Sandra‘s Closet

Being in Los Angeles for this one night that Hollywood waits for every year is truly amazing. I have enjoyed every second of being here. The 2013 Oscars mark the first year that the famous ceremony is no longer officially called the Academy Awards. The Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood was home to a red carpet filled with amazing gowns.

Here is my best dressed list:

Comprehensive victory: Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a Dior Couture gown combined with a long Chopard necklace draped down her back, won the Best Actress 2013 Oscars for her work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and was the most stunning appearance on the red carpet.

Glamourous perfection: Amanda Seyfried in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

So pretty: Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

The biggest fashion trends on the 2013 Oscars red carpet were neutral hues and dramatic dark metallics. White was THE colour like last year. Trains had a major moment. Bright hues were rarely seen, but berry shades made a big entrance as spotted on Jennifer Garner for example. When it comes to Hollywood glitz and glamour, the Oscars never disappoints.

A radiant winner: Anne Hathaway in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewlery

British singer Adele performed her Academy Award winning song Skyfall (‘Best Original Song’) at last night’s ceremony for the first time wearing a black silk dress with degradé hand-embroidered crystals by Burberry.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars, both in Gucci.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Picture: “Argo.”
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln.”
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained.”
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables.”
Directing: Ang Lee, “Life of Pi.”
Foreign Language Film: “Amour.”

Stay tuned for many more posts coming up from Los Angeles…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images and Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Burberry, ©Joe Klamar/AFP

Estée Lauder has launched the limited-edition makeup collection for spring 2013 PRETTY NAUGHTY. Optimistic yet not overly sweet, the world of watercolor pastels is taken to new heights by infusing an urban synthetic vibe for a youthful and modern twist. 
All products are in stores now.

PURE COLOR SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK
Naked, Rock Candy, Rebel and Demure – CHF 40.00
Skip the lip liner. Shape lips with the slim edge of Pure Color Sheer Matte Lipstick in Rock Candy instead. Apply the Naked shade for a soft matte mix.

PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER Tease – CHF 58.00
Start blushing slightly below the highest point of cheek and blend down and away.
PURE COLOR FIVE COLOR EYESHADOW PALETTE Pretty Naughty – CHF 72.00
Play with the five shades that work for day and night.
PURE COLOR SHEER NAIL LACQUER Insatiable – CHF 34.00

Be creative with your nails. Here are some inspirations:
The spring nail pairings techniques combine 2 or more shades to the most stylish newest looks. Nail colours are from the Pretty Naughty and the Heavy Petals collections.

SKINNY DIPPER
Brush nails with Absinthe. Brush Dilettante over it, from mid-nail to tips. With a toothpick, draw 3-4 thin horizontal stripes of Blue Blood, as fine as you can make them, across the nails.

PRETTY NAUGHTY
Paint nails with Insatiable from the Pretty Naughty Collection. Then add Chaos in a half “moon” on the right and left sides of each nail, base to tip.

I’M WITH THE BAND
Brush nails with Coral Cult. Add a broad horizontal stripe of Absinthe across middle of nails.

PURPLE MOON
Stroke Lilac Leather on nails. Brush Smashed on moon area only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Yesterday, the day before the Oscars, I attended the Montblanc Charity Brunch at the iconic Bel-Air Hotel. During the event the German house’s “Signature For Good” 2013 collection was presented which aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide.

Hilary Swank with me yesterday

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank was the star guest among many celebrities who arrived on the red carpet. To support this good cause, the brunette actress joined the project and travelled to Ethiopia. Here are some impressions she shared during yesterday’s interview.

What can you share about Montblanc and UNICEFʼs partnership?

What struck me about Montblancʼs relationship with UNICEF was this shared belief in the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of their situation and location. Seeing in person how Montblanc is so committed to this issue in Ethiopia and how UNICEFʼs programmes are making a difference was also very touching to me, knowing that this commitment is not short term. They have been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade and committed to do doing so in the long-term because when it comes to this kind of work, it is the only way you can really make an impact and end the cycle of poverty.

What will your most enduring memory from this visit be?

I will always remember the enthusiasm and warmth of the children but also the determination and dedication of the UNICEF staff on the ground. One special memory is the children who were part of the Gender Club, an educational group that promotes 4 gender equality for boys and girls, showing them what to do if they have been abused, violated in any way and what their rights are. It empowers these kids to figure out how to get to school, find the closest water well. Itʼs all about putting their minds together to find solutions to their every day challenges. It is inspiring to me, to see young people helping out with these programmes, striving to only to improve their own situation, but helping others around them enjoy better lives. These kids were so special to me, and I will carry their spirits and their smiles in my heart forever.

Writing by hand seems to be less and less common in the developed world, do you every worry about it?

Our society relies far too much on emails, text messages and other forms of digital communication, yet the written word can be so much more meaningful. Because handwriting is unique and personal to each and every one of us, it adds a special touch to the messages we share. Montblanc does a wonderful job at reminding us what a unique experience writing by hand can be, particularly if you have the right instrument to shape your thoughts and emotions with. Call me old-fashioned, but I love to receive a handwritten note from a friend or loved one.

CEO Montblanc International, Lutz Bethge, during the field trip in Ethiopia

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” collection includes special edition writing instruments, jewlery pieces and leather accessories.

All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children within its Schools for Africa, Asia and Latin America programmes.

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Bracelets

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Writing Instruments

Montblanc “Signature For Good” Leather Family
The collection will be in stores in March 2013.

To ensure all children have access to a proper education to learn how to read and to write is such a great cause worth supporting. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars for UNICEFʼs education programmes worldwide. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for a detailed post from the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Guerlain‘s new Spring 2013 makeup collection is all about maxi lashes and shiny lips.

Dress up your eyes with the newly launched Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash Mascara and enjoy a breathtakingly sublime look just in the blink of an eye.

CILS D’ENFER – Mascara Créateur de Volume – Sculpteur de Courbe 01 Noir & 02 Violet 8,5ml –
CHF 44.-

ÉCRIN 4 COULEURS – 501 Attrape-Coeur (as pictured) & 502 Coup de Foudre 7,2g – Limited Edition– CHF 80.-

ROUGE AUTOMATIQUE – 600 Ballade & 601 Romance 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-
SHINE AUTOMATIQUE – 761 Flirt & 762 Rendez-vous 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-

Erase the fatigue and start your day with an angellic complexion. Fond of girly pink ? Discover the limited edition of Météorites Perles du Paradis.

MÉTÉORITES PERLES DU PARADIS – Poudre Lumière Scintillante 55g – Limited Edition –
CHF 93.-
The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Yesterday, I was invited by Montblanc to attend a lovely, very intimate lunch with caviar and champagne at their Arts & Artisanery lounge at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. The rooms of the suite are decorated so beautifully with artwork from the German house’s Cutting Edge Art Collection. Along with many celebrities, among them Emily Rossum, Billy Zane and Pat & Michael York, I had the honour to explore some of the amazing pieces from their high jewelry line, that will surely be seen tomorrow on the red carpet of the Oscars 2013.

My look: Neon stretch-crepe blazer by Antonio Berardi, printed cotton shirt by Carven, pleated wool-crepe mini skirt by Christopher Kane, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc, holographic faux leather pumps and matching faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney. (For more information on the holographic trend, please click here).

During lunch, I sat next to Pat and Michael York, who is famous for his roles in Cabaret, The Three Musketeers and Austin Powers, among many others. His wife Pat, a former editor of Vogue and Glamour magazine, and a passionate photographer, is a very captivating lady. With exhibitions all over the world, including one at Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland, her preferred  subjects are dissected cadavers. “I love the human body,” she explained to me. “It is so fascinating. Once you’ve looked under the skin, we all look the same. You feel how meaningless is all racial and religious prejudice.”

This unique piece from Montblanc’s Bouquet Collection is absolutely breathtaking. It features three blooming diamond studded roses and a gigantic star-shaped “Montblanc Diamond” and drapes comfortably around the neck.

Billy Zane with me. The actor is probably best known for his role as the arrogant Caledon Hockley, Rose’s fiancé in Titanic.

The bracelet and necklace from the Riviera Collection feature a cascade of briolette diamonds and a beautiful embellished closure.

Montblanc’s iconic Princesse Grace de Monaco Collection is a tribute to elegance. For the Pétales Entrelacés motif, the rose petals, in warm pink gold with or without diamonds pavé, are crafted in an intertwined way for rings, earrings, necklaces and braclets.

The last two days have already been so wonderful and I couldn’t be any happier to join Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience. I am off this morning to attend the Montblanc Signature for Good Charity Brunch at the Bel-Air hotel where many celebrities are expected and a gorgeous charity project will be presented. You can follow me on the official Montblanc Twitter account @montblanc_world and on Instagram @sandrascloset.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I arrived in Los Angeles in the late afternoon and went straight to my hotel, the Beverly Wilshire, one of the filming locations for the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman”. There, I attended a cocktail reception at the Montblanc Arts & Artisanery Lounge located at the fabulous Royal Suite, followed by a dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, Osteria Mozza.

My look: Black crystal embellished wool dress by Emilio Pucci and patent pumps with bows by Saint Laurent.

The decoration couldn’t have been more perfect for an Oscar experience…
The last photo of this post was taken this morning when I woke up after two hours of sleep. Gorgeous sunshine in the city of angels. I just love L.A.!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dear German readers, have a look at the newest edition of GLAMOUR magazine. I am so proud to have five pages in the new trend part concerning my favourite online shops.

For all who cannot get their hands on the German GLAMOUR, here is a brief summary.

FASHION and more…
ASOS: Great shop to find trendy pieces for less money
CLOSED: The best pants in the world
COJE: A must for all who love romantic looks
FARFETCH: Shopping around the globe
LOUNGE LOVER: My choice for yoga and comfy clothes
LUISA VIA ROMA: The place to explore upcoming and established designers
MYTHERESA: Great selection of many designers, among them Givenchy and Balenciaga
NET-A-PORTER: My all-time favorite! Best online shopping on earth!
PULLANDBEAR: Statement fashion from Spain for the small budget

ACCESSORIES and more…
AVENUE 32: New star in shopping heaven
BOTICCA: Extraordinary jewelry and accessories by upcoming young designers around the globe
GIFTLAB: Great source for gifts and more
MONNIER FRERES: Pretty addictive website for all sorts of accessories

FAMILY & Co…
AMERICAN GIRL: A dream for little girls and their mommies
LOVELYSTUFF: The perfect shop to plan your baby shower or best friend’s wedding
NAMEITLABELS: Be creative and design your own labels
POTTERY BARN: Affordable furniture, home accessories and frames
TINY PRINTS: Greeting cards, perfect for the next holiday season

AMERICAN DREAMS
BERGDORF GOODMAN: My favourite US-shopping destination
J.CREW: Preppy chic par excellence
SSENSE: Many It-labels for both, men and women
INTERMIXONLINE: Paradise for all A-listers and trendsetters
MYUS: Your virtual US-address for all those stores that don’t ship to Europe or Asia

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

In case that you have liked the amazing In Love clutch designed by Olympia Le-Tan for Lancôme, you will surely enjoy the French house’s newest spring 2013 makeup collection:
IN LOVE with Emma.

Here are all the details of how to achieve Emma’s look.
All products are limited editions and in stores.

FACE
Blush in Love in 20 Pommettes D’Amour: Apply as a soft highlighting contour. CHF 68.00
Base Dewy Glow Mist: Prep, set or refresh makeup throughout the day with this soothing spray. CHF 54.00

LIPS
Baume in Love in 110 Rose Macaron: Focus color in the center of the lips and moving out toward the lip line. CHF 43.00

EYES
Color Design Infinité 24H in 200 Perpetual Pink: Apply all over lid with fingers or brush.
Color Design Infinité 24H in 501 Tremendous Turquoise: Use a brush to soften the eye liner and create a slightly winged out effect.
Those crease-free luminous eye shadows are not available in Switzerland. Therefore I recommend: Ombre Hypnôse in Love in 50 Pistachio Cream for a similar effect. CHF 39.00
Khôl in Love in 501 Jade Crush: Line upper and lower lash line. CHF 33.00
Finish off with your favourite mascara.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Los Angeles to live the ultimate Oscar experience with Montblanc. Stay tuned for many upcoming posts from my favourite city in the world. In the meantime, you can enjoy those exclusive behind the scenes photos of how my Montblanc Limited Edition Bespoke Ink SANDRA BERRY was born.

It all started with a trip to the headquarters in Hamburg… do you remember?

After the concept of “Sandra Berry” had been visualized in spring 2012, I had many sleepless nights, dreaming about the color for my personalized ink. Funnily enough, I mixed tons of nail polishes together to come up with that one hue I was thinking of. In Hamburg, the lovely and extremely professional Montblanc team helped me to finalize the perfect shade.

A few weeks later, I received the bottles with three slightly different colors. Now, it was up to me to choose. Sample number 3 became SANDRA BERRY.

The next step was the design of the bottle. In Zurich, I met with the ladies from Montblanc at one of my favourite restaurants in town, Bindella, for a very fun arts and crafts session. After a yummy lunch complemented by a tiramisu, the shape of the bottle, the bows, the colours and tags were finally determined.

In December right before the big launch event, we met at the Montblanc offices in Zurich to finish the product by hand. While enjoying champagne and chocolate truffles, we brought the packaging to perfection.

Those of you who were lucky to get one of the 100 limited edition bottles, know now, how much work and passion went into SANDRA BERRY. I truly hope that you will like it.

For my Swiss based readers: If you like to know more about the colour pink, have a look at my column in the recent March edition of the SI Style magazine in which I am telling you all about it. There is a reason why you “look in the pink”…

Talk to you soon from Los Angeles!

LoL, Sandra

Photo Sandra Berry: © Etienne Schwank. All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Miuccia Prada used Japanese elements, draped Duchesse satin and came up with a contemporary kimono style, while paying homage to Courrèges with ’60 silhouettes and red daisies. All mixed together, the Prada S/S 2013 collection has a very nostalgic feel while of course looking absolutely new and modern. That is something only Mrs Prada can come up with.

Photos taken in my favourite coat in my favourite Prada store in the world, ZURICH!

My beloved Prada accessories for S/S 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Sandra Bauknecht