My Look: Berlin

This week was crazy … so much has happened and I am so far behind posting. My iPhone crashed and it took me one day to get it fully back. In those moments, you realize how much we all rely on those devices. However, I am happy that I have got it back and made it safely to my home country Germany to celebrate my mum’s birthday. Here you see me walking in front of the famous Brandenburger Tor in Berlin, one of the most iconic spots to see in the German capital, wearing the trendiest color of the season: green.

My Look: Sailor-collar knitted wool polo shirticon, and Ken Scott floral-print cotton-blend skirticon, both by Gucci, Point small leather tote in seagrass, green cat eye sunglasses, and Lagoon bubble-insole leather sandals in green, all by Bottega VenetaFF acetate earringsicon by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Streetstyleshooters / Getty Images
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Gucci Unveils the Gucci Circolo Berlin

Gucci’s creative energy is finding expression in the Gucci Circolo Berlin: a temporary space in the heart of Berlin where people can gather to enjoy an immersive experience and discover the House collections and codes.

Located in a historic building on the panoramic Landwehr Canal in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Gucci Circolo Berlin is an experiential space to be explored as a narrative journey through the various chapters of the Aria collection, designed by Alessandro Michele and presented in April 2021.
The journey begins with «Gucci 100» and ends with the presentation of «The Hacker Project» through a succession of settings that reflect and enhance the uniqueness of the Maison’s aesthetic.


On their journey through the Gucci Circolo Berlin, visitors have the chance to walk down the runway of the Aria fashion show, recreated at the entrance. The adventure continues in the Listening Lounge, celebrating Gucci’s long-standing connection with music. Here, surrounded by displays packed with vinyls, guests can embark on a sound journey inspired by the songs of some of the friends of the House, including Harry Styles, Sir Elton John, Florence Welch, Achille Lauro, and many others.

The Listening Lounge also offers the opportunity to download a playlist compiled to mark Gucci’s centenary. In the photo booth next to the Listening Lounge, visitors can have their photo taken with visual effects inspired by the patterns of the Gucci 100 collection.
At the end of the journey, guests can relax in the café area on Gucci Décor chairs, surrounded by precious floral arrangements.

Gucci Circolo Berlin features a full calendar of events until the beginning of December. It is housed in a historic building, now owned by Christian Boros, and home to his communications agency BOROS, the BOROS Foundation for contemporary art and the international art book publisher DISTANZ. Originally built in 1878 as the first sewage pumping station of Berlin, the building was formerly used by the senate as a lapidarium, a place for the storage and preservation of old stone monuments.

Location: Hallesches Ufer 78, 10963, Berlin, Germany
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 – 20:00, upon appointment

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
@Gucci #GucciCircoloBerlin

One Night at The Museum

Last Tuesday, I enjoyed a night at the museum with Veuve Cliquot for the unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau in Berlin. On display in the entrance hall was the champagne house’s new, exciting collaboration with the Japanese artist who dressed the La Grande Dame 2012 Limited Edition in her signature patterns, the polka dotsAlso on display was Kusama’s artwork «My Heart that Blooms in the Darkness of the Night», a vibrant floral sculpture.

Among the guests from art and culture were German A-listers Iris Berben, Lea van Acken, Andreas Mühe, Christian and Karen Boros, William Fan, Franz Dinda, Hardy Krüger jr, Esther Perbandt, Johann König and many more.

German actress Iris Berben exploring the early years of the Kusama exhibition.

The evening started with a private guided tour through the amazing retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (92). From an upper class Japanese family that owned a seed nursery business, Yayoi Kusama grew up in a conservative environment. When she left school, and against her mother’s wishes, Yayoi decided to leave Japan, which she considered too small a country, and her family, where art as a career was not appreciated. Kusama left for the US, first Seattle, before settling in New York.

As a painter, sculptor, author, and performance artist, but also a filmmaker, writer, and a female artist of Asian origin in a predominantly male, Western art world, her audacity knew no bounds, as her controversial «happenings» showed. She soon gained recognition and her tenacity paid off: from the 1960s onwards she was one of the few female artists to make a living from her work.

Since her early years, the artist has experienced obsessions and hallucinations; she uses art as a sort of antidote for healing, a kind of self-medication. The canvases she covers with nets and dots have a dual effect; she demonstrates a mastery of repetition that at the same time reveals its infinite character; its overflow is liberating. Interesting to know is that Kusama was the first person in the 20th century to use this method of harnessing an individual’s potential for artistic expression and creativity for openly psychotherapeutic purposes. Today this has acquired the name «art therapy».

As a young artist, Kusama gained inspiration from plants and flowers, which she saw as a symbol of life, birth and regeneration. In later years, they became part of her figurative languages as positive symbols conveying vital energy and regeneration.

The flower is what led her to paint dots at the start of her career – the famous polka dots, which have become her signature. At her happenings in the late 1960s she covered her own and the participants’ bodies in these dots.

«Polka dots are a life, and the moon, the sun, and the stars are one of hundred of millions of polka dots. This is my grand philosophy. With peace from polka dots, I would like to deeply launch my longing for eternal love. Polka dots shall continue to proliferate and appeal to the people with my message.» – Yayoi Kusama

This message of hope and optimism has made her a much-loved figure who is avidly followed by a wide public. She was one of TIME magazine‘s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and is now a style icon. She has collaborated with countless brands; from couture (remember the fantastic collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2012) to streetwear, Kusama’s name fascinates and inspires.

In honor of Madame Cliquot, Veuve Cliquot has commissioned Yayoi Kusama to create a joyful, original work celebrating the new vintage, La Grande Dame 2012. Two bold destinies, two innovative minds, two avantgardists who influenced their times.

With Petra Nagel, Managing Director Moët Hennessy Deutschland (LVMH)

Celebrating this magic encounter, we were invited outside after the tour to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a wonderful vegetarian/vegan dinner with live performance accompanied by three amazing vintage champagnes; Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 2012, La Grand Dame Rosé 2006 and La Grand Dame 2008 Magnum.

A beautiful evening – thank you Veuve Cliquot for inviting me to Berlin, for these unforgettable memories and a message of hope and optimism.

I fully enjoyed the dinner thanks also to the lovely company of Karen Boros, Lea Van Acken and Hendrikje Kopp.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

My Look: Kusama

This week, I flew to Berlin for a very special event hosted by Veuve Cliquot: a unique closing dinner of the retrospective of exceptional artist Yayoi Kusama at Gropius Bau. The dress code said «colorful chic», so I went for this artsy, sophisticated look with a touch of elegance and a little bit of Veuve Cliquot orange.

My look: Layered embroidered silk-organza and pointelle-knit dressicon by FendiThe Pouch large gathered intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, Arkendisc 130 patent-leather platform sandalsicon by Christian Louboutin, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and gold-tone, bead and faux pearl clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

Stay tuned as I will show you much more of this wonderful evening!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Veuve Clicquot, Agentur EVENTPRESS for Veuve Cliquot and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Marcell von Berlin: Berlin

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Marcell Pustul, the mastermind behind the young label MARCELL VON BERLIN, studied fashion design at the famous Parsons School in New York City and gathered professional experience at Michael Kors and Donna Karan. In 2011, he founded his own label that brings red carpet looks and couture from the capital of cool, BERLIN. Enjoy his tips for the famous German metropole.

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Your favourite city?
BERLIN – A city that never sleeps. Berlin has its very own style and is a cultural hotspot. It’s a small New York.

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Your favourite hotel?
HOTEL AM STEINPLATZ – A beautiful boutique hotel with lovely individually designed rooms in a contemporary style. Always a nice destination to go for a drink at the bar or just have a relaxing spa day.
Steinplatz 4, 10623 Berlin, Phone +49 30 5544440

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Your favourite restaurant?
DUDU31 – It’s a new cool, fashionable, trendy place with one of the best sushis in town (photo above).
Bleibtreustrasse 31, 10707 Berlin, Phone+49 30 57795577
DOKMAI – Traditional, puristic, cosy – the best Thai restaurant in Berlin.
Muthesiusstrasse 38, 12163 Berlin, Phone +49 30 70096185

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Your favourite bar or nightclub?
THE PEARL – Another hotspot in Berlin and the place to be if you want to party and have a great time with friends and just want to dance (photo above).
Fasanenstrasse 81, 10623 Berlin, Phone +49 30 31518890
BERGHAIN – Everybody who comes to Berlin has once to go to the iconic Berghain. It’s the ultimate place in the city. You will never find something like this anywhere else. A must- experience… a place where you can party 24/7.
Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, Phone +49 30 29360210

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Your favourite sightseeing spot?
HACKESCHER MARKT – Small shops, unique items, young Berlin labels, famous designers, cafés and restaurants, you have everything you need for a fun day at this shopping hotspot.
10178 Berlin

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Your favourite park?
TIERGARTEN – The miniature version of Central Park with small lakes. I love walking through this beautiful area with my dog, visiting a biergarten or renting a pedal boot and discover small areas of the park you can’t find by foot.

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Your favourite beach?
CAPPUCCINO KU’DAMM BEACH – Berlin doesn’t have a real beach, except for example Wannsee. But the Ku’damm Beach is a great combination of restaurant, bar and beach at Halensee at the end of the Kurfürstendamm.
Koenigsallee 5B, 14193 Berlin, Phone +49 176 74120828

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Your favourite shop?
MIENTUS – Great concept store, that sells international labels.
Schlütergasse/Kurfürstendamm 52, 10707 Berlin, Phone +49 30 3239077
SHIZARU – The best place to find extraordinary and rare outfits (photo above).
Meinekestrasse 5, 10719 Berlin, Phone +49 30 65833008

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Your must-have accessory?
ROLEX WATCH IN GOLD – A luxurious statement, a true status symbol. A must-have that adds a chic contrast to my tattooed skin. Elegant and cool in one.

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The best soundtrack for this destination?
«SKY & SAND» by PAUL & FRITZ KALKBRENNER – The song is from the movie «Berlin Calling» and is a hymn to Berlin and its flair.

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The best book to read while being on vacation there?
«NACHT LEBEN BERLIN 1974 BIS HEUTE» by WOLFGANG FARKAS – A great book to get to know the different facets of Berlin’s nightlife. It’s amazing to see how many locations have been trendy over many years.

Thank you, Marcell, for sharing your insider scoop on Berlin with us.

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Marcell von Berlin, the different locations and via MrWallpaper.com

My Look: Berlin East Side Gallery

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Today’s photos were taken at the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany. The probably largest and longest-lasting open air gallery in the world is actually an international memorial for freedom. With 1.3 km, it is the longest remaining part of the Berlin Wall, located near the city centre on Muehlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, next to the river Spree.

The East Side Gallery consists of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world, painted in 1990 on the east side of the Berlin Wall.

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Inspired by yesterday’s post about Rihanna who’s sporting the military trend for our September 2014 cover of L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse, here is a gun salute to the revival of military chic fashion this fall. Therefore I went through my closet to look for my S/S 2010 Balmain pieces – the season when it had been up-to-date the last time.

My look: Military shirt and khaki tank top, both by Balmain (from the S/S 2010 collection, for the new F/W 2014 pieces, please click HERE), pants by Alexander McQueen (similar ones HERE), sneakers by Prada Sport, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, sunglasses by Valentino and Boy Bag with chains by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

East Side Gallery Berlin

Sandra Bauknecht - Berlin Wall 3Hitchhiking with Chanel

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Sandra Bauknecht at Berlin Wall

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Wall in Berlin 1One of the most impressive paintings at the East Side Gallery: Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing by Dmitri Vrubel.

Chanel Bag at Berlin Wall

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Prada Sneakers Berlin Wall 1

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Believe in Love

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Believe in love, even if it is just the love for your new handbag and high heels… I am so thankful that I can follow my passion for fashion on a daily basis through my job, experience great moments and meet interesting new people on all my travels.

Here you see me leaving the Adlon hotel in Berlin during Fashion Week to attend the launch of the new coffee table book “Fashion Germany” in which I am also mentioned! All photos from the event will be coming up shortly…

My look: Tuxedo jacket by Balmaintwist-front silk-blend jacquard topicon by Chloéleather and jersey leggings iconby GivenchyParis leopard-print leather pumps and Classic Monogramme printed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, hinged cuff by Balenciaga, earrings by Chanel and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Sandra Bauknecht in saint Laurent and Chloe

Saint laurent Neon Pumps and Clutch

Chloé Top

Saint laurent Clutch

Save the Date Book Launch

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One Day in Berlin with MCM

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Between my recent trips to China and Iceland, I flew for one day to Berlin to shoot MCM‘ s amazing new collaboration with Craig & Karl: EYES ON THE HORIZON. I love the German capital (and that is not only because I was born in this country), it’s one of the most vibrant, energetic cities in Europe. It’s the combination of two facts that can be felt everywhere: its present anything-goes-and-anything’s-possible vibe and its somber past.

Let me take you on a tour around Berlin. I had so much fun with my very talented photographer Christoph Schemel. See for yourselves:

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First stopTHE KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Known locally as the Ku’damm, one of the most famous avenues in the city is home to many shops, such as the MCM boutique, hotels and restaurants. It’s often considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin.

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Second stop: DAS STUE
Located right next to the Tiergarten (central park of Berlin), the stylish design hotel Das Stue offers all the comforts of a quiet urban refuge within the heart of Berlin.

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Third stop: CAFE AM NEUEN SEE
Christoph and I had a fabulous lunch at this fun place outside in the garden area with waiter service (there is also a self-service beer garden part directly by the lake) and planned the rest of our shoot. I had a piece of very yummy cheesecake (German cheesecake is the best) that went so fast I forgot to take a picture.

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Fourth stop: SIEGESSÄULE
Berlin’s “Victory Column” is a famous monument and probably one of the best known symbols of the city. The “Golden Lizzie,” as it is known in local slang, was originally built around 1864 to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the German-Danish war.

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Fifth stop: BRANDENBURGER TOR
Located at the heart of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is standing at the western end of the avenue Unter den Linden. It has been a symbol for both, the divided Cold War city and the country’s reunification. Today, it is one of the metropole’s most-visited landmarks.

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Last stop: GRILL ROYAL
Before I flew back to Zurich, we went to Grill Royal for drinks. This see-and-be-seen restaurant is still, after opening a couple of years ago, the place-to-dine and very popular with the celebrity crowd. Below you see me before the entrance on Friedrichstrasse.

I hope that you have enjoyed my day in Berlin! Cannot wait to be back soon…

My look: Ivory blazer, cropped metallic leather motocross pants, both by Balmain, black top by Tom Ford, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, shoes by Gucci, key ring, clutch and backpack, all from the MCM x Craig & Karl Eyes on the Horizon collection. Rose necklace and ring, both by Piaget.

iconLoL, Sandra

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Photos by Christoph Schemel

A Girl from Berlin

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“She’s a rose with thorns, don’t mess with her. She’s a girl who goes to extremes. When she can, she soothes; and when she wants … ! Her fragrance lifts you higher, she rocks and shocks.”Serge Lutens

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Inspired by Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress from Berlin’s ‘Golden Twenties‘, Serge Lutens’ newest fragrance launch pays a poetic tribute to a woman who is beautiful and delicate on the surface but strong, independent and mysterious underneath. The Eau de Parfum is a concentrate of red roses: subtle and powdery yet spicy and extremely long-lasting.

LA FILLE DE BERLIN (A Girl from Berlin) by Serge Lutens
Oriental Floral

Top notes: Red rose and black pepper
Middle notes: Violet
Base notes: Musk, amber and woody notes

In stores now for €82.00 (50ml).

Lutens is a very intellectual perfumer. His ideas and inspirations seem mostly abstract and highly fascinating. If you are interested to read an interview with him, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Serge Lutens, © GDW