Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I had a crazy afternoon, driving back from Como to Zurich where I had literally fifteen minutes to get changed. Then I jumped in the next limousine to go to Basel to attend an exclusive gastronomic experience hosted by Audemars Piguet during Art Basel.

The famous watch manufacturer had invited the Roca Brothers, Joan (head chef), Josep (sommelier) and Jordi (in charge of the desserts), from Spain to prepare a very special dinner.

Their famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, Spain which opened in 1986 was first located next to their parent’s restaurant Can Roca, but moved to its current purpose built building in 2007. It holds three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world by the magazine Restaurant in 2013, after having been ranked second in 2011 and 2012.

The cuisine served by the restaurant is traditional Catalan, but with an interesting twist. Personally speaking, I find their dishes based on perfumes, and with unusual presentations, the most captivating.

They have created menus based on fragrances such as Calvin Klein’s Eternity or Carolina Herrera. This has resulted in a perfume being released by the restaurant itself, called Nuvol de Ilimona, which we were able to smell last night during the first dessert served, a lemon distillation. Smelling and tasting the food at the same time is an orgastic explosion.

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me last night

Audemars Piguet spoilt us last night with this feast for the senses! Thanks a lot for this amazing invitation! Below you can see the yummy menu…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Roca Brothers: Nacho Alegre for WSJ. Magazine

It was an amazing trip to the 2014 edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, as Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda served up with perfect conditions to experience days filled with sun, sports, fun and beautiful boats. First launched in 2008, this is the regatta that opens the Mediterranean superyacht calendar. Being on sea and watching the breathtaking fleet of sailing yachts crossing the emerald waters of Porto Cervo, I have immediately become a huge fan of this sport and the Loro Piana brand. Combining fashion, lifestyle and sailing, the core value they share is the search for technical perfection in harmony with nature.

Like every year, the race provides a great opportunity for Loro Piana to test the new line of clothing especially designed for this competitive sport. The Italian brand stands for uncompromised quality and is extremely strong with 6 generations of know-how in the high-end fabrics production, a field in which it continues to be market leader. With textures ranging from linens, cottons to cashmere, vicuña and wools, it offers everything for the distinguished costumer. In December 2013, the Loro Piana family sold a majority stake (80 percent) of their family business to the LVMH Group for over 2 billion euros.

The beautiful Costa Smeralda from above

My Song is Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s 25-metre yacht that also participated in the race and won on the final day. Below are some impressions of what I was able to watch and experience during the last days. I hope that I can transport you the beauty of this sport.

Saturday evening, the prize giving ceremony took place followed by a private dinner party hosted by Loro Piana. I ran into many friends from all over the world.

My friends from Zurich, Marco Vögele and Franziska Rickenbach (here with Pier Luigi Loro Piana in the middle), owners of the most flamboyant yacht that participated in the race, Inouï, also won a prize. I love the eye-catching green color of their sailing boat mixed with the pink cushions and the elegant interior design.

Thanks to Loro Piana, I have beome totally hooked to sailing and cannot wait to be back to experience another regatta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loro Piana and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently I went to a very special event that took place at Zurich‘s new Neo Club on Europaallee. IRO Zurich had invited the city’s fashionable crowd to explore how fashion meets art. Swiss graffiti artist Shark hosted the URBAN ART ACT during which he live painted one of the French brand’s fabulous leather jackets. The performance appealed so much to the audience that everyone wanted to have the piece. Great news is that you can win this individual item in the September issue of L’Officiel Switzerland that will hit the shelves Mid August.

Good luck to you! In the meantime, I recommend a visit the IRO shop in Zurich on Strehlgasse 5. Probably the color combination of black and gold has inspired you a little… I like to add a pop of color as I did with my green bag.

My look: Fur stole by Blumarine, lace mini dress, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, coin earrings and cameo coin necklace, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Graffiti artist Shark with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Andrea Monica Hug

Last month, the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on the beach in Santa Monica. Now in its 29th year, the awards are a celebration honouring films made by film-makers who embody independence and originality. I was invited by Piaget, co-host of the star-studded event for the seventh consecutive year.

With several of last year’s most noteworthy films being independent productions, the event drew some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Jared Leto, Jon Hamm, Lupita Nyong’o and Reese Witherspoon, among others. Therefore a gazillion of photographers were waiting for the celebrities to arrive.

Jared Leto had obviously as much fun on the red (in this case blue) carpet as I did…

…and I admit that I could totally getting used to it.

Throughout the afternoon and following the ceremony, award winners and guests celebrated in Piaget’s exclusive backstage lounge where some of the maison’s newest jewelry, as well as rare vintage creations were on display.

From left to right: Lauriane Gilliéron‎ (Miss Switzerland 2005), Mousse Jacquier (Piaget), Nicole Suess (Piaget) and my humble self had fun in the tent.

Mad Men actor Jon Hamm, Angela Bassett, Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO of Piaget, and his wife Catherine.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are like the road to the Academy Awards, held one day before with an outstanding guest list. The spirit winners below also won in the same category at the Oscars 2014.

Best Female Lead
WINNER
Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine (2013)

The blonde actress wore a dress from Roksanda Ilincic‘s Fall 2014 collection.

Best Supporting Female
WINNER
Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Thanking her mum for her never-ending support, Lupita Nyong’’o holds her award for best supporting actress for “12 Years a Slave“, the movie that won big at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking home five trophies including best feature.

Me with Brad Pitt who also stars in the historical drama film about slavery.

A pic with Brangelina… that is pretty cool, don’t you think?!

The two stars of AIDS drama Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, took home acting prizes, as they did on Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Best Male Lead
WINNER
Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Best Supporting Male
WINNER
Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Keanu Reeves with me

Angela Bassett looked so radiant and sparkled in white gold and diamond Piaget Rose cutout drop earrings.

Piaget’s global ambassador, Gong Li, dazzled photographers and fans in a stunning pair of Piaget Rose Passion torsade earrings and a Rose cocktail ring, both in white gold with diamonds.

Anthony Chen with me

Anna Kendrick wore a matching suite of Piaget Rose jewels, that looked divine in combination with her white dress and clutch by Dior.

On stage: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon

Jason Bateman with me

Very handsome is Mad Men actor Jon Hamm.

It was an amazing experience and I am truly thankful for Piaget’s invitation! Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Piaget, Michael Kovac/WireImage and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the third consecutive year, I was invited by DIOR to Paris for a photo and video shoot to mark the launch of their newest beauty must-haves. Inside a transformed Parisian gallery, the new DIOR ADDICT FLUID STICK and DIOR VERNIS were revealed.

DIOR ADDICT FLUID STICK
I am not joking when I am telling you that this is a real makeup revolution and you will love it. It is the first lip hybrid on the market that can do it all in one single stroke. It is not a gloss, not a lacquer and not a lipstick, it is something completely different, a new technology fluid that you can barely feel, but that delivers maximum color, glossy shine and a “no makeup” feel in one lip color. With the help of its intense, long-hold pigments, the water-based formula and its applicator in the shape of the stick of a lipstick, its application becomes a pure sensory feeling.
Available in 22 shades from April 1, 2014 for CHF 51.50 each.

DIOR VERNIS
As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Dior nail polishes and their top and base coats. Therefore I was a little worried when I heard that Dior has completely reformulated its nail polish palette as I asked myself if it was anyhow possible to improve those fabulous products. Truth is, it was! The new formula intensifies Dior’s manicure know-how, resulting in a salon-worthy finish. If you love gel nail polishes, then be sure to check out the latest from Dior. 
Available in 21 shades from April 1, 2014 for CHF 37.00 each.

Lovely Alexandre helped me pick out the perfect shades for my photo and video shoot with Dior.

My nails were designed in a half moon shape in a delicate and seductive violet (338 Mirage) by Dior’s newly appointed Nail Designer Anatole Rainey, my lips colored by Violette in a bright coral (373 Rieuse) and hair done by the uber-fabulous Cyril Auchere.

The video we filmed for the new amazing beauty products can be seen here.

My photo shoot took place in a specially created Digital Gallery designed by Guillaume Lemaitre and Oliver Weppe of GL-OW.

Redefining the artistic experience through projections, atmospheres and striking visuals, the four must-have shades for nails and lips within Dior’s new palette of colors were the inspiration for the art installations. The perfect backdrop for my photo shoot.

The four sophisticated, ultra-trendy it-shades are 754 Pandore, 551 Aventure, 575 Wonderland and 338 Mirage.

I had an amazing time in Paris. A huge thank you to the whole Dior team for this extremely fun photo and video shoot and to Céline for taking some backstage photos! Addict is my Dior!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, GL-OW and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, the first Karl Lagerfeld shop in Switzerland opened its doors at Jelmoli in Zurich with a fun party and I had the honor to unveil it. On the ground floor, you can find all accessories, bags and other fun gadgets. On the second floor of the famous department store, you can shop the prêt-à-porter collection.

The lovely Karl Lagerfeld team had flown in for the event.

Raquel Marquard and my humble self had fun trying some hats by Karl Lagerfeld.

Stylist Clifford Lilley with me

Monique Hollinger framed by Sonja Hog to the right and me to the left

Dusa Bibus to the left and Yvonne Bieri (Womenswear Buyer at Jelmoli) to the right.

The unveiling ceremony was fun. I gave a short speech and told a little anecdote about the first contact I had with Karl Lagerfeld many years ago as an assistant at Marie Claire magazine. As I am huge fan of him, I felt very honored to cut the ribbon of his first store in Switzerland.

Karl Lagerfeld on display for your home as part of a capsule range produced in collaboration with Manga-inspired brand tokidoki. He says: “I am very flattered that I became a ‘tokidoki’! I always loved them and I am very happy to be one of them”.

It was a great night surrounded by amazing people! Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon! Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert, © Karl Lagerfeld and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, the launch party for L’Officiel Switzerland took place in Zurich at Kaufleuten. With a stunning atmosphere, reminiscent of 1920s Paris, where it all began over 90 years ago, the fashionable crowd partied until late. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for my outfit post please click here.

Swiss beauties: Sarina Arnold, Ronja Furrer and Fiona Hefti.

Trio infernal: Photographer Marco Grob, cover girl Patricia Schmid, and my humble self. We shot the first cover and fashion editorial for L’Officiel in Paris together.

L’Officiel is still family owned and I was thrilled to have Marie-José Susskind-Jalou and Benjamin Eymère with us at the launch party in Zurich. Mother and son, President and CEO of this legendary family business that started in 1921 and brings together the very best of French heritage in style, fashion and joie de vivre. To the right: Deputy CEO at L’Officiel Magazine Nicolas Reynaud.

Marie-José Susskind-Jalou framed by Albert Kriemler, Creative Director Akris and me.

CEO IWC Georges Kern with his lovely wife Monika.

Getting excited for my speech!

Looking gorgeous in Dolce & Gabbana Alina Kaltsidou-Poprawski with her husband Patrick.

They came especially for the party from Geneva: Julia Pleynes and Mathieu Arsac.

Clifford Lilley and Swiss male model Fabian Pfenninger.

The lovely Piaget ladies with whom I had just been in Los Angeles one week before: Mousse Jacquier, Nunzia Marsella and Nicole Suess.

Beauty power reunited. The teams from Kanebo Sensai, Dior, L’Oréal Luxe and Marionnaud know how to party.

Special performance by Nicola Hunt from London.

Dancing all night to the tunes of DJ Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) who had flown in from London.

The party was amazing and I am very happy with the first edition of L’Officiel Switzerland that is out now. A huge thank you to my dedicated team that made it all happen! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

Be part of Paris Fashion Week and watch the Valentino F/W 2014 runway show live here on Sandra’s Closet. Here is your front row invite, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

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Be part of London Fashion Week and watch the Burberry Prorsum F/W 2014 fashion show live on Sandra’s Closet tomorrow afternoon. Here is your front row invite, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

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Today, I have some fun news for you. The famous Crazy Horse Paris is coming to Switzerland as part of their Forever Crazy World Tour. On Friday, 7th March 2014 the 10 Crazy Girls from the classic Parisian revue theatre are to hold two performances in Badrutt’s Palace Hotel of their show with unique and sensuous choreography. Combined with stunning lighting effects, original music and daring outfits, you can expect a show that has no equal.

ABOUT CRAZY HORSE PARIS
60 years ago, the founder of the Crazy Horse cabaret, Alain Bernardin, was fascinated by American show girls and women in general. He was driven by a single idea – to make feminine beauty and artistic creation his focus. Over the years he developed his own particular style. This includes the tradition upheld to this day that each dancer is christened with her own unique stage name before her first Le Crazy performance. So the troupe is made up of names such as Shiny Shadow, Loa Vahina and Lila Magnetic.

CRAZY FACTS & FIGURES
• It takes a dressmaker on average one week to make a single costume
• Each dancer has at least six pairs of specially made shoes
• Each dancer uses 500 litres of body make-up, 300 lipsticks in Crazy Red, 720 pairs of false eyelashes and 2,500 pairs of stockings every year
• It takes three months of intensive training for a classically trained dancer to be ready to slip into the role of a Crazy Girl
• World renowned fashion designers such as Paco Rabanne, Loris Azzaro, Karl Lagerfeld, Emmanuel Ungaro and Azzedine Alaia have designed Crazy costumes
• Christina Aguilera drew inspiration for her music video »Hurt« from the Crazy dancers
• Christian Louboutin designed various shoes for the shows
• Dita Von Teese became the first guest star at Le Crazy in October 2006 in Paris, followed amongst others by Pamela Anderson in February 2008

Performances on 7th of March, 2014 begin at 7.30pm and 10pm in the ›Embassy Ballroom‹. 
Tickets from CHF 220.00 – To book and for further information please call:+41 (0)81 837 2659 or
send an e-mail to: .

If you cannot make it to St. Moritz, I recommend anyone in Paris to go see it. The show is absolutely amazing.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Crazy Horse Paris