Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I was invited to a great cocktail evening with my Net-à-Porter family to celebrate the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s Virtual Archives: The Craft. It was amazing to dive into this multi-sensory VR experience where I could discover the extraordinary craftsmanship of Manolo Blahnik. Celebrating artisans and artistry, the evening invited us to explore the latest feature of the virtual experience dedicated to exploring the mastery behind the men’s and women’s collections. The award-winning virtual archives examine the process from design through to techniques and construction, offering an insight into the craft of shoemaking.

From Manolo’s desk to the factory floor, take a journey into the wonderful world of shoes in this virtual experience. Book a slot for the London xydrobe experience here.

On display were also the newest collections and many of the beautiful sketches Manolo Blahnik is famous for.

TO SHOP MANOLO BLAHNIK x NET-À-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With my lovely hosts of the night: Elodie Bougenault, Chief Commercial Officer at Manolo Blahnik, and Vikki Kavanagh, Managing Director at NET-A-PORTER and Mr Porter.

Annabel Skamen and me love the Hangisi 105 embellished satin pumps.

Marilyn Monroe only wore CHANEL N°5 in bed, I only wear my Manolos … good night!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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I am so proud to announce that I am a member of Annabel’s Membership Committee. The famous and iconic London members club is not only known for its outstanding decor and great parties, but also for creating charitable moments.

The beautiful façade of Annabel’s London this September.

This September, it is hosting the fourth annual Annabel’s for the Amazon month, dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to combat deforestation in the Brazilian Amazonian rainforest. The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF) continues to reforest with local traditional families, whilst also expanding their efforts to support indigenous communities more holistically alongside Brazil’s leading activists. This year’s façade highlights both the beauty and devastation of the Amazon rainforest. It stands as an artistic statement bridging the urgency of the deforestation crisis to London and the UK to remind us we all have a role to play in the safeguarding of our planet.

There is a global food crisis and a growing poverty gap. Amazonian deforestation is at a 15-year high, hurting local communities who are on the frontline. Violence against women and girls is widespread and growing.

The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF) is dedicated to improving the lives of women, with children at the heart of all that we do. We work to tackle child poverty, deforestation and domestic abuse, in the UK and Brazil, with our core focus remaining on women and children across these areas.

The club’s fourth Annabel’s For The Amazon gala is headlined by singer Seal and house group WhoMadeWho. The cocktail menu has been created in partnership with The Lost Explorer Mezcal, and each cocktail sold will plant 2.5 trees. It is a star-studded event with VIPs in attendance, including Andrew Garfield, James Corden, Douglas Booth, Wallis Day, Toheeb Jimoh, Harry Lawtey, Paul Forman, Chaneil Kular, and Ed McVey at the much-anticipated annual fundraising gala.

Amazing live performance by Seal

Throughout the campaign, the prestigious NFT Winds of Yawanawa is on display from Richard and Patricia Caring’s private collection. This first-of-its-kind co-creation between new media artist Refik Anadol and the Yawanawá community was commissioned by Impact One, as part of its Possible Futures programme. In the state of Acre, Brazil, The Yawanawa community neighbours communities supported by the ongoing works of The Caring Family Foundation.

True power couple: Richard and Patricia Caring

Patricia Caring, who is Brazilian and the Co-Founder of The Caring Family Foundation as well as Chairwoman of Annabel’s said, «Annabel’s for the Amazon was established four years ago and set out to raise awareness and funds for the crisis happening in the Amazon. We think about the Amazon for the trees but there is so much more that is affected by deforestation. Families strive to survive amongst the challenges, Mothers need to feed their children and communities are at the risk of extinction. Our work on the ground directly supports the livelihoods of the indigenous people in the Acre region who choose the species of trees planted by The Caring Family Foundation. It means they are able to grow, produce and generate income for their families, thereby giving them a chance to thrive.

Communities do their best to stand strong, but they need our support and protection. Together with the indigenous people, we can make a difference. They are the guardians of the Amazon rainforest, and we cannot forget that a healthier rainforest regulates our global climate and preserves biodiversity beyond Brazil. What happens in the Amazon has an impact on our world, but without the indigenous communities it’s hard for us to start thinking about hope for climate change, so that’s why The Caring Family Foundation and I stand for Brazil and for us.»

Richard Caring raising funds that night!

Annabel’s For The Amazon Gala 2023 stands as a shining example of the power of unity and commitment towards a crucial cause. Let us all take action, ensuring the protection and preservation of the Amazon rainforest for generations to come. Donate here!

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Lisa Tchenguiz and Mark Vandelli at the gala

Following the dress code of the Amazon… Harry Hazell in green velvet.
All details of my look will follow shortly.

With Alessandro Carra at the after party.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Annabel’s
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I am happily announcing that I am a new ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté. Founded in Japan in 1982, the ultra luxury skincare and makeup brand is finally available in Switzerland again. Today Clé de Peau Beauté is owned by the Shiseido Group. The name says it all, Clé de Peau means in French the key to skin’s beauty.

Mathieu Arsac, Marketing Director Shiseido Group, Switzerland, with me.

Yesterday, influencers and journalists were invite to Signau House in Zurich for an intimate lunch and to discover the products first hand.

«INTELLIGENT – EXQUISITE – UNCOMPROMISING»

Clé de Peau Beauté’s mission has always been to forge new frontiers in advanced skin cell science. It was the first brand in 1982 to consider the skin on a cellular level. Based upon decades of research and with a sophisticated combination of cutting-edge Japanese technology and precious ingredients, scientists unlocked the power of Skin Intelligence – skin’s innate ability to distinguish between good and bad stimuli to achieve and maintain its ideal condition. Scientists considered the epidermis as the third brain. Clé de Peau Beauté products were created to empower skin to reach this highly desired state of harmony – the key to skin’s radiance, and optimal qualities of texture, tone and contour.

«SKIN BEHAVES LIKE A BRAIN.»

Luxurious in every aspect, from masterfully crafted formulations to highly sensorial experiences, Clé de Peau Beauté adopted the global language of luxury, French. With a full range of exceptionally crafted skincare, color, and complexion products, Clé de Peau Beauté helps women to unlock skin’s innermost potential and, ultimately, transform skin and reveal the radiance within.

During the next weeks, I will explain you the different products, my skincare routine further and give you some make-up tips. So stay tuned for more.
Clé de Peau Beauté is available in Switzerland at Globus and Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

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

I just got back from Seoul, South Korea after an amazing week. One of my highlights was the WWD Art Gala that took place at my Hotel Josun Palace.
Hosted by WWD Korea and parallel to the opening of Frieze Seoul, this illustrious event celebrated the vibrant and diverse world of art and fashion, while honoring the achievements of remarkable artists across all genres, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. This year’s gala featured captivating ballet performances  and several live acts, while fostering cultural exchange, and providing a platform to connect with luminaries in the creative communities of art, culture, entertainment and fashion.

The curated exhibition on display presented beautiful artworks for the live auction hosted by the famous Simon de Pury, captivating performances, an elegant cocktail reception and a gastronomically delightful dinner. I tried really hard to get one work but got outbidding by the wonderful Mrs Sung-joo Kim, who is the founder, chairwoman and chief visionary officer of the Sungjoo Group and MCM Holding AG.

Sun-joo Kim with my humble self at the gala. Such an inspiring woman.

«Women are often discriminated by age, especially in Asia. I am trying to represent a new kind of trendy woman, who is not victimized by fashion but rules over it!»
– SUN-JOO KIM.

The culmination of the night was the announcement of the winner of the Art Prize of the Year. Personally speaking, it was a great opportunity to engage with fellow art connoisseurs, meet amazing artists and collectors, forge meaningful connections, and immerse myself in the beauty and creativity that Korea has to offer, while supporting the arts.

Please enjoy my impressions of the night. I already marked my calendar for 2024!

LoL, Sandra

Most stunning floral decoration at the gala by LA based floral artist Gina Kim Park.

With wonderful Yuna Kim, CEO & Publisher WWD Korea

Live auction by Simon de Pury.

I sat next to digital artist Mike Winkelmann, alias Beeple, who sold «Everydays: The First 5000 Days,» an NFT-linked digital collage at Christie’s for $69.3 million two years ago.

And yes, we had a lot of fun!

With my dear friend Susan Shin, Art Advisor to WWD Korea, who helped organizing the event, and Jamie QQ Wu.

From left to right: Yuna Kim, a guest, my humble self, Kim Robson Ortiz, Amy Kim Young, Kim Heirston, Susan Shin and a guest.

Always inspiring Nataliya Pissarro.

With artist Dustin Yellin, who wore a traditional festive Korean outfit.

Amazing goodie bag with lots of Korean beauty products!

Photos: Courtesy of WWD Korea, © Sandra Bauknecht and Photo of me at photo wall: @photo_hola_
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

If you are in Mykonos, a shopping trip to NAMMOS VILLAGE is a must for every fashion lover. Just picture this: your favourite brands in the whole world await in an amazing location under the sun at the famous Psarou beach.

12.000 m2 full of green and water elements with special art pieces create the ideal essence of luxury, 10’ away from Mykonos town, combining the Nammos beach life and gastronomic adventure with a high end shopping catwalk.

Each year on July 17, the iconic NAMMOS VILLAGE Party takes place where the high end fashion houses invite their top customers from all over the world for a night under the stars. I was guest of VALENTINO and flew in for this occasion.

After a wonderful cocktail reception and some shopping, we enjoyed a seated dinner outside before burning of the calories to the sounds of Alessandro Ristori. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for the outfit post, click here please.

NAMMOS VILLAGE

Psarou Beach 84600 Mykonos, Greece
T: +30 22890 22440
M: +30 694 4722064
E-mail:

LoL, Sandra

With Marco Moscato from the Valentino family.

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

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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Ibiza is a very special place. It is my happy place. A special, even sacred island where you can feel free to be yourself, to express yourself. People who come to the island love this indescribable energy, this freedom. It is a place to heal, to take decision, to relax, to recharge your batteries or just to have a good time.

Yesterday, I was invited at my friend’s stunning house for a beautiful Spanish dinner among dear friends. With breathtaking views over the bay, we enjoyed sunset drinks. The intensity of the island heightens at sunset as heat and energy radiate from the rock and you get to experience something special.

With my beautiful hostess Ana-Karina de Paula Allen

AK has immaculate taste, no wonder she is Communications Director Head of Jewellery at British Vogue, Tatler and Vanity Fair London and a patron of British Fashion Council. Her beautiful  villa boasts a mix of contemporary architecture keeping touches of Moroccan influence within the classy decor.

With London based jewelry designer Sabine Römer, who is also from Frankfurt originally like me.

For dinner, AK and her husband treated us to some amazing Balearic Island seafood and Spanish fusion delights. Enjoy some of the impressions. All details of my outfit will follow shortly.

Thank you so much for having me and for being part of my journey!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Bea Bermejo
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

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.

LoL, Sandra

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

During our amazing ASMALLWORLD summer weekend in St. Tropez this month, we went for lunch to one of my favorite beach spots, Bagatelle Beach Club.

«Boire, n’est pas pêcher» is written across the wall of the beach club, which means drinking is not a sin. With good conscience, we sipped exotic cocktails and world-class champagne while indulging in a delicious Mediterranean lunch among dear friends at Pampelonne beach. Afterwards we burnt the calories off during Bagatelle’s signature afternoon beach party in the sun.

With our dear friends Elettra Lamborghini and Afrojack.

The gorgeous hats with the slogan «Share the good life» can be bought the boutique inside the beach club. Stay tuned for more and of course all details of my look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

When I came back from Athens, I went immediately to Widder Hotel in Zurich where my Valentino girls, Gianfranca and Elisa, had prepared a beautiful surprise birthday dinner for our dear friend Albena Gateva.

Albena loves butterflies and the transformation. Therefore she made the animal her logo.

Albena and I had met at a CHANEL fashion show and have become immediately friends as we both share the same love for fashion. The Bulgarian born bombshell took her passion a step further and launched Albella Privè in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. Her project was to recreate the human connection that became unstable and uncertain during this difficult historical time.

Her purpose was to create communicative seams, weaves and plots for the most loved ones, her friends. Albena wanted to reinvent a pure and sincere expressive language through her clothes that speak of complicity, friendship, intuition, affection, beauty and being a woman: this is how Albella Privé was born.

For her birthday, her best friend Tula Schuker, who had just been the cover girl in Albella Privè for Glamour Bulgaria, and I wore Albella Privé brocade jackets.

Tula and me in Albella Privé.

At the moment you can find her designs at Blu Boutique in Lugano and on her website.

A beautiful nod to Valentino: The Rockstud birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Albena! I am sure we will see so much more from you soon…

LoL, Sandra

Albena framed by her best friends: Tula and Cristina Valcuende, who had flown in from Spain.

Bravo Elisa and Gianfranca! You organized the surprise so well!

Tula and Alena Bischofberger with me.

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