Sandra‘s Closet

Those shoes are a phenomenon. They started as a must-have in every blogger closet in 2008 and were seen on the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Bosworth. Over the last years, they have become a fashion classic, available in many different colours. Now, my favourite version in black with golden studs is back in stock for the new season.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE SUSANNA STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS

I still love mine, they are stylish and comfortable in one. Have a look at some previous posts, when I wore them during a girls trip in London or to the Fashion 2.0 Awards in New York City.

LoL, Sandra

Chloé Pre-fall 2008: The first season of the must-have shoes

Celebs wearing the Susanna studded ankle boots: Ashley Tisdale, Sienna Miller, Halle Berry and Kate Bosworth.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Chloé and Getty Images

While being in Cannes, I spent one day on a gorgeous yacht chartered by Chopard in the presence of some famous celebrities. While allowing myself to enjoy the sunshine and a glass of bubbly, I got to know an amazing project that I will be revealing soon.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress, bucket bag featuring a floral and face print, matching heels, sunglasses and Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am completely in love with my new red Sac Du Jour leather tote by Saint Laurent, a gorgeous and “less expensive” alternative to an Hermès Birkin bag. In combination with the matching red ankle boots, it adds style and colour to every monochrome outfit.

My look: Black oversized jacket by Stella McCartney, embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson, leather skinny pants, Sac Du Jour leather tote and red ankle boots, all three by Saint Laurent, Pound printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Mary Katrantzou, cherry earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, ring by Chanel and cuff by Céline.

On my nails: 657 Azuré by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I spent a fun afternoon at the Park Hyatt Zurich filming the short film for this year’s Il Tavolo Food Festival which will take place from June 27 -30, 2013. For more information and to get tickets, please click here.

The movie directed by Gerry Hofstetter will be presented at the opening night that will be held at the Bärengasse restaurant. I am feeling very honoured to be part of this fun event as one of the amateur chefs which might surprise some of my friends. Cooking has never belonged to my biggest passions, but I love to decorate the plates and the table. Nevertheless, you have to challenge yourself sometimes.

Frank Widmer, Executive Chef at the Park Hyatt in Zurich, took me under his wing and with his help, I managed to prepare some very yummy food yesterday. And as you can see, I had a blast and even learned how to sauté the calamari.

Enjoy those behind the scenes photos! They will surely whet your appetite…
If you like my look, click here for the previous post when we shot the ad.

LoL, Sandra

A happy team: Frank Widmer framed by Lucy Tallo (PR/TICULAR) and my humble self. 
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I attended the Dior Pre-fall 2013 trunk show in Zurich and had a lot of fun with my girlfriends. We were trying on many different outfits while chatting with each other.

I am crazy for this orange silk ball skirt, the bi-colour gloves and fur stole. The wool waist belt with train that you see on the picture to the right had made its way already into my closet, along with the gorgeous Lady Dior bag in shades of grey, pale pink and baby blue.

If you like to find out more about this beautiful collection, have a look at this previous post.

Those houndstooth pieces are divine, add a splash of colour and off you go…

My look: Collar detail shirt and suede ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, grey wool belt with train, tricoloured Lady Dior bag and Diorette Marguerite ring, all by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Chopard to see the screening of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who were both present. The “Montée des Marches” at the Palais des Festivals, the legendary black tie event, is something I will never forget. Being on the red carpet in Cannes feels very special. I was able to experience it already last year and if you are interested, have a look at the previous post by clicking here.

Since 1998, my host Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. To mark the 15th anniversary of this partnership, the watchmaker-jeweller organised several high profile events during the festival fortnight including a photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection that I will show you very soon on the blog. Chopard also crafted the Festival’s supreme award, the legendary Palme d’Or.

I hope you will like my little photo diary of the night including the most unforgettable moments like walking on the red carpet.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals and pound printed leather pouch, both by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

Model and actress Adriana Karembeu arrived at the same time like me.

Of course, the two leading actors of the movie “Behind the Candelabra”, Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, came last.

The American drama directed by Steven Soderbergh is about the life of pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas in his best role ever) and the secret affair he had with young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). The movie is based on a true story, Thorson’s memoir, and unveils the excessive lifestyle of the performer and his intimate circle of friends, lovers, and businessmen. I have absolutely loved the film. Matt Damon and Michael Douglas perform amazingly. You experience the different stages of the gay couple’s relationship that they always kept behind closed doors as Liberace was not open about his homosexuality.

Standing ovations and a good laugh when Matt Damon hugged Michael Douglas intimately.

Later, the “Behind the Candelabra” after party took place at the Chopard Terrace at the famous Hotel Martinez in the presence of the movie cast and many other celebrities.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Art Director of Chopard

What an honour to have a little chat with the famous Michael Douglas!

Exceptional soprano Anna Netrebko

Model and ex-girlfriend of Leonardo di Caprio Erin Heatherton is the new face of Chopard.

Rosario Dawson recognized me from the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch in Los Angeles last February. How sweet!

I had so much fun that night, thank you, Chopard, for that unforgettable experience and Valeria for taking all those photos of me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Palme d’Or: Courtesy of Chopard

THE EVENT

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the prestigious annual amfAR gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, which was probably THE most high profile event I have ever been to. From sitting at Paris Hilton‘s table, having dinner with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone, enjoying musical performances of the likes of Duran Duran or Shirley Bassey to witnessing Anna Dello Russo‘s best dance moves during the unbelievable ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW curated by Carine Roitfeld. Everything was superlative. For a ticket price of around €8000.00 it should be, shouldn’t it?!

Below, I put together my very own photo diary of the event with of course some exclusive footage. The invite said that nobody was allowed to take pictures, that if you were seen, the camera would be confiscated immediately. But I managed to get some great shots! Enjoy!

MY OUTFIT

As gold was a dominant detail of the event, I went for a look in this radiant colour.
Python leather dress (every scale is handsewn on this piece) and matching heels by Tom Ford, Twenties stay-up in black by Wolford, Catwalk patent leather bag with crocodile print by Saint Laurent and earrings by Chanel.

THE CELEBRITIES

VIPS in attendance included: Sharon Stone, Jessica Chastain, Carine Roitfeld, Bonnie Wright, Aishwarya Rai, Paz Vega, Rosario Dawson, Goldie Hawn, Janet Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tautou, Kristen Scott Thomas, Christopher Waltz, Leonardo di Caprio, Dita von Teese, Paris Hilton, Adrien Brody, Zachary Quinto, Thom Browne, Daniele and Roberto Cavalli.

THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION

If you have ever been to the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, you know how gorgeous the atmosphere is. It was amazing to enjoy a glass of bubbly while watching all the celebs arrive.

Milla Jovovich

Golden Girls: Anne Meyer-Minnemann (German Gala magazine) with me

THE DINNER

Roberto Cavalli was the official decor sponsor of the 2oth amfAR Gala 2013 with iconic pieces of his Home Collection. Dinner was a feast for the eyes, but unfortunately not a culinary delight. The food was unpalatable.

THE AUCTION

During the gala dinner, celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, Goldie Hawn and Janet Jackson went on stage and gave a little speech. The auction conducted by Simon de Pury included one-of-a-kind items, such as a trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio that went for 1.2 million euros, a week at Donna Karan’s resort home in Parrot Cay, and a family portrait sitting with Annie Leibovitz. But these were just a few of the items sold at amfAR’s most successful benefit event to date. Cinema Against AIDS XX exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $25 million in a single night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

Janet Jackson

I was seated at a very fun table with Paris Hilton and her boyfriend River Viiperi…

…model Toni Garrn joined in the fun…

…as well as American jewelry designer Dawid Yurman who was also at the table.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (The antagonist in Casino Royale) with me

Paris Hilton

Gorgeous Jessica Chastain (The face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto).

THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

After placing their bids during one of amfAR’s legendary auctions, the charitable crowd was moved by musical performances that ranged from Dame Shirley Bassey singing “Goldfinger” to Ellie Goulding and a rare live performance by Duran Duran. As John Taylor and Simon Le Bon, surrounded by swaying models, rocked on the stage, I leapt from my dinner table and began dancing.

Simon Le Bon rocking with Alessandra Ambrosio

Anna Dello Russo was also moving to the beats

Would love to know what Giovanna Battaglia just heard?!

THE ULTIMATE GOLD COLLECTION FASHION SHOW

Personally speaking, the highlight of the event was the fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld. Forty top models participated in a spectacular runway presentation of one-of-a-kind gold looks with gold jewelry from emerging and established designers. See my favourites below:

Karolina Kurkova in Roberto Cavalli

Joan Smalls in Givenchy

Toni Garrn in Vionnet

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in Valentino

Ashleigh Good in Chanel

Angela Lindvall in Burberry Prorsum

Anna Dello Russo danced down the runway in Pucci and Bvlgari

…and Pucci’s Creative Director Peter Dundas cheered along with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld.

After the runway show, Sharon Stone auctioned off this amazing gold collection in a very witty and entertaining way, exhorting the crowd to bid higher and higher. “The bid is a million dollars—I mean euros,” she said. “Won’t someone give more?” Yes, this night somebody did. All the outfits went for 1.2 million euros. You can see the lucky couple below.

THE AFTER PARTY

Moncler was sponsoring the after party that seemed a little boring compared to the gala dinner. Most of the celebrities left and that might have been also due to the terrible weather conditions that had occurred all of a sudden. The wind was beating like crazy as you can see.

I was having so much fun that it felt like I already flew to space with Leonardo. Stay tuned for more upcoming post from Cannes with Chopard!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LoveGold, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday one week ago, before I left for Cannes, we had finally one beautiful radiant day in Zurich. No need to tell you how frustrated I am regarding the weather as most of you feel the same way. I have so many gorgeous summer outfits and never the chance to wear them. Enjoying the sunshine outside at Seerose restaurant followed by a casual dinner at a friend’s house, I went for an all white look with some colourful accessories.

My look: Embroidered ‘Sicilia’ tank top, white skinny jeans, Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, sunglasses and bucket bag, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, bangles and ring by Chanel, green suede sandals by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After a relaxing flight over the Alps, I arrived in Cannes where the sky is blue and the sun is shining. What a treat! I spoiled myself with some yummy ice-cream before getting ready now for the red carpet. Tonight, I am attending the film viewing of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who will be both present, followed by the movie party at the Chopard Terrace at Hotel Martinez. Below is a little teaser of my dress… any idea which designer I am going to wear?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Et voilà, here is the second part of the MCM Blogger Makeover 2013. Jumpsuits are a huge trend this summer and I definitely couldn’t resist this one. Doesn’t it look lovely with the new MCM bag? All photos were taken in the studio of Christian Dietrich.

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Veronika Visetos medium satchel by MCM, raffia and macarmé multi-bead earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and ring by Chanel.

If you haven’t seen the photos of the MCM’s Zurich Grand Opening, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Dietrich for MCM