Sandra‘s Closet

Firenze4Ever is always an amazing experience. LUISAVIAROMA invites us to spaces that you usually don’t get to see like that. On Sunday night, we went to the beautiful Museo del Costume at Palazzo Pitti. The walk up the hill to the entrance offered some stunning views on Florence with the Duomo within one’s reach.

My look: Chunky-knit cotton-blend cropped sweater by Chloé, appliquéd leather and lace skirt by Jason Wu, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent and cuff by Stella McCartney.

Robert Cavalli, the youngest son of Roberto, framed by Tina (Bagsnob), Hilary (Lyst) and me.

Inside the museum, we had a fabulous dinner.

Thank you, LUISAVIAROMA , for another amazing event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night was probably the best one I have ever had in Tuscany. I was absolutely determined to go to bed early but that didn’t happen. It was so much fun being re-united with my favourite blogger colleagues and of course the LUISAVIAROMA team. The first Firenze4Ever evening started off with cocktails at the store.

Our host, Andrea Panconesi, owner of LUISAVIAROMA, with my beloved Hilary from Lyst and my humble self.

Bryanboy and gorgeous Tina from Bagsnob.

In the car with Hilary on our way to the next stop: La Fattoria Delle Corti, a gorgeous location 20 minutes outside of Florence, in the Tuscany wine region.

Hilary and me with Tiani from Belmodo

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent.

Tiani, Tina and lovely Camilla with me.

Having fun at dinner with Bryan and Tina.

After we left the Fattoria, we went to the pool party at Roberto Cavalli’s mansion which was absolutely amazing. The ambiance, the house, the enormous gardens, every little detail was just beautiful. The music was outstanding and I danced until dawn. Before leaving, I even spoke to Roberto’s parrot as you can see in the last picture.

The decor reminded me a lot of the one that Roberto Cavalli created for the amfAR gala.

I am sure that you are curious how Roberto Cavalli’s palace looks like. It is amazing as you can imagine. I would like to respect his privacy but of course I have some photos for you. Enjoy!

I am off to more adventures today! Firenze4Ever is the best…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The first Piaget Rose Day is tomorrow on June 13, 2013 – a special occasion for a special rose, the Yves Piaget rose. It will be celebrated around the world, becoming an annual event for the brand. An ode to the rose and a fitting tribute to springtime.

To mark the occasion, special events have been organised in Piaget boutiques all over the world. The day honoring this distinctive rose will also be an opportunity to discover the collections it has inspired. I am absolutely in love with those romantic and dramatic jewlery creations that you see me wearing here.

To celebrate this day to the fullest, Piaget hosts in Paris a private Melody Gardot concert in a secret venue near Place Vendôme. The ambassador of the Piaget Rose collection will sing her version of ‘La Vie en Rose’ that she has created in honor of the famous jewelry brand. Bar Rafaeli, the face of the campaign, will also be present.

And I have also a very big surprise and some exciting news to share. I am a new ambassador for Piaget and I couldn’t be more happy about it! During the next months, you will be discovering some interesting projects, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, I invite you to enter the Piaget Rose Contest by clicking on the picture below. Write your message now and make June 13 an unforgettable day for your loved one. Only a few hours left…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have more amazing news! I am so excited and cannot wait for the weekend to come. This Saturday, I will be off to Florence to attend LUISAVIAROMA‘s amazing FIRENZE4EVER ON STAGE event. Those of you who have been following me since quite a while know how much fun it will be as I am back for the fourth time. At the end of this post you can find the highlights of the previous editions.

What is FIRENZE4EVER all about?
The cultural heritage of Florence, the most important Italian fashion destination online, the world’s most influential fashion icons, trendsetters and bloggers, an exclusive location and a fantastic live event… these are the ingredients that will spice up the three-day event hosted by LUISAVIAROMA.

This time, it is inspired by the era of rock, punk, grunge… one of the biggest F/W 2013 trends. FIRENZE4EVER ON STAGE is a salute to the music that defined an attitude and the attitude that continues to inspire fashion.

Francesco Mele with his fiancé Bianca Balti for Vogue Brasil August 2012 – She Rocks! by Fernando Lombardi

But it is not only about celebrating fashion, above all, it is an hommage to Florence and investing in its most precious resource: its culture. In fact, this season, it will contribute to the restoration of the fountain in the Vasca dell’Isola (Island Basin) in the Boboli Gardens, where the private Dinner Party closing the event will take place. On the evening of 17th June, the most cutting edge names of the international underground rock scene will be “ON STAGE,” including Francis and the Cats (with the celebrated Francesco Mele) and Goose, the Belgian alternative-electro band described by The Guardian as the link that joins rock, electronic and DJ-set.

An extraordinary edition where art, music and fashion meet between the virtual and the physical, thanks to the support of LUISAVIAROMA.

Some of the highlights of previous FIRENZE4EVER editions that I attended (January 2011, June 2011, January 2012) were for the example the Mulberry tea party book launch, my interview with Laudomia Pucci, the amazing dinner at the church, Pug Dogs for Happy Kids auction and of course all those fun style labs.

Here are my favorites. If you click on the photo, you will be transfered to the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Luisaviaroma, style.com, Vogue Brasil, © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening in Cannes, I was invited by Chopard to the “Somebody to love” party at Canal+. Mark Ronson, face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme, whom I had met in 2011 at the Versace for H&M Launch Party in NYC, was the DJ for the night. I have to admit that I had far too much fun so unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos…

My look: Pink marabou jacket by Emilio Pucci, ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, gold python pumps by Tom Ford, earrings by Chanel, crocodile clutch by Nancy Gonzalez and Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

The Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford are just perfect for adding that special something to your outfit, incorporating the pattern du jour: dots.

Looking gorgeous: Mark Ronson in Givenchy Homme

Spotted that night: Belgian martial artist and actor Jean-Claude van Damme

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I spent a beautiful day on a yacht in Cannes with Chopard. I was very excited to be among the first ones to hear about the new partnership between Chopard and Happy Hearts Fund. A charity organization founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she had survived the devastating tsunami in Thailand in 2004. She had broken her hip four times and for many months it was unsure if she could ever walk again. She is definitely one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, from the inside and the outside!

And we had something in common, we both wore Dolce & Gabbana head to toe… (for all details of my look, please click here).

To raise money for her foundation, Chopard will launch this beautiful and delicate bracelet “Happy Baby” with a heart-shaped pink sapphire inside. An amazing present for a lady, girl, or baby. The beautiful piece of jewelry will be in stores in the end of June 2013 and will be sold for CHF 1000.-, of which CHF 250.- will go to the Happy Hearts Fund, that rebuild schools in areas devastated by natural disasters.What a gorgeous initiative!

That is a bracelet with heart – literally… enjoy some impressions from the yacht below!

Lovely pick-up for the yacht.

View from the tender before the arrival on board.

On board: My humble self, Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard, Anna Netrebko, famous opera singer and Petra Nemcova.

Having fun with lovely Anna who wanted to have a picture with me because she loved my Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana. What an honor!

A little photo shoot.

It looks lovely if you are wearing two or three bracelets together as seen on Petra.

Gosh, I wished all press conferences could be held like on a yacht next to a jacuzzi. Repeating myself, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I spent a fun afternoon at the Park Hyatt Zurich filming the short film for this year’s Il Tavolo Food Festival which will take place from June 27 -30, 2013. For more information and to get tickets, please click here.

The movie directed by Gerry Hofstetter will be presented at the opening night that will be held at the Bärengasse restaurant. I am feeling very honoured to be part of this fun event as one of the amateur chefs which might surprise some of my friends. Cooking has never belonged to my biggest passions, but I love to decorate the plates and the table. Nevertheless, you have to challenge yourself sometimes.

Frank Widmer, Executive Chef at the Park Hyatt in Zurich, took me under his wing and with his help, I managed to prepare some very yummy food yesterday. And as you can see, I had a blast and even learned how to sauté the calamari.

Enjoy those behind the scenes photos! They will surely whet your appetite…
If you like my look, click here for the previous post when we shot the ad.

LoL, Sandra

A happy team: Frank Widmer framed by Lucy Tallo (PR/TICULAR) and my humble self. 
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I attended the Dior Pre-fall 2013 trunk show in Zurich and had a lot of fun with my girlfriends. We were trying on many different outfits while chatting with each other.

I am crazy for this orange silk ball skirt, the bi-colour gloves and fur stole. The wool waist belt with train that you see on the picture to the right had made its way already into my closet, along with the gorgeous Lady Dior bag in shades of grey, pale pink and baby blue.

If you like to find out more about this beautiful collection, have a look at this previous post.

Those houndstooth pieces are divine, add a splash of colour and off you go…

My look: Collar detail shirt and suede ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, grey wool belt with train, tricoloured Lady Dior bag and Diorette Marguerite ring, all by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

THE EVENT

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the prestigious annual amfAR gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, which was probably THE most high profile event I have ever been to. From sitting at Paris Hilton‘s table, having dinner with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone, enjoying musical performances of the likes of Duran Duran or Shirley Bassey to witnessing Anna Dello Russo‘s best dance moves during the unbelievable ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW curated by Carine Roitfeld. Everything was superlative. For a ticket price of around €8000.00 it should be, shouldn’t it?!

Below, I put together my very own photo diary of the event with of course some exclusive footage. The invite said that nobody was allowed to take pictures, that if you were seen, the camera would be confiscated immediately. But I managed to get some great shots! Enjoy!

MY OUTFIT

As gold was a dominant detail of the event, I went for a look in this radiant colour.
Python leather dress (every scale is handsewn on this piece) and matching heels by Tom Ford, Twenties stay-up in black by Wolford, Catwalk patent leather bag with crocodile print by Saint Laurent and earrings by Chanel.

THE CELEBRITIES

VIPS in attendance included: Sharon Stone, Jessica Chastain, Carine Roitfeld, Bonnie Wright, Aishwarya Rai, Paz Vega, Rosario Dawson, Goldie Hawn, Janet Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tautou, Kristen Scott Thomas, Christopher Waltz, Leonardo di Caprio, Dita von Teese, Paris Hilton, Adrien Brody, Zachary Quinto, Thom Browne, Daniele and Roberto Cavalli.

THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION

If you have ever been to the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, you know how gorgeous the atmosphere is. It was amazing to enjoy a glass of bubbly while watching all the celebs arrive.

Milla Jovovich

Golden Girls: Anne Meyer-Minnemann (German Gala magazine) with me

THE DINNER

Roberto Cavalli was the official decor sponsor of the 2oth amfAR Gala 2013 with iconic pieces of his Home Collection. Dinner was a feast for the eyes, but unfortunately not a culinary delight. The food was unpalatable.

THE AUCTION

During the gala dinner, celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, Goldie Hawn and Janet Jackson went on stage and gave a little speech. The auction conducted by Simon de Pury included one-of-a-kind items, such as a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio that went for 1.2 million euros, a week at Donna Karan’s resort home in Parrot Cay, and a family portrait sitting with Annie Leibovitz. But these were just a few of the items sold at amfAR’s most successful benefit event to date. Cinema Against AIDS XX exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $25 million in a single night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

Janet Jackson

I was seated at a very fun table with Paris Hilton and her boyfriend River Viiperi…

…model Toni Garrn joined in the fun…

…as well as American jewelry designer Dawid Yurman who was also at the table.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (The antagonist in Casino Royale) with me

Paris Hilton

Gorgeous Jessica Chastain (The face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto).

THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

After placing their bids during one of amfAR’s legendary auctions, the charitable crowd was moved by musical performances that ranged from Dame Shirley Bassey singing “Goldfinger” to Ellie Goulding and a rare live performance by Duran Duran. As John Taylor and Simon Le Bon, surrounded by swaying models, rocked on the stage, I leapt from my dinner table and began dancing.

Simon Le Bon rocking with Alessandra Ambrosio

Anna Dello Russo was also moving to the beats

Would love to know what Giovanna Battaglia just heard?!

THE ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW

Personally speaking, the highlight of the event was the fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld. Forty top models participated in a spectacular runway presentation of one-of-a-kind gold looks with gold jewelry from emerging and established designers. See my favourites below:

Karolina Kurkova in Roberto Cavalli

Joan Smalls in Givenchy

Toni Garrn in Vionnet

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in Valentino

Ashleigh Good in Chanel

Angela Lindvall in Burberry Prorsum

Anna Dello Russo danced down the runway in Pucci and Bvlgari

…and Pucci’s Creative Director Peter Dundas cheered along with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld.

After the runway show, Sharon Stone auctioned off this amazing gold collection in a very witty and entertaining way, exhorting the crowd to bid higher and higher. “The bid is a million dollars—I mean euros,” she said. “Won’t someone give more?” Yes, this night somebody did. All the outfits went for 1.2 million euros. You can see the lucky couple below.

THE AFTER PARTY

Moncler was sponsoring the after party that seemed a little boring compared to the gala dinner. Most of the celebrities left and that might have been also due to the terrible weather conditions that had occurred all of a sudden. The wind was beating like crazy as you can see.

I was having so much fun that it felt like I already flew to space with Leonardo. Stay tuned for more upcoming post from Cannes with Chopard!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LoveGold, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, let me please apologize for my tardiness in posting. My internet connection in my hotel is a nightmare, so slow that I can barely upload all the amazing photos from the last days. Once I fly back home tomorrow, I will surely show you everything.
But here are some more exciting news. Tonight, I will attend the 20th Cinema Against AIDS to benefit amfAR during the Cannes Film Festival at the beautiful Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes.

To celebrate the occassion, LoveGold will exclusively present the Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show, curated by Carine Roitfeld, that will feature gold looks specially made for the evening by many famous designers. Here are some sneak previews of the likes of Emilio Pucci and Valentino.

“It’s a tribute to Liz Taylor, that’s why it’s gold,” Carine Roitfeld said about her inspiration.

LoveGold, an initiative of the World Gold Council and online community dedicated to gold jewelry highlighting gold as a precious and inspiring metal. As a proud presenting sponsor, LoveGold has worked with a number of prestigious jewelry designers, including House of Waris, Pamela Love, Hoorsenbuhs, Kimberly McDonald to name a few, to create one-off pieces for the show. These will be available to purchase via LoveGold.com following the runway event. You can also watch the livestream here.

A sneak preview of the amazing House of Waris cuffs specially created for the fashion show.

Now, I have to get ready. Can you guess which colour I will be wearing…of course, gold!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via LoveGold, DesignScene