Sandra‘s Closet

GUCCI has opened its new stunning two-floor boutique with over 4,700 square feet showcasing the latest women’s and men’s collections as well as Gucci Décor in Miami’s Design District. Creative Director Alessandro Michele has had a hand in the design concept which includes immersive concept elements such as velvet armchairs, industrial accents and other luxurious details.

Absolute must-have: Gucci‘s Coco Capitán logo backpack

A mural by Coco Capitán is featured adjacent to the marble and metal façade, and the artist’s work appears on two special accessories available exclusively in the boutique. According to Gucci, «These murals will be an extension of the Gucci Art Wall project that has been revealed in New York City’s Soho neighborhood and in Milan’s Largo la Foppa, in the lively pedestrian district of Corso Garibaldi.»

139 NE 41st Street
Miami, FL 33137
+1.786.915.8710

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

It’s my intention to astonish you all… and do you know how? By changing my heels into a pair of fantastic sneakers! One of the best trends ever…

Prada‘s white textile Cloudbust trainers feel wholly futuristic (also available in black). The low-top silhouette features a round toe and split sole alongside slender crossover straps, and is detailed with grey, black, white, and pale rose inserts for a clean yet modern finish. I contrasted them against a tailored feather-trimmed dress from the F/W 2017 collection for an on-brand finish last night at the Prada Zurich‘s Christmas cocktail.

My look: Soft pink mink coat with flower intarsia and black satin bag with floral embellishments (both from the S/S 2013 collection), feather-trimmed printed wool and silk-blend dress, earrings, and Cloudbust low-top mesh trainers, all by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Here is the chicest snow boot ever that will keep your feet warm and dry in the snow! SOREL teamed up with the Paris-based luxury fashion house, CHLOÉ, to put a new spin on their classic Joan of Arctic snow boot and gave them a Parisian makeover this season. The gorgeous footwear offers a lot of convenient features:

• Cozy genuine shearling tongue/lining.
• Oversized gold hardware buttons.
• Generous signature metallic laces.
• SOREL heritage herringbone traction outsole.
• Waterproof suede and shearling insulation keep feet warm at temperatures as low as -25F.

To shop the CHLOÉ x SOREL Joan of Arctic suede boots, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sorel

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In collage: Printed satin-jacquard midi dress by Marni, velvet platform ankle boots by Prada and swimsuit by Eres.

«The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.» – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Each year PANTONE, the global color authority, chooses one Color of the Year, like a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2018, it is a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade: PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Purple Rain: Prince performing in 1985

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Ultra violet on the S/S 2018 runways: Gucci – Balenciaga – Moschino

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

To shop ULTRA VIOLET, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Belted asymmetric silk-mousseline blouse by Balenciaga

Spandex pumps by Balenciaga

Nail Polish in Ultra Violet (Pantone Collection) by Butter London

Embellished-leaf satin pouch by Attico

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pantone

It is a well established fact that ladies love a jumpsuit. They are more unexpected than a dress. In terms of dressing jumpsuits simplify your life. You can sit, dance and focus on the accessories. I have to admit that there is a bathroom issue but to me, jumpsuits are the ultimate uniform for the modern woman and an investment piece worthy of topping your shopping list.

Here you see me wearing a sequined one by Temperley London for the closing night of the Zurich Film Festival as guest of Etihad. The British designer does amazing jumpsuits. So I dare you to give them a try—I promise you won’t regret it!

My look: Tiara sequin-embellished jumpsuit by Temperley London, holographic faux leather clutch and holographic faux leather pumps, both by Stella McCartney, pearl earrings by Chanel and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in collage: © Sandra Bauknecht, Getty Images

Singer and songwriter Sia has been announced as the newest spokeswoman for MAC’s VIVA GLAM lipstick. The cosmetic brand’s iconic campaign to raise awareness and money for HIV/AIDS was created in 1994, at a time when the pandemic was dramatically affecting fashion communities in particular as well as the wider world.

This year, the pop star’s debut lipstick is a warm and bright red shade named VIVA GLAM Sia. The color is meant to speak to the artist’s avant-garde style and boundary pushing persona.

All proceeds from the VIVA GLAM products go to ending HIV/AIDS and the campaign has raised over $470 million to date. Sia joins an impressive lineup of former VIVA GLAM faces, including, Nicki Minaj (2012), Miley Cyrus (2014/2015) Rihanna (2014) and Ariana Grande (2015/2016), among others.

In Switzerland, the lipstick will be available for CHF 28.00 at all MAC locations from January 28th and online here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
#VIVAGLAM

Making childhood dreams come true. In February next year, I will be attending the Vienna Opera Ball and I couldn’t be any happier about it especially because one of my favorite designer duos, DOLCE & GABBANA, has collaborated with SWAROVSKI to create a richly detailed and precious tiara to be worn by the debutantes at this prestigious event.

Dolce & Gabbana

It took 702 Swarovski crystals to create this richly detailed headpiece that is inspired from Mozart’s opera «Le nozze di Figaro», in particular, the words sung in the eighth scene of the first act: «Giovani lieti – fiori spargete!» («Happy maids, scatter flowers!»).

This image has been poetically reflected in the floral design of the tiara, where delicate blossoms meet organic curved leaves.

Each year, Swarovski works with a different international designer to impart the debutantes’ tiaras with extraordinary brilliance. In 2017, it was for example Karl Lagerfeld who created a dream-like piece (for the previous post click here please).

Swarovski’s collaboration has existed since the 1950s. Organized by the Vienna State Opera, the event is the cultural highlight of the Viennese ball season and I cannot wait to experience it myself.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski / Dolce Gabbana

You know it is Christmas when a beautiful jewelry box arrives at your doorstep filled with two amazing new fragrances and a handwritten note by Aerin Lauder.

The new AERIN Tuberose collection is dedicated to one of my favorite flowers, the tuberose that imparts two different fragrances depending on when it is harvested—a dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk.

The new duo of scents aims to capture the different personalities of this incredible flower with two fragrances, luminous Tuberose Le Jour and sensual Tuberose Le Soir. These scents can be worn to suit different moods, occasions, and times of day.

Tuberose Le Jour Eau de Parfum

With the first spritz, you’ll immediately notice the sweet notes of Orange Blossom and Neroli before the fresh scent evolves into a floral heart of Indian Tuberose and Jasmine. Cedar and Cashmere Wood rounds it off nicely while adding just the right amount of warmth.

Tuberose Le Soir Eau de Parfum

This one is a slightly darker, more powdery version of the label’s Tuberose Le Jour scent. It opens with sweet notes of Mandarin Orange rounded out by a heart of Bergamot Tuberose and Ylang-Ylang. It closes with a warm base of Vanilla, Sandalwood and Amber.

Aerin, why did you create two fragrances—Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir—instead of one?

In India, the Tuberose is known as Rajanigandha, which translates as “fragrant at night.” Depending on the time of day, the Tuberose gives different scent impressions: dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk. We wanted to capture the beauty of Tuberose in its entirety with two scents that embody its differing personalities. Together the fragrances tell the complete story of this incredible bloom.

What type of woman did you have in mind when creating these fragrances?

The Tuberose Collection is for the modern woman—feminine, strong, and sophisticated. It is aimed at someone who appreciates the luxury and authenticity of wearing an artisanal fragrance blended from the finest ingredients.

What was the inspiration behind the packaging?

Reminiscent of fine jewelry, each translucent glass bottle is adorned with a suede-like cord and golden cap. The fragrance names are engraved on a golden plaque. The color of the suede-like outer carton complements each fragrance’s story and character—a pale pink for the delicate yet luminous Tuberose Le Jour, and a creamy rose for the rich and sensual Tuberose Le Soir.

Do you consider Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir strictly day and night fragrances?

It depends on the mood and the occasion, but I love the versatility of both scents. They can be worn at opposite ends of the day to capture each fragrance’s inspiration or layered together to create a unique scent altogether.

Living in Switzerland during the festive season means that you are treated to cheese fondue and raclette almost every evening when you are invited. Those are great meals with friends as they are traditionally for sharing and perhaps some of the most iconic foods that people relate to the Alpine country. But to be honest, those amounts of melted cheese can be quite heavy in your stomach, so you better dress up in something comfortable. I like to call it mountain chic.

My look for the opening of the Chalet au Lac: Suede-paneled embroidered wool coat, high waisted suede skirt, wool and cashmere-blend intarsia sweater, and embroidered bag, all from Emilio Pucci’s F/W 2011 collection, drop flower earrings with green crystals and black fur stole, both by Gucci, embellished choker by Dolce & Gabbana, and Paris ankle boots by Saint Laurent.

A great place to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a mountain cabin in Zurich is the Baur au Lac‘s pop-up CHALET AU LAC which is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm -11pm until December 31, 2017 in the park of the iconic hotel.

Reservations: +41 44 220 50 66, 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac, © Sandra Bauknecht