Sandra‘s Closet

This was my outfit that I wore to my gourmet dinner at Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence. Comfy yet stylish, not too tight to be able to fully indulge in the 10-course three Michelin stars culinary experience. I am repeating myself, it is another Zimmermann dress but I love their luxe bohemian creations so much – the perfect wardrobe for sun-soaked destinations.

My look: Zinnia belted tiered metallic polka-dot linen midi dress by Zimmermann, Annabelle Swiss-dot tulle-trimmed straw hat by Eugenia Kim, Rendez Vous 105 metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, The Pouch chain-embellished gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

During summer we love to go on a gourmet tour through France and Italy, which means we stop every second day at a two or three Michelin stars restaurant. It has become a tradition and it is great to be back in our favorite locations. This time, we took another route and visited for the first time Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence. This has been the best culinary experience we have had so far.

Personally speaking, you can feel that a woman is behind the creations. The dishes are light and fresh. Even after the 10-course «voyage» I didn’t feel stuffed as I usually do. You can taste that Anne-Sophie Pic takes a lot of devotion to find the best fresh ingredients. Her menu changes accordingly to the market. In fact, Anne-Sophie Pic is always moving. She is perpetually seeking new, complex flavour associations.

By finding non-consensual flavours such as the bitter, the acidic, the salty, the roasted, and the smoked and by taming them, she incorporates often overlooked produce such as beetroot, turnip or cabbage. In order to explore all of their possible uses in the kitchen, she approaches the ingredients in their totality, rather than cinnamon sticks, she prefers the cinnamon leaf.

The amazing anti-alcoholic accompaniment – the most extraordinary experience: pine needle tea (photo middle below).

The best? Forget the traditional wine pairing. At Anne-Sophie Pic you can order an anti-alcoholic accompaniment, which consists of different cocktails that are prepared at the table (the show is already worth it) and sophisticated teas.

The 51-year old French chef inherited her talent from her family. 3 generations, 3 stars, her father Jacques gained the restaurant «Maison Pic» three Michelin stars in 1973 and her grandfather André in 1934. Even that she spent a lot of time in the kitchen watching her father preparing his creations, she initially decided not to follow in their footsteps, and instead travelled overseas to train in management. In 1992, at the age of 23, she realised her place was by her father’s side so she could learn how to cook and develop the brand that was also her surname.

Unfortunately, her father died only three months later, and she moved to working the front of the house. In 1995, the restaurant lost its third Michelin star, for which she felt she had lost «her father’s star», and spurred her to return to the kitchen. In 1997, Pic took control of the restaurant. Even that she had no formal training in cooking – this is what I call real talent – she regained Maison Pic’s three Michelin stars in 2007.

An explosion of taste and color: amuse-bouche by Anne-Sophie Pic.

She is the fourth female chef to win three Michelin stars, and was awarded the Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2011. In the same year, she was named a Chevalier (Knight) of the French Legion of Honour. Isn’t it bizarre that women are supposed to be in the kitchen but the best chefs are all men?! I think, gentlemen, you should reconsider your dedications at home!

The divine white millefeuille served with milk foam is Anne-Sophie’s signature dessert dish. Click here for the recipe.

Great news is that we have also an Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant in Switzerland, located in Lausanne at the Beau-Rivage Palace. It was awarded two Michelin stars in 2009. There is more, the dedicated brunette has built a complete gourmand empire. Along with her husband David Sinapian, she establishes the PIC Group along with her SCOOK culinary school in Valence (2008), the ÉPICerie Fine in Valence (2010), la Dame de Pic in Paris (1 star), the Daily Pic (the gourmet verrines of Anne-Sophie Pic – 2014 and 2018), the restaurant André (2016) and la Dame de Pic London (1 star – 2017).

Visiting the kitchen after our excellent dinner experience.

Nevertheless, to really get her essence, you should visit her in her home in Valence. During the dinner, she will pass by to greet you and in the end I was even able to visit the impressive kitchen.

We stayed at her 5-star hotel Maison Pic in Valence. The restaurant is located within the property. The rooms are beautiful, you have an outdoor pool and the breakfast the next day is to die for. I have never in my life had such an amazing chocolate croissant.
One thing is for sure, we will be back soon!

LoL, Sandra

Breakfast at Anne-Sophie Pic

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. 

From Louis Vuitton to Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and Versace, here are some to die for sports accessories with a couture twist. They make the perfect gift for those fit-friends who are only obsessed with the best. The luxurious boxing gloves for example will turn your home into a workout studio that even the pros will be astonished by and with those marble dumbbells there are no more excuses not hitting the gym. And if you are still not convinced, imagine how your living room would become so instagrammable decorated with the CHANEL wakesurf board…

LoL, Sandra

Monogram dumbbells by Louis Vuitton
€ 1950

Marble dumbbells by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
€ 1295

Boxing gloves by Versace
€ 2445

Jump rope «Christopher» by Louis Vuitton
€ 480

Vintage skateboard by Hermès
CHF 6844

Tennis racket cover in Monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton
€ 1370

Beach rackets by Hermès
€ 640

Beach rackets by Louis Vuitton
€ 2390

Ping-pong set «James» by Louis Vuitton
€ 1630

Golf kit «Andrew» by Louis Vuitton
€ 625

Volleyball by Louis Vuitton
€ 1950

American football by Berluti
€ 1500

Skimboard by Louis Vuitton
€ 1410

Black wakesurf board by CHANEL
CHF 7500

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Neiman Marcus
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Thanks to Dioriviera capsule collection, I am reminded of one of my favorite islands, Capri. The perfect souvenir to think of the great time I had at the Italian Riviera this summer. Off I go into the weekend… stay tuned for all the great memories coming up soon!

My look: Cropped tie-dyed denim jacket, and embellished distressed denim shorts, both by Balmain, striped bodysuit «J’Adior Capri» and medium Bobby bag in latte, both by Dior, Farrah leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, vintage CC pendant anklet by CHANEL, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

My avid readers know how much I love fashion and that I keep all my things as everything has its time to be worn again. I truly take good care of every single piece, for example I am stuffing my bags and shoes at night, and I decide what to wear depending on the weather. Prolonging the life of your belongings is also key to reducing waste and our impact on the planet, but what do you do when your favourite shoes or investment handbag are past their best? Here is the solution. Founded by Vanessa Jacobs in 2015, the Restory’s London Atelier has become a leading innovator in luxury repairs and aftercare, giving your beloved items a new lease of life.

Starting with shoes, bags and leather goods, the team is dedicated to bringing the art of the craft and the convenience of technology right to your doorstep. By investing in the next generation of artisans who proactively seek out ways to find new techniques and solutions for those seemingly impossible problems, there is hope for almost every problem.

How does it work? Choose your preferred collection date and time through the online booking system, which is available for most of London and overnight anywhere else in the world. Whether sending your items in for cleaning, conditioning or re-heeling, they are carefully assessed first and an online quote is provided, with clients given the opportunity to then accept, query or decline the offer. Upon completion of the restoration, the items are returned beautifully packaged at a time and place convenient for you.

The Restory’s mission is to have you fall in love with your favourite pieces all over again while honoring our environment. Click here to see some amazing case studies. A circular fashion industry is one in which waste and pollution are designed out, products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible. This is what I truly call sustainable. Bravo!

And personally speaking, it gives me peace to know that there is a place that can repair pieces that don’t look good anymore so that one day I can open my museum with everything collected over the past decades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Restory

Greetings from the beautiful Villa d’Este. This was a difficult post to shoot as I faced three obstacles, first the photos were taken right before dinner with not the best light, secondly it was raining and last but not least my dear boyfriend was not in the mood to take some pictures as usual. However, I tried to get the best out of it, so that you can see one of my favorite summer outfits. I am such a big fan of jumpsuits and this one is light and unexpected as it looks like a dress.

Are you looking for the perfect party sandal? This pair features darling strawberry details, slim straps that wrap securely around the ankle, and a pin-thin heel.

My look: Bellitude cutout ruffled floral-print silk-crepon jumpsuit by Zimmermann, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Fragolina sandals by Aquazzura, metal glass pearls leather earrings by CHANEL (Cruise 2020), Coco Crush color in beige gold with diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewelry, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl by Dior Fine Jewelry, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

This is perfect way to sustainably update your Hermès bag, consider having an artist take a brush or needle and thread to them. Or have a look at the amazing work of Hong Kong based designer Jonathan Riss who has a passion of giving iconic bags a second life. His brand Jay Ahr (phonetic spelling of his initials) takes luxury bags to the next level.

Jonathan Riss with one of his works @jay_ahr_
« 1969 » Vintage Hermès Kelly bag, size 28

An array of pristine condition pre-loved Hermès bags presents the perfect canvas for this ancient yet modern artwork making every piece sustainable in product and process with a story to tell. Custom embroideries are layered and interwoven into each bag, with the art piece looking like they were part of the original leather design. Riss and his team deconstruct every bag before sending each separate piece of leather to the embroiderers. Once they are finished, the bag is sewn back together using the original yarn.

This vintage Hermès Birkin bag with Shunga embroidery was especially created on behalf of Maxfield LA’s 50th anniversary. Available for $55.000. To shop, click here.

There are so many amazing pieces, see below for more:

Bandana Brown – Hermes Birkin 35

This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in brown epsom leather first produced in 1999. The stamped- grain lightweight leather gives a structured relaxed contour. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure.

Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. From the Sanskrit word for «a bond», the bandana is inspired by the colourful Indian kerchiefs. The Bandana collection is paired with Jay Ahr’s tongue-in-cheek twist on the Hermès Twilly, in a matching bandana pattern.

$38.500 – To shop, click here.

Thangka Snake – Act 2 – Hermes Constance 24

A vintage Hermès Constance 24 in black box calf leather with gold plated metal hardware. The smooth box calf leather gives a glossy finish yet firm hold creating the bag’s structural lines. The bag features a versatile two-way shoulder strap and gilded ‘H’ front clasp closure.

Using this vintage Constance as a canvas, Jay Ahr presents a special interpretation of the Thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk appliqué. The central motif features an embroidered interpretation of the snake depicted in the Raktayamari Thangka, one of the world’s great textile treasures. One of the major landmarks of early Ming dynasty textile arts, the eight snakes represent the subjugation of various obstacles and the accomplishment of skillful activities.

US$28,600 – To shop, click here.

Welcome to the Jungle Hermès Birkin 35

This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in white canvas with a green trim first produced in 1996. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure. Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock.

On this seemingly light hearted beauty the exotic green plays host to the lyrics of Guns & Roses’ «Welcome to the Jungle». Shrouded by Jungle palm leaves creating a sense of mystery and voyeurism. The song exposes the dark side of Los Angeles many people encounter when they go there to pursue fame. The embroidered print is not contained to the canvas but carried across the bag onto the soft Ebène calf leather hiding the underworld conveyed by the song.

$38.500 – To shop, click here.

Nessun Dorma – Hermès Kelly Sellier 28

This bag is a vintage Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 first produced in 1973. Detailed with palladium plated hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. The bag stands tall on protective feet and is carried by a single padded top handle.

Marrying musical classics with vintage classics Jay Ahr has woven the lyrics to operas, ballads and anthems.  This piece is an ode to the Italian Opera. The lyrics to «Nessun Dorma» (None shall sleep), an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot – one of the best known tenor arias in opera – grace this stunning and rare Kelly, in an embroidered interpretation of wood block stamping.

$35.200 – To shop, click here.

Aren’t those bags so beautiful, when fashion meets art … masterpieces can be created.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jay Ahr and via Marie Van Damme
DISCLOSURE: This post DOES NOT include affiliate links and is not sponsored. I am just a fan of the products.

Greetings from Sylt! I enjoyed a wonderful long weekend with great friends. Germany’s most famous island can be best explored by bike which you can rent everywhere. Here you see me on my way to the famous beach bar Buhne 16 that is only a short ride away from Kampen. My outfit was the perfect combination for all those different activities during the day. Stay tuned for more!

My look: Jacquard-trimmed printed stretch-jersey sports bra and matching cropped jacquard-trimmed printed stretch leggings, both by Versace, cotton-poplin shirt, all by Thom Browne, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton and banana leaf print sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here comes the coolest collaboration of this summer. Dior joins forces with Vespa to create an exclusive scooter and a range of matching accessories, celebrating the sunny spirit and art of living of the two houses that were founded in the same year, in 1946.

Out of this passionate dialogue, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter comes to life, its monohull architecture and subtle graphic lines paying tribute to the heritage of the two brands. A symbol of refinement, this object of desire reflects their shared commitment to the excellence of savoir-faire and virtuoso art of detail.

A contemporary version of the iconic Vespa 946 – presented in 2012 in Milan and recognized for its elegant, streamlined curves and technological innovation – the new model was designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections. The scooter is made in Italy, adhering to the exacting standards, commitment and precision of a couture atelier.

Echoing the design of the saddle, a top case patterned with the Dior Oblique motif – designed by Marc Bohan in 1967 – is specially designed to be fixed on the luggage rack, adding a distinctive allure. A helmet adorned with the same iconic motif rounds out the unique range.

Symbols of escape to new horizons, these limited-edition creations will launch in spring 2021 in Dior boutiques around the world and subsequently in a selection of Piaggio Group’s Motoplex stores. The accessories, including the helmet and top case, will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Beyoncé wore Mary Katrantzou for the single «Water» featuring Pharrell Williams and Salatiel, in her latest visual album «Black is King», styled by Zerina Akers.

The piece was inspired by electric lightning storms and the painterly colours in the sky after rain. A mix between sunrise and sunset.

The dress is a tech-organza base, selected for its high iridescence and intense shine, printed with a multicolour «rave cloud» which has merging colours of fuchsia, peach, citrus, ocean blue and sea green.

Hundreds of laser-cut oyster ruffles are then tulle bound by hand in correlating colours, amounting to around 500 meters. These are hand tucked into place to create the perfect form of sculpted ruffles. The ruffles are print placed to make the dress bleed from colour to colour across the body.

The embroidery consists of stacked micro sequins and crystal, built up in a 3D style which give them an ombré effect. This is accompanied by thousands of singular ostrich feathers, which are hand dyed in ombré colours, grading to up to three colours in each strand. They are then matched to correlate with the perfect place in the print, to mimic the soft drift of clouds after a storm. The embroidery was partly done in India, with finishing touches by our London atelier, amounting to 7 days of embroidery work on the dress.

Beyonce wore the finale look from the F/W 2019 collection, draped around her shoulders. Also looks 34 & 35 were featured in the same video.

For bespoke enquiries please contact .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou