Forget dress to impress, it is time to dress to cook with this capsule collection of aprons created by major designers and artists for yoox.com. With €88.00 per piece, it is the perfect gift idea for your someone who likes to prepare dinner in style. Great news is that part of the proceeds will go to the Slow Food Foundation.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of yoox.com
Yesterday I flew to Paris to celebrate the reopening of GUERLAIN‘s legendary address – 68, avenue des Champs-Elysées, which will officially open its doors this Saturday. Since 1914, it had been the house of the family and also the first boutique with only 45m² until 2005.
Peter Marino, Laurent Boillot (CEO Guerlain) and Guy Martin (Chef G68)
Today, it has become a temple of beauty with 1000m² on four floors, expressing the house’s DNA with an unbelievable atmosphere that has not forgotten its past. It is the biggest mono brand beauty store in the entire world. Peter Marino designed the store concept, displaying amazing pieces of art and giving the house’s history space. He encrusted marble into marble in a modern way and said that he relied on his wife for any advice on beauty.
For Peter Marino, “perfume is something in the air, something that is not concrete, that travels through the atmosphere.” Therefore he came up for example with a ceiling installation in the entrance that he called “lost in fragrance”, a very flowing and captivating interior design.
Yesterday with Guerlain’s famous face Natalia Vodianova
A happy Sandra exploring Guerlain’s temple of beauty, filled with house’s iconic fragrances and makeup products.
The store also has a private shopping room where you can indulge into the Haute Perfumery.
Here, you will find exceptional bottles, like for example the Queen Secret, a diamond encrusted bee that opens her wings to reveal the perfume you choose (€400.00 per piece) or a perfumed watch that combines the craftsmanship of watchmaking, jewelry and perfume making.
On display in the store are also some amazing vintage pieces.
An hommage to Guerlain’s iconic L’Orchidée Impériale line is this artwork by Marc Quinn.
To celebrate the opening, different limited or special editions have been launched such as a face powder of which only 400 pieces will be available or L’Eau 68, created by Thierry Wasser, that weaves a thread between the past and the future. Its scent, floral and woody, plays off the contrast between warm and cool spices.
Moreover, you can find a silk scarf selection or perfumed gloves which are amazing and said to keep their scent for a very long time.
The charming Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director of Guerlain, with me yesterday.
On the fourth floor, the amazing Guerlain spa is located. Nine rooms offer a relaxing and calming atmosphere with a very holistic approach. Every treatment is tailor-made for the customer. Different massage techniques from all over the world are combined to cater to the needs of the individual.
The waiting area has its own orchid garden and the entrance is just breathtaking.
In the basement, you will find the G68 restaurant where one of the best French chefs Guy Martin is treating his exclusive clientele to sophisticated and luxurious food – French Haute Cuisine. Martin has worked closely with Guerlain’s in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser. Following the same approach to creativity, they invented food that is called like the fragrances, working with similar ingredients. Martin said: “You have to understand the brand. You have to work with the best qualities, looking for the right products. It is a cuisine of comfort, pleasure and travel.”
I am completely in love with their tea selection named after their iconic fragrances that is also available to buy.
Guerlain’s legendary address is a feast for your senses, where you can indulge in luxury and beauty like nowhere else.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Finally, Evian®‘s newest designer collaboration has hit the stores and you can enjoy your usual water bottle in style. For the seventh time, the brand has teamed up with a designer and for 2014 it’s not other than ELIE SAAB.
Being inspired by common theme of purity, the bottle is decorated with a signature ELIE SAAB lace pattern, that recalls the feminine and elegant designs featured so prominently in the brand’s collections. The ELIE SAAB for Evian® bottle will be available in three sizes: 150cl, 75cl and 33cl, worldwide in selected restaurants and stockists, as of November 2013.
In Switzerland for CHF 3.90 (75cl) at Globus and Manor among others.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Evian® and Elie Saab
My dear colleague Thorleif Griess-Nega, Editor for German InStyle MEN, had a fun idea and launched his own sparkling wine brand recently. The intention to create Chímpanskí was to design a drink for people who have enough of show-off drinks from France but don’t want to compromise in terms of quality and style. Find out more and enjoy the interview he gave me.
Thorleif Griess-Nega
Since when exists Chímpanskí?
I founded Chímpanskí in 2013 after more than one year of research for the right wine cellar. This sparkling wine now comes from Lower Austria and is a mixture of Grüner-Veltliner and Welschriesling. It also took quite a long time to finish the label for the bottle since I had a very definite idea of it’s visual appearance in my mind. After all I´m very happy about the result!
Why did you do it?
The idea was to create a sparkling wine with an image that people can identify with who take themselves not too serious. I worked in German Nightlife business for a long time before, owned and worked for clubs in Hamburg, Bonn and Munich. And I always loved to travel a lot, met colleagues at their bars and clubs all over the world. Throughout all these years I saw a lot. But one thing always seemed to stay the same: Countless people who were buying expensive sparkling wines from France. Somehow I never got used to it but recognized more and more how much that showing-off bothered me.
Isn’t a bit of showing-off quite appropriate for nightlife?
It is but has to come from your inside not from the cost for your drink. I don’t like that thought and people behaving like that! Why should one drink expensive stuff just to separate from others who don’t? When I am out partying I don’t measure my fun at the price of a drink. A drink must stand for simplicity, fun, character. Beside the history and quality of a product I believe in the idea behind as its true value. So I decided to create a drink of good quality and a cool image!
Where comes the name Chímpanskí from?
My friends and me used to call ourselves: „chimpanzees“. I think it was because these animals are so sympathic, funny and free (at least they are intended to be)! Thats why I invented the label Chímpanskí and the slogan: „Support your inner monkey“. I think nightlife shall be all fun, relaxation and letting yourself go!
You say „at least they are intended to be“. What do you mean by that?
I hate reading about how much humanity and economy harm chimpanzees and their haunt. Many of these animals are treated badly for so-called human interests. So I started a little cooporation with the „Pro Wildlife Foundation“ and first linked the Chímpanskí website to theirs to share some publicity and awareness. Beside that I have my own sponsoring via PWF for chimpanzees.
Drink for less, we love! To order, please click here.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chímpanskí
As promised in my previous post last week, here are all the details concerning the amazing collaboration between Dom Pérignon and Jeff Koons, which was launched during New York Fashion Week.
Personally speaking, I am crazy for this project as it involves three things I adore: champagne, the colour pink and one of my favourite artists! The limited edition ‘Balloon Venus’ is based on Jeff Koons’ work that was inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, a tiny paleolithic figurine discovered in Austria and dated to around 23 000 BC.
The Balloon Venus is part of Jeff Koons’ Antiquity series that begun in 2008, playfully exploring motifs from the History of Art with his trademark creative verve. The artist adapted the Balloon Venus sculpture for Dom Pérignon, by transforming the original statue in a smaller version which when opened, reveals a bottle of Rosé Vintage 2003. 650 will be produced, of which 20 will be sold in Switzerland for CHF 18’500.00 each.
Jeff Koons also designed better priced limited-edition gift boxes for the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2003 (CHF 449.00) and the Dom Pérignon Brut 2004 (CHF 199.00), available exclusively at Globus in Switzerland.
The launch event in NYC was held at the Stephan Weiss Studio in Greenwich Village. The berry-coloured ambiance was truly amazing, with different installations to explore the ‘Balloon Venus’ by Jeff Koons.
Born in 1955, Jeff Koons is one of the most recognised and solicited of all contemporary artists. He currently resides and works in the city of New York. Earning worldwide acclaim with his large-scale sculptures he has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his cultural achievements. For him, “the real power behind art is to put us in contact with feelings”.
Throwing a bottle of Dom Pérignon with his wife.
Today, Dom Pierre Pérignon’s visionary mind and exceptional boldness to declare, at the end of the 17th century, to make “the best wine in the world” is in the hands of Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy who creates each vintage of Dom Pérignon with pure excellence.
Champagne is my guilty pleasure and when it comes in a package like the ‘Balloon Venus’, I feel like a kid in the candy store, being on cloud nine!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Dom Pérignon, all event photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
In June 2013, the Coca-Cola Company launched in Argentina its first soda that is said to be naturally sweetened with sugar and stevia: COCA-COLA LIFE.
The product can be seen above sporting a green label and is packaged in the award-winning PlantBottle™ that is constructed of 30 percent plant material and is fully recyclable. The new drink contains 54 calories per 300ml, a 60% reduction compared to the classic Coke.
For the time being, it is only available in the South American country and it is still unknown if it will be launched elsewhere in the future.
Personally speaking, I am a Coke Zero addict and drink a lot of it. Of course, I would be over the moon to consume a “healthier” version of my favourite drink. But drinking sugar or high fructose corn syrup – even that it is less – is still kind of absurd. On the other hand, what does this new launch say about the other Coca-Cola drinks?!
What do you think about the green label? I don’t find the bottle appealing at all and prefer my Diet Coke without calories well-dressed in Marc Jacobs. Cheers!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Coca-Cola and © Sandra Bauknecht
Looking at those pictures, I have to admit that I am becoming a little homesick. Before I left for China, I was invited by a lovely friend to join a chocolate party at the LINDT factory in Kilchberg, Switzerland. You can rent the chocolate studio for 20 people and more to create some yummy treats.
The Maîtres Chocolatiers, real masters of their craft, were welcoming our group and helped us to make a LINDT chocolate bear and some amazing pralines. Every single detail counts when it comes to creating the finest chocolate and I had a real blast decorating my sweets. Bon appétit!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
In Shanghai, I stayed at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai, a temple of luxury. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the hotel offers amazing views of the famous Bund. The moment you step through the door, you feel the peaceful environment and are taken by the impressive art collection. 4000 original artworks are on display throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.
In the entry hall, a gigantic mosaic by leading Chinese artist Miao Tong welcomes the distinguished guests.
On my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely team. I stayed in one of the amazing 44 suites that combine Oriental style with contemporary furniture perfectly. The gorgeous interior design can also be found in the other 318 guestrooms.
All accommodations feature a large executive desk, an espresso machine, a traditional teapot with Jing teas and a minibar.
My spacious marble bathroom was to die for. Laying in the circular bathtub, I watched TV while gazing out across the city’s iconic skyline. The amenities are by sought-after London based perfumer Ormonde Jayne that I adore.
I was also invited to view Shanghai’s largest and most expensive Presidential Suite. Spanning 788 square metres, it features two private sky gardens, separate areas for dining, entertaining, meeting and resting. In addition, the large bathroom includes a two-metre Jacuzzi and steam room, plus a private gym and spa treatment room. Famous Chinese actor Jackie Chan was one of the first guests staying in this suite.
The hotel offers many different essential dining options for business and leisure. Celebrity chefs spoil their guests in six superb restaurants and bars, all equipped with outdoor seating facilities.
The Riviera Lounge is a great place to enjoy your afternoon tea.
At Zest restaurant, breakfast is served.
Shanghai chef Tony Lu serves authentic Jiang Nan cuisine at the Yong Yi Ting restaurant.
Yong Yi Ting also offers a Chef’s Table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Famous German chef Alfons Schuhbeck had just been here to learn more about this traditional Chinese cuisine.
The hotel is also a great choice for events with a versatile range of rooms including a ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests. I was very impressed by the showroom for special celebrations where all sorts of chairs, china, tableware and party themes are thoughtfully displayed.
The Mandarin Cake Shop
I spent one entire afternoon at the spa and gym of the hotel. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind, a becalming oasis of Zen. The butterfly is the muse for the interior design, a symbol of beauty and change in Chinese culture.
The 13 treatment suites are named “butterfly” in different world languages, including Mariposa (Spanish), Papillon (French), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian), and Euthalia (Greek).
A spectular 25-metre indoor pool along with a vitality and children’s pool is open 24 hours along with a gym featuring a large range of Technogym equipment.
I can absolutely recommend the Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. The team did everything to make my stay unforgettable and as convenient as possible. A jewel of Shanghai!
LoL, Sandra
Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
All other 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
I love what I do and that makes me happy. If you find the thing you really enjoy doing, work will not be work anymore, it will become pleasure. Sandra’s Closet is my passion, my addiction and my daily dose of fulfillment. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy posting it.
Here you see me on my way to one of my favourite sushi places in Zurich: GINGER. I included some photos of my beloved dishes below.
My look: Trompe l’oeil dress with oversized sweater top and leather skirt by Closed, blue long sleeve top by H&M, H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan, silk scarf and cross necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, bangles by Sal y Limon, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Tank Americaine watch by Cartier and Mat Opaque 80 tights in black by Wolford.
LoL, Sandra
Beef filet with ponzu sauce
Salmon carpaccio with egg
Salmon aburi
Kingfish carpaccio
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht