Sandra‘s Closet

Perfect memories of summer – it is the dazzling blues that nature creates, transformed by the summer light, and so hypnotic that they seem unique and impossible to reproduce, that we would most like to bring back with us. Through its expertise in materials technology, Hublot is immortalising this perfect simplicity with the creation of the Big Bang Unico Summer. The 42-mm case is made anodized satin-finished and polished aluminum, a modern, lightweight colored material.

This technical feat creates a uniform blue; turquoise like the deepest lagoons.

Just 200 of these unisex pieces are being released, initially available on the e-commerce site and in the Mediterranean boutiques in Capri, Forte dei Marmi, Mykonos, Ibiza, Bodrum, Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Available for CHF 19.000.

The places we visit remain forever in our minds… and in our hearts. Like a souvenir from our travels, the Big Bang Unico Summer keeps their memory alive.

Reminiscent of the holidays of our dreams, the Big Bang Unico Summer features a unique turquoise blue, which shimmers as its satin and polished finishes catch the light. Anodisation was used to colour the case and its components this very special pastel shade. This process guarantees remarkable longevity and protects the case from scratches and impacts. This lightweight timepiece, with its 42-mm diameter, is designed to suit every wrist. At its heart beats the UNICO manufacture calibre (HUB1280), featuring a 72-hour power reserve, and an oscillating seconds clutch, a chronograph friction system with ball-bearing adjustment, and a column wheel that can be seen through its dial. The hands shimmer in luminescent white and turquoise as they move around the dial to the rhythm of the hours and minutes. The movement is just 6.75 mm thick, allowing for a thinner case measuring just 14.5 mm.

Equipped with the patented interchangeable «One Click» attachment system, the Big Bang Unico Summer comes with two straps in this same radiant colour: one Velcro strap with matching stitching and one natural rubber strap. The sports buckle (for the Velcro strap), and the decorative plate on the deployant clasp (for the rubber strap), are also made from turquoise anodised aluminium with the HUBLOT logo engraved and lacquered in brilliant white.

The places we visit remain forever in our minds… and in our hearts. Like a souvenir from our travels, the Big Bang Unico Summer keeps their memory alive.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

Spreading pure optimism, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama‘s works are full of vibrant energy and colorful positivity. Being one of the most important contemporary artists of our times, the 92-year has worked primarily in sculpture and installation, but is also active in painting, performance, film, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Her work is based in conceptual art and shows some attributes of feminism, minimalism, surrealism, Art Brut, pop art, and abstract expressionism, and is infused with autobiographical, psychological, and sexual content.

Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, Kusama’s art work «My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night» for Veuve Cliquot, a flower that wraps La Grande Dame 2012 Magnum.

From all my heart, 
the life of flowers flew away.
My everlasting affection for the flowers,
flew of beyond the universe
to show its vitality,
to gaze at the extremes of life.
– Yayoi Kusama

This year, she has collaborated with French champagne house Veuve Cliquot again to create the special edition La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama, sending a cheerful message to the whole world. It is with its iconic symbols, that Yayoi Kusama adorns La Grande Dame 2012 case and bottle. The opulent flower symbolizes vital energy, love and celebration of life. The polka dots, Yayoi Kusama’s signature patterns are reworked like champagne bubbles to embody La Grande Dame 2012.

Twist with Madame Clicquot! © YAYOI KUSAMA

Previously in 2006, Yayoi Kusama had already played with her famous polka dots by revivifying the original portrait of Madame Clicquot for a charity auction in Tokyo. So, the dialogue between the artist and the Maison has never stopped and has reached another milestone in its most inspiring and sharing ways.

More than 150 years separate Madame Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama, and yet it is almost as many common points that unite their unique and fascinating destinies. From Yayoi Kusama’s work to Madame Clicquot’s development of the House of Veuve Clicquot, these two daring figures demonstrate strong and flawless commitment. And today, their destinies converge in an unparalleled collaboration.

La Grand Dame 2012 x Yayoi Kusama is available for CHF 250.00 at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, ©Yayoi Kusama
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored but I only show products I love. Promise.
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This week, I flew to Berlin for a very special event hosted by Veuve Cliquot: a unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau. The dress code said «colorful chic», so I went for this artsy, sophisticated look with a touch of elegance and a little bit of Veuve Cliquot orange.

My look: Layered embroidered silk-organza and pointelle-knit dress by Fendi, The Pouch large gathered intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, Arkendisc 130 patent-leather platform sandals by Christian Louboutin, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and gold-tone, bead and faux pearl clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

Stay tuned as I will show you much more of this wonderful evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Looking good is all about having the right energy. If you feel good about yourself, it’ll be much easier to project that inner contentment into the world. You can wear the most stunning outfit but without the right attitude, you won’t have the same charisma. The best way to get started is taking some time off as I did at the Clinique La Prairie this spring to rewind for an instant energy boost. After my stay, I was ready to kick some … cannot wait to go back soon.

Speaking about fashion, I am in love with this outfit and hope you will be too. This is one of the most comfortable, yet sexy looking jumpsuits in my closet.

My look: Two-tone tulle-trimmed ponte halterneck jumpsuit by Balmain, embellished silver-tone belt and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, Playboy Lips appliqué canvas book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, and Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

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

Sometimes I receive press releases that literally make me drool over their content. When I read about Audemars Piguet‘s 2021 women novelties, this was about to happen. Those new watch models are amazing, so beautiful and special. Blending tradition with avantgarde, the variegated timepieces offer creative contrasts, from the sleek aesthetics of black ceramics to the shimmering sparkle of Frosted Gold or the vivid hues of multicoloured gemstones. These multifaceted mechanical pieces will be true statements when worn on the wrist.

THROUGH THE LENS OF HARLEY WEIR
Drawing synergies between Haute Couture and Haute Horlogerie, photographer Harley Weir explored for Audemars Piguet how a timepiece or a couture look reflects the wearer’s personality and free-spirited attitude. Eclectic in colour, savoir-faire, materials and style, the Audemars Piguet 2021 novelties find inspiration in diverse worlds to present a kaleidoscopic view of the contemporary woman.

A NEW 34 MM ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING DRESSED IN BLACK CERAMICS
The sleek aesthetics of the new Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramic is enhanced with pink gold accents for a refined two-tone contrast. Timeless and versatile, the black hues will seamlessly complement the unique style of its wearer.

Adit wears the Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramics, accompanied by a short strapless dress in black vegan leather embellished with gold studs.

THE NEW ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH PLAYS WITH COLOUR AND LIGHT
The new Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph’s 18-carat pink gold case and bracelet are elegantly enhanced by a purple dial and a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut amethysts. The new chronograph in 38 mm will be available solely in Audemars Piguet boutiques. For the first time, the Manufacture is offering a solid 18-carat pink gold timepiece with a bezel that has been set with an array of baguette-cut amethysts. These purple gemstones surround and match the tones of the timepiece’s purple dial to perfection. Developed by the Manufacture’s artisans, the timepiece’s dial displays a range of purple hues that dance and change colour in the light.

Katlin wears the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph adorned with amethysts, matched with a long evening gown with an asymmetric bust in fuchsia silk, pleated and split at the front.

A NEW ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD SELFWINDING MODEL IN 34 MM WITH BLUE DIAL
Audemars Piguet is expanding the 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding collection, established in April 2020, with a new reference shimmering with Frosted Gold – a jewellery technique developed in 2016 in collaboration with Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci. The 18-carat white gold piece is further enhanced with a Tapisserie dial in new shades of blue.

Chin Chin wears the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding, dressed up with a long body-hugging gown in sequined ruthenium jersey.

RAINBOW MEETS FROSTED GOLD IN THE LATEST ROYAL OAK DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL OPENWORKED
Last but not least, here comes my favorite: Rainbow meets Frosted Gold. Audemars Piguet will complement its Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked series with three new references in 41 mm and two in 37 mm, all displaying a rainbow bezel composed of multicoloured gemstones and emphasizing the scintillating effect of the Frosted Gold case. The watches will be exclusively available in Audemars Piguet’s Boutiques as of October 2021.

Ola wears the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, with a technicoloured organza and translucent 3D hand-casted dress.

Frosted Gold models in yellow and pink gold also make their debut in the collection. Keeping with the aesthetics of the current 41 mm offering, the new yellow, pink or white Frosted Gold case and bracelet are contrasted by the openworked movement’s slate grey NAC-coated bridges and enhanced by the dial’s black inner bezel. The two-tone design is accentuated as the double balance wheel at 8 o’clock takes on yellow gold-toned, pink gold-toned or rhodium-toned hues to echo the case’s colour. Similarly, the hour-markers and luminescent Royal Oak hands are crafted in yellow, pink or white gold.

THE 37 MM COLLECTION EXPANDS ITS OFFERING
The Manufacture releases two new 37 mm Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked references in 18-carat pink and yellow gold for the smaller wrists to complement the 18-carat white gold piece launched in 2019. Both sport a matching pink or yellow gold-toned openworked movement, sharply contrasted by the blackened openworked barrel at 1 o’clock which discloses the watch’s mainspring. In the same tone as the movement and case, the pink or yellow gold hour-makers and luminescent Royal Oak hands blend in to foreground the artistry of Calibre 3132.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Harley Weir – Inès Dieleman – Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. I am loving it.

If you are looking for an anti-aging skincare with great benefits without being too expensive, you will definitely become a fan of bareMinerals‘ new AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL COLLECTION.
It is an anti-aging skincare with clean, vegan Phyto-Retinol, which is a plant-based retinol alternative, that is as effective as retinol without causing redness, dryness or sensitivity.

Rethink retinol. This collection is clinically shown to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture and tone in just 1 week. The gentle yet potent formula also stars Protein Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid which work together to improve hydration, texture and smoothness for fresher, more youthful-looking skin. Made for all ages, skin types and skin tones.

AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL Face Cream CHF 80.00
AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL Neck Cream CHF 86.00
AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL Eye Cream CHF 65.00
AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL Night Concentrate CHF 78.00

Available in Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of bareMinerals, © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to test.

KEEP FRESH & KEEP COOL WITH ONE OF THE MOST UNEXPECTED FASHION COLLABORATIONS. THE MUST HAVE SUMMER ACCESSORY.​ COMING FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOU.

Together, Veuve Clicquot and K-WAY® have reimagined the Clicquot Ice Jacket. 15 years ago, Maison Veuve Clicquot first innovated the stylish, high-tech isothermal jacket to enjoy champagne whenever and wherever you go.

Today, Veuve Clicquot surprises once again with a covetable creation, revealed at K-WAY® show during the Milan Fashion Week 2021.

At the centre of this collaboration remains the promise of the perfect tasting experience. Its special​ triple-layer design featuring the signature waterproof, windproof and resistant​ K-WAY® materials will keep your champagne cold for up to two hours. Come rain or come shine, you can brave the elements to share your bottle of Yellow Label with friends – anywhere, anytime.

In Switzerland exclusively available at Globus.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label x K-WAY® Ice Jacket Limited Edition – CHF 60.00.

Stay tuned! I am on my way to Berlin today with Veuve Cliquot to visit the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at Martin Gropius Bau, one of Europe’s most important exhibition venues.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Veuve Cliquot
#veuvecliquot x #runway #veuvecliquotrunway #livecliquot
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The bucket hat has perhaps had one of the biggest fashion glow-ups in the accessories market. Personally speaking, I love this relaxed style that has become a summer must-have for me, easy to pack and very lightweight, much easier than a big straw hat that hardly fits in your suitcase.

High-fashion brands, like Celine, Etro and Kate Spade took the bucket hat to the S/S 2021 runway, showing how trendy it is.

There’s no one way to wear a bucket hat anymore, as the style is as brilliant paired with a mesh beach cover-up as it is with a luxurious tropical print dress. Below you can find my favorites.

Happy Monday! To shop, just click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

Mesh small brin bucket hat by Dior

Printed linen-twill bucket hat by Zimmermann

Roman Stud faux straw bucket hat by Valentino

Printed cotton-terry bucket hat by Dries Van Noten

Haley embroidered cotton twill bucket hat by Isabel Marant

Faux straw bucket hat by Fendi

Asymmetric printed canvas bucket hat by JW Anderson

Leather-trimmed embroidered cotton-blend bucket hat by Loewe

Logo embroidered woven bucket hat by Prada

White bucket hat by CHANEL

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie, © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

With love from Saint Tropez … enjoying these carefree days and sporting my Gucci resort exclusive shopper for the first time on Place des Lices. Here, each Tuesday and Saturday, a provençal market takes place that I highly recommend for you to visit.

My look: Mae belted ruffled printed linen midi dress, and matching printed linen-twill bucket hat, both by Zimmermann, slide sandal with Double G, and Saint Tropez striped tote bag, both by Gucci, embellished necklace with coin charm by Oscar de la Renta, Rose Céleste necklace, Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In recent times, traveling has become something special. We are not taking it for granted anymore. Luxury is a way of life. This GUCCI knows very well, that is why the Italian brand has created a tote bag inspired by different summer hot spots in the world.

Crafted in the style of a retro postcard, each shopper is personalized with colors, trims and a leather tag unique to the location it represents. A bag as unique as the memories of that place and your way of showing where you have been besides your Instagram account. My mantra? Bags speaks louder than photos… haha!

Those shoppers are all exclusive editions, there are only a few pieces available of each model, which can only be purchased, of course, in the destination in which they are inspired. The exclusivity and uniqueness of each bag is aligned with its distinguished design, with beachy and somewhat vintage airs. Just a few models can be purchased on the GUCCI website along with some other limited edition ready-to-wear pieces and shoes as well as on NET-A-PORTER.

Cannes, Capri, Ibiza, Mykonos, Phuket, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, among others, GUCCI’s new tote bag travels the world, embodying the essence of different destinations; one of them, Saint Tropez where I have been spending part of my summer. This is the only model that doesn’t carry the main motif of the design, the name of the destination engraved in gold on leather in the center. The sales person at the GUCCI store in Saint-Tropez explained to me that they didn’t get permission of the city to use it. I found this one the most special beause of the exclusion and also because of the stunning color combination of pink and orange which I love.

Summer has been and always will be that invitation to enjoy the little things: enjoy the rays of the sun that become energy for our spirit or a breeze that refreshes our soul. Now you can carry a bag that was part of a summer that will hopefully always be worth remembering.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.