Sandra‘s Closet

The 21st edition of the famous Salon International de la Haute Horlorgerie (SIHH) will be taking place from the 17th to the 21st of January, 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Today, I would like to give you an exclusive preview of some exciting watches that will be presented at the „invitation only“ event.

One of my favourites is Cartier’s Tourbillon and crocodile Geneva Seal white gold watch, calibre 9458 MC. It is a very feminine Grande Complication model, a beautiful union of haute horlogerie and haute joiallerie, limited to 50 individually numbered pieces.
Cartier has inversed the movement to show the mechanism and its skeletonised bridges, which now form part of the decor. Reminiscent of the Le Animalier Collection and the Pasha but significant with variation, a diamond crocodile carefully guards the time. The heartbeats are driven by the oscillations of a unique flying tourbillon: the calibre 9458 MC, adorned with the Geneva Seal.

A very masculine looking and impressive timepiece is the new Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, Calibre 9451 MC.
The Astrotourbillon movement, which was introduced last year after five years of development in the Manufacture, now powers the Calibre de Cartier watch, limited to 100 numbered pieces. The 47mm titanium case on black alligator strap make it a disctinctive choice.

Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386

Panerai Radiomir Composite PAM 339, the bestseller of 2010

As I am a big fan of Panerai watches anyway, it is no wonder that the new Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386, that will be officially unveiled in Geneva, has caught my eye immediately.

Reminiscent of the Panerai Radiomir Composite Marina Militare PAM 339 which was introduced exactly one year ago and powered by a 8-day manual wind, the new model comes equipped with an automatic P.9000 caliber.

The timepiece has a scratch-resistant 44mm ceramic case and might be limited to 1000 pieces which is still to be confirmed.

Van Cleef & Arpel Five Weeks In a Balloon

Van Cleef & Arpels’ new piece Five Weeks In a Balloon will be surely amongst the star attractions at the upcoming SIHH 2011 – inspired by the world famous fiction author Jules Verne and his Extraordinary Voyages novel of the same name.
The dial of the watch is decorated with chamlevé enamel and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the case is made of white gold. The scene depicts a balloon rising into the air of Zanzibar. The hours and minutes are displayed by the balloon’s anchor and a flying bird. Why not dream a little dream with this beautiful novel model?

Jaeger-Le-Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in pink gold

Jaeger-Le-Coultre launched the iconic Reverso model to meet the English polo players’ need for an unbreakable watch in 1931. Another reason for its immediate success was the possibility to personalize it by engraving the initials or family crest. Almost 80 years later, the line will be supplemented with two limited editions, named Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931.

Being a beautiful bridge between past and present, the watch demonstrates all the Art Deco glamour of the original style interpreted in today’s language. The square-shape case is available in steel or pink gold and measures only 7.2mm in thickness to demonstrate its ultra-thinness. Inside is a just 2.94mm thick manufactory-made mechanical hand-wound movement, calibre 822. It is a very understated piece, only having the name Reverso written on the dial. Timeless elegance!

Jaeger-Le-Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in steel

Audemars Piguet Millenary Minute Repeater

Audemars Piguet’s newest addition is a feast for your eyes. The Millenary Minute Repeater watch (Reference 26371TI) comes wih a 47mm x 42mm titanium case, an anthracite grey dial, applied pink gold numerals, a minute repeater slide activator (at 7 o’ clock) and a black croc leather strap.
The best of the watch lays inside, the manual wind AP caliber 2910 movement (flat double balance-spring, 165 hour power reserve from 2 barrels, third barrel powering the minute repeater, 21 600 vph (3hz) frequency and 443 parts in total).

Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch

The Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch will be available in fall 2011 and will be limited to 500 numbered pieces. Here are some details: 42mm steel case, automatic mechanical Dubois Depraz 14400 movement, black alligator strap with a not so common jumping hour complication.

The upcoming timepiece is very similiar to this year’s rose gold Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch (Ref M0A08857) that was limited to 40 pieces (see below).

Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch, fall 2010

Girard Perregaux 1966 Small Seconds

The casual observer can appreciate the classic elegance of the new Girard Perregeaux 1966 Small Seconds. A 40mm white or rose gold case with a white enamel dial and a beautifil alligator strap. The technically inclined may adore its new movement, the Girard Perregeaux automatic Caliber 3300.

I hope that you have enjoyed this preview. I cannot wait to go to Geneva and see all those watches in real life. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

Today, the official engagement photos of Kate and William shot by Mario Testino were released to the public.

The future bride stayed down to earth and wore two pieces out of her own closet, a simple belted Nanette gown by Reiss with ruffle detail across the front.
Since this dress is last season, there is no rush to get your hands on it. But Reiss would be foolish not to start remaking the dress and so the British high street brand announced that it will be re-leased and available beginning January 2011, as part of the Reiss S/S 2011 collection.

Kate’s white embroidered blouse worn for the more intimate photograph from Whistles is also to be reissued to allow customers to emulate Kate Middleton’s engagement outfit.

If I were Kate’s stylist, I would have gone for a more de luxe option. What do you think about this beautiful ruffled Valentino gown and embroidered Chloé blouse?
Both available at net-à-porter.
Aren’t those so much more glamorous?

LoL, Sandra

Valentino Woll-crepe mini dress

Chloé Silk knife-pleated blouse

If yesterday’s post about Chanel’s pre-fall 2011 show put you in the opulent mood and you feel like indulging yourself in some luxurious fabrics, there is no need to wait until next fall.
This F/W 2010 has been already about brocade, gold or red fabrics, embellishments and embroideries.

Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta, the forerunners of the festive trend, offer beautiful looks that work perfectly for your X-Mas or New Year’s Eve party.
A jacquard coat or blazer is an investment piece that can elevate your look to a complete new level of style.

I love my Alexander McQueen red goddess gown with beautiful golden embellishments that I wore recently to a gala in London together with a belt by Matthew Williamson, some sandals by YSL and a vintage Chanel clutch.
Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Just when you finished off your wardrobe for this winter and have started thinking about next summer, I am challenging you once more with something very beautiful for next year’s fall.
Who said following fashion was an easy task?!

This Tuesday was a very snowy day in Paris but the guests who enjoyed the atmosphere in the Chanel Haute Couture salons were transported to another era, time and place. Karl Lagerfeld was inspired for his pre-fall 2011 collection by Byzantium, one of Coco Chanel’s major inspirations when she was the first to launch a line of costume jewelry in the 1920s.

The Paris–Byzance Métiers d’art show broadcasted Chanel’s specialist craftsmen that the French house has gathered under its umbrella: Desrues the costume jeweler, Lemarié the feather specialist, Lesage the embroiderer, Massaro the shoe-maker, Michel the milliner, Goossens the goldsmith and Guillet the floral accessory specialist.

In a decor reminding of an Ottomanesque chill-out room with 400 metres of squined fabric covering the walls, Lagerfeld revisited the bold colors and antique golds. Byzance and its splendor embellished every look from belts adorned with square glass beads to gold running through burn-out tweed and embroidered silks.

The make-up was kept in the same color family with one star product: The cream palette is combining five different golds and is said to be limited to only 1500 pieces.

This collection is for the modern Theodora empresses who might be Chanel’s clientele of today. Celebrating Chanel’s strong heritage is surely a smart move and one key to remaining a powerhouse in the decades to come, especially with the opening of a second Chanel boutique in Istanbul.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

It is the season now to wrap up warm and thanks to many designers we can do this in style. Fair isle sweaters, that used to be the dreaded gifts given by all unknowing grandmas, will be welcomed this Christmas with open arms.

Thanks first and foremost to D&G Dolce & Gabbana, where the traditional patterns had a major fashion moment on the F/W 2010 runway, the cozy knits are no longer just a ski chalet staple.

If you still think that it is a fashion faux pas to wear reindeer or snowflakes emblazoned jumpers, you are completely mistaken, it is almost a sacrilege not to do so. This season, they are officially fashionable. Mountain chic is coming to town.

Fair isle knit gets its name from a tiny island north of Scotland where the technique to arrange multiple colours in a pattern was first developed.

The secret to a stylish combination is to toughen up the sweet-as-shortbread sweater for example with a goregeous pair of leather hot pants.

Please enjoy this large variety I put together for you to update your winter wardrobe… in case that you have not already hidden some in your closet. Available at NET-À-PORTER.

I cannot wait to head down the fashion slopes of St. Moritz (may they be of ice or concrete) in my cozy pieces from D&G Dolce & Gabbana. I loved their collection for F/W 2010 so much. Finally a trend that really works in the cold weather! And aren’t those boots just to die for?!
For the store locator, please click here. Good news is that you might be lucky to get a gorgeous piece on sale.

To the Alpine glamour!

LoL, Sandra

Claudia Schiffer was spotted recently in London on the way to pick up her kids from school in a cozy and stylish combination. The nautical dress/top is still in style and worn together with a chunky knit coat like the Stella McCartney one adds this little spice to the classic piece. Skinny jeans, a pair of comfy boots and the quilted Chanel bag finish off this casual look perfectly.

Two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

The newest addition to Lorenzo Villoresi’s so-called “Fantasy Fragrances” is Iperborea.
Fresh blossoming petals, sprouting in the snow – if you adore like me Teint de Neige or in general powdery, sensual fragrances you will love this new creation.

A sparkling green top note of fresh flowers, with citrus notes and light fruity hints, which opens into a radiant heart of blossoming petals; lily of the valley, magnolia, mimosa and cyclamen. Touches of musk and aromatic woods emerge from a soft and intense background of white spring flowers, with precious extracts of orange blossom and jasmine.

Only writing about it, makes me smell it. Yummy! For store locations, please click here.
In Zurich, Perfumery Osswald carries it.

LoL, Sandra

Have you ever dreamt of owning a luxurious piece from Balmain? Now you might have a chance without your budget going overboard. Today you can shop Balmain at up to 80% off at the outnet.com. Get your hands on a divine military must-have or a sharp LBD. I love my Balmain jackets and wear them a lot (see below).
Happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

No wonder there is traditionally a queue around the block from her shops at Christmas. The name Jo Malone sends most women into a reverie of pristine cream boxes with black edging and grosgrain ribbons filled with original fresh scents.

The products are wonderful gifts. Even the tissue paper is misted with fragrance so that the Jo Malone experience starts already when lifting the lit.

As a child, Jo Malone would make her own perfumes with flowers from the garden and grated Camay soap. Her mother was a beautician and her father an artist.
She worked as a florist and gave facials in her kitchen at night. Soon she became one of London’s most sought-after skin care therapist. It was when she met her husband Gary at the age of 19, that their business, featuring handmade scents and products, took off. She gave her Nutmeg and Ginger Bath Oil as a thank you to her clients and the orders began to flood in.

Jo Malone opened her first store at 154 Walton Street in London in 1994. By 1999, she launched her flagship store in London’s Sloane Street. That same year her company was purchased by Estée Lauder with Jo Malone still at its UK helm as chairwoman and creative director. Then in 2006, she sold it to them in its entirety.

For deeper, richer dimension to your home, it’s decorating with scent that makes the difference. Shouldn’t the fragrance ambience of your home be as inviting as the fragrance on your skin?

For her, perfume and stories go hand in hand, each cologne has been inspired by a real moment. Think of fragrances as your little black dress. You can create your bespoke scent by mixing, matching and layering with other Jo Malone colognes for endless effects. Accessorize it extravagantly or pair it down, just follow your mood and make each day another statement.
This is the philosophy behind Jo Malone’s Fragrance Combining. In case you are worried that a cologne doesn’t last enough, you will be astonished how long the fragrances stay on. Especially in combination with the Jo Malone body products.

You can choose from all sorts of fragrance families such as floral, spicy or woody. For more details, please enjoy the collages below:

As I am a big fan of oriental, opulent fragrances, I am truly happy about Jo Malone’s new addition: The 4 new Colognes Intenses. Ingredients like rose water, amber, patchouli, vanilla, musk and oud give in combination a wonderful deepness to your bespoke scent. They were supposed to be limited but seem to stay in the collection due to their high demand.

To the left, you can see a photo of my very own bathroom and its little Jo Malone display.
For a store locator, please click here. For my Zurich based readers, I have good news. There is a Jo Malone corner now at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

I am almost dying looking at those photos. As if the see-through Kelly bag Jean-Paul Gaultier created for his final Hermès S/S 2011 show wasn’t enough to drool over, there is also the wicker Kelly bag to be lusted after and the cute miniature Birkin bag dangling from the model’s wrist. Can you believe that the see-through material is actually very thin crocodile leather, ohmygod?!
Those bags will be very limited and they kind of make your everyday Kelly look plain boring. Being highly collectables, they are guaranteed to become instant classics.
Get on the wait list now ladies!

LoL, Sandra