Sandra‘s Closet

After the Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week, I spotted Natasha Zinko, a London-based designer of Russian origin that graduated with a BA Honours recognition for Jewelry Design at Central St Martins. She opened her first store this year in the heart of London’s Mayfair district at 46 Maddox Street.

Her jewelry creations, like these skeleton earrings, are bold and very fashion forward. She also designs a ready-to-wear line called Abrakadabra. Of course, she caught my eye immediately because of her stunning Mary Katrantzou dress. Her friend wore head-to-toe Prada from the F/W 2012 collection. If you are interested in my look, click here for the previous post.

Natasha’s look: Typewriter dress by Mary Katrantzou (F/W 2012), embroidered book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, shoes and skeleton earrings by Natasha Zinko.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news for my Swiss readers: This upcoming Sunday, 2nd of December, from 12 -6 pm, you have the chance to meet and greet the jewelry designer GABRIELE FRANTZEN at GASSMANN in Zurich.

You have seen me many times wearing her amazing designs. Now, you will have the chance to explore her famous “Sense & Sensibilty” collection that is in the meantime available in 20 different shades with your own eyes or get your fingers on the new S/S 2013 “Zoo” designs.

For my foreign readers, you can shop Gabriele Frantzen’s designs online at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

LoL, Sandra

SENSE & SENSIBILITY EMERALD

FLOWER CHOKER

KISSING PANTHERS

PEARL DRAKE

TIGER PENDANT

ZOO

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriele Frantzen, © Sandra Bauknecht

Chopard has created a very special new collection of Haute Joaillerie inspired by the iconic Disney Princesses in partnership with Harrods and the internationally renowned department store’s Disney themed Christmas celebration. For a previous post, please click here.

Last week, I visited Chopard’s headquarters in Meyrin/Geneva and saw those amazing pieces with my own eyes. Their beauty and craftsmanship are truly overwhelming. Stay tuned for a detailed post of my visit to be posted soon.

Caroline Scheufele has interpreted the key characteristics of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana by designing ten unique and exceptional Haute Joaillerie pieces unveiled at the Chopard boutique at Harrods.

The Disney Princess Collection by Chopard will be shown exclusively at Harrods until January with all of these one-off pieces available for sale.

Enjoy the photos below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, Harrods and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last weekend, I went to the preview of the new James Bond movie SKYFALL (directed by Sam Mendes) in Zurich, in which Bond’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the sacrifice.

Personally speaking, Skyfall is one of the best Bonds in its 50-year history. I truly enjoyed its outstanding dose of Bond-esque humour and Javier Bardem is excellent as crazy bad-guy Silva. Of course, there has to be a female temptation for 007 and Bérénice Marlohe showed off why she’s the new Bond Girl on the red carpet for the royal premiere in London this week.

The beautiful actress, who plays the character of Sévérine, worked her curves in a sizzling red draped couture gown by dame Vivienne Westwood. The show stopping frock featured designer’s iconic corset and was accessorized with Stephen Webster fine jewelry pieces from his F/W 2012 collections ‘Forget me Knot’ and ‘Deco Haze’ set in 18ct white gold with hematite and white diamonds. That is what I would call “dressed to kill”.

Inspired by the new Bond film, Skyfall, Stephen Webster has created four exclusive designs for Swarovski which encapsulate all the movie magic of 007’s latest adventure. On screen, French actress Bérénice Marlohe is wearing select jewelry pieces from the collection. As Stephen Webster stated: “Without question, collaborating with Swarovski on the jewelry for Skyfall has been exciting from the word go. The themes in the film seem to fit perfectly with the design aesthetic of the jewelry I create, and the many creative meetings at Pinewood Studios between Swarovski, ourselves and the Bond team have only added to our enthusiasm for the project. We can’t wait to see the jewels, shaken not stirred within the movie.” The beautiful collection is available in Swarovski stores worldwide.

If you are interested to find out more about Stephen Webster, I recommend this previous interview I did with him this summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski, Stephen Webster, IMDb and © Getty Images

During the recent fashion weeks, you couldn’t help but notice the common thread literally popping up for F/W 2012: Chunky knit sweaters paired with gorgeous statement necklaces. This combination has the right twist to jazz up the cozy winter staple. Click here to see me wearing it.
Enjoy shopping some of my favourite looks:

1 Chunky-knit wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Chloé and crystal ribbon necklace by Lanvin
2 Blue bobble knit sweater by Carven and crystal and bead necklace by J.Crew
3 Knitted wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Nina Ricci and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser
4 Zesty lime cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Joseph and Riri painted Swarovski crystal necklace by Tom Binns
5 Multicoloured sweater by Closed and embellished bib necklace by Lanvin
6 Striped chunky-knit sweater by Missoni and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser

LoL, Sandra

For its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, the House of Piaget completely developed and crafted in-house, the new Couture Précieuse collection that pays homage to feminine beauty. It was such a pleasure, a true feast for the eyes, to see those magnificent high jewelry creations.

I absolutely loved the decor of the booth. David Downton, famous fashion illustrator and confidant of the world of Haute Couture, created eight sketches immortalising some of the models presented by Piaget. His work that is involving the use of gouache, acrylic paint and Indian ink, created splendid showcases for the jewelry sets.

The Couture Précieuse collection was inspired by three different motifs:

Radiant Laces:
The jewelry sets borrow from the field of corsets and ribbons and celebrate the beauty of feminine curves.

Diamond Embroidery:
Piaget dresses the skin with diamonds, as light and vaporous as a breath of air. Like sumptuous lace or stunning guipure dresses, the creations reveal the smoothness of a glimpse of skin beneath golden fabric and stones.

Magnificent adornments:
In these elegant and refined models, Piaget draws its inspiration from men’s dress suits, with the precious “brandebourg” motifs.

The quintessence of seduction is embodied in a sumptuous necklace embroidered with gold filaments and diamonds. Its entirely openwork, articulated structure makes it look like lace. This centrepiece of the collection is made in the same way as a Haute Couture dress, on the bias and finished with a smooth cut. It took more than 800 hours of work to create.

Gorgeous Embroidery Necklace (Ref.  G37LJ938)
White gold with 1513 brilliant-cut diamonds (44.19 ct), 133 baguette-cut diamonds (16.77 ct), 11 rose-cut diamonds (5.96 ct) and 4 pear-shaped diamonds (7.55 ct).

And the absolute star of the show is the necklace inspired by a traditional fan which merely hints at what its wearer wishes to reveal. The contrast between a delicate central rubellite motif and the finely fashioned net motif on the fan creates a transparent play on light and shade. Each of the fan sections was separately crafted being assembled, and which looks as if it is ready to open and close with the next passing breeze.

Fan Temptation Necklace (Ref.G37LJ240)
White gold with 728 brilliant-cut diamonds (47.13 ct), 5 pear-shaped rubellites (10.95 ct) and 1 cushion-cut rubellite (20.95 ct).

A re-edition of a vintage 1970s model, the cuff-watch is inspired by knit dresses. Its bracelet highlights the historical expertise of the chainmaker-jewelers of the House of Piaget. Gold is hand twisted, knit and formed into a mesh entirely by hand, much like the work of a fashion couturier. This provides an opportunity to emphasise the know-how of the Piaget artisans who, after patiently fitting each gold link on very tiny pins, give rise to these wonderfully supple and unique gold fabrics. It is a real nod to Piaget’s of the 1970s.

Gold Chain Cuff Watch (Ref. G0A38211)
White gold (189.5 g), Calibre 56P, Piaget Quartz movement
400 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.9 ct), diamond-paved dial and white gold bracelet

Personally speaking, my three favourite pieces are the ones below. I have especially fallen for the Lace Mystery Necklace. Its shape enhances the feminine curves of the body and draws all eyes to its dazzling brilliance. It is such a sensual piece of jewelry that could transform every evening gown in seconds to show-stopping appearance.

Lace Mystery Necklace (Ref. G37LM942)
White gold, 303 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.43 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (0.53 ct), 30 pear-shaped rubellites (7.34 ct), 29 round rubellites (6.03 ct), 50 round pink sapphires (4.17 ct) and 1 pear-shaped rubellite (10.61 ct).

Sublime Embroidery Earrings (Ref. G38LK800)
White gold with 378 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.44 ct).

Splendid Embroidery Necklace
White and pink gold  with 2395 brilliant-cut diamonds (24.54 ct), 10 square-cut diamonds (2.03 ct), 5 marquise-cut diamonds (2.21 ct), 1 triangle-cut diamond (0.09 ct), 1 pear-shaped diamond (1.50 ct), 1 cabochon pink sapphire (0.86 ct), 146 round pink sapphires (14.21 ct) and 3 pear-shaped pink sapphires (8.19 ct).

Seeing all the craftsmanship that has gone into those outstanding creations, it makes you appreciate the work even more. Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures from the Biennale des Antiquaires 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Making of Photos: Courtesy of Piaget

Tuesday afternoon, I arrived in Paris for the city’s famous and oldest antiques fair, the Biennale des Antiquaires, at the Grand Palais which takes places from September 14 to 23, 2012. I am invited by Piaget and totally excited to be here.

For the 26th edition of the Biennale, designer Karl Lagerfeld has been decorating and creating the visuals for the event, plus a contemporary world within the Grand Palais. The exhibition will take place at the main part as well as in “Le Salon d’Honneur”.

This was my look on the arrival day:
Silk blouse and cardigan by Prada, wide wool pants by Stella McCartney, ankle boots by Fendi, Monogram Aviator bag from Louis Vuitton‘s Pre-fall 2010 collection, statement necklace by Roberto Cavalli and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: Dominatrix by Tom Ford.

On the first evening, we had dinner at Hotel Costes. Stay tuned for many beautiful photos coming up from my stay in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Snakes and Cleopatra – two symbols that exude seduction, power, mystery and eternity. Iconic elements that Bulgari brings together in a contemporary manner by reinterpreting the legend of Cleopatra, personified as a modern living goddess by Rachel Weisz for the new Serpenti advertising campaign, photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

The snake, a longstanding design that has characterized the Bulgari collections since the Forties, an emblem further consecrated by Elizabeth Taylor who was immortalized wearing a serpent-shaped watch on the Cleopatra set in 1962 and that still today, with the same spirit, represents a true corner stone for the venerable Roman jewelry house. A symbol that is further celebrated in the new campaign where Rachel Weisz becomes a contemporary Cleopatra.

The backdrop is at once monumental and essential – hefty gray stone boulders that bring to mind the temples of ancient Egypt in size and scale.

The Serpenti collection is available in white, yellow or pink gold glittering with diamonds, in delicate sprinklings or embossed with intricate baguette cuts, alternated or mixed with precious stones and coloured gems tones.

The new advertising campaign will be on air from September 2012 through June 2013.
I think that Rachel Weisz looks absolutely stunning and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari

Today is my 11th wedding anniversary. It is crazy how time just flies. If you are curious how I looked in 2001, click here for a previous post.

Yesterday, I went to Munich for work which felt like taking a trip down memory lane. This was the place where my civil wedding took place 11 years ago. The religious ceremony was celebrated one week later in Marbella, Spain.

Being all nostalgic, I was woken up by my husband this morning with a wonderful surprise:
The amazing Diorette earrings by Dior Joaillerie. matching my favourite ring perfectly.

After all those years, it really feels good to say: “I would marry him again!”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The pearl is one of the oldest gems in the world. There have been many ancient legends handed down from one generation to the next on those precious jewels. The Roman Empire considered pearls to be status symbols. According to the myth, Cleopatra bet her lover Marc Anthony that she could provide him with the most expensive banquet the world had ever seen. The day of the feast, Cleopatra, who was wearing an enormous pair of extremely precious pearl earrings, dropped one of them in a vessel containing vinegar that dissolved it completely which was more expensive than most lands.

For the ancient Greeks the pearl was a symbol of love and marriage. Thanks to Coco Chanel, they stand today for the ultimate statement of style. Coco loved pearls and used several necklaces of various sizes for a more dramatic effect.

Pearls can make you look more radiant. In Europe, the most popular shades have been white and pink-rose to flatter fairer skin tones whereas in Asia, natural-coloured golden pearls have enjoyed great popularity since many years.

Finally, pearl farmers have succeeded to cultivate golden pearls in a shade that suits all skin tones, “Vanilla Overtone” is lighter and more radiant. Bucherer is the first European jeweler, that is offering this new colour in a large selection. To celebrate the launch, I was invited to a Golden Pearl High Tea in collaboration with Falcon Private Bank at the Haute restaurant overlooking Zurich’s rooftops. Everything matched the golden tone of the pearls, from the shimmering pastries to the sparkling champagne and the exclusive tea.

And as a diamond is a pearl’s best friend, enjoy how beautiful the two look in combination.
Available at Bucherer, Bahnhofstr. 50, CH- 8001 Zurich, Phone +41 44 211 2635.

LoL, Sandra

RING with one natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearl (15,2 mm), brown brilliant diamonds (total 2.65 ct), and brilliant diamonds (total 0.69ct), CHF 21000.- / € 13990.-

NECKLACE – Yellow gold with 12 natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls (10 – 11mm), CHF 6600.- / € 5900.-

PEARL NECKLACE with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls and interchangeable clasp with brilliant diamonds (11 -14.9mm), CHF 15800.- / €13300.-
Interchangeable clasp, CHF 4800.- / € 4300.-

EARRINGS – Yellow gold with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls and brilliant diamonds (10.4mm), CHF 2850.- / € 2550.-

BRACELET – Yellow gold with natural-coloured golden South Sea cultured pearls (8 – 8.9 mm), CHF 12800.- / € 11400.-

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer and © Sandra Bauknecht