Sandra‘s Closet

Another sad news was broken over the Christmas weekend. A true icon of music has left us, George Michael died of heart failure at the age of 53 in his home in Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire in Great Britain.

I find it almost ironic that I associate George Michael always with one of his big hits «Last Christmas» he had with the ’80s pop group Wham! whose other famous songs include «Wake Me Up.. Before You Go Go», and «Club Tropicana» among others.

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of WHAM! in 1983 

When the duo split up, he easily managed to transition to become a credible singer and songwriter with timeless ballads like «Careless Whisper». His debut solo album «Faith» catapulted him to super stardom in 1987.

George Michael and Elton John backstage at Live Aid Concert, 1985 

Yesterday, a part of my childhood has died. Sir Elton John was among the shocked celebrities paying tribute to the star on social media. He wrote: «I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP.»

George Michael in 2016

George Michael, you will always stay in our hearts!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Rex, Redferns

Mariah Carey, «songbird supreme», has once again teamed up with M·A·C Cosmetics for a second holiday-themed makeup collection. The singer has dazzled us with her songs and timeless contributions to music for decades and now brings her extraordinary glamour for the second time to an iconic makeup collection with M·A·C that’s all you’ll ever want. After a successful 2015 partnership, Carey and M·A·C are ready for round two and we are, too.

Needless to say, there is plenty of glitter incorporated into the collection itself, which includes many beautiful sparkeling products that I can absolutely recommend for the festive season. I am anyway a «smokey eyes – nude lips» type of girl and Mariah Carey x M·A·C offers everything I adore.

#MACMariahCarey is available now. Have a look at all the products below and happy weekend shopping:

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
All I Want – champagne shimmer (Frost)
Bit of Bubbly – soft pinky nude (Cremesheen)
Dahhlinggg! – pinky peach (Cremesheen)
MCizzle – cool peach (Cremesheen)
I Get So OOC – shimmering brown (Frost)

LIPGLASS – CHF 29.00
It’s Just Like Honey – tan shimmer
Rainbow Interlude – soft white shimmer
Little Miss Monroe – true gold shimmer
Dreamlover – dirty pink shimmer
Butterfly Bling – pink bronze shimmer (Online Exclusive)

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL – CHF 33.00
So Dramatique – deep brown
New Ombre – cool peach

I’M THAT CHICK YOU LIKE EYESHADOW X 4 – CHF 60.00
Whenever You Call – yellow gold (Veluxe Pearl)
Can’t Escape Me – dirty mocha with gold pearl (Satin)
Golden Petals Scattering – cool brown shimmer (Frost)
How You Thrill Me – rich dark brown (Satin)

IT’S EVERYTHING EYESHADOW X 4 – CHF 60.00
Diamond Butterfly – silver white shimmer (Frost)
I’d Give My All – muted mid-tone grey (Lustre)
Images of Rapture – muted black with red shimmer (Velvet)
Twinks – deep plum with pearl (Veluxe Pearl)

LIQUID EYE LINER – CHF 31.00
This is My Night – rich brown-black

POWDER BLUSH – CHF 36.00
You’ve Got Me Feeling – light candy pink
Sweet Sweet Fantasy – deep coral

LOOSE POWDER – CHF 49.00
Touch My Body – radiant gold shimmer

EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH – CHF 56.00
My Mimi – warm gold shimmer

BRUSHES
183 Buffer – CHF 69.00
239 Eye Shader – CHF 40.00

LASHES – CHF 19.00
05 – 36

On my shopping list:
Extra Dimension Skinfinish, Buffer Brush, Lipstick in Dahhlinggg! and Lipgloss in Dreamlover.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2012, my relationship as MONTBLANC ambassador started with the launch of my very own ink Sandra Berry, a fuchsia hue, that was limited to 100 pieces.

My beautiful limited edition Sandra Berry ink by Montblanc.

Now, in 2016, I was honored to be part of their new social media campaign that focuses on the Urban Spirit collection, a brand new leather line defined by its innovative functionality – the ultimate companion for the independent traveller’s daily needs.

Being featured on Montblanc’s Facebook page along with brand ambassador Hugh Jackman, how cool is this?!

For the campaign I had to answer some questions about myself and the city of Zurich:

Favorite place in your city and why ?
I love the area around the Stadthausquai and the Münsterbrücke as it makes me feel like being in Paris. It shows the beauty of Zurich in perfection.

What does Urban Spirit in your city inspires you?
The urban spirit of Zurich is very cosmopolitan, combining Swiss traditions with cultural influences from all over the world. It is a melting pot that inspires me every day just by hearing different languages. Zurich is a metropole and a small little village at the same time, a place where you can do business and feel like being on holidays with its beautiful mountains and stunning lake.

And here are the social media campaign photos shot by lovely Andrea Monica Hug:

Stay tuned for all the details of the look coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

«I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!» Carrie Bradshaw

This is one of the many funny quotes that we know from Sarah Jessica Parker aka Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. So it seemed quite obvious that the actress launched her own show label in February 2014 by with the help of her business partner George Malkemus III, who the CEO of Manolo Blahnik USA.

The collection was built upon three main pillars: quality, using color as a neutral, and giving the single sole a new heartbeat. Each shoe in the collection is handcrafted in Italy by a third generation Tuscan shoemaker; a luxury shoe offered at a fair price point.

An homage to her Sex and the City character: the Carrie satin pumps.

In time for party season, the exclusive capsule includes heels in rich jewel tones and timeless silhouettes. Sarah Jessica’s next step is the launch of a clothing line focusing on the LBD, the little black dress. We are curious what will be the next step of our favorite style icon to surprise us.

TO SHOP SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker and via Harper’s Bazaar

As the women’s Royal Oak celebrates its 40th anniversary, I was invited last week by Audemars Piguet to join them for the unveiling of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold in Florence at Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of the Italian city.

The dinner was held inside the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento that has a length of 52 m (170 ft), is 23 m (75 ft) broad and dates back to 1494. On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena by Giorgio Vasari. You immediately understand why it plays such a key role in Dan Brown’s «Inferno».

Interesting to know is that before the entrustment of Vasari, the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, were commissioned for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room. Leonardo started working on the «Battle of Anghiari», while Michelangelo focused on another portion of the wall for the «Battle of Cascina», but none of their work was ever completed. Attempts made to find Da Vinci’s original work behind the Vasari fresco have so far been inconclusive.

Two creative minds united: Jacqueline Dimier and Carolina Bucci

Personally speaking: The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold was love at first sight for me.

Coming back to the shining reinvention of an iconic design, that fast first created in 1976 for women by Jacqueline Dimier, the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold has been reinvented in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. Both attended the gala dinner along with Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer, model Arizona Muse, as well as actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto.

With Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias

With Freida Pinto

Power Ladies: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor in Chief Style Magazine/Bolero, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet and Dominique Lohm, PR Audemars Piguet/The Pool with my humble self

Beautiful table setting

Having a great time with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor-in-Chief Style Magazine/Bolero and David Pantillon, Country General Manager Switzerland

Chef Annie Féolde and her team framed by Freida Pinto and François-Henry Bennahmias

After a sensational dinner imagined by local 3* Chef Annie Féolde, the evening ended with a showcase concert by Brocken Back, sending us off in the crisp Florentine night with lots of amazing memories.

Live performance by Broken Back

The next day my adventure continued. I flew with a private jet back to Switzerland to visit Audemars Piguet’s manufacture in Le Brassus.

Stay tuned for more for more details on the visit and the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold that has captured my heart in a second as well as an amazing interview with Carolina Bucci and Freida Pinto.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht

One word: amazing! This is what describes Kenzo x H&M best. Last week, I was in NYC to attend the party of the year with a fashion show directed by fashion legend Jean-Paul Goude at Pier 36 that was as spectacular as the collection itself.

With Jean-Paul Goude at the after party.

To the rhythm of a customized remix of «Express Yourself» by Sam Spiegel, we were able to watch the vibrant and playful energy of the pieces that were designed by Kenzo’s Creative Directors, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon on models, that were actually dancers, beatboxers, whistlers and musicians.

Front row? Chloë Sevigny, Iman, Lupita Nyong’o, Sienna Miller, Elizabeth Olsen and many more…

Elizabeth Olsen, Lupita Nyong’o, both wearing Kenzo x H&M.

Bethann Hardison, Jean-Paul Goude, Iman, Chloë Sevigny, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim.

Joe Jonas and Charli XCX looking great in the new collection.

Front row power: Charli XCX, Chance the Rapper, Halsey, Chloë Sevigny, Rosario Dawson and Suboi.

Sienna Miller

With Chloë Sevigny at the show.

The choreography was created by Kenzo collaborator, Ryan Heffington and transformed us into something very special, not a stiff runway presentation but an energized dance show that Carol Lim and Humberto Leon described as «a celebration of everything we love about Kenzo x H&M – it was a fun, vibrant and unexpected celebratory mix of different worlds coming together. It was a show we will never forget.»

With my dear colleague Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine waiting for the show to begin!

Happy about their show: Jean-Paul Goude and Carol Lim.

As the show finished the fun continued and the models came to ask us to join them on the runway which became immediately a dance floor. I didn’t wait a second to jump up and move to the sound as the whole performance had transported me already in such a fun state of mind.

Chance the Rapper and Iman dance at the show finale…

… that also made Lupita Nyong’o move her body with a full smile.

Ice Cube performs at Kenzo x H&M after party.

Later, after we went shopping in the pop-up store next door, a surprise performance by rapper and surprise guest Ice Cube took place and we partied late. I am very thankful that I was able to experience this inferno of playfulness.

Having always the best time with those guys: Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin and René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené). Isn’t her skirt the best? The fabric is from Ikea and she tailored it herself. René was also very creative. His collar embellishments are divine and I will reveal his secret to you soon!

The Kenzo x H&M collection will be available in over 250 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online, from November 3. Stay tuned for an amazing interview with Carol Lim and Humberto Leon as well as a close-up look on the collection coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for H&M, Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I had an amazing day in NYC that was filled with so many outstanding impressions and special moments. One of them was meeting Carolyn Murphy, who has been the face of Estée Lauder for 15 consecutive years. The minute we spoke, it was a match made in heaven.

She is not only so beautiful from the outside but also from the inside. Before I tell you more about this special encounter, I would like you to get inspired by her extraordinary outfit.

Get her look: Printed midi dress by Saint Laurent, embroidered suede shoulder bag by Aerin, Nim patent-leather sandals by Alexandre Birman.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Friday night, Tommy Hilfiger hosted an exclusive dinner during the Zurich Film Festival. The American designer had come to Switzerland with his wife Dee for this very special occasion along other celebrities such as Olivia Palermo with her husband Johannes Huebl, «Harry Potter» star Daniel Radcliffe, who premiered his new movie «Imperium» and Woody Harrelson, who was for «LBJ» in the Swiss metropole.

The location as Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, stated couldn’t have been a better match. The Razzia restaurant with its neoclassical architecture was Zurich’s first cinema in the 1920s.

After a lovely dinner, guests enjoyed live performances by Swiss music star Marc Sway and Dutch singer Glennis Grace. It was truly a great night and I danced until dawn.

Festival director Nadja Schildknecht, CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Daniel Grieder and his wife Sandra, both ladies looking stunning in their Tommy Hilfiger suits.

Daniel Grieder welcoming his guests at Razzia.

Style icon Olivia Palermo with model husband Johannes Huebl, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger.

German actress Veronica Ferres at the Tommy Hilfiger Dinner in celebration of the 12th Zurich Film Festival.

With Woody Harrelson.

Great show! Singer Marc Sway performed without a microphone.

Two Hollywood stars in Zurich: Woody Harrelson and Daniel Radcliffe.

Great ambiance at the after party.

A truly lovely guy that I captured especially for my daughter: Daniel Radcliffe.

Thank you, Tommy Hilfiger, for another amazing dinner party! Truly a highlight of the Zurich Film Festival…

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

The vivacity of late Mexican-American singer, Selena Quintanilla, lives on through the passion of her fans and her impact on Latin culture and beauty. The so-called «Mexican Madonna» got killed in 1995 by her former manager at the age of 23. Selena’s murder had a widespread impact. Major television networks interrupted their regular programming to break the news.

Inspired by the devotion of all those still touched by the iconic Latin legend. M·A·C Selena is a makeup collaboration tenderly curated with Selena’s sister. Selena not only taught us to move, she moved us—let’s keep that rhythm alive!

The line includes at least one deep red lipstick that reminds us of the iconic singer’s signature look. The name of the shade is «Como La Flor,» which is also the title of a single from Selena’s 1992 album «Entre a Mi Mundo».

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
Dreaming of You: deep wine (matte)
Como La Flor: muted cherry red (amplified)
Amor Prohibido: pinky mid-tone brown (glaze)

EYE SHADOW – CHF 28.00
Is It The Beat: deep black (matte)
No Me Queda Mas: warm dusty brown (matte)
Missing My Baby: light pinky nude beige (matte)
Fotos Y Recuerdos: bright warm pink (satin)
Selena: intense pearly violet (veluxe pearl)

LIQUID EYE LINER – CHF 28.00
Boot Black: intense black

OPULASH MASCARA – CHF 27.00
Optimum Black: intense black

TECHNO CUMBIA – CHF 39.00
Ven Conmigo: beige pink (matte)
Blunt: muted golden brown (matte)

BRUSH – CHF 54.00
129SH Powder/BlushLIPGLASS – CHF 29.00
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom: bubblegum pink with silver pearl

In stores from October 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

During the Zurich Film Festival, one of the biggest highlights is the exclusive dinner hosted by Tommy Hilfiger. Last year, the American designer himself welcomed the guests at Razzia restaurant and thanked his long-time CEO Daniel Grieder on stage. Later, stars such as Johannes Huebl, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Elisa Sednaoui listened to the private concert by Marlon Roudette.

Playsuits and over-the-knee boots are definitely no longer for fashion victims only, they have become a must this season.

My look: Silk-chiffon playsuit by Emilio Pucci, bi-colour Sac De Jour nano leather tote by Saint Laurent, suede over-the-knee boots by Dior, earrings by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis .

Stay tuned… tonight it is time for the Tommy Hilfiger dinner again.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Silvia Binggeli, Editor-in-Chief of Annabelle.

Nadja Schildknecht, Daniel Grieder CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Europe, Elisa Sednaoui, Tommy Hilfiger, Clara Paget and Johannes Huebl.

Marlon Roudette entertaining the crowd at the Tommy Hilfiger dinner.

With German actor Moritz Bleibtreu.

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht