Sandra‘s Closet

This summer, I flew to Monaco with Hublot for an outstanding experience. Arriving at my hotel Hermitage, one of my favorites in Monte Carlo, lots of surprises waited for me in my beautiful suite. We shot my look for the night on the terrace of the hotel (post coming up shortly), before leaving to the exclusive Villa Cap Estel to celebrate summer in a luxurious and elegant setting. It was the perfect opportunity to live the «Hublot Loves Summer» experience and to unveil the latest special edition in honor of the Mediterranean in attendance of many celebrities, who are ambassadors of the brand.

Immersed in deep tones of blue, the Big Bang Unico Azur is a beautiful watchmaking interpretation of this eternal shade. Fifty pieces will be released and will be exclusively available at Hublot’s two French Riviera boutiques in Monaco and St Tropez.

Set against a blue ceramic case, the luminescent hands and hour-markers intersect like the wake of a passing ship at sea, observed through a porthole, transfigured by the white ceramic bezel. The 42 mm case, crafted from the same high-tech, hypoallergenic material, houses the HUB128 Unico chronograph self-winding movement. This is complemented by the dial and a choice of two straps: one in the iconic natural rubber and the other in a simple yet elegant white calfskin leather.

The cocktail reception was held at the pool, before we had dinner at a long table in the center of the lawn. The table setting was absolutely stunning and live music entertained us the whole evening.

The night culminated at Sass Café in Monaco where we danced the rest of the night away. Thank you, Hublot, for having me, it was an amazing experience!

And one thing is for sure, Hublot and Sandra love summer… for more impressions scroll down please.

LoL, Sandra

My host Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot, with me.

With artist Marc Ferrero, who did two of my favorite Hublot watches, the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero and the Big Bang One Click Lipstick.

With the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt, whom I had met and interviewed the first time in 2015 when Hublot opened their NYC store in his presence, and whom I I witnessed making history when he was ending his Olympic career after his victory in the 4x100m relay in Rio de Janeiro.

With Didier Deschamps, French professional football manager and former player who has been managing the France national team since 2012.

Always having a blast with lovely Mandy Bork.

Great table conversations with Italian actor Giuseppe Maggio who sat next to me at dinner.

Cherry on the cake: ran into Nicole Scherzinger when leaving my hotel in Monaco.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Hublot / Gabriele Di Martino / Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Hublot
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The House of CHANEL has collaborated on one of the summer’s most-anticipated film, Barbie, produced by and starring Oscar nominee Margot Robbie, a House ambassador, as the global icon. Directed and writen by Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig, the film reveals that to live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place… unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

Throughout the history of cinema, CHANEL has been a preferred collaborator. In our latest partnership, the House proudly worked alongside Barbie creatives to realize several costumes for Margot Robbie’s character as well as a ski suit for Ken’s character, embodied by Ryan Gosling.

In a June 2023 interview, the actress/producer says that, in Barbie, «You’ll notice a lot of CHANEL, Barbies like CHANEL! I’ve got some great CHANEL outfits in the film that I got to wear. The mentality with Barbie is that she has all the accessories—there’s always a hat or bow and earrings and jewelry. The jewelry is big in the way it would be on a doll: big necklaces and earrings. Hats are never for protection from the sun, they’re just another accessory, along with bags and shoes and all of it! It was really fun.»

Five silhouetes imagined by Virginie Viard will be seen on screen, along with quilted bags, including a heart-shaped one, and accessories (shield-eyewear from the COCO NEIGE collection, holographic cuffs and costume jewelry, hats from Maison Michel) made available by the House. Oscar-winning costume designer and friend of the House, Jacqueline Durran, was given a selection of outfits in various shades of pink from the Ready-to-Wear, COCO BEACH and COCO NEIGE collections imagined by Virginie Viard. The five featured silhouetes – three suits, a ski suit, and a dress – were chosen to highlight the Barbie character as she moves through her journey in the film.

The feature film is in cinemas now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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This week, Donatella Versace presented her butterfly-filled Pre-Fall 2023 collection in Cannes, a collaboration with the pop star Dua Lipa titled «La Vacanza.» First used in Gianni Versace’s S/S 1995 runway collection, the butterfly is a motif which the pop star has worn throughout the years; it also seems to hold a special significance.

Must-have of the collection: Butterfly printed silk-twill shirt

«I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. This is the perfect summer collection—from lying by the pool in a fun printed bikini, to dressing-up to dance on hot summer evenings in the perfect evening dress—these clothes immediately make me think of my holidays and being in the sun. Dua loves Fashion, I love Music—we are the perfect duo! We felt like we were on vacation and that is exactly the spirit we want people to feel when they wear our clothes.» –Donatella Versace

It is Versace’s first see-now-buy-now fashion show on the French Riviera. The fashion show reflects an intimate Salon-style collection presentation, with Iván De Pineda as host to guests sat in the gardens of a French Riviera villa.

The collection is Donatella and Dua’s shared vision of an absolute modern elegance for «La Vacanza,» the Italian for «vacation,» and encompasses the full Versace lifestyle; from perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, to bikini and terry cotton beachwear. It is also typical Barbiecore. Think pink power suits, the Barbie bouffant hairdos, and the shiny metallic leathers and crystal embellishments.

La Vacanza is what your summer dreams are made of and you can shop it now HERE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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My stay in Athens with THEMIS Z started already with a brilliant night at THE ISLAND, a landmark for more than thirty years when it comes to partying at the Athens Riviera. The dinner took place at the Gallery, one of the Island Art and Taste‘s private event spaces.

Friend of the designer, American actress Kelly Rutherford, who had flown in from L.A. for the event.

Offering the pleasures and privileges of a luxurious private estate on the coast, Themis hosted us in style with the most beautiful table setting.

Entering through exceptionally pretty bougainvillea-framed gates, the space with its extensive gardens is styled in the tradition of a classic Greek island house. The stone terrace, served by an open kitchen, leads to lawns framed by fragrant eucalyptus and chic box hedges planted with rosemary, lavender and aromatic flora.

The garden is cascading down to a picturesque chapel overlooking rocky coves so these landmark moments can be accompanied by the sound of waves on the shore below.

We indulges the the most amazing traditional Greek food, while being entertained by a local guitar player. I enjoyed spending time with old friends while making new ones.

With our lovely host Themis Zouganeli in one of her beautiful designs.

More to come… TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Next level of style: Ester is matching her outfit to the tableware.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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This year’s Met Gala, which celebrated the exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,» featured plenty of full-on tributes to designer Karl Lagerfeld. From vintage designs by Karl himself to perfect tributes from rival fashion houses and paws-itively incredible Choupette interpretations, there was much to enjoy at this year’s fashion Oscars.

Always taking place on the first Monday in May, the red carpet was filled with A-listers in mostly monochrome black and white looks, with lots of references to the Camellia, plenty of pearls, a touch of tweed and thousands upon thousands of crystal embellishments. Below, I round up my favourite looks from the 2023 Met Gala with a little description why I liked them.

REFERENCES TO THE CAMELLIA

Rihanna in Valentino Haute Couture

My winner! Rihanna is always one of the best dressed Met Gala guests and she did not disappoint for 2023. A nod to the iconic CHANEL flower, Rihanna, who is pregnant and was joined by partner A$AP Rocky, chose a camellia-appliquéd cape and matching gown, both by Valentino Haute Couture.

Bad Bunny in Jacquemus

Personally speaking the strongest menswear look of the night was worn by the «Tití Me Preguntó» rapper, whose all-white Jacquemus ensemble included an ultra long floral train. Inside the jacket was a custom printed picture of Casa Malaparte taken by Lagerfeld in 1997, a nod to the designer’s photography work.

VINTAGE CHANEL

Nicole Kidman in vintage CHANEL

Telling a story with your ensemble can be beautiful, and Nicole Kidman did it by wearing the CHANEL couture gown that she had first worn in 2004 when she starred in the iconic CHANEL No. 5 fragrance advert directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Naomi Campbell in vintage CHANEL

Another Nineties supermodel Naomi Campbell nodded to Karl Lagerfeld by looking stunningly in one of his own creations, a pink satin gown with bejewelled details from CHANEL’s S/S 2010 couture collection.

Dua Lipa in CHANEL Haute Couture

The gala co-chair turned heads in a tweed CHANEL Haute Couture ballgown from 1992, that she combined with a breathtaking Tiffany & Co. set, comprised of a necklace in platinum with a diamond of over 200 carats and diamonds and a ring in platinum with diamonds of over 9 total carats. The primary diamond of this necklace was cut in the proportions of the famed Tiffany Diamond.

CREATIONS INSPIRED BY KARL LAGERFELD’S AESTHETIC FROM OTHER FASHION HOUSES

Kim Kardashian in Schiaparelli

I love this look! Kim Kardashian wore a heavily beaded custom Schiaparelli dress with thousands of pearls draped over her.

Anne Hathaway in Versace

The actress showed up in a floor-length, monochrome, tweed (a nod to CHANEL) gown, complete with Versace safety pins holding it all together. Call it CHASACE – the perfect mishmash of Versace and CHANEL.

Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen

To honour the late Lagerfeld, the British actor opted for classic tailoring, but with a twist and might have set the start for a multi-brooch trend.

THE DESIGNERS WITH THE MOST KILLER LOOKS

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

Leave it to Them Browne for the most theatrical fashion moment at the Met Gala 2023. «Glass Onion» star Janelle Monáe wore a supersized version of CHANEL’s classic tweed jacket. Later it was followed by a high-fashion striptease, that revealed a sheer conical wireframe gown atop a black sequined, pearl-studded bikini.

Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne

With its corseted bodice, ruffled skirt and draped chains, inspired by those iconic CHANEL details, the «Wednesday» actress was half goth, and half glam, and definitely an eye-catcher.

Cardi B in Thom Browne

Another camellia reference, Cardi B nailed this trend in this billowing gown that was also inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s personal uniform.

CHOUPETTE LOVERS

Doja Cat in Oscar de la Renta

The great tribute to Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette came from Doja Cat, who wore a custom made embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta, that she topped off with cat ears on the hood, a prosthetic cat nose and claw-like nails.

Jared Leto

Telling the best tale (tail) of the night, Leto decided to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s famous Birman cat, Choupette, in a full cat costume, worth a Disney movie appearance.  However, after unmasking, he transformed into an all-black ensemble and a matching cape featuring an ornate detailing around the neckline and shoulders.

I am curious to hear which one was your favorite!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Getty Images #ALineOfBeauty
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Jaeger-LeCoultre names Lenny Kravitz as a new Ambassador for the Maison. One of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, the singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, designer and photographer is the archetype of the modern Renaissance man.

Since the very beginning of his career, Lenny Kravitz has been defiantly original, always following his own path, steadfast in his artistic vision. With a strong parallel between his creative philosophy and that of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the relationship with the Maison has come very naturally: «For creators, the most important thing is finding their voice, knowing what they represent and being true to their vision – while always staying open to new ways of thinking,» he says.

A watch enthusiast since childhood, when he became fascinated by his father’s chronographs, Lenny says: «I feel very drawn to Jaeger-LeCoultre. The way they combine such a high level of craftsmanship, design and function in their watches – that really resonates with me.»

One of Lenny’s favourite watches is the Reverso, which he paired with a black silk jumpsuit and layered jewellery when he performed at the 2023 Oscars ceremony. An instantly recognisable design icon, the Reverso is an ideal match for a man whose innate sense of style was recognised last year by the Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) with its ‘Fashion Icon’ award. Fusing 1970s bohemian influences with rockstar classics and fashion-forward statements, Lenny’s nonchalant elegance makes even his most daring outfits look effortless and timeless.

«Beyond the function of a watch, style is very important – how it looks and the way it fits on your wrist. You have to really connect with it,» he adds. «My Jaeger-LeCoultre pieces feel like they have always been there – they blend with me and their style is absolutely timeless. You can really make these watches your own and when you want to change the mood, change the vibe, they always fit. It’s as if they become one with you.»

Along with fellow Jaeger-LeCoultre Ambassador Anya Taylor-Joy, he recently completed the filming of a new campaign for the Maison, to be released in May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jaeger-LeCoultre
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A CHANEL ambassador since 2017, Blackpink’s JENNIE is the new face of the CHANEL 22 bag. To embody the mini version of CHANEL’s latest bag, the Korean singer, an iconic K-Pop artist celebrated worldwide, leads Inez & Vinoodh through the streets of Seoul.

Alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Margaret Qualley and Whitney Peak – who bring the tote and backpack versions of the CHANEL 22 bag to life – the campaign continues to make the codes of pop culture resonate with those of the House. For this fourth episode, Inez & Vinoodh have created an original story based around JENNIE’s own tastes and personality. The Korean capital is the latest backdrop following on from Los Angeles, Palm Springs and New York.

JENNIE is a woman of her time. She interprets it in a manner that is both singular and universal: «Inez & Vinoodh call me ‘My Girl’. It’s comforting because they see me as a young woman, not just «JENNIE» in the spotlight. As a member of BLACKPINK, I’m constantly in the spotlight, but these images are an accurate representation of who I really am.»

JENNIE represents the modernity of the CHANEL 22 bag. The style of a cosmopolitan and vibrant youth, capturing the beat of the world. My favorite version for this summer season is this one in denim. I am completely obsessed with it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: CHANEL – Inez and Vinoodh #CHANEL22 #CHANELHandbags
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Today, I am writing to share some exciting news about YVY, the Swiss fashion brand that has been making waves in the fashion industry for its innovative designs that cross the boundaries between object, accessory, and clothing.

Yvonne Reichmuth founder and creative director of YVY.

The brand’s biggest ARCHIVE SALE will take place from the 14th to the 16th of April at their studio and online from the 17th to the 20th. The studio’s address is Quellenstrasse 27 in Zurich with opening hours on Friday 14th of April from 10am to 8pm and during the weekend from 11am to 5pm.

The cuban-born American-raised superstar Camila Cabello wore the YVY Spine Harness for her look on The Voice USA recently.

YVY has gained a lot of attention and love from celebrities worldwide. The ARCHIVE SALE features some of the iconic pieces worn by Lady Gaga, Ciara, and Irina Shayk, making it an exciting chance for fans to own a piece of fashion history! Moreover, YVY will have samples and prototypes of some of their bestsellers.

Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines, Yvonne Reichmuth and Kate Winslet.

Last year, Swiss watchmaking brand Longines entrusted YVY with a new design for the famous rectangular watch of Longine’s DolceVita collection, resulting in four sophisticated timepieces that were revealed in Paris in the presence of Kate Winslet.

Madonna in 2020 in a one-of-a-kind top from YVY’s BRUT collection, handmade in the Zurich atelier with Italian lambskin and delicate Swarovski crystals. 

The aim for YVY’s ARCHIVE SALE is to provide an unparalleled opportunity for the Swiss audience to own exclusive pieces from the collection Swiss made. YVY believes that each piece carries a unique story, and is thrilled to share it with their valued customers.

Lday Gaga herself starred in her Haus Laboratories’s makeup line’s campaign in a top by YVY to underline the empowering effect of a bold eyeliner.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get your dream leather look and follow YVY on Instagram @yvyleather for a first look at the archive pieces. Get exclusive access to iconic pieces worn by celebrities for fashion magazines and press events, as well as one-of-a-kind designs and samples from some of their must-haves at up to 80% off.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © YVY
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A longstanding mainstay within the House’s collections, «The Jackie» experienced a well-chronicled rise to icon status—ever since its debut in 1961, the handbag’s perpetual presence on the arms of celebrated figures around the world crystallized its everlasting association with their signature sophistication. Jackie Kennedy was spotted in the ’70s carrying the G1244 bag by Gucci, that was the perfect accessory to match her iconic tortoiseshell glasses. Eventually, Gucci renamed the bag in her honour, dubbing the style the «Jackie» bag.

Today, Dakota Johnson finds herself at the latest inflection point of the line’s celebrated chronology in which a certain attitude encounters a certain era, marking the beginning of a new chapter through the House’s latest campaign. Johnson makes her way through everyday moments in Los Angeles with different versions of the Jackie 1961, each with its own personality, each perfectly paired to the occasion. The film and imagery, captured by Glen Luchford, pay homage to the style’s storied origins as spontaneous snapshots highlight the silhouette’s intrinsic versatility and enduring elegance, reflecting a state of co-existence that spans decades and personas.

The Jackie 1961
Following a distinguished line of reiterations, each emblematic of its time, today’s Jackie 1961 emerges to transcend the traditional with its sleek silhouette and universal attitude. The selection is presented in three different sizes—mini, small, and medium—in a wide range of colors that highlights the design’s inherent versatility. Clean lines bring the focus to the unique piston closure, as well as the quality of the material itself, whether natural grain, patent, or precious leather, or the emblematic GG Supreme canvas.

A beautiful new iteration: The Jackie 1961 crocheted raffia and leather shoulder bag

A longer, removable shoulder strap, either in leather or as a chain, enhances the Jackie 1961’s adaptable personality and practicality. Within each collection, the House introduces creative interpretations, including in woven raffia and straw as well as with velvet tapestry patterns for Cruise 2023.

My favorite this season: The Jackie 1961 small leather shoulder bag in green

The original model introduced in 1961 became expressive of the 1960s and 1970s jetsetter lifestyle for which Gucci was known and new sensibilities were brought to the signature style in 1999 and 2009, drawing from a contemporary intuition and attitude and ever- assuming new characters that defy definition – fitting seamlessly in any wardrobe.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI JACKIE 1961, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci and Getty Images
Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer & Director: Glen Luchford
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When the likes of Robert Pattinson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonah Hill and Rihanna want to rock that fresh-off-the-building-site style, there’s only one traditional workwear brand they turn to – CARHARTT WIP.

CARHARTT WIP stands for Work In Progress and forms a division of the American brand Carhartt, one of the first companies to pioneer workwear in the USA. Established by Edwin Faeh in Europe in 1994, who became the exclusive distributor of Carhartt in Europe, it was over 100 years after Hamilton Carhartt had established his business in Detroit. CARHARTT WIP has been carefully adapting and modifying Carhartt’s core product characteristics for a different audience of consumers who value refined design and quality while still remaining true to Carhartt’s brand origins.

Since the beginning, CARHARTT WIP have built a strong, organic relationship with unknown, inspiring, provocative and upcoming figures in music and sport, becoming an iconic and well respected brand in underground scenes, from hip-hop to skate, from graffiti to cycling, as well as working with labels such as A.P.C., Neighborhood, Patta, Vans, Junya Watanabe and many more.

This season, the artistic, color-savvy world of MARNI meets CARHARTT WIP for the first time, offering an original wardrobe rooted in utilitarian silhouettes.
Founded also in 1994, MARNI is recognized as the most artistic, color-savvy, life embracing, off-beat brand in the luxury segment. Renowned for its subversive collections, MARNI has consistently challenged the traditional codes of fashion and the seriousness of dressing up, celebrating individuality through its distinctive approach to materials and colors, combined with a unique taste for prints and shapes.

Consisting of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, the collection reinterprets Carhartt WIP’s signatures with a fresh gaze, lending workwear-inspired archetypes a new guise through MARNI’s unique flair for colors, prints and shapes.

MARNI x CARHARTT WIP introduces new material combinations, all-over prints and generous volumes, combining the substantiality of authentic utility wear with the light-hearted approach of MARNI. A two-tone clover print is applied to canvas Carhartt WIP archetypes such as the Active Jacket, as well as a short-sleeve work shirt, and a work pant offered in a loose silhouette. Bucket hats, chunky slip-on sneakers, and a robust canvas tote bag are also emblazoned with the same print. Meanwhile, jersey tops hybridize the shape of a tee with the iconic silhouette of a basketball tank top, and feature a bold iteration of Carhartt WIP’s «C» Logo.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP color-block shearling jacket

In addition, shearlings and soft calfskins add a tactile richness to typically rugged styles like the four-pocket Michigan Coat and Vest, while heart shaped gold-tone buttons offer an additional element of detail, referencing buttons that could be found on Carhartt products as far back as 1889. An interplay of corduroy and canvas appears on items including a car coat and overshirt, further elevated by MARNI’s signature flair for color, while pockets bear a co-branded motif that utilizes a unique single thread embroidery technique. Together, these styles deftly combine a sense of functional pragmatism with MARNI’s avant-garde codes.

The accompanying campaign stars the seminal funk artist Bootsy Collins – formerly of Parliament-Funkadelic – whose signature driving basslines helped propel the genre forward. He is joined by his wife Patti, his grandson Vincent and musician Babyxsosa in their Cincinatti home, in a series of images shot by Lengua, with styling by Haley Wollens. #funknotfight.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP floral-print cotton-canvas slip-on sneakers

MARNI and CARHARTT WIP will mark their collaboration with an in-store jam session at the Marni Montenapoleone flagship during Milan Fashion Week, kicking off Marni Jam, a multidisciplinary program that will further unfold globally.

TO SHOP MARNI x CARHARRT WIP, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Photographer / Videographer: Lengua – Models: Bootsy Collins, Patti, Vincent & Babyxsosa – Styling: Haley Wollens
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