Sandra‘s Closet

Times are over that I am a desperate housewife thanks to the DYSON Cyclon V10 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner – the investment to purchase the best in vacuum technology to date. With the V8, you’re getting everything that any elite carpet or hardwood vacuum can and should offer. With no cords, HEPA allergy filtration, the ability to clean all flooring types, and a lightweight body, this vacuum is a cleaning lover’s dream. With the exclusive soft roller cleaning head designed to pick up large and small debris, the V10 is not only going to replace your vacuum, but your broom, too.

My look: Silk floral apron wrap dress by Natasha Zinko, floral-print silk-satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana, GG Marmont leather belt bag and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and earrings by Chanel.

Happy week – time to clean my shoe closet now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know how much I love MARY KATRANTZOU and that I have collected her designs starting from her first season. This summer, she has joined forces with PAPERLESS POST to create some beautiful invitations that are matching many dresses I have.

Cowboys and Princesses Invitation

Her clothes use intricate digital prints as transformative elements of style—and her eye for pattern is a natural fit for elegant party invitations that transcend the envelope.

Click HERE to see the full selection that is available at PAPERLESS POST. Inviting your friends has never been so much fun…

Left: Powder Gun Dress (with Mary Katrantzou) – Right: Sprinter Fritz Invitation

Left: Powdy Dress – Right: Powdy Invitation

Left: Rodizio Clutch – Right: Rodizio Invitation

Left: Expandit Dress – Right: Expandit Invitation

Left: Showmanship Dark Rush Dress – Right: Star Heart Invitation

Left: Harp Hazard Dress – Right: Strip Valley Invitation

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Paperless Post

Yesterday, Italian fashion entrepreneur, also called the «Jeans Genius», Renzo Rosso, was spotted during Paris Haute Couture Week wearing a T-shirt with cryptic wording on it. A mistake, or a purposeful provocation? It was both—a mistake on purpose.

Me with Renzo Rosso at Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbombastic Party during Paris Couture Week.

DIESEL founder Rosso definitely doesn’t make a mistake. This move is a marketing strategy par excellence. The President of OTB Group, the parent company of Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni, Paula Cademartori, Viktor & Rolf, Staff International (manufacturer and distributor of DSquared², Just Cavalli, Maison Margiela, Marni and Vivienne Westwood), and Brave Kid (manufacturer and distributor of Diesel Kid, Dsquared², John Galliano Kids, Marni and Trussardi Junior) knows how to get attention and make a statement in the right way.

His message?
Anything you do online, whether you are famous or not, will get judged. Hate brews on the internet; angry, bitter people are able to hide behind the anonymity of their screens. At one point or another, everybody receives hate on social media. He wanted to provoke his audience with an intentional misspelling in public and on Instagram. As expected, tons of comments appeared in his feed over the next few hours, giving more proof that conflict and hate are inescapable online.

DIESEL once again taps into current social issues in a very personal way, starting with self-mocking. The brand’s Haute Couture will be a bold message towards haters worldwide—and an invitation for everyone to step up, face and own the negative messages we receive every day.
The complete reveal of this new communication ‘adventure’ will occur at the end of summer—so, now more than ever, stay tuned. Bravo!

In the meantime, I will be on vacation wearing this shirt :-).
Swarovski crystal-embellished cotton-jersey top by Ashish

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Diesel and © Sandra Bauknecht

Paul Surridge, Creative Director of Roberto Cavalli, designed 11 footballs for the Pitti Immagine Uomo 94 project “Fanatic Feelings- Fashion Plays Football“, a broad multimedia presentation that will highlight the pioneering impact football has had on the world of men’s fashion, curated by Marcus Ebner, founder of German fashion magazines Achtung Mode and Sepp Football Fashion and contemporary art critic Francesco Bonami.  These unique “one of a kind” footballs will be sold for charity in the dedicated “Market” pop up store.

“Men’s fashion is going through crazy times where the worlds of tailoring, sports, active and street wear are one big melting pot. Football Fashion as an expression of style will be manifesting itself more and more. Why not wear your team’s jersey with a great suit? The show will give weight to this argument” says Markus Ebner who has been one the football fashion trail since 2002.

The 11 footballs by Roberto Cavalli represent the powerful language of graphics in sport, especially in the football world and these prints are part of the S/S 2019 men’s collection. The flamboyant designs are a craft of very graphic and camouflage effects along with the prominent Roberto Cavalli logos.

Paul Surridge’s first collection for Roberto Cavalli Men S/S 2019

The footballs are made out of genuine leather and exotic python skins hand crafted one by one by the Italian artisans within the Roberto Cavalli supply chain. They are aspirational luxury design objects rather than sport gears.

Some of the 11 footballs will be showcased and retailed in top Roberto Cavalli flagship stores such as Milan, Rome, Paris, London and Berlin to celebrate the Soccer World Cup 2018.

The generated revenues will be donated to The Foundation “Together To Go ONLUS”, supporting children with a free of charge rehabilitation program to recover from affects by Central Nervous System lesions in Milan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Robert Cavalli and Pitti Imagine Uomo

«Creativity takes courage.» – Henri Matisse

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the emblematic Supracolor® Soft pencil, Caran d’Ache is celebrating its devotion to boundless creativity with an absolute treasure chest. This selection comprises more 422 colour pencils taken from the brand’s different yet complementary ranges, including Luminance 6901®, Museum Aquarelle, Supracolor® Soft, Pablo® and Prismalo® Aquarelle. It is one of the largest collection of artistic pencils in the world.

This prestigious limited edition of 100 numbered cases contains all the expertise and creativity tirelessly developed in the Geneva-based workshops since 1915, presented in an elegant, ebony-coloured wooden box. As the lid is lifted, the eyes are greeted with an explosion of colours and materials, a unique opportunity for artists to express their creativity using a whole host of different techniques.

During my own fashion design studies, I loved to work with Caran d’Ache pencils, especially using the iconic Supracolor® Soft, of which 30 new limited-edition shades are included in this box. Their quality lies in particular in the brightness of the colours and their unique covering power.

The weight of the filled box, that is available for CHF 4200, is approximately 17kg. Would love to have one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Caran d’Ache and © Sandra Bauknecht

One question, I am constantly asked is, how I clean my clothes as I tend to wash things that are not supposed to be washed despite the care instruction label. Two ladies sharing the mutual idea, Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, founded therefore THE LAUNDRESS. Let me tell you a little more about this concept of amazing laundry detergents and more:

The Laundress founders Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd at their Soho store in NYC.

After discovering that 90% of the ‘dry clean only’ items in their wardrobe were actually washable, the duo set out to develop a range of detergents that not only clean clothes, but care for them too. Their toxin-free products tackle tough stains without fading colors and are gentle enough to be used on even the most precious cashmere.

The Laundress products are organized by fabric types.

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS BY THE LAUNDRESS –
Click on the highlighted text to shop the products online:

No. 10 Bundle
No. 10 is a provocative, original scent developed to meet the standards of a luxury fine fragrance, yet designed with clothing care in mind. This rich and sophisticated scent blends sultry spice and fresh powder notes with warm musk to round out its elegant accord. The all-purpose laundering formula is available in three different versions:
– Spritz the powdery light fragrance of ‘No.10 Fabric Fresh’ on car interiors, drapery, carpets and bedding
– ‘No.10 Fabric Conditioner’ reduces dry time, wrinkles and static cling
– The brand’s signature ‘No.10 Laundry Detergent’ is highly concentrated and works for up to 32 washes

Silk and Delicate Care Set
Created to reduce the need for frequent dry cleaning of your lingerie and silk pieces. Made with natural ingredients, the specially formulated wash removes stains and odors while preserving the condition of the fabrics. Use the spray to keep items fresh between wears. Scented in Lady, an herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk.

Wool and Cashmere Care Set
Keeping your clothes in pristine condition: The eco-friendly shampoo combines cedar extract and is sulfate-free to preserve the natural components of your clothing’s yarns. The portable spray removes odors and freshens fabrics, plus it contains moth-repellent.

Denim Care Set
Treat your designer denim to the care it deserves with this specialist set. The allergen-free detergent doesn’t contain fabric-damaging chemicals, so color and softness are preserved. Use the cleanly scented spray to freshen your jeans between washes.

Sport Care Set
This kit ensures that laundry isn’t excuse for skipping a workout. The detergent makes it easy to take care of your active and swimwear by removing odors and stains from a variety of fabrics. The non-toxic spray has antibacterial properties to freshen clothes, gym bags, helmets, sneakers and more. Lightly scented with a blend of leafy greens, eucalyptus and musk.

Whites & Darks Fabric Care Set
This set of sweet-smelling, biodegradable detergents contains ‘Classic Darks Detergent’ and ‘Classic Whites Detergent’, which are both housed in beautiful bottles. The dermatologist-recommended formula contains stain-fighting enzymes, color guard and is concentrated to ensure a little goes a long way.

Travel Pack fabric care set
LOVE THIS!!! I have it always with me when I traveling for longer periods. This compact travel pack comprises a miniature stain-remover, crease-remover and static-solver as well as a clothing freshener scented with essential oils.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Laundress

Finally there is something that really gets me excited for football. LOUIS VUITTON celebrates the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ with three unique projects of which one has really caught my eye. Gosh, I would love this to be my new living room centerpiece…

The FIFA World CupTM Official Match Ball Collection Trunk is a remarkable
celebration of the shared savoir-faire of Louis Vuitton and adidas’s. The result of this collaboration is an instant collector’s item based on Louis Vuitton’s classic wardrobe trunk. Handmade in the workshops at Asnières, the new trunk is covered in Monogram canvas and has traditional brass corners and lock. Once opened, however, it reveals its surprising contents of 14 footballs: 13 specially made reeditions of all the Official adidas Match Balls used at the FIFA World Cup™ – from the original, iconic Telstar first made in 1970 to this year’s Official Match Ball – each displayed on a shelf made of beech wood and with descriptive tags in Louis Vuitton’s trademark natural cowhide leather.

An additional Louis Vuitton football made in natural cowhide leather will accompany the collection. Only the second football ever made by Louis Vuitton, the ball will also be available to purchase separately.

Since 2010, Louis Vuitton provides a travel case for one of the world’s most sought-after, legendary trophies of the world which will be unveiled when the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is presented at the opening match and at the final of this year’s tournament. Thanks to intelligent openings at the top and the front of the case, the trophy can be easily accessed when it is presented before the final in Moscow on July 15th.

But this is not enough. Moreover Louis Vuitton launches for the first time a 2018 FIFA World Cup™ official licensed product collection – a new leather good collection inspired by the legendary official match ball of the 1970 FIFA World Cup™, the capsule will showcase unique versions of Keepall and Apollo bags, and a selection of small leather goods.

Made with the House’s iconic Epi leather first introduced in the 1920s, most of the styles will be proposed in 3 colour combinaisons. The hexagon design is created using a three-stage embossing procedure that is both innovative and based upon the House’s historic savoir-faire, allowing each coloured hexagon to have a richly textured feel, reminiscent of classic footballs.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

I am a passionate traveller and quite frankly of course I love to fly Business or First Class and stay in amazing hotels. But needless to say, I also like not to spend too much. Recently, ASMALLWORLD created the ultimate travel memberships for the discerning traveller of which two have caught my attention.

First the PRESTIGE membership that helps you to travel the world in style. Here is a summary of what is included in this package for €5200:
• 250000 Miles & More or Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status (with Etihad only)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘SilverSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Platinum’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Gold for sign-ups until July 2nd

Travelling in style in First Class

Personally speaking, as I am living in Zurich, the Miles & More offer included in the PRESTIGE membership seems extremely attractive as they buy you up to 2 return Business Class Tickets from Zurich to Los Angeles which would normally cost around €13000 which means you have already redeemed the fee you paid for the whole package.

Always worth a trip: California

The additional perks are also amazing such as the SPG Gold status which gives you upgrades and late check-outs in a wide range of hotels from the cool W hotels to the distinguished St. Regis resorts of the world.

Second the SIGNATURE membership which is the ultimate by invitation only travel membership and provides you with the following features for €19950 + €2000 induction fee:
• 1 Million Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status for yourself and your
nominee (two in total)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘GoldSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Diamond’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Platinum for sign-ups until July 2nd

Enjoying a drink on board while flying to the Middle East

The SIGNATURE membership is definitely the right choice for members travelling to the Middle East as it comes with 1m Etihad Guest Miles which buy you up to 5 First Class return flights from Zurich to Abu Dhabi. On top, you enjoy the SPG Platinum status which is the royal status of all hotel programs.

ASW Members enjoy the good life! This is why ASMALLWORLD offers their members many exclusive privileges from great partners. If you are interested in an invitation to ASMALLWORLD or the travel memberships, apply online or send me an e-mail to as I am happy to provide Sandra’s Closet readers this amazing opportunity (Disclosure: I know the Chairman of ASMALLWORLD very well :-)).

Stay tuned as I will be in St. Tropez for the ASW Summer Weekend end of May… life is so much better when you can travel and share the good moments and memories!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ASMALLWORLD, © David Biedert Photography
© David Shama and © Sandra Bauknecht

BUCHERER PRESENTS THE MOST EXQUISITE – AND RACIEST – MOTORCYCLE OF ALL TIME
The tradition-steeped Swiss watch and jewellery company Bucherer presents the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION, the latest – and most unusual – member of the Bucherer BLUE EDITIONS watch collection that comprises 17 models so far all in collaboration with renowned brands such as Audemars Piguet, Chopard or Piaget just to name a few.

The custom motorcycle of Bündnerbike, the boutique Harley-Davidson workshop, is both a luxury one-of-a-kind product and a real beast. The rumble of 100 PS, an exciting, individual design and unique embellishments lend this motorcycle par excellence a magical, animalistic power of attraction. The one-of-a-kind model was produced in Switzerland in cooperation with the family company Bündnerbike and with a value of CHF 1.888 million it is the most expensive motorcycle in the world.

It took the watchmakers of Carl F. Bucherer, the jewellers of Bucherer Fine Jewellery and the specialists of Bündnerbike a year to design and produce the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION. A team of eight employees from both companies contributed all of their expertise. More than 2,500 working hours were invested in this project, which combines Swiss craftsmanship and the passion for exclusive, tailor-made and very cool products.

COOL STYLE – CUSTOMIZED
The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S. However, there is not a great deal left that is reminiscent of the initial model with its cool vintage style. Every metal element found on this one-of-a-kind motorcycle has been produced, welded, beaten, ground and polished by hand. The complete frame of the motorcycle is welded seamlessly, and even the rims are custom-made. The rotating camshaft is visible through a window in the camshaft housing, as are the valve control and the gold-plated throttle valves. Heat-resistant LED lights illuminate the scene.

The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is thus the world’s first motorcycle to have a motor that is lit up from the inside. Various parts of the motorcycle are also gold-plated. The cowhide saddle has been sewn by hand in Switzerland. A special detail: the iridescent colour. A specific technique had to be employed to illuminate the Harley-Davidson in this intense blue. In a first step, the entire motorcycle was silver-plated, before six colour coatings were then applied using a secret coating method.

COMBINING CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE DESIGN AND ART OF JEWELLERY MAKING
This unique piece is perfected by the incorporation of the arts of watchmaking and jewellery making. This is also a world first: never before have a manufacture watch and jewels been integrated in a motorcycle. The Dizzler rotating ring from the Bucherer Fine Jewellery collection was adapted for the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION to allow it to be mounted on the hand grips.

“That was a technical challenge,” says Jürg Ludwig Jr, Managing Director of Bündnerbike. “To ensure that the rings really stay in place, a special method was applied that guarantees a very strong hold. How this works remains a secret of the Bündnerbike blacksmith,” explains Ludwig. A further pair of Dizzler diamond rings can be found on the forks, while a large version of the Dizzler ring is located in the left half of the tank.

Underneath a glass dome made from armoured glass, another piece of jewellery of special value can be found in a retractable safe: a six-prong Heaven solitaire ring with a 5.40-carat diamond.

This is also a unique feature, as is the watch from Carl F. Bucherer at its side. This special custom-made watch, which is based on the Patravi TravelTec II model, is located in a second safe in the right half of the tank. The dial of this unique piece is adorned by elements of a motorcycle engine. To ensure that the vibrations of the engine do not damage the mechanical movement, the watch is housed in a cage with an elaborate holder made from silicon rings.

“It was a long road,” says Samir Merdanovic, Head of Manufacture Movements at Carl F. Bucherer, about the development process, which demanded a great deal of thinking. “The holder, for example, also serves as a watch winder. The watch is therefore wound regularly and continues to run, even if the motorcycle is not ridden for an extended period,” explains Merdanovic.

The owner can also look forward to wearing a further unique Carl F. Bucherer watch on their wrist. This has been created by the manufacturer exclusively for the buyer and also incorporates design elements of the motorcycle and its engine on the dial. Even when not riding the motorcycle, the buyer will therefore always have a piece of the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking at his or her side.

A testimony to the passion of craftsmanship, and probably the first motorcycle that makes the heart of every woman leap with joy! I definitely would like to turn the Dizzler rotating diamond ring…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer

Quintessence presents its first retreat edition which will take place in beautiful and stunning Courchevel between June 30th and September 1st, 2018.

Quintessence is an exclusive and immersive Boot Camp concept that invites guests to escape, challenge and pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings by experiencing a unique sports and fitness-based program combined with exquisite healthy cuisine. The week-long sports and wellness signature program DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF, led by highly qualified expert trainers, combines light, intense and restorative fitness sessions, sports, as well as time to relax. Limited to twelve guests, classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, women and men, regardless of experience and fitness levels.

A SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Quintessence is an invitation to challenge, boost and revitalise the body through a week-long exclusive workout program that alternates endurance, cardio and strength exercises.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF (one week long) includes various fitness sessions such as: HIIT, circuit training, Swiss ball, Core and Balance, weight and cardio trainings; outdoor sports: hiking, Aquabiking, Aquaboxing and golf initiation;  well-being periods: yoga, pilates, stretching and meditation classes.

A TEAM OF EXPERTS

Celine and Kevin, Quintessence’s trainers, fluent in French and English, give each guest the individualised attention and encouragement they need to complete this week of physical activity. Their aim is to ensure guests maintain and improve their fitness level, progressing at their own pace while having fun.

Celine is a certified Hatha Yoga 200h (RYT) and Vinyasa Yoga 200h (RYT) as well as Pilates instructor (Matwork II). Personal trainer since many years, she gathers a strong experience in various endurance, cardio and strength techniques.

Semi-pro, full back rugby player in the 4th French division, Kevin masters a wide palette of fitness trainings. He is a certified Fitness Training and Group Fitness instructor, as well as personal trainer and Mills GRITTM certified instructor.

Throughout the week-long program, guests will also have the pleasure to experience a cooking class during which the Quintessence Chef will reveal some tips about the original dishes crafted from the finest, locally sourced organic ingredients, designed to realign body and mind, delight the senses and encourage everyone to become more aware of their well-being.

VIP guests will regularly join the Quintessence weeks for exclusive talks on specific topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, welfare.

THE SETTING

Embodying French tradition and excellence, world-famous Courchevel is located at an altitude of 1300 m to 1850 m, offering breathtaking views and magical natural setting.

Quintessence guests are invited to retreat to a calm, refined and pure environment, in two luxurious and stylish chalets extending over 600 m2 and offering a total of nine rooms (4 different categories). They are designed to a high standard from locally sourced natural materials and exude authentic mountain charm.

DARE TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
7-day total escape program (including accommodation – from Saturday to Saturday)
– price per person and per week:
• in a Standard Room, Double occupancy, starting at 3’100€
• in a Standard Room, Single occupancy, starting at 4’100€

TREAT YOURSELF TO AN ENERGY BOOST
1-day pop-in escape program (without accommodation) – price per person: 250€
Pop-in days are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Quintessence is more than a concept, it’s a philosophy of life. Uncover your quinta essentia – according to ancient philosophy, quinta essentia is a fifth substance in addition to the four elements of earth, fire, air and water, which ensures cohesion, life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Quintessence and © Sandra Bauknecht
Interior pictures: © Leila Ricci Photography www.leilaricci.com