Sandra‘s Closet

For spring 2012, Bvlgari introduces a new, lively, cheerful fragrance inspired by by a piece of coral jewelry from the luxury house, the red gold of the Mediterranean Sea: OMNIA CORAL.

With notes of goji berries, sparkling citrus, hibiscus flower and pomegranate, Omnia Coral is a true gem of the ocean. Experience the newest addition to the Bvlgari fragrance world.

Model Carola Remer is the face of the fragrance. The advertising campaign was shot by photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Omnia Coral will be available in characteristic Omnia flacon, as 25, 40 and 65 ml EDT accompanied with perfumed body care products, including a scintillating body lotion 100 ml and a gentle body peeling 100 ml.

“This is the first time that Bvlgari has created a fruity note, but fruity in a very Bvlgari way”, says Alberto Morillas, the fragrance creator. “I was inspired by the noble and rare red coral gemstone, I imagined a voluptuous, natural scent created around the hibiscus flower and the overflowing sensation of  juicy fruits”.

How keen is your sense of smell? Join in Bvlgari’s upcoming virtual event now with different bloggers from all over the world including me and prepare to meet  Alberto Morillas himself today on March, the 29th. And the next step?
Follow me on twitter @sandrascloset for more updates and go to Bvlgari’s facebook page where the Omnia Coral event will be live-streamed today at 3pm Milan time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari and © Sandra Bauknecht

At the moment I am in London where I met the lovely dynamic designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices yesterday. The New York label’s signature is dazzling evening wear that’s delicately embellished, plus modern day wear with an urban twist.

Isaac Franco to the left and Ken Kaufman to the right with me

Their sleek American style have landed them a stockpile of fans in every age group, spanning Taylor Swift to Jennifer Aniston. Calling themselves “the New Sensualists”, their designs are pure sophistication.

Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston in Kaufmanfranco (Photos: Getty Images)

It was lovely talking to the charismatic designer duo who answered openly my questions.

Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco met over 25 years ago. FIT-alumni Ken offered Isaac his first job who at that time had just finished his studies at Parsons School of Design. Since then, the two have been working constantly together for the likes of Valentino or Emanuel Ungaro, just to name a few. In 2004, they decided to launch their own label.

You two seem like yin and yang, same vision, different approach but complementing each other perfectly. Who designs which part of the collection?

Me, Isaac, I take care in general of the day wear styles and Ken is more into eveningwear.

How can I imagine your creative process?

Each of us designs and does sketches that we present each other. We then sometimes change what the other came up with which makes our designs better and special.

Whom would you like to dress? This could be also a person in history.

I think Madonna. But I have recently been asked whom I would like to invite for dinner and I thought Moses and Madonna would make a great combination at the dinner table.

Why don’t you do a runway show?

We are still a small label and prefer putting all the money into the clothes.

Last night, I got a wonderful preview of the Kaufmanfranco F/W 2012 collection that is full of sophisticated cocktail looks and all the fall coats and dresses you need. The colours are dark, from black to silver and rust. The materials are luxurious with lots of embellished pieces, Kaufmanfranco’s signature style. Enjoy the photos that I took for you:

If I have whetted your appetite for some Kaufmanfranco shopping, I would like to invite you to explore their S/S 2012 collection which is in stores now by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kaufmanfranco and © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday night in Switzerland, I was invited to a friend’s birthday dinner party with the dresscode “Country Chic”.

My look: Suede-paneled embroidered wool coat, silk-charmeuse and lace blouse, high-waisted corduroy skirt, multi-buckle suede knee boots and embroidered bag, all from Emilio Pucci’s F/W 2011 collection, calfskin cuff by Céline, ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, choker and hat by Dolce & Gabbana with gamsbart and brooches by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Have a look at Les Roses Ultimes de CHANEL for Spring 2012. The limited edition collection has already launched in the States for Valentine’s Day and will hit the shelves in Switzerland Mid April.

Introduced for the first time in 1999, the LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer collection has been a bestseller from the beginning. It is the perfect finish to your favourite lipstick look or naturally beautiful on its own: a high-shine glow.

Inspired by the femininity of the colour pink, the new LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimers offer subtle to striking shades with pure shine to intense sparkle finishes. From playful to provocative, there are a variety of pink shades to suit your mood and get you ready for romance this spring.

162 Surprise, 164 Plaisir, 165 Volupté, 166 Amour, 168 Désir, 169 Jalousie
for CHF 41.- each.

Les Roses Ultimes de CHANEL include four new limited edition Le Vernis shades of nail polish.

545 Attraction, 543 Frisson, 549 Distraction, 541 Tentation
for CHF 35.- each.

My favourite nail polish is 549 Distraction, a bright coral with a bluish undertone.

The future is definitely going to be rosy with CHANEL and I absolutely adore it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

Do you remember the fabulous studded Versace leather pieces I wore for annabelle magazine’s photo shoot in February? For the previous post, please click here.

The look is in stores now: Studded leather biker jacket, studded leather pencil skirt and embroidered leather box clutch, all by Versace and studded suede platform sandals by Yves Saint Laurent.

And don’t forget, citrus colours are a must this season, outshine the sun with lemony yellows!

LoL, Sandra

Photo of me: © Gregory Derkenne for annabelle

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to show you the best new scents for men. Don’t undervalue the way you smell! Gentlemen, whether you are on a date, a business meeting, a party or just doing your daily chores, the first impression is the most important. The best men deserve the best men’s fragrance. Here we go! The new spring scents are vibrant, energetic and mostly fresh.

LoL, Sandra

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 GLAM MEN

Inspired by NYC, the city that never sleeps.
212 Glam Men is a limited edition summer fragrance that is vibrant and energetic.

Top notes: Chocolate and cocoa beans
Middle notes: Tobacco leaves and tonka beans 
Base notes: Musk and woods

Limited edition 212 MEN GLAM Eau de Toilette is available for CHF 102.00 (100ml),
in Switzerland exclusively at Import Parfumerie.

DOLCE & GABBANA – THE ONE SPORT

An homage to sports
After the original The One for Men from 2008 and The One Gentlemen from 2010, Dolce Gabbana launches the third fragrance from The One masculine line, lighter and fresher The One Sport. As it should, the campaign is represented by a man symbol, Adam Senn who is showing off his worked-out body.

Top notes: Aquatic notes and rosemary
Heart notes: Cardamom and sequoia
Base notes: Patchouli and musk

The One Sport EdT is available now for CHF 76,00 (30ml), CHF 98,00 (50ml) and CHF 135,00 (100ml). After Shave Lotion CHF 97,00 (100ml), After Shave Balm CHF 71,00 (75ml), Shower Gel CHF 45,00 (200ml), Deodorant Spray CHF 45,00 (150ml) and Deodorant Stick CHF 45,00 (75gr).

DIESEL – ONLY THE BRAVE TATTOO

I like the idea of “signing“ one’s body … – Renzo Rosso
The designer had his motto, “Only The Brave”, tattooed just above his ankle. The phrase is synonymous with success and, above all, evokes the boundless conviction of a fulfilled, self-made man. “The phrase is part of me. It stands for what I am and have always wanted to be.” Fragrance and tattoo are both “a trace” left on the skin… This is a new, fresh, mysterious sensuality around a water-pipe tobacco accord.

Top notes: Granny Smith Apple
Middle notes: Sage and Bourbon pepper
Base notes: Amber wood, benzoin, tobacco and patchouli

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo EdT is available now for CHF 79.90 (50ml).

CHRISTIAN DIOR – EAU SAUVAGE PARFUM (my favourite)

Variations of a legend
Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage, introduced in 1966, revolutionized men’s perfumes of that era. In May 2012, Dior will relaunch its famous scent, which was created by Edmond Roudnitska.

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Vetiver 
Base notes: Myrrh

Eau Sauvage Parfum EdP will be available from May 16, 2012 for CHF 98.50 (50ml) and CHF 134.50 (100 ml).

GANT

Water and sky have a fragrance.
Throughout the years, the New England coast has been a constant source of inspiration for GANT. The new scent captures the very essence of the relaxed lifestyle lived on and around the water in this area.

Top notes: Calabria lemon, coriander, Madagascan cinnamon bark
Middle notes: Provence lavender, White Virginian cedar, marine accord
Base notes: Suede accord, Australian sandalwood, North African cypress, black amber

Sold exclusively at GANT stores worldwide for CHF 59.50 (50ml) and CHF 89.50 (100 ml).

A*MEN PURE SHOT

Pure Shot – a fresh, aromatic, spicy, woody scent.
In time for the Olympics later this year, Thierry Mugler is launching a new limited edition flanker scent to its A*Men men’s fragrance, called A*Men Pure Shot. It’s is inspired by Oscar Pistorius, the 25-year-old South African 400-metre runner who has been called “the fastest man on no legs.“ Pistorius was born without a fibula in either leg; his lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old and he’s been using prostheses since his childhood. Pistorius’ carbon-fiber prostheses look very futuristic, and they play a big part in the A*Men advertising campaign.

Top notes: Icy mint and juniper berries
Heart notes: Cardamom and white pepper
Base notes: Sequoia and patchouli.

Limited edition, available end of March 2012, Eau de Toilette CHF 87.- (100ml).

In 1970, Henri Robert created N°19. A resolutely modern fragrance, with a daring combination of crisp green notes and powdery iris.

In 2011, Jacques Polge wrote a new chapter: N°19 POUDRÉ. An original score that gives N°19 a new powdery and musky facet.

In 2012, the N°19 bath line brings us three new ways to prolong the legen­dary accord of N°19 and N°19 POUDRÉ.

BODY CREAM

A true joy for the senses, its soft and creamy melt-away texture leaves an intense scent on the skin. The ideal way to enjoy its lingering fragrance all day long.
Glass jar, 150 g. CHF 106.-
Limited edition.

FOAMING SHOWER GEL

A bath and shower gel with an airy, generous foam. Light and fresh, its sheer texture leaves a delicate scent on the skin.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 60.-

BODY LOTION

Prolong the pleasure of bath time with this moisturising body lotion. Its light and exquisite texture is perfect for everyday use. The skin is soft and scented, subtly wrapped in the daring notes of N°19.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 68.-

Available in Switzerland end of April 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel -Ludovic Roy

The beautiful sunny spring weather has put me in such a good mood and inspired me to wear bold prints and vibrant colours.

My look: Salamandra printed silk-crepe dress by Mary Katrantzou, neon-pink wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane, blue scarf by Gucci, lace pumps by Christian Dior, bracelet by Anselm Reyle for Dior, handle bag by Versace and statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen.

The  neon-pink wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane is such a versatile piece, one of my season’s favourites.

I am in love with Gabriele Frantzen‘s statement jewelry pieces that take every outfit to a new level of style. Her creations are now available at Saks Fifth Avenue and in Zurich at Gassmann among others.

Tropical fish, fields of flowers and crushed car sculptures were the inspirations behind Mary Katrantzou‘s highly acclaimed S/S12 collection, which took her signature aesthetic to new fashion heights. This precision-cut Salamandra printed silk-crepe dress is the perfect canvas for the designer’s explosive and unforgettable prints. Don’t you agree?

This bracelet is a collector’s piece. Designed by Berlin artist Anselm Reyle for Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my Swiss and German based readers: The first 2012 Weltwoche Style Edition – which is the biggest issue ever – is available now featuring my new season’s must-haves, the story of Tommy Hilfiger and an interesting questionnaire that I did with the famous perfumer Serge Lutens. Have a good weekend read!

LoL, Sandra

Have a closer look at Lancôme’s ROUGE IN LOVE.
Those featherlight lipsticks last for six hours, even the darker shades. I am in love!

True love stays and never fades. Finally, this is the long-wear lip colour you love to wear. This collection of radiant, high-potency colours offers delightful comfort. Discover the lip colour that describes you best and let your lip colour speak to uncover your mood, any time of the day.

Jolis Matins: Fresh shades for daytime wear. Jolis Matins shades are identified with the letter M in the shade number.

Boudoir Time: Pop shades for cocktail hour. Bourdoir Time shades are identified with the letter B in the shade number.

Tonight is My Night: Intense shades for magical nights. Tonight is My Night shades are identified with the letter N in the shade number.

Inspired by the new Rouge In Love lip collection, Lancôme’s Vernis in Love is a high potency nail laquer perfectly themed in three moods to compliment your lips. With ultimate brillance, rich colour, and a mistake-free application, your nails will love the lasting shine and pop of colour that stays put for days. Truly fantastic are the small bottles which are perfect for travelling.

Rouge IN LOVE, CHF 43.- each
Vernis IN LOVE, CHF 25.- each
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht