Sandra‘s Closet

If you are living in Switzerland, you will definitely know AVANZAR, the brainchild of Margarita Heredia Forster. The dual Ecuadorian-Swiss citizen established the Swiss-based foundation in 1999 to enable disadvantaged women in her home country Ecuador and their families to lead a self-determined life in economic independence by teaching them skills and know-how. The foundation is financed entirely by charitable donations from private individuals and institutions; numerous volunteers also support AVANZAR in its administration and daily work in the programs it offers.

Teamwork: Flo und Margarita

AVANZAR develops its own programs to meet the social and economic needs of underprivileged women who fall outside the scope of what the government and private sector offer. For example, Atelier Avanzar has been very successful in producing fashionable knitted bags. The designs are created in collaboration with the well-known Zurich accessory designer Florence Bachofen-Székely, and the bags are sold in the Atelier’s online store as well as at private sales and fairs.

This F/W 2021 season, the bags are extremely beautiful and I absolutely love the mood of the campaign.

GIORGIA
This yarn and leather crossbody bag with its sober design has the perfect size so you really want to carry it with you every day. The adjustable leather handle is attached to the bag with pretty brass-colored rings and rivets. The bag closes securely with a zipper that has a leather tassel detail. Inside there is a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

ADA FRINGES
This soft bag with its snap closure and eye-catching leather fringe detail is the perfect accessory to complement the trendy boho look. Thanks to its volume it is a practical and fashionable companion, always and everywhere. The easiest way is to squeeze it casually under your arm or carry it in your hand. In the spacious interior there is a zippered compartment in which valuables can be safely stored.

SELVA
This medium-sized handbag in leo pattern spices up any outfit! It can be worn comfortably with the adjustable nylon handle over the shoulder or as a crossbody. The short handles made from the softest leather make it pleasant to carry the bag by hand or in the crook of the arm. A zipper closes the bag securely, and inside it has a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

WUAPA VINTAGE
The embossed leather details on the side of this bag create this coveted vintage look. It has plenty of space and soft leather handles lie comfortably on the shoulder or over the arm. On the sides, this bag has decorative elements created from leather and hook closures, and it is lined with water-repellent nylon fabric. It closes with a magnetic closure. Inside it has a zippered compartment for valuables and a leather strap with a hook for your keychain.

LAURA
This bag is the perfect companion through everyday life. It impresses with subtle details and accents: Rivets and knitwear make it an easy statement piece. The shape reminiscent of a saddle bag offers generous space. Valuables are safely stowed in the zippered interior compartment, and thanks to two additional interior compartments, even small items will not get lost.My Swiss based readers can explore the collection live during the Atelier Days in the first week of November at Erlengut in Erlenbach / Lake Zurich, Erlengutstrasse 1a, where 20 labels will present their collections.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9 am – 6 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Avanzar / Atelier Avanzar
#DoGood #BuyGood

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign unites and inspires people globally in the mission to create a breast cancer-free world. Founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, the Breast Cancer Campaign is the Estée Lauder Companies’ largest corporate social impact program and supported by their employees worldwide. The campaign has raised more than $99 million to support global research, education and medical services, with more than $80 million funding 321 medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
CHF 149.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Breast cancer is not a disease that has a single story. It is as diverse and complex as our global community and it profoundly impacts everyone it touches – patients, loved ones, doctors, caregivers, advocates and more. My mum had this terrible disease twice in her life and I am very grateful that she successfully fought it twice. However, I know about the impact it has on the whole family.

In support of everyone touched by breast cancer, this year’s campaign features layers of the Pink Ribbon—the universally recognized symbol for breast cancer. Shades of pink, textures, and designs intertwine to signify the diversity of the disease, the equity they hope to help achieve and the unity they have in support of the entire breast cancer community worldwide.

ESTÉE LAUDER
Brave & Beautiful Kit
CHF 69.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Together, the Estée Lauder Companies are accelerating the progress towards a more equitable and beautiful future for the breast cancer community and beyond. It’s #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

How can you help? The 2021 Breast Cancer Campaign has launched a new social media call-to-action to rally supporters and raise funds for BCRF: Join them in helping fund lifesaving breast cancer research by grabbing your favorite pink lipstick, drawing a ribbon, sharing your story, and tagging 5 people in your post to do the same.

LA MER
Crème de La Mer The Moisturizing Cream 15ml
CHF 100 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

For every public, in-feed Instagram or Facebook post during the month of October featuring both #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together, the Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation up to $150,000.

Great news for my Swiss readers: on October 21, 2021, the Estée Lauder Companies will be hosting a charity sale between 11am – 7pm at Giessereihalle, Puls 5, 8005 Zurich. Products for sale are marked down up to 50%, all proceeds will go 100% to «Look Good Feel Better».

LoL, Sandra

BOBBI BROWN
Powerful Pinks Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss Duo
CHF 52.00 (of which 100% are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Crème with Shampure™ Aroma
CHF 27.00 (of which CHF 10 are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

CLINIQUE
Great Skin, Great Cause Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
CHF 99.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies, Photo of me: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received some of the products to try them.

(V) Vaccinated – Valentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

Today, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful charily raffle by Glasswing International on THE FLOORR to win a pair of earrings worth $14,250 donated by Loree Rodkin.

The exquisite open pavé leaf earrings feature shield tops and are made in 18k white gold with a black rhodium finish; the pavé contains 2.30 ct multi-coloured diamonds and .40 ct brown diamonds. They truly are a joy to behold and a beautiful statement piece to add to your jewelry collection.

The raffle tickets start at $100 (£73/86€) and the money will be used to transform the lives of children and youth born into cycles of poverty and violence throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and in New York City.
Over the past fourteen years, Glasswing’s work has impacted the lives of over 1.5 million people, transformed over 100 schools into safe and stimulating environments, and engaged over 20,000 students a week with after-school programs.

The Seventh Annual Glasswing International Benefit Gala honors their dear friend and champion Carmen Busquets.

«I learnt a lot from the courage and gratitude of the children and youth we spent time with, and from their honest and fearless way of expressing how they feel. Raising money for them is incredibly rewarding but it doesn’t come close to spending time with these kids!» – Carmen Busquets

You can learn more about Glasswing and how to enter in the raffle here.

THE FLOORR Charity Raffle closes at 11.59am on September 23rd, 2021.
THE FLOORR will email the winner directly by September 25th, 2021. All non-winners will be notified via RallyUp. The winner will be randomly selected by RallyUp, using a certified algorithm to draw the winner from all entries purchased via the RallyUp platform. 100% of the proceeds of THE FLOORR Charity Raffle will benefit Glasswing International.

I already entered the raffle and hope you will, too.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Glasswing International, Loree Rodkin and THE FLOOR
This raffle «THE FLOORR Charity Raffle, Supporting Glasswing International» is organised by Glasswing International of 199 Water Street, 34th Floor, New York, NY 11038; and conducted by RallyUp of Tucson, Arizona. THE FLOORR Ltd and Sandra’s Closet have no role in and accepts no responsibility for the same.

In a year of great resilience, two Italian Maisons, Emilio Pucci and Acqua di Parma, brighten up the holiday season with a new collection that celebrates life, love and joy. United by the common values of traditional workmanship, a joyous spirit and a passion for beauty, they come together to support the Rewrite the Future campaign from Save the Children, the international organisation which has been working for 100 years to save children at risk and guarantee their future, against a background of challenging social conditions and a lack of educational facilities.

Holiday 2021 Magnolia Nobile Gift Set – CHF 247.00

Emilio Pucci is a company that specialises in combining essential design with the joy of colour. The company founder created a rich universe of prints and an unmistakeable style, for which he was awarded the accolade of The Prince of Prints. This collaboration between the two companies expresses the perfect harmony between this joyful style of the fashion house and the radiance of Acqua di Parma.

Holiday 2021 Barbiere The Daily Ritual – CHF 134.00

The Vortici print, inspired by an Emilio Pucci archive theme, is presented in Parma yellow for the Holiday Season, and reinterpreted in a harmonious movement of light and colour. It’s a swirl of positivity and the joy of living which takes us on a journey into the universes of Italian beauty, from sophisticated urban architecture to splendid floral gardens and the Mediterranean coast, bring a sensation of freedom and confidence in its wake.

My favorite: The Holiday 2021 Advent Calendar will be available for CHF 595.00.

The Emilio Pucci x Acqua di Parma Collection will be available from October in the Boutiques and e commerce outlets of both companies, as well as through the retail and wholesale channels.

LoL, Sandra

Holiday 2021 Fico di Amalfi Gift Set – CHF 122.00

Holiday 2021 Essenza Gift Set – CHF 187.00

Holiday 2021 Notte di Stelle Diffusor – CHF 121.00 (180ml) and CHF 249.00 (500ml)

Photos: © Emilio Pucci / Acqua di Parma
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored.

Around two years ago, I told you the first time about #Togetherband, a movement started by Bottletop, the sustainable British accessories brand, to bring awareness to the 17 Global Goals formulated by the UN in 2015 through a partnership with the UN Foundation, WWF, Project Everyone, Eco Age, Global Citizen and the Founding Partner UBS.

Now, they have launched sunglasses in collaboration with Little Sun, a nonprofit global partnership that promotes and builds solar energy for communities without access to electricity. For every pair bought, a solar-powered lamp will be donated to a child without electricity in sub-Saharan Africa to help them read books, do homework and take them to new exciting places.

I am wearing the Alé sunglasses.

The sunglasses frames are constructed using 100% recycled polycarbonate. It’s a strong material made from post-consumer waste like old CDs and electrical appliances. #TOGETHER sunnies are also carbon negative, which means they offset more carbon than is emitted through their creation and distribution.

• Gender neutral eyewear
• Frames made from 100% recycled polycarbonate
• The lenses are UV category 3
• For every #TOGETHER product you buy, a tree is planted

Those classic sunglasses shapes work on so many faces. Alé is great for square and triangular faces, Rae works on round and oval face shapes, and Kai is perfect if your face is more rounded.

YOU CAN ORDER THE YELLOW SUNGLASSES ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottletop / #Togetherband and © Sandra Bauknecht

Following the great success of the past years, LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF Italia announce the fourth exclusive edition of the charity gala event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

The event will be held at the historic La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on Saturday July 31st, with the mission to raise funds to support UNICEF charities and projects around the world.

All funds raised during the event will support UNICEF’s Italia work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, UNICEF Italia continues to fight on a daily basis for the rights of children in need — providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection from conflicts, natural disasters and inequality.

Rita Ora at the LuisaViaRoma 2020 edition.

The unforgettable evening will feature live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning singer John Legend.
In addition to the musical performances, the gala will include a cocktail reception and a star-studded exclusive dinner, followed by a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Always breathtaking: Mathilde Gøhler with her husband Remee Jackman last year.

The auction will include incredible items such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a voyage on the «Extreme E» ship. In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF Italia. This year, a part of LuisaViaRoma’s contribution will facilitate the restoration of La Certosa in Capri, with the aim to maintain and protect the local institution.

Special scarf edition for the 2020 event by LuisaViaRoma x 100% Capri

LUISAVIAROMA’s CEO, Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF’s Italia Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and UNICEF Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra will be hosting the charitable event alongside Event Chairs: Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortajarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aasen and Karolina Kurkova.

Coming back to Capri for the event: beautiful Natasha Poly

«Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.» Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

With Andrea Panconesi in 2013 at a LuisaViaRoma event in Tuscany.

«We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion of doses of vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.» – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LuisaViaRoma / UNICEF

Christie’s Jewels & Handbags Online: The London Edit from 9 to 23 June will present four one-of-a-kind pieces from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection, sold to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities, an international association of artist residencies that support artists of any discipline in the development of new creative work. The selection of Marnifesto highlights will comprise of upcycled leather coats from the brand’s archives, featuring hand-painted words and drawings inspired by Marni’s community. The online auction will open on 9 June, with bidding starting from £100, and the unique pieces will be available to view at Christie’s London from 11 to 16 June.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso opened up a dialogue between the talents, photographers and creative consultants who have collaborated with the brand over the years, including Mykki Blanco, Jonah Hill, Michelle Elie, Julien d’Ys, Camilla Nickerson, Jess Maybury among others. Exploring creativity and new ways of working during lockdown, this epistolary chain served as the inspiration for the resulting Marnifesto collection, conceived as a celebration of human connections, love, freedom and self-expression.

Once back in the studio, Marni’s treasured archives served as a neutral canvas, with previous collections upcycled and transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-painted with poetry, words and motifs collected during lockdown. Spontaneous brush strokes adorn these wearable pieces of art, beauty born out of challenges and an exploration of the future while paying tribute to the past.

Rachel Koffsky, Christie’s International Senior Specialist, Handbags & Accessories: «We are delighted to partner with Marni to offer four one-of-a-kind, wearable works of art from the 2021 Spring-Summer Marnifesto Collection. Made during the pandemic, hand painted in the Marni atelier in Italy, each unique piece represents a Love Letter from Marni collaborators to Francesco Risso, the fashion community and the world at large. One year later, this collection could not be more resonant. The eclectic, hand-painted nature of the collection represents the do-it-yourself sensibility which came to the fore at the beginning of the pandemic. While some of us baked sourdough, or learned to knit, the Marni atelier used their craft to make sense of this uncertain time, and to heal the community. Reflecting this, Marni has dedicated a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities. At this time, we need art more than ever, and to support artists and artist communities in need.»

Part of my personal collection: Trunk hand-painted leather shoulder bag by Marni

Francesco Risso, Marni’s Creative Director: «These one-off pieces reverberate the emotions among the Marni community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they are the result of a collective effort in a time of uncertainty and hope. We gave a new interpretation to the beautiful garments we found in our archives by hand-painting the words and drawings collected throughout the lockdown. Because these pieces transcend time and go beyond fashion, we are extremely proud to present them through Christie’s, hoping they will resonate further and ultimately enter the life of those who are willing to treasure them.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

On June 8th we celebrate UN WORLD’S OCEANS DAY, that is supported by LA MER and the LA MER BLUE HEART OCEANS FUND. A cream that is good for your skin and the ocean… find out more in this blog post about the brand’s commitment and the newest collectible design.

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. Our blue planet, our beating hearts: Water comprises both in almost-equal amounts, a proportion so perfectly aligned that it’s impossible to call it coincidence. Faced with this fact, it’s clear that we cannot separate ourselves from our seas. The ocean’s wellbeing is our wellbeing, and protecting it ensures a bright future for us all.

THE OCEAN IN ALL OF US
No matter where we live—landlocked or lakeside, temperate or tropical— the ocean’s tides touch everything and everyone, connecting us as a global community whose future depends on the sea’s wellbeing.

Facts and what we can do ourselves to make it better:

50% of earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean
Protect the organisms that produce it by supporting the planting of mangroves and seagrass.

The sea has become 30% more acidic in the past 200 years due to carbon emissions.
Take fewer car trips and save one pound of carbon for every mile not driven.

80% of marine pollution originates inland.
Get involved in your neighborhood clean-up programs – local acts have a global impact.

LA MER’S IMPACT & COMMITMENT
The sea is the source of so many wonders: oxygen that sustains us, food that nourishes us, even the kelp that fuels our formulas. In return for these gifts, LA MER promises protection—honored through over 15 years of support for ocean conservation efforts around the world. And they’re just getting started.

2017 LA MER launches the LA MER BLUE HEART OCEANS FUND as a way to make charitable contributions that support ocean preservation efforts.

Chimney of the new vent field where hydrothermal activity is visible.

2018 Support for the Oceano Azul Foundation leads to the discovery of the LUSO Hydrothermal Field in the Azores, one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, a unique zone of biological, geological and chemical importance that is now declared a Marine Protected Area.

Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea.

2019 With LA MER’s assistance, The Nature Conservancy plants 400.000 mangroves in the Caribbean.

2020 EarthEcho‘s 30×30 initiative aims to build a global youth movement to protect 30% of our ocean by 2030.

PLUS, BY THE END OF 2025…
Over 75% of the LA MER packaging will be recycled, recyclable. reusable, refillable or recoverable.

In LA MER’s latest, limited-edition commemorative decorative jar, this luxuriously rich cream deeply soothes and moisturizes to help heal dryness and leave skin looking naturally vibrant. Miracle Broth™—the legendary soothing elixir that flows through all of LA MER—infuses skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. This year’s collectible design takes inspiration from bioluminescent corals, a glowing reminder of both the ocean’s magical power and the healing energy of Crème de la Mer.
Available now here for CHF 360.00 (60ml).

Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the respective organizations,  © Sandra Bauknecht and © LA MER
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

Today, I received this limited-edition shampure™ nurturing shampoo bar from Aveda that is said to provide weightless, long- lasting nourishment for the hair in planet-friendly packaging for the Earth. Each April, Aveda celebrates Earth Month, this year with this outstanding highlight.

This 94% naturally derived (from plants, non-petroleum minerals or water) cruelty free and vegan shampoo bar gently cleanses with abyssinian oil, a natural silicone alternative, that leaves hair shiny and soft. It infuses hair with Aveda’s signature calming shampure™ aroma with 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic lavender, ylang ylang and petit grain, and is safe for color-treated hair. It is free from: sulfated, cleansers, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, animal ingredients and synthetic fragrance.

The best is yet to come. By purchasing this shampoo bar you could help to save 2.0 tons of plastic which is equivalent to 180k water bottles (based on estimated plastic bottle weight).
100% of the shampure™ nurturing shampoo bar formula waste from the manufacturing process will be donated to Clean The World Foundation, who will recycle it into new soap bars to be used in their WASH Education Program Hygiene Kits provided to vulnerable communities around the world. A great initiative, especially during today’s troubled times where hygiene is more important than ever.

How to use it? Lather in hands or directly onto wet hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with shampure™ nurturing conditioner. Available for a limited time only for CHF 23.50 (100mg).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aveda, © Clean The World Foundation – Collages/Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
#AvedaSwitzerland #AvedaEarthMonth #AvedaVegan #CharityWater
Discover the exclusive Earth Month filter on @avedaswitzerland.