Prada Mode Miami

PRADA TO OPEN PRADA MODE MIAMI DURING ART BASEL
DECEMBER 4TH – 6TH, 2018

Prada presents Prada Mode, a club that invites its members to experience art, music, dining, conversations and late night festivities with a focus on contemporaneity at large and local. Imagined as a club that augments and extends significant global cultural gatherings at diverse locations worldwide, Prada Mode offers guests exclusive access to unique programs and content that complement the themes and subjects of the host event.

Freehand Miami,  2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140

The inaugural iteration – which will be held at Freehand Miami from December 4th to 6th – serves as both an exclusive destination and a discreet, elegant retreat from the daily clamor of high-intensity cultural engagements during Art Basel: Miami Beach. Events are planned throughout each day and a site-specific intervention by Theaster Gates is present throughout the club imbued with the experience of music, retreat and archival practice.

Prada Resort 2019 campaign

In advance of Art Basel Miami, Prada Mode members receive credentials and special invitations for all current and future occurrences of the club. The Miami schedule includes events organized by the artist Theaster Gates, the National YoungArts Foundation, and Document Journal as well as special musical performances and dancing with DJ sets.

Miuccia Prada at last year’s event with Rita Ora and Carsten Höller.

Last year, Prada’s Carsten Höller-designed pop-up Prada Double Club in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood was already a great success – I am absolutely convinced that Prada Mode Miami will be no different.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and via WWD

My Look: Hola Madrid!

Greetings from Madrid where I spent the most amazing weekend one week ago! On Saturday the sun was shining and we went on an interesting sightseeing tour through the city visiting the Royal Palace, the Museo del Prado and all the must-see places of the Spanish capital.

My look: Shearling and leather coaticon by Balmain, kickback trousers by Alexander McQueencream white wool sweater by Givenchy, Susanna leather ankle boots by Chloéicon, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, necklaces and quilted lambskin mini 2.55 vintage classic flap bag, both by Chanel.

You have heard it a gazillion times from me, but I would like to emphasize it again. If you have enough space to store your pieces, keep them, there will always be a time again. Speaking about my mini 2.55 vintage flap bag by Chanel for example, this size was discontinued. I got mine from my parents when I turned 18 (Thank you for always spoiling me!). The bag is still sold on the internet in pre-owned conditions and in very high demand. Some consignment stores will even put you on a long waiting list.

The name of the 2.55 classic flap bag refers to February 1955; the month and year in which the style was introduced. This mini one is made from lambskin and has a single flap with a double C turnstile lock. A single chain strap can be worn either on your shoulder or in cross body. Talking about vintage… it looks like it just has hit the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Terrazas de los Andes: Wintergrill at the Park

If you are living in Switzerland, you will know that fondue and raclette are traditionally served during the holiday season. As these dishes are quite filling and heavy, there comes a time when I am petrified of eating one more portion of melted cheese. Therefore I was positively surprised by this unique winter barbecue experience I had with Terrazas de los Andes, which is part of the Moët Hennessy Wine Division, on Monday at the Park Hyatt Zürich Hotel.

The so-called «Wintergrill at the Park» is an extraordinary culinary winter experience created by Executive Chef Frank Widmer in a specially designed chalet on the terrace of the well known 5-star hotel, right in the heart of the Limmat city. All dishes are paired with selected wines from Terrazas de los Andes, such as Terrazas Torrontés, served in the form of a cocktail with ginger, honey and thyme (so delicious), the classic Terrazas Malbec and the Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec. The winery is located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the impressive Andes mountain range in Argentina.

What can you expect? In the Terrazas chalet, meat and fish are grilled «asado style» according to the motto «rough luxury» and are accompanied by either a delicious winter salad and corn chutney or with pickled pumpkin, hazelnut polenta and Brussels sprouts. For dessert, Frank Widmer pays homage to Swiss apples. A manzana or a dulce de leche with canned and grilled fruit is waiting for you.

The «Wintergrill at the Park» is open until the 22nd of December 2018 for lunch or dinner. Please note that there are only 8 places available in the chalet. Reservations of 6 or more is possible, the dinner experience starts at CHF 150.- per person. Choose between two exquisite selected menus during the Christmas season accompanied by the unique Argentine Terrazas wines.

I loved it and find it a great alternative to fondue for a dinner invitation among friends during the advent season.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Park Hyatt and © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Fishtank Dress

Here is my mandatory outfit post from the LA MER event at Jelmoli last week. I went through my closet to find something that would perfectly match the occasion and I am convinced there couldn’t have been a better choice than my Fishtank Dress from Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 2012 season. Funnily enough, some thought this is the new LA MER uniform. Would be pretty cool, don’t you think?

My look: Fishtank silk-blend jacquard mini dress by Mary Katrantzouribbed wool turtleneck sweater by T by Alexander Wang, GG Marmont leather belt bag and Angel platform boots in turquoise, both by Gucci, and Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra


Photos: © David Biedert Photography

La Mer Event with Sandra’s Closet at Jelmoli


Celebrating my 9th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich last week was absolutely amazing and I truly would like to thank everyone who came and made it so special, also for the many amazing gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that is so much fun to work with and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

I have been blogging for a long time now, and that evening made me acknowledge just how much happened all these years, and the fact that it all happened because I created a space online to share my love for fashion and beauty, my ideas, inspiration and advice with others. I always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run.

Some of you have been reading Sandra’s Closet since I pressed publish on my very first blog post. I hate the word following. Why? If you see my readers you know they are not followers, they are leading ladies! This was such a rewarding feeling. Seeing all these beautiful, smart women who came from all over Switzerland, from Geneva, Chur, or Basel to Zurich to join me on this occasion. Together we indulged into the luxury world of LA MER and each guest could take home her personally engraved lip gloss.

There were friends who became blog readers and blog readers that became friends. Everyone had a big smile on their face and I was the happiest girl that night! Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

At the Opening of Vogue’s First Concept Store

My dear readers, it is very important that you read until the end of this post as a very special treat is waiting for you to celebrate 9 years of my blog! I am convinced you will love it…

The idea of the concept store is by no means unheard of nowadays. In 1990 the first one of this kind opened its doors in Milan, 10 Corso Como, followed by Opening Ceremony, Colette and Dover Street Market, just to name a few.

The new VOGUE concept store inside the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

What is a concept store? A 360 degrees experience, a type of living magazine, offering a unique mix of art, fashion, one-of-a-kind homeware and accessories. Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, takes the idea a step further. The tall blonde has been dedicated to supporting emerging talent within the fashion industry since many years. In 2011, she launched the VOGUE Salon, an initiative to grant up-and-coming German fashion designers the opportunity to present exclusive collections to industry opinion leaders. It takes place twice a year during Berlin Fashion Week.

With Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, at the VOGUE concept store opening.

Now, Christiane Arp takes her engagement a step further. Looking for new ways for print media to attract readers and to create attention for the brand itself, she had the idea to launch the VOGUE Concept Store in cooperation with OUTLETCITY METZINGEN.

From left to right: Tim Labenda, David Tomaszewski, Marina Hoermanseder, William Fan, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon, Wolfang Bauer (CEO OUTLETCITY METZINGEN) and Christiane Arp.

Chosen for their one-of-a-kind viewpoints and unparalleled talent were Marina Hoermanseder (click here for a previous post about her collaboration with EOS), Tim Labenda, Dawid Tomaszewski, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon and William Fan. The pieces of the respective designers, which are not older than three months, were bought by OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, which is operating the store in collaboration with VOGUE that is in charge for the marketing and advertising in return. Christiane Arp herself made the selection.

Always at work – here during the fashion show.

It is a win-win situation – a great way to support emerging talents in Germany. The young designers receive through the sale enough money to invest in their next collection.

The pop-up store will be there for six month until April 2019. Inside, you can find many interactive and augmented reality features such as ideas how to style the pieces. Moreover, via your smartphones, you can access information about the designers themselves and their inspirations.

The bestseller that night was definitely the VOGUE logo tops, sweatshirts that came with the latest issue of VOGUE Germany.

Catching up with longtime friends at the opening: Ingrid Hedley, Marketing Director VOGUE & AD Architectural Digest, and Marina Hoermanseder.

And when you are wondering why VOGUE opened in Metzingen in an outlet mall, that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, remember where Carla Sozzani opened her 10 Corso Como shop almost 30 years ago. The location seemed very far away to the people and it was not glamorous at all with its concrete floor. At the time, Via Monte Napoleone was considered the only shopping street. You have to think in new ways, especially print media… the same goes for blogging by the way.

Before it’s in Fashion, it’s in VOGUE! or let’s say now in the VOGUE concept store! And before that of course in Sandra’s Closet :-)!

To celebrate the 9th anniversary of my blog, I have a treat for you. When I was at the opening party of the VOGUE concept store, I was truly overwhelmed by the size and the design of the the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN. Personally speaking, some stores look so much better and are bigger than in Zurich. I attached a few pictures for you below. The collections on display are from S/S 2018 with prices marked down up to 70%.

Metzingen is not far from Stuttgart in Germany. The little village is dedicated to its OUTLETCITY. You can find many hotels and restaurants. If you prefer staying in Stuttgart, no problem, there are bus transfers for Metzingen, leaving from most of the hotels.

Toasting with Christina Gobil at the opening of the VOGUE concept store to 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

HERE COMES MY ANNIVERSARY TREAT FOR YOU:

As my dear reader, you are entitled to the VIP Shopping Pass:
Mention «Sandra’s Closet» when you arrive at the International Service Point, located at Reutlinger Strasse 58, 72555 Metzingen, Germany.
You will receive a VIP Shopping Pass, a welcome Winzersekt (a vintner’s sparkling wine – German kind of champagne) and a coffee voucher. The VIP Shopping Pass offers also an extra 10% discount at the Vogue Concept Store and other participating stores.
The offer is valid until March 31st, 2019.

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Bottega Veneta in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Prada in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Jimmy Choo in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Gucci in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

The Burberry shop in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN has already the new logo.

The whole area looks like one of those amazing gigantic US shopping malls.

Photos: Courtesy of VOGUE, OUTLETCITY METZINGEN and © Sandra Bauknecht 

What’s Miu Pussycat?

The playful pussycat has long been central to Miu Miu’s heritage, finding its way onto everything from ready-to-wear and accessories to pearl and crystal encrusted jewelry. New for the holiday season is the ‘little cats’ capsule collection of Shetland wool sweaters inlaid with some of the most celebrated feline characters in the history of animation.

True to the multi-facetted nature of the Miu Miu girl – and indeed the animal in question – these range in spirit from grand to cute and cuddly, from mischievous to plain mean. The collection celebrates famous kittens from iconic stories including the playfully cute Marie from Disney’s The AristoCats (1970), and Dinah – Alice’s beloved kitten from the magical Disney original movie Alice in Wonderland (1951). Completing the collection is Snowball II, the cat that ironically replaced The Simpsons’ (1990) first family cat, Snowball.

The ‘little cats’ capsule collection of Shetland wool sweaters comes in shades of purple, yellow and green and is available from mid November 2018 in selected Miu Miu stores and at Mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu and © Disney

Happy 9th Birthday, Sandra’s Closet!

9 years –  as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 108 months, which is around 3285 days, and this is my 3829th post which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

Yesterday at the LA MER counter event at Jelmoli, I was so proud to welcome some of my Swiss readers, confident, beautiful and smart women, who came from all over the country. I cannot wait to show you the photos. A huge thank you to everyone for coming and the little surprises, I truly felt loved.

Sharing an insider tip: best place in Zurich for beauty treatments and massages:
Beauty Care Zurich.

Today, I am celebrating my blog anniversary by treating myself to an Ayurvedic massage by Ramji Lal at Beauty Care Zurich (Strehlgasse 29, 8000 Zürich, Phone: +41 44 212 12 77).

Just as a machine needs to be oiled, the body loves to have its largest organ, the skin, soothed. Anyone who has ever experienced an Ayurvedic treatment, knows its rejuvenating effect. It treats not only the body, but also the nervous system, bringing deep nourishment to all the cells and tissues as well as the mind. As I am pretty exhausted at the moment due to all my travels and projects, it helps me to recharge  my energy levels.

Starting the massage with a foot bath…

Ramji Lal has magic hands and he learnt the 5000-year-old techniques from his mother when he was a little boy. His family produces Ayurvedic oils from home-grown herbs and plants in India’s holy city. Later, he trained at the prestigious Dr. med. Franklin’s Panchakarma Institute in Kerala.

Feels like heaven: an Ayurvedic massage by Ramji Lal.

An Ayurvedic massage is MOST beneficial when combined with an Ayurvedic lifestyle, which means making conscious choices about your nutrition, sleep and more. Ramji for example suggested that I drink a glass of warm water in the morning with one teaspoon of turmeric and one of cumin which has a detoxifying, energy-boosting and fat burning effect.

Have a lovely weekend! And stay tuned… today I am treating myself, during the coming days you will be treated to celebrate the 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dior’s It-Belt for Cruise 2019

From the It-bag to the It-belt…! Drawing inspiration from the ezcaramuzas of Mexico (female equestrians in the traditional Mexican rodeo known as charrería), Maria Grazia Chiuri has designed a number of feminine outfits for the DIOR Cruise 2019 collection with eye-catching details: Corsets and wide leather belts in plain black or totally embroidered in Mexican flowers emphasized the models’ waists. In reference to the equestrian world and the House’s heritage, each style of belt is in the form of the ‘Saddle’ bag with its emblematic curved flap and tab decorated with a golden “D”.

Those belts will be flying off the shelves now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DIOR

Waist It!

When it comes to your waist, the golden rule is to keep it cinched. Belts have been making their presence felt on F/W 2018 runways — from Versace, to Elie Saab and Gucci. This little add-on packs a big punch when it comes to elevating your style while also slimming your silhouette into a flattering hourglass. When it comes to evening wear, the easiest way to change the look of a gown you sported before is to wear a belt. It is also the best alternative to altering.

Suffice it to say, the styling possibilities are infinite, as is the internet’s statement belt selection. Here, I’ve narrowed it down for you.


Le Fleur flower-embellished crepe belt by Adriana Degreasicon

Leather corset belt by Alexander McQueen
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Velvet waist belt by Attico
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Embellished silk waist belt by Saint Laurent

High waist leather belt by Alberta Ferretti
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Amore bow belt iconby Dolce & Gabbana

iconStudded leather waist belt by Alaïa

iconBejeweled belt iconby N°21


Elore crystal-embellished velvet belt by Isabel Marant

Heart embellished bicolour rope belt with tassels by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Studded leather belt by Elie Saabicon

My personal favorites are the ones by Dolce & Gabbana and Alaïa. They work for nearly everything.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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