Sandra‘s Closet

A wonderful press lunch at Clouds restaurant with BABOR gave me the opportunity to discover a German skincare brand I hadn’t explored in much detail before. And I was genuinely impressed by what I learned.

Founded in 1956 and still family-owned in its third generation, BABOR develops and produces its skincare in Aachen, Germany. Almost 70 years of expertise, a strong scientific background and a refreshingly serious approach to beauty.

What particularly caught my attention was the philosophy behind the formulations. Clean beauty without compromising on texture or performance. BABOR is committed to avoiding microplastics and ingredients such as silicones, parabens and PEGs in its skincare formulations. Quite a challenge when you consider how much these ingredients traditionally contribute to that silky, luxurious feeling we all love.

Another interesting discovery was the HSR Bi-Phase Face Oil, combining nourishing botanical oils with advanced skincare ingredients. And a little application tip I took home: serum first, followed by face oil and finally your cream.

Great expertise by Nicole Suess, BABOR Country Manager Switzerland and Austria, and Justine Stegelmann, BABOR Division Manager PR, Media & Cooperations.

But the real highlight for me was DOCTOR BABOR PRO. A professional skincare line developed specifically for beauty institutes and aesthetic specialists, rather than conventional retail. Its latest generation combines technologies involving exosomes, NAD+ and sirtuins, with highly concentrated formulations tailored to individual skin concerns. The treatments focus on everything from skin ageing and pigmentation to sensitivity and regeneration. This is where professional expertise makes the difference.

I also loved learning about BABOR’s more holistic approach to beauty, particularly the role of fragrance and sensory experiences. The idea that skincare should not only work on the skin but also contribute to how we feel is something I find increasingly fascinating.

Such a wonderful lunch among long-time colleagues and friends: Sabine Hauptmann, Nicole Süss and Katrin Roth.

And perhaps that was my biggest takeaway from the lunch: beauty doesn’t always need another trend. Sometimes it simply needs decades of research, clever formulations and people who really know what they’re doing.

BABOR, you are definitely on my radar now.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Katrin Roth and Claudia Marson.

Friends for a long time: Nicole Suess and my humble self.

Beautiful gift boxes for Christmas on display.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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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

Last Thursday, the launch party for L’Officiel Switzerland took place in Zurich at Kaufleuten. With a stunning atmosphere, reminiscent of 1920s Paris, where it all began over 90 years ago, the fashionable crowd partied until late. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for my outfit post please click here.

Swiss beauties: Sarina Arnold, Ronja Furrer and Fiona Hefti.

Trio infernal: Photographer Marco Grob, cover girl Patricia Schmid, and my humble self. We shot the first cover and fashion editorial for L’Officiel in Paris together.

L’Officiel is still family owned and I was thrilled to have Marie-José Susskind-Jalou and Benjamin Eymère with us at the launch party in Zurich. Mother and son, President and CEO of this legendary family business that started in 1921 and brings together the very best of French heritage in style, fashion and joie de vivre. To the right: Deputy CEO at L’Officiel Magazine Nicolas Reynaud.

Marie-José Susskind-Jalou framed by Albert Kriemler, Creative Director Akris and me.

CEO IWC Georges Kern with his lovely wife Monika.

Getting excited for my speech!

Looking gorgeous in Dolce & Gabbana Alina Kaltsidou-Poprawski with her husband Patrick.

They came especially for the party from Geneva: Julia Pleynes and Mathieu Arsac.

Clifford Lilley and Swiss male model Fabian Pfenninger.

The lovely Piaget ladies with whom I had just been in Los Angeles one week before: Mousse Jacquier, Nunzia Marsella and Nicole Suess.

Beauty power reunited. The teams from Kanebo Sensai, Dior, L’Oréal Luxe and Marionnaud know how to party.

Special performance by Nicola Hunt from London.

Dancing all night to the tunes of DJ Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) who had flown in from London.

The party was amazing and I am very happy with the first edition of L’Officiel Switzerland that is out now. A huge thank you to my dedicated team that made it all happen! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht