Sandra‘s Closet

I have to admit that I am a total fragrance addict. Scent is such an important part of your identity. It communicates more than your clothes because one can smell you without having eye contact or talking to you.

We all know the big perfume blockbuster brands, but there are plenty of niche fragrance houses which deserve attention as they use very luxurious ingredients. And after all, who likes to smell the same as everybody else? Today, I would like to show you my eight favorite perfumes that you could call my personal signature scents, like my wardrobe of fragrances.

KILIAN, Love, Don’t be Shy, Eau de Parfum, 50ml
Oriental – gourmand and seductive

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Honeysuckle, Iris
Base notes: Civet Oil

TOM FORD Noir Pour Femme, Eau de Parfum, 50ml
Oriental Floral – sensual and extravagant

Top notes: Citrus, Spice and Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose Absolute, Mandarin and Jasmine
Base notes: Sandalwood and Vanilla

PARFUMERIE GENERALE N°19 Louanges Profanes, Eau de Toilette, 50ml
Floral Oriental – fresh and powdery

Top notes: Neroli and Hawthorn
Middle notes: White Lily and Incense
Base notes: Benzoe and Guaiac Wood

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN À La Rose, Eau de Parfum, 70ml
Floral – another interpretation of a rose

Top notes: Damascena Rose from Bulgaria and Centifolia Rose from Grasse, Pear and Lychee
Middle notes: Violet and Magnolia Blossom
Base notes: Cedarwood

ARQUISTE PARFUMEUR Flor Y Canto, Eau de Parfum, 55ml
Floral – intense and intoxicating

Top notes: Mexican Tuberose
Middle notes: Plumeria and Magnolia
Base notes: Marigold

BYREDO Blanche, Eau de Parfum, 100ml
Floral Aldehyde – the perception of the color white

Top notes: White Roses, Pink Pepper and Aldehydes
Middle notes: Violet, Neroli and Peony
Base notes: Blond Wood, Sandalwood and Musk

LORENZO VILLORESI Teint de Neige, Eau de Toilette, 100ml
Floral – powdery and delicate like the color of snow

Top notes: Jasmine, Rose and Ylang Ylang
Middle notes: Tonka Bean, Jasmine, Rose, Floral Notes and Powder Notes
Base notes: Jasmine, Rose, Heliotrope and Musk

PROFVMVM ROMA Soavissima, Eau de Parfum, 100ml
White Floral – feminine and rich

Top notes: White Flowers
Middle notes: Amber
Base notes: Iris

If you are living in Switzerland, I truly recommend you the Osswald Night of Fragrances that will take place on October, 15 2015 between 6 and 10 pm at Schloss Sihlberg, Sihlberg 10, 8002 Zurich.

Six exclusive perfume brands will present their world in different rooms of the castle, among them two of my favorites Pierre Guillaume (Parfumerie Générale) and the Durante Family (Profvmvm Roma).

Tickets are available for CHF 25.00 at Perfumery Osswald, Bahnhofstr. 17, 8001 Zurich or online.

See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Saturday night as part of the 11th Zurich Film Festival, I attended the wonderful IWC Schaffhausen “For the Love of Cinema” Gala Dinner at the Park Hyatt hotel during which Oscar winner Christoph Waltz presented the first-ever Filmmaker Award, worth CHF 100,000 in sponsorship. The award was set up by the Association for the Promotion of Film in Switzerland, which was founded last December by Marc Forster, IWC CEO Georges Kern, the co-directors of the Zurich Film Festival Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, and the CEO of Ringier, Marc Walder.

To celebrate the occasion, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer had invited some 200 VIP guests from the worlds of film, media, politics and commerce.

On the red carpet

Bernhard Burgener, Norbert Preuss and Michael Steiner (“Und morgen seid ihr tot”) and Lisa Blatter and Jan Gassmann (“Europe, She Loves“) receive the Filmmaker Award. 

From the four nominated films, the jury picked two winners: “Und morgen seid ihr tot” (“Tomorrow You’ll Be Dead”) and “Europe, She Loves”. Christoph Waltz, who presented the award, shot to fame with roles in “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained” by the American cult director Quentin Tarantino.

Christoph Waltz

“I am proud to be here in person to present this award, which is very important for the Swiss film industry. Providing sponsorship for filmmakers is a necessary and relevant task, one which makes a significant contribution to the diversity of Swiss film,” said the two-time Academy Award winner. The two winning projects were also each presented with an IWC watch – the Portugieser Automatic in stainless steel with a black dial and a special rotor engraving with “1st Filmmaker Award Zurich 2015”.

Actor Christoph Waltz, IWC CEO Georges Kern and director Marc Forster during dinner.

Philipp Fankhauser and band performed at the gala. 

After the dinner, we continued the party at Club Adagio into the small hours of the morning. It was a truly amazing night… thanks IWC Schaffhausen for having me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lennart Preiss/Getty Images for IWC

Last Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2015 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that takes place each year at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital.

My look: Dark blue Colette bandage gown by Hervé Léger, Monogram fringed shoulder bag and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, Diorette ring and Rose des vents bracelet, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie and necklace by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Thank you David Biedert Photography for the photos at the gala.
Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Monday evening before I left to London, I attended an extremely lovely invitation. Laurence Antiglio hosted an editors’ dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her fabulous store VESTIBULE.

The website says “a favorite address of Zurich’s in-the-know fashionistas for its sharp selection of designer brands.” I would sign this statement. With the likes of Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, Chloé and many more, the French-speaking Swiss carries a wonderful variety of established labels as well as newcomers.

Congrats, Laurence Antiglio!

10 years ago she started in Zurich’s Niederdorf with one store and lots of passion. The first thing she sold? A reindeer that was a decoration from the window display. But that didn’t stop her! Today, she owns two shops, one in the city center at St. Peterstrasse 20 and one in Seefeld.

Laurence has fulfilled her dream and we admire her for that.
Good luck for the many more years to come!

LoL, Sandra

Great idea: Hosting a dinner in the store. I loved eating in the middle of all the clothes and bags.

Laurence Antiglio, Sabina Hanselmann-Diethlem and my humble self in Saint Laurent.

On display: the limited edition tees that will especially launch for the 10th anniversary.
Hurry up, they are going to sell out fast!

Photos: Courtesy of Vestibule and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

“Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.”

Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

A warm welcome by lovely Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, the 24th Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom Boom au Lac party 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: Sea foam beaded tulle and navy lame dress and embossed lizard leather lace up booties, both by Rodarte, python leather buckle belt and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, white cuff by Chanel and Pasha C watch by Cartier, earrings by Prada and sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I went to the Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The iconic event celebrated its 10th anniversary. With great friends and lots of champagne, it is always fun as the first social event after the summer break when everybody in the city enjoys the “to see and to be seen” part a lot – a great night in full swing!

My look: Asymmetric cherry print dress, python leather buckle belt, silver-tone arm cuff, candy crystal-embellished leather platform sandals and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, rose diamond ring by Piaget and earrings by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac, © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy Birthday Flowerbomb – what a great «flowerbombastic» party! The house of Viktor&Rolf celebrated the 10th year anniversary of their iconic scent at Le Trianon in Paris in the beginning of July with a very special evening. The rooms were literally filled with thousands of flowers. Highlight of the night were the outstanding performances by Tori Amos and Charli XCX.

Enjoy all my pictures and stay tuned for the amazing interview I did with the designer duo.

LoL, Sandra

Designer duo Viktor&Rolf at their party.

Ellen von Unwerth with photographer duo Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

At the party with model Willy Cartier.

Charli XCX on stage…

… and in a stunning Viktor&Rolf dress upon arrival.

Ellen von Unwerth with me.

Actress Michelle Rodriguez

Italian clothing magnate Renzo Rosso, President of OTB Group, the holding group, that bought a controlling interest in Viktor& Rolf in 2008.

Petra Nemcova

Amazing performance by Tori Amos on stage…

… and afterwards at the party with me.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Viktor&Rolf

During Paris Haute Couture fashion week, a superlative event took place at the Casino de Paris – the ‘WÔW’ party, nicknamed after Lancôme’s signature letter – to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the brand, founded by entrepreneur Armand Petitjean in 1935.

Celebrating the House’s continually unique take on French beauty, guests enjoyed a surrealistic photocall where they were invited to strike a pose amongst giant cut outs of the brands iconic products and symbols, to the poetic fresh rose arch that served as an entrance to the theatre and a playful exhibition of carefully conserved objects from its patrimony: everything stated loud and clearly that “La vie est belle en Lancôme”, life is beautiful with Lancôme.

Celebrating 80 years of Lancôme is also celebrating femininity the Lancôme way. This could not have been achieved without the women who today embody the brand: Julia Roberts, Penélope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily Collins, Alma Jodorowsky and Daria Werbowy were all on stage together for the first time ever, to wish a happy anniversary to Lancôme. Isabella Rossellini, who graced the brand with her charm and beauty for so many years, was the master of ceremony.

Among the highlights of the party, which gathered more the 1200 guests from the beauty, fashion, film and art world, was ultimate showgirl Kylie Minogue’s private concert of some of her most danced to songs, followed by French DJ Kiddy Smile who played late into the night.

Elettra Wiedemann, daughter of Isabella Rosselini,…

…Singer John Legend («All of me») and…

…Lisa Eldridge, recently appointed Creative Director of Lancôme Make up, were also in attendance.

Lancôme Power: Natacha Klein, Vincent Mottier, Margherita Masiello and Claire Jamet

With Margherita Masiello, PR Manager Switzerland Lancôme

The party is only one of the highlights of a celebration that started last January with the release of ‘Editions du Regard’ a book celebrating the brand’s heritage. This was followed by the launch of the first web only limited edition Lancôme products – three shades of the legendary L’Absolu Rouge, and a participative digital platform designed as a tribute to Lancôme’s customers “You are Lancôme”. Five participants who entered this creative ‘selfie’ contest won a ticket to the WÔW party.

The celebration will reach its climax in December with the launch of two extremely limited editions: the re-edition of Les Jumelés, a jewel lipstick case form Lancôme’s patrimony, and a very special version of the new La Vie est Belle l’Extrait created with France’s oldest high jeweller, Mellerio dit Mellers. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Stéphane Fougère for Lancôme, © Sandra Bauknecht

Monday last week, I arrived in NYC to attend the launch of Gucci‘s newest fragrance GUCCI BAMBOO that took place at the Bowery hotel for two days with special events. During that time, I was able to meet and interview the face of the campaign, Israeli actress and model GAL GADOT, who is known for her role as Gisele in The Fast and the Furious film series and as Wonder Woman in the upcoming movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Stay tuned for the interview which will be coming up tomorrow. For now, let’s have a look at the new fragrance.

First of all what does Bamboo means? For Gucci, it is not so much about the plant but about the woodstock, its strength and resilience which is used for the iconic bag handles for example (If you are interested to see a tour around the manufacture in Casselina, I invite you to click here).

For the fragrance, the Italian fashion house tried to stay true to its DNA and transported the iconic leather and wood aspect to the scent. It has been a long process of almost 3 years, with lots of iterations until the final result was found.

Duality plays an important role, reflecting strength and femininity at the same time. Woody floral fragrances have been used for a long time in the Gucci perfume world but with GUCCI BAMBOO, another story has been written, something different and exotic from all the others.

The Notes

1. Casablanca Lilies from North Africa (a Headspace recreation) add a wonderful complexity as if the sun is touching the petals itself.

2. Ylang Ylang from the Comoros Islands of the East coast of Africa (natural extraction). Only the extract is used for Gucci Bamboo. The small yellow flowers are handpicked and than right afterwards put in a steamed distillation.

3. Sandalwood from Australia (a natural extraction of the bark). This is another very important signature note for Gucci as it adds the duality.

4. Tahitian Vanilla (special chosen quality). It has more dryness, a balsamic quality, very rich, not too sweet, more leathery.

5. In order to bring to life the dazzling and fresh aspect of the fragrance, Pear and Italian Bergamot were used as opening notes. This give that crunchy freshness.

The fragrance is really beautiful and it literally grows on you during the day. In the morning, you apply the freshness that transforms during the following hours in something very rich and floral and that ends with a captivating dryness.

The face, Gal Gadot, is the epitome of a modern multifaceted woman. Mother, wife and businesswoman. Warm and open. Strong and feminine, just like a bamboo.

GUCCI BAMBOO is available from July 30, 2015.
Eau de Parfum 30ml (€64.00), 50ml (€89.00) and 75ml (€114.00)

Shower Gel 200ml (€35.00), Body Lotion 200ml (€37.00) and Deodorant Natural Spray 100ml (€26.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Sandra Bauknecht