Sandra‘s Closet

Jo Malone is always a great option for Christmas gifts, and this year, the brand offers some limited edition sets along with some fun products.The influence of the ’20s and ’30s has been seen in almost every make-up collection for this holiday season and Jo Malone’s Christmas collection is no exception. Let’s have a closer look at this Art Deco-styled range.

Cologne Intense CHF 320.00
DARK AMBER & GINGER LILY 200ml
(One of my favourite scents by Jo Malone comes now in a larger size.)

Scent Surround™ Diffuser CHF 86.00
PINE & EUCALYPTUS 165ml
(Let your house smell like a freshly cut Christmas tree.)

Christmas Cracker CHF 50.00
POMEGRANATE NOIR BODY & HAND WASH 15ml
LIME BASIL & MANDARIN COLOGNE 9ml
ORANGE BLOSSOM BODY CREAM 15ml
(I am so in love with this cute product. What a cute idea to surprise your guest with such a special cracker on the table.)

Tea Trousseau CHF 795.00
ASSAM & GRAPEFRUIT COLOGNE 100ml
EARL GREY & CUCUMBER COLOGNE 100ml
SWEET LEMON COLOGNE 100ml
PARMA VIOLETS TEA DELUXE CANDLE 400g
SWEET ALMOND & MACAROON DELUXE CANDLE 400g
(This to-die-for box is including some of the most amazing fragrances and beautifully scented candles. Anybody looking for a gift for me…?)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Well, you should…
This year, he does exist and his name is Jean Paul Gaultier. But this time, only “naughty children” will be rewarded.

Discover “The Naughty Christmas” on www.jeanpaulgaultier.com.

Each day, a gift can be won. You have the chance to open three doors, the rule is… There are no rules, open whichever day you want! This is Christmas for naughty children. Very cool!

LoL, Sandra

On Sunday, I flew to Athens, Greece. I was invited by Hermès to a secret location for the launch of an amazing new product. After a three hours ride by car, I arrived in Delphi, which was in Greek mythology the site of the famous Delphic oracle. Enough said, unfortunately I am not allowed to tell you more until February 2013. And believe me, this is hard for me, too.

In the meantime enjoy my look that I wore on the arrival day:
Oversized Rottweiler print tank top and wool gauze Rottweiler scarf, both by Givenchy (Please click here for the previous post when I told you all about this fashion hype), black long cardigan by Gucci, stretch cashmere-blend leggings by Donna Karan and brushed-leather biker boots by Miu Miu.

Stay tuned for more to come up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Cordwainers graduate Charlotte Dellal launched her footwear label Charlotte Olympia, in 2006. Since then the quirky-cool collections have proved to be a must-have for style-setters worldwide. Look for high-voltage hues, texture-rich finishes and towering platforms. I just want to walk in her shoes and carry her bags! Personally speaking, there is nothing more beautiful on the market at the moment for me. If you are interested to get to know Charlotte more, click here for a previous interview I did with her.

SHOP CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA AT NET-À-PORTER, MYTHERESA AND MATCHES.

My favorites are those Dolly platform pumps with detachable ruffled anklets…

and those Luna suede and metallic trimmed pumps.

And these Bruce crepe-covered leather sandals are definitely on my wish list, too!

LoL, Sandra

This was my look for the amazing Caviar & Oyster Collection Dinner with Bobbi Brown:

Black dress with angel wing sleeves by Stella McCartney, Soft Stirrup black brocade leather clutch, Noah high heel cut-out pump, both by Gucci, bangle, goldfish cuff and cocktail ring, all three by Roberto Cavalli, earrings by Chanel.

Of course, I created my make-up with the beautiful new products by Bobbi Brown:

I used the Caviar & Oyster Palette (CHF 120.-) for the eyes (I blended all eight shades and dabbed Ballet Sparkle with my fingertip), then I applied the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (CHF 33.-) in Black Ink with the Smokey Eye Liner Brush (CHF 43.-) and smudged it with the Long-Wear Eye Pencil (CHF 33.-) in Jet. To finish off the smokey look, I layered the new limited edition Dual-Ended Mascara (CHF 33.-) in Black.

On my lips I wore Brightening Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-) in Moonlight Pearl and on my cheeks Blush (CHF 41.-) in Pretty Pink.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, together with Bobbi Brown Cosmetic I hosted a dinner for the launch of Bobbi Brown‘s new Caviar & Oyster Collection at my house.

Bobbi’s inspiration for this season started when she spotted a black motorcycle jacket next to a piece of delicate pink satin. Seeing the two items together prompted her to create this amazing make-up collection, designing a contrast of both, polished and edgy. “It’s all about combining different textures and finishes.” – Bobbi Brown

Above you can see the lovely Bobbi Brown Cosmetic team from Switzerland with me and the invite for the evening.

Unfortunately, Bobbi couldn’t make it herself but she sent me a lovely note along with a little gift that meant a lot to me.

The dinner was held in three different rooms with each room having its own special ambiance, from cozy to elegant and oriental.

Speaking of combining different textures and finishes, famous chef Peter Marty borrowed Bobbi Brown’s inspiration to create a menu that was – of course – all about caviar and oysters.

Between each course, one part of the Caviar & Oyster collection was beautifully revealed to the guests. Each of them got a plate with the products that were immediately applied with enthusiasm. Can you imagine how much fun we had?! Great food, sparkling champagne, only girls and trying out new make-up, it felt like being in heaven.

Below you can explore all the details of the Caviar & Oyster collection:

LIPGLOSSES

Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra dose of shine. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips, plus the new tapered applicator lets you apply it like a pro. Wear alone or on top of your favourite lipstick.
(From left to right: Black Pearl, Moonlight Pearl, Pink Oyster, Oyster and White)
Limited Edition CHF 35.- (7ml) each.

DUAL-ENDED MASCARA

Designed to be layered, this two-in-one duo features Everything Mascara for definition and Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara for length. It’s Bobbi’s secret to megawatt lashes-and part of her Caviar & Oyster Collection. To apply: First, brush on Everything Mascara from base of lashes to the tips. Next, apply Lash Glamour Mascara. Let each mascara dry between coats.
Black – Limited Edition CHF 33.- (6ml).

SHIMMER NAIL POLISH

A little bit uptown, a little bit downtown. Bobbi’s shimmering polish looks striking on all skin tones. The epitome of Bobbi’s Caviar & Oyster Collection, this polish adds a little edgy-luxe to nails and is just the right amount of tough.
Black Pearl – Limited Edition CHF 27.– (11ml)

CAVIAR & OYSTER PALETTE

Strong and smokey or soft and pretty? There’s no need to choose with Bobbi’s beautifully-edited selection. Featuring eight shadows and a luminescent skin enhancer, this mirrored palette makes it easy to create a multitude of party and special occasion looks. Taking a cue from the look of something pretty against something edgy, the set includes rich caviar and pearlescent black shades. Introducing the standout star of the season, Ballet Sparkle, a shimmer so sheer it can be worn on both eyes and cheeks (without ever looking overdone).
(Shades included: White Eye Shadow, Sandy Pearl Metallic Eye Shadow, Pink Opal Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Grey Sky Eye Shadow, Plum Steel Metallic Eye Shadow, Rich Caviar Eye Shadow, Heather Grey Eye Shadow, Pearl Oyster Sparkle Eye Shadow and Ballet Sparkle)
Limited Edition CHF 120.-

And at the end of this amazing night, we all had the caviar and oyster glow…

Thank you Bobbi Brown for this wonderful experience!
All products are in stores now, so hurry as those limited edition pieces will sell out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown (Nadia) and © Sandra Bauknecht

In celebration of the holiday season, I recommend buying some festive knits. Combine a stylish holiday sweater with a sexy pencil skirt and some high heels to take the look to new heights.

Appliquéd wool turtleneck sweater by Moschino, bonded PVC pencil skirt by Tibi and red patent-leather pumps by Dolce & Gabbana.

Rossella Jardini, Moschino Creative Director, gives the following style advice: “When designing our sweater, I played with the classic Christmas elements and added a Moschino touch! I would suggest wearing them with a simple pair of skinny jeans.”

To shop those preppy little sweaters, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

1 Santa Claus sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
2 Reindeer intarsia wool-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Reindeer appliquéd knitted wool sweater by Moschino
4 Ho! Ho! Ho! knitted sweater by Lot78
5 Reindeer-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Mason by Michelle Mason
6 Maria metallic-embroidered knitted sweater by Meadham Kirchhoff

Meadham Kirchhoff about their inspiration: “Christmas is the best time of the year, the decorations, the tree, the food….. We love everything about it. The inspiration for the embroidery came from original 1960’s gift paper I wrapped Edward’s presents in last Christmas.”

I adore those sweaters and couldn’t resist the one by Stella McCartney. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

Don’t forget to shop the unique collaboration Maison Martin Margiela with H&M that hits selected stores worldwide officially today! This year, the French fashion house is sharing their unconventional fashion framework with H&M and their re-editions are to-die-for (Have a look at this previous post where you can see them in detail)! In case that you have missed the party pics of the amazing launch party in NYC, click here.

If you cannot get enough of Maison Martin Margiela, I recommend a visit to one of my favourite hotels in Paris: La Maison Champs-Elysées. The design hotel was the first to be decorated by Martin Margiela and voted among the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

Its location between the Grand Palais and the Avenue Montaigne is perfect, especially during Paris Fashion Week.

I stayed in one of three “Lost Moulding” suites: N° 112 Paul Bodin, designed by Martin Margiela. The wooden mouldings in the rooms start and finish at random, like a work in progress, offering various shades of white. A large central space with sliding side doors separates the lounge from the bedroom, enhancing the feeling of privacy. The luxurious, modern bathroom is extremely spacious and beautiful.

And here is more for all Margiela-fans among you: Replica Fragrances by Maison Martin Margiela, a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods that embodies the interest of Maison Martin Margiela for vintage clothing and accessories.

All three recently launched feminine fragrances “Flower Market”, “Beach Walk”, “Funfair Evening” are divine and instantly evoke images, impressions, positive emotions that reflect our collective subconscious. Composed by the master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, along with Marie Salamagne, each ‘Replica’ fragrance captures a specific olfactory moment, recalling memories that we all share. 100ml (CHF 109.-)

“Flower Market”
Paris, 2011

Freshly cut flowers, wet petals, buckets and vases brimming with water, leaves crushed on the floor, a multitude of floral compositions… Maison Martin Margiela captures the delicate fragrance of the flower market.
The green freshness of just-cut stems echoes the sensuality of the floral accord. Transparent notes of freesia and Grasse rose petals dotted with water, are enveloped by creamier notes of Sambac jasmine and tuberose.

“Beach Walk”
Calvi, 1972

A stroll along the ocean. Feet sink into the sand. Waves brush the skin. The sun at its zenith radiates the beach. “Beach Walk” evokes the memory of a summer day.
Fresh as the spray of the ocean, bergamot, lemon and pink pepper are instantly fused. Radiant and sensual ylang ylang follows, illuminating the addictive scents of coconut milk, musk and heliotrope.

“Funfair Evening”
Santa Monica, 1994

In the warm night air, the sound of laughter and playful melodies. The obscurity is broken by splashes of multicoloured neon. Colour reigns vibrant and explosive. An odour of candy fills the air.
From the first breath, the ambiance of the funfair comes to mind. The soft and enveloping fragrance of sweets… Notes of apple and star anise join to reveal a marshmallow accord created with caramel and orange blossom.

Enjoy indulging in your very own Margielamania and see you at H&M!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, La Maison des Champs-Elysées, Maison Martin Margiela, © Sandra Bauknecht

To attend the annabelle award during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich, I wore one of my favourite runway dresses from the current season:

Expandit printed silk satin-twill dress by Mary Katrantzou, gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, cuff by Céline, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, studded bag and pumps, both by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via annabelle magazine and © Sandra Bauknecht

The second evening of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days 2012 was dedicated to the well-known annabelle award.

Five young designers were able to show their collections, but only one of them won an internship with Barbara Bui, who also presented her S/S 2013 show as a culmination of the night.

The event started off with three established Swiss designers:

Van Bery is based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The S/S 2013 collection was inspired by the painter Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (“Le Douanier” Rousseau) and the era of the ’20s. I am a big fan of Van Bery’s romantic, feminine florals und adorable bow embellishments and those head pieces were to-die-for. In Switzerland available at Globus among others.

Laend Phuengkit fuses Asian and European features to create an interesting collection for men and women that impresses with beautiful draped elements and contemporary cuts for S/S 2013.

Claudia Zuber started her label three years ago and has been on the rise since then. Her creative power: Sporty elements in colours of the ’70s mixed with an air of the ’20s. I especially loved the little books that the models carried on the runway, such a neat detail.

After that, the five finalists of the annabelle award were presenting their collections to the audience.

Flaka Jahaj (29): “Sheer Tedium” – Inspired by ornaments of ancient times and the architecture of historic temples
Désirée Gabriel (24): “Wind” – Asymmetrical designs that are flowing like the wind.
Julia Winkler (26): “Pinky’s Dream, Watch the Room” – Inspired by Davis Lynch’s movie soundtracks and his debut album “Crazy Clown Time”
Stéphanie Rosianu (26): “It’s So Bad, It’s Almost Good” – Ink scribbling printed on delicate organza and silk.
Safia Semlali (22): “Took My Sister’s Winter and My Father’s Fall” – Hightech materials worn in many layers.

And the winner of the prestigious annabelle award is: Julia Winkler who received an internship with Parisian designer Barbara Bui who said on stage: “It is always hard to choose someone. Even that an award is important, you never know what will be after. Working in fashion is wonderful, but you have to be very strong to work in that field.”

Barbara Bui with me

For S/S 2013, Barbara Bui showed her iconic rock-chic looks in perfection. Leather in colours of black and ink was predominating the collection. My favourite was the beautiful embroidered material used for jackets, shorts and bags.

If you are interested to see more about the event on Glanz & Gloria, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht