Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, I went to Volvo‘s VIP event “Switch to Pure”, the official presentation of their new V60 Plug-in Hybrid car.

Opening the evening, the acclaimed futurist Matthias Horx delivered the keynote speech about sustainable luxury: “Luxury and sustainability are no longer contradictory. Global markets, future mentalities and consumer behaviour change. One of the biggest trend over the next ten years will be ‘womanomics’, which is reflecting the increased influence of women in society.” Speaking of which, here are some quotes of powerful women in fashion:

Coco Chanel brought it to the point: „Luxury is not the opposite of poverty. It is the opposite of vulgarity.”

And British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood said in the Oct. 4, 2007 edition of The Telegraph: “Buy less, choose well. If you ask me what I think people should be getting next season, I’ll tell you what I’d like them to buy—nothing. I’d like people to stop buying and buying and buying.”

Speaking of choosing well, here is my “healthy fashion” look:
Cropped leather jacket (from a previous season) by Prada, eggplant-print silk-organza dress, raffia-trimmed PVC waist belt, cameo and onion clip earrings, eggplant and bell pepper bracelet, all by Dolce & Gabbana, “Diorette” ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, flap-over zip bag by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

During his speech, Matthias Horx said: “The woman is responsible for most of decisions made within a family, even which car should be bought.”

With this in mind, dear ladies, you should have a closer look at the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. You get three modes in one: Pure, Hybrid and Power, this is like a closet of cars. Each day, you can choose in which mood you are.

Green thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“The last bastion of hospitality left in the world” – Roja Dove
This is what the famous perfumer said about the beautiful Lausanne Palace & Spa hotel and I could do nothing else but agree with him.

Located in the heart of the Olympic capital, with a magnificent view over the Lake Geneva and the Alps, this charming five-star luxury hotel is only a throw stone from the most elegant shopping streets and the picturesque old city. The entire property has been renovated over the past years, thus creating a unique environment, combining luxury and refinement, well-being and savoir-vivre. Its blend of the traditional with modernity is lending the hotel its unique character. The Lausanne Palace & Spa, an unforgettable experience.

Me in front of the Lausanne Palace & Spa, wearing a flared barnacle-intarsia dress by Alexander McQueen, a light blue leather jacket by Gucci and a black bag with golden zippers by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

View from…

…my beautiful renovated room.

My favourite flowers, peonies, were waiting for me.

The Lausanne Palace Signature Scent
“The scent is soft and elegant recreating the impression the hotel itslef conveys. As you enter you are greeted at once by a marriage of elegant understatement, tradition, and refinement.
To recreate the atmosphere I have created a bespoke scent which blends soft balsamic, amber-like elements with a very precious and rare rose, rose de Mai, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous guests and my origin” – Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose
Base notes: Cedar, patchouli and leather

Some parts of the hotel are still reminiscent of its Belle Epoque soul.

Coco Chanel Suite – A fashionista’s dream
A privileged client of the Lausanne Palace & Spa for many years herself, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel greatly inspired this suite in blue sky and cream tones. Located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the 170m² of space includes everything you can dream of.
The best feature: A vast dressing room of 24m² embellished with an English shower judiciously completes this apartment. Princess Grace of Monaco, wrapped in her mink stole, and Prince Albert visited as well.

Dining at Lausanne Palace & Spa is a true experience, thanks to four restaurants and a variety of culinary options. Le Côté Jardin offers healthy, creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau, La Table d’Edgard serves French-inspired gastronomic cuisine. Italian restaurant La Grappa is just a few minutes by feet away from the hotel.

In the center of the lobby, the new 1915 Bar (the year of the hotel’s inauguration) welcomes the guests throughout the day.

The LP’s Bar (above) and the Habana Bar (below) serve refreshing cocktails and cigars.

At the Parisian-style la Brasserie du Grand-Chêne, guests like the Rolling Stones, enjoy typical brasserie dishes, such as entrecôte with French fries. Opened from 6:30 am to 1:00 am, hot dishes served until midnight.

The Palace Sushi Zen, where 3 specialists from the Land of the Rising Sun will prepare dishes in front of guests.

The Cellier invites you to taste carefully selected wines in an unforgettable setting.

The 2100 square metres CBE Concept Spa of the Lausanne Palace offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and contemporary or traditional rituals: sports rooms, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, solarium and relaxation rooms.
I had an Ayurvedic massage which was absolutely wonderful.

The Yogi Booster, a relaxing bar and lounge, to enjoy healthy drinks and treats in the spa.

My stay at the Lausanne Palace & Spa was truly unforgettable and I can absolutely recommend this hotel and its boutique to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lausanne Palace & Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I went on a girls trip with my daughter to London. We had an absolute blast despite the rainy weather.

Here is what I wore on the arrival day:
Houndstooth coat by Gucci, navy and green printed silk blouse by Stella McCartney, cropped wool pants by Giulietta, my beloved Suzanne studded leather ankle boots by Chloé, flap-over bag by Tom Ford, rainbow coloured scarf by Christopher Kane, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Daisy necklace by Dior Haute Joaillerie and 18-karat gold horsebit necklace by Gucci.

Stay tuned for more from London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For Spring 2012, TOM FORD introduces a limited edition collection of smoldering, molten-toned colour inspired by the beauty of a radiant, bronzed face.

“I have always loved the look of tanned, glowing skin, whether it is achieved with bronzing powder or with a natural tan,” says Ford.

I was able to try some of the new products and I am absolutely sold on them.
These are my favourites:

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust, Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust, Nail Lacquer in Burnished Rouge and Cream Color for Eyes in Platinum.

The TOM FORD BRONZING POWDER has been created to achieve an unmistakably sexy glow, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder features a rare mineral blend of brilliant and energizing sunstone, amber and black tourmaline crystals, in a choice of shimmer or matte finish. It captures and enhances the skin’s golden and bronze undertones, flawlessly highlighting your natural, sensuous radiance.

When used in combination with colour on the eyes, cheeks and lips, the Bronzing Powder can help to create one of Tom Ford’s favorite looks—the burnished, sun-goddess face.

Bronzing Powder Gold Dust, CHF 82.- (shimmer)
Bronzing Powder Terra, CHF 82.- (matte)

A new introduction, the TOM FORD CREAM COLOR FOR EYES delivers four pure and luminous, metallic shades—Platinum, golden Guilt, burnished red Illicit and shimmering Spice—with an ultra-smooth, non-creasing and long-wearing finish. Its highly reflective, ultra-pigmented formula combines advanced color technology with antioxidant-rich ingredients.

I love this creamy eye colour as it is very easy and fast to apply and stays on the whole day.

Cream Color for Eyes, each CHF 38

The collection also includes a new shade of TOM FORD LIP LACQUER called Gold Dust. It infuses the perfect amount of gold-particle pearls into a clear and lustrous lacquer that lavishes and nourishes the lips. Gold Dust can be worn on a nude lip as a seductive lip accent, or layered over a TOM FORD LIP COLOR to create a glistening, gold sheen.

This lip lacquer comes with such a yummy taste that you would like to lick your lips all the time.

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss Gold Dust, CHF 42.-

Four new shades of TOM FORD NAIL LACQUER complete the look. Silver Smoke, Gold Haze, Burnished Rouge and Burnt Topaz are extra-amplified colors formulated with unique mirror pearls to maximize their metal effect and create a molten mirror look. The groundbreaking, high-performance formula with bendable coating delivers high coverage and shine while staying color true throughout wear.

As for me, the Tom Ford nail lacquers last for a very long time, awesome texture!

Nail Lacquer, each CHF 42.-

This Tom Ford Beauty Spring 2012 limited edition collection will be available in Switzerland end of April.

LoL, Sandra

On my nails: Burnished Rouge

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Tuscany, where the Gucci headquarters are based in a little town called Casellina, at the gates of Florence. Here Frida Giannini’s beautiful designs come also to life.

Please follow me on an exclusive tour through the bag manufacture:

The first stop is the leather department where the research of fabrics is taking place. When the doors opened, I thought that I had arrived in paradise. Two tables full of the most luxurious materials, from matte crocodile to suede ostrich and colourful python leather. Gucci only uses exotic skins that have a certification to make sure all the guidelines are met.

Crocodile and alligator skins

Matte, rubberized crocodile leather

One of my favourites: The matte suede-effect ostrich leather to the left.

Among the beautiful python samples,…

…I spotted the emerald-coloured one used for my 1973 bag.

The famous interlocking GG started 10-15 years ago with Frida Giannini. Before that time the signature fabric was the one to the right. Frida lives and works in Rome.

One of the most expensive fabrics is still handmade on a wooden loom in a procedure dating back to the 18th century.
It takes the Gucci’s craftsmen one hour to create a maximum of 15cm.

It is truly impressive to see how much work, time and dedication is going into the creation of the right fabrics for a Gucci bag. And all made in Italy!

Next stop is the cutting department where all the important skin materials, such as anaconda, python and lizard, are cut. The artisans have to spend many years working with standard leathers before being allowed to cut noble skins.

The reason is clear: You need lots of skins for an excotic leather bag as the craftsmen have to match the colour and pattern of the skin to achieve maximum beauty. And when it comes to these fine materials, you want to limit the wastage to a minimum.

Third stop: The prototype room. We were not allowed to take photos in there as the Gucci team works one year ahead. My eyes spotted prototypes for 2013 (how exciting!). But I am very sorry, my lips have to be sealed!

90% of the work is done manually in this department. Everything starts with a design. From the paper pattern, the artisans develop a product which after the designer’s, in this case Frida Giannini, final approval will become a sample.

In the prototype room, we were also introduced to the amazing travel trunk which is exclusively done here. Two craftsmen work one entire month on this piece. Design by Tom Ford.

In 2011, ten pieces were done. Among the lucky owners are  John Travolta and Jennifer Lopez.
The price for the travel trunk in fabric as seen here is € 30.000 (special order).

Here are the photos of the crocodile version made out of 23 skins for € 240.000. Divine!

Paulo (in front), who has been with Gucci for 38 years, and Marco are the two artisans producing the travel trunks.

Final stop: The room where the iconic Bamboo handles and accessories are produced.

Gucci uses exclusively Chinese bamboo because of its quality. There is still a lot of wastage as it is very important that the bamboos have a fairly regular diameter and that distance between the noses is equal.
Please enjoy the procedure:

1. Choose the right bamboo and smooth it.

2. Bend it with heat.

3. Give it the burnished colour.

4. Cut and finish it.

5. Apply the sealing wax by hand.

6. The protection will help to maintain its shape.

7. Prepare the wholes for the metal parts to be attached.

Once you see all the work going into a bag, you appreciate it even more. The Gucci people are truly dedicated to their work and you can feel their passion for the product which comes with a very high level of perfection.

No, I didn’t need a doctor even that I went into raptures over the Gucci manufacture. Similiar to a science lab: Some of the workers wear white coats embroidered with the Gucci logo.

Thank you, Gucci, for letting me be part of this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

I am completely exhausted but so happy! The last days were filled with so many exciting moments and lots of fun. Here you see me yesterday night having dinner with some friends at the ABC Kitchen after the Polyvore Live fashion show which was amazing! If you would like to know who was at the dinner, check out the secretstylist by clicking here.

You can see the braid and the make-up look I wore for one of the outfits on the catwalk. Red lips and only mascara. On my nails: silver (Reade) and blue (Commerce) only on the ring finger from Ten Over Ten.

Here is my Valentine’s Day treat: This gorgeous “punk”-style purple fur bag by Tom Ford. It has a hidden mirror in the handle and comes with a flap-over closure. Completely in love!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
And don’t forget if there is nobody to treat you, treat yourself!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © secretstylist

Happy New Year 2012 to all of you!
May it  be filled with love, peace and joy… and lots of shopping sprees!

I started the New Year 2012 very relaxed in St. Moritz. If you stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can allow yourself to enjoy quiet and relaxation! I have recharged my batteries and I am full of energy for many exciting things to come. Stay tuned as I will be leaving very soon to Italy again!

My look for a walk around the lake of St. Moritz: Black mink coat with grey fur collar by Prada, 912 low-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, black cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker, Sam fine-knit scarf by Isabel Marant, Intrecciato leather gloves by Bottega Veneta, sunglasses by Tom Ford and snow boots by Prada Sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If I whetted your appetite for some serious Tom Ford shopping, have a look at the retailers list by clicking here. Good news is that a new Tom Ford boutique just has opened its doors in St. Moritz on the famous Via Serlas (see photo above).

Germany has got its first Tom Ford shop since last month in Munich.The 1400 square foot, two-story franchised flagship store is located at Falckenbergstrasse adjacent to Maximilianstrasse (see photos below).

My New Year’s Resolution for 2012: I want a “Ford Fiesta”!
With this in mind, Happy New Year!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marion Heinrich, © Sandra Bauknecht

Have a look at the most discreet must-have It-bag of the season: The Carine bag by Tom Ford.

Fashion icon Carine Roitfeld has once again collaborated with the famous fashion designer Tom Ford. They launched for F/W 2011 the “Carine” bag. It’s signature hardware is the fetish-style “shackle” closure, reminiscent of a pair of cufflinks. This shoulder bag comes with an internal zip pocket and is offered in a variety of materials, all of them specially developed for Tom Ford, such as shiny alligator, python, goat skin, nappa leather, patent, or suede. The “Carine” is a style that will be continued within the Tom Ford accessories collection and will be reinterpreted and adapted according to the mood of the season.
A new classic – I couldn’t resist!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht