Ninties Nostalgia at The Mark Hotel

The Mark Hotel serves the 90s cocktail everyone wants right now.

As New York slips deeper into a 90s state of mind, much of the current mood can be traced back to Love Story, which follows the magnetic, much-mythologized relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Their understated elegance, their quiet confidence, their distinctly New York kind of romance, it’s all back, and it’s shaping everything from fashion to the way the city feels right now.

Naturally, The Mark Hotel understands the moment. With its Cucumber Martini, the hotel offers a drink that feels almost like a continuation of that narrative, crisp, refined, and effortlessly composed.

Fresh, clean, with just a whisper of nostalgia, the cocktail captures exactly what defines this revival: a return to simplicity that doesn’t try too hard. Much like Carolyn’s pared-back silhouettes or JFK Jr.’s innate polish, it’s about precision rather than excess. The influence of the series is unmistakable, what we see on screen translates almost instantly into a renewed appetite for a certain kind of East Coast minimalism, where restraint becomes the ultimate luxury.

The Cucumber Martini fits seamlessly into this world. It doesn’t announce itself; it lingers. It belongs to a time when elegance was instinctive, when style was something lived rather than performed.

And truly, where better than The Mark? If there were ever a place where their paths might have crossed, amid quiet glamour, soft lighting, and that unmistakable Upper East Side ease, it would be here. The mood hasn’t been recreated. It was simply waiting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Mark Hotel
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My Look: Love Story Chloé

Sandra Bauknecht in Chloé for the Chloé Love Story Party in Paris

Here is the look I wore to the launch party for Chloé‘s new fragrance LOVE STORY over the rooftops of Paris last month. I went for a vintage Chloé look with lots of different accessories from the French Maison. The brand is known for its nonchalant and timeless allure.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket by Marni, cream white dress, sautoir, earrings, statement necklace, chunky bracelet and leather bracelet, shoes and golden clutch with bow, all by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Roger Dubuis Watch and Chloé Bracelet

Chloé Jewelry

Sandra Bauknecht at Chloé Party in Paris

Love Story Chloé 2

Sandra Bauknecht Close up at Chloé Party

Chloé Bracelet

Chloé Bag

Chloé Shoes

Sandra Bauknecht arriving at Chloé Party

Ambiance 2 Chloé Love Story

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Love Story Chloé

Chloé Love Story - Cover

Recently I was invited by Chloé to Paris for the launch of the house’s new fragrance with the beautiful name Love Story. It is inspired by Parisian romance and the love padlocks on the bridge of the Pont des Arts; the campaign itself and the bottle design make this reference. I have to admit that it was a very special trip as I took a wonderful reminder with me home.

We were asked during the presentation if we remember how it felt being newly in love and how the small things in life were amazing, how it was even exciting to drink an espresso next to each other in a café. Sometimes we forget these little special moments in our busy schedules. But reminding yourself helps a lot…

Sandra Bauknecht Chloé Love Story

Sandra Bauknecht with Clémence Posey

After I arrived in Paris, I went straight to the Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme to interview the French actress and model Clémence Poésy, who already was the face of Chloé Eau de Parfum in 2008. She is modern, graceful, free-spirited and has this certain “Je ne sais quoi” allure that most French women seem to have naturally. “I am very proud to represent Chloé fragrance again,” she told me. “It was so evident for me to come back to a brand that I feel so connected to.”

Her favorite fashion labels are Chloé, ACNEicon and her designer friend Erdemicon. The blonde 31-year old only wears make-up when she has to and loves the British seaside. She seems very down to earth when she states: “Beauty comes from what you feed yourself with, how you care about people.”

Paris with Chloé

After the interview, I got to see the different places where the new commercial was shot under the lens of Mélanie Laurent. Clémence Poésy stars in a love story where two people meet and indulge in the most beautiful moments.

Pont des Arts 3

First stop was the beautiful Pont des Arts, that has become famous for all the padlocks attached to its railing. Couples come here to “seal their love” with this romantic gesture. Afterwards they throw the key into the Seine river below. In June 2014, part of the parapet on the bridge collapsed under the weight of all of the love locks that had been attached to it.

Pont des Arts Chloé

Boats Tour Chloé

Then we went on a boat tour on the Seine where I could explore the packaging and the bottle the first time.

Sandra Bauknecht Boat Tour in Paris

Chloé Love Story Package

Citroen Ride with Chloé

After the cruise we were picked up by these lovely gentlemen for a ride in a vintage Citroën.

Sandra Bauknecht in Citroen

Flower Market Chloé

They brought us to the flower market where Anne Flipo, the “nose” behind the new scent Love Story waited to tell us a little more about the creation. It was very important for her to walk directly with the Chloé team to understand what they wanted to have. “Sexy and clean” was the mission. Sounds pretty contradictions but once you smell this beautiful scent you understand what it means.

Love Story Chloé

Top notes: Neroli
Heart notes: Jasmin Stephanotis and Orange Blossom
Base notes: Musk and Cedarwood

A floral love story – fresh and sexy.

Sandra Bauknecht-Anne FlipoAnne Flipo with me

Chloé Flower Market SunglassesMy beloved vintage Chloé sunglasses

Rooftop Party ChloéAt the rooftop party

Chloé Love Story -Notre Dame

The launch event culminated in the evening in a wonderful party over the rooftops of Paris where we enjoyed stunning views over Notre Dame, champagne and some fun dance moves. Clare Waight KellerCreative Director of Chloé, celebrated along with Clémence Poésy, Mélanie Laurent and Anne Flipo this new declaration to femininity. Amazing women who all brought their vision to tell a beautiful story of love in a bottle.

Lady Power at ChloéClare Waight Keller, Mélanie Laurent and Clémence Poésy at the party

Love Story Chloé will be available from today, September, 15 2014.
Love Story Chloé Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 97.00), 50ml (CHF 128.00) und 75ml (CHF 151.00),
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 52.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 57.00).

Read more about this trip also in the upcoming October 2014 issue of L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Clare Waight Keller - Sandra BauknechtClare Waight Keller with me

Performance ChloéLive performance of Christine and The Queens

Models at Chloé PartyMale models at the fragrance bar

Sandra Bauknecht at Chloé Party

Sandra Bauknecht being photographed for Chloé Love Story

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht