Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I have some amazing news to share for my Swiss readers. French high-end fashion and luxury lifestyle magazine L’OFFICIEL will launch a national Swiss edition in two separate issues in German and French with the first edition hitting the shelves in March 2014.

Launched in France almost a century ago and owned by Paris-based LES EDITIONS JALOU, the French title is now published in 30 different countries worldwide. Announcing this partnership, Chief Executive Officer of LES EDITIONS JALOU Benjamin Eymère explained, “Despite the market’s multilingual nature, it is a united country, with its very own identity, its own culture and taste. We intend to present content to Swiss readers that is unique in style, but in tune with the greater international scope and our very distinctive touch of French “je ne sais quois”, and we look forward to working with Swiss readers to cater to their individual style ambitions.”

Stefan Hottinger-Behmer (see photo), Publisher of the newly formed Blond Publishing Group in Zurich, commented, “L’OFFICIEL is one of the most respected fashion titles in the world. We are honored to be the new publisher of its Swiss edition and thrilled to introduce such a highquality title to this market. As one of the world’s top five countries in terms of per capita income, it is curious to observe the absence of internationally renowned titles on the Swiss media landscape.”

Eymère adds, “Switzerland is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world, and we have been surprised for a while, by the fact that no other international fashion media brand currently publishes there and the market is therefore only serviced by neighbouring French, German or Italian high fashion magazines.”

L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse will launch in March 2014 with 6 issues in the first year and 10 regular issues from 2015 onwards. 2014 also sees the introduction of the first two supplements, L’OFFICIEL Hommes (September) and L’OFFICIEL Voyage (October). Further supplements to be launched in 2015 include L’OFFICIEL Watch & Jewellery, L’OFFICIEL Art and L’OFFICIEL Beauty.

Personally speaking, I think that Switzerland is absolutely ready for such an international title and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Officiel

Yesterday, one night before the official opening of the Zurich Film Festival, I was invited to the Piaget Movie Night at the store on Bahnhofstrasse. I went for a classy outfit that gave all the attention to my beautiful sparkling jewelry.

My look: Vest, gabardine skinny tux trousers, lace body, mousseline-silk bow tie, and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget.

Piaget ambassadors: Actor Carlos Leal with me

Highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion, presented by Philippe Klemenz, during which Carlos Leal gave some insights into the cineaste world along with my husband Dr. Gero Bauknecht, partner and board member of Silver Reel Partners.

A huge thank you to Sylvain Auroux, Director Piaget Switzerland, and Nunzia Marsella-Cesaro, Store Manager Piaget Zurich, and their team for this lovely evening!

I had a lot of fun and was happy to party with my dear friend and colleague Florence Jacquinot in Zurich!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Switzerland has a new beauty oasis, a very urban one: ease DESIGN SPA. A paradise in the city with a vibrant vibe, located in Zurich-West on the first floor of Puls 5. Of course, it doesn’t have this typical zen ambiance but that is on purpose. I enjoyed the facial treatment to funky music in a relaxing ambiance created by award-winning interior designers Dyer-Smith Frey very much.

The highly qualified team offers top quality service and a bundle of experience along with the comfort of a spa in the city.

Ease DESIGN SPA works with SALIN de BIOSEL from Italy. All products and treatments have been designed to be personalised “à la carte”. How does this work? By adding precious components aimed to solve your specific beauty problem, like a unique cosmetic recipe, you enjoy a treatment made exclusively to suit your skin needs.

Everything at ease DESIGN SPA is easy, even the online booking service. I hope that you will feel as much at ease as I did.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ease Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking at those pictures, I have to admit that I am becoming a little homesick. Before I left for China, I was invited by a lovely friend to join a chocolate party at the LINDT factory in Kilchberg, Switzerland. You can rent the chocolate studio for 20 people and more to create some yummy treats.

The Maîtres Chocolatiers, real masters of their craft, were welcoming our group and helped us to make a LINDT chocolate bear and some amazing pralines. Every single detail counts when it comes to creating the finest chocolate and I had a real blast decorating my sweets. Bon appétit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I just got back from Florence for a quick stopover before heading off for one month to China and had a lovely lunch at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar with the H&M Switzerland team. The view over the city of Zurich up there is breathtaking.

My look: Safari-print cutout cotton shirt (40% off) and matching skirt (50% off), both by Carven, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Trio infernale: René Zibold, Gray Castillo and my humble self.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, Zurich’s first Fashion Night Out took place, so-called “Die lange Nacht der Mode”. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound so fashionable in German. But I had a lot of fun at three different events that I am showing you below:

First Stop: Jelmoli
Press conference with Ilaria Venturini Fendi

Founded in 2006 by Ilaria Venturini Fendi, who is part of the Fendi family empire, Carmina Campus is the brand that focuses on handbags, jewels and furniture out of reused materials. Each handcrafted item is a unique one of a kind piece. All of Illaria’s sustainable creations are made with care and consideration for the environment. The designer used her natural aversion to waste and her innate understanding of fashion to start an eco conscious label with a distinctive style. Therefore she is only working with already-existing materials either living their second life or unused but out of production.

Ilaria Venturini Fendi with me

With projects in Kenia addressing poverty, she helps women to start their own business, proclaiming: “It’s not charity, it’s work.” I was truly impressed by her spirit and creativity, she designs bags made out of trash bags, shower curtains, old school uniforms and so on. She even collaborated with Mini for a collection made out of color samples, material offcuts, and other castoffs from the production of the British-built convertible. Under Fendi’s direction, 50 one-of-a-kind bags were manufactured.

Carmina Campus is available at Jelmoli in Zurich. You can also shop the collection online here.

Second stop: H&M Showroom
Presentation of the new fall 2013 collection

The lovely H&M teamed welcomed me to their new showroom. On display was the beautiful runway collection that had been presented during Paris Fashion Week. Dubbed “Modern Drama,” the color palette was mainly about black and white with a few vibrant key pieces, like this bright red dress, very much reminiscent of the ’70s, edgy and feminine in one.

René Zibold, PR and Communication Manager H&M Switzerland, with me outside on the balcony…

…overlooking the fashion parade.

Third stop: Vestibule
Late night shopping

At Vestibule, fashionistas mingled to shop the new season must-haves to the sound of DJ Annina Frey. I fell in love with this amazing faded botanical printed canvas Polly small flap clutch by 3.1 Phillip Lim and the Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang.

What a great night!

LoL, Sandra

Laurence Antiglio, owner of Vestibule, with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I got back from a wonderful trip to Geneva with Nescens. The last weeks have been crazy with travelling, Los Angeles, Paris, next week, I will fly to London and Vienna. Therefore, I am so happy to have a very relaxing weekend ahead of me that I am planning to spend most of the time cuddled up in bed with my laptop. I have so many amazing things to show you.

For my Swiss based readers, I have also two reading suggestions for the weekend: First of all, my new column in the SI Style magazine is out now. This time, I am telling you a little bit more about my experience with the Fifty Shades of Grey triology. Second of all, the recent edition of Swiss News, the international magazine of Switzerland, is available now featuring a beautiful three-page portrait of one of my favourite designers, Mary Katrantzou.

And in case you are curious in which linen I will be all cuddled up, most of my bedding is by Christian Fischbacher. I just love their quality, fabrics and designs. The one you see in the photos is Cloque, one of my favourites as it doesn’t need to be ironed. Have a great weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Swiss News, the international magazine of Switzerland, featured me in their October issue. It was lovely working with them. Emily Mawson wrote the text and Carina Scheuringer took the photos of me in some of my favourite winter looks. Promised, I will post all the details and more pics of my outfits soon.

If you are curious about the article, you can read it below:

AUTUMN DAYS
New season fashion with Sandra Bauknecht
by Emily Mawson

I have heard that Sandra Bauknecht is friendly. Fashion designer Mary Katrantzou says she is “the loveliest person.” Meanwhile, journalist Sherin Hafner describes her as “bringing joy to the lives of others” in Schweizer Illustrierte Style (12/09). Yet nothing quite prepares me for the beaming, petite fashion blogger with tumbling caramel hair who greets me with a hearty handshake and invites me into her beautiful home.

Dressed in joggers and a plain jersey, she looks casual – it is a comfortable look that belies the indulgence of being at home in Zurich for a few days between a trip to Venice, where she interviewed actress Blake Lively, and jetting to Paris then London for Fashion Weeks. Touches all around nod to this more recognisable side of her: Chanel wellies beside the dresser in the hall and a leaning pile of fashion magazines on a bench in the kitchen. “I’ve prepared cake for afterwards,” she smiles, “but let’s look at the clothes first.” She sweeps through the hall and I notice how tiny she looks in the magnificent, high-ceilinged surroundings.

Sandra’s Closet
“What I like the most about fashion is that you can re-invent yourself every day,” says the 37-year old as she shows me the rail of new season outfits she has prepared for our photo shoot. One ensemble is edgy, one elegant and another fun. She thinks that this autumn/winter season, anything goes: “If you feel comfortable with yourself, you will have a great presence and everything will look stylish on you.”

Some trends are, however, just too fabulous to be missed. “I adore the leather trend so leather skirts and dresses are a must. And the brocade and needlepoint trend…” says Sandra, twirling a long strand of hair around her finger. “Dolce & Gabbana has one of my favourite collections this season – but this changes every season. And Raf Simon’s last collection for Jil Sander is to die for. The coats in blush colours are divine.” As for Swiss fashion, she is watching Albert Kriemler at Akris – “He is definitely our most internationally acclaimed designer” – and upcoming designers including Aleksandra Wisniewska, Javier Reyes and Little Black Dress.

The face behind blog Sandra’s Closet, Sandra writes about fashion and shares insights she has garnished through her fashion design studies, as a fashion editor at Marie Claire magazine in Germany and through working as a stylist. “Fashion has always been the love of my life. I drove my Mum crazy with my ideas of what I wanted to look like,” she reveals. Instead of buying Mickey Mouse comics, she bought Vogue magazine. As a pupil at a girls’ school in a suburb of Frankfurt, she told teachers what to buy when they went shopping during school trips. “Sandra has such an amazing way of looking at fashion and curating it in a very original way,” says Katrantzou. “I absolutely love seeing her in my pieces.” Shooting the season “Mami,” says a tiny voice; Sandra introduces her daughter. “This is my photographer,” she states. Assisting Swiss News editor and photographer Carina, the little girl – who takes the photos for Sandra’s Closet – snaps away like a pro.

Sandra exudes a radiant and positive energy that is immediately apparent in the photos. She refers to Marie Claire being discontinued while she was on maternity leave (which lasts up to three years in Germany and allowed her to spend time living in America and working freelance) as an “amazing coincidence, because I knew I wanted to move to Zurich.” She is teaching her daughter to take the time to find the person behind the great look, because outer appearance changes daily. And mother and daughter fall about laughing as they tell funny family stories after the shoot. The life of a fashionista “I knew we would need something sweet afterwards,” Sandra giggles. Over cake and champagne, she describes the fashionable moments that make up her life. “During last fashion week, I went for lunch with Mary Katrantzou and tried on most of her new collection. It felt like two girls playing dress-up. We were both so excited and happy!” It is a busy life, though. “I can’t remember the last time I watched a movie without having my laptop on at the same time to work,” she sighs. “I blog wherever I am, no matter what the time of day.” Sandra’s greatest dream is to open a museum. “I have been collecting fashion – especially limited edition pieces – for many years now,” she says. “This is also why my blog is called Sandra’s Closet. People often have said, ‘Oh my gosh, have you seen Sandra’s Closet?’” You surely will have to now.

Sandra Bauknecht’s fashion tips
1 Looking good is all about the proportion of the clothes. Hemlines are very important.
2 If you keep everything and therefore have a lot of clothes, it is easier to get dressed. There will always be something that matches your outfit perfectly.
3 Trousers are celebrating a big comeback this season. All-over print trouser suits will be seen on every fashionista
4 Layering is the way to cope with autumn’s changeable weather.
5 If you only have the budget to buy one key piece for the season, do not choose something trendy. Invest in a great accessory such as a Chanel or Hermès bag, or a gorgeous coat – something that transforms your look immediately.

Thank you, Emily and Carina, for this beautiful article!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Swiss News © Carina Scheuringer, © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2012, I went backstage several times. I love watching hair and make-up artists at work as you can always learn so much. Paul Mitchell and Marionnaud belonged to the main sponsors of the event. I spotted some great products that I am now completely addicted to and of course, I am sharing them with you.

Me having fun at work.

Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer by Smashbox
Let me introduce you to the first primer dedicated to the delicate skin under the eyes! The brand’s signature silky primer texture keeps your concealer looking fresh and never cakey or settled into fine lines so that your eyes will always look well-rested. 
Available in Switzerland for CHF 33.- exclusively at Marionnaud.

Germany’s Next Topmodel 2012 winner Luisa Hartema‘s hairdo was done with products by Paul Mitchell. Scroll down to see what you will definitely need to get the perfect blow-dry.

Hydromist Blow-Out Spray™
High-performance volumizers prepare hair for a flawless blow-dry. The weightless formula boosts volume, hydrates dry strands and delivers a clean, long-lasting hold while protecting hair from damage.

Shine Spray™
This finishing spray with a light mist adds brilliance and luminous shine to any style while protecting your hair.

Styling Treatment Oil™
The idea of oiling up your hair might sound weird, but rubbing a little of this lightweight formula between your palms and then over strands before blow-drying or ironing adds a beautiful gloss and tames frizz.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The second evening of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days 2012 was dedicated to the well-known annabelle award.

Five young designers were able to show their collections, but only one of them won an internship with Barbara Bui, who also presented her S/S 2013 show as a culmination of the night.

The event started off with three established Swiss designers:

Van Bery is based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The S/S 2013 collection was inspired by the painter Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (“Le Douanier” Rousseau) and the era of the ’20s. I am a big fan of Van Bery’s romantic, feminine florals und adorable bow embellishments and those head pieces were to-die-for. In Switzerland available at Globus among others.

Laend Phuengkit fuses Asian and European features to create an interesting collection for men and women that impresses with beautiful draped elements and contemporary cuts for S/S 2013.

Claudia Zuber started her label three years ago and has been on the rise since then. Her creative power: Sporty elements in colours of the ’70s mixed with an air of the ’20s. I especially loved the little books that the models carried on the runway, such a neat detail.

After that, the five finalists of the annabelle award were presenting their collections to the audience.

Flaka Jahaj (29): “Sheer Tedium” – Inspired by ornaments of ancient times and the architecture of historic temples
Désirée Gabriel (24): “Wind” – Asymmetrical designs that are flowing like the wind.
Julia Winkler (26): “Pinky’s Dream, Watch the Room” – Inspired by Davis Lynch’s movie soundtracks and his debut album “Crazy Clown Time”
Stéphanie Rosianu (26): “It’s So Bad, It’s Almost Good” – Ink scribbling printed on delicate organza and silk.
Safia Semlali (22): “Took My Sister’s Winter and My Father’s Fall” – Hightech materials worn in many layers.

And the winner of the prestigious annabelle award is: Julia Winkler who received an internship with Parisian designer Barbara Bui who said on stage: “It is always hard to choose someone. Even that an award is important, you never know what will be after. Working in fashion is wonderful, but you have to be very strong to work in that field.”

Barbara Bui with me

For S/S 2013, Barbara Bui showed her iconic rock-chic looks in perfection. Leather in colours of black and ink was predominating the collection. My favourite was the beautiful embroidered material used for jackets, shorts and bags.

If you are interested to see more about the event on Glanz & Gloria, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht