Sandra‘s Closet

Last month, I was invited to a very special seated dinner by LA PRAIRIE to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest product CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD from the Cellular Radiance Collection at a private home in Zurich.

The exquisite 3-course menu prepared by Frank Widmer, Park Hyatt Zurich’s renowned chef,  let us indulge in the essence of golden opulence.

With Frank Widmer at the dinner. The dress code was a touch of gold.

Gold-infused main course.

Werner Dirks, General Manager La Prairie Switzerland.

CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD

The Swiss beauty brand’s latest advancement in radiance is a gold-infused serum that fills wrinkles within one hour using potent age-defying technology to revitalize and perfect the skin. Bathed in golden light, your skin is visibly perfected in an instant. Over time, this liquid gold deeply revitalizes and enhances your complexion. You will look sublime, irresistible, as if lit from within.

The scientists at La Prairie have harnessed the power of pure gold and combined it with an exclusive Golden Lotus Blend made with Lotus Japonicas, an extraordinary flower long-revered for its luminous and brightening abilities.

Apply the new fluide in the morning and evening after cleansing, toning and the serum application. Allow it to absorb completely. If you need additional moisture, it can also be applied over your favourite moisturizer.

2016 starts with probably the most luxurious skincare release of the year. CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD will be available for CHF 620.- (40ml) from January 25, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

«Where do his tennis dresses, his sailor dresses come from? Where did he find them? On the steps of Delphi. In the wardrobe of Electra. They are modern and they are antique.»
Violette Leduc ‘Is Courrèges Wearable?’ Vogue, 1965.

Courrèges S/S 2016

September marked Courrèges‘ first runway show in 13 years, and the House’s new designers Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant offered a fresh take on the iconic «Space Age» classics. The LVMH Prize finalists got down to the basics, a great start to revive André Courrèges’ famous label of the ’60s. Unfortunately, Monsieur Courrèges, who retired from his vocation in the mid-1990s, won’t experience this relaunch to the fullest. Last week, he lost his 30 year battle with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 92.

André Courrèges

Born in 1923 in France, Courrèges was a major force in ’60s fashion and helped define a generation. After graduating in engineering, he studied fashion and textile design which got him a job at . He Balenciaga for ten years, where he developped his great skills in cutting garments. In 1961 he launched his own eponymous fashion house.

Space Age coat by Courrèges, 1964

His breakthrough came with his 1964 «Space Age» collection. Stars such as Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve loved the designer’s ground-breaking geometry, plastic miniskirts and futuristic textiles.

Moschino’s S/S 2013 show was a copy of Courrèges’s 1965 collection (here seen at Audrey Hepburn).

Courrèges left, Moschino S/S 2013 right

His favorite silhouette was known as «Moon Girl» look, that he embellished with oddities such as googles and astronaut helmets.

His famous miniskirts

Courrèges was also known for his extremely short angular mini skirts and trouser suits in black-and-white. Over many years, there was a dispute with Mary Quant, who claimed to have first popularized the miniskirt. Regardless of who came first, his skirts were definitely the shortest and his creations came to symbolize the Swinging Sixties.

1968: Models pose in red and white looks

Andre Courreges at his S/S 1973 fashion show.

New owners: Frédéric Torloting and Jacques Bungert

In 1967, Courrèges married his assistant, Coqueline Barriere who took over artistic direction of the company upon his retirement. In 2011, the couple sold a majority stake of their company to two Frédéric Torloting and Jacques Bungert, the two former co-presidents of the Paris branch of Young & Rubicam.

Courrèges x Estée Lauder make-up collection

Last Spring, Estée Lauder and Courrèges collaborated and launched a 12-piece make-up, including the first false lashes for the beauty giant, and added Kendall Jenner as their face. To shop, please click here.

French President Francois Hollande paid tribute in a statement that described Courrèges as a “revolutionary designer” who “made his mark on French haute couture.”

Another fashion icon has left our planet. Rest in peace, Monsieur Courrèges and thank you!

TO SHOP THE NEWEST DESIGNS BY COURRÈGES ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Courrèges, Estée Lauder, via Vogue, AGIP/RDA/EVERETT COLLECTION, Getty Images 

A hijabista is the Muslim equivalent of a fashionista, a trend-loving Muslim woman or girl who dresses stylishly while conforming to the Islamic modesty code. This market is still untapped but for sure very lucrative. Muslim shoppers spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013 according to a report by Thomson Reuters. That’s more than the total fashion spending of Japan and Italy combined and the number is expected to almost double to $484 billion by 2019.

Dolce & Gabbana has realized the potential and is launching a collection of hijabs and abayas for their Middle East customers. The modest garments have all the flair and iconic details such as lace or prints of any other Dolce & Gabbana collection. They are styled alongside the label’s fantastic accessories like fashion jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and statement bags. I am absolutely convinced that Muslim customers with a taste for luxury fashion will adore this new line.

It will be interesting to see if the collection will only sell in the Middle East or if online platforms such as NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION and LUISAVIAROMA will take this opportunity as well.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Olivier Rousteing, Balmain‘s Creative Director, wrote yesterday on his instagram account: «U made me love FASHION yesterday, U make me love FASHION today, and U re going to make me love FASHION in the future.» In the pictures that he commented on, he was next to Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.

His #BalmainArmy is in expansion mode and the three ’90s supermodels are the faces of the S/S 2016 campaign shot by Steven Meisel. Posing in the designer’s body-conscious and ruffled new seaon’s creations, they look as stunning as 20 years ago and are a perfect fit for the French Maison. Personally speaking, the three icons are so much more beautiful than Kendall and Gigi, the previous faces. I am sure this campaign will have a lot of success.

TO SHOP BALMAIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain

Get the look: Ruffled silk-chiffon mini dress by Chloé, So Kate 120 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and Flavia Cheers glittered acrylic box clutch by Edie Parker.

A new season, a new year,
a new opportunity to celebrate
love, hope, joy and life,
welcome 2016.

I have started the new year with a digital detox. No blogging, just relaxing. This little break has been absolutely needed. So I have fulfilled my first resolution in 2016.

Some of you are always asking me how I clean my closet. The ones who have been following me for a while know that I don’t, I like to keep everything. Every single piece will have its time again.

If you don’t have the space or prefer having a neat, organized closet, I recommend this little trick. Hang all your clothes in a reverse direction, so that the open end of the hanger is facing you. After wearing an item, put it back the normal way.

In the end of 2016, you will see which pieces you have never touched and you can surely let got of those.

LoL, Sandra

It is the last day of the year and I would like to share with you my favourite outfits of 2015. A little retrospective recalling my most fashionable moments. 12 months, versatile looks, shot in many different places in the world.

To a fabulous 2016, wishing you only the best and I hope that you will keep following Sandra’s Closet for the next years to come!

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2015: New Year, New You

Is It Friday Yet? – Dots in Pink

5 Minute Style – Gstaad Fairytale

FEBRUARY 2015: Empowered By

A Simple Truth – California Cool – Viva California

Sunset Boulevard at Night – Shoot for the Moon

MARCH 2015: Pattern Play

Kolor Is the New Black – Abu Dhabi – A Sunny Day in Paris

Timeless Portofino – Whatever – A Weekend in Moscow

APRIL 2015: Oh La La

Leo – Would Chanel Do It? – Enchanted Forest

MAY 2015: Caribbean

Louis Vuitton’s Sticker-Prints – Normcore the Chanel Way – Spring Brunch

At the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Work It!

Everyone Is Fighting a Battle – Love & Loyality

JUNE 2015: Beach Bum

Day to Night Sequins – Villa del Parco – Votez Coco

Girl Gang in Ascona – Welcome to Saint Tropez

Not for Sale – Stella’s Superhero Worship

JULY 2015: St. Barths

Hiking in Gstaad – A Form of Politeness – At the Bowery

White Night in Capri – Capri Wedding – My Piano Dream Life

Garden of Wonders – Transparent

AUGUST 2015: Rive Gauche Summer Party 2015

Green Thumb – Perfect Dinner – Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Just Look – On My Way to the Office – Zuoz

At The Alpina Gstaad – Amsterdam

The Other Side of Amsterdam – Exploring Amsterdam – Amsterdam Nights

SEPTEMBER 2015: Fringe

Street Parade – Eclectic

Amazing Lace – Kipsi 2015

OCTOBER 2015: Meet Me in Paris

The Sequined Cardigan – New York Nights – 007 Premiere in Zurich

One Day in Siena – Are You RED-y or Not? – The IWC Party

NOVEMBER 2015: With Love From Karl

Acid Leopard – Hato Opening – #HMBalmaination

The Most Beautiful Fall Ever – Indian Summer in Munich – Oversized Sweater

New York Doll – Casual Glamour

 DECEMBER 2015: Winter Season

When In Doubt Wear Red – Merry Christmas – Tickled Pink

Colmar Christmas Market – It’s Dior, Darling

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Shaving is a subtle art and a true cultural phenomenon. The elegant, refined and modern man has to be on top of his shaving game. At a time when beards, sideburns and mustaches are worn like genuine fashion statements, grooming one’s facial hair has become a means of personal expression, a way of conveying one’s personality.

For these men, CHANEL creates a unique SHAVE IN STYLE collection based on the art of shaving. Composed of two expert products, BLEU DE CHANEL Shaving Cream and BLEU DE CHANEL Hydrating After Shave Gel, it finds its natural place in their daily routine. These essentials ensure a perfect shave and an elegant and sophisticated trail, while allowing men to explore different styles. They give unmatched intensity to the aromatic-woody notes of BLEU DE CHANEL and prolong its scent on the skin.

Two complementary sensorial steps for a complete ritual that prolongs the captivating trail and free spirit of BLEU DE CHANEL.

STEP 1:
BLEU DE CHANEL SHAVING CREAM
With its fine and translucent texture, BLEU DE CHANEL Shaving Cream offers perfect visibility and precision shaving for customized control of shape and cut. It leaves the skin soft, supple and wonderfully fresh. A versatile shaving cream that adapts to your every need.

A close shave? It delivers perfect glide for an impeccable result. A goatee or mustache? Its translucent texture lets you see exactly where you place the blade to fully master any style. Nice three-day growth? It is the ideal choice for maintaining shape (base of neck, top of cheeks).

How to apply
Wet your face with warm water and generously massage on the Shaving Cream in a circular motion. Start by shaving in the direction of hair growth. When you are done shaving, rinse with cold water, remove excess cream, dry and apply BLEU DE CHANEL Hydrating After Shave Gel.
Tube: 100ml, CHF 59.00
Limited edition

STEP 2:
BLEU DE CHANEL HYDRATING AFTER SHAVE GEL
With its “watery” texture, as cool and light as water, BLEU DE CHANEL Hydrating After Shave Gel melts onto the skin to procure an immediate sensation of freshness and comfort. It soothes irritation caused by shaving and helps moisturize the skin. Razor burn is relieved before it even begins and the skin is protected from sensations of tightness.

How to apply
Apply the Hydrating After Shave Gel on clean-shaven, dry skin to intensify the scent.
Pump bottle: 90ml, CHF 59.00
Limited edition

Available from the end of February 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Crochet bikinis are one of the biggest trends at the beach. Those new summertime must-haves lend a certain boho vibe to your look, they are the new neon and are taking over the beach, especially here in St. Barths.

Get the look: Crocheted cotton dress and crocheted cotton printed triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci.

The brand that has caused the hype is KIINI. Designed by Turkish-born Ipek Irgit, the label is loved for its bohemian aesthetic and vibrant, playful pieces. Each bikini is inspired by the designer’s global travels and is hand-crocheted for the most flattering, comfortable fit.

Tuesday crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Yaz crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Ro crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Happy Shopping and greetings from St.Barths!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of KIINI and © Sandra Bauknecht

There is no color that looks more feminine as red. It is always eyecatching and the perfect hue for the Christmas season. Here you see me wearing it at the ASW party at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad two weeks ago.

My look: Rilla crochet cage stitch gown by Hervé Léger, Masai pearl necklace by Dior, Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch and Janis pumps with studs, both by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

The Jimmy Choo installation in the lobby

With Derek Tanner

With lovely Hasna Bouchaab

With the host of the night Chairman of ASW Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Murder on the Dancefloor: Deborah Neufeld, Sarah Flückiger and Anne Limbach with me.

With Martin Tobler,  GM Switzerland Parmigiani Fleurier SA, Patrick Liotard-Vogt and Mike Baur, Swiss Start Up Factory, in the photo booth.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography (A huge thank you!) 
and © Sandra Bauknecht

Merry Christmas to all my readers! I hope that you are enjoying it as much as I do!

My look: Long coat with gold piping and leopard collar by Louis Vuitton, striped pleated metallic knitted dress and metallic leather boots, both by Gucci, Bayswater shoulder bag by Mulberry, earrings by Miu Miu, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht