Sandra‘s Closet

Last Friday, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The first social event after the summer break is always a lot of fun. This year, it was extremely hot which was perfect for this garden style celebration. If you decide to go, remember to wear wedges as standing in the grass can be quite challenging for thin high heels!

My look: Margarita orange gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, suede wedge sandals by Bottega Veneta, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Chanel and ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht

My olympic experience with Omega has been just amazing – a one in a lifetime experience. The brand’s hashtag for the event «RecordingDreams» can be taken literally. From the moment I put my feet on Brazilian ground, I have been constantly exposed to magic moments. I landed on Tuesday morning around 6am, went to the hotel to drop off my luggage and then we started at the Rio Olympic Arena to watch my favorites, the Artistic Gymnastics finals, followed by the fast-paced action of Track Cycling in the Velodrome. The day ended with a special dinner in the hospitality lounge of the arena, followed by drinks at the House of Switzerland.

Decorated with iconic things from our Alpine country, this popular Baixo Suiça meeting place is in a prominent location on the edge of the Lagoa, a popular lagoon in the centre of Rio close to the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. And who would have thought that I end up on a sleigh n Brazil?!

Have fun to see some of my favorite moments of my first day!

Congrats to Simone Biles who finished the Rio Olympic gymnastics competition with a breathtaking floor routine that earned her a fifth Olympic medal. Now, she truly deserves to be called the best female gymnast that ever lived. the silver medal went to team-mate Aly Raisman and bronze to Amy Tinkler of Great Britain.

What a magic moment watching Fabian Hambüchen from my home country Germany winning the gold medal at the horizontal bar finals. The perfect way to end his amazing career!

Yannick Jenni, Omega Brand Manager Swiss Market, with me in the arena.

Fast-paced action inside the Velodrome.

The Rio Olympic Arena during the day…

… and at night.

Late night drinks at the House of Switzerland.

What a wonderful day surrounded by lovely people! Only a few hours of sleep as the alarm clock was set for 6 am in the morning. Ready for the next adventures! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Omega

Last week I was in Cannes for the Film Festival and attended some absolutely amazing events. One of them was an invite by Caroline Scheufele to join her for Chopard‘s annual grand soirée. This year’s «Wild» theme was taken literally and Diana Ross took the stage with an incredible performance in front of a digital waterfall and surrounded by thousands of palm trees that transformed the venue into a true wild jungle full of diamonds and jewels. Guests, among them Kate Moss, Petra Nemcova, Adriana Lima and Kendall Jenner, danced until late to the sounds of DJ Mark Ronson.

My look: Embroidered tulle dress, Dionysus medium embellished coated canvas shoulder bag and leather platform pumps, all by Gucci, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, «Tribale» earrings by Dior and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

The private dinner before the party took place at the gardens of Bâoli right next to the marquee especially set up for the occasion at Port Canto on the Croisette.

In a splendid luxurious setting filled with colourful and tropical flora and fauna, next to the models wearing Chopard’s latest Red Carpet creations and vividly coloured gowns by Elie Saab, Caroline Scheufele welcomed guests to her private dinner party.

Diana Ross rocking the stage.

With Kendall Jenner at the private dinner.

I hope you enjoyed my first impressions from this years’ film festival. More coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The 69th Cannes Film Festival is officially underway and I haven’t even posted all my memories from last year. American director Woody Allen‘s film «Café Society» has been selected to open the famous event. It is a quintessential romance Hollywood story—in the 1930s,  a young man named Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), who falls in love with Vonnie (Kristen Stewart) and then Veronica (Blake Lively).

Behind the scenes of «Café Society».

As I just got back from Cuba, I had to shorten my trip to Cannes and will be leaving on Monday. Here are some photos of last year when I attended as guest of Swarovski the opening ceremony and premiere of «La Tete Haute (Standing Tall)» in a beautiful Chanel gown.

See you in Cannes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pascal Le Segretain for Getty Images, © Vogue, © Zimbio, © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Swarovski

In the magnificent setting of the famous Forte Belvedere in Florence with stunning views over the Tuscan city, Salvatore Ferragamo launched their newest fragrance. A creation dedicated to women who like to play with their different characters. “My life is a play” is their credo.

When I arrived in my hotel, a game waited for me: a little bag filled with wooden letters. I was asked to come up with the possible name of the new fragrance that would be presented in the evening. As I love playing scrabble, I did a pretty good job and wrote the actual name «Misteriosa» which I didn’t know at that time yet. I took a photo on instagram as proof.

Luciano Bertinelli, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo Parfums, unveils the new scent.

“My life is a play” was also the theme of the exclusive cocktail party and gala dinner. We were welcomed above the city of Florence with stunning installations by Patricia Urquiola. The perfect backdrop for the newest addition to the Signorina family, «Misteriosa». The new oriental fruity scent offers an innovative olfactive interpretation of black shades with a strong gourmand core.

Top notes: Wild Blackberry and Neroli
Middle notes: Orange Blossom and Tuberose
Base notes: Black Vanilla Mousse and Patchouli

Photographer Zhanna Bianca, Massimiliano Giornetti, Grace Hartzel and my humble self.

A dance performance, a gourmet menu and many more surprises waited for me. I had the honor to be seated next to Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, and the special guest star on scene: top model Grace Hartzel, the new face of Signorina, with whom I had a lovely conversation.

What does it mean to you to be the face of this new fragrance?
It makes me feel so wonderful! It has always been my dream to be the testimonial of a luxury fragrance brand. Working with the Salvatore Ferramamo team was so amazing, they are all fantastic and we had so much fun.

What was your immediate thought/emotion when you smelled Signorina Misteriosa for the first time?
I could feel the unpredictable, daring and mysterious belladonna phantom and become her.

You like Mangas, you cut a bang yourself which gave you a lot of success, you seem to do everything your very own way. Today, you were the star on the dance floor. Are you a Signorina Misteriosa? And if you feel like it, please tell me why.
Yes I do feel like a big part of me is her, because I love to be independent and do things my own way.

What do you like most about Mangas?
I love how it’s such a different world. It’s so fantasy. The characters are very inspiring, and the artwork is beautiful.

What would be the best advice you would give to a young upcoming model friend?
To express your own style and personality. Have inner strength and be kind.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What would be your biggest dream to come true?
I want to pursue music and acting.

Graze in 3 words.
Joy , groovy, cosmic.

On stage: Luciano Bertinelli, CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo Parfums, with Grace Hartzel.

What a great night. Later, Grace and I went on the dance floor. That is the beauty of life. We can choose every day which one of our facets we are going to interpret. Let the play start, but always remain the same person!

Signorina Misteriosa is available now as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 69.00), 50ml (CHF 99.00) and 100ml (CHF 129.00), as Duschgel 200ml (CHF 40.00) and as Bodylotion 200ml (CHF 45.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Zhanna Bianca
The perfect backdrop for Misteriosa: Florence

One of my favorite dishes in Florence: the traditional pappa al pomodoro – bread and tomato soup.

Beautiful dance performance with spectacular views of the Duomo in Florence.

The new ad campaign and below the video:

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Zhanna Bianca, @ Grammio
A huge thank you to my fellow Marionnaud blogger and friend Katrin Roth for taking all the photos of me! Love traveling with you!

Mid February, St. Moritz hosted for the first time a Swiss Red Cross Gala, also marking the 150th anniversary of this institution. In celebration of this great cause, the iconic White Turf tent was supposed to be the stunning location on the frozen lake to welcome over 300 guests from the business, economic, political and cultural worlds. Unfortunately due to the warm weather conditions, the event had to shift to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, ice cube bag and pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

The evening’s theme was: «clean water for every day». The gala’s proceeds will therefore go towards helping the victims of forgotten disasters and the water program in Nepal.
Clean drinking water and functioning sewage treatment systems are things we take for granted in Switzerland. They are part of our lives. However, the daily lives of well over 700 million people around the world are very different. They have no access to even a minimum of clean water.

If you would like to donate something to the Swiss Red Cross, please find herewith the details:

Credit Suisse AG, 8070 Zurich
BIC: CRESCHZZ30A IBAN: CH35 0483 5082 7306 1100 1
Endorsement: SRC Gala 2016

Thank you for your donation!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

During Haute Couture S/S 2016 fashion week in Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier hosted a show that took the audience to the the wild clubbing days of the 80s, when Le Palace in Montmartre, was the center Parisian night life such as Studio 54 in New York. It was an homage to the creatures of the night, models with big hair were smoking cigarettes and drinking champagne while strutting down the runway in signature looks such as tuxedos, pajama suits, lingerie dresses and bomber jackets.

Gaultier’s style is unique and so are his catwalks. Nobody else is able to transform a fashion show into a party. I am always leaving in a good mood, ready to dance and party myself.

In the evening, to celebrate the occasion, Jean Paul Gaultier invited a few lucky ones for a spectacular dinner at the Grand Colbert. A night to remember, and not only by the surprises. A contortionist painted in gold welcomed the attendance while they had a cocktail.

Talking heads out of food cloches got lost in a surreal very funny conversation. The surprise showcase of Beth Ditto and Allanah Star, a Parisian night figure, popping out of a cake to wish the House of Gaultier a happy 40th anniversary, were some of the highlights of the dinner. Complete craziness abounded at the Paris brasserie, which gathered longstanding close friends including Farida Khelfa, Victoria Abril and Blanca Li, who at one point began chanting in unison “Jean Paul, Jean Paul.”

Among the fashionable guests was also Daphne Groeneveld who stars in Jean Paul Gaultier Classique‘s new fragrance campaign captured by fashion photographer Miles Aldridge.

Later the evening evolved into a dance fest, after each guest was given a cardboard mask with an image of Gaultier’s face to sport. A night to remember. Have fun exploring all the fun moments.

The scene at the Jean Paul Gaultier party

Alexina Graham, Daphne Groeneveld and Soo Joo Park

Jean Paul Gaultier with Blanca Li, Victoria Abril and Farida Khelfa

Manuel Puig and Marc Puig

Allanah Starr

Jose Manuel Albesa and model Hugo Marquez

Talking to Farida Khelfa

Marc Zaffuto and Emmanuel d’Orazio

Here you can spot me to the left taking great shots of Beth Ditto’s performance.

Beth Ditto

She is such a love! Beth Ditto, you literally rock!

A great honor to be invited by Monsieur Gaultier to such a spectacular dinner.

DJ Kiddy Smile

Reunited with Catherine Baba after our trip to Columbia last December.

Swiss girls: Erica Martinez and me

Alongside four decades in fashion, 2016 marks the first year the Gaultier fragrance label is being developed by Puig. The television ad is for both perfume blockbusters — Le Male for men and Classique for women. Its backdrop is a factory but, of course, with a twist à la Gaultier. While all of his iconography is evident — think women in corsets and men sporting striped shirts — the setting is industrial. Gaultier himself also appears in the clip, appearing at the very end of the advert.

LoL, Sandra

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Classique

The new advertising for Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

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Photos: Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier, Images by Saskia Lawaks – Vogue, Images by Thomas Kelly – Say Who,  Access Fashion Media and © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, the 31th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers. I am once more guest of Piaget and couldn’t be anymore excited about it. If you have a look at this post about last year’s event, you will understand immediately what I am talking about.

One year ago, the sun and stars were out on a Saturday afternoon at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, co-hosted by Piaget for the eighth consecutive year and held on the beach in Santa Monica. The event paid tribute to some of this year’s most important films and also attracted the biggest names in Hollywood, including the Swiss brand’s international brand ambassador and Best Supporting Female nominee for «A Most Violent Year,» Jessica Chastain, along with Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Matt Bomer, Emma Stone, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Munn, Miles Teller, Andy Samberg and Emmy Rossum.

I am sure that you are curious how such an award ceremony takes place. So let me walk you through the different steps.

Click here to get all details of me look.

First, it takes place during the day in Santa Monica. Many people are waiting outside of the fences at the beach to spot their favorite celebrities. You arrive and walk the red (in this case pink) carpet and feel like a star yourself…

Cate Blanchett in Schiaparelli Couture on the pink carpet

Julianne Moore dazzled in Dior Couture

Emma Stone donned a lace Monique Lhuillier dress.

With CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger

CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger framed by Swiss girls Lauriane Gillieron, Alizée Gaillard and myself.

Before the award ceremony itself takes place, you can enjoy the start of the event in Piaget’s VIP lounge. Featuring modern, luxurious details and a grand piano in the center, winners, nominees and friends of the House joined Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger for a celebratory glass of champagne and a peak at the High Jewellery Mediterranean Garden collection.

Actor Eric Roberts at the piano inside the lounge.

Piaget was the jeweler and watchmaker of choice for many of the attending stars, including my humble self, who wore stunning earrings from Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection, along with my Limelight Gala watch and a rose diamond ring.

During the Independent Spirit Awards, you can get really close to the stars and have a chat with them.

Ethan Hawke

I did an interview with Jessica Chastain (if you are interested in reading it, click here please).

Kerry Washington, who plays the Olivia Pope in «Scandal»

«Magic Mike» star Matt Bomer

Long-time friend of the House Emmy Rossum

Anne Heche

Sylvie Meis

Marcia Cross wore a long Piaget Rose sautoir in rose gold.

Inside the award tent.

As the ceremony takes pretty long in general, you are very thankful for food and drinks.

Cate Blanchett won Best Female Lead in 2014 and is nominated again tomorrow for «Carol», in 2015 she was presenting Best Feature which was «Birdman».

In 2015, Best Female Lead was the title for Julianne Moore for her amazing performance in «Still Alice».

 Jessica Chastain and Andy Samberg presented the winner of Best Male Lead: Michael Keaton for «Birdman».Patricia Arquette won as Best Supporting Female in «Boyhood».

 Oprah Winfrey introducing the clip from «Selma».Scarlett Johansson was presenting Best Director. Richard Linklater won for «Boyhood.»

And yes, there is a prompter in the tent…

… which everyone including the hosts of the ceremony, Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen, were using.

Alizée Gaillard, Mousse Jacquier and Lauriane Gilliéron

But the best about this trip is always to treasure the fun moments with your girlfriends and of course with you, my dear readers. I am so excited being back in my favorite city in the world and for tomorrow’s event! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget

Today is my birthday and yes, I do love having birthdays! I am honest, I love cake, a glass of champagne, surprises and being surrounded by my friends…

I still remember two years ago when I celebrated into my big day during the opening celebration of the new Audemars Piguet store in Zurich. I had the honor to be seated next to the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who went on stage to tell the guests that nobody was allowed to leave the party before midnight because of me. Great memories!

Let’s see what will happen today…

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me

The newly launched Diamond Fury watch

And if anyone is looking for a birthday surprise for a loved one, have a look at Audemars Piguet‘s newest watch launch, that was presented during SIHH 2016: Diamond Fury, a true Haute Joaillerie talisman, that reveals its mysterious character via a secret panel which, when touched, subtly unclips to show the dial beneath. It took passion, perfection, over 1,500 hours and 4,635 brilliant-cut diamonds to created this amazing cuff watch with a punk-rock goddess streak.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Audemars Piguet

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht