Sandra‘s Closet

Finally, I can tell you very exciting news for all fragrance aficionados and Chanel lovers among you: COCO NOIR is here, Chanel’s newest fragrance. The famous French house didn’t want any information to go public before and journalists and bloggers had to sign a press embargo not to post the information earlier.

COCO NOIR is the third fragrance named after house founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, joining Coco (1984) and Coco Mademoiselle (2001). Created by Chanel’s master perfumer Jacques Polge, it represents Coco Chanel’s love of the “dazzle of black and Venice”.

1936 – Gabrielle Chanel on Roussy Sert’s yatch in front of the Lido of Venice

Jacques Polge on his creative process: “For Coco Noir, I thought of Coco and of Coco Mademoiselle too, because it’s also part of the history. I wanted to continue exploring an entire esthetic range of CHANEL perfumery, a range that distinguishes itself from the Florals, one that is illustrated by Bois-des-Iles and Cuir de Russie. I took it up with Coco. It’s what I like to call the CHANEL Coromandel culture, what you see and feel in her apartment. The night vision of the ‘Orient that starts and ends in Venice’ imposed itself upon me and that is where I wanted to go.”

Top Notes: Grapefruit note and Calabrian Bergamot
Middle Notes: Essence and Absolute of Rose, Absolute of Jasmin, Narcissus Note and Rose Geranium Leaf
Base Notes: Brazilian and Venezuelan Tonka Bean, Indonesian Patchouli, New Caledonian Sandalwood, Bourbon Vanilla and White Musk

Available in 50 ml (CHF 146.-) and 100 ml (CHF 210.-). In Switzerland from August 20, 2012.

COCO NOIR has an “animal sensuality – a great nocturnal Baroque”. The perfect scent for the next season to finish off you opulent winter looks. If you like oriental fragrances, this will definitely be something for you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: V.H. Grandpierre © All Rights Reserved / Courtesy of Vogue Paris, Courtesy of CHANEL – Julien Claessens et Thomas Deschamps

The story of La Petite Robe Noire began in 2009, when the house of Guerlain launched an exclusive and limited edition fragrance which was only available to a very selective clientele, followed by La Petite Robe Noire 2 last year.

This fall, Guerlain will offer this very chic scent to broad market. Fresher, more radiant and passionate, in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser has modified his big love, La Petite Robe Noire slightly. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan from the very first beginning. Inspired by the eternity and sophistication of a little black dress, it exudes the essence of Parisian elegance.

Left: The first La Petite Robe Noire. Right: The new one.

The ‘heart-shaped’ bottles of the La Petite Robe Noir collection are inspired by the legendary vials of the house, such as L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. The dress illustration has been altered every time so that each of the three fragrances shows a different shape of this clothing. The animated ad campaign was created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas.

Top notes: Red berries, black cherries, almond and bergamot
Middle notes: Licorice, Bulgarian and Turkish roses and smoked black tea
Base notes: Anise and the famous Guerlinade (A mix of the Guerlain’s beloved ingredients: Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and patchouli)

The new La Petite Robe Noire is available as 30 ml (CHF 90.-), 50 ml (CHF 129.-) and 75 ml (CHF 179.-) Eau de Parfum
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 66.-) and Body  Lotion 200ml (CHF 77.-)
Available in Switzerland from August 27, 2012.

An absolutely captivating and utterly irresistible perfumed creation by Guerlain. Like the cut of an iconic little black dress, this fragrance is shaped with all of the French house’s finesse.

I am convinced that we will hear much more of La Petite Robe Noire in the future. This uber-cute illustration translates so well into all aspects of Guerlain; from makeup to body products, to conceivable further versions such as cosmetic cases and more. The possibilities are endless…

This would be the perfect look for your new scent, elegant and sophisticated, stylish and playful.

Diana brocade little black dress by Roland Mouret, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, croc-effect leather clutch by Alexander Wang and resin and crystal necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Illustrations: Courtesy of Guerlain

Dior‘s fall 2012 makeup collection GOLDEN JUNGLE could not be more perfect. A mix of gold, khaki, and light earth tones – beautifully combined – comes with some amazing surprises. Have a look below and explore the gorgeous crocodile leather effect on the nails along with the fierce animal pattern on the star product. For the feline goddess in you!

STAR PRODUCT (One shot)
Golden Jungle Palette Fall Look 2012 – CHF 110.-
Available in Golden Khakis and Golden Browns

5 Couleurs Eyes in Khaki Design – CHF 90.-

Perfect for fall: Glowing skin is combined with a light shimmer right up to the brow-bone, punctuated with a bold, thickly drawn cat’s eye and finished off with lots of mascara.

3 Couleurs Eyes – CHF 68.-
Available in Ivory Glow and Nude Glow

Dior Blush – CHF 69.-
Available in Sugar & Spice and Sunkissed Cinnamon

Dior Addict Lipstick (One Shots) – CHF 46.- each
Available in Wild, Instinct, Fatale and Daring

Dangerous right down to your nails, the must-have nail polish is the new Duo Vernis, combining a gold base with a matte olive topcoat. The crackled effect is stunningly reptilian, like the scales of a crocodile.

Dior Golden Jungle Nail Art Duo (One Shot) – CHF 54.-
Dior Vernis (One Shot) – CHF 37.- each in Amazonia and Bengale

This gorgeous collection will be available in Switzerland from August 15, 2012. I think with your summer tan, these shades will look absolutely divine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

One year after the arrival of Prada Candy Eau de Parfum a highly exclusive Deluxe Edition is unveiled along with a Collector Edition.

Impossible to ignore, Prada Candy’s visual world is bold, unconventional and fresh, yet quality materials make it sophisticated and timeless.
Prada Candy’s novel olfactory balance combines exceptionally high-quality ingredients in excessive proportions: magnified by white musks, noble benzoin joins with a modern caramel accord to give the fragrance a truly unique signature.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition transposes these codes on a scale that is truly opulent. The exaggerated proportions of the flacon are both extreme and elegant, a statement of luxury and lavish indulgence rarely seen in modern perfumery. Inside the statement is carried through in the parfum itself. The parfum, the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art: the ingredients are magnified to their maximum concentration bringing an intense new richness and warmth.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition Parfum will be distributed  at highly select points of sale, for a limited time only. Available in 900ml for CHF 3000.-.

The Prada Candy Collector Edition comes with a very special treat: A genuine signature saffiano leather bracelet in hot pink hugs the top of the bottle. Embossed in golden letters “Give Me Candy”, it will be a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

Prada Candy Collector Edition Eau de Parfum is available in 80ml for CHF 141.-.
Available in September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada Fragrances

Fan di Fendi pour Homme is the first ever Fendi men’s fragrance. And great news is that the famous English DJ, musician and music producer Mark Ronson is the face of the ad campaign.

This masculine scent aims at mysterious, sophisticated and urban men who radiate charisma and modern elegance. Therefore, the composition tends to be both fresh and modern, as well as classic and refined. Created by perfumers François Demachy, in collaboration with Delphine Lebeau and Benoist Lapouza, its character is fresh woody-aromatic.

Top notes: Sicilian mandarin, bergamot and basil
Middle notes: Pink pepper, cardomom, gardenia and Texan cedarwood
Base notes: Leather accord, tonca bean and patchouli

In the ad campaign, Anja Rubik and Mark Ronson are actually snuggling up in the back of a car. Probably you should be asking yourself if buying this scent for your better half might be dangerous because an array of women will be all over him…

CHF 83.70 (50ml) and CHF 116.10 (100ml)
Available in Switzerland from September 14, 2012 exclusively at Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Mark Ronson with me at the Versace for H&M launch party in NYC
Photos: Courtesy of Fendi and © Sandra Bauknecht

For all my German and Swiss based readers, the big annabelle trend issue will be out tomorrow featuring my blogger diary from NYC Fashion Week. Most of you followed me during that exciting week. So many crazy things happened: I modeled at the Polyvore Live Fashion Show presented by Covergirl, met celebrities such as Bradley Cooper or Nicky Hilton and attended the Bloglovin’ Awards among many other events.

Below are some amazing backstage shots of the Polyvore Live fashion show. Have a look and find some inspirations for your next beauty look.

The makeup was created by celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson (follow him on Twitter @Beau_Nelson) with products by Covergirl. For me, a very different look from what I am used to wear. Light eye make-up with just a little mascara combined with bright red lips.

Hair was done by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa (follow her on Twitter @sarahpotempa) who also invented the amazing Beachwaver, an innovative curling iron that rotates in both directions to give you glamorous red carpet waves with the touch of a button. I truly hope that this product will be sold in Europe soon. For my US-readers, click here to shop.

A huge thank you to the lovely Polyvore team for letting me be part of this amazing experience. By the way, don’t you think that Polyvore‘s co-founder Pasha Sadri looks like Marc Jacobs?!

Don’t forget to enter the More Than a Feeling with Swarovski contest on Polyvore!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Polyvore and © Sandra Bauknecht

Winter 1952. That night, just before dawn, it snowed. A boy, with his collar folded up to protect his neck, headed on his way to school. A thin white veil slipped beneath his feet and swirled around him, cloaking his mouth and the muffled words: “I’m going to be late!”

This is the start of the press release, a poetic essay about a young school boy, who fills his notebooks with drawings of flowers and dragons, who is reprimanded by his schoolteacher for taking great delight in decorating the words in his sentences with embellished capital letters (“majuscules” in French) and who is fascinated by Medieval legends. The boy, it’s Serge Lutens. And the word “Santal” on the bottle is capitalized.

Santal Majuscule is built around three ingredients, a superlatively crafted gourmand composition: Sandalwood, cocoa and Damask rose.

Another masterpiece from Serge Lutens, Santal Majuscule will be available September 2012.
50 ml, CHF 157.-

If you are interested to know more about the famous perfumer, please click here for an interview I did with him earlier this year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Serge Lutens

“After creating Flowerbomb, we felt a twinge of jealousy: why aren’t we allowed our own bomb?” – Viktor & Rolf

In 2005, Viktor & Rolf launched its first bomb: a profusion of flowers in an excessively sensual fragrance for women… Created by famous perfumer Olivier Polge, the Flowerbomb legend was born. This September, men will have their turn.

Spicebomb, an explosion of the senses

Instant olfactory detonation. Viktor & Rolf is once again overturning convention with the help of Olivier Polge and revealing a fragrance that makes no concessions. An explosive concentrate of masculine sensuality. Surprising at first breath, its spices addictive from the very next second…

Top Notes: Chili, saffron, leather, tobacco and vetiver
Middle Notes: Bergamot and grapefruit
Base Notes: Elemi and pink pepper

Long-standing collaborators of Viktor & Rolf, the photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin created a visual campaign for Spicebomb that makes an instant impression.

The American model Sean O’Pry is in the line of sight: a mysterious, almost iconic beauty. Classic, but sexy. Virile, but sensual. What a feast for the eyes, ladies!

Just looking at the bottle you know that something is about to… go boom!

A tailor-made grenade revisited for a fragrance with an explosive scent. A chic and sophisticated weapon, given a twist with the arty touch that characterizes Viktor & Rolf. The ultimate detail: the fragrance is released by priming the pin.

Available end of September 2012.
EdT  50ml (CHF 89.-) and 90ml (CHF 119.-)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf

I love to have a subtle shimmer on my tanned skin in summer. Personally speaking, I think that it makes you look so much more radiant. Therefore I would like to introduce you to two  newly launched products that are beautifully scented while leaving your skin with the perfect golden glow.

Roger Gallet takes you on an olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace. Capture the vibrant sunshine, as well as the freshness of the leaf and the fruit, the softness of the flower and the fresh sensuality of orange wood.

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Middle notes: Ylang, orange blossom and coconut
Base notes: Cedarwood, vanilla and musk

Eau Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 59.60 (100ml)

Inspired by the luxurious gardens of the Alhambra, Eau Sublime Or takes you on an exotic olfactory journey. Once sprayed – citrus fruits from Italy refresh and delight, revealing themselves a few minutes after spraying, floral & feminine heart notes of ylang, orange blossom and coconut flower are sublimely sensual. The final touch of glamour & chic – delicate flecks of gold settle on your skin in a subtle shimmer, beautifying the skin with radiance.
Does not stain clothing.

Crème Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 34.90 (200ml)

An indulgent beauty ritual of summer glamour, illuminate your skin with Crème Sublime Or. Enriched with a cocktail of 6 nourishing oils (Macadamia, Argan, Camelia, Primrose, Sesame and gentle Almond), this luxurious body cream with a delicious and enchanting fragrance, moisturises and softens your skin for lasting hydration. Its delicate flecks of gold give a subtle illuminating effect. Rich but non-greasy, quickly absorbed by the skin. No parabens. Dermatologically tested.

For store locations, please visit the Roger Gallet’s homepage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Gallet

OPI has a very special treat in store for all of you this Holiday 2012! In celebration of James Bond’s Golden Anniversary OPI is releasing their first-ever 18 karat gold leaf top coat “The Man with the Golden Gun” together with a complete nail polish collection of 12 shades (The Spy Who Loved Me, Casino Royale, You Only Live Twice, Die Another Day, Skyfall, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Living Daylights, Live And Let Die, Tomorrow Never Dies) dedicated to the famous spy.

“For 50 years Bond beauties have graced the big screen with their dazzling looks and opulent style, and gold has always played a prominent role,” commented Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s executive VP and Artistic Director, in the press release.

Inspired by the world of 007, this stunning top coat contains real 18 karat gold and comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable gold bottle – the ultimate holiday gift!

Burgundy and golden nails were all over the F/W 2012 runways. So get your hands on this combination for the ultimate new season manicure. Available October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI