Sandra‘s Closet

Fashion icon Daphne Guinness has now joined the exclusive circle of friends of Roger Dubuis. To mark this new collaboration, the internationally renowned photographer Nick Knight captured the Anglo-Irish aristocrat wearing the Velvet models that were launched this year at the SIHH 2012 in January.

In this exceptional photo shoot produced, the watches are highlighted perfectly on her wrist as she wears wonderful creations from her personal vintage wardrobe. I am really keen to give you an exclusive preview of Nick Knight’s series of pictures and the film presenting the making of the photo shooting made with Daphne Guinness.

Daphne Guinness is the friend and muse of the most famous photographers, designers and art directors. It is as if fate decreed that this muse with a creative temperament should meet Roger Dubuis and should personify the watchmaker’s feminine collections that exercise a fascinating and daring appeal… just like her.

“Daphne is a superbly mysterious woman – you can never unravel her secrets. She is an ideal photo subject and I love working with her”, Nick Knight said after the session. “Her amazing creative spirit is a real inspiration”.

Christian Louboutin with Daphne Guinness to the right and me to the left

I was pretty fascinated by her temperament, when I met her at a gala hosted by Roger Dubuis in Monte Carlo last fall. As you know, I am a big fan of Roger Dubuis and am wearing the Lady Excalibur watch with great pleasure.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis, © Nick Knight and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Water is life is love is life is water is life is love is life is water”
This lovely surprise was waiting for me on my doorstep…

Evian® Natural Mineral Water has teamed with American designer Diane von Furstenberg for the design of its 2013 limited-edition bottle, marking the first time the brand has linked with a female designer. The projects reflects a playful celebration of life and features a nod to the designer’s iconic mantras with, “Water is Life is Love is Life is Water is…,” gracing the bottle in her distinct handwriting and an ubiquitous heart DVF logo in a special hue of red.

Since 2008, evian® has collaborated with the world’s most acclaimed designers including Issey Miyake, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Courrèges. To date, 10 million Limited Edition bottles have been sold and distributed to over 150 countries worldwide.

Just in time for the festive season, the limited edition bottle will be sold in Switzerland from November at the retailers Globus, Manor, among others for CHF 2.40.

“I am so excited about this collaboration because I have always loved evian® and I think drinking water is one of the most important things we can do to love ourselves and love is life! To me it is all about living life to the fullest and I am so proud to work with evian® to spread such an important message.“ said Diane von Furstenberg.

About Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg first entered the fashion world in 1972 with a suitcase full of jersey dresses. Two years later, she invented the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women. After a brief hiatus, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene in 1997 and re-launched the iconic dress, reestablishing her company as a global luxury lifestyle brand. DVF is now sold in over 70 countries worldwide, and has 54 freestanding shops. In 2005, Diane received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and one year later was elected to her current position as its President. Diane’s commitment to empowering women is expressed through fashion, philanthropy and mentorship. She sits on the board of the non-profit Vital Voices, and in 2010 established The DVF Awards to support and honor exceptional women and organizations.

If you are interested to hear Diane von Furstenberg speak about this collaboration in her own words, I invite you to step in her office by watching this video:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of evian®, Diane von Furstenberg and © Sandra Bauknecht

From the 7th to the 10th of November 2012, Switzerland celebrates for the third time the ZURICH FASHION DAYS, this year for the first year under the helmet of a famous sponsor: Mercedes-Benz and at the trendy location “Schiffbau” in Zurich West.

With numerous side events and runway shows of national and international acclaimed designers, it will surely be a lot of fun. Follow me on Sandra’s Closet to always stay up to date with the program. The Zurich Fashion Days offer a unique opportunity for fashion lovers: Tickets to the fashion shows are available for sale. To get yours, please click here.

Here is a brief summary of what is coming up:

Wednesday, 7th of November 2012

Mercedes-Benz Opening Night
“An Homage to Design and Desire”

Runway Shows: MSGM di Massimo Giorgetti, Marco de Vincenzo, Mila Schön, Angelos Bratis
Music: Pegasus

Thursday, 8th of November 2012

annabelle award 2012 presented by Paul Mitchell
“An Homage to the Youth”

Runway shows: Claudia Zuber, Laend Phuengkit, van Bery
Runway Show: Barbara Bui/ Paris

Barbara Bui is coming to Zurich! The Parisian designer will be choosing the 9th winner of the annabelle award and show her collection on the runway of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich.

Friday, 9th of November 2012

Swiss Designers Show presented by Oerlikon
“An Homage to Diversity”

Special: Fibers & Yarns Award
Runway Show: Portenier Roth, Marc Stone, LBD White, Javier Reyes, KAZU

Official After Show Party: Radio 24 FridayNite, Kaufleuten

Four official languages and numerous different cultural regions are characteristic for Switzerland. This will also be visible on Friday evening when “an homage to diversity” is the motto. There will be various designers from different Swiss regions, who partially also manufacture their collection locally – something that has become relatively rare nowadays. Fashion from Switzerland for the whole world.

The collections will also be showcased the next day at the Swiss Designer Showroom. For more information, please click here.

Saturday, 10th of November 2012

International Closing Night
“An Homage to Glamour and Nightlife”

Runway Shows: Dawid Tomaszweski, Arzu Kaprol, Dimitri
Music: Kyla La Grange
Runway Show: Charlotte Ronson

Official After Show Party: Club Circuit Festival, Jade/Amber/Prive/Station

The closing night of the most important fashion event in Switzerland will end with the big closing party of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2012.

For all shopaholics, I have some great news. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Days will already kick off with on Tuesday evening with the Late Fashion Shopping Zurich event in cooperation with annabelle magazine and cool shopping maps. Around 40 shops will open their doors until 11pm and host special events, among them trend store Vestibule where you can create your own annabelle cover with the help of the egoshooting machine. The best one will win a CHF 1000.- shopping spree. All guests receive a 10% shopping discount during the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich, annabelle, Vestibule and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last weekend, I went to the preview of the new James Bond movie SKYFALL (directed by Sam Mendes) in Zurich, in which Bond’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the sacrifice.

Personally speaking, Skyfall is one of the best Bonds in its 50-year history. I truly enjoyed its outstanding dose of Bond-esque humour and Javier Bardem is excellent as crazy bad-guy Silva. Of course, there has to be a female temptation for 007 and Bérénice Marlohe showed off why she’s the new Bond Girl on the red carpet for the royal premiere in London this week.

The beautiful actress, who plays the character of Sévérine, worked her curves in a sizzling red draped couture gown by dame Vivienne Westwood. The show stopping frock featured designer’s iconic corset and was accessorized with Stephen Webster fine jewelry pieces from his F/W 2012 collections ‘Forget me Knot’ and ‘Deco Haze’ set in 18ct white gold with hematite and white diamonds. That is what I would call “dressed to kill”.

Inspired by the new Bond film, Skyfall, Stephen Webster has created four exclusive designs for Swarovski which encapsulate all the movie magic of 007’s latest adventure. On screen, French actress Bérénice Marlohe is wearing select jewelry pieces from the collection. As Stephen Webster stated: “Without question, collaborating with Swarovski on the jewelry for Skyfall has been exciting from the word go. The themes in the film seem to fit perfectly with the design aesthetic of the jewelry I create, and the many creative meetings at Pinewood Studios between Swarovski, ourselves and the Bond team have only added to our enthusiasm for the project. We can’t wait to see the jewels, shaken not stirred within the movie.” The beautiful collection is available in Swarovski stores worldwide.

If you are interested to find out more about Stephen Webster, I recommend this previous interview I did with him this summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski, Stephen Webster, IMDb and © Getty Images

Models Joan Smalls, Karmen Pedaru, Nadja Bender, Janis Ancens and Baptiste Radufe star in the Gucci Resort 2013 advertising campaign, photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott at a garden party setting.
I love the colors, the collection and the photos so much and miss summer already…

If you want to get ahead of the game, I have something for you:
SHOP GUCCI RESORT 2013 ALREADY NOW BY CLICKING HERE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Happy Halloween to you! Inspired by the colour theme of orange and black, I put these pieces together to make you look drop-dead fabulous all year around.

Vallonia silk print dress by Jason Wu

Metallic leather tote by Burberry Prorsum

Skull cluster ring by Samira 13

Special Edition Halloween ballet flats by Repetto
Available for 215 € exclusively at the new Repetto shop at Berlin’s KaDeWe Loft.

Have a lovely Halloween!

LoL, Sandra

I have to admit that I am completely addicted to coffee. I can stop eating sweets, drinking alcohol, but please never take away my coffee. Just the thought of my beautiful nice-smelling cup in the morning, gets me going and out of bed. Coffee actually has a lot of advantages and is not at all bad for you if you drink it in moderation. This is something I need to work on.

Many papers state that coffee is actually one of the healthiest beverages billions of people consume regularly. It can increase your metabolic rate and helps you burn fat if you don’t overdo your intake. Of course, only when consumed black or with a little milk or soy milk – which I like – coffee is great for your figure, as it is having zero calories, zero carbs, and zero fats. So leave away the sugar.

The caffeine in coffee keeps our brains alert and receptive of new information. So I hope that you have had your cup of coffee already because here is some information that you might be truly interested in:

NESPRESSO has launched a new coffee machine “that lives like you”: U – the ultimate experience in simplicity, modularity and purity for coffee lovers around the world that offers an amazing concept!

The Nespresso story began 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso at home. Today, Nespresso has made that idea even simpler by developing U, the next generation machine that shapes itself to suit you and your lifestyle. With clever, modular design, U can change its form to fit contemporary living spaces and interiors. On top of that, the cool machine has a tactile interface which memorises your favourite cup length, and thanks to the pre-programmed Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo sizes, there is no need to select it each time.

The first-of-its kind, it has a rounded, adjustable water tank which is able to seamlessly slide around, letting it change shape to suit your home or office space.

In addition to a quick heat up time of 25 seconds, U features automatic brewing, so your coffee begins the second you drop your Nespresso capsule and effortlessly close its neat slider. Its immediate cut-off also makes it one of the cleanest machines – stopping any drips and automatically ejecting each capsule.

Available in four understated colours – Pure Cream, Pure Black, Pure Grey and Pure Orange – and with some dedicated accessories such as an innovative tray with two adaptable magnetic dispensers, that can be attached to the sides of the U machine or also be stacked on top of each other for a slimmer storage solution. U is priced at CHF 179.-.

And here are some great news for my Swiss based followers: THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN U!

Nespresso kindly offers two of their new innovative coffee machines to Sandra’s Closet readers. All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Nespresso” to and tell me which of the four colours you would love to have.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 9, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

Personally speaking, I truly love Nespresso because of its flexibility. Every family member can choose his or her own style. For example, I absolutely adore flavoured coffee. Therefore I am completely “going nuts” for Nespresso’s upcoming three end-of-year Limited Edition Grands Crus Variations 2012 for the festive season:

This year, it is inspired by three different notes of nut: Coconut, Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut. Originating from the Livanto family, each Grand Cru encapsulates its own distinct taste universe, opening up new coffee discoveries.

Nespresso Hazelnut – The combination of lightly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals praline flavours, giving it a fine balance in the mouth.
Macadamia Nut – The rich savours of the macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru develop a surprising freshness and reveal citrus notes.
Coconut – A perfect harmony between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand experience reminiscent of coconut macaroons.

Each of the Variations 2012 are 100% of natural origin and contain only roast and ground coffees mixed with natural flavourings and is free from food allergens. Available worldwide from November 12, 2012. A sleeve will sell for CHF 5.70 in Nespresso boutiques and online.

This post was so mouth-watering for me that I drank 4 cups of coffee while typing it. Speaking of moderation… but it just tastes so good. Don’t forget to enter the contest and good luck!

LoL, Sandra.

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso and © Sandra Bauknecht

This Christmas, Harrods and Disney are celebrating a glamorous collaboration with a pop-up boutique and exciting in-store events. The exclusive 7,000 square-foot boutique is open on the Fourth Floor at Harrods until January 2012. Housing an array of Disney products, it will also include bespoke limited-edition items, collectables and show-stopping dress-up pieces.

For truly royal treatment, visit the Disney Princess Parlour dress-up area and try on iconic costumes. Plus, for £19.95, visitors will have the opportunity to have a 15 minute photographic experience against an enchanting Disney backdrop and take home mounted photographs (by appointment only).

There will also be a Cinderella Slipper Salon offering replica glitter-embellished glass limited-edition slippers, ranging from £24.95 to £34.95; with limited stock available be sure to stop by early to guarantee your purchase.

To celebrate this pink and sparkly paradise, leading fashion designers including Versace, Valentino, Elie Saab and Roberto Cavalli were invited by Harrods to create a special interpretation of one of 10 Disney Princesses animating the store’s Christmas project.

An here is your exclusive first look at the beautiful gowns that will be unveiled in the famous Harrods Christmas windows on Thursday November 1, 2012. I love!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP DISNEY AT HARRODS.

LoL, Sandra

Pocahontas by Roberto Cavalli

Aurora by Elie Saab

Cinderella by Versace

Snow White by Oscar de la Renta

Belle by Valentino
Photos: Courtesy of Harrods

Guerlain’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection was inspired by the brand’s fragrance Liu. It is Olivier Echaudemaison’s interpretation of the scent which was created in 1929 by Jacques Guerlain. Liu is a hymn to femininity and true love, which was inspired by the heroine of Turandot, Puccini’s opera. The story is about the young slave who chooses to commit suicide rather than reveal the name of her master with whom she is in love. The scent symbolized the power of secrets.

From scent to make-up, this bewitching journey transports us to the threshold of a fantastical and incredibly refined Asia. Golden mists, tapered eyes, a blood-red mouth… Beautifully enhanced by the opulence of the Orient, Guerlain’s modern heroine is Natalia Vodianova who stars once more in the house’s ad campaign.

LIU – Perfumed Shimmer Powder Face, Body and Hair

The magical light-as-air loose powder swathes the skin and hair in a silky halo with iridescent golden glints. The sensual universal shade softly illuminates the face, hair and exposed parts of the body from the curve of the shoulder to the top of the décolleté. A scintillating breath exudes luminous aldehydes, a sensual armful of roses and a caressing base of vanilla, iris and woody notes. CHF 112.-

LIU – Eye and Lip Calligraphy Palette

Another icon, the collector’s palette draws its inspiration from the art of calligraphy and Asian beauty rituals. Two fatal shades for the lips, carmine and blue-toned red, and three eyeshadows with an iridescent powder texture that plays on every tone of gold – bronze, copper and white. A matte black powder line that can be used wet or dry is the ultimate accessory for an unforgettable gaze. CHF 105.-

The Complexion Divas
Météorites Perles du Dragon (illuminating powder) and Météorites Wulong (pressed powder)

The legendary Météorites have been reinvented in two luxurious limited-edition versions. In the year of the dragon, they have been christened Perles du Dragon and Wulong – meaning “black dragon”. They pay tribute to this mythical animal, a symbol of the emperor of China, whose primary source of power lay in pearl, synonymous with happiness, wisdom and abundance. Perles du Dragon CHF  76.- and Wulong CHF 220.-

Écrin 4 Couleurs – Long-lasting Eyeshadows

This precious quartet, 500 Les Ombres Turandot, showcases a subtle monochrome palette for vibrnat and refined eye make-up. CHF 80.-

The Heroines’ Lipsticks: Shine Automatique – Hydrating Lip Shine

Available this fall in two colours: 700 Altoum, a gold adorned with tone-on-tone sparkle that is worn on bare lips or alternatively as a top coat and 760 Lou-Ling, an enchanting beautiful plum with a golden sparkle for an even more fiery effect. CHF 54.- each

Nail Lacquers

Dare to display ultimate sophistication down to your fingertips with limited-edition nail polishes in the same jewel tones 03 Altoum, a gleaming gold for a precious glow, 04 Lou-Ling, a stunning plum for spellbinding nails. CHF 36.- each

Personally speaking, I adore this festive make-up collection very much. The packaging itself is so luxurious and beautiful that you will enjoy the products whenever you hold them in your hands as much as putting them on your face. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain and © Sandra Bauknecht

Three new oriental fragrances that might reveal the Scheherazade in you hit the shelves this fall. Not only fans of the One Thousand and One Nights will love the precious essences of amber, vanilla, patchouli and rose.

Enjoy those scents that will at once transport you to warmer climes and enchanting Eastern places in thought.

Armani Privé – Haute Couture Fragrances
ROSE D’ARABIE “L’Or du Désert”

Giorgio Armani presents a limited edition of its Rose d’Arabie fragrance of the Armani/Privé line of couture perfumes in “La Collection des Mille et Une Nuits”. The sensual fragrance features amber and patchouli as well as saffron and Damask rose extracts. Elusive gold flecks mingle with the fragrance, dancing and twirling like desert winds so that its name L’Or du Désert is very suitable. The beautiful gold dust will leave a subtle shimmer on the perfumed skin.
EDP 100 ml – CHF 330.- Limited Edition available end of October 2012.

PERFUME CALLIGRAPHY by Aramis

Aramis goes Arabic with its newly launched unisex scent Perfume Calligraphy, that is geared towards the Middle Eastern market. Full of eastern promise and inspired by the beauty of the written word, the fragrance and its bottle, both reflect a perfect pairing of ancient crafts and high quality ingredients such as oud and rose. Additional notes include cardamom, lemon, cinnamon, myrrh, saffron, patchouli, amber and musk.
EDT 100ml – CHF 168.- in stores now.

L’AMBRE DES MERVEILLES by Hermès

“Lucent, translucent, luminous, generous, solid, indestructible, if the legend is true, if beads of yellow amber are the tears of the gods, they are tears of joy.”

The newest Hermès fragrance L’Ambre des Merveilles is full of magic and mystery. This extremely beautiful scent includes notes of amber, labdanum, vanilla and patchouli. The idea behind his latest interpretation L’Ambre, as in-house nose Jean-Claude Ellena explains, was “to make the woman more sensual and mysterious. For this new chapter, I wanted to relate one of the mysteries of amber, hovering between a delicious treat and sensuality, where vanilla meets the warmth of labdanum, and the moist quality of patchouli.” After a spritz or two, it is obvious that this fragrance does just that in perfection.
EDP 50ml (CHF 128.-) and 100ml (CHF 182.-) in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani, Aramis and Hermès