Sandra‘s Closet

I adore Alessandra Rich‘s exquisite gowns that are perfect for any black tie event. Not too long, in fabrics that don’t wrinkle, they offer comfort and great fitted shapes. This embroidered one with shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals is one of my favorites as the stretch-tulle panel elegantly references the season’s conceal-and-reveal trend.

My look: Swarovski crystal-embellished lace gown by Alessandra Rich, white «Duffle 6» bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Seamaster watch in steel with diamond dial by Omega, crystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

For the event with George Clooney in Shanghai where the photos were taken, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

“Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.”

Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

A warm welcome by lovely Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

The ’70s are in full swing – literally – as fringe is having a well-deserved moment. Shimmying and shivering, they offer a great way into the season’s retro mood.

My look: Rebekah fringed bandage gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch and cutout leather platform pumps and Apophis cuff, all by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For all hopeless romantics among you, I have great news. Swiss bed linen manufacturer SCHLOSSBERG will bring you the stars from the sky to your bedroom with the launch of the first illuminating bedding ever with the heavenly name CELESTE.

LED elements are embroidered onto the satin fabric (100% cotton) that due to a delicate process doesn’t loose any of its softness or comfort. The bedding is even washable at 60°C.

And have no fear! The flow of electricity is minor because the illuminating diodes work with low tension. The battery can last up to 12 hours. Its USB plug is woven into the closure and can be charged at a computer/laptop or the outlet.

The new CELESTE line will be in stores for Christmas time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Schlossberg Switzerland

Alexa Chung has announced her first venture into tech by launching social style app ‘VILLOID’, inspired by the computerized wardrobe in the 90s movie Clueless.

VILLOID is a new social style app set to revolutionize the way you get dressed in the morning. Similar to Instagram but specifically for fashion and with a buy button, it’s a virtual dressing room on the user’s phone.

“I suppose that scene in Clueless where the computer puts an outfit together from Cher’s wardrobe really stayed with me.“ says Alexa Chung. “Clothes are fun, making mistakes is fun, being inspired is fun. VILLOID celebrates the process of getting dressed and showing your friends.”

VILLOID offers users a platform where they can share their style by uploading products and photographs onto a mood board, follow friends and fellow style mavericks, love boards and individual items. For anything they can’t live without – there is the option to click the handy buy button and purchase the item. Consider this the paper dolls for the modern age.

It’s the British style guru’s first delve into the world of technology, an area she didn’t know a vast amount about when she teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jeanette Dyhre Kvisvik and her team who had been working with a similar idea.

“Alexa and I immediately bonded, merging our ideas and utilizing her style genius, we have managed to make the best dressed app on the market.” says Dyhre Kvisvik.

“I wanted to get to learn something about a field I knew nothing about and I felt I could offer the tech field something I knew a lot about….clothes. Most decisions I make when it comes to new projects are based on whether it could further my education. The tech world was something I was incredibly curious about. Silicone Valley sounds like a bouncy castle I want to play on.” says Alexa.

Think of window shopping as a social game, only this this time it exists in the palm of your hand. VILLOID offers an opportunity to view a curated feed of style choices chosen by you, the user. Take yourself on a journey into the VILLOID world, discover people, endless brands and ways of pairing items together that until now, only ever existed in your mind.

Early adopters of VILLOID include model and singer Pixie Geldof who has already crowned VILLOID as “the most addictive app in life.” The app is now available in App store globally. The Android version is in planning, set to launch late 2015/early 2016.

Needless to say that when I read about this new app this morning, I had to sign up immediately to know what they are talking about. I have to admit that it seems quite fun but I am not sure if I will get completely into it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexa Chung, Villoid and © Sandra Bauknecht
Instagram: @Villoid

Eclectic describes a combination of many different individual elements of styles. Speaking in fashion terms, it means that you can put together several pieces that seem odd together, but worn in one look make you stand out. Never forget to pay attention to the proportions. One of the most important things when you want to look incredibly stylish. Great news is that you can do it with the clothes in your own closet. Get going, ladies and have fun!

My look: Cropped blazer by Saint Laurent, cady top by Miu Miu, foil-paneled pleated cloqué maxi skirt by Proenza Schouler, studded sandals by Alaïa, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga, Kelly So Black bag by Hermès, sunglasses «Reflected» by Dior, necklace by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Volez! Voguez! Voyagez!» literally translates as «Fly! Sail! Travel!». Those three words written across a vintage Louis Vuitton advertisement poster summarize the spirit of the brand and are the title of an upcoming exhibition that will take place at the Grand Palais from 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016.

Curated by Olivier Saillard, this exhibition retraces Louis Vuitton’s great journey from 1854 till today, through depictions of the Maison’s founding members and those who create the Louis Vuitton of tomorrow.

Monsieur Louis Vuitton

The Grand Palais was constructed in 1900 during one of the most spectacular Universal Exhibitions in Paris which welcomed 48 milllion visitors. At this turning point of the century, George Vuitton was in charge of organizing the entire section dedicated to “Travel & Leather goods“.

The Louis Vuitton booth, surprisingly in the shape of a merry-go-round, presented the Maison’s most innovative luggage and elegant bags and was the center of attention.

“Louis Vuitton has always been at the avant-garde of creation. More than a century after,
if Louis Vuitton remains at the helm of fashion, it’s because we continously inspire ourselves from
the past while anticipating trends of our times. For this exhibition, Olivier Saillard has immersed
himself in the archives of our Maison to decode its secrets. He delivers a fresh vision of our past, present and future“, says Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton.

The thematic journey conceived and designed by Robert Carsen navigates through 9 chapters, opening with the absolute symbol of Louis Vuitton: an antique malle. An innately modern design, it foresaw what were to become the Maison’s emblematic codes and epitomised Louis Vuitton’s audacious spirit. The exhibition presents objects and documents from Louis Vuitton’s Patrimony
as well as a selection of pieces lent by Palais Galliera, Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
A section dedicated to Craftsmanship closes the exhibition.

SUMMARY OF THE 9 SECTIONS OF THE EXHIBITION

I. THE TRUNK OF 1906, an innovative design
II. WOOD, a gateway to freedom.
The roots of the Louis Vuitton house
III. THE CLASSIC TRUNKS, a catalogue
of refined canvases, shapes and locks

IV. THE INVENTION OF TRAVEL:
– The rise of yachts, a taste for cruises.
The inauguration of the Steamer bag
– The motor cars, speed at one’s fingertips
– The train, outbound travel

V. THE ABSENT HOUR,
fine writing in line with Louis Vuitton

Artist Cindy Sherman with the colorful trunk embellished with hotel labels she designed for Louis Vuitton.

VI. THE PORTAIN TRUNK,
a conversation with art
VII. ECCENTRIC/CURIOUS TRUNKS.
Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s antique personal collection

VIII. FASHION AND BEAUTY
– Beauty essentials, fine fragrances,
delicate jewellery boxes
– Celebrity luggage. Superstar trunks
– Elegant dandies, the men of today.
Examples of masculine luggage
– Fashion and design, a mirrored present day
IX. THE MUSIC ROOM.
Special orders, dreams are made of these

EXHIBITION DETAILS

GRAND PALAIS 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016
Salon d’Honneur, Entrée Square Jean Perrin, Champs-Elysées, Avenue du Général Eisenhower,
Paris 8th
Monday, Thursday and Sunday, from 10am – 8pm
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays except during school holidays
Free admission
AUDIO GUIDE
A mobile phone application allows visitors to enrich their tour.

As a big fan of the House of Louis Vuitton, I am truly looking forward to this exhibition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Archives Louis Vuitton Malletier

Since its launch last year, Bottega Veneta KNOT has become a huge success and once you smell it you will understand why. It is so airy and abounds in floral sparkling notes. After my first spritz, I have been hooked ever since.

The name is an homage to the Italian brand’s beloved KNOT clutch and the cap of the bottle echoes the bag’s iconic knot-shaped closure. Being one of the brand’s signature pieces, it has been a «collector’s item» since its launch in 2001.

Bottega Veneta KNOT is inspired by the amazing fresh air of the Italian Riviera, the scent of flowers, such as peonies from the garden and clementine trees from the hills nearby and clean laundry whose scent comes through the open windows.

As KNOT wears, you will explore the dry and crisp dimension of orange blossom that ends in a richer dimension thanks to tonka bean and musk.

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT
Top notes: Clementine tree accord (based on mandarin, lime, neroli and orange blossom)
Middle notes: Peony, white rose and lavender
Base notes: Musk and tonka bean
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 98.00), 50ml (CHF 145.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 72.00)

Great news is that there is a new flanker to be launched this month: Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE that will be available now exclusively at Marionnaud.

The new floral scent conjures the next chapter of the Mediterranean interlude, this time set in the villa’s flower garden where fragrant roses and peonies transport their visitors into a private sanctuary that gives comfort and relaxation. “I wanted the fragrance to capture an awakening of the senses though an escape to the garden,” says Tomas Maier, Creative Director Bottega Veneta. “It is these quiet moments of respite that I believe are the ultimate luxury.”

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT EAU FLORALE
Top notes: Mandarin orange, neroli and lavender
Middle notes: Rose and peony
Base notes: Tonka bean and cedar
Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 140.00) and 75ml (CHF 165.00).

Personally speaking, Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE is the perfect way to take a little bit of summer into fall.

Steeped in the traditions of Italy’s master leather craftsmen and renowned for its extraordinary leather goods, Bottega Veneta stands for individuality and self-confidence, a philosophy expressed in its famous motto, “When your own initials are enough”, and of course in the highest quality materials.

TO SHOP THE LATEST KNOT CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta and © Sandra Bauknecht

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTÉ launched with a glossy, long-lasting nail polish in the very same shade of red as the soles of the designer’s glamorous shoes. The collection has now expanded to include the most luxurious range of lipsticks in satin, matte and sheer finishes. What’s more, each beautifully packaged color can be worn as a pendant.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE NEW CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LIPSTICKS ONLINE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin Beauté

Last Saturday, the 24th Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom Boom au Lac party is a great way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park.

My look: Sea foam beaded tulle and navy lame dress and embossed lizard leather lace up booties, both by Rodarte, python leather buckle belt and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, white cuff by Chanel and Pasha C watch by Cartier, earrings by Prada and sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht