Sandra‘s Closet

Today, the Watches & Wonders exhibition would have opened its doors in Geneva. However, due to the current worldwide pandemic, the fair cannot take place. But as it is more important than ever to stay connected, I am pleased to invite you to look at watchesandwonders.com, the new digital platform where you can experience the fine watchmaking universe all in one place. There you can discover the newest products, enjoy engaging and dynamic content and connect directly with the 30 participating Maisons.

During the next days, I will give you my own personal insight about the new launches and would love to start today with the House of CARTIER that have many beautiful watchmaking novelties for this year that are reunited by a global theme: the UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS.
The Maison has always encouraged the unexpected by combining shapes and ideas that were never intended to meet. This is Cartier’s unique style, the source from which all forms of creation begin. Unexpected encounters, a question of perspective, CARTIER’S SIGNATURE.

PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER
AVAILABLE IN APRIL 2020
THE PANTHER, THE MAISON’S EMBLEMATIC ANIMAL

Since its first abstract appearance in 1914, Cartier has reinterpreted the panther. From motif to material or volume, everything provides reason to go beyond the different crafts and techniques allowing new creative territories resulting from unexpected encounters.

THE PANTHER IN THE MÉTIERS D’ART
Left: RONDE LOUIS CARTIER WOOD AND GOLD MARQUETRY WATCH
Right: RONDE LOUIS CARTIER ENAMEL FILIGREE WATCH

Straw and gold marquetry and enamel filigree – this year, the artisans in La Chaux-de-Fonds reveal two new «Métiers d’Art» watches.

FINE WATCHMAKING PIECES
AVAILABLE FROM APRIL 2020

Mysterious skeleton, minute repeater mysterious double tourbillon, Grande complication: Cartier shines the spotlight its most beautiful complications.

MAILLON DE CARTIER
AVAILABLE MAY 2020
A WATCH, A STYLE, A TWIST

The Maillon de Cartier watch is firstly a jewel. A bracelet whose chain-links are offset by Cartier. The Maillon de Cartier collection is comprised of pieces in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold, with or without diamonds. It is completed by exceptional pieces issued in a limited edition numbered series. For more information, visit my previous post here.

SANTOS DE CARTIER
AVAILABLE FROM MAY 2020
A WATCH OF TODAY

The first modern men’s wristwatch created in 1904 by Louis Cartier, it made its mark both with a pure design incorporating a square bezel with visible screws.

THE SANTOS-DUMONT XL WATCH
The Santos-Dumont XL watch has been entirely reworked. Its history, the purity of its lines and the beauty of its mechanical movement with manual winding make it a watch for connoisseurs.

SANTOS DE CARTIER BLACK ANIMATION
The ADLC Santos de Cartier watch stands out and reveals a more technical face for this iconic watch.

PASHA DE CARTIER
AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2020
A CULT WATCH SINCE ITS CREATION IN 1985.

An extrovert watch with an assertive graphic signature: a square inside a circle, four oversized Arabic numerals, the clous de Paris which accentuate the bracelet and the creative chained crown. With its distinctive codes and extraordinary design, the new Pasha watch is faithful to the original model but even more sophisticated.
Produced in steel, yellow gold, rose gold and set with diamonds, the Pasha de Cartier collection includes fine jewellery and fine watchmaking creations with skeleton versions.

CARTIER PRIVÉ
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2020
THE NEW ASYMÉTRIQUE WATCH

Highlighting the design of the Maison’s legendary watches, CARTIER PRIVÉ has been releasing variations in numbered in limited and numbered series since 2015.

With its two horizontal shafts connected by two oblique ones, and its numerals off-set by 30° to the right, the presence of this new Tank Asymétrique, born in 1936, is striking on the wrist.
It is equipped with the Manufacture 1917 MC movement with manual winding. The Arabic numerals and their separating indexes have been redesigned.

The traditional watch is available in pink gold with a grey dial and strap, in yellow gold with a champagne dial and brown strap, and in platinum with a silver-coloured dial, ruby cabochon and grey strap. The made-to-measure straps are fitted with an ardillon buckle. Each aesthetic comes in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces.

The skeleton watch comes in red gold on a brown or grey strap, in platinum on a blue or black strap, and in a gem-set platinum version on a black or glossy blue strap. Made to measure, these straps are fitted with an ardillon buckle, a rare option in Fine Watchmaking. A watch created in a limited series of 100 numbered pieces for each aesthetic.

So many beautiful launches ahead of us, so many amazing pieces that make us dream, especially during those troubled times. Stay tuned, more to come from Watches & Wonders.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

For my birthday, I wore this combination that I truly adore. The way the flowers are attached to the dress and bag is so artful. However, the combination of lace adds this unexpected twist. Looking back at these photos made me realize how much I miss my girlfriends, how much I miss these beautiful and careless lunches we spent together. Let’s hope that we will be soon back to normal.

My Look: Sheer mini cotton-blend cape, flower embellishments lace and cady dress, fiori appliquéd satin tote and red crystal-embellished leather pumps, all by Prada, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and LOVE ring with diamonds, all by CARTIER, True diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

«Not your barbie girl, I’m livin’ in my own world, I ain’t plastic, call me classic.
You can’t touch me there, you can’t touch my body
Unless I say so, ain’t your barbie, no»
– Ava Max, Not Your Barbie Girl

This weekend I enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and played a little dress up in my garden. I hope you like this boudoir-style old Hollywood glamour as much as I do.

My look: Feather-embellished silk-chiffon cape, feather and satin-trimmed silk-chiffon wide-leg pants, all by Dolce & Gabbana, and wrap-effect bandage and ruched tulle top
by Hervé Léger, silver glitter plateau sandals by Jimmy Choo, and hairspray bottle bag by Moschino, glitter sunglasses by CHANEL, 18-karat white gold diamond GG necklace and 18-karat white gold diamond necklace with charm, both by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tiffany True diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., diamond earrings, LOVE bracelets and yellow gold diamond pavé eternity band, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Happy Thursday everyone! Great news MATCHESFASHION launched a mid-season sale
with up to 30% off select women’s and men’s products. Use the code MID30 at checkout!
This sale will run through 27th of April, 2020.

Below are some of my favorite pieces for women and men that will last for many seasons to come. Don’t miss this opportunity and gentlemen, to see your must-haves, scroll down please to the end of this post.

LoL, Sandra

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR WOMEN:

Elsa crystal chain-strap leather sandals by Alexandre Vauthier
Chain embellishments around the ankle are all the rage this summer season.

Soleil nubuck and raffia bag by Jacquemus
A stylish straw bag at the beach will make heads turn.

Stone-embellished heart and arrow brooch by Etro
Brooches are the must-have accessory for the S/S 2020 season!

Peak-lapel grain-de-poudre jacket by Peter Pilotto
Nothing beats a classy summer blazer during a cool summer breeze.

Off-the-shoulder ruffled silk-chiffon dress by Dundas
Browse the clothing section to find your ultimate airy summer dream dress.

Xike belted leather shorts by Isabel Marant
A pair of colorful leather shorts is a great addition to your wardrobe as you can wear it all year long.

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR MEN:

Technical-mesh bomber jacket by Giorgio Armani
You cannot go wrong with this timeless piece.

Artist stripe-cuff striped cotton shirt by Paul Smith
A classy striped designer shirt on sale. You can thank me later!

Santos de Cartier aviator metal sunglasses by Cartier
This is what I would call a pair of statement sunglasses.

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

I love being active and try to do lots of workouts at home during quarantine to stay fit. I truly miss my weekly pilates class with Karolina Schmid and cannot wait until her studio opens again. Great news for my Zurich based readers: she will be opening another studio in Höngg with PILATESwiss wall boards and classes in June.

Whatever your favorite workout might be, the right activewear makes it even more fun. Hit the gym in Versace’s Greek key-infused pieces that elevate your casual look.

My look: Zip-up tech-jersey hooded sweatshirt, logo-jacquard low-impact sports bra, and logo-jacquard technical jersey leggings, all by Versace, Portugaba tote by Christian Louboutin, Run away sneaker in blue by Louis Vuitton, Love bracelets by Cartier, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet and FF-print round acetate sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Watches & Wonders – the watch fair that was supposed to take place this month in Geneva – has been cancelled due to the current corona virus crisis. However, I will show you the newest launches during the next weeks.

The first one I would like to introduce you to is the new MAILLON DE CARTIER watch that is first and foremost a statement of style. The chain-link bracelet remains a composed centrepiece, one that plays on classic codes, whilst reinventing today’s attitudes. Firstly a jewel designed by the Cartier watchmaking studios, it is a precious watch that resides in the creative watchmaking repertoire of the Maison. A bracelet whose chain-links are offset and aligned on the bias by Cartier. Well-rounded and opulent, they move in time with the ultra-feminine elegance of the new masterpiece.

«WE WANTED TO DECONSTRUCT THE BRACELET AND TRANSCEND ITS DESIGN THROUGH A VOLUME APPROACH. EMOTION IS IN THE MOVEMENT AND TENSION.»
Marie-Laure Cérède, Timepieces Creation Director

It all lies in the twist of the lines, in the torsion emphasising the perspective within which the
watch dial blends. This interpretation allows the case and links to entwine themselves in one graphic motion. Rectangular links, a hexagonal dial, bevelled brancards: the design of the Maillon de Cartier watch incites Cartier’s rhythmic geometry. An ambition to structure the watch, from the form of its links to its faceted case, radicalises the spirit of the watch. Its volume is tangible, angular and dense.

A precious collection, the Maillon de Cartier watch also unites exceptional pieces with stones that enhance the design. The dials are inlaid to echo the sequencing of the stones set in the links. The choice of stones in the blue lacquer and tsavorite version adds to the kinetic relief of the watch. A graphic effect and contrast that Cartier accentuates with a version in yellow gold and diamonds with black lacquer bevelled links.

Investing in gold seems to be a good idea, don’t you think? Gold is considered by investors to be one of the safest investments, recovering its value quickly through economic downturns… no matter how it is a beautiful gift for you or a loved one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

OMG! Lilac – the shade, that interestingly enough, made a resurgence in winter, has been seen everywhere this season. If you don’t want to go for the head-to-toe look, combine the pastel hue with khaki for the ultimate sophistication. Put on a turban and you are ready to turn heads…

My look: Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich, leopard-print stretch-cady turban by Dolce & Gabbana, leather tapered pants, and Venus satin pumps, both by The Attico, Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by Fendi, Love bracelets, and Tortue 18-karat rose gold, alligator and diamond watch, both by Cartier, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Since my teenage years, I had been dreaming about receiving a LOVE bracelet by CARTIER one day. Of course, I could have bought it myself but to be gifted with one and its love message behind is so much more meaningful. Now, I was blessed twice and got a rose gold one with diamonds from my love and a small white gold one from my girlfriends for my birthday.

What makes CARTIER bracelets so special? As some of the most recognizable luxury jewelry items, often stacked up the wrists and sparkling on our favorite celebrities, this is what has made it a luxury staple over the past few years. The LOVE bracelet for example has been apart of the Cartier DNA as one of the brand’s heritage designs for around four decades.

LOVE BRACELET in rose gold with four diamonds

Created in 1969 by Italian jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo in the New York workshops of the French luxury jewelry house, the iconic jewelry piece was modeled after medieval chastity belts, so-to-say «locked into love» and can only be opened or closed with a screwdriver that comes with the bracelet. For the first time, a fine jewelry piece was meant to be worn day and night. At the time of the original release, CARTIER started a kind of influencer marketing and gifted bracelets to a curated list of some of the defining It-couples of the century to publicize the romantic symbolism. Among them were for example Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen. Only in 2017, CARTIER launched the smaller sizes so that it has become easier for the wearer to create the stacked look everybody wants today.

LOVE BRACELET SM in white gold

Aldo Cipullo wearing his iconic creations, the LOVE and JUSTE UN CLOU bracelets.

While the LOVE bracelet was Cipullo’s first design, he went on to design another equally popularized design – JUSTE UN CLOU (just a nail) – only three years later in 1971. Encircling the wrist in a thick nailhead, this creation is actually my favorite, not only because it is easier to remove. By the way, the diamond encrusted versions of the LOVE bracelets come with a clip closure and don’t need to be closed with a screwdriver. Can you imagine that today, most hospital emergency rooms are equipped with the latter to be able to remove the jewelry piece in case of any medical crisis…

CARTIER flagship store at Fifth Avenue in NYC

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamond pavé

In 2012, to commemorate CARTIER’s 165th anniversary, the brand opened an exhibit at the CARTIER Maison on Fifth Avenue to celebrate Cipullo’s work in the 1970s and released an entire collection of earrings, necklaces, rings based on the JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet.

CLASH DE CARTIER SM bracelet in rose gold

Last year, a completely new collection was launched with the name CLASH DE CARTIER, that’s all about duality, and contradictions, celebrating the modern woman. For the previous post, click here please. I feel blessed to wear all three lines at my wrist that make me happy every day…

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier and © Sandra Bauknecht; Courtesy of Toteone

Recently, I told you about Katie Holmes‘s cashmere cardigan and bra set that went viral in the fashion world (for the previous post, click here please). Of course, I couldn’t resist neither. Here you see me wearing it on the streets of Milan during Fashion Week yesterday when I went on a little shopping spree in between appointments and shows.

My look: Scarlet cashmere-blend cardigan, Eda cashmere soft-cup bra, and Vivian cropped high-rise bootcut jeans, all by Khaite, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, printed mulberry silk-twill hair tie, and small TB Monogram print crossbody bag in orange and beige, both by Burberry, plissé sunglasses by Dolce Gabbana, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, and heart necklace with diamond pavé in yellow gold, all by Cartier, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl, and Astro Dior aquarius necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Disclosure: I earn a commission when you follow the affiliation links to make a purchase. 

Who would have ever thought that we will be wearing cycling shorts and chunky headbands again? But let’s be frank, in their modernized way, they look absolutely stunning, don’t you agree?!

My look: Melissa satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, bow-strap crepe blouse, appliquéd jacquard-knit shorts, embellished satin pumps, frame comic-print leather bag, and bow-detailed embellished satin headband, all by Prada, Grace cat-eye 60’s style sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Happy Hearts 18-karat white gold diamond ring by Chopard, 18-karat yellow gold earrings with diamonds and yellow gold diamond ring, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht