Sandra‘s Closet

The House of Yves Saint Laurent celebrates a half-century of fragrance creation. Fifty years marked by unforgettable elixirs, fragrances that have become references, benchmarks, icons.

This fall, «Le Vestiaire des Parfums» will launch, a wardrobe of fragrances, that includes 5 new scents that are inspired by the house’s iconic fashion creations.

THE TRENCH

Trench coat from Yves Saint Laurent’s  F/W 99 collection.

Trench is a citrusy fragrance with dry cedar and iris.

THE CABAN JACKET

The first cabin jacket in 1962.

Caban is a sensual fragrance with notes of pink pepper, rose and tonka bean.

THE SAFARI TOP

Veruschka in YSL Safari Ensemble by Franco Rubartelli, Vogue Paris July/ August 1968.

Saharienne is fresh due to its ingredients of neroli, wild herbs and white musk.

THE CAFTAN

Yves Saint Laurent loved Morocco and caftans himself.

Caftan is an oriental scent that contains incense, benzoin, galbanum and musk.

THE TUXEDO

Created in 1966, the ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo suit for women was the first of its kind to earn attention in the fashion world. Photo by Helmut Newton.

Tuxedo is the most masculine among the five with notes of patchouli and a spice accord.

Available from November 2015 for CHF 350 (125ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

As a part of the Collection Les Classiques, Hermès launches new interpretations of the two classic scents, one for women and one for men, which were both reworked by in-house perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena.

Collection Les Classiques by Hermès

Jean-Claude Ellena

ROSE AMAZONE for Women

1974: once upon a time there was Amazone. Symbolic of a free, modern femininity, Amazone, which is still produced, takes its inspiration from the mythical horsewomen who, according to legend, ruled over the shores of the Black Sea. A novel composed by Maurice Maurin at the time and orchestrated around blackcurrant buds, the fragrance is a green floral harmony in which daffodils, narcissi, galbanum, red fruits and vetiver take turns to shine.

Now there comes a new, modern version of this legendary fragrance, reimagined by Jean-Claude Ellena, named Rose Amazone which is much more contemporary. A sparkling, tangy and tender perfume, brightened by citrus fruits, currants and raspberries. There are also floral notes of rose, laid on a background of sweet amber, vanilla and woods. A perfume full of colours for cheerful fragrancing. 

Available as 100 ml Eau de Toilette for CHF 166.00 (In Switzerland from end of October 2015).

EQUIPAGE GERANIUM for Men

1970: once upon a time there was Equipage. A masculine, aromatic woody fragrance created by Guy Robert, is reborn this fall with the same original message, but with a new, contemporary freshness.

This manly and aromatic fragrance contains spicy accords. With its emphasized geranium note, it plays with the addition of an invigorating note hovering between rose and mint. Sandalwood brings an elegant and sensual side to the composition.

Available as 100 ml Eau de Toilette for CHF 131.00 (In Switzerland from end of November 2015).

Jean-Claude Ellena at work…

… choosing from the most precious ingredients.

Two great new additions to the Hermès fragrance family!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

Goth glam with a quirky twist – this Halloween we’re all about velvet, flowy 70’s dresses and fun accessories. H&M offers a great selection of dress-up pieces for adults and kids (see below):

Such a cute Halloween collection for kids at H&M.

Use Halloween as an excuse to bring out your inner glam goth. (Not to be confused with glam rock.) For inspiration, turn to fictional style icons like Morticia Addams, Jessica Lange in «American Horror Story: Coven» or Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in «The Witches of Eastwick».
Or just Cher, period.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher floating in style in «The Witches of Eastwick».

This season’s It-item – the 70’s maxi or midi dress – is the perfect hero of the glamoween look, and don’t forget to top it off with the perfect shade of “blood” red for lips and nails.

If you are more opting for an investment in something you could wear all year, I recommend brands such as Balmain and Givenchy this season. They have great velvet dresses with that certain goth attitude that could be transformed with the right accessories into the perfect Halloween outfit. And then it is truly time for GLAMOWEEN!!!

Get the look: Feather and raccoon jacket and velvet ruffle midi dress, both by Givenchy, satin belt by Balmain, embroidered collar by Vivetta, «Black Spider» hairband by Caterina Capelli, double feather-embellished silk-trimmed leather tickler and My Tie leather and silk-charmeuse cuffs, both by Kiki de Montparnasse and Horatio leather and jacquard platform sandals by Paul Andrew.
Glamore Lipstick – Virgin by Illamasqua.

LoL, Sandra

Photo (Cover): Magnus Torsne, Styling: Emma Elwin
Photo «The Witches of Eastwick»: All Over Press
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

This is one of those days. I am totally jet-lagged as I just got back from New York City and in between travels which means emptying one suitcase and filling the next one. I hoped for an relaxing evening on the couch when I heard the big and very unexpected news that I had to get out to you in case you haven’t read it yet.

After three and a half years as Creative Director at Christian Dior, fashion designer Raf Simons has announced today that he will be leaving the French Maison. His S/S 2016 collection he showed during Paris Fashion Week in the beginning of October will be his last.
Here some of the beautiful looks:

Here is a statement that Simons released  to ​WWD: «It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior’s women’s collection. It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book. I want to thank Mr. Bernard Arnault for the trust he has put in me, giving me the incredible opportunity to work at this beautiful house surrounded by the most amazing team one could ever dream of. I have also had the chance over the last few years to benefit from the leadership of Sidney Toledano. His thoughtful, heartfelt and inspired management will also remain as one of the most important experiences of my professional career.»

Raf Simons with me in 2014

It will be interesting who will succeed Simons as ​Dior’s sales increased dramatically under him. I truly loved what he did.

Tomorrow I will be on a trip with Dior ​so let’s see if I can get some insights.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé Le Drezen, © Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

New York nights are truly special. The city that never sleeps has that certain vibe that let’s you be full of energy. Here you see me leaving to the H&M x Balmain launch party. I wore this Balmain dress which is one of the iconic vintage pieces that inspired Olivier Rousteing for his designer collaboration with the Swedish fashion brand. I got a lot of compliments for it that night!

My look: Feather cape and embellished metallic jacquard mini dress, both by Balmain, studded bucket bag by Miu Miu, suede overknee boots and earrings, both by Dior, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

What a night in NYC! I am still overwhelmed by this glam and fun event where the fashion and Hollywood elite joined forces on Wall Street to celebrate the launch of the amazing collaboration between Balmain and H&M. More is more is definitely something that goes for the Parisian Maison and yesterday was proof for it!

”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” – Olivier Rousteing

Olivier Rousteing with me last night

Just like the opulent collection designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the party in the Big Apple was extra everything. Rousteing, who is bringing the brand’s DNA of music, couture, luxury and pop culture – he is the designer with the biggest instagram follower ship – together, said: ”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” He created the hashtag #HMBalmaination where people could follow live the best moments of the night.

When I arrived at 23, Wall Street, I entered the highly secured venue over the stairs and found an ambiance similar to a subway system, referencing the campaign film – where Kendall Jenner, Olivier’s muse and friend, stars as the leader of a dance crew. While enjoying champagne, I mingled with the A-list crowd of top models, celebrities and Hollywood actors.

Singer Ellie Goulding with me

After the cocktail reception, I entered the next hall where the runway was built over two stories. Before the show actually started, a live dance performance took place as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the campaign music video. The guests were truly cheered up when Kendall Jenner opened the  catwalk, followed by some of the hottest models in the industry right now.

Swiss front row power: Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine and Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin with me in the middle.

Kendall Jenner opening the runway

Jourdan Dunn

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Olivier Rousteing’s favorite piece from the collection: the pearl-embroidered jacket.

Gigi Hadid

Karlie Kloss was my favorite on the runway.

Toni Garrn

The collection is all about affordable luxury. Olivier Rousteing took some of his best creations he designed over the past seasons and made them into one collection. Compared to other designer collaborations H&M did in previous years, the pieces are more expensive but I am still pretty amazed how this craftsmanship is possible for that amount of money. The collection is truly beautiful with lots of items you can enjoy for a very long time.

The Backstreet Boys

After the show, it was all about the music and energy. A live concert by the Backstreet Boys took guests back in time, especially my humble self as over 20 years ago, I was with them on a Germany tour with my own band. Personally speaking, the Balmain x H&M launch party was one of those nights you never want to end!

Olivier Rousteing and his friends, among them Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio, cheered to the Backstreet Boys.

The Balmain x H&M collection features fashion and accessories for both men and women, and will be available in selected stores and at hm.com starting November 5.

Now have fun to scroll through some more impressions of the night and check back in for more updates as I just uploaded my own photos today. The internet is too slow… there is much more coming up. Now I have some appointments in NYC before I am heading back home!
Talk to you when I am in Europe…

LoL, Sandra

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené), is looking good in my marabou stole.

Guests being crazy about the red carpet arrivals.

German actress Diane Kruger

Amazing ambiance.

We couldn’t get enough of the Backstreet Boys!

Always a lot of fun with my colleague Caroline Piccinin from Le Matin in Geneva.

The normal craziness at the pop-up store late at night.

The clothes come well-protected in plastic hangers.

Olivier Rousteing even joined in the shopping fun late at night.

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York City where I arrived yesterday. Tonight is the night: H&M x Balmain‘s launch ​party celebration will take place starting at 7pm local time with cocktails, followed by the fashion show, a concert and of course the pop-up store where guests are able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 5, 2015.

I will be attending the event tonight and keep you updated on instagram @sandrascloset but you can also watch the live stream HERE or follow the #HMBalmaination hashtag to see whats happening at the show!

Below are some of my first impressions:

Still breathtaking: the first view on NYC when you come from the airport.

My hotel: The Nomo Soho, the former Mondrian Hotel, where I also stayed three years ago for the H&M x Maison Martin Margiela launch event.

The view from my hotel room.

A gift: the beautiful scarf.

Now, I am on my way to preview the collection ahead of the show and to interview Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain and the fashion designer with the most instagram followers on earth.

Stay tuned for my report from the event coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have enough space to store your clothes, I always recommend keeping as much as you can. Most of the pieces can be worn again. Sometimes it can take many years but those vintage pieces will add that certain twist to your look. On the other hand, one of the biggest trends of today is that designers keep their iconic looks for many seasons, as Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent for example or Dolce & Gabbana. Their recent S/S 2016 collection shown Mid September in Milan seemed like a potpourri of their famous styles.

So personally speaking one of the biggest trends is that there is no trend. It is about investing in great pieces that will last and not be out of fashion after one season. I thought it would be fun for you to see how well I can wear those vintage Dolce & Gabbana pieces that I had been collecting during the last seasons next summer.

 For those of you, you would love to be ahead of the game, I recommend DOLCE & GABBANA’S PORTOFINO CAPSULE COLLECTION that is available now at NET-À-PORTER exclusively.

LoL, Sandra

TREND 1: THE PRINTED SHIFT DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 67

My Look: MCM Store Opening in Zurich (May 2013)

TREND 2: THE LEMON PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 83

My Look: NYFW (September 2013)

TREND 3: THE STRIPED TOP AND A-LINE SKIRT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 24

My Look: City Girl (August 2013)

TREND 4: THE ICONIC PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 73

My Look: Bohemian Rhapsody (June 2014)

TREND 5: SHORTS MATCHING YOUR TOP

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 74

My Look: Tropical Vacation (December 2014)

TREND 6: THE FLORAL PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 42

My Look: Enchanted Forest (April 2015)

TREND 7: THE TRANSPARENT BLACK DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 31

My Look: Transparent (July 2015)

TREND 8: THE ITALIAN POSTCARD PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 87

My Look: One Day in Siena (October 2015)

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
© Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Monica Hug (Chic in Zurich)

Davis Factor, the renowned fashion and celebrity photographer, is the grandson of Hollywood makeup legend Max Factor. Together with his brother Dean, he founded Smashbox Studios in 1990, followed by their own make-up line six years later that is dedicated to work best in the tough studio environment (Smashbox products are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland). Davis lives in the third generation in Beverly Hills which is his favourite place on earth. Below you can enjoy his tips for the City of Angels.

Your favourite city?
LOS ANGELES – This is my home, where my family roots are. I am a surfer, I love the weather and the waves. It is spread out but peaceful. I love the mixture between the nature and the city.

Your favourite hotel?
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL – I have spend my whole life there. They have a great pool, great atmosphere. The restaurants cater and they love me as I eat there 3-4 times per week. But  I have never stayed there as I live too close.
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 276 2251

Your favourite restaurant?
MR.CHOW – I love Chinese food a lot and I am great friends with Michael Chow’s daughter China. It’s the place for the who is who.
344 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 278 9911

Your favourite dish there?
I love their Shrimp and Oyster sauce.

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
HYDE LOUNGE – Best on Fridays. A friend of mine owns it and I feel comfortable in there, it’s not like a big club, it’s not too loud, more lounge style with great food.
8029 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, 90046, + 1 323 655 8000

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
SUNSET IN MALIBU – Very Californian! My brother has a fabulous house in Malibu where I like to watch it.

Your favourite beach?
MALIBU BEACH – The sand is fantastic.
MANHATTAN BEACH – I surf there a lot, great community, classic beach with a family atmosphere.

Your favourite shop?
MAXFIELD – I buy for myself in there. Great selection of designer clothes and I love their Hermès vintage collections.
8825 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069, +1 310 274 8800

Your must-have accessory in Los Angeles?
A CAR – I drive a Mercedes-Benz. I have such a great experience with their service.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WONDERLAND AVENUE by Danny Sugerman.
It’s about his life as a troubled Beverly Hills kid who ended up being Jim Morrison’s best buddy. He hang out with all the rockstars of the ’80s and it all happens in the area where I grew up. It reminds me so much of Los Angeles and his brother is my doctor.

Thank you, Davis, for sharing your insider scoop on Los Angeles with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Locations and Smashbox Studios

«Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.»
– Marilyn Monroe

As you know, I love shoes and I have to admit that I stopped breathing for a moment when I spotted those embellished patent-leather Mary Jane pumps on the Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2015 runway. The lipstick embellishments at the toes and inside the heels are to die for. Finally, these beauties are in stores, unfortunately quite expensive. So if anybody is looking for a surprise for me, I wear a 36.5…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana