Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, I was invited by Clé de Peau Beauté as their ambassador to «UNLOCK A NEW RADIANCE» at the Riviera-historic landmark, the Carlton Cannes. In the South of France, the Japanese beauty brand revealed their radiance expertise while we indulged in the glamour of the Croisette.

We started the journey after our arrival with a very early flight (thank you for those beauty products that make even the dullest and most tired skin look radiant and plump), with a wonderful lunch at the Carlton Cannes The Beach Club. As it was so extremely hot and humid, we were all very grateful when we changed location and discovered Clé de Peau Beauté’s scientific breakthrough that is infused in the newest emblematic skin care, in the super luxurious penthouse suite.

Clé de Peau Beauté is the number one skincare brand in Japan. Since its launch in 1982, it has been a pioneer in the Haute Cosmetics. Three core values play an important part: to be intelligent, uncompromising and exquisite.

THE SERUM REBORN
It is all about «switching off aging, and switching on youthful renewal.»

Scientists found that the epidermis acts like a third brain. Like the brain, our skin is smart. It has the ability to remove bad stimuli, even before they reach the skin cells. The skin can detect, capture and defend those aggressors with the help of RADIANT LILY, which is thriving in the wild for over 3,500 years in the mountains of Southern France. This flower is extremely attuned to the rhythms of its harsh environment. The high-potency extract derived from it helps to improve skin defense.

Later we were invited to a masterclass with Benjamin Puckey, Clé de Peau Beauté’s Global Color Director and Celebrity Makeup Artist, who revealed to us how to achieve «Radiance at a Glance» in a few steps.

SERUM
Apply around five drops with upward movements on the skin as the first step.

CORRECTING CREAM VEIL
This product is one of Clé de Peau Beauté’s bestselling products. The perfect base. They cannot keep it in stock.

RADIANT FLUID FOUNDATION
It has a SPF 25 and since 2013 Benjamin has it in his kit. He prefers using the foundation before the concealer.

STICK CONCEALER
With the help of its creamy and moisturizing texture, it blurs imperfections. It is a great product to use for flash photography as it absorbs the light.

EYE COLOR SOLO SHADOWS
The texture is so amazing and feels bouncy. Oil meets cream, apply it with your fingers and add on the intensity with different layers. According to Benjamin, doing make-up is about creating 3-dimensional looks also for the eyelids.

MASCARA
Clé de Peau Beauté created this mascara for Asian lashes which are short in general. So you can rest assured to have a wow effect when you use it.

HIGHLIGHTER
This new shade, a peachy browny ambery glow melts into the skin for the perfect summery glow.

LIPS
At the moment the trend is not to use a lip liner and apply the lipstick and tap it with your fingers.

Refreshments were served on the rooftop terrace of the penthouse suite where we could enjoy some sunshine thanks to the right sun protection.

After a short break where we were able to refresh and change into a glamorous black tie outfit to embark on a sunset cruise to celebrate this beautiful day.

Once we were back on land, we were surprised with an amazing candlelight dinner at Château de la Napoule. It felt like being part of  an episode of Bridgerton.

During the gourmet dinner we enjoyed like music. However, the dessert needs a special mentioning. A «chocolate sphere surprise» embellished with the Clé de Peau logo was drenched in warm caramel sauce which melted it to unleash the yummiest chocolate dessert inside.

To finish on a high this radiant evening, I was surprised with La Crème in my hotel room, the brand’s most exquisite skincare icon. Its uncompromising blend of 60 ingredients is working in synergy to amplify the skin’s innate ability to regenerate overnight. Thanks to it, I woke up all refreshed and ready to fly off to my next adventure.

Radiantly yours!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored! We may also earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
@cledepeaubeaute #cpbcollective #cpb #unlockanewradiance

Yesterday, I was invited by Valentino to an enchanting and mysterious evening. The dress code said: «Dark as Le Noir», reminiscent of the Maison’s F/W 2024 collection, for which Pierpaolo Piccioli presented pieces centered around a monochromatic black palette, exploring the depth and versatility of the color black.

The collection was marked by a sense of minimalism and elegance, focusing on silhouettes that ranged from structured to fluid. There was a mix of sharp tailoring and softer, more romantic elements, showcasing a balance between power and delicacy.  Accessories were kept minimal, allowing the garments to speak for themselves.

We started the evening at 6pm at the Valentino pop-up store located on the first floor of the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich. It was very hot and I have to admit that wearing an all black F/W 2024 outfit was not the most convenient choice but this is what you do for fashion :-).

After lots of shopping, lots of bubbly, and great conversations, we left for the secret location which was the LUX am See Restaurant in Zurich. I hadn’t been there before and was curious to explore something new.

I go to many events but I have to tell you that my Valentino family is truly special. The room is simply buzzing with great energy. The team is amazing and shopping at the Valentino store is always a fun experience.

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon!
 TO SHOP VALENTINO ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Thursday evening, I was invited by SISLEY Paris to a wonderful evening at Widder Hotel in Zurich to discover their newest launches focusing on the eye area.

While enjoying yummy food and champagne, we were invited to explore the new products at dedicated work spaces where we could apply and try everything on our own eye area.

From left to right:
Helena Remmert, Valeska Jansen, my humble self, Christian Stannek and Götz Winter.

The new SUPREMŸA AT NIGHT THE SUPREME ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM is an exceptional anti-ageing skin care dedicated to youthful-looking eyes. Night after night, the eye contours appears revitalised and lifted, regaining its youthfulness. At the heart of this skin care, the Fundamental Regeneration Complex, a unique combination of powerful key ingredients of natural origin, such as yellow gentian, that precisely acts on the three key stages of the night cycle, when the skin’s regenerative power is at its highest.

Fine and light, its ultra-modern texture melts pleasantly over the eye contour, leaving a sensation of freshness and intense comfort, for an unique sensorial experience. For optimised results, this skin care comes with its exclusive zamac massage accessory. A tailor-made four-step gesture to revitalise, smooth, lift and stimulate the eye contour. Formulated without essential oils, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Its multi-faceted glass jar has been specifically designed to accommodate a refill. Available for CHF 320 (15ml).

The iconic OMBRE ECLAT LIQUIDE, a long-lasting liquid eyeshadow that immediately deposits an ultra-luminous wash of colour while offering a feeling of freshness and lightness, comes in three new shades (07 Antique Gold, 08 Stardust and 09 Plum). Available for CHF 50 each.

Personally speaking, I was really curious about the new DUO LIGNE NOIRE, consisting of the new PHYTO-NOIR MASCARA and the LIGNE NOIRE EYELINER. Achieve intense-looking eyes and amplified lashes, even after makeup removal. Don’t delay – this new makeup duo is sure to take pride of place in your beauty bag.

PHYTO-NOIR MASCARA
Upon application: Lashes are lifted and left 15 times thicker* for instant volume.
After 1 month: Lashes are visibly transformed, leaving them fuller, longer, stronger and thicker, even after makeup removal.

What I love about this mascara is that you can add volume during the day as it doesn’t harden and clog. Available for CHF 65.

LIGNE NOIRE EYELINER
An eyeliner that stands the test thanks to its waterproof formula.
Upon application: Draws a black line that lasts 12 hours once dry without smudging.
Day after day: Its formula is enriched with Vitamin Peptide to leave lashes stronger, denser and longer.

In a single stroke, you can draw a precise, intense and long-lasting black line. Day after day, it strengthens lashes at the root. Available for CHF 65.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The newly opened Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich got awarded the GaultMillau «Hotel des Jahres 2025 (Hotel of the Year 2025)» today and celebrated this special moment with a festive ceremony. Founded in 1838, this iconic property, the oldest grand hotel in the city, is the latest addition to Mandarin Oriental’s collection of award-winning hotels.

With the Orsini team from left to right: Antonio Guida, Dario Moresco, and Gianmarco D’Alonzo.

Benjamin Halat, Executive Chef, and the culinary masterminds of the hotel’s Orsini restaurant, Antonio Guida and Dario Moresco, were all rewarded for their outstanding gourmet performances.

When food becomes art …

The morning started with lots of culinary treats on the rooftop terrace, followed by the award ceremony in the ballroom. After that we enjoyed a wonderful luncheon in the Brasserie restaurant. Antonia Guida’s signature dish, tan amazing raspberry risotto with sage and herbal cream, was followed by a Breton sole with lobster and zucchini flower.

With General Manager Dominik G. Reiner and his wife Angela.

The dessert was served on the rooftop terrace again. It was a wonderful way to start the week. General Manager Dominik G. Reiner and his team are doing an outstanding job to make guests feel welcomed from the first moment they step foot into this beautiful hotel that is located in prime location on Paradeplatz square.

With Marco-Antonio Diemer, Director of Marketing and Commercial Strategy Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich

With the «King of Chocolate» Ernst Tanner

With my Valentino ladies, Shang Wei Huang and Gianfranca Addis. 

Until November 2024, the Valentino suite will be located on the first floor of the hotel.

Great surprise … one of my favorite illustrators, Kera Till @keratill had flown in from Munich for the event. What a beautiful memory of this day!

Thank you Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich for having me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sarah Vonesch Photography
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Last weekend, nearly a million techno music fans came to Zurich for the 31st Street Parade. The world’s largest techno party always takes place on the second Saturday in August. More than 200 DJs took part in the festivities, letting the electronic and techno music fans dance around Zurich’s lake basin. In the evening, the event continues in the city’s clubs. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun time at the Baur au Lac hotel, my favorite place to be during the festivities. It is a great way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park.

My look: Tattoo Collection mesh crop top, and matching flared tulle pants, both by Jean Paul Gaultier, silver-tone crystal body chain by Area, Tribute woven leather espadrille wedge sandals, and New Wave 181 LouLou heart shaped sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, Le Coeur leather shoulder bag, both by Alaïa, and necklace, by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Last week, before leaving to Johannesburg in the evening, I attended The Championships at Wimbledon for the first time as guest of Ralph Lauren x Net-à-Porter.

At Centre Court, British heritage takes a global stage – from the freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, and morning garden parties to the polished spectator style. As the Official Outfitter of The Championships at Wimbledon since 2006, Ralph Lauren has proudly celebrated the tournament’s rich traditions in sportsmanship and elegance.  The American fashion house is providing uniforms for on-court officials as well as stylish, yet functional, pieces that embody the prestigious and sophisticated atmosphere of the tournament.

I was invited to the Ralph Lauren suite that is elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Here I enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading to the game.

Here’s a glimpse into the unique fashion culture of Wimbledon:

Traditional Dress Code
Players: Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code for players, which dates back to the 1800s. At the time in Victorian England, sweat stains were seen as improper and unacceptable, and white would mask the stains the best out of every colored clothing. Once the rule was drawn up, Wimbledon has decided to keep the all-white dress code a tradition throughout the years, meaning that any visible clothing, including undergarments, must be white or almost white.
Spectators: While there’s no official dress code for spectators, the event often attracts a chic, garden-party look with summer dresses, blazers, and hats being common choices.

Celebrities and Royalty
Celebrity Sightings: The event attracts celebrities from various fields, including actors, musicians, and other sports stars, often dressed in stylish, sophisticated outfits.
Royalty: Members of the British royal family, especially Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was frequently seen at Wimbledon before her illness. Kate is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often opting for elegant dresses that respect the tournament’s refined atmosphere. My seat was next to the royal box where I spotted her parents front row.

Experience and Atmosphere
Strawberries and Cream: A quintessential Wimbledon experience includes enjoying strawberries and cream, served in the grounds, adding to the genteel, summery feel of the event.
Pimm’s and Champagne: These are popular beverages at Wimbledon, contributing to the festive and high-society atmosphere.
The Grounds: The carefully manicured lawns and flower arrangements provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the overall experience and making it a picturesque setting for both tennis and fashion enthusiasts.

Iconic Fashion Moments
Roger Federer and Serena Williams: Known for their stylish takes on the all-white rule, Federer’s sleek Nike outfits and Williams’ elegant and sometimes bold tennis dresses have left a mark on Wimbledon’s fashion history.
Anna Wintour: The US Vogue editor-in-chief is a regular at Wimbledon, often seen in the stands wearing stylish summer attire that combines elegance with comfort.

Wimbledon seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and fashion, making it a unique and stylish experience for both players and spectators. The tournament is taking place from July 1-14, 2024.

A big thank you to Iona Miller and her team at Net-à-Porter for this amazing day in Wimbledon!

The Ralph Lauren style tradition pays tribute to the timeless sophistication of tennis.
YOU CAN SHOP THE POLO RALPH LAUREN WIMBLEDON COLLECTION HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Getty
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Last week, I attended the V&A Summer Party that celebrated the opening of the «Naomi: In Fashion» exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition is the first major museum show dedicated to a supermodel, honoring Naomi Campbell’s 40-year career in fashion.

The party drew a star-studded crowd, including fashion designers, celebrities, and industry insiders. Elizabeth Hurley, Tessa Thompson, Letitia Wright, Rina Lipa and more joined Campbell on the event’s red carpet.

«[It feels] overwhelming, but I just wanted everyone to get to know that side of me that they might not have known,» said Campbell.

She wore a custom dress from Boss, which sponsored her exhibition and the event. Top stylist Law Roach worked with the model on the design of the dress, which was accessorized with two diamond Bulgari snake necklaces.

The exhibition, titled «Naomi: In Fashion» spans four decades of her influential career and will run from June 22, 2024, to April 6, 2025.
Enjoy the impressions of the night!

LoL, Sandra

With interior designer Pernilla Bennet of House of Bennet

The performance of Boy George was really outstanding.

Wearing Christopher John Rogers at the opening party.

With Naomi’s mum Valerie Morris Campbell

With Imran Amed of Business of Fashion

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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After my crazy traveling, I came back to Zurich to attend a special event at «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen as Hublot and Andreas Caminada’s castle of Schauenstein celebrate 20 years with the special edition Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein. For this occasion, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and friends of the brand, such as retired cross-country skier Dario Cologna, who won four overall World Cup victories, and four Olympic gold medals, Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer Corinne Suter, and profi golfer Joel Girrbach came to Zurich.

With Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe

The Art of Gastronomy 

Blending meticulous expertise and a passion for fine artistry with time, gourmet cuisine and Haute Horlogerie share essential elements. Precise timing is vital for chefs, from ordering to plating up on the pass and through to service. This shared mentality has intertwined Hublot with the world of gastronomy. Hublot admires haute cuisine and those who convey their savoir-faire onto their dishes, skillfully fusing ingredients to create uniqueness while staying authentic. This connection has fostered remarkable partnerships and, notably, the iconic Big Bang Unico Gourmet watch. 

Final touch by 3 Michelin stars chef Andreas Caminada.

This expansive universe continues to evolve, illuminating new opportunities to explore the bond between Hublot and a chef, starting in 2017 with the one and only Andreas Caminada. 

Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein

A Tale of Fusion 

The story of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein goes all the way back to 2004 when Hublot redefined luxury watchmaking with the concept of «The Art of Fusion,» blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials. Around the same time, Andreas Caminada took his culinary odyssey to new heights, taking over the historic Schauenstein castle, earning him prestigious Michelin stars for his innovative cuisine. 

With Andreas Caminada

Over the past two decades, both Hublot and Andreas Caminada have personified the art of individuality in  their respective fields. Hublot’s groundbreaking creations, including the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines, mirrored Caminada’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection and culinary artistry at the castle. This shared dedication naturally led to an inevitable partnership in 2017, when the 3 Michelin Stars chef joined the Hublot Family as a brand ambassador. Since then, Caminada has garnered numerous acclaims, including the Sustainable Restaurant Award, and continues to amaze with each passing year. Collaborating in events such as the Art of Fusion Night in 2019 alongside Hublot, this culinary maestro consistently reinvents the fine dining experience, remaining true to Art of Fusion ethos. This relationship culminates in a collaborative celebratory watch, the perfect tribute to such a talent. 

The Schauenstein Castle is located in the village of Fürstenau, known as the smallest city in the world, in Switzerland’s Grisons canton. This captivating setting exudes a timeless allure and embodies the cherished ‘Swissness Attitude’ valued by Hublot. Within the acclaimed triple Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Caminada immerses guests in an exploration of culinary awakening, echoing Hublot’s philosophy of perpetual exploration in crafting extraordinary pieces. 

Gorgeous location for the launch event: The view from «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen.

In honor of the 20-year jubilee of the Schauenstein castle and of Caminada’s culinary prowess, Hublot unveils its new Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, underscoring its commitment to distinction and support for the best in their fields. 

Sporting the new beauty on my wrist. I love the size of the 42mm case.

As the watch’s name suggests, the concept revolves around the color black, highly prominent throughout the various features of the timepiece, a design philosophy inspired by Andreas Caminada’s looks and reflecting Hublot’s desire to explore ‘invisible visibility’ in high fashion style. The watch features a 42mm microblasted black ceramic case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, with black plated H-shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws and a satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber crown. The bezel, made of satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber inserts, complemented by the satined and microblasted black plated titanium pushers, add depth and texture to the design. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility. Additionally, the microblasted black ceramic case back is engraved with a depiction of Schauenstein’s castle in shimmering silver tones. 

Elevating the watch, the matte black dial serves as a canvas for the applied silver-toned logo of Andreas Caminada on the small seconds counter, reflecting the spirit of culinary fineness. The black plated satin-finished titanium hands provide striking contrast against the dial, emphasizing legibility and style. 

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein beats the in-house Hublot HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. Introduced in 2010 as the first movement designed by the manufacture, the Unico calibre saw refinement in 2018 with the launch of the 1280 reference, a slimmer iteration tailored to a broader range of wrists, used in this new release in collaboration with chef Caminada. 

With super sweet Corinne Suter

The watch proudly exhibits its inner workings with a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse of the column wheel automatic winding mechanism that orchestrates its chronograph functions, and a date at 3 o’clock. Boasting a 72-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy, it incorporates five patents for facilitated assembly, modernized architecture, and increased performance. The Unico 2 calibre offers a sleek 42-mm case and notable technical developments, including gentler winding, faultless chronograph display, and exceptional shock resistance, further emphasizing the best for the best with this limited edition. 

The Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein comes in a presentation case complete with a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle clasp on the black lined rubber strap. Each watch is accompanied by a signed booklet by Andreas Caminada, a custom-engraved knife, and a knife block, reflecting Caminada’s passion for precision and authenticity in watchmaking and gastronomy. 

Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The price is set at CHF 25,900 or EUR 29,600.

LoL, Sandra

With Dario Cologna

With Lucy Tallo, owner of PRticular

Profi golfer Joel Girrbach

Photos: ©Hublot Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart , © Sandra Bauknecht
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On our last evening at the beautiful One&Only Kéa Island Resort, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel’s Atria restaurant hosted by Net-à-Porter and YSSO, the London-based, Greek jewlery brand that I told you more about in the previous post.

The table setting with olives and green hues was once more breathtaking and the rising full moon made the scenery completely poetic. The dress code said «Greek Chic». Alexia Karides, who co-founded YSSO with her mother, explained us a little bit about her inspiration and limited-edition collaboration with the brand.

We received the iconic Flower Bud earrings as a gift. A blooming flower, captured in sweeping gold arches, the earrings depict the light and energy stored within a flower bud before opening.

An amazing trip – a huge thank you to Iona and her team –  for all these magic moments and memories to take home.

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Sandra Semburg
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This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casa was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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