Sandra‘s Closet

“Inspired by the glittering realm of Monaco’s legendary Monte Carlo Casino, La Monégasque collection is crafted with the Player in mind—the passionate, elegant, audacious individual who has mastered the high-stakes world. The timepieces in this daring collection utilize Roger Dubuis’ latest generation of cutting-edge movements, each respecting the brand’s grand aesthetic traditions while fulfilling the exacting standards demanded by the Poinçon de Genève. On each watch’s face, a dramatic and stimulating world artfully takes shape. And within each casing, a gorgeously calculated mechanism comes alive. Venture where captivating horology meets a flamboyant, bold lifestyle … where the gamer presides at the head of life’s table.”

The amazing invitation with a countdown clock.

To celebrate the launch of its new collection „La Monégasque“, Roger Dubuis had the pleasure to welcome more than 200 guests from all over the world in Monaco at the famous Hotel de Paris on Thursday night. The beautiful watches are inspired by Monte Carlo’s elegance and style so that the luxurious Swiss brand could not conceive any better place than the glamourous Mediterranean seaside resort.

Georges Kern, CEO of Roger Dubuis, greeted on the red carpet  international style icon Daphne Guinness, gallery owner Alex Dellal and renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin among others.

When Haute Horlogerie meets glamour, it surely evokes a night of magic. For more information on the collection including 8 pieces of which some are limited, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Alex Dellal and Georges Kern

Christian Louboutin framed by Daphne Guinness to the right and me to the left

Christian Louboutin sported his new shoe collection for men

One of the evening’s highlights was the outstanding performance of Curtis Stigers.

Alberto Cibrario, Leona Sigrist and Suryia Hill with me

Photos: © Tony Barson/Getty Images for Roger Dubuis and © Sandra Bauknecht

Natalie Portman who’s now the face of Diorskin Forever, the latest foundation by Christian Dior, shows us what flawless complexion means. To achieve this “made to measure” – Haute Couture teint, Dior has introduced two new makeup products along with new lip shades to give your face the perfect radiance. Please scroll down for further details.

Dior Forever Fluid
Flawless Perfection – Fusion wear makeup – SPF 25

Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation provides a new generation of fusional wear, fluid foundation. Its ultra-sensorial texture, bursting with made-to-measure perfecting skin care ingredients, melts into the skin for an absolutely perfect complexion that lasts all day long. The foundation blends seamlessly with the skin for a smoother, more even complexion day after day.

Price: CHF 68.50

Diorskin Forever Compact
Flawless Perfection – Fusion wear makeup – SPF 25

A true innovation, Dior has invented an exclusive manufacturing process to integrate a record quantity of skincare into a powder texture. For the first time, a powder complexion provides all the benefits of skincare in an ultra-soft and creamy texture. It melts into the skin like a cream for a velvety, non-powder finish and an ideal sensation of comfort throughout the day.

Price: CHF 80.50 (Refill CHf 59)

Rouge Dior and Forever – The Perfect Harmony
Haute Couleur Voluptuous Care Lip Blush

For the “Lip Blush” range, Dior has combined Diorskin Forever skin-coloured pigments with coloured pigments. The lipsticks match skin tone perfectly for an instantly beautiful makeup. This combination of complexion and lipstick provides a well-match and natural duo.

Price: CHF 48

For my Zurich based readers, I have some good news. Next week, from 17th-22nd of October three of Dior’s 12 international pro makeup artists are coming to Jelmoli to introduce the new products. This is your chance to get tips and a makeover from the international pros.

You can choose between two options:

■ An one hour makeover for CHF 60 (redeemable in products)

■ An one hour makeup lesson for CHF 120 (redeemable in products) in which the makeup pro applies the makeup to one half of the face and than explains to the customer how to create the look at home.

Book your personal makeup appointment for a Dior Haute Couture Makeup with an international pro by calling +41 44 220 40 65. For furter information on the makeup artists, please see below.

Jamie Coombes – UNITED KINGDOM

To design the outfit that won him admittance to the London College of Fashion, Jamie took inspiration from Mr. Dior. Sometimes those signs of destiny really mean something… His creativity and talent led to his rapid integration at Dior, where he worked for special events. In between fashion shows, magazine work and professional trips, he takes inspiration from his artistic passions.

What does Dior mean to you?

“A garden full of sensations, textures and colours that just have to be picked to give every woman style. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by the feeling of freedom the products provide.”

Eugenia Kameneva – RUSSIA

Dior introduced Eugenia to the world of beauty and luxury. It has been an interesting and challenging way that eventually led her to International Pro-Team. Eugenia’s mission is to emphasize the natural beauty of Russian women. The core principle she believes in and pursues – Dior was established and operates for women. Her creative energy is aimed first of all at the development and improvement of her team performance – the best make-up artists in Russia. Working closely with Eugenia over a number of years, many of them became well-known make-up professionals and are now welcomed by Vogue, Top Beauty, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour as well as at TV shots.

One of the key Eugenia’s interests is reading – she adores the works of classic Russian writers (Nekrasov, Pushkin, and Tolstoy) and they serve as the source of inspiration for her at work.

Your beauty must-haves?

“In metropolitan cities like Moscow women are facing an extremely hectic rhythm of life and are often under a time pressure. To be always beautiful and reduce the negative impact of aggressive environment, every woman has to have in her cosmetic bag a white Khol Eyeliner – it will help to “light” the look and mask the marks of fatigue. One more essential make-up ‘magic wand’ is Skinflash that can easily whitewash all skin problems while emphasizing the beauty”.

What does Dior mean to you?

“The world belongs to women and Dior affirms it.”

Junior Cedeño – SPAIN

Junior sees make-up as an art so he continually works on enriching himself to use it creatively. After studying at the European Institute of Design, he began working as a make-up artist for cinema and television. He then worked on fashion shows for top fashion designers where he absorbed techniques and tricks, that he adapted to his own professional secrets. He also met the famous Pat McGrath and, thanks to her, fell in love with Dior’s creative energy and freedom of tone.

What does Dior mean to you?

“Luxury, tradition, innovation and above all the fusion between art and glamour.”

Velvet Eyes, a repositionable, adhesive eyeliner patch providing the perfect doe-eyed look in one easy step, has been launched exclusively for “Vogue Fashion Night’s Out 2011” and will be exclusively available during the event at Jelmoli.

These new, limited edition Dior eyeliner patches allow you to create spectacular and sophisticated make-up in a fun, easy way. A veritable couture look that identically reproduces the expertise of the backstages professionals.

Designed by Dior make-up artists, the patches are available in four seductive versions.

■ Two pairs of matte, black, Effet Velours patches provide either a full and expressive line or slightly curved line for a graphic look.

■ One pair of Effet Brilliant patches, thanks to black Swarovski micro-crystals which decorate the line.

■ Finally, the last pair plays the Effet Haute Couture card, with three Swarovski crystals subtly positioned at the corner of each eye.

LoL, Sandra

Hello to my readers from Switzerland! Fancy a party with perfumes and art installations? Perfumery Osswald and Bolero Magazine would like to take you on an olfactory journey on Thursday, October 13th, 2011, from 7-11pm at the Papiersaal, Sihlcity, Zurich and they have invited some famous noses for this event.

Six Scents from NY – (Kaya Sorhaindo & Joseph Quartana)
Andrea Maack from Reykjavik – (Andrea Maack & Gisli)
Bloodconcept from Milano – (Antonio Zuddas & Giovanni Castelli)
Maison Francis Kurkdjian from Paris – (Francis Kurkdjian & Marc Chaya)
Humiecki & Graef from Cologne – (Sebastian Fischenich)
Fornasetti from London – (Laurent Delafon)

The Six Scents Lounge will offer some treats und refreshments to delight all of your senses.
Tickets are available at www.boleromagazin.ch, CHF 30 per person.

See you there!

LoL, Sandra

While being in Milan, I went to a press event hosted by Bulgari in their newly re-opened boutique in Via Montenapoleone for the launch of the Monete S/S 2012 collection.

Given Bulgari’s ancient Greek origins and Roman influence, ancient coins are seen as a magnificent way to link the past and the present. Therefore the Italian house has relaunched its historic Monete collection from the `60s with a beautiful new design featuring goddess-adorned coins and chunky gold chains remininscent of Ancient Rome. The Monete theme runs though a line of leather handbags and jewlery pieces.

In the evening, the gardens of the Bulgari hotel were the perfect location to celebrate the launch of the new collection. Milan became Ancient Rome and all eyes were on the limber acrobats from Cirque du Soleil.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week in Milan, there was quite a party stress going on.
Across from the Gucci party on Via Montenapoleone, Louis Vuitton celebrated the re-opening of their shop on the famous street, followed by a dinner and later a party with cocktails and music to toast the exhibition “The Art of Fashion” curated by Katie Grand which is on show at La Triennale di Milano until October 9th, 2011.

The interior of the Louis Vuitton Via Montenapoleone store.

Gorgeous decoration.

Party people

Lots of celebrities were there.

Beautiful Isabeli Fontana (right) in a sequined dress from the Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2011 collection.

Anna dello Russo in a head-to-toe look from the Louis Vuitton F/W 2011 runway

Enjoy those photos from the exhibition:

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Sandra Bauknecht

LoL, Sandra

Founded by Alexander Brenninkmeijer in 2005, Clemens en August is a men’s and women’s ready to wear lifestyle brand.

In the 19th century the two brothers Clemens and August sold high quality fabrics directly to the wealthy farmers in the north of the Netherlands. Walking by foot from farm to farm they offered an exceptional value. This would later become the famous high street brand C&A.

160 years later Alexander Brenninkmeijer, scion of the C&A dynasty, also bypasses the traditional retailing by selling his men´s and women´s collection at contemporary art centers and museums. He realized that his strategy is very similar to the way his ancestors had worked and as a homage he named his label “Clemens en August” (but its absolutely not part of the C&A brand). The collection is sold exclusively on “tour” around the world.  Each season, Clemens en August “tours“ 10 cities for 3 days only.

For my Swiss based readers, Clemens en August is with the Essential Collection in Zurich (Giesshübelstrasse 62c) from tomorrow until Saturday (Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2011).
Don’t miss out!

The next stops will be among others in Munich (Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, Oct 6 – 9, 2011), Vienna (Leopold Museum, Museumsquartier, Museumsplatz 1, Oct 13 – 15, 2011) and Amsterdam (White Space, M.J. Kosterstraat 18, Oct 14 – 16, 2011).
For other cities, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

A year of events in celebration of Gucci’s 90th anniversary culminated last week. During Milan fashion week, Gucci hosted a party at their Via Montenapoleone store. For this evening, a new limited edition canvas bag (see photo above) was launched that will only be available there.

Party guests were able to explore the shoe artisan corner where you could watch the different steps of manufacturing a pair of Gucci loafers live. Shoes bought that night were personalised with the buyer’s initials.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Florence Monday night, Gucci partied on and opened their new GUCCI MUSEO inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia located in Florence’s Piazza Signoria. It was in 1921 that Guccio Gucci opened his company and first store in Florence with a dream and a vision that still lives on today through a heritage of icons and values that continue to inspire the House.
Conceived by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the GUCCI MUSEO is a living space encapsulating the House’s “Forever Now” philosophy. A permanent exhibition from its rich and culturally significant archive, which has been preserved and amplified throughout the years, will be juxtaposed with contemporary art installations supported by the Pinault Foundation. An icon store, bookshop, caffè and gift shop complement the exhibition spaces to create a destination location for visitors. The museum will be open from today all year round.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images

“The skin and the psyche have an undeniable influence on each other – the psyche affects the skin and vice versa.”

– Prof. Volker Steinkraus

Are you stressed out at the moment? We all know the feeling of running late and being constantly short of time. Daily pressures can easily upset our inner balance. Stress and an irregular lifestyle leave their mark – not just on the face. The way we feel is directly reflected by the skin and, conversely, the skin affects our feelings. If our skin appears lacklustre and stale, we don’t feel well in ourselves.
Meditation, breathing and yoga are all useful tools to help us rediscover our inner balance. To provide adequately for the body, it is important to inhale and exhale consciously. Five minutes in the morning, at noon and in the evening are enough to restore our inner balance. Or you could incorporate a simple yoga exercise such as the “tree” into your daily routine. I practise yoga on a regular base. It truly helps me in stressful times and I can even do it in a hotel room.

Yoga tree pose (see photo above)
Find a place where you can relax and won’t be disturbed.
Starting position: Standing straight, shift your weight onto one leg (standing leg). There should be hardly any weight at all on the other leg (free leg). Breathe in and out deeply ten times. Stretch your arms out to the sides and transfer your weight completely to the standing leg. Lift your free leg and rotate the knee as far as possible towards the outside, placing your foot on the inner thigh. The arms should be stretched upwards and slightly bent, with the palms and fingers of the hands pressed together. Tense the abdomen and hold the position for 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

To take more care of your inner self, you can also create an individual skin care ritual using the beauty products described below. SBT Skin Biology Therapy is also designed for men.

Cell Culture Face Cleansing | oil

Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil is a gentle and natural cleanser, based on a combination of the finest oils. The skin is cleansed gently of dirt, makeup and impurities, while natural sebum excretion is reduced. Body and soul are in harmony and the skin regains its fresh radiance.

Application
To cleanse, apply Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil to dry skin and massage in gently. Then rinse with tepid water, which gives the oil a milky consistency. Finally, dry the face.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Cleansing I oil is available in retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 150 ml EUR 34.00

Cell Culture Face Cleansing | toner

Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner is an alcohol-free toner containing Cell Culture Phase and is ideal for preparing the skin to absorb moisturiser after cleansing. It removes superfluous cleansing products and provides long-term care for the skin, instantly giving it a wonderfully soft and well-hydrated feel.
Tip: Soak two cotton wool pads in Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner and place on the eyelids for about 1 minute to draw inner strength for the day ahead. The toner is also available in a limited-edition spray bottle (available online only, while stocks last ), perfect for giving your skin a refreshing boost while on the go.
Application
Apply with a cotton wool pad or use as a face splash.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Cleansing I toner is available in retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 200 ml EUR 34.00

Cell Culture Face Care | mask

Cell Culture Face Care I mask is an instantly moisturising, intensively nourishing cream-gel mask which supports and cares for dry skin of any age, soaking it with pure moisture and rich nutrients. The high concentration of Cell Culture Phase, collagen and panthenol provides dry and tired skin with the ideal basis to regain its radiant, smooth appearance.
Tip: Apply a thin layer of mask to the face before your yoga workout and treat yourself and your skin to a feeling of total well-being in just one exercise.
Application
After cleansing or exfoliation, apply generously to face, neck and décolleté, massaging gently into the skin. For maximum relaxation, leave on for 10 minutes, then remove with a warm cloth. Then apply your usual skin care products.
Prices
Cell Culture Face Care I mask is available from retail outlets.
Recommended retail price: 75 ml EUR 69.00

For the story behind SBT and its founder Prof.Dr. Volker Steinkraus, I recommend to check out a previous post of mine by clicking here.

Here are some good news for my Zurich based readers: This week, Prof.Dr. Volker Steinkraus will come to Jelmoli on September 28, 2011 from 3-6pm. If you buy some SBT products, you will receive his new book for free. It is also your chance to get it signed and to talk to the distinguished expert about your own skin.

LoL, Sandra

To celebrate the first year of Spiga2 (Dolce & Gabbana’s the first multi-brand shop), the store was transformed into a huge bedroom. Women were be in bed with the latest collections from the Spiga2 designers.

This season’s must: A pair of sparkling shoes!

Fausto Puglisi with his muse Masha and me in the middle

Dolce & Gabbana’s protégé Fausto Puglisi‘s s vibrant designs are available at Spiga 2 and of course, the Sicilian designer was also present.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Anna dello Russo is a huge fan of Fausto’s designs and couldn’t resist to get her favourite dress in different colours.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Ben Hider/Getty Images; © Jemal Countess/Getty Images

For 2011’s Cannes International Film Festival, Only The Brave Foundation and Le Baron have invited celebrities (Jude Law, Kirsten Dunst an many more) to sign a Diesel Black Gold denim, during their fabulous nights at Le Baron Piano Bar.

This denim is now sold by auction on ebay until 22nd September : all profits will be donated to the Only The Brave Foundation, that supports and develops a variety of innovative development projects in Africa.

Many celebrities attended last week’s S/S 2012 runway presentation in New York City, among them Gerard Butler with his date Petra Nemcova and the Roitfeld girls.

“It’s time to reflect.” This was written on the program at the Diesel Black Gold S/S 2012 show. There were dangling mirrors hanging down, perfectly reflecting the light and preparing the audience for a show full of metallics. I am in love with those shiny materials. As this is already a huge trend for F/W 2011, I am glad to see that this is going to stay for a while.
Let the light of Diesel Black Gold shine on me…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel Black Gold