Sandra‘s Closet

While you are reading this, I am on my way to the Cannes Film Festival. I always have a great time there and have so many wonderful memories such as the dinner I attended with the lovely film crew of «High Strung» and Swarovski. As I am a ballerina myself, I absolutely adore this movie.

Dancing with the main actors: Jane Seymour, Nicholas Galitzine and Keenan Kampa.

The plot is about a hip hop violinist is busking in the New York subway. When he encounters a classical dancer on scholarship at the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts, sparks fly. With the help of a hip hop dance crew they must find a common ground while preparing for a competition that could change their lives forever.

My look that night: Black embellished cocktail dress and cutout leather platform pumps, both by Saint Laurent, embellished clutch by Balmain, Limelight Gala watch
 by Piaget, leather bracelet by Hermès, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I am a huge fan of niche fragrances and haute perfumery. But there is one Maison that has always impressed me with its “commercial” launches and that is GUERLAIN. Founded in 1828, the French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house is among the oldest in the world. Perfumes by Guerlain are often said to be characterized by a common olfactory accord known as the “Guerlinade“. Let me introduce you to the newest creation:

Thierry Wasser at work

This spring, Guerlain, that was acquired in 1994 by the LVMH group, has launched a new fragrance for a strong, free and sensual woman, MON GUERLAIN, orchestrated by Guerlain Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser. The new women’s fragrance is embodied by Angelina Jolie, an icon of modern, multi-faceted femininity.

Angelina Jolie, the face of Mon Guerlain

Why her? “We create perfumes for the women we admire” said Jacques Guerlain, creator of mythical fragrances such as Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s Master Perfumer, drew his inspiration from Angelina Jolie to create a fragrance expressing the idea of the “notes of a woman”: the choices, emotions and dreams that embody modern femininity.

The partnership between Angelina and Guerlain was agreed in Cambodia in December 2015, where she was directing her film First They Killed My Father. It has its roots, however, in Angelina’s childhood memory of her own mother’s love of a Guerlain powder. Angelina Jolie is a filmmaker, Special Envoy of the UN Refugee Agency and co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative. She has donated her entire salary from the Guerlain campaign to charity.

At the heart of the fragrance composition is Tahitensis vanilla – also present in Jicky, Shalimar and Habit Rouge – joined by Carla lavender, Sambac jasmine and sandalwood. Melding fresh and sensual feminine and masculine notes, this audacious accord gives Mon Guerlain its power and modernity.

Mon Guerlain – Carla Lavender

The bottle for the new fragrance revisits the celebrated quadrilobe bottle, inspired by an alchemist’s flacon, designed by Gabriel Guerlain and crafted by Baccarat in 1908. One century later, it is beautifully enhanced by a luxurious glass weight and a golden adornment.

The Mon Guerlain fragrance collection features:
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum spray 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum bottle 1 l

 Mon Guerlain Perfumed Body Lotion 200ml and Mon Guerlain Perfumed Shower Gel 200ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Always on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes place and its 150-foot-long red carpet is probably one of the most-watched fashion events of the year with a gazillion of celebrities walking it in the most exquisite gowns. This year, it celebrated the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” that will go on until September 4, 2017.

Today I would like to share my personal list of best-dressed (and worst-dressed) celebrities that made their way last night into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur for the party of the year. The dress code called for avant-garde black tie, either you go big or go home, enjoy!

My favorite look on the red carpet: Lily-Rose Depp‘s pink Chanel look detailed with oversized silver camellias and a creeping vine.

Who did meet the dress code the best? The answer is clearly Rihanna. She showed up once again in a full-on fashion fantasy from the Comme des Garçons F/W 2016 runway that was also an architectural miracle, paired with Rihanna Loves Chopard jewelry.

As 2017 Met Gala cochair of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition, Pharell Williams wore ripped denim by Comme des Garçons Jeans with a black biker jacket, and plaid shirt. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, paired her straight-off-the-F/W-2017-runway red onesie with a blonde topknot. Not showing any arms, it looked like a fashionable straightjacket.

Cara Delevingne appeared as a sci-fi fashion fantasy wearing an embellished pantsuit from Chanel‘s Spring 2017 Couture collection. I love how she always surprises.

One of my favorites! Even that Zendaya rejected the theme of the night, she ensured all eyes were on her wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print.

Two thumbs up for bringing glamour to the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in a Valentino dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Lily Collins showed up with a graphic dark bob and black lipstick, juxtaposing her sweet Giambattista Valli gown and her fierce Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Plus-size model Ashley Graham channeled her inner flamenco dancer in a fabulous custom H&M dress. So pretty!

I am in love with Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown that featured a draped gold beading at the bodice, giving way to a plumed train in shades of blue. She had the best accessory of the night with her … her husband:-)! Couple goals I would say!

Another one arrived with her handsome husband who might have thought looking at his wife Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCartney, of Ed Sheeran singing «I’m in love with the shape of you» …

If you don’t have a husband to bring, bring the designer of your dress! That was Dakota Johnson‘s motto of the night, as she appeared in a stunning ruffled black Gucci gown with Alessandro Michele at her side.

Radiant like a sun goddess, actress Jessica Chastain in a yellow fluid Prada gown paired with some stunning Piaget jewelry.

Lupita Nyong’o also dazzled in Prada, pulling off the vibrant orange shade with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing in a nude, asymmetrical Cinderella-esque Tommy Hilfiger dress. I am just not so sure about the stay-up.

Showstopper! Leave it to Bella Hadid to steal the show in a glittering catsuit by none other than Alexander Wang. She looked so fabulous!

Priyanka Chopra did not disappoint in a bold Ralph Lauren trench coat gown with an unbelievably long train. Very different, something I like. I am just not a big fan of her booties in combination.

Like it or not, the award for most nude goes to none other than Kendall Jenner, whose slinky La Perla Haute Couture dress will absolutely go down in Met Gala history.

When it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s understated Calvin Klein dress, I love the cut and the color, but I am not fond of the ankle length.

Katy Perry was unfortunately not among my favorites last night. The custom red tulle gown by Maison Margiela, designed by John Galliano himself, was topped with a heavy-looking wool coat covered in adornments like tulle flowers and plenty of beads. On the veil, a cryptic message across her eyes spelling “Witness” was embroidered, nevertheless it was truly one of the night’s most creative looks.

My favourite picture of the night! Have a look at Sarah Paulson dressed in a beautiful classy Prada gown. Her facial expression says everything! The American Horror Story actress seemed to have a heart attack after bumping into Madonna with the designer of her camouflage Moschino dress by her side, Jeremy Scott. Declaring war on fashion in camouflage, the famous singer was definitely not going incognito. I am not a fan of her look.

Swiss power at the Met Gala… Roger Federer in Gucci. I adore this snake embellishment on his back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Getty Images, © Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock, © Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Those stylish GUCCI paper fans will make your summer days so much cooler. Comprised of paper and a wooden handle, the designs by Alessandro Michele derive inspiration from Japan. Too cool!

Click on the highlighted text below, to be transferred directly to the store.

Owl printed fan

Flower printed fan

As if Beyoncé didn’t have enough fans :-)… she was spotted at a basketball game in New Orleans in a dramatic floor-length Gucci fur-trimmed kimono and a paper fan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

«Fashion stole my smile» is actually hard to believe when you think that Victoria Beckham received yesterday the Order of the British Empire ceremony as the designer’s and former pop star’s contributions to the national fashion industry were honored at Buckingham Palace. Wouldn’t we all be grinning if we received such a recognition from Prince William?! Dressed in one of her iconic ladylike knit dresses, she was accompanied to the palace by her parents and husband, David Beckham, who was granted the same title 13 years ago.

The dress was really beautiful and cozy. Its bouncing hem gave her a young school girl-like look that she paired with her signature sky-rocketing stilettos for a posh overall look.

Still the question, which she hates the most, is there: Why doesn’t she ever smile?

«I’m smiling on the inside—I feel I have a responsibility to the fashion community.» – Victoria Beckham

Recently she was spotted at LAX airport in a T-shirt from her Victoria, Victoria Beckham Pre-fall 2017 line, that has almost sold out in a second. It should put the issue to rest once and for all.

The slogan tee «Fashion Stole My Smile» is available now for £95.00 online in black and white and in her London store at 36 Dover Street.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF VICTORIA BECKHAM ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victoria Beckham, © Getty Images

This Monday, I had the great honor as guest of Lindt to watch two world-class tennis players, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, competing against each other in the charity Match for Africa 3 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, raising CHF 1.4 million for the Roger Federer Foundation.

Roger Federer with me before the match last Monday.

“I believe in the power of people. We know that a good education is a decisive factor to empower children by allowing them to take their future into their own hands,” said Roger Federer, who will play a fourth Match for Africa against John Isner on April 29 in Seattle, WA. “With my foundation, we want to provide one million children with the opportunity for a quality education by the end of 2018.”

Donations can be made online at match-for-africa.com.

My tennis-inspired look: Twill bomber jacket, matching jersey-trimmed pleated twill mini dress and silk twill scarf with pendant, all by Gucci, suede overknee boots by Roberto Cavalli, Betty Medium Chain leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent and mirrored sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For her S/S 2017 Fenty x Puma collection, Rihanna imagined what Marie Antoinette would wear to the gym. I mean it is bad news for the late queen that it took 223 years until someone finally made her a collection of sport clothes. Good news is that the collection is so stunning that it was definitely worth the wait and that we are happy to enjoy it now!

Last fall, Bad Gal Riri made her Paris Fashion Week debut with satin corsets, lace fans, sweatshirts and pearls, lace do-rags and just about everything else you could imagine the infamous Marie Antoinette wearing while working out. Royal athleisure it was!

Olive-hued, satin-bow slides

Her absolute know-how can be seen in the footwear that still manages to sell out at every drop as those olive-hued, satin-bow slides that debuted earlier this month.

Satin sneaker

Now, more Marie Antoinette-inspired Fenty x Puma will be coming soon afterwards, with more arrivals expected to drop on a monthly basis until June, starting on April 15, 2017.

TO SHOP FENTY X PUMA BY RIHANNA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Get ’em while they’re hot (and in stock)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fenty x Puma by Rihanna

Today, luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget launches at NET-A-PORTER, marking the first time the elegant creations by the iconic Swiss Maison will be sold through a luxury global online retailer, aside from their standalone stores and own brand e-commerce site.

“As the ultimate e-commerce platform for luxury, NET-A-PORTER is the ideal partner for Piaget’s first foray outside of the Maison’s own channels. We are delighted to bring the Piaget Possession collection to the NET-A-PORTER client as she shares many of the same values as Piaget: audacious creativity, elegant style and positive energy.”
Chabi Nouri, Piaget CEO as of the 1st of April 2017

NET-A-PORTER will launch both fine jewellery and watch creations from «Possession», a signature Piaget collection that welcomes colour for the first time with an assortment of bold ornamental stones, the so-called «Possession Colour Collection». The introduction of bright and bold Piaget colours to an iconic jewellery collection called for an equally vibrant and colourful collaboration with a woman who embodies the vitality of Possession. A dynamic force in the world of fashion, Olivia Palermo is the face of the campaign for Piaget for the second year running.

The collection trigger an emotion, a collection the buyer pins to a memory, or a mark of success as a gift to herself or to someone else.

A key feature with each piece is the movement – this is the only collection of jewellery known that has movement. The central band on the ring turns – spinning it can be quite addictive – the bezel between each cabochon on the pendant also turns, as does the diamond bands set against each cabochon on the bracelets. It is this feature of turning that evokes the particular memory for the wearer.

Possession 18-karat rose gold, malachite and diamond necklace

There is an incredible selection available to purchase in diamonds or in an array of captivating colours. Depending on your favourite shade, or what a certain colour may mean to you, you can choose from:

· Lapis lazuli – is said to represent friendship, truth and brings harmony into relationships.
· Malachite – is said to garner protection against ‘the evil eye’ and also attracts love and money.
· Onyx – is said to repel negativity and protects the wearer against hostility from others.
· Carnelian – is believed to bring it’s wearer good luck, helps to calm ones temper and brings about good humour.
· Turquoise – is believed to attract money, success and love and is the stone of friendship in many cultures.

If you love all of the colours and simply cannot chose, the trend for stacking bracelets remains and you can decorate your wrists with all colours and their significant meanings.

The tagline behind Piaget’s «Possession» collection is «turn and the world is yours» signifying the power and success of women who wear the beautiful pieces

If you need help choosing, let me know by shooting me an e-mail to and I will be happy to give you some direction. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

TO SHOP PIAGET ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

On Thursday night, the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival officially started in Berlin, Germany. For the ‘Django‘ premiere at Berlinale Palace, German actress Alina Levshin showed up in one of my favorite Resort 2017 dresses by Fendi. Probably not my favorite look for the red carpet, but I am absolutely in love with this piece. Can you picture it with cute little beach sandals and no tights… it is divine!

Get her look: Off-the-shoulder bow-embellished striped cotton-poplin mini dress by Fendi,
Celeste embellished suede clutch and Rosa 100 satin pumps with clip-on fur pompoms, both by Jimmy Choo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images

Last night, the Super Bowl took place in Houston, Texas. If you are not familiar with it, just a brief explanation. It is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football in the world. The day on which the Super Bowl is played, is now considered by some as an unofficial American national holiday, is called “Super Bowl Sunday“. Believe me, I lived in the States, it is truly a lot of fun! Can you imagine… it is the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption, after Thanksgiving Day and in addition, the Super Bowl has frequently been the most-watched American television broadcast of the year; the seven most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history are Super Bowls.

Therefore brands are eager to collaborate and advertise on that day while this sports event fascinates the nation. This year, Tiffany & Co. and Atelier Versace took center stage with the help of Lady Gaga who dazzled with a stunning half-time show.

She opened the show in a futuristic custom made, Atelier Versace fully beaded iridescent jumpsuit with sculptural shoulder detail and matching fully embroidered boots, both with Swarovski crystal accents.

She later topped her look off with a custom-made, Atelier Versace cropped gold jacket fully embroidered with Swarovski accents and accentuated with armor-like shoulder pads topped with a cluster of dramatic gold spikes.

For her final set, the singer wore another custom-made, Atelier Versace look, this time rocking a pair of fully embroidered hot-pants and cropped sculptural white jacket made of a special silicon material with metallic hardware details and coordinating Swarovski crystal accents.

And that was not all… Lady Gaga was everywhere on Super Bowl Sunday, except not playing the game. The pop star is the face of Tiffany & Co.’s new fashion jewelry collection, Tiffany HardWear.

Pieces from the new Tiffany HardWear collection.

She stars in the new ad campaign that aired last night for the first time right before her half-time performance. It marks the first time Tiffany has advertised during the Super Bowl, but it has a long connection with the game. The company has crafted the Vince Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the winning team, since the game’s inception.

Former US Vogue editor Grace Coddington served as creative director of the new campaign, which was photographed by David Sims. “In New York, you’re born knowing that Tiffany is the best, and that it is where the magic happens,” Gaga said in a statement. The shoot is part of Tiffany’s long-running Legendary Style campaign, which has previously featured Lupita Nyong’o and Elle Fanning.

See the one minute movie below:

It will be interesting to watch the famous jewelry brand’s future development as it goes through tumultuous time in its history. Earlier Sunday the House announced that CEO Frederic Cumenal stepped down. Former CEO Michael Kowalski is leading the company until a replacement is found. The resignation came amid a time of plummeting sales for the brand.

Let’s boost the economy and shop a beautiful piece from Tiffany & Co. which is also available now at NET-A-PORTER.

LOVE IT! Tom Brady holding his daughter Vivian and kissing his wife Gisele Bündchen.

Ah sorry, I completely forgot to tell you, who won… ok first of all, fashion again. Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen‘s husband, has now a record for the fifth Super Bowl win for a quarterback after the biggest comeback in the game’s 51-year history. In one of the most exciting games in recent Super Bowl history, the winner of the game is the New England Patriots. The Atlanta Falcons were off to an early lead in the game, but the Patriots were able to catch up and tied the game.

And everyone please never forget:

Thank you to the lovely Kelly Fisher Katz, for this fun quote. Gentlemen, her husband Martin Katz, offers just the right pieces… just saying!

Have a lovely evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christopher Polk/Getty Images, © Tom Pennington/Getty Images and Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.