Sandra‘s Closet

During last week’s SIHH 2013, I visited also the Montblanc booth that was an absolute eyecatcher due to the extraordinary pieces of the Montblanc Cutting Edge Art Collection that currently comprises more than 180 artworks.

In the collage above you can see me with Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, and some of Montblanc’s very special guests…

Of course, the house’s newest watch highlights such as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours were also presented at the booth.

Me visiting the Montblanc booth

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Pair

Pair watches are a huge trend especially in Asia and wouldn’t those watches just be perfect for this gorgeous couple below?!

Montblanc friends of the brand Olivia Palermo (wearing Montblanc Star Classique Automatic watch) and Johannes Huebl (wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph) in front of an artwork by Hiroyuki Masuyama.

Proving that Olivia is a style icon all over, she combined tweed and leather with statement heels, golden jewelry and a vibrant clutch that would upgrade every outfit to a new level.

The couple being interviewed in front of an artwork by Stephen Craig.

Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco
Pétales de Roses Motif
This beautiful unique piece has been sold during the fair, but of course there was more to be admired…

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Diamonds

Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic RG Diamonds

Christopher Lambert during his visit at the Montblanc booth

The famous actor was wearing the Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres (Northern Hemisphere).

Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres, Southern+Northern Hemisphere

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc

There are two fashion labels at the moment that you should be watching very closely, Saint Laurent with Hedi Slimane at the helmet and Dior designed by Raf Simons who has maintained the high-end essence that the French house is known for while maintaining his own simplistic and futuristic aesthetic. The bar was set incredibly high for the designer of Belgian origin, but Simons did an amazing job, incorporating Monsieur Christian Dior’s classic shape’s and cut, while modernizing them at the same time. I am crazy for his S/S 2013 collection.

The same goes for Dior’s newest make-up collection: CHERIE BOW that has just hit the shelves. The bow was Christian Dior’s favorite final touch, a timeless and emblematic code of the House of Dior. The “Chérie Bow” spring 2013 collection draws inspiration from the feminine, playful effect of the bow featuring shades of powder pink, deep rose and classic shades of grey, anchored in deep black. Enjoy exploring the beauty must-haves:

STAR PRODUCT
Chérie Bow – CHF 115.00
Make-up palette for glowing eyes & lips
One Shot

The Dior Chérie Bow Palette features the classic Fontanges Bow reinvented by Dior fashion jewelry designer Camille Miceli with three elements that come together to form a delicate bow shape, sealed with a pearl duo clasp reminiscent of one of Miceli’s iconic designs. Composed of three eye shadows, a black eyeliner and lipgloss, the Rose Poudre harmony features pale pinks, grey and deep charcoal eye shadows as well as deep black eyeliner and a fresh pink gloss to finish the look.

CHERIE BOW EDITION
5 Couleurs Eyeshadows – CHF 92.00
Available in 724 Rose Ballerine and 854 Rose Charmeuse (as pictured) 
One Shots

For the first time ever, the houndstooth check motif cherished by Christian Dior decorates the 5 Couleurs Palette. 2 colour harmonies, one based on a contrast of bright pinks with black, the other based on pale pinks brightened by a shimmering white, explore the interplay and effects of  materials and textures. Under the influence of Chérie Bow, the Dior 5 Couleurs Palette imprints the eyes with ultra-couture style.

Diorblush – CHF 67.50
Available in 659 Tender Coral and 729 Pink Happiness (as pictured)
One Shots

Two new colour harmonies: peach and a fresh rosy shade with which your cheekbones flush like you just have taken a walk outdoors.

NEW SHADES
Dior Addict Lipstick – CHF 48.50
437 Charmante, 457 Candide (One Shot), 467 Bow (One Shot) and 687 Espiègle

3 Couleurs Smoky – CHF 71.50
731 Smokey Rose (One Shot) 
Matching the Dior S/S 2013 collection in perfection.

NEW PRODUCTS
Twin Set – CHF 50.00
060 Grey Sigh, 090 Fishnet Black, 530 Beige Ribbon and 840 Ballerina Pink

The new eye shadow pen, Twin Set, is an essential for eyes. It is inspired by the secrets of backstage make-up artists who apply a rich shadow then set it with powder for long wear. At one end, a super-soft pencil applies a veil of dense, satin or iridescent eye shadow. At the other end, a foam blender impregnated with shimmering powder makes your colour sparkle.

Dior Addict Lip Glow – CHF 46.00
Color Reviver Gloss
(One Shot)

This new limited edition gloss revives your natural lip colour and gives it the perfect glow.

Dior Nail Glow – CHF 37.00

To reveal the natural beauty of your nails, Dior has invented Nail Glow. A treatment nail varnish that makes pink pinker, and brightens nail tips for an instant French manicure look.

Dior Vernis – CHF 37.00
155 Tutu (One Shot), 306 Gris Trianon and 355 Rosy Bow (One Shot)

Diorskin Nude BB Crème – CHF 62.00
Available in three different shades 001, 002 and 003

Once you are at the counter, have a look at the new must-have in the art of natural beauty: Diorskin Nude BB Crème. The new generation beauty balm helps you to reveal Dior’s beloved rosy complexion, “Le Teint de Rose”. It works wonders and is just perfect to achieve a lovely complexion during the warm summer months without melting away.

Those new colours are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist to create an outfit in the same colour family. If you like it, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop.

Taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, belted wool cardigan by Miu Miu, bow-embellished patent-leather escarpins by Saint Laurent and bow silk-satin clutch by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and net-à-porter

One of the most exciting events of the year is the IWC gala held during the SIHH. Each year, Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, brings glamour and worldclass celebrities to Geneva. One night that makes you feel more like being in Hollywood than in Switzerland.

Georges Kern, CEO IWC Schaffhausen, with me

On the red carpet at this incredible event were Ewan McGregor, Zinédine Zidane, Karolina Kurkova, Ross Brawn, Eric Dane, Adriana Lima, Luis Figo and Matthew Fox, among many others. I had so much fun watching all of them arrive and was spotted myself…

Racing driver for the Mercedes GP Formula One™ team: Nico Rosberg

Model Victoria Silvstedt

Unzipped, the best “backolleté”: Karoline Huber, CMO IWC Schaffhausen, in Tom Ford

This year, the theme “IWC RACE NIGHT” was of course matching the house’s newest launch of its new Ingenieur watches that I had a closer look at during a tour around the amazing IWC booth earlier that day. (For the post, please click here.) The latest collection aptly expresses the spirit of the new partnership between the Schaffhausen watchmaker and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team.

My look: Black jumpsuit by Michael Kors, shrug by D&G Dolce Gabbana, Elsie bag by Chloé, Tribute patent-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, cuff by Stella McCartney, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and earrings by Chanel.

Tim Jefferies

Actor Ralf Moeller with me

Photographer Peter Lindbergh with me

Lovely Karolina Kurkova

Two angels in Geneva: Victoria Secret Models Karolina Kurkova and Adriana Lima in Roberto Cavalli

Grey’s Anatomy “McSteamy” Eric Dane with me

Together with IWC CEO Georges Kern, Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey compèred the IWC Race Night, while Nico Rosberg and his sleek Formula One™ racing car galvanized the atmosphere. The moment, we heard the sound of the engine, it was clear why each of the over 850 guests had ear plugs at the table.

A spectacular competition between some prominent guests ensued when Nico Rosberg invited them to change the tyres on his Formula One™ car. In a simulated pit stop, top model Karolina Kurkova, film stars Matthew Fox, Jean Reno and Eric Dane, as well as Asian actors Francis Ng and Kiichi Nakai tried to get the sleek-bodied vehicle back on the track in the 3 seconds that were given to them.

Great team work: Karolina Kurkova and Jean Reno

A happy Eric Dane

Concentrated: Tim Jefferies and Marc Forster

Those two are having fun: Marc Forster and Kevin Spacey

Personally speaking, the culmination of the night was a private concert from the British band Jamiroquai. Lead singer Jay Kay has such a rhythm and incredible presence on stage that  I couldn’t stop dancing all night… as you can see in the last picture.

Thank you, IWC, for letting me be part of this outstanding event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tibi or not Tibi, nobody will be posing this question after they have seen Amy Smilovic’s (see photo above with me) unpretentiously cool designs for Pre-fall 2013. Paying homage to the city that never sleeps with a lineup of silhouettes emblazoned with the Empire State Building and Lady Liberty, Smilovic has an impressive knack for defining exactly what women want to wear. Dress code: Urbane chic. True to theme, we’ll be tossing and turning until this collection of New York City-centric separates arrives safely in our closets. Bright lights, big city, forever Tibi.

If you cannot wait, shop Tibi’s amazing S/S 2013 collection at matchesfashion.com and net-à-porter.com. I am such a Tibi fan and you will be seeing me in lots of Amy’s designs soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tibi

New Year, New You! Have you lived up to your new year’s resolution? I am sure that most of you have, after four weeks have passed, already forgotten about their good intentions. But time flies and summer is approaching fast. So better start now getting in shape.

How to get started:

1. Get a stylish outfit to exercise that makes you feel good so that you want to work out.

Two-tone cotton-jersey hooded top, mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch tank, run mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch leggings, embossed yoga mat, all by Adidas by Stella McCartney and leather wedge sneakers by Pierre Hardy.

2. Find a sport or a studio that suits your personal needs best.

I try to work out at least 4-5 times a week when I am at home. When I am travelling, I exercise less in general. My favourite places in Zurich:
BALLET: Jeannette Steiner Ballettschule Küsnacht
PILATES: Karolina Schmid Pilates Personal Training
YOGA: Vasili Vlachos Iyengar Yoga Center

3. For toned thighs and skin, it is best to complement your workout with the right body care: Celluli Eraser by Biotherm.

This slimming gel works efficiently on two levels to visibly reduce cellulite from 14 days and deliver long-lasting results with the help of marine-derived active ingredients, red Coralline algae extract and pure caffeine, providing a double-effect against cellulite and fat formation. The formula’s refreshing frozen film texture gives skin a feeling of fresh vitality. Apply daily in circular movements on targeted areas. Available in Switzerland from February 2013 for CHF 58.00.

4. It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle is essential to look your best.

Healthy nutrition helps you to maintain the natural balance and energy flow throughout our physical and mental body. Purelosophy drinks are designed to engage your senses, offering different blends of fresh natural fruit and gentle herbal tastes. A welcome change, a great and healthy treat.

Purelosophy is totally natural. The drinks are not carbonated, which is easier on digestion. Refined sweeteners are avoided that could lead to metabolic (“calorie counting”) and gastrointestinal disturbances. The sweetness comes naturally from fruit juices and fruit sugars. Purelosophy drinks are gently pasteurised to preserve taste and freshness for a long time.

Purelosophy is available online for CHF 3.00 (250 ml) and around the world, including famous places such as Confiserie Sprüngli Zürich, Badrutt’s Palace St.Moritz, Le Byblos St. Tropez, Shangri-La Paris, Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Los Angeles and Mandarin Oriental Singapore, among many others.

5. Cleanse, purify, detox your body from time to time!

Women want to have a perfect body, and therefore maintain constant pursuit of all kinds of light. Detoxification is always a very effective process to eliminate all the negative effects on our body from the environment, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, additives in our foods, secondary smoke, pollutants, or heavy metals. Nowadays, internal detoxification should be adopted to keep your body systems in pristine condition.

Christina van der Schaar, founder of Holistic Health in Zurich, helps you find simple ways to eliminate toxins from your body with different sorts of detox programs, short-term or long-term, from 24-hour juice fasting for a radiance boost to long-term nutrition counseling. During the program, she comes home to you and delivers you what you need on a daily basis. I have to admit that I have never done such a detox program but I feel that it is time. Holistic Health has convinced me and once I get started, I will journalize my experiences here.

To a New You and Me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

This week, I went to Geneva for the 23rd Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – SIHH 2013. Of course, my first stop had to be the IWC Schaffhausen booth that had been once more the most impressive one seen at the famous watch fair. Do you remember the amazing Italian ’50s/’60s theme for the Portofino watches in 2011 or the aircraft carrier for the Pilot watches in 2012?

Speaking of IWC Schaffhausen, you are talking superlatives which is entirely in keeping with the creative spirit that reigns at the Swiss watchmaking company. After the amazing launches and events of the last years, I had been pretty curious if this could be topped. And yes, they did it! As director Marc Forster said, “arriving at the IWC booth feels like arriving at a film set”. And this time, I arrived at a race track. The booth was filled not only with the most exquisite watches, but with the most stunning race cars you can imagine.

So ladies and gentlem, start your engines. In 2013, IWC Schaffhausen embarks on the Formula One season as the Official Engineering Partner of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team and relaunches the Ingenieur family that appears in a new, modern and very impressive light.

Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, puts his finger on it when he says: “Three outstanding quality features set the new Ingenieur collection apart: top-quality IWC movements, sophisticated functions and innovative materials.”

The story of the Ingenieur is strongly connected to the rapid progress made during the 1950s when technological progress dramatically increased the presence of magnetic fields. The Ingenieur, a pure and simple man’s watch, became famous as the antimagnetic watch of that time. When in 1976, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the “Ingenieur SL” designed by Gérald Genta (above on display at the booth), an icon was born.

In 2013, the Ingenieur has become the perfect watch for the racetrack as the set-up of a Formula One™ racing car and the assembly of a high-precision timepiece, both exemplify the art of engineering at the highest-possible level. Materials used in motorsport, such as carbon fibre, ceramics and titanium, are the hallmarks of the new design line.

My favourite model: The Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance (Ref. 3224) features a rubber strap with a textile inlay, which is stitched with signal-yellow or red thread.

Personally speaking, it’s one thing to look at those photos and read all about those new must-have timepieces, but it’s quite another to strap them on your wrist and examine them up close. The new Ingenieur watches will surely be a hit for IWC, so better race to the next IWC dealer and get your hands on them. The pole position will be all yours, at least style-wise.

What a beauty: The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. 3792) features a perpetual calendar together with a digital date display and leap year indicator.

Have fun exploring whom I spotted at the booth and stay tuned for more photos coming up, especially from the amazing IWC Race Night with top celebrities from all over the world.

LoL, Sandra

Michela Cerruti, daughter of Aldo Cerruti, an Italian racing driver that might be soon spotted driving the Formula One tracks.

German soccer goalkeeper Jens Lehmann

German actor Thomas Kretschmann

Former French soccer player Zinédine Zidane with me

Actor Ralf Moeller

From left to right: Zinédine Zidane, Ralf Moeller and Jean Reno

Boris Becker with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos of 2nd collage: Courtesy of IWC

Ladies, spring is coming and OPI‘s newest S/S 2013 collection, Euro Centrale, has been uncapped for you!

Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail polishes match perfectly  the new season’s trends. “Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.
OPI…Eurso Euro This deep blue cream is very continental.
Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!
You’re Such a BudaPest If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?
Can’t Find My Czechbook I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!
My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! Get the extinguisher…this fiery red is sizzling!
Hands Off My Kielbasa! Get your own…this bronzy tan is all mine!
OY–Another Polish Joke! So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar…
A Woman’s Prague-ative I’m changing this shimmery copper for…never mind!
Vant to Bite My Neck? You know you want to…wear this deep eggplant.
I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw Be seen in this deep midnight blue.
My Vampire is Buff Creamy, pale and nude…just how I like my vampires.

My favourite combination that you can see in the collage above is OPI…Eurso Euro with a layer of Polka.com. The beautiful collection will be in stores in Switzerland starting March 1st, 2103 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, here is my outfit that I wore to the annabelle Prix de Beauté last week in Zurich. I couldn’t wait to take out some of my new Miu Miu S/S 2013 runway pieces:

Flared dress with puckered trim and wide belt by Yves Saint Laurent (F/W 2012), pearl necklace by Miu Miu, pumps in pale pink cracked leather and caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole, both from the Miu Miu S/S 2013 runway and Kelly So Black bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

SUGAR & SPICE by Jo Malone

A limited edition collection of five fragrances created for moments of guilt-free delicious pleasure. Inspired by delectable ingredients. Decadently tempting. Impossible to choose. Delicious to wear. Succumb to divine indulgence. Believe me, you cannot get enough of it!

Lemon Tart
The mouth-watering tang of lemon tart. Sparkling with citrus fruits and verbena, contrasted with swirls of meringue and lemon thyme. Refreshing.

Redcurrant & Cream
A summer pudding. Sharp-scarlet juices of redcurrants, lush strawberries and raspberries, rippling through creamy musk. Vivacious and enticing.

Elderflower & Gooseberry
A voluptuous gooseberry fool. Crushed, summer-green gooseberries, juicy with lychee, enfolded into the soft delicacy of elderflower. Tender and feminine.

Ginger Biscuit
Just-baked biscuit. Spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, melting into caramel. Butter-crumbly with roasted hazelnuts. Warmed by tonka bean and vanilla. Irresistible.

Bitter Orange & Chocolate
The bite of bitter orange, layered with dark chocolate. Orange peel counterpoised with warm, powdery cocoa, milky coconut and coumarin. Sumptuous and addictive.

Isn’t the packaging itself just to-die-for? The beautiful collection for fragrance aficionados will be available in Switzerland from March 2013 for CHF 68.- (30ml) each bottle.
In Zurich at Jelmoli and in Geneva at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.

For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.

“Anna” of 2013

Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:

Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior

Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht