Sandra‘s Closet

A wonderful press lunch at Clouds restaurant with BABOR gave me the opportunity to discover a German skincare brand I hadn’t explored in much detail before. And I was genuinely impressed by what I learned.

Founded in 1956 and still family-owned in its third generation, BABOR develops and produces its skincare in Aachen, Germany. Almost 70 years of expertise, a strong scientific background and a refreshingly serious approach to beauty.

What particularly caught my attention was the philosophy behind the formulations. Clean beauty without compromising on texture or performance. BABOR is committed to avoiding microplastics and ingredients such as silicones, parabens and PEGs in its skincare formulations. Quite a challenge when you consider how much these ingredients traditionally contribute to that silky, luxurious feeling we all love.

Another interesting discovery was the HSR Bi-Phase Face Oil, combining nourishing botanical oils with advanced skincare ingredients. And a little application tip I took home: serum first, followed by face oil and finally your cream.

Great expertise by Nicole Suess, BABOR Country Manager Switzerland and Austria, and Justine Stegelmann, BABOR Division Manager PR, Media & Cooperations.

But the real highlight for me was DOCTOR BABOR PRO. A professional skincare line developed specifically for beauty institutes and aesthetic specialists, rather than conventional retail. Its latest generation combines technologies involving exosomes, NAD+ and sirtuins, with highly concentrated formulations tailored to individual skin concerns. The treatments focus on everything from skin ageing and pigmentation to sensitivity and regeneration. This is where professional expertise makes the difference.

I also loved learning about BABOR’s more holistic approach to beauty, particularly the role of fragrance and sensory experiences. The idea that skincare should not only work on the skin but also contribute to how we feel is something I find increasingly fascinating.

Such a wonderful lunch among long-time colleagues and friends: Sabine Hauptmann, Nicole Süss and Katrin Roth.

And perhaps that was my biggest takeaway from the lunch: beauty doesn’t always need another trend. Sometimes it simply needs decades of research, clever formulations and people who really know what they’re doing.

BABOR, you are definitely on my radar now.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Katrin Roth and Claudia Marson.

Friends for a long time: Nicole Suess and my humble self.

Beautiful gift boxes for Christmas on display.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Paris Fashion Week, back when Paris was still a little quieter. For the Mugler show, I wore a fabulous look by the house, paired with Moschino’s new Churros bag. Quite the conversation starter and definitely an eye-catcher.

Who would have thought churros could get so much attention at Fashion Week? And the best part? Zero calories.

My look: Asymmetric ribbed-knit midi dress by Mugler, spiral sock ankle boots by Jimmy Choo x Mugler, Churros bag by Moschino, Dynasty D-frame sunglasses in black, and long statement mono earring with logo by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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The latest chapter of Louis Vuitton‘s Artycapucines Collection celebrates the artistic legacy of Keith Haring whose joyful, iconic imagery transforms 13 exceptional bag designs through the House’s unparalleled savoir-faire.

Since the debut Artycapucines Collection in 2019, the Capucines bag – named after Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, the Parisian street where Louis Vuitton opened its first store in 1854 – has provided the perfect blank canvas for more than 35 contemporary artists to create exclusive and highly limited Artycapucines bags.

Today, the eighth chapter of the collection presents 13 extraordinary new interpretations featuring the work of Keith Haring (1958–1990), whose vibrant artistic universe is celebrated through the exceptional craftsmanship of the House’s master artisans. Faithfully translating Haring’s iconic works onto Louis Vuitton’s timeless and feminine handbag, the collection once again demonstrates the Artycapucines’ singular ability to unite artistic invention with the highest expression of savoir-faire.

All bags in the collection will be released as limited editions in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide starting January 1, 2027.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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A little change of plans thanks to the weather, and the Bohemian Night became the opening act of a fabulous birthday weekend.

Set on a stunning private estate surrounded by orange trees, the evening was all about dancing by the pool, wonderful conversations and an effortlessly chic crowd.

I have always loved a good dress code. It sets the mood, sparks conversations and gives everyone room for their own interpretation. And bohemian style leaves plenty of it.

As for the hostess and me? We both arrived in red. Again. Completely unplanned, but somehow becoming our signature move. Some things are simply meant to match.

Stay tuned! Outfit post coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Funny table conversations with Erkan from Erkan und Stefan.

Beautiful live act.

Fun fact: Among my German friends I am still Sandy.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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An unforgettable weekend in Mallorca – Part 1

In fashion, white is the ultimate statement of effortless elegance. Timeless, sophisticated and always chic. But sometimes, white is more than just a colour. It becomes the dress code for unforgettable memories.

Last weekend brought me back together with some of my dearest and oldest friends from Munich, this time under the Mediterranean sky of Mallorca, to celebrate a very special 60th birthday.

Birthday boy – 60 has never looked better!

And while the weather had other plans, forcing us to switch the festivities around, nothing could dampen our spirits.

Our White Night took place on Saturday at my dear friend’s breathtaking home, a private paradise that could easily be mistaken for an exclusive boutique hotel.

Dressed in white, surrounded by familiar faces, laughter and that wonderful feeling of being among people who have known you forever, the evening was simply magical.

After recently celebrating together in Munich, it was another beautiful reminder that the best things in life never go out of style: true friendship, shared memories and the joy of being together.

Because some friendships, just like a perfect white outfit, are timeless.
Thank you, Christina and Michael!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Some nights are simply too good to end. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the VIP Opening of PINK RABBIT at AURA Zurich, and what an evening it was!

Now in its seventh season, PINK RABBIT takes the traditional dinner show to another level. Think spectacular international performers, breathtaking acrobatics, a little magic, music, and just the right amount of sensuality. All brought together in an immersive setting with stunning 360-degree projections and visual effects.

And then there’s the food. A delicious four-course dinner served between performances makes the entire evening feel like one continuous celebration.

But what made the night particularly special for me was the atmosphere. A fabulous crowd, wonderful conversations, lots of laughter, dancing and that infectious energy you get when everyone is genuinely having a great time. We certainly did! A huge thank you to Nina and Philip for the lovely invitation and for such a memorable evening.

For anyone in Zurich, or planning a visit, PINK RABBIT definitely deserves a spot on your social calendar. It’s glamorous, playful, a little unexpected and, above all, incredibly entertaining.

Zurich, follow the pink rabbit until Dec 31, 2026. You won’t regret it! 🐰💗

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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A new city, a new chapter – for my daughter, who is about to call Vienna home. Together, we navigated the urban jungle in this season’s must-have checks, apartment hunting and exploring the city’s many districts in search of her perfect neighbourhood.

And while finding a new home was our mission, we made sure to enjoy everything Vienna has to offer along the way, from its culinary delights to a little competitive mini golf.

Welcome to the jungle. Vienna edition. And if you have any insider tips, hidden gems or favourite spots, we’re all ears!

My look: Cashmere hooded cape with equestrian knight design, brushed wool-blend turtleneck sweater, and «Bridle» bag in eggplant, all by Burberry, cotton-silk buckled cropped wide-leg trousers by Loewe, grooved cabochon clip earrings by Saint Laurent, CL Moc Lug leather loafers by Christian Louboutin, and oval frame burgundy sunglasses by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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An evening of beautiful encounters, inspiring conversations and a subject that deserves all our attention.

Last night, I joined The Estée Lauder Companies and Fotografiska for «One in Eight», a powerful photography exhibition dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

My favorite piece in the exhibition: «StrongHer» by Anna Devis Benet

For over 30 years, The Estée Lauder Companies have been committed to the fight against breast cancer, and I love seeing how beauty can bring people together for such an important cause.

It all began with the remarkable Evelyn H. Lauder, who launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in 1992 and helped make the pink ribbon a worldwide symbol of hope. Having lost her own battle with ovarian cancer in 2011, she left behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to inspire and make a difference today.

The dress code was «Shades of Pink», which I happily embraced in head-to-toe Valentino.

Beyond the fashion, I particularly enjoyed the meaningful exchanges and the different perspectives shared throughout the evening.

Meaningful speech by the current United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Callista L. Gingrich.

Great vibes by Annina Frey.

Throughout October, selected beauty purchases help support this important mission. I am also delighted to see The Estée Lauder Companies supporting Look Good Feel Better Switzerland, a wonderful organisation helping women feel beautiful and confident during cancer treatment.

A beautiful evening with a message that goes far beyond the colour pink. And because breast cancer awareness is a cause that matters across generations, it felt especially meaningful to share this evening with my daughter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Beauty, Honestly: A Lunch with Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou

A beauty talk among women, honest, inspiring and delicious. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting an intimate lunch and Q&A with Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou at Club zum Rennweg in Zurich, and what unfolded over the following hours was less a panel talk than a candid conversation among women, the kind you wish you could bottle.

Let me introduce you to Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou, a Swiss board certified specialist surgeon and the founder and CEO of the Dr. Kelly Group in Zug. Her path reads like a masterclass in determination: medical studies in Greece, years as a surgeon at the University Hospital of Basel, further training in Munich, Miami and Singapore, and today more than 15,000 procedures and treatments to her name. She has developed her own signature injection protocol, the Kelly Lift, as well as a medical skincare line that, in her words, was not born in marketing but in the operating theatre.

What sets her apart, though, is not the CV. It is the philosophy. Dr. Kelly believes in natural results and long term thinking rather than fleeting trends, and she is refreshingly unafraid to say no. When I asked whether she ever turns patients away, she did not hesitate. A filtered selfie, she told us, is not a treatment plan. In an era of the so called Instagram Face, hearing a surgeon champion restraint felt almost radical.

And then there were my guests. A table of wonderful, accomplished, curious women who asked exactly the questions we all quietly carry with us. When should one really start with prevention? What makes a facelift look fresh rather than done? Is hybrid breast augmentation truly the future? Nothing was off limits, and that was precisely the beauty of it. Woman to woman, without taboos, without judgment, with plenty of laughter in between.

By the time the espresso arrived, one thing was clear: this conversation is far from over. I am delighted to share that Dr. Kelly has agreed to sit down with me for an in depth interview here on Sandra’s Closet.

And this is where you come in, my dears. What would you ask a top aesthetic surgeon if you had her all to yourself? Whether it is about skincare, surgery, ageing gracefully or the one myth you have always wanted debunked, send me a message to , and I will put your best ones directly to Dr. Kelly.

Because the best beauty conversations, like the best lunches, are always shared.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Back with Love, from a Parisian Wedding Weekend

My loves, I am back. After a few weeks of digital detox, a little pause I truly needed, I could not imagine a more beautiful reason to return to you than this: I am in Paris, celebrating the wedding of the daughter of one of my closest friends from New York, and my heart is overflowing.

Congrats Taylor and Vincent!

The most beautiful bride Taylor in Stéphane Rolland

This is not just any celebration. It is a three day festival of love, glamour and friendship, and it has only just begun. The bride wears Stéphane Rolland, and so does the mother of the bride. The couturier himself is here in person, which tells you everything about the warmth and intimacy of this wedding. Seeing his sculptural artistry on two women I hold so dear moves me deeply.

Jani and I last night at the pre-wedding cocktail party

The mother of the bride, Jani Gerard, is one of those rare friendships that feel like destiny. We met years ago over breakfast in Anna Wintour’s office, in the company of Kim Kardashian, and from that very first conversation something clicked. Over the years she has become a true friend, the kind you laugh with, confide in and cherish. Being here to share the most emotional milestone of her life as a mother means more to me than words can say.

I wore CHANEL for the first night.

Last night the festivities opened at Hôtel de Crillon, with stunning views over Paris, ice cold champagne, endless conversations and the pure joy of embracing girlfriends from all over the world. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do, and above all, the people I get to share it with.

What touches me most is the energy of the women gathered here. So many wonderful, accomplished women who inspire and support one another, and many of them dear friends of mine.

I am always having the best time with Corina.

Among them my good friend Corina Mihaila Lapin, whose stunning jewellery line Stéfère Jewelry could be spotted sparkling on many fingers throughout the evening …

Lovely Chrissi with her husband.

… and my dear Chrissi Sayare, who runs the most wonderful luxury resale and vintage shop TBC Luxury Resale. Do yourselves a favour and follow her on Instagram @tbcluxuryresale, her finds are pure treasure. This is what true friendship in our world looks like: women celebrating women, in life and in style.

With my childhood friend Anouschka and her husband.

Tonight it continues, and I can hardly wait. It feels so good to be back, my loves. The most beautiful chapters of this weekend are still ahead, and of course I will take you with me.

LoL, Sandra

Love is in the air in Paris. 

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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