Sandra‘s Closet

Next week, the 2023 edition of Watches and Wonders, the famous watch fair, will be taking place in Geneva. From March 27 to April 2, 2023, the 48 exhibiting Maisons will present their watch novelties and iconic models.

Arriving at last year’s fair.

While the first days will be dedicated to professionals, great news is that the Salon will open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April, 2023. On top of that, the Salon will also take over the streets of Geneva with a special «In the City» program open to all to celebrate watchmaking together.

My favorite booth last year: Van Cleef & Arpels

More than just a trade show, Watches and Wonders Geneva is a passionate experience to be enjoyed in person. It is also a place where you can listen to and learn from the professionals. An extensive program has been specially designed for the weekend with conferences, guided tours and exhibitions. Connoisseurs, enthusiasts and those who are simply curious will be able to discover the marvels of the 48 exhibiting Maisons, from the greatest historical watchmakers to independent workshops and artisans. From exceptional pieces and new collections to skilled craftsmanship, there will be something to satisfy every curious mind.

At the Piaget booth in 2022.

EXHIBITING MAISONS
A. LANGE & SÖHNE | ALPINA WATCHES | ANGELUS | ARNOLD & SON | BAUME & MERCIER | BEAUREGARD | BELL & ROSS | CARTIER | CHANEL | CHARLES ZUBER | CHARRIOL | CHOPARD | CHRONOSWISS | CYRUS GENÈVE | CZAPEK & CIE | FERDINAND BERTHOUD | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT | GRAND SEIKO | GRÖNEFELD | HAUTLENCE | HERMÈS | HUBLOT | HYSEK | IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | JAEGER-LECOULTRE | LAURENT FERRIER | LOUIS MOINET | MONTBLANC | ORIS | PANERAI | PARMIGIANI FLEURIER | PATEK PHILIPPE | PEQUIGNET | PIAGET | REBELLION TIMEPIECES | RESSENCE | ROGER DUBUIS | ROLEX | RUDIS SYLVA | SPEAKE-MARIN | TAG HEUER | TRILOBE | TUDOR | U-BOAT | ULYSSE NARDIN | VACHERON CONSTANTIN | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | ZENITH

TICKETS are CHF 70 per person and can be obtained through the ONLINE TICKETING at watchesandwonders.com.
Here you will also find more information about the weekend.

In parallel, for the first time, Watches and Wonders will also be present in the heart of its host city. This festival of watchmaking, called «In the City», will be free and open to everyone. Visitors can therefore wander freely through the Rues Basses of the city center and spot the WandW display columns. This will be the sign that the boutiques have surprises in store: including historical pieces, demonstration workshops, a chance to chat with the watchmakers, a preview of new pieces, etc. To add spice to the experience, an interactive watch rally has been organized especially for the occasion. Using the QR codes scattered along a route, the public will be able to discover the participating boutiques and emblematic sites.

When the sun goes down, «In the City» will continue to beat in the heart of Geneva: on March 30, all the participating boutiques will stay open until 9pm, while a special program has been created for this evening of festivities. Artists, dancers and musicians will take over five stages along the streets, beginning at 5pm. At the Pont de la Machine, a conference on «Geneva, Switzerland and Watchmaking» will be open to all who register. A collection of food trucks will be stationed at the city’s main crossroads with one objective: get ready for a free concert from the celebrated DJ/Producer The Avener at Quai du Général Guisan, at 8pm.

DJ/Producer The Avener

The heart of Geneva will be beating to the rhythm of watch movements from March 27 to April 2, 2023. The wonder of watchmaking is within everyone’s reach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Watches & Wonders, © Sandra Bauknecht
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Recently, I had the best time in St. Moritz. I have to admit that I had completely forgotten how much fun this ski resort can be. I stayed at the beautiful, luxurious Carlton Hotel, a place I can absolutely recommend, that soon will be celebrating its 110th anniversary. Here, the charity gala «Hot Party in the Snow» took place on Sunday night.

It was already the 17th time the charity gala took place in favor of the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, the legendary «Hospital of Peace». More than 9,000 doctors, medical professionals and employees treat over 1.5 million patients every year, regardless of nationality, skin color and religion: civilians, soldiers and tourists, as well as patients in need from the numerous crisis areas in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey , wounded refugees from Syria, etc. For years, the hospital has also supported and organized aid operations in disaster regions around the world.

Prof. Arnon Afek

The auction and donations raised more than € 500,000 for the magnificent charity work of the largest and most comprehensive medical center in Israel and the entire Middle East. Professor Arnon Afek, Associate Director General, Sheba Medical Center, Yoel Har-Even, Global Director Sheba Medical Center, Dr. Ellen Ringier, chairwoman of the honorary committee of the gala and gala co-chairperson Renate Gräfin von Rehbinder were delighted to welcome around 180 guests, among them philanthropist Sir Andrew Cook, entrepreneur and art patron Grazyna Kulczyk, book author and media entrepreneur Maria Theresia von Seidlein, Lodenfrey owners Sabine & Ralph Michael Nagel, designers Rolf Sachs and Carlo Rampazzi, and my dear friend Ljuba Manz-Lurje, who had invited me to the event.

Ljuba Manz

After some moving speeches, the charity auction led by Reto Barmettler of Sotheby’s, took place. 100% of the donations and the proceeds of the charity auction will benefit the children in the Sheba Medical Center. In addition to urgently needed medical equipment for the hospital, which could be symbolically auctioned off, highly coveted events such as a VIP package for Art Basel or a cooking course with one of the best Italian chefs in the world, Mario Gamba, went under the hammer.

Carlo Rampazzi with his artwork

A designer piece by Carlo Rampazzi, and sparkling jewelery by BVLGARI, Tornaghi and Asprey were also auctioned. Trips to the best island resort in the Maldives were also in great demand: The Nautilus Maldives or on the most exclusive private yacht The World.

I auctioned off the art work by Robert Indiana, donated by Galerie Gmurzynska. I love Indiana’s work and as my daughter is born April 4th, it was the perfect act for me.

Amazing duett, the «singing doctor» Yoel Hareven with Riki Ben Ari

After a gourmet dinner, we danced the calories off to the beats of Riki Ben Ari, powerhouse diva from Israel and finalist of the Eurovision Song Contest, and Amar Pure, scene DJ from Munich, provided a hot sound. The n-tv presenter and non-fiction author Carola Ferstl hosted the evening.

It was a beautiful evening among friends that ended in the legendary Dracula nightclub. Drink, dance and donate at its best.

LoL, Sandra

Martha Wiedemann (Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz), Stephanie Lehnort (General Manager Hotel Carlton), Rebecca Wiedemann (Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz)

Sabine Parenti, Louise Thérèse Blouin, Renate Gräfin Rehbinder

Yvonne Winkler

Richard Ossen, Carolin A. Geist

Daniel Gutenberg, Ellen Ringier

Mafalda von Hessen und Rolf Sachs

Tatjana Hoffmann

Annette Zierer, Carola Ferstl

Grace Rong Li in Zimmermann, Dr. Yonat Floersheim, Philip Nasrallah

Lodenfrey owners Ralph Michael and Sabina Nagel

Oliver Fritz, BUNTE Magazine

Lavender Howard, Martin Schoeller

Rita Müller, Kathy Dobers (Cartier)

Helen Prinzessin zu Oettingen-Wallerstein

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © BrauerPhotos / S.Brauer
First Collage: Screen Shots of BUNTE and Gala Magazine
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This season, I flew to Milan Fashion Week to indulged in a 2-day extravaganza with MOSCHINO. I started with a shopping spree in their newly opened boutique located at Via della Spiga, 26, followed by the highlight of my trip. I attended the F/W 2023 show, followed by a backstage visit to meet Jeremy Scott and an intimate dinner with my MOSCHINO family.

Arriving at the venue with my MOSCHINO family.

With Massimo Ferretti, who is the executive chairman of parent company Aeffe SpA, that he founded in 1980 with his sister Alberta Ferretti. Aeffe SpA owns Moschino.

Ever wonder what it’s like before a runway show? Before the crowds, the music and glamour; what really happens when the guests arrive? I always say that there is already a fashion show happening outside. Streetstyle photographers try to capture the best outfits as well as the celebrities who are attending the défilé. While backstage the models get ready, I’ve always been intrigued by how designers cope with the stress of fashion shows. I mean it is the most important minutes of their entire season.

A fashion show backstage is packed with models, designers, managers, stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers, publicists, and other fashion elite who are there to ensure a fabulous show. Behind the scenes, there’s an army of people working frantically to make sure the fashion show goes off without a hitch. So you can imagine the relief when everything is over. Going backstage after a show is such a great experience.

Having fun with Italian actress Chiara Francini backstage.

This season, I was able to talk to Jeremy and congratulated him on his beautiful collection. He is such a sweetheart and held my hands the entire conversation.

I hope that you enjoyed my photo documentary, for the runway show itself, click here please. And for the post about my yummy outfit, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Following my tradition, I spent New Year’s Eve at the Gstaad Palace hotel with my dear friends and family. «It’s not a fairytale, it’s real.» The hotel’s slogan describes perfectly how a stay at the Palace feels like.

My look: Crystal-embellished cutout stretch-satin jersey gown by Paco Rabanne, crystal-embellished leather clutch by Prada, open-toe platform-sole sandals by Gucci, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Recently, I followed YSL Beauty‘s invitation to a decadent dinner party that took place at Die Giesserei Oerlikon in Zurich. The YSL Beauty team transformed this amazing location into the most instagrammable spots with different areas all dedicated to the Maison’s iconic products, from the famous Libre scent, to make-up and skincare. After the dinner, we went downstairs to the underground club where we danced all night long.

The dress code said «all black with a touch of decadence» and needless to say, I went for a head-to-toe Saint Laurent outfit. All details of my look will be coming up shortly. Stay tuned and in the meantime enjoy the impressions of this fun night.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography #indulgeingold #yslbeauty
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You know the Christmas season is around the corner when brands start to show up with their festive collections. This season, I was invited by MAC Cosmetics for the launch of Bubbles & Bows at Kraftwerk in Zurich. The evening was such a great success with lots of magical surprises from a drag queen’s live act to dancers performing in big plastic bubbles.

As the name and packaging suggests, the MAC Cosmetics Bubbles & Bows party kits and limited edition make-up are festive and fun – and very sparkly, too. The collection is not only a perfect holiday gift, but also a treat for yourself. With everything you need to create a custom going-out look this winter, from glowy eye creations and signature fluttery lashes, to bold festive lip shades, the magic will be all yours thanks to the legendary cosmetic brand. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
#MACHoliday #MACBubblesAndBows @MACCosmeticsSwitzerland
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Finally after three years, the Kispiball (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) took place again at the wonderful Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I danced all night long in my Dolce & Gabbana gown and enjoyed being among my dear friends.

My look: Strapless polka-dot silk-organza gown, and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, pink double bow satin pumps by Mach & Mach, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Finally, here is my full report about the amazing private party hosted by KILIAN PARIS at Hôtel Plaza Athénée to close out Paris Fashion Week and celebrate its 15th anniversary. The evening was absolutely magical.

With my colleague outside at the bar, Armenia’s 1st blogger, @kamotovmasyan. 

KILIAN PARIS reimagined its festive and ultra-luxurious universe inside the iconic Parisian palace by taking over the bar. An impressive showcase was staging, allowing the guests to rediscover the brand most iconic creations of the past 15 years.

My girls: @annanooshin, @carasantana, and @ms_kuan.

Detailed outfit post coming soon… this is one of my favorite outfits of the season.

From the bar we moved to the party location inside the hotel where a photo call was waiting for us.

Founder Kilian Hennessy and my humble self in the photo booth.

Having fun with my dear friends, super stars from Malaysia @schaalyahya.

Friends of the brand were immersed into KILIAN PARIS’ world by perfectly embodying the brand’s motto «Don’t be shy!» at the red neon content corner while enjoying cocktails inspired by KILIAN PARIS fragrances.

My favorite KILIAN PARIS fragrances on display: Woman in Gold, Good Girl Gone Bad, Love and Rolling in Love.

Lena Mahfouf, the number 1 influencer in France, wrote a message on the mirror.

We could also leave our their best anniversary wishes on a giant mirror with Le Rouge Parfum scented lipsticks as pencils, and the celebration turned out to be beyond expectations.

We danced all night long to DJ Kiddy Smile’s set, who certainly had the perfect recipe to light the dance floor on fire.

With notable guests including Kilian Hennessy, Lena Mahfouf, Natasha Poly, Coco Rocha, Ashley Park, Sir John, Maria Borges, Maye Musk, Ellen von Unwerth, Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz, Bilal Hassani, Alison Toby, Leonie Hanne, Xenia Adonts and others.

Girls gang: @carasantana, @jessicakroy, @whoiscaitbailey, @xeniaadonts and my humble self @sandrascloset.

Shooting the beautiful anniversary packaging in between for KILIAN PARIS …

KILIAN PARIS family kicked-off this year full of celebrations and surprises around the world. 15 years, 15 locations! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / KILIAN PARIS / GETTY IMAGES
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Yesterday, I drove to Outletcity Metzingen to attend the VIP Luxury Night at Europe’s largest outlet center. My avid readers might remember when I went there the first time with German Vogue in 2018 or to attend the opening of the Boss flagship outlet store in 2019.

This time, I was invited by Outlicity Metzingen together with Taglierè to the big opening event of the new champagne bar Bollicine in the heart of the luxury area. At 4:30 p.m. the red carpet was rolled out and welcomed prominent special guests Michelle Hunziker and Frauke Ludowig among many others.

Two Swiss aquarius women: Michelle Hunziker with me

The new bar’s menu offers from the Italian breakfast to an all-day meal and snack menu. There is also a large selection of coffee specialties and cold drinks as well as an exquisite selection of champagne and champagne cocktails. «Bollicine» – which means sparkling bubbles in German – leaves nothing to be desired.

Besides a special show act and a tombola, the luxury shops were also open until 10pm. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to spend my shopping voucher to the fullest. At Bottega Veneta for example, certain pieces were marked down 90%. So amazing!

I can absolutely recommend visiting Outletcity Metzingen. It is a shopping haven with many luxury brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Versace and many more, having huge flagship stores filled with collections from previous seasons at great prices. And who doesn’t like a good deal?!

LoL, Sandra

With German entertainer Frauke Ludowig

Together with Petra Dieners, Leonie Hanne, Frauke Ludowig, and Violeta Prtenjaca.

Outfit post coming up soon…

Swiss media power … with Stefan Berger (Faces)

Talented twins: Tarkan and Luka Cidic

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Sage Press, Getty Images for Outletcity Metzingen / VIP Luxury Night
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The first weekend in October I flew to Paris with KILIAN PARIS for a three-day extravaganza to celebrate the Maison’s 15th anniversary.

We started with cocktails at the beautiful Kilian boutique at Rue Cambon, followed by a dinner at Bonnie, the new hot spot in the French capital, overlooking Paris and its stunning scenery from above. Please enjoy some impressions of the first night. The details of my look and the report about the next days will follow shortly.

«I want to put perfumery back on its pedestal by going back to the truth about perfume; back to the way perfume was made in the late 19th and the early 20th century, but adding a contemporary twist at the same time.» – Kilian Hennessy

Born into one of France’s most illustrious dynasties in fine liquors, Kilian Hennessy translates the sensibility and vision inherited from his ancestors into the realm of perfume. A culture of pursuing ultimate luxury, and his audacious rule-breaking approach, define his name’s sake brand, KILIAN PARIS.

After graduating, he then went on to train with the greatest noses in perfumery and worked for the most prestigious perfume houses such as Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne, Alexander McQueen and Giorgio Armani.

In 2007, Kilian launched his own namesake brand with the ambition of reflecting not only his distinct personality, but also to achieve a perfect alliance between elegance and uncompromising luxury. His «eco-luxe» philosophy that each bottle can be refilled and kept for a lifetime catapulted the brand to the top of the fragrance market and into a niche of its very own.

In 2022, Kilian celebrates fifteen years of perfume making and his foray into decorative cosmetics with a series of celebration around the globe, kicking it off in Paris. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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