Sandra‘s Closet

During Baselworld 2014, I discovered an Italian watch brand that has extremely impressed me with their innovative designs. Apply a strap to an 18th century pocket watch, allowing it to be worn as a wristwatch: this is the simple idea behind GaGà Milano.

In 2004, the brilliant creativity of Ruben Tomella brought to life what was then to become the phenomenon of the next ten years. The name itself “gagà”, a well-known Milanese expression, refers to a man who loves to dress extravagantly, but with care. This idea led to the creation of those iconic watches that are all sharing common characteristics like the chronometric second hand at 12, which give the design its own identity. In the meantime, accessories such as sunglasses, bags, wallets and charms have joined the GaGà family.

It was a real pleasure meeting Ruben Tomella in person. Now, I am the very happy owner of a beautiful GaGà Milano watch in rose gold with purple dial and strap that is matching my new GaGà Milano sunglasses.

MANUALE THIN 46mm
5091.02 VT Rose gold plated case, 7,5 mm thickness, quartz watch, leather strap

During Baselworld, it is of course time for novelties again and some of my favorites you can enjoy below:

MANUALE FANCY EDITION
GW 29 FE White gold case, multicolor sapphire, black diamonds, rubber strap
(diamonds 5cts, sapphire 12cts)
LIMITED EDITION 29 pieces

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
GR 49 BK LADY Rose gold case, black diamonds (11cts), black alligator strap
LIMITED EDITION 49 pieces.

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
G199 08 LADY rose gold case 18ct, quartz watch, white diamonds, chocolate croco print strap
LIMITED EDITION 199 pieces

LAS VEGAS 48mm
5010 LV 01 Stainless steel case, manual winding movement, aged leather strap

GaGà Milano has currently opened 8 stores all over the world: four in Tokyo, one in Osaka, one in Hawaii, one in the center of Milan, in Corso Venezia 8 and a new store in Beverly Hills.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GaGà Milano and © Sandra Bauknecht

The emblematic trunk continues its journey through the Louis Vuitton universe.
From the initial reality of a tangible utilitarian object, in another dimension a collection of modern, feminine watches and jewelry pieces, the new EMPRISE line will surely be loved by women around the globe.

The structural elements of the famous travel luggage are transported into the world of High Jewelry. Powerfully structured shapes, the choice of stones, some in vibrant colors have one thing in common: an infinitely Parisian attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton © Charles Helleu

The Swatch Pastry Chefs Collection is inspired by sweet flavors and treats from your local candy shop. Featuring eye-popping and tantalizing designs for the wrist, they’re almost good enough to eat! From macaroons to waffles, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

A new edition comes from no other than extraordinary pastry chef and Maître de chocolate from Zurich Sara Hochuli has created this special New Gent DREAMCAKE. Inspired by her love for Japan, it’s decorated with a rose bow and cherry blossoms, has a cake knife and a fork to tell time on the dial, and the rose strap features a delicate pink flower on the rose loop.

It comes in a special packaging that looks like Sara’s creations and she has included a recipe for one of her cakes. Try it – it’s all sweetness and delight!

Don’t miss this delicious opportunity. Limited to 5678 pieces.
Pastry Chefs Special DREAMCAKE, in stores now for CHF 120.00.

If you are in Zurich, I also recommend a visit to her cafe, Les Gourmandises de Miyoko.

LoL, Sandra

© SWATCH LTD. 2014 , ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: SWISS WATCHES, Courtesy of Sara Hochuli

Every year since 2001, Valentine’s Day has marked a special rendezvous between Blancpain and women, for which the manufacture annually introduces a watch featuring an unusual interpretation of love, that lives up to expectations in a charmingly subtle manner also in 2014.

Being a forerunner, the manufacture in Le Brassus has been offering ladies’ watches exclusively driven by mechanical movements ever since 1930. The iconic Blancpain Calibre 1150 chosen for this special model is equipped with a silicon balance-spring that is non-magnetic and maintains a more constant rate over time. Issued in a 99-piece limited edition, this 33 mm-diameter watch is (RRP CHF 18.000) fitted with a white leather strap highlighting the shimmering visual beauty of the dial. Delicately yours.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Blancpain

To celebrate the Christmas season, Swatch has created “Red Knit”. The strap is decorated with classic winter images; snowmen, snowflakes, a white rocking horse and snow-covered pines. The hand-knitted silhouette evokes the warmth and pleasures of winter nights by a crackling fire, with the fragrance of pine trees and woodsmoke.

The limited edition watch comes in a beautiful gift box and for those extra-cold nights, there’s a little something extra inside: an overly cute mini hot water bottle!

Limited to 14.999 numbered pieces, available now for CHF 120.00. What a lovely gift idea!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swatch

Swatch and post-modern pop star Mika have collaborated for the latest Swatch Art Specials, KUKULAKUKI and KUKULAKUKU. Swatch invited the singer to create “art for the wrist”. Like the Swiss watch brand itself, Mika turned 30 this year.

Born in Beirut and raised in Paris and London, he developed two different designs in collaboration with his sister Yasmine, both of which express his idea of the watch as a totemic object. Mika ‘s creative approach always begins with a story. For this project he imagined a totem pole/watch appearing on an unknown planet. The inhabitants are at first puzzled, then terrified of the alien object, which they come to worship. When it fails to give them what they want, they chop it down, and all that remains of the totem pole is the watch itself. Mika’s two timepieces feature a simple, bold pattern on the strap, with an image suggesting a traditional African tribal mask on each dial.

GZ287S KUKULAKUKI
Model: Gent
Dial: multicolored prints
Case: solid mat blue plastic
Strap: red silicone with multicolored prints on front and back
Available in a strictly limited edition of 999 pieces.

SUOZ171 KUKULAKUKU
Model: New Gent
Dial: multicolored prints
Case: solid mat dark blue plastic
Strap: blue silicone with multicolored prints on front and back
CHF 70.00

Mika speaks with great enthusiasm of his venture with Swatch: “I don’t come from a design background, which is why I have so much fun designing stuff and why I love collaborating with people. Doing this was fun, because for me the process is exactly the same as making music. I don’t see any difference between the two.”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swatch

Swatch has created a beautiful Mother’s Day gift set that consists of five Matryoshka dolls and three Swatch watches hidden within. These famous Russian dolls tell the story of three generations; mother, daughter & grand-daughter. Look inside to find three brightly coloured, floral watch designs (New Gent, Gent and Lady) wrapped around the ladies waists.
The set is available for CHF 200.00.

Happy Mother’s Day means more than flowers and gifts. It means saying thank you. But in case you are in need of a last minute surprise, CLICK HERE TO SHOP A NET-A-PORTER VIRTUAL GIFT CARD that will be delivered directly one second later to your mom’s inbox.

Happy Mother’s Day to my fabulous Mom. I love you very much!!!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swatch

“Lively. Radiant. Lush… A colour of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, drum roll please, it is official, EMERALD GREEN is the colour of the year according to Pantone, the authority and market leader in colour. One of the season’s hottest fashion trends, the timeless shade was seen on many S/S 2013 runways such as Gucci (my favorite), Kenzo and Burberry Prorsum (combined with another trend: metallics).

ICE Watch has launched a new unisex watch model in collaboration with Pantone dedicated to the trendy emerald tone, in two variants: emerald and white/white and emerald. 
Other trend colours will follow in the future.
ICE Watch Emerald White – CHF 109.00

From fashion to beauty, there are many ways to wear this vibrant colour from day to night and it’s a definite go-to for your next shopping trip!

Belted silk-twill blouse and matching silk-twill flared pants, both by Gucci, suede platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti and Lulu leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent.

Don’t forget to look for some gorgeous makeup products that will complement your new season look, now may be the best time.

A great way to get started with the new style are nail polish shades in sea hues. Draw attention to your manicure and you will be really hitting the trend.

The best ones available are: CHANEL Le Vernis in 657 Azuré and 667 Bel Argus (CHF 35.00 each), DIOR Vernis Bird of Paradise Duo 001 Samba (One Shot, CHF 47.00) and YVES SAINT LAURENT La Laque Couture 36 Vert D’Orient (CHF 38.00).

The nail polish shades are part of my two favourite summer beauty looks by DIOR and CHANEL. Have a look yourself how beautiful those collections inspired by enchanting animals are:

DIOR – Bird of Paradise

Inspired by Christian Dior‘s passion for color, the new collection tells the tale of an exotic faraway. Drawing from nature’s tropical paradises, the Bird of Paradise collection embraces the vibrancy of nature and translates to versatile, wearable shades for summer.
In stores now.

My personal must-haves:

DIOR 5 Coleurs Eye Shadow 374 Blue Lagoon (One Shot, CHF 92.00)
The legendary 5 Couleurs case is coated with shimmering pigments, inspired by the golden reflections of a peacock’s feathers. Stunning!

DIOR Diorshow Liner Waterproof Aqua Green (One Shot, CHF 34.00)
Add a fun pop of color to your eye makeup with this limited edition liner.

L’Eté de Papillon de CHANEL

Another amazing collection comes from the house of Chanel. Creative Director of Makeup Peter Philips was inspired by the dazzling colours of butterfly wings and created electric shades for the eyes. A stunning effect is achieved is through the application of colorful mascaras.
Available in Switzerland starting end of May 2013.

My personal must-haves:

CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow 47 Blue Bay (CHF 47.00)
This exclusive creation is easily applied to highlight eyes with gleaming colour. The smooth-gliding pen has a cooling, water-infused formula for a shimmering veil on lids or precise definition.

CHANEL Mascara Inimitable Waterproof 37 Lime Light (CHF 47.00)
The iconic mascara in a long-wearing, waterproof formula that won’t flake or smudge comes this season vibrant limited edition shades of blue, green and yellow.

To complement such a vibrant beautiful eye makeup, choose lips in orange, apricot hues, following in the footsteps of Tangerine Tango, which was the shade of 2012…
Stay tuned for an upcoming post in which I am wearing this beauty look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, Dior, Ice Watch, Style.com and © Sandra Bauknecht

After having shared with you so much about my recent press trip to Vienna for the launch of the new Omega Ladymatic watches, it is time to finally show you the new models within this fascinating collection. Since its launch in 2010, the Ladymatic watch, which revived the name of an automatic women’s timepiece launched by Omega in 1955, has been acclaimed as much for its extraordinary movement as for its unique design.

Stephen Urquhart, CEO Omega Watches, with me

Featuring the innovative Omega Co-Axial calibre 8520, the newest models with their bold, attractive dials have become even more exquisite and fashion-forward. They have a 34 mm case with white, black or rose ceramic between the decorative wave and inner casebody. Each is presented on either a matching satin-brushed leather strap, a polished stainless steel or gold bracelet. The dials, with their enchanting Supernova pattern, are made even more brilliant with 11 diamond-set indexes in facetted 18K white gold diamond-shaped holders, and there is a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The “Brilliant Omega Cut” diamond found on the screw-in crown is complemented by the wearer’s choice of a dazzling bezel with diamonds arranged in a snow-set pattern, or the pure and elegant polished stainless steel bezel. In addition to offering waterproof capabilities up to 100 meters, Omega – sure of its reliability – assures all of its blissful owners a 4-year warranty.

I was able to have a closer look at all the models. Please enjoy my favourites below.

Unique pink mother-of-pearl. Ref. 425.32.34.20.57.001
CHF 7.000.- (excluding tax)

Seductive purple. Ref. 425.37.34.20.60.001
CHF 13.900.- (excluding tax)

Enchanting sparkling diamonds. Ref. 425.65.34.20.55.006
CHF 69.000.- (excluding tax)

In case that you have missed the post about the amazing launch event with Nicole Kidman at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein in Vienna, please click here. For the interview with the stunning actress, please click here.

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days in Vienna were amazing. Omega hosted an event of superlatives. On Saturday evening, I attended La Nuit Enchantée (The Enchanted Night) at the beautifully illuminated Gartenpalais Liechtenstein, a special celebration for the launch of the new models in Omega’s iconic Ladymatic collection with a very special guest: Nicole Kidman had flown in especially for the night from London where she is filming at the moment.

Let me tell you all about the amazing party and my enchanted moment of the night!

The façade of the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein, the venue for the event, was opulently lit with decorative projections, including the brand’s iconic Omega logo, and images from the new advertising campaign.

I arrived on the red carpet and was warmly greeted by Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Sales Director Omega.

Inside, the evening opened with a standing cocktail party in the palace, whose elaborate decoration with real trees suggested an enchanted forest.

We were then asked to go upstairs where an outstanding ambiance awaited us. The room itself breathed history and opulence, the decoration was truly stunning.

Following a choreographed dance performance of a Viennese waltz, Nicole Kidman entered the room dressed in an embellished, sheer F/W 2013 Oscar de la Renta gown.

The stunning actress has been the “face of Ladymatic” since its international debut in 2010 and introduced the new global advertising campaign for the collection during the event.

Omega President Stephen Urquhart welcomed us together with actor Maximilian Simonischek who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

Following the three-course dinner, Nicole Kidman invited the guests to move back downstairs and to enjoy dessert.

Australian singer Shelley Harland performed her original songs, including “In the Dark”, the song selected by Omega as the soundtrack for the commercial.

And then my magic moment took place…

I met the amazing Nicole Kidman in person. She is absolutely adorable.

Thank you, Omega, for this amazing night! More information about my look, the new Ladymatic models and the press conference with Nicole Kidman that took place Sunday morning will be available soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht