Sandra‘s Closet

After Friday’s news that Peter Dundas had departed Emilio Pucci after 7 successful years at the design helm, the Florentine brand, which is controlled by the LVMH Group, announced the appointment of Massimo Giorgetti to the position of Creative Director effective April 2015. Hailed by the international press as one of Italy’s most talented young designers, Massimo Giorgetti emerged on the fashion scene with a maverick aesthetic that gravitates towards irreverent, joyful prints and bold colour.

Massimo Giorgetti embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of a new breed of designers. In 2009, backed by Paoloni Group, Giorgetti launched MSGM and in just a few short years brought the company to international success. He will continue to design for his own brand, MSGM, dividing his time between Pucci’s Renaissance-era Florentine headquarters and MSGM’s Milan offices.

Founded by Florentine aristocrat Emilio Pucci in 1947, the brand came to epitomize a lifestyle that expresses freedom, boldness, youth and a legacy of ready-to-wear, mixing luxury and sophistication with humor and innovation. It operates a global store network of approximately 50 boutiques across 4 continents. (If you are interested, I recommend a previous interview I did with Laudomia Pucci. To read it please click here.)

The first picture that popped up in all social media channels. A declaration of intention by Massimo Giorgetti: white T-shirt like a blank canvas – a new story to tell.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci

After weeks of rumours, Roberto Cavalli has announced the appointment of Peter Dundas as Creative Director of the group. After 7 years at Pucci, the probably best looking designer has returned to the Florentine House where he worked side by side with Eva and Roberto Cavalli from 2002 to 2005.

“This is a homecoming for me. It is an honor for me to continue to evolve the wonderful world of Roberto Cavalli and I am very excited by the possibilities and potential of this unique brand. I cannot wait to get started“, said Dundas.

“The choice of Peter Dundas was made with the desire to evolve a style that combines glamour, tradition and innovation, recognized worldwide as the signature of Cavalli since the birth of the house”, commented Roberto and Eva Cavalli.

The debut collection of the Norwegian fashion designer – who also enjoys a special relationship with the world of celebrities, another of Cavalli’s distinctive features – are set to be seen on the Milan catwalks in September. Peter Dundas will be directly responsible for the creative direction for the RTW Women’s, Men’s, and Accessories collections, as well as all the licenses. He will also be directly involved in the marketing and communication strategies of the brand – a portfolio of roles that will enable a repositioning of the house established by Roberto Cavalli in the early 1970’s.

One thing is certain: Dundas’ spirit of sexy-cool style makes him the ideal fit for Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Today I am off to NYC from Abu Dhabi, only one week ago I landed in sunny Paris for an amazing project with Piaget that I will be able to tell you more about soon. My life is busy and I feel extremely blessed because I do everything with love and passion. I love my job, I love my life and I am the most happy when travelling the world. My best travel companion at the moment is my Chanel backpack… with this in mind, please enjoy my outfit post.

My look: Black wool coat by Saint Laurent, ruffle peplum top by Alexander McQueen, mid-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, graffiti backpack, matching booties and pearl embellished sunglasses, all by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget and Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Monday morning, I boarded Etihad Airways flight EY47 to Abu Dhabi. When I left, I enjoyed a spectacular view over Zurich. The time flew, due to strong winds, we arrived one hour ahead of time. The service on board was great and I can absolutely recommend this luxurious airline.

As my avid readers know, the reason why I am here is the amazing contest that all of you were able to enter in the beginning of February (for the previous post click here please).

I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was really tough for the Etihad team to choose the winner.

Here she is, congrats to Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg, who posted this beautiful entry. I am looking forward to meeting you today and to taking you for a serious shopping spree!

We are staying at the Yas Viceroy hotel that I can absolutely recommend. The rooms are big, the interior of the hotel is stylish and its seven restaurants offer everything a gourmet’s heart would ask for.

Yesterday, I met my friend Catherine Sarr who lives between London and Abu Dhabi. She has just launched her jewelry collection Almasika Fine Jewellery (the golden bangles at my wrist) that can be found already at Colette and soon in Zurich at Meister.

Catherine took me to the Saddiyat Beach Club, a great place to chill when you are in the area.

I am wishing you a lovely day! I am off shopping at the Galleria at Mariyah Island in Abu Dhabi… Nadya, get ready to get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet! It will also be featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Etihad Airways, Nadya Toncheva

As part of the 10th Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen invited me for the opening of the “Timeless Portofino” exhibition.

CEO Georges Kern was joined by Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh to present the amazing result of a photo shoot which involved a host of stars, such as Emily Blunt, Zhou Xun, Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz among others and was organized by IWC especially for the launch of its new Portofino Midsize collection. Before the exhibition set off around the world, IWC celebrated the world premiere with around 250 guests and invited them to a glamorous gala dinner (see yesterday’s post here). Enjoy my outfit post and the photos that I took from above upon the arrival of the famous guests as I was already inside the exhibition.

My look: Embroidered wrap-over mini-dress by Balmain, metallic and matte-leather pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Tom Ford, statement necklace by Dior, «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Portofino midsize watch with diamonds by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos in collage: © Sandra Bauknecht and  Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for IWC
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s outfit post is dedicated to the amazing IWC Schaffhausen gala that took place last September during the Zurich Film Festival. I wore a very colorful gown by Peter Pilotto that I adore. The “mix and match” effect of the fabrics is extremely up to date. Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett, who was the star of the night, sported the floral print trend as well. I have included some impressions of this extraordinary event for you. A huge thank you to Andrea Monica Hug who took some photos of me upon my arrival.

My look: Freya kaleidoscope print crepe gown by Peter Pilotto, laser-cut leather clutch by Christopher Kane, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, earrings by Prada, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Kurt Eschbacher interviews Cate Blanchett during the gala

Lovely Karolina Kurkova (I hosted an intimate lunch with her one day before) framed by IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern to her right and photographer Peter Lindbergh to her left.

To the sounds of DJ Jack-E, we partied the whole night… definitely another unforgettable night!

Photos: © Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for IWC
© Andrea Monica Hug/ Chic in Zurich 
© Sandra Bauknecht

For S/S 2015, soft and pastel, long tutu tulle skirts and dresses were gracing the runways, reminiscent of the lightness of a ballerina (in the collage above from left to right: Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet). They same trend can be seen for makeup. Creating the perfect no makeup look, mastering a healthy complexion, a radiant glow by applying subtle pink blush on the cheeks, nude eye colors that can get a colorful upgrade and lips that look as if they just had been kissed are the ultimate hype this spring. Here are the products that are wish list worthy:

FACE

Instaglam™ Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder 03 by Rodial
The beauty brand of the celebs is launching an amazing makeup line this spring. This face sculptor and definer can be best applied with a contour blush along cheekbones and jawline to sculpt and define the areas of the face.
CHF 72.00 (Available exclusively at Marionnaud from April 2015)

Météorites Perles de Blush – Eclat Angélique by Guerlain
An angelic complexion in a swish of brush, this small technological wonder infuses cheeks with soft, evanescent pink. A magical hybrid blush that recreates the glow of a complexion bathed in springtime freshness.
CHF 70.00 (Limited Edition)

Jardin de Chanel Blush Camélia Rose by Chanel
The exclusive creation of the Spring 2015 Collection Rêverie Parisienne, is the most romantic blush that can be easily slipped into your bag. This beautiful duo of pinks smells divine and recalls the delicate grace and purity of the favorite flower of Mademoiselle Chanel. 
CHF 63.00 (Limited Edition)

EYES

My French Palette by Lancôme
My favorite eye palette for the day this spring. The perfect mix & match for your eyes, it reveals a little secret of aquatic hues hidden under an extra lid in this treasure box. Create versatile looks from the most sophisticated to the cutest.
CHF 79.00 (Limited Edition)

Couture Palette Collector Ombre de Jour by Yves Saint Laurent
The name itself declares this palette to be used for the day but personally speaking it is perfect for a smokey eye look for a night out. A rare and precious object, this exclusive palette combines luminosity and darkness. Dressed in a glittering sequined pink all-over, the iconic gold case is belted with black satin.
CHF 100.00 (Limited Edition)

LIPS

Eclat Minute Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector 01 Rose by Clarins (far left)
I am convinced that you will love those new lip balm perfecters by Clarins as much as I do. Great for every day, part makeup, part skin care, it melts onto the lips to veil them with subtle luminous color. 
CHF 30.00 (Available in 6 colors)

Phyto-Lip Twist 08 Candy by Sisley (far right)
This spring, Sisley offers three new shades of its famous tinted balm, which is colored like a lipstick and shiny like a gloss. Ladies, let’s twist again! Easy to apply, it stays on for hours! If you haven’t tried it yet, you will have to now!
CHF 45.00 each

Veiled Rouge Sloe RS 308 by Shiseido
Mellow, delicate color and sheen, this lip stick keeps lips moist and shimmering like a veil. You will love it for summer. 
CHF 40.00 (Available in 8 colors, I adore this deep berry hue.)

Dior Addict Gloss 624 Mylord by Dior
Part of Dior’s Spring 2015 Kingdom of Colors Collection, this new lipgloss has the perfect shimmering mauve nude with gold sparkles mixed in.
CHF 46.00

NAILS

Le Vernis Nail Colour 625 Paradiso by Chanel
CHF 35.00 (Limited edition)
Top Coat Eclosion Blossoming 01 by Dior
CHF 38.00 (Limited edition) 
The perfect duo when for together!

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Runway photos: via Style.com and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

On top of my wish list is this new limited edition PREMIÈRE ROCK WATCH by CHANEL. Combining sophistication and edgy style, the new timepieces that come with double or triple row chains are ideal for day and evening wear. Crafted to appeal to the inner rebel, Chanel has produced only 1000 pieces of those watches in each color, blue, pink and beige with the iconic diamond shaped mother-of-pearl white dial.

Première Rock BLUE – Limited Edition – 23,6 mm, high-precision quartz movement
Available in four sizes XS, S, M and L with triple chain for CHF 4550.00 – H4327

Première Rock SKIN – Limited Edition – 23,6 mm, high-precision quartz movement
Available in four sizes XS, S, M and L with triple chain for CHF 4550.00 – H4312

Première Rock BROWN – Limited Edition – 23,6 mm, high-precision quartz movement
Available in four sizes XS, S, M and L with triple chain for CHF 4550.00 – H4326

Première Rock METAL – 28 mm, high-precision quartz movement
Available in four sizes XS, S, M and L with double chain (can be transformed into a single chain) for CHF 5000.00 – H4199

Gosh, it is so hard to choose the color… all are gorgeous!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2015

Mother’s Day came early at Dolce & Gabbana’s F/W 2015 show, it was obviously another of the designer duo’s beautiful celebrations of the Italian family. The collection was simply titled “Viva la Mamma” and inspired by the woman who’s the heart of the family.

Celebrating motherhood on so many levels, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana sent models down the runway with their babies and kids, including the perennial D&G muse, Bianca Balti, who is highly pregnant with her second child, to roaring applause. Being pregnant seems to be the next season’s trend, so ladies get ready!

The collection on display matched the mother-loving theme: decidedly feminine dresses and skirts adorned with roses, lace and even embroidered doodles by their own nieces and nephews (in the same vein as Angelina Jolie’s wedding veil). Great news is that Moda Operandi is inviting you be to relive the magic with their newest trunkshow which includes all of our favorites, fresh off the runway!

Whether you gravitated towards the children’s doodles or the roses – they now have it live. It is your chance to get your favorite pieces in your size and no wait list required!

TO PRE-ORDER THE DOLCE & GABBANA F/W 2015 COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
The trunkshow ends on March 16 at 10 am EDT.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images and Moda Operandi

When I saw today’s pictures of the Valentino F/W 2015 show, I was really sad that I had to skip Paris Fashion Week due to other events. What an amazing finale at Valentino! Zoolander’s Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson took over the runway in a headline-grabbing stunt to announce the decision to make ‘Zoolander 2‘ which will open in theaters in the U.S. on February 12, 2016.

The two Hollywood stars reprised their roles as male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel, immortalized in the hugely popular 2001 movie. And I have to say, they did a great job for this real-life runway walk-off.

The Valentino F/W 2015 was also stunning, rich fabrics, amazing craftsmanship, big drama – it included everything we love about the Maison. But again, the finale topped off everything!

TO SHOP VALENTINO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © 2015 Getty Images, Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Paramount Pictures, AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Kevin Tachman