Dinner with NET-À-PORTER and La Prairie

While being in London, I had the pleasure to be invited by NET-À-PORTER and La Prairie to a beautiful dinner at Daphne’s restaurant.

Renowned Swiss clinic La Prairie first opened its doors in 1931 – since then, the brand has expanded to offer innovative skincare with the same effects as its in-office treatments. Backed by over 90 years of cellular science, the range uses proprietary active ingredients including its patented Exclusive Cellular Complex, an anti-aging elixir that boosts skin’s natural rejuvenation process.

During the evening, we learned a lot about the powerful ingredients and indulged in an extremely yummy caviar themed dinner. A new must-have product will launch in November that I will tell you all about in the next post.

TO SHOP LA PRAIRIE ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Newby Hands, Contributing Global Beauty Director Net-A-Porter

With Daniel Stangl, Director Innovation bei La Prairie Group


Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Say Ciao to Valì

After NET-À-PORTER hosted a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi to celebrate the Italian Maison’s foray into the world of handbags, I wanted you to have a closer look at the new Valì bag, which I personally speaking find timeless and super fabulous.

SAY ‘CIAO’ TO VALÌ
Elevated Italian savoir-faire brings life to the new Valì bag, the result of Gianvito Rossi‘s well-known passion: the pursuit of perfection through minimalism and quality.

VALÌ NUANCES
Italian craftsmanship and smooth precious leather shape Valì’s truly distinctive silhouette, where minimal lines and sinuous curved edges meet.
Valì is a luxurious accessory for real quality connoisseurs, available in four nuances: the iconic Cipria pink colour, Black, Off-white and Violet.

A MINIATURE SUITCASE
Valì is inspired to an accessory that is close to the history of the brand, the personal suitcase used by Gianvito to carry his precious creations around the world.
The original idea was to reinterpret in a contemporary way that suitcase for celebrities and clients eager to travel with their footwear collections, but here came Gianvito’s deeper intuition: recreating a miniature and turning it into a modern, sophisticated, feminine bag in which women can treasure their precious belongings, just like Gianvito did with his collections.

A SMALL MODERN CHEST
«Thinking about my clients, I recreated a miniature version of the suitcase I carried around the world when travelling with the most precious things to me: my collections. A small modern chest where they can treasure their precious belongings
Gianvito Rossi

TO SHOP THE GIANVITO ROSSI VALĪ BAG, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gianvito Rossi
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Party with NET-À-PORTER & Gianvito Rossi

Last night, I was invited by NET-À-PORTER for a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi, who had flown in from Italy for the occasion with his wife and his daughter Sofia, who both play key roles in the company, making the label a quintessential Italian family business.

With Alison Loehnis

In July, Richemont acquired a controlling stake in Gianvito RossiFounder, CEO and Creative Director of the eponymous brand, who retains a stake in the company and continues to nurture and develop the Maison in partnership. Founded in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli and headquartered in Milan, the son of the legendary shoe designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito has created one of the world’s leading luxury shoe houses. It is recognised by clients all over the world for its sophisticated designs, unique savoir-faire and impeccable quality.

With Gianvito Rossi

… and his wife and daughter Sofia.

This fall, Gianvito Rossi debuts his first handbag, called the Valì, a key new development that was beautifully displayed for the event. The design is very sleek, very much in the spirit of Gianvito, the perfect blend of haute artisanal finish, and sophisticated, modern luxury. Its form with rounded angles does indeed evoke an old suitcase, it is available in four colors – black, peach, off white and violet.

On display was also an amazing suitcase that is can be special ordered in your dedicated shoe size holding your most beloved Gianvito Rossi shoe models. I am obsessed.
Enjoy the impressions of the night.

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Anthony Duong

With Sally Taylor

With Elena Radice and Iona Miller

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Celebrating Manolo Blahnik and Net-à-Porter

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

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.

Luxurious Advent Calendars

Anticipation is the greatest joy and what a better way to indulge in the holiday season than getting a luxurious advent calendar that will get you even more excited for Christmas.

As usual, click on the highlighted product description to be transferred to the shop directly.

Forte Beads 18-karat gold and multi-stone advent calendaricon by Carolina Bucci

This advent calendar is my winner this year. How cool is that? Thanks to Carolina Bucci’s advent calendar, you’ll have a completed bracelet by Christmas day – every drawer is nestled with two beads that you can arrange on the Lurex cord with 18-karat gold charms. Each one has been hand-carved from unique gemstones for a joyful play of colors.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendaricon by NET-A-PORTER

The NET-A-PORTER Advent Calendar might be in your letter to Santa, but don’t leave it in your Wish List – the annual set sells out notoriously fast. Carefully edited by the beauty buying team, 2022’s round-up showcases the year’s heroes: a mix of team favorites and best-sellers to power through a season of parties and pamper nights. Expect plenty of industry stalwarts and new discoveries for 2023’s top shelf.

Advent Calendar 2022icon by Dr. Barbara Sturm

Including an extensive array of full sizes and minis from her coveted range of skin and haircare, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s advent calendar ensures you step into 2023 at your most radiant. Regenerative Purslane – the aesthetic specialist’s hero active – features across many, and they’re house in an elegant box inspired by jewelry cases.

Holiday 2022 Advent Calendaricon by Acqua di Parma

Twenty-five gifts of colours and joy in an explosion of hues and radiance, only with Acqua di Parma’s Advent Calendar, the star of the Holiday Collection dressed in a visual symphony of the Maison’s golden shades of yellow with seasonal accents of red and green. The one-of-a-kind print is inspired by a Florentine artisanal technique by Italian craftsmen. The countdown to the Holidays begins as every window unveils a daily surprise to immerse in the complete Acqua di Parma universe, from Colonia and Blu Mediterraneo to Signatures of the Sun and the Home Collection. The hatbox is inspired by a luminous Italian home and makes for a stunning addition to your space.

Women 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar iconand
Men 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar, both by Clarins

This is a must for all love birds. There’s no better way to countdown to the festive season than with two advent calendars, one for her and one for him. Each has 12 drawers filled with an array of the brand’s must-have products. For her, it reveals make-up, skincare and body surprises to pamper and indulge in ahead of the big day, with favourites such as the brand’s bestselling Double Serum – a guaranteed favourite for healthy skin. More treats come in the form of the SOS Pure Mask, the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector and the Cleansing Micellar Water. For him, he will find everything for an ultra-refreshing skincare routine, including the ClarinsMen Energising Eye Gel, Active Face Wash, Super Moisture Lotion and Fresh Face Scrub. The small sized products are all so great for travelling!

Advent Calendar 2022 by Dior

Upgrade on the advent calendars of Christmases past for Dior’s spectacular iteration. Housed in a smart navy box, it’ll open to reveal 24 windows just waiting to be opened, overlaid with a delicate illustration of the brand’s Parisian Maison surrounded by celestial figures and constellations – the perfect depiction of this magical time of year. As the days roll by, you’ll discover a number of Dior delights, from perfume and lipstick to luxurious skincare and even mini candles.

LoL, Sandra

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

Visiting the Brunello Cucinelli Manufacture

«I wanted a small part of the company’s profits to go to beautify all of humanity and I wanted people to work a fair amount of hours and be online the right amount of time, so that Technology and Humanism could be harmonised and a healthy balance between mind, soul and body could be restored, because the soul and body also need nourishment every day.» – Brunello Cucinelli

Another highlight of my trip to Umbria with Brunello Cucinelli and my NET-À-PORTERicon and MR PORTER family was visiting the manufacture. The palatial headquarters are modern, clean and providing the employees with a wonderful work environment. Initially established at the castle in Solomeo, the company was relocated to the valley below to completely newly constructed buildings.

The beautiful grounds of the company.

The ancient medieval buildings in the center of Solomeo now host the classrooms of the School of Contemporary Arts and Crafts –  a tuition-free arts school to teach traditional skills like gardening and, of course, tailoring, set up in 2013.

Happily reminded of my own fashion design studies.

Brunello’s wife Federica was born in Solomeo and ran a small clothing shop there in the village. During their early engagement in 1978, Brunello came across the idea to venture into a knitwear business with colorful cashmere sweaters. His first success, he told me, started in the German-speaking market, that showed a huge interest and appreciation for this unprecedented proposition and this allowed his company to quickly emerge. Cucinelli is no ordinary Italian fashion magnate. Today it is a cashmere empire selling luxury goods in the top segment with 7,000 employees and a turnover of €200m, but Cucinelli is also known for his «humanistic» approach to capitalism, based on respect for people and nature. In  the manufacture you can experience this approach fully.

When you enter the main building, you pass by the advertising campaign photo for F/W 2014 in which you see a long table in the Umbrian countryside with all the employees lined up for dinner. It was an actual photo taken during a company’s event. The quote for the picture: «All things come from the Earth.» – Xenophanes. Brunello Cucinelli is one big family!

Every day at midday, the entire staff is invited to the cafeteria for a family-style lunch complete with several courses, wine, and beautiful views of the Umbrian hills. Creating a nourishing work environment for body and soul is something that is very dear to Brunello Cucinelli. Around 5.30pm the power goes off and workers are encouraged not to work long hours and write after-hours e-mails. For Brunello Cucinelli being away from work is an important part of being effective at work.

The fashion designer, a lover of history, philosophy and country life, has also opened the doors to his office for us. A very intimate and welcoming gesture that impressed me. I entered a neat and tidy space, yet full of life. The books in the shelves are not only for decoration, Brunello indulges in them, always on the hunt for a great quote of inspiration. The room is also filled with articles about him and his company. Photos of his beautiful family add the personal touch. The view is spectacular, overlooking the beautiful tranquil Umbrian scenery.

Walking through the manufacture, I experienced the different steps of creating a stunning cashmere piece along with the impressive quality control. Once you see all the craftsmanship that goes into one item, you will appreciate it even more.

Later we went to «The Parco della Bellezza» on the outskirts of the village, at the grandly titled monument «Tribute To Human Dignity», a classically styled exedra with five arches, built from travertine. The creation stems from Brunello Cucinelli’s desire to leave a legacy behind that will stand the test of time, a symbol of his commitment to mankind and to create a park that could give new life to the breathtaking landscape of the valley below Solomeo. It also boasts a multitude of orchards, as well as wheat and sunflower plantations; it comprises a plant nursery, a naturalistic area, an olive grove with an olive oil mill, and a vineyard with a wine cellar that hosts an impressive collection of Italian wines.

Brunello Cucinelli concluded his speech to the World’s Great Leaders on the occasion of the G20 last year with this phrase: «From the time of Plato, through all the medieval scholastic philosophy, and then in the Enlightenment, up to idealism, positivism, existentialism and finally to the present day, the usefulness of contact with something beautiful, be it a painting, a book, or a landscape, is the seed from which the tree of wisdom grows, that wisdom that the human being cannot do without for their best life.»

At the Brunello Cucinelli company, treating people well is at the core of everything, and fostering a beautiful culture is as important as producing the most beautiful clothes. It seems that Italians really do it better or as Giuseppe Verdi said: «You may have the universe, if I may have Italy

TO SHOP BRUNELLO CUCINELLI AT NET-À-PORTER. CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

A Weekend in Umbria with Brunello Cucinelli

Being part of the NET-À-PORTERicon family comes with many privileges. It is my favorite online shopping destination, not only because of the great selection and the absolutely wonderful and outstanding personal shopping team, that always takes the best care of me, but also for all the amazing experiences and trips, plus all the wonderful people I met during these journeys.

As one of NET-À-PORTERicon‘s most loyal clients and someone with a passion for Italian craftsmanship, I was invited to join the team for a one-of-a-kind trip to Solomeo, the homeland of Brunello Cucinelli. Alongside my guest of choice, which was my fiancé, I was invited to an intimate tour of the manufacture and opportunity to explore Solomeo – a beautiful hamlet meticulously restored over the last 20 years. In addition, the MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth co-hosted a dinner with Mr Brunello Cucinelli himself.

A warm welcome in our beautiful hotel room.

We arrived Thursday evening in Florence, where a car was waiting to take us to our hotel in Umbria, the Borgo Dei Conti Resort. After we quickly freshened up, we went down to meet the lovely NET-À-PORTER team for drinks ahead of a wonderful dinner.

Stay tuned for all my amazing experieneces during this trip. We had a private tour of Brunello Cuccinelli’s headquarters and manufacture, and  joined Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself for an intimate dinner in his home in Solomeo. On Saturday morning, we went on an incredible tour of Assisi, followed shortly afterwards by a lunch. In the evening we had another amazing dinner in the surroundings of Solomeo before departing on Sunday morning.

I am so grateful for all the memories and encounters during this weekend that I will happily share with you during the next days. Thank you, Brunello Cucinelli, MR PORTER and NET-À-PORTER, for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

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

A British Countryside Tradition

Last weekend, I followed NET-A-PORTERicon and Purdey‘s invitation to go to the English countryside for a day of clay shooting – something that I had never done before. Being a very good customer at the online shopping destination means you get invited to very special experiences and this one was one of them.

As you might imagine, I was very excited about this trip and what to dress. I googled «Duchess of Cambridge in the countryside» and this inspired me to this country style look. As my house is still a big construction side, it became pretty challenging to find the boxes with my wellington boots and rain coats in storage. However I managed!

It’s important to dress appropriately, to make sure you stay warm, and dry throughout. You won’t have fun if you’re soaked through on the first drive, nor will you enjoy yourself if your swing is being hindered by your Mackintosh. I really liked my outfit that I put together with many layers that were comfortable and warm. A detailed post will follow.

Founded in England in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, is a British gunmaker based in London, specialising in high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Purdey holds three Royal Warrants of appointment as gun and rifle makers to the British and other European royal families. The company also produces ready-to-wear and accessories.

Twinning with my lovely Alli from the Net-à-Porter team.

Being always at the forefront of advances in the design and building of guns and rifles, Purdey took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, of which many were adopted by other gunmakers.

In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where the company remains to this day.

Whilst James Purdey & Sons is best known as a maker of shotguns, it also produces rifles, both double-barrelled and bolt-action. The guns are custom-made, largely by hand. They are extremely expensive. A new Purdey shotgun starts at around £89000 and can be customized with special engravings. This one in the photo above costs around £120000.

In 2018, Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes also the The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where the event took place. Located around 1.5 hours from Central London, the Shooting School is recognized as the finest facility of its kind, employing eight full time, professional shooting instructors and having one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.

As this was my first time shooting, I was accompanied by an instructor who provided me with the safety measures and guided me round the school to make sure I could access the full range of stands that are on offer. Shooting can become very addictive. I hit the clay on my third trial and was over the moon.

I had so much fun with Alli and Harry from my Net-à-Porter family.

Shooting is a sociable sport. It is best shared among friends, old or new. I loved spending the day together with my Net-à-Porter family and getting to know new people.

When the wind turned up, it got pretty chilly and I was very thankful for the warm tea and for the lovely lunch after the clay shooting. A huge thank you to Iona and her team for the great organization.

I had an amazing day filled with unforgettable memories.

LoL, Sandra

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

Jimmy Choo x Mugler

A collaborative fusion of two house styles founded on visions of powerful femininity and daring glamour. Since it was announced, there has been a lot of buzz about Jimmy Choo joining forces with Mugler. The exclusive collection reveals a confident sensuality through a mix of strong colours, streamlined silhouettes and daring details.

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLABORATION ONLINE HERE or AT JIMMYCHOO.COM.

Personally speaking I love these Mugler embellished leather pumpsicon

… and am completely obsessed with these Mugler sock ankle boots.

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LoL, Sandraiconicon

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / Mugler
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.