Sandra‘s Closet

Certainly, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, S/S 2021 was a season like no other. Therefore I also waited with this report. Most of the presentations were virtual or with not many guests. New York and London opted for predominantly digital showcases, while Milan and Paris held scaled-back showings with strict social distancing measures. I attended CHANEL in Paris for example but it felt very different from before with all the strict social distancing measures and masks.

What are the trends? The common denominator on the runways was a heartfelt 1990s vibe. Furthermore, the new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers were coming up with. Think barrettes, tracksuits and midriff flossing. Wide-leg trousers offer more comfort and capes deliver that coziness we have been experiencing lately.

In general, there is an urge for vibrant prints and uplifting colors. Stay tuned, I will soon tell you about the F/W 2021 trends, what to keep and what to get.

LoL, Sandra

Everyday pieces, from dresses to sleepwear, have been given a joyful spin by designers who are experimenting with bold, uplifting colors and prints.

S/S 2021 brings a twist to the logomania trend. Designers unveiled new fashion statements with collages, patchworks and neon effects. In any case, this modernity enjoys playing with all manner of styles and colors in fun streetwear looks.

Pantone announced Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in combination as the color of the year 2021. Two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

Candy tops the trends of the season. Sugary candy tones, from cherry to raspberry, bring a dash of rose-tinted energy to summer.

Besides candy hues, orange now also stands out in the trendiest girls’ wardrobes this season.

This summer has a weakness for cape detailing, which is perhaps the ultimate in sartorial fantasy – no one, after all is really requiring a cape, however desirable they might appear.

This year, tie-dye is the print that everyone loves for S/S 2021. It has become the pattern of the pandemic.

This summer, designers looked for monochrome magic, very reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s favorites.

 Skinny jeans and cigarette pant lovers: hear me out. Baggy trousers may not have the streamlining effect of your favoured slim-line silhouettes. But, they’re a bona fide trend for spring, and they’re showing their elegant side this season, taking over as your everyday trouser shape of choice.

With quintessential, luxurious materials and smooth lines, minimalism took on a 1990s look all in white.

Head to toe denim looks are still holding strong. One of my favorite trends.

The tracksuit was also treated to a 1990s vibe. Raw sportswear effects and tech materials teamed up with couture sophistication to play everything down. Who dares win, with track pants about town, day and night.

Envelopping the silhouette in a joyful style, the fishnet style is making a seasonal comeback with a decidedly 1990s aesthetic. It is graphic and minimalist, with raw yet chic flexibility, setting an ultra-contemporary pace.

Brace yourselves for S/S 2021’s most stomach-clenching trend: bralettes are stronger than ever with a ferocity last witnessed in the 1990s.

Midriff flossing can be loosely translating as a series of crisscrossing cords and wraparound details resembling dental floss (hence the name) that can emerge from skirts, from the aforementioned bralette, as well as souping up the middle region of a maxi dress, resistance is futile.

Thanks to the Netflix series «Bridgerton», we welcome the return of the corset. Those body-sculpting pieces will make your silhouette sing, given streetwise attitude. Consider it the very opposite of loungewear – and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of 2020.

Romantic bohemian styles are still all the rage. However, not an ounce of folklore was present, just sheer grace and long transparent dresses with shimmering movements. A true celebration of femininity.

A variation on a decidedly popular theme, fashion contiued to play with shoulders and sleeves. Here, puffy and gathered looks were once again injected with extravagant volumes.

A strong trend since F/W 2020: a silvery glow. The new wardrobe combines fresh energy and old classics resulting in a barrage of sequins, sexy mesh, and crystals ribbing.

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Designers make us dream and invite us to indulge in a fashion fairytale with these tulle gowns.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Capri, Ischia, the beautiful Amalfi Coast, I adore those places and enjoyed the past days there. Everything there smells like summer, from the slices of lemon to the salty skin after sea-bathing, from the beautiful flowers around every corner to the solar-soaked elements. There really is nothing like summer days, where time seems to stop, and the world moves slowly, all under the nourishing warmth of the sun. Therefore I love ACQUA DI PARMA’s BLU MEDITERRANEO collection. Those novel fragrances evoke the charm of the Italian Mediterranean and you can immerse yourself in this beautiful energy, even after you are back home.

Recently, I was invited by ACQUA DI PARMA to celebrate summer at Brera restaurant in Zurich. Along the beautiful scents, we enjoyed great food and cocktails that were inspired by the ingredients of each fragrance. Enjoy those beautifully fresh and buoyant fragrances to make your summer days halcyon.

ARANCIA DI CAPRI
Discover the relaxing and bright fruity fragrance Arancia di Capri encapsulating the signature scents of orange, mandarin, and lemon of Capri.

Top Notes: Italian Sweet Orange, Italian Mandarin, Italian Lemon
Heart Notes: Petit Grain, Cardamom
Base Notes: Caramel, Musk

FICO DI AMALFI
Fico di Amalfi by Acqua di Parma offers a revitalising scent that continuously surprises just like the spectacular view of the Amalfi coast.

Top Notes: Italian Lemon, Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit
Heart Notes: Fig Nectar, Pink Pepper, Jasmine Petals
Base Notes: Fig Wood, Cedarwood, Benzoin

MIRTO DI PANAREA

Mirto di Panarea will enchant you with its uplifting fragrance, bringing a sense of renewal to your soul.

Top Notes: Myrtle, Basil, Italian Lemon, Italian Bergamot
Heart Notes: Marine Breeze, Jasmine Absolute, Damask Rose Absolute
Base Notes: Lentisc Ansolute, Juniper, Virginian Cedarwood, Amber

BERGAMOTTO DI CALABRIA

With Bergamotto di Calabria, Acqua di Parma created an enchanting eau de toilette celebrating the majestic Calabria and its golden Bergamot fruit.

Top Notes: Calabrian Bergamot DOP, Citron
Heart Notes: Cedarwood, Red Ginger
Base Notes: Vetiver, Benzoin, Musk

My favorite ACQUA DI PARMA BLU MEDITERRANEO scent was not included in the menu, but I absolutely suggest you try this yummy gourmand fragrance when you get a chance.

MANDORLO DI SICILIA
Acqua di Parma has created an eau de toilette spray with a caressingly soft scent evoking the sweet memories of a Sicilian way of life: Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia.

Top Notes: Star Anise, Italian Bergamot, Italian Orange
Heart Notes: Green Almonds, Ylang Ylang
Base Notes: Madagascar Vanilla , Lebanese Cedarwood, Tolu Balsam, Musk

Wishing you a lovely weekend with lots of sunny moments!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
#vibrantlyalive

Last Monday, I watched the Euro 2020 game between Switzerland and France which was an absolute thriller, so captivating and good. I feel very blessed to have two nationalities which doubles the chances to win. After my home country Germany lost on Tuesday against England, all my hopes are pinned on Switzerland.

Hopp Schwiiz! Fingers are crossed for another amazing game on Friday against Spain. My outfit is ready – a playful take on soccer fashion.

My look: Oversized embroidered appliquéd printed neon mesh T-shirt, embroidered logo soccer pants, and soccer neon pink low-top sneakers, all by Balenciaga, fringed intarsia wool scarf by Miu Miu, cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, Barocco print soccer ball by Versace, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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On July 1st, 2021 the monthly Prada Timecapsule drop will be launched on prada.com – at 3pm CET – for 24 hours only. Launched for the first time on December 5, 2019 in Europe, Prada Timecapsule presents a new item on the first Thursday of every month, an online exclusive for just 24 hours.

Topical hues and vibrant color contrasts define the pop-inspired graphic pattern of the new Timecapsule shirt, decorated with an all-over animal pattern and a tiger motif at the back. Faded and irregular along the edges, the placed print creates a distinctive, vintage look, emphasizing each piece’s uniqueness. The triangle logo is reworked in a rubber detail. Available exclusively online for just 24 hours, the garment is decorated with a special logo created by OMA, the architecture firm founded by Rem Koolhaas, and with a serial number that makes it unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Oversized – Short sleeves – Bowling collar – Breast pocket – Straight hem – Mother-of-pearl buttons – Rubber triangle logo on the front pocket – 100% Cotton – Sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). Made In Italy. Price: CHF 950.

Next drop will be on August 5th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Prada

Marni takes over the Sunset Beach Hotel on the sands of Shelter Island, New York, Marni-fying the hotel’s outdoor and indoor areas through Marni Marine’s playful and imaginative universe, a celebration of summer. Until Labor Day weekend, the ground floor spaces will be re-imagined through fabrics hailing from the Marni archives, giving a new and vibrant guise to the rooms, embellished with the signature colors, furnishings and design objects of Marni Markets.

Through Marni Marine, the cozy ambience of Sunset Beach Hotel blends with the eclectic and creative spirit of Marni in a place that invites guests to dream, relax and get lost in the idyll of a seaside hideaway.

A combination of warm tones and jubilant prints pervades the rooms while preserving the atmosphere of the hotel. The external façade will be underscored by a sculptural, red metal MARNI logo, finished with baby blue display elements that resemble waves – which serve as home for bags and beach hats – ridden by fishes and boats that pay homage to the sea.

The hotel’s boutique, with revamped orange and yellow walls, will host women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories from Marni’s S/S 2021, in a space where red and white striped benches, covered with cushions and featuring maxi dots evoking stones, reverberate their playfulness through to the fitting room curtain and on a glass display case. The maxi dots will also characterize the display cases arranged along the corridor housing pieces for the Marni lifestyle. The walls will be redefined with light brown and pink tones, giving new light to the area.

Inside the game room, cozy sofas will be wrapped in a spring of floral prints juxtaposed to pink and light brown walls. Here, it will be possible to relax on hand-woven Marni chaise lounges, rocking chairs, benches and stools.

The spirit of Marni will also pervade the suite room that will be decorated with Marni Market furnishings, including bird-shaped chairs with an exclusive Marni frisky pink umbrella displayed on the terrace.

The selection of Marni Market design objects and accessories for sale and available in limited edition will also include a series of baskets, vases, magazine racks and sculptures, as well as necklaces, hats, bags – and fans conceived exclusively for the hotel.

The pop-up, envisioned in collaboration with Sunset Beach, will allow guests to immerse into the creative philosophy of Marni. In this experiential place overlooking the ocean, guests can relax and enjoy sun-kissed long days absorbed in summer dreams, getting inspired by the universe of Marni Marine.

I hope that we can travel soon again to the US. I miss it so much.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

Ahoy Capri! I adore this Italian island so much. As one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous destinations, Capri is famous for many reasons. It has jaw-dropping natural beauty, delicious cuisine and world-class shopping. It’s also a place to see and be seen – there’s a reason why so many celebrities anchor their yachts in Marina Grande, where I took these photos.

My look: Peggy tie-detailed paisley-print linen midi dress by Zimmermann, Spin Me Around elaphe sandals by Aquazzura, J’adior Capri striped sweater by Dior (with motifs of the Dior Around the World inspired by sketches of Roman artist Pietro Ruffo), Devotion mini embellished metallic leather tote, and plissé sunglasses, both by Dolce Gabbana, patchwork face mask by Natasha Zinko, layered silk and multi-stone necklace by Etro, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Umberto for Sandra Bauknecht
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Following the great success of the past years, LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF Italia announce the fourth exclusive edition of the charity gala event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF.

The event will be held at the historic La Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri on Saturday July 31st, with the mission to raise funds to support UNICEF charities and projects around the world.

All funds raised during the event will support UNICEF’s Italia work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, UNICEF Italia continues to fight on a daily basis for the rights of children in need — providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection from conflicts, natural disasters and inequality.

Rita Ora at the LuisaViaRoma 2020 edition.

The unforgettable evening will feature live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning singer John Legend.
In addition to the musical performances, the gala will include a cocktail reception and a star-studded exclusive dinner, followed by a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Always breathtaking: Mathilde Gøhler with her husband Remee Jackman last year.

The auction will include incredible items such as Steve McQueen’s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a voyage on the «Extreme E» ship. In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF Italia. This year, a part of LuisaViaRoma’s contribution will facilitate the restoration of La Certosa in Capri, with the aim to maintain and protect the local institution.

Special scarf edition for the 2020 event by LuisaViaRoma x 100% Capri

LUISAVIAROMA’s CEO, Andrea Panconesi, UNICEF’s Italia Executive Director Paolo Rozera, and UNICEF Fundraising Chairman Tommaso Chiabra will be hosting the charitable event alongside Event Chairs: Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortajarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aasen and Karolina Kurkova.

Coming back to Capri for the event: beautiful Natasha Poly

«Throughout the years, our partnership with UNICEF has centered around the mutual objective of providing help to children in need. The global challenges of the past year have strengthened our commitment. We, as a company, need to raise awareness of these social issues and contribute to making as much positive impact as possible. I am honored to find myself surrounded by a collective effort to support this vital cause.» Andrea Panconesi – CEO of LuisaViaRoma.

With Andrea Panconesi in 2013 at a LuisaViaRoma event in Tuscany.

«We are deeply grateful that this year LUISAVIAROMA has chosen to be at our side again for this important event. One year ago, at the 2020 Gala, we were in the midst of a new global pandemic and our goal was to protect all children as much as possible from the effects of COVID-19. Behind us, we have a year of hard work to deliver on that promise, a year that has seen UNICEF more committed than ever to facing the emergency through the COVAX project, which aims to distribute 2 billion of doses of vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, I want to thank Andrea Panconesi and all people involved in this event for their invaluable contribution and support in reimagining a better future for children.» – Paolo Rozera – UNICEF Italia Executive Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LuisaViaRoma / UNICEF

Today I am on my way to Ischia and Capri for the weekend and I am so much looking forward to being back. Last time I was there was for the opening of the Aquazzura store one year ago. The brand’s founder & creative director, Edgardo Osorio, invited us to the island for a weekend of pure fun that I have only shared in my IG stories so far. Here is my outfit that I wore for the first night. We enjoyed sunset cocktails at the beautiful JK Place Capri. A magical place for Edgardo and his partner Ricardo. Here the name Aquazzura was created during a sunset dinner overlooking the bay. It comes from the words ‘acqua’ and ‘azzurra’, which means blue water in Italian. Edgardo has always been in love with the sea and the sun, and wanted the name of his brand to both evoke his love for Italy and to remind him of Capri.

My look: Cropped button-embellished jacquard-knit blazer (also available in beige), cropped button-embellished pointelle-knit top (also available in peach), and button-embellished ribbed stretch-knit midi skirt (also available in peach), all by Balmain, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, earrings by CHANEL, Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The new SIXIÈME SENS COLLECTION by CARTIER illustrates the soulfulness particular to high jewelry, an expression of art with the power to move like no other.

With a stylised feline interpretation, organic textures and shards of coloured light, shimmering gems electrify while stones in flavoursome hues of ripe fruits summon up scents of distant paradises.
Using trompe-l’œil and graphic patterns, optical illusions and the power of evocation, compositions play with earthly gravity in radiant transfigurations of reality. Quivering in the light, jewels come to life upon contact with the skin.

Accomplished actress, singer and musician, Golshifteh Farahani, is the ambassador of this amazing high jewelry collection. This multi-hyphenate creative moves with ease between arthouse films and Hollywood productions, spanning the course of her 20-year career. She has made her mark on the red carpet, where she is known for her style and elegance.

PHAAN RING

How do you add to the beauty of an 8.20 carat ruby? How do you enhance that which is already exceptional? Behind the architecture of this ring is a tiered construction that allows a 4.01 carat rose-cut diamond to be inserted directly below the magnificent stone that sits at the top. When the light hits the diamond after first passing through the ruby, its rich red hue is intensified.

The structure integrates groups of triangular diamonds while maintaining the ring’s airy appearance. Along with tiny ruby balls, diamonds surround the central stone, arranged with subtle openings to allow them to catch the light, illuminating the ruby.

MERIDE NECKLACE

The purity of the motif is also its strength. The stones appear to multiply ad infinitum an optical illusion that is made all the more striking by the relief of the piece as each element is mounted at a different level. Movement, rhythm, and all spatial and temporal references are lost in a precious mosaic of gemstones. The blurring of perspective is complemented by a play of materials and light between mirror-polished metal and graphic black onyx.

As always with Cartier, particular attention has been paid to the back of the piece, which reveals the exact reverse of the front.

PIXELAGE NECKLACE

This necklace conjures up the familiar image of the panther, so dear to Cartier, borrowing both its markings and symbolic power. A stylised play on the feline’s coat has been part of Cartier’s artistic bestiary since 1914. Faithful to the original stylisation, here, motifs make up the panther’s spots. Polished onyxes evoke the marbling of the fur, while white, yellow and orange diamonds represent the thickness of the pelt, with its golden reflections highlighted by three captivating golden topazes for a total of 27.34 carats.

Attention to the volume and articulation of the sides allows the construction to respect the vertical geometry of the collar, while preserving its flexibility.

PARHELIA RING

At its centre lies a 21.51-carat sapphire cabochon, with an intense blue hue which seems to glow from within. Around it, five parentheses of radiant diamonds and emeralds reflect the light, fanning out like the surface of a lake. Black lacquer creates shadow effects to reinforce the impression of movement, supported by the original width of the ring, which spans three fingers, with slightly mobile tips.

As an ultimate refinement, the motif can be detached and worn as a brooch.
Created at the very beginning of the 20th century, this combination of sapphires and emeralds, named the «peacock motif» by Louis Cartier, is part of the Maison’s emblematic colour palette.

ALAXOA NECKLACE

The captivating texture and chromatic intensity of this necklace belie the rigorous and precise approach of its inception.
After selecting the emeralds according to their colour and diameter, artisan jewellers carefully considered harmony, symmetry and correct placement in the composition, before assembling using the threading technique—an expertise rooted in the Maison’s savoir- faire which consists of threading the stones on a wire to form strands and fringes. Finally, the strands are linked together by tiny metal bridges, maintaining a fan shape while allowing the fringes to remain mobile.

SHARKARA NECKLACE

With a balance of straight lines and curves, the design of this piece highlights its ample and generous volume. Considered as a whole, the necklace evokes an organic shape, ripe with succulent berries.
Elaborating a colour palette as such requires total gemological mastery, while the discreet tourmaline settings and attention to detail—right down to the shape of the garnets cut to reflect curves of the piece— reveal the workshop’s expertise.

CORUSCANT NECKLACE
A vibrant testament to the enchanting power of diamonds, this necklace features six different cuts—kite, octagonal, emerald, triangle, baguette and brilliant— certified D IF and E IF, each of which reflects light from a unique angle. Characterised by rigorous geometry, the necklace is entirely structured by an interplay of lines, with three stones—a kite of 3.00 carats, an octagon of 1.62 carats, and an emerald of 1.54 carats—emerging from brilliant interlacing to catch the eye.
The chain resembles a tight braid of gemstones, creating a path of light leading to the trio of diamonds. On the outside, brilliant-cut diamonds appear to slip underneath the inclination of the baguette- cut diamonds, radiating from the top thanks to the graphical effect of motif repetition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

Unveiled during Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2021 show by Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, the Felt Line, features three iconic leather good pieces and reflect the Maison’s ground-breaking approach to circular creativity. Designed using several eco-responsible materials: organic cotton and recycled wool-based jacquard, 100% recycled polyester derived from existing stocks, as well as recycled plastic for the chains.

A Keepall, a Keepall XS and a Soft Trunk — a design created by Virgil Abloh since his very first fashion show for Louis Vuitton; these three staple pieces from the menswear collection showcase Louis Vuitton’s commitment to circular creativity. Moving blankets — functional, protective and on-the-go — were Virgil Abloh’s inspiration for this new adventure, perfectly in line with the sustainability dedication he has shown since joining Louis Vuitton in 2018. A real creative challenge, this holistic approach is embodied in the creation and use of sustainable and responsible materials used for each product in the Felt Line collection.

An innovative textile — the main material of the pieces — was designed using 43% certified organic cotton, the highest standard, and 20% recycled wool. The unpredictable result of this jacquard underscores the uniqueness of each leather good, on which the Monogram pattern appears and disappears thanks to a lurex thread tufting. The global process emerges in every detail of these three light and practical models, as well as in a form of stylistic adaptation. The lining comes from the House’s existing stocks of 100% recycled polyester, which have been upcycled, thus maximising the use of existing materials and limiting production. The chains and corners were produced using 70% recycled plastic with a multi-colour effect reflecting the jacquard’s chromatic aspects. For the straps and handles, an LWG (Leather Working group)-certified leather was selected, the most exacting environmental label for tanning.

Meeting all the quality and durability criteria cherished by Louis Vuitton, the three models of the Felt Line, as well as one piece of ready-to-wear, a long coat, express the choice of a responsible and sustainable sophistication. By celebrating beauty and creativity in everyday life, which is the central theme of the F/W 2021 fashion show, the Felt Line demonstrates the vivacity of Louis Vuitton’s expertise and ingenuity to provide the best response to its clients’ needs as well as the challenges of the contemporary world. All products feature the signature initially conceived by Virgil Abloh, placed on a leather patch from existing stocks. This emblem is the symbol of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development policy, as by 2025, 100% of its products will be created through eco-conception.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) plan. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton