Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I have some amazing news to share for my Swiss readers. French high-end fashion and luxury lifestyle magazine L’OFFICIEL will launch a national Swiss edition in two separate issues in German and French with the first edition hitting the shelves in March 2014.

Launched in France almost a century ago and owned by Paris-based LES EDITIONS JALOU, the French title is now published in 30 different countries worldwide. Announcing this partnership, Chief Executive Officer of LES EDITIONS JALOU Benjamin Eymère explained, “Despite the market’s multilingual nature, it is a united country, with its very own identity, its own culture and taste. We intend to present content to Swiss readers that is unique in style, but in tune with the greater international scope and our very distinctive touch of French “je ne sais quois”, and we look forward to working with Swiss readers to cater to their individual style ambitions.”

Stefan Hottinger-Behmer (see photo), Publisher of the newly formed Blond Publishing Group in Zurich, commented, “L’OFFICIEL is one of the most respected fashion titles in the world. We are honored to be the new publisher of its Swiss edition and thrilled to introduce such a highquality title to this market. As one of the world’s top five countries in terms of per capita income, it is curious to observe the absence of internationally renowned titles on the Swiss media landscape.”

Eymère adds, “Switzerland is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world, and we have been surprised for a while, by the fact that no other international fashion media brand currently publishes there and the market is therefore only serviced by neighbouring French, German or Italian high fashion magazines.”

L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse will launch in March 2014 with 6 issues in the first year and 10 regular issues from 2015 onwards. 2014 also sees the introduction of the first two supplements, L’OFFICIEL Hommes (September) and L’OFFICIEL Voyage (October). Further supplements to be launched in 2015 include L’OFFICIEL Watch & Jewellery, L’OFFICIEL Art and L’OFFICIEL Beauty.

Personally speaking, I think that Switzerland is absolutely ready for such an international title and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel

Yesterday, one night before the official opening of the Zurich Film Festival, I was invited to the Piaget Movie Night at the store on Bahnhofstrasse. I went for a classy outfit that gave all the attention to my beautiful sparkling jewelry.

My look: Vest, gabardine skinny tux trousers, lace body, mousseline-silk bow tie, and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

Piaget ambassadors: Actor Carlos Leal with me

Highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion, presented by Philippe Klemenz, during which Carlos Leal gave some insights into the cineaste world along with my husband Dr. Gero Bauknecht, partner and board member of Silver Reel Partners.

A huge thank you to Sylvain Auroux, Director Piaget Switzerland, and Nunzia Marsella-Cesaro, Store Manager Piaget Zurich, and their team for this lovely evening!

I had a lot of fun and was happy to party with my dear friend and colleague Florence Jacquinot in Zurich!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days have been so beautiful here in Zurich as if summer would like to last much longer. I honestly don’t want to let go, I am definitely not looking forward to winter, only, of course, to wear some of my new pieces. For the IWC gala on Tuesday night at the Dolder Grand Hotel, I went once more for some vibrant color.

My look: Silk dress with marabou feathers, suede sandals, both by Prada, Rodizio clutch by Mary Katrantzou, Limelight Gala watch, rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, I was invited by IWC Schaffhausen to celebrate at Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel the legend of the famous Silver Arrow. The slogan “IWC. Engineered for Men.” got a whole new meaning when I entered the room as I was one of the only women there. But as I love cars, watches and speed, I felt very much at ease.

The star attraction of the event was a vehicle that has gone down in the annals of motorsport and laid the foundations for that legend: the Mercedes-Benz W 25. It set up the course record in 1934 and came in for a pit stop in Zurich on its journey back to the course in central Switzerland this upcoming weekend at the 11th International Klausen Hill Climb 2013.

The W 25 on display with the characteristic silver aluminium bodywork that earned this vehicle and its successors the nickname “Silver Arrow” is the last roadworthy model in the series and at the same time the jewel in the crown of the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection.

Having fun with my colleagues, Dörte Welti and Jeroen van Rooijen.

Black-and white photographs and film footage transported us back to the world of the 1920s and 1930s – the era of the original Klausen Hill Climb races.

In the foyer, we had the opportunity to peek over the shoulder of a watchmaker at work. All very fitting, because the designer engineers at IWC Schaffhausen took some of their inspiration from the W 25, and, as part of the relaunch of the Ingenieur watch collection in 2013.

The best was yet to come, I won the main prize that was presented to me by Linus Fuchs, IWC Managing Director Switzerland. See you this weekend at the Klausen Hill Climb!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC and © Sandra Bauknecht

Some of you might remember this dress as I wore it to the MCM store opening in Zurich last May. It has been one of my favourite looks this summer and I loved changing the accessories for it. When I wore it during New York Fashion Week to the Ralph Lauren Collection S/S 2014 show, it created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see below and even Stefano Gabbana in person twittered and liked it on Instagram. What an honor for a Dolce & Gabbana lover like me!

My look: Printed crepe dress by Dolce & Gabbana, green suede sandals and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather shopper tote by Gucci, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Atlas silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Vogue

Fabsugar

Photos: Via Vogue, Imaxtree and © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised in my previous post last week, here are all the details concerning the amazing collaboration between Dom Pérignon and Jeff Koons, which was launched during New York Fashion Week.

Personally speaking, I am crazy for this project as it involves three things I adore: champagne, the colour pink and one of my favourite artists! The limited edition ‘Balloon Venus’ is based on Jeff Koons’ work that was inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, a tiny paleolithic figurine discovered in Austria and dated to around 23 000 BC.

The Balloon Venus is part of Jeff Koons’ Antiquity series that begun in 2008, playfully exploring motifs from the History of Art with his trademark creative verve. The artist adapted the Balloon Venus sculpture for Dom Pérignon, by transforming the original statue in a smaller version which when opened, reveals a bottle of Rosé Vintage 2003. 650 will be produced, of which 20 will be sold in Switzerland for CHF 18’500.00 each.

Jeff Koons also designed better priced limited-edition gift boxes for the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2003 (CHF 449.00) and the Dom Pérignon Brut 2004 (CHF 199.00), available exclusively at Globus in Switzerland.

The launch event in NYC was held at the Stephan Weiss Studio in Greenwich Village. The berry-coloured ambiance was truly amazing, with different installations to explore the ‘Balloon Venus’ by Jeff Koons.

Born in 1955, Jeff Koons is one of the most recognised and solicited of all contemporary artists. He currently resides and works in the city of New York. Earning worldwide acclaim with his large-scale sculptures he has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his cultural achievements. For him, “the real power behind art is to put us in contact with feelings”.

Throwing a bottle of Dom Pérignon with his wife.

Today, Dom Pierre Pérignon’s visionary mind and exceptional boldness to declare, at the end of the 17th century, to make “the best wine in the world” is in the hands of Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy who creates each vintage of Dom Pérignon with pure excellence.

Champagne is my guilty pleasure and when it comes in a package like the ‘Balloon Venus’, I feel like a kid in the candy store, being on cloud nine!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dom Pérignon, all event photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“My Spring 2014 Collection celebrates a simple purity of clean lines and structure with a nod to the bold spirit and playfulness of swinging London in the late Sixties.” – Ralph Lauren

America’s grand seigneur of fashion added a wonderful modern and young twist to his S/S 2014 collection. I loved those knee socks and little Mary Janes in the beginning of the défilé. He showed a lot of black and white looks, very elegant and sophisticated as we know Ralph Lauren.

When colour appeared in the second half of the presentation on the runway, it was eye-catching bright. From cobalt blue to lime green and acid yellow, those hues looked extremely beautiful on the many gowns that walked down the runway. My favourite was Karlie Kloss‘s cobalt-blue strapless long dress in which she certainly made an entrance.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Collection and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, Saturday, 12 o’clock in the “Schottenhamel” beer tent: By tapping the first barrel of beer and saying into the microphone “O’zapft is!” (which means: “It is tapped!”), Munich’s mayor, Christian Ude started the 180th Oktoberfest. My avid readers know, I love the Bavarian city and its “Wiesn” – this is how the locals are calling their annual party, after the colloquial name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) themselves.

The fashionable crowd started a little earlier in the morning and followed the invitation of Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff and Alexandra Freifrau von Wangenheim to the famous legendary Breakfast at Tiffany’s, from which guests were transported around 11.30am to the Oktoberfest directly. This is the place to be!

And here is your stylish WIESN GUIDE – enjoy!

Ziegfeld collection daisy charm in sterling silver with white silk ribbon by Tiffany & Co.,
€ 770.00 Euro – CHF 870.00

An exceptional investment for your Wiesn outfit infiltrated with legendary charm, Lanz contrasts rich tradition with cosmopolitan elegance. Every woman looks good in a dirndl!
Dirndl by Lanz, exclusively available at mytheresa.com

As it can get a little chilly at night, it might be a good idea to bring a fancy cardigan with you.
Oktoberfest jacket ‘Odelia’ by Iris von Arnim, exclusively available online and in the German flagship stores in Munich and Sylt.
€ 1095.00

Adored by the fashion elite, French designer Olympia Le-Tan‘s artisanal collection showcases beautiful hand embroidery and eye-catching designs.
Shop the clutch bags by Olympia Le-Tan here.

To celebrate the 180th Oktoberfest, Jimmy Choo has launched a limited edition collection that is exclusively available in the German flagship stores in Munich and Frankfurt.
Pumps ‘Bavaria’ by Jimmy Choo
€ 695.00

1 Traditional hat with feathers by Lola Paltinger‘s Milka-Collection (see below), € 59.00
2 Knee socks ‘Wiesn’ by Falke, € 19.00
3 Charm ‘Brezel-Pretzel’ by Thomas Sabo, € 59.00
4 Bracelet ‘Get Lucky’ by Dodo, Price on request

In collaboration Milka, designer Lola Paltinger (for a previous post about her, please click here), has created some amazing outfits for the Oktoberfest season all in the famous chocolate brand’s iconic purple colour. You can shop the looks exclusively at the Milka Welt at Schrannenhalle in Munich and online at Lodenfrey. My absolute favourites this season!

And last but not least, even that you are not allowed to smoke in the beer tents, I am sure that you would like to light a fire in style! The small size (55 x 31 x 12 mm) lets it easily fit in your pockets or clutch.
S.T.Dupont MiniJet Dallmayr No. 1 Oktoberfest-Edition
€ 109.00

Don’t forget to have some traditional Bavarian delicacies such as Obatzda (a spiced cheese-butter spread), Weisswurst (a white sausage) and Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s easy to forget in the daily madness of Fashion Week that New York is about more than fashion. But the party never stops in the city that never sleeps. So to kick off the S/S 2014 season, many amazing events took place. Here is one ordinary Tuesday night to give you an idea how busy it can get but of course how much fun it is at the same time. I still enjoy those days and nights very much and couldn’t agree more with Holly Golightly in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” : “I’ll never get used to anything. Anybody that does, they might as well be dead.” Speaking of which…

6:00 pm – COCKTAILS AT TIFFANY’S

The evening started with a cocktail hosted by bloggers to celebrate the new Atlas collection at Tiffany & Co.’s famous flagship store on Fifth Avenue, which has been a magnet for the famous and fashionable. I mean who can resist those diamonds sparkling from streamlined showcases that surround pedestals of granite and burl wood. A place where dreams come true…

8:00 pm – NARCISO RODRIGUEZ S/S 2014 SHOW

Around 7.30 pm, I was heading down to 37th street in the dynamic, up-and-coming Midtown West Hudson Yards neighborhood to see the Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2014 runway show in an intimate surrounding. A study in minimalism, those clean cuts and feminine chiffon fabrics showed that sex appeal doesn’t need much.

Great news, during the next 3 days, you have the chance to pre-order the amazing Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2014 collection straight from the runway here.

9:00 pm – DOM PERIGNON x JEFF KOONS EVENT

Next stop: 711 Greenwich Street. The Stephan Weiss Studio with their spacious, two-level event space were the perfect location to host the launch party for Dom Pérignon’s new collaboration with famous artist Jeff Koons (photo with me below). A detailed post will be coming up shortly.

One thing is always missing at those events, food! So very late at night, I went with a friend to Buddakan to finally eat dinner…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Spotted backstage at the Tibi S/S 2014 show during New York Fashion Week: Baby Lips® – the new lip balm by Maybelline.

Applied to the lips, its exclusive formula protects and moisturizes them for a full 8 hours. After 1 week, your lips are visibly renewed, virtually reborn. It comes in six varieties (in Switzerland only four) that all smell and taste extremely yummy.

In Switzerland available from mid September 2013 for CHF 5.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maybelline and © Sandra Bauknecht