Sandra‘s Closet

Classic or eccentric? Clash de Cartier cultivates contrasts. A duality whose clash is amplified by the latest creations in the collection. Cartier has reinvented the mesh of this supple, two-faced jewel with an amplified volume and precious stones. Precious beads add sophistication. The oversized studs maximise this effect and the all-diamond clous de Paris enhance their brilliance.

XL versions in rose gold or precious limited edition
Clash de Cartier amplifies the volume and intensifies the impact of the Maison’s iconic codes. The XL version has been upgraded: rose gold studs and beads adorn the rings, earrings, necklaces and now bracelets with generous volumes.

Clash de Cartier elevates this aesthetic grandeur with its latest limited edition precious designs. Initially created in 2019, these jewellery pieces have featured a variety of materials, including coral, amazonite, and Tahitian pearls. They now showcase chrysoprase, accented with  and absinthe green beads. Irresistible variations of rings, earrings and bracelets.

Flexible versions, available in all gold or all diamonds.
Clash de Cartier doubles the sensation with new bracelets and supple necklaces in rose gold, white gold or fully paved with diamonds. The radiance and fluidity of the links, made up of studs, beads and clous carrés, unfold preciously on the skin. This incredible flexibility is achieved by hand-assembling hundreds of components, each requiring almost 50 hours of work.

Refinement is heightened with the pavé versions, where each face of the clous carrés is set with a diamond. It’s all about the movement, the play of light, and the different wear options, as the long necklaces can be doubled around the neck.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier
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Discover Olympia Le-Tan‘s new Wild West Collection, where timeless elegance meets the spirit of adventure. From vibrant designs inspired by the Texas landscape to bold embroidery that celebrates the rodeo culture, these pieces are the ultimate statement for this rodeo season.

My favorite: Rodeo embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch

Whether you’re hitting the stands or embracing your inner cowgirl, order now to ensure your accessory arrives just in time for the ride.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Let’s party and celebrate the 50th episode of MY STYLE ROCKS, that aired this week. I wore this look for the first time and adore the color combination of light blue that is blending seamlessly with the richness of burgundy and a touch of pink. By adding a sprinkle of vintage glamour with the turban, the outfit got a fun and quirky edge, bringing the old-fashioned alive with a fresh perspective. Let the past inspire the future – style reimagined, bold, and make it uniquely yours, where timeless elegance meets a playful twist!

My look: Ruffled fil coupé cotton wrap skirt, and matching fil coupé cotton blouse, both by Marc Jacobs, The Whirl leather clutch in pink by Bottega Veneta, gathered silk-satin head scarf by Valentino, horsebit-embellished logo-debossed leather platform slingback pumps by Gucci, and earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @aydogmus.ea
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Colors leave their own unique mark on a style, an era. For CHANEL, they form a playful language that weaves a common thread through the various mediums of creation. This season, CHANEL is redefining its aesthetic codes: monochrome, the bold art of the all-over look, and audacious twists that unabashedly produce unexpected harmonies.

TWIN SETS, COLOR-BLOCKING, OR MIXING-AND-MATCHING…

No combination is off-limits, and the idea of giving carte blanche to create technicolor makeup looks is what led the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio and Cometes Collective member Ammy Drammeh to design the S/S 2025 COLLECTION. In this sparkling, playful collection, lively colors cheerfully clash with one another or smoothly combine in a tone-on-tone look. Ever unpredictable, these daring shades are the expression of a timeless style that is invariably chic and refined.

The looks from the collection lend themselves to intuitive experimentation and endless customization thanks to interchangeable color combinations, which were designed to complement one another in the form of a flat wash of color, a halo, or a simple line.

STYLE COMES IN PAIRS
OMBRE ESSENTIELLE – CHF 50.00 / STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF CHF 39.00

The entire SPRING-SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION is structured around four color palettes, uniting the concepts of color-blocking and mixing-and-matching in a true ode to early spring. Each twin set, featuring an OMBRE ESSENTIELLE eyeshadow and STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF eyeliner, comprises a tone-on-tone duo that plays with different finishes.

NEUTRAL TWIN SET
OMBRE ESSENTIELLE LATTE FRAPPÉ: a warm matte beige
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF BRUN POURPRÉ: a matte red brown

MAUVE TWIN SET
OMBRE ESSENTIELLE Mauve Sucré: a shimmery lilac
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Mauve Intense: a deep matte purple

PINK TWIN SET
OMBRE ESSENTIELLE PÊCHE GLACÉE: a satin coppery pink
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF ROUGE FAUVE: a matte sienna red

GREEN TWIN SET
OMBRE ESSENTIELLE MENTHE À L’EAU: a shimmery mint green
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF VERT LAGON: a metallic bluish green

ROUGE COCO BAUME – CHF 52.00

The lip balm that is as desirable as an iconic lipstick is now available in a new finish with amplified shine. A lip-conditioning formula that offers up to 16 hours of non-stop hydration, for better-looking lips, day after day.

Its six new shades offer buildable coverage, ranging from a sheer wash of color after a single coat to lipstick-like intensity after three coats, for a customized makeup look.

HONEY BLISS: a shimmery caramel beige
TENDER PEACH: a fresh peachy coral
CHERRY BURST: a fresh red
BLUSHING PINK: a bluish pink
RASPBERRY KISS: an intense bluish pink
CHARMING LILAC: a purple

JEUX DE LUMIÈRES – CHF 95.00

The collection’s star product, the oversize JEUX DE LUMIÈRES palette, is designed to make colors glow. It opens to reveal four illuminating powders for the face, eyes, and décolleté, which can be dabbed onto the desired areas or used as a highlighter.

The four shades complement all skin tones, for a luminous satin finish. Powders that can be worn alone, paired with a second shade, or blended together.

A SHIMMERY PINK CORAL
A PINK GOLD
A SHIMMERY, SILVERY PINK
A SHIMMERY, COPPERY GOLD

LE VERNIS – CHF 38.00

Two soft, milky nail colors complete the look—right down to your fingertips.

POÈTE: a soft peach
ARTISTE: an aqua green

These limited editions are in stores now. Who is ready for summer?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Tapping into the Balletcore trend for S/S 2025, Christian Louboutin revisits the classic ballet pump with the Cassia Lace Up heel‘s square toe and satin ties. A testament to the shoemaker’s ‘savoir-faire’ and inspired by ballet slippers, they are made entirely from black or nude crepe satin. Enhanced by a grosgrain trim, they sit on a 100 mm stiletto heel and tie around the ankle with a ribbon.

To shop the Cassia 100 bow-detailed grosgrain-trimmed satin-crepe pumps, click here please.

 Have fun staying en pointe! I just adore them!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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This upcoming Sunday’s gala episode of MY STYLE ROCKS will be all about Pop Art, which means it will be all about bold colors, graphic prints, and playful designs that bring art to life through clothing. Inspired by the 1960s Pop Art movement, it features vibrant patterns, comic-style graphics, and everyday cultural references like logos and icons. This fun, rebellious style turns fashion into a canvas, celebrating creativity and making a bold, eye-catching statement.

Jeremy Scott’s work for Moschino often drew on Pop Art references, blending bold, vibrant colors with playful, consumer-culture imagery. He transformed everyday objects like fast food logos, candy wrappers, and cleaning products into high-fashion statements, channeling the spirit of artists like Andy Warhol. Scott’s designs celebrated the quirky, fun, and provocative essence of Pop Art, making his collections for Moschino both whimsical and deeply rooted in pop culture commentary.

My look: Cropped trench jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, printed cotton-blend faille skirt, matching bustier top, and pearl necklace with bow, all by Moschino, inflated oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses by Loewe, Aevitas pointy stud leather platform pumps by Versace, and Mondrian embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Louis Vuitton and renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their era-defining collaboration with the launch of an extensive re-edition collection.

Some of my own Louis Vuitton – Murakami pieces that I have collected over the years.

My avid readers know, that I have kept every single piece I have invested in for over 30 years. I have always believed that they will be back in style and predicted the era of re-editions and the sustainability movement. I still have the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami items from 20 years ago and now it is time to unpack them again. For a long time, they seemed outdated as they had been copied too much. However keeping fashion items is a smart choice because trends often come full circle, with styles being reintroduced or reimagined over time. What may seem outdated today can become a statement piece tomorrow. By holding onto well-crafted items, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste. Fashion reeditions give old favorites a new life, proving that timeless pieces never truly go out of style.

Takashi Murakami

Twenty years after Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami first came together for what became an era-defining collaboration, the House and the Japanese artist are proud to announce the arrival of Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and celebratory re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. Consisting of more than 200 uplifting creations, the project acts as a modern-day showcase for an enduring creative bond, defined by artistic vision, remarkable feats of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and the timeless appeal of this seminal moment in early 21st-century pop and collector culture.

Actor and singer Zendaya stars in the campaign for Louis Vuitton x Murakami created by renowned Dutch photographers, Inez and Vinoodh.

For Louis Vuitton × Murakami, the playful, yet profound works that the artist created for the original collaboration, initiated by the House’s then Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs – including a kaleidoscopic reinterpretation of the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern, the first time in its history that it had been reworked – are now celebrated and featured across a wide-ranging assortment of the House’s most renowned and coveted women’s leather goods and accessories.
The renditions have their own respective label, which I love as it will distinguish the original from the reeditions.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami reedition will be celebrated within a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays to pop-ups and pop-ins, as well as innovative in-store activations and a dedicated advertising campaign. Louis Vuitton × Murakami will be available to order worldwide from now. A second chapter will be launched in March 2025 and focus on the artist’s perfect-for-spring Cherry Blossom pattern.

I love when old things feel brand new and the original is always better than the re-edition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
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We are only a few days in the new year and we have already a new It-bag or at least a bag the fashion world talks about. Walmart launched an affordable handbag on their website  that mimics the style of the iconic Hermès Birkin, with prices ranging from $78 to $102. Dubbed the «Walmart Wirkin» by social media users, the affordable alternative exploded in popularity on TikTok, with influencers showcasing the bags and offering mixed reviews.

«The Walmart Birkin bag is called a Wirkin and it’s for the Wirkin class,» a TikTok user wrote.

Screen shot from the Walmart website

Becoming a hit for its design and quality at a fraction of the luxury bag’s price, the Wirkin has also sparked debates about the ethics of producing and buying luxury «dupes.»  A dupe is a product that imitate the design of luxury items without being counterfeit as they don’t show a logo. Supporters argue that such items democratize fashion by making high-end styles accessible to a broader audience, while critics contend that they may undermine the value of original designs and contribute to issues related to fast fashion. 

Birkin 35 in orange Togo leather by Hermès

Personally speaking, such concerns are overblown; the Wirkin isn’t the first, and almost certainly not the last, cheap clone of a designer bag to hit the market. However the degree to which the conversation took off shows the growing sentiment among shoppers, who are frustrated with big luxury.

Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès

For luxury aficionados, owning a Hermès Birkin is a mark of exclusivity and wealth. These bags, named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, are not readily available in Hermès stores. Shoppers often face months-long waitlists, even after securing a coveted spot for purchase. However the quality of a Birkin bag is outstanding and that is something a dupe can never deliver. Each Hermès Birkin bag is hand-sewn by a single artisan, and is then buffed, painted, and polished, taking up to 40 hours to make. Artisans purportedly train for five years before they are allowed to make their first Birkin bag. The stitch on which the brand’s reputation is based — the saddle — cannot be replicated by a machine, as it requires two needles simultaneously passing through the same seam. I wrote my first blog post ever about it. This is how Sandra’s Closet started in November 2009 (see collage below).

Truth is … if you walk into a Hermès store for the first time, no amount of money will be enough to get you the Birkin bag of your dreams. That’s because each store reserves the bags for a limited number of customers, and typically only those who’ve made enough repeat purchases. In October 2024, three U.S. consumers sued the French luxury house to persuade the judge that the company is forcing buyers to spend thousands of dollars on other products before they can purchase one of its famed Birkin bags.

Two super special Birkin editions: Faubourg Birkin 20 in So Black matte alligator with black hardware and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag, both by Hermès.

The question I am asking is «what is luxury». For me, it is walking into a shop, getting something that I wished for, and being treated like a princess during this process, especially if I spend these astronomical amounts of money. Unfortunately, those times are over. If the sales associate doesn’t know you, you might feel rejected and won’t be treated well. Then, the other problem is, that these bags achieve such high prices on the secondary market, that they become desired objects for robbers, something that I had to unfortunately experience myself. So the question is … is it really luxury if I have to worry about it instead of indulging into it?!

Maybe one day the «Wirkin» will too be looked at as a piece of art, albeit a print vs an original. Safe to carry around with less risk to be stolen.

LoL, Sandra

Shiny Rose Schéhérazade Porosus Crocodile 25 Birkin bag by Hermès

Photos (1-3): Courtesy of Walmart
All other photos of the Hermès Birkin bags: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the renowned Italian fashion house Missoni, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at her home in Sumirago, Italy, at the age of 93. 

Born Rosita Jelmini on November 20, 1931, in Golasecca, Italy, she hailed from a family with a rich textile heritage. Rosita studied modern languages. On a trip to London in 1948 to improve her English, she met Ottavio, who was competing with the Italian 400 metres hurdles team at the Olympics in the city. In 1953, she married her fellow textile enthusiast Ottavio «Tai» Missoni. Together, they established Missoni, transforming it into a symbol of Italian luxury fashion celebrated for its vibrant knitwear, distinctive zigzag patterns and avant-garde use of textiles, an approach to fashion often compared to modern art.

Missoni models in 1966, Photo: Courtesy of Missoni

Under Rosita’s creative direction, Missoni gained international acclaim for its innovative designs and contributions to ready-to-wear fashion. It was also helped by what was dubbed the ‘battle of the bras‘ in 1967. Missoni had been invited to show at the Pitti Palace in Florence but before the models went out on the runways Rosita noticed that their bras were visible through their tops, ruining the intended colour and pattern effect. She told the models to remove their bras but, under the runway lighting, their outfits became totally transparent and the incident caused a sensation.

Angela Missoni at the Missoni show during Milan Fashion Week S/S 2018, Photo: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

Rosita remained actively involved in the company until 1997, when she transitioned leadership to her children, notably her daughter Angela, who assumed the role of creative director. Rosita then focused on expanding the Missoni Home collection, infusing the brand’s signature aesthetic into home furnishings. 

The Missoni family faced significant tragedies in 2013, with the loss of their eldest son, Vittorio, in a plane crash, followed by Ottavio’s passing later that year. Despite these challenges, Rosita’s unwavering dedication ensured the brand’s continued prominence in the fashion industry. 

Rosita Missoni’s legacy endures through her pioneering spirit, innovative designs, and the vibrant patterns that have become synonymous with the Missoni brand. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the fashion world, inspiring generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The brand expanded into home collections and hotels. In 2018 Italian investment fund FSI invested 70 million euros in the company in exchange for a 41% stake. Missoni picked Rothschild in 2023 as financial adviser to explore a potential sale of the company. As of October 2024, Alberto Caliri serves as the creative director of Missoni. A veteran of the company since 1998, Caliri previously led Missoni’s home and sport categories. He initially assumed the creative director role on an interim basis after Angela Missoni’s departure in 2021 and was officially appointed following Filippo Grazioli’s tenure from 2022 to 2024. 

Missoni S/S 2025

Under Caliri’s leadership, Missoni continues to innovate while staying true to its distinctive aesthetic, as evidenced in recent collections. 

Rest in Peace, Rosita, and thank you for these amazing patterns and fantastic knitwear!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Missoni, Missoni Archives, Grazia, Sandra Bauknecht
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My New Year’s Resolution? Stay chic, embrace dress-up, and take life one stylish day at a time! I want to emphasize progress over perfection, and living in the now. As I tend to worry about the future or being overwhelmed by the bigger picture, I want to focus on the present moment and handle challenges as they come.

My look: Reversible hooded cashmere teddy effect and shell vest by Brunello Cucinelli, black crystal embellished sweater by Ermanno Scervino, jeggings by Marc by Marc Jacobs, cashmere shawl 140 «Harnais De Cour Bandana» in Marine / Bleu / Ciel by Hermès, vintage aviator sunglasses DG 2115 05-8F in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, and Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino.

Reconnect with your inner child: play, dream, and embrace the joy of being carefree!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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