Sandra‘s Closet

Before leaving on my digital detox holidays, I attended the beautiful Hair Ritual by Sisley Paris Summer Party at the Signau House & Garden Boutique Hotel in Zurich, which is a real oasis in the city. The weather was beautiful and the garden offered the most instagrammable spots. The reason for the party was the launch of the newest addition to the Hair Ritual by Sisley Paris: the Gentle Purifying Shampoo with Java Tea extract. It gently cleanses and refreshes the scalp while instantly eliminating surface impurities, sebum and styling product residue, leaving a fresh and delicately scented trail.

We could see first hand during the product presentation on the models how their hair was left looking fresher, lighter, more voluminous, glossy, and radiating vitality.

On display was the complete product range. Another recently launched product that I can highly recommend after having tested it for some weeks now is the Restructuring Nourishing Balm. I love this «silky balm» that instantly transforms into an oil for a sensorial experience. Especially created for damaged, dry and brittle hair, this deeply nourishing pre-shampoo balm acts on the hair fibre to intensely nourish, repair and restructure. You don’t need a lot of product. It’s best used as an overnight application for an intense restorative action: instantly, the texture of the hair is visibly transformed. The hair is intensively nourished and restored and left feeling glossy, silky, and shiny.

If you need a speedy effect, you can also apply it for around 30 minutes for an immediate result. The hair is more supple, and the frizz is controlled.

Last but not least, if you are leaving for warm weather destinations, don’t forget to get the Hair Protective Fluid which forms a film that protects the hair from the harmful effects of the sun, sea and swimming pool water. The formula also contains two filters for an optimal protection against UVA and UVB rays. The colour of natural, coloured, bleached or highlighted hair is protected. More than a protector, it has a beautifying action as well. This lightweight textured spray delightfully fragrances the hair with citrus and woody notes of verbena, lemon, peach blossom and amber.

TO SHOP HAIR RITUAL BY SISLEY PARIS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Hair Ritual by Sisley Paris
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Saint Tropez is all about the good life, it lives to the rhythm of crazy days and wild evenings. While being here in the South of France, I have barely found the time to post as one event is after the other. Many fashion brands are hosting fantastic parties. One night for example we were invited by Dolce & Gabbana to La Sauvageonne for great food, yummy Dolce & Gabbana rosé and of course lots of dancing. The dress code said «DG Savannah», so I went for this beautiful dress from the new Pre-Fall 2022 collection along with the fun leopard boots.

My look: Ruched sequined zebra-print jersey mini dress, leopard-print pointed-toe boots, Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag, emerald green crystal clip-on earrings and emerald green crystal necklace, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – the photos of the look were taken on the terrace of my suite at Byblos St. Tropez
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Celebrating the spirit of summer captured in the TB Summer Monogram collection, Burberry journeys across the world for a series of immersive takeovers in iconic holiday destinations and striking pop-up shops, among them Loulou Ramatuelle. The restaurant and beach club belongs to my favorite destinations in Saint Tropez, as it offers the best of all, relaxation, great food, and party to the fullest.

For all fashion lovers, it is also the perfect place to be as the entire summer (until September 30, 2022), deckchairs, cabanas, cushions and parasols are dressed in the emblematic beige and the coat of arms of the British brand. And then if the desire to prolong the experience takes shape, a selection of pieces for men and women is offered in an entirely dedicated pop-up, where you can indulge in a beautiful selection of silk dresses, cotton shirts, swimwear and sunglasses for an elegant summer.

Other Burberry takeovers take place in:

ANANTI COVE, BUSAN
1 – 31 JULY

TANJONG BEACH CLUB, SINGAPORE
15 JULY – 27 JULY

CASA JONDAL, IBIZA
1 – 31 AUGUST

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Burberry
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Right now I am enjoying my holidays in Saint Tropez to the fullest. After a very long night at Les Caves du Roy, and only 3 hours of sleep, I pulled myself together and joined my dear Barbara Sturm and Ayda Field Williams at Dr. Sturm’s new St. Tropez Spa, located at 6 Traverse de la Gendarmerie, for an anti-inflammatory morning with cold pressed juices and mini express facials.

Inside the new Dr. Barbara Sturm spa in St. Tropez

On display was also the absolutely amazing new luxury activewear line AYDA launched by Robbie Williams‘s wife Ayda, who is as sweet as she looks. Designed with the most buttery fabrics, high-performance details, and athlete-tested functionality, those pieces will help you reach peak joy. Her motto is «Fucking Fantastic», life is too short for camel toes and visible panty lines! For sweats that make you feel sloppy or sports bras that feel like jail. Say bye bye to muffin tops and hello to odor-eating, sweat-wicking, equal pay promoting, always-has-your-back performance gear that never lets you down… and always holds the girls up!

Ayda is luxury activewear dedicated to bringing JOY into the everyday motions of life.

The idea for AYDA has bounced around founder Ayda Field Williams’s brain for years. After being stuck at home and in athleisure 24/7 during quarantine made her realize that she could work with a team to improve on what was out there. The voice that said «Yes!! You can!!» finally grew louder than the voice that said «No, you can’t.»

Team Ayda set out to create clothes that could seriously perform but didn’t sacrifice on the playfulness. Bright, bold colors. Inventive details. Undeniable comfort. Clothes that brought joy. Clothes that make you wanna skip. Clothes that feel like rainbow sprinkles!!

Having fun with Ayda Field Williams and Barbara Sturm.

There’s so much to love about every piece in the collection. Everything from the power mesh panels that elevate while providing support and stretch, to the adjustable velcro straps that are both comfortable and forgiving for those days when you need a little more. Team Ayda scoured the universe for Goldilocks of fabrics: soft, sculpting, with great recovery to last and last. You will surely love the collection as much as I do!

It was a fucking fantastic morning with many amazing women… thank you, Barbara and Ayda for having me!

LoL, Sandra

With amazing Kinga Lampert, who is the co-Chair @bcrfcure the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.

Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash also enjoyed the morning.

Presenter and model Sylvie Meis 

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © ShopAyda
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This year, for the 20th anniversary of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac in Zurich, Hauser & Wirth presents five bronze sculptures by celebrated artist Camille Henrot, one of the most influential voices in contemporary art today. The outdoor installation of major bronze works is organized in partnership with the Baur au Lac and Gigi Kracht, curator, collector, writer and founder of the Art in the Park.

With Gigi Kracht 

Born in 1978 in Paris, France, Camille Henrot lives and works between Berlin and New York City. She is married and has two little sons that are 4 and 1 year old. The practice of the French artist moves seamlessly between film, painting, drawing, bronze, sculpture, and installation. Henrot draws upon references from literature, psychoanalysis, social media, cultural anthropology, self-help, and the banality of everyday life in order to question what it means to be both a private individual and a global subject.

With Camille Henrot during the lunch.

A 2013 fellowship at the Smithsonian Institute resulted in her film «Grosse Fatigue,» for which she was awarded the Silver Lion at the 55th Venice Biennale and that was also on show at the Gucci Museo in Florence in 2014. She elaborated ideas from «Grosse Fatigue» to conceive her acclaimed 2014 installation »The Pale Fox» at Chisenhale Gallery in London. The exhibit, which displayed the breadth of her diverse output, went on to travel to institutions including Kunsthal Charlottenburg, Copenhagen; Bétonsalon – Centre for art and research, Paris; Westfälischer Kunstverein, Münster, Germany; and Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan. In 2017, Henrot was given carte blanche at Palais de Tokyo in Paris – a beloved location for fashion shoes – , where she presented the major exhibition »Days Are Dogs,» She is the recipient of the 2014 Nam June Paik Award and the 2015 Edvard Munch Award, and has participated in the Lyon, Berlin, Sydney and Liverpool Biennials, among others.

Next to «Mon Corps de Femme» (2019) displayed in the Baur au Lac gardens

Henrot has had numerous solo exhibitions worldwide, including the New Museum, New York; Schinkel Pavilion, Berlin; New Orleans Museum of Art; Fondazione Memmo, Rome; Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan, among others.

«Undelivered Message» (2016)

In the Baur au Lac gardens, three sculptures from Henry’s Monday series (2016-2017) are on display, as well as the impressive «Mon Corps de Femme» sculpture (2019) from the Attachment series (2018-2022) that is a resembling a body caught between two opposite forces; the rising flames reminiscent of Flamboyant Gothic architecture and the meting, heaviness of a sagging belly.

«Retreat From Investment» (2025)

As every year, Gigi Kracht invited us to her wonderful Art in the Park luncheon in the two Michelin star Pavillon restaurant during which we could talk to the artist. Before the lunch, we had the chance to stroll through the wonderful gardens and preview the pieces beforehand.

With Kenny Schachter, artist, critic and curator based in New York City, at lunch.

The show can be enjoyed at the Baur au Lac garden until July 17, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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June 9th marks the official opening date for Zurich’s new pop-up restaurant «WOODLAND». Only open until June 25th, guests can enjoy some real culinary treasures. Located in Zurich West, the gastro entrepreneur Nenad Mlinarevic and the watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen are creating a place for unique enjoyment where guests can embark on a very special journey. At the beginning of the project is the new IWC TOP GUN pilot’s watch collection with its striking three colors. These can be experienced comprehensively on Zurich’s Löwenbräu site – from the interior to the cuisine to the sound: a unique experience appealing to all senses awaits you in the temporary restaurant.

Science and emotion come together with IWC’s new TOP GUN collection in partnership with Pantone Color Institute.

Our evening started at 6m with a cocktail reception at the Woodland Bar.

At 7pm we enjoyed the seated diner at the Ceratanium Dinner Space.

From 8.15pm we changed location and had dessert, drinks and listened to the sounds of the DJ in the Mojave Desert Lounge.

LÖWENBRÄU AREA
Limmatstrasse 254, 8005 Zurich
dining@woodland-zuerich.ch

4-course menu including aperitif CHF 120.-
A vegetarian option is available. Two seatings. 6pm and 8pm.

For reservations, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

With Nenad Mlinarevic

Always having the best time with Jacqueline Krause-Blouin

Tanja Bulatovic with Nenad

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography /IWC, Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
@iwcwatches_ch @nenadmlinarevic #IWCWoodland #IWCPopUpDining #IWCxNenad

Life will move on, but memories are forever. One event that I will always remember is the lovely dinner I had with Italian-born knitwear specialist Brunello Cucinelli (68) and his family at his home in Solomeo this weekend, co-hosted by MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth. Launched in 1978, his brand is renowned for its ethical and philosophical approach to business, as much as its sumptuous fabrics and timeless color palette. With a focus on dyed and embellished cashmere and chic separates, his seasonless pieces are true wardrobe investments.

Being described as «the king of cashmere», he is based in the tranquil surroundings of Solomeo – a 14th century Umbrian village near Assisi. A place that lies deep in Brunello’s heart as it represents the core of his family, business and spiritual life. It is actually his wife’s home village. More recently the company business, which was initially established at the castle in Solomeo, was relocated to the valley below; the ancient medieval buildings now host the classrooms of the School of Contemporary Arts and Crafts, set up in 2013.

The Hamlet is now even more closely linked to the Forum of the Arts, and one might even say that the whole of Solomeo is an area devoted to culture, to art, to traditions, to history, to a happy life. Thanks to Cucinelli’s dedication, this beautiful little village has been completely restored. He has also built a theatre considered to be a secular temple of art, a library, the new Universal Library of Solomeo, reminiscent of his own where people can read books in a beautiful eighteenth-century villa, then a monument to the Dignity of Man and an immense park called «Project for Beauty». Before dinner, Brunello Cucinelli showed us around and explained us passionately the projects.

Brunello Cucinelli is a very captivating man. He speaks French fluently, for English he has a translator. We had our dinner conversation in French and it was very impressive to learn more about him, his strong family ties, the way he likes to give back and how he preserves cultural goods. He donates 20% of his profits through the Brunello Cucinelli Foundation. He believes in a very modern concept: Being good to people and to the environment will always pay off in the long run.

Brunello loves philosophy, everywhere in Solomeo you can find famous quotes by famous philosophers that are important to him. He also uses them in speeches. Cucinelli is the closest thing the luxury world has to a philosopher – he dropped out of college to pursue his own agenda of philosophical reading. «I live and work as an Italian, but I think like a Greek.»

«Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end» (I. Kant)

Growing up in rather poor conditions, he saw how his father was  subject to humiliation. Therefore the way you treat others has become an essential part of his life. Giving back to the community is extremely important to him. As his clothing empire has expanded, Cucinelli has spent untold sums revitalizing Solomeo. Not only has he refurbished its infrastructure, he’s also opened a tuition-free arts school to teach traditional skills like gardening and, of course, tailoring and invisible mending.

He told us about the speech he gave in Rome past October to the World’s Great Leaders on the occasion of the G20.

«Humanistic capitalism has been the guideline for my conduct as an entrepreneur from the very beginning, and I have imagined and come up with this definition for my enterprise. What I mean by humanistic capitalism is precisely this idea, this concept of a fair and sustainable profit, a profit harmonised with giving back: striking a balance between profit and giving back; donating to the world as guardians of creation, leaving to those coming after us not the very same world we found, but a more amiable one. I envisage humanistic capitalism as a great harmony within which profit, giving back, guardianship, human dignity and the ethics of truth coexist and enrich each other.» – Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello is a big family man – the Cucinelli clan lives in neighbouring homes in Solomeo. The founder’s two daughters, Camilla and Carolina, work in the family business and Cucinelli’s son-in-law, Riccardo Stefanelli, was recently appointed joint CEO in 2020 after 14 years in the company. Carolina is co-president and co-creative director of the company. Her husband Alessio Piastrelli works on the menswear team. Camilla sits on the board and is part of the womenswear design team.

Cucinelli’s father lived with him until he died last year at age 100. His wife Federica and himself have been together since their teenage years. The couple has now three grandchildren. The eldest, Victoria, seems to have inherited a lot from her grandpa. The two get a long so well. It was a true pleasure speaking to the 12-year old young lady. When we asked her, where she would love to live when she is older, she immediately replied: «Nowhere else than Solomeo.»

In 2012, Cucinelli took the $810 million (2021 revenues) company public, listing its shares on the Italian stock exchange. In 2014, Brunello Cucinelli has transferred his entire stake in the firm to a trust – a relative uncommon structure in Italy – to benefit his daughters and ensure the continuation of his philantrophic work.

When I asked him why he has never done a fashion show, he told me: «My clothes have to be felt, touched and seen in real life. In our showroom we offer this experience. Therefore I was never interested in doing a runway presentation.»

As it started raining upon arrival, the tables were moved from the Hamlet to a covered area overlooking the valley and the theatre. The food was traditional Italian, served family style. The appetizers included one of my favorite local recipes, panzanella, an Umbrian dish of bread and tomatoes, that gives you immediately the flavor of a warm Italian summer night. As a main course, we were treated to different sorts of freshly baked crispy pizzas. I loved the one with no cheese and only fresh tomatoes.

Being part of the Brunello Cucinelli clan for one weekend made me think that the Maison is different, it’s absolutely worth the price, it’s not just the cashmere and outstanding craftsmanship, I will tell you more about in one of my next posts, but the philosophy of giving back we are buying into.

TO SHOP BRUNELLO CUCINELLI AT NET-À-PORTER. CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Being part of the NET-À-PORTER family comes with many privileges. It is my favorite online shopping destination, not only because of the great selection and the absolutely wonderful and outstanding personal shopping team, that always takes the best care of me, but also for all the amazing experiences and trips, plus all the wonderful people I met during these journeys.

As one of NET-À-PORTER‘s most loyal clients and someone with a passion for Italian craftsmanship, I was invited to join the team for a one-of-a-kind trip to Solomeo, the homeland of Brunello Cucinelli. Alongside my guest of choice, which was my fiancé, I was invited to an intimate tour of the manufacture and opportunity to explore Solomeo – a beautiful hamlet meticulously restored over the last 20 years. In addition, the MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth co-hosted a dinner with Mr Brunello Cucinelli himself.

A warm welcome in our beautiful hotel room.

We arrived Thursday evening in Florence, where a car was waiting to take us to our hotel in Umbria, the Borgo Dei Conti Resort. After we quickly freshened up, we went down to meet the lovely NET-À-PORTER team for drinks ahead of a wonderful dinner.

Stay tuned for all my amazing experieneces during this trip. We had a private tour of Brunello Cuccinelli’s headquarters and manufacture, and  joined Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself for an intimate dinner in his home in Solomeo. On Saturday morning, we went on an incredible tour of Assisi, followed shortly afterwards by a lunch. In the evening we had another amazing dinner in the surroundings of Solomeo before departing on Sunday morning.

I am so grateful for all the memories and encounters during this weekend that I will happily share with you during the next days. Thank you, Brunello Cucinelli, MR PORTER and NET-À-PORTER, for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Before heading to the Dua Lipa show in Zurich as guest of YSL Beauty, I was invited to an intimate cocktail reception by the French Maison on the rooftop of the Kameha Grand Hotel. The dress code said black and gold. Every corner of the terrace offered another fun experience, from photo booth to make-up application, from specially created drinks to a fun claw machine. DJ Rebekah Abdeen warmed up the crowd for the upcoming concert taking place at Hallenstadion.

There is no doubt that Dua Lipa has become a worldwide phenomenon with a million of fans and several collaborations. She is one of the most streamed and celebrated artists in recent memory. Free, powerful and elegant! Three words that suit the British artist well, who had been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent to be the face of the brand’s bestselling fragrance Libre. A scent that evolves around masculine lavender and the feminine sensual, burning notes of orange blossom. It also comes with a good dose of florals and musks.

The concert in Zurich marks a big milestone in Dua’s career as it was her 50th concert.

 Thank you YSL Beauty for having me! Enjoy all my impressions below…

LoL, Sandra

Thank you Dijana Vasiljevic from the L’Oréal Luxe team for the lovely invitation.

DJ Libre 🙂

My plus one was my friend Cat.

With lovely Erica Coimbra from the L’Oréal Luxe team.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht #IamLibre
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«I’m so thrilled to tour again and see my angels in person! How amazing that we all get to dance and celebrate together once again. When I was writing Future Nostalgia, I imagined the songs being played in clubs on nights out with your mates. I’m so excited that this fantasy is finally coming true. I can’t wait to experience these songs with you together live!» — Dua Lipa on her excitement for the tour.

Finally after having been postponed several times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, English singer Dua Lipa is touring around the world with her «Future Nostalgia» show. It began on February 9, 2022 in Miami and will conclude on November 16, 2022 of that year in Perth, with several shows throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania.

I loved Dua Lipa’s show in Zurich, especially because Dua Lipa’s «Future Nostalgia Tour» is filled with designer catsuits. You know how much I adore these kind of clothes. I showed up in one by Saint Laurent myself for the concert (outfit post coming up soon).

The mood masterminded by her stylist, Lorenzo Posocco, for the tour is definitely body-con. The singer first captivated fans in Zurich’s Hallenstadion in a daringbright custom neon pink Balenciaga catsuit, which featured a lingerie-inspired corseted bodice, built-in heels (part of the famous pantaleggings look), a textured floral pattern and matching opera gloves.

Of course, one catsuit is never enough, and for her another major look of the show, Dua Lipa and her stylist collaborated with Casey Cadwallader of Mugler on a couture paneled catsuit. The bodysuit features the sheer and opaque body-defining panels Cadwallader has become known for, though this time the entire piece was rhinestoned, meaning even those in the back of the stadium could see Lipa glisten.

Those were my two favorite looks of the show. If you would love to experience Dua Lipa on stage yourself, check out the remaining European tour dates.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and @dualipa
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.