Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I had the best time visiting Langebaan, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the eastern shore of Langebaan Lagoon, situated 120 km north of Cape Town. I visited South Africa last time 23 years ago and was really happy to be back.

The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of the city. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make Langebaan popular for sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing and fishing, and the town offers numerous holiday facilities for water sport enthusiasts. As you can see, the wind conditions were perfect for kitesurfing that day, and bad for my hair :-).

Bird-watchers also love to visit the area to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park. The park is most busy during the spring flower season (August to September) when the wild flowers are in bloom. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

After kitesurfing, I recommend having a Savanna Dry, South Africa’s most loved cider that is best enjoyed with a slice of lemon, at the Wunderbar. As the place offers an unspoiled view of the lagoon, it is beautiful to enjoy a sundowner there.

For dinner, I went to Queens Cottage Wood-Fired Kitchen. If you are a meat lover, you are in the right place to enjoy a mouth-watering, wholesome and flavorful wood-fired cuisine.

To burn off the calories, I went sokkie dancing at Die Watergat.  It is a style of social ballroom dance with a partner, also referred to in Afrikaans as «langarm».

I had the best time in Langebaan, and cannot wait to hopefully be back soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Paris, the 1920s. Art Deco style is at its peak. The frenzy of the era is in full swing. It is a time of exuberance; sequins lead the way. With her avant-garde and free-thinking spirit, Gabrielle Chanel embraced this geometric and contrasting aesthetic, and experimented with a completely new style. Within the walls of her rue Cambon Atelier, the designer celebrated life by creating evening gowns studded with striking sequins. In 2023, the Makeup Creation Studio honors her daring spirit by creating dazzling eye looks for the holiday season. The carefree splendor and liberating glamour of that era shine today in a new exclusive collection that symbolizes the Roaring Twenties in all its magnificence. With only one goal in mind: to shine. Infinitely.

COLLECTION MAKE-UP HOLIDAY 2023

PRECIOUS EYES

Like a delicately embroidered cascade of sequins on a dress that twirls to the beat of the music, the five shades featured in the LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE palette are flecked with flamboyant sparkles. These precious, dazzling flashes of Pink Gold, Diamond White, and Shimmering Black can be combined for a graphic, contrasting eye look.

Illuminated eyelids swing to the rhythm of a graphic black line created using SIGNATURE DE CHANEL eyeliner. This intense duet then follows the tempo of NOIR ALLURE mascara, which fans out the lashes, gives them volume, and adds mysterious depth to the overall look. Irresistibly magnetic.

LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE
Création Exclusive Yeux
CHF 100.00

THE DESIRE TO DAZZLE

DUO LUMIÈRE captures the splendor of the 1920s within a radiant powder that illuminates the complexion and creates a signature look. The embossed sequins of this exclusive creation are reminiscent of the sparkles that were dear to Gabrielle Chanel.

Shades of Pink Champagne and Crystal White contain iridescent pigments that, upon contact with the skin, instantly boost radiance, offering elegance in concentrated form. When swept over the tops of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose with the brush applicator, these spellbinding, shimmering shades brighten the complexion and leave it with a delicate pearlescent luster.

DUO LUMIÈRE
Création Exclusive Teint
CHF 67.00

LASTING ALLURE

A nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT puts on quite the show with four irresistible shades. On the outside: a new limited-edition case adorned with golden trim, which can be refilled as many times as desired. On the inside: a protective, moisturizing formula enriched with ume flower extract and plant waxes.

This season, the highly pigmented lipstick comes in the shades Midnight Red, a hypnotic, metallic red hue, and Roaring Purple, a deep, iridescent crimson, in addition to Beige Brut and Rouge Puissant. A vibrant tribute to shine. A finish as brilliant as the light of the setting sun. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE is available in two delicate, mesmerizing shades: Golden Beige, a golden coral, and Fancy Prune, a powerful metallic plum hue. Delicately applied, these unique new jewels of lipsticks will allow your lips to shimmer all night.

ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT
Midnight Red – Roaring Purple – Beige Brut – Rouge Puissant
CHF 71.00

ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE
Golden Beige – Fancy Prune
CHF 50.00

Art Deco style, right down to one’s fingertips. LE VERNIS lights up manicures with its bold, precious, delightfully sultry colors.
White Silk, a rosy white; Tuxedo, an antique gold; and Sequins, a shimmering black. Three new shades created for the holidays… and maybe even beyond.

LE VERNIS
White Silk – Tuxedo – Sequins
CHF 37.00

In stores from end of October 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Meet Wanda, the new contemporary bag from the House of Ferragamo honouring the late Wanda Miletti Ferragamo, who took over the reins when Salvatore Ferragamo passed away in August 1960. Until her death on 19 October 2018, at the age of 97, she was the intelligent and steadfast leader of the Salvatore Ferragamo company, overseeing the growth of the entire company from management and finance to inventory and technical issues. Her mission was striving to push forward and maintain her husband’s legacy in the world of quality Italian goods.

Ferragamo’s new creative director, Maximilian Davis, reimagined the bag in three new geometric proportions. «I want each piece to feel playful, but also desirable as an object,» he says. «I want it to stand on its own.»

Compact and sparkly, the micro version of the Ferragamo Wanda bag is my favorite and comes covered in tonal micro-crystals so it can go with yours on your most special occasions. The lines are geometric, with the handle integrated into the panels and Gancini buckles on the sides that are a lovely nod to the Italian brand’s heritage. Carry it as a handbag or crossbody bag with the detachable strap.

TO SHOP THE FERRAGAMO WANDA BAG, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:© Ferragamo / © Sandra Bauknecht / @georgiashane
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Kilian Hennessy‘s inspiration: At night, there are no rules but one: just be Smoking Hot! KILIAN PARIS newest smoky fragrance is a truly caramelized delight. It features Kentucky Tobacco Absolute, infused with a hookah drag of Apple-flavoured Shisha Tobacco and intense Bourbon Vanilla. Evoking everything from European clubs to Eastern hookah lounges, Smoking Hot redefines what a smokey scent is today, going almost where it’s too hot to handle.

Personally speaking, in general I am not a fan of smoky fragrances at all, but this one had me at first smell. It is so extremely interesting and contradictious. Its smoky part is so well counterbalanced with the sweet feminine side. It opens with forbidden fruit: a round Apple Hookah flavour blends with warm Cinnamon Bark essence. In a slow burn, notes of fire-cured Kentucky Tobacco Absolute emerge. Harmonized with Oakmoss, this resonant tobacco absolute leads into a Bourbon Vanilla, with balsamic tonalities. Also known as a Pure Jungle essence™ Bourbon Vanilla, it is of the highest quality Vanilla available, especially intense, and textured. When crossed with Orcanox™, a powerful sensuality comes full circle.

The perfume notes: Hookah Flavour, Tobacco Absolute, Bourbon Vanilla Pure Jungle Essence
Olfative family: The Smokes
Perfumer: Mathieu Nardin

This unisex scent is available for CHF 250.00. The bottle is refillable.
TO SHOP KILIAN PARIS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Kilian Paris – © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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I am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration featuring global pop star Kylie Minogue in the campaign. Fusing two creative identities and being born from a shared vision of femininity, empowerment and confidence, the capsule collection is co-designed by Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi and JPG’s creative director, Florence Tétier. It revisits archive pieces from the Parisian fashion house, adapting them to contemporary tastes.

«Fashion for me has always been about collaboration with like-minded creatives, and pure personal self-expression. Jean Paul Gaultier and Jimmy Choo have both been part of my fashion journey, and I’m thrilled to work with both of them to celebrate this exceptional collection,» says Kylie Minogue of the partnership. «It’s our collective histories fusing, to create something fresh and new,» she adds.

Acting as an evolution of the longstanding relationship between Kylie and both brands, the campaign follows a long line of made-to-measure Gaultier looks and custom Jimmy Choo shoes. The campaign sees Kylie showcasing the new footwear collection and transforming into a modern-day pin-up.

My favorite pair of the collection: The black leather wedge pumps show both the icons of the cities that are home to the brands, the Eiffeltower and Big Ben, in their plexiglass heels.

For Jimmy Choo, the collaboration follows its recent team-up with Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi and for JPG, the collection follows its recent release with the corset-loving London ready-to-wear label KNWLS, alongside news of its next guest designer: Simone Rocha.

TO SHOP JIMMY CHOO x JEAN PAUL GAULTIER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / JPG
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California has always been paradise for me. It is my happy place with its sunny weather and beautiful people. Here you see me in front of the Beverly Wilshire hotel, which was the primary setting for the movie «Pretty Woman» in the 1990s, sporting this beautiful look.

My look: Faux pearl-embellished cutout stretch-jersey and lace maxi dress by PatBO, Tribute woven leather espadrille wedge sandals by Saint Laurent, font mini embellished embroidered raffia tote by Loewe, and and coral earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @collagevintage2
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Personally speaking nothing screams Christmas like a delicious, hot drink. Therefore I am a huge fan of the Nespresso limited edition coffee capsules for the festive season. This winter, Nespresso is collaborating with luxury French outerwear brand Fusalp, to enchant coffee lovers with the launch of its annual holiday collection inspired by the snowy peaks of the Alps. The collection’s modern and sophisticated expression of style elegantly blends the two brands together, drawing inspiration from Fusalp’s emblematic diamond smock pattern.

Within the new range, coffee lovers can enjoy a variety of limited edition coffees for both the Original and Vertuo systems.

The three limited edition flavors are:

FESTIVE BLACK ESPRESSO
A festive blend from Honduras and Uganda, with woody and warming sweet spice notes

FROSTED CARAMEL NUT
A true delight with warming caramel and almond vanilla biscuit notes

SEASONAL DELIGHT SPICES
A festive coffee that marries a mix of citrus fruit with a melange of spices

The collection also features a range of chic accessories, including a Barista Festive Glass and an Advent Calendar.

And of course some fashionable accessories such as this Coffee Grounds Beanie.

Born in the Alps, enter an enchanting alpine world with Nespresso x Fusalp. Create moments of unforgettable taste and style with this limited edition festive collection that is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nespresso x Fusalp
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This holiday season, haute couture and avant-garde style meets hair care and skincare to bring joy at first sight. Aveda has teamed up with Iris van Herpen for a new capsule collection that includes limited-edition high-style hair accessories, plant-powered hair care products, luxurious skin and body care formulas, all wrapped in designer gift packaging conceptualized by the Dutch designer, whom you might remember from her amazing collaboration with Rolls-Royce in February.

Aveda x Iris van Herpen came together through their shared love and respect for nature. With the natural world as their muse, the collaboration combines biomimicry designs, high-performance hair, skin and body care for luxurious holiday gifts that turn heads and fashion possibilities.

«This collection captures a future-forward vision for the holidays and embodies the limitless beauty of nature,» shares Iris van Herpen. «The visual inspiration of this collection was drawn from the relationships between living organisms and their physical environments in all its layers and nuances – a constant dialogue between nature and ourselves.»

While van Herpen’s couture designs are regularly seen on red carpets, in globally recognized films, and on runways around the world, she has also dressed models for hair shows led by Aveda’s Senior Vice President of Global Professional Artistry, Antoinette Beenders. Years of working together led to a genuine friendship that evolved into this formal holiday collaboration with artistry and craftsmanship at its core.

The special-edition gift boxes, sleeves and other holiday gift packaging elements are made with FSC-certified recycled paper that is wrapped and ready to gift as keepsake boxes that may also be reused or displayed as miniature works of art. The luxurious beauty gift sets have been curated together for a variety of hair and body selfcare needs for everyone on your list.

From ultra-hydrating nutriplenish™ hair hydration to naturally derived botanical repair™ hair strengthening to sleek styling with smooth infusion™, there’s something for every hair care lover on your list. From deeply moisturizing skin and body care to bespoke accessories that elevate any holiday updo or hairstyle, there’s a gift set for every self-care lover on your list.

Personally speaking, I am obsessed with the bespoke hair accessories, that include three luxurious, limited-edition and instant high-style accessories: a hair cuff, hair pin set, and cosmetic pouch. The elegant hair jewelry and pouch can be found online while supplies last for a one-of-a-kind haute couture gift.

Henosis Hair Pin Set: For a stunning end-look to accentuate your hair style, this pin set design embodies the Greek concept of oneness and union.

Lagoon Nebula Hair Cuff Set: Statement hair cuff features a limited-edition design inspired by an interstellar cloud where stars are born. This cuff embeds itself seamlessly into your hair to elevate your everyday updo.

Syntopia Cosmetic Pouch: Keep beauty products safe and in style with a luxurious pouch featuring a design inspired by the state of being where different species live together.

In line with the brands’ sustainability values, the hair cuff and hair pins are made from recyclable gold tone brass, and the cosmetic pouch is made from 65% post-consumer recycled materials.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aveda @avedaswitzerland @irisvanherpen #avedaswitzerland #irisvanherpen
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FLORAL SAPPHIRE AND CENTRAL TOURBILLON: HUBLOT UNVEILS THE MP-15, DEVELOPED WITH TAKASHI MURAKAMI

With just 50 pieces available, the MP-15 is the first limited edition Hublot watch with a central flying tourbillon. This quirky, playful, yet high-tech model offers a magnificent interpretation of the visual effects of sapphire.

According to the adage, the dial is the face of the watch. Yet, on the MP-15 Takashi Murakami, there is no dial in the true sense. For this model, Hublot has fused the case, movement and dial in a unique arrangement.

In the dial’s customary location sits the complication, with the hands occupying a peripheral position. At the centre, Hublot’s first series-produced central flying tourbillon – unique and different from anything the Manufacture has created in its 40 years.

It is surrounded by Takashi Murakami’s iconic motif, a flower composed of 12 petals made entirely of sapphire. The flower features soft curves and bold, generous volumes. Hublot’s aim was to create absolute transparency in order to maximise the luminosity of the MP-15: sapphire case, sapphire case-back, sapphire crown, translucent flange and strap. The sun will never merely shine on this floral work of art: it will pass straight through it, illuminating its curves and reliefs.

This central flying tourbillon features an impressive power reserve of 150 hours, almost a full week, an exceptional technical achievement for this type of complication. To enable it to be fully wound, Hublot has created a special stylus. Supplied with the piece, for which it has been specially designed, and rechargeable via a USB socket, the stylus is placed on the crown, which it winds through 100 revolutions smoothly and easily until both barrels that drive the central tourbillon are fully wound. The position of the latter embodies its function: a visual pleasure, visible at all times. Takashi Murakami has ably underlined its mischievous nature by incorporating two twinkling eyes and a broad smile.

Around the edge, the hours and minutes are indicated by the tips of two hands. These are peripheral, rather than central. Aficionados will appreciate the technical feat: the hands literally pass beneath the tourbillon cage, in a bold affront to the basic principles of traditional watchmaking science. Here, the escapement and the hour and minute hands vie for position in a single central space. To accommodate them, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction.

Hublot has also designed its tourbillon without an upper bridge. All of its components are skeletonised. This makes it easy to appreciate just how much work has gone into developing the MP-15, in which some of the gears and all of the tourbillon components – which appear to float in space – are visible.

The deeply innovative MP-15 nevertheless features the standard markers that enable it to be worn and read naturally and easily. Twelve white indices appear on the flange, while black-plated hands with white SuperLuminova guarantee perfect legibility both day and night. The model is traditionally wound and set using a crown at 3 o’clock. Moreover, the modest 42 mm diameter of this piece makes it supremely easy to wear, not least thanks to its integrated rubber strap which offers optimal comfort.

LoL, Sandra

«Up until now, my work has focused on colour new chapter focussing on absolute transparency. The forms and volumes are perceived completely differently. With Hublot, we were able to preserve the individuality of my floral motif, but with a unique and different identity which was purer and perfectly in tune with Hublot’s mechanical universe. I’m very proud of the result!»
Takashi Murakami

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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The padlock-shaped Kelly watch appears in a whole new light expressing its free-spirited attitude.

On a slender metal bracelet, set with diamonds or worn as a sautoir, the Kelly watch born in 1975, is reinvented in a light- hearted way. This mischievious, daring and fashionable jewellery watch reveals new facets of its femininity in motion. Inspired by the emblematic handbag designed by Robert Dumas in the 1930s, its ideally sized padlock case lends itself to new ways of being worn. The clean-cut lines and original gemsetting approaches reaffirm the rigorous yet playful style of this Hermès watchmaking icon.

An elegant rose gold or steel bracelet composed of elaborate metalwork embraces the wrist in a delightfully companionable manner. Its links pick up the design of the legendary four-studded clasp serving to secure and open the padlock.

Adorned with diamonds or fine regular striations, the case beautifully frames a dial in natural white mother-of-pearl on the rose gold models and in spangled white lacquer on the steel models. The gemset watches feature a diamond at 12 o’clock, matched by studded hour-markers, echoing the decoration on the clasp. The distinctively daring Kelly watch plays with complete freedom on its pluralistic nature.

I am completely obsessed with this watch and had to share it with you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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