Sandra‘s Closet

I am so tired of winter. Spring fever is in full swing and what better way to greet this eponymous season than with some whimsical butterflies, cute little ladybugs and some vibrant colors.

Butterfly print duchess satin dress by Marc Jacobs, two-tone leather bag by Miu Miu,Botanica Pam platform pumps with rose applications by Charlotte Olympia, Lady Bug leather coin purse by Gucci and Ladybug enameled 18-karat gold ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge.

The perfect scent for spring: CLINIQUE HAPPY IN BLOOM 2013

Clinique has been launching a limited edition every year since quite a while loved by fans of their fragrances all around the world. The latest one for 2013 – Clinique Happy in Bloom arrives in a new flacon with an illustration of cheerful flowers and ladybugs and is reminiscent of a dewy morning. In Switzerland in stores beginning of March 2013.

Top notes: Apricot and frozen fruit
Heart notes: Freesia, mimosa and incense
Base notes: Woody notes and blond wood

CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 59.00 (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

To celebrate 60 years of design, Chloé is releasing a capsule collection of its most popular styles. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion and Jacques Lenoir, the label has seen many famous designers creating some of the iconic fashion styles, such as Karl Lagerfeld‘s Galaxie dress, Violon dress and Eventail clutch, Phoebe Philo‘s Camera bag, python boots, Silverado bag, paisley-print silk scarf, and wedge sandals, Stella McCartney‘s Ananas pineapple T-shirt and Hannah MacGibbon‘s shorts and cape.

Available online exclusively at net-à-porter, the anniversary heritage collection is also sold in a pop-up shop in the atrium of Paris department store Printemps.

Below you can explore the complete limited re-edition collection. If you like something, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.
Personally speaking, I can only say how happy I am that I have kept all my fabulous Chloé pieces over the years… no need for me to go shopping!

Silk-crepe blouse by Gaby Aghion – Chloé F/W 1960

The Galaxie dress by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé S/S 1978

The Éventail clutch by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé F/W 1979 – a limited re-issue of 60.

The Violon dress by Karl Lagerfeld – Chloé S/S 1983 – a limited re-issue of 60.

The Pineapple top by Stella McCartney – Chloé S/S 2001.

The Camera bag by Phoebe Philo – Chloé S/S 2004.

Python boots, Silverado bag and paisley-print silk scarf by Phoebe Philo – Chloé F/W 2004.

Broderie anglaise blouse and wedge sandals by Phoebe Philo – Chloé S/S 2006.

Cape and leather shorts by Hannah MacGibbon – Chloé F/W 2009.

In honour of Chloé’s 60th anniversary, net-à-porter is giving you the chance to share your favorite Chloé moments (e.g. street style shots, favorite products, campaign imagery etc.) to be in with a chance to win a camera bag by Phoebe Philo. All you have to do is share your moments using the #ilovechloe hashtag on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Net-à-porter then shares an edit of their favourite entries on their #ILOVECHLOE pinboard.

Have fun and good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter, Printemps and Chloé

I loved Hilary Swank‘s look that she wore to the pre-Oscar charity brunch to celebrate the Montblanc and UNICEF Signature For Good 2013 initiative. The Hollywood actress looked stunning in this off-white outfit combined with metallic accessories.

Here are all the details to get her look (To shop, just click on the highlighted text):
Gazar-silk ruffled dress coat, Razmir shell top and skirt, all three by Giambattista Valli, silver pumps by Miu Miu, Belle de Jour metallic leather clutch by Saint Laurent, Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection earrings and bracelet  in pink gold and diamonds, both by Montblanc and bow belt by Asos.

LoL, Sandra

Hilary Swank with me
Photos: © Pascal Le Segretain and © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montbanc

Part Two of my “Flankers Are Fun” story is dedicated to the seductive and floral aquatic new scents that can surely be pretty addictive. (For Part 1 click here please).

FAN DI FENDI Eau Fraîche by Fendi

The famous Italian fashion house launches every season its iconic Baguette bag in new interpretations. The same goes for its iconic scent that is scheduled to be released in a fresher version, the new edition of the Fendi perfume this spring.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and cardamom
Heart notes: White flowers and green tea leaves
Base notes: Leather and woody notes
Eau Fraîche CHF 93.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 1, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

ACQUA DI GOIA Eau Fraîche by Giorgio Armani

Introducing a new experience of radiant and natural femininity, the new scent is a fresher, luminous and more delicate version of the iconic fragrance.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Grapefruit, Primofiore lemon and mandarin zest
Heart notes: Ylang-ylang, water jasmine and a jasmine tea accord
Base notes: Cedarwood, brown sugar and musk
Eau Fraîche CHF 91.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml) 
Available in Switzerland from April 2013.

EAU LEGERE by Bottega Veneta

This year, a new version of the self-titled debut fragrance from 2011, the Italian fashion house’s second scent Eau Légère will be coming out, which will offer more freshness and clarity.

LEATHERY FLORAL CHYPRE 
Top notes: Bergamot and pink pepper
Heart notes: Gardenia and jasmine
Base notes: Oak moss and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 79.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml) and CHF 134.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 4, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

HYPNOTIC POISON EAU SECRETE by Christian Dior

Hypnotic Poison was introduced in 1998 (one of my favourite fragrances); and this year, the lighter version Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète will see the light of day, smelling of fatal attraction, extreme sensuality and seduction.

ORIENTAL VANILLA 
Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Heart notes: Neroli and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla
Eau de Toilette CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 149.00 (100ml)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

As promised, here are some impressions of the Montblanc ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 charity brunch at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles that was truly outstanding. Each year Montblanc presents on the day before the Oscars their charity initiative of the year and this time the German house supports UNICEF educational projects, which benefit children around the globe giving them access to education and aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars.

Here you see me arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air which is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood, surrounded by stunning homes and mansions.

Me on the red carpet (I could totally get used to that feeling.)

Two of the official photos (© Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Guests from the world of entertainment, young Hollywood and the worldʼs best producers including Hilary Swank (Actress), Rosario Dawson (Actress), Christopher Lambert (Actor), Patricia Arquette (Actress), Peter Fonda (Actor), Joel Madden (Singer – UNICEF Ambassador), Alyssa Milano (Actress – UNICEF Ambassador), Michael York (Actor), Olga Kurylenko (Actress), Martin Landau (Actor), Petra Nemcova (Model), Jesse Metcalfe (Actor), Billy Zane (Actor), Mimi Rogers (Actress), Emmy Rossum (Actress), Jane Seymour (Actress), Clemens Schick (Actor), Alexander Ludwig (Actor), Tom Hooper (Director), Natasha Henstridge (Actress), Lydia Hearst (Socialite) and Tippi Hedren (Actress) joined Lutz Bethge (CEO Montblanc International) and Caryl M. Stern (CEO and President U.S. Fund for UNICEF) to support a very special cause.

Academy Award winner Hilary Swank

Emily Rossum

Cas Anvar who plays Dodi Al-Fayed in the new Diana movie with Naomi Watts.

Alexander Ludwig (Hunger Games)

Natasha Henstridge

Christopher Lambert

Rosario Dawson

Martin Landau

Jane Seymour

Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

DJ Bob Sinclair

German actor Wayne Carpendale

Austrian celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago)

German actor Clemens Schick

Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc, and Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of Montblanc Cultural Foundation

During the brunch, Lutz Bethge gave a very emotional introductory speech regarding Montblanc’s new charity initiative, Signature for Good, and his field trip with actress Hilary Swank to Ethiopia last October, where he was able to witness the incredible work of UNICEF. “I will never forget the pride in the eyes of those children to go to school. Something that I haven’t seen in my own children.” He was very impressed by the so-called “gender clubs” where the children have a chance to talk about issues such as domestic abuse or child labour, “because school helps them make a change.”. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars.

Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, brought tears to the eyes of the audience. “You are not only helping children to learn and to write, you give them a brighter future, you unlock doors that would have been shut. We do whatever it takes to save a child all over the world.” It gave me shivers when she stated that “19.000 kids will die today and the same amount tomorrow and so on of causes we could already save.” UNICEF lowered that number by 40%. Caryl M.Stern went on: “No matter where we go, we all want the same for our children, we want them to be safe, healthy, educated, to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Our own children get a great seat at the table, but there are some who don’t get a seat at all. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make.”

The very moving moment culminated when Hilary Swank went on stage to share her personal experience from her field visit to Ethiopia with Montblanc and UNICEF. The actress had tears in her eyes when she gushed about “the smile on the children’s faces when they go to school and their determination to learn.”

As a performing surprise, young opera star and Montblanc brand ambassador Shenyang delighted guests with a dazzling performance of two songs.

Symbolic of Montblancʼs commitment to giving children access to better education, guests were invited to pledge their support for the Signature For Good 2013 initiative by signing bricks of a school specially recreated inside the Hotel Bel-Air.

I have been deeply impressed by UNICEFʼs life-changing work in Africa and the impact of Montblanc’s contribution over the recent years in funding education programs. If you like to support the good cause, have a look at the new ‘ֹSignature for Good’ 2013 collection which is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos (Red Carpet):  © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Tilda Swinton to be his heroine in the advertising campaign for the Pre-fall 2013 Métiers d’Art Paris-Edimbourg collection. Her unique personality, charisma and allure have charmed the House of CHANEL: “Tilda perfectly embodies the Paris-Edimbourg collection. She is of course Scottish, but more than that she is a modern woman, a timeless icon of elegance,” declared Karl Lagerfeld. Discover the campaign in May 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Olivier Saillant – Courtesy of Chanel

Isn’t that photo just beautiful? What looks like a vintage ad from the house of Dior was just an embarrassing moment for Jennifer Lawrence, when she went on stage to accept her Oscar for Best Actress. She fell in her gorgeous Dior Couture gown but handled the situation so lovely: “You guys are just standing up because you feel bad that I fell and that’s really embarrassing but thank you,” she stated when she finally made it to the podium.

How witty and funny she is, can you see in this little video when she is asked about her unfortunate stumbling:

A fall that makes us fall in love with her even more.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Getty Images, EPA/PAUL BUCK

This was my outfit that I wore to the Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new ‘Signature For Good 2013‘ initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air Saturday morning.

Of course, the sun was shining in Los Angeles but temperatures were quite chilly so that I was very thankful to have brought something warm.

My look: Pale pink mink fur coat with flower intarsia, black satin bag with floral embellishments, both by Prada,dress with leather and lace appliqué, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds, Princess Grace de Monaco limited edition (8 pieces) watch, both by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the brunch…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht,
Photos of me (collage): © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

Are you a hopeless romantic? Then I have something for you.
Calida is launching a re-edition of their first lingerie set from 1941, a must for all retro fans. The nostalgic can houses the limited edition cute set of a lace-embellished tank top and matching French knickers. Available in white, pink and light blue for CHF 59.80 in Calida stores and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Calida and © Sandra Bauknecht

If a brand sees that a perfume is very successful, it will happen very likely, that new slightly modified versions of the said scent will be launched, as a cross-selling strategy, mostly targeted at the fans of said original fragrance. For spring 2013, many of those flankers will hit the shelves and they are all worth a try. All are light, floral and feminine, everything you need to smell good this summer. And that a beautiful scent deserves a beautiful ad campaign you can see below…

LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE Eau de Toilette by Guerlain

From the Eau de Parfum, the lighter Eau de Toilette version is not far and it is extremely yummy!

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Jasmine, rose and green accords
Heart notes: Cherry, orange blossom and apple
Base notes: White amber, white musk and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 77.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml), CHF 149.00 (100ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

LOVE EAU FLORALE by Chloé

The French fashion house is launching a new romantic version of its iconic Love fragrance family with the fusion of rich floral notes. One of my favorites as I love its powdery aspect.

FLORAL
Top notes: Sweet pea
Heart notes: Green tea
Base notes: Powdery notes
Eau de Toilette CHF 83.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml), CHF 128.00 (75ml)
Available from April 15, 2013 in Switzerland.

SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL L’Eau Si Sensuelle by Guerlain

This fragrant novelty is a successor to last year’s fragrance Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau, very romantic in a matte glass flacon. Absolutely beautiful!

FLORAL GREEN
Top notes: Green notes, grapefruit, neroli and bergamot
Heart notes: Iris, jasmine and rose
Base notes: Vanilla and tonka bean
Eau de Toilette CHF 97.00 (60ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

FOR HER L’EAU by Narciso Rodriguez

A vivid and delicate floral interpretation of the famous scent. Personally speaking, the perfect body scent, but be careful, it is addictive.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK
Top notes: Peony, cyclamen and jasmine
Heart notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, amber and rose
Base notes: Patchouli and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 65.00 (30ml), CHF 95.00 (50ml), CHF 135.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

VALENTINA ACQUA FLOREALE by Valentino

This new fragrance version is all about summer, nature, the scents of a beautiful garden, very sensual and feminine.

FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Heart notes: Neroli, mimosa, tuberose and jasmine
Base notes: Amber and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 96.00 (50ml) and CHF 122.00 (80ml)
In stores now.

SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo

This joyful fragrance is ideal for a romantic young and elegant woman. Exceptionally fresh, its is proof that a Signorina can be a different Signorina every day.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Heart notes: Rose oil and rice steam
Base notes: Milk mousse and cashmeran
Eau de Toilette CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

NINA L’EAU by Nina Ricci

The French fashion house launches a new version of its famous Nina perfume from 2006. Romantic and subtle, fresh fruity and aquatic, it will be perfect for the warm summer months.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Neroli, mandarin orange, grapefruit and apple
Heart notes: Gardenia, cherry and watery notes
Base notes: Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 50.00 (30ml), CHF 71.00 (50ml) and CHF 85.00 (80ml)
Available from March 2013 in Switzerland.

MISS DIOR Eau de Toilette by Christian Dior

The creation of this modern chypre and romantic fragrance is signed by Francois Demachy. The face of the new fragrance is actress Natalie Portman. A truly beautiful new scent that I can only recommend.

CHYPRE FLORAL
Top notes: Tunisian neroli
Heart notes: Turkish and Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 108.50 (50ml) and CHF 156.00 (100ml)
Available from March 8, 2013 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands