Sandra‘s Closet

2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. The celebration of her Diamond Jubilee will be going on throughout the year.
Interesting to know is that Queen Victoria in 1897 was the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and a few other Commonealth realms to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.

Explore some of the cool limited editions to be launched for that special occassion:

In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Harrods has created together with the famous perfume house Bond N°9 a limited edition fragrance, called Harrods Jubilee . The scent consists of amber, musk and sandalwood along with Lantana leave, dry leave and mace. It is available now from the store’s Perfumery Hall and retails at £290 for a 100ml bottle.

In April 1926, Floris had released a pretty floral scent called Royal Arms to celebrate the birth of Princess Elizabeth earlier that month. It had notes of rose, violet and ylang ylang.

To commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Floris, the only perfumer to hold a Royal Warrant from the Queen, slightly changed the original recipe but keeping the original floral character formed by essence of rose, the queen of flowers.

Royal Arms Diamond Edition EdP is on sale at John Lewis at £99 for a 100ml bottle (and at florislondon.com). There is also a limited amount of Royal Arms Diamond Edition in perfume strength which will be decanted into only six antique crystal dressing-table bottles of which one will surely be given to Her Majesty.

The most eccentric British fashion designers of all, Vivienne Westwood, pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee with an honorary collection featuring ready-to-wear and fashion jewelry that will be available in May in all Vivienne Westwood stores.

The Red Carpet Capsule Collection stays true to the opulent Westwood archive and was inspired by outfits that the Queen has actually worn. The patriotic designer’s logo is a royal ORB with a cross on top, bejewelled and impressive as befits the Queen of British fashion. Westwood became Dame Commander of the British Empire in the 2006 New Year’s Honours List “for services to fashion”.

For this royal occasion, the “Kaiser” Karl Lagerfeld, himself will be offering live commentary of the official event on French television channel France 2 on June 3. He will surely enjoy his latest assignment as fashion commentator as he already did last year, when the Chanel helmet participated in a French live broadcast about the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attracting five million viewers.

And there’s no doubt the Queenie is one seriously stylish muse. After 60 years on the throne the queen’s outfits on her thousands of visits and tours have proved she is a bastion of good taste and style. She loves tone on tone looks with blue being her favourite colour choice. I mean there has to be a reason that blue is called royal. I know this fact thanks to a recent report featured in Vogue magazine for which editors have studied every outfit Her Majesty has worn in the last 12 months.

A year ago, all eyes were on the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Congrats to the couple on their first wedding anniversary today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood, Harrods, Floris, Getty Images and Vogue

The beauty secret of the world’s top makeup artists and models, Touche Éclat is the must-have complexion booster for a radiant, flawless face. I use it every day as a concealer. One is sold every 1o seconds worldwide!

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary the iconic Touche Éclat is adorned in a Limited Edition jewel-like interpretation of the Couture accessory collection. Embellished with gold rings, this is truly a collector’s edition (see photo above).

Touche Éclat Collet-Or is available this month in Switzerland for CHF 55.-.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Dior’s Summer 2012 makeup collection is all about an escapade on the Croisette… a glamorous couture trip. The French Riviera has always been a great source of inspiration for Christian Dior. From Dior’s first swimsuit collections and seaside fashion designs in the Fifties to the current Resort 2012 collection as shown above.

The new summer make-up look revives this fascination for the Croisette with colours inspired by the sun and turquoise waters, created by Tyen.
Please enjoy my collection favourites below:

COMPLEXION
Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder
A natural, Sunset orange-pink. luminous tan.

With the aim of a natural and radiant tan, Dior creates a new healthy glow makeup product with a bare skin effect for all skin tones, all year long. To achieve the illusion of a complexion glowing with vitality, the Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder offers a range of original shades.

Rosy harmonies add a touch of freshness and an anti-dulling effect, while apricot harmonies ensure a healthy glow, infused with sensuality.

This is powder is available in four harmonies, two for summer and two for winter, to enhance skin all year long.

For summer : 002 Sunlight and 004 Sunset.
For all year : 001 Aurora and 003 Zenith.
CHF 79.50 each

EYES

5 Couleurs – Croisette Edition
Eyes set on the croisette

Just for summer, the 5 Couleurs palette is embellished with a sunray pleat relief, a couture reference to the Dior dresses whose finish exemplifies the know-how of the House. The palette comes in two colour interpretations of the French Riviera:

224 Swimming Pool (photo above) and 654 Aurora (top photo)
One-shot, CHF 92.- each

1 Couleur – Eye Gloss

Introducing the first eye gloss by Dior in four sparkling shades. This gel eyeshadow formula glides on effortlessly for a long-lasting, hydrated look, and a fresh, cooling sensation on the lids.

Shades: 020 Seashell, 560 Tan, 240 Azur and 750 Sunset
One-shot, CHF 40.- each

LIPS
Dior Addict Lip Balm

Inspired by the Backstage Dior technique where every makeup application begins with a nourishing and perfecting lipcare ritual, Dior creates Dior Addict Lip Balm, featuring a nourishing skincare complex filled with moisturizing oils enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres, in:

Shades: 001 Crystal, 002 Crystal Pink and 003 Crystal Coral
CHF 46.- each

NAILS
Dior Vernis

The Croisette spirit down to the fingertips. Two shades to wear at the poolside.

Shades: 401 Saint-Tropez (turquoise, on my nails below, which is pretty similar to Chanel’s 2010 Nouvelle Vague) and 231 Bikini (coral)
CHF 37.- each

Show off your French Croisette style!
This beautiful collection is available in Switzerland starting April 18, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

For Spring 2012, TOM FORD introduces a limited edition collection of smoldering, molten-toned colour inspired by the beauty of a radiant, bronzed face.

“I have always loved the look of tanned, glowing skin, whether it is achieved with bronzing powder or with a natural tan,” says Ford.

I was able to try some of the new products and I am absolutely sold on them.
These are my favourites:

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust, Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust, Nail Lacquer in Burnished Rouge and Cream Color for Eyes in Platinum.

The TOM FORD BRONZING POWDER has been created to achieve an unmistakably sexy glow, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder features a rare mineral blend of brilliant and energizing sunstone, amber and black tourmaline crystals, in a choice of shimmer or matte finish. It captures and enhances the skin’s golden and bronze undertones, flawlessly highlighting your natural, sensuous radiance.

When used in combination with colour on the eyes, cheeks and lips, the Bronzing Powder can help to create one of Tom Ford’s favorite looks—the burnished, sun-goddess face.

Bronzing Powder Gold Dust, CHF 82.- (shimmer)
Bronzing Powder Terra, CHF 82.- (matte)

A new introduction, the TOM FORD CREAM COLOR FOR EYES delivers four pure and luminous, metallic shades—Platinum, golden Guilt, burnished red Illicit and shimmering Spice—with an ultra-smooth, non-creasing and long-wearing finish. Its highly reflective, ultra-pigmented formula combines advanced color technology with antioxidant-rich ingredients.

I love this creamy eye colour as it is very easy and fast to apply and stays on the whole day.

Cream Color for Eyes, each CHF 38

The collection also includes a new shade of TOM FORD LIP LACQUER called Gold Dust. It infuses the perfect amount of gold-particle pearls into a clear and lustrous lacquer that lavishes and nourishes the lips. Gold Dust can be worn on a nude lip as a seductive lip accent, or layered over a TOM FORD LIP COLOR to create a glistening, gold sheen.

This lip lacquer comes with such a yummy taste that you would like to lick your lips all the time.

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss Gold Dust, CHF 42.-

Four new shades of TOM FORD NAIL LACQUER complete the look. Silver Smoke, Gold Haze, Burnished Rouge and Burnt Topaz are extra-amplified colors formulated with unique mirror pearls to maximize their metal effect and create a molten mirror look. The groundbreaking, high-performance formula with bendable coating delivers high coverage and shine while staying color true throughout wear.

As for me, the Tom Ford nail lacquers last for a very long time, awesome texture!

Nail Lacquer, each CHF 42.-

This Tom Ford Beauty Spring 2012 limited edition collection will be available in Switzerland end of April.

LoL, Sandra

On my nails: Burnished Rouge

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, © Sandra Bauknecht

Get a taste of India with one of the season’s more vibrant collaborations, the designer Thakoon Panichgul of Thakoon has made a limited-edition series of six lacquers for Nars, who did the beauty look for his show, based on the brights from his S/S 2012 runway. “The prints in that collection were inspired by the rich color palette of India, the spices, the holy festivals,” Panichgul says. Please click here to shop Thakoon’s beautiful S/S 2012 collection and here for more  information on the designer.

Those new bold nail polishes shades are the perfect choice for your colourful statement in the new season.

From left to right: Anardana (azalee rosa), Ratin Jot (orchid lilac), Amchoor (yellow), Kutki (light blue), Koliary (cyan blue)

The gorgeous shades will be available this month for CHF 32.- each. But there is one exception:

Lal Mirchi (mandarin red) will only be available at NARS, 413 Bleecker Street in New York City.

On my nails: Kutki, my favourite shade of the collection. Light blue and turquoise are the must-have colours for your summer manicure!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nars and Thakoon, © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know, I am a huge Emilio Pucci fan. So you might imagine my excitement when I heard about the Italian house’s collaboration with Guerlain. The limited edition make-up collection which is called TERRA AZZURA BY EMILIO PUCCI for GUERLAIN draws inspiration from Italy in summertime and offers everything you need for the perfect summer glow.

The collection consists of eleven products with accents of the Italian Riviera, created by Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain Creative Director, and Laudomia Pucci, Pucci Image Director.

For a previous interview that I did with the wonderful Laudomia Pucci, please click here.

Those two products above are my collection’s favourites:
The Terra Azzura powder is very versatile to use. For a natural effect, you apply just the bronzing shade all over the face. For a bronzed complexion, you blend the three blusher shades and sweep them along the top of the cheekbones to sculpt the face. 
The Khôl Kajal is another easy-to-use product. Applied solely along the inside of the lower eyelid, it underlines and enhances the eyes with a provocative depth. Worked in a thick line along the upper lashes, it adds modern sophistication and widens the eyes.

Below you can explore the delightfully sunny shades:

STAR PRODUCT
Terra Azzura
Bronzing Powder & Blush, CHF 103.-

FACE PRODUCT
Météorites Perles d’Azur
Illuminating Powder – Pure Radiance, CHF 76.-

EYES PRODUCTS
Ecrin 4 Couleurs
Long-Lasting Eyeshadows, Captivating Colours, N°13 Capri, CHF 80.-

Terracotta Khôl Kajal
N°02 Blu Acqua, CHF 48.50

Mascara Le 2 De Guerlain
Two Brush Mascara for 360° Lashes, N°14 Blu 2 Pucci, CHF 53.50

LIPS PRODUCTS
Terracotta Gloss
Moisturising Gloss – Sheer & Shine Finish,
N°10 Porto Fino, N°11 Porto Ercole and N°12 Porto Azzuro, CHF 44.- each

NAILS PRODUCTS
Terracotta Vernis
Nail Polish, N°02 Riviera and N°01 Paradisio, CHF 35.- each

The products will be available in a limited edition starting the 4th of May, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain/Emilio Pucci and © Sandra Bauknecht

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to show you the best new scents for men. Don’t undervalue the way you smell! Gentlemen, whether you are on a date, a business meeting, a party or just doing your daily chores, the first impression is the most important. The best men deserve the best men’s fragrance. Here we go! The new spring scents are vibrant, energetic and mostly fresh.

LoL, Sandra

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 GLAM MEN

Inspired by NYC, the city that never sleeps.
212 Glam Men is a limited edition summer fragrance that is vibrant and energetic.

Top notes: Chocolate and cocoa beans
Middle notes: Tobacco leaves and tonka beans 
Base notes: Musk and woods

Limited edition 212 MEN GLAM Eau de Toilette is available for CHF 102.00 (100ml),
in Switzerland exclusively at Import Parfumerie.

DOLCE & GABBANA – THE ONE SPORT

An homage to sports
After the original The One for Men from 2008 and The One Gentlemen from 2010, Dolce Gabbana launches the third fragrance from The One masculine line, lighter and fresher The One Sport. As it should, the campaign is represented by a man symbol, Adam Senn who is showing off his worked-out body.

Top notes: Aquatic notes and rosemary
Heart notes: Cardamom and sequoia
Base notes: Patchouli and musk

The One Sport EdT is available now for CHF 76,00 (30ml), CHF 98,00 (50ml) and CHF 135,00 (100ml). After Shave Lotion CHF 97,00 (100ml), After Shave Balm CHF 71,00 (75ml), Shower Gel CHF 45,00 (200ml), Deodorant Spray CHF 45,00 (150ml) and Deodorant Stick CHF 45,00 (75gr).

DIESEL – ONLY THE BRAVE TATTOO

I like the idea of “signing“ one’s body … – Renzo Rosso
The designer had his motto, “Only The Brave”, tattooed just above his ankle. The phrase is synonymous with success and, above all, evokes the boundless conviction of a fulfilled, self-made man. “The phrase is part of me. It stands for what I am and have always wanted to be.” Fragrance and tattoo are both “a trace” left on the skin… This is a new, fresh, mysterious sensuality around a water-pipe tobacco accord.

Top notes: Granny Smith Apple
Middle notes: Sage and Bourbon pepper
Base notes: Amber wood, benzoin, tobacco and patchouli

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo EdT is available now for CHF 79.90 (50ml).

CHRISTIAN DIOR – EAU SAUVAGE PARFUM (my favourite)

Variations of a legend
Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage, introduced in 1966, revolutionized men’s perfumes of that era. In May 2012, Dior will relaunch its famous scent, which was created by Edmond Roudnitska.

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Vetiver 
Base notes: Myrrh

Eau Sauvage Parfum EdP will be available from May 16, 2012 for CHF 98.50 (50ml) and CHF 134.50 (100 ml).

GANT

Water and sky have a fragrance.
Throughout the years, the New England coast has been a constant source of inspiration for GANT. The new scent captures the very essence of the relaxed lifestyle lived on and around the water in this area.

Top notes: Calabria lemon, coriander, Madagascan cinnamon bark
Middle notes: Provence lavender, White Virginian cedar, marine accord
Base notes: Suede accord, Australian sandalwood, North African cypress, black amber

Sold exclusively at GANT stores worldwide for CHF 59.50 (50ml) and CHF 89.50 (100 ml).

A*MEN PURE SHOT

Pure Shot – a fresh, aromatic, spicy, woody scent.
In time for the Olympics later this year, Thierry Mugler is launching a new limited edition flanker scent to its A*Men men’s fragrance, called A*Men Pure Shot. It’s is inspired by Oscar Pistorius, the 25-year-old South African 400-metre runner who has been called “the fastest man on no legs.“ Pistorius was born without a fibula in either leg; his lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old and he’s been using prostheses since his childhood. Pistorius’ carbon-fiber prostheses look very futuristic, and they play a big part in the A*Men advertising campaign.

Top notes: Icy mint and juniper berries
Heart notes: Cardamom and white pepper
Base notes: Sequoia and patchouli.

Limited edition, available end of March 2012, Eau de Toilette CHF 87.- (100ml).

In 1970, Henri Robert created N°19. A resolutely modern fragrance, with a daring combination of crisp green notes and powdery iris.

In 2011, Jacques Polge wrote a new chapter: N°19 POUDRÉ. An original score that gives N°19 a new powdery and musky facet.

In 2012, the N°19 bath line brings us three new ways to prolong the legen­dary accord of N°19 and N°19 POUDRÉ.

BODY CREAM

A true joy for the senses, its soft and creamy melt-away texture leaves an intense scent on the skin. The ideal way to enjoy its lingering fragrance all day long.
Glass jar, 150 g. CHF 106.-
Limited edition.

FOAMING SHOWER GEL

A bath and shower gel with an airy, generous foam. Light and fresh, its sheer texture leaves a delicate scent on the skin.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 60.-

BODY LOTION

Prolong the pleasure of bath time with this moisturising body lotion. Its light and exquisite texture is perfect for everyday use. The skin is soft and scented, subtly wrapped in the daring notes of N°19.
Bottle, 200 ml. CHF 68.-

Available in Switzerland end of April 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel -Ludovic Roy

Introducing the London Blooms Collection: Iris & Lady Moore, White Lilac & Rhubarb and Peony & Moss.
A trio of limited edition Jo Malone™ scents filled in bottles adorned by breathtaking botanical drawings which are reflecting the spirit of modern British gardens.

Iris & Lady Moore
A mingling between spicy-fresh, common-or-garden geranium and noble iris, powdery and poised. Brought together on dry-grass base of vetiver.

Tip: Mist Orange Blossom over Iris & Lady Moore. Shimmering Clementine flower brightens the powdery poise of Iris & Lady Moore.

White Lilac & Rhubarb
A daring juxtaposition. Tart-vibrant rhubarb cuts through the soft lilac, rose and sun-loving heliotrope.

Tip: Pair White Lilac & Rhubarb with Pomegranate Noir. The ruby-ripe juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, spiked with spicy woods, enrich the soft, fruity sweetness of White Lilac & Rhubarb.

Peony & Moss
Contrasting the dainty and the dirty. The gossamer lightness of delicate peonies grounded in earthy green.

Tip: Layer Peony & Moss with English Pear & Freesia. The juiciness of pear and the freshness of freesia amplify the soft florals and sweeten the velvet earthiness of Peony & Moss.

Those beautiful limited editions are in store now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli, Zurich.
Each cologne (100ml) CHF 130.-.

I love all three and the bottles together create such a lovely ambiance in your bathroom.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

This year Escada celebrates 20 years of their iconic limited edition fragrances, and for this special occasion the company are relaunching three of the most popular: Sexy Graffiti (originally from 2002), Island Kiss (from 2004) and Rockin’ Rio (from 2005).
All three are fruity floral fragrances.

Available now
Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 64.-), 50ml (CHF 86.-), 100ml (CHF 114.-)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 38.-)

Below you can find more information on the cherry picked three favourite editions that evoke the ultimate exciting moments of summer and some inspirations for a new look:

SEXY GRAFFITI

Sexy Graffiti by Escada is inspired by that magical summer moment when the late New York afternoon sun gives way to a fun party atmosphere where cocktails flow, music plays and the beautiful people make their way to the club bar.

Top notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit and mint
Heart notes: Lily of the Valley, red peony and violets
Base notes: Vanilla and musk

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Rosanda Illincic, Yolanda pink patent-leather pumps and Mini Loubi Lula satin frame clutch, both by Christian Louboutin and plexiglass and crystal cuff by Emilio Pucci.

ISLAND KISS

Island Kiss by Escada is inspired by the heady days of beach lounging in the Caribbean sea – the water lapping the shore in subtle ripples and the bright sunshine forming dimples of light on the ocean.

Top notes: Tropical red fruit, orange, passion flower and mango
Heart notes: Magnolia and peach
Base notes: Red fruits, wood and musk

Joan blue silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney, Lulu triangle bikini by Shimmi, Opyum suede pointed pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, Intrecciato silk-moire knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and turquoise cube ring by Kelly Wearstler.

ROCKIN’ RIO

Rock’in Rio by Escada is inspired by the ultimate holiday cocktail. Imagine the setting of a vibrant and glamorous bar along a Rio promenade – the beautiful and sun-kissed admire each other with their flowing hair and colourful flamboyancy.

Top notes: Coconut, pineapple, tangerine and papaya
Heart notes:  Sugar Cane and peach
Base notes: Sandalwood and musk

Flame lemon-yellow stretch-crepe dress by Preen, canary Honolulu printed silk-chiffon scarf by Swash, yellow patent-leather wedges by Jimmy Choo, Single quilted leather shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs, Katie enameled brass bracelet and stud earrings, both by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

I am so in the mood for summer and you?

LoL, Sandra