Sandra‘s Closet

Fashion is obsessed with what’s new. But the most beautiful things in life usually reveal themselves only over time.

Last night in Munich, I was reminded of that. My friend was celebrating her 50th birthday in her beautiful home, one of those places that instantly tells you something about the person who lives there. Effortless elegance, thoughtful details, a certain calm confidence that cannot be staged.

I have known her for more than thirty years. That thought alone already carries its own kind of luxury. When she appeared to welcome her guests, she was wearing a silver dress made of tiny metallic plates. It shimmered softly as she moved through the rooms, catching the candlelight with every step. Sculptural, powerful, almost like armor, its metal discs manage to feel both strong and elegant at the same time.

And in that moment, it felt strangely perfect. Because the older we get, the more we understand that a little armor is not such a bad thing. Life inevitably leaves its marks, experiences, lessons, challenges. But some people carry those years with such grace that they become part of their style.

Fashion, of course, moves quickly. Every season introduces new silhouettes, new colors, new rules about what is suddenly essential. But real style has very little to do with speed. It reveals itself slowly. I have watched my friend move through decades of life, different chapters, different cities, countless conversations that stretched late into the night. Through all of it, one thing has always remained unmistakably hers: an extraordinary sense of taste.

Not the kind dictated by trends. The kind that comes from instinct. You see it in the way she dresses. You see it in the way she has created her home. And you see it in the life she has built around herself. There is something deeply luxurious about that kind of consistency.

In fashion we often talk about investment pieces, the coat you keep for twenty years, the bag that never loses its relevance, the dress that somehow always feels right no matter how trends change around it. Friendships can be like that too. They deepen with time. They gather stories and memories. And after decades they become something rare: a constant in a world that moves very quickly.

Standing there last night, watching the silver dress catch the candlelight as she laughed with friends who have been part of her life for half a lifetime, I had a quiet thought. In a culture that celebrates the new, the most luxurious things are often the ones that last. A beautifully tailored coat. A home filled with memories. And a friendship that has been part of your life for more than thirty years. Perhaps that is the most timeless style of all.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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For S/S 2027, ZEGNA will present its fashion show in Los Angeles, stepping outside the traditional Milan Fashion Week calendar for a singular, time specific moment. The show will take place on June 5, alongside the arrival of VILLA ZEGNA, the brand’s invitation-only temporary private club, opening right after the show and remaining in Los Angeles for a few days. Made in full alignment with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana , this choice underscores ZEGNA’s commitment to extending Italian savoir-faire into a global cultural stage, while preserving its strong and enduring bond with Milan.

The S/S 2027 show will be central to a carefully orchestrated sequence of experiences in Los Angeles, bringing together top clients, friends of the brand and international press. VILLA ZEGNA offers a curated environment where guests can experience the brand beyond the runway. Following previous editions in Shanghai, New York, Dubai, Miami and Milan, VILLA ZEGNA arrives in Los Angeles as part of an ongoing cultural journey, shaped each time by its context while remaining rooted in intimacy and human connection.

Los Angeles is chosen not as a fashion capital, but as a cultural one: a city where creativity has long been shaped through cinema, storytelling, and image-making. From Hollywood’s cinematic legacy to its enduring influence on global visual language, Los Angeles represents a place where narratives are crafted, a global destination for long journeys, where distance, time, and landscape invite a slower form of discovery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Zegna
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Brunch at Odéon: A Fragrant Morning with Memo Paris

There are mornings in Zurich that feel like cinema, pale winter light gliding over the Limmat, the hush of the city before noon, and the quiet glamour of Café Odéon, where writers, revolutionaries, and artists once lingered over espresso. It was here, beneath the chandeliers and Art Déco mirrors, that fragrance met memory in the most poetic way.

With Clara Molloy

The occasion? An intimate brunch with Clara Molloy, the visionary co-founder of Memo Paris. She had come to Zurich to speak about Odéon, a perfume that feels less like a scent and more like a love letter.

And how fitting that we gathered at Odéon Café itself.

A Brand That Travels Through Scent

Founded in 2007 by Clara and her husband John Molloy, Memo Paris is built upon a singular idea: «The journey is the destination.» Each fragrance is tethered to a place, sometimes a city, sometimes a vast landscape, but always a location that carries emotional weight. Paris. Irish moors. African plains. Venetian palazzos.

Memo does not create perfumes; it creates destinations.

Clara spoke with luminous nostalgia about growing up in Paris, about standing above the rooftops and breathing in the city, warm stone, distant gardens, rain on zinc, the invisible sweetness of evenings stretching into night. For her, scent is inseparable from geography. A perfume is never abstract. It belongs somewhere.

Odéon: Paris, Reimagined

Launched in 2020, Odéon entered the Memo Paris collection as a radiant oriental composition, sensual and textured. The fragrance was created by master perfumer Aliénor Massenet, the nose behind Memo’s very first creation, Lalibela, as well as other iconic chapters of the house.

Odéon is Memo’s homage to Paris, not the postcard version, but the intimate, literary, Left Bank Paris. Think golden light spilling from theatre doors, lipstick traces on porcelain cups, the soft rustle of silk against café chairs.

In the Art Déco elegance of Café Odéon, Clara described how Odéon captures that feeling of sensual intellectualism. It is warm yet refined, modern yet steeped in memory. A fragrance that evokes whispered conversations and pages turning in dim light.

There was something almost cinematic about hearing her speak of Paris while seated in Zurich’s own historic Odéon. Two cities momentarily intertwined through scent.

The Art of Odéon

As if the fragrance itself were not already a portrait of Paris, Odéon arrives dressed in art. The bottle is adorned with a bespoke illustration by Jean Jullien, the celebrated French artist known for his poetic minimalism and unmistakable graphic language.

His line work feels effortless yet deeply expressive, capturing the spirit of the Left Bank in a way that is both playful and sophisticated. It is not merely packaging; it is a visual extension of the scent’s narrative. The illustration transforms the bottle into an object of desire, collectible, cultured, and unmistakably Parisian.

In true Memo fashion, fragrance becomes multidisciplinary: scent meets storytelling, meets art.

The Olfactory Pyramid

Top: A radiant touch of bergamot opens the fragrance with clarity and light, softened by a subtle fruity nuance and a whisper of spice.

Heart: At its center blooms a velvety rose, enriched with creamy sandalwood and the addictive warmth of tonka bean, sensual yet refined, romantic yet composed.

Base: Ambered woods and a delicate gourmand facet linger on the skin, creating depth, warmth, and that unmistakable Parisian afterglow.

A Morning of Memory and Connection

Beyond the fragrance itself, the brunch carried its own sweetness. Seeing colleagues again, familiar faces framed by coffee steam and laughter, felt like stepping into a shared chapter. The atmosphere was effortless, elegant, warm.

With my lovely colleagues, Niklaus Müller and Jaz Brunner

And then there was that moment: dipping into the world of Memo, inhaling Odéon, letting it settle onto skin as the scent unfolded slowly, intimately. Perfume has this rare ability to collapse time. Suddenly, we were not just in Zurich. We were on Parisian rooftops. In hidden theatres. In Clara’s memories.

With Marc-André Heller, CEO Memo Paris

The café’s polished wood, the clink of cutlery, the glow of chandeliers, everything felt heightened, as if scent had sharpened the edges of experience.

The Poetry of Place

What makes Memo Paris so compelling in today’s saturated fragrance landscape is precisely this emotional cartography. These perfumes are not trend-driven. They are narrative-driven. Rooted in longing. In belonging. In the idea that a place can live forever on the skin.

As we left Café Odéon, Zurich felt different, slightly more romantic, somehow infused with Parisian air. Perhaps that is the quiet power of fragrance: it allows cities to travel with us.

And that morning, between espresso cups and silk scarves, between memory and modernity, Odéon became more than a perfume. It became a story.

Memo Paris X Jean Jullien Odéon Eau de Parfum (75ml) for CHF 275

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Andrea Monica Hug for Memo Paris
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There could hardly have been a more fitting moment for an evening dedicated to craftsmanship, heritage, and design. As Bvlgari celebrates 120 years of its St. Moritz boutique, Mary Katrantzou travelled to Switzerland for the occasion, beginning with a first stop in Zurich before heading to St. Moritz. During an evening in Zurich, the Maison once again demonstrated its remarkable ability to honour its history while expressing a confident and contemporary creative vision, with Mary’s presence adding a meaningful creative dimension to the celebration.

Against this backdrop, the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2026 Leather Goods and Accessories collection, alongside the sculptural Icons Minaudière creations, carried particular weight. The evening was not simply about new designs; it was about continuity, evolution, and the discipline required to build icons that endure.

At the center of it all stood Mary Katrantzou, Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories, whose approach to design is guided by structure, clarity, and an uncompromising respect for craftsmanship. Mary does not create bags as seasonal statements, she constructs objects intended to last, pieces defined as much by their engineering as by their beauty.

Under her direction, High Craft is not a tagline. It is a methodology.

Seeing the Icons Minaudière collection in person made this immediately evident. Architectural and jewel-like, these pieces occupy a space somewhere between handbag and collectible design object. Metal frameworks are executed with remarkable precision, surfaces are resolved with near-jewelry attention, and every proportion feels deliberate.

The XS minaudières, notably smaller than a smartphone, express this philosophy with particular confidence. They are not designed around practicality but around presence, objects chosen for their expressive power rather than their capacity. It is a bold stance, and one that speaks to a house secure in its authority.

Running parallel to these sculptural forms was the emotional centerpiece of the evening: the newest iteration of the Serpenti Cuore 1968.

Following its successful debut, the heart-shaped silhouette returns for Spring/Summer 2026 in ultra-supple Light Amethyst calf leather. Defined by its emblematic form and the sinuous metallic snake handle inspired by the Serpenti Harlequin watch of 1968, the design captures the idea of love with surprising discipline, romantic, yet architecturally controlled.

Arriving just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the bag felt perfectly timed. Not sentimental, but symbolic.

The Cuore universe expands further with the introduction of the Serpenti Cuoricino, a jewel-like miniature that reinforces Mary’s nuanced exploration of scale. Retaining the padded curves of the original, it reads almost as wearable jewelry. Pavé crystal versions, meticulously hand-applied through a complex multi-step process involving more than 4,600 Swarovski crystals, leave no doubt about the level of craftsmanship at play.

For me, however, the evening carried an additional – deeply personal – dimension.

Mary and I have shared a friendship for many years, and seeing her present these collections with such quiet authority filled me with enormous pride. She is endlessly inspiring: intellectually rigorous, instinctively creative, and grounded in a warmth that makes her brilliance feel even more rare.

Over time, I have collected each of her own collections, pieces I continue to return to not only for their design but for what they represent. Wearing a look from her F/W 2018 Bauhaus collection that evening felt almost inevitable, a gesture of admiration, but also of continuity.

With heart-shaped bags subtly setting the tone, it felt as though Valentine’s Day had arrived early. Yet rather than romance, the atmosphere suggested something more modern, a refined kind of Galentine’s moment: women supporting women, celebrating creativity, and recognizing the work behind objects of lasting value.

After the presentation, we slipped away for dinner, just the two of us. Mary tried Zürcher Geschnetzeltes for the very first time – a proper Zurich classic – and the simplicity of that moment provided the perfect counterbalance to an evening defined by high craft.

What lingered afterward was not only the beauty of the objects, but the clarity of the message behind them.

One hundred and forty years after its founding, Bvlgari continues to prove that true icons are never static. They evolve, they adapt, and when guided by vision and craftsmanship, they remain unmistakably relevant. And some evenings remind you that the future of a historic house is safest in the hands of designers who understand exactly that.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of BVLGARI / Remy Steiner for Bvlgari
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My Kind of Slumber Party – Celebrating the Launch of Olympia The Label

There are evenings that stay with you, not only because they are beautiful, but because they bring together creativity, passion, and a wonderful sense of community. The recent launch event of Olympia The Label in the heart of Zurich was exactly that kind of night.

Hosted inside the iconic Mandarin Oriental Savoy, the setting was elegant yet inviting, creating the perfect backdrop for the debut of a Swiss premium pyjama and lifestyle brand that already feels destined for great things.

The dress code for the evening? Pyjamas, which, if you ask me, made it officially my kind of slumber party. Naturally, I fully embraced the theme and arrived in my own set, leaning into the playful sophistication of the night. To complete the look, I carried a Moschino pillow-shaped bag the perfect accessory for a pyjama-inspired outfit and a true statement piece that captured the spirit of the evening.

And the fashion moment didn’t end there. Heading straight to dinner afterward still dressed in my pyjamas definitely turned heads. It sparked conversations, drew a few admiring smiles, and proved that great style doesn’t have to follow traditional rules.

What immediately caught my attention were the designs themselves. Crafted with delicate scalloped edges, the pieces combine timeless elegance with a charming femininity. These thoughtful details elevate classic sleepwear into something truly special, luxurious yet comfortable, refined yet effortlessly wearable.

Shana Conod

The evening was made even more memorable by the inspiring people behind the brand. Visionary designer Shana Conod has clearly poured her heart into this project, which was named after her little daughter, and it shows in every detail. Supported by Switzerland’s renowned PR manager Laura Zanni, the launch felt seamless, joyful, and full of pride.

Laura Zanni

Guests were also treated to beautiful blowouts by Nathanael Alexander, perfectly complementing the equally stunning pyjamas, a reminder that when attention to detail meets creativity, magic happens.

Nathanael Alexander

Yet beyond the aesthetics, what made the night truly special was the spirit of support. Watching a dream come to life reminds us how important it is to uplift one another, especially in creative industries. Celebrating the success of others doesn’t dim our own light, it allows the entire community to shine brighter.

Olympia The Label may just be getting started, but the brand already radiates confidence, grace, and ambition. If this launch is any indication of what’s to come, the future looks incredibly promising.

With Jaz Brunner and Shana Conod.

Here’s to strong women, beautiful design, unforgettable evenings,  and, of course, more slumber parties in style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Olympia The Label
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Happy New Year 2026 to you all! I started the new year in St. Moritz, surrounded by my close friends, winter glamour, music, laughter, and exactly the kind of energy a new beginning deserves. We celebrated up on top of the mountain at White Marmot with good vibes, strong looks, and the feeling of truly stepping forward.

The year behind me was not an easy one, but this night reminded me of something essential: life moves, energy matters, and joy is something worth choosing again and again. We danced, celebrated, laughed, fully present, fully alive.

At the same time, the tragedy in Crans-Montana was a sobering reminder of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change. My thoughts are with everyone affected. I wish strength, light, and healing to all who are grieving.

And maybe that’s exactly why moments like these matter so much.
Why we celebrate.
Why we gather.
Why we start again with intention, joy, and courage.

Grateful for my friends!

For this new year, I wish you energy, laughter, love, and the confidence to embrace everything good that comes your way. Let’s move forward, bold, grateful, and fully awake to life. 2026 – consider this my energy era.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Hosting a Burberry event in Zurich was a tue pleasure, a day shaped by conversations, style, and a shared appreciation for the house. Friends of mine and clients of the House came together to experience the F/W 2025 collection, alongside my styling insights and a closer look at the season’s defining themes.

What I wore felt like a natural extension of that dialogue. Dressed head to toe in Burberry, my look combined current pieces with elements that have long been part of my wardrobe. A reminder that true style isn’t about moments, but continuity and that Burberry’s strength lies in its ability to remain timeless while constantly evolving.

My look: Oversized silk-habotai shirt, shearling-collar trim scarf, asymmetric printed plissé-twill skirt, leather-trimmed cashmere and cotton-gabardine bag charm, mini Pocket tote bag, and buckled leather knee boots, all by Burberry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Last night’s Christmas cocktail at Valentino in Zurich felt like a beautiful pause in time, a celebration not only of the season, but of friendship, creativity, and the unmistakable warmth of the Valentino family. Surrounded by shades of deep red, festive, sensual, and powerful, it was a joy to finally gather again, laugh together, and share a moment that felt both intimate and elevated.

With Gianfranca, Albena and Wei.

As a fashion observer at heart, my eye inevitably wandered to the clothes. Under Alessandro Michele’s creative direction, Valentino is entering a fascinating chapter. Michele once said, «Clothes are a form of self-definition, a way of declaring who you are without having to speak.» That philosophy is clearly present, rich, expressive, unapologetically emotional. And yet, one cannot help but feel that his signature is so strong, so personal, that it almost longs for a universe entirely of its own. Alessandro Michele doesn’t just design collections; he builds worlds.

I fell in love with the hat from the F/W 2025 collection.

That said, Valentino currently offers truly beautiful pieces to discover, highlights from the F/W 2025 collection can be found with up to 40% off, and the new Resort collection has arrived with fresh, desirable silhouettes that feel both joyful and timeless.

Valentino Resort 2026

The evening itself was filled with lightness: exquisite catering, endless conversations, and a room full of women clearly enjoying themselves. The photos capture it perfectly, elegance without stiffness, glamour without effort, and the simple pleasure of being together again.

Tanja, Thea, Wei and me.

Fashion, after all, is never just about clothes. It’s about moments like these.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion is calling…

… and my favorite dinner is served.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Valentino
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The Art of Radiance – Discovering Clé de Peau Beauté Key Radiance Care

There’s something almost magical about this skincare that doesn’t just treat your skin but awakens it that I would like to share with you today. Experiencing Clé de Peau Beauté’s signature Key Radiance Care ritual is a journey that transforms skincare into art. Every texture, every step, every touch is designed to bring light back to the skin. I was able to try everything first hand during a beautiful event at Globus Zurich where the products are available.

Step 1: The Purity Ritual

The experience begins with a two-step cleansing ritual, delicate, refined, and deeply sensory.
Watching the creamy foam being whipped to perfection in a porcelain bowl and applied with a soft brush felt like a ceremony. It’s not just about cleansing; it’s about preparing the skin to receive radiance.

Step 2: The Essential 3-Step Routine

Next comes the heart of Clé de Peau Beauté’s philosophy: Key Radiance Care – The Serum, the Hydro-Softening Lotion, and the Cream.
Each product works in harmony to awaken, balance, and seal in hydration. The skin feels instantly smoother, refreshed, and quietly luminous, that signature «Clé de Peau glow.» (If you interested in the full procedure, I invite you to visit this previous blog post here).

Step 3: The Details That Make a Difference

The Eye Cream, applied with the platinum massage tool, turns skincare into mindfulness.
Gentle pressure points release tension, and the skin around the eyes looks lifted and bright.
For mature skin, the Supreme Line takes luxury even further: The Cream, an iconic anti-aging masterpiece, and The Precious Gold Vitality Serum, infused with 24K gold and diamond powder, give tired skin an extraordinary boost of vitality and light.

The extra treat: The Precious Gold Vitality Mask – A Moment of Pure Illumination

There’s a certain magic in a mask that feels like liquid gold.
The Precious Gold Vitality Mask is exactly that, a sensorial experience that merges science and indulgence.
Infused with 24K gold, this luxurious treatment energizes and revitalizes the skin, instantly revealing a renewed radiance.
Its texture is smooth and comforting, enveloping the skin in warmth and light.
In just a few minutes, the complexion appears more awake, more even, and visibly illuminated as if it has captured the glow of the sun itself.

Step 4: Preparing the Canvas

No radiant complexion is complete without protection.
The UV Protective Cream forms the essential bridge between skincare and makeup, followed by the brand’s signature foundations, whether Radiant, Natural, or Matte, depending on your desired finish. My favorite is Le Fond de Teint Foundation that is blending makeup and skincare. Use this foundation instead of your daily moisturizer. It instantly blurs imperfections and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a radiant finish.

Step 5: Complete the Ritual

A touch of color, a whisper of glow, and the legendary Luminizing Face Enhancer, available in different color ways, that is the final, unmistakable Clé de Peau finish.

This isn’t just skincare; it’s a philosophy of light, texture, and transformation.
Clé de Peau Beauté doesn’t promise quick fixes, it teaches your skin to glow from within.
Five minutes, one ritual, infinite radiance.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Creative Women Forum 2025
Empower • Engage • Sustain

Three Days of Creative Power, Insight and Connection in Riyadh

From November 4th to 6th, I had the privilege of attending, and speaking at, the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 in Riyadh. Under the powerful theme Empower • Engage • Sustain, the event brought together extraordinary women from around the world to exchange ideas, elevate creativity and shape new visions for the future.

I had the pleasure of meeting the first inspiring ladies already on November 3rd, right after my arrival, during the Welcome Dinner at the beautiful Jareed Hotel, a warm and promising start to an unforgettable week.

What unfolded was far more than a conference, it felt like a movement, a community and a celebration of women’s leadership across disciplines.

A Royal Patron & A Historic Setting

The forum opened with inspiring words from Her Royal Highness Princess Noura Bint Saud Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the patron of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025.

Her presence set the tone for the days ahead: confident, purposeful and deeply committed to elevating the role of women in the creative economy of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The setting made it even more powerful: the Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, the largest women’s university in the world. Standing in a space built entirely for women’s learning and leadership was impactful and symbolic, the perfect place for this gathering.

A Stunning Art Experience

One of the highlights for me was the remarkable art exhibition curated as part of the forum. The works, bold, emotional, innovative, showcased the depth, vision and courage of artists from Saudi Arabia and across the region.

Floral camouflage in front of the artwork «Fiori» by Sofia Cacciapaglia

It was a reminder that art is not only a reflection of culture, but also one of its strongest engines of transformation.

The Visionaries Behind the Forum

None of this would have been possible without the remarkable women who built the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 with passion, dedication and a deep belief in women’s creative power.

At the heart of it stands
Olga Balakleets, Founder & CEO of the Creative Women Platform,
a visionary who has spent years creating global spaces where women can exchange ideas, uplift one another and spark meaningful change.

Alongside her,
Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Edition 2025,
played a crucial role in crafting this year’s edition in Riyadh. Together with her team, she created an experience that was thoughtful, inspiring, seamless and deeply empowering.

Their dedication, often behind the scenes, is what transformed the forum into the world-class platform it has become.

My Panel: Creativity, Futurism & Sustainability

I had the honour of speaking on a panel guided by futurist and filmmaker Maxim Jago, alongside four exceptional women, each contributing her own perspective on creativity and the future:
• Prathibha Prahlad – Founder Chairperson of the Prasiddha Foundation & the Forum for Art Beyond Borders; Founder & Festival Director of the Delhi International Arts Festival
• Yasmeen Gailani – Deputy Director, MENA & Middle East Specialist at Sotheby’s
• Martha Fiennes – Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Director and Digital Artist
• Norah Alkhursany – Head of Strategic Partnerships, Oil Sustainability Program (OSP)

This diversity made our conversation deeply enriching, spanning performing arts, fine art valuation, digital storytelling, sustainability in energy, and the cultural language of fashion.

When Maxim asked about universal and timeless themes in fashion and creative expression, I shared what I deeply believe:

«Fashion always moves between two forces: change and continuity.
What remains timeless is the human desire to express identity through beauty.
What evolves is the way we choose to express it.»

I then spoke about the profound shift happening within the luxury world and summed it up in a sentence that has become a personal mantra:

«Sustainability is the new black, but only creativity makes it chic.»

For me, this is the essence of where our industry is heading: sustainability as the new baseline, the must-have, and creativity as the force that makes responsible choices desirable, beautiful and emotionally relevant.

I explained how creativity bridges the past and the future:

«Creativity is what makes sustainability desirable.
People don’t change because they are pressured, 
they change because they fall in love with a new idea.»

For me, the future of fashion lives precisely at this intersection:
where beauty meets purpose, where innovation honours heritage, where responsibility becomes part of the aesthetic.

Insights I Will Carry With Me

Creativity • Resilience • Emotional Intelligence

One panel reminded us of a key World Economic Forum insight:
these are the three most essential skills of the future.
Hearing this surrounded by visionary women felt like a collective affirmation.

Pleasure vs Happiness

Ida Beerhalter shared a powerful neurological insight:

High dopamine can suppress serotonin,
a reminder not to confuse pleasure with true happiness.

It was a scientific reflection of something deeply human:
short-term rewards often overshadow long-term fulfilment.

Fear Is Not a Strategy

Another perspective stayed with me:

«Fear is never a good advisor.
In investment, and in life, emotional regulation matters.
Sometimes the wisest decision is to pause.»

A timeless lesson, and one that resonated with the entire room.

Gala Night at the National Museum

The forum concluded with a magical gala evening at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by culture, heritage and the warmest hospitality, we celebrated creativity, community and the power of women shaping the future.

It was a night filled with beauty, conversation, music and elegance, the perfect finale.

A Personal Journey Beyond the Forum

I stayed a little longer in Riyadh, reconnecting with friends and exploring the city’s vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. Every visit reveals something new, and this one was filled with warmth, inspiration and meaningful encounters.

Amazing woman: Adria L. Dunn who launched the global impact foundation, The Vine.

What I Take Home

If I had to capture the essence of these three days, it would be this:

Creativity is our most renewable resource.
When women are empowered, engaged and committed to sustaining change,
the future becomes not only more innovative but more beautiful and more human.

Thank you, Riyadh.
Thank you to every inspiring woman I met.
And thank you to the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 for creating a space where stories, ideas and visions can grow.

LoL, Sandra

We had a lot of fun together: Kiera Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, who just launched her liquor brand Generation.

Such an inspiring woman and a fellow aquarius: Martha Fiennes.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Aiman Fekri @aiman.ph
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