Sandra‘s Closet

I’m very proud to have contributed once again to the Weltwoche Gift Guide, a beautifully curated selection where a variety of well-known personalities share their personal recommendations. And because I certainly don’t want to keep my tips from you, I’m sharing an English summary of my favorites here as well. Enjoy a little sparkle, a little travel dreaming, and a touch of everyday luxury.

A Touch of Luxury for Your Hair

Le Parfum by Hair Rituel by Sisley is like an invisible silk scarf that gently wraps around your hair. It smells as if you’ve just conquered the world—not the kitchen. One spritz and any trace of cooking, smoke, or daily hustle simply disappears.

What remains is shine, lightness, and that subtle, confident scent that quietly says: I’m not in a rush, I just smell fabulous.

Available at sisley-paris.ch, CHF 101.00 (100ml)

Infinity Collection by ONTOO – Luxury That Truly Adds Up

Who says bespoke craftsmanship is only for couture? At ONTOO, you can create jewelry that suits your life and your budget. Rose, white, or yellow gold? Prefer sapphire instead of diamond? Everything is possible.

The pieces by Swiss designer Martina Baeriswyl Holzach are light enough for sports yet elegant enough for an evening out. Jewelry that adapts to its wearer, not the other way around.

Prices upon request: ontoo.ch

London Calling – A Gift With the Curtain Up

For those who love collecting experiences rather than things: the legendary Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair now offers three new Forte Suites, each inspired by a personality who shaped the neighborhood, composer Muzio Clementi, soprano Clara Dow, and Dame Vera Lynn.

Imagine this: after an evening at the theatre, returning to the Brown’s Hotel for a glass of bubbly in an Emperador marble bathroom, the night drifting into the melody of «A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.» A gift that feels like a movie scene.

The new Forte Suites start at £3,500 per night.
More information here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promised.

It’s official: after nearly four decades, Anna Wintour has named her successor at Vogue. The legendary editor, whose sunglasses and sharp bob have become symbols of authority in fashion, won’t be disappearing anytime soon as she will continue to hold global power across Condé Nast. But the day-to-day reins of Vogue US are now passing to Chloe Malle.

Chloé Malle (Photo via Vogue)

Chloe is no stranger to the world of style and storytelling. The daughter of acclaimed actress Candice Bergen and French director Louis Malle, she grew up with a natural connection to art, film, and culture. After studying literature at Brown and time spent in Paris, she carved out her own career inside Condé Nast. She led Vogue.com, co-hosted the magazine’s podcast The Run-Through, and most recently has been behind some high-profile features that blended sharp cultural insight with a modern digital voice.

Chloé Malle in a Vanity article in 2009 next to her mother Candice Bergen.

What makes her appointment exciting is that she represents both continuity and change. On one hand, Chloe understands the brand’s DNA, she’s been inside Vogue for years and knows its rhythm. On the other hand, she has grown up in the digital era and brings an ease with multimedia, social conversation, and new ways of reaching audiences that feel essential for the future.

Chloé with her late father Louis Malle at age 8.

And yet, Anna Wintour’s presence still looms large. With her global roles intact, she will continue to shape the overall vision. That means Chloe will be navigating both independence and mentorship, putting her stamp on the American edition while still working under the shadow – and protection – of fashion’s most powerful figure.

The result? A fascinating new chapter. We can expect more experimentation with digital storytelling, a fresher editorial voice, and maybe even a subtle softening of the magazine’s famously rigid tone. But make no mistake, Anna still holds the scepter. That tension between legacy and renewal is exactly what will make the next few years at Vogue so compelling to watch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos via @chloemalle
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise

Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the world of fashion, journalism, and culture. Anna Wintour, an icon in every sense, is stepping down and with her departure, we close a page on one of the most influential editorial reigns of our time.

I had the privilege of meeting Anna on several occasions. Each time, I was struck by her presence – poised, sharp, and always ahead of the curve. She has that rare quality of making a room pause simply by entering it. What impressed me most, however, wasn’t just her signature sunglasses or her legendary editorial instinct, but her quiet discipline and the genuine care she brought to her work and the people she supported behind the scenes.

«Not just a fashion icon – a cultural force.»

Anna’s impact on Vogue and the wider industry can’t be overstated. She redefined fashion journalism, championed emerging designers, and shaped cultural conversations far beyond the glossy pages. She challenged norms, elevated voices, and maintained a standard of excellence that inspired generations.

«37 years of vision, elegance, and change.»

Born in London in 1949, Anna began her career in fashion journalism in the 1970s, working at Harper’s & Queen and New York Magazine. She became Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue in 1988, and her sharp editorial vision turned the magazine into a global cultural authority. Over the years, she helped launch the careers of countless designers and creatives, and brought a unique blend of fashion, politics, and cultural relevance to the forefront.

«Anna Wintour – end of an era, legacy continues.»

Me arriving at the US Vogue headquarters…

Although she is stepping down from her role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, she is not leaving Condé Nast. Anna will continue to serve as Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director at Vogue, where she will continue to shape the brand’s international direction. The position at American Vogue will be restructured, with a new Head of Editorial Content to be appointed.

... and in the office itself to have breakfast with Anna Wintour and Kim Kardashian.

Her departure is not just the end of a role, but the closing of an era. I’m grateful to have crossed paths with someone whose influence has been as profound as it has been lasting.

Thank you, Anna – for the legacy, the inspiration, and the unforgettable moments.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise

Today, I am super proud to show you the photo shoot and interview I did for Settedonna Magazine. The photos were taken by Michael Orlik at Atelier Dati, where you can find amazing art objects made of steel, for indoors and outdoors, busts, sculptures and paintings by the well-known artist couple Dario Norelli and Tina Itin. A huge thank you to the Settedonna team, publisher Yolanda Risi-Egger for the trust, creative director Patrizia Camardella, and stylist Tosca Hentz for the amazing collaboration and to Michael Tsanidis for the beautiful hair styles.

In the photo shoot I wear some amazing looks by Swiss designers combined with accessories from my own closet. I will post all details during the next days.

PHOTOSHOOT SETTEDONNA

INTERVIEW SETTEDONNA

In the interview  you can find photos shot by Felicia Sewerinsson. If you like the looks, you can find all the details in the links under the photos.

Saloni – Sky Blue – Royal Ascot

I am at the moment in Istanbul for a very special TV project. Stay tuned for an update coming soon.

LoL, Sandra

DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

If you are a mum of a twenty year old, you will surely have spent a lot of time listening to Taylor Swift songs. And you will know exactly what it means to get Taylor Swift’s concert tickets, with people starting queuing at various outlets days before the sale officially started. Those so-called Swifties will be proud now as Taylor Swift is TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year!

Swift’s accomplishments as an artist – culturally, critically, and commercially – are so legion that to recount them seems almost beside the point. As a pop star, she sits in rarefied company, alongside Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Madonna; as a songwriter, she has been compared to Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Joni Mitchell. As a businesswoman, she has built an empire worth, by some estimates, over $1 billion. And as a celebrity – who by dint of being a woman is scrutinized for everything from whom she dates to what she wears – she has long commanded constant attention and knows how to use it. But this year, something shifted. To discuss her movements felt like discussing politics or the weather – a language spoken so widely it needed no context. She became the main character of the world.

Taylor Swift has been named TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year, making second appearance on a Person of the Year cover since the franchise’s inception in 1927. Swift, who had previously been honored as one of the «Silence Breakers» in 2017, joins the list of several U.S. presidents and world leaders as a repeat designee. Swift, at 33, boasts an unparalleled litany of records and honors, culminating in a smashing Eras tour and hitting billionaire status. In the interview with TIME where she expressed being the «proudest and happiest she’s ever felt,» Swift, recognized for spinning her story into a global legend, credited her recent creative freedom for her success.

If you’re skeptical, consider it: How many conversations did you have about Taylor Swift this year? How many times did you see a photo of her while scrolling on your phone? Were you one of the people who made a pilgrimage to a city where she played? Did you buy a ticket to her concert film? Did you double-tap an Instagram post, or laugh at a tweet, or click on a headline about her? Did you find yourself humming «Cruel Summer» while waiting in line at the grocery store? Did a friend confess that they watched clips of the Eras Tour night after night on TikTok? Or did you?

Swift’s undeniable impact is reflected in societal shifts; her romance with NFL star Travis Kelce spurred millions of her followers into football fandom, while her call to voting action triggered thousands to register. However, beyond her stardom, it is her personal touch with fans that resonates most, encapsulated in her sentiment about holding up a mirror to her life to help others better see themselves. Swift’s authentic self-expression and triumphant creative journey were showcased in not one, but three unique covers of TIME magazine. In a display of her candid nature, one cover starred the pop superstar with her beloved cat Benjamin Button, revealing the intimate bond between the artist and her pet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Inez and Vinoodh for TIME
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

When I came back from Athens, I went immediately to Widder Hotel in Zurich where my Valentino girls, Gianfranca and Elisa, had prepared a beautiful surprise birthday dinner for our dear friend Albena Gateva.

Albena loves butterflies and the transformation. Therefore she made the animal her logo.

Albena and I had met at a CHANEL fashion show and have become immediately friends as we both share the same love for fashion. The Bulgarian born bombshell took her passion a step further and launched Albella Privè in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. Her project was to recreate the human connection that became unstable and uncertain during this difficult historical time.

Her purpose was to create communicative seams, weaves and plots for the most loved ones, her friends. Albena wanted to reinvent a pure and sincere expressive language through her clothes that speak of complicity, friendship, intuition, affection, beauty and being a woman: this is how Albella Privé was born.

For her birthday, her best friend Tula Schuker, who had just been the cover girl in Albella Privè for Glamour Bulgaria, and I wore Albella Privé brocade jackets.

Tula and me in Albella Privé.

At the moment you can find her designs at Blu Boutique in Lugano and on her website.

A beautiful nod to Valentino: The Rockstud birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Albena! I am sure we will see so much more from you soon…

LoL, Sandra

Albena framed by her best friends: Tula and Cristina Valcuende, who had flown in from Spain.

Bravo Elisa and Gianfranca! You organized the surprise so well!

Tula and Alena Bischofberger with me.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Another great talent has left us. French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier (21 August 1943 – 31 March 2022) has died today. His imagery helped write the history of 1990s fashion.

Born near Paris in 1943 to a modest family, Demarchelier spent his childhood in Le Havre, Normandy, with his mother and four brothers. His profession was self-taught. For his seventeenth birthday, his stepfather bought him his first camera. Demarchelier learned how to develop film, retouch negatives and began photographing friends and weddings.

Natalia Vodianova in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, October 2008

In 1975, Demarchelier left Paris for New York City, United States to follow his girlfriend. He discovered fashion photography by working as a freelance photographer learning from, and working with photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Terry King, and Jacque Guilbert. Since the late 1970s he shot the covers for nearly every major fashion magazine including American, British and Paris Vogue, as well as Harper’s Bazaar. He also shot international advertising campaigns for Dior, Louis Vuitton, Celine, TAG Heuer, CHANEL, Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera, Moschino, Vera Wang, Elizabeth Arden, H&M, Sam Edelman, Zara, Max Azria, Express, Longchamp, Blumarine, Lacoste, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

Lady Diana photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in 1990

However, he is perhaps best known for his intimate portraits of Princess Diana that helped establish her popularity and accessible public image.

In 2007, Christine Albanel, French Minister of Culture, honoured Demarchelier as an Officer in l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Literature), the same year that he received the CFDA Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert. Demarchelier also appeared in the film «The September Issue» and can be glimpsed in «The Sex & the City movie».

With his son Victor, who works also as a photographer.

Despite a rich and deep legacy, in 2018 amidst the #MeToo reckoning, Demarchelier was accused by seven models who worked with him of sexual harassment. In response to the allegations, Condé Nast announced: «We have informed Patrick we will not be working with him for the foreseeable future. Demarchelier denied the allegations.» However, he had never been charged and denied the allegations.

Demarchelier is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons, and three grandchildren.

LoL, Sandra

30 years later, still one of my favorite Vogue covers of all times, famous supermodels on the magazine’s 100th anniversary cover. Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue US, April 1992

Christy Turlington in Azzedine Alaïa.
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue US, May 1991

Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Harper’s Bazaar US, May 1998

Christy Turlington 
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Harper’s Bazaar US, July 1999

Photos: Via Vogue Harper’s Bazaar, Sothebys © Patrick Demarchelier

Breaking news for the print media. No photoshoot was required in the making of the newest issue of VOGUE Italia that has swapped photos for illustrations to help reduce its carbon footprint.

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@David_Salle featuring @LiliSumner in @Gucci styled by @TonneGood

«All of the covers, as well as the features of our January issue, have been drawn by artists, ranging from well-known art icons and emerging talents to comic book legends, who have created without travelling, shipping entire wardrobes of clothes or polluting in any way. The challenge was to prove it is possible to show clothes without photographing them. This is a first, Vogue Italia has never had an illustrated cover: and as far as I know no issue of Vogue Italia in which photography is not the primary visual medium has ever been printed.
Thanks to this idea, and to these artists’ process, the money saved in the production of this issue will go towards financing a project that really deserves it: the restoration of Fondazione Querini Stampalia in Venice, severely damaged by the recent floods», says Emanuele Farneti, Editor-in-Chief Vogue Italia.

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Female figure wearing @Gucci by Vanessa Beecroft @VBuntitled

Vogue is looking to make a change. In December, Vogue’s editors penned a mission statement vowing to celebrate diversity and community, and to preserve the planet that will be shared by all 26 editions of the magazine.

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@DelphineDesane@DelphineDesaneStudio featuring @AssaBaradjiofficial in @Gucci

In Farneti’s editorial he states (translated from Italian) about the recent September issue: «One hundred and fifty people involved. About twenty flights and a dozen or so train journeys. Forty cars on standby. Sixty international deliveries. Lights switched on for at least 10 hours non-stop, partly powered by gasoline-fueled generators. Food waste from the catering services. Plastic to wrap the garments. Electricity to recharge phones, cameras… .»

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@Cas_Amandaa @Cas_Namodafeaturing @Ambar_Cristalz in @Gucci

Last year, the McKinsey & Company consultancy projected that the global garment industry would expand by two-thirds by 2030 and be responsible for one-quarter of the global carbon footprint by 2050 compared with 2% in 2015. Great news is that the trend of sustainability is industrywide. Experts say luxury consumers in particular are willing to pay more for sustainable garments and items that don’t exploit workers.

Cover 5 of 7
@Yoshitaka_Amano featuring @LindseyWixson in @Gucci

The January issue includes eight different illustrated covers as well as articles about clothes made from scrap fabric and second-hand pieces. It will be at the newsstand on January 7, 2020.

Great initiative from Vogue Italia but one question I am asking myself is: «Is this the future of the end of print media?»

LoL, Sandra

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@MiloManara_official featuring @OliviaVinten in @Gucci

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@Paolo.Ventura featuring @FeliceNovain @Gucci

Photos: © VOGUE Italia

For the first time ever, I did an interview together with my daughter for Swiss annabelle magazine. Over all these years, I tried to keep her out of the press and never showed her on my blog. Although she has been the one behind the camera, since I started my blog in 2009. Whenever it was possible, I took her with me on my business travels, to fashion shows or we interviewed designers such as Hilfiger or Lagerfeld.

Anouk with me at work: Meeting the Olsen Twins, Karl Lagerfeld and Tommy Hilfiger.

You would imagine she would love to follow in my footsteps, but you are completely mistaken. My girl is absolutely not impressed by the world of fashion as she has seen behind the curtains and knows it is in general not as glamorous as it seems. She dreams of studying psychology and acting in the US. I am very proud of her as she is one of the most grounded people I know. Being extremely responsible with her social media, she uses it only privately.

This diversity between us interested annabelle magazine. When Jacqueline Krause-Blouin, deputy editor-in-chief, approached us, it was important for me that Anouk took the decision herself. Now, being almost 17 years old, she saw it as an interesting project and we had a great conversation during the interview. The photos were taking by Pierluigi Macor and his assistant which ended up being a very fun afternoon.

TO READ THE INTERVIEW (IN GERMAN), CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, it is very important that you read until the end of this post as a very special treat is waiting for you to celebrate 9 years of my blog! I am convinced you will love it…

The idea of the concept store is by no means unheard of nowadays. In 1990 the first one of this kind opened its doors in Milan, 10 Corso Como, followed by Opening Ceremony, Colette and Dover Street Market, just to name a few.

The new VOGUE concept store inside the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

What is a concept store? A 360 degrees experience, a type of living magazine, offering a unique mix of art, fashion, one-of-a-kind homeware and accessories. Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, takes the idea a step further. The tall blonde has been dedicated to supporting emerging talent within the fashion industry since many years. In 2011, she launched the VOGUE Salon, an initiative to grant up-and-coming German fashion designers the opportunity to present exclusive collections to industry opinion leaders. It takes place twice a year during Berlin Fashion Week.

With Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, at the VOGUE concept store opening.

Now, Christiane Arp takes her engagement a step further. Looking for new ways for print media to attract readers and to create attention for the brand itself, she had the idea to launch the VOGUE Concept Store in cooperation with OUTLETCITY METZINGEN.

From left to right: Tim Labenda, David Tomaszewski, Marina Hoermanseder, William Fan, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon, Wolfang Bauer (CEO OUTLETCITY METZINGEN) and Christiane Arp.

Chosen for their one-of-a-kind viewpoints and unparalleled talent were Marina Hoermanseder (click here for a previous post about her collaboration with EOS), Tim Labenda, Dawid Tomaszewski, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon and William Fan. The pieces of the respective designers, which are not older than three months, were bought by OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, which is operating the store in collaboration with VOGUE that is in charge for the marketing and advertising in return. Christiane Arp herself made the selection.

Always at work – here during the fashion show.

It is a win-win situation – a great way to support emerging talents in Germany. The young designers receive through the sale enough money to invest in their next collection.

The pop-up store will be there for six month until April 2019. Inside, you can find many interactive and augmented reality features such as ideas how to style the pieces. Moreover, via your smartphones, you can access information about the designers themselves and their inspirations.

The bestseller that night was definitely the VOGUE logo tops, sweatshirts that came with the latest issue of VOGUE Germany.

Catching up with longtime friends at the opening: Ingrid Hedley, Marketing Director VOGUE & AD Architectural Digest, and Marina Hoermanseder.

And when you are wondering why VOGUE opened in Metzingen in an outlet mall, that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, remember where Carla Sozzani opened her 10 Corso Como shop almost 30 years ago. The location seemed very far away to the people and it was not glamorous at all with its concrete floor. At the time, Via Monte Napoleone was considered the only shopping street. You have to think in new ways, especially print media… the same goes for blogging by the way.

Before it’s in Fashion, it’s in VOGUE! or let’s say now in the VOGUE concept store! And before that of course in Sandra’s Closet :-)!

To celebrate the 9th anniversary of my blog, I have a treat for you. When I was at the opening party of the VOGUE concept store, I was truly overwhelmed by the size and the design of the the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN. Personally speaking, some stores look so much better and are bigger than in Zurich. I attached a few pictures for you below. The collections on display are from S/S 2018 with prices marked down up to 70%.

Metzingen is not far from Stuttgart in Germany. The little village is dedicated to its OUTLETCITY. You can find many hotels and restaurants. If you prefer staying in Stuttgart, no problem, there are bus transfers for Metzingen, leaving from most of the hotels.

Toasting with Christina Gobil at the opening of the VOGUE concept store to 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

HERE COMES MY ANNIVERSARY TREAT FOR YOU:

As my dear reader, you are entitled to the VIP Shopping Pass:
Mention «Sandra’s Closet» when you arrive at the International Service Point, located at Reutlinger Strasse 58, 72555 Metzingen, Germany.
You will receive a VIP Shopping Pass, a welcome Winzersekt (a vintner’s sparkling wine – German kind of champagne) and a coffee voucher. The VIP Shopping Pass offers also an extra 10% discount at the Vogue Concept Store and other participating stores.
The offer is valid until March 31st, 2019.

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Bottega Veneta in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Prada in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Jimmy Choo in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Gucci in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

The Burberry shop in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN has already the new logo.

The whole area looks like one of those amazing gigantic US shopping malls.

Photos: Courtesy of VOGUE, OUTLETCITY METZINGEN and © Sandra Bauknecht