Sandra‘s Closet

Last week I was in Cannes for the Film Festival and attended some absolutely amazing events. One of them was an invite by Caroline Scheufele to join her for Chopard‘s annual grand soirée. This year’s «Wild» theme was taken literally and Diana Ross took the stage with an incredible performance in front of a digital waterfall and surrounded by thousands of palm trees that transformed the venue into a true wild jungle full of diamonds and jewels. Guests, among them Kate Moss, Petra Nemcova, Adriana Lima and Kendall Jenner, danced until late to the sounds of DJ Mark Ronson.

My look: Embroidered tulle dress, Dionysus medium embellished coated canvas shoulder bag and leather platform pumps, all by Gucci, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, «Tribale» earrings by Dior and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The private dinner before the party took place at the gardens of Bâoli right next to the marquee especially set up for the occasion at Port Canto on the Croisette.

In a splendid luxurious setting filled with colourful and tropical flora and fauna, next to the models wearing Chopard’s latest Red Carpet creations and vividly coloured gowns by Elie Saab, Caroline Scheufele welcomed guests to her private dinner party.

Diana Ross rocking the stage.

With Kendall Jenner at the private dinner.

I hope you enjoyed my first impressions from this years’ film festival. More coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The 69th Cannes Film Festival is officially underway and I haven’t even posted all my memories from last year. American director Woody Allen‘s film «Café Society» has been selected to open the famous event. It is a quintessential romance Hollywood story—in the 1930s,  a young man named Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), who falls in love with Vonnie (Kristen Stewart) and then Veronica (Blake Lively).

Behind the scenes of «Café Society».

As I just got back from Cuba, I had to shorten my trip to Cannes and will be leaving on Monday. Here are some photos of last year when I attended as guest of Swarovski the opening ceremony and premiere of «La Tete Haute (Standing Tall)» in a beautiful Chanel gown.

See you in Cannes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pascal Le Segretain for Getty Images, © Vogue, © Zimbio, © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Swarovski

Tonight at an opening party, people were spreading the very sad news that music icon Prince, who sold more than 100 million records during his storied career, has died at age 57. Just days after making an emergency landing due to an unknown illness, Prince was found dead inside his Minnesota home today.

I was shocked as I have always been a huge fan. Luckily, I had seen him live on stage during the Versace x H&M launch party in NYC in 2011 (see the photos above that I took of him on stage). He was called Prince, but definitely a king on stage and a queen in fashion.

Talking about his style, Prince has been an inspiration over decades. Below you can enjoy some of his best fashion moments, from the high-cut women’s panties he sported in the early ’80s, to his Purple Rain–era passion for Victorian high-neck ruffle shirts, metallic purple or tight gold suits to his love for crop tops.

Prince, you will be missed! Rest in peace.

LoL, Sandra

1980

1984 – Performing in Detroit on the Purple Rain tour.

1984 – Performing in Detroit on the Purple Rain tour.

May 23, 1986 – Performing at a surprise concert in San Francisco.

June 15, 1992 – Performing at Earl’s Court in London.

May 4, 1994 – Performing at the World Music Awards Ceremony in Monaco.

September 25, 1998 – Performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

February 27, 2005 – At the Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.

February 4, 2007 – Performing during half-time at the Super Bowl XLI.

June 27, 2010 – At the BET Awards in Los Angeles, California.

November 8, 2011 – At the Versace x H&M launch party in NYC.

February 19, 2014 – Presenting at The BRIT Awards in London, England.

November 22, 2015 – At the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Photos: Via Getty, Zimbio, Style.com, The Cut, WWD

The beautiful AERIN Fragrance collection was first launched in 2013. Curated by Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of the famed Estée, and created with the finest ingredients, each of the fragrance bottles represents an aspect of the gorgeous brunette.

First, five distinct scents have hit the shelves– Gardenia Rattan, Amber Musk, Lilac Path, Ikat Jasmine and Evening Rose. They are now complemented by three new scents, all perfect for summer. The sun is shining today, I can smell spring being around the corner, isn’t that the best feeling ever?!

MEDITERRANEAN HONEYSUCKLE
Floral Citrus

Escape to the sun-drenched, azure-blue Mediterranean. Sweet Honeysuckle and sparkling Grapefruit take you there, evoking lush flowers and shimmering beaches. Italian Bergamot, sun-warmed and citrusy and Mandarin Oil impart lasting freshness. Lily of the Valley and lush Gardenia build to the sensuality and richness of Jasmine Sambac Absolute. A fragrance as magical and elegant as its inspiration.

For the packaging, Aerin got inspired by the different shades of the ocean and the sky.

WATERLILY SUN
Floral Watery

Like sunlight reflecting on water, bright Sicilian Bergamot and Lush Dewy Greens entice the senses for an invigorating, luminous first impression. Delicate, yet alluring Waterlily and softly exotic Jasmine Sambac add layers of depth and intensity, warmed by sweetly inviting Musk. The effect is bright, dewy and fresh.

The box is reminiscent of vibrant flowers in Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny.

IRIS MEADOW
Floral Green Woody

Like walking through an open field wild with flowers, Iris Meadow beckons with crisp green notes infused with lush florals and deepened by warm, energizing woods. Effervescent Mandarin and vibrant Blackcurrant blend with fresh florals. Iris, emboldened by Egyptian Jasmine, balances the scent with vibrant depth while Cedarwood melts into creamy, woody musks.

During spring time, Aerin loves to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco. She mostly stops at Paso Robles for a wine degustation. There she loves to look at the delicate desert flowers that bring a touch of green to the vast landscape.

All three new scents come in two different sizes as Eau de Parfum Spray, CHF 132.00 (50ml), CHF 200.00 (100ml). Also available as Body Cream for CHF 80.00 (150ml).
Finally in stores in Switzerland exclusively at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

During Haute Couture S/S 2016 fashion week in Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier hosted a show that took the audience to the the wild clubbing days of the 80s, when Le Palace in Montmartre, was the center Parisian night life such as Studio 54 in New York. It was an homage to the creatures of the night, models with big hair were smoking cigarettes and drinking champagne while strutting down the runway in signature looks such as tuxedos, pajama suits, lingerie dresses and bomber jackets.

Gaultier’s style is unique and so are his catwalks. Nobody else is able to transform a fashion show into a party. I am always leaving in a good mood, ready to dance and party myself.

In the evening, to celebrate the occasion, Jean Paul Gaultier invited a few lucky ones for a spectacular dinner at the Grand Colbert. A night to remember, and not only by the surprises. A contortionist painted in gold welcomed the attendance while they had a cocktail.

Talking heads out of food cloches got lost in a surreal very funny conversation. The surprise showcase of Beth Ditto and Allanah Star, a Parisian night figure, popping out of a cake to wish the House of Gaultier a happy 40th anniversary, were some of the highlights of the dinner. Complete craziness abounded at the Paris brasserie, which gathered longstanding close friends including Farida Khelfa, Victoria Abril and Blanca Li, who at one point began chanting in unison “Jean Paul, Jean Paul.”

Among the fashionable guests was also Daphne Groeneveld who stars in Jean Paul Gaultier Classique‘s new fragrance campaign captured by fashion photographer Miles Aldridge.

Later the evening evolved into a dance fest, after each guest was given a cardboard mask with an image of Gaultier’s face to sport. A night to remember. Have fun exploring all the fun moments.

The scene at the Jean Paul Gaultier party

Alexina Graham, Daphne Groeneveld and Soo Joo Park

Jean Paul Gaultier with Blanca Li, Victoria Abril and Farida Khelfa

Manuel Puig and Marc Puig

Allanah Starr

Jose Manuel Albesa and model Hugo Marquez

Talking to Farida Khelfa

Marc Zaffuto and Emmanuel d’Orazio

Here you can spot me to the left taking great shots of Beth Ditto’s performance.

Beth Ditto

She is such a love! Beth Ditto, you literally rock!

A great honor to be invited by Monsieur Gaultier to such a spectacular dinner.

DJ Kiddy Smile

Reunited with Catherine Baba after our trip to Columbia last December.

Swiss girls: Erica Martinez and me

Alongside four decades in fashion, 2016 marks the first year the Gaultier fragrance label is being developed by Puig. The television ad is for both perfume blockbusters — Le Male for men and Classique for women. Its backdrop is a factory but, of course, with a twist à la Gaultier. While all of his iconography is evident — think women in corsets and men sporting striped shirts — the setting is industrial. Gaultier himself also appears in the clip, appearing at the very end of the advert.

LoL, Sandra

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Classique

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

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Photos: Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier, Images by Saskia Lawaks – Vogue, Images by Thomas Kelly – Say Who,  Access Fashion Media and © Sandra Bauknecht

This season, individuality plays an important role in fashion. Unfortunately, David Bowie has died but his inspirational looks will stay alive forever. Being a sartorial chameleon, he used clothing to create a wide variety of different personas. Instead of adhering to conventions, he pushed boundaries and trail-blazed trends that influenced fans, runways and celebrities. In order to remember his iconic presence, I put together this amazing outfit. It’s Friday, let’s get inspired!

Get the look:  Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket by Saint Laurent, guipure lace and mesh-paneled cotton-blend poplin shirt by Christopher Kane, Dysart metallic stretch-leather skinny pants by Isabel Marant, embellished metallic leather sandals and Dionysus supreme embroidered bag, both by Gucci.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

“I wanted a name that I use, and which represents the community. This is who I am: Finally Free.”
– Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner has fearlessly shared her transition with the world.
Her new M·A·C Lipstick, «Finally Free», champions all ages, all races and all sexes.
100% of the selling price goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund Transgender Initiative, to further its work in support of transgender communities.

FINALLY FREE
mid-tone rosy nude (cremesheen)
SRP $17.00 US/$21.00 CAD
Available April 7th, 2016 (in Switzerland May 12th, 2016) exclusively on maccosmetics.com.

Show your love for the collaboration using the following hashtag:
#MACCaitlynJenner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mac Cosmetics

This weekend, the 31th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers. I am once more guest of Piaget and couldn’t be anymore excited about it. If you have a look at this post about last year’s event, you will understand immediately what I am talking about.

One year ago, the sun and stars were out on a Saturday afternoon at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, co-hosted by Piaget for the eighth consecutive year and held on the beach in Santa Monica. The event paid tribute to some of this year’s most important films and also attracted the biggest names in Hollywood, including the Swiss brand’s international brand ambassador and Best Supporting Female nominee for «A Most Violent Year,» Jessica Chastain, along with Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Matt Bomer, Emma Stone, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Munn, Miles Teller, Andy Samberg and Emmy Rossum.

I am sure that you are curious how such an award ceremony takes place. So let me walk you through the different steps.

Click here to get all details of me look.

First, it takes place during the day in Santa Monica. Many people are waiting outside of the fences at the beach to spot their favorite celebrities. You arrive and walk the red (in this case pink) carpet and feel like a star yourself…

Cate Blanchett in Schiaparelli Couture on the pink carpet

Julianne Moore dazzled in Dior Couture

Emma Stone donned a lace Monique Lhuillier dress.

With CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger

CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger framed by Swiss girls Lauriane Gillieron, Alizée Gaillard and myself.

Before the award ceremony itself takes place, you can enjoy the start of the event in Piaget’s VIP lounge. Featuring modern, luxurious details and a grand piano in the center, winners, nominees and friends of the House joined Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger for a celebratory glass of champagne and a peak at the High Jewellery Mediterranean Garden collection.

Actor Eric Roberts at the piano inside the lounge.

Piaget was the jeweler and watchmaker of choice for many of the attending stars, including my humble self, who wore stunning earrings from Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection, along with my Limelight Gala watch and a rose diamond ring.

During the Independent Spirit Awards, you can get really close to the stars and have a chat with them.

Ethan Hawke

I did an interview with Jessica Chastain (if you are interested in reading it, click here please).

Kerry Washington, who plays the Olivia Pope in «Scandal»

«Magic Mike» star Matt Bomer

Long-time friend of the House Emmy Rossum

Anne Heche

Sylvie Meis

Marcia Cross wore a long Piaget Rose sautoir in rose gold.

Inside the award tent.

As the ceremony takes pretty long in general, you are very thankful for food and drinks.

Cate Blanchett won Best Female Lead in 2014 and is nominated again tomorrow for «Carol», in 2015 she was presenting Best Feature which was «Birdman».

In 2015, Best Female Lead was the title for Julianne Moore for her amazing performance in «Still Alice».

 Jessica Chastain and Andy Samberg presented the winner of Best Male Lead: Michael Keaton for «Birdman».Patricia Arquette won as Best Supporting Female in «Boyhood».

 Oprah Winfrey introducing the clip from «Selma».Scarlett Johansson was presenting Best Director. Richard Linklater won for «Boyhood.»

And yes, there is a prompter in the tent…

… which everyone including the hosts of the ceremony, Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen, were using.

Alizée Gaillard, Mousse Jacquier and Lauriane Gilliéron

But the best about this trip is always to treasure the fun moments with your girlfriends and of course with you, my dear readers. I am so excited being back in my favorite city in the world and for tomorrow’s event! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget

For all beautistas! You will be loving this collaboration between Urban Decay and Gwen Stefani.

GWEN STEFANI BLUSH PALETTE | CHF 59.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Gwen lets us in on her best tricks (she’s big on defining and highlighting) with the help of this perfect blush palette. Get her glowing, contoured skin with six shades of blush, bronzer and highlighter that are versatile enough for any skin tone. Luxurious and lightweight, it has a soft, creamy texture that always applies beautifully and feels amazing.

Cherry Light pink satin
Easy Deep rose with gold shimmer
Angel Champagne-nude shimmer
Lo-Fi Soft bronze matte
Hush Medium pink with gold shimmer
OC Soft pink with peach shift

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LIPSTICK | CHF 27.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Gwen knows how to rock a bold lip. Luckily, she was game to get down and dirty to mix her perfect shades and ideal textures. She’s worn every lip color in the book, and these are her must-haves. The lineup: eight NEW shades (including two exclusives you can only find online)—from a bright red matte to a shimmering sheer nude and a creamy deep fuchsia. .

Ex Girlfriend Sheer nude-rose with pink shimmer
Firebird Deep fuchsia cream
714 Bright red mega matte
Rock Steady Deep wine red cream
Spiderweb Satin red cream
Wonderland Dark pink-red cream
Phone Call Sheer bright pink (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)
Plaid Sheer deep berry (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)

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24/7 GLIDE-ON LIP PENCIL | CHF 25.00 | LIMITED EDITION

On the stage and in the limelight, Gwen’s lip color needs to last. This creamy, waterproof lip pencil (in a range of shades that match her limited-edition Lipsticks) lines and primes to help her lipstick stay put.

Ex-Girlfriend Nude rose
Firebird Deep fuchsia-pink
714 Classic red
Rock Steady Blood red
Wonderland Dark pink-red
Phone Call Bright pink (UrbanDecay.com Exclusive)

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GWEN STEFANI BROW BOX | CHF 44.00 | LIMITED EDITION

With a camera always nearby, Gwen’s brows need to be on point at all times. She curated this Brow Box, which contains all the tools she needs for perfect arches. The two ultra-fine, silky powder shades in Bathwater Blonde (dark blonde/light blonde) are versatile enough for a range of blonde and brunette tones. The top tier of the case holds the powders and wax, and the bottom tier holds all the tools (designed in gold and black to match the case).

The new collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Urban Decay, © Getty / Michael Simon

One beautiful sunny day last fall, I flew to London to follow Lalique‘s very exclusive invitation to have tea time at Elton John’s gorgeous home. The reason for this once in a lifetime experience was the launch of the ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE collection that includes four exceptional crystal sculptures. As you can imagine, the estate is breathtaking and Sir Elton John is absolutely lovely to talk to.

Inside Sir Elton John’s beautiful home

«The ultimate goal of this project is to raise money to support urgently needed projects that address the continuing challenges of the AIDS epidemic across the globe. In doing so, we also want to create beautiful and meaningful pieces for people to purchase that speak to the high standards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Lalique. Through purchasing one of these crystal pieces, people are also learning something about EJAF’s work and helping to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.»
– Sir Elton John

Inside the house’s art gallery where Sir Elton John and David Furnish officially tied the knot in 2014.

David Furnish and Lalique designer Marc Larminaux listen to Sir Elton John’s speech.

Four Special Editions (the unique Angel Cire Perdue, the Heart in platinum enamelled red crystal, the Heart in gold enamelled clear crystal and the Angel in gold-stamped clear crystal) each signed by Sir Elton John, will be auctioned during this weekend’s 2016 Academy Awards, in partnership with Paddle8, to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The unique Angel Cire Perdue.

«I don’t think that I have ever seen a more beautiful piece of glass than the big Angel. It is breathtaking!»
– Sir Elton John

The standing Angel in clear crystal and the Heart in clear or red crystal are available at Lalique boutiques and their select retailers. Lalique will contribute 10% of sales to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The socle of the statue engraved by Sir Elton John.

Sir Elton John, the theme of the pieces is ‘Music is Love’. Why do you think music and love have always been so intricately entwined?

Love is one of the primary forces that can unite us and bring us together despite our differences. Indeed, love shows us that the differences dividing us from each other are ultimately very superficial, that we have so much more in common than not. Music is a powerful medium for expressing all the many faces of love, and it is a participatory medium. Music draws us together. It is a universal language. We come together to make music, to listen to music, to share music. This is why I believe that music and love are synonymous, that music IS love.

Music is your passion and your most widely-known medium of expression. How have you found working in sculpture, particularly in crystal?

The process of artistic creation – whether for music or dance or visual art – arises from the same impetus, the same need to express thoughts, feelings, ideas. I found the entire design process for this project – from theorising, to working and revising with drawings, to realising the concept as a three-dimensional object – to be absolutely exhilarating. Working in crystal is fascinating, and Lalique crystal has an amazing way of constantly changing with light and shadow, the time of day… Such a beautiful, magical medium!
The finished piece is even more exciting and beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I’m completely thrilled with it and really looking forward to the auction in February 2016.

You’re a collector of glass and crystal, and have a number of Lalique pieces in your collection. What is it that you appreciate about crystal and Lalique in particular?

For me, Lalique stands for craftsmanship, luxury and a strong tradition of devotion to the art of producing the highest quality, most beautiful objects using these materials. Lalique sets a standard of craftsmanship that is simply unparalleled in the world. I think glass is a much underappreciated art form. That is why I collect it and I love it very much and Lalique to me represents the Rolls-Royce of glass.
As an oral artist who makes music, the visual arts of glass inspire me when I write a song or when I play the piano, because every day I get up and I am surrounded by glass and a lot of Lalique. Subconsciously, it inspires me to do better things, I think.

MUSIC IS LOVE Heart Red Crystal (limited edition of 499 pieces) and Heart Clear Crystal (limited edition of 999 pieces).

«The heart is a universal symbol of love.»
– Sir Elton John

You have also been working with the Lalique design team to create three other sculptures – a smaller angel and two heart sculptures, with part of the proceeds going to the Foundation. What do these symbolise for you?

The heart is a universal symbol of love, as well as the Angel. Love is ultimately what guides and inspires the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and love is what we need to end this epidemic. Science has made amazing advances in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. But unless we love each other enough to make sure that everyone – no matter who they love, what they do, how they look or what they believe – has the resources to stay healthy and prevent further transmission of the disease, then all the science in the world will be for naught. LOVE is the ultimate solution to AIDS.

Thank you, Sir Elton John, for this amazing invitation!

To visit the Lalique website where you can shop the limited edition pieces or bid for the collector’s items, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful library.

The estate is truly breathtaking.

Sir Elton John in front of the three other sculptures that are available in stores.

Sir Elton John is a dedicated art collector.

Art plays a very important role in the life of the famous singer.

I loved this statue inside the guest bathroom.

With Lalique owner Silvio Denz in front of the unique Angel Cire Perdue.

Being at Sir Elton John’s home was a truly special experience that I will treasure forever. I am wishing Lalique and him good luck this weekend to achieve the best result possible in the auction.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Los Angeles where I will be from Thursday on…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Lalique