Sandra‘s Closet

Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024, this creation from the e CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection is an extraordinary haute horlogerie tribute to haute couture. The CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, inspired by the lively atmosphere in the rue Cambon atelier, orchestrates a choreography of couture busts to the rhythms of «My Woman» by Al Bowlly, a melody that Mademoiselle liked to hum.

The chandelier with diamond droplets, the plinth inspired by the upholstered sofa and the gold embellishments all evoke Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment. Mounted on a long gold chain necklace dotted with diamonds is the key for winding the mechanism of this unique piece, in which the time is displayed on tape measure. At once a musical box, a clock and an automaton, this exceptional piece was crafted by the expertise of a large team of highly skilled artisans. From the diamond-encrusted droplets of the miniature chandelier to the meticulously crafted and tuned musical mechanism, this unique creation is a tour de force of technical and aesthetic sophistication.

Unique Piece
Glass dome
Faceted onyx stone trimmed with 18K yellow gold set with 36 diamonds (3.60 carats)
Chandelier in 18K yellow gold with black coating, 18K yellow gold candlesticks
and 26 pear-cut diamonds tassels (~6.24 carats)
5 busts in natural aluminum ceramic trimmed with black leather ribbons each decorated
with one 18K yellow gold brooch set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds
(~0.40 carat). Tripod in steel with black coating and 18K yellow gold handle set
with 22 diamonds
(~0.31 carat). Top and lower ixing in 18K yellow gold.
Ribbon in natural aluminum ceramic printed with 24-hour and minutes indexes in black lacquer
Fine pearl and support in 18K yellow gold with black coating, and 18K yellow
gold indicator set with a baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
Base covered with a marquetry of 245 pieces of onyx trimmed with 18K yellow gold
circle set with 160 brilliant-cut diamonds (~23.04 carats) and 18K yellow gold feet.
Manual-winding movement
Power reserve: ~7 days
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 19.8×34.2cm
Diamonds: 336 brilliant-cut diamonds (~30.92 carats)
26 pear-cut diamonds (~6.24 carats)
1 baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
18K yellow gold winding key set with 229 brilliant-cut diamonds (~5.98 carats)
18K yellow gold long necklace set with 132 brilliant-cut diamonds (~8.27 carats)

Haute horlogerie craftsmanship at its best.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEBOUTON #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEPIQUEAIGUILLES #J12 #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELBOYFRIEND #COCOCOCO #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.

Here comes the second model of the CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection, that I absolutely adore. A tape measure motif is printed on the double-wrapped black and gold leather strap. The case in titanium and 18K yellow gold is adorned with a charm of a figurine of Mademoiselle in yellow gold and black lacquer set with a diamond.

Limited edition
18K yellow gold case
Titanium caseback with “LIMITED EDITION” mention
18K yellow gold and black lacquer Coco charm set with 1 brilliant-cut diamond
(0.01 carat)
Black-lacquered dial
Double row printed black leather strap with tape measure, golden leather trim and
lining with 18K yellow gold ardillon buckle
High precision quartz movement
Functions: hours and minutes
Water-resistance: 30 meters
Dimensions: 19.7×15.2mm
Diamond: 1 brilliant-cut diamond (0.01 carat)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.

Here comes my first must-have from the CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection. The PREMIÈRE watch is reinterpreted and adorned with charms of a spool of thread, a thimble and a figurine of Mademoiselle in steel coated with yellow gold* and black lacquer. The charms are attached to a woven leather bracelet that echoes the chain of the classic CHANEL bag.

Limited edition
Steel case coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron)
Steel caseback coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) with “LIMITED EDITION”
mention
Black-lacquered dial
Steel chain bracelet coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) interlaced with black
leather strap
Steel Couture charms coated with 18K yellow gold (0.1 micron) and black lacquer
High precision quartz movement
Functions: hours and minutes
Water-resistance : 30 meters
Dimensions: 19.7×15.2mm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding. – *0,1 micron

At Watches & Wonders 2024, CHANEL presented some absolutely stunning novelties that I would love to present you one by one.

The graphic aesthetic of Mademoiselle’s atelier and the tools used by her seamstresses and their exceptional savoir-faire are the inspiration for a new CHANEL Haute Horlogerie and Horlogerie capsule collection: COUTURE O’CLOCK. Thimbles, scissors and pins, the tools of the daily work in the rue Cambon ateliers, are transformed into exceptional pieces, blending watchmaking, jewelry and the finest craftsmanship. The iconic watches of the House of CHANEL are enriched with new interpretations combining creative boldness, technical sophistication, excellence of materials and refinement of details.

Stay tuned as I will show you my absolute favorite in the upcoming posts. Treasures of watchmaking and jewelry savoir-faire, these watches in gold set with precious stones are worn as jewels.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEBOUTON #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEPIQUEAIGUILLES #J12 #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELBOYFRIEND #COCOCOCO #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE

April 22nd is Earth Day. AVEDA has launched an interesting project on that occasion. Skip a hair wash day to save an average of 6 gallons of water per person! «The Power of Every Drop» campaign in collaboration with @charitywater presents a limited-edition Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Overnight Serum bottle with artwork inspired by the Yoruba heritage of Nigerian Visual Artist Laolu Senbanjo @laolunyc.

AVEDA will donate CHF 20 from every purchase of this exclusive bottle (CHF 56) to long-time partner charity: water to fund clean water projects around the globe because access to clean water creates a ripple effect of better health, education, and opportunities. One family will have access to clean water for 8 months with the purchase of one bottle from April 1, 2024.

703 million people in the world don’t have access to clean and safe water. Every drop makes a difference. Over 700 million people live without access to safe drinking water. Your support helps change that. Help AVEDA spread awareness for the clean water crisis by posting your no-wash style using #NoWashDay #AvedaNoWashChallenge – when we come together, small actions make a powerful impact.

More Style, Less Water

When AVEDA sent me some products and asked me to join their campaign to not wash my hair for one week, I was smiling. This is an easy task for me as I wash my hair only once a week in general. To keep it long and healthy, that is the first step. You can train your scalp to not produce so much oil with time. I never have greasy hair. I plan my gym classes in which I sweat towards the last days of my cycle and make only exceptions when I am at the beach. I style it after washing with my DYSON Airwrap™ and use my heatless curl headband during the week.

I kindly ask you to try it for yourself. You can extend time between washes with these Aveda haircare products, to keep your hair feeling and looking fresher for longer.

Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Overnight Serum
It builds bonds, while repairing three layers of hair and reducing the appearance of split ends. I use it almost every night as it adds a nice texture to my hair.

Scalp Solutions Refreshing Protective Mist
This refreshing mist provides all-day antioxidant protection and helps control excess oil for 48 hours.

Shampowder™ Dry Shampoo
Conquer second day hairstyles with this dry shampoo. Perfect for absorbing excess oil, impurities and sweat with powerful plant powders, this dry shampoo powder instantly adds volume and texture to refresh style. I love to use it to add volume to my roots after washing.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / AVEDA
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As part of Milan Design Week, Off-White™ is releasing a limited-edition rug, which also takes center stage at the brand’s Via Verri flagship with an immersive floor-to-ceiling installation and a takeover of its windows.

Spanning 170×240 centimeters, the rug is available in only 40 pieces and is coming with a numbered label.  The design is marked by a floral pattern in a deep blue shade and bold lettering in popping yellow reading «Don’t walk here.» Crafted in Germany with a double-layer felt lining, the rug is to retail at €1,250 euros exclusively at Off-White™ Milano Verri store, beginning April 15, 2024. The brand will also host live DJ sets in-store on April 17 and 18, extending opening hours to 9pm in honor of the occasion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: PR © Off-White™
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DESIGN ANCORA GUCCI PRESENTS FIVE DESIGN ICONS AT ITS FLAGSHIP STORE ON VIA MONTE NAPOLEONE

From an idea of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, GUCCI Design Ancora is a special project co-curated by Michela Pelizzari. From April 15 th 2024, five icons of Italian design, reedited and customized, are showcased in an immersive exhibition conceived by Spanish architect Guillermo Santomà at Gucci’s flagship store in via Monte Napoleone, 7.

From April 21st 2024, a special edition of the objects will be available online on gucci.com.

• Storet by Nanda Vigo for Acerbis (1994, reedition 2020)

• Clessidra rug, Portaluppi Pattern Project by Nicolò Castellini Baldissera (great grandson of Piero Portaluppi) from an iconic design of Piero Portaluppi, edited by cc-tapis (2024)

• Parola by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni for FontanaArte (1980)

• Le Mura by Mario Bellini for Tacchini (1972, reedition 2022)

• Opachi by Tobia Scarpa for Venini (1960, reedition 2021)

«Through Design Ancora, Gucci doesn’t simply celebrate old icons, it creates new ones,» explains Michela Pelizzari, founder of Milan based creative agency P:S, which co-curated the project, «The aura emanating from the brand spotlights five pieces by Italian masters that are perfect from a design standpoint but less known to the general public.»

The chosen objects represent the golden age of Italian design, while also reminding us of the important relationship between designers and brands, craftsmanship and industrial production. All objects are re-edited in Rosso Ancora, the red hue chosen by De Sarno to mark the beginning of Gucci’s new creative chapter.

Gucci Design Ancora comes to life at the Gucci flagship store in Via Monte Napoleone, 7.
In every room, the curved walls in green a color chosen by Sabato De Sarno contribute to blurring boundaries and creating a metaphysical space in which each object appears on its own, displayed as an idea rather than as a mere product.

«If we had put the objects all together, we would have created a living room. Instead, we decided to remove the boundaries given by how we use these objects and create a sort of limbo,» explains Guillermo Santomà, who is known for a multidisciplinary approach merging design, architecture, sculpture and scenography, «Floating objects don’t have meaning or a function. They are just shape, materiality, color.»

The same visual approach is applied to the windows on Via Monte Napoleone, 7. In one of them, a pair of Gucci Cub3d a limited edition sneaker created combining 3D printed elements and the House’s own Demetra material float in the middle of the air and rotate on their own in a magnetic installation. In another one, a 3D printer is displayed as a unique object customized by Santomà himself.

Definitely worth seeing when you are in Milan!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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This is a collaboration made in heaven for me. Scents and coffee … two of my most favorite things. Diptyque, in collaboration with the famous Café Verlet in Paris, has unveiled its newest collection, «The Art of Gourmandise / Les Délicieuses», merging the essence of Parisian café culture with the brand’s renowned olfactory craftsmanship.

This collection unveils four elegantly crafted limited edition scented classic candles illustrated by artist Clym Evernden expressing the flavours of a typical French cafe:

Café (Coffee) – embodying the richness of freshly brewed coffee
Chantilly (Whipped Cream) – light and sweet with a dash of vanilla
Biscuit (Cookie) – a spicy, patchouli-infused aroma
Fruits Confits (Candied Fruits) – a tangy plum scent.

The fragrances evoke the rich ambiance of a Parisian café, each a nod to the history of Café Verlet, established in 1880 and acclaimed for its finely tuned flavors.

Complementing the candles are the Coffee Bean Lid and Parisian Café Tray.

Available from the beginning of April 2024, these olfactory delights can be found online, in Diptyque boutiques and at selected retailers, inviting all to indulge in the world of Parisian gourmandise and to enjoy the playful illustrations of a whimsical Paris at your home.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Diptyque and Café Verlet
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4th of April marks the start of the 64th annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, and one stand will definitely attract the crowds, as rare books dealer Lux Mentis has a very special treasure on display.

A signed first-edition copy of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been rebound in goatskin to feature one thousand white diamonds – totaling nearly 30 carats – and one showstopping two-carat emerald-cut sapphire in the shade of the iconic Tiffany blue. The book will eventually be valued at $1.5 million; a magnificent piece showcasing spectacular craftsmanship created to mark the centenary of the writer’s birth, a literary treasure.

Award-winning master bookbinder Kate Holland worked with a team of British craftspeople on the project, that was masterminded by Paul Suntup of US bookbinders Dragon Rebound, which specializes in rebinding first editions and rare books.

The book sits on a custom plinth by glass artist Jade Pinnell, inside a birdcage by Dominic Parish, referencing the birdcage in the story, which symbolizes the reluctance to be confined or restricted of the lead character Holly Golightly — famously played in Blake Edwards’ 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany’s film by Audrey Hepburn. The whole, including a portfolio of images by photographer David Attie, are housed in a custom trunk also by Parish, a British cabinetmaker and craftsman who has produced work for royal families and private collections. The trunk references Golightly’s peripatetic lifestyle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DRAGON REBOUND and Courtesy of David Attie Estate
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«It’s the scent of summer, the scent of happiness.» – Kilian Hennessy

Are you in the mood for summer? Then I recommend smelling the newest scent by KILIAN Paris, so- called Sunkissed Goddess. Being a reinterpretation of Monoi Oil, the traditional Polynesian elixir with a luxurious halo of warm sunlight and fresh narcotic florals, it heightens the multi-sensorial memories of your beach holidays. Think of tanning oil and the heat of the sun …it is an invitation to experience the sensations of summer all year round.

Olfative Family: The Narcotics
Top Notes: Ylang-Ylang Essence, Tiare Flower
Heart Notes: Coconut, Vanilla
Base Notes: Guaiac Wood, Cistus Labdanum

Available for CHF 260.00 in limited edition. I am obsessed! It is literally summer in scent, oil on body, sun kissing skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Kilian Paris
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