Sandra‘s Closet

One beautiful sunny day last fall, I flew to London to follow Lalique‘s very exclusive invitation to have tea time at Elton John’s gorgeous home. The reason for this once in a lifetime experience was the launch of the ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE collection that includes four exceptional crystal sculptures. As you can imagine, the estate is breathtaking and Sir Elton John is absolutely lovely to talk to.

Inside Sir Elton John’s beautiful home

«The ultimate goal of this project is to raise money to support urgently needed projects that address the continuing challenges of the AIDS epidemic across the globe. In doing so, we also want to create beautiful and meaningful pieces for people to purchase that speak to the high standards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Lalique. Through purchasing one of these crystal pieces, people are also learning something about EJAF’s work and helping to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.»
– Sir Elton John

Inside the house’s art gallery where Sir Elton John and David Furnish officially tied the knot in 2014.

David Furnish and Lalique designer Marc Larminaux listen to Sir Elton John’s speech.

Four Special Editions (the unique Angel Cire Perdue, the Heart in platinum enamelled red crystal, the Heart in gold enamelled clear crystal and the Angel in gold-stamped clear crystal) each signed by Sir Elton John, will be auctioned during this weekend’s 2016 Academy Awards, in partnership with Paddle8, to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The unique Angel Cire Perdue.

«I don’t think that I have ever seen a more beautiful piece of glass than the big Angel. It is breathtaking!»
– Sir Elton John

The standing Angel in clear crystal and the Heart in clear or red crystal are available at Lalique boutiques and their select retailers. Lalique will contribute 10% of sales to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The socle of the statue engraved by Sir Elton John.

Sir Elton John, the theme of the pieces is ‘Music is Love’. Why do you think music and love have always been so intricately entwined?

Love is one of the primary forces that can unite us and bring us together despite our differences. Indeed, love shows us that the differences dividing us from each other are ultimately very superficial, that we have so much more in common than not. Music is a powerful medium for expressing all the many faces of love, and it is a participatory medium. Music draws us together. It is a universal language. We come together to make music, to listen to music, to share music. This is why I believe that music and love are synonymous, that music IS love.

Music is your passion and your most widely-known medium of expression. How have you found working in sculpture, particularly in crystal?

The process of artistic creation – whether for music or dance or visual art – arises from the same impetus, the same need to express thoughts, feelings, ideas. I found the entire design process for this project – from theorising, to working and revising with drawings, to realising the concept as a three-dimensional object – to be absolutely exhilarating. Working in crystal is fascinating, and Lalique crystal has an amazing way of constantly changing with light and shadow, the time of day… Such a beautiful, magical medium!
The finished piece is even more exciting and beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I’m completely thrilled with it and really looking forward to the auction in February 2016.

You’re a collector of glass and crystal, and have a number of Lalique pieces in your collection. What is it that you appreciate about crystal and Lalique in particular?

For me, Lalique stands for craftsmanship, luxury and a strong tradition of devotion to the art of producing the highest quality, most beautiful objects using these materials. Lalique sets a standard of craftsmanship that is simply unparalleled in the world. I think glass is a much underappreciated art form. That is why I collect it and I love it very much and Lalique to me represents the Rolls-Royce of glass.
As an oral artist who makes music, the visual arts of glass inspire me when I write a song or when I play the piano, because every day I get up and I am surrounded by glass and a lot of Lalique. Subconsciously, it inspires me to do better things, I think.

MUSIC IS LOVE Heart Red Crystal (limited edition of 499 pieces) and Heart Clear Crystal (limited edition of 999 pieces).

«The heart is a universal symbol of love.»
– Sir Elton John

You have also been working with the Lalique design team to create three other sculptures – a smaller angel and two heart sculptures, with part of the proceeds going to the Foundation. What do these symbolise for you?

The heart is a universal symbol of love, as well as the Angel. Love is ultimately what guides and inspires the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and love is what we need to end this epidemic. Science has made amazing advances in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. But unless we love each other enough to make sure that everyone – no matter who they love, what they do, how they look or what they believe – has the resources to stay healthy and prevent further transmission of the disease, then all the science in the world will be for naught. LOVE is the ultimate solution to AIDS.

Thank you, Sir Elton John, for this amazing invitation!

To visit the Lalique website where you can shop the limited edition pieces or bid for the collector’s items, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful library.

The estate is truly breathtaking.

Sir Elton John in front of the three other sculptures that are available in stores.

Sir Elton John is a dedicated art collector.

Art plays a very important role in the life of the famous singer.

I loved this statue inside the guest bathroom.

With Lalique owner Silvio Denz in front of the unique Angel Cire Perdue.

Being at Sir Elton John’s home was a truly special experience that I will treasure forever. I am wishing Lalique and him good luck this weekend to achieve the best result possible in the auction.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Los Angeles where I will be from Thursday on…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Lalique

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

For all hopeless romantics among you, I have great news. Swiss bed linen manufacturer SCHLOSSBERG will bring you the stars from the sky to your bedroom with the launch of the first illuminating bedding ever with the heavenly name CELESTE.

LED elements are embroidered onto the satin fabric (100% cotton) that due to a delicate process doesn’t loose any of its softness or comfort. The bedding is even washable at 60°C.

And have no fear! The flow of electricity is minor because the illuminating diodes work with low tension. The battery can last up to 12 hours. Its USB plug is woven into the closure and can be charged at a computer/laptop or the outlet.

The new CELESTE line will be in stores for Christmas time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Schlossberg Switzerland

With the fall season right around the corner, it is the perfect time of the year for entertaining. I love throwing a theme soiree in an intimate gathering. I am not the most dedicated chef, but I absolutely adore table settings and decorations. For this photo shoot (for SI Style Magazine), I went for an Asian inspired theme (most pieces available at Jelmoli).

How to get started? First, of course, with your invites. Having an accurate guest count is essential for a dinner party, especially if you are planning on having some special surprises like personalized napkins for your friends to take home (available for order at Kids and the City). I like to tie ribbons around them to match the color theme of the night.

Personally speaking, a beautiful table setting is like the canvas for a perfect meal. On the morning before the event, I love going to the flower market and getting fresh blooms. I usually place them in the center as well as in small pots and vases everywhere in the room. My rule is to keep all flowers and candle low enough that guests can have great conversations over them. Very important is that you stay with non-scented candles since you don’t want to interfere with the tastes and smells of your food.

Once your guests have arrived, relax and enjoy the good company, delightful ambiance, and delicious food you put so much work into. It’s time for the hostess to enjoy, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Agi Simoes for SI Style Magazine

Piero Fornasetti was an illustrious sculptor, interior designer, graphic artist and painter, immortalizing muse Lina Cavalieri in his work. Continuing the tradition, his son Barnaba and perfumer Olivier Polge have created evocative home fragrances, beautifully housed in handcrafted ceramic vessels.

Perfect to have on your parlor coffee table! Those scented candles smell truly amazingly, my favourites! Keep the ceramic vessels as they make a beautiful ornament for your home even after the 60-hours burn time has elapsed.

LoL, Sandra

La Femme Aux Moustaches Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Sardine Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Burlesque Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

L’Ape Thyme, Cedarwood and Lavender scented candle

Sun and Moon Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle

Ortensia Rose, Iris and Orange Blossom scented candle

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle
Stills: Courtesy of Fornasetti, Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aren’t those 3M Scotch tape dispensers the cutest addition to your desk?! I mean you never know, how many sticky situations you might get into. For all shoe lovers among you or for those who like to add some fun to their daily office life, this is that one accessory to get.

This tape dispenser comes packaged with a roll of its 3M Scotch Magic Tape. I couldn’t resist the pink one and bought mine in Gstaad at a stationery shop for CHF 14.50.

LoL, Sandra

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Honeysuckle

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Aqua

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser, 2 Tone Red and Black

Photos: Courtesy of Scotch

Charlotte Stockdale, Jo Malone’s style editor, has designed the latest addition to Jo Malone’s Home Collection: ‘My Wanderlust’. Each scent from the collection was crafted out of Stockdale’s love for travel and the places she has explored.

The collection includes a candle, soap, a diffuser, home scent and linen spray, the latter two won’t be available in Switzerland. The atmospheric packaging was inspired by British watercolour paintings.

Inspired by the impressive foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the scent of the Cardamom & Moroccan Rose home candle was created by dominant notes of aromatic cardamom, sweet Moroccan rose and honeyed spice with hints of fresh ginger and chamomile — resulting in expansive yet luscious floral facets.
Cardamom & Moroccan Rose Home Candle 200g (CHF 86.00)

The scent of the Acacia & Honey soap is meant to encapsulate the hazy breeze of an Australian beach. Key notes include sweet honey with lively ginger, topped off by a powdery, floral note of acacia.
Acacia & Honey Bath Soap Collection 2 x 100g (CHF 55.00)

Lastly, the exotic scent of the Lime Basil & Mandarin diffuser is made up with notes of revitalising citrus, tart mandarin and zesty grapefruit — all wrapped up in amber wood with surprise hints of basil and white thyme, paying tribute to the pleasant Caribbean breeze.
Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround™ Diffuser 165ml (CHF 90.00)

The collection will be available from January 2015. In Switzerland at Globus Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Though we may spend quite some time devising our Halloween decorations, the holiday is gone in a flash and we are left with the next one to come. Each year, I love to dress my Christmas tree in a different color theme. Therefore I am always looking for some new inspirations.

Net-à-porter offers for the first time limited edition glass bauble sets by Bombki. Michael Peterson, the English brand’s head designer, has been commissioned by everyone from Sir Paul Smith to London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Since 2001, he has been creating the most stunning Christmas decorations you can imagine. See for yourself:

Little Paris set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little London set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little Russia set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Little New York set of five glass baubles by Bombki

Also amazing are Lanvin’s baubles. Imagine a tree filled with these ones topped with a red grosgrain bow and printed with unique and colorful sketches by Alber Elbaz. They also make a great and stylish gift.

LoL, Sandra

Printed porcelain bauble by Lanvin

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

For Frédéric Malle home scents are about atmospheres. A cluster of lily of the valley, a gentleman’s den, a dinner in Paris: so many different olfactory images have gone through his mind, and over time he has asked the best perfumers in the industry to transcribe them into fragrances. Each of these highly figurative scents can transform the atmosphere of a room. The fact that these perfumes evoke such precise images inspired Monsieur Malle to call illustrator Konstantin Kakanias and ask him to create his own interpretation of the image conjured by each perfume. For a limited time each illustration will be featured on the box of its corresponding candle, in a collection of images as eclectic as the collections of the iconic scents.

Special edition for X-mas: JOYEUX NOEL by Dominique Ropion

This limited collection will be available in Switzerland for example at Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Frédéric Malle

We have a new hot spot in Zurich: the 80-seat restaurant LOUIS’ located on the lakeside in Wollishofen. The new place to eat  offers a unique view of the Zurich’s skyline along with a gastronomic experience at the highest level by chef Christoph Eisner and his team. Lars Krauss (pictured with me above at the opening last Thursday) has fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant together with his business partner Verena Thalmann. Their passion for the project can be seen in every single detail.

The interior design is beautiful with white as the main color and four pastel shades that can be found in various furniture elements. The eye-catching chandeliers were specially made for the restaurant. A small but fine champagne bar and lounge area on the gallery invites guests to linger. In the summer months the urban feeling is complemented by a tastefully furnished terrace with 80 seats.

The seasonally changing menu offers special lunch dishes in the price range of CHF 25.00 to 30.00. Highlights are for example lukewarm beetroots with a mousse of smoked trout (CHF 17.00), fried duck liver with apple compote (CHF 21.00), roasted corn-fed chicken stuffed with lemon, ricotta and dried tomatoes, accompanied by vegetable couscous (CHF 39.00), sautéed fillet of sea bass with ratatouille (CHF 48.00) and chocolate mousse with milk rice (CHF 14.00).

Restaurant Louis’, Seestr. 457, 8038 Zurich-Wollishofen, Switzerland
Phone: + 41-44 221 15 15
Monday – Friday 10am – 12am
Saturday 6pm – 12am
Sunday closed

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Restaurant