Sandra‘s Closet

Last month, I was invited to a very special seated dinner by LA PRAIRIE to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest product CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD from the Cellular Radiance Collection at a private home in Zurich.

The exquisite 3-course menu prepared by Frank Widmer, Park Hyatt Zurich’s renowned chef,  let us indulge in the essence of golden opulence.

With Frank Widmer at the dinner. The dress code was a touch of gold.

Gold-infused main course.

Werner Dirks, General Manager La Prairie Switzerland.

CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD

The Swiss beauty brand’s latest advancement in radiance is a gold-infused serum that fills wrinkles within one hour using potent age-defying technology to revitalize and perfect the skin. Bathed in golden light, your skin is visibly perfected in an instant. Over time, this liquid gold deeply revitalizes and enhances your complexion. You will look sublime, irresistible, as if lit from within.

The scientists at La Prairie have harnessed the power of pure gold and combined it with an exclusive Golden Lotus Blend made with Lotus Japonicas, an extraordinary flower long-revered for its luminous and brightening abilities.

Apply the new fluide in the morning and evening after cleansing, toning and the serum application. Allow it to absorb completely. If you need additional moisture, it can also be applied over your favourite moisturizer.

2016 starts with probably the most luxurious skincare release of the year. CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD will be available for CHF 620.- (40ml) from January 25, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

What else could you wish for? A castle, a princess and a shoe designer. Sometimes dreams come true and you can feel like Cinderella. Only difference? I wouldn’t leave my heels behind.

Hostess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis framed by Alexa Chung to the right and me to the left.

The occasion was very special. Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis, Gianvito Rossi and mytheresa.com hosted a private dinner at the Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg, Germany to celebrate their collaboration.
The designer and the luxury e-tailer celebrated their successful on-going relationship which includes special capsule collections created exclusively for the site.

The Silver Salon

Cocktails were served in the breathtaking Silver Salon followed by dinner in the castle’s magnificent ballroom. Mike Skinner then entertained the crowd with a DJ set in the stunning Yellow Salon.

Gianvito Rossi with me in the Yellow Salon

It was truly a night to remember – a princess for one day. And isn’t Cinderella proof that a pair of shoes can change your life?

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI AT MYTHERESA.COM, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

The Ballroom

Fantastic couple: Justin O’Shea and Veronika Heilbrunner with me

Justin O’Shea and Serge Biasin

Singer Lena Meyer-Landrut with me

German actress Iris Berben

Dancing partners: Daisy Lowe with me

Selfie time for Lena Meyer-Landrut and Hannah Herzsprung

If you like my look, click here for the details.

Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis and guests

Dancing Time

Mike Sinner with his wife Claire in Balmain

Photos:© Getty / Gisela Schober & Isa Foltin for Mytheresa x Gianvito Rossi
© Sandra Bauknecht and via Bunte Magazine

Two weeks ago, I attended Switzerland’s first «Amour de Vie – a fabulous night for a good cause“» charity event at the Park Hyatt in Zurich. A special benefit auction in collaboration with Sandra Nedvetskaia and top live entertainment ( The Bourbon Street Band from Manchester and DJ Young Bugs) guaranteed a unique, young fest to gather fundings for RIGHT TO PLAY. 100 % of all auction and Tombola proceeds raised CHF 27.450 that night.

A great cause and a fun party! We at L’Officiel Switzerland knew immediately we had to be part of it and became media partner ofd this fab event!

LoL, Sandra

The two masterminds: event organisator Sophia Marti (SVM Events) and auctioneer Sandra Nedvetskaia.

Park Hyatt’s famous chef Frank Widmer was “auctioned” off himself…

Great conversation with golf pro Roger Furrer, ambassador for Right to Play, during the dinner.

 The beautiful crowd…

Our newly wed Livia Zafirou, Managing Editor at L’Officiel Switzerland.

Photos: Courtesy of SVM Events and © Sandra Bauknecht

John Malkovich with me

When I read about this project, I was immediately drawn to it. Such a cool idea! John Malkovich and director Robert Rodriguez have teamed up with LOUIS XIII Cognac, one of the most luxurious spirits in the world, to make a movie that predicts what life will be like 100 years in the future. «100 YEARS: THE MOVIE YOU WILL NEVER SEE» won’t be released – and now read carefully – until November 2115. Yes, my dear readers, that means we all will never get to watch it.

The famous LOUIS XIII Cognac

LOUIS XIII Decanter Baccarat

The inspiration behind it was to draw attention to all the hard work that it takes to make each decanter of LOUIS XIII Cognac. Its grapes grow in the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the most sought-after area of the Cognac region, in France. Just as four generations of cellar masters dedicate their lives to creating a masterpiece that they will never be tasting, the cast and crew of «100 Years» will never see the final cut of the film.

Grande Champagne landscape

A French art de vivre enthusiast, John Malkovich not only plays the leading role alongside Shuya Chang but also developed the original screenplay for «100 Years». This ground-breaking film comes with a lot of special effects and imagines how our planet might look like in a century in three different scenarios.

The first one shows the Earth overtaken by nature after it has been devastated by chemical warfare. Another explores the idea of a dark world ruled by technology. And in the third hypothetical vision, humanoid robots have taken control of the planet and humans have to run to escape.

To ensure that «100 Years» remains secure until its official premiere one century from now, the film was placed in a state-of-the-art safe, created in partnership with Fichet-Bauche, which will open automatically in 100 years when the timing is complete. The custom made piece is a marvel of design, featuring bulletproof glass and a revolutionary timer. Upon the closing of the safe, the door will not open until the countdown is complete, not even with a code or a key, regardless of access to a power source.

Le Grollet House of LOUIS XIII

For the premiere on November 18, 2115, one thousand guests from around the world received an exclusive invitation to give to their descendants to attend the big event at the House of LOUIS XIII, the Domaine du Grollet, in Cognac, France. Isn’t it amazing to imagine that some people might look up this post in 100 years and think of us, the ones that never saw the movie.

This outstanding project «100 Years» was celebrated on last Wednesday with an exclusive preview of the film’s trailer at James Goldstein‘s Sheats Goldstein Mansion in Los Angeles. During the invitation only event, John Malkovich, with LOUIS XIII, ceremoniously placed the film reel into the custom safe and set the timer for the official premiere in November 18th, 2115. This safe will be transported around the world under high-level security for an international tour beginning in Hong Kong on December 11th, before it reaches its final destination at the House of LOUIS XIII in Cognac.

Owner of the residence James Goldstein

Ed Westwick

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis, director Robert Rodriguez and actor John Malkovich share a toast.

Actresses Jamie King and Emma Roberts

Louis XIII Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis at the party in Beverly Hills, California.

Film costumes on display.

Designer Zac Posen

Have fun watching the exclusive trailer below and join the conversation on social media with #notcomingsoon. You can follow LOUIS XIII on its social channels including: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Either PR masterpiece or craziest film project ever, the concept is pretty cool. Don’t you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Trailer: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII, Getty Images for Louis XIII

Zurich has a new hot spot. Last week, HATO opened its doors at Brandschenkestrasse 20 (reservations +41 44 280 1880, zurich @hato-restaurants.com). The restaurant’s chef Nathan Dallimore brings the bold flavors of «Fine Asian Cuisine» and fresh sushi to every dining experience. Before today’s official start, I had the honor to try all the culinary highlights during an intimate lunch. The food is absolutely excellent, my favorite is the vegan «Soya Duck Salad» (see photo below). The interior is stylish and intimate at once, curtains can separate certain areas. There is also a special LALIQUE room for  private occasions. On Thursday, the VIP opening party took place… enjoy the pics.

My look: Wool twill jacket, cutout leather platform pumps and small California leather bucket bag with stars, all by Saint Laurent, scalloped bandage dress by Hervé Léger, Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford, tulle and pearl necklace by Lanvin and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

The vegan «Soya Duck Salad», it’s fake duck, so yummy.

An extremely interesting combination that I loved: scallop, pork and artichoke puree.

Fantastic Har Gau Dim Sum.

Photos : © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

What a night in NYC! I am still overwhelmed by this glam and fun event where the fashion and Hollywood elite joined forces on Wall Street to celebrate the launch of the amazing collaboration between Balmain and H&M. More is more is definitely something that goes for the Parisian Maison and yesterday was proof for it!

”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” – Olivier Rousteing

Olivier Rousteing with me last night

Just like the opulent collection designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the party in the Big Apple was extra everything. Rousteing, who is bringing the brand’s DNA of music, couture, luxury and pop culture – he is the designer with the biggest instagram follower ship – together, said: ”Tonight has been a dream come true for me. The energy and vibe are unbelievable.” He created the hashtag #HMBalmaination where people could follow live the best moments of the night.

When I arrived at 23, Wall Street, I entered the highly secured venue over the stairs and found an ambiance similar to a subway system, referencing the campaign film – where Kendall Jenner, Olivier’s muse and friend, stars as the leader of a dance crew. While enjoying champagne, I mingled with the A-list crowd of top models, celebrities and Hollywood actors.

Singer Ellie Goulding with me

After the cocktail reception, I entered the next hall where the runway was built over two stories. Before the show actually started, a live dance performance took place as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the campaign music video. The guests were truly cheered up when Kendall Jenner opened the  catwalk, followed by some of the hottest models in the industry right now.

Swiss front row power: Kerstin Netsch, Editor in Chief Friday Magazine and Caroline Piccinin, Le Matin with me in the middle.

Kendall Jenner opening the runway

Jourdan Dunn

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Olivier Rousteing’s favorite piece from the collection: the pearl-embroidered jacket.

Gigi Hadid

Karlie Kloss was my favorite on the runway.

Toni Garrn

The collection is all about affordable luxury. Olivier Rousteing took some of his best creations he designed over the past seasons and made them into one collection. Compared to other designer collaborations H&M did in previous years, the pieces are more expensive but I am still pretty amazed how this craftsmanship is possible for that amount of money. The collection is truly beautiful with lots of items you can enjoy for a very long time.

The Backstreet Boys

After the show, it was all about the music and energy. A live concert by the Backstreet Boys took guests back in time, especially my humble self as over 20 years ago, I was with them on a Germany tour with my own band. Personally speaking, the Balmain x H&M launch party was one of those nights you never want to end!

Olivier Rousteing and his friends, among them Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio, cheered to the Backstreet Boys.

The Balmain x H&M collection features fashion and accessories for both men and women, and will be available in selected stores and at hm.com starting November 5.

Now have fun to scroll through some more impressions of the night and check back in for more updates as I just uploaded my own photos today. The internet is too slow… there is much more coming up. Now I have some appointments in NYC before I am heading back home!
Talk to you when I am in Europe…

LoL, Sandra

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager at H&M Switzerland (@monsieurené), is looking good in my marabou stole.

Guests being crazy about the red carpet arrivals.

German actress Diane Kruger

Amazing ambiance.

We couldn’t get enough of the Backstreet Boys!

Always a lot of fun with my colleague Caroline Piccinin from Le Matin in Geneva.

The normal craziness at the pop-up store late at night.

The clothes come well-protected in plastic hangers.

Olivier Rousteing even joined in the shopping fun late at night.

All Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from New York City where I arrived yesterday. Tonight is the night: H&M x Balmain‘s launch ​party celebration will take place starting at 7pm local time with cocktails, followed by the fashion show, a concert and of course the pop-up store where guests are able to shop the collection before it will officially hit the stores on November 5, 2015.

I will be attending the event tonight and keep you updated on instagram @sandrascloset but you can also watch the live stream HERE or follow the #HMBalmaination hashtag to see whats happening at the show!

Below are some of my first impressions:

Still breathtaking: the first view on NYC when you come from the airport.

My hotel: The Nomo Soho, the former Mondrian Hotel, where I also stayed three years ago for the H&M x Maison Martin Margiela launch event.

The view from my hotel room.

A gift: the beautiful scarf.

Now, I am on my way to preview the collection ahead of the show and to interview Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain and the fashion designer with the most instagram followers on earth.

Stay tuned for my report from the event coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

Paris Fashion Week is always fun, but of course also very tiring and as you might have realized I get barely time to blog. During the day, you attend many runway shows, visit showrooms, have meetings and run from one place to the other. But don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining, I absolutely adore my job.

At night, the fashion crowd doesn’t stop. Events, launches and after show celebrations take place, such as the Valentino Tribe Party on Tuesday at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris.

The beautiful location was decorated with all sorts of tribal elements and Monsieur Valentino himself along with Alber Elbaz, Creative Director Lanvin, showed up during the night.

With Mister Valentino Garavani himself...

… and with lovely Alber Elbaz of Lanvin.

Later, I went to Raspoutine where L’Officiel Russia celebrated their new social editor, Kisa. It was great to see many familiar faces such as Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman, Jean-Thierry Besins of Bulliony, Natasha Zinko, Lorenzo Giove of Repossi and of course, Benjamin Eymère of L’Officiel Paris… and more!

Enjoy some of the impressions below!

LoL, Sandra

Lisa Feldmann of L’Officiel Germany, my humble self, Alexander Fedotov and Xenia Sobtchak

Lorenzo Giove framed by Fiammetta Cicogna to the right and me to the left.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Natasha Zinko and Kisa

Tonight, I am invited by Tommy Hilfiger and the Zurich Film Festival and I couldn’t be any happier about it. Each year, Hollywood comes to Zurich. In 2013, it was Harrison Ford (for the previous post click here) and in 2014, it was John Malkovich who joined Tommy Hilfiger and Daniel Grieder, CEO Tommy Hilfiger, on this special occasion.

Time flies and I realized that I have never posted the pictures from last year. So here you go. Even 12 months later, it hasn’t lost any of its glamour.

Stay tuned for the photos of tonight. I promise it won’t take another year…

LoL, Sandra

John Malkovich, my humble self, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger

German actress Iris Berben with me

Trudie Götz (Trois Pommes) with me

Peter Fonda

Stefanie Heinzmann performed at the after party.

A day later, Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife posted this on instagram. Very cute of her!

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht