Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I celebrated the Swiss National Day among dear friends at Seerose, beautifully located at the coast of Lake Zurich. I chose my outfit in the colors of the flag, red and white and hope, that you will like it!

My look: Off-the-shoulder cropped lace and open-knit top and paneled lace and open-knit midi skirt, both by Alexander McQueen, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white Duffle 6 bag by Saint Laurent, white camelia sunglasses and long pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Munich-based designers Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof left careers in engineering and fashion consulting to launch their own label, which is defined by luxurious fabrics and elegant silhouettes.

After Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin, TALBOT RUNHOF finally opened their first exclusive salon in Switzerland in partnership with Maison Gassmann, a local fashion institution since 1882, that has carried the brand since many years. To celebrate the occasion, an opening party took place that was a lot of fun!

With Johnny Talbot (left) and Adrian Runhof (right) at the opening party.

The interior design of the new store by Patrick Ferrier makes customer feel like they are at home.  It blends in perfectly with the beautiful location – the medieval «House to the Golden Sheep» in the old town of Zurich. Warm purple and gold tones create an elegant atmosphere alongside the original wooden floors and cool retro chandeliers. On the ground floor, you can find the whole collection, including beautiful evening wear with flattering gathered details and rich colors, while the basement serves as a generous VIP area for the ultimate and discreet shopping experience.

«We are part-time Swiss,» says Adrian Runhof, «so it was on top of our bucket list to finally open a boutique in Zurich. With Katja and Michael Hahnloser we have ideal partners and longtime friends to realize this dream.»

Adrian, you have been living in Switzerland now for almost a decade? Why did you move here and how do you like it?

I live predominately in Munich but happily spend a considerable amount of time in Switzerland. For approximately the last 10 years, we have a wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Zurich where we often go hiking and swimming, preferably with our border terrier, Cooper. Without a doubt, Switzerland has an unbeatable quality of life… quality of air… quality of nature… quality of EVERYTHING…

Zurich marks the opening of your 4th store and the first one in Switzerland. You opened it in partnership with Maison Gassmann that have been carrying your designs since many years. Can you tell me a little bit about the story behind?

Katja and Michael Hahnloser from Maison Gassmann have been been carrying TALBOT RUNHOF in the their boutique for many years now. What started as a business relationship has developed into a very close friendship. They are young, cool, creative and enthusiastic; always up for a challenge.

How would you describe the Swiss fashion/clothing style compared to other PoS for example? Is the buying different from your other stores?

Our swiss customers are definitely risk takers… always looking for that special piece. That statement piece. That piece that requires a keen eye for fashion.

Choosing my outfit for the opening night with Johnny & Adrian.

TALBOT RUNHOF is known for creating amazing bespoke gowns. Can the Swiss ladies meet you in person from time to time?  Do you offer the same service as in Munich for example?

Now that we have a boutique in Zurich, the frequency with which I have a bowl of pasta at BINDELLA, go swimming at the HÜTTENSEE or simply hang out in our boutique in SCHIPFE 4 has increased dramatically. For me it is that perfect balance of work and pleasure.

Our wonderful team in our boutique in Zurich offers exactly the same service as in our other three boutiques in Germany… what a lot of people do not know is that TALBOT RUNHOF is a 100% MADE IN GERMANY product. So if a dress is not available in your size or color, more often that not, we can make it within a reasonable amount of time.

In love with my TALBOT RUNHOF jumpsuit in silver.

How can I imagine the creative process between you two?

Over the last almost 30 years, Johnny and I have developed a very special way of working together. We never went to fashion school. We never learned how to be fashion designers. It’s a very unconventional yet intuitive ping pong game we play, batting around an idea until we feel it is right for the TALBOT RUNHOF customer.

Who would you love to see in your dresses? 

For us, our customers are the real celebrities.

Thank you, Adrian, for your time and insider on the Zurich store opening.

I have been a big fan of TALBOT RUNHOF since the beginning. Originally, the company, founded in 1992, was called «All About Eve». In 2000, it was renamed in TALBOT RUNHOF, to match the faces behind and due to trademark issues, as Wolfgang Joop had already launched a perfume of the same name on the market.

The designer duo catered to the huge demand for modern evening dresses in the ’90s and built up a core of loyal customers over the years. Their small store and atelier in Munich was located close to ESMOD, where I studied fashion design at that time and I always admired their work as a young student. So you can imagine, that it is a real honor that our paths have crossed over the years again and again… businesswise and privately.

Talbot Runhof Boutique Zurich
Schipfe 4, 8001 Zurich
Phone +41 44 533 88 04
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm

TO SHOP TALBOT RUNHOF ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Part of the family, Cooper, the cutest dog ever!

Photos: © Talbot Runhof and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I followed CHANEL‘s invite to explore and celebrate the new J12 watch models first with a cocktail reception at the boutique on Bahnhofstrasse, followed by a flying dinner and party at at Barfussbar at Frauenbadi. With this beautiful weather finally arriving in Zurich, it was the perfect night for the occasion.

We were spoilt to bubbly champagne, great food, a water ballet show and experienced real magic when discovering the new watches. Later, we danced the night away.

Personally speaking, I have always been a big fan of the J12 watch, especially the white versions. the material is so resistant, you can play tennis or golf with it, it won’t break. Furthermore, the white colour doesn’t change after time. It stays as crisp white as from the beginning.

For the campaign, CHANEL invited nine muses to share their personal experiences about a second that changed their lives. Among them Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Ali MacGraw, just to name a few. Everything has always been about seconds for a House created by a woman who knew how to follow her instincts. The instinct of the moment when everything is decided.

The lovely CHANEL team

Whether it is the longest second of a lifetime on the day of an important decision, or preparing a soft-boiled egg with perfect culinary precision, catching an airplane or missing a taxi, our existence is a succession of milestones that are of no coincidence. The new J12 is the watch for these milestones, and the perfect accompaniment for every second.

Everything is a story of seconds for a woman who is in touch with her life and with this intimate timepiece that can shape destiny in a few seconds. The new J12 is the watch for this woman.
To find out more, click here please. And in the meantime, enjoy those perfect seconds of last night captured on the photos…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#TheNewJ12 #ItsAllAboutSeconds #CHANELWatches

Last week, I was invited by Veuve Cliquot to kick off the summer season with the launch of the new Veuve Clicquot Petit Rich! Those small 20cl bottles are currently available exclusively at Samigo Amusement in Zurich. For more information on the champagne, click here for a previous post.

Black lace is such a hot trend right now and will even be bigger for F/W 2019. Snap up a piece and make the right fashion statement.

My look: Pussy-bow lace blouse, and pleated lace midi skirt, both by Christopher Kane, wool twill jacket, red Janis pumps, and Monogram fringed shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch by Gucci, and Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Event photos and photos of me at the event: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in garden: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I was invited for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Zurich to view their amazingly stunning travelling collection that will be here until the end of May 2019. Because it’s not every day you get to appreciate high jewellery pieces in person, I was extremely happy to explore those exquisite creations from the House of Tiffany. Needless to say, if they get sold, the travel will come to an end in Switzerland.

Have a look at this rare and refined jewelry that brilliantly blends beautiful gems and unparalleled craftsmanship. And as rare as they are, Tiffany & Co. invites you to discover those masterpieces.

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Green Tourmaline Handcuff
45,44 carat for the green tourmaline

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Necklace in Platinum with Emerald-Cut, Pear Shaped and Round Brilliant Diamonds of over 100 Carats
Each of the diamond strands varies in length and ends in pear-shaped diamonds to emulate the force of water rushing over the rim of the pavé diamond necklace.

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Round Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Central diamond of 5,05 carats, platinum ring

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Octopus Brooch in Platinum with a Baroque Pearl and Round Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
A beautifully formed and unusually large baroque pearl is masterfully transformed into an octopus. Set amid jeweled tentacles swirling with hand cut diamonds and sapphires, this lustrous gift of the sea takes on a powerful presence and playful spirit. The diamond tentacles are finished with bands of blue sapphires. Each stone is hand set along the curved surface, demonstrating the artisans’ skill in crafting this intricate design.

The best thing? Besides being able to ogle to your hearts’ content, mostly everything in the store sparkles beautifully, especially apt with Mother’s Day just around the corner, no? Treat the woman who does it all to a gift wrapped in the famous Blue Box. There are so many options in all price ranges…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
Stills: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. – Photo of the Ring: © Sandra Bauknecht

«We want to make simulation racing accessible to everyone, everywhere.»
– Francisco Fernandez

Friday night, I was invited to the Formula V launch event at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. My avid readers know that besides fashion, I really love cars and driving fast (must be my German side). Therefore I was curious about this new project where you can live the same sporting experience of top race drivers with their original training simulator. You can choose a track as well as a car and race straight away without the risk of injuring yourself. While exercising a fantastic driving experience, you will definitely be challenged mentally and physically.

With Francisco Fernandez, founder and chairman Formula V, and his wife Natalie Gromova Fernandez.

Furthermore, Formula V wants to focus on finding new talents and giving them the opportunity to train. Regular race car driving is very expensive and it is hard to find sponsors when you get started. The gaming factor also plays and important role. Via the Formula V app, spectators can bet on their favorite driver or even interact with the race themselves by adding rain or letting a cat cross the virtual track. The first competition, a historical date for Swiss e-sport, will be held on May 25, 2019, for more information click here.

Matching the motto of the night, I went for this Moschino race dress from the S/S 2016 collection. Finally, I had a great opportunity to literally sport it.

My look: Sleeveless leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, racing-style dress by Moschino, cadillac clutch and red leather boots, both by Prada. Diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

German actress and model Sophia Thomalla is Formula V’s celebrity ambassador.

If I vetted your appetite for virtual car racing, I invite you to experience the Formula V world class racing simulation in the comfort of the first lounge that opened last weekend in Cham. The Formula V instructors will prepare everything for your perfect race. Alone, with friends, for entertainment or to compete and train, just use the Formula V app to book a time, duration, car and racetrack and you will be welcomed with everything ready to go!

Zurich, Madrid and many more locations will open soon. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)

It is official! I am a Swiss Girl. I couldn’t be happier to finally have received my Swiss passport and to be a double citizen of Germany, my birth place, and Switzerland, my home base.

Today marks Sechseläuten which I will be celebrating among dear friends for the first time as a citizen of Zurich. Following the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds), the culmination of this popular tradition is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

My look: Oversized tuxedo blazer and green cloche hat, both by Stella McCartney, Windward logo-intarsia merino sweater and printed cotton and linen-blend mini skirt, both by Burberry, T printed textured-leather pouch by Loewe, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
Twenties fishnet tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So far, Sami Khouri and his team, aka Mr. Samigo, was known for offbeat pop-ups. Now he runs the former Quai 61 at the port Enge. The restaurant, which belongs to the city, was built as part of the garden exhibition in 1959 on 64 poles into the lake. The location offers guests a view of the Glarus Alps or the city of Zurich.

For the first time, I went there last weekend and truly loved the performances by artists, musicians and burlesque dancers, and much more – while enjoying great food among dear friends. Ordering your meal works very unconventionally.

The food menu is already fun!

At the beginning of the night, you are asked to fill in a paper with your choice of three or four courses and your name. Don’t be surprised, your fork or knife are not going to be changed during the dinner. I had the burrata, the hummus, the vegetable curry and the chocolate cake which were all very delicious. The entrecôte and the home-made vanilla ice-cream also looked yummy.

Very different from what we know from Zurich’s nightlife, it is a breath of fresh air in our hometown. You can enjoy the show while having dinner, smoke a cigarette in the bar upstairs or just go dancing later. To book a table at this crazy place called «Samigo Amusement», you have to send a message to this mobile phone number +41 79 360 20 65.
Mythenquai 59, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday, I hosted a lovely event with Prada at their Zurich store on Bahnhofstrasse to explore the new Resort 2019 collection. In a previous post, I already wrote about the beautiful pieces and how pioneering Miuccia Prada‘s designs for the new season are. In case you have missed it, I invite you to click here for more information.

Enjoying a glass of bubbly while indulging in fashion among friends, do I have to say more? Everything was just perfect. I put together some of my favorite looks and explained how I would style the looks to achieve this interesting kind of twist. Below you can enjoy some impressions and more details about the must-have pieces.

I adore these new shirts so much. It seems to be a traditional striped classic, but if you look closer, you will be surprised by its updated look with brocade ruffles and a zipper.

The new mini suede skirts come with a ruffled hem and are surely among the bestselling pieces.

Here is a look I styled with everything I love from this collection: the ruffled leather skirts, brocade fabrics, knitted loafers and the fun mix of colours.

The knitted footwear also comes as a pointed toe version with a high heel in several colour combinations. To die for!

Everyone loved the headpieces in silk that are available in several colours.

I am also a big fan of the patterns – something Miuccia Prada is famous for.

These trapper hats are the perfect way to stay warm and stylish at once.

The new Sidonie bags – a curvaceous, ergonomic shape, a modern classic rediscovered.
For a previous post, click here please.

A pair of brocade pants will spice up every look.

The new jewellery pieces that I also wore that night are extremely beautiful and easy to wear.

Thank you everyone for coming and Prada for having me!
Everything you see in this post is available now in the Zurich store, pass by… it is worth the visit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in collage: Courtesy of Prada, © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht

I am so happy to share today’s post with you. Next week my blog is turning 9! Can you imagine? Time flies… just to give you an idea of all the work that went into this site. This is my 3821st post and since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate with you…

Meet me next Thursday, November 22nd, 2018 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me next Thursday, November 22nd 2018 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbles, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

As space is limited and a personalized gift will be waiting for you, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 19th of November. Please send me an e-mail with the header «LA MER», your full name and the time you are planning to come to . First come, first serve. I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

You will get a lot of special treats – here is what to expect:
Champagne from Perrier-Jouët

Freelance celebrity make-up artist Andrea Kipfer will introduce LA MER‘s amazing Skincolor Foundation. Andrea is the co-founder of the renowned hair & makeup agency Style Council and has done many advertising and fashion shoots. During the evening, she will happily help you to improve your make-up skills and share some beauty secrets with us.

You also get the chance to discover the different textures of the famous LA MER moisturizers. Once you find your favorite, you will be gifted with a luxury size sample of it.On top, each guest will receive an original size LA MER Lip Balm worth CHF 82.00 that will be engraved with a special message.

I am so much looking forward to meeting and spending the evening with you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Kipfer
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
#LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch