Sandra‘s Closet

«Fashion does not belong in a museum.» – Karl Lagerfeld

Probably one of the only quotes of Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019), I don’t agree with and obviously the Costume Institute neither. Its spring 2023 exhibition «Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty» will examine the work of the late designer. Focusing on his stylistic vocabulary as expressed in aesthetic themes that appear time and again in his fashions from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019, the show will spotlight the German-born designer’s unique working methodology. Most of the approximately 150 pieces on display will be accompanied by Lagerfeld’s sketches, which underscore his complex creative process and the collaborative relationships with his premières, or head seamstresses. Lagerfeld’s fluid lines united his designs for Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi, CHANEL, and his eponymous label, Karl Lagerfeld, creating a diverse and prolific body of work unparalleled in the history of fashion.

I had the honor to meet and work with Karl on several occasions, as a young fashion editor, later on as editor-in-chief and also as a customer of his work, may it be fashion or art. If you interested in some anecdotes, I invite you to read this obituary.

Mannequins specially made for the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, reflect the renowned fashion designer’s aesthetic tastes.

Exhibition Dates: May 5–July 16, 2023
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028, Phone: 212-535-7710

Special Access
Evening Hours: Every Sunday until 9 pm. (The rest of the Museum is not open during these hours.)
Met Member Morning Hours: 9–10 am every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting May 6.

The exhibition has a virtual queue which you can join via QR code only once inside the Museum. No advance or timed tickets required. Access is first come, first served and subject to capacity limitations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lagerfeld, Costume Institute, #ALineOfBeauty
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Skinwear and hosiery specialists Wolford has launched an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua and his Italian brand No. 21.

N21 x Wolford is a sophisticated celebration of female sensuality, with versatile, effortlessly elegant styles in luxurious, premium fabrics that cling to the skin in all the right places. Featuring bold asymmetrical cuts, exquisite lace embellishments, sharp tailoring and simple but striking contemporary designs that showcase the silhouette, it is perfect for daywear and elegant evenings out alike. Modern silhouettes for «a casual and adaptable day or night essence».

Showcasing the silhouette, the line includes jumpsuits, dresses and bodies embellished with lace motifs or featuring contrasting asymmetrical cuts, crafted from certified 100 percent biodegradable material, alongside leggings, skirts and jumpsuits in soft and stretchy vegan leather. Completing the line-up is a range of tights, bras and briefs.

Wolford’s collaboration with No. 21 follows previous collections with Sergio Rossi, Mugler, Alberta Ferretti, and Amina Muaddi, which have helped boost brand awareness and reach new customers.

TO SHOP N21 x WOLFORD, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford
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King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this weekend, time to unleash my inner princess. For high-profile events, I love to wear Monique Lhuillier‘s intricately detailed and expertly crafted lavish gowns. The sparkling tulle fabric of this dress reflects the light so beautifully at the beautiful Gritti Palace in Venice, where the photos were taken.

My look: Cutout glittered tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, cropped jacket with feather print and fake fur by Moschino, necklace and earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier, Double Bow crystal-embellished glittered leather point-toe pumps by Mach & Mach, and Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Osvaldo for Antonia Sauter
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King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this week, much to the delight of fervent royalists and street-party fans alike. The coronation itself will be held on Saturday 6 May in Westminster Abbey, and it’s been confirmed the King and Queen Consort are set to be crowned during this regal ceremony.

For all royal fans, I put together some fun souvenirs to buy right now, from a commemorative handbag, tea cup, umbrella, to the Gadroon plate from Royal Crown Derby. All pieces will commemorate the coronation of King Charles III for many years to come.

LoL, Sandra

Large King’s Coronation Tote Bag by Harrods

King Charles III Coronation Gadroon Plate by Royal Crown Derby

Vintage 2008-2009 Union Jack shoulder bag by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Union Jack Bear by Harrods

King Charles III Coronation Teacup and Saucer by Harrods

Coronation Blend English Breakfast Tea (50 Tea Bags) by Harrods

Crowning Glory Folding Umbrella by Harrods
Coronation Cuvée 2023 Impérial Champagne NV Magnum 1500ml by Moët & Chandon

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Retweet, repeat, Zurich is an amazing town to live in! Last weekend, I wore this look to go to lunch with my girlfriends and enjoyed walking around town in it.

My look: Light blue double-face cashmere jacket with zipper, Kelly belt in epsom leather in gold with palladium buckle, Constance Slim Wallet in evercolor leather in gold and lime, and Twilly Grand Théâtre Nouveau, all by Hermès, denim ruffle detail midi dress by Chloé, Aliya 85 wedges in suede leather by Aquazzura, LV x Yayoi Kusama Neverfull MM by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by Fendi, and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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In 2020, tweed entered the world of CHANEL jewelry: a first collection of 45 exceptional pieces dedicated entirely to this fabric, reproducing its suppleness and subtleties through the skilful use of articulations. With «TWEED DE CHANEL», inspired by the richness of the tweed weaves and transforming tweed into a precious fabric, Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, opened up a new chapter in CHANEL High Jewelry.

In 2023, Patrice Leguéreau returns to the magic of tweed for a second time, with the audacious creation of 64 new High Jewelry pieces. «For this new High Jewelry collection dedicated to Tweed, I wanted to go further in the interpretation by creating a veritable fabric of precious stones that is light and supple.»

Centerpiece of the collection is the «Tweed Royal» necklace. The yellow gold weave of the plastron necklace, intricately crafted and trimmed with a chain, is set with diamonds and a magnificent ensemble of 37 rubies. The lion’s head at its centre can be worn as a brooch or as a necklace on the plastron, while the magnificent 10.17 carats D FL Type IIa pear-cut diamond that adorns it, can be detached to be worn as a ring.

The «Tweed Royal» truly expresses the expertise, creativity and excellence of CHANEL High Jewelry. A true feast for the eyes. Below you can enjoy the making of photos to see all the amazing craftsmanship behind.

LoL, Sandra

Step 1 – Making a resin maquette to create the full shape of the «TWEED ROYAL« necklace.

Step 2 – Positioning of the pavé-set elements on the design for the «TWEED ROYAL» necklace, followed by polishing.

Step 3 – Checking and adjusting the articulations with set elements and resin rubies on the design for the «TWEED ROYAL» necklace.

Step 4 – Final assembly and positioning of the center stone on the «TWEED ROYAL» necklace.

Step 5 – Dismantling and polishing of the «TWEED ROYAL» necklace.

Step 6 – Making, pinning and assembling the lion motif on the «TWEED ROYAL» necklace, transformable into a brooch or ring.

Step 7 – The finished «TWEED ROYAL» necklace.

Photos: © CHANEL #TweedDeCHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
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England is busy gearing up for King Charles’ coronation and if you were planning on taking a short trip to the royal nation, the first week of May would be the perfect time and I have a great suggestion what to do and where to stay.

In celebration of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation (6 May 2023), Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has specially curated a series of bespoke experiences and events to mark this special moment in British history. Guests of the hotel are invited guests to enjoy and celebrate the occasion with its opulent accommodation suite experience ‘A Very Royal Occasion’ to rejoice this remarkable event.

A Very Royal Occasion is available from 1 May to 31 May 2023 with prices starting at £4,000 inc VAT and includes the following:
· A stay to remember in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites
· A regal welcome amenity fit for kings and queens
· ‘King’s Caviar’ breakfast with Oscietra caviar and Full English breakfast where guests may catch a glimpse of the Royal Horse Guards passing by or breakfast enjoyed in the privacy of their suite.
· Two-Michelin starred, 4-course ‘Royal Cooking’ lunch or dinner for two at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
· A specially curated Highgrove Hamper filled with a selection of exquisite tea and preserves
· A 50ml bottle of Laphroaig whisky – His Majesty’s favourite malt whisky
· Additional benefits available when becoming Fans of M.O.

The Royal Cooking Menu – 2* Michelin Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is marking the special occasion with a creative menu of reinvented dishes that were served at British Coronation banquets throughout the years including an additional dessert in celebration of His Majesty. The exclusive 4-course ‘Royal Cooking’ Menu includes: Coronation Chicken Tart; King James II (1685) – Veal Sweetbread; King George IV (1821) – Fillet of Beef Royale and King Henry V (1413) and King Henry V (1413) – Fflampayne. The Trifle; HM King Charles III (2023).
Priced at GBP155* per person, with an optional wine pairing at GBP125 per person, the ‘Royal Cooking’ menu is available from 1 May until 31 May 2023.

Time For Tea with Highgrove – Inspired by the best of British heritage and quintessential afternoon tea dishes served at the Royal table, The Rosebery is offering guests an unforgettable Coronation Afternoon Tea in partnership with Highgrove – the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort.

Time For Tea with Highgrove is lovingly prepared by Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London’s talented pastry chefs and includes: The King’s Coronation Chicken, Clarence Court egg truffle sandwich, The King’s Cypher, freshly baked scones and plenty more. Carefully selected tea will also be offered including the estate’s organic English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Time For Tea is available until 14 May 2023.

A Royal Toast – As guests raise a glass to His Majesty King Charles III – The Aubrey and Mandarin Bar has created a special menu in partnership with Laphroaig. Three different whiskey cocktails will be available at both outlets from 1 May to 9 May 2023.

Your Royal Invitation – Guests of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, as well as passers-by, are invited to enjoy:

The Coronation lollipop infused with flavours of vanilla and whisky decorated with the King’s cypher. Vanilla flavoured lollipops will be offered to children. These lollipops will be available outside the Ballroom entrance on 7 May 2023 from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. – for all to enjoy on a complimentary basis.

The Coronation canapés will be offered to guests at The Rosebery and Mandarin Bar between the hours of 19.48 p.m. and 20.23 p.m. (marking the life of King Charles from his birth year to the year of his Coronation) over the Coronation weekend.

The façade of the hotel will be illuminated in a beautiful deep blue colour – the prime colour that has been chosen for His Majesty King Charles’s Coronation Emblem to mark this celebratory occasion.

Get to know His Majesty King Charles III – hotel guests will have the opportunity to embark on a journey with the aim to get to know the King better. A specially created map including the King’s favourite haunts all of which have been granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty. Guests will be able to venture out on a self-guided tour to visit establishments including Lock & co, Berry Bros & Rudd, Floris, John Lobb, Ettinger, Gieves & Hawkes and plenty more. The map will be available from Concierge and be offered to guests booking ‘A Very Royal Occasion’.

The Royal Glow – guests are encouraged to visit The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and enjoy the hotel’s signature treatment – ‘English Rose Massage’ – known for its beautiful rose scent and its calming, yet uplifting, effects on the body.

Royal Connections – Since 1902 Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has had the honour of welcoming members of the Royal Family on multiple occasions, whether it was for charity events or prestigious banquets. To learn more, guests are encouraged to visit the ‘If Walls Could Talk’ exhibit permanently located at the hotel.

Enjoy this special moment in British history in style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mandarin Oriental
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Prada announces the twelfth installment of its Timecapsule NFT Collection. Featuring a yellow and grey design in the style of a tank-top, the drop on May 4th continues Prada’s expansion into the Web3 community.

This drop celebrates the one-year anniversary of Prada’s NFT Timecapsule collection. Through this journey, Prada is creating a unique experience that combines its rich heritage and creativity with innovative technology and utilizing archived materials to provide a phygital experience for collectors. Over the last year, the Prada Crypted community were offered opportunities to attend exclusive experiences, such as trips to their fashion week shows in Milan and invitations to cultural events such as Prada Extends and Prada Mode. Prada looks forward to continuing its exploration of this dynamic and evolving space and collaborating with different creators and artists.

For drop #41 of the Timecapsule collection, Prada crafted a tank top in grey and yellow striped technical fabric with striped monochrome knit borders featuring the iconic Prada enameled triangle logo and the name of the month transferred on the back. Each shirt comes accompanied with its own gifted NFT, serving as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community on Discord.

Prada continues to create unique experiences for its community, with members receiving an invite to attend the ninth iteration of Prada Mode in Tokyo on May 12th and 13th 2023. This event will see the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum transformed into a space where the guests can explore art in different forms and experience the historic architecture, the museum and the site-specific artworks, curated by Kazuyo Sejima – architect and a long-term collaborator of Prada.
Purchasers of Prada Timecapsule items prior to the launch of the NFT initiative in June 2022 can retroactively claim past Timecapsule NFTs in sync with their existing physical product. More details can be found on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.

The drop is limited to 50 items, for 24 hours only, starting fromMay 4th, 2023 at 3pm CET.
To be eligible, you must:
● Hold a Prada Timecapsule NFT in your wallet (purchased from Prada directly or secondary market)
● Be part of the Prada Crypted discord
● Be verified as a holder and have the green tick to prove verification in the Prada
Crypted Discord

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Prada
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Thanks to Dolce & Gabbana I can enjoy my beloved pasta in an entire look decked out with one of the most delicious carbs on the planet. The Italian fashion house sent savory food-themed collections down the Milan runway in several previous seasons and has regularly pictured pasta-inhaling models in its campaigns.

My Look: Pasta printed cotton dress, decorative headband, pasta printed clutch (all S/S 2017) and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings (S/S 2012), all by Dolce & Gabbana, black lace-up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent, and pizza box bag by Moschino.

To the pasta, that improves your shape!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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I love pasta, basta! Leave it to Dolce & Gabbana to satisfy my huge appetite for Italian food with the most delicious carbs on the planet. The Italian fashion house joined forces with Pasta Di Martino, so that we can all get our paws on some DG-approved pasta.

I can only recommend this elegant gift box  «THE AUTHENTIC». It is a gift great for every pasta lover. Being dedicated to Naples, it contains a selection of 5 varieties of PGI Gragnano Pasta, made from 100% Italian durum wheat, and 2 cans of small Lampadina Tomatoes from the Sorrento Coast. On top you get a beautiful Dolce & Gabbana apron to be an Italian chef in style. The set is available for CHF 125.00.

TO SHOP THE GIFT BOX, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana / Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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