Sandra‘s Closet

During this year’s Art Basel, Annette Weber (Instyle), Sue Giers (Closed) & Jenny Falckenberg (Unique Art Concepts) invited me for a very special dining experience to Pret A Diner, a pop-up restaurant at the Elizabethan Church in Basel. Located in the heart of the Swiss city, this neo-Gothic church was transformed into a space of sensory excellence and we enjoyed the creations of Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue. The location reminded me a lot of the amazing dinner I had with Luisaviaroma at a church in Florence a year ago.

German magazine Bunte wrote about the evening and called me a style icon, thanks for that! If you like my look, please click here for the previous post with all the details.

Lovely Sue Giers (Closed) with me

The amazing location at the Elizabethan church

Old buddies: Sanjiv Singh (Lacoste), Fabien Mollet-Viéville (MelonDistrict) and my humble self.

A warm hug from Jenny Falckenberg

My German peers: Thorleif Griess-Nega (Instyle Men) and Inka Marnette (Instyle, Bunte)

Me with EVA & ADELE who claim to be a living artwork.

Speaking of which, I would like to show my two favourite masterpieces spotted at this year’s Art Basel: Sylvie Fleurie‘s “Kelly Bag” and Jani Leinonen‘s amazing art work which has been fascinating me since many years.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Shanghai, I stayed at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai, a temple of luxury. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the hotel offers amazing views of the famous Bund. The moment you step through the door, you feel the peaceful environment and are taken by the impressive art collection. 4000 original artworks are on display throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.

In the entry hall, a gigantic mosaic by leading Chinese artist Miao Tong welcomes the distinguished guests.

On my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely team. I stayed in one of the amazing 44 suites that combine Oriental style with contemporary furniture perfectly. The gorgeous interior design can also be found in the other 318 guestrooms.

All accommodations feature a large executive desk, an espresso machine, a traditional teapot with Jing teas and a minibar.

My spacious marble bathroom was to die for. Laying in the circular bathtub, I watched TV while gazing out across the city’s iconic skyline. The amenities are by sought-after London based perfumer Ormonde Jayne that I adore.

I was also invited to view Shanghai’s largest and most expensive Presidential Suite. Spanning 788 square metres, it features two private sky gardens, separate areas for dining, entertaining, meeting and resting. In addition, the large bathroom includes a two-metre Jacuzzi and steam room, plus a private gym and spa treatment room. Famous Chinese actor Jackie Chan was one of the first guests staying in this suite.

The hotel offers many different essential dining options for business and leisure. Celebrity chefs spoil their guests in six superb restaurants and bars, all equipped with outdoor seating facilities.

The Riviera Lounge is a great place to enjoy your afternoon tea.

At Zest restaurant, breakfast is served.

Shanghai chef Tony Lu serves authentic Jiang Nan cuisine at the Yong Yi Ting restaurant.

Yong Yi Ting also offers a Chef’s Table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Famous German chef Alfons Schuhbeck had just been here to learn more about this traditional Chinese cuisine.

The hotel is also a great choice for events with a versatile range of rooms including a ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests. I was very impressed by the showroom for special celebrations where all sorts of chairs, china, tableware and party themes are thoughtfully displayed.

The Mandarin Cake Shop

I spent one entire afternoon at the spa and gym of the hotel. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind, a becalming oasis of Zen. The butterfly is the muse for the interior design, a symbol of beauty and change in Chinese culture.

The 13 treatment suites are named “butterfly” in different world languages, including Mariposa (Spanish), Papillon (French), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian), and Euthalia (Greek).

A spectular 25-metre indoor pool along with a vitality and children’s pool is open 24 hours along with a gym featuring a large range of Technogym equipment.

I can absolutely recommend the Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. The team did everything to make my stay unforgettable and as convenient as possible. A jewel of Shanghai!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For S/S 2013, MCM makes a bold move bringing art and fashion together by launching the amazing limited edition collection ‘Eyes on the Horizon’, in collaboration with pop art whiz-duo Craig & Karl.

The pieces evoke a sunny optimism, recalling sun kissed vacations and the youthful excitement of endless summers. The artwork is focused on playful eyes peering out through pairs of sunglasses while taking on amusing and abstracted forms to add a sense of fun and modernity to the fashionable musts. I truly adore their humorous twist. A special project regarding this beautiful collection that I will participate in will be revealed soon.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED COLLECTION ‘EYES ON THE HORIZON’, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM and Craig & Karl

Last Wednesday, I attended the opening night of the new solo exhibition at the Gucci Museo in Florence. The museum presents four significant works from the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos (open to the public until December 15, 2103). Red Independent Heart #1 and Psycho, both from the Pinault Collection, plus Lavoisier and the video work Hand-made will be exhibited in Italy for the first time.

My look, a mix of coral and fuchsia: Ruffled printed silk-gazar mini dress, pink patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals, coral patent-leather envelope clutch, necklace with coral flowers motif and earrings with fuchsia pendants, all by Gucci.

For more information on the Gucci museo, I invite you to have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Red Independent Heart #1

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last fall, I attended SAM’s Tribute to Photography Night that took place in St. Moritz at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. The event started with a cocktail reception, followed by a gala dinner. It was such an amazing evening for me as I was able to meet some of the most renowned photographers of our times such as Lucien Clergue, Jock Sturges (see photo on top to the left with me), Matteo Basilé, Amedeo M. Turello, Steve McCurry and Albert Watson among others.

Let me share my favourite moments with you:

MEET ALBERT WATSON

Personally speaking, I have been adoring Albert Watson‘s work since many many years. Born in 1942, the Scottish photographer is an icon in the world of fashion, celebrity and art photography. He has shot over 250 covers for Vogue magazine around the globe since the mid-’70s and his works have been featured in countless other publications.

His first celebrity photo took place in the year 1973, a portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a dead goose with a ribbon around its neck, which he shot for that year’s Harper’s Bazaar’s Christmas issue, became one of the most famous photos around the globe. As well as the iconic shot of Steve Jobs that went around the world after he died. Albert was the official Royal Photographer for Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson and he photographed dozens of posters for major Hollywood movies, such as “Kill Bill,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “The Da Vinci Code.”

He is such a gentleman, in a very charming way, he took me on a tour around his fabulous artwork.

Albert explained me that this shot of a tattooed guy was taken in a penitentiary while the prisoner was working on a damaged car.

Us in front of his famous shot of Steve Jobs.

Albert Watson and Amedeo M. Turello

MEET YOSSI LOLOI

Either you love or hate Italian photographer Yossi Loloi‘s Full Beauty project, for which he has only photographed extremely overweight women. He plays with the idea of beauty and form, fashion and attraction, like and dislike. I couldn’t help but being fascinated by his work from the first second. He told me that he always had a special relationship with larger women, and that he likes how those women bloom in front of his camera, how they enjoy their Rubenesque body.

So it was a true honor for me to give the laudatory speech for the talented photographer.

I was sitting at Monty Shadow‘s table, who founded of the St. Moritz Art Masters. It was the best table, you can imagine, framed by…

…the late Claude Nobs…

…and Jeffrey Deitch, Director Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

What an amazing event! Stay tuned for the photos that Steve McCurry and Amedeo M.Turello took of me during those days and of course the detailed post regarding my outfit.

And save the date! This year, SAM will bring China, its art and culture to the Engadin from August 23 – September 1, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On my last day in Los Angeles, I had a little time to walk down Rodeo Drive and to meet with my Beverly Hills girlfriends at the Beverly Wilshire for a drink before heading to the airport.

Bonnie Star (to the left) is a famous American jewelry designer, who made the wonderful cuff that I am wearing on the photo, modeled after nineteenth-century French lace.
(For a previous post on Bonnie, please click here).
Claudia Deutsch (to the right) is the owner of the Artspace Warehouse gallery in Los Angeles that offers high quality original artworks from established and emerging international artists at affordable prices for every budget. She brought this new concept also to Zurich, check out the Kunstwarenhaus.

My look: Striped glossed rayure-effect blazer and flat tote bag, both by Saint Laurent, classic white tee by Burberry London, stretch leggings by Stouls, long tank top by Rick Owens, skull silk scarf by Alexander McQueen, boots by Balmain, gold lace cuff by Bonnie Star and 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I drove from Zurich to St. Moritz to attend a very intimate event at Galerie Gmurzynska for the exhibition opening of a new unique work by Karl Lagerfeld, in a brand new medium: “FIRE ETCHINGS”; forming the artist’s answer to contemporary portraiture.

As I knew that Karl Lagerfeld would be present, there was no doubt, I had to be there. First, the invitation was supposed to be a dinner which was changed last minute into a brunch. The guests were waiting patiently for over three hours for Karl Lagerfeld’s plane to land. When he entered the room, his presence was unbelievable. He shook hands and talked to everyone.

A magic moment: Shaking hands with Karl Lagerfeld.

“FIRE ETCHINGS” is truly outstanding. On display was Karl Lagerfeld’s gigantic body of work created from backlit glass that has had its image etched into the surface. The “Kaiser” explained that a company near Nuernberg, Germany, which usually produces church windows manufactured his artwork for him.

Large scale and unique, for “FIRE ETCHINGS” Lagerfeld has abstracted some of his current muses: the rapper, Theophilus London; and the models, Freja Beha Erichsen and Aymeline Valade.

When Karl Lagerfeld was asked to explain his artwork a little, he replied with a quote by Voltaire: “Everything that needs an explanation is not worth the explanation.”

In his hands the whole time? His iPhone with a Karl by Karl Lagerfeld cover.

Karl Lagerfeld with Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer

Also present at the exhibition opening were actor Rick Yune to the left (2 Fast 2 Furious and James Bond – Die Another Day) and famous L.A.-based DJ Eddie Ruscha.

My look: Leather and cotton-jersey sweater, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent and jacket, scarf, cuff, bag, all by Chanel, fur boots and coat, both by Prada.

What an amazing day! If you are interested, the exhibit in St. Moritz will remain open until the 23rd of March, 2013. For further information, please contact the Galerie Gmurzynska directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During last week’s SIHH 2013, I visited also the Montblanc booth that was an absolute eyecatcher due to the extraordinary pieces of the Montblanc Cutting Edge Art Collection that currently comprises more than 180 artworks.

In the collage above you can see me with Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, Director of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, and some of Montblanc’s very special guests…

Of course, the house’s newest watch highlights such as the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours were also presented at the booth.

Me visiting the Montblanc booth

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Pair

Pair watches are a huge trend especially in Asia and wouldn’t those watches just be perfect for this gorgeous couple below?!

Montblanc friends of the brand Olivia Palermo (wearing Montblanc Star Classique Automatic watch) and Johannes Huebl (wearing Montblanc Star 4810 Chronograph) in front of an artwork by Hiroyuki Masuyama.

Proving that Olivia is a style icon all over, she combined tweed and leather with statement heels, golden jewelry and a vibrant clutch that would upgrade every outfit to a new level.

The couple being interviewed in front of an artwork by Stephen Craig.

Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco
Pétales de Roses Motif
This beautiful unique piece has been sold during the fair, but of course there was more to be admired…

Montblanc Villeret Seconde Authentique Diamonds

Montblanc Star Classique Lady Automatic RG Diamonds

Christopher Lambert during his visit at the Montblanc booth

The famous actor was wearing the Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres (Northern Hemisphere).

Montblanc TimeWalker World-Time Hemispheres, Southern+Northern Hemisphere

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc

Starting from today, you should keep your eyes open for a very special window installation that will roll out across more than 70 Gucci boutiques around the world (unfortunately not including Switzerland) and will remain until mid February. For that project, Frida Giannini collaborates with renowned Japanese Manga artist, Hirohiko Araki, who has created an exclusive Manga (Japanese comic strip) story inspired by the Italian house’s beautiful Cruise 2013 collection. A multi-media campaign will complement the window installation, including the publication of the full Manga story exclusively in Japan’s Spur magazine.

Commenting on the collaboration Giannini said, “This has without doubt been one of the most enjoyable collaborations I have worked on. The characters that Hirohiko has conceived combine an energy, sensuality and appeal that brings my Cruise collection to life in such a fun and compelling way. I am quite sure his window installations will stop people in their tracks in cities around the world as they immerse themselves in the fabulous fantasy world he has created.”

Entitled “Jolyne, Fly High with Gucci,” Araki’s Manga tells the adventure of Jolie Kujo, a student who inherits a keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection. Propelled by the mystery behind her vintage treasure, she embarks on a journey that transcends time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS / SHUEISHA

During Art Basel and Design Miami 2012, MARNI presented, for the first time in the US, the exhibition “L’Arte del Ritratto” in collaboration with the photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The new edition of 125 chairs from the Marni Charity Project are sold now exclusively at the Marni Miami Store, where last night personalities from the art, design and fashion industries gathered together for a private cocktail hosted by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni Creative Director. The project reaffirms Marni’s involvement with charitable initiatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni