Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from Barcelona where I went this week with La Mer for the launch of their new eye care product that I will soon tell you more about. I stayed at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, which is located in the center on the shopping mile Passeig de Gràcia. Outside of the hotel before we left for the press conference, those photos were taken. The weather was sunny and extremely warm for the end of October which made this trip even more amazing.

My look: Lace appliqué wool coat, floral quilted top, floral print trousers, floral keys printed scarf, crystal-embellished key earrings, Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch and embellished slippers, all by Dolce & Gabbana. Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my Moschino look that I wore to the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event in NYC. “Barbie is so joyful – and I wanted to bring some joy and fun into fashion,” said Jeremy Scott of the inspiration behind his S/S 2015 collection for the Italian house that has been available right after the runway show to the customers. Needless to say, being a huge fan of Barbie, I had to shop those pieces first hand. Please don’t take this post too seriously, as Jeremy said it is all about having fun and that means sometimes being a little cheesy and tacky.

My look: Logo intarsia cropped sweater, matching cotton mini skirt and leather jacket shoulder bag, all by Moschino, Janis embellished suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent, earrings by Prada, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies and Gentlemen, don’t forget that this week on the 6th of November the Alexander Wang x H&M collection will hit the stores. To get you in the shopping mood, I would love to show you all the impressions of the amazing launch event that took place at the Armory on the Hudson, an indoor track and field stadium in New York City Mid October. When H&M celebrates a designer collaboration, it means that VIP’s from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and Hollywood, follow the invitation with pleasure. This year, I spotted for example Jessica Chastain, Dakota Fanning, Justin Theroux, Mary J Blige, Kate Mara and many more.

H&M approached Wang a year and a half ago, and the designer immediately knew he wanted to take things in a different direction than anything they’d tried in the past. “They’ve done such an incredible job with the previous projects, everything from Versace and the archival Margiela,” he said. “But the approach had to be different for this one, both for me and for H&M.”

Alexander Wang is the first American to partner with the company whose designer collaboration program is in its tenth year. He mixed sports and performance for everyday life by capturing the speed of the city. Using technical details and functional fabrics, Wang created the perfect versatile performance wear wardrobe for both, men and women, a collection to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way we live our lives today.

After a men’s and women’s full speed runway fashion show, the doors of a pop-up store opened where we could shop the collection first hand (click here to see what I got myself). The evening culminated when Sharaya came on stage as the opening act before the rare performance by Missy Elliott took place. She was so fantastic that even Alexander Wang, who had said earlier during the press conference that he doesn’t do sports, jumped on stage and danced crazily to her vibes. The party continued with music by DJ’s Diplo and Jesse Marco. It was again one of those magic nights with a gazillion of highlights that I will treasure forever.

Let me show you more impressions of that fantastic event:

Me arriving at the event location in a Moschino S/S 2015 look (the outfit post will come up tomorrow).

Dakota Fanning rushing to her seat.

The Armory on the Hudson from the inside.

Actor Justin Theroux…

… was extremely charming. Now, I understand Jennifer Aniston.

A redhead seldom comes alone: Jessica Chastain…

…and Eddie Redmayne.

Glamourous front row: Actors Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara.

An energetic acrobatic performance before the runway show…

… that captured the speed of the city.

Mary J Blige seemed to like it a lot.

A confetti rain was the perfect backdrop…

… for a happy Alexander Wang running around the catwalk.

Me taking the provided boxing gloves to get ready for the fight…

… in the pop-up store.

I was in the first slot. Therefore it still looks pretty quiet.

Even the supermodels went crazy for the collection, here you see Karlie Kloss.

Swiss girls: Barbara and Karo with me.

Before the runway show, I caught singer Sharaya…

… who was the opening act that night.

The highlight of the event was the performance of…

… Missy Elliott…

… who rocked the stage…

… that even Alexander Wang couldn’t stop dancing.

Party time…

… that the Swiss crowd didn’t need to be told twice. Being the only rooster in the yard, René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager for H&M Switzerland, surrounded by the Swiss girls (check out his travel tips for Paris here) going crazy.

Thanks H&M for taking me on this amazing adventure, to be continued next year…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M, Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for H&M

Somebody has answered my prayers: meet Paul & Lulu, an online shopping destination that delivers amazing dishes directly to your table and the only thing you will need to do is to add some finishing touches. But I am not talking about fast food! Embracing the next generation of modern gastronomy, Franzoli’s Catering have brought their mission to a new level  by producing honest, high-quality convenience food, delivered quickly and easily from their kitchen to yours. Based on their passion for perfection, the dishes are handmade with market-fresh ingredients, carefully selected from their tried-and-trusted suppliers, then arranged and prepared in a way that gives you more time to enjoy your meal.

The minute I looked at the website, I was sold. The pictures are beautiful, showing all the ingredients. Especially if you are following a certain diet, you will appreciate the vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut-free, lactose-free, halal descriptions.

Paul & Lulu will deliver the best that their pots, pans and experience have to offer straight to your kitchen – quickly and at short notice.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paul & Lulu

During a dinner conversation last weekend, a friend of mine asked me for advice to find a great pair of winter shoes that is suitable for bad weather conditions.

Here is a selection of footwear designed with a gripped rubber sole for maximum traction, even in wet or icy conditions. Constructed with a sturdy block heel or a wedge, they are ideal for day-long wear or a winter’s night out. Now it’s the time to stock up on some sturdy and stylish footwear for the new season. Have fun!

1 Lace-up patent-leather pumps by Valentino
2 Two-tone leather platform pumps by Marc by Marc Jacobs
3 Safety pin-embellished leather pumps by Tod’s
4 Lizzie shearling-lined suede wedge boots by Michael Michael Kors
5 Shearling-lined textured-leather wedge ankle boots by Burberry
6 Barbara goat hair-lined suede boots by Pedro Garcia
7 Verna shell and faux fur boots by DKNY
8 Shearling-lined suede platform ankle boots by Alexander McQueen
9 Shearling-lined suede and leather knee boots by Emilio Pucci

My personal favorites are those three pairs below:

Those rubber sole wedges are ideal to walk during a cold winter night: 
Creeping Tessa embroidered velvet wedge pumps by Charlotte Olympia

Cute and edgy at the same time, those shoes look great with a mini dress:
Textured patent-leather ankle boots by Alexander McQueen

Wear them with a skirt or loosen the buckled tabs to tuck in your jeans:
Dart buckled leather biker boots by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This was my outfit I wore to the launch event of L’OFFICIEL VOYAGE. Before the party started, I attended the Bvlgari cocktail to celebrate the brand’s newest watch collection LVCEA.

My look: Suzani peasant top and Suzani drawstring trousers, both by Emilio Pucci, padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag by Alexander McQueen and Alice T-strap studded sandals (on sale for almost 60% off) by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, another baby was born: we celebrated the launch of L’OFFICIEL VOYAGE SWITZERLAND at the home of R Selection, the luxurious travel agency in Zurich.

The first issue of our new travel dedicated supplement which is published in German and French is still on newsstands nationwide, along with the October issue gracing Charlize Theron. Some of you might remember when I flew to Paris to interview the blonde actress. If you are interested, you have to hurry. There is not so much time left until our next L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND issue will arrive.

By the way, if you subscribe to L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND, you will get it a day earlier than the newsstands! The travel supplement will come for free with it twice a year.

Enjoy some of the impressions of our launch party below. I have to say that I am a very proud editor in chief and I truly love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Manuela Weber (Cinnamon Circle) with me

Framed by Roman Sägesser (R Selection) to the left and Stefan Hottinger-Behmer (L’Officiel Switzerland) to the right.

Supermodel Patricia Schmid who graced our launch issue came from Paris for the party, here she is with Werner Dirks (La Prairie Switzerland) and my humble self.

Two reasons to celebrate: the lovely Park Hyatt Zurich team, Malte Budde and Laura Amanzi, toast to the launch of L’Officiel Voyage and their own 10 year anniversary.

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel Switzerland and © Sandra Bauknecht

“I started with 16,000 Swiss francs, 20 years ago, and the success of de Grisogono is a miracle, in every sense” says Fawaz Gruosi. “I simply saw another way of doing things in the jewellery world. I was lucky, a little crazy, I worked like a madman and still do.“

You have to meet Fawaz Gruosi to understand his power over women, he might be the most charming man on earth. He knows what women want, especially when it comes to jewelry design. The president, owner and founder of de Grisogono likes to push the limits and break the rules to come up with the most amazing pieces.

Last week, de Grisogono celebrated the launch of its new Crazy Scull watch at Hotel Costes in Paris which shows the most outstanding artisan jewelry and horology. It took over one year of research to create this one of a kind timepiece.

Being entirely hand-set with white diamonds, pink sapphires, rubies and also the black diamonds, the stones the Geneva based jeweler is famous for, this dual time watch comes on a galuchat strap.

I am a huge fan of jewelry that offers a certain twist, that is provocative and different. How much fun are those baguette-cut diamond teeth and the ornate gemstone tongue?!

The Crazy Skull is available from around €500.000 depending on the stones you choose at de Grisogono boutiques.

And I couldn’t agree more with Karlie Kloss who said at last week’s party, it is “the most extravagant Halloween accessory” you have ever seen.
Speaking of which, happy trick or treating!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of de Grisogono and © Sandra Bauknecht

MAYBELLINE has launched an extremely cool line of Baby Lips Electro Lip Balms in six new tinted shades with actress Emily DiDonato being the face of the campaign.

Are you on board to rock some sheer neon 80’s shades? Great news is that they don’t only look good but visibly renew lips in just one week. Smoother, less dry, more supple and better looking lips while enjoying electric color pigments in this exclusive formula.

The six new shades are Pink Shock, Minty Sheer, Strike a Rose, Berry Bomb, Fierce n Tangy and Oh Orange.

Apply in the center of your upper lip to the outer edges, following the contours of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip. Can be worn under lip color. CHF 4.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maybelline and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you looking for a last minute F/W 2014 spooky makeover? One thing is for sure, stylish wicked witches and storybook princesses are hitting the streets in Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Olympia Le Tan. Channel your favorite alter-ego in this selection of must-have pieces!

First I recommend getting an orange colored gown like this asymmetric silk-crepe dress by Haney (1) as a base. Then look for some fun accessories to spice up your look:

2 Devil patent-leather and point d’esprit headband by Eugenia Kim
3 Feather-trimmed rabbit-felt hat by Lanvin
4 Swarovski crystal-embellished mask by Jennifer Behr
5 Leather book clutch by Olympia Le Tan
6 Glitter suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
7 Latex lace mask by Atsuko Kudo

LoL, Sandra