Sandra‘s Closet

Are you a fashion-loving gourmand? Then you will indulge in this collaboration between the creativity of Dolce & Gabbana and the confectionery artistry of Fiasconaro that results in a unique recipe: the typical Milanese panettone, revisited with the flavours of Sicily.

An artisanal product that combines a stylish design with that of pastry; the panettone is produced in two variations: one 1 kg Sicilian Pistachio panettone covered in white chocolate (with a velvety Pistachio cream in a special jar); and one with Sicilian Citrus fruits and Saffron, available in both 1 kg and 100 g sizes.

Making these panettoni even more desirable are the tin boxes that contain them. Expressly designed by the most famous Sicilian artisans, these brightly coloured and illustrated boxes are inspired by the decorative motifs of Sicilian carts and the characters of the traditional puppet theatres, rendering them precious objects to collect.

Furthermore, the 1kg panettone is also available to purchase with a decorated tray. Also in tin, this tray can be kept as a collector’s item.

I am loving them. Available online and in Zurich at Jelmoli‘s food corner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and © Sandra Bauknecht

This F/W 2018 season, ankle boots in white are a must! Originally introduced as a low-heeled, mid-calf go-go boot by designer André Courrèges in 1964, and later called the Courrèges boot, it also became famous through the song «These Boots Are Made for Walkin’» in 1966 when Nancy Sinatra performed in a white go-go model, and got credited with further popularising the boot.

Nancy Sinatra wearing the go-go boots in the ’60s.

This season, designers reworked the footwear item of the season by injecting it with allure, a pointed toe, and leg-lengthening thin heels. Style them with monochrome separates for a modern office look.

Here are the best ones available for F/W 2018:

Lace-up leather ankle boots by Miu Miu

Bow-embellished leather ankle boots by Miu Miu

Folded cuff leather ankle boots by Givenchy

Banner patent-leather ankle boots by Paul Andrew

Talon Slash leather ankle boots by Balenciaga

Levy 55 leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Vania 85 leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Fausto leather ankle boots by Jennifer Chamandi

Emmet lace-up leather ankle boots by Tabitha Simmons

Millen lace-up leather ankle boots by Alexandre Birman

Palace ruffled leather ankle boots by Aquazzura

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Getty

For its F/W 2018 collection, Longchamp has teamed up with the French designer Clo’e Floirat to create a pop and colorful collection, featuring dogs on many pieces.

The artist brings her stylish touch to a selection of bags, including the iconic «Le Pliage», small leather goods and accessories. Clo’e Floirat also created an exclusive dogs line with colorful cowhide leather leashes and collars in three sizes and five colors.

Playing with humour on a theme of this «must-have» accessory, Clo’e Floirat has imagined a story of «Le Pliage» bag unfolding in three formats. She portrays packs of dogs in bright and bold colors walking their owners on the nylon canvas’ tone-on-tone navy print flap with red signature details.

The whimsical dog pattern can be found throughout the vibrant cotton canvas travel bag’s limited edition and on a large silk scarf. The hounds are equally featured with their noses held high on 6 key rings.

Finally, the star of this collection – a red dachshund – appears on two small leather goods, a small silk scarf and an umbrella and shown prancing all over packaging and paper bags, never-to-be-forgotten. With Clo’e Floirat, Longchamp once again offers center stage to artists while revisiting its classics, combining modern day contemporary designs full of cheerful playfulness!

About Clo’e Floirat

Clo’e Floirat is an art critic and cartoonist working between New York, London and Paris. She explores via «drawing Crit’ writing» the boundaries between writing and drawing for various publications such as the New Yorker, and collaborates equally with Robert Wilson and Rufus Wainwright. Author of Pas Mal pour de l’art (Not bad for art) (Marabout edition – 2016) and Je vois quelqu’un (I am seeing someone) (Marabulles collection – 2018), Clo’e Floirat is interested in perspectives towards art as well as the relationship between psychologists and their patients…Always with a signature humor that cleverly contrasts ego and intention.

The Longchamp x Clo’e Floirat hits the shelves this month!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp

Dear Santa! In case you were wondering what would be on top of my wish list for Christmas, here you go. Being a huge fan of DIOR‘s ROSE DES VENTS collection, I have fallen in love with the new star piece of this line. A plastron – a multi-strand necklace – in yellow and white gold, set with diamond, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, onyx, tiger’s eye, cornelian and pink opal discs. What I love most is its versatility. A twist of grains encircles the medallions so that they can be worn either way, with the star showing or just the colourful gemstone.

This piece would look so great with my limited edition ROSE DES VENTS summer bracelets.

The necklace is around CHF 90.000 and I have heard there is one in the Zurich’s DIOR store on Bahnhofstrasse… making your job easier, Mr Santa!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Dior

I am so happy to share today’s post with you. Next week my blog is turning 9! Can you imagine? Time flies… just to give you an idea of all the work that went into this site. This is my 3821st post and since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate with you…

Meet me next Thursday, November 22nd, 2018 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me next Thursday, November 22nd 2018 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbles, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

As space is limited and a personalized gift will be waiting for you, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 19th of November. Please send me an e-mail with the header «LA MER», your full name and the time you are planning to come to . First come, first serve. I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

You will get a lot of special treats – here is what to expect:
Champagne from Perrier-Jouët

Freelance celebrity make-up artist Andrea Kipfer will introduce LA MER‘s amazing Skincolor Foundation. Andrea is the co-founder of the renowned hair & makeup agency Style Council and has done many advertising and fashion shoots. During the evening, she will happily help you to improve your make-up skills and share some beauty secrets with us.

You also get the chance to discover the different textures of the famous LA MER moisturizers. Once you find your favorite, you will be gifted with a luxury size sample of it.On top, each guest will receive an original size LA MER Lip Balm worth CHF 82.00 that will be engraved with a special message.

I am so much looking forward to meeting and spending the evening with you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Kipfer
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
#LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch

The famous ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad is approaching fast and Friday’s dress code «Je ne regrette rien» might leave some with questions. Therefore I put together a little guide with lots of inspiration for you to get ahead of the fashion game. For those not coming, take this post as an idea for your next holiday festivities. You might outshine even the Christmas tree…

As many designers are looking into their archives for inspiration, time-traveling on our part is absolutely trending. From sixties retro to nineties nostalgia, the only mission is to stand out of the crowd. And there is truth in the fact that French women seem to always get it right! It is the widely adored allure of «je ne sais quoi» attitude. Their ability to assemble an outfit in the most put together way without looking too made up.

When it comes to partying, the capital of France has enthralled party planners and party goers for centuries. This December, ASW will bring the opulent glamour and intrigue of Paris nights to their members. Think of red plush, sparkling lights, think of the time when Edith Piaf first sang her iconic song «Je ne regrette rien» in 1960 or seek inspiration from the late 1970s through the 1990s, when «Les Bains Douches» was the nightclub to go in Paris. Imagine Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, and Brigitte Bardot, dancing at «Chez Régine» or transform yourself into a burlesque dancer that could have popped out of the famous «Moulin Rouge» or «Crazy Horse» with feathers, sequins and showing off lots of skin. For the gentlemen the motto is to become the most handsome dandy or French lover. It is the allure that counts. Don’t forget a touch of sleaziness is always welcome during Parisian nights… here you can can…. here life is a cabaret.

Below are some outfit inspirations, to shop just click on the highlighted text:

LIFE IS A CABARET
Crystal-embellished feather and felt hat by Gucci, feather-trim velvet bustier dress and tasseled sequined chiffon pouch, both by Attico, Salsa feather-embellished suede sandals by Charlotte Olympia, long feather scarf by Yves Salomon and smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent.

BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA
Cold-shoulder lace-up stretch-tulle midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, sequined long dress by Temperley London, lace ribbon garter by Folies by Renard, Talitha feather-trimmed glossed-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, and ruffle-trimmed woven clutch by The Vampire’s Wife.

YES WE CAN CAN
Bow-detailed glittered stretch-velvet mini dress by Balmain, Pandor ruched printed silk-blend lamé mini dress by Isabel Marant, Vivienne glittered velvet clutch by Jimmy Choo, Marguerite 100 velvet and leather-trimmed mesh mules and Daisy 100 leather-trimmed velvet ankle boots, both by Malone Souliers by Roy Luwolt.

BELLE DE NUIT 
Fringed embellished tulle jacket and crystal-embellished tulle jumpsuit, both by Naeem Khan, leopard-print turban headband by Gucci, Cleo crystal-embellished satin platform sandals by René Caovilla, Disco Pandora embellished glittered perspex clutch by Charlotte Olympia and gold-tone earring by Balenciaga.

FRENCH LOVER
Gold-fit satin-striped wool-blend suit, metallic jacquard suit, and lace-up leather derby shoes, both by Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered collar shirt, feather print scarf and dancing skeleton loafers, all by Alexander McQueen, and sequin blazer by Saint Laurent.

FOREVER CRAZY
Taking the theme to the next level and wearing the motto on your skin… those temporary transfer tattoo stickers are available here.

Looking forward to a great party ahead! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, in 16 Celine stores around the world a true object of desire arrived for a few chosen fashion lovers and I am one of them.

It is Slimane’s «16» bag (it is called the «Seize» which stands for sixteen in English, the latter a language you should not use to pronounce the new It-piece). The name derives from the address of the Maison’s headquarters and atelier on 16, Rue Vivienne in Paris.

The boxy, top-handle style was first spotted on Lady Gaga in August and caused a frenzy on Instagram right before Slimane’s debut show for Celine which took place in September during Paris Fashion Week. A runway presentation that was endlessly discussed and divided the fashion world into two camps, «Old Céline» and «New Celine».

But coming back to this beauty, the design features discreet gold hardware and the new accent-less Celine logo (don’t forget, there is no more Céline as Hedi took the «accent aigu» ( acute accent) away in the beginning of September). Officially it will hit the shelves in January/February 2019 and will be available in three sizes as well as a range of colors and leathers, including exotic skins.

I am so happy to have this holy grail of fashion already in my closet… stay tuned for my first outfit post with it! Cannot wait to sport this must-have piece on my arm. And yes, I am a committed fashion addict… and that is ok!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hybrid fashion has been trending for some time now and it is a must when you are looking for refreshing staples. Here you see me wearing a deconstructed sweater that instantly catches your eye. Spliced with a lace-trimmed cream satin camisole through the middle, it slouches off the shoulder and has an adjustable spaghetti strap. The gray wool-blend is knitted with touches of cashmere so it feels soft and cozy. Perfect for a stroll through the city.

My look: Cashmere coat in pink by Prada, paneled wool-blend, lace and satin sweater by Alexander Wang, drawstring shorts by Givenchy, suede overknee boots by Dior, Kelly «So Black» by Hermès, GG jacquard pattern knitted scarf, and rabbit-felt fedora, both by Gucci.

The key to fight the autumn blues is to wear some vibrant colors and to have a glowing complexion. One product I can highly recommend is LA MER‘s new The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation SPF 20. This all-in-one compact is also a hybrid product, a mixture between powder and foundation, especially great for touch-ups on the go. With healing hydration from Miracle Broth™ and color capsule technology, it gives skin a lift of luminosity—for a fresh, flawless look and a plumper, firmer feel, like cashmere for your skin. Available now for CHF 115.00 including a refill and additional sponge applicator.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For Resort 2019 Miuccia Prada helped to give us the 90’s rebirth we needed after all this ’80s dominance. And let’s be honest, it had to be her to celebrate this nineties nostalgia as she was the designer who had actually invented the «ugly chic» at that time. She looked through the archives, specifically her collections from the 1990s, for references this season.

The PRADA Resort 2019 show took place in New York City.

The outcome? Printed low-slung trousers with matching jackets, amazing leather coats and my favorite looks, belted miniskirts with ruffled detailing combined with cute polo tops. Moreover a new bag shape, that will probably sell out very fast.

Sidonie Bag Resort 2019

Meet the PRADA Sidonie that evokes elements of the archetypal bags presented in S/S 2000: a curvaceous, ergonomic shape, a modern classic rediscovered.

The inspiration behind the new PRADA Resort 2019 Sidonie Bag can be clearly seen in this ad campaign from S/S 2000.

Sidonie Bag Resort 2019

PRADA bags from S/S 2000 that I have in my closet.

A PRADA bag is always a great investment. I went through my closet to dust these S/S 2000 beauties. As I keep on recommending… don’t throw away your designer items, there will always be a time again for them. And those bags have just found their moment again.

Needless to say, I also would like to buy a new Sidonie bag for my own personal PRADA collection. I adore this blue and black version:

Sidonie Bag Resort 2019

The metal hardware details – plaques and buckles – draw on the brand heritage of superlative luggage-making, established by Mario Prada in 1913, juxtaposed with a modern shape, delicately curved and finely-balanced.

Sidonie Bag Resort 2019

The style is proposed in dual models, top-fastening or flap fronted with, respectively, a cross-body strap or haut, curved and shaped handle to be held on the shoulder for a new attitude. Both are offered in an entire wardrobe of fine calfskin and precious leathers.

PRADA Sidonie is a new character of the brand, a heroine, to be discovered. In stores this month.

’90s nostalgia with a modern twist! Bravo, Miuccia Prada!

LoL, Sandra

The PRADA Resort 2019 campaign: retro meets future.

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot