Sandra‘s Closet

This week my favorite hotel, my home away from home, the famous Gstaad Palace hotel opens its doors again for the summer season. Such great news as I cannot wait to be back. We have already booked our stay in winter. Hopefully, the GreenGo club will also be open again by then. Personally speaking it is one of my favorite night clubs in the world and I am looking forward to dancing again to the sound of DJ Jim Leblanc. With its unparalleled design, an unbelievable dancefloor floating above a swimming pool, every night is one to remember. My outfit is definitely ready …

My look: Green double-breasted checked wool blazer, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, and gold-tone necklace, all by Saint Laurent, Patent-leather and tulle bodysuit, and paneled patent-leather and crepe leggings, both by David Koma, Palmette crystal-embellished suede cross-body bag by Christian Louboutin, glitter face mask by Missoni, and Cha Cha crystal-embellished suede pumps by Alexandre Vauthier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

It is finally time to dress up and go out in style as restaurants are open again in Switzerland. One of my favorite spots to eat in Zurich is La Muña at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich that serves Japanese Peruvian specialties. Designed by Philippe Starck, it is a treasure chest, mingling imaginary memories of moments spent on the lake with extraordinary objects found in the city and around the world beneath the hotel’s spectacular dome.

As we have experienced lots of rain in Switzerland recently, my new wool-blend coat is the perfect cover-up for those chilly days. It works for going out as well as snuggling on the couch.

My look: Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row, cutout striped pleated wool-blend midi dress by Gabriela Hearst, Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings, and flower pendant cable-chain necklace, both by Dolce & Gabbana, two-tone slingback pumps by Prada, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

«Take care of your mind, your body will thank you.
Take care of your body, your mind will thank you.»

A sentence that is very true. Taking time for yourself is so important. Spending a night or a weekend in a beautiful hotel room by myself is pure luxury for me. Putting on a comfy look, enjoying a bath, reading without any distraction recharges my batteries immediately. Here you see me in my room at the La Reserve Eden au Lac, sporting my new Hermès Kelly Danse in different ways. Happy, relaxed and fully energized for many projects coming up this month.

My look: Selma ribbed-knit cardigan, Aeris ribbed-knit bralette, and Tala tie-front ribbed-knit wide-leg pants, all by Jonathan Simkhai, Kelly Danse II in Verso Blush/Rose Jaipur Evercolor leather with silver hardware by Hermès, iridescent lambskin sandals in light bronze by CHANEL (Cruise 2021), Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

By combining exclusive high watchmaking caliber with a subversive Vanitas, Louis Vuitton orchestrates a scintillating show with the Tambour Carpe Diem. This virtuoso timepiece writes a new chapter in the history of the jacquemart watch.

Having produced several special orders for watches with automata in secret for a select group of clients, Louis Vuitton decided to lift the veil on the mystery by creating a one-of-a-kind model. It took two years of development for the Tambour Carpe Diem to join the House’s watch collections. «Our aim was to get off the beaten track», explains Michel Navas, Master Watchmaker at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. «We wanted to bring to the jacquemart our vision of the 21st century with all the energy and creativity characteristic of our brand since it began producing watches in 2002.»

The historic jacquemart on top of the Zytgloggle tower in Bern.

Originally, jacquemarts were automata, mechanised figure of a person, usually made from wood or metal, created to strike the hours on church bell towers. A well-known historic jacquemart is found on top of the Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland for example.

When watchmakers miniaturised them on timepieces, their function became essentially decorative – to add a bit of fun to the dial – and the time continued to be indicated by classic hands.
Today, Louis Vuitton wanted to give jacquemarts back their original meaning. In order to do this, the framework of the Tambour Carpe Diem was built around two major axes, a perfect mastery of this type of calibre in which the automaton is truly functional as it tells the time on demand, without hands.

By pressing a push-piece, the dial’s miniature scenery comes to life on the wrist and the story’s protagonists, the snake and the skull which perform the role of jacquemarts, indicate the time. To this is added another determining feature in the creation of this high-watchmaking timepiece, a unique stylistic approach on the historic symbolic art theme of the Vanitas, tackled in a way that is both positive and subversive. I love this 21^st century jacquemart watch!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and via the city of Bern

This Easter, I went on a special egg hunt and found an amazing treasure, a beautiful new watch at the newly opened TAG Heuer boutique in Zurich. Located on the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, it is the fourth flagship store in its home country of Switzerland, complementing its existing Geneva, Zermatt and Lucerne point of sales.

Launched in 1860, in Saint-Imier at the very heart of the birthplace of watchmaking, by a bold young named Edouard Heuer, it is owned since 1999 by French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. The name TAG Heuer combines the initials of «Techniques d’Avant Garde» and the founder’s surname.

Capturing TAG Heuer’s motto, originally introduced in 1991, «Don’t Crack Under Pressure», are prominent partnerships and brand ambassadors that express the brand’s passion for action and high performance, among them actors Chris Hemsworth and Patrick Dempsey, ATP next-generation tennis players Alex de Minaur, Frances Tiafoe, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime, and big wave surfer Kai Lenny. They are athletes, surfers, actors, pilots. Whatever the conditions, they want to make history and break records. No matter the pressure, the public and adversity, they never give up, they never back down from any challenge. Therefore you can imagine my excitement to be also a TAG Heuer ambassador, as I breathe the same energy. I never give up, I never let myself down. If I have a vision, I go for it, no matter what!

So which watch did I choose you might ask? You will be amazed. It’s not a ladies watch, not a diamond watch. I went for this amazing masculine Carrera Automatic Chronograph that sets a blistering new pace in prestige timekeeping in sumptuously chic black and rose gold. Housed in a 44-mm steel polished, fine brushed case, the legendary Calibre HEUER02 Automatic movement now comes outfitted with splendid finery. Sober yet stellar, 18K 5N rose gold accents the entire timepiece, from hands and indexes to the watch’s crowns and push-pieces.

The black brushed dial sits under a sapphire crystal dome, locked in with a ceramic black tachymeter fixed bezel. Inside, the manufacture Heuer 02 movement made with a vertical clutch and column wheel – signatures of improved chronograph timekeeping and high-quality manufacture movements – will last 80 hours with an impressive power reserve. The sporty yet elegant design is highlighted by a black alligator strap and steel folding clasp, exuding strength and speed.

The Carrera model has a beautiful story. In 1962, CEO at the time Jack Heuer, the great-grandchild of Edouard Heuer, wanted a clean and well-proportioned chronograph designed for drivers and inspired to the world of motor racing. When he heard the Spanish word «Carrera», used for the renowned Carrera Panamericana race, he loved the sound and the multiple meanings – including road, race, course and career – so much that he quickly decided that the product had to be called «Carrera». The Heuer Carrera was launched in 1963 and since then it has been a symbol of the brand and one of the most popular sport chronographs ever designed.

I personally love that this 44-mm case adopts well to my small wrist. It symbolizes strength, power and diversity for me. I see myself wearing it with a romantic floral dress as well as a business suit. Stay tuned for many unexpected combinations, for this certain twist, for this «je ne sais quoi» attitude that makes the difference. But don’t feel pressure, or at least don’t crack under it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. 

Gstaad is one of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury ski resorts and definitely my favorite winter destination. Last weekend, I indulged in a very special experience and enjoyed winter and nature in and around Gstaad from close up.

It started at the Gstaad Palace with a beautiful and very romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautiful village of Gstaad up to the unspoiled snowy countryside. I leaned back and felt the calming rhythm of the horses. I loved the tranquillity of nature from the carriage.

However unfortunately, at one point we had stop as it would have been to steep for the horses and we were driven in a jeep up the snowy roads to a rural and charming chalet. Inside a delightfully cheesy experience awaited us. It’s a Swiss tradition to spend some cosy and convivial hours together on the steaming caquelon, eating a rustic and authentic cheese fondue.

Something that should be on your bucket list if you are not living in Switzerland. Important to know… don’t drink anything but these three beverages: Sip only white wine (or in my case champagne), kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea with your fondue meal. Water might cause stomach pain in combination with the cheese.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – my favorite champagne nicely chilled in the snow.

The chalet is so charming, don’t be afraid of the outhouse, it is quite an experience.

If you had too much cheese, you can walk back to the hotel, it takes around 2.5 hours to the Palace. Otherwise, you will be driven back with the jeep to your starting point.

It is a truly unique and special experience that you can book via EXPERIENCE event agency.
E-mail: info @experience.ch, Phone: +41 33 748 86 66.

I will be doing it again next weekend … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The past four weeks have been extremely intense for me. I would say it was probably the most intense time of my life so far. I moved out of the house I had lived in for 16 years and I didn’t do anything else for one month than packing boxes. Everybody in my friendship circle knows that I love doing everything by myself, especially when it comes to my beloved closet. So I wrapped every single piece in acid-free silk paper which is the least harmful for clothing.

During the past months, I had a severe moth and fur beetle problem in my old home which was built in 1896. Those insects hide very well in the old wood floors and moldings – it is almost impossible to fight them. The terminator treated the rooms, I had planted ichneumon wasps for over 10 weeks. Yet, they didn’t go away. Therefore, I had to check every item in order not to pack them.

During this one month, I had the moving company (I can absolutely recommend Hobi Transporte) come every week for two days to load parts. My new house is unfortunately not ready yet. The construction and refurbishment take much longer than expected.

My fiancé lives out of Switzerland which doesn’t make it any easier. However, I managed to get everything done and I am very proud of myself, even that I have to be now in an interim solution next door. Packing means venturing on a trip down memory lane. You find so many things that you might have forgotten about. I indulged in this ride, it made me cry sometimes or laugh. However, it was intense, yet very satisfying.

I am overly excited over the beginning of this new phase in my life. I am looking forward to the new home that we create by ourselves and that will be even more beautiful than my previous one. Every room will be dedicated to a designer.

I have never shown my home in all those years I have had my blog. Now that I moved out, I thought it is time for you to explore parts of it… The closet is missing. This I still keep for myself… one day, I will reveal it as well. Promised!

To new and beautiful ventures, quoting Paulo Coehlo: «If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

During the festive season, the Maison Cartier unveils an innovative pop-up store in Zurich: The «Cartier Winter House». Located on Rennweg 22, a few steps from their boutique, Cartier Winter House is a 150 m2 space spread over three floors, much like a «Chocolaterie». A warm and welcoming venue set to open its doors today this year. From Tuesday to Saturday up to 24th December, visitors will be able to discover chocolate creations with unique flavours.

On the ground floor: Workshops and tastings, a hot chocolate bar and customisable chocolate bars, to enjoy in the boutique or to take away!

Then venture upstairs to the first floor of this pop-up boutique to discover the brand’s iconic creations or the exclusive services on offer. Bespoke engraving, touch and try and a cord bar. A perfect opportunity for visitors to find the ideal presents for their loved ones or to just enjoy themselves, whilst sipping on a hot chocolate in a special gourmet tea room.

Finally, the third floor of this venue will be dedicated to more private events, such as digital conversations with friends of the Maison, digital presentations on the Haute Joaillerie collection, and also chocolate-themed dinners skilfully orchestrated by a reknown Swiss chef.

Cartier has held the city of Zurich close to its heart since the opening of its first boutique in 1978, as Laurence Bourgeois, Managing Director of Cartier Switzerland attests, «Zurich is an avant-garde city in terms of architecture, art and design. Cartier naturally found its place there.» The Maison also opened its new boutique at Bahnhofstrasse in 2018.

Practical information:
From 5th to 24th December (open on Sunday 6th and Sunday 20th December)
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm – Tuesday to Friday
Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday Dec 24th from 10 am to 5 pm
Address: Cartier Winter House, Rennweg 22, 8001 Zurich

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Drawings: © Cartier

As a proud ambassador for the Oetker Collection, I am more than happy to announce that spring 2021 will see the addition of The Woodward, a new hotel in the heart of Geneva, to its exclusive portfolio of masterpiece hotels. It will be the tenth hotel in the outstanding collection.

A historic transformation creates Geneva’s first all-suite hotel designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with restaurants by Michelin-Starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and vegetable driven Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli as well as a 1,200 sq metre Spa by Maison Guerlain.

Rooted in classic French techniques, Chef Verzeroli, who has maintained for 11 consecutive years seven stars in the Michelin guide for Joël Robuchon’s three restaurants in Tokyo, is renowned for creating innovative dishes where vegetables play a starring role, many of which are vegan, and dairy and gluten-free.

Owned by Bastion Holdings, the hotel sits directly on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Originally built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, in a post-Haussmann style, the hotel is located on Quai Wilson. Bastion Holdings and Bastion Management are part of The Bastion Collection group which owns 15 unique restaurant & food concepts globally and the masterpiece water-front hotel in Geneva – The Woodward.

Each of the 26-suites have been carefully curated to possess their own distinct character and individual design details with signature flourishes including marble fireplaces and bookcases. 21 of the suites have a full lake view. The jewels in the crown are the Presidential Suite, designed in elegant ivory tones and offering panoramic lake views from every room with a private dining room and loggia, and the Royal Suite, reached by private lift and designed to resemble a chic Parisian apartment.

The Woodward will offer two bars and a tea-room, as well as a private digestif lounge, which takes the buildings history as a bank into the modern-day through the transformation of a former vault. In keeping with Oetker Collection’s commitment to wellbeing, a 21-metre indoor swimming pool invites guests to indulge and relax. It will be the longest swimming pool in Geneva. There will be a state-of-the-art gym, two saunas, two steam-rooms, two Swedish baths and a jacuzzi. Guests will be able to enjoy exclusive treatments by Guerlain across six wellness suites, including one for couples and a corner dedicated to men.

I am so excited for this beautiful addition to Geneva!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Oetker Collection

Last year, I truly enjoyed the KRUG Chalet at The Dolder Grand and went there many times to indulge in the best fondue ever. It’s back this year slightly smaller due to the pandemic situation but not less yummy. Inside the so-called KRUG Carnotzet Pop-up coziness meets exclusivity. Carnotzet is a French-Swiss word meaning a small room beside the wine cellar where one samples wines.

There you can enjoy «DAS Fondue», the most extraordinary fondue creation by star chef Heiko Nieder, Chef Fine Dining at the Dolder Grand, and the well-known Swiss Maître Fromager Rolf Beeler, with a noble champagne accompaniment from Maison KRUG. As a perfect complement, five carefully selected exclusivities from the KRUG «Single Ingredient Program» create a surprising, challenging and contrasting gourmand experience.

Every year,  Maison KRUG challenges its ambassadors, top chefs from all over the world, to create dishes from just one ingredient. The most popular ingredients from different years and various occasions were integrated into this year’s menu under the motto «World of Craft Style».

To finish off the experience, guests are served a selection of three meat specialties: Morcon de Chorizo, Pata Negra and salami with truffle. In addition to common bread and potatoes, green olives, anchovies and quail eggs pickled in peperoncini macinati will be served. Each guest also enjoys half a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée as well as mineral water and coffee or tea. The breathtaking view of Zurich and the Alps is free.

The KRUG Carnotzet Pop-up will be open until the end of February 2021 (with the option of an extension). This year, it is kept particularly intimate, as the Carnotzet can only accommodate up to four people.

Price for two people: CHF 450.-. To book, click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Dolder Grand
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored, I just love it!