Sandra‘s Closet

Stella McCartney knows exactly how women want to dress right now and that she has proved again for the S/S 2013 season. Her eco-friendly designs are one of the most wanted styles of all times. At the runway show in Paris, I spotted Charlotte Rampling who also told me how much she adores Stella’s style. Great news is that some of her summer must-haves are now on sale and I put a selection of the best pieces available for you together below. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Me front row at the Stella McCartney S/S 2013 show.
If you like my look, click here for the outfit post.

Lightweight and airy, the perfect companion for every day.
Airtex-mesh bomber jacket

There’s no other dress like the intense blue shift with transparent panelling for a head-turning entrance at every event.
Silk-organza and crepe dress

With this playful sporty look, you are sure to stand out in the office and at cocktail hour.
Printed silk shirt and matching pants

Spring meets sophistication with Stella McCartney’s LBD.
Strapless embroidered organza dress

My favourite for day and night.
Odilia organza and knit circle dress

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening in Cannes, I was invited by Chopard to the “Somebody to love” party at Canal+. Mark Ronson, face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme, whom I had met in 2011 at the Versace for H&M Launch Party in NYC, was the DJ for the night. I have to admit that I had far too much fun so unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos…

My look: Pink marabou jacket by Emilio Pucci, ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, gold python pumps by Tom Ford, earrings by Chanel, crocodile clutch by Nancy Gonzalez and Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

The Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford are just perfect for adding that special something to your outfit, incorporating the pattern du jour: dots.

Looking gorgeous: Mark Ronson in Givenchy Homme

Spotted that night: Belgian martial artist and actor Jean-Claude van Damme

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I spent a beautiful day on a yacht in Cannes with Chopard. I was very excited to be among the first ones to hear about the new partnership between Chopard and Happy Hearts Fund. A charity organization founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she had survived the devastating tsunami in Thailand in 2004. She had broken her hip four times and for many months it was unsure if she could ever walk again. She is definitely one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, from the inside and the outside!

And we had something in common, we both wore Dolce & Gabbana head to toe… (for all details of my look, please click here).

To raise money for her foundation, Chopard will launch this beautiful and delicate bracelet “Happy Baby” with a heart-shaped pink sapphire inside. An amazing present for a lady, girl, or baby. The beautiful piece of jewelry will be in stores in the end of June 2013 and will be sold for CHF 1000.-, of which CHF 250.- will go to the Happy Hearts Fund, that rebuild schools in areas devastated by natural disasters.What a gorgeous initiative!

That is a bracelet with heart – literally… enjoy some impressions from the yacht below!

Lovely pick-up for the yacht.

View from the tender before the arrival on board.

On board: My humble self, Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard, Anna Netrebko, famous opera singer and Petra Nemcova.

Having fun with lovely Anna who wanted to have a picture with me because she loved my Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana. What an honor!

A little photo shoot.

It looks lovely if you are wearing two or three bracelets together as seen on Petra.

Gosh, I wished all press conferences could be held like on a yacht next to a jacuzzi. Repeating myself, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Chopard to see the screening of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who were both present. The “Montée des Marches” at the Palais des Festivals, the legendary black tie event, is something I will never forget. Being on the red carpet in Cannes feels very special. I was able to experience it already last year and if you are interested, have a look at the previous post by clicking here.

Since 1998, my host Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. To mark the 15th anniversary of this partnership, the watchmaker-jeweller organised several high profile events during the festival fortnight including a photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection that I will show you very soon on the blog. Chopard also crafted the Festival’s supreme award, the legendary Palme d’Or.

I hope you will like my little photo diary of the night including the most unforgettable moments like walking on the red carpet.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals and pound printed leather pouch, both by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

Model and actress Adriana Karembeu arrived at the same time like me.

Of course, the two leading actors of the movie “Behind the Candelabra”, Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, came last.

The American drama directed by Steven Soderbergh is about the life of pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas in his best role ever) and the secret affair he had with young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). The movie is based on a true story, Thorson’s memoir, and unveils the excessive lifestyle of the performer and his intimate circle of friends, lovers, and businessmen. I have absolutely loved the film. Matt Damon and Michael Douglas perform amazingly. You experience the different stages of the gay couple’s relationship that they always kept behind closed doors as Liberace was not open about his homosexuality.

Standing ovations and a good laugh when Matt Damon hugged Michael Douglas intimately.

Later, the “Behind the Candelabra” after party took place at the Chopard Terrace at the famous Hotel Martinez in the presence of the movie cast and many other celebrities.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Art Director of Chopard

What an honour to have a little chat with the famous Michael Douglas!

Exceptional soprano Anna Netrebko

Model and ex-girlfriend of Leonardo di Caprio Erin Heatherton is the new face of Chopard.

Rosario Dawson recognized me from the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch in Los Angeles last February. How sweet!

I had so much fun that night, thank you, Chopard, for that unforgettable experience and Valeria for taking all those photos of me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Palme d’Or: Courtesy of Chopard

THE EVENT

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the prestigious annual amfAR gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, which was probably THE most high profile event I have ever been to. From sitting at Paris Hilton‘s table, having dinner with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone, enjoying musical performances of the likes of Duran Duran or Shirley Bassey to witnessing Anna Dello Russo‘s best dance moves during the unbelievable ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW curated by Carine Roitfeld. Everything was superlative. For a ticket price of around €8000.00 it should be, shouldn’t it?!

Below, I put together my very own photo diary of the event with of course some exclusive footage. The invite said that nobody was allowed to take pictures, that if you were seen, the camera would be confiscated immediately. But I managed to get some great shots! Enjoy!

MY OUTFIT

As gold was a dominant detail of the event, I went for a look in this radiant colour.
Python leather dress (every scale is handsewn on this piece) and matching heels by Tom Ford, Twenties stay-up in black by Wolford, Catwalk patent leather bag with crocodile print by Saint Laurent and earrings by Chanel.

THE CELEBRITIES

VIPS in attendance included: Sharon Stone, Jessica Chastain, Carine Roitfeld, Bonnie Wright, Aishwarya Rai, Paz Vega, Rosario Dawson, Goldie Hawn, Janet Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tautou, Kristen Scott Thomas, Christopher Waltz, Leonardo di Caprio, Dita von Teese, Paris Hilton, Adrien Brody, Zachary Quinto, Thom Browne, Daniele and Roberto Cavalli.

THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION

If you have ever been to the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, you know how gorgeous the atmosphere is. It was amazing to enjoy a glass of bubbly while watching all the celebs arrive.

Milla Jovovich

Golden Girls: Anne Meyer-Minnemann (German Gala magazine) with me

THE DINNER

Roberto Cavalli was the official decor sponsor of the 2oth amfAR Gala 2013 with iconic pieces of his Home Collection. Dinner was a feast for the eyes, but unfortunately not a culinary delight. The food was unpalatable.

THE AUCTION

During the gala dinner, celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, Goldie Hawn and Janet Jackson went on stage and gave a little speech. The auction conducted by Simon de Pury included one-of-a-kind items, such as a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio that went for 1.2 million euros, a week at Donna Karan’s resort home in Parrot Cay, and a family portrait sitting with Annie Leibovitz. But these were just a few of the items sold at amfAR’s most successful benefit event to date. Cinema Against AIDS XX exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $25 million in a single night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

Janet Jackson

I was seated at a very fun table with Paris Hilton and her boyfriend River Viiperi…

…model Toni Garrn joined in the fun…

…as well as American jewelry designer Dawid Yurman who was also at the table.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (The antagonist in Casino Royale) with me

Paris Hilton

Gorgeous Jessica Chastain (The face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto).

THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

After placing their bids during one of amfAR’s legendary auctions, the charitable crowd was moved by musical performances that ranged from Dame Shirley Bassey singing “Goldfinger” to Ellie Goulding and a rare live performance by Duran Duran. As John Taylor and Simon Le Bon, surrounded by swaying models, rocked on the stage, I leapt from my dinner table and began dancing.

Simon Le Bon rocking with Alessandra Ambrosio

Anna Dello Russo was also moving to the beats

Would love to know what Giovanna Battaglia just heard?!

THE ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW

Personally speaking, the highlight of the event was the fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld. Forty top models participated in a spectacular runway presentation of one-of-a-kind gold looks with gold jewelry from emerging and established designers. See my favourites below:

Karolina Kurkova in Roberto Cavalli

Joan Smalls in Givenchy

Toni Garrn in Vionnet

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in Valentino

Ashleigh Good in Chanel

Angela Lindvall in Burberry Prorsum

Anna Dello Russo danced down the runway in Pucci and Bvlgari

…and Pucci’s Creative Director Peter Dundas cheered along with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld.

After the runway show, Sharon Stone auctioned off this amazing gold collection in a very witty and entertaining way, exhorting the crowd to bid higher and higher. “The bid is a million dollars—I mean euros,” she said. “Won’t someone give more?” Yes, this night somebody did. All the outfits went for 1.2 million euros. You can see the lucky couple below.

THE AFTER PARTY

Moncler was sponsoring the after party that seemed a little boring compared to the gala dinner. Most of the celebrities left and that might have been also due to the terrible weather conditions that had occurred all of a sudden. The wind was beating like crazy as you can see.

I was having so much fun that it felt like I already flew to space with Leonardo. Stay tuned for more upcoming post from Cannes with Chopard!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LoveGold, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Cannes with Chopard for the 66th Cannes Film Festival. As some of you might remember, I had this amazing red carpet experience already last year as guest of Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler. Since 1998, Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. 2013 marks the 15th anniversary of this partnership, and of course this is celebrated with several high-profile events, including a “In Love with Cinema” photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection.

What has truly caught my attention is the brand’ s new eco-conscious initiative. This year’s red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival is turning green. In a collaboration with ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining), the sculptor of Cannes’ iconic Golden Palm trophy, Chopard, has joined Eco-Age creative director and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth, wife to Colin, to create ’The Journey’, its journey to sustainable luxury, which already begins at the very start of the production chain and involves issues such as respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. Those entirely ethical Haute Joaillerie models will mark the Geneva-based manufacturer’s first Green Carpet Collection.

At the Green Carpet collection press launch: Fan Bing Bing, Livia Firth,Marion Cotillard, Caroline Scheufele, Colin Firth and Laura Bailey

The dazzling beauty of these two Green Carpet Haute Joaillerie models, a cuff bracelet and a pair of earrings in 18ct white gold, finely chased like lacework and entirely set with diamonds, is indeed an adventure in itself. Crafted by the jewelers, gem-setters, polishers and gold casters of the Chopard Haute Joaillerie workshops, they bear exquisite testimony to the exceptional know-how of the Geneva firm.

Stay tuned for many exciting posts coming up from Cannes soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, © ARM

Last night, the premiere of THE GREAT GATSBY marked the official opening of the 66th Cannes Film Festival with such fanfare Jay Gatsby would be proud. Unfortunately, I couldn’t accept the exclusive invite to attend this amazing event (Remember last year?) because of another ongoing project but great news is that I will be flying to Cannes next week to live once more this gorgeous red carpet feeling with Chopard.

It’s definitely one of the biggest movies of 2013, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s famous The Great Gatsby stars Leonardo DiCaprio as 1920s millionaire Jay Gatsby in the part that Robert Redford portrayed in the 1974 version of the film. The 2013 edition is narrated by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) and Carey Mulligan plays Gatsby’s obsession Daisy Buchanan, along with Joel Edgerton as her husband.

THE STORY

„The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

The new blockbuster is the perfect example that there is ongoing dialogue within the worlds of fashion, art, film and architecture. The lavish throwback to the “Roaring Twenties” has already been a huge trend for S/S 2012 (for the previous post please click here).

Harrods in London has taken inspiration from the new adaptation with a 1920s jazz-themed cocktail bar to celebrate the release of movie. At the famous department store, you can also shop ‘The Twenties’ return with a roar, as fringing and Art-Deco detailing add edge to architectural shapes. As Gatsby fever hits our screens with its champagne towers and shimmering wardrobe, has there ever been a better time to celebrate the beginning of the summer season?

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE BEST 1920’S INSPIRED S/S 2013 FASHION AND BEAUTY.

Keeping this in mind, it is time to take a closer look at the magnificent costumes and jewels in Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic.

Total pairs of stockings/pantyhose/garterbelts from Fogal: 1,080
Total number of Prada party dresses: 40
Total number of crystals provided by Swarovski: 288,000
Most number of hair and make-up applications on any one day, for party scenes: 76
Total items of men’s formalwear and daywear produced for background talent by Brooks Bros.: 2,291

TIFFANY & CO.

Tiffany & Co., who counted F. Scott Fitzgerald himself amongst its clientele, was responsible for the spectacular jewels in the film. The cinematic collection is inspired by pieces from the brand’s archive, genuine products of the creative prosperity of the 1920s which have also inspired a new Gatsby-esque line for Tiffany & Co., the recently launched Ziegfeld range.

The Great Gatsby Savoy Headpiece
Tiffany designers crafted a magnificent headpiece in platinum for The Great Gatsby, bringing Daisy Buchanan to life. It features a detachable brooch, freshwater cultured pearls, 3.6-6.9 mm and round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight 25.04.
$200,000

PRADA

Miuccia Prada was behind the flappers dresses and ballgowns for the cast. The Italian designer teamed up with costume designer Catherine Martin to create a bespoke collection of 40 Roaring Twenties-style pieces, inspired by selected runway looks from the last 20 years. The glittering re-imagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age classic stars. In the film the costumes take a leading role: shimmering silk gowns embroidered with crystal and sequins; velvets, furs and dancing fringing; flickering shades of emerald, jade, topaz and gold.

“Our collaboration with Prada recalls the European flair that was emerging amongst the aristocratic East Coast crowds in the 1920s” says Martin. “The fashions of the time saw the development of a dichotomy between those who aspired to the privileged, Ivy League look of wealthy Long Island and those who were aspiring to European glamour, sophistication and decadence. Our collaborations with Prada reflect the collision of these two aesthetics.”

The beautiful costumes will be on display in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai:
May 1 – 12, 2013 at the Prada New York Epicenter at 575 Broadway in New York City.
June 14 – 30, 2013 at the Prada Tokyo Epicenter store and following until mid-July at the IFC Mall in Shanghai.

FOGAL

I am in love with Fogal‘s limited edition hosiery collection made exclusively for The Great Gatsby movie. This pure 20’s glamour is now available in all Fogal stores.

Excited to see Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire in The Great Gatsby? I am inviting you to join today’s contest where you can win four amazing movie-inspired giveaways. A tee, a perfume bottle, a book mark and the movie tie-in book.

This contest is open to everyone. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “The Great Gatsby” to . All entries must be received until May 25, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

The Great Gatsby hits theatres today in Switzerland. Check out the trailer below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Fogal, Harrods, Prada, Tiffany & Co., © Reuters and © 2013 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

Last week, MCM‘s first European flagship store opened its doors in Zurich. As you already know, I felt very honoured to be the blogger host for this wonderful event.

My relationship with MCM dates back to my early college years when I designed a complete collection for the German brand that was founded by Michael Cromer in Munich in the Mid ’70s as ‘Michael Cromer Munich‘ (MCM). Today, it belongs to Sungjoo Design Tech & Distribution, and has been renamed ‘Mode Creation Munich‘ (MCM).

The company’s owner Sung-Joo Kim, a very fascinating lady, had flown in from South Korea for the event along with some famous celebrities. She was ranked among the “Top 50 Women to Watch” by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 and selected as one of the “New Century Leaders” in CNN for the Best of Asia in 2003.

The new amazing colossal MCM store, located at the iconic Münsterhof, offers 160 square metres full of the brand’s must-haves.

Bettina Zollinger, store manager MCM Zurich, with me at the opening party.

Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me in front of the shop. I am carrying the Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag from MCM’s upcoming F/W 2014 collection. For all details regarding my look, please click here.

To celebrate the first European flagship store, MCM released an exclusive Zurich Visetos line. The luxurious special edition, only available in Zurich is inspired by the city’s coat of arms, featuring a unique blue and white colourway available on various classic shapes.

How cute are these MCM doggies?!

The party crowd outside…

Spotted: Guya Merkle, owner and designer of Vieri Haute Joaillerie, the luxurious high end jewelry brand.

German actor Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht

Renowned South Korean actor Sang-Woo Kwon

Another famous guest: Designer Albert Kriemler, Creative Director of Akris.

At work

Lovely Fiona Hefti compèred the event.

The ribbon cutting ceremony

Later, I was invited to the official dinner held at the Zunfthaus zur Waag, during which Swiss singer Paloma Würth performed some of her songs. The highlight of the menu was definitely the logo cake for dessert.

Thank you, MCM, for this beautiful event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM, Tillate and © Sandra Bauknecht

This Mother’s Day, I chime for you… for all the moms who inspire us. Send your mom this video featuring Beyoncé, Cameron Diaz, John Legend, Ziggy Marley, Olivia Wilde, Blake Lively and Hafsat Abiola and thank her for her unconditional love. We only have one mom, one mommy, one mother in this world, one life.

CHIME FOR CHANGE, founded by Gucci, is a community of people working to promote education, health and justice for girls and women everywhere. The new global campaign focuses on girls’ and women’s empowerment. It serves to convene, unite and strengthen voices speaking out for the weaker sex around the world, and to raise funds for non-profit organizations pursuing change. To learn more about this important initiative and to join it, please click here.

Frida Giannini, Gucci’s Creative Director, wearing the Chime for Change T-shirt.

Many celebrities are supporting this gorgeous initiative, such as Salma Hayek-Pinault and Beyoncé Knowles.

On June 1st, CHIME FOR CHANGE will present a global concert to put girls’ and women’s issues on the world’s stage. The televised event at London’s Twickenham Stadium with Co-founder and Artistic Director, Beyoncé as headliner will also feature performances by Jennifer Lopez, Ellie Goulding, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, Iggy Azalea, John Legend, Laura Pausini, Rita Ora, Timbaland and more to be announced. Tickets on sale at www.chimeforchange.org.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chime for Change

After I had finished my amazing shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing in Munich, I went to the opening of the house’s new ‘Maison’ in the evening. As some of you might already know, I had been living in the Bavarian city for eight years and it is definitely my favourite German spot. Therefore, I was completely excited to see Louis Vuitton’s new location as well as spotting so many familiar faces in an iconic location at the heart of the city. It was the former Munich post office known as Residenzpost and I had been there many times in my life.

For more details about my look, please click here. The fabulous trench coat is also from Louis Vuitton and belongs to the Icons collection.

When I entered the new ‘Maison’, I felt like entering ‘Vuitton Heaven’… I embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries through an outstanding range of must-haves and inspiring art installations. Paying tribute to the history of the building, the store also showcases an area dedicated to ‘Ecriture’, the new collection of writing instruments.

A real eye-catcher can be spotted in the form of the first German postage stamp, the ‘Schwarze Einser’ in permanent display. A limited edition of Louis Vuitton stamps were also edited for the event and I am very happy to have such a set at home.

Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the superb event.
Enjoy my impressions:

German actress Hannah Herzsprung

Model Franziska Knuppe with me

German actor Moritz Bleibtreu

Gorgeous Olivia Palermo

Jamie McGregor Smith, photographer for Louis Vuitton, shot some nice pics of me on the stairs of the new store.

German actress Alexandra Neldel

What an honor: American actress and star of the night Uma Thurman framed by Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe, to the left and my humble self to the right.

Richard Deacon‘s sculpture “Sunday in the Country”, 2005

The after party took place right next door. The decoration was amazing, with hot-air balloon dummies placed in the center of the room.

Olivia Palermo’s model-boyfriend, Johannes Huebl.

Very sweet Cosma Shiva Hagen with me

Live act: Marina and the Diamonds

The famous singer with me

Germany’s Next Top Model winner 2009, Sara Nuru

The German magazine Bunte named me a style icon, wow! It was an unforgettable event and I am so happy that I was part of it. A huge thank you to the Louis Vuitton team!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Brauer Photos and © Jamie McGregor Smith