Sandra‘s Closet

Today, my thoughts are with the people of Paris. Standing in solidarity with the French, I am appalled by yesterday’s heinous and immoral acts. So many amazing people live in the City of Lights and I am wishing all of them lots of strength. One of them is Azzedine Alaïa whom I met recently.

“It is Alaïa or not Alaïa! If it is not, you cannot negotiate.”

Rue de Moussy in the Marais district of Paris, a very unlikely location for a high end fashion store. This has been the address of Azzedine Alaïa’s Maison since over 20 years. It is home to the ateliers, the showroom, the store, an art gallery, his apartment, a hotel with three rooms and the famous kitchen where he eats together with his employees every day and where he welcomed my humble self for dinner. Famous artist and longtime friend Julian Schnabel designed some furniture for the space, such as a massive cashiers’ desk, embellished with the initials, “A.A.”.

The Alaïa store at Rue de Moussy

Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the new Alaïa store at 5 Rue de Marignan.

Before I arrive at the Alaïa temple, I had visited the second store on Rue Marignan which has been open since September 2013. It is quite the opposite on three floors, white, majestic, very artsy and clean, filled with the iconic pieces Azzedine is known for. You might say that he is one of the last couturiers. He is the master of tailoring. I haven’t seen one woman in my life that hasn’t looked good in an Alaïa dress and a pair of Alaïa shoes.

© Patrick Demarchelier

It is an amazing success story: born in February 1940 as the son of Tunisian farmers, he got inspired for his love of couture by his twin sister. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunis and studied sculpture which helped him define the silhouette of the modern woman. He had worked at Christian Dior, Guy Laroche and Thierry Mugler before opening his first own atelier in the late 1970s. There is no doubt, Azzedine Alaïa has made the sexiest clothes for the most stunning women on the planet, has rejected corporate fashion and become highly acclaimed among critics, designers – even first ladies. For me, it is a story of someone who has always stayed true to himself and has never given up on his own dreams and values, no matter how much more difficult it got because of this attitude. Being particularly successful since the 1980s, he is mostly famous for his tight fitting curve-hugging clothes and second-skin styles with complex seams and snaking zippers. Thanks to him, leather and Lycra have been elevated to the world of high fashion.

Long sheath dress known as the “powder puff” from the S/S 1994 collection.
© Paolo Roversi

Mr. Alaïa once said: “A woman is like an actress, she’s always onstage. She has to look great to feel good. If she’s going to wear clothes by a designer, … then the clothes should make something happen, something unexpected. The dress has to be part of her, she has to feel it on her body. … I prefer the woman to be seen rather than the outfit. Her head, her body, her hands — the garment is there to cover her, to underline something, and make her beautiful.“

Alaïa’s ability to flatter a woman’s body is unparalleled, his creations are timeless. I have been collecting his designs for over twenty years and not one of my pieces seems outdated.

Alaïa leopard love (F/W 1992), © Jean-Baptiste Mondino

He likes swimming against the tide. Whereas all designers follow the fashion week schedules, Mr. Alaïa premieres his collections at his own rhythm, in private défilés since over a decade now. He is openly not a fan of Karl Lagerfeld and had a big fall out with Anna Wintour who hadn’t included the designer’s work in the 2009 Met’s Model As Muse exhibition – which she had organized.

Azzedine Alaïa plays by his own rules. The tiny designer is used to make all the decisions himself. For him, being independent and putting all the effort in his creativity is the key to success. “It’s ready, when it’s ready.” Now, after over 30 years in business, he takes his kingdom to new heights with the launch of his first fragrance «Alaïa». Like an iconic dress of him, he wanted it to be like a second skin. Timeless, for the Alaïa woman, discreet and not vulgar. He created a team of four people to come up with the perfect scent. His longtime friend Carla Sozzani, founder of 10 Corso Como in Milan, famous fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, the French designer Martin Szekely, who created the bottle and last but not least Marie Salamagne, the nose behind it.

Marie Salamagne with me

For her it was an unusual encounter with a designer. Marie explains to me: “Once a month we met and discussed what was going to be the fragrance. Mr. Alaïa was were interested to interpret his childhood memories that he had of the smell of fresh water. He had this clear souvenir in mind of cold water running down the hot walls of his family house. Therefore he wanted the fragrance to show exactly this contrast, a mix of cool and warm notes at one.” He was very clear about his vision: “It is Alaïa or not Alaïa! If it is not, you cannot negotiate.“

Exploring the new Alaïa scent

Marie Salamagne used very fresh airy top notes to give this watery feeling that is transparent and pure. The idea to use pink pepper to add more lightness came from Mr. Alaïa himself. The second impression is floral, but in an abstract and not invasive way, built on peony and freesia. The base notes are warm and all about bare skin created through animal notes and musk.

The bottle is all about the same contrasting elements. Built like a sculpture, it resembles the iconic perforated cut used for his leather pieces. It is opaque black but when you hold it into the light, it becomes see-through. The packaging itself plays with the famous nude color, the color of skin that Azzedine Alaïa loves to work with. Personally speaking, I had a clear idea in mind of how «Alaïa» would smell like and the new fragrance has totally surpassed all of my expectations. It is different like the house of Alaïa is, yet timeless and unexpected. The designer was very clear about his vision: “It is Alaïa or not Alaïa! If it is not, you cannot negotiate.“

It was an amazing experience meeting Mr Alaïa himself. He is such a sweetheart!
Below are some more impressions of my time with him.

LoL, Sandra

Heading to dinner in head to toe Alaïa

Inside the Rue de Moussy store.

With Alaïa’s muse, actress Rossy de Palma, at dinner.

The famous Alaïa kitchen

One of the three hotel rooms

Trying the amazing gown that I wore to my friend’s wedding in Capri.

A lovely gift from Mr Alaïa: the laser-cut leather clutch.

The stairs inside the Rue de Marignan store.

Photos: Courtesy of Alaïa, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Paolo Roversi, © Jean-Baptiste Mondino and © Patrick Demarchelier

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

What a night in NYC! I am still overwhelmed by this glam and fun event where the fashion and Hollywood elite joined forces on Wall Street to celebrate the launch of the amazing collaboration between Balmain and H&M. More is more is definitely something that goes for the Parisian Maison and yesterday was proof for it!

”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” – Olivier Rousteing

Olivier Rousteing with me last night

Just like the opulent collection designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the party in the Big Apple was extra everything. Rousteing, who is bringing the brand’s DNA of music, couture, luxury and pop culture – he is the designer with the biggest instagram follower ship – together, said: ”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” He created the hashtag #HMBalmaination where people could follow live the best moments of the night.

When I arrived at 23, Wall Street, I entered the highly secured venue over the stairs and found an ambiance similar to a subway system, referencing the campaign film – where Kendall Jenner, Olivier’s muse and friend, stars as the leader of a dance crew. While enjoying champagne, I mingled with the A-list crowd of top models, celebrities and Hollywood actors.

Singer Ellie Goulding with me

After the cocktail reception, I entered the next hall where the runway was built over two stories. Before the show actually started, a live dance performance took place as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the campaign music video. The guests were truly cheered up when Kendall Jenner opened the  catwalk, followed by some of the hottest models in the industry right now.

Swiss front row power: Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine and Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin with me in the middle.

Kendall Jenner opening the runway

Jourdan Dunn

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Olivier Rousteing’s favorite piece from the collection: the pearl-embroidered jacket.

Gigi Hadid

Karlie Kloss was my favorite on the runway.

Toni Garrn

The collection is all about affordable luxury. Olivier Rousteing took some of his best creations he designed over the past seasons and made them into one collection. Compared to other designer collaborations H&M did in previous years, the pieces are more expensive but I am still pretty amazed how this craftsmanship is possible for that amount of money. The collection is truly beautiful with lots of items you can enjoy for a very long time.

The Backstreet Boys

After the show, it was all about the music and energy. A live concert by the Backstreet Boys took guests back in time, especially my humble self as over 20 years ago, I was with them on a Germany tour with my own band. Personally speaking, the Balmain x H&M launch party was one of those nights you never want to end!

Olivier Rousteing and his friends, among them Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio, cheered to the Backstreet Boys.

The Balmain x H&M collection features fashion and accessories for both men and women, and will be available in selected stores and at hm.com starting November 5.

Now have fun to scroll through some more impressions of the night and check back in for more updates as I just uploaded my own photos today. The internet is too slow… there is much more coming up. Now I have some appointments in NYC before I am heading back home!
Talk to you when I am in Europe…

LoL, Sandra

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené), is looking good in my marabou stole.

Guests being crazy about the red carpet arrivals.

German actress Diane Kruger

Amazing ambiance.

We couldn’t get enough of the Backstreet Boys!

Always a lot of fun with my colleague Caroline Piccinin from Le Matin in Geneva.

The normal craziness at the pop-up store late at night.

The clothes come well-protected in plastic hangers.

Olivier Rousteing even joined in the shopping fun late at night.

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During Paris Fashion Week, I attended the launch of Valentino‘s newest scent: VALENTINO DONNA. Dressed in a bottle adorned with iconic Rockstuds, it embodies all that is at once classic and contemporary.

On my way to the fragrance presentation in Valentino dots.

Luminous and sensual, the scent, features a contrast of subtle ingredients that, when combined, create something that is truly unique. Created with old oriental techniques and comprising top notes of bergamot with middle notes of rose essence and iris, the perfume finishes with the lasting aroma of leather, patchouli, vanilla and a white musk accord.

Antoine Maisondieu and Sonia Constant explain their inspiration for Valentino Donna.

Created by perfumers, Sonia Constant and Antoine Maisondieu, VALENTINO DONNA is mysterious, exquisite and timeless, like a couture object, making it the perfect addition to your fragrance wardrobe for the season.

The rose, that is especially Sonia’s fingerprint, is used as three different extracts. Rose Absolute, the purest quality of Rose Oil and natural Rose Water Extract, which is created with the help of a new technology at Givaudan. It is the first time it is used in a fragrance.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml (165 CHF), 50 ml (115 CHF) and 30 ml (82 CHF)
Shower Gel 200 ml (57 CHF), Body Lotion 200 ml (64 CHF) and Deodorant 100 ml (54 CHF)
In stores now.

Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey during the presentation at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris.

The face of the campaign is French actress Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, who embodies the Valentino Donna in the film, directed by Louis Garrel. Italy’s cinematic history has played an important role in the creation of the movie. Inspired by films like ‘Roma’ and ‘La Notte’, the commercial is shot very well. Rome is the source of inspiration and the historic home of the House of Valentino. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli design for a modern, but traditional woman, strong and sensitive, determined and caring. Have fun watching it below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Tonight, I am invited by Tommy Hilfiger and the Zurich Film Festival and I couldn’t be any happier about it. Each year, Hollywood comes to Zurich. In 2013, it was Harrison Ford (for the previous post click here) and in 2014, it was John Malkovich who joined Tommy Hilfiger and Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, on this special occasion.

Time flies and I realized that I have never posted the pictures from last year. So here you go. Even 12 months later, it hasn’t lost any of its glamour.

Stay tuned for the photos of tonight. I promise it won’t take another year…

LoL, Sandra

John Malkovich, my humble self, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger

German actress Iris Berben with me

Trudie Götz (Trois Pommes) with me

Peter Fonda

Stefanie Heinzmann performed at the after party.

A day later, Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife posted this on instagram. Very cute of her!

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday night as part of the 11th Zurich Film Festival, I attended the wonderful IWC Schaffhausen “For the Love of Cinema” Gala Dinner at the Park Hyatt hotel during which Oscar winner Christoph Waltz presented the first-ever Filmmaker Award, worth CHF 100,000 in sponsorship. The award was set up by the Association for the Promotion of Film in Switzerland, which was founded last December by Marc Forster, IWC CEO Georges Kern, the co-directors of the Zurich Film Festival Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, and the CEO of Ringier, Marc Walder.

To celebrate the occasion, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer had invited some 200 VIP guests from the worlds of film, media, politics and commerce.

On the red carpet

Bernhard Burgener, Norbert Preuss and Michael Steiner (“Und morgen seid ihr tot”) and Lisa Blatter and Jan Gassmann (“Europe, She Loves“) receive the Filmmaker Award. 

From the four nominated films, the jury picked two winners: “Und morgen seid ihr tot” (“Tomorrow You’ll Be Dead”) and “Europe, She Loves”. Christoph Waltz, who presented the award, shot to fame with roles in “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained” by the American cult director Quentin Tarantino.

Christoph Waltz

“I am proud to be here in person to present this award, which is very important for the Swiss film industry. Providing sponsorship for filmmakers is a necessary and relevant task, one which makes a significant contribution to the diversity of Swiss film,” said the two-time Academy Award winner. The two winning projects were also each presented with an IWC watch – the Portugieser Automatic in stainless steel with a black dial and a special rotor engraving with “1st Filmmaker Award Zurich 2015”.

Actor Christoph Waltz, IWC CEO Georges Kern and director Marc Forster during dinner.

Philipp Fankhauser and band performed at the gala. 

After the dinner, we continued the party at Club Adagio into the small hours of the morning. It was a truly amazing night… thanks IWC Schaffhausen for having me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lennart Preiss/Getty Images for IWC

Spring time at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the perfect backdrop for Dior to present their upcoming launch, the first lipstick created by their new Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup Peter Philips who gave me a very exclusive and rare interview (available in German and French in the new October issue of L’Officiel Switzerland – at newsstands nationwide this Thursday).

Since its launch in 2001, the «Dior Addict Lipstick» has been on everyone’s lips. The first lipstick created as a fashion accessory has been reinvented this fall in a futuristic version, defying the limits of shine to ensure easy-to-wear, lively and vibrant colour in one movement with no mirror needed. Thanks to its hydra-gel core, that is composed of 40% of the three of the shiniest oils used in cosmetics, it is the first lipstick with an integrated top coat. With each application, this original gel coat delicately melts over the lips, providing them with a sensual moisturizing glossy film and a spectacular volumizing effect. No lip balm needed anymore.

Basic Instinct: Jennifer Lawrence in the new campaign.

The 35 shades are divided in three different light effect families, from glittery to flashy to glowy. Actress Jennifer Lawrence is the face of the new campaign that is very reminiscent of the famous «Basic Instinct» movie scene in which Sharon Stone is crossing and uncrossing her legs. The only difference? The cigarette is a lipstick. The slogan? «Shine, don’t be shy!» – the perfect reflection of who she is in real life. A modern woman who takes control without taking herself too seriously. About her collaboration with Peter Philips she raves: «He is very sweet, incredibly creative and brilliant. I love how he does makeup. He understands a woman’s face and knows how to make it dramatic with makeup, but also make it seem very natural.»

Time to meet this icon of the beauty industry. Born in Antwerp in Belgium, Peter Philips is the former Creative Director of Chanel Makeup. After having left in 2013, he spent the subsequent year as a freelancer before joining the House of Dior. Working along with his fellow countryman and longtime friend Raf Simons, Creative Director Dior, the two share the same aesthetics and vision. The perfect match!

The lipstick as a fashion accessory – what does that mean to you?

I talk about the origin of the object, the way it is shaped is different from any other lipstick. It is pretty to put in your handbag, just like a fashion accessory.

«I am guided by beauty.»

When you create makeup looks, do you take it from a fashion and trend angle or you think more about the wearabilty of the products?

As a makeup designer my first motivation is beauty. That is my main reason. Once you start talking trends in makeup, it becomes fashionable but this is just a niche. Clearly all women want to be beautiful. Not everyone wants a trendy shade, but everyone wants a pretty shade. So first, I am guided by beauty and then I use fashion to make it more interesting, to tease and link it to couture, to editorials and shows.

Getting spoilt. Lunch on the boat for the launch event of Dior Addict Lipstick.

How do you work together with Raf Simons?

Our creative process is about looks, not about collections, not about products.

Practically, we have a different timing. Raf works now on couture and the show will take place in one and a half month. I am working one and a half year in advance to design new makeup products. Therefore it is so important for me to be guided by beauty as I can always integrate the fashion part later. When I work with Raf, I create a look for his show and use my products as a service to enhance Raf’s vision and to deliver his message.

The ad campaign reminds me so much of that famous scene in Basic Instinct. Is this on purpose?

Yes, it comes with these cinematographic references and it is just a flash. With Jennifer Lawrence, we have got an actress and she loved the movie. It is visually a nice teaser. It shows a strong woman and is a nice «clin d’oeil» to another Dior icon, Sharon Stone.

Can you give us some tips how to apply Dior Addict Lipstick?

It is such an easy product. Most important is to find the right shade or shades according to your mood. «Be Dior» for example suits a lot of women. You can even only apply it in the middle as it is sheer and you can build it up as you like. It gives a lot of moisture and comfort. You don’t need to use a primer, a liner or a balm. All the tricks are in this one lipstick.

Fireworks at night to celebrate the new Dior Addict Lipsticks

How do we find the right shade?

This is hard to say. It is the same for every beauty product, for eye shadows, foundation, nail polishes, you have to try it because there is no manual for it. I recommend going to a counter and feel it. Therefore I don’t believe in buying over the internet for the first time.

And do not forget to look at the colours in different lights. For example, the new Dior Addict Lipstick shades shine in the sun like fireworks.

How can we make lipstick long-lasting?

For shoots and in general, I like to scrub the lips to get rid of the dead skin, I moisturize the lips preferably with Lip Maximiser but it can be any lip balm to nourish them. Very important is it to take the greasiness away and to dab off the excess before getting started with applying the colour.

For a classic lip, I recommend a liner, maybe fill in the whole lip and apply the lipstick afterwards.

If you would like to have a lip stain, just pinch it in with the fingers so that it will last. The new Dior Addict Lipstick comes already with an integrated top coat that seals in the colour and makes the pigments stay longer.

«An eyelash curler is a must for every woman.» 

What are the beauty products every woman should own?

Each woman should find the right foundation if she needs it. If you have great skin, do not even bother to get it, just maintain it. A foundation should give the illusion of a youthful skin. If you have it, do not change it. Actually I am wearing «Star Foundation» right now because I got a huge sunburn.

An eyelash curler is a must for every woman. Even if you do not wear makeup, curl your lashes as it will open your eyes immediately. But never apply it when you have mascara on as the lashes might break.

Best location to host a launch event: The beautiful Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

What is your signature?

As I said before, I am guided by beauty. I like to create products that are really useful and surprise with interesting elements, such as new textures or different shades. I don’t want to dictate. The women who wear my makeup should discover the products themselves and have fun with them.

When I work for a fashion show, my signature is that I am very loyal to the designer, to support him and not to make it my show. Therefore they like working with me. I like to stay low profile but if they want something spectacular, I can deliver it.

Why did you take the job at Dior?

After I left Chanel, I worked for one year as a freelancer and I realized that I missed creating the products. I know Raf for 20 years and kept doing his menswear shows. One day, he came to me and said: «You stopped so that you can do my shows now?» He booked me and so from one thing came another. I got to meet Claude Martinez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Parfums Christian Dior. Funnily enough, I was not sure if I wanted to be linked again to one brand and stay in Paris. (Laughs) Probably it was midlife crisis but after one year, I truly missed doing collections and creating new products, the innovation. It was bizarre going to a store and buy products again that I needed for my work. I had a very critical eye and simultaneously Raf came in. Now, I am happy to be part of this amazing House that has a different DNA than the one I worked before at.

What are you working on now?

We already shot the campaigns for S/S 2016. Autumn and Christmas is almost done and I will be shooting those ads for F/W 2016 during the next weeks.

What is your favourite part about your job?

To make a living by doing makeup. The big variety of my job. Doing shows, products, shoots and working with the labs, even that technical part interests me. I don’t see myself as an artist, but I can be very creative. I like to watch women wearing my shades and products. Working also with a movie star who wants to put me in her bag and travel around with me makes the whole package just great.

Thank you, Peter!

As a journalist you get to meet a lot of people but it is always a pleasure to talk to someone who has such a passion for his job like Peter Philips. After having tried the new «Dior Addict Lipsticks», I can understand his excitement and I have a confession to make. I have become an addict and I cannot get enough. And you will surely, too!

4 It-shades: Be Dior (Jennifer Lawrence wears it in the campaign), Smile, Tribale and Wonderful are also available as Dior Gel Coats.

The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

“Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.”

Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

A warm welcome by lovely Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

During the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, I had the chance to interview one of my favorite actresses, Jessica Chastain, who is the new face of Piaget. The beautiful «redhead» has established herself as one of the finest film actresses of her generation, earning numerous award nominations. In 2012, Time magazine featured her as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World“.

Jessica Chastain is superb as the agent Maya in «Zero Dark 30».

Trained at the Julliard School in New York City, she made her feature film debut in Dan Ireland‘s «Jolene» in 2008. Since then, she has earned critical acclaim for her leading roles in many major movies including among many others Kathryn Bigelow‘s «Zero Dark 30», for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and received her 2nd Academy Award nomination.

Jessica Chastain in «A Most Violent Year».

Her most recent box office success came from her role in JC Chandor‘s «A Most Violent Year», for which she was honored with a Golden Globe nomination. She will next be seen in Guillermo Del Toro’ latest movie «Crimson Peak» and Ridley Scott’s «The Martian», both set for release Fall 2015.

«I am not so interested in being like everyone else.»

Jessica Chastain with me at the amfAR gala in 2013.

Two years ago, I met you at the amfAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes and was impressed by your kindness and great aura. What helps you to be that grounded?
Tough thing to answer. I feel so grateful, my whole life I wanted to be an actor and to be part of the magic of what making movies are and I get to do it. There is not one day that I forget how special that is.

Which character would you love to play that you haven’t played yet?
I can tell you for theatre. I would love to play Roselynne in «As You Like It» because it is my favourite Shakespeare character but for film, I don’t know because maybe the role isn’t written yet. When I look back on films that I love from the 30s and 40s, the amazing performances, like Rita Hayworth, it’s I wouldn’t want to make a remake of those roles because it kind of looses what was so special about the original. I am gonna answer perhaps it is not written yet.

During our photo shoot for the new Possession campaign for Piaget in Paris recently.

You have the most beautiful hair. Do you think that being a «redhead» has influenced you, your career? How was it in your childhood? Blessing or curse?
If there is something about you that is unique and different, you have to celebrate it. That is what you have to love and this is what you makes you special as you get older. I am not so interested in being like everyone else. I like to meet people that are different, that are strange, that have different point of views and challenge my own way of thinking. When you are in a group, it is so much more interesting when there is so much individuality that becomes the group. So that’s what I think about the red hair.

You have been also the ambassador of the YSL fragrance, «Manifesto», and now you are the face of Piaget. How do you choose the right brands to collaborate with?
The reason why I love Piaget is first of all their engagement towards the Independent Film Spirit Awards. They have been the main sponsors for eight years. I love independent cinema, this is where my heart lies. Independent cinema celebrates diversity and creativity and for a brand like Piaget to sponsor it, means that it goes along with their believes, with their designs, the artwork is truly important to me, so working with Piaget was a no-brainer.

Her first official appearance as the new ambassador for Piaget: Jessica Chasten with Piaget jewelry at the Globen Globes.

What is your first memory of Piaget?
I think the watches are so incredible. Think about Jackie Kennedy with her most exquisite watch. I have worn Piaget for the first time at the Golden Globes, an amazing bracelet that was all diamonds but is was actually a watch. I have never seen such precision, beauty and art. This is the strongest memory I have of wearing their jewelry.

What was your first piece of jewelry? And can you tell us the story how you got it?
Probably a piece of jewelry that I got from my grandmother. It is not something you could wear. I don’t even know how to call it. It is covered in jewels and you can pull out one section for perfume and in the other section you can put your lipstick in. It is so special and beautiful. It means so much to me because it is from my grandmother that is very close to me.

Would you buy a piece of high jewelry yourself? Or does it always have to be a gift?
Of course, I like jewelry as a gift, jewelry is very sentimental, very emotional. But I have bought jewelry for myself. It makes me feel very independent, very powerful to be able to buy my own jewlery. I don’t require that it is always bought for me.

Jessica and my humble self at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica last February.

What is your favourite piece of jewelry? And why?
I wear earrings right now that I am obsessed with but I don’t own them. For daily life, I have a pair of diamond rose earrings from Piaget which are my favourites at the moment.

Do you like roses, flowers? What do they mean to you?
Flowers are so beautiful to me. Look at the connection between flowers and art. The sensuality what a flower is. A flower is life. It is life and art together and romance. That is probably why I love the earrings so much.

What is the most beautiful jewelry a woman can wear?
Her smile.

A secret about you that we don’t know yet.
(Laughs). I have a lot of secrets but I cannot think of any that I want to tell to the world.

Jessica Chastain in three words.
I have to give you more than three. I am loyal, very very loyal. I am a hard worker, I work so much and I am passionate.

Thank you, Jessica!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve Granitz/WireImage, Courtesy of Piaget and © Sandra Bauknecht
This interview was also featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

Happy Birthday Flowerbomb – what a great «flowerbombastic» party! The house of Viktor&Rolf celebrated the 10th year anniversary of their iconic scent at Le Trianon in Paris in the beginning of July with a very special evening. The rooms were literally filled with thousands of flowers. Highlight of the night were the outstanding performances by Tori Amos and Charli XCX.

Enjoy all my pictures and stay tuned for the amazing interview I did with the designer duo.

LoL, Sandra

Designer duo Viktor&Rolf at their party.

Ellen von Unwerth with photographer duo Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

At the party with model Willy Cartier.

Charli XCX on stage…

… and in a stunning Viktor&Rolf dress upon arrival.

Ellen von Unwerth with me.

Actress Michelle Rodriguez

Italian clothing magnate Renzo Rosso, President of OTB Group, the holding group, that bought a controlling interest in Viktor& Rolf in 2008.

Petra Nemcova

Amazing performance by Tori Amos on stage…

… and afterwards at the party with me.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Viktor&Rolf