Sandra‘s Closet

This weekend, I was invited by Dior to the Zurich Film Festival that is celebrating the art of film in all its facets this year for the 8th time. In a very short amount of time, it has established itself upon the national and international festival landscape.

We started in the afternoon with the vernissage “Stars in Dior”, a beautiful exhibition of photographs featuring celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Sharon Stone, who have often worn creations by the house of Dior, whether they were designed by its founder or his successors, on the set, at cinema-related events or simply in their everyday life.

At the vernissage framed by Manuela Pastore (Sales Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the left and Sonya Burch-Baumann (PR Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the right.

Later, we went to the screening of “Love is all you need” (Den skaldede frisor), a film directed by Academy Award Winner Susanne Bier and starring Pierce Brosnan plus a famous Danish cast, among them Trine Dyrholm and Kim Bodnia.

The heartwarming story is very moving but at the same incredibly funny with a hint of absurdity. A hairdresser (Trine Dyrholm) who has lost her hair to cancer finds out her husband (Kim Bodnia) is having an affair, travels to Italy for her daughter’s wedding and meets a widower (Pierce Brosnan) who still blames the world for the loss of his wife.
Of course, nothing goes according to plan and yet everything works out in the end. The film was shown in Danish/English with German subtitles and I have to admit that the original soundtrack added even more charm to it.

The Dior after party took place at the Frauenbadi that was beautifully decorated.
What a great night!

My look: Black belted gown by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, cropped fur jacket by Prada, feather stole, handbag and pearl multi-strand necklace by Dior, pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

In the end, Dior spoilt us even more with the wonderful coffee-table book “Stars in Dior” (Available in stores for around €45.-) and a bottle of the house’s recently launched fragrance: MISS DIOR – Le Parfum.

The scent is announced as elegant, sensual and intoxicating nocturnal perfume extract. The nose behind this fragrance is François Demachy who said he “wanted to bring something precious and luminous to the composition of Miss Dior Le Parfum, like an oriental jewellery set or the reflections of shimmering fabric.” Yet again, beautiful Natalie Portman is the face for the campaign, formerly she presented Miss Dior Cherie.

MISS DIOR – Le Parfum
Oriental – Chypre

Top notes: Mandarin
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose absolute and Turkish rose absolute
Base notes: Patchouli, amber and vanilla.

Available now for CHF 129.50 (40ml) and CHF 179.50 (75ml).
My new favorite, such a warm, beautiful and very feminine perfume. A must for all lovers of oriental fragrances.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, IMDB and © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening during the Biennale des Antiquaires, Piaget took us for a gala dinner to the beautiful L’Arc restaurant, that offers a stunning view of the city’s iconic Arc de Triomphe.

My look: Silk blouse (available with or without sleeves) and chain detail skirt (50% off), both by Givenchy, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, Leopard Nocturne African Queen clutch bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 runway and earrings from Chanel‘s Paris-Bombay collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

AMEDEO TURELLO is one of the most renowed photographers in the world. Since 1999, he has dedicated himself to fashion photography and I have been admiring his work since then. Therefore you can surely imagine how honoured I felt to meet him during the St. Moritz Art Masters 2012. Born and raised in Italy, Amedeo graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Torino and in Fine Art from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. His involvement with photography grew from a natural love of the visual arts and from his strong background in sociology, history of art and design.

Through his lens, the charming Italian has revealed the individual personality of a wide range of celebrities, such as Naomi Campbell, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli. Amedeo was one of the first image makers to believe in Dita Von Teese as a fashion icon and it is largely thanks to him and his shooting “The Mistress and her Pupils” that she was launched in the fashion arena. Moreover, he was the author for the now iconic official photograph of HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco (one of the most published pictures of the year, seen on Sandra’s Closet in May 2011).
Can you imagine how amazing it felt to be in front of his camera?!

Amedeo is a true professional. He has a great team working with him who took care of my hair and the outfits. Rosanna Trinchese, Fashion and Creative Director of RENE’OLIVIER PRODUCTIONS had some S/S 2013 looks for me to wear.

The dark long dress in the first photos is by Lila Morency, the jewels are by Azhar.

The second look further down is a combination of Rosanna’s pieces and my own: Fringed top by Avaro Figlio, jewels by Azhar, and my structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

All these photos of the shoot were just randomly taken. I am so excited to see Amedeo’s final result and of course, I will keep you posted the minute I have received it. In the meantime enjoy those “behind the scene shots”.

Amedeo has a unique way of portraying the individual character. He is very passionate for his work, extremely concentrated and told me exactly what to do which I appreciated a lot. It was so much fun working with him.

There is a beautiful quote on his website which suits him very well: ” …to my father, who taught me to understand, appreciate and see the small, important things in life.”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos of the first Collage: © Amedeo Turello

Before leaving for Venice to interview Blake Lively, I spent two days in the mountains for the fifth edition of the St. Moritz Art Masters. So-called SAM has become an integral part of the annual art calendar, attracting many contemporary artists from all over the globe.

Steve McCurry
The Pirelli Calendar 2013
Original making of image printed on Canvas

I was invited to the “Tribute to Photographers” event where I met some of the most distinctive photographers of the world, such as Albert Watson, Amedeo Turello, Steve McCurry, Matteo Basilé and many more. Each artist gave an introductory speech in the afternoon at the Posthaus before being honoured themselves during the “Tribute to Photography” evening at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. This was very exciting for me because I had the honour to present Yossi Loloi with the award. More about the night to be posted soon.

At the Posthaus: Albert Watson and Steve McCurry

The next day, the two-day photo workshop “The Expression of Identity” started in which renowned photographers such as Jock Sturges, Steve McCurry and Amedeo Turello gave their insights on portraiture, figurative and fashion photography. It was such an amazing experience and I will be showing you so many photos during the next days.

The most exciting part: Famous photographers, Steve McCurry and Amedeo Turello, did each a photo shoot with me which felt like a dream. Experiencing their individuality and visual expression of identity and style was photography in its most exquisite form of art.

Monty Shadow, founder of the St. Moritz Art Masters, is a true visionary. We had tea at Badrutt’s Palace hotel together and I was deeply impressed when he showed me some of his work. He used to be a very successful photographer himself, shot a lot for the Playboy magazine and Anna Wintour started her career as his assistant.

As Leica being one of the main sponsors, there was a photo booth inside the lobby of the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains where you could have your photo taken.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, wool and silk-blend sweater and printed modal and silk-blend scarf, both by Stella McCartney, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci and Tribtoo textured leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Steve McCurry

My visit to the Biennale des Antiquaires last week was absolutely amazing. I was surrounded by outstanding beauty, extraordinary antiques and exquisite jewelry. Karl Lagerfeld has staged, decorated and created the visuals for the event as well as the backdrop. And being such a talented artist, he came up with a temporary world within the Grand Palais (the home of his Chanel shows) that was as beautiful as the thousands of objects d’art.

My look: Structured tuxedo jacket by Balmain, floral and cherub-print dress by Dolce & Gabbana, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford, Rockstud suede and leather ankle boots by Valentino, cuff by Céline, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette earrings and ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie plus Velvet de Luxe 66 tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised earlier, here are the details of my outfit that I wore to visit the Château de Malmaison with Piaget. The floral pattern of my sweater totally matched the Yves Piaget roses that were surrounding us with their beautiful scent.

My look: Rose-patterned wool sweater by Dolce & Gabbana, bib necklace by Matthew Williamson, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford and flat bow embellished ankle boots by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tuesday afternoon, I arrived in Paris for the city’s famous and oldest antiques fair, the Biennale des Antiquaires, at the Grand Palais which takes places from September 14 to 23, 2012. I am invited by Piaget and totally excited to be here.

For the 26th edition of the Biennale, designer Karl Lagerfeld has been decorating and creating the visuals for the event, plus a contemporary world within the Grand Palais. The exhibition will take place at the main part as well as in “Le Salon d’Honneur”.

This was my look on the arrival day:
Silk blouse and cardigan by Prada, wide wool pants by Stella McCartney, ankle boots by Fendi, Monogram Aviator bag from Louis Vuitton‘s Pre-fall 2010 collection, statement necklace by Roberto Cavalli and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: Dominatrix by Tom Ford.

On the first evening, we had dinner at Hotel Costes. Stay tuned for many beautiful photos coming up from my stay in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited to a friend’s house for a lovely Sunday brunch. The weather was so beautiful and summery. Nevertheless, I just couldn’t help myself and had to wear some of my new pre-fall 2012 pieces. Gucci’s autumnal floral print is such a perfect transition into fall.

My look: Printed silk blouse, stretch-leather leggings and Soft Stirrup bag, all three by Gucci, coral shape heels by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days I have been travelling like crazy and I have so many exciting things to share with you. Here is a little teaser of what is coming up. On Saturday evening, I went to the launch event of Gucci Première, the Italian house’s new fragrance for women, at the famous Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Present at the exclusive dinner were also the face of the campaign, Blake Lively, with her boyfriend Ryan Reynolds, and of course Frida Giannini, Creative Director of Gucci, Salma Hayek and her husband François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR.

As Gucci Première is inspired by timeless Hollywood glamour, I chose this black and gold outfit matching the colour scheme of the fragrance:
Metallic-striped fringed leather dress, “Kelly” black and gold suede sandals, “Hysteria” patent leather clutch and belted suede leather jacket, all by Gucci from different seasons. Earrings by Chanel from the Paris – Bombay collection and Twenties fishnet stay-ups in black by Wolford. On my nails: “Smoke Red” by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for photos of the dinner, more information on the fragrance and an amazing interview with Blake Lively.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, when the temperatures were so high and I was literally melting away, I wore this outfit. Bare midriff – the ’90s trend has been back this summer and I have been loving it (Click here for another look that I wore sporting a cropped top by Dolce & Gabbana).

But be careful! Time has changed, it is just the new craze of fashion. As you still want to create an elegant ensemble, you shouldn’t show too much of your body. This matching pencil skirt has the perfect length, Mrs Prada knows her business. I also took a colourful shirt with me in order to be prepared for a chilly evening.

My look: Floral embellished top and skirt by Prada (from the S/S 2012 runway), statement necklace by Dior, colourful shirt by DKNY, Charlie Dark Tortoise sunglasses (Z0472W) by Louis Vuitton (Those sunglasses are amazing. They can be folded and transformed into a necklace.). Rose embellished sandals and clutch by Prada (from a previous season).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht