Sandra‘s Closet

As the holiday season approaches, Dior has created The Fabulous World of Dior, a spectacular presentation illuminating the hallowed halls of the legendary Harrods department store. An exceptional event combining the charm of the English spirit with French luxury and art de vivre refinement.

A fervent admirer of England, from 1953 Christian Dior developed a powerful and unbreakable bond with Harrods, London’s epicenter of British elegance. This story, beginning with Harrods’ earliest singular branded boutique, has continued to grow through exclusive collaborations and is now enriched by a new chapter, unique in its scope and creative daring, inspired by the magic of Christmas.

For this breathtaking event, Harrods is decked out in a dazzling installation deployed along its historic façade on Brompton Road.

Dior reinvents the forty-four traditional Christmas windows of Harrods.

From November 10 to January 3, 2023, the façade of the Brompton Road edifice will be adorned with a monumental installation aglow with a play of light radiantly showcasing Dior’s fundamental references as reinterpreted by artist Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2023 collection. The compass rose, lucky stars and scintillating flowers will guide visitors along the historic window displays – a captivating attraction that draws people from all over the world, transformed and brought to life by a fantastic gingerbread tableau. A journey that stretches the limits of the imagination, exploring the House’s different worlds and symbols, from fashion to beauty.In the heart of this prestigious venue, a thousand fascinating surprises and animated decors, enhanced by gourmet treats, await customers.

Dior Café at Harrods – a new and extraordinary venue dedicated to delighting the taste buds.

Two dreamlike pop-ups – an ode to Monsieur Dior’s attachment to the celebration of Christmas and the art of cherishing loved ones – along with a Café specially conceived for the occasion, and even a truly immersive exhibition that plays with proportions to enchant the senses, promise unforgettable moments of joy and sharing. A tribute to British hospitality and the pleasure of entertaining, so dear to the founding couturier, a tearoom is unveiled in an unprecedented stage set, entirely adorned with gingerbread from the facade to the interior design and even the tiniest details, where Dior’s distinctive fundamentals are sketched. The Medallion chairs are dressed in iconic Dior toile de Jouy, the patterns of which can also be seen on the wooden tables, while the lines of the Maison’s signature cannage decorate the tableware, illuminated by delicate golden hues.

The architecture of Dior’s emblematic locations – from Granville to La Colle Noire and 30 Montaigne – are shown in reduced proportions.

Initiating a captivating encounter between the different customs that brighten the end of year festivities, from the City of Light to the English capital, Dior has conceived a unique, unprecedented exhibition – a real «kingdom of dreams» specially designed for Harrods – which revisits the tradition of gingerbread houses.

Timeless essentials of the feminine universe, the J’Adior pumps are dressed in the Jardin d’Hiver print, which also embellishes silk scarves, shawls, a pajama set from the Dior Chez Moi line, or the Lady Dior. It appears on exceptional trunks, as well as an elegant case enclosing a Saddle or a Lady Dior reinterpreted in micro format. Like an ode to travel and the plurality of cultures, the Rêve d’Infini motif imagined by Pietro Ruffo blossoms on the Dior Book Tote, (to see me wear this bag, click here please), D-Way mules and silk twill scarves, while the graphic cannage is drawn on iridescent phone pouches and cases.

The Dior Prestige ritual, lipsticks and fragrances – such as J’adore, Eau Sauvage, Miss Dior and the olfactory works of La Collection Privée – also appear in sumptuous exhibits, sometimes depicting a forest of pine trees made of cookies, sometimes a joyful flurry of candy balloons, boldly conveying the House’s excellence in beauty, from skincare to perfume.

A momentous pause in time, defined by a selection of objects of desire – such as sumptuous gift sets and advent calendars – cultivating, more than ever, the pleasure of giving so cherished by the House.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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Nespresso‘s limited edition festive collection for 2016 is absolutely divine, sending me as a caffeine addict into a coffee shopping frenzy. It is a sweet treat with no calories!

Each flavoured espresso results from the sweet marriage of Livanto’s balance and roundness with different ingredients that are all inspired the rich coffee house traditions and elegance of Vienna, each with a comforting and indulgent aroma that is set to delight the coffee lover in your life.

Variations Sachertorte – Austrian Sachertorte, a glazed chocolate cake containing a thin layer of sweet apricot jam.

Variations Apfelstrudel – Variations Apfelstrudel is inspired by the classic layered puff pastry dessert which contains a sweet apple filling delicately spiced with cinnamon.

Variations Linzer Torte – Nespresso pays homage to the popular Austrian Linzer Torte: a tasty redcurrant tart topped with a recognizable lattice design.

All three Variations coffees have an intensity level of six (on a scale up to 12) and will be available for a limited period during the festive season in a box of 10 capsules for CHF 5.70.

If you are still looking for the perfect coffee cup to enjoy this sophisticated treat of caffeine, I recommend this beautiful Lustre set.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso

Tom Ford goes green with the launch of four new scents (in Switzerland only three will be launched) in the designer’s sophisticated Private Blend Les Extraits Verts line.

Seventies style isn’t just trending down the runways this fall season, it’s also coming to your grooming cabinet. Those daring and intoxicating interpretations of perfumery’s classic ‘green‘ note are the perfect companions in rainy weather as they are reminiscent of beautiful spring days. All four of the chypre fragrances are unisex. Personally speaking, I like Vert Bohème and Vert de Fleur for women, the other two are definitely very masculine.

Vert d’Encens
Sophisticated, aromatic and wild, Vert d’Encens is inspired by the rugged Mediterranean coastlines of Corsica. Smoky incense, pine resin and fir balsam evoke the dense forest and rugged peaks, while delectable heliotrope and woods heighten the grand atmosphere of sea and shadow.

Vert de Bois 
Unique, deep and provocative, Vert des Bois represents a new evolution for green scents, introducing provocative woods at their most expressive. Poplar bud extract acts as an inventive ingredient in modern perfumery. This extract from the unopened buds is further driven by spiked ouzo, evoking the deepest thicket of snow-laden forest.

Vert Bohème
Bright, ethereal, fresh, and entirely divine, Vert Bohème sparkles like a jewel in the sun. It is Tom Ford’s most free-spirited fragrance interpretation with Sicilian mandarin and magnolia that both are exuding bohemian feminity. Moreover, it is exquisitely enhanced with Gustavia, also known as the tree of heaven, known for its spectacular single blossoms that last for just one day.

Vert de Fleur
Pleasant, exuberant and sophisticated, Vert de Fleur is a glamourous scent with a modern flourish of iris and hyacinth. A bouquet of floral accords is complemented with classic notes of galbanum and vetiver for a fragrance that evokes 70s glamour with a contemporary allure (not available in Switzerland). SHOP VERT DE FLEUR EXCLUSIVELY AT HARRODS.

In stores now for CHF 250.00 (50ml) and CHF 660.00 (250ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

“What amuses me while drawing is the fact to draw,” added Karl Lagerfeld. “To me, drawing is like breathing and writing. These are things that almost relax me.”

Yesterday, KARL LAGERFELD and Faber-Castell have announced their amazing collaboration, the KARLBOX, a limited-edition collection of high-end drawing tools and artists’ supplies.

 Only 2,500 of the KARLBOX have been made and are exclusively available at Faber-Castell stores, KARL LAGERFELD boutiques worldwide and Harrods in London from now.
In select department stores and specialty stores from September 19, 2016.

Anchored in simple elegance, the KARLBOX comes in a sleek black box that has been designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Produced with exemplary craftsmanship, its wooden frame resembles a Chinese wedding cabinet. Inside, the individual drawers are removable in order to set them up for creative work. Every one-of-a-kind box has a serial number and certificate of authenticity, making each completely unique and unmistakeable.

The KARLBOX collection features a varied selection of premium artists’ tools including ALBRECHT DÜRER and POLYCHROMOS colour pencils, highly pigmented PITT Artist ink pens, Castell 9000 graphite pencils and PITT crayons and -pastels, watercolour brushes and accessories like a foldable water cup, an eraser and sharpeners. Crafted with the highest degree of quality, shades are sorted by primary and secondary colours, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant and intense pigmentations. Karl Lagerfeld’s own favourite product line is the ALBRECHT DÜRER artist range of watersoluble color pencils, and all 120 shades are included in the KARLBOX.

“Since I was a child in Germany, Faber-Castell has been the most famous brand, known for its especially good quality,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “That reputation remains just as true today, particularly for artist pencils.”

Over the course of his illustrious career, the designer has used Faber-Castell products to create countless works of art. From fashion and design to writing and penmanship, Karl Lagerfeld most often turns to pen and paper to bring his ideas to life, with each brush of a pencil or pastel expressing a new vision from within his creative mind.

I wished I had one at home…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Karl Lagerfeld / Faber-Castell

Call it a “Prada” day! Here are more news from Italy as PRADA comes to HARRODS with #Pradasphere, a month-long exhibition tracing the diverse obsessions of Miuccia Prada from fashion and accessories to art, architecture, cinema, sports and beyond on the fourth floor of the famous department store.

Prada aficionados can feast their eyes on items from the house’s archives; enjoy short films, a history wall dedicated to Prada’s non-fashion-related pursuits like the America’s Cup. Moreover, 40 of the London store’s windows will be dedicated to the brand. But this is not enough, the best is yet to come! Prada is launching a capsule collection designed especially for Harrods for this occasion and you’ll be able to order specially reissued pieces from past collections.

The exhibit and a ground floor pop-up store featuring the capsule collection will run from May 2nd through the 31st. London, here I come!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Happy Easter to all of you, my fabulous readers! This year, I would like to share with you some of the probably most stunning Easter eggs ever seen, coming from the house of Fabergé, a name that is synonymous with eggs of the most luxurious kind.

In New York City, Fabergé has been sending the residents on their biggest ever egg scavenger hunt to raise millions for charity. Almost 300 giant egg sculptures were scattered around the city’s five boroughs. The jeweller had commissioned renowned artists, designers and architects to create the two-foot tall eggs as part of a citywide art display. Among those participating in the project are Tracey Emin, Mark Quinn, Zaha Hadid, Ronnie Wood, Peter Beard, Diane von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Oliver Theykens and Bruce Weber.

Those amazing egg sculptures are auctioned off (bidding has already started) until April 26 on Paddle8 to raise money for the conservation organization, Elephant Family. The hunt will also gather funds for Studio in a School, a program that brings visual arts to New York City’s public schools.

Some of the amazing egg sculptures by famous artists such as Jeff Koons or Julian Schnabel will close on Paddle8 at 12:00pm EST on Tuesday, April 22nd. Live auction begins on Tuesday, April 22nd at 07:00PM EST.

Fabergé is hoping that the New York initiative will repeat the success of The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt in London in 2012, which set two Guinness World Records and raised more than $15 million for charity.

In London, Fabergé has teamed up with Harrods for a creative collaboration that will run until 21st April 2014. An exhibition space has been set up in the famous department store, with the famed Brompton Road windows and façade dressed in Fabergé flags, telling the story of the legendary jewelry house.

On display is a a rare masterpiece, an original Fabergé Egg – The Apple Blossom Egg, together with other historic Fabergé treasures. This Egg was designed in 1901 and is beautifully crafted in gold, diamonds and nephrite.

Harrods Exclusive
To celebrate the extravaganza, Fabergé has created a limited-edition Spiral Tassel Pendant, available exclusively at Harrods. The modern, playful, diamond-set egg comes with a stunning gemstone tassel, finished with amethyst, tsavorite, or spinel.

Happy Easter Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fabergé

Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.

This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Harrods

Last night, the premiere of THE GREAT GATSBY marked the official opening of the 66th Cannes Film Festival with such fanfare Jay Gatsby would be proud. Unfortunately, I couldn’t accept the exclusive invite to attend this amazing event (Remember last year?) because of another ongoing project but great news is that I will be flying to Cannes next week to live once more this gorgeous red carpet feeling with Chopard.

It’s definitely one of the biggest movies of 2013, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s famous The Great Gatsby stars Leonardo DiCaprio as 1920s millionaire Jay Gatsby in the part that Robert Redford portrayed in the 1974 version of the film. The 2013 edition is narrated by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) and Carey Mulligan plays Gatsby’s obsession Daisy Buchanan, along with Joel Edgerton as her husband.

THE STORY

„The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

The new blockbuster is the perfect example that there is ongoing dialogue within the worlds of fashion, art, film and architecture. The lavish throwback to the “Roaring Twenties” has already been a huge trend for S/S 2012 (for the previous post please click here).

Harrods in London has taken inspiration from the new adaptation with a 1920s jazz-themed cocktail bar to celebrate the release of movie. At the famous department store, you can also shop ‘The Twenties’ return with a roar, as fringing and Art-Deco detailing add edge to architectural shapes. As Gatsby fever hits our screens with its champagne towers and shimmering wardrobe, has there ever been a better time to celebrate the beginning of the summer season?

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE BEST 1920’S INSPIRED S/S 2013 FASHION AND BEAUTY.

Keeping this in mind, it is time to take a closer look at the magnificent costumes and jewels in Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic.

Total pairs of stockings/pantyhose/garterbelts from Fogal: 1,080
Total number of Prada party dresses: 40
Total number of crystals provided by Swarovski: 288,000
Most number of hair and make-up applications on any one day, for party scenes: 76
Total items of men’s formalwear and daywear produced for background talent by Brooks Bros.: 2,291

TIFFANY & CO.

Tiffany & Co., who counted F. Scott Fitzgerald himself amongst its clientele, was responsible for the spectacular jewels in the film. The cinematic collection is inspired by pieces from the brand’s archive, genuine products of the creative prosperity of the 1920s which have also inspired a new Gatsby-esque line for Tiffany & Co., the recently launched Ziegfeld range.

The Great Gatsby Savoy Headpiece
Tiffany designers crafted a magnificent headpiece in platinum for The Great Gatsby, bringing Daisy Buchanan to life. It features a detachable brooch, freshwater cultured pearls, 3.6-6.9 mm and round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight 25.04.
$200,000

PRADA

Miuccia Prada was behind the flappers dresses and ballgowns for the cast. The Italian designer teamed up with costume designer Catherine Martin to create a bespoke collection of 40 Roaring Twenties-style pieces, inspired by selected runway looks from the last 20 years. The glittering re-imagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age classic stars. In the film the costumes take a leading role: shimmering silk gowns embroidered with crystal and sequins; velvets, furs and dancing fringing; flickering shades of emerald, jade, topaz and gold.

“Our collaboration with Prada recalls the European flair that was emerging amongst the aristocratic East Coast crowds in the 1920s” says Martin. “The fashions of the time saw the development of a dichotomy between those who aspired to the privileged, Ivy League look of wealthy Long Island and those who were aspiring to European glamour, sophistication and decadence. Our collaborations with Prada reflect the collision of these two aesthetics.”

The beautiful costumes will be on display in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai:
May 1 – 12, 2013 at the Prada New York Epicenter at 575 Broadway in New York City.
June 14 – 30, 2013 at the Prada Tokyo Epicenter store and following until mid-July at the IFC Mall in Shanghai.

FOGAL

I am in love with Fogal‘s limited edition hosiery collection made exclusively for The Great Gatsby movie. This pure 20’s glamour is now available in all Fogal stores.

Excited to see Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire in The Great Gatsby? I am inviting you to join today’s contest where you can win four amazing movie-inspired giveaways. A tee, a perfume bottle, a book mark and the movie tie-in book.

This contest is open to everyone. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “The Great Gatsby” to . All entries must be received until May 25, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

The Great Gatsby hits theatres today in Switzerland. Check out the trailer below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Fogal, Harrods, Prada, Tiffany & Co., © Reuters and © 2013 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

“Dior is this agile genius of our times whose magical name contains Dieu (God) and or (gold).”
– Jean Cocteau

When I was with Marionnaud in London for the Rodial Beautiful Awards (post coming up in the beginning of next week), I had the chance to take a glimpse at the So Dior exhibition at Harrods, showcasing artists reinterpreting some of Dior’s most famous codes.

The Brompton Road store windows are transformed into Dior’s iconic colours of grey and white, featuring the complete product palette of the French Maison.

Inside the department store, on the fourth floor, I entered “the ultimate Dior experience”, from the house’s Lady Dior handbag to its instantly recognisable scent, J’Adore.

To celebrate the exhibition, Harrods has launched a set of limited edition Dior cupcakes. If you are unable to make it to the store, then fear not, as you can purchase them online HERE.

The Harrods Dior takeover will run until April 14, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Dior

Perfume gift sets are always a nice way of surprising your beloved one. Look for her or his favourite scent to enjoy the complimentary items in the box that mostly are packed in little sizes, which is perfect for travelling. Marionnaud offers 20% on those boxes at the moment and check out Harrods by clicking HERE for up to 60% off during the ongoing beauty sale.

Here are some of my favorites:

Already a classic:
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette 50ml & Purse Spray 10ml
– CHF 108.- 

Love the orange blossom in this very feminine fragrance:
Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette 50ml, Scented Body Lotion 75ml & Shower Gel 30ml
– CHF 106.-

A new scent inspired by the magic of the Provençal woods, a flower boquet of roses, peonies and the sparkeling seduction of red berries:
L’ Occitane Fleur Merveilleuses (Limited Edition) Eau de Toilette 75ml, Shower Gel 75 ml & 250ml, Soap 50g & Hand Cream 30ml
– CHF 109.-

Surprise your newly wed or madly-in-love friends with a fragrance duo that will look beautiful on display in their bathroom:
Bogner Heritage Edition for Woman Eau de Toilette 50ml & for Man Eau de Toilette 50ml
– CHF 59.- each

Last but not least, an exclusive limited edition of her favourite scent will make a wonderful present this Christmas. Sisley has been launching since 2002 each year a new version for the festive season of the house’s iconic Eau du Soir.
Sisley Eau du Soir Limited Edition 2012 (Limited to 8000) Eau de Parfum 100ml
– CHF 265.-

Another French house that is known for their beautifully crafted limited edition bottles is Lalique, a brand that has the art of crystal making in their DNA. For this year’s edition, it showcases an extraordinary dragonfly, the label’s lucky charm, cloaked in black.
Inside a great timeless classic, a majestic pure floral:
Lalique de Lalique Libellule Limited Edition 2013 Parfum 100ml
– CHF 1500.-

Thierry Mugler’s new limited edition collection for winter Les Parfums de Cuir (“The Fragrances of Leather”) is celebrating the twentieth birthday of the house’s perfumes. For the occasion, four new interpretations of the famous fragrances enriched with natural extracts of leather have been created, presented in a beautiful leather pouch.
Thierry Mugler Les Parfums de Cuir Angel Eau de Parfum 30ml, Alien Eau de Parfum 30ml, Womanity Eau de Parfum 30ml and A * Men Eau de Toilette 100ml
– CHF 84.- each (non-refillable)

Looking for an even more exquisite collectable? Guerlain might fulfill this wish. Celebrating the 100th birthday of the house’s legendary scent L’Heure Bleue, famous artists and celebrated houses alike have come together to create something truly special.
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 1912-2012 Limited Edition, 4 Bottles 30ml (The original extract case and three new interpretations, embroidered by Lesage)
– CHF  4000.-
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 100th Birthday Edition by Baccarat and Gripoix, Extrait 490ml
– Price on request

Those very limited editions are only available in selected stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bogner, Elie Saab, Guerlain, Lalique, L’ Occitane, Narciso Rodriguez, Sisley, Thierry Mugler Perfumes