10 Years of La Vie Est Belle

10 years ago, I attended the launch event of Lancôme’s iconic «La Vie Est Belle» Eau de Parfum on a rainy day at Dolder in Zurich. This September, the French beauty house invited me again to celebrate one decade of its intoxicating notes with a fun party at Samigo Amusement. The weather was much better and the location offered all sorts of instagrammable spots and entertainment, from glitter tattoos to turning the wheel of fortune.

Until today, Julia Roberts is the face of the campaign. Her radiant personality and iconic smile symbolize the epitome of feminine grace and happiness that the scent aims to capture. With notes of Iris spring flowers, intoxicating patchouli, delicious praline and sensual warm vanilla, it is a gourmand scent. Over the years, several flankers have been launched. The fragrance is a true embodiment of Lancôme’s heritage with the «Crystal Smile» bottle, first designed in 1949 by Georges Delhomme.

Top notes: Pear and black currant
Middle notes: Orange blossom, jasmine and iris
Base notes: Praline, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli

Life is beautiful – this was the message of the night! A beautiful event with memories to be cherished for a long time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
@lancomeofficial #Lancome #LaVieEstBelle #MakeTodayBeautiful

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The Winners of the Bold Women Award

Supporting female entrepreneurship is something dear to my heart. In March I was invited to an intimate dinner to elect the 2022 Bold Woman Awardees. An invite I joyfully accepted. For 50 years, the House of Veuve Cliquot has awarded businesswomen who have built, taken on or developed a business. To date, 350 women in 27 countries have been honored. In Switzerland 18 bold businesswomen were already awarded and in 2022, there are two more.

On the 1st of September, Veuve Clicquot presented the two Swiss winners in a special ceremony at Aura restaurant in Zurich. Unfortunately, as I hosted an event for Patek Philippe that night, I couldn’t join the celebration. However I would like to congratulate the two winners:

Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2022:

Antonella Santuccione Chadha – WOMEN’S BRAIN PROJECT
Women’s Brain Project is a scientific organization addressing the influence of sex and gender on mental and brain diseases.

Antonella Santuccione Chadha , who is a doctor specialized in clinical pathology, neuroscience and psychiatric disorders, received the award for being her pioneering work in Alzheimer’s research. Not only is she the Chief Medical Officer at Altoida, a Swiss-American start-up company, she also founded the Women’s Brain Project with three colleagues to research the female characteristics of brain diseases. Her company received special attention with scientific publications on the gender-related differences in Alzheimer’s disease.

Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award 2022:

Fanny Queloz – ARTS & DESIGN MANUFACTURE
Arts & Design Manufacture offers exclusive artisanal creations in the realization of high-end watchmaking projects.

Fanny Queloz was recognized as a young entrepreneur, and administrator of Arts & Design Manufacture. The company in Chaux-de-Fonds was founded in 2019 and offers exclusive handcrafted watchmaking creations. The 32-year-old is committed to maintaining and developing this craftsmanship so that the company can continue to establish itself in a niche market. The relationship with her employees is particularly important to her. She works a lot with local subcontractors and strives to offer innovative materials with respect for the environment. All processed raw materials are certified, controlled and traceable in compliance with the «REACH» guidelines.

If you would like to find out more about this year’s awards and the guidelines, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Veuve Cliquot
@veuveclicquot #boldbyveuveclicquot #VeuveClicquotxWomen
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration. Drink responsibly!

My Look: Unstoppable Weekend

Are you ready for an unstoppable weekend? Then I recommend a visit to The Penthouse at the newly opened Five Zurich to party until the early hours. What to wear? Cutouts and some sparkles will make heads turn. Enjoy being the queen of the night.

My look: Padded-shoulder single-breasted wool jacket, and cutout wool high-rise straight pants, both by Mugler, silver-tone crystal body chainicon by Area, Cameo embellished earrings by Simone Rocha, leather platform pumps by Gucci, and Hourglass crystal-embellished bag by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Fendace

I have to admit that it took me some time to get used to all the current designer collaborations. However, one that has fully convinced me is FENDACE, a first in fashion history as two houses swap roles, Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace. After hitting the shelves, the FENDACE collection has proven to be quite the sensational hit. I shot one of my favorite looks from the collaboration inside the very instagrammable restaurant Soul Street at FIVE Zurich!

My look: Fendace cutout jumper, Fendace denim patchwork mini skirt, and Fendace logo boots with gold buckle, all by Versace, vintage fur Baguette bag with eagle closure by Fendi, and grooved cabochon clip earringsicon by Saint Laurenticon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Five Party

Welcome to The Penthouse at FIVE Zurich, opening this week. The vibrant restaurant and nightclub offer spectacular views of Zurich’s stunning skyline and will be hopefully host to some of the best parties in town. Before the official opening I went to photograph this fun Versace outfit that is adorned with the house’s signature Barocco motif and the iconic safety pins in fun colors. The miniature bag adds a little sparkle to the outfit.

My look: Barocco Goddess cropped shirt, safety pin detailed mini skirt, Medusa Aevitas embellished satin platform pumpsicon, La Medusa micro crystal-embellished suede toteicon, and Medusa embossed earrings, all by Versace.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Soul Street

Welcome to Soul Street at FIVE Zurich! Carefully crafted street food delights, artistic masterpieces, on the heartbeat of experiential dining and the best parties in town – one thing is for sure, you are set to have a good time. Before the official opening I shot one of my favorite summer looks there. CHANEL S/S 2022 is an ode to the 1990s – the time when I fell in love with the brand. I was at the show last October and knew immediately which looks to order such as this gorgeous ensemble. More to come from this collection. Stay tuned!

My look: Black and white bra top, striped long skirt (both pieces from Look 22 S/S 2022), black cardiganheart shape bag, logo printed sandals with 100mm heel, small black leather belt with chain, metal and glass pearl belt, and long pearl earrings, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Maiden Shanghai

Maiden Shanghai is a new exploration of authentic Chinese cooking in a spectacular setting at the new FIVE Zurich hotel that will open its doors next week. With dramatic views over the Swiss city, it contains a bold dining area and outdoor terrace, aas well as a private dining room. The decor playfully fuses the traditional with the boldly modern, creating spaces that feel open yet connected.

The interior design served as the perfect background to wear for the first time this fun look from the collaboration between French Haute Couture label Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG) and stylist of the moment Lotta Volkova.

My look: Two-piece wool blazericonlace-up crepe and satin leggings, and lace-up satin bralette, all by Jean Paul Gaultier + Lotta Volkovasilver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Dr Bored Paloma clutch mini, and Pinupina 130 limited edition pumps, both by Christian Louboutin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht / Sandra Bauknecht
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My Look: Balmain Barbie

Stop press! I have breaking news, there is not much time left until Switzerland’s new hot spot, FIVE ZURICH, is going to open its doors to the public on June 30, 2022. I was one of the first ones to explore the new hotel and its restaurants before anybody else. The interior design is outstanding. Everywhere you will find the most instagrammable backgrounds in vibrant colors, with fun slogans or gadgets. Of course, I took the opportunity to shoot several outfits complementing the design of the different areas of the hotel.

Let’s get started with «Balmain Barbie» photographed at the entrance and inside the immersive Soul St. restaurant, where soul food meets street art.

My look: Printed cotton T-shirt, embroidered baseball cap, B-Buzz 23 leather shoulder bag, and appliquéd organic cotton-blend velour wide-leg track pantsicon, all by Balmain x Barbie ®, and pink high-heel platform mules by Versace, chain earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht / Sandra Bauknecht
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FIVE Zurich

Zurich gets a new hot spot, or let me say several new hot spots in one. FIVE Zurich will open its doors on 30th of June, 2022. Dubbed the new dining and nightlife destination in Switzerland, the new luxurious lifestyle hotel is boasting 87 luxurious suites with glittering skyline city view or lush forest view. Reviving Zurich’s wild side, the new party and culinary hotspot boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Detox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool.


This stunning hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport within a 2-minute walk.

Recently shortlisted in the inaugural edition of the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2022 guide for two of its concepts, Maiden Shanghai and Cinque, FIVE is thrilled to expand its culinary offering to the discerning Swiss audience.

Delectable Dining
With breathtaking views of the vibrant city and magnificent mountains, these exclusive dare-to-be-different dining experiences include soul food meets street art at Soul St., imaginative Chinese at Maiden Shanghai, Japanese bites the FIVE Way at The Penthouse, a lounge for wine lovers at The Vault, a round-the-clock welcome at café and bar at Tune In and Zurich’s only out-of-doors Social Pool showcase a stellar line up culinary delights merged with FIVE’s legendary entertainment offerings.

Soul St.
Discover the art of global street food at this high energy immersive dining experience, which includes an open plan kitchen for guests to enjoy watching FIVE’s chef whip up fan favourite dishes. Diners can discover a selection of baos, authentic street tacos, a Vietnamese beef Pho, Chicken shawarma, the signature Nitro yoghurt bombs, Chicken tikka masala and Guacamole al mortero plated live on the table and a buzzing balcony bathed in fresh air, sunshine and lively tunes. With a vibrant mix of graffiti and art created by the most talked about International artistes such as Pichi Avo and Lau Rodriguez, this popular Instagram hotspot is known for its Global Street Food Party Brunch.
Soul St. Tip: Step into Soul St.’s eye-catching Volkswagen Van for an unforgettable in-van dining experience!

Maiden Shanghai
An MSG-free Chinese restaurant serving gourmet dishes, this 1920’s Shanghai-inspired restaurant boasts a stunning open air terrace, a high energy main dining room and a fun-dining, exclusive private dining room. Home to famed luxury lifestyle events including an award-winning brunch and weekly Ladies’ Night, this venue promises a glamorous take on traditional Asian cuisine with an exhilarating FIVE twist.

The Penthouse (Restaurant and Nightclub)
This day to night concept with evolving seasonal themes is all set to be Zurich’s most-coveted new destination for music and nightlife.
A distinctive venue that transforms from a restaurant serving a heavenly Japanese selection to a vibrant bar lounge and energetic nightclub with a stellar line-up of globally renowned DJs. Visitors can choose to sit indoors and be enveloped in the opulent décor of the fabulous restaurant area and private dining room or venture out on the terrace and marvel at picture-perfect skyline views and capture Insta-gold moments.


As twilight sets in, The Penthouse’s unisex, après hours bathroom bar will be the musical nucleus of FIVE until the early hours of the morning.
Dine on miso marinated black cod, salmon teriyaki or tempting sashimi, sushi and maki platters while sipping on FIVE’s one-is-never-enough signature cocktails such as The Mexican Cartel, Collins 2.0 and Sunset.

The Vault
An eclectic venue, which proudly houses Zurich’s greatest selection of Swiss wines, boasts of an in-house Master Sommelier that will guide guests through the perfect selection to suit their taste. The Vault will be a tantalizing retreat for wine lovers and novices alike along with an extensive cigar collection for cigar aficionados. The Vault’s tapas-style menu will focus on delectable wine and cheese pairings that’s FIVEs’ fun and feisty reinterpretation of traditional fondue.

Tune In
An all-day café and bar where visitors are warmly welcomed when they choose to pop in for a tasty takeaway or opt to sit in for an enjoyable tidbit and sip and watch the world go by from Tune Ins’ alfresco terrace garden. Serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast dishes, sweet treats in the form of luscious freshly baked pastries and scrumptious salads, pizzas and pastas for lunch and dinner, Tune In offers a playful plateful to fulfil any craving.

The Social Pool
Raising temperatures this summer, is our buzzing social pool. Framed by picturesque forest views, this stunning one-of-a-kind outdoor pool will host Zurich’s best pool days with live beats spun by globally renowned DJs, an integrated Jacuzzi space, tantalizing cocktails and delightful poolside nibbles – all served up with FIVE Flair!

«FIVE is thrilled to bring our pioneering dining and entertainment concepts to a brand new audience with the opening of FIVE Zurich. With revenge tourism taking centre stage on the global hospitality landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to build on our existing European clientele. ‘FIVERs’ come to us to indulge in the signature FIVE Vibe, which we’ve been celebrated for in Dubai – and which we will now introduce in Zurich.» – Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE.

To book call: +41 (0) 44 456 55 55
Email: fzh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of FIVE Zurich
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Art in the Park XX

This year, for the 20th anniversary of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac in Zurich, Hauser & Wirth presents five bronze sculptures by celebrated artist Camille Henrot, one of the most influential voices in contemporary art today. The outdoor installation of major bronze works is organized in partnership with the Baur au Lac and Gigi Kracht, curator, collector, writer and founder of the Art in the Park.

With Gigi Kracht 

Born in 1978 in Paris, France, Camille Henrot lives and works between Berlin and New York City. She is married and has two little sons that are 4 and 1 year old. The practice of the French artist moves seamlessly between film, painting, drawing, bronze, sculpture, and installation. Henrot draws upon references from literature, psychoanalysis, social media, cultural anthropology, self-help, and the banality of everyday life in order to question what it means to be both a private individual and a global subject.

With Camille Henrot during the lunch.

A 2013 fellowship at the Smithsonian Institute resulted in her film «Grosse Fatigue,» for which she was awarded the Silver Lion at the 55th Venice Biennale and that was also on show at the Gucci Museo in Florence in 2014. She elaborated ideas from «Grosse Fatigue» to conceive her acclaimed 2014 installation »The Pale Fox» at Chisenhale Gallery in London. The exhibit, which displayed the breadth of her diverse output, went on to travel to institutions including Kunsthal Charlottenburg, Copenhagen; Bétonsalon – Centre for art and research, Paris; Westfälischer Kunstverein, Münster, Germany; and Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan. In 2017, Henrot was given carte blanche at Palais de Tokyo in Paris – a beloved location for fashion shoes – , where she presented the major exhibition »Days Are Dogs,» She is the recipient of the 2014 Nam June Paik Award and the 2015 Edvard Munch Award, and has participated in the Lyon, Berlin, Sydney and Liverpool Biennials, among others.

Next to «Mon Corps de Femme» (2019) displayed in the Baur au Lac gardens

Henrot has had numerous solo exhibitions worldwide, including the New Museum, New York; Schinkel Pavilion, Berlin; New Orleans Museum of Art; Fondazione Memmo, Rome; Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan, among others.

«Undelivered Message» (2016)

In the Baur au Lac gardens, three sculptures from Henry’s Monday series (2016-2017) are on display, as well as the impressive «Mon Corps de Femme» sculpture (2019) from the Attachment series (2018-2022) that is a resembling a body caught between two opposite forces; the rising flames reminiscent of Flamboyant Gothic architecture and the meting, heaviness of a sagging belly.

«Retreat From Investment» (2025)

As every year, Gigi Kracht invited us to her wonderful Art in the Park luncheon in the two Michelin star Pavillon restaurant during which we could talk to the artist. Before the lunch, we had the chance to stroll through the wonderful gardens and preview the pieces beforehand.

With Kenny Schachter, artist, critic and curator based in New York City, at lunch.

The show can be enjoyed at the Baur au Lac garden until July 17, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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