Sandra‘s Closet

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht

Elie Saab’s S/S 2013 collection is called Heiress. While the designer might draw inspiration from the aristocracy, his creations are anything but austere. In fact, his designs for the next season brim with vibrant shades: cobalt, raspberry, and teal. From colour-splashed dresses to potently hued suiting, this collection creates a compelling chromatic narrative for spring.

SHOP THE NEW ELIE SAAB S/S 2013 COLLECTION STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY BY CLICKING HERE. Trunkshow ends on Thursday, October 25th, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Elie Saab and Moda Operandi, © Sandra Bauknecht

Since last June, I have been working on this exciting collaboration with Closed. And finally today, I can present you the result! After many different sketches, all sorts of drafts, from floral prints to wordplays and slogans, I presented the team of Closed my ideas. Some of them you can see above. The city prints were among their favorites and so I designed the Zurich edition.

I took this panoramic photo this summer and altered it with a computer-generated berry colour to create this print.

And below is the final result that I am so excited about!
TO SHOP PLEASE CLICK HERE

Great news for my readers, one of you has the chance to win this T-shirt in size M.
All you have to do is send me an e-mail to with the header “Zurich Edition”.

All entries must be received until November 1st, 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.

For an interview with me and Silvia Haghjoo, who also created a very cool blogger T-Shirt with Closed, please click here.

One thing is for sure, I will wear my T-shirt to many occasions. It is a very versatile piece that you can dress up or down easily.

Today’s look: Neon biker jacket by Christopher Kane, limited print blogger T-Shirt and Baker stretch pants, both by Closed, flocked suede clutch by Gucci, bangle by Sal y Limon, Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka and Pasha watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – Still: Courtesy of Closed

Today I would like to introduce you to Guerlain‘s newest foundations: PARURE DE LUMIÈRE.

I know that with so many new products on the market, you might already be thinking: What should be so different about this one? It is the answer to a natural-looking, fresh, glowing and radiant complexion while moisturizing the skin. It truly works its magic.
As Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director, describes it: “Light is the secret of radiance. The mysteries of radiance are finally coming to light…”.

The house of Guerlain has been enhancing beauty for over 180 years. In 2012, thanks to a marine spring water source, natural reserve, located at a depth of 22 meters, Guerlain uses luminescent water. The composition is also extremely rich in minerals and trace elements, particularly manganese and silica, which all together lead to a remarkable hydrating power. Together with the technology of light reflection pigments the skin achieves absolute radiance.

Parure de Lumière, the first light-creating alchemist foundation is available now in two different textures:

THE CREME: A rich gel-cream texture that is insolently light and fresh! SPF 20
CHF 78.-
THE FLUID: An unparalled fine quality… for satiny skin. SPF 25
CHF 75.-

The radiance steps by Guerlain:

1. PREPARE the skin with Météorites Perles Primer. The complexion primer contains correcting and perfecting radiance pearls for a peach-skin effect. The complexion is matte and even, naturally enhanced before make-up is even applied.

2. EVEN OUT the skin with Parure de Lumière Fluid Foundation or Creme Foundation for an illuminated face.

3. CORRECT darkness and puffiness with the Precious Light Concealer.

4. ILLUMINATE your complexion by using Météorites Perles Powder.

5. SCULPT the face with the help of Guerlain’s iconic Terracotta Powder for a natural effect. The long-lasting moisturising bronzing powder restores a healthy glow in just a few brush strokes.

Enjoy your new radiance!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

I have just received the new Prada Resort 2013 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel in New York City in the beginning of September and featuring model Sasha Pivovarova. Pretty cool, isn’t it? I am so ready for the new season…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and wearing pink is a great way of showing your support. I am in love with this uber-cute pink ruffled silk-mikado mini dress by Moschino and those lace-up fuchsia rubber rain boots by RED Valentino.

Many companies, such as Estée Lauder and Bobbi Brown, sell special products to raise awareness and funds by donating part of the retail price. This year, Estée Lauder compagnies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the fight against breast cancer and honouring the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder, BCA campaign founder and Pink Ribbon co-creator. This is definitely worth supporting!

Evelyn Lauder Dream Compact by Estée Lauder
This irresistible collectible compact is an elegant way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness for women and men. Filled and refillable with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder, the Evelyn Lauder Dream Collection also helps raise awareness that early detection saves lives. In special honour of Evelyn Lauder, 100% of the suggested retail price of each Dream Compact sold will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® from August 2012 – June 2013. Available in Switzerland for CHF 120.-.

Limited Edition Pink Peony Set by Bobbi Brown

Exclusive set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi will be donating $10 of every sale of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Featuring the Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Pink Peony, an innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls to give skin a natural-looking glow, paired with a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle. It’s a fun way to put on your makeup and show your support. Available in Switzerland for CHF 60.- (CHF 5.- will be donated).

Pink Bouquet by Moschino
A fruity-floral fragrance that exhales a lot of positive energy, youthful freshness and euphoric notes while being romantic and feminine.

Top notes: Bergamot, pineapple sorbet and raspberry.
Middle notes: Jasmine, pink lily of the valley, violet and peony petal.
Base notes: Peach, oakmoss, gingerbread and musk.

Eau de Toilette Nat. Spray 30 ml CHF 54.00 – 50 ml CHF 81.00 – 90 ml CHF 107.00
Perfumed Deodorant Nat. Vapo 50 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Shower Gel 200 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Body Lotion 200 ml CHF 52.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Moschino and net-à-porter.

Lèvres en boîte: A colour in mind, your lips in a box. When you’re done, just shut it! Apart from your lip’s natural colour, there is no true “rouge”. Four shades offer a world of possibilities. Use one of the enclosed lip brushes with the special mixing pan and blend any combination of the four colours to create your own one. And of course, each shade of red may also be used individually.

Available in November 2012 for CHF 199.- / €145.-.
In Switzerland in Geneva (Globus), Lausanne (Bon Génie), Zurich (Jelmoli), Bern (Schütz) and Crans Montana (Parfumerie Internationale).
My foreign readers can shop the product here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

In July, I showed you already a sneak preview of the gorgeous OPI The Man With The Golden Gun top coat, which contains real flecks of 18kt gold. For the previous post, please click here.

Of course, I was so excited to try it out myself and I have to say that it is an amazing product as it makes your manicure last forever. I wore it in Paris for fashion week and got lots of compliments for it.

Now I would like to present you the complete range by OPI for this holiday season, that pays homage to the 50th Anniversary of movie icon James Bond. This special line of nail polishes – named after the latest 007 movie Skyfall – features 13 limited-edition nail lacquers.

“From metallic and glitter finishes to jewel tones and even a jet black, these lacquers capture the film’s sophisticated and glamorous look.” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. The Skyfall nail polishes are even featured in the latest Bond movie by actress Bérénice Marlohe.

The OPI Skyfall Collection will be available in Switzerland starting November, 1st, 2012 for CHF 23.90 and CHF 49.90 for the top coat “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of OPI and IMDb

To attend the Chanel S/S 2013 show, I wore this uber-fabulous “Ivory” dress from Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 2012 collection which is my favourite piece for the season and combined it with different Chanel accessories.

My look: Layered “Ivory” dress with leather sleeves by Mary Katrantzou (If you like the print, you can shop here a simpler version), XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock bag, glitter bi-colour ankle boots and earrings, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Marie Claire Magazine

During the last months, we have been eagerly waiting to finally see the new campaign for CHANEL N°5 featuring Brad Pitt. This morning, the result was revealed. Joe Wright, the director of the new advertising campaign, shows Brad Pitt delivering a monologue directly into the camera. The actor’s voice comes across as both, captivating and passionate in the dramatic black and white film that you can enjoy below.

LoL, Sandra

Campaign photo and film: © Chanel