Sandra‘s Closet

Belmond unveils a partnership with Dior for a new wellness experience in the legendary gardens of Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, in celebration of the iconic property’s 150 year anniversary. From now to October 2023, the hotel’s storied gardens will welcome two Dior treehouse treatment cabins perched in the majestic cypress trees, offering guests and visitors exclusive skincare treatments in a verdant oasis, overlooking the sea.

In Timeo’s six-acre gardens, designed by English gardener and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan at the end of XIX century, many artists and writers have found meditative peace and inspiration over the last 150 years. Today Grand Hotel Timeo and Dior Spa are fostering the same spirit, inviting guests to enjoy a moment of wellbeing in the hotel’s lush enclave.

LUXURIOUS WELLNESS COCOONS AMONGST THE CYPRESS TREES
Guests are invited to climb a few steps up a wooden staircase to access two highly sophisticated treatment cabins, one double and one single, perched in the cypress trees. These vibrant green wooden treehouses are elevated with the famous Toile de Jouy curtains, in a matching shade.
The decor takes inspiration from the fragrant flora and fauna which envelopes the pop-up spa. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior, has reimagined the iconic Dior fabric decorating the cabins in a bold leaf-green to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. The Dior Toile de Jouy wallpaper, the bamboo seating and the modern design lamps with brushed brass finishes, create an intimate and refined atmosphere.

Each cabin, designed by Thirtyone Design + Management, has its own individual terrace with sea views complete with a parasol in matching fabric, rattan furniture and plants, offering guests the privacy to extend this moment of well-being in absolute serenity.

ICONIC TREATMENTS TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS
The menu of signature face and body treatments draws on the skills and expertise of Dior skincare, created to help the skin and the senses blossom during the summer. The signature Dolce Vita Solar Glow, a one-hour face and body treatment ensures a perfectly enhanced and extended sun tan. Depending on the time of the treatment, it concludes with either a head-to-toe application of protective sun cream, lotion or oil before sun exposure, or with a soothing after-sun balm or shimmering oil, at the end of the day.

Beauty-enhancing treatments, all characterised by iconic Dior techniques that combine the best of traditional Eastern and Western methods with powerful, targeted movements, include: Dior Prestige Haute Précision, a major holistic face treatment using the Dior Prestige product line and combining the regenerative power of the Granville Rose with enveloping massage techniques to blend pleasure with visible correction of the signs of age; and Constellation, a deeply relaxing holistic body massage, for perfect harmony between body and mind.

To see the spa menu and prices, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior
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This week, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU in the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau officially opened its doors, an opulent five-star hotel designed by the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, combining immaculate interiors with unrivaled hospitality.

Created with a bold vision for iconic accommodations and aesthetics, and as the world’s first and only hotel entirely designed by and named after the late fashion legend, the designer’s imaginative, inimitable style and ethos are infused into its very DNA, from its architectural elements to the specially commissioned furniture and art.

Each of the hotel’s 271 rooms and suites, as well as its Spa, Gym and pools feature Karl Lagerfeld’s bold, inspired blend of rock-chic aesthetics and elegant Chinoiserie elements. The signature restaurant, Mesa by José Avillez, translates his iconic tastes into an exquisite chic setting, while The Book Lounge is inspired by his home library in Paris. Discover fashion, luxury and beauty, fused together into a one-of-a-kind reflection of the world of Karl.

Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, said, «It’s incredible to see Karl’s vision translated into reality at THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU. It is truly a unique and immersive experience into Karl’s world. He often spoke about his fascination for Chinese culture and Karl has seamlessly combined elements from both East and West with his unique style and creative expression. In Karl’s own words, let’s “embrace the present and invent the future.»

Karl Lagerfeld’s design concept for THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU stemmed from a sophisticated reimagining of modern Chinoiserie fused with traditional craftsmanship, bold colors and patterns meet tailored silhouettes.

All rooms and suites showcase influences of both classic Chinese design and contemporary Western aesthetics: custom-created headboards were inspired by auspicious Chinese coins that represent good fortune, while porcelain vases were handmade in Jingdezhen and circular room dividers were inspired by traditional Chinese moon gates.

Reflecting Karl Lagerfeld’s passion for collaboration, specially commissioned furnishings include exquisite sculptures by Dutch artist Marcel Wanders and French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Terzani chandeliers.

For information about THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU and to book your stay, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Karl Lagerfeld Macau
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Furthering the House’s connection to Saint-Tropez, Gucci also announces its collaboration with Loulou Ramatuelle Beach Club, which was home to Burberry last year. For the previous post, click here please. This season until the end of September, the renowned beach club undergoes a captivating transformation, immersing visitors in the world of Gucci.

In occasion of this exclusive partnership Gucci introduces its unique aesthetic to every aspect of the Loulou Ramatuelle Beach Club experience. Umbrellas, sunbeds, towels, cushions, and more are adorned with the House’s signature Interlocking G logo, stripe patterns and a fresh palette creating the ultimate luxury destination for the summer.

The space also hosts a temporary Gucci pop-up allowing visitors to discover the exclusive capsule collection envisioned for Saint-Tropez directly at the picturesque location along with pieces from the Summer Stories collection. For an all-round experience, the bar offers a special a selection of cocktails and menus curated by Giardino 25, the House’s all-day café and cocktail bar in the heart of Florence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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Gucci announces the reopening of its newly renovated boutique in Saint-Tropez. Located at 72, rue François Sibilli, between the port and the place des Lices, the space spans over 200 square meters across two floors and carries a wide array of pieces comprising ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women. Guests are welcomed to discover the House’s signature handbags lines including the Jackie 1961, the Bamboo 1947 and the Horsebit 1955 along with a curated selection of precious jewelry pieces. In addition, the boutique showcases items from the Gucci Valigeria collection envisioned for the perfect get-away.

Situated in a classic Saint-Tropez house characterized by the typical green shutters that define the surrounding landscape, the boutique is crowned by a private garden designed around an old well providing guests with a space to relax, enjoy the greenery and immerse themselves in the beautiful atmosphere of the French Riviera.

The design of the interiors complements the outdoors evoking the unique beauty of the Cote D’Azur through light-toned hues and the implementation of local materials and finishes. Floors are adorned with Liberty style mosaics recreating curved volutes designs typical of the early 20th century. Natural oak panels found across walls harmoniously complement woven rattan finishes in a nod to local craftmanship traditions.

Envisioned to make guests feel at home, the store is framed with newly designed racks inspired by classic brass designs associated with drawers reminiscent of hard sided trunks inspired by the House’s luggage offer. Carpets and curtains match the boutique’s sophisticated palette evoking the light-hearted spirit of warm summer days. Ensuring the most comfortable and intimate shopping experience, guests may reserve a dedicated room within the store to enjoy privacy and special services tailored to their specific needs.

As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new boutique is designed using LEED guidelines and principles; monitor and promote energy efficiency.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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While being with Themis Z in Athens, I visited the Acropolis. Join me on this photo walk, I’ll give you my thoughts on how to make the most of a visit here.

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts.

The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.

Be early … this is NOT crowded! Can you imagine?!

Personal tips:

• The marble stoned pathways are very slippery. Wear some solid footwear. No high heels are allowed on the hill.
• Try to come early in the day. There are many tourists visiting and you want to avoid the crowds.
• Book a guided tour. Your guide will surely show you the best photo spots.
• Wear a flown dress or skirt – this will help you get a great photo in front of the monument.
• After you visited the Acropolis, go to the New Acropolis Museum (inaugurated in 2009), in which most of the original sculptural and/or architectural pieces of the monuments are conserved. The architecture of the building itself is worth seeing.

To get your ticket and for more information, visit the Acropolis website here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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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
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In dedication to the world-famous Belgian-American fashion designer, The Diane von Furstenberg Suite has been unveiled at Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel located in the heart of Brussels.

Adorned with DVF’s signature touches, a bold zebra rug, two large silk scarves by Andy Warhol, and a collection of striking artwork that celebrates her legacy with her world famous style and influence.

The iconic wrap dress that made von Furstenberg famous, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in honour of this milestone, the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum is dedicating its new exhibition: Diane von Furstenberg, Woman before Fashion.

In celebration of the exhibition, Hotel Amigo has created a special offer for guests to Step into the World of Diane von Furstenberg from now through January 7, 2024 by staying in the DVF suite. Starting rate from € 2,640.

On arrival, delight in a box of Laurent Gerbaud chocolates as you explore the stylish suite. Venture out to the exhibition, Woman before Fashion, and immerse yourself in the timelessness of her designs. After delving into her illustrious career at the museum, return to your suite for a night of relaxation amid the unique DVF ambience.

Begin the following day with a complimentary breakfast, then enjoy a private visit to the DVF boutique. Experience first-hand the intertwining worlds of art, philanthropy and fashion that have shaped Diane von Furstenberg’s remarkable legacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rocco Forte Hotels
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For the first time in Europe, a fashion museum is dedicating an exhibition to Diane von Furstenberg. The exhibition at the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum, through a selection of more than 50 models and a vast iconography, presents the career, creations and personality of this extraordinary woman until January 7, 2024. Learn about the diversity and timelessness of the prints that have contributed to her fame, the freedom that inspires her work and her daily life, and the role played by art in her creations with works by friends such as Andy Warhol, Konstantin Kakanias and François-Marie Banier.

For this occasion and for the first time, the designer has opened the doors of her archives. Nicolas Lor, the curator, tells us about the nuggets unearthed in these vast textile, graphic and photographic collections and about the conception of the project. He also tells us about the many interviews conducted with Diane von Furstenberg. These rich interviews provide an original insight into the work of the designer and her famous wrap dress, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Brussels City
Phone Numbers: +32 2 213 44 50 and +32 2 279 43 67
Email: musea@​brucity.​be
www.fashionandlacemuseum.brussels

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DVF and Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
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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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Last month, I took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna as guest of Louis Vuitton. Once I arrived in the Austrian capital, I visited the new Maison’s new store that has relocated to an expanded space on Graben in the heart of the city. Occupying four floors of a historic building, this new store presents the Louis Vuitton universe within a beautiful Viennese backdrop.

The store is the latest realisation of the design concept developed by Peter Marino for locations such as New Bond Street, Los Angeles and Ginza. Among the largest in Europe, it benefits from Vienna’s status as a dynamic cultural destination and a nexus for travel.

Designed by Max Kröpf, Oskar Laske and Viktor Fiala, the building dates to 1898-99. Its listed façade is ornamented with reliefs depicting long-distance trade and coats of arms from such cities as Hamburg, Trieste and London.

A spacious layout showcases the full Louis Vuitton offer and Peter Marino signatures, including striking art, objects and furniture that correspond with the design heritage of Vienna. Defined by curving walls and open sightlines, the store is organised around an exceptional staircase that unfurls with floating steps in four tonal varieties of stone. At once sculptural and a means of circulation, it is juxtaposed with a statement wall, panelled in commissioned works by well-known Austrian artist, Erwin Wurm. Bright and graphic, the eight paintings are composed of abstracted words: Form, Love, Body, Beauty and more.

As the history of Vienna is inextricably linked to its progressive movements in art and design, both figure significantly in the store’s expression. Notably, a pyramid of trunks has been hand-painted in the spirit of Gustav Klimt and other artists of the Vienna Secession. Vintage extends to contemporary – from an Alvar Aalto daybed and a Carl Malmsten modular sofa to Matt Gagnon’s Custom Light Stacks and Fernando Daza’s Four Intercepted Circles. With its flower-shaped bubbles, Atelier Biagetti’s Flower Tower lamp stands as a glass totem at once decorative and whimsical.

If you are in Vienna, this new store is a must-see, not only for the things to shop, but for its design!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Louis Vuitton 
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