Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to the Zimmermann boutique here in Zurich for an exclusive event celebrating their new collection and it was nothing short of magical.

The boutique was alive with beautiful cocktails, wonderful conversations, and enchanting musical performances that set the most perfect atmosphere. It was one of those rare evenings where everything just felt at ease, the people, the energy, the setting, and of course, the clothes.

(If you like my Zimmermann look, click here for the details).

Zimmermann needs little introduction for those who follow fashion. Founded in Sydney in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, the Australian label has grown into one of the world’s most beloved luxury brands. Known for their dreamy femininity, intricate craftsmanship, and that signature blend of romance and ease, Zimmermann has a way of making every piece feel like it was made just for you. Their designs draw heavily on delicate prints, flowing silhouettes, lace detailing, and an almost poetic sense of movement, clothes that feel as beautiful to wear as they look.

I have to confess: Zimmermann is one of my absolute favourite brands. I own an embarrassing number of their pieces and I regret none of them (scroll down and you see most of my Zimmermann outfits). Every single item tells a story and has a place in my heart (and my wardrobe).

The new collection did not disappoint. Seeing it up close, feeling the fabrics, and discovering the details in person was a true treat. If you ever get the chance to visit the Zurich boutique, do not hesitate, it is a beautiful space worthy of the brand it represents.

TO SHOP THE NEW ZIMMERMANN COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Thank you, Zimmermann, for such a wonderful evening. Until next time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and @SelinaSeibel
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Georgian Fashion: Why Tbilisi Belongs on Every Fashion Lover’s Map

There is a city where fashion is not a trend. It is a statement of identity. Tbilisi surprised me. Not with its architecture, not with its food, although both are extraordinary, but with the way people dress. Expressive, oversized, dark, fearless. Nothing for the shy. The women on the streets wear their individuality like armour. Deep, dark makeup. Sculptural silhouettes. A grunge-cool energy that feels entirely their own and entirely unimpressed by what anyone else thinks. I found it absolutely thrilling.

But the real story of Georgian fashion starts with two names the world already knows.

Demna & David Koma – Georgia’s Global Voices

Demna Gvasalia, co-founder of Vetements, the visionary behind Balenciaga’s radical reinvention, and now at the helm of Gucci, is Georgian.. His architectural, often raw approach to fashion has always carried something of his homeland in it, that particular tension between brutalism and beauty that Tbilisi embodies perfectly. David Koma (in picture with me), born in Tbilisi and trained at Central Saint Martins, built an international career on precise, sculptural dressing that is quietly, unmistakably Georgian in its rigour. Both are proof that this small country punches far above its weight on the global fashion stage.

ANOUKI – Georgia’s Own Victoria Beckham

If there is one name that defines modern Tbilisi fashion for a wider audience, it is ANOUKI. Founded in 2013 by Anouki Areshidze, the brand is known for its bold colours, intricate embellishments, and a distinctive mix of textures that blends modernity with femininity. Anouki herself is something of a national icon, married to the mayor of Tbilisi, and often described as the Victoria Beckham of Georgia.

She has her own flagship store in the city (2 Tarkhnishvili Street), and her pieces are available internationally on Farfetch and Moda Operandi. I adore her designs (how cute are these tulle dresses?!) and not only because her name happens to be the same as my daughter’s.

Situationist – Fashion as Political Act

Situationist founder Irakli Rusadze has never shied away from using his collections to make bold, powerful statements. A self-taught designer born and based in Tbilisi, he started working in fashion at fifteen and presented his first collection at Tbilisi Fashion Week at twenty-one. Today, Situationist shows in Paris and counts Beyoncé, Bella Hadid and Doechii among its fans. The brand’s name is inspired by the mid-20th century group of intellectuals and artists known as the Situationists, emblematic of political dissent and cultural avant-garde. His clothes carry that weight as this gorgeous brown leather jacket. You feel it when you look at them. His designs are also available at Farfetch.

George Keburia – The Sunglasses Everyone Is Wearing

George Keburia is a self-taught designer born in Tbilisi in 1990, whose label is known for surrealist references and outlandish concepts expressed through exaggerated silhouettes and a synthesis of heavy and light fabrics. But it was his eyewear that made him globally famous. His sleek, angular frames found fans in Rihanna, Solange, and Bella and Gigi Hadid, a reminder that the fashion landscape is increasingly shaped by one iconic piece rather than an entire runway. If you have been wondering where those tiny cat-eye frames you keep seeing come from – now you know.

Tamuna Ingorokva – Tailoring with Couture Precision

Tamuna Ingorokva is the quieter name on this list, but no less impressive. Known for her minimalist tailoring crafted in her own Tbilisi atelier, each piece is cut and sewn by a small team with a couture-like attention to detail. Her work is the antidote to fast fashion – considered, precise, and built to last.

Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili – Deconstructive Minimalism

Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili is one of the most exciting names to emerge from the Georgian fashion scene in recent years. The award-winning designer is behind not one but two of Georgia’s best-known labels, Matériel, which he co-designs with Lado Bokuchava, and his own eponymous line. His philosophy is deconstructive minimalism, using vegan leather as a signature material, he creates a vision of the modern woman who is aligned with the 21st century and unafraid of its challenges. Straight lines, a precise mix of feminine and masculine, and pieces that are built to last beyond a single season. A name to know – and to wear.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi – Georgia’s Own Runway

Since 2015, Tbilisi has its own Fashion Week, and it is the real deal. Every October, international press, buyers and tastemakers fly in to discover the next generation of Georgian talent. Names like ANOUKI, George Keburia, Lado Bokuchava and Ingorokva have all shown here. Not every big name is on the schedule, Demna and David Koma built their careers on the international circuit, but for anyone wanting to experience Georgian fashion at its most raw and exciting, this is the moment to be in Tbilisi.

Where to Shop in Tbilisi – My Personal Edit

Ieri (Vasil Petriashvili 1) is not easy to find, which is part of its charm. Tucked into a wonderfully cool neighbourhood full of great restaurants and cafés, it is a destination worth seeking out. The concept store celebrates Georgian designers almost exclusively at the highest level, the sign at the entrance reads like a who’s who of the country’s best talent: Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili, Situationist, Keburia, Lado Bokuchava, Sofio Gongli, Tata Naka, Lili Archive, David Koma, Ingorokva, and more.

Recently, Comme des Garçons joined the edit, after Rei Kawakubo visited Tbilisi, fell in love with the store, and personally wanted her pieces to be sold there. That alone tells you everything about the calibre of Ieri.

More is Love, closer to the hotel district, carries a wonderful selection of Georgian designers including ANOUKI, and is a perfect starting point for discovering the local scene in one visit.

Right next door, Archived Couture is a revelation for vintage lovers, an incredible selection of Christian Lacroix and CHANEL at a quality that would be hard to find anywhere in Europe.

Boygar’s – Tbilisi’s Luxury Destination

For those who want international luxury alongside the local talent, Boygar’s on Rustaveli Avenue is a must. Spread across three floors of a stunning historic building on Tbilisi’s main shopping boulevard, the store carries an exceptional edit of global houses, Prada, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, The Row, Jacquemus, Valentino, Khaite, Phoebe Philo, Saint Laurent and many more.

But what makes Boygar’s truly special is the interior, designed by acclaimed Stockholm-based studio Halleroed, it pairs the building’s ornate architectural heritage with contemporary minimalism, Georgian earthy tones and curated artworks by young Georgian artists. It does not feel like a luxury store you have seen before. It feels like Tbilisi.

Beyond these, the city is full of thrift stores and vintage finds at every price point. Just be aware: there are also many shops selling fake designer goods. My rule, if it feels too easy, walk past and never ever buy fakes!

A Final Note
Georgian fashion is expressive, political, deeply rooted in cultural identity and utterly unbothered by the mainstream. Whether you leave with a Keburia pair of sunglasses, an ANOUKI piece, or simply a new perspective on what dressing boldly really means, Tbilisi will stay with you long after you land home. I know it has stayed with me.

LoL, Sandra

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

On a quiet, cobbled corner in Zurich’s Old Town, and just around the corner of my favorite lunch place Bindella, Ralph Lauren has opened a new chapter. Tucked away at In Gassen 20, the store features a selection of apparel across Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection and Men’s and Women’s Polo Ralph Lauren, alongside a range of accessories including watches and jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, shoes and home offerings. It is second location in Switzerland after Gstaad, but notably the first to include Ralph’s Coffee.

I’ve lived in Switzerland for over twenty years, and quietly, I’ve always wondered why Ralph Lauren never really arrived here in a meaningful way. Because if any market feels instinctively aligned with the brand, it’s this one.

The store itself is exactly what you would expect: composed, polished, and confidently consistent. Ralph Lauren doesn’t reinvent its language, it refines it. Warm wood, tailored interiors, a sense of order and permanence. It’s less about surprise, more about precision. And that’s precisely why it works so well in Switzerland. There’s a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, for things that are made to last, for a certain understated idea of luxury that doesn’t need to announce itself.

At the same time, there are very few brands that have built such a complete lifestyle universe around themselves. Ralph Lauren doesn’t just sell clothes, it constructs a world. And you feel that here. It’s one of those spaces where you actually enjoy looking around, taking in the details, the textures, the way everything is put together. Not forced, not overdesigned, just coherent.

What makes this opening feel more complete, though, is Ralph’s Coffee, finally making its way to Switzerland. Not as a gimmick, but as an extension of the brand’s world. A place to pause, not just to shop. For me, this isn’t just another store opening. It feels slightly overdue and entirely right.

Ralph Lauren
In Gassen 20, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Store Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: Closed
Phone: +46 300 69 97 10

LoL Sandra

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

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

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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