Sandra‘s Closet

“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

BOBBI BROWN‘s Malibu Nudes Collection is inspired of those carefree days at the beach in California. Easy-to-apply products that give you an instant healthy look. Actress Kate Upton is once more the face of the campaign.

NUDE ON NUDE EYE PALETTE – CHF 74.00
Colours: Nude – Cement – Wheat – Espresso – Malted

Bobbi’s iconic, all matte Nude on Nude Eye Palette is back for a limited time. Featuring four skin tone inspired shadows and a dark liner shade, this palette flatters all complexions and pairs perfectly with nude-to-bright lips. Includes a large mirror and a Dual-Ended Angle Eye Shadow/ Eye Liner Brush.

Nobody does nude makeup like Bobbi, and this palette is no exception. Based on shades she sees in women’s faces every day, this eye shadow palette takes the guesswork out of the perfect nude eye. Every shade is instantly flattering–no blending required.

BLUSH DUO – CHF 62.00
Available in:
Pastel Pink / Powder Pink (light skin tones) (pictured)
Sand Pink / Pale Pink (medium skin tones)
Tawny / Peony (golden skin tones)
Plum / French Pink (dark skin tones)

Inspired by Bobbi’s signature blush technique, this duo lets you give cheeks the ultimate natural-looking flush. Includes complementary neutral and pop shades designed to be layered. The sleek, black case includes a mirrored lid for easy application wherever you are.

Bobbi’s secret to achieving the perfect cheek. This duo features neutral and pop blush shades that are designed to be layered for a fresh, healthy glow. The silky matte formula glides smoothly onto cheeks and lasts all day.

ART STICKS – CHF 41.00
Available in: Hot Berry, Electric Coral, Punch, Brown Berry, Rich Nude, Bare

Bold color that packs a one-two punch. This chunky pencil gives you lipstick and liner in one, comfortable wear and a creamy matte finish.

Formulated with Shea Butter and emollients, Art Stick has a creamy texture and a featherweight feel—for comfortable wear that lasts hours.

In stores in Switzerland from March 2, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse pop goddess, brings her blonde, bold spirit to M·A·C in a collaboration that’s as mesmerizing as her music. Inspired by the light and dark dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer, Ellie’s thoughtfully curated collection emulates her two signature looks: effortless au naturel by day, and breathtaking bombshell by night.

Ellie Goulding with me

HALCYON NIGHTS | CHF 60.00| LIMITED EDITION

Starry Eyed Cream high pearl (Frost) (Eyeshadow)
You My Everything Mid-tone peachy brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
Hanging On Muted plum-brown (Satin) (Eyeshadow)
Saddle Golden orange brown (Matte) (Eyeshadow)
This Love Pinky orange-pearl (Cream Colour Base)

HALCYON DAYS | CHF 60.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Root Red taupey brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Tint Soft peachy brown with shimmer (Cream Colour Base)
Wished I Stayed Light cream pearl (Cream Colour Base)
Every Time You Go Creamy peachy pink (Cream Colour Base)
Medium Dark Blot Pressed Powder Medium dark

LIPSTICK | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Only You Muted mid-tone coral (Cremesheen)
Without Your Love Warm seashell pink (Cremesheen)

PLUSHGLASS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Explosion Warm light golden shimmer
Goodness Gracious Creamy pinky peach

PATENTPOLISH LIP PENCIL | CHF 31.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Revved Up Creamy peach
Innocent Nude beige

POWDER BLUSH DUO | CHF 39.00| LIMITED EDITION

I’ll Hold My Breath Medium warm bronze / Peachy pink pearl (Matte/Satin)

HAUTE & NAUGHTY | CHF 34.00| LIMITED EDITION

Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Black

LASH | CHF 19.00 | LIMITED EDITION

20 Lash
30 Lash

LUSTRE DROPS | CHF 32.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Pink Rebel Blue-pink with gold pearl

BRUSHES | LIMITED EDITION

209 Eyeliner (CHF 32.00)
129 Powder/Blush (CHF 54.00)
217 Blending Brush (CHF 34.00)

The collection is in stores now. Available exclusively at all M∙A∙C Manor counters, M∙A∙C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today and running through the week, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has opened its doors. Only invited journalists and retailers from around the world are able to visit this most exclusive watch fair in Geneva at the Palexpo convention center. Renowned watch brands, such as IWC Schaffhausen, Audemars Piguet, Piaget, Montblanc, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin just to name a few display their newest timepieces. As all of these houses have in general famous ambassadors, you will most likely run in many celebrities at the exhibition. In the evening, exclusive events take place. One that is definitely not to miss is IWC Schaffhausen’s gala night which always takes place on Tuesday evening. Enjoy some of my impressions of last year and stay tuned for the new ones coming up soon!

Monday night is Montblanc night. Charlotte Casiraghi wore the same Montblanc earrings than me.

French actor Pierre Niney

Tuesday is THE day at the IWC Schaffhausen booth, many celebrities (here among them Nico Rosberg, Louis Hamilton, Ronan and Storm Keating) visit the Swiss watch manufacturer.

Framed by Marc Forster and Luis Garcia Fanjul.

IWC brand ambassador Karolina Kurkova with me

In the evening, the IWC gala «Journey to the Stars» took place which was amazing.

With Adriana Lima and Barbara Becker.

Great performance by Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall.

Love her! Emily Blunt

Having fun!

James Marsden.

With IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern 

British Formula 1 racing car driver Lewis Hamilton

As SIHH is all about watches, I would like to show you two of my favorite models I spotted last year. First the Big Bang Broderie by Hublot. Sized at 41mm, these beautiful watches come in three styles (two are shown in the picture). All are limited to 200 pieces, each style.

And second, Cartier‘s Rêve de Panthère watch. In this spectacular creation, Cartier’s panther emblem enters the decoration – at once diurnal and nocturnal – of a day/night movement that belongs to the great tradition of the Maison’s complications. Like by magic, The background sky changes from starry night to shining sun for an extraordinary interpretation of time measurement.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and Cartier, © Sandra Bauknecht

One week ago, David Bowie died at age 69, just two days after his birthday. As tributes flood the media, the fashion world mourns the star who had the power to express himself through versatile ways of dressing, hairstyles, makeup, and performance. His shape-shifting styles inspired generations of teenagers and adults, especially in the ’70s and ’80s. He was the one who first empowered gender-bending androgyny and was a huge inspiration for the world of music and fashion. In 2013, the V&A Museum opened the “David Bowie Is” exhibition with great success, which toured the world.

Enjoy this little tribute and see some looks inspired from his quirky and amazing style:

Aladdin Sane, 1973

US Vogue reports: «The Ziggy red mullet that launched a million imitators was inspired by a fashion shoot on the cover of Honey magazine of a model wearing Kansai Yamamoto. Bowie went around to his mother’s hairdresser, Suzy Fussey, who worked in a salon on Beckenham High Street, to do the cut and color. He was wearing it the day he walked into Brian Duffy’s studio to shoot the cover of the Aladdin Sane album in 1973. Celia Philo (Phoebe Philo’s mother), who was art directing, remembers the spontaneous moment when Bowie conspired with his favorite makeup artist, Pierre La Roche, to paint on the lightning flash.»

David Bowie dressed by Kansai Yamamoto, 1973

Bowie on tour in 1973, from The Rise of David Bowie 1972-1973.

And here is how the fashion world got inspired by the musical genius in many ways:

Kate Moss‘ covers for Vogue U.K. in 2003 (right) and Vogue Paris in 2011 (left).

Jean-Paul Gaultier S/S 2013

Hedi Slimane said once to AnOther magazine: «I was literally born with a David Bowie album in my hand.» Here some looks inspired by David Bowie from his men’s S/S 2014 collection.

To the right, you can see one of the geometrically striped black and white outfits from Givenchy‘s S/S 2010 collection. It looked like a rendition of the one Bowie wore in 1973 during his Aladdin Sane phase.

Candice Swanepoel on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk in 2009 in an asymmetrical jumpsuit reminiscent of the infamous Ziggy suits designed by Kansai Yamamoto for David Bowie who was one of the first ones to collaborate with fashion designers to create his costumes.

Miuccia Prada‘s F/W 2012 collection for Miu Miu was basically a remake of the 1971 music video “Life On Mars?”.

The same could be said for Gucci‘s S/S 2016 collection. I am convinced that the new Dionysus bag would have been loved by the legendary David Bowie.

Here is a funny one: there’s a website of cult fans that believe Tilda Swinton and Bowie are the same person. Check out Tilda Stardust, it is hilarious.

David Bowie print T-shirt by R13

Jeremy Deller God Bless David Bowie tote by House of Voltaire

His legend lives on in both industries, music and fashion, as David Bowie himself does today, in immortality. Rest in peace and thank you for all your inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Vogue Paris, Vogue UK, Mick Rock/Taschen, Brian Duffy / David Bowie Archive, Getty Images

This holiday, all we want is M·A·C Mariah Carey, featuring «All I Want» lipstick in a luminous frosted champagne. One shimmery swipe makes your lips as fierce and timeless as the icon herself. Exclusively online. In Switzerland available from February 2016 for CHF 28.00.

I am wearing it already and am in love with this shade. You can work it with different lip liner colors for multiple effects.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC COSMETICS