Sandra‘s Closet

Why do all great things tend to happen at the same time? This what I am asking myself constantly, for example last week, the Zurich Film Festival has officially opened, Paris Fashion Week has started, and the tempting Oktoberfest in Munich celebrated its end. As you cannot attend everything, I had to decline an exclusive invitation to Paris with a heavy heart.

Last Friday, OMEGA has officially opened its «Her Time» exhibition in the French capital at the city’s historic Hôtel de Sully. Having already been showcased in Milan, Moscow, Shanghai and Sydney, this exhibition displays the house’s evolution of women’s timepieces and changing styles, from early Lèpine pendants and the iconic Ladymatic, through to «secret jewellery watches» and today’s latest creations.

Such a beautiful family, Kaia Gerber, Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford and Presley Gerber.

As an added highlight for guests, OMEGA also welcomed Cindy Crawford along with her beautiful children, Kaia and Presley, who have recently been announced as the brand’s newest ambassadors. Moreover, a family portrait taken by Peter Lindbergh on Malibu Beach was unveiled to celebrate the occasion. Having joined OMEGA in 1995, Cindy Crawford is one of brand’s closest friends and has been a renowned figure in the house’s advertising and events for over 20 years.

Raynald Aeschlimann at last Friday’s event in Paris with the supermodel family

OMEGA’s President and CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann said about the «new family members» of his brand:«Kaia and Presley represent the next generation of watch wearers. They are good looking, motivated, inspirational and full of energy. It’s incredible to have such a passionate family tradition within our brand and I’m so excited to begin working with these two young people.»

Personally speaking, I couldn’t agree more with Raynald. Kaia and Presley are stunning as their mom, who has been one of my favorite models since ever. I had the chance to meet the family on several occasions and they are all not only super good-looking, but also extremely kind and fun to talk to.

Framed by Kaia and Cindy last January at Nikki Beach in St. Barts.

Fashion soulmates

I liked Cindy’s look a lot. Surprisingly, she decided not to go for something new season but to wear a knee-length dress in iridescent sequined jersey by Givenchy from their Pre-fall 2014 collection that I sported for the Fashion Days Zurich three years ago.

The «Her Time» exhibition can be seen at the Hôtel de Sully until the 15th of October 2017 from 9am to 7pm each day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OMEGA and © Sandra Bauknecht

Only two weeks ago, I cruised around the beautiful Amalfi Coast and enjoyed the flamboyant and vibrant lifestyle on the streets of Naples. Now, I have found the perfect fragrance that is dedicated to this South Italian lifestyle and pure femininity: DOLCE & GABBANA THE ONE Eau de Toilette.

Such a beautiful scent, a new fresh version of the celebrated fragrance classic that is available now. It is more powdery than the 2015 launched THE ONE ESSENCE Eau de Parfum and the original THE ONE Eau de Parfum from 2006. I am a big fan and needless to say… don’t we all wanna be THE ONE?!

DOLCE & GABBANA THE ONE Eau de Toilette
Oriental Floral

Top Notes: Lily, Bergamot, Mandarin, Lychee and White Peach
Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Orange Blossom and Honeyed Broom
Base Notes: Vanilla, Vetiver and Musk

30ml : CHF 69.00  –  50ml : CHF 93.00  –  100ml : CHF 121.00

The talented British actress Emilia Clarke («Game of Thrones») is the face of the campaign, the new ambassador, gifting the beautiful photos with her irresistible smile and genuine warmth. She’s the one!

Shot in the streets of Naples, with real people living their daily life, the new advertising campaign for The One was directed by the Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone.

Combining swing and jazz, the Neapolitan joyful soundtrack “Tu vuò fa’ l’americano” (“You want to be an American”) conveys even more happiness and togetherness while celebrating the genuineness and the charm of the Italian culture.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana Beauty
#DGBeauty #DGTheOne Follow @DGBeauty

Supermodel Elle Macpherson has got the nickname «The Body» for good reason: Her god-given form is, in a word, smashing! Now in her 50’s, she is even more toned, sculpted, and absolutely stunning than most 20-year-olds.

What’s her secret? Probably «THE SUPER ELIXIR™», a supplement that supports your wellbeing by keeping the body within a desired alkaline range that the blonde Australian-born developed together with nutritional expert Dr. Simone Laubscher.

“It is an investment but it’s cheaper than a good face cream.” – Elle Macpherson

Voted «Best Beauty Product 2017» by Tatler, «THE SUPER ELIXIR™» is a tasty, vegan-friendly way to have breakfast. Created from organic ingredients to maintain blood sugar levels, combat stress and provide a healthy metabolism, its combination of vitamins, Chinese herbs, enzymes and pre- and probiotics helps support optimal functionality of the body’s systems.

Mix this vitamin and mineral-rich powder with almond milk or coconut water to start each day on an energy high.

TO SHOP THE SUPER ELIXIR (300g), CLICK HERE PLEASE.
In Switzerland also available at Vestibule in Zurich.

I love this limited edition glistening gold ceramic caddy which it’s designed in collaboration with luxury lifestyle brand, AERIN and that offers «THE SUPER ELIXIR™» in a double size. It also looks great on display in your kitchen. A stylish way to prepare your breakfast.

TO SHOP THE SUPER ELIXIR + AERIN CADDY (600g), CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of THE SUPER ELIXIR™ and © Sandra Bauknecht

I love nude lipsticks. Therefore I am all excited about this new collaboration between rap queen Nicki Minaj and M∙A∙C Cosmetics. Both have worked together to develop two nude, sophisticated lipsticks, of which one is named after her 2014 album of the same name:

Nicki’s Nude – soft corally pink (amplified)
The Pinkprint – mid-tone creamy pink (amplified)

Minaj teased that she and M∙A∙C Cosmetics have more big news coming in 2018. This is the rapper’s first collaboration with the makeup brand since designing a lavender lipstick for them for their 2012 Viva Glam campaign. I am curious what will be coming up next…

Limited Edition, available 7th September, 2017 at all M∙A∙C locations, M∙A∙C Stores and at maccosmetics.ch for CHF 28.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

It is always a pleasure to be invited by Montblanc to one of their special events. This summer, it was Florence calling for the launch of the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection which takes its inspiration from safari travel and exploration.

With this beautiful vegetable-tanned leather collection that is finished with vintage gold hardware for the modern adventurer, Montblanc continues their story of innovation.
So gentlemen, whether you plan an excursion to the sandy dunes of Sahara or a safari to the plains of East Africa, this line is for you.

If you are rather an urban nomad, you will love those 1926 Montblanc Heritage piece as well as they offer an extremely chic and stylish way to carry personal items or technology around the city.

Ladies adventurers: Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc, and my humble self, exploring the launch event.

I am absolutely convinced that many ladies will fall for its vintage feel and the earthy, easy to combine desert hues, too. At the latest, when they spot the bright red printed lining that is inspired by the vibrant fabrics worn by the regal Maasai tribe.

Dubbed the Heritage 1926 collection in recognition of the year Montblanc added leather goods to its business with a small collection of pen cases, the new range features backpacks of different sizes, portfolios, document holders and brief cases, as well as a mid-size weekender and some fine stationery.

Hugh Jackman with me

The launch party took place at Europe’s largest private garden. Italian hospitality at its best with great music, fine food, beautiful displays to create a whole world around the new collection and a special guest that is a true adventurer: Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman who had flown in for this special occasion.

An Italian worker explaining how the tanning process of the leather works.

Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal explained to me that for the first time, Montblanc has been using traditional Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather that will take on a patina with age. An early trend for next summer has been spotted at Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence: Seventies-style bohemianism that plays exactly with that vintage feel that makes the products genuinely personal.

At Montblanc’s manufacture in Tuscany where the leather goods are produced.

The morning after the launch party, I visited the Montblanc manufacture in Tuscany and saw with my own eyes the leather craftsmanship that goes into each of those pieces. I was extremely impressed by the different steps that have to be applied in order to achieve the antique gold color finishing of the metal fittings or the bridge and clasp closing systems.

I am sure that the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection will be a full success among all gentlemen and ladies adventurers. Below you can enjoy some more of my impressions of this fantastic event in Florence …

LoL, Sandra

At the launch event in Florence dressed in Gucci.

The evening started with a cocktail reception in the largest private garden in Europe.

Every little detail was perfect.

Mr Hugh Jackman had fun as we did!

On our way inside the tent where dinner was served, we felt like adventurers on a safari.

You could feel the mood behind the collection perfectly.

Seated dinner

Beautiful ambiance

Pieces from the 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection on display.

Photos in Collage/Still: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Montblanc
All other photos from the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

Breaking news that disturbed my detox time: Heidi Klum collaborates with Lidl. No, I am not dehydrated or out of my mind. It is true. The famous blonde is launching a clothing collection with the German grocery store, called «Esmara by Heidi Klum: Heidi and the City».

The line was created with low price points and high fashion in mind, in order to bring Klum’s aesthetic to Lidl’s 114 Swiss stores on September 18. Altogether, it will be available in a total of 28 countries in over 10,000 stores.

“I wanted to create fashion with a wow effect that is easy to combine and makes every woman look fantastic – and all at an unbeatable price.” – Heidi Klum

The 18-piece collection features a leopard-print camisole, bomber jackets, skinny jeans and vibrant hues, as well as a real leather jacket in cognac already looking to be the collection’s hero piece. And of course Heidi models her styles herself in the #LETSWOW campaign. And if this was not enough… Klum brings the collection to New York Fashion Week where it will be revealed in it’s entirety on September 7th before going on sale on September 18th.

Even if you are not a big Heidi fan, you will have to admit, this lady is a business woman in every bone. Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lidl

Yesterday, MARC O’POLO celebrated its 50th anniversary with a very special celebrity appearance and collaboration. Robbie & Ayda Williams, synonymous for couple goals, were in the brand’s Munich flagship store to present their special edition sweatshirt in person.

«I just like pink.» – Robbie Williams

In the evening, the clothing company was rocking its birthday in festival style at its headquarters in Stephanskirchen with 1800 guests, a fashion show, and a live concert. Joining Robbie Williams that night was another celebrity and current face of the MARC O’POLO campaign, Mads Mikkelsen.

I had been so much looking forward to attending this fun night but a severe food poisoning had knocked me out and I had to stay home. Therefore I can only show you the official photos and some old ones of me with the three stars.

Left: Mads Mikkelsen, top right: Peter Lindbergh and bottom right: Robbie Williams

Personally speaking, I adore the campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh and also the sweater in pink. Too cute! The MARC O’POLO Iconic Capsule Collection is available exclusively now in MARC O’POLO Stores and on www.marc-o-polo.com.

LoL, Sandra

Werner Boeck, owner of Marc O’Polo, Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Williams attend the launch of the Marc O’Polo 50th anniversary special edition sweatshirt and the crowds in Munich go crazy.

The unveiling of the campaign and the sweater in Munich in the morning.

Cuddling moments – Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda were accompagnied by their dog ‘Showbiz’ during the launch event.

Mads Mikkelsen and his wife Hanne Jacobsen front row at the fashion show. 

Tribute at night to Marc O’Polo’s 50th anniversary… 

… with a fashion show that was quite impressive.

1800 guests at the headquarters in Stephanskirchen, Germany.

Max the Sax performed prior to the fashion show.

Photos: Getty Images for Marc O’Polo, © Sandra Bauknecht

I love when the new ad campaigns are released for the upcoming season as I always like to see what the brands have come up with. Louis Vuitton took a cast of mostly young A-list house ambassadors to be featured in the new “Series 7” campaign for the F/W 2017 collection, which takes shape in an industrial world of raw elements and stark lines.

Against this ideal cinematic backdrop photographer Bruce Weber has set a romantic ballet of never-before-seen characters and powerful heroines. Whether massed in groups, paired off, or singled out for solos, these models generate surprise against a multiplicity of décors and visuals. Among the models faithful to Nicolas Ghesquière’s imagination—a feminine cohort that he delights in transforming every season—are some prestigious guests. Riley Keough, Jaden Smith, Sophie Turner, Catherine Deneuve, and Kevin Michel arise like serendipitous interlopers in the photographs’ composition, fitting right in to the modern tale.

I especially like the close-up shot of the fantastic new embellished clutch bag!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton 

Looking for a stylish summer cover-up? Silk robe coats are the way to go, like a fashionable dream come true. Being both, extremely stylish and comfortable, they are perfect for this seemingly effortless genuine look. My favorite combination? Wearing it with a simple tank and my favorite jeans. This street-style approved trick often comes with billowing toppers that are inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos as seen on Attico designer, Giorgia Tordini, who proves that a silk bathrobe is best worn out of bed.

Get the look: Liza Var embroidered printed silk-satin wrap robe and Rosa high-rise flared jeans, both by Attico, Biggins matte-satin camisole by The Row, Cabana studded leather tote by Valentino and Portofino suede sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

To keep it from skewing too boudoir, simply opt for a version with a bit more heft and wear it open, loosely cinched at the waist or with a leather belt. So before you reach for that bomber, biker or cargo jacket, consider the silk robe coats below.

1 Raquel parrot-embellished wrap dress by Attico (40% off on sale)
2 Floral-printed silk coat by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off on sale)
3 Satin robe by Balenciaga (30% off on sale)
4 Floral kimono-style robe by Zara
5 Mulberry silk robe by Burberry (30% off on sale)
6 Capability silk robe by Olivia von Halle (30% off on sale)
7 One of a kind silk kimono by Rianna + Nina

The whole wearing pajamas as real-life, out-of-bed-clothes thing has been having an intense moment over the last couple of months, maybe for obvious reasons: when a trend prioritizes comfort and ease, it’s easy to get behind. And gentlemen you are in it, too! Jared Leto proves how gorgeous he looks in this embroidered patchwork reversible coat by Gucci.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue.com

“You don’t have to be one thing your whole life!” – Reese Witherspoon

The topic of whether women are given enough respect by Hollywood studios is a hot talking point right now. But Reese Witherspoon isn’t just a talker – she’s a doer. Five years ago, she set up a production company to create more diverse female roles, and she’s succeeding: Big Little Lies, Gone Girl, Wild… Witherspoon was a driving force behind all of them, with over 20 more in the pipeline. That’s alongside an Oscar-winning career, her fashion line DRAPER JAMES, three kids and her work for the Children’s Defense Fund. So, if a situation frustrates you, something that can and should be changed, do something about it – that’s what Reese would do.

Cold-shoulder gingham cotton and silk-blend top

Crediting her grandparents as the greatest influences in her life and the inspiration behind her lifestyle label Draper James, Reese Witherspoon is celebrating the charm and grace of the American South, the collections blend timeless style with a contemporary twist. Don’t miss this exclusive capsule collection of floral, gingham and lace dresses in ‘50s silhouettes available HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Draper James