Royal Ascot

This week, I was invited by my dear Net-à-Porter family and London based jeweler David Morris for an amazing Royal Ascot experience.

David Morris’ iconic fine jewelry has been held in the highest esteem since the 1960s, so it’s no wonder the clientele includes everyone from Hollywood legends to modern royalty. Designed with a focus on balanced proportions and colorful precious gems, every exquisite piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques in its London atelier on the famed New Bond Street.

Needless to say, the invitation to the Royal Enclosure was opulent and distinguished. When you arrive in Ascot, you will definitely have to plan enough time. Traffic is crazy as everyone tries to get there at once. Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. The five-day event has been running since the early 1700s, after Queen Anne rode on horseback from Windsor Castle and declared the field to be a fine place to hold a race.

With Polyana Santos and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian in the box watching Tatiana’s horse in the race.

Steeped in tradition, a British monarch has attended yearly since 1825 – this year, I witnessed King Charles III‘s first opening of  the Royal Procession in a Windsor Grey horse-drawn carriage, followed by a clutch of royals, including everyone’s favourite newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Dress code perfection: Dorothy Constantin, my humble self, Polyana Santos, Becky Carson and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian

Royal Ascot is divided into four areas. First there is the prestigious Royal Enclosure, which is invitation-only and was established in 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup. Furthermore there is the Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and the Windsor Enclosure.

Being a centrepiece of the British social season, Royal Ascot is a unique place to experience magic. I enjoyed the beautiful green lawns and floral surrounds of the Royal Enclosure Gardens, which was the perfect spot for socialising with a glass of champagne, after we indulged in a beautiful lunch at Sandringham restaurant.

With my lovely hosts: John Lindsay Koulentianos ( Director of Wholesale & Franchise Development David Morris), Vikki Kavanagh (Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter Managing Director), Annabel Skamen and Michael Revenburg.

Best times with Iona Miller (Luxury Client Relations Lead Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter) and my dear friend Polyana Santos.

ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE

Whether you are attending Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village or Windsor Enclosure, be sure to check that your chosen style is perfect for the enclosure you are in by familiarizing yourself with the dress codes in advance. Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance. This is upheld by a dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right. The Dress Code set out to the right is to help you dress fittingly for the occasion. Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different Dress Code.

In the Royal Enclosure, formal daywear is a requirement and it defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
• Shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
• Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
• Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the shoulder strap requirements
• Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.

The following are not permitted:
• Fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm)
• Dresses and tops that are:
– Strapless or one shoulder
– Off-the-shoulder or bardot
– Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back)
– Spaghetti straps
– Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
• Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
• Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery)

I can only recommend a visit to Ascot, it was such a wonderful experience and I will surely be back next year! Thank you Net-à-Porter and David Morris for having me!

TO SHOP DAVID MORRIS AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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LoL, Sandra

iconPhotos: © Sandra Bauknecht
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Gucci Pet Collection

May I introduce you to the new Gucci Pet Collection —a wide-ranging selection of items designed for dogs and cats that combines high-quality materials and craftsmanship with innovation, and many of the House’s signature motifs. The new line continues the narrative of surprise and delight behind Gucci Lifestyle, launched in September 2021 and inspired by a cabinet of curiosities—a place that could accommodate all of the fine, well- crafted that, while part of everyday life, still give off a magical and wonderful aura.

The offering includes collars and harnesses in plain leather, GG canvas, Web stripe, or the Herbarium or all-over geometric G print, and embellished with details like the Interlocking G logo or studs. Leashes in varying lengths and widths, bag holders, and Air Tag cases, are all available in the same materials and motifs to coordinate or mix and match.

Within a selection of items that also serve as design pieces for the home are Made-to-Order miniature couches on which pets can lounge, feeding bowls with various House prints, cloches to cover bowls with, hard-sided cases with removable ceramic bowls and handles for easy transport as well as coordinated feeding mats.

For pets who travel often, comfortable carriers in GG canvas are also part of the mix. Apparel includes polos, T-shirts, knitwear, and coats, distinguished by a vibrant palette and playful, signature motifs like all-over strawberries and hearts to Interlocking Gs and the classic monogram, also seen in the House’s ready-to-wear, creating opportunities for matching looks.

In line with the House’s commitment to sustainability, the Gucci Pet Collection includes items in recycled polyester, recycled cotton or DemetraGucci’s groundbreaking material that was unveiled in June 2021 after two years of in-House research and development. Demetra combines quality, softness, and durability with an eco-friendly ethos and is made from animal-free raw materials that are primarily from renewable and bio-based sources. Created from the House’s desire to explore and innovate materials for the future, Demetra is manufactured entirely in a Gucci factory in Italy using the same expertise and processes for tanning that give the material its pliable and resilient performance with a supple finish.

The new category is unveiled through a campaign with art direction and photography by Max Siedentopf. Infused with a retro-inspired, dream-like patina, a playful cast of dogs and cats of various types and sizes, wearing pieces from the new collection, are set against clean and colorful backgrounds that allow each animal’s personality to shine, inspired by the House’s underlying vision of individuality.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI PET COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director & photographer: Max Siedentopf

DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Purr-fection

Today, I would love to show you the perfect gift idea for every cat-loving fashionista. From Alessandro Michele‘s cat prints for Gucci, to Miucci Prada‘s Miu Miu collection, the runways are replete with feline fantasies.

LoL, Sandra


Cat-print cotton-jersey T-shirticon by The Vampire’s Wife

Guardians printed tie-dyed cotton-jersey T-shirticon by Miu Miu

Check fil-à-fil cat-print shirt by Miu Miu

Cat-print tulle-trim T-shirt by MSGM

Cat-print appliqué wool sweater by Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

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Appliquéd organic printed cotton-jersey T-shirticon and embroidered-cat floral-print satin cushion, both by Gucci
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Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey hoodie and oversized printed cotton-jersey T-shirticon, both by Balenciaga

Cat-print pillow by Fornasetti

Chiavari cat-print chair by Gucci

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Pet-à-Porter

Great news for all pet and handbag lovers. On the one-of-a-kind Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet tote, your darling plays protagonist. With a hand-painted portrait of the cutie in question and an initial of your choice, artist Riccardo Cusimano transforms this bag into a forever favorite.

To add a bold touch to your pet-à-porter, discover the genderless Valentino Garavani N/S totes with new black ruthenium studs available exclusively online. Crafted with lots of affection, the new tote goes oh-so adorable and extra personal, with a unique handmade print of your pet by the incredible illustrator Riccardo Cusimano.

To create your own or gift it to someone special, begin by selecting a model, colour and your initial, then upload the photos of the cutie in question here. You can request customisation for maximum two pets per bag. Once the work of art is ready, you’ll receive it wherever you wish in a very special box. There are four different styles of Rockstud bags to choose from which will be available in five different color variations.

New standout studs preciously update the way to personalise the Valentino Garavani N/S totes in black or tan. The black ruthenium finishing adds boldness, enriching Riccardo Cusimano’s pet portraits. These genderless styles are available online and in boutiques. Shipping times for customized Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet bags are approximately 8-10 weeks.

 As part of the #RockstudPet initiative, Valentino will also launch an exclusive collection of leashes and dog collars in a matching color palette so you can complete the look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino

International Dog Day

Love dogs? So do I! International Dog Day is recognized worldwide on August 26th annually to celebrate all dogs and encourage adoption. Whether mixed or purebred, our furry best friends all give us companionship, keep us safe and healthy, both physically and mentally. I grew up with an Irish Setter, called Satan, that was the most «human» dog you can imagine, he even laughed. Till this day, I miss him terribly. Later, we had a Yorkshire Terrier and many Rottweilers, all very kind yet protective. Therefore, today’s post is dedicated to our love for those beautiful creatures.

1 Intarsia cotton sweatericon by Casablanca
2 Dog gold-plated necklaceicon by Alighieri
3 Love is the Dog wool-blend sweatericon by Bella Freud
4 Elice painted dog-print cotton T-shirticon by Acne Studios

5 Dog print buttoned shirticon by Acne Studios
6 Dog-pattern scarficon by Acne Studios
7 Dog print scarficon by Paul Smith
8 Dog roll-neck jumpericon by P.A.R.O.S.H.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Space for Giants

I love elephants and will never forget my first encounter with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. A memory I’ll treasure forever. To ensure that they remain in existence for many centuries to come, I joined the Matriarch Club, a group of 100 high profile women, in London last year, and will be leading the CoExistence charge as one of their Matriarchs. Due to the current pandemic, everything needed to be postponed but I hope that our USA adventure can take place in 2021. This powerful movement aims to build a $10m fund for human-wildlife-coexistence projects across Asia. Stay tuned, I will tell more about this great initiative soon.

I love this BURBERRY + Space for Giants suede-trimmed nylon jacket.
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Much to my delight, I discovered that Net-à-Porter has teamed-up with Space For Giants and developed an exquisite capsule collection with several designers to support their amazing conversation work. As you will see, the collection is inspired by safari influences and you’ll find lots of linens and neutral tones and an overall utilitarian aesthetic. Ole Lynggaard has also designed 5 incredibly special Elephant charm pendants in 18 karat yellow gold with emeralds and diamonds.  All profits from this collection will benefit Space for Giants.

OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN x Space for Giants
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By purchasing an item, you are answering the call of the wild and in this way you are making a supersonic effort that Africa’s ecosystems and the mega-fauna they contain are conserved. That means ending the poaching of elephants, because elephants are a keystone species and if they are thriving, their precious habitats are, too. And it means finding new ways to fund forever the protection of these landscapes so they can continue to bring their benefits for generations to come.

And if you are still not convinced, here are 10 reasons why to love elephants:

Elephants love deeply and are passionate about life.
Elephants are feminists! Elephant herds are matriarchal.
Elephants make great friends with strong social bonds.
Elephants are resourceful and can adapt to any situation easily.
Elephants are all about teamwork.
Elephants are fast learners and have one of the largest and most complex brains in the living world.
Elephants make great parents and are very protective and nurturing of their young.
Elephants are excellent communicators.
Elephants are environmentalists.
Elephants don’t forget, but they do forgive.

TO SHOP THE SPACE OF GIANTS CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
The perfect pieces for your next safari…
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Love Monkey

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

iconMonkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem


iconSequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dressicon by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earringsicon by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirticon by Valentino

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Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberryicon

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry
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Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2


iconMedium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bagicon by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

iconSoleia printed cotton-voile pajama seticon by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Rest in Peace Peter Beard

Called the «last of the adventurers», New York photographer Peter Beard was an artist and a naturalist to whom the word «wild» was roundly applied, both for his death-defying photos as well as his crazy playboy-esque lifestyle. He photographed African fauna at great personal risk, and well into old age could party until dawn. He had been missing for 19 days when he was found dead yesterday in Montauk at the age of 82.

In a statement shared on social media, his family states: «We are all heartbroken by the confirmation of our beloved Peter’s death. We want to express our deep gratitude to the East Hampton police and all who aided them in their search, and also to thank the many friends of Peter and our family who have sent messages of love and support during these dark days.  Peter was an extraordinary man who led an exceptional life. He lived life to the fullest; he squeezed every drop out of every day. He was relentless in his passion for nature, unvarnished and unsentimental but utterly authentic always. He was an intrepid explorer, unfailingly generous, charismatic, and discerning. Peter defined what it means to be open: open to new ideas, new encounters, new people, new ways of living and being. Always insatiably curious, he pursued his passions without restraints and perceived reality through a unique lens. Anyone who spent time in his company was swept up by his enthusiasm and his energy. He was a pioneering contemporary artist who was decades ahead of his time in his efforts to sound the alarm about environmental damage. His visual acuity and elemental understanding of the natural environment was fostered by his long stays in the bush and the ‘wild-deer-ness’ he loved and defended. He died where he lived: in nature. We will miss him every day.»

PETER BEARD
I’ll Write Whenever I Can, Koobi Fora, Lake Rudolf, Kenya, 1965
It went for £55.200 at a Christie’s auction in 2008.

Peter Beard was world-renown for his beautiful and intimate images of Africa and African wildlife, and rose to fame for keeping diaries, filled with drawings, blood, and other materials, that were considered works of art unto themselves.

Young Peter Beard and Salvador Dalí

Born into privilege of railroad and tobacco fortunes, the extremely handsome young man led a bon vivant’s life, partying around the world, but always returning to his retreats in New York, including Montauk, as well as Kenya, where some of his most iconic wildlife photography was taken.
After studying at Yale University he went to Africa and documented the deaths of thousands of elephants and other wildlife in Tsavo National Park, which became the basis of his 1965 book «The End of the Game», which influenced a generation of artists as well as wildlife conservationists.

Sketches from the book «Peter Beard» that showcase how meticulously he kept his diaries.

In 1996, he was injured by a charging elephant that crushed him with its head. The incident left him with fractures in his pelvis and massive internal bleeding. After almost dying, he was put back together by Kenyan surgeons and eventually recovered.

Peter Beard & and his wife Cheryl Tiegs in the early ’80s

He was married three times, first briefly to Minnie Cushing Beard Coleman in 1967, then to supermodel Cheryl Tiegs from 1982 to 1986. He had affairs with Candice Bergen and Jackie Onassis‘s sister Lee Radziwill, babysat for John Kennedy Jr. and his sister Caroline, and was the man who discovered Somali model Iman, who went on to marry rocker David Bowie. He married his current wife, Nejma Khanum Beard, in 1986. They have a daughter, Zara Beard, who is 31.

PETER BEARD
Orphan Cheetah Triptych, 1968
It went for $662.500 at a Christie’s auction in 2012.

«I thought of Africa as a place where there was still plenty of room, where you could actually live life rather than have your life run by a world where you wake up in the morning to a traffic jam, rush to catch a bus, struggle to get to the office.» Peter Beard

Iman through the lens of Peter Beard

One of Beard’s most iconic photographs was of naked model Maureen Gallagher handfeeding a giraffe at his 45-acre Hog Ranch outside of Nairobi. He had wanted to use Iman but she bailed on him. One print sold for $662.500 in 2012.

Gallagher said she had a long affair with Beard, following the trip to Kenya. «I went there for three weeks and stayed there for three months,» she said. «I cancelled all my bookings. I was 22 and I was in love.»

PETER BEARD
Maureen Gallagher, Hog Ranch, 1987
It went for $43.750 at a Christie’s auction in 2013. 

PETER BEARD
Veruschka von Lehndorff and Galo Galo Guyn, Hunting Block 29, Capturing Rhino for ‘Starvo’ National Park, 1963-1964
It went for $27.500 at a Christie’s auction in 2012. 

Peter and Nejma Beard in Montauk in 2003. Photo: Mary Ellen Mark

One funny anecdote that only happened in 2017, when his third wife, Nejma, had him placed in a psych ward at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital after he brought two Russian prostitutes to their home at the age of 79. She claimed he was suicidal when he stumbled back to their Manhattan apartment at 6am after a night partying in the city’s Meatpacking District. I have to admit this is quite a move to educate your husband!

Young Peter Beard – Half Byron, half Tarzan (1950s)

Despite his vibrant character, he will always be remembered for his extraordinary works of art, from his well-known images of threatened African animals to his fashion photographs and elaborate diary pages. He leaves a legacy and will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Peter Beard!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Getty, Wire, and Courtesy of the Beard Family 

A Truly Couture Christmas

Another festive décor not to miss in London is to be found at THE LANESBOROUGH, that takes on a touch of couture with the unveiling of a Ralph & Russo inspired Christmas Tree installation, as imagined by creative genius, Tony Marklew.

Inspired by the heritage of the British luxury house and the intricate detailing portrayed in Ralph & Russo’s most recent F/W 2019 couture collection, the artistic installation brings to life the magic of couture, enchanting onlookers with a canopy of chandelier-like crystals and ornate leaf embellishment, adorned with silk petal flowers in bold hues of raspberry and ruby red.

Tamara Ralph

Established in London in 2010 by duo Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, Ralph & Russo is an international luxury brand revered for producing designs that are contemporary, timelessly elegant and sought after worldwide. In 2014, Ralph & Russo became the first British guest member in almost a century to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show their first runway collection as part of the S/S 2014 couture season.

Ralph & Russo Couture F/W 2019

Ralph & Russo is loved all over the world for its bold and unapologetically glamorous silhouettes, and famously dressed Meghan Markle in her engagement portraits. Its first ready-to-wear collection launched exclusively with Net-à-Porter, and each piece is made using the same exquisite craftsmanship, modern artistry and detail as its couture pieces.

Bringing the glamour and personal touch of a truly couture Christmas to every hotel guest this festive season, of which the resident cat, Lilibet, is of no exception. To honour the hotel’s most loved resident and her first Christmas at THE LANESBOROUGH, Ralph & Russo have hand-crafted a bespoke collar bearing the crown sigil.

Lilibet arrived in June 2019 and is the latest addition in what is becoming something of a trademark among the sister Oetker Collection properties. Lilbet is a Siberian Forest Cat which means she has very fluffy fur. Siberians are fun-loving, energetic felines and hypoallergenic.
Lilibet joins Burmese cat Fa-Raon from Le Bristol Paris and Kléopatre from Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden.

The hotels have a small team of cat-loving employees, known as the Cat Committee who have kindly volunteered to look after the house cats.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough Hotel and © Ralph & Russo

My Look: Life Is Better With a Dog

Any pet lover will say that life just seems better with a dog. The furry friends keep us company, entertain us, comfort us, protect us, and seem to make life fuller and more complete. I grew up with a dog and I still remember those beautiful years at his side. Today, I cannot pass a dog without a little cuddle. Henry kept me company while taking the photos of this floral-print linen outfit that is one of my favorites at the moment.

My look: Goldie cropped ruffled floral-print linen topicon, Goldie floral-print kick-flare linen trousersicon, and floral-print cotton visor, all by Zimmermann, Marmont fringed logo-embellished metallic cracked-leather pumps by Guccilogo earrings, side packs in yellow, and  yellow logo cuffs, all by Chanel«Mitza» ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and cat eye metal mirrored sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht