Sandra‘s Closet

Honestly, I would have never imagined that I would ever write a post about toilet paper until I tried those luxury bottom wipes which became Gwyneth Paltrow‘s favorites as well as she called it ‘the gold standard of toilet paper’ on her lifestyle blog «Goop».

JOSEPH’s Toiletries is a Swiss brand that is challenging the ways we cleanse and re-hydrate our skin where it is most delicate. The philosophy behind? Why not treating the bottom the same way one would treat any other part of the body?

Developed with the help of leading dermatologists and beauty care experts, this toilet paper, which comes packed in a very tasteful white box tied with a slate grey silk ribbon, is accompanied by a gentle cleansing as well as a balancing care product, both made with Swiss glacial water to protect and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

All JOSEPH’S Toiletries products are hypoallergenic, matching the skin’s pH value and are both paraben and alcohol-free. All materials are certified to ensure the products are as sustainable as they are desirable.

I love those beautiful dispensers. JOSEPH’S Toiletries mounting system has been handcrafted by award winning interior designer Bagno Sasso to complement the most elegant and modern bathrooms of homes and hotels.

TO SHOP JOSEPH TOILETRIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of JOSEPH Toiletries and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Nature is so beautiful that adding to it serves no purpose.” – Robert Dallet (1923 – 2006)

Every year, Hermès picks a theme for the respective year, which is highlighted through their collections and store windows. In 2016, the French Maison is honoring its love for nature with «Nature at Full Gallop».

Last week, I was invited to an intimate dinner by the House at the Museum Rietberg in Zurich to celebrate this beautiful inspiration. The location was amazing, decorated like a jungle. The dinner was served on the «Carnets d’Equateur» porcelain which I showed you in a previous post and that pictures wild creatures such as the jaguar, lion, tiger, elephant and toucan alongside the rare, the manama, capuchin and wooly monkeys.

The design was created by late animal artist Robert Dallet and is a voyage to the core of creation. I find it extremely beautiful.

My look that night: Margot bonded stretch-crepe dress by Roksanda, So Black Kelly bag and silk scarf, both by Hermès, Songe pumps in cracked leather by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings by Miu Miu.

My avid reader might recognize the dress as I wore it already 4 years ago (for the previous post, click here please). It got relaunched this season because of the hype Melania Trump caused wearing it in white for her speech to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.

Absolutely trending this F/W 2016 season: wrapping a silk scarf around the handle.

Taking photos in the Hermès selfie box. Have fun with more pictures below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Sandra Bauknecht

Bohemian luxury inspired by the gypsy free spirit, Gucci‘s romantic dresses embrace all of those feelings and I am truly addicted to Alessandro Michele‘s designs.

I wore this beautiful creation to the Zoofäscht in Zurich three weeks ago which is one of the highlights of the city’s social calendar. The black tie gala took place for the 15th time and raised CHF 780’000 for the zoo’s new Australia complex. It was a fun night with many show acts entertaining the generous guests.

My look: Appliquéd silk-jacquard and printed cotton maxi dress, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag and green suede sandals (S/S 2006), all by Gucci, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, Diorette ring and matching earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

I hope that you have enjoyed the impressions of the night. Happy Friday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Zoofäscht 2016, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Zuza Speckert/NZZ

Last Friday, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The first social event after the summer break is always a lot of fun. This year, it was extremely hot which was perfect for this garden style celebration. If you decide to go, remember to wear wedges as standing in the grass can be quite challenging for thin high heels!

My look: Margarita orange gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, suede wedge sandals by Bottega Veneta, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Chanel and ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht

After 134 years at the same location in Zurich, Maison Gassmann moved and celebrated its new home located at Weinplatz 3 (the former Pastorini toy store) last week. The house has a rich history, its oldest part dates back to the early 13th century. Throughout the building you can find historic structures that are now integrated in the sophisticated contemporary interior design.

The brand portfolio includes a large variety of different established designers as well as newcomers, such as Etro, Missoni, Vilshenko and more, for women and children.

With Katja Hahnloser at the opening party last week.

2016, marks also the change of leadership for the renowned fashion store. With siblings, Michael and Katja Hahnloser, taking over the business from their father, the fifth generation is now in charge of the company. If you like to hear more about the heritage, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maison Gassmann and © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday one week ago, there was Street Parade in Zurich. It is the most attended technoparade in Europe, since the end of Love Parade in 2010. I prefer leaving the streets to the ravers as I find it too crowded but I still enjoy the music very much. Therefore personally speaking the place to be is the Boum-Boum au Lac party in the exclusive garden of the Hotel Baur au Lac.

My look: Giselle bandage halterneck jumpsuit by Hervé Léger, rock leather bracelet by Miu Miu, studded leather bracelet, Candy suede platform sandals and metallic patchwork camera bag, all by Saint Laurent, «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace by Chanel, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Tonight will be the Rive Gauche Party at the Baur au Lac garden, so stay tuned. More will be coming up shortly from this hot spot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography 

Before I left to Rio de Janeiro, Jo Malone celebrated the launch of the new Basil & Neroli collection at Zurich’s Juicery 21 at Sihlstrasse 93. Inspired by London’s playful exuberance, the fragrance combines floral neroli and a delicious wink of basil for a scent that is fresh, fun and full of adventure. Are you ready to have yourself a London lark?

Top note: Basil
Middle note: Neroli
Base note: White Musk

The Basil & Neroli Collection will be available from September 5, 2016.
Cologne 30ml (CHF 69.00) and 100ml (CHF 130.00)
Body & Hand Wash 250ml (CHF 47.00)
Body Cream 175ml (CHF 99.00) and Home Candle 200g (CHF 82.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day. It has been an official national holiday since 1994, although the day had been suggested for the celebration of the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy as early as 1889. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

I have been living in Switzerland now for over eleven years and I feel absolutely at home. I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss textiles which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to the «Swiss Dots».

«Dotted Swiss», also known as «Swiss Dot», is a sheer cotton fabric that is embellished with small dots. The dots can be applied in a number of different ways and colors. The design is said to have originated around 1750 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which emerged as a textile center in the 15th century.

I love this fabric especially in white on long maxi dresses. In combination with red accessories, it  can take you everywhere from weekend brunch to evening events.

First collage:
1 Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London (30% off)
2 Belle Web Swiss-dot and lace silk top by Zimmermann
3 The Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino

Second collage:
4 The Garden Swiss-dot cotton maxi dress by The Great (50% off)
5 Belle Swiss-dot and lace silk midi dress by Zimmermann
6 Swiss dot tulle-paneled cable-knit sweater by REDValentino
7 Ren cutout suede sandals by Jimmy Choo

My absolute favorite of all:
Good Times lace-paneled Swiss-dot silk-georgette maxi dress by Zimmermann

To all my Swiss readers: Happy National Day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via ZSG

Here is the outfit that I wore to the opening of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac two weeks ago. It was a rainy day but it couldn’t stop me from wearing this colorful outfit that blended in with the exhibited art of Finish shootingstar Jani Leinonen perfectly. Isn’t it wonderful to see how fashion and art inspire each other in multiple ways.

My look: Cropped trench jacket and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, printed cotton-blend faille skirt, matching bustier top, cigarette-inspired leather bag and iPhone case, all by Moschino, velvet bow booties by Miu Miu and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Jani Leinonen with the host and inventor of Art in the Park Gigi Kracht.

Photos: Courtesy of Art in the Park and © Sandra Bauknecht

“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen

The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.

Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.

Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).

Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010),  Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).

My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht