Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited by GARNIER to explore the brand’s new Organic skincare range. 11 products the company has been working on for 10 years. Sustainable sourcing, respect for the environment, vegan formulas and new organic certifications, all come together to write this new chapter.

But do organic products really work? The idea that a high-performance product can be made from ingredients drawn from nature, rather than the laboratory, might seem too good to be true. Still, skincare that’s kind to your skin and the environment is real. Here’s why..

The effectiveness of an organic product depends on how the ingredients are processed and how the overall product is formulated. Finding the correct balance of ingredients in a formula takes intensive research. This is especially true when working with natural extracts, which are inherently complex and diverse.

GARNIER has spent over 10 years sourcing and developing the right combination of natural and organic ingredients for the new Garnier Organic product line. The products are certified organic by the Soil Association according to rigorous international standards. Formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, each product harnesses a star natural ingredient, carefully blended in a formula to benefit a specific skin type.

The lemongrass is harvested in Sri Lanka, thyme and lavender, both come from France, and the precious argan oil derives from Morocco.

Swiss food blogger and author of «Eat Better, Not Less» Nadia Damaso treated us to some amazing vegan culinary dessert treats. Her cookbook, which has immediately become a bestseller in Switzerland, offers healthy yet super delicious mostly plant-based recipes that are completely free from refined sugar and lactose.

You are what you eat. Great skin is a combination of nutrition and the right skincare. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your GARNIER Organic Konjac Botanical Cleansing Sponge and gently buff your way to clearer, softer skin while you are preparing your vegan dinner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography

YSL Beauté inaugurates an ephemeral space in Zurich: the #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL where each room and suite are dedicated to the Parisian brand’s ‘beauty’ pleasures. You can visit this fun pop-up space at MANOR in Zurich until April 13, 2019.

So let me take you through the YSL BEAUTY HOTEL, a true temple for beauty addicts that I visited on Monday before the official launch.

First, guests register in the lobby and receive their key, which opens the door to the extraordinary experience downstairs in the department store. If you are lucky, you can open the vault with your key and win some amazing surprises.

Artistic, intimate and mysterious, at the Beauty Bar you can discover the novelties and the intoxicating Black Opium scent. In the bedroom, you will find the perfect look for your lips and you can engrave your lipstick or perfume bottle as I did. A graffiti artist decorates the YSL products and gift boxes with intrepid colors. A unique personalization service that makes every product or gift unique.

Great news is that you can attend a masterclass where the YSL Beauté make-up artists share their secrets. It is always fun to learn new techniques. I truly enjoyed mine with Jérémy Mahfoud. Alone or with friends, make an appointment today, by calling +41 78 655 27 86.

Last but not least, break your Instagram. Lights, camera, action! Special photo corners invite you to snap the perfect shot and to share them on your social media channels under #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL. The concept reminds me a lot of the Stylenanda Pink Hotel in Seoul, that I visited past October.

Enjoy your stay – Happy Beautolidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Recently, I attended the Swiss launch event of CLINIQUE‘s newest beauty launch Clinique iD™ at Clouds in Zurich. The motto is simple, customize, don’t compromise. The idea behind the new cartridges that are inserted in your favorite texture of the Dramatically Different Moisturizer (Moisturizing Lotion, Oli-Control Gel and Hydrating Jelly) is to create a personalized custom-blend hydrator.

15 combinations are possible. Concerned with irritation? Pores and uneven skin texture? Uneven skin tone? Fatigue? Lines and wrinkles? For all these problems, CLINIQUE offers a solution. Choose one of three hydration bases, insert one of five cartridges with concentrated actives and you’re done. Instant, optimised results can be achieved with every use. The product in each bottle is said to last three months. Great skin, your way!

With Valeska Jansen (left) and Shari Jafari (right), Brand General Manager Clinique, Switzerland.

Personally speaking, I think it is an easy-to-use product for all skin types as you can personalize it for your concern, but especially great for younger skin. My daughter is a true addict and her complexion has absolutely changed in a short amount of time.

I found my combination with CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™, a tool that scans your skin to find the areas you have to target. My problem, no surprise… tired skin. My solution? Dramatically Different Moisturizer Moisturizing Lotion combined with the orange cartridge «Fatigue».

CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™

Beautiful sunny weather 

Shari Jafari giving an introduction speech about the newest launch.

Drinks were matching the colors of the cartridges…

… as well as the macarons.

Great music and lots of activities kept the guests busy…

… and offered many photo opportunities.

You could decorate a transparent make-up pouch with those stickers…

… or get your make-up refreshed.

The new Clinique iD™ Active Cartridge Concentrates are available now for CHF 75.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Once a year, the Wiener Staatsoper turns into the world’s most beautiful and elegant ball room for the Vienna Opera Ball: a glamorous gala of unique splendour and allure, the ball of all balls, much-copied around the world. It had been on my bucket list since a long time, it is something you should have experienced once in your life.

My dear friend Ljuba Manz invited me for this spectacular night where around 300 debutantes make their dream come true and dance the first polonaise on this unique ballroom floor. After that, it’s Alles Walzer or “Let the waltz begin!“. For more information about the history and the strict dress code, click here for a previous post.

My look: Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London, cropped shearling jacket with mink and embellishments and Saffiano double handle mini satchel, both by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, diamond ring and diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Tonda 1950 clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Music and dance all over the opera building, sumptious floral decorations, ladies in elaborate gowns, and gentlemen in elegant tailcoats, made the Vienna Opera Ball an unforgettable event for me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Some of the photos were taken before the gala at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Vienna.

On Friday evening, I celebrated International Women’s Day among my beloved girlfriends at the St. Gotthard Hotel in Zurich where Ljuba Manz and Raquel Marquard hosted an event with Jelmoli filled with everything you can dream of, shoes, a runway show, champagne and laughter.

With Raquel Marquard to the left and Ljuba Manz to the right.

Silvia Affolter moderated the night in a very fun way. First, we all had a closer look at a selection of shoes that would make every girl’s heart leap with joy. Brands such as Alexandre Vauthier (one of my favorites at the moment), Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia were on display as well as jewelry by Austrian jeweler A.E. Köchert.

The fashion show – inspired by St. Tropez – included a lingerie part in collaboration with Beldona. Beautiful lace ensembles – one in combination with a lace mask – got the audience in awe.

A young label from Switzerland, only 3 years old, Ina Kess was introduced. Two beautiful sisters, Katharina and Isabelle Staub, who both studied economics, launched the label in order to fulfill their own need. They design pieces that work for the office, for a night out and in which you can also attend your yoga class. Katharina explained how annoyed she was to carry around a bag of clothes to have everything she needed with her.

Katharina and Isabelle Staub of Ina Kess with Silvia Affolter

Ljuba entertained us amazingly with some fun statements how to treat men well.

Jelmoli presented also looks from renowned designers such as Moschino, Missoni, Peter Pilotto and 3.1. Phillip Lim. The so-called «House of Brands» really shifted during the past years under the helmet of CEO Franco Savastano and has transformed itself into a true luxury haven. Soon, the whole beauty department on the ground floor will also go through renovation. Ladies, no need to fly to London or Paris any longer… we will soon have our own little «Harrods» or «Galeries Lafayette» in Zurich.

Franco Savastano, CEO Jelmoli, had every reason to smile that night, being one of the only men allowed in the room enjoying the fabulous show.

Guests of the night were invited after the fashion show to the presidential suite where they were able to shop everything that was presented on the runway. If you like any look or shoe below, just show the photo to a sales person at Jelmoli. They will happily help you.

I am so in love with these Alexandre Vauthier sandals.

The only recommendation I have and this comes on a very personal note, please include also smaller sizes in your buying, as well as half sizes for shoes!

By the way, the gentlemen enjoyed a great dinner and a Patoro cigar at the iconic Hummerbar next door…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Naj Oleari is a beloved Italian brand that garnered extraordinary fame for its original patterned fabrics inspired by nature, which were applied to every kind of accessories. Many of those symbols became iconic especially for young people of the ’80s generation obsessed with designer labels.

This year, Naj Oleari Beauty is ready to come back and tell its new story with the launch of a complete make-up line (50 products – 200 references), packed in rose gold for a modern and refined look. The mythical illustrations of Naj Oleari adorn the details and finishes of every product. Compacts and lipsticks are made with innovative magnetic closures that make them even more practical and elegant.

Furthermore, it is the first time that a make-up line has been made with perfumes created exclusively by Maitre Parfumeur. Lipstick smell like marshmallows for example and nail polishes like fig sorbet.

Tonight, I attended the launch event in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse at WeSpace. The room was divided into different corners with several activities, from getting your hair braided or a professional make-up look to a photo booth. My favorite part was to make my own lipstick. I wanted to create a perfect nude shade and mixed white, red and brown.

First, I had to melt the wax, then I added some glitter and raspberry extract for an anti-aging effect. The hardest decision was to choose the scent. Vanilla and coconut convinced me the most. After that, I had to go back to the stove to melt everything together. The liquid was filled into a small compartment and put for 20 minuted in the fridge. Et voilà I have the best smelling nude shade.

Thank you for this experience! Naj Olevari is available from end of March at all Müller drugstores in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York Fashion Week that has officially kicked off last night with the highly acclaimed amfAR Gala. The black tie event honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS. It starts with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner (don’t come for the food, it was horrendous), a live auction of luxury items, musical performances, and a special tribute to amFAR’s honorees.

Wearing Balmain at the amFAR 2019 Gala in NYC.

My favorite encounter of the night: Milla Jovovich, such a sweetheart!

This year, the foundation for AIDS and HIV research was honoring actress Milla Jovovich, auctioneer Simon de Pury and photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Heidi Klum with me

Since 1998, the amfAR Gala New York has become one of the city’s most successful and high-profile AIDS benefit events and consistently attracts some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, art, and AIDS advocacy. With that said, last night was no different: Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, as well as supermodels Heidi Klum, Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karolina Kurkova, were present among others.

Heidi came with two girls from her casting show «Germany’s Next Topmodel»: Cäcilia (18) and Vanessa (21). The first episode aired today but did we already see the winner here?

The Chainsmokers live on stage.

The amfAR Gala culminated with a performance by The Chainsmokers. Talk about a star-studded event! Below you can enjoy more impressions of the night…

LoL, Sandra

The gorgeous event location at Cipriani Wall Street.

With my beloved Tiffany Dowd of Luxe Tiffany.

My favorite auction piece: a photograph of Kate Moss shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott went for $100.000 thanks to Karen Elson’s and Simon de Pury’s great performance.

With Kevin Frost, CEO amFAR

Photos: © amFAR (in collages) – all others: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today is MARY KATRANTZOU‘s birthday and with this post I want to congratulate my dear friend who also happens to be one of my favorite designers. From her first presentation, I have been collecting her outstanding designs and I am proud of my extensive collection. It’s hard to believe that it’s a decade since her designs made their catwalk debut as part of the annual Central Saint Martins MA graduate show. Her digital trompe-l’oeil prints of oversized jewellery placed on colour-block dresses were an instant hit and her label is one of London’s most loved. Since then, she has constantly evolved. The so-called «Queen of Prints» surprises me each season how she masters print and plays with proportions.

Princess Beatrice of York, Mary Katrantzou, my humble self and Federica Fanari

On top of her talent, Mary is an amazing woman, so warm-hearted – it is always so much fun spending time with her. Therefore, I hopped on the plane in the beginning of October to attend her 10 Year Anniversary Party at MATCHESFASHION‘s newly opened retail space at 5 Carlos Place in London.

To celebrate the occasion, a limited edition collection was exclusively launched on MATCHESFASHION.COM. The capsule features 10 iconic looks from past collections, all reissued for this exclusive collaboration. And needless to say, I have most of the featured pieces in my closet. Here are a few examples:

Left: Caramolengo jewel-print silk dress (click here for the post from September 2011)
Right: Serendipity print crepe and chiffon mini dress (click here for the post from June 2011)

Left: Harp Hazzard printed silk-satin gown (click here for the previous post from May 2012)
Right: Powdy printed silk mini dress (click here for the previous post from December 2012)

Part of the exhibition: my beloved Jewel Tree dress from Mary’s F/W 2011 collection that I wore to her launch event with Longchamp at Collette in January 2012.

So divine: Mary Katrantzou S/S 2019

Also Mary’s S/S 2019 collection is celebrating 10 years of her eponymous label. It explores the urge to collect, catalogue and organise, infused with themes and motifs from Mary’s decade of designing. A collection of collections! Among the highlights is a dress inspired by her perfume-bottle dress from her first London fashion week collection.

Below you can enjoy some of my impressions from this amazing event. Amazing people gathered together from the world of art and fashion to celebrate our beloved Mary.

Favorite editor: Sarah Mower

With my lovely Federica Fanari

With another great designer Mira Mikati

Mary Katrantzou framed by Jasmine Hemsley and Candice Lake

With Mary Katranzou and jewellery designer Eugenie Niarchos (Venyx)

Girls in Mary: Magdalena Gabriel and me

Sandra Choi of Jimmy Choo

With Juliet Angus

The beautiful night ended at Annabel’s which is my favorite club in London… here with my gorgeous Brazilian friend Polyana Santos.

A little thank you note with lots of memories I made for Mary!

«The next decade,» Mary said, «is about taking the brand DNA and allowing men and women to buy into it in different ways, whether it’s homeware, jewellery or accessories.» No matter the medium, I am looking forward to having more Mary in my life!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MATCHESFASHION and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

On Tuesday, I hosted a lovely event with Prada at their Zurich store on Bahnhofstrasse to explore the new Resort 2019 collection. In a previous post, I already wrote about the beautiful pieces and how pioneering Miuccia Prada‘s designs for the new season are. In case you have missed it, I invite you to click here for more information.

Enjoying a glass of bubbly while indulging in fashion among friends, do I have to say more? Everything was just perfect. I put together some of my favorite looks and explained how I would style the looks to achieve this interesting kind of twist. Below you can enjoy some impressions and more details about the must-have pieces.

I adore these new shirts so much. It seems to be a traditional striped classic, but if you look closer, you will be surprised by its updated look with brocade ruffles and a zipper.

The new mini suede skirts come with a ruffled hem and are surely among the bestselling pieces.

Here is a look I styled with everything I love from this collection: the ruffled leather skirts, brocade fabrics, knitted loafers and the fun mix of colours.

The knitted footwear also comes as a pointed toe version with a high heel in several colour combinations. To die for!

Everyone loved the headpieces in silk that are available in several colours.

I am also a big fan of the patterns – something Miuccia Prada is famous for.

These trapper hats are the perfect way to stay warm and stylish at once.

The new Sidonie bags – a curvaceous, ergonomic shape, a modern classic rediscovered.
For a previous post, click here please.

A pair of brocade pants will spice up every look.

The new jewellery pieces that I also wore that night are extremely beautiful and easy to wear.

Thank you everyone for coming and Prada for having me!
Everything you see in this post is available now in the Zurich store, pass by… it is worth the visit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in collage: Courtesy of Prada, © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht