Sandra‘s Closet

While you are reading this post, I am in the plane on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Independent Spirit Awards and many more adventures. Last year’s outfit for this outstanding ceremony can easily translate into 2016 with those amazing little creatures on the skirt. Don’t forget – it is the year of the monkey. Delpozo is a brand to watch as the house combines couture techniques with a contemporary silhouette for a thoroughly elegant allure.

My look: Black organza top and monkey print relief effect jacquard skirt, both by Delpozo, satin clutch by Prada, Janis suede platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring and Mediterranean Garden earrings, all by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Piaget Mediterranean Garden Earrings
Earrings in 18K white gold set with 84 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 8.20 cts), 26 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 5.55 cts), 2 marquise-cut emeralds (approx. 1.45 cts), 2 cushion-cut green tourmalines (approx. 2.83 cts), 2 cushion-cut emeralds (approx. 2.62 cts), 1 round green tourmaline (approx. 0.26 ct) and 1 round emerald (approx. 0.22 ct).

Aren’t these earrings absolutely amazing? Cannot wait to choose my jewelry for this year’s Spirit Awards. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One beautiful sunny day last fall, I flew to London to follow Lalique‘s very exclusive invitation to have tea time at Elton John’s gorgeous home. The reason for this once in a lifetime experience was the launch of the ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE collection that includes four exceptional crystal sculptures. As you can imagine, the estate is breathtaking and Sir Elton John is absolutely lovely to talk to.

Inside Sir Elton John’s beautiful home

«The ultimate goal of this project is to raise money to support urgently needed projects that address the continuing challenges of the AIDS epidemic across the globe. In doing so, we also want to create beautiful and meaningful pieces for people to purchase that speak to the high standards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Lalique. Through purchasing one of these crystal pieces, people are also learning something about EJAF’s work and helping to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.»
– Sir Elton John

Inside the house’s art gallery where Sir Elton John and David Furnish officially tied the knot in 2014.

David Furnish and Lalique designer Marc Larminaux listen to Sir Elton John’s speech.

Four Special Editions (the unique Angel Cire Perdue, the Heart in platinum enamelled red crystal, the Heart in gold enamelled clear crystal and the Angel in gold-stamped clear crystal) each signed by Sir Elton John, will be auctioned during this weekend’s 2016 Academy Awards, in partnership with Paddle8, to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The unique Angel Cire Perdue.

«I don’t think that I have ever seen a more beautiful piece of glass than the big Angel. It is breathtaking!»
– Sir Elton John

The standing Angel in clear crystal and the Heart in clear or red crystal are available at Lalique boutiques and their select retailers. Lalique will contribute 10% of sales to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The socle of the statue engraved by Sir Elton John.

Sir Elton John, the theme of the pieces is ‘Music is Love’. Why do you think music and love have always been so intricately entwined?

Love is one of the primary forces that can unite us and bring us together despite our differences. Indeed, love shows us that the differences dividing us from each other are ultimately very superficial, that we have so much more in common than not. Music is a powerful medium for expressing all the many faces of love, and it is a participatory medium. Music draws us together. It is a universal language. We come together to make music, to listen to music, to share music. This is why I believe that music and love are synonymous, that music IS love.

Music is your passion and your most widely-known medium of expression. How have you found working in sculpture, particularly in crystal?

The process of artistic creation – whether for music or dance or visual art – arises from the same impetus, the same need to express thoughts, feelings, ideas. I found the entire design process for this project – from theorising, to working and revising with drawings, to realising the concept as a three-dimensional object – to be absolutely exhilarating. Working in crystal is fascinating, and Lalique crystal has an amazing way of constantly changing with light and shadow, the time of day… Such a beautiful, magical medium!
The finished piece is even more exciting and beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I’m completely thrilled with it and really looking forward to the auction in February 2016.

You’re a collector of glass and crystal, and have a number of Lalique pieces in your collection. What is it that you appreciate about crystal and Lalique in particular?

For me, Lalique stands for craftsmanship, luxury and a strong tradition of devotion to the art of producing the highest quality, most beautiful objects using these materials. Lalique sets a standard of craftsmanship that is simply unparalleled in the world. I think glass is a much underappreciated art form. That is why I collect it and I love it very much and Lalique to me represents the Rolls-Royce of glass.
As an oral artist who makes music, the visual arts of glass inspire me when I write a song or when I play the piano, because every day I get up and I am surrounded by glass and a lot of Lalique. Subconsciously, it inspires me to do better things, I think.

MUSIC IS LOVE Heart Red Crystal (limited edition of 499 pieces) and Heart Clear Crystal (limited edition of 999 pieces).

«The heart is a universal symbol of love.»
– Sir Elton John

You have also been working with the Lalique design team to create three other sculptures – a smaller angel and two heart sculptures, with part of the proceeds going to the Foundation. What do these symbolise for you?

The heart is a universal symbol of love, as well as the Angel. Love is ultimately what guides and inspires the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and love is what we need to end this epidemic. Science has made amazing advances in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. But unless we love each other enough to make sure that everyone – no matter who they love, what they do, how they look or what they believe – has the resources to stay healthy and prevent further transmission of the disease, then all the science in the world will be for naught. LOVE is the ultimate solution to AIDS.

Thank you, Sir Elton John, for this amazing invitation!

To visit the Lalique website where you can shop the limited edition pieces or bid for the collector’s items, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful library.

The estate is truly breathtaking.

Sir Elton John in front of the three other sculptures that are available in stores.

Sir Elton John is a dedicated art collector.

Art plays a very important role in the life of the famous singer.

I loved this statue inside the guest bathroom.

With Lalique owner Silvio Denz in front of the unique Angel Cire Perdue.

Being at Sir Elton John’s home was a truly special experience that I will treasure forever. I am wishing Lalique and him good luck this weekend to achieve the best result possible in the auction.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Los Angeles where I will be from Thursday on…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Lalique

Recently I spent for the first time one day in snowy Arosa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is a famous winter tourist resort and I was curious to explore it.

My look: Mink coat with fox fur collar by Prada, Louisa ribbed cotton-jersey tank by Étoile Isabel Marant, star intarsia cardigan by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, silver and purple aviator sunglasses by Chanel, studded scarf by Gucci, white fur boots by Prada Sport, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin, hat by Dolce & Gabbana with gamsbart and brooches by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

MEET THE MINI C de CARTIER
A baby-doll style in sharp, bright tones, the XS version of the C de Cartier bag electrifies any outfit with a vibrant pop of colour. Adorable and lightweight, this bag offers a fresh addition to an exquisite collection, adding a level of fun plus the ability to surprise!

COLOUR BLOCK
Utterly unique charm – popping pigments make a statement full of energy and sumptuous vitality: shimmering gold, jonquil yellow, morganite pink and peridot green.

ULTIMATE KNOW-HOW
With its pint-sized dimensions, two cheeky handles and a strap, this mini bag cultivates the chic know-how of its bigger counterpart. Finish off your look with tone-on-tone or contrasting saddle topstitching, a silver-coloured Cartier signature and hemmed leather lining.

I like and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier 2016, JB Thiele

Get the look: Ruffled off-the-shoulder dress by Alexander McQueen, Colorado suede sandals by Aquazzura and Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino.

A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

Nail Polish – Bloomsbury Way Blossom by Nails Inc

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.

LoL, Sandra

Ermanno Scervino S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Pantone

OLIVIER ECHAUDEMAISON, Make-up Creative Director at Guerlain, is one of the most handsome, charming and entertaining men I have ever met in the industry. Since 2000, he constantly aims to reveal and accentuate feminine beauty with his most innovative creations. Olivier is constantly travelling around the world for his job. Among all destinations, he adores Tokyo and shares with us his favorite spots of the Japanese metropole.

Your favourite city?
After Paris, I love TOKYO: a city which is so modern with a great civilisation and culture.

Your favourite hotel?
Until the still on-going renovation, I loved the HOTEL OKURA. I hope they will keep its unique mood.
2 Chome-10-4 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo 105-0001
Phone: +81 3-3582-0111

Your favourite restaurant?
I love small, traditional, non-trendy places. I went to TEN–ICHI RESTAURANT last time and I really liked it. It is known for its superb, remarkably light tempura specialties.
1-1, Uchisaiwaicho 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Tower Bldg., LL1
Phone: +81-3-3503-1001

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
I less and less go to night-clubs; as for the bars, I prefer popular, informal cafés.

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
There are two places that really impress me in different ways: TSUKIJI MARKET and EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM (pictured).
Tskiji Market: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045
Edo-Tokyo Museum: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo 130-0015 

Your favourite park?
As I love trees, bonsais and flowers, I really enjoy walking around the IMPERIAL PALACE GARDENS KOKYO.
1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111

Your favourite shop?
ITOYA – an amazing stationery store. I also like big department stores with floors dedicated to porcelain.
〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza, 2 Chome−7-15
Phone:+81 3-3561-8311

ISETAN – for the men fashion floors because they have a great selection!
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 新宿3-14-1
Phone:+81 3-3352-1111
I also like the ‘bonsai‘ shops. But I couldn’t say any specific name because there are small stores in various areas.

Your must-have accessory?
My OMAS FOUNTAIN PEN with red ink, because people recognize my handwriting immediately.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Today: DAVID BOWIE, but classic music relaxes after a duty day.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
Nothing specific while being in Tokyo. I mostly read in the plane, during long flights. I never watch plane programs, I prefer to read, and on paper; novels or essays like “IN PRAISE OF SHADOWS” by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki. So “enlightening“…

Thank you, Olivier, for sharing your insider scoop on Tokyo with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hiroaki Fukuda, © Omas, © Sandra Bauknecht and the different locations

LOUIS VUITTON and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the leading humanitarian and development organization, have signed a global partnership to support the most vulnerable children around the world. The aim is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children that are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.

Children are too often at risk during emergencies and humanitarian crises and are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. For those living in conflict zones, the situation is worse. They are more likely to be denied an education or access to clean water, and more likely to die before their fifth birthday. UNICEF is present before, during and after a crisis, providing children with essential protection, health care, safe water, nutrition and education.

Through the partnership with LOUIS VUITTON, funds raised will support UNICEF’s efforts to provide the essential interventions required to protect, save lives and ensure the rights of all children, everywhere. During 2016, a specially designed product, the Silver Lockit, will be available in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide and online.

For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant or bracelet, $200 will be donated to UNICEF. The Silver Lockit, inspired by the unpickable tumbler lock invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890 to protect clients’ most precious belongings, is a symbol of protection. It also seals one’s promise to help children in urgent need.

Shopping for a good cause. Share your commitment by making a pinky promise with the hashtag #MAKEAPROMISE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Hello fellow nail polish lovers! Here is OPI‘s newest collection – a tribute to New Orleans. Beautiful hues that work perfect for summer. Featuring 12 new nail lacquers in light pastel shades but also a couple of brights, the new OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection will easily satisfy any preferences. I have my eyes on the purplish shades featured in the ad campaign but I’m also not turning away from that gorgeous metallic pewter. I invite you to discover them all below.

There are 12 shades in the OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection (available as nail polishes as well as gelcolor shades) from left to right:

Let Me Bayou a Drink – This refreshing blush is my treat.
Humidi-Tea – Beat the heat in this nude shimmer.
Show Us Your Tips! – Let’s see how this periwinkle shimmer looks on you.
Rich Girls & Po-Boys – Make a date with this china blue crème.
I’m Sooo Swamped! – This verdant, creamy green is drenched in style.
Take a Right on Bourbon – An intoxicatingly warm, metallic pewter.
Crawfishin’ for a Compliment! – This light, creamy orange is perfect on me, isn’t it?
Got Myself into a Jam-balaya – A yummy mélange of spice and creamy peach.
She’s a Bad Muffuletta! – Don’t mess with this hot red crème.
Spare Me a French Quarter? – Say oui-oui to this mellowed raspberry crème.
I Manicure for Beads – Throw me nothing but this luscious purple crème.
Suzi Nails New Orleans – This light, bright pink hits the spot for chic.

In stores now until end of August 2016. Each bottle CHF 19.90 (15ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Fashionistas love fashionable and oh-so practical tote bags. Whether classic or reinvented, this handbag shape should be atop your must-have accessory wish list. A keeper forever!

1 Monogramme Cabas medium leather tote by Saint Laurent
2 Bamboo Shopper medium textured-leather tote by Gucci
3 Liberty leather tote by Victoria Beckham
4 Paloma small spiked leather tote by Christian Louboutin
5 Le Dix Cabas textured-leather tote by Balenciaga
6 Intrecciato leather tote by Bottega Veneta
7 Joy medium textured-leather tote by Tod’s
8 The Rockstud medium leather tote by Valentino

My avid readers have seen me a gazillion times with my Bamboo Shopper large textured-leather tote by Gucci. I adore this bag, so practical, stylish and easy to carry. Perfect for travelling!

More than 30 years after it was introduced, it is still one of the most exclusive tote bags in the world: the Hermès Birkin Bag, a true classic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Update your warm-weather wardrobe with this amazing footwear. You can elevate your summer ensembles instantly with a statement pair of sandals.

Here are some of my favourites:

1 Bobbie Twist suede sandals by Sophia Webster
2 Latin Lover studded fringed suede and leather sandals by Aquazzura
3 Leopard-print calf hair lace-up sandals by Saint Laurent
4 Halley color-block suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
5 Embellished glittered leather platform sandals by Lanvin
6 Otrot 120 fringed suede sandals by Christian Louboutin
7 Vreeland lamé platform sandals by Charlotte Olympia
8 Glittered suede platform sandals by Miu Miu
9 Embellished silk-satin and cork platform sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

Shoe designer Sophia Webster

If you are looking for the most eye-catching footwear ever. Have a look at the designs of Sophia Webster, a former assistant to celebrated cordwainer Nicholas Kirkwood. She is turning fashionable heads with her fabulous sandals:

Heaven Tempest Orchid satin and suede sandals by Sophia Webster

Flamingo Frill leather, satin and suede sandals by Sophia Webster

Underwater Lilico appliquéd leather slingback sandals by Sophia Webster

Evangeline suede and laser-cut metallic leather sandals by Sophia Webster

Malibu Sunset vinyl-trimmed patent-leather, suede and satin sandals by Sophia Webster

Which one is your sole-mate?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Vogue.com