Sandra‘s Closet

Valentino’s zodiac cuffs will have a starry future among fashion lovers around the globe. Spotted on the S/S 2014 runway, which was inspired by a trip to the opera, those bracelets are worn one each on each wrist. Get yours now!

I took my zodiac sign and my ascendent:

Aquarius gold-tone bracelet by ValentinoCancer gold-tone bracelet by Valentino

For all other zodiac signs, please click on the name to shop yours directly: Capricorn, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Mary Katrantzou has been on the scene for less than six years yet her designs that are mostly inspired by flamboyant prints have become must-haves among fashionistas around the globe. I have been a huge fan of her work from her first collection and am over the moon about her newest success story: The Greek designer is to collaborate with Adidas.

Statement sweatshirt (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

The line that will comprise clothing and footwear is said to launch in November being a long-term union. Katrantzou follows in the footsteps of Raf Simons and Stella McCartney among others by joining forces with Adidas.

Oxenda silk-jersey dress (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

Looking at her S/S 2014 designs inspired by shoe laces and sporty sneakers, it is obvious why the German sportswear brand has been eager to bring her amazing aesthetic to the house.

Cocktail dress with sneaker print (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

Trompe l’oeil in a really fun way, we will surely get a kick out of it this winter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou

Happy Easter to all of you, my fabulous readers! This year, I would like to share with you some of the probably most stunning Easter eggs ever seen, coming from the house of Fabergé, a name that is synonymous with eggs of the most luxurious kind.

In New York City, Fabergé has been sending the residents on their biggest ever egg scavenger hunt to raise millions for charity. Almost 300 giant egg sculptures were scattered around the city’s five boroughs. The jeweller had commissioned renowned artists, designers and architects to create the two-foot tall eggs as part of a citywide art display. Among those participating in the project are Tracey Emin, Mark Quinn, Zaha Hadid, Ronnie Wood, Peter Beard, Diane von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Oliver Theykens and Bruce Weber.

Those amazing egg sculptures are auctioned off (bidding has already started) until April 26 on Paddle8 to raise money for the conservation organization, Elephant Family. The hunt will also gather funds for Studio in a School, a program that brings visual arts to New York City’s public schools.

Some of the amazing egg sculptures by famous artists such as Jeff Koons or Julian Schnabel will close on Paddle8 at 12:00pm EST on Tuesday, April 22nd. Live auction begins on Tuesday, April 22nd at 07:00PM EST.

Fabergé is hoping that the New York initiative will repeat the success of The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt in London in 2012, which set two Guinness World Records and raised more than $15 million for charity.

In London, Fabergé has teamed up with Harrods for a creative collaboration that will run until 21st April 2014. An exhibition space has been set up in the famous department store, with the famed Brompton Road windows and façade dressed in Fabergé flags, telling the story of the legendary jewelry house.

On display is a a rare masterpiece, an original Fabergé Egg – The Apple Blossom Egg, together with other historic Fabergé treasures. This Egg was designed in 1901 and is beautifully crafted in gold, diamonds and nephrite.

Harrods Exclusive
To celebrate the extravaganza, Fabergé has created a limited-edition Spiral Tassel Pendant, available exclusively at Harrods. The modern, playful, diamond-set egg comes with a stunning gemstone tassel, finished with amethyst, tsavorite, or spinel.

Happy Easter Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fabergé

Straight off the runway, those artistic pieces from Prada and Miu Miu had been on my wish list right from the moment I spotted them on the catwalk. Playful prints and a pastel palette have added an instant update to my summer wardrobe. One of my favorite S/S 2014 outfits.

My look: Two-tone wool-twill jacket, mini skirt and cat-print patent leather boots, all by Miu Miu, white long tank top by Givenchy, makeup face-printed saffiano tote illustrated by Jeanne Deallante by Prada, hoop earrings with pearls by Dior and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am wishing you all a very happy and relaxing Easter weekend with this cute bunny and the must-have Lily leather shoulder bag in ballet pink by Mulberry. It’s time for candy (at least in terms of color) and this will be my Easter treat. Good news is that it comes with zero calories…

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Mulberry

Are you still looking for a lovely Easter surprise? Why not giving a subscription to L’Officiel Switzerland to your mum, a friend or just to yourself?

Great news for my Swiss based Sandra’s Closet readers, you get a special promo code and pay for 10 issues only CHF 84.00 (instead of CHF 96.00).

HOW IT WORKS:
1. For the German edition, visit www.lofficiel.ch/subscription and for the French edition, visit  www.lofficiel.ch/subscription/fr.
2. Fill in the form.
3. Very important! In oder to get your special discount, you have to enter the promo code SC2014 at checkout.
4. Submit.

The offer is valid until April 30, 2014.

Being the editor-in-chief of L’Officiel Switzerland has taken me on a wonderful journey that started with an amazing cover and fashion shoot in Paris. I am extremely proud of it and I would like to thank my wonderful dedicated team. Renowned photographer Marco Grob shot Swiss supermodel Patricia Schmid for our first issue. I did the styling and the three of us, being all aquarius, were a trio infernal! It is just a blessing to work with such highly professional people.

The first day, we photographed inside the gorgeous George V Hotel where my suite was transformed into a photo and hair & make-up studio.

The minute we started photographing this look, I knew this will be my cover!

Physical play for the best result possible!

Sometimes, you have to jump in yourself…

The second day, we shot on location. Poor Patricia, it was freezing cold even though the sun was shining. But what could she do… cropped tops are a must this summer.

Fighting the cold with quick stops in the car…

… and a hot foot bath in the end of the day!

All this work, blood, sweat and tears wouldn’t mean anything without you, my dear readers. Therefore I hope that you will support me as much for L’Officiel as you did for Sandra’s Closet.

Get your special subscription and enjoy the beauty of a print magazine while being up-to-date with daily news on Sandra’s Closet where I will also share behind the scenes shots of great stories that you have seen in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Cover photo: © Marco Grob – Behind the scenes: © Sandra Bauknecht

There are some press releases that get me overly excited. This is one. Shu Uemura ‘Art of Hair’ launches a new product so-called TEXTURE WAVE, a dry workable spray for buildable grip, fuller touch and moveable texture.

The wave effect was key on the runway for S/S 2014, comprising lightly airspun texture right through to sensual, volumised curls. Texture Wave is the perfect product for recreating these styles with a no-shine finish.
CHF 45.00 (250ml)

The new styling innovation is insipred by one of the most famous Japanese works of art – the Great Wave of Kanagawa. It dates back to the 1830’s as the first print in Katsushika Hokusai’s series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. Caught in movement, the wave composition is dynamically extending, about to break.

In the mood for volumised, sensual curls? Why not try a look called WINDY WAVES (see cover photo)?
Step 1: Form curls using a wide-barrel curling iron, working sections in interchanging directions, inwards and outwards.
Step 2: Loosen curls with fingers and apply Texture Wave while tousling layers. Hair is left with texture and shape, but still free to move, like the waves it is inspired by.

To create on-trend, TOUSLED WAVES on shorter hair, begin by lifting sections and spraying Texture Wave through the roots, lengths and ends. Ruffle and scrunch with fingers to achieve un-done movement.

Create an effortless DISHEVELLED PONY by following these few simple steps:
1. Section the front of the hair by parting down the middle. Lift hair at the back and apply Texture Wave whilst tousling.
2. Gather the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, spraying Texture Wave through the lengths for a mussy finish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shu Uemura and Style.com

During Baselworld 2014, I discovered an Italian watch brand that has extremely impressed me with their innovative designs. Apply a strap to an 18th century pocket watch, allowing it to be worn as a wristwatch: this is the simple idea behind GaGà Milano.

In 2004, the brilliant creativity of Ruben Tomella brought to life what was then to become the phenomenon of the next ten years. The name itself “gagà”, a well-known Milanese expression, refers to a man who loves to dress extravagantly, but with care. This idea led to the creation of those iconic watches that are all sharing common characteristics like the chronometric second hand at 12, which give the design its own identity. In the meantime, accessories such as sunglasses, bags, wallets and charms have joined the GaGà family.

It was a real pleasure meeting Ruben Tomella in person. Now, I am the very happy owner of a beautiful GaGà Milano watch in rose gold with purple dial and strap that is matching my new GaGà Milano sunglasses.

MANUALE THIN 46mm
5091.02 VT Rose gold plated case, 7,5 mm thickness, quartz watch, leather strap

During Baselworld, it is of course time for novelties again and some of my favorites you can enjoy below:

MANUALE FANCY EDITION
GW 29 FE White gold case, multicolor sapphire, black diamonds, rubber strap
(diamonds 5cts, sapphire 12cts)
LIMITED EDITION 29 pieces

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
GR 49 BK LADY Rose gold case, black diamonds (11cts), black alligator strap
LIMITED EDITION 49 pieces.

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
G199 08 LADY rose gold case 18ct, quartz watch, white diamonds, chocolate croco print strap
LIMITED EDITION 199 pieces

LAS VEGAS 48mm
5010 LV 01 Stainless steel case, manual winding movement, aged leather strap

GaGà Milano has currently opened 8 stores all over the world: four in Tokyo, one in Osaka, one in Hawaii, one in the center of Milan, in Corso Venezia 8 and a new store in Beverly Hills.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GaGà Milano and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, I was invited for a beautiful evening, dedicated to fashion, aesthetics and beauty, in short FAEBAU at the Alta Aesthetica private clinic, located in Rheinfelden, east of Basel. The house, which is specialized in esthetic surgery, opened its doors in March 2012 in the former Grand Hôtel des Salines. A truly breathtaking building overlooking the Rhine. During a panel show, I was able to give an insight into my world as editor-in-chief of L’Officiel Switzerland and to share my own beauty secrets that you also find here on Sandra’s Closet.

My look: Aubine embellished satin-twill dress and Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney, red leather boots by Prada, art deco earrings by Chanel and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

A huge thank you to Katrin Roth for the lovely panel discussion!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Uta Gruetter and © Sandra Bauknecht

Givenchy’s Creative Director Riccardo Tisci has teamed up with Nike to create an exclusive collection of Air Force 1 basketball sneakers- a style of which he is a major fan. “I own about 125 pairs of the same Nike Air Force 1s,” he says of the iconic style that was first released in 1982.

Splashed with hues of orange, lemon, sky-blue and brown, they are cushioned for comfort and support. Isn’t the the tactile mix of rubber, faux suede and canvas just gorgeous?

LoL, Sandra

Air Force 1 leather hi-top sneakers (ankle)

Air Force 1 leather hi-top sneakers (knee)

Photos: Courtesy of Nike and Vogue