Sandra‘s Closet

As the London men’s collections came to a close, a fashion show with a difference took place. The master of ceremonies, Mister Tom Ford himself, presented his Fall/Winter 2015 Menswear collection at Howick Place. Like a trouper on stage, he took the microphone to explain his new looks that were shown in groups of extremely handsome male models.

Ford mixed in an interesting way sportswear and suits, by adding sneakers to the formal looks. Houndstooth and leather, dufflecoats and psychedelic patterns, all elements reminiscent of the ’60s signed off the younger attitude of this F/W 2015 collection.

Being a gentleman of taste and class, he knows how to strike a pose. His designs are admired by both, men and women. His manners seem so British, the Texan boy is rarely seen. When he entered the room to start his show, he spotted me wearing one of his key looks of the season. With a big smile, before greeting everyone, he said: «Nice dress!». He is witty, he is funny and so handsome.

In the evening, the trendy, exclusive «Chiltern Firehouse» was the site of Tom Ford’s celebration for his latest men’s fragrance, NOIR EXTREME. A stylish crowd, among them Lily Allen, Alexa Chung, David Gandy, came to experience his new scent.

«With NOIR EXTREME, Tom Ford aims to capture that exact moment when a man reaches extreme new heights: his sophistication becomes magnetic, transfixing the world at large.»
Being known for decadent and opulent ingredients, this deep woody oriental scent offers a base of amber-drenched accords that give rise to citrus notes of mandarin oil and neroli, adding heat from spiced cardamom and nutmeg. At the heart of the fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core along with floral notes of rose absolute, jasmine and orange flower. Elegant sandalwood and a melting vanilla ember, enigmatically sustaining the masculine fire finish off Tom Ford’s new fragrance creation.

Wearing many hats and managing them all with perfection, fashion designer, movie director, model or master of his own fragrance empire, he himself seems like the perfect «Noir Man» in an extreme version, contemplating his own American dream. The one we all would like to live…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Greetings from New York City where I am at the moment for the launch event of Alexander Wang x H&M. The highly anticipated collection which had been announced back in April, will finally hit H&M stores around the world on November 6, 2014.

While I am writing this post, I am enjoying the view from my room at the Soho Grand hotel.

The invitation says it all. Tonight, the cocktail reception will start at 7.30pm, followed by the show, a pop-up store where we can buy the collection first hand and a live performance which I am absolutely convinced will be amazing.

Do you remember Nicki Minaj and Prince playing at the Versace x H&M launch in 2011 or the amazing party to celebrate Maison Martin Margiela x H&M two years ago in NYC? We always talk superlatives. Be sure to follow me tomorrow on instagram @sandrascloset for live updates.

By now you might have seen some sneak previews of the very sporty collection. The press release reveals that Alexander Wang X H&M captures the speed of the city, mixing sports and performance of everyday life. The pieces are meant to be worn on the street, in the gym, at the club – the way women and men live their lives today.

Rihanna led the way and was already spotted in a look from the collection: a stretchy crop top and leggings emblazoned with Wang’s blocky logo.

In addition to apparel for both women and men, the collection includes shoes and bags, as well as “objects,” a selection of everyday items that are infused with a sense of humor and irony, as for example mini sized boxing gloves as key-rings or a whistle on a two-finger ring and for the victor, a magnetized Alexander Wang trophy cup.

Below you can enjoy a sneak preview of the advertising campaign shot by Mikael Jansson for Wang’s one-off collaboration with H&M that features sports gear like a hockey stick and boxing gloves plus real athletes, soccer player Andy Carroll and kickboxer Rivaldino dos Santos.

The female models are Joan Smalls, Raquel Zimmermann and Isabeli Fontana.

“We wanted to take certain elements of each sport and portray the ultimate warrior,” Wang told WWD. “The girls had to feel big and heroic, and Mikael used sunlight glares to heighten that effect against a stark white backdrop.”

I am truly excited for tonight’s event! Stay tuned for more!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of H&M

Here is another contest for my Swiss Gentlemen! Today you can win the one of three new BRAUN WATERFLEX SHAVERS that cross the boundaries of wet shaving with electric shaving.

But stop! Personally speaking, I love beards and some of you might think the facial undergrowths are highly trendy so why shave them off?! “The hipster beard is on longer in fashion” was written all over the news!

According to a study of the University of New South Wales, the beard trend has reached its peak in 2014. This ebb and flow may be guided by Darwinian selection, according to Australian scientists who detected that the more beards there are, the less attractive they become – giving clean-shaven men a competitive advantage.

Therefore Gentlemen, I am happy to help you. It’s perfect timing to win the brand-new Braun WaterFlex Shaver. Specially designed for use with water, foam or gel, it combines the best of both worlds. Shave in the shower, bath or simply with damp skin in front of the mirror – convenience is key. As with all Braun products the technology is first rate.

With a flexible shaving head, an anti-slip handle and special OptiBlades™, WaterFlex offers everything men need for a shave with ideal thoroughness leaving behind an amazing feeling of soft skin. It is heaven for all women who are longing for a soft kissing experience. And for all who like a little tickle, the shaver also offers an integrated precision trimmer to keep the beard properly groomed.

The WaterFlex comes in four finishes; black, white, blue and red. It’s available now for CHF 185.00.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Braun WaterFlex Shaver” to . All entries must be received until September 15, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Braun and via GQ Magazine

Swiss Gentlemen, today’s your lucky day! Five of you have the chance to win a 50ml bottle of Salvatore Ferragamo‘s Acqua Essenziale Blu Eau de Toilette Natural Spray.

The extremely masculine, yet sensual oriental fougère fragrance is inspired by energetic sea water aromas and the power of waves and nature, blending luxurious Mediterranean ingredients and innovative molecules.

The fragrance arrives in an elegant glass flacon iridescent in shades from darker to lighter blue that will embellish every bathroom shelf. Salvatore Ferragamo Acqua Essenziale Blu is available as 30, 50 and 100ml Eau de Toilette, accompanied with a perfumed 200ml shower gel.

ORIENTAL FOUGÈRE

Top notes: Cardamom, Lemon and Calabrian Bergamot
Middle notes: Atlas Cedar, Lavender, Cascalone and Cypriol Oil
Base notes: Patchouli, Ambroxan, Tonka Bean and Benzoin

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Acqua Essenziale Blu” to . All entries must be received until September 8, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Being the editor-in-chief, I am so proud of our new baby! This Thursday, the first L’OFFICIEL HOMMES Schweiz/Suisse will hit the newsstand in German and French. To celebrate the launch, I would like to invite you to watch this teaser film on the cover shoot with Werner Schreyer. I truly hope that you, Gentlemen, will enjoy this new magazine as much as we had fun putting it together!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandro Baebler

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Personally speaking, I adore Amouage, the scents are so extremely rich and sensual. Therefore, I had been eager to explore the house’s latest duo – Journey Man and Journey Woman. The two new creations are based upon the man behind the fragrances, Creative Director Christopher Chong. His love for Shanghai Deco and Chinese Film Noir, are the inspirations for the new Journey scents, in which he pays homage to his heritage.

Journey for Woman, expressive with enigmatic undertones of radiance this floral, fruity and leather fragrance illustrates an enchanting journey.

Top Notes: Apricot and Jasmine Tea
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Sambac, Mimosa, Honey and Cedarwood
Base Notes: Pipe Tobacco, Saffron, Vanilla, Cypriol and Musk
Available as Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 375.00) and 100ml (CHF 435.00)

Journey for Man, portraying a journey of metamorphoses, this spicy and woody fragrance reveals a chiaroscuro of luminosity with a twist of intrigue.

Top Notes: Sichuan Pepper, Bergamot, Cardamom, Neroli and Bigarade
Middle Notes: Juniper Berries, Incense, Pure Geraniol and Tobacco Leaves
Base Notes: Tonka Beans, Cypriol, Leather and Ambrox
Available as Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 330.00) and 100ml (CHF 405.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Amouage

It’s a men’s post but looking into Chris Pine‘s amazing blue eyes, I am sure that my female readers will get inspired by this code of seduction as well. The handsome Hollywood star is the new face to embody the charisma of the timeless seducer, this magnetic charm which symbolizes Armani Code, one of the most successful Giorgio Armani fragrances for the past decade.

Armani Code Ice is a new, fresher and brighter limited edition interpretation of the original, developed by Alberto Morillas, Master Perfumer at Firmenich.

AROMATIC
Top notes: Mint, lemon and spicy ginger.
Middle notes: Geranium and lavender.
Base notes: Woodsy notes.

ARMANI CODE ICE (50ml) CHF 89.00 and (75ml) CHF 117.00.
Available in Switzerland from May 2014 exclusively at Import Parfümerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Inspired by love, Paco Rabanne‘s new limited edition BLACK XS POTION for him and her is the elixir that seals a love story through thick and thin. Living intensely, provoking to the extreme, the olfactory secret offers the promise of pure passion. The Black XS rock stars flirt with excess, especially when it comes to love.

Their must-have fashion item: ‘Vampire Kiss’ Teddy embellished satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent for him and her.

WOODY SPICY

Top notes: Juniper berries
Middle notes: Cashmeran wood and cistus
Base notes:  Rum and woody notes

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Grapefruit
Middle notes: Baccara rose and Hellebore rose, known in former times as “witches’ rose”
Base notes: Black sandalwood and amber

Limited Edition – on counter now.
Black XS Potion for Her 50ml CHF 75.00
Black XS Potion for Him 100ml CHF 86.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paco Rabanne Fragrances and Saint Laurent

Looking outside at this dreadful weather, I love taking a hot shower. LE PETIT MARSEILLAIS has launched three new shower gels for the fall season, of which one is for men, that give you a little mood boost during this stormy season.

Verveine & Citron (Verbena & Lemon) Shower Gel gently cleanses, nourishes and hydrates the skin. Its scent is fresh and fruity.

Lait d’Acacia (Acacia Milk) Shower Gel comes with a delicate smell of flowers. It contains milk from acacia blossoms which is very soft and extremely moisturizing.

Bois de Cade & Fougère (Cade & Fern) Shower Gel for Men has a masculine woody smell and promises to nourish the skin while stimulating his (and probably also her) senses.

In Switzerland available at Coop for CHF 3.95 each (250ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday evening, I was invited by IWC Schaffhausen to celebrate at Zurich’s Dolder Grand Hotel the legend of the famous Silver Arrow. The slogan “IWC. Engineered for Men.” got a whole new meaning when I entered the room as I was one of the only women there. But as I love cars, watches and speed, I felt very much at ease.

The star attraction of the event was a vehicle that has gone down in the annals of motorsport and laid the foundations for that legend: the Mercedes-Benz W 25. It set up the course record in 1934 and came in for a pit stop in Zurich on its journey back to the course in central Switzerland this upcoming weekend at the 11th International Klausen Hill Climb 2013.

The W 25 on display with the characteristic silver aluminium bodywork that earned this vehicle and its successors the nickname “Silver Arrow” is the last roadworthy model in the series and at the same time the jewel in the crown of the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection.

Having fun with my colleagues, Dörte Welti and Jeroen van Rooijen.

Black-and white photographs and film footage transported us back to the world of the 1920s and 1930s – the era of the original Klausen Hill Climb races.

In the foyer, we had the opportunity to peek over the shoulder of a watchmaker at work. All very fitting, because the designer engineers at IWC Schaffhausen took some of their inspiration from the W 25, and, as part of the relaunch of the Ingenieur watch collection in 2013.

The best was yet to come, I won the main prize that was presented to me by Linus Fuchs, IWC Managing Director Switzerland. See you this weekend at the Klausen Hill Climb!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC and © Sandra Bauknecht