Sandra‘s Closet

After São Paulo, my next stop was London this week. I love being in the British metropole where I stayed again at the COMO The Halkin. On my way to meetings, we took these photos right next to the hotel at Belgrave Square. Karl Lagerfeld said: «Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.» It is probably one of the only quotes, I disagree with. You just have to find the right ones … and who can resist a velvet tracksuit?!

Another trend I like is that headbands are not only back in style, but they’re cooler than ever. And sometimes it is good not to take fashion too seriously. If you don’t like to see me in sweatpants, just pull down your headband!

My look: Embellished velvet top, embroidered velvet trousers, and Rylee leather ankle boots, all by Chloé, studded leather headband by Prada, Oblique Saddle bag, and shoulder strap, both by Dior, necklaces by Chanel, and diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know my travel insider section where fashion designers, celebrities and industry veterans share their tips for their favorite destinations with us. From now on, I decided also to post my personal recommendations for cities or areas I truly enjoyed visiting. My first one is dedicated to one of the most vibrant and populous cities in the world, SÃO PAULO. As Brazil’s financial center, it holds numerous cultural institutions and iconic buildings rich in architectural tradition.

ABOUT SÃO PAULO
SÃO PAULO reminds me a lot of my favorite place on earth, Los Angeles. Despite my expectations – I was told by some friends that the largest city in Latin America with one of the five largest populations on earth is very dangerous – I never felt unsafe and was truly amazed how clean this huge metropole is. As my tour guide said, there is a huge difference between tourists and travelers, meaning if you stick to certain rules, you will have a lot of fun exploring this lively metropole. Just keep in mind that São Paulo is, as the majority of other places in the world, divided in neighborhoods and you should stay away from certain areas or if you visit them, be extra careful, for example downtown São Paulo.

Be aware of crazy traffic jams as São Paulo has an incredible number of cars: over eight million! Best time to arrive or visit the city is over the weekend or during a holiday. Good Friday was honestly the perfect timing.

MY FAVORITE HOTEL
With no doubt PALÁCIO TANGARÁ, that is part of the Oetker Collection. With an exceptional location in the verdant surroundings of a tropical park, it is a peaceful retreat in a vibrant city. Enjoy some leisure time at the pool or train at the large gym before heading to São Paulo. If the traffic is good, it will take you around 25-30 minutes to the Jardins district. Personally speaking, I loved the hotel’s refined contemporary décor. The rooms are spacious and bathed in natural daylight. The service is outstanding and you are treated to a variety of culinary venues signed by Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Panamby, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904-4040

MY FAVORITE SPA
Palácio Tangará’s FLORA SPA BY SISLEY, an oasis of refined beauty and serenity. Interiors bathe in the inspiration of the green surroundings, while providing a while providing a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere that will nurture and awaken your senses. I had a wonderful deep tissue massage on my arrival day which was perfect to release any tension from the long flight. Don’t miss the photo-aromatic facials and body treatments.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Panamby, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904 4099, E-mail: flora.

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
One of the most sophisticated and renowned ones is D.O.M. (Latin abbreviation of Deo optimo maximo), a two-star Michelin restaurant run by Brazilian chef Alex Atala who researches the ingredients used in his restaurant and supervises production in various parts of Brazil. Some of these ingredients include tucupi juice, pirarucu and piraíba fishes, jambu and the tapioca from manioc flour. R. Barão de Capanema, 549 – Jardins, São Paulo – SP, 01411-011
Phone: +55 11 3088-0761

A must-visit is Michelin-starred restaurant TANGARÁ JEAN-GEORGES, located in the ground floor of the Palácio Tangará, overlooking the verdant expanse of the Burle Marx tropical park. In this beautiful and elegant setting (the same where breakfast is served) you can enjoy signature set meals as well as daily specials created by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His gastronomy, the first and only in South America, is inspired by lighter Asian methods that are now combined with a hint of Brazil and accompanied by a selection of locally inspired cocktails. Don’t miss the carefully curated list of over 180 different wines including some of the region’s best-kept secrets.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Parque do Morumbi, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904-4072

A true insider tip, that I got from the concierge at Palácio Tangará, is another two-star Michelin restaurant, TUJU. A beautiful restaurant set in São Paulo’s Vila Madalena neighbourhood, it is well worth a visit for the urban garden and open kitchen. Chef Ivan Ralston is bringing sophisticated simplicity to Brazilian dining. Herbs are harvested in the backyard and everything is prepared fresh with local ingredients. I had the vegetarian 5-course market menu with wine pairing that I can absolutely recommend.
R. Fradique Coutinho, 1248 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP, 05416-001
Phone: +55 11 2691-5548

MY FAVORITE BAR
I love SKYE BAR & RESTAURANT located on the rooftop of the Unique Hotel. Boasting a crimson red pool and stunning views over Ibirapuera Park and the entire São Paulo skyline, DJs entertain the beautiful crowd with really great music, probably the best I heard in quite some time. I indulged in Brazil’s most famous cocktail, the caipirinha, which is supposed to be one of the best ones in town.
Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – SP, 01402-002
Phone: +55 11 3055-4702

MY FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD
This pie-like dish originating from the Levant was introduced in Brazil by Levantine immigrants, where it is known as ESFIRRA, a street popular food. Baked and folded into a triangular pastry, it is filled with different ingredients, from cheese, curd, lamb, beef to vegetables. So yummy!

For breakfast at Palácio Tangará, I loved having an AÇAI BOWL, the perfect boost for energy. They are also very popular as a pre or post-work out meal in Brazil. This dish is made of frozen and mashed açaí palm fruit, served as a smoothie in a bowl or glass, and commonly topped with granola and banana. Açaí na tigela (açaí in the bowl) is popular all over the country but the preparation differs from region to region. The original recipe, as eaten in the North, contains shrimp or dried fish and tapioca and is usually salty. The sweet variety is common in the southernmost parts of the country.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL DRINK
Besides the famous and dangerous caipirinhas, I love FRESH COCONUT WATER. Everywhere you go in São Paulo, you’ll find Coco stalls, places where you can buy a fresh coconut, have it chopped and prepared ready for that sweet nutritious milk. It’s a great experience to watch the preparation. I adored having mine at the pool of the Palácio Tangará hotel.

MY FAVORITE MARKET
The MUNICIPAL MARKET OF SÃO PAULO (Portuguese: Mercado Municipal de São Paulo), a large public market in São Paulo designed by the architect Francisco Ramos de Azevedo and inaugurated in January 1933 as a wholesale and retail post specializing in fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, spices and other food products. The market is located in the historic city center, a meeting point for locals and one of the most visited tourist spots in the city. The smell of fresh fruits is unbelievable. Here you can also find the best esfirra.
R. Cantareira, 306 – Centro, São Paulo – SP, 01103-200
Phone: +55 11 3313-3365

MY FAVORITE PARK
IBIRAPUERA PARK, a major urban park in São Paulo and one of South America’s largest city parks; it covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. Likened to New York City’s Central Park, it is a great cultural scene and a perfect area for leisure and exercise. My favorite photo spot was the illuminated giant Easter egg installed for the holiday in the park.
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050

MY FAVORITE MUSEUM
For those who would like to experience more of the art scene, I would suggest a visit to the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, University of São Paulo (MAC USP) (Portuguese: Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo). Being one of the largest art museums in the country, it is located in the main campus of the university and in Ibirapuera Park. With approximately 10.000 works, the museum collections cover a period that goes from the modernist Avant-Gardes in the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, both nationally and internationally. From the rooftop, you can enjoy a 360° view over the city of São Paulo. Don’t miss this spot for your souvenir pictures.
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, 1301 – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050
Phone: +55 11 2648-0254

MY FAVORITE STREET
AVENIDA PAULISTA, the main avenue and one of the city’s most famous postcards. Modern office blocks, high rise apartments and designer shops dominate so be prepared for a busy, hectic atmosphere. You’ll be amongst businessmen, fashionistas and shoppers – just about everyone turns up on this most important thoroughfare. Interesting to know is that near this iconic street, São Paulo has a huge coffee plantation. There are about 1,500 coffee plants rooted within the Instituto Biológico in the neighborhood of Vila Mariana.

MY FAVORITE AREA
The area known as JARDINS is one of the wealthiest districts in the Brazilian city. It takes its name from the magnificent parks in the area, such as Jardim Paulista, Jardim America, Jardim Paulistano and Jardim Europa. As this is also a chic and trendy district, you’ll find plenty of upmarket shops and some of the city’s finest restaurants here. The area also boasts over 200 bars, testimony to the bustling nightlife in Jardins. You will be amazed by the giant residences in this upper class region.

MY FAVORITE SIGHTSEEING SPOT
The NOSSA SENHORA DO BRASIL CHURCH (Portuguese: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Brasil) is a church located in the Jardim América district. Built in 1940, it is one of the most elegant places of worship I have seen with beautiful ceramic insert panels. The bible come to life with vibrant paintings on the ceiling and walls.

MY FAVORITE HISTORICAL SPOT
You shouldn’t miss the site where the city of São Paulo was founded in 1554: the PÁTIO DO COLÉGIO (in Portuguese School Yard, written in the archaic orthography Pateo do Collegio), which is the name given to the historical Jesuit church, the square in front and the school in downtown. Here you might see some homeless people. It is an area where you should be a little more careful.
Praça Pateo do Collegio, 2 – Centro, São Paulo – SP, 01016-040
Phone: +55 11 3105-6899

MY FAVORITE SHOPPING STREET
Reminiscent of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, RUA OSCAR FREIRE is a tree-lined shopping street in the Jardins district of São Paulo. For all shopaholics out there, this is a must-visit. It is the 2nd most luxurious street in the Americas, right behind 5th avenue in New York, and ranks 8th in the world. Aside from high-end international fashion brands, Brazilian fashion brands, such as Carlos Miele, Cavalera, Iódice, and Havaianas are present as well. If shopping isn’t your thing, there are also a handful of traditional restaurants and chic cafes, so-called «parking spots for bored hubbies.»

MY FAVORITE SOUVENIR
Definitely a limited edition pair of HAVAIANAS FLIP-FLOPS. The colourful rubber shoes have become synonymous with Brazil. A stop at the Havaianas flagship store is a must. You will find flip-flops in every imaginable design and hue – and so much cheaper (around 70% less) to what you pay in Europe.
Rua Oscar Freire, 1116 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP, 01426-000
Phone: +55 11 3079-3415

MY FAVORITE SHOPPING MALL
Once you enter JK IGUATEMI, you might think, you are dead and landed in shopping heaven. Situated in the heart of Itaim, not far from the Palácio Tangará, is by far the most luxurious shopping center in São Paulo with restaurants, cinemas, three office towers as well as local and international high end designer stores.
Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041 – Vila Olímpia, São Paulo – SP, 04543-011
Phone: +55 11 3152-6800

MY FAVORITE PHOTO SPOT
No matter how hectic your explorations in São Paulo may get, do not skip BECO DE BATMAN! Nicknamed after the famous comic character, which was painted on one of the walls around the 1980s, this winding alley in Vila Madalena has a very dense concentration of graffiti that is continually renovated by the local community. Only artists from the area are invited to embellish the walls, that are an instagram heaven, inviting you at every corner to start your photo diary.
R. Gonçalo Afonso – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP, 05435-000
Phone: +55 11 96846-7472

MY FAVORITE TOUR GUIDE
A huge thank you goes to DANILO VALISSERRA from Touring SP, who showed us around in São Paulo. Another great tip from Palácio Tangará’s concierge. He picked us up with his bulletproof car (he works for several embassies) at the hotel directly and drove us around the city to show us the most important spots. It was such a fun and entertaining tour.
Phone: +55 11 966-366-664, E-mail:

BEM VINDO A SÃO PAULO
I hope you enjoyed my travel tips for this amazing Brazilian city!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To accompany the launch of MIU MIU‘s newest fragrance TWIST that stars MIU-se Elle Fanning as the face of the campaign, the Italian fashion house has launched a limited edition collection of TWIST WITH ME T-shirts that celebrate the invigorating spirit of the MIU MIU girl.

Available from now in white in MIU MIU stores worldwide for €390, and from May 14th in black exclusively at miumiu.com. Will you Twist in it?!

Sensual and surprising, the new scent capture the quirky spirit of the MIU MIU girl according to her own Miu-d.

Fresh Top Notes: Vert de Bergamot & Apple Blossom
Sensual Heart Note: Pink Amber Accord
Irresistible Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Cedar Wood

The new Miu Miu TWIST is available for CHF160 (100ml), CHF110 (50ml) and CHF84 (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

B Blossom breaks new ground by introducing a fine jewellery collection inspired by the confident woman who leaves a mark in her way.
The star-shaped flower’s iconic design created by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896, is reimagined and emboldened in the guise of a stylish spherical stamp to meld attitude with playfulness.
Illuminated by diamonds, the pink and yellow gold range of rings, bracelets and cuffs, earrings, pendants and chain necklaces radiate the iconic flower’s rebirth in an ode to the precious matrix animating the Monogram’s potential for infinity.

Fashioned for the Louis Vuitton’s tribe, the Maison’s new interpretation of its signature Flower presides throughout this fine jewellery collection as the seal of a modern day avatar. Magnified by the power of gold, stones, and diamonds to redefine the signet ring and its play on heritage.

Seven playful rings offer a versatile interpretation of the House’s iconic design. Worn as single rings or stacked, they are available in malachite, onyx, white agate, pink opal, diamonds or plain gold in both yellow and pink gold. Complimented respectively by three statement signet rings, either in carved stone or the other in paveʼs diamonds.

These generous renditions emphasize the ring’s three dimensionality and its value as a statement piece. With the signature, Louis Vuitton star-shaped flower in diamonds set in white gold, these blossoms evoke Louis Vuitton’s unique know-how to heighten the preciousness of the materials, in a testament to elegant craftsmanship and multicoloured refinement.

Other iconic piece of the collection, a sumptuous bracelet in gold with sensual contour, encases in its curves, fives precious pearls paved of diamonds or in onyx. This impression strengthens the fierce beauty of the message in the stones and amplifies the impact of the design.

The collection’s approach to voluptuousness explores the geometric interplay by introducing a bead and a pendant monogram flower, set inside a single walled frame to be worn on short and long necklaces and bracelets. With earrings to compliment the contrasting shapes, these talismans add a minimalist feel to the iconic design, that exalt the sensuality of Louis Vuitton’s jewellery and exploit the harmony in the elements. Exquisitely sculpted mother of pearl, and the expert work on hard stones highlight the House’s approach to diamonds to showcase the essence of femininity. Set delicately off center, on a modern chain, the square frame can be paired with the rounded generosity of the bead to invite a modern interpretation of the monogram’s heritage.

As the adventurer it inspires, B Blossom finds its beauty in a finely nuanced metamorphosis
that encompasses the genesis of the original design, reinterpreted and sublimated
to entrust Louis Vuitton’s signature collection with a bold new attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

A wardrobe of classic Prada styles, in timeless black. The Italian fashion house’s The Little Black Bags comprise a precise edit of accessories – a selection of shapes and styles that resonate with an eternal appeal.

Prada Cahier Bag

The collection is composed of petite reiterations of an established cannon of modern classics: Prada Galleria, Prada Cahier, Prada Odette and Prada Panier. Refined and sophisticated, elevated and elegant, yet unexpected, unanticipated, these accessory families are a succinct summary of the meaning of Prada today.

Prada Panier Bag

Executed in a restrained palette and on an intimate, petite scale – unique, exclusive and never before offered – attention is focused on the power and distinction of every handbag’s instantly-recognizable form. Like silhouettes, they delineate the immediate characteristics, the topography of each of these Prada personae.

Prada Galleria Bag

Proposed in Saffiano, calf-leather or precious gloss crocodile, in pure black foremost but also other shades, The Little Black Bags underscore this array of Prada handbags as twenty-first century essentials.

Prada Odette Bag

Personally speaking, I love the Odette the most. A cool and sophisticated shape and almost indestructible in Saffiano leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

For this year’s Easter weekend, I flew to São Paulo and I cannot wait to share my experiences from this amazing, vibrant city. Here you see me at Zurich airport stretching a little before the long flight. When I am flying, I love to stay comfortable and in this case, I also went for a shirt with pockets to store the most important things close to my body. Everybody warned me how dangerous São Paulo is going to be but I have to admit I experienced it completely differently. Clean and safe. More to come soon….

My look: Fringed wool-jacquard cardigan by Etro, black oversized jersey dress by Miu Miu, oversized cotton military shirt by Balmain, Helda stretch-scuba leggings by The Row, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Gucci, vintage Muse Large leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent, and Triple S sneakers by Balenciaga.

Flying for 3 days to São Paulo and back can be challenging for your skin. My avid readers know my secret weapon: LA MER’s The Concentrate that helps with all sort of skin irritations. If you are shopping on the Swiss website, don’t forget to use the promo code sandralamer that has been extended until April 30, 2019. If you spent more than CHF 150, you will receive a LA MER Pouch with a Deluxe Soft Cream 7ml (CHF 45.00) and a Deluxe Cleansing Foam 30ml (CHF 30.00). PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ONLINE SHOP DIRECTLY.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, MONTBLANC introduced its brand new Montblanc x Pirelli collection of new lightweight trolleys created in partnership with the Italian motorsport pioneer.

«Mobility, performance and design are essential when it comes to business travel,» says Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO. «With this partnership, two European icons come together, striving for utmost innovation driven by the pioneering spirit of our founders. We would like our customers to experience our expertly designed travel companions in every step they take to stay connected with the world.»

Built for today’s most discerning and demanding globetrotters who expect efficiency and reliability, the trolleys feature high-performance ball-bearing wheels, a precision handle bar and a functional interior. The sleek aesthetics are enhanced with elegant details inspired by iconic Pirelli design cues including its distinctive tyre mark and an eye-catching yellow colour on the tag.

The Montblanc & Pirelli is limited to 5000 pieces each. Personally speaking, I love the color combination and design of these pieces. Both, the cabin with pocket trolley (CHF 890.00) and the cabin trolley (CHF 750.00) are in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

In the hidden LOEWE land the bunny crossbody bags and bag charms are scampering: any minute fashion’s runway show for Easter will start! Expertly handcrafted from supple and fluffy shearling or leather folded into the shape of a bunny, those playful mini accessories feature a charming pom-pom tail and dot-perforated eyes. Personally speaking, something I would like to find during Easter Egg Hunt.

TO SHOP THE CUTE LOEWE BUNNIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe

This spring, embrace soft, sheer color with Always Bare for You by OPI! Six shades in the prettiest neutral, feminine hues offer a hint of color – ideal for anyone seeking a delicate nail look, especially brides and brides-to-be. Inspired by weddings and all the joy surrounding this season of love, Always Bare for You features shades of pink, nude and rose gold in crème and shimmer finishes, as well as pale lilac and soft blue grey rounding out the collection.

A beautifully manicured hand will always command attention especially when showing off your ring. OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann suggests for brides to wear a hue like Ring Bear-er, an elegant blue grey, on fingers or toes and check «something blue» off their list.

Always Bare for You by OPI includes these shades in classic Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor formulas: Baby, Take A Vow – Throw Me A Kiss – Chiffon-d of You – Bare My Soul – Engage-meant To Be – Ring Bare-er.

French manicure is trending again.

These new shades are for everyone looking for the perfect nude shade to complement every outfit. Mother’s Day, baby showers, Easter, and even just a sunny morning are all good excuses to embrace a sheer nail.

Available now as Nail Lacquer CHF 19.90 (15ml), Infinite Shine CHF 24.90 (15ml) and as GelColor in-salon treatments for around 6 months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

I’m delighted to announce I’ll be speaking at the Creative Women Conference in May in Limassol, Cyprus, sharing my top tips with female entrepreneurs from around the world.

Under the high patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, Andri Anastasiades, Creative Women exists to motivate and inspire women from all walks of life to help them lead, start, and drive their businesses. The annual conference is designed to provide a networking platform for female leaders and entrepreneurs to think bigger for themselves and their businesses by expanding the creative mindset. It’s an opportunity to make lifelong connections, interact with stimulating masterminds, participate in discussions, work on your big vision, and learn real-world strategies and applications.

To see the list of all speakers, click here please.

Surround yourself with women who are leading change in the world and join me in Cyprus from May 2nd – 5th, 2019. The event will be held at the Parklane Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. You can mix and match your package options to enjoy a series of powerful lectures, workshops, networking lunches and dinner, plus more. For more information, click here please.

Creative Women Conference will culminate with the Creative Women Gala Dinner on 4th of May where you will enjoy exquisite cuisine, dancing and spectacular live performances by international star artists and inspirational contributions by special guests from all over the world.

* Sergio Bernal – «The dancer of his generation», the Positano Award prestigious Leonide Massine Prize winner, a ballet and flamenco virtuoso dancer who concurred the best world’s stages and danced with Maya Plisetskaya and Sergei Polunin, a Principal of the National Ballet of Spain.
* Evgeny Khmara – virtuoso pianist, winner of The Hollywood Improvisers Award, star of X Factor.
* Alberto Habib – star virtuoso Lebanese Gypsy Techno violinist.
* 911 band – one of the most successful English pop groups with UK top 10 hits.

Still hesitating? Cyprus is the perfect place to getaway and rethink business and life with powerful minds and thinkers. The combination of warm sunshine, delicious Mediterranean food and regular flights from Europe makes the island a fantastic conference destination, and the ideal place to spend three days discovering and exploring the world of creativity. I am looking forward to hopefully meeting you there…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Creative Women Conference and © Sandra Bauknecht