Sandra‘s Closet

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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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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Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of being invited to the NET-A-PORTER Headquarters in London to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 25 years of redefining luxury fashion online.

The famous NET-A-PORTER offices.

As a long-time loyal customer, it was truly inspiring to witness the evolution of a platform I have admired and loved for years. NET-A-PORTER has always been more than just a shopping destination to me – it is a home for curated excellence, timeless style, and true innovation in digital luxury.

It was an honour to meet the new CEO Heather Kamintesky and to gain insight into the future strategy of the company. The vision for what lies ahead feels bold, fresh, and deeply committed to both heritage and innovation – a balance that has always set NET-A-PORTER apart.

Clockwise from top left some of the most lusted-over items of the past 25 years: Loewe’s raffia tote (2019); Gucci’s logo T-shirt (2017); Isabel Marant’s ‘Bekett’ wedge sneakers (2013); Alaïa’s studded ballet flats (2023); Acne Studios’ ‘Pistol’ boots (2012); Loewe’s ‘Puzzle’ bag (2025); Saint Laurent’s ‘Arty’ ring (2011); Bottega Veneta’s ‘Cassette’ bag (2020); Christian Louboutin’s ‘Decollete’ pumps (2008). More infos here.

The evening was a beautiful tribute to the brand’s journey – elegant, thoughtful, and full of character. It celebrated not just fashion, but the women who wear it.

Congratulations to the entire team on this extraordinary anniversary. Here’s to the next 25 years of style, vision, and inspiration.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – Sketch: Via NET-A-PORTER
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 On February 11th CHANEL opened a shoe boutique in the Bongénie department store, which inaugurated its new address at Bahnhofstrasse 3 in Zurich. This is the first time the House has inaugurated a space exclusively dedicated to shoes in Switzerland. 

The 60 square-meter boutique designed by New York-based architect Peter Marino perfectly embodies the House’s aesthetic codes in the emblematic palette of white, beige, black, and gold dear to Gabrielle Chanel. 

Outside, a large transparent window offers a glimpse of the boutique and showcases the latest creations, like an invitation to discover the universe of the House. Inside the building, a second window faces the vast entrance hall of Bongénie home to a wide selection of shoes. 

From the entrance, a vestibule leads the visitor into a space that is both sophisticated and intimate: elegant tweed sofas, wrought metal consoles and custom-made carpets on the deep black floor compose a contemporary vision of Mademoiselle Chanel’s intimate universe. 

The sophisticated elegance of the art furniture lends this new boutique its exclusive character. Everything evokes the purity of lines. Textured wall finishes alternate display shelves with more intimate niches, showcasing the shoe collections. 

The new boutique opens its doors with creations from the Cruise collection presented in Marseille last spring and summery designs such as the bow-embellished sandals from the Spring-Summer 2025 pre-collection. More wintery offerings are also on display, such as the thigh-high boots from the F/W 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection. Also on offer are iconic designs in a rich assortment of styles including the two-tone slingbacks and ballerinas. 

CHANEL
Bongénie
Bahnhofstrasse 3
8001 Zurich / Switzerland

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Balenciaga opens a new 367-square meter store in Zurich, its first Swiss flagship. The space, located in the historic Schweizerische Volksbank building, offers the latest in Balenciaga’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoe, bag, accessory, eyewear, and jewelry collections, plus exclusives.

BALENCIAGA
Bahnhofstrasse 53
8001 Zurich / Switzerland
Phone: +41447973180

Opening Hours:
Monday: 10:00 – 19:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 19:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 19:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
Friday: 10:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: Closed

You can book an appointment here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Skincare brand Augustinus Bader is to open a pop-up in Paris in September in collaboration with artist and founder of the architecture and interior design studio Crosby Studios Harry Nuriev.

Harry Nuriev is an US and France-based artist best known for his sci-fi, minimalist interiors and striking silver designs. He explained that the concept for Augustiner Bader was inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

«The final design is a true combination of these two elements within one project,» he said. «I love Palais-Royal and this project was special to me as I could experience the entire historical creative agenda and add my own layer to it.»

This pop-up store will be located in the Augustinus Bader boutique in Paris from September 2024 to January 2025. Nuriev has redesigned the space, inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

To book an appointment, call +33 1 40 26 21 77.
Boutique Augustinus Bader, 84 Galeries de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris, France

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Augustinus Bader
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I am so excited to be back in Saint-Tropez soon. One shop I will definitely pay a visit to will be the CHANEL boutique that will once again take up residence in the heart of La Mistralée villa. In the wake of major renovation work under the direction of architect and long-time collaborator of the House, Peter Marino, this historic building will be transformed into a permanent showcase. Having hosted the CHANEL fashion collections in temporary settings every summer since 2011, the boutique will now open every year during the summer season to showcase the latest ready-to-wear collections, alongside leather goods, accessories, shoes and costume jewellery as well as a selection of watches and fine jewellery.

More than just a boutique, this setting feels like a holiday home. The façade, with its green shutters, cream-hued walls and anthracite-grey railings, blends the CHANEL codes with colours typical of Saint-Tropez. The summer villa and its conservatory open out onto a Mediterranean garden complete with a pool and pool house. A veritable invitation to sit back and relax under the Côte d’Azur sun.

This new Tropezian sanctuary has been redesigned to echo La Pausa, the villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin that was entirely imagined and decorated by Gabrielle Chanel, and which holds a special place in the history of the House. The whitewashed walls, stone staircase and carousel of photographs projected onto a giant screen, resonate with this iconic place. The cut-out mirrors are reminiscent of the legendary folded-mirror staircase at 31 rue Cambon as the spirit of CHANEL subtly infuses every space.

With the entrance hall dedicated to leather goods, accessories, scarves, costume jewellery and eyewear, the ground floor also houses an exclusive selection of timepieces, including the iconic J12, Première and BOY.FRIEND, and the COCO CRUSH, Camélia, Comète and N°5 jewellery collections. An exceptional conservatory welcomes the shoes. A unique chandelier, sunshades and original furniture combining pale toned fabrics and woven leather render the overall effect sublime.

The floor devoted to ready-to-wear can be reached either by a stone staircase or an all-glass elevator that plays with transparency and light. The S/S 2024 ready-to-wear collection as well as the 2023/24 Métiers d’art collection – unveiled last December in Manchester – are presented here. Two areas, each with a salon and dedicated fitting room, complete the ensemble. For an exclusive experience, one of them can be privatised. Hand-painted curtains cast a light, airy feel over the surfaces while bespoke rattan furniture, touches of powder pink and raffia create a warm ambiance in keeping with the spirit of Provence.

Works of art throughout the boutique recall the unwavering connection between the House and the art world. Several lion sculptures – referencing Gabrielle Chanel’s zodiac sign – a painting by Georges Noël, a coffee table by Agnès Debizet, two vases with a golden patina by Johan Creten, and eight ceramics painted by Pablo Picasso – a loyal friend to the couturière – all add to the poetry of the place.

Traversing the townhouse leads into the luxuriant garden, a peaceful haven of Mediterranean plants and ancient bricks. The pool tiled in specially made Italian glass mosaics and the powder-toned pool house showcasing the CHANEL COCO BEACH collection, reflect the essence of the French Riviera.
The CHANEL boutique in Saint-Tropez is an invitation to discover the world of the House against an idyllic backdrop where elegance encounters the art de vivre of the Mediterranean.

CHANEL Saint-Tropez
1 avenue du Général Leclerc
83990 Saint-Tropez
+33 (0)4 94 49 07 47
Open from Monday to Sunday, from 11am to 1:30pm and from 3pm to 7:30pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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You know the expression a match made in heaven. As a fashion collector, who has curated high-end fashion items for over 30 years, I like to observe the secondary market and follow auctions very closely. When I was approached by Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house, for a collaborative venture at the new Sotheby’s Salon at Bucherer on Bahnhofstrasse 50 in Zurich, I was immediately drawn to this idea.

Within the Zurich flagship store of Bucherer, located on the third floor, the salon is the first ever permanent ultra luxury retail destination by an auction house worldwide. Offering an amazing selection of high-end items, including luxury fashion, jewelry, art, fine spirits and collectibles, the salon provides a bespoke and exclusive environment for clients to browse and acquire rare and valuable pieces. This venue enhances the traditional auction experience by offering a more personalized and intimate setting, appealing to discerning collectors and enthusiasts who seek exceptional items with a high level of service and expertise.

In love with this white diamond solitaire ring, 12.16 carat, D colour, VS1, with GIA certificate, price upon request.

Lots of treasures in the by now section.

The new «buy now» concept is also allowing collectors to buy at fixed price from a permanent curated selection of watches, jewelry, leather goods, fine wines, fine art and more. Overseeing the Salon will be representatives from Sotheby’s, each well-versed in their specialisms and in the products on sale – the selection of which will be influenced by the demands of the highly knowledgeable clientele and collectors to be found in this region. On top, from time to time, pieces that will go into an auction will be on display.

Fine wines and spirits are also part of the offering, as Jessica Graf, Deputy Director Sotheby’s Sales Manager Switzerland, explained to me.

So what prompted this remarkable joint venture? Both venerable businesses, Sotheby’s and Bucherer can indeed also be seen as a match made in heaven, particularly in the world of luxury and high-end collectibles as their partnership combines Sotheby’s expertise in auctioning and marketing rare and valuable items with Bucherer’s deep knowledge and prestigious reputation in the watch and jewelry market. However, the Salon is solely managed by the Sotheby’s team.

Three objects of desire on display for the auction: Shadow, Himalaya, and Faubourg Birkin.

Once you exit the elevator and enter the Salon, you might think you have landed in heaven. Nowhere else you can find such an outstanding collection of limited edition and hard-to-get handbags from Hermès or CHANEL that you can actually buy on the spot. The Sotheby’s sales team makes sure that all pieces are new or in immaculate condition. Furthermore, they have also a dedicated department that will help you source any piece you like to have.

How gorgeous are these yellow diamond pear shape earrings please?! 25.31 carat fancy deep yellow, VS1, 25.33 carat fancy brownish Yellow, VVS1, 4.8 carat white diamonds, H-I, with GIA certificates, price upon request.

Client relationship plays a huge part in this new retail concept. Therefore the Sotheby’s Salon also hosts exclusive events ranging from sealed auctions, fashion events to wine and spirit tastings in the Caveau, which features library vintages and bottles, usually reserved for long-term clients. Of course, events aside, it is the curation of products on sale that will be the main attraction – and it promises to be nothing if not varied.

If you are invested in selling a piece yourself, you can meet with a Sotheby’s specialist to receive valuations of your items and consign directly for sale at auction, retail, or private sale. Sotheby’s will take a 20% commission on the sale which I find absolutely fair.

Big smile as investing in fashion was a good thing to do …

Connoisseur or collector, you will love this new retail concept where dreams will come true and you will find your match made in heaven.

LoL, Sandra

Landed in shopping heaven …

… spoilt for choice!

On display and in Sandra’s Closet: the Hermès Constance Marble bag.

Watches are also part of the selection …

… as well as art.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Time to celebrate for Victoria Beckham fans who can rejoice because the British pop star-turned-fashion designer is bringing her eponymous brand’s luxury style to affordable-favourite Mango. Just in time for the Spanish retailer’s 40th anniversary, the Mango x Victoria Beckham capsule collection drops on April 23.

The collection is a perfect blend of classic British luxury, Victoria Beckham’s immaculate style, and Mango’s contemporary design and features tailoring with a twist, feminine dresses, and versatile knitwear. The campaign images released alongside the announcement showed models in a white dress with a plunging neckline above and a white pantsuit.

Mango’s collaboration with Victoria Beckham is part of the new Strategic Plan 2024-26, which aims to generate total turnover of more than 4 billion euros by 2026 through a differentiated value proposition, strong expansion drive, and improving sales in existing stores and online channels, as presented by the company last March.

In Zurich, the company recently reopened its store in Bahnhofstrasse under the Mediterranean-inspired New Med concept, which aims to reflect the spirit and freshness of the brand. Mango closed 2023 with 93 points of sale in Switzerland, as well as an online presence via its own online channel and other marketplace.

TO SHOP MANGO x VICTORIA BECKHAM, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mango
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If you are in Mykonos, a shopping trip to NAMMOS VILLAGE is a must for every fashion lover. Just picture this: your favourite brands in the whole world await in an amazing location under the sun at the famous Psarou beach.

12.000 m2 full of green and water elements with special art pieces create the ideal essence of luxury, 10’ away from Mykonos town, combining the Nammos beach life and gastronomic adventure with a high end shopping catwalk.

Each year on July 17, the iconic NAMMOS VILLAGE Party takes place where the high end fashion houses invite their top customers from all over the world for a night under the stars. I was guest of VALENTINO and flew in for this occasion.

After a wonderful cocktail reception and some shopping, we enjoyed a seated dinner outside before burning of the calories to the sounds of Alessandro Ristori. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for the outfit post, click here please.

NAMMOS VILLAGE

Psarou Beach 84600 Mykonos, Greece
T: +30 22890 22440
M: +30 694 4722064
E-mail:

LoL, Sandra

With Marco Moscato from the Valentino family.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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