Sandra‘s Closet

This was my outfit that I wore to the Tiffany T collection launch party and the Louis’ restaurant opening last Thursday in Zurich. Brocade fabric mixed with animal print – when it comes to making a statement this season, nature is answering the call. If you are a risk taker, you will definitely take a walk into the wild in those glitter boots.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat, brocade dress and gold glitter leather boots, all by Saint Laurent, envelope leather bag with pink calf hair detail by Céline, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and earrings by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, Tiffany & Co. celebrated the launch of the brand’s newest collection TIFFANY T in Zurich at the Museum Bellerive. It marks design director Francesca Amfitheatrof’s first line for the iconic house. “The letter T is sculptural and bold and very closely linked to the architecture of New York City,” she explains. The trained jeweler and silversmith reimagined the letter T as a piece of engineering, which you can see in the mechanisms for these cuffs.

The Museum Bellerive was bathed in pink light. Guests enjoyed yummy food and champagne while exploring the new jewelry pieces.

Here I am wearing two Tiffany T bracelets, one in 18k white gold and one in 18k rose gold, both with round brilliant diamonds.

Sport commentator Marcel Reif framed by Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff, Managing Director Tiffany & Co. to the right and me to the left.

The collection is in stores now and available in different shapes in silver or gold. Personally speaking, I truly love the design, especially many bracelets worn together look really cool.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. and © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer Maguire who’s passion for jewelry design began at the young age of six, when her grandmother taught her the art of creating enamel jewelry. Though she loved watching and learning the craft, she didn’t realize at the time that she would one day follow in her grandmother’s footsteps. As an adult, Jennifer entered the fashion industry working in the public relations department for two of the world’s leading fashion houses – Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Witnessing these icons work through their design process inspired Jennifer to explore the creative side of the business, and in 2005 she launched her eponymous label, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.

Though Meyer has extensive Hollywood connections—her father is Universal Studios President Ron Meyer; her husband and father of her two kids is actor Tobey Maguire—her jewelry made its national debut when a stylist picked out one of Meyer’s leaf pendants for Jennifer Aniston to wear in ‘The Break-Up’ (see picture below).

Based in Los Angeles, she designs for the everyday woman. “Ask any woman where they received or bought a certain piece of jewelry and they will tell you a story,” explains Jennifer, pointing out the significance most women place on jewelry. Made by hand and with love, Jennifer’s jewelry is the perfect balance of understated elegance and unparalleled quality.

One of my favorite pieces is Jennifer Meyer’s charming Mommy 18-karat gold necklace which is handset with diamonds and made in the designer’s LA studio. This delicate piece will make a precious gift.

Speaking of which, happy birthday to my beloved mommy, whom I admire and love so much. Even when I don’t see you, the thought of you makes me feel loved and protected. Often, I catch myself doing something in a special way and realize that it was you who taught me to do it. I owe so much to you, I’m luckier than the luckiest lottery winner to have you as my mother. Mommy, thanks for everything. You gave me life and you’ve made my life full of hope, happiness and love…just by loving me! Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jennifer Meyer and © Sandra Bauknecht

We have a new hot spot in Zurich: the 80-seat restaurant LOUIS’ located on the lakeside in Wollishofen. The new place to eat  offers a unique view of the Zurich’s skyline along with a gastronomic experience at the highest level by chef Christoph Eisner and his team. Lars Krauss (pictured with me above at the opening last Thursday) has fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant together with his business partner Verena Thalmann. Their passion for the project can be seen in every single detail.

The interior design is beautiful with white as the main color and four pastel shades that can be found in various furniture elements. The eye-catching chandeliers were specially made for the restaurant. A small but fine champagne bar and lounge area on the gallery invites guests to linger. In the summer months the urban feeling is complemented by a tastefully furnished terrace with 80 seats.

The seasonally changing menu offers special lunch dishes in the price range of CHF 25.00 to 30.00. Highlights are for example lukewarm beetroots with a mousse of smoked trout (CHF 17.00), fried duck liver with apple compote (CHF 21.00), roasted corn-fed chicken stuffed with lemon, ricotta and dried tomatoes, accompanied by vegetable couscous (CHF 39.00), sautéed fillet of sea bass with ratatouille (CHF 48.00) and chocolate mousse with milk rice (CHF 14.00).

Restaurant Louis’, Seestr. 457, 8038 Zurich-Wollishofen, Switzerland
Phone: + 41-44 221 15 15
Monday – Friday 10am – 12am
Saturday 6pm – 12am
Sunday closed

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Restaurant

Jeremy Scott had fun with Moschino signatures at his first outing for the brand. I am crazy for his witty pieces and had to have this quilted handbag, designed to look like a mini jacket. Finished with gold chain handles and multiple internal and external pockets, it’s sure to become a cult favorite among fashion lovers around the globe.

My look: College coat by Saint Laurent, printed satin-jersey mini dress and jacket quilted leather shoulder bag, both by Moschino, suede boots by Balmain, soft merino wool and cotton-blend tights by Falke, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

An oriental floral fragrance, CLINIQUE Beyond Rose is a scent that has been customized for a Middle Eastern and Gulf audience. Arabia’s past, presence and future meet in this sophisticated perfume spray that is both modern and complex. An exclusive blend of the most precious balms and resins handcrafted around a unique wild rose accord.

Rose as you have never known it… sheer layers that build into an intense experience, with hints of amber and a shock of pepper.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top note: White pepper, freesia flowers and mate leaves
Middle note: Damask rose, rose oil and osmanthus blossom
Base note: Amber, labdanum, styrax and benzoin

Available now in Switzerland at Globus Geneva, Manor Geneva, Manor Lugano, Jelmoli Zurich and Manor Zurich for CHF 140.00 (100ml).
TO SHOP CLINIQUE BEYOND ROSE ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, © Gregoire Mahler

At the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event last week in NYC, there was a huge pop-up store where we could buy the collection first hand before it will hit the stores worldwide on November 6, 2014. The photos of the night will be coming up shortly.

Alexander Wang‘s inspiration was sportswear that “could be translated to things you can use in other events or situations. That idea of sports at night came into my head.” This was the outfit I got myself at the pop-up store and I was curious to try its functionality right after I landed at my private yoga class. The pieces have absolutely convinced me, the breathable fabrics have great quality and deliver what they promise. I recommend getting your shopping list ready before hand as those items will be flying off the shelves.

My look: Breathable top and pants, beanie with logo, water bottle, towel and key chain with mini boxing gloves, all by Alexander Wang x H&M.

If you are looking for a great yoga class in Zurich, try the Iyengar Yoga Center. Maya & Vasili Vlachos (pictured here with me) are the best ones in town. I have been training with them for many years.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sad news not only for the fashion world! OSCAR DE LA RENTA, the famous fashion designer, died yesterday on October 20, 2014 at his home in Kent, Connecticut at the age of 82, surrounded by family and friends and “more than a few dogs,” according to a statement signed by two of his company’s executives, stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and her husband, Alex Bolen. De la Renta gave up the title of chief executive of his company in 2004, handing over business duties to the two of them, but remained active on the design end, continuing to show his collections during New York Fashion Week.

His death comes one week after it was announced that former Nina Ricci designer Peter Copping had been appointed as creative director of the Oscar de la Renta label. De la Renta is survived by an adopted son, Moises, a designer at the company.

The fashion designer after his show at New York Fashion Week on September 9 with Karlie Kloss (left) and Daria Strokous (right).

He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and said at that time, “The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.”

Most recently, Amal Alamuddin wore a de la Renta-designed wedding dress when she married George Clooney. Here, he is pictured with the bride in a photo shoot for Vogue.

Fern Mallis, Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) from 1991-2001, called him once “The Sultan of Suave.” De la Renta himself served as President of the CFDA from 1973 to 1976, and from 1986 to 1988. Óscar Arístides de la Renta Fiallo was born on July 22, 1932 in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Trained by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Antonio del Castillo, he became internationally known in the 1960s as one of the couturiers to dress Jacqueline Kennedy. The award-winning designer also worked for Lanvin and spearheaded the Pierre Balmain collection from 1993-2002, marking the first time an American designed for a French couture house. His eponymous fashion house is famous for its red carpet gowns, bridal and evening wear that has been loved by leading figures, from film stars to royalty, over decades until today.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta at this year’s Met Gala in NYC.

Stunningly beautiful: this gold bullion embroidered ball gown from the F/W 2013 runway.

First lady Laura Bush wore an icy blue gown by de la Renta to the 2005 inaugural ball and Hillary Clinton wore a gold de la Renta in 1997.

In 2006 Oscar de la Renta designed Tortuga Bay, a Leading Small Hotel of the World boutique hotel at PUNTACANA Resort and Club.

Oscar de la Renta was definitely one of the last great American couture fashion designers. If you want to own a piece of his last collection, I invite you to have a look HERE. I will absolutely get this two-tone silk-satin gown, as I love its cocoon-like cut.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anne Leibovitz/Vogue, © Getty Images

The press conference for the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event took place on one of the probably rainiest of New York City mornings at the St. Patrick’s Youth Center, located close to Bleecker Street station. My hair was a mess due to the humidity but I was brave to take those pictures of my outfit before we went inside. As Alexander Wang is also at the helmet of Balenciaga, I chose an ensemble from his recent F/W 2014 collection.

Alexander Wang with me at the press conference last Thursday

My look: Tonal blue silk-blend oversized jacket and matching mini skirt with black jacquard pattern, both by Balenciaga, peplum-detail top and padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag, both by Alexander McQueen and crystal embellished biker boots by Miu Miu. Diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

The best scent to wear: Bleecker Street by Bond No. 9, a woodsy oriental gourmand that captures the spirit of the West Village with a blend of seductive, indulgently sweet notes.

Stay tuned for the photos from the party in the evening…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The epitome of bold luxury, M∙A∙C Ultimate combines an innovative design aesthetic with the sumptuous formulas of their Ultimate Lipstick and Sheer Mystery Powder. Ten new lip colours are utterly chic, while Sheer Mystery Powder smoothes onto skin in luminous hues that are barely there. Perfectly encased in modern geometric designs, this standout packaging features a sleek chrome finish in two cult-collectible accessories.

Ultimate Lipstick (CHF 36.00)

To Savour Light cool pink
Soft Pout Sheer pink peach with white pearl
Marque Soft light neutral pink
Ravishingly Rich Bright mid-tone orange
Femme-de-Luxe Bright pink
Catharina Fuchsia
Audacious Warm mid-tone red
Dangerously Chic Cool mid-tone red
Vogue en Violet Cool mid-tone violet
The Scene Deep berry

Sheer Mystery Powder (CHF 71.00)

Light Medium Pale ivory
Medium Plus Tan beige
Dark Secret Deep caramel
Deep Dark Caramelized brown

The collection will be available in Switzerland at Globus and as an online exclusive from January 2015.
(In other countries the launch will be earlier, in the US in December 2014.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC