huge, ultraluxe, multi-faceted house which is being described as resembling ‘a hundred million dollar yacht on land.’

Rooms, suites and villas are steps away from the ocean and all are individually decorated in the unique style of owners David and Jane Matthews.
Live the island dream: relax in the sun or participate in water sports on the fully serviced beach; make music in VILLA ROCKSTAR’s recording studio or be a fashion icon in the ROCKSHOP boutique… and if you are staying somewhere else, please at least enjoy a drink at the Rock Bar or a delicious dinner at the On the Rocks restaurant with its exceptional setting on the top of the Eden Rock, with unforgettable views over St Jean Bay.

Dining at the On the Rocks restaurant with a spectacular view.

Both spots are places of choice to meet and mingle with adventurous and discerning connoisseurs and of course to run into many celebrities.

David Matthews with me

At star of its own is the owner David Matthews, whom I met for drinks at the famous Rock Bar to discuss a very special collaboration which I proudly announce today in this post further down. But before that, I would like to tell you a little bit more about this adventurer and true visionary who arrived on the island of St. Barths with his wife Jane and their four children in September 1995.

Hotel on the rocks

The family had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, moving the family from London to the Caribbean to start a new more adventurous life. Wishes were granted two days after moving into the rundown buildings of Eden Rock when the powerful category four Hurricane Luis struck the island. While the storm raged the family was occasionally driven to seek shelter under the concrete sinks in the old kitchen, whilst reinforcing the old doors and windows using anything from bed frames to their recently arrived suitcases.

EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS beach facilities

Twenty years later, and transformed over that time by the Matthews family, EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS continues to flourish and is regularly voted amongst the Top 100 hotels worldwide. The family puts this down to passion, hard work by a dedicated, loyal team and a good dose of luck too.

Family values remain at the heart of EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS and this spirit is further strengthened by the recent partnership made with Oetker Collection who offers the greatest guest experiences at iconic masterpiece hotels around the world. David Matthews says: «It was pure luck that I met Frank Marrenbach, CEO Oetker Collection, three years ago. Now we are partners and work with the same passion to keep the very essence of this beautiful space.»

The ROCKSHOP boutique

David Matthews is very charismatic man and could have listened to him for hours but I wanted to quickly pass by the hotel’s ROCKSHOP boutique which is part of EDEN BEING, the new lifestyle and luxury retail brand from the Oetker Collection with physical boutiques in most of the resorts as well as now an online store. The idea behind this new venture is about capturing memories of your travels with a range of bespoke items and exquisite products, all carefully curated and inspired by the famous hotels.

Match made in heaven: a curated selection of CHLOÉ is also available at EDEN BEING.

Hand-painted backgammon board exclusively made for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS by Alexandra Llewellyn.

A commited custodian of the artisan, EDEN BEING supports craftsmen local to the Oetker Collection hotels. From watchmakers to sculptors the talented artisans produce pieces of singular beauty to capture memories gathered on your travels. And I am very proud to be a new ambassador for this beautiful lifestyle brand.

My beautiful new cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS.

Before David took off with his Harley like a rock star himself, he gifted me with this special edition seven seas cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN that also can be found at Rockshop boutique. It is crafted with 7 rows of silver plated brass with eel and salmon leather representing the 7 world’s oceans. Lucky me to be taking a piece of paradise home!

The legendary Matthews family

His next venture? His son’s wedding in May. And guess who is going to be his daughter-in-law? No other than beautiful Pippa Middleton. A legend hotel and a legendary family!

And I am very proud to be now an EDEN girl as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS 
© Sandra Bauknecht

Casual days at the pool, comfy evenings at home, today I would like to present you the most exquisite versions of the basic slip-on sandals.

1 Embellished slip-on sandals by Chloé
2 Ode embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi
3 Slidy Viv leather slip-on sandals by Roger Vivier
4 Kerenn flat shearling mule by Chloé
5 Egg shearling and mink fur slip-on sandals by Anya Hindmarch
6 Velvet slides by Dolce & Gabbana
7 Beth slip-on sandals by Ganni
8 Isle Slide embellished slip-on sandals by Tory Burch
9 Printed slides by Givenchy
10 Embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi

Aren’t those Dolce & Gabbana velvet hotel slides hilarious? A funny sense of humor…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

«Techno Rococo – Airy Spring Confections from Fendi», that was the title for the brand’s S/S 2017 show. When a collection is designed by Karl Lagerfeld, you can always count on perfection. For the Italian house, he mixed references of the 18th century with athletic details that would not only appeal directly to very cool Japanese girls but to every fashion lover around the globe.

Just have a look at this hybrid of boots and socks that is so stunning for me. Moreover, the bags are also too die for. Laced, embellished, flower embroidery, heavily accessorized, everything is intensely, gloriously spring-like that screams MUST-HAVE!

Here are my favorites:

Floral-embroidered striped-heel sock boots

Double Micro Baguette leather shoulder bag

Kan I striped-leather shoulder bag, Strap You circle-appliqué bag strap and Witches fur bag charm

Stretch-knit ankle boots

Kan I leather shoulder bag and Strap You ribbon-whipstitched leather bag strap
Peekaboo mini whipstitched embroidered python shoulder bag

Isn’t one more beautiful than the other? I am so in love with these pieces…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

The 12th of April marks the International Day of Pink this year, it is always held on the second Wednesday of April. Take a stand against discrimination and bullying with the season’s hottest shade. Seen all the runways (in a myriad of shades) for both, spring and fall you’ve no good reason not to get on board.

Get the look (in the collage): Off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace gown by Giambattista Valli, Word Image appliquéd cotton-faille clutch by Olympia Le-Tan and bow-embellished satin wedge sandals by Prada.

SHOP ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PINK ITEMS AT MODA OPERANDI HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands