Sandra‘s Closet

The opening of the annual outdoors exhibition ART IN THE PARK in the lovely gardens of the BAUR AU LAC hotel has been a highlight of Zurich’s summer social calendar since its beginning. Hosted by Gigi Kracht, in collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska, this year’s INSIDE OUT is a solo showcase of sculptures by artist Allen Jones, one of the pioneers of British Pop Art.

His sinuous, brightly colored reinventions of the human form will be on display until August 23, 2015  in the property’s half-acre park set on the shores of Lake Zurich. The contemporary pieces, including «Taxi» and «Sprawl», are mostly abstract and use interlocking sheets of steel painted in colors like cobalt and primrose.

Gigi Kracht, the wife of Baur au Lac’s owner, Andrea Kracht, created the show and collaborates with the international art gallery Galerie Gmurzynska to choose the artists. Here she is having a dialogue with Allen Jones during the seated lunch.

Allen Jones with me

«Taxi»

Jürg and Raquel Marquard with Krystyna Gmurzynska

«Sprawl»

Mathias Rastorfer, Gigi Kracht, Krystyna Gmurzynska, Allen Jones and Andrea Kracht

German De La Cruz, Patrick Liotard-Vogt, Sima Akhlaghi and her husband Peter Merian with me

«The Conjurer»

Mathias Rastorfer (Galerie Gmurzynska) with Gigi Kracht and me

If you are interested in last year’s Art in the Park, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Art in the Park, © Dörte Welti, © Sandra Bauknecht

As the London men’s collections came to a close, a fashion show with a difference took place. The master of ceremonies, Mister Tom Ford himself, presented his Fall/Winter 2015 Menswear collection at Howick Place. Like a trouper on stage, he took the microphone to explain his new looks that were shown in groups of extremely handsome male models.

Ford mixed in an interesting way sportswear and suits, by adding sneakers to the formal looks. Houndstooth and leather, dufflecoats and psychedelic patterns, all elements reminiscent of the ’60s signed off the younger attitude of this F/W 2015 collection.

Being a gentleman of taste and class, he knows how to strike a pose. His designs are admired by both, men and women. His manners seem so British, the Texan boy is rarely seen. When he entered the room to start his show, he spotted me wearing one of his key looks of the season. With a big smile, before greeting everyone, he said: «Nice dress!». He is witty, he is funny and so handsome.

In the evening, the trendy, exclusive «Chiltern Firehouse» was the site of Tom Ford’s celebration for his latest men’s fragrance, NOIR EXTREME. A stylish crowd, among them Lily Allen, Alexa Chung, David Gandy, came to experience his new scent.

«With NOIR EXTREME, Tom Ford aims to capture that exact moment when a man reaches extreme new heights: his sophistication becomes magnetic, transfixing the world at large.»
Being known for decadent and opulent ingredients, this deep woody oriental scent offers a base of amber-drenched accords that give rise to citrus notes of mandarin oil and neroli, adding heat from spiced cardamom and nutmeg. At the heart of the fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core along with floral notes of rose absolute, jasmine and orange flower. Elegant sandalwood and a melting vanilla ember, enigmatically sustaining the masculine fire finish off Tom Ford’s new fragrance creation.

Wearing many hats and managing them all with perfection, fashion designer, movie director, model or master of his own fragrance empire, he himself seems like the perfect «Noir Man» in an extreme version, contemplating his own American dream. The one we all would like to live…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Two weeks ago, I went to Geneva to film a new episode of Spotlight which will air this Saturday, at 7.45pm on Tele Züri. The reason? Tiffany & Co. celebrated the opening of its newest store at 21, Rue du Rhône.

Frederic Cumenal, CEO of Tiffany & Co. and Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff, Managing Director Tiffany & Co., Germany/Austria/Switzerland, hosted the evening. The approximately 500 guests
were welcomed to a cocktail reception at the store where they were able to explore the magnificent new interiors across the store’s two floors and discover dazzling jewellery and the limited edition watches that the American jeweller has specially created to commemorate its return to Geneva.

The four limited edition cocktail watches, exclusively created for the Geneva opening.

Tiffany’s brilliant new store reflects the company’s global reputation as a luxury brand and a 178-year history that includes Geneva, where Tiffany first opened a branch in 1868.

Melvin Kirtley, Chief Gemologist Tiffany & Co., with me in front of the famous Tiffany Diamond.

TIFFANY DIAMOND
This legendary beauty was acquired by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1878. To this day, the spectacular 128.54-carat fancy yellow diamond remains one of the most important gemstones on earth. It was a great honor to see this precious piece in real life in Geneva as it rarely travels, remaining at home on the main floor of the Tiffany flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Star guest Paloma Picasso gave me a great interview that will air in the next Spotlight episode. To explore her newest collection for Tiffany, please click here.

Following the cocktail reception in the new store, we were then ushered to a glamourous marquee with a stunning Tiffany Blue Box entrance. With magnificent views to the Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau, we enjoyed a fantastic party with live performances by renowned saxophonist Chez Taylor-Francis, DJMike and DJ Viky Queen.

A fun evening that ended with the beautiful Jet d’Eau lit up in Tiffany blue!

If you are living in Switzerland, don’t forget to watch Spotlight this Saturday at 7.45pm! The trailer will tell you a little more about the episode…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Magali Girardin/ Tiffany and ©Sandra Bauknecht

Mid April, I went for the first time in my life to Zermatt where the highest altitude concert stage in Europe hosted the eight edition of the famous musical festival ZERMATT UNPLUGGED.

International stars, such as James Blunt, Anastasia, Patricia Kaas, Travis and many others came to the tiny Swiss car-free mountain village to play in an intimate setting with the unique backdrop of the Matterhorn. No one can escape its fascination and I couldn’t stop taking pictures from different angles.

If you come to Zermatt, I recommend a visit to the lovely mountain restaurant Chez Vrony that offers a stunning view and the perfect atmosphere and don’t miss next year’s Zermatt Unplugged edition (April 5-9, 2016), it’s worth it!

Chez Vrony
Even in winter, you’ll be able to reach the restaurant in 10 minutes on foot from Sunnegga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute in New York City and marks the grand opening of its annual fashion exhibit. Celebrating this year’s theme “China, Through The Looking Glass”, it seems to be one of the most challenging yet. See below who honored China’s heritage and its present culture on the red carpet best.

This year’s award to best dressed of the night goes to:

Rihanna wearing Chinese designer Guo Pei

The butt girls:

Jay Z and Beyoncé in Givenchy

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West in Roberto Cavalli

Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez, both in Atelier Versace.

Best Chinese inspirations:

Zendaya Coleman in Fausto Puglisi

Karolina Kurkova in Tommy Hilfiger

I am always looking forward to seeing Sarah Jessica Parker‘s outfit because she has never let us down in pulling off the best looks. And let’s just say the headpiece combined with her H&M dress is divine.

Georgia May Jagger in Gucci and Alessandro Michele

Chloë Sevigny in J.W. Anderson

Very sophisticated: Tom Ford and Rita Ora in his design.

Alexa Chung in Erdem

George Clooney and Amal Clooney in Maison Margiela

Not so inspired by the Chinese theme… but great to watch:

Jeremy Scott kissing Kate Perry‘s hand who is wearing Moschino.

Also Madonna wore Moschino.

Stella McCartney framed by Cara Delevingne, Sofia Richie, and Zhu Zhu, all dressed in her designs.

Alexander Wang kissed by Lady Gaga in Balenciaga

Miley Cyrus and Zoë Kravitz dressed in Alexander Wang.

Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection

Robert Pattinson and FKA twigs in Christopher Kane (definitely not my favorite gown of the night).

Supermodel Joan Smalls arrived at the Met Gala in a black tulle and purple silk one-sleeved Roberto Cavalli gown with cutouts and sheer paneling. Her date was the newly appointed designer of the Italian fashion house Peter Dundas. Isn’t this gown to die for?!

Anna Wintour in Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos via: Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com, Moschino, Vogue and Style.com

Last Wednesday, Trudie Götz and her team celebrated the opening of her two new concept stores, TROIS POMMES – THE STORE, one for women on Bahnhofstrasse 18 and one for men on Bahnhofstrasse 12 in Zurich. The new three-story shop for ladies is filled with everything a fashionista’s heart desires, the must-have pieces from well-known designers such as Givenchy, Saint Laurent and Peter Pilotto among others. For this special occasion, jewelry designer Harumi Klossowska and cashmere guru Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman had flown in to get to know their Zurich customers. Great concept, amazing interior, two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As part of the 10th Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen invited me for the opening of the “Timeless Portofino” exhibition.

CEO Georges Kern was joined by Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh to present the amazing result of a photo shoot which involved a host of stars, such as Emily Blunt, Zhou Xun, Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz among others and was organized by IWC especially for the launch of its new Portofino Midsize collection. Before the exhibition set off around the world, IWC celebrated the world premiere with around 250 guests and invited them to a glamorous gala dinner (see yesterday’s post here). Enjoy my outfit post and the photos that I took from above upon the arrival of the famous guests as I was already inside the exhibition.

My look: Embroidered wrap-over mini-dress by Balmain, metallic and matte-leather pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Tom Ford, statement necklace by Dior, «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Portofino midsize watch with diamonds by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos in collage: © Sandra Bauknecht and  Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for IWC
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s outfit post is dedicated to the amazing IWC Schaffhausen gala that took place last September during the Zurich Film Festival. I wore a very colorful gown by Peter Pilotto that I adore. The “mix and match” effect of the fabrics is extremely up to date. Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett, who was the star of the night, sported the floral print trend as well. I have included some impressions of this extraordinary event for you. A huge thank you to Andrea Monica Hug who took some photos of me upon my arrival.

My look: Freya kaleidoscope print crepe gown by Peter Pilotto, laser-cut leather clutch by Christopher Kane, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, earrings by Prada, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Kurt Eschbacher interviews Cate Blanchett during the gala

Lovely Karolina Kurkova (I hosted an intimate lunch with her one day before) framed by IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern to her right and photographer Peter Lindbergh to her left.

To the sounds of DJ Jack-E, we partied the whole night… definitely another unforgettable night!

Photos: © Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for IWC
© Andrea Monica Hug/ Chic in Zurich 
© Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, a really fun event for the readers of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland magazine in collaboration with DIOR took place at Jelmoli in Zurich. The exclusive invitation could be found in our recent February issue and was dedicated to the launch of the brand’s new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR collection.

In my position as editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland. I welcomed the guests together with Michelle Fisher, Dior’s make-up expert, who shared some amazing tips with us.

One of the biggest trends in fashion and beauty is the no makeup look which means you wear makeup without looking like you do. Dior is a true pioneer in achieving this natural look with the new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR line: weightless velvety freshness, a foundation that breathes, a range for flawless skin with a incredibly fine, exceptional texture, as light and beneficial as a breath of fresh air, for an enhanced complexion with sheer correction. Like after a day in the great outdoors,you achieve the fresh, radiant beauty of a natural healthy glow.

The DIORSKIN NUDE AIR range includes:

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR SERUM FOUNDATION
A few drops of this ultra-fluid are enough to create perfect nude makeup with a velvety finish and a no-makeup feel that is both ultra-natural and luminous. Made with oils that evaporate instantly, the talc-free Diorskin Nude Air formula deposits an undetectable film of makeup on the skin. Dior introduces Oxygen Activ™ technology, an innovative combination of a hyper-oxygenated oil, Cranberry oil, vitamins and minerals. Revitalised, the skin breathes and becomes more beautiful each day.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR LOOSE POWDER
Impressively light, this loose powder sets and protects makeup while protecting skin from urban assaults.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR POWDER COMPACT
The powder compact transparently unifies and mattifies the complexion to create the illusion of a fresh and radiant glow.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR TAN BRONZING POWDER
Available in a range of naturally blended shades, the bronzing powder warms the skin tone giving a sunny complexion that radiates vitality.

Guests were able to experience this new light makeup along with the complete range of DIOR products during the night and were able to get a complete makeover.

The DIOR team: Michelle Fisher, Giuseppe Oltolini and Manuela Pastore with me.

Sophie Handke and Nina Aryapour with me

Personally speaking, it was so lovely to meet my readers last night. Some had even come from Basel, Zug and other Swiss cities. This morning, the first photos of yesterday’s event popped up on my Facebook wall and I am happy to share them with you. Thank you, ladies, for coming, for posting, for commenting and for being loyal readers of L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. You are the reason I am doing this job with all my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Young Park with me

Jackie and Paula Iller with me

Jo Dema and Bojana Veljkovic with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (A huge thank you to my daughter for taking them!)
Thank you to Sophie Handke, Nina Aryapour, Jo Dema, Bojana Veljkovic and Young Park for the lovely pictures!

The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were held last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Rapper LL Cool J hosted the show for the fourth consecutive time. In all, 83 Grammy Awards were presented, one more than in 2014.

Sam Smith accepts the Best New Artist award from singer Taylor Swift onstage

Sam Smith was the big winner at the 2015 Grammys, taking home four awards for best new artist, best pop vocal album, record of the year and song of the year. In an upset, Beck took home album of the year for Morning Phase, beating out Beyonce’s Beyonce.

But what interests us most are the best dressed winners and of course the worst as well. Enjoy, from a dreamy Giambattista Valli frock on Rihanna to Taylor Swift’s sexy Elie Saab gown, most of the celebs hit all the right notes on the music industry’s biggest night.

Rihanna in Giambattista Valli Couture

Taylor Swift in Elie Saab

Beyoncé in Proenza Schouler

Nicki Menaj in Tom Ford

Rita Ora in Prada

Ariana Grande in Atelier Versace (one of my favorite looks)

Awkward moment: Miley Cyrus in Alexandre Vauthier grabs Katy Perry’s boob who wore Zuhair Murad

Weird boob situation: Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell

Kiss of the night: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

Also in love: Nicole Kidman in Thierry Mugler Pre-fall 2015 with her husband Keith Urban

Ageless beauty: Jane Fonda in Balmain Pre-fall 2015

Looking cute: Charli XCX in Moschino…

… but how cute is her doggy?!

And last but not least: Queen M Madonna in Givenchy Couture…

… who still knows the best how to seek attention in the right moment.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Valerie Macon/Getty Images, Reuters, Wireimages