Sandra‘s Closet

A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.

Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots. 
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:

FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)

EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.

LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior

CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht

According to Tim Blanks, the ninth-floor penthouse, where Roberto Cavalli presented his F/W 2013 men’s collection Sunday night in Milan, once belonged to the Gucci who was gunned down by his wife. Overlooking the rooftops of Milan, the spectacular views were the perfect backdrop for the outstanding presentation. Daniele Cavalli, who has been at the helmet of the menswear arm since two years, had a vision and transformed the amazing flat into a gentlemen’s club in impressive colours of purple and burgundy.

Instead of a fashion show, the collection was presented on mannequins, next to the photos and videos created by well-known photographer Rankin. I totally liked that approach as you could truly look at all the details of the looks and believe me, there were many.

Precious fabrics, from crocodile-printed pony skin to all-over sequined embroideries, of course the uniqueness of a print, and Daniele’s strongest talent, the combination of all those eye-catching details (see all the photos below please).

Daniele told me a little about his inspiration, that he used a teleidoscope, a kind of kaleidoscope, to create his very special prints, in form of kaleidoscopic patterns.

So then, no fashion shows this season. The reason?
The runway and the long walk before the public and photographers enhances and highlights the spectacular nature of feminine seduction. The same does not apply to the male essence. On the contrary, this might be the motive behind the skepticism of many men towards fashion. This collection aims at celebrating male reality.

Many famous journalists attended the event, among them Suzy Menkes…

… and Tim Blanks, who were both listening to Daniele’s vision.

Eva Cavalli chatting with Tim Blanks

Guests of the event were spoilt to all sorts of Cavalli Vodka drinks and enjoyed a musical performance of The Cyborgs. A fashion show that was more a fashion party in the world’s most stylish gentlemen’s club ever. Thumbs up!

Have fun looking at all the photos from the amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photographer Rankin with Alex Postiglione

Me at work in the kaleidoscopic room where the accessories were presented.

Olivier Zahm (Purple magazine) with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I still owe you my report of the third and fourth night of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. Friday was dedicated to the Swiss Designers which might be interesting especially for my foreign readers to see what the small country I am living in has to offer!

Personally speaking, we have some young designers that are making some fabulous fashion. The only thing during the presentation that I didn’t like was the slowness of the models. Due to that, the energy was missing. But luckily you cannot see that in the photos, enjoy:

Young students at the Fashion Institute at Donghua University in Shanghai have joined forces with one of the main sponsors, Oerlikon, to design an innovative collection using unusual fabrics produced with the help of the traditional Swiss company’s machines. They named their label Wensibo. Avant-garde fashion mixed with a little Alexander McQueen and spiced up with futuristic elements.

Javier Reyes, who grew up in Mexico, was inspired by the desert as well as daily urban life for his very feminine S/S 2013 collection. Very wearable and contemporary.

Sabine Portenier and Evelyne Roth founded their eponymous label, Portenier Roth, in 2007. Once a year, they are presenting a collection that includes elements of all seasons.

Kazu Huggler is one of my favourite Swiss designers. During the MBFDZ, she presented her 10th anniversary couture collection that was inspired by the beauty of nature and its metamorphosis. Her designs are influenced by her Asian origin which adds a certain unseen uniqueness.

The last show was presented by Little Black Dress and absolutely the most beautiful collection of the event of the third night. Joanna Skoczylas and Eliane Diethelm‘s LBD White label is dedicated to bridal wear and just beautiful. Congrats!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, my secret project with Montblanc has finally been revealed during a wonderful evening celebration at the Montblanc Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.

I am so excited and honoured to tell you that I have got my own bespoke ink with the lovely name: SANDRA BERRY and amazingly enough, it is the first personalized ink Montblanc has ever created looking back to a corporate history of 100 years.

Christian Rauch, Managing Director Writing Culture and Leather Goods Montblanc International, who had flown in especially for the event, revealed with me the Montblanc Bespoke Ink Edition SANDRA BERRY.

The Montblanc team and me had spent many inspiring hours working on this unbelievable project. I will post the behind the scenes pics that shows the whole creative process during the next weeks. Of course, I knew that it had to be a pinkish berry hue. After I visited the Montblanc’s headquarters in October where I experienced the World of Montblanc, my bespoke ink was finally created in accordance to my specifications and wishes.

For the launch event, the Montblanc boutique was beautifully decorated with many vibrant details reminiscent of the ink’s colour. Guests arrived on the pink carpet matching the berry shade perfectly and enjoyed rosé champagne by Perrier-Jouët.

A big surprise for me was the birthday cake in the shape of an inkwell, the Montblanc team surprised me with, to celebrate the third anniversary of Sandra’s Closet.

A caricaturist drew the guests of last night’s event with, of course, Sandra Berry.
The party went on until late at Zurich’s Icon Club. Enjoy the photos of last night.

Great news for my readers: The Montblanc Bespoke Ink Edition SANDRA BERRY is limited to 100 bottles and will be exclusively given away on my blog. Stay tuned for the upcoming post with all the details.

I still feel like being on cloud nine… my very own ink! Thank you, Montblanc, for making dreams come true!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Etienne Schwank and © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally Zurich has its own Rolex store operated by Bucherer, the Lucerne-based watch and jewelry specialist founded in 1888. The new shop is located at the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse close to the Paradeplatz with 130 m² dedicated to everything beautiful the most popular fine watch brand in the world has to offer. As one of the guests put it: “You can never go wrong with a Rolex under the Christmas tree.” I think most of us would agree with that.

My look at the opening party: Printed stretch-silk mini dress, Miss Sicily wool tapestry and leather tote (Farfetch offers free global shipping from December 3-19, 2012), both by Dolce & Gabbana. Fur coat by Gucci, red boots by Prada and pearl necklace by Chanel, all from previous seasons.

LoL, Sandra

Tanja Fruithof, Managing Director Bucherer Zürich, Jörg G. Bucherer, President of the Board of Directors Bucherer AG, Gian Riccardo Marini, General Manager Rolex SA, Manuela Labhard, Store Manager Rolex Boutique in Ebony printed fitted dress by Mary Katrantzou, Guido Zumbühl, CEO Bucherer AG.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news for my Swiss readers: This upcoming Sunday, 2nd of December, from 12 -6 pm, you have the chance to meet and greet the jewelry designer GABRIELE FRANTZEN at GASSMANN in Zurich.

You have seen me many times wearing her amazing designs. Now, you will have the chance to explore her famous “Sense & Sensibilty” collection that is in the meantime available in 20 different shades with your own eyes or get your fingers on the new S/S 2013 “Zoo” designs.

For my foreign readers, you can shop Gabriele Frantzen’s designs online at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

LoL, Sandra

SENSE & SENSIBILITY EMERALD

FLOWER CHOKER

KISSING PANTHERS

PEARL DRAKE

TIGER PENDANT

ZOO

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriele Frantzen, © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2012, I went backstage several times. I love watching hair and make-up artists at work as you can always learn so much. Paul Mitchell and Marionnaud belonged to the main sponsors of the event. I spotted some great products that I am now completely addicted to and of course, I am sharing them with you.

Me having fun at work.

Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer by Smashbox
Let me introduce you to the first primer dedicated to the delicate skin under the eyes! The brand’s signature silky primer texture keeps your concealer looking fresh and never cakey or settled into fine lines so that your eyes will always look well-rested. 
Available in Switzerland for CHF 33.- exclusively at Marionnaud.

Germany’s Next Topmodel 2012 winner Luisa Hartema‘s hairdo was done with products by Paul Mitchell. Scroll down to see what you will definitely need to get the perfect blow-dry.

Hydromist Blow-Out Spray™
High-performance volumizers prepare hair for a flawless blow-dry. The weightless formula boosts volume, hydrates dry strands and delivers a clean, long-lasting hold while protecting hair from damage.

Shine Spray™
This finishing spray with a light mist adds brilliance and luminous shine to any style while protecting your hair.

Styling Treatment Oil™
The idea of oiling up your hair might sound weird, but rubbing a little of this lightweight formula between your palms and then over strands before blow-drying or ironing adds a beautiful gloss and tames frizz.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week almost 300 guests celebrated the opening of the Moncler store in Zurich. Located at the prestigious Storchengasse 8, the shop carries the house’s impeccably tailored alpine outerwear for men and women as well as the Moncler Grenoble line that takes its name from the French village where the brand originated, along with fabulous accessories from cool hats to fashionable fur boots.

My look at the opening party: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble (Thank you, Moncler!), Millie tweed and wool-crepe dress by Stella McCartney, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, bow-embellished suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu, small Boston bag by Céline.

Enjoy the photos of the night and the shop!

LoL, Sandra

Laurence Antiglio (Vestibule), Annina Frey (also dressed in Moncler Grenoble), me and a friend.

The lovely Moncler team, who came from Italy for the opening party, with me.

Guests received this exclusive gift.

Photos: Courtesy of Moncler and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, together with Bobbi Brown Cosmetic I hosted a dinner for the launch of Bobbi Brown‘s new Caviar & Oyster Collection at my house.

Bobbi’s inspiration for this season started when she spotted a black motorcycle jacket next to a piece of delicate pink satin. Seeing the two items together prompted her to create this amazing make-up collection, designing a contrast of both, polished and edgy. “It’s all about combining different textures and finishes.” – Bobbi Brown

Above you can see the lovely Bobbi Brown Cosmetic team from Switzerland with me and the invite for the evening.

Unfortunately, Bobbi couldn’t make it herself but she sent me a lovely note along with a little gift that meant a lot to me.

The dinner was held in three different rooms with each room having its own special ambiance, from cozy to elegant and oriental.

Speaking of combining different textures and finishes, famous chef Peter Marty borrowed Bobbi Brown’s inspiration to create a menu that was – of course – all about caviar and oysters.

Between each course, one part of the Caviar & Oyster collection was beautifully revealed to the guests. Each of them got a plate with the products that were immediately applied with enthusiasm. Can you imagine how much fun we had?! Great food, sparkling champagne, only girls and trying out new make-up, it felt like being in heaven.

Below you can explore all the details of the Caviar & Oyster collection:

LIPGLOSSES

Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra dose of shine. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips, plus the new tapered applicator lets you apply it like a pro. Wear alone or on top of your favourite lipstick.
(From left to right: Black Pearl, Moonlight Pearl, Pink Oyster, Oyster and White)
Limited Edition CHF 35.- (7ml) each.

DUAL-ENDED MASCARA

Designed to be layered, this two-in-one duo features Everything Mascara for definition and Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara for length. It’s Bobbi’s secret to megawatt lashes-and part of her Caviar & Oyster Collection. To apply: First, brush on Everything Mascara from base of lashes to the tips. Next, apply Lash Glamour Mascara. Let each mascara dry between coats.
Black – Limited Edition CHF 33.- (6ml).

SHIMMER NAIL POLISH

A little bit uptown, a little bit downtown. Bobbi’s shimmering polish looks striking on all skin tones. The epitome of Bobbi’s Caviar & Oyster Collection, this polish adds a little edgy-luxe to nails and is just the right amount of tough.
Black Pearl – Limited Edition CHF 27.– (11ml)

CAVIAR & OYSTER PALETTE

Strong and smokey or soft and pretty? There’s no need to choose with Bobbi’s beautifully-edited selection. Featuring eight shadows and a luminescent skin enhancer, this mirrored palette makes it easy to create a multitude of party and special occasion looks. Taking a cue from the look of something pretty against something edgy, the set includes rich caviar and pearlescent black shades. Introducing the standout star of the season, Ballet Sparkle, a shimmer so sheer it can be worn on both eyes and cheeks (without ever looking overdone).
(Shades included: White Eye Shadow, Sandy Pearl Metallic Eye Shadow, Pink Opal Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Grey Sky Eye Shadow, Plum Steel Metallic Eye Shadow, Rich Caviar Eye Shadow, Heather Grey Eye Shadow, Pearl Oyster Sparkle Eye Shadow and Ballet Sparkle)
Limited Edition CHF 120.-

And at the end of this amazing night, we all had the caviar and oyster glow…

Thank you Bobbi Brown for this wonderful experience!
All products are in stores now, so hurry as those limited edition pieces will sell out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown (Nadia) and © Sandra Bauknecht

The second evening of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days 2012 was dedicated to the well-known annabelle award.

Five young designers were able to show their collections, but only one of them won an internship with Barbara Bui, who also presented her S/S 2013 show as a culmination of the night.

The event started off with three established Swiss designers:

Van Bery is based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The S/S 2013 collection was inspired by the painter Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (“Le Douanier” Rousseau) and the era of the ’20s. I am a big fan of Van Bery’s romantic, feminine florals und adorable bow embellishments and those head pieces were to-die-for. In Switzerland available at Globus among others.

Laend Phuengkit fuses Asian and European features to create an interesting collection for men and women that impresses with beautiful draped elements and contemporary cuts for S/S 2013.

Claudia Zuber started her label three years ago and has been on the rise since then. Her creative power: Sporty elements in colours of the ’70s mixed with an air of the ’20s. I especially loved the little books that the models carried on the runway, such a neat detail.

After that, the five finalists of the annabelle award were presenting their collections to the audience.

Flaka Jahaj (29): “Sheer Tedium” – Inspired by ornaments of ancient times and the architecture of historic temples
Désirée Gabriel (24): “Wind” – Asymmetrical designs that are flowing like the wind.
Julia Winkler (26): “Pinky’s Dream, Watch the Room” – Inspired by Davis Lynch’s movie soundtracks and his debut album “Crazy Clown Time”
Stéphanie Rosianu (26): “It’s So Bad, It’s Almost Good” – Ink scribbling printed on delicate organza and silk.
Safia Semlali (22): “Took My Sister’s Winter and My Father’s Fall” – Hightech materials worn in many layers.

And the winner of the prestigious annabelle award is: Julia Winkler who received an internship with Parisian designer Barbara Bui who said on stage: “It is always hard to choose someone. Even that an award is important, you never know what will be after. Working in fashion is wonderful, but you have to be very strong to work in that field.”

Barbara Bui with me

For S/S 2013, Barbara Bui showed her iconic rock-chic looks in perfection. Leather in colours of black and ink was predominating the collection. My favourite was the beautiful embroidered material used for jackets, shorts and bags.

If you are interested to see more about the event on Glanz & Gloria, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht