Sandra‘s Closet

Eric Dane – A Beautiful Soul Gone Too Soon

The world has lost Eric Dane far too early. At just 53 years old, the beloved actor known to millions as Dr. Mark Sloan «McSteamy» from Grey’s Anatomy, has passed away. After publicly sharing his diagnosis of ALS, he faced his illness with courage and dignity. Still, nothing prepares you for the shock of such a loss.

Eric joined Grey’s Anatomy in 2006 and quickly became one of the show’s most iconic characters. What could have remained a charming «pretty boy» role became something deeper in his hands. He gave Mark Sloan vulnerability, warmth, humor, and heart. He made him human. That is why audiences loved him. But beyond the screen, Eric was so much more.

I had the privilege of meeting him personally, and I can say from my heart: he was an incredibly kind and genuinely sympathetic human being. Warm, attentive, humble, nothing about him felt distant or arrogant. You met a person, not a star.

Only two years separate us in age. That makes this loss feel even closer, even more surreal. It is unbearably sad to see such a wonderful soul leave this world so early. I am deeply shocked, deeply saddened. Today, I am not only mourning an actor from a series I loved. I am mourning a man who left a real impression on me, a gentle, beautiful soul who deserved so much more time.

Rest in peace, Eric. You will be remembered, not only as McSteamy, but as the kind human being you truly were.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Instagram @realericdane
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Bvlgari announces Dua Lipa as its new Global Brand Ambassador. One of the most influential artists of her generation, Dua Lipa has built a remarkable global career defined by artistic freedom, authenticity and a strong commitment to creative integrity. With multiple Grammy and BRIT Awards to her name and billions of streams worldwide, she has established herself as a powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture.

With Laura Burdese

«Dua Lipa embodies a contemporary vision of empowerment and freedom that deeply resonates with Bvlgari’s values. She is a strong, authentic voice who redefines success, and through her artistry and confidence inspires women around the world to embrace their inner strength. We are proud to welcome her as our Global Brand Ambassador and to begin this exciting new chapter together.» says Laura Burdese, Bvlgari Deputy CEO and Bvlgari CEO as of July 1, 2026.

«It is incredibly special to work alongside an iconic brand like Bvlgari, and I’m thrilled to be part of a house that embodies confidence, creativity, and modern femininity. Their pieces always add the perfect finishing touch, transforming a look into a real moment.» – comments Dua Lipa.

Personally speaking, Dua Lipa is a great match for BVLGARI and I am really excited to seeing her future looks and campaigns.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of BVLGARI
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 CHANEL announces the addition of GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter and House Ambassador Gracie Abrams as a new muse of the COCO CRUSH collection. 

Since her debut in 2019, Gracie Abrams has emerged as one of the most compelling singer-songwriters of her generation. Her first EP Minor (2020), followed by This Is What It Feels Like (2021), established her on the pop scene in an intimate and authentic style. In 2023, she released her debut album, Good Riddance and received the highly coveted nomination for Best New Artist at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The following year came the launch of her sophomore album, The Secret of Us and the deluxe version which included her highest charting song to date, «That’s So True.» 

A preview for you of my new obsession: COCO CRUSH supple choker, quilted motif, in 18K BEIGE GOLD by CHANEL Fine Jewelry

Gracie’s distinctive attitude and natural assurance perfectly embodies the spirit of COCO CRUSH, with the new campaign to be revealed on January 13th, 2026. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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#CocoCrush #CHANELFineJewelry #SomeEncountersYouWearForever 

I’m truly delighted to see Nicole Kidman become the new Global Brand Ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté.

As a former ambassador for the brand myself (check out this beautiful trip with Clé de Peau Beauté to Cannes last year to find out more about the brand), I know firsthand the depth of its values, a commitment to intelligence, empowerment, and purposeful beauty.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Nicole on several occasions over the years at various events and interviews, and was always impressed by her warmth, integrity, and strength. She embodies many of the same values that Clé de Peau holds at its core, and it feels like a natural and meaningful alignment. In her role as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and through her continued advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment, she brings substance and heart to everything she does, a perfect match for a brand that believes in radiance from within.

Radiantly yours!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored but we may also earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
@cledepeaubeaute #cpbcollective #cpb #unlockanewradiance

Posh Tees: Wit Meets Chic in Victoria Beckham’s Slogan Style

Victoria Beckham’s slogan T-shirts, as seen on her hit TV show, perfectly blend playful wit with high-fashion edge. These effortlessly chic pieces showcase her signature minimalist style while adding a pop of personality, making them a must-have for trendsetters who love making a bold yet casual statement.

To shop them, click on the highlighted product descriptions. Personally speaking, I think they make a great gift for a fellow fashionista.

LoL, Sandra

MY DAD HAD A ROLLS-ROYCE

DAVID’S WIFE

I LIKE YOU BUT I LIKE ME MORE

INOFFENSIVELY EXPENSIVE

FASHION OFFENDER

FASHION STOLE MY SMILE

I AM SMILING ON THE INSIDE

Photos: © Courtesy of Victoria Beckham / Mytheresa
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While filming MY STYLE ROCKS, we have of course in between a day off and then I love to binge-watch something captivating. Recently, I decided to go for the psychological thriller series DISCLAIMER on Apple TV+ with Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline and Sacha Baron Cohen as the main characters.

The psychological thriller series is from acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón, based on the novel of the same name by Renée Knight. DISCLAIMER centers around the character of Catherine Ravenscroft, played by Cate Blanchett, whose life is thrown into disarray when she stumbles upon a novel that appears to reveal hidden truths she had long kept concealed – even from herself. The narrative dives deeply into themes of memory, guilt, identity, and moral responsibility.

With Cate Blanchett at the helm, DISCALIMER is a masterclass in storytelling – tense, thought-provoking, and unapologetically gripping. This is not your casual binge-watch; it’s a psychological deep dive wrapped in mystery. Prepare for twists, moral dilemmas, and Blanchett’s signature brilliance. Watch carefully… and question everything.

The show’s costume design balances practicality with high-fashion elements, underlining Catherine’s complex emotional journey. It is wardrobe psychology at its best as her outfits enhance the narrative, connecting her professional life with personal turmoil through fashion.

Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Catherine Ravenscroft in DISCLAIMER is marked by a wardrobe that reflects the character’s complexity, sophistication, and understated power. Her clothing choices likely lean toward:

• Neutral Tones: Think muted greys, whites, blacks, and beige to convey professionalism and control.
• Tailored Elegance: Sharp blazers, trench coats, and perfectly fitted trousers—classic pieces that emphasize her polished demeanor.
• Minimalist Chic: Simple yet expensive-looking outfits with clean lines, highlighting her character’s refined taste and confidence.
• Occasional Vulnerability: Softer, relaxed pieces (like a cashmere sweater or silk blouse) for scenes revealing more of her personal struggles or intimate moments.

This wardrobe aligns with her role as a journalist unraveling a tense mystery, where every outfit subtly reflects her emotional state and the unfolding drama.

Cate Blanchett with me.

This is a Cate Blanchett show, so expect excellence, layered performances, and moments that make you rethink life—or at least your wardrobe. If you’re here for mindless entertainment, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re ready for brilliance with a side of intensity, buckle up and enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Apple TV +/ © Sandra Bauknecht
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Prince Pompöös Harald Glööckler, who is with me part of the jury of MY STYLE ROCKS, is by far Germany’s most dazzling fashion designer. In his eponymous podcast, he talks to fascinating personalities, such as Serbian pop star Electra Elite, medium Theodora Conte and Xenia Princess of Saxony.

Harald Glööckler with Farah Diba

Looking back on an eventful life, the topics of his podcast are as diverse as life itself: faith and spirituality, sexuality, artistic creation or politics – everything is explored with honesty, depth and authenticity. Already at the age of 5, Harald Glööckler decided to «make every woman a princess». He has definitely lived up to this mission by being extremely successful in creating fashion, interiors, cosmetics, jewelry and accessories for over 35 years. Being famous for his rhinestone-studded and glittering creations, the crown motif is his trademark, which is often embellished by the brand’s «POMPÖÖS» lettering.

Harald Glööckler with Gina Lollobrigida

Among his friends and loyal clientele are celebrities such as Gina Lollobrigida, Chaka Khan, and Brigitte Nielsen, who could also been spotted on the runway in his fashion shows.

Jour fixed: Harald and I love having lunch during a day off at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.

While Harald might appear very tough in the jury of MY STYLE ROCKS, I can only guarantee you that he is one of the kindest and most lovely personalities I have met in my life. His expertise in fashion is outstanding and everybody can learn from him. Our candidates can only profit from his knowledge which you can observe during the course of the show.

In daily life, Harald Glööckler is a philanthropist, supports animal welfare organizations around the world, has donated to children in poverty for many years and helps homeless people in Berlin. In 2022, he was knighted by the House of Habsburg. He dedicates his podcast to all people who, like him, believe in good and I couldn’t be more proud that he invited me to do this podcast with me.

TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Harald Glööckler and  Beyza Babacan
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It’s Sunday, it’s grey outside and you might consider an afternoon with Netflix … and I don’t mean chill but literally watch. I have just finished NOBODY WANTS THIS starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, that I can absolutely recommend.

With Kristen Bell at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles.

An agnostic sex podcaster (Joanne played by Kristen Bell) and a newly single rabbi (Noah played by Adam Brody) fall in love. It is a romantic comedy series by Erin Foster, who loosely based the plot on her own marriage. The main question of the show is if their relationship can survive their wildly different lives and meddling families. It is a rom-com without a magical meet cute. It’s about what happens when two grown-ups meet and are challenged and attracted by each other and try to work out all the obstacles.

And while everyone has fallen in love with Joanne and Noah’s love story, many have also become slightly obsessed with Joanne’s style, too. It is not an Emily In Paris style – it is actually the opposite, it is an incredibly relatable wardrobe that has gone down a storm. Styled by costume designer Negar Ali Kline, Joanne nails the high-low mix of affordable brands and designer pieces. Over the course of the season, you can see her in knitted Polo Ralph Lauren, and dressed up in Alex Perry, trending in Christopher Esber, and accessorizing in Khaite, but you can also see pieces of Abercrombie & Fitch, Reformation, By Far and Maje crop up again and again.

At one point in Nobody Wants This, Joanne describes a shared steamy moment as «the single greatest kiss of my entire existence.» I know this feeling and I miss it!

Great news is that Erin Foster’s romantic comedy series starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell will be coming back for Season 2. I cannot wait … Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © NETFLIX
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Gucci unveils «We Will Always Have London», a new campaign by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno to present the Gucci Blondie bag and Cruise 2025 collection. Debbie Harry and Kelsey Lu, captured by the visionary Nan Goldin, are the protagonists of a story of people, places and moments, an ode to the timeless allure of London, and the House’s deep connection to the city. 

With a creative vision that evolves and deepens each season, from the discreet setting of S/S 2024 to the exploration of new sensuality in F/W 2024, Sabato De Sarno’s latest campaign for Gucci introduces new languages of artistry and romance. This latest chapter in a voyage through various dimensions of stylistic expression is set in London, an eternal muse for music, art, and culture, and where the Cruise 2025 collection debuted, embodying the creative spirit of the House’s ongoing love affair with the city. It was here, over a century ago, that a young Guccio Gucci, working as a liftboy at The Savoy hotel, first encountered the elegance and sophistication of the international elite. This experience sparked his ambition and led to the founding of his eponymous leather goods house in 1921, forging an enduring bond with London. This connection continues to shape Gucci’s creative journey, celebrated in the Cruise 2025 collection and in the «We Will Always Have London» campaign. 

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Nan Goldin, brings her distinctive vision to the campaign. With honors such as France’s prestigious Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 2006, and a 2023 Academy Award nomination for her documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, Goldin is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of our time. For «We Will Always Have London,» her documentary-style approach infuses the imagery with an intimate, rare power. Goldin’s skill in capturing the raw essence of her subjects weaves a story where fashion transcends the runway, embodying the free-spirited energy at the core of Sabato De Sarno’s vision. The campaign follows its protagonists through various locations in the city under a mysterious nighttime ambiance, creating a cinematic narrative that melds timeless influences with a contemporary edge. 

Cultural icon Debbie Harry, co-founder and frontwoman of Blondie – whose rebellious spirit, trailblazing style, and enduring musical influence continue to inspire generations, stars alongside one of today’s most esteemed performing artists, cellists, and composers, Kelsey Lu.

These two women, though from distinct generations, share an undeniable creative spirit. Together, they symbolize the fusion of past and future that Gucci so often explores, and they embody the spirit of the Gucci Blondie bag, a timeless icon reimagined in the Cruise 2025 collection. The campaign features moments in London’s iconic cabs and atmospheric  spaces. Joining them are Alaato Jazyper, the face of Gucci’s F/W 2024 campaign, and Yanan Wan, who opened the Cruise 2025 runway at Tate Modern. As they explore the spaces of London’s home of modern art, they bring the collection’s narrative to life. 

At the heart of the campaign is the Gucci Blondie bag, not merely an accessory, but a piece of the House’s legacy reimagined for today’s world. First introduced in the early 1970s, the bag’s signature rounded emblem, crafted from leather or enamel, echoes the liberated spirit in the era of its origins, while its sleek, spacious silhouette speaks to today’s aesthetic. 

A collection that reflects the bold and the subtle, the Gucci Cruise 2025 collection continues this dialogue between past and future, weaving together contrasting elements in a celebration of opposites. Embroidered embellishments and delicate laces meet structured, precision-cut outerwear in a captivating exploration of dualities. 

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: © Gucci – Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno  – Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola  – Director: Benoît Delhomme with Nan Goldin  – Photographer: Nan Goldin  – Stylist: Francesca Burns  – Casting Director: Piergiorgio Del Moro  – Make Up: Brigitte Reiss-Andersen  – Hair: Jimmy Paul  – Talent : Debbie Harry, Kelsey Lu  DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Last week, before leaving to Johannesburg in the evening, I attended The Championships at Wimbledon for the first time as guest of Ralph Lauren x Net-à-Porter.

At Centre Court, British heritage takes a global stage – from the freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, and morning garden parties to the polished spectator style. As the Official Outfitter of The Championships at Wimbledon since 2006, Ralph Lauren has proudly celebrated the tournament’s rich traditions in sportsmanship and elegance.  The American fashion house is providing uniforms for on-court officials as well as stylish, yet functional, pieces that embody the prestigious and sophisticated atmosphere of the tournament.

I was invited to the Ralph Lauren suite that is elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Here I enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading to the game.

Here’s a glimpse into the unique fashion culture of Wimbledon:

Traditional Dress Code
Players: Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code for players, which dates back to the 1800s. At the time in Victorian England, sweat stains were seen as improper and unacceptable, and white would mask the stains the best out of every colored clothing. Once the rule was drawn up, Wimbledon has decided to keep the all-white dress code a tradition throughout the years, meaning that any visible clothing, including undergarments, must be white or almost white.
Spectators: While there’s no official dress code for spectators, the event often attracts a chic, garden-party look with summer dresses, blazers, and hats being common choices.

Celebrities and Royalty
Celebrity Sightings: The event attracts celebrities from various fields, including actors, musicians, and other sports stars, often dressed in stylish, sophisticated outfits.
Royalty: Members of the British royal family, especially Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was frequently seen at Wimbledon before her illness. Kate is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often opting for elegant dresses that respect the tournament’s refined atmosphere. My seat was next to the royal box where I spotted her parents front row.

Experience and Atmosphere
Strawberries and Cream: A quintessential Wimbledon experience includes enjoying strawberries and cream, served in the grounds, adding to the genteel, summery feel of the event.
Pimm’s and Champagne: These are popular beverages at Wimbledon, contributing to the festive and high-society atmosphere.
The Grounds: The carefully manicured lawns and flower arrangements provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the overall experience and making it a picturesque setting for both tennis and fashion enthusiasts.

Iconic Fashion Moments
Roger Federer and Serena Williams: Known for their stylish takes on the all-white rule, Federer’s sleek Nike outfits and Williams’ elegant and sometimes bold tennis dresses have left a mark on Wimbledon’s fashion history.
Anna Wintour: The US Vogue editor-in-chief is a regular at Wimbledon, often seen in the stands wearing stylish summer attire that combines elegance with comfort.

Wimbledon seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and fashion, making it a unique and stylish experience for both players and spectators. The tournament is taking place from July 1-14, 2024.

A big thank you to Iona Miller and her team at Net-à-Porter for this amazing day in Wimbledon!

The Ralph Lauren style tradition pays tribute to the timeless sophistication of tennis.
YOU CAN SHOP THE POLO RALPH LAUREN WIMBLEDON COLLECTION HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Getty
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