Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Padma Lakshmi’s talents have taken her from actress to cookbook author extraordinaire, top model to host of «Top Chef»… and now, to designer of a M∙A∙C capsule collection! Her eye shadow palettes and individual colours are designed to take you from day to deep night – and last through all the culinary adventures in between.

DESERT DUSK EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

INDIAN MOON Creamy gold with sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
SHELL PEACH Muted peachy pink (Satin)
HOPPER BLUE Sky blue with white sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
NATURAL BROWN Deep creamy brown (Matte)

70’S SUNSET EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SAND & CLAY Mid-tone cool beige (Matte)
CARDAMOM Cool light green with white frost (Veluxe Pearl)
MUMTAZ Coppery purple with gold sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
ALL’S ROSY Mid-tone plum with gold (Matte)

LIPSTICK, CHF 31.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SUNSET ROSE Creamy brown with pearl (Cremesheen)
NUDE FUDGE Mid-tone neutral (Matte)
BLUE BLOOD True red (Matte)
APRICOT GOLD Mid-tone peach nude (Amplified)
MITTAI PINK Hot fuchsia (Matte)
SUMAC Deep plum (Matte)

POWDER BLUSH DUO, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON & SHINE Frosty highlight (Frost) / Warm beige (Matte)
MELON PINK Bright peachy pink with gold sparkle (Satin) / Mid-tone orange (Frost)

POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL (DUAL-ENDED), CHF 29.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

ICED HEATHER/KERALA SUN Silver frost/Pure gold
INDIAN INK/MOSSY GREEN Pure black/Deep green
BORDEAUXLINE/MOLE BROWN Deep plum/Cool brown

BRUSH, (LIMITED EDITION)

168SES Large Angled Contour Brush (CHF 54.00)
275SES Medium Angled Shading Brush (CHF 40.00)
213/219SES Fluff Brush / Pencil (CHF 48.00)

CREMESHEEN GLASS, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE)

NEFERTITI Peachy gold with sparkle

Available from March 8, 2018 online and at selected stores. In Switzerland at MAC Jelmoli Zurich, MAC store Zurich, MAC Globus Lausanne and Geneva, MAC counter Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

Ronan Keating‘s wife Storm is not only one of the most stylish woman I know – she was nominated for Great Britain’s VIP Style Award for Most Stylish Woman in 2016 – but also an absolute sweetheart. She works as designer, brand ambassador and TV producer. During SIHH 2018 she was an absolute eye candy in her very upscale outfit – sporting the transparent trend in perfection.

Get the look: Perforated stretch-knit maxi dress (70% off – in case your size is missing, it is also available here for 50% off), Aurore leather-trimmed stretch-knit sock boots (40% off), both by Balmain, corset stretch bodysuit by Live The Process, and gold Louise clutch by Louis Vuitton.

I have the same dress and cannot wait to wear it soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos © David M. Benett/Dave Benett and Chris Jackson/Getty Images for IWC 

British jewelry designer and daughter of Mick Jagger, Jade Jagger brings her gemstone proclivities and free-spirited sensibilities to a collection for M·A·C. In tribute to her rock ‘n’ roll heritage, Jagger shares all the lustre of her eclectic lifestyle with pearlescent Mineralize Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Blushes and Skinfinish. Jewel tones and deep golds take on all the cool glamour of the designer’s vision. Below she tells us a little bit more about her inspiration:

Jade Jagger

Jade, can you share with us your inspiration for the collection?
Maybe I’m not quite as young and adventurous as my daughters are with makeup, but my inspiration speaks truly to the gold tones since they suit everyone and are universally accepted no matter the time of the day. I love the lipsticks and the eye shadow palettes because the application is so buildable. I can go quite natural during the day and while I’m in the car going to an event at night I can use that same lipstick or palette to create a more defined or daring look. The jewel-like tones and reflective pigments in my M∙A∙C collection were inspired by the precious stones used in my jewellery designs. 

Georgia May Jagger, Jade Jagger, Lizzy Jagger

Who is Jade Jagger and who are her role models/strongest influences?
Jade Jagger is a mother and a designer and a strong willed and sexy person to me. I’m influenced by so many things in the world and we are so fortunate to be alive. Different points in nature and the insurgence of cultures really brings indigenous beauty to the forefront of my mind. I love getting inspiration from modern people and architecture and studying the simple things like the shape of a leaf or the colour of the sky. Finding influence in these ways has always been a big part of me. It’s so hard to remember everything that I’ve been inspired by but Andy Warhol played a huge part since he was so intimate with his work yet itappealed to such a huge culture.

The beautiful end result of the collaboration

How was the creative process with M∙A∙C and what was the key concept you wanted to deliver?
The creative process with M∙A∙C was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was so creative, inspiring, and kind hearted, really making sure to take my visions and bring them to fruition. I really had to understand that there was an entire process to learn when it comes to creating a makeup line and deciding on what the packaging would look like. It was great to have creativeliberty and really make something that I feel so proud of.

Rings from Jade Jaggers’ Neverending Collection

What are the similarities and differences in launching this collection and designing your pieces?
Designing my jewellery pieces is quite similar to developing my collection with M∙A∙C when it came to gathering ideas and understanding the needs and the wants. The main difference that I found, was with my M∙A∙C collaboration, we are creating so many products that are being launched as a collection. There needs to be elements that connect each piece to one another and create this comprehensive makeup story that we are trying to tell. When it comes to my jewellery designs, I’m not necessarily looking at it as a collection, but rather I make a lot of unique one-off pieces that create individual stories of their own.

Jade Jagger sketching

How do you keep your designs refreshing and unique?
Each year we go through a regeneration process. We get influence by bringing all of these different experiences together whether the basis is architecture or the garden, I’m able to determine these new concepts based on everything I’m exposed to. I’m always keeping notes and doing sketches, so delivering unique pieces is a stable yet growing and organic process.

Thank you, Jade, for this insight!
Let’s know have a closet look on the make-up collection itself:

BURNING LIGHTS MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

NANO NUDE Soft beige
SUEDE Mid-tone bronze
SPACE Dark olive brown
JUNGLE GREEN Dark green

GOLDEN SHINE MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

CHAMPAGNE Soft champagne gold
ROSE Rose gold
GOLDEN Bright copper
BROWN Deep reddish brown

MINERALIZE RICH LIPSTICK, CHF 36.00 CAD (LIMITED EDITION)

OPAL BEACH Soft peach nude
SUNSET PEARL Mid-tone rosy brown
ROLLING RED Pinkish red

MINERALIZE BLUSH, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON SHIMMER Soft peach with brown
PERFECT BRONZE Rose with brown

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SATIN SHIMMER Deep brown with gold pearl

The collection is exclusively available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, © Pamela Berkovic, © Robert St Sparks, © Robery Astley Sparke – #MACJadeJagger

Last weekend, I was in Gstaad for the 8th edition of the famous ASMALLWORLD Winter Weekend. The three days in the snow (in this year’s case a lot of snow) of the private international travel and social club has become known as one of the most fun events of the year.

Guests from all over the world came to the chic Swiss winter getaway for great fun, parties, dancing, fondue and philanthropy. This year’s surprise guest was no other than Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper, musician and actor, who first achieved fame as a member of the New Jersey hip hop group The Fugees, entertained ASW members spontaneously with special performances during dinner or at the after parties. His catchy slogan of the weekend? « There is always an after party after the after party!» And the three-time Grammy Awards winner was right as we danced the night away…

The famous Gstaad Palace opens its doors one week before the season officially starts just for the ASW Winter Weekend.

Bugatti love!

Shopping suite with La Martina.

The weekend kicked off with the Chairman’s Apéro in the Gstaad Palace lobby, which is personally speaking the best one in the world. The night continued with a special theme: «La Vie en Or», glamorous with a touch of gold. Caviar and vodka were served and we partied late at the hotel’s night club GreenGo. For my look, click here for the previous post please.

Stunning Beluga ice bar outside.

On display: the raffle prizes, two beautiful watches by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The stunning golden decor in the «Salle Baccarat».

Dancing and hotel queen: Ljuba Manz 

The Chairman’s Apéro

Golden girls and fashionistas by heart: Irina Cerutti and Nataly Parafieva

The gorgeous ASW team!

Surprise performance by Wycleaf Jean and the Phly Boyz

Saturday was all about indulging in the mountain scenery with a lift ride to the Wasserngrat restaurant. The snowy weather and the freezing cold temperatures didn’t stop anyone. To the sounds of the Phly Boyz we all warmed up and enjoyed the après-ski inspired lunch with wine and fondue.

Swiss cosiness

Framed by Patrick Liotard-Vogt and Ferrari racing driver Josh Cartu

Ljuba Manz with her husband Marco Conte

Former Swedish ice hockey star Peter Forsberg with his lovely wife Nicole Nordin.

With Wycleaf Jean and Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Best Friends: Patrick Liotard-Vogt, Derek Tanner, Micaela Savides, Noelle Frautschi and Dr. Pablo Richard.

Swiss cheese fondue at its best!

Let the music play!

The culmination of the weekend was the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner at Gstaad Palace’s «Salle Baccarat», followed by the after party in the lobby that was transformed into the hottest club of the town for that night. Wyclef Jean surprised us once more, such a talented musician.

Gian Testa and Katja Grauwiler of Grauwiler Testa PR surrounded by friends

Swedish friends: Karl-Hendrik Nilsson, Justine Petrén, Peter Forsberg and Nicole Nordin.

CEO Asmallworld Jan Luescher with his lovely girlfriend Emily Maynind

Armand Arton, Raquel Marquard and my humble self to the left.

Alain and Violet Lentz with ASW CEO Jan Luescher and Emily Maynind

Martin Tobler Parmigiani Fleurier with his girlfriend Maja El Assali

Congrats and thank you to Martin and Jessica Tönnesson for their generosity. They auctioned of a lunch with Robert de Niro on the set of «The Irishman» and a song with Wycleaf Jean.

Brothers: Patrick and Olivier Liotard-Vogt 

Former Brosis singer Indira Weis had a lot of fun.

My beautiful friend Raquel Marquard with me.

Thank you, ASMALLWORLD, for another fantastic weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

In collage: Printed satin-jacquard midi dress by Marni, velvet platform ankle boots by Prada and swimsuit by Eres.

«The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.» – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Each year PANTONE, the global color authority, chooses one Color of the Year, like a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2018, it is a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade: PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Purple Rain: Prince performing in 1985

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Ultra violet on the S/S 2018 runways: Gucci – Balenciaga – Moschino

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

To shop ULTRA VIOLET, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Belted asymmetric silk-mousseline blouse by Balenciaga

Spandex pumps by Balenciaga

Nail Polish in Ultra Violet (Pantone Collection) by Butter London

Embellished-leaf satin pouch by Attico

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pantone

On Tuesday at the premiere of «Fack Ju Goethe 3» in Zurich, German actress Jella Haase caught my eye in this stunning outfit. First of all, I love velvet in burgundy but paired with a touch of it looks so chic and modern. Two thumbs up for her stylist!

Get her look: Long-sleeved velvet dress by Saint Laurent, Besa leather shoulder bag by Roksanda and Gianvito 105 velvet pumps by Gianvito Rossi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Jella Haase’s Instagram @jella_h

Last Sunday, I had a very interesting afternoon as guest of SWAROVSKI that made its debut with the «WOMEN OF IMPACT» discussion featuring Hollywood star Glenn Close, who had come to Switzerland that day to promote her new movie «THE WIFE» (in which the protagonist liberates herself from her husband) and to be honored with the Golden Icon Award at the 13th Zurich Film Festival.

Women of impact from left to right: Nadja Swarovski, Carolina Müller-Möhl, Glenn Close, Annie Starke and Nadja Schildknecht.

The famous actress joined her daughter Annie Starke (who also plays in the movie «THE WIFE»), Astrid von Stockar, and Member of the Swarovski Executive Board Nadja Swarovski for the «WOMEN OF IMPACT» talk, organized by the Müller-Möhl Foundation and Spoundation Motion Picture, that focused on the role of women in business and society, and women’s opportunities to create positive impact.

Glenn Close with me on Sunday after the talk at the Zurich Film Festival Summit Dinner at Terrasse.

Regarded as one of the most famous actresses of her generation, the Grand Dame of Hollywood has spent a successful 40 years working in the film business. Her roles in «FATAL ATTRACTION», «DANGEROUS LIAISONS» and, more recently, «ALBERT NOBBS» are unforgettable. But the multitalented Close is also a celebrated and successful screenwriter and producer with a total of highly respectable six Academy Award nominations to her name. Younger audiences will know Close for her award-winning portrayal in the TV series «DAMAGES».

Nadja Swarovski

The conversation started with a one to one discussion Nadja Swarovski, for whom «this exciting event provides a fantastic platform to showcase our passion for culture and the performing arts, alongside our wider commitment to supporting women’s empowerment issues across society.»

Swarovski strives to empower women across its value chain, from those who craft its products to those who wear them. The Swarovski Foundation partners with global charities to support programs that work with women on the ground, promoting their economic, social and political empowerment. Swarovski is also a signatory of the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of principles for business offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

How can you have impact as a woman?

Nadja Swarovski: Knowledge is power. Nobody can strip you from that knowledge, wether this is through your education or experience. If you have that tool, you can have that positive impact in the world.

Do you have a female quota at Swarovski?

Nadja Swarovski: It is amazing how the company has changed over the last 30 years. At this moment now we are 70% female workers in the factories and the offices. But our customer base is 90% women in terms of sales purchasing or gift giving. It helps Swarovski that we have so many female workers as they can identify themselves with the consumer in the end of the day and know what they would like to wear. This has all an impact on the product design, the marketing and more.

You are the only female board member. Do you have a different style?

Nadja Swarovski: I definitely have a different style. I am also half American which gives me another style. I am more outspoken than the Tyrolean girl. Moreover, I was also very blessed to be raised by a very kind father and grandfather. This shapes your attitude towards men differently in a more embracing way. In general, I am convinced that intelligent men do not feel threatened by women. They enjoy the collaboration.

Do you have advantages?

Nadja Swarovski: One advantage is certainly motherhood, that female point of you which a man can or cannot rely to.

Why do you think Europe is still so far behind equality in the business field between men and women?

Nadja Swarovski: I think American women consider themselves more equal to men. They have a deeper understanding of the human condition. My theory is that this is because Europe was suffering so much during World War II. The men were at war, the women were home. I think those roles between the fighter and the mother were so much more distinguished. We almost just growing out of it now.

Glenn Close coming on stage with her daughter Annie Starke

How did you experience your role in «The Wife»?

Glenn Close: It was a fascinating challenge to play a woman pre-feminism. My daughter Annie plays her in the ’50s. It basically is a movie for me about this complex relationship as marriage. It resonated with me. I think I never like to go over the same emotional territory just to keep myself interested and to stretch as an artist. So this was definitely new territory for me.

Do you think that women of your generation have a different approach towards men?

Glenn Close: I cannot speak for all women of my generation but I can speak personally. I think my first instinct, and I wasn’t disabused of it by my mother, was to confront a man with: «Who do you like me to be? I can be that!» And then all of a sudden you find yourself saying: «But I am not that person.» Either you have to do something about not being in a relationship anymore or if you are lucky, you have a relationship that can evolve with you.

Women in the ’50s like my mother were expected to support their husbands. My dad was a brilliant doctor. My mother never went to college. They got married very young at the age of 18. She started to raise the children and never complaint. In the end of her life, she said that she feels like she never has accomplished anything. And we would always say: «But you raised us.» For me that was sad. She was an incredible women, had a library but my father never really supported her interests. Therefore I like the movie as it has great messages for both, men and women.

Is it true that behind every great man, there is always a greater woman?

Glenn Close: Yes, I think probably men do better when they have a great support by a woman.

Do you think that being with somebody in your industry makes a relationship easier?

Glenn Close: I dated both, and it didn’t work out. I dated civilians as I call them and actors. I think it is the personality, you cannot generalize. I see wonderful relationships within my industry that have lasted a long time and I am very envious. It can happen and it is wonderful when it happens. I look at my wonderful daughter and my future son-in-law who works in the financial business and who is extremely supportive to her.

What would be your advice for a young actress?

Glenn Close: You have this crazy belief that you will be able to live this dream. You have that engine that keeps you going and you have to get up and up and up.

My theory is that it is not about how many times you fall down, it is how many times you get up!

You have many choices to take. My advice is to be very subjective about what you think is good and be as true to that as you possibly can. I have always trusted that if I thought something was worth putting the time and energy in, that other people would feel the same way. It is deeply gratifying for me to achieve this award because it means that people agreed that the stories I have chosen to tell have been worth telling.

It can be hard to get great roles at a certain age but you seem to be the opposite, why?

Glenn Close: I think maybe because I am always open to anything and I don’t have to have a certain paycheck to do something. After a while you hope of course for a good paycheck especially when your daughter is getting married (laughs).

Thank you for having me! Let’s all become women of impact! Let’s start in our daily life with our children, family members and friends… if we make an impact in our close circle, we will already create a much better world. Give a smile to the people you meet on the street, already this makes a positive impact on others.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Remy Steiner/Getty Images for Swarovski, via ZFF
© Sandra Bauknecht