Sandra‘s Closet

Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

Do you have OTS? No worries, it’s not a disease, OTS stands for off-the-shoulder. Those necklines are a must this S/S 2016 season and one of my favorite silhouettes. OTS tops with exaggerated sleeves amplify simple outfits while giving unique looks to them. This summer, they can be found everywhere, here are some of the best ones available now:

1 Maylin crinkled silk-georgette top by Elizabeth and James
2 Cutout silk-satin top by Tibi
3 Off-the-shoulder printed fil coupé top by See by Chloé
4 Off-the-shoulder striped cotton-poplin top by J.W.Anderson
5 Cropped velvet-trimmed crepe and basketweave top by Proenza Schouler

A great piece to create a different evening look: off-the-shoulder cropped silk-moire top by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Mid February, St. Moritz hosted for the first time a Swiss Red Cross Gala, also marking the 150th anniversary of this institution. In celebration of this great cause, the iconic White Turf tent was supposed to be the stunning location on the frozen lake to welcome over 300 guests from the business, economic, political and cultural worlds. Unfortunately due to the warm weather conditions, the event had to shift to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, ice cube bag and pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

The evening’s theme was: «clean water for every day». The gala’s proceeds will therefore go towards helping the victims of forgotten disasters and the water program in Nepal.
Clean drinking water and functioning sewage treatment systems are things we take for granted in Switzerland. They are part of our lives. However, the daily lives of well over 700 million people around the world are very different. They have no access to even a minimum of clean water.

If you would like to donate something to the Swiss Red Cross, please find herewith the details:

Credit Suisse AG, 8070 Zurich
BIC: CRESCHZZ30A IBAN: CH35 0483 5082 7306 1100 1
Endorsement: SRC Gala 2016

Thank you for your donation!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

I adore Alessandra Rich‘s exquisite gowns that are perfect for any black tie event. Not too long, in fabrics that don’t wrinkle, they offer comfort and great fitted shapes. This embroidered one with shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals is one of my favorites as the stretch-tulle panel elegantly references the season’s conceal-and-reveal trend.

My look: Swarovski crystal-embellished lace gown by Alessandra Rich, white «Duffle 6» bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Seamaster watch in steel with diamond dial by Omega, crystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

For the event with George Clooney in Shanghai where the photos were taken, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My favorite hotel in Paris? Clearly the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Its excellent service, great location and beautiful rooms provide everything you can wish for. Here you see me outside the hotel leaving for Lancôme’s Wôw-Party.

My look: Stretch-silk and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, cutout leather platform pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, necklace, cuff and earrings, all by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know how much I adore Alessandra Rich‘s designs. Her gowns are feminine and sophisticated with an edgy and ironic slant, for me my favorites on the red carpet.

After the Italian born designer had officially launched her eponymous label with her S/S 2010 collection, she has fast become a name synonymous with defined glamour loved by celebrities around the globe. She works from a showroom in London’s Mount Street, where I visited her to get her insider scoop on the British metropole, and an atelier close to Venice. In everyone of her collections, she shows her unique skill for making the elaborate fabrics of lace, ruffles and this S/S 2015 season fringes appear modern and extremely special.

Your favourite city?
LONDON. It’s where I spend my best time.

Your favourite hotel?
CLARIDGE’S, because it’s a classic.
49 Brook Street, London W1K 4HR, +44 20 7629 8860

Your favourite restaurant?
SCOTT’S, I love their oysters.
20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE, +44 20 7495 7309

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
CONNAUGHT BAR. Perfect for a drink with friends.
The Connaught, Carlos Place, London, W1K 2AL, +44 20 7499 7070

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE. It‘s an intense experience.
Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, +44 20 7240 1200

Your favourite park?
HYDE PARK. It’s just around the corner from my office.
+44 300 061 2000

Your favourite shop?
VIRGINIA ANTIQUES on Portland Road. This vintage and second hand clothing shop is a Pandora’s vase.
98 Portland Road, Holland Park, London W11 4LQ, +44 20 7727 9908

Your must-have accessory?
RED NAILS. I always wear Lollipop by Essie.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Anything from LED ZEPPELIN or PINK FLOYD.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WALLPAPER CITY GUIDE LONDON To have smart tips about the city.

Thank you, Alessandra, for sharing your insider scoop on London with us!

TO SHOP ALESSANDRA RICH, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Olivia Palermo in a fringed lace gown from Alessandra Rich‘s S/S 2015 collection.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © AP Images

One of my favorite designers is Alessandra Rich. Her take on evening wear is exceptional. This season, she launched a limited edition capsule collection with Net-à-porter of western style dresses. Those 70’s-inspired pieces are the perfect contemporary approach to the next season’s trend. Howdy!

My look: Chambray and lace maxi dress by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather platform pumps with chains and Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, western necklace by Chanel (Paris-Dallas collection), diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my outfit I wore to the opening night of the Cabinet of Curiosities by Thomas Erber in Bangkok. The photos were taken in front of one of my favorite pieces of the exhibition, for which Thai silk company Jim Thompson has teamed up with renowned French graffiti artist Olivier Burel, aka Ogreoner.

If you are tired of your black dresses in your closet, shock everyone and add a splash of color that could be best achieved with some vibrant accessories.

My look: Stretch-silk crepe and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, Paris leopard-print leather pumps and Classic Monogramme printed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, gold-plated glass pearl cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

French graffiti artist Olivier Burel, aka Ogreoner, with me in front of his work.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, here is the detailed post regarding my outfit that I wore to the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, dual beaded leather clutch by Valentino,crystal embellished butterfly earrings by Miu Miu and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on the beach in Santa Monica. Now in its 29th year, the awards are a celebration honouring films made by film-makers who embody independence and originality. I was invited by Piaget, co-host of the star-studded event for the seventh consecutive year.

With several of last year’s most noteworthy films being independent productions, the event drew some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Jared Leto, Jon Hamm, Lupita Nyong’o and Reese Witherspoon, among others. Therefore a gazillion of photographers were waiting for the celebrities to arrive.

Jared Leto had obviously as much fun on the red (in this case blue) carpet as I did…

…and I admit that I could totally getting used to it.

Throughout the afternoon and following the ceremony, award winners and guests celebrated in Piaget’s exclusive backstage lounge where some of the maison’s newest jewelry, as well as rare vintage creations were on display.

From left to right: Lauriane Gilliéron‎ (Miss Switzerland 2005), Mousse Jacquier (Piaget), Nicole Suess (Piaget) and my humble self had fun in the tent.

Mad Men actor Jon Hamm, Angela Bassett, Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO of Piaget, and his wife Catherine.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are like the road to the Academy Awards, held one day before with an outstanding guest list. The spirit winners below also won in the same category at the Oscars 2014.

Best Female Lead
WINNER
Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine (2013)

The blonde actress wore a dress from Roksanda Ilincic‘s Fall 2014 collection.

Best Supporting Female
WINNER
Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Thanking her mum for her never-ending support, Lupita Nyong’’o holds her award for best supporting actress for “12 Years a Slave“, the movie that won big at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking home five trophies including best feature.

Me with Brad Pitt who also stars in the historical drama film about slavery.

A pic with Brangelina… that is pretty cool, don’t you think?!

The two stars of AIDS drama Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, took home acting prizes, as they did on Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Best Male Lead
WINNER
Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Best Supporting Male
WINNER
Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Keanu Reeves with me

Angela Bassett looked so radiant and sparkled in white gold and diamond Piaget Rose cutout drop earrings.

Piaget’s global ambassador, Gong Li, dazzled photographers and fans in a stunning pair of Piaget Rose Passion torsade earrings and a Rose cocktail ring, both in white gold with diamonds.

Anthony Chen with me

Anna Kendrick wore a matching suite of Piaget Rose jewels, that looked divine in combination with her white dress and clutch by Dior.

On stage: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon

Jason Bateman with me

Very handsome is Mad Men actor Jon Hamm.

It was an amazing experience and I am truly thankful for Piaget’s invitation! Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Piaget, Michael Kovac/WireImage and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, we celebrated the launch of L’Officiel Switzerland. Finally, our first edition is at the kiosk. Personally speaking, I couldn’t have been more excited and of course I am wishing upon a star that it will be a success story. To make a dream come true, I thought wearing some stars might eventually help! Supposedly if you make a wish when you see the first star come out at night, the wish will come true. So better to wear many…

Our presenting sponsor, Aston Martin, offered me a car for the day and I loved it!

My look: Lace-trimmed stretch-silk crepe gown by Alessandra Rich, embroidered fur stole by Blumarine, satin clutch and Art Déco earrings, both by Prada, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

All party pics will be coming up shortly!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht