Sandra‘s Closet

A wonderful press lunch at Clouds restaurant with BABOR gave me the opportunity to discover a German skincare brand I hadn’t explored in much detail before. And I was genuinely impressed by what I learned.

Founded in 1956 and still family-owned in its third generation, BABOR develops and produces its skincare in Aachen, Germany. Almost 70 years of expertise, a strong scientific background and a refreshingly serious approach to beauty.

What particularly caught my attention was the philosophy behind the formulations. Clean beauty without compromising on texture or performance. BABOR is committed to avoiding microplastics and ingredients such as silicones, parabens and PEGs in its skincare formulations. Quite a challenge when you consider how much these ingredients traditionally contribute to that silky, luxurious feeling we all love.

Another interesting discovery was the HSR Bi-Phase Face Oil, combining nourishing botanical oils with advanced skincare ingredients. And a little application tip I took home: serum first, followed by face oil and finally your cream.

Great expertise by Nicole Suess, BABOR Country Manager Switzerland and Austria, and Justine Stegelmann, BABOR Division Manager PR, Media & Cooperations.

But the real highlight for me was DOCTOR BABOR PRO. A professional skincare line developed specifically for beauty institutes and aesthetic specialists, rather than conventional retail. Its latest generation combines technologies involving exosomes, NAD+ and sirtuins, with highly concentrated formulations tailored to individual skin concerns. The treatments focus on everything from skin ageing and pigmentation to sensitivity and regeneration. This is where professional expertise makes the difference.

I also loved learning about BABOR’s more holistic approach to beauty, particularly the role of fragrance and sensory experiences. The idea that skincare should not only work on the skin but also contribute to how we feel is something I find increasingly fascinating.

Such a wonderful lunch among long-time colleagues and friends: Sabine Hauptmann, Nicole Süss and Katrin Roth.

And perhaps that was my biggest takeaway from the lunch: beauty doesn’t always need another trend. Sometimes it simply needs decades of research, clever formulations and people who really know what they’re doing.

BABOR, you are definitely on my radar now.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Katrin Roth and Claudia Marson.

Friends for a long time: Nicole Suess and my humble self.

Beautiful gift boxes for Christmas on display.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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A little change of plans thanks to the weather, and the Bohemian Night became the opening act of a fabulous birthday weekend.

Set on a stunning private estate surrounded by orange trees, the evening was all about dancing by the pool, wonderful conversations and an effortlessly chic crowd.

I have always loved a good dress code. It sets the mood, sparks conversations and gives everyone room for their own interpretation. And bohemian style leaves plenty of it.

As for the hostess and me? We both arrived in red. Again. Completely unplanned, but somehow becoming our signature move. Some things are simply meant to match.

Stay tuned! Outfit post coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Funny table conversations with Erkan from Erkan und Stefan.

Beautiful live act.

Fun fact: Among my German friends I am still Sandy.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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An unforgettable weekend in Mallorca – Part 1

In fashion, white is the ultimate statement of effortless elegance. Timeless, sophisticated and always chic. But sometimes, white is more than just a colour. It becomes the dress code for unforgettable memories.

Last weekend brought me back together with some of my dearest and oldest friends from Munich, this time under the Mediterranean sky of Mallorca, to celebrate a very special 60th birthday.

Birthday boy – 60 has never looked better!

And while the weather had other plans, forcing us to switch the festivities around, nothing could dampen our spirits.

Our White Night took place on Saturday at my dear friend’s breathtaking home, a private paradise that could easily be mistaken for an exclusive boutique hotel.

Dressed in white, surrounded by familiar faces, laughter and that wonderful feeling of being among people who have known you forever, the evening was simply magical.

After recently celebrating together in Munich, it was another beautiful reminder that the best things in life never go out of style: true friendship, shared memories and the joy of being together.

Because some friendships, just like a perfect white outfit, are timeless.
Thank you, Christina and Michael!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Some nights are simply too good to end. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the VIP Opening of PINK RABBIT at AURA Zurich, and what an evening it was!

Now in its seventh season, PINK RABBIT takes the traditional dinner show to another level. Think spectacular international performers, breathtaking acrobatics, a little magic, music, and just the right amount of sensuality. All brought together in an immersive setting with stunning 360-degree projections and visual effects.

And then there’s the food. A delicious four-course dinner served between performances makes the entire evening feel like one continuous celebration.

But what made the night particularly special for me was the atmosphere. A fabulous crowd, wonderful conversations, lots of laughter, dancing and that infectious energy you get when everyone is genuinely having a great time. We certainly did! A huge thank you to Nina and Philip for the lovely invitation and for such a memorable evening.

For anyone in Zurich, or planning a visit, PINK RABBIT definitely deserves a spot on your social calendar. It’s glamorous, playful, a little unexpected and, above all, incredibly entertaining.

Zurich, follow the pink rabbit until Dec 31, 2026. You won’t regret it! 🐰💗

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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An evening of beautiful encounters, inspiring conversations and a subject that deserves all our attention.

Last night, I joined The Estée Lauder Companies and Fotografiska for «One in Eight», a powerful photography exhibition dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

My favorite piece in the exhibition: «StrongHer» by Anna Devis Benet

For over 30 years, The Estée Lauder Companies have been committed to the fight against breast cancer, and I love seeing how beauty can bring people together for such an important cause.

It all began with the remarkable Evelyn H. Lauder, who launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in 1992 and helped make the pink ribbon a worldwide symbol of hope. Having lost her own battle with ovarian cancer in 2011, she left behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to inspire and make a difference today.

The dress code was «Shades of Pink», which I happily embraced in head-to-toe Valentino.

Beyond the fashion, I particularly enjoyed the meaningful exchanges and the different perspectives shared throughout the evening.

Meaningful speech by the current United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Callista L. Gingrich.

Great vibes by Annina Frey.

Throughout October, selected beauty purchases help support this important mission. I am also delighted to see The Estée Lauder Companies supporting Look Good Feel Better Switzerland, a wonderful organisation helping women feel beautiful and confident during cancer treatment.

A beautiful evening with a message that goes far beyond the colour pink. And because breast cancer awareness is a cause that matters across generations, it felt especially meaningful to share this evening with my daughter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Beauty, Honestly: A Lunch with Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou

A beauty talk among women, honest, inspiring and delicious. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting an intimate lunch and Q&A with Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou at Club zum Rennweg in Zurich, and what unfolded over the following hours was less a panel talk than a candid conversation among women, the kind you wish you could bottle.

Let me introduce you to Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou, a Swiss board certified specialist surgeon and the founder and CEO of the Dr. Kelly Group in Zug. Her path reads like a masterclass in determination: medical studies in Greece, years as a surgeon at the University Hospital of Basel, further training in Munich, Miami and Singapore, and today more than 15,000 procedures and treatments to her name. She has developed her own signature injection protocol, the Kelly Lift, as well as a medical skincare line that, in her words, was not born in marketing but in the operating theatre.

What sets her apart, though, is not the CV. It is the philosophy. Dr. Kelly believes in natural results and long term thinking rather than fleeting trends, and she is refreshingly unafraid to say no. When I asked whether she ever turns patients away, she did not hesitate. A filtered selfie, she told us, is not a treatment plan. In an era of the so called Instagram Face, hearing a surgeon champion restraint felt almost radical.

And then there were my guests. A table of wonderful, accomplished, curious women who asked exactly the questions we all quietly carry with us. When should one really start with prevention? What makes a facelift look fresh rather than done? Is hybrid breast augmentation truly the future? Nothing was off limits, and that was precisely the beauty of it. Woman to woman, without taboos, without judgment, with plenty of laughter in between.

By the time the espresso arrived, one thing was clear: this conversation is far from over. I am delighted to share that Dr. Kelly has agreed to sit down with me for an in depth interview here on Sandra’s Closet.

And this is where you come in, my dears. What would you ask a top aesthetic surgeon if you had her all to yourself? Whether it is about skincare, surgery, ageing gracefully or the one myth you have always wanted debunked, send me a message to , and I will put your best ones directly to Dr. Kelly.

Because the best beauty conversations, like the best lunches, are always shared.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Back with Love, from a Parisian Wedding Weekend

My loves, I am back. After a few weeks of digital detox, a little pause I truly needed, I could not imagine a more beautiful reason to return to you than this: I am in Paris, celebrating the wedding of the daughter of one of my closest friends from New York, and my heart is overflowing.

Congrats Taylor and Vincent!

The most beautiful bride Taylor in Stéphane Rolland

This is not just any celebration. It is a three day festival of love, glamour and friendship, and it has only just begun. The bride wears Stéphane Rolland, and so does the mother of the bride. The couturier himself is here in person, which tells you everything about the warmth and intimacy of this wedding. Seeing his sculptural artistry on two women I hold so dear moves me deeply.

Jani and I last night at the pre-wedding cocktail party

The mother of the bride, Jani Gerard, is one of those rare friendships that feel like destiny. We met years ago over breakfast in Anna Wintour’s office, in the company of Kim Kardashian, and from that very first conversation something clicked. Over the years she has become a true friend, the kind you laugh with, confide in and cherish. Being here to share the most emotional milestone of her life as a mother means more to me than words can say.

I wore CHANEL for the first night.

Last night the festivities opened at Hôtel de Crillon, with stunning views over Paris, ice cold champagne, endless conversations and the pure joy of embracing girlfriends from all over the world. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do, and above all, the people I get to share it with.

What touches me most is the energy of the women gathered here. So many wonderful, accomplished women who inspire and support one another, and many of them dear friends of mine.

I am always having the best time with Corina.

Among them my good friend Corina Mihaila Lapin, whose stunning jewellery line Stéfère Jewelry could be spotted sparkling on many fingers throughout the evening …

Lovely Chrissi with her husband.

… and my dear Chrissi Sayare, who runs the most wonderful luxury resale and vintage shop TBC Luxury Resale. Do yourselves a favour and follow her on Instagram @tbcluxuryresale, her finds are pure treasure. This is what true friendship in our world looks like: women celebrating women, in life and in style.

With my childhood friend Anouschka and her husband.

Tonight it continues, and I can hardly wait. It feels so good to be back, my loves. The most beautiful chapters of this weekend are still ahead, and of course I will take you with me.

LoL, Sandra

Love is in the air in Paris. 

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Let’s Talk Hormones: A Lunch with Sunday Natural at the Club zum Rennweg

Sunlight was falling through the windows of the Club zum Rennweg, the table was laid in white, and for once a Zurich lunch was not about hemlines or handbags. It was about the invisible orchestra that conducts our bodies every single day. Together with Sunday Natural, I had invited a group of wonderful women to an afternoon under the title «Let’s Talk Hormones», and what unfolded was one of the most open and honest exchanges I have hosted in a long time.

Our guest of honour was Dr. Katharina Maria Burkhardt from Vienna, a specialist in endocrinology, who gave us a rare insight into how hormones truly work together. Estrogen and progesterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and insulin do not act in isolation. They speak to each other constantly, and when one voice rises or falls, the others answer. Stress, for instance, keeps cortisol elevated, which in turn can disturb ovulation and lower progesterone. Thyroid function influences the availability of our sex hormones, and estrogen in return affects how the thyroid is regulated. Little wonder that the majority of us experience hormone related symptoms at some point in our lives, from fatigue and mood swings to irregular cycles and the many faces of perimenopause and menopause.

What I found most encouraging was the professor’s message that we are not powerless. Sleep, nutrition, movement and stress management form the foundation, and where the body lacks certain nutrients, targeted high quality supplementation can support the system in finding its balance again. Which brought us, quite naturally, to our partner for the day.

Me with the lovely Sunday Natural team (from left to right): Clarissa Boeker, Miriam Blendorf-Preusche, Sandra Gehlen, and Stefanie Befort.

Sunday Natural was founded in Berlin a little over a decade ago out of frustration with the quality of supplements on the market. The founder wanted to create the kind of products they would take themselves and recommend to their own families. The result is a philosophy they call the True Clean Label: naturally sourced, bioactive ingredients, gently extracted, laboratory tested, free from GMOs and from the controversial additives, fillers and binders that so many capsules still contain. Even the capsule shells are kept pure. With its own research and development team and a range of more than a thousand products, from vitamin D3 and magnesium to adaptogens and fine Japanese teas, Sunday Natural has become the fastest growing premium nutrition brand in the German speaking world. Clarity, cleanliness and uncompromising quality are the three words I would choose for it, and after this afternoon I understand why so many women in my circle already swear by it.

The menu was created around Sunday Natural products, and it was extremely delicious, proof that conscious eating and true pleasure are not opposites. Between courses, the conversation flowed freely. Women shared their own experiences, asked the questions they had never dared to ask their doctors, and left with notebooks full of ideas and a new sense of ease about a topic that still carries far too much silence.

Thank you to Sunday Natural for a partnership that felt so effortless, to the Club zum Rennweg for the perfect setting, and to every woman at the table for her openness. This was only the beginning of the conversation.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anastasia Diadio @diadio.anastasia
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The magical opening evening of a birthday weekend in the Tuscan hills, dressed head to toe in white.

The first evening of the weekend, and the most special of all: Petra’s actual birthday, in the hills above Florence with the most enchanting theme: White Starry Night. Everyone, everything, was dressed in white, despite the beautiful table cloth that was reminiscent of Toile de Jouy by Dior, her favorite brand.

The setting was Villa I Collazzi, roughly thirty minutes from the centre of Florence, along the old road to Volterra in the hills above Scandicci. Arriving felt like stepping straight into a dream. A long approach lined with cypress trees standing like sentinels, and then the villa itself, rising on its hilltop terrace, majestic and serene against the Tuscan sky.

This is no ordinary house. Villa I Collazzi is one of the most celebrated Renaissance residences in all of Tuscany, its design long attributed by local legend to Michelangelo himself and later carried to completion by Santi di Tito. Built for the Dini family in the sixteenth century and lovingly cared for by the Marchi family since 1933, it holds centuries of history in its stone loggias and Italian gardens. From the terrace, on a clear evening, you can even glimpse Brunelleschi’s dome shimmering in the distance.

As the sun softened over the vineyards, the guests began to gather, and the effect was pure enchantment. Everyone in white, glasses of chilled wine catching the last of the golden light, laughter drifting across the gardens. The dress code did something quite wonderful: it turned a party into a living tableau, elegant and timeless, as though we had all wandered into the same beautiful painting.

Dinner unfolded beneath the stars, the villa glowing softly behind us, the warm Tuscan air carrying music long into the night. Petra, radiant as ever, had set the tone for the whole weekend, the kind of evening that reminds you why these gatherings of dear friends matter so very much.

And this was only the beginning. The White Starry Night was the opening chapter of a birthday weekend I will treasure for a long time to come. More on that very soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Once a year, Zurich turns into the world’s biggest techno party, and I celebrate it my way: in the garden of the Baur au Lac, champagne in hand, close to the beat, yet beautifully removed from the crowds.

I wore a Pucci catsuit. Its psychedelic print is perfect for a day like this, plus a bow hair clip fastened to my belt. Practical for putting my hair up, pretty as an accessory.

Saturday also marked the first anniversary of my beloved Mama’s passing, so I did the only thing that felt right: I danced my heart out. For her, with her. Love, tolerance and the freedom to be exactly who you are. That is the message of the Street Parade. And it was hers too.

My look: Catsuit in pastel colors by Pucci, Tribute woven leather espadrille wedge sandals by Saint Laurent, GG Marmont belt bag by Gucci, satin bow barrette by Jennifer Behr, Impatiens cream white earrings by Oscar de la Renta, necklace with heart charms, and chain belt with yellow rose, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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