Sandra‘s Closet

This weekend, I went to see the exhibition of Jani Leinonen, one of my favourite artists, at Galerie Gmurzynska. The Finnish 33 year-old rising star presented nothing less than the kidnapping and execution of Ronald McDonald at Paradeplatz in Zurich.
„The Hamburger company’s advertising figure is a symbol of capitalism and also a clown. That’s what makes it interesting to me as an artist“, says Leinonen.

Jani was good for groundbreaking headlines in the beginning of this year when he and his friends calling themselves the „Food Liberation Army – FLA“ stole a Ronald McDonald statue from a McDonald’s restaurant in Helsinki.

In an Al Quaeda-style video, they staged the beheading of the famous symbol and tried to force the American chain to answer some questions about how it produces its products.  The fast food company refused any dialogue. The videos of the kidnapping were viewed more than 700,000 times on You Tube.

Leinonen, who definitely knows how to play the game, is nevertheless a true professional when it comes to markting himself. He even has bigger plans to set up a park full of Ronalds but McDonald’s refused to sell him the statues.

The charming guy from Helsinki took the idea of a funeral even further. Tombstones with iconic Louis Vuitton logo prints or the packaging of YSL Paris were placed in the beginning of the exhibition. I have to admit that I had never thought about how my tombstone should look like, assuming it will hopefully take a long time until it is needed, but I am absolutely tempted to have some logo print going on there.

Jani Leinonen with hotelier Andrea Kracht and his wife Gigi, who exhibited his enormous cereal box installations last year at her famous Art in the Park event in the beautiful garden of the Baur au Lac.

Leinonen has three main objectives for his future: First, he wants to create a piece of art that will be stolen one day from a museum. Second, an artwork of his should be so good that it will get copied in Shanghai. And last but not least, he wants to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows him.

Pretty cool! And probably not so unlikely… I am better keeping the inscription he wrote for me. It might be worth a fortune one day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aerin Lauder, 40, heiress, and, more importantly, the highly visible face and senior executive of the Estée Lauder corporation, has announced the creation of her own luxury lifestyle brand that will sell accessories, home products, fashion and jewelry beginning early 2012. Some of the jewelry is said to be based on pieces from her grandmother’s private collection.

The new Aerin brand is aimed at a luxury customer, specifically, who “wants things made simple.” In addition, she is also launching her own beauty label that will also be marketed by the Lauder division. Under the arrangement, Aerin Lauder will continue to be actively involved in the Estée Lauder brand, serving as creative consultant and becoming its Style and Image Director. She will also continue as the brand’s global ambassador and spokesperson, a position she has held successfully for many years and will remain a member of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Board of Directors, which she joined in 2004.

I am pretty convinced that she has a great chance to become successful given her support team: Anna Wintour will serve as adviser and NBC Universal head Jeff Zucker will consult.

Her style is beautiful, simple and elegant. Get the look of the American trendsetter and enjoy her beautiful home in the Hamptons. Below you can read her style shortlist.

LoL, Sandra

• Entertaining in East Hampton: “We like to barbecue and sit at a long candlelit picnic table by the pool. The kids run around playing flashlight tag while the grown-ups linger at the table.”

• Entertaining in Manhattan: “It’s key to put together a great guest list. We always have plenty of fresh flowers and serve comfort food everyone enjoys: risotto, lamb chops, mashed potatoes, chocolate.”

• Decorating tips: 1. “The easiest way to freshen up a room is a new paint color.” 2. “I update the dining room by finding a fabulous new fabric. I’ll have it made into a tablecloth or just fold a length of it and run it down the center of the table.” 3. “Make the most of children’s artwork. I use terrific frames and paperweights from the Conran Shop to showcase my sons’ art.”

• Flower shops: Zezé in Manhattan (“Great for orchids, vases, bowls, and gifts for friends”); and Bridgehampton Florist at the beach (“Beautiful vases, hurricane lamps, and objects”).

• Shops: In the Hamptons: Mecox Gardens (“Top-notch baskets, lamps, and coral”); the Shell Shop in Sag Harbor (“Where I found the shells in my bathroom, and they have lovely coral objects”); R. E. Steele Antiques (“Packed with goodies—the best resource for chests and cocktail tables”); and Neo-Studio in Sag Harbor (“Amazing lamps and glass pieces”). In Manhattan: Barneys New York (“Especially for throws and glasses”); Bergdorf Goodman’s home floor; Crate & Barrel (“Great simple design”); the Calvin Klein store; John Derian (“Love his napkins, plates, and paperweights”); Anthropologie (“Wonderful style; a sense of fantasy”); Archivia Books (“Amazing vintage and new books”); and Pace Prints.

• Escapes: Palm Beach (“I’ve been going there since I was born. I still check out the fantastic antiques and vintage clothing stores on South Dixie Highway.”); and Paris (“I love floating around Paris. I’m always looking for chandeliers there. I have an obsession with them. But I’ve always said that even if you have no furnishings at all, if you have a chandelier, you can create a special atmosphere.”) (Source: Elle Décor)

Well-known motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha and luxury fashion house Hermés have joined forces to produce the very unique concept bike named VMAX. With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, the VMAX is the very epitome of the muscle bike. Now the 180-year old French company, with its origine in equestrian saddle making, has returned to its roots and adorned the fabulous motorbike with the finest leather materials, covering everything from the headlight cover to the exhaust pipe.The idea was, according to Yamaha and Hermès, to “reinforce the sculptural lines of this unique object and underline its emotional power.”

So how do you go about buying one, assuming you’ve got the cash? It’s a goddamn beautiful bike. You can order the VMAX 1700 for 44500€TTC with Yamaha. The delivery is expected 1 to 4 months after having placed the order. On request, Hermès can add their flair.

For my Zurich based readers, good news, the bike is at the moment on display in the Hermès shop, Bahnhofstr.28A.

LoL, Sandra

Cartier is launching a new leather goods collection: A cruise version of the Marcello de Cartier tote bag that sails through fashion in natural mode. Available in canvas combined with watersnake skin, it is ready for the sun.

If you like to invest in style and timeless pieces, the Cabas Marcello de Cartier tote bags are the right choice. Perfect for a day at the beach or to finish off your casual summer look. 
Available now for $850 (excl.tax).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

Christian Dior admired his beloved muse, Mitzah Bricard, as much for her refined and distinguished taste as for her mysterious personality that inspired him throughout his career.

Legend has it that Mitzah used to wear a panther print chiffon scarf at her wrist to hide a scar. Fascinated by her elegance, Mr Dior decided to include this magnificent Jungle motif in his collections from 1947 onwards.

“Madame Bricard is one of the rare people for whom elegance is their sole reason for living,”
Christian Dior.

The Jungle panther print corresponded perfectly to the world of Haute Couture. It was reproduced numerous times in chiffon, taffeta and silk and as become an emblematic House reference.

In 2011, Dior presents the famous print in a limited edition make-up collection composed of a limited edition numbered eyeshadow palette and two shades of nail varnish (912 Ebony – 622 Camel). Thus the Mitzah legend lives on at Dior.

Discover below how to apply the Mitzah palette eyeshadows:

1. The camel shade emphasises eye colour. Apply to the lower eyelid then blend gently upwards. Apply also to the lower lash line.

2. The Ebony shade intensifies  the eyes. Apply it along the upper and lower lash lines. Blend with the camel shade.

3. The Nude shade brightens  and opens the eyes. Apply to the inner corner of the eye.

Photos: © Courtesy of Dior, © Sandra Bauknecht

In Switzerland the collection will launch Mid April.
The limited Mitzah palette is CHF 135. The two limited nail polishes are CHF 37 each.

LoL, Sandra

Just as there’s a tea to suit every taste and disposition, there is a Tea Cologne for every style and mood. Jo Malone unveils a limited edition collection, inspired by the most quintessential of British traditions: the Art of Tea. 

The Tea Collection, in five modern and unexpected fragrances, encapsulates Jo Malone’s hallmark simplicity and elegant restraint: Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk.

And of course the Tea Collection lends itself to being personalised with Jo Malone’s unique philosophy of Fragrance Combining™. In true British style, the collection allows you to combine your Tea Fragrance Blend, with a dash of Sweet Lemon or a splash of Sweet Milk. 

You are invited to visit your nearest Jo Malone counter to test those lovely scents now.
Available in 30ml for CHF 68.

Assam and Grapefruit is a refreshing and energetic aroma, invigorating like the first morning cup of tea. It opens with notes of grapefruit, violet and rhubarb. The heart includes Assam Indian black tea and rose, spiced with cardamom and placed on the base of patchouli, almond and musk.

Top notes: grapefruit, violet, rhubarb
Heart: Assam tea, rose, cardamom
Base: patchouli, musk, almond

Earl Grey and Cucumber is a playful interpretation of the most famous English tea brand, made from black tea, bergamot and citruses. The composition opens with apple, bergamot, jasmine and aquatic notes, with cucumber, angelica and davana in the heart, on the base of vanilla, bees wax, cedar and musk.

Top notes: bergamot, apple, jasmine, water notes
Heart: angelica, cucumber, davana
Base: beeswax, vanilla, cedar and musk

Fresh Mint Leaf is a refreshing aroma based on green mint. It starts with notes of basil, mint, and bergamot. The heart is composed of water jasmine and rhubarb, laid on the base of mate tea, cedar and musk.

Top notes: basil, mint, bergamot
Heart: water jasmine, rhubarb
Base: mate, musk, cedar

Sweet Lemon is a fruity mixture that you can combine with any of the previous fragrances from this collection. The composition starts off with sparkling lemon, bergamot and rhubarb. Middle notes include pineapple, freesia and peach, placed on cypress, cedar and musk nuances.

Top notes: lemon, bergamot, rhubarb
Heart: pineapple, freesia, peach
Base: cypress, musk, cedar

Sweet Milk, as well as the previous fragrance, serves as an “additional tea flavor” and can be combined with the other fragrances of the collection. Its gourmand composition begins with star anise, heliotrope and bergamot. Milk and caramel are in the center, rounded by almond, vanilla and musk.

Top notes: star anise, heliotrope, bergamot
Heart: milk, caramel
Base: vanilla, almond, musk

Jo Malone will launch a new, limited-edition perfume from May 2011 called Sakura Cherry Blossom destined to celebrate the beauty and transiency of blossoming cherry trees in the springtime. The composition was created by perfumer Christine Nagel working in tandem with the Jo Malone Creative Studio in London.

“A symbol of beauty and new beginnings, cherry blossom trees grow throughout Japan and for centuries have been celebrated in every medium, from poetry to painting. No flower captures the Japanese aesthetic as powerfully as the cherry blossom.”

Top Notes: bergamot, mandarin, cardamom
Heart: rose, mimosa
Base: musk, woods

Sakura Cherry Blossom works very well in combination with French Lime Blossom or Orange Blossom.
Available in 30ml (CHF 68) or 100ml (CHF 130).

My personal favourite combinations are at the moment: Earl Grey & Cucumber with Sweet Milk and Cherry Blossom with French Lime Blossom.

Definitely my cup of tea!

LoL, Sandra

Every little girl like shoes and loves to walk around in mummy’s heels.

Therefore I have fallen in love with these little kids sandals by Lelli Kelly. The tiny heel is so cute. The straps are interchangeable and come with bows, flowers and logo.

Today is my little girl’s birthday and I am sure that she will be over the moon with her new shoes. Available in Zurich at Lolipop, for all other countries, please visit the brand’s homepage.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Now that the royal wedding is right in front of us, the princess trend is very big. In London, the epicentre of royality and the perfect fairytale setting to study the art of being a princess, this dream can come true for 7 days when signing up for the Princess Prep camp, an elite programme for girls age 8-11.

Eight little ladies are accomodated in a luxury flat in the heart of Kensington & Chelsea. All meals are served by a butler. Each day a real life princess (historical or living) is discussed and the girls have lessons in traditional etiquette. They visit the theatre and do volunteer work with a Royal Charity.

Professional US/UK staff, including trained night-nannies (not unlike Mary Poppins), meet the girls at the airport and supervise them 24 hours a day.
Session tuition is $3995 per princess (excl.flights).

If you like to enroll your daughter, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I was invited to the Mister Schweiz (Switzerland) 2011 gala which is here a very big event. It was truly a live broadcasted spectacle.

The hot young guys, mostly in the beginning of their twenties, had to fulfill some fun tasks. Even that this is a fashion blog, I didn’t really think of dressing those beautiful toned bodies…I actually liked the boxer shorts pretty much.

The show had some great performers on stage, among them Italian singer Zucchero and famous world-class violinist David Garrett.

David Garrett with me... a funny guy.

Front row: Gorgeous Raquel Marquard who is the Mister Schweiz 2011 promoter

The jury from right to left: Julia Saner (model), Sara Hildebrand (entertainer), Bettina Portmann (SI magazine), André Reithebuch (Mister Schweiz 2009) and Indira Weiss (singer).

Top model Julia Saner with tiny Sandra

Enjoy the impressions of last night.  The winner was Thurgau based 21-year old Luca Ruch who won the toss against Michel de Carolis from Basel who was actually my favourite.

Below you can find the details of my look from last night and like always start shopping immediately.

My look: Silk dress and jacket by Balmain, pumps by YSL, earrings and ring, both by Chanel and stingray Box bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“The pieces are all characterised by feminine, diaphanous silhouettes, great attention to detail through the use of delicate pattern, hand beading and embroidery”
Matthew Williamson

If I were the stylist for one of the lovely Kate M.s, getting married this summer, I wouldn’t think twice where to look for the perfect wedding gown by an English designer.

Last year, Matthew Williamson has launched his new bridal collection that offers many different styles and might leave you breathless. The king of boho luxe is a master when it comes to intricate detailing, skilfully beaded fabrics and couturelike tailoring.

Whatever your style is, it is important that you find the right dress for your big day. The Matthew Williamson Bridal Collection is definitely worth checking out. Please click here for further information or for booking an appointment.

I know what I am talking about. Last time that I was in the British capital, I was able to browse through those stunning creations and accessories to finish off the look. It is honestly unlike any other… what a bummer that I am already married!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As a clothing brand, Closed dates back to the late Seventies and originated out of Italy. The brand quickly captured the market with their new denim design approach which has been the first alternative to ordinary 5-pocket jeans.

Denims and chinos are Closed’s core competences. The idea behind every new design is “form follows function”and this approach resulted in the DNA of the brand – the X-Pockets.

Now available is the Heritage collection which offers casual styles for a great price. Below you can see how cute those pieces can look.

And the clutch by Jeremy Scott would be a hilarious addition to your Closed look…

LoL, Sandra