Sandra‘s Closet

This week, Cartier presented its new jewellery signature line «Clash de Cartier» in Paris. English-Brazilian actress Kaya Scodelario is the face and captures the duality of this collection perfectly. She will next appear in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, a film about serial killer Ted Bundy, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released internationally on May 3rd.

The new collection shakes up the Maison’s aesthetic heritage of studs, beads and clous carrés. Together, they form a singular, ribbed mesh deriving from a clash of attitudes.

Jewellery that’s sharp? Yes, but soft to the touch. Geometric? Yes, but generously sized and feminine. Mechanical? Yes, as all of the pieces are assembled yet free to move. At its essence is opposition: bright, feminine curves and soft contours are contrasted with the nervous tension of a taut structure.

Clash de Cartier possesses an innate sense of proportion that draws on pure Cartier style. In volumes and reliefs, circles and squares, the collection honours the Maison’s penchant for geometry which dates back to the 1930s.

A classic style? No! It’s neo-classical, singular, unisex, whimsical. Bright, flowing, pulsating, Clash de Cartier breaks up the conventional architecture of shapes. The studs are held in place but free to move. This subtle motion entices light to flit and flicker; the metal seems softer. Crafted in 4N pink gold, the rings can be stacked and layered in all versions.

Behind the clean lines and even spacing, Clash de Cartier is a highly complex feat of craftsmanship.
How are the studs interconnected yet mobile? The ingenious articulated mechanism was entirely developed by the jewellery workshops. Each element is mounted and polished. Each step calls for a new technique, just the right tool.

The Clash de Cartier piece is precisely calibrated to magnetise the forces, to hold the studs in place. The buff-top domed clous carrés are finished with a bright polish that is produced over a series of operations. In a final sophisticated touch, the inside of each piece is delicately scalloped for comfortable wear.

In stores now, for more information about the collection and the movie, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier 

CARTIER HAS CREATED AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGH JEWELLERY PARURE COMPOSED OF A RARE ENSEMBLE OF 14 EMERALDS FROM COLOMBIA.
In 1975, Cartier created a necklace for the Mexican actress María Félix that went down in history: two fully articulated crocodiles, one paved with emeralds and the other with yellow diamonds.

The original crocodile necklace created for María Félix in 1975.

The same artisan sculptor behind this historic design was involved in the creation of the new jewellery set. Based around 14 cabochon-cut emeralds from Colombia totalling 46.45 carats, these exceptional gems feature remarkable consistency in terms of quality, colour and shape and are further enhanced by a series of emerald beads in the same intense shade of green.

Cartier High Jewellery necklace (H7000289), bracelet (H6023516), ring (H4345200), earrings (H8000448), white gold, diamonds, emeralds.

THIS CREATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY NECKLACE ORDERED BY MARÍA FÉLIX.
This strikingly realistic reptile, with a powerful body, legs that are ready to move, and an emerald gaze, is distinguished by its protective yet predatory attitude. The design of the four pieces which make up this collection is true to Cartier’s tradition of naturalism: with a single feature, the ridges on  the reptile’s back.
Stretching out towards the tail, the pieces can be wrapped around the neck, the wrist or the finger, or be suspended as a pair of pendant earrings. The animal’s legs, like its scales, have been specially designed to feel comfortable against the skin.
Through the design and lines, the jewellery artisans have created a dynamic, lively shape that demonstrates their unique expertise.

1,875 HOURS OF WORK WERE REQUIRED TO CRAFT THE NECKLACE, AND 1,019 FOR THE BRACELET.
A nod to a legendary Cartier necklace that today has been presented around the world through the Cartier Collection’s exhibitions, this necklace perpetuates the long tradition of High Jewellery at Cartier based on one of its iconic themes, its menagerie, in a stunning exercise in craftsmanship and style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cartier

Dear Santa! In case you were wondering what would be on top of my wish list for Christmas, here you go. Being a huge fan of DIOR‘s ROSE DES VENTS collection, I have fallen in love with the new star piece of this line. A plastron – a multi-strand necklace – in yellow and white gold, set with diamond, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, onyx, tiger’s eye, cornelian and pink opal discs. What I love most is its versatility. A twist of grains encircles the medallions so that they can be worn either way, with the star showing or just the colourful gemstone.

This piece would look so great with my limited edition ROSE DES VENTS summer bracelets.

The necklace is around CHF 90.000 and I have heard there is one in the Zurich’s DIOR store on Bahnhofstrasse… making your job easier, Mr Santa!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Dior

In the ’80s everything was large and bold, from hairstyles to shoulder pads to earrings. Power dressing and the influence of television soap series such as «Dynasty» played an important role. Jewelry became more than just a fashion accessory; it was about making a statement.

Eighties earrings were large and dramatic and a staple for any ’80s woman. Clip-on earrings were popular as pierced styles were often too heavy to wear and faux gemstones were all the rage.
Here is how to work ’80s «Dynasty» earrings trend for F/W 2018:

Crystal-embellished floral stud earrings by Balenciaga

Crystal drop earrings by Balenciaga

Closer by Wwake coated sterling silver earrings by Closer By Wwake

Smoking silver-tone, resin and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Gold and silver-tone earrings by Isabel Marant

Silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Cluster bead, silk and gold-tone earrings by Bibi Marini

Which ones are your favorites? It is so hard to decide, isn’t it?! Let’s channel our inner Alexis…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Dynasty

As Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign and the emblem of her favourite city, Venice, the lion is part of her symbolic language. It’s one of her sources of inspiration and she would use it in her creations, to embellish the buttons of her suits or the clasps of her handbags.

Since 2013 the lion, reinterpreted by the Jewelry Studio of Creation, has given rise to 3 majestic high jewelry collections.

In 2018, the SOUS LE SIGNE DU LION jewelry collection opens a new chapter and presents 8 pieces inspired by the lion of Venice. The lapis blue and astral white medallions refer to the lion in St Mark’s Square and the sculptural lion, in yellow gold and rock crystal, evokes a Venetian baroque style.

Really really beautiful…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL

Let me introduce you to LOUIS VUITTON Star Blossom – an easy-to-wear jewellery collection that celebrates the Monogram Flower against a background of rose gold and diamonds. A legendary motif, created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton.
Recognisable, simple, current… This star-like flower becomes a talisman. Its four petals form a lucky charm and reappear endlessly in all their elegance and sophistication. Featured on pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets, women can make it their own by wearing, layering and stacking it. A precious and casual way to reveal your personality and change your style to suit your mood.

About the Responsible Jewellery Council
In 2012, Louis Vuitton has obtained RJC certification confirming the everyday application of the moral, social, societal and environmental principles championed by the Responsible Jewellery Council, throughout the lifespan of its watches and jewellery products, from the extraction of the precious stones and metals to their distribution, through their transformation by our craftsmen.
For further information: responsiblejewellery.com

So so beautiful … I am in love and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Remember the iconic puka shell necklace – when it was absolutely so cool to come back from your tropical vacation with a plastic flower in your hair and a shell choker around your neck? I am talking about this ubiquitous beachy accessory of the late ‘90s, that was loved by tween girls and surfer guys alike.

Puka shell necklace of the ’90s

You are lucky if you kept one in your jewellery box like I did. If not, it is time to get one. Only this time you can opt for a luxier, infinitely more grown up vibe.

Prada F/W 2017

Seen already at the Prada’s F/W 2017 show – as usual Miuccia knows how to set a trend – the chunky shell necklaces made an appearance layered over hefty coats and sweaters. So ladies, this piece can be taken to the winter season.

Shells are back but they’re literally cooler than ever before. Here some amazing pieces available now:

Large Puka natural shell necklace by Tohum

Eloise shell-embellished necklace by Heimat Atlantica

Sybile shell choker necklace by Heimat Atlantica

Cauri 9-karat rose gold, diamond and porcelain necklace by Pascale Monvoisin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Instagram Gilda Ambrosio

Last month, I flew to the Cannes Film Festival, and spent some amazing days there. Those who have been following me on Instagram have already seen a sneak preview of my experiences. One of them was a private dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi to present her first jewellery collection with Montblanc, so called «Les Aimants by Charlotte Casiraghi».

Needless to say that the location, the magnificently modern Villa La Favorite, was just perfect for this intimate gathering. The Côte d’Azur is the home of the monégasque royal family, so of course Charlotte had an idea what the most suitable party venue could be. Guests from within her circle of family and friends, as well as models Toni Garrn, Cindy Bruna and French actress Virginie Ledoyen enjoyed a first look at the new jewellery collection on the terrace of the magnificent Belle-Époque property while sipping a glass of champagne.

Left: MAN RAY (1890-1976) Nancy Cunard, 1927
Right: The new jewelry collection «Les Aimants» by Charlotte Casiraghi

Inspired by a 1920s photograph of Nancy Cunard (1896-1965), the writer, heiress, political activist, and muse to some of the 20th century’s most distinguished writers and artists, who was also known for wearing stacks of large African wood and ivory bangles, the line features a range of circular charm necklaces, rings and bangles made in black and white resin. Charlotte had the concept of attraction between opposites in mind, therefore the jewelry pieces come with a magnetic silver part to enable the stacking and give women the freedom to customize versatile and contemporary styles by pairing them in a creative way.

During dinner, Parisian duo Hollydays, introduced by Charlotte Casiraghi as dear friends to her heart, performed their original blend of pop and electro music while guests enjoyed a delicious menu that was also a creative interpretation of the theme with the contrasting colours and textures.

CEO of Montblanc, Nicolas Baretzki and Charlotte Casiraghi wearing pieces from the new collection «Les Aimants»

The party continued late into the night when more guests joined the after-party… Following its Cannes debut, the new collection is now available in Montblanc boutiques globally as well as on the brand’s e-commerce.

Enjoy more photos of this beautiful night below…

LoL, Sandra

French actress Virginie Ledoyen

Festival de Cannes jury member Khadja Nin

With Nicolo Oddi, founder & CEO Alanui, at dinner

Pierre Niney and Sveva Alviti

Creative Director of Montblanc, Zaim Kamal worked closely with Charlotte Casiraghi to create the new jewellery collection «Les Aimants».

Toni Garrn

With lovely Cindy Bruna, one of my favorite VS Angels

Sisters: S.A.R. Alexandra De Hannover and Charlotte Casiraghi

Photos: Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday evening, I was invited to a lovely dinner in Zurich‘s new restaurant Ornellaia (absolutely worth the visit, I loved it!) to celebrate 10 years of ATELIER SWAROVSKI. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, who launched the brand in 2007, has collaborated since then with over 75 of the world’s most exciting contemporary designers of which two had come for the occasion to Switzerland: Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf.

Partners in shine: Rolf Snoeren, my humble self, Nadja Swarovski and Viktor Horsting.

Swarovski crystals and fashion are a never-ending love story. Nadja’s grandfather Martin Swarovski worked already closely with designers, such as Christian Dior, whom he helped to embellish the famous «New Look». Many fashion designers have used those famous crystals to embellish their collections.

«Working with crystal is like applying fairy dust to the collections.»
– Viktor & Rolf

From the new book «Brilliant: The Story of Atelier Swarovski»:

Left – Maggie Rizer in a look from Viktor & Rolf’s F/W 1999 «Russian Doll» collection, right – a necklace from Viktor & Rolf’s «Velvet Rock» collaboration with Atelier Swarovski in 2014 for which the duo used crystals on the jewelry embedded with velvet flocking.

In 2016 ATELIER SWAROVSKI added a home decor line, in 2017 the first fine jewelry collection first presented at the Oscars. The designs deriving from the versatile collaborations are truly special, adding to ATELIER SWAROVSKI’s success of today.

It was a lovely evening and I had a great time, especially with these two. Isn’t it great when your girlfriends are so beautiful and come in model sizes :-): Nadja Schildknecht and Mimi Mollerus, both wearing ATELIER SWAROVSKI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Christian Dancker – saltyimages.ch and © Sandra Bauknecht

Celebrate the arrival of summer time with these new limited edition bracelets by DIOR that will stand out beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Personally speaking, my temptation to stack these pieces in vibrant hues is even stronger in summer: a mish-mash of whisper-thin pieces jangling against each other on a tanned wrist evokes a holiday mood, whatever the temperature outside.

DIOR’s Rose des Vents collection is a prime example: first launched in 2015 (for a previous post, click here please), the house has cleverly come up with a constant supply of new colors and designs – first were the pretty little bracelets with lapis, pink opal, mother-of-pearl and turquoise; later the medallion-like charm was studded entirely with diamonds, rendered in various colours on long sautoir necklaces and covered with onyx.

This summer the eight-pronged star, inspired by an old maritime navigational tool, appears in three limited edition colors, pink, orange and green. I love to flip the bracelets between the plain and embellished surfaces.

On my arm are these Rose des Vents bracelets from top to bottom:
– 18k white gold, diamond and pink ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and green ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
–  18k pink gold, diamond and orange ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise (permanent collection)

The perfect way to elevate the fresh summer accessories one step up, is to paint your nails in a vibrant hue that looks particularly flattering against bronzed skin. Part of Christian Louboutin Beauty‘s limited edition «Loubiflash» collection, these mini lacquers come in the matching colors to complement Dior’s summer bracelets.
Turquoise «Dragonflash» – Orange «Crosta Meteor» – Pink «Neoprene»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht