Sandra‘s Closet

Hello from Greece! I arrived in Athens for a very special celebration. My friend Themis Zouganeli is opening her new THEMIS Z flagship store in the Greek capital. Fond memories of her childhood in Athens and summers spent in Mykonos inspire her eponymous label.

Themis with me last January at The Gstaad Palace.

Each piece is conceived to reflect the relaxed yet sophisticated nature of Greek culture and handmade by artisans from the finest materials, which are sourced locally and under responsible conditions. Contemporary separates are showcased with clean lines and printed with geometric motifs and symmetrical patterns reminiscent of antique tile designs, translating the beauty of traditional Grecian dress into the everyday.

Don’t miss out on her tableware collection. Her unique creativity lies in the simple, clean lines she applies to her designs and patterns. It makes you feel like being on vacation at your own home.

At the Blue Palace, Resort and Spa at Elounda in Crete where I went last August, you can find a bespoke fine porcelain tableware adorned with individual hand-painted motifs reminiscent ent of the crystal hues of the Aegean Sea and inspired by the name of the hotel itself.

I am really looking forward to spending the next two days in Athens.

TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Themis Z
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Last month, I took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna as guest of Louis Vuitton. Once I arrived in the Austrian capital, I visited the new Maison’s new store that has relocated to an expanded space on Graben in the heart of the city. Occupying four floors of a historic building, this new store presents the Louis Vuitton universe within a beautiful Viennese backdrop.

The store is the latest realisation of the design concept developed by Peter Marino for locations such as New Bond Street, Los Angeles and Ginza. Among the largest in Europe, it benefits from Vienna’s status as a dynamic cultural destination and a nexus for travel.

Designed by Max Kröpf, Oskar Laske and Viktor Fiala, the building dates to 1898-99. Its listed façade is ornamented with reliefs depicting long-distance trade and coats of arms from such cities as Hamburg, Trieste and London.

A spacious layout showcases the full Louis Vuitton offer and Peter Marino signatures, including striking art, objects and furniture that correspond with the design heritage of Vienna. Defined by curving walls and open sightlines, the store is organised around an exceptional staircase that unfurls with floating steps in four tonal varieties of stone. At once sculptural and a means of circulation, it is juxtaposed with a statement wall, panelled in commissioned works by well-known Austrian artist, Erwin Wurm. Bright and graphic, the eight paintings are composed of abstracted words: Form, Love, Body, Beauty and more.

As the history of Vienna is inextricably linked to its progressive movements in art and design, both figure significantly in the store’s expression. Notably, a pyramid of trunks has been hand-painted in the spirit of Gustav Klimt and other artists of the Vienna Secession. Vintage extends to contemporary – from an Alvar Aalto daybed and a Carl Malmsten modular sofa to Matt Gagnon’s Custom Light Stacks and Fernando Daza’s Four Intercepted Circles. With its flower-shaped bubbles, Atelier Biagetti’s Flower Tower lamp stands as a glass totem at once decorative and whimsical.

If you are in Vienna, this new store is a must-see, not only for the things to shop, but for its design!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Louis Vuitton 
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Sometimes I feel that I am living a life in timelapse. This morning, I had to wake up very early to catch the first flight out of Heathrow and I had to remind me where I am when I woke up. Last week I was in Paris, next week I am in Athens. I love traveling so much. However, I have a feeling time just flies when you are so busy.

These photos were taken in Paris before I went on the Orient- Express, where I wore this outfit for dinner. I love the little timelapse reference of the video cassette bag.

My look: Convertible embellished cashmere and cotton-blend cardigan by Area, dropped waist ruffle tulle logo graphic skirt (Look 1 F/W 2021), and VHS video tape reverse monogram clutch bag (Look 1 S/S 2020), both by Louis Vuitton, Double Bow crystal-embellished glittered leather point-toe pumps by Mach & Mach, embellished silver-tone belt, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, and Neughman pilot sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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As promised here is the outfit that I wore to the first evening with ASMALLWORLD in Saint Tropez. I have always been in love with Pucci‘s mood-boosting vibrant  prints. This one for example is inspired by the label’s archival ‘Maddalena‘ motif that dates back to the ’60s. The same time the tiny village of Saint Tropez rose to fame thanks to Roger Vadim‘s movie «And God created woman», starring French actress Brigitte Bardot.

My look: Cropped open-back cotton-poplin halterneck top, printed silk-twill scarf, ruffled printed stretch-jersey flared pants, spiral cuff bracelet, and Pesci silver-tone, resin and faux pearl hoop earrings, all by Pucci, ruffled mesh shirt by Proenza Schouler, navy and cream platform heels with brass embellishments by Gucci, 23P mini top handle classic flap retangular in emerald green and navy blue lambskin leather by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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This week, the ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend took place in Saint Tropez. For the first time, the famous Hôtel Byblos was the home for the weekend. Refined and exclusive, the magical venue located in the heart of Saint Tropez, was the perfect place to get the event started with sundowner cocktails around the pool at the Lounge-Bar «B».

Later, we went to «Le Quai» restaurant in the port to celebrate the good life. While we were indulging in exquisite champagne, and culinary delights, we enjoyed an exciting dinner show. Needless to say, we danced the night away.

All details of my look are coming up in my next post.

LoL, Sandra

Best hosts: CEO ASMALLWORLD Jan Lüscher and beautiful Emily May Nind

It was very cold in Saint Tropez that evening: So better tea than champagne… good times with Frank and Bettina Meissner and Emily May Nind.

Afrojack, Elettra Lamborghini, my humble self and Patrick Liotard-Vogt

Gorgeous Ljuba Manz and her husband Marco Conte

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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We live in times where micro trends play an important role thanks to a constantly changing algorithm-influenced universe. So it feels almost like a miracle when so many designers’ visions align to deliver us a wide-ranging group of trends for the season. Enjoy the act of accessorizing this S/S 2023 season!

LoL, Sandra

We all know that gloves are a cold weather wardrobe stable, which is a shame because they really work magic for immediately making any outfit just a little bit more wonderful. The black mesh or lace opera glove is still an eveningwear standard, but for spring, designers pushed it a bit further with ruffles, embellishments and net details.

Physically blooming from tops, skirts and dresses, florals show up as 3-D appliqués this season.

What comes up must come down, so it’s only logical that, after seeing belts get tinier and tinier, the pendulum would swing the other way.

Punk is not dead, the choker is back!

These frames with an ’80s vibe are edgy, cool, and perfect for unexpected styling combinations.

Big hats will protect you not only from the elements but also deliver stylish privacy.

Body jewelry is elevating the body to a walking canvas.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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After the mystical CARACABA and last year’s ever-whimsical GREEKABA, get ready to say ¡Hola! to Christian Louboutin’s annual limited-edition cabas offering, the FLAMENCABA: a fiery celebration of all the creativity, charisma and exquisite craftsmanship that Andalusia has to offer, developed in collaboration with the inimitable Rossy de Palma, actress and long-time friend of Christian’s.

It was inspired by the region’s rich culture and flamenco tradition, and it features men’s and women’s shoes, fans, and bags. The key pieces include the FLAMENCABA small tote that highlights the savoir-faire of local craftsmen with ornate detailing inspired by Flamenco dresses. On the base of the handles, CARASPIKES become gold-toned SEVILLANA spikes, inspired by Seville’s architectural heritage and bringing an added touch of opulence to this everyday tote bag.

Another highlight is the FLAMENCABA mini bag, that was inspired by the iconic shawls worn by Andalusian bailaoras.

Christian Louboutin will donate part of the profits from the capsule collection to Centro Coreografico Maria Page, an organization that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.

Launching in May 2023, this year’s Flamencaba collection continues in the footsteps of the annual cabas series with a true ode to craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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In spring 2023, the House of CHANEL is making it loud and clear: color has flair—the flair of the person wearing it. With the latest edition of its 24-hue LE VERNIS range, which includes 17 new nail polish shades, CHANEL has issued a creative manifesto that puts the spotlight on color as a way to satisfy every desire.

This season, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has proven that it has creativity at its fingertips; in revisiting the LE VERNIS line, it has designed a rich, expressive collection that matches every mood and every emotion.

It was envisioned as a language, conceived to reflect a style, like the detail that makes all the difference in a look. CHANEL explored the subtlest hues in its color vocabulary to form the new palette, whose 24 shades range from vibrant to mysterious, giving every personality and every creative spirit a voice.

Because wearing fiery red, light pink, or khaki gray nails means stating exactly who you are at this very moment. Uncompromisingly. Unapologetically.

For this collection centered on five main color families, CHANEL, a master of emotion-conveying and sensation-provoking color, has given each nail polish its own character traits.

COLORS THAT ENERGIZE. Radiant shades that can boost your energy in a snap: a fiery red, a vibrant fuchsia pink and a bright coral, an intense plum.
COLORS THAT SOOTHE, that comfort. Soft neutrals that inspire calm and serenity: a light pink, a latte-colored beige.
COLORS THAT BRING JOY. Fresh, light, and optimistic hues that encourage playfulness and mischief: a cloud blue, a fresh lilac, a zesty yellow.
COLORS THAT DISRUPT, that break the rules in order to establish their own. Subtly dimmed and muted shades that do not fit the mold. In between two worlds, in between two shades: from pink-infused terracotta to androgynous gray with khaki accents.
COLORS THAT PROVIDE STRENGTH, designed to be worn as a manifesto: three assertive and alluring shades of red.
And finally, the finishing touch, a hint of luxury: a festive antique gold shade that rounds out the palette.

So, in this very moment, who are you? What story do you wish to share? The story of a whim, a crush, a case of the blues, a wake-up call… This May, be EMOTIONAIL.
Iconic, like latte-colored Légende beige. Calm, like moonlit Insomniaque white. Surprising, like tangy Ovni yellow. Rebellious, like bluish Pirate red. Now, it is your turn. Your turn to create. Your turn to dream up vibrant and lively color combinations and, for a limited time, adorn nails with House emblems. To design looks that are graphic, artistic—iconic, even.

LE VERNIS
INSOMNIAQUE: a white
PARTICULIÈRE: a taupe
FAUSSAIRE: a rosy beige
PREMIÈRE DAME: a bright coral pink
MUSE: a cloud blue
OVNI: a tangy yellow
DUELLISTE: a khaki gray
SORCIÈRE: a mauve
OISEAU DE NUIT: an aubergine
INCENDIAIRE: a red-orange
POMPIER: a raspberry red
PHÉNIX: a gold
LÉGENDE: a latte-colored beige
BALLERINA: a light pink
PASSE MURAILLE: a brownish rosewood
FABULISTE: a terracotta
FUGUEUSE: a deep blue
CAVALIER SEUL: a sage green
IMMORTELLE: a lilac
ACTIVISTE: a deep plum
DIVA: a fuchsia pink
PIRATE: a bluish red
ROUGE NOIR: a rouge noir
LE DIABLE EN CHANEL: a black
Each CHF 37.00

SET LE VERNIS DE CHANEL – LIMITED EDITION
Limited-edition SET LE VERNIS, for creating unique manicures
LE VERNIS Incendiaire
LE VERNIS Insomniaque
LE GEL COAT
NAIL DESIGN : One sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in black + one sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in white.
CHF 111.00

LA BASE CAMÉLIA CHF 38.00
LE GEL COAT CHF 37.00
In stores Mid May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #BeEmotioNail #CHANELMakeUp #CHANELNails #CHANELBeauty
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Hublot and Nespresso, two Swiss icons, have joined forces on an exceptional project: the creation of a Big Bang timepiece based on recycling and circularity. This watch is the first to be made using recycled Nespresso aluminium capsules and coffee grounds.

As part of its Second Life initiatives over the last seven years, Nespresso has partnered with prestigious Swiss brands to create new products from used aluminium capsules. The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, the result of the partnership between Hublot and Nespresso, shares the values of innovation, excellence and sustainability, which are at the core of both brands. Founded in 1980, Hublot is renowned for its Art of Fusion, developing new alloys, materials and composites, pushing the boundaries of different materials and placing rubber at the heart of the watchmaking industry by using it for its straps. And, since 1986, Nespresso has not only revolutionised the Art of Coffee with its portioned system that perfectly blends precision with an unforgettable taste, but has also added even greater value with its recycling system, designed in 1991, that separates the aluminium from the coffee grounds, enabling each component to be repurposed. And that’s how a coffee capsule can now become a watch, from strap to case.

This is a world first: Hublot’s and Nespresso’s pioneering spirit has transformed used coffee grounds from the capsules into watch straps. The recycled aluminium fused with the aluminium capsules become the case, the bezel, the crown and the pusher.

This is an unprecedented collaboration, signaled by Nespresso’s iconic «N» engraved on the crown, and its iconic colour – a nod to the Master Origins Peru Organic capsule. The density of the two materials is expertly blended to ensure the durability of the product. The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin’s 42-mm case is crafted in recycled aluminium, of which 28% comes from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin finished and polished. The crown and pusher undergo the same treatment. The bottom of the case and the container are both made from Eco-Titanium (recycled titanium). The titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap, with its decorative recycled aluminium cap, and the sport buckle of the Velcro strap are also in the same anodised green colour.

The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin takes the recycled coffee grounds from Nespresso capsules and applies the magic of Hublot’s patented One Click interchangeable strap system to them. To create the rubber strap, Hublot has skilfully balanced the ratio of each ingredient to achieve the perfect colour and quality. For the fabric strap, Hublot has collaborated with SingTex, one of Nespresso’s partners who was already using recycled coffee grounds to produce a fabric called Scafé. This 100% recycled fabric (composed of 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester) is being used for the first time to make a watch strap. A subtle balance, to ensure the durability of the bracelet, which also sees the rubber strap fusing 4.1% coffee grounds, 8.2% recycled white rubber and the usual Hublot formula.

It took Hublot a whole year of R&D, working closely with Nespresso, to finally achieve the perfect harmony of colours between seven different materials that make up the watch, from its case to its straps (anodised aluminium, the varnish on the dial and hands, the Hublot logo decal on the glass, the rubber of the strap, and the fabric, lining and hook & loop tape of the Velcro strap) and to ensure that this uniformity of colour would stand the test of time.
This is a symbolic watch: in creating the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin, Hublot and Nespresso have demonstrated that it is possible to add value to recycled raw materials – and that circularity has no limits.

Another first: the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin will come in the Hublot Greenbox case, a brand new case developed by this watchmaking manufacturer that will be used for all its watch collections in the future. Created entirely from oak, including its hinges, it is carved from mostly massive, traceable wood, whose sourcing and manufacture both promote short supply chains. It is designed to be a reusable item, with 98% of its removable interior made from eco-friendly and recycled components. It is made from recycled fabrics, plastic yarns and PET, as well as recycled paper and cardboard that are eco-labelled. For the collaboration with Nespresso, the Hublot Greenbox case is specially decorated with the two brands’ logos, affixed using coffee grounds.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot – @Hublot @Nespresso @Nespresso.ch
#Hublot #Nespresso #CultivateTheMovement
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Welcome to Marjendi! Initially presented as a part of the multi-collab Resort 2023 collection at New York Fashion Week last September, which saw the Italian luxury house partner with the likes of Tiffany & Co., Sarah Jessica Parker and Porter to co-design key classics to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FENDI «Baguette» Bag, the FENDI by Marc Jacobs capsule collection will be available online and in-stores starting on May 11.

First, though, a word on the New York connection. Sex & the City made the Baguette famous. Secondly, Marc Jacobs and Jones go back to their days together at Louis Vuitton, when Jacobs hired Jones to come on board as LV’s menswear creative director in 2011. Thirdly, thinking back, Marc Jacobs was one of a the first serial collaborators himself, see Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Yayoi Kusama. So it all comes perfectly together.

«I called Marc up and asked him if he wanted to design a collection for Fendi. I haven’t been involved at all,» Jones said to US Vogue. «We worked side by side during fittings. We were doing ours, he was doing his. I’m looking very much at 1997 and I think Mark’s is fresh and now.»

For his take, Jacobs developed a «Fendiroma» logo. He mixed up his own brand codes with Fendi’s, creating a calfskin Baguette emblazoned with the words «The Baguette,» playing off his «The Tote» designs. Marc Jacobs’ Fendi collection sees exaggerated, platformed, oversized, monochromatic silhouettes, with florescent touches across men’s and women’s ready-to-wear.

«In its sinuous lines and elongated forms, the ready-to-wear collection echoes New York’s ‘Gilded Age’ in shape and yet these are ‘everyday’ items of today made into part of the mythology of the city. Here, both fantasy and reality come into play,» the Italian fashion house shared in a press release. Colors range from silvery, glittering, grey, white, fluo yellow, and black with a total Y2K vibe.

I personally love the baguette hoodies, where the front pocket features the full dimensions of the Maxi Baguette bag. The collection also includes jewelry that takes the bow motif taken from the runway, double sole Fendi Domino sneakers (so ’90s), cat-eye sunglasses and extravagant, gigantic, upcycled fur hats.

The Fendi x Marc Jacobs collection is a fashion dream coming true…

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE PRE-ACCESS TO THE COLLECTION.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi
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