Sandra‘s Closet

More than a new face for BLEU DE CHANEL, Jacob Elordi has established himself as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. He first broke through in Euphoria, where he played Nate Jacobs, a complex and unsettling character that brought him international attention. In 2023, Elordi appeared in Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, and portrayed Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla.

He has since successfully taken on a series of transformative roles. Elordi starred in the awardwinning limited series The Narrow Road to the Deep North directed by Justin Kurzel. Elordi plays the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also stars as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s reimagining of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights opposite Margot Robbie. Robbie previously appeared in See You at 5 (2024), a romantic film by Luca Guadagnino created for the global campaign of the iconic N°5 fragrance.

Now, Elordi becomes the face of BLEU DE CHANEL for 2026. A role that reflects a modern, instinctive masculinity and a spirit that favors individuality over convention.

The new BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF campaign featuring Jacob Elordi will be unveiled in May 2026.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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The Mark Hotel serves the 90s cocktail everyone wants right now.

As New York slips deeper into a 90s state of mind, much of the current mood can be traced back to Love Story, which follows the magnetic, much-mythologized relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Their understated elegance, their quiet confidence, their distinctly New York kind of romance, it’s all back, and it’s shaping everything from fashion to the way the city feels right now.

Naturally, The Mark Hotel understands the moment. With its Cucumber Martini, the hotel offers a drink that feels almost like a continuation of that narrative, crisp, refined, and effortlessly composed.

Fresh, clean, with just a whisper of nostalgia, the cocktail captures exactly what defines this revival: a return to simplicity that doesn’t try too hard. Much like Carolyn’s pared-back silhouettes or JFK Jr.’s innate polish, it’s about precision rather than excess. The influence of the series is unmistakable, what we see on screen translates almost instantly into a renewed appetite for a certain kind of East Coast minimalism, where restraint becomes the ultimate luxury.

The Cucumber Martini fits seamlessly into this world. It doesn’t announce itself; it lingers. It belongs to a time when elegance was instinctive, when style was something lived rather than performed.

And truly, where better than The Mark? If there were ever a place where their paths might have crossed, amid quiet glamour, soft lighting, and that unmistakable Upper East Side ease, it would be here. The mood hasn’t been recreated. It was simply waiting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Mark Hotel
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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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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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On good authority from Lady Whistledown, a social event not to be missed is coming to the ton this season…

Dust off your Regency best, as I present a new afternoon tea experience inspired by Bridgerton. The latest in the innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, the limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.

Setting the scene, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated Regency dining room in Knightsbridge, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.

Carefully crafted by our Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3 and is comprised of a selection of finger sandwiches and pastry tartlets, delectable scones, cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats.

Bridgerton will return for an ultra-lavish and highly anticipated season 3 this year, which follows the long-awaited friends-to-lovers romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This season celebrates the blossoming of the ton’s resident wallflower and will be split into two 4-episode parts, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, 2024, followed by Part 2 on June 13, 2024 on Netflix.

Served exclusively at The Lanesborough in London from 16th May 2024. Make haste, and secure your booking – it would be quite the scandal to miss it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough
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The House of CHANEL has collaborated on one of the summer’s most-anticipated film, Barbie, produced by and starring Oscar nominee Margot Robbie, a House ambassador, as the global icon. Directed and writen by Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig, the film reveals that to live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place… unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

Throughout the history of cinema, CHANEL has been a preferred collaborator. In our latest partnership, the House proudly worked alongside Barbie creatives to realize several costumes for Margot Robbie’s character as well as a ski suit for Ken’s character, embodied by Ryan Gosling.

In a June 2023 interview, the actress/producer says that, in Barbie, «You’ll notice a lot of CHANEL, Barbies like CHANEL! I’ve got some great CHANEL outfits in the film that I got to wear. The mentality with Barbie is that she has all the accessories—there’s always a hat or bow and earrings and jewelry. The jewelry is big in the way it would be on a doll: big necklaces and earrings. Hats are never for protection from the sun, they’re just another accessory, along with bags and shoes and all of it! It was really fun.»

Five silhouetes imagined by Virginie Viard will be seen on screen, along with quilted bags, including a heart-shaped one, and accessories (shield-eyewear from the COCO NEIGE collection, holographic cuffs and costume jewelry, hats from Maison Michel) made available by the House. Oscar-winning costume designer and friend of the House, Jacqueline Durran, was given a selection of outfits in various shades of pink from the Ready-to-Wear, COCO BEACH and COCO NEIGE collections imagined by Virginie Viard. The five featured silhouetes – three suits, a ski suit, and a dress – were chosen to highlight the Barbie character as she moves through her journey in the film.

The feature film is in cinemas now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Barbie’s Malibu Dream Home is real and you can rent it on Airbnb! Located by El Pescador State Beach in Western Malibu, a beach community known for wealthy residents and high-end homes, and with less than a month go until the release on July 21 of Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the team at Airbnb has taken over a Malibu mansion and revamped it as the Barbie Dreamhouse of your, well, dreams, or let’s say Ken’s dreams.

The story line is that while Barbie is away, she has handed over the keys to her Malibu Dream House this summer and Ken’s room could be yours for the night. To bring some much-needed Kenergy to the newly renovated and iconic Malibu DreamHouse, the place is decked out with some of Ken’s cowboy stuff as well, icluding horses,  guitars, games and more. And of course, rollerblades, because Ken literally goes nowhere without them.

Now, you can live it up Ken-style for a neon night in picture-plastic-perfect Barbie Land in this sunny surfer’s sanctuary. Placed perfectly above the beach with panoramic views, this life-size toy pink mansion is a dream come true! Welcome to the Kendom!

Booking opens at Airbnb at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, July 17 for two, one-night stays for up to two guests on July 21 and July 22, 2023.

– During your stay, you will have the opportunity to live in technicolor.
– Taking a spin through Ken’s awesome wardrobe to find your best beach fit. Look out Barbie, Ken has got quite the closet too!
– Channeling your inner cowboy and learning a line dance or two on Ken’s outdoor disco dance floor or performing a sunset serenade on his guitar.
– Challenging your fellow guests to a «beach off» with plenty of sunbathing and chillaxing by the infinity pool.
– Taking home a piece of Kendom with your very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboard.

Once you arrive and check-in, a concierge will ensure a comfortable stay for you and your guest — including showing you around and setting out and arranging meals. These one-night stays are not a contest. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Malibu. This home is privately owned and operated.

In celebration of BARBIE hitting theaters on July 21, and to honor girls’ empowerment, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. Save the Children provides learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in 100+ countries to build girls’ confidence and help them excel in school – ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to achieve success.

However, a little side note, Ken’s six-pack is not included, you will have to bring it yourself! Or you just hit Ken’s gym!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Airbnb
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No need to fight it! Emily in Paris is here to stay and even if you don’t like it, it is quite entertaining, especially in terms of outfits.

On December 21, 2022, Emily returns for a third season with her world in chaos. Aren’t we all curious what’s happening for Lily Collins‘ fashionable character in the City of Love?! Emily Cooper (Collins) navigates her marketing job, complicated love life and friendships in Paris while always looking ultra stylish. The looks are not always new season and come also from thrift shops which adds to the eccentric style Emily is known for.

Lily Collins and Stéphane Rolland on set.

This season, couture designer Stéphane Rolland‘ s collections are presented in a Haute Couture retrospective. In the first episode, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Kate Walsh are sublimed by Stéphane Rolland designs.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (right) and Kate Walsh (below) wear a Tuxedo disc-dress in black caviar-crepe and satin embroidered with crystals.

In the season’s premiere lots of rainbow colored outfits are featured. Here is a sneak peak:

In this scene, Emily Cooper is wearing a multicolor diamond pattern sweater by Essential Antwerp, metallic mini skirt by Dundas, metallic green tall boots by Maison Skorpios, and hot pink Monogram trunk shoulder bag by Louis Vuitton.

Later in the episode, Emily Cooper is wearing a neon checked blazer by Mira Mikati and a letter ‘E’ pendant necklace by Vanrycke.

Enjoy the show and get inspired!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Netflix and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Every fall, the Zurich Film Festival takes place and provides a platform for the most promising filmmakers from around the globe. It aims to promote exchange between emerging directors, successful film workers, the film industry and the general public by showing the year’s greatest discoveries and most anticipated films.

Wearing a black Monique Lhuillier gown and Christian Louboutin shoes and bag.

I attended the opening night of the 18th Zurich Film Festival that kicked off at Zurich Convention Center with the European premiere of the inspirational Netflix production THE SWIMMERS. The film was presented personally by director Sally El Hosaini and actor Matthias Schweighöfer. The President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, who had just returned from NYC, emphasized the unifying effect of cinema on people and set the mood for the 11 festival days with his speech.

The cast of THE SWIMMERS as well as the real Yusra Martini on stage at the opening night.

I can absolutely recommend watching this amazing movie that tells the true story of sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, both talented swimmers, who were forced to flee the civil war sweeping their native Syria in 2015. They make the dangerous crossing to Europe in a refugee boat. When the engine fails on the open sea, they use ropes to pull the boat behind them for hours, saving numerous lives. Once in Germany, they met a swimming teacher (played by Matthias Schweighöfer) who trained them for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

«It is not just an inspirational film that reinforces our belief in the good of people,» explained Artistic Director Christian Jungen in his speech, «With war once again raging in Europe, it is also an extremely important film of our time, because it throws a spotlight on the plight of refugees. Cinema is the medium of empathy that allows us to view the world through the eyes of others.»

The Zurich Film Festival runs until October 2, showing 146 films, including a record 38 world and European premieres with star guests like Eddie Redmayne, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sir Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Til Schweiger, Daniel Brühl and Iris Berben in attendance.

Christian Jungen, Elke Mayer, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ignazio Cassis, Yusra Mardini, Sally El Hosaini, Nathalie Issa, Corine Mauch, Sven Spannekrebs at the Opening Night.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, THE SWIMMERS will be available on Netflix from November 23, 2022. Please watch the movie, it will change the way you look at the refugee situation tremendously.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ZFF, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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The Ocean’s Eleven alums, Julia Roberts and George Clooney, are reunited and are embarking on a new cinematic adventure together. In a 2000s-style rom-com called «Ticket to Paradise», the two of Hollywood sweethearts are playing a divorced couple at odds. The movie is directed by Oliver Parker, who is known for previously writing and directing «Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again».

The film follows Wren Butler, a recent University of Chicago graduate who accompanies her best friend Lily to a post-graduation jaunt to Bali. Lily’s abrupt decision to marry a Balinese local triggers her parents, played by Julia Roberts and George Clooney, to try and stop her from repeating the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago. And to do that, the couple must work together and hatch a plan to disrupt the wedding and probably get it canceled, except, things don’t go as they planned. «Ticket to Paradise» is not one story, but several stories overlapping each other. Wren stays in Bali for the engagement/wedding festivities and, in the process, finds her also own love with a local doctor. To watch the trailer, click here please.

I will be attending the Swiss premiere on Tuesday evening and received a wonderful surprise kit. Follow my Instastories to hear all about it. I am really excited about this movie. The cast is great and the plot sounds so much fun. The film will show in Swiss cinemas starting from September 15, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Universal
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