Sandra‘s Closet

Riyadh is a city where the past and present live side by side, but nowhere is this harmony more beautifully expressed than at Najd Village. Invited by my friend, the Vice Governor of Space, I stepped into a world where time slows, textures soften, and traditions take center stage.

Najd Village is not merely a restaurant, it’s a curated ode to Najdi culture, a tribute to the historic Najdi architecture of central Saudi Arabia. Earthen walls, sculpted wooden doors, and amber-toned lanterns cast a warm glow over intimate rooms designed for floor seating. It’s an experience that blends heritage with understated luxury.

After a brief detour into one of the men-only areas – an innocent cultural misstep I quickly corrected – we settled into our private room. Cushions and woven carpets created an atmosphere that felt both grounding and indulgent.

Cardamom tea as a welcome drink as alcohol is forbidden in Saudi Arabia.

The menu was a revelation. Fragrant spices, slow-cooked stews, and my very first taste of camel delivered a culinary narrative rich with history and character. It was a meal served not just with expertise, but with soul.

And of course, fashion is never far from my mind. Sitting on the floor introduces its own sartorial considerations, ones I embraced fully. I’ll be sharing the outfit soon: comfortable, elegant, and completely floor-seating approved.

LoL, Sandra

Entry to one of the private rooms.

A very special culinary experience.

Inside Najd Village.

You can find beautiful details everywhere.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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It is with deep gratitude that I share this exciting news. After the recent passing of my beloved father, I am only now finding the space to announce something truly meaningful to me, I will be joining the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 as one of its distinguished speakers.

I still hold the most beautiful memories of attending the Creative Women Forum back in 2019 in Cyprus, a time filled with inspiration, connection, and powerful conversations among women shaping the world. To return now, on an even greater stage in Saudi Arabia, feels both humbling and uplifting.

Taking place from 4–6 November 2025 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura Bint Saud Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Forum will be hosted at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, the largest women’s university in the world. This extraordinary venue stands as a true symbol of empowerment and progress.

The three-day event, created by the visionary Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, alongside Executive Director Rebeca Riofrio, brings together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers. Under the theme «EMPOWER | ENGAGE | SUSTAIN – Women Leading Initiatives,» it celebrates female innovation and leadership in perfect harmony with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

I am deeply honoured to participate in the panel «The Future is Creative – Path to a Sustainable Future», which will explore how creativity and sustainability intersect to shape tomorrow’s world. The discussion will be moderated by Maxim Jago, futurist and author, and I am privileged to share the stage with these inspiring women:
• Prathibha Prahlad – Founder & Chairperson, Prasiddha Foundation & Forum For Art Beyond Borders; Founder & Festival Director, Delhi International Arts Festival
• Yasmeen Gailani – Deputy Director, MENA, Sotheby’s Middle East Specialist and Representative
• Martha Fiennes – Award-winning Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Digital Artist
• Norah Alkhursany – Head of Strategic Partnership Department, Oil Sustainability Program (OSP)

The Forum will conclude with a prestigious Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the evening of 6 November, celebrating leadership, sustainability, and creativity under royal patronage, an inspiring finale to three unforgettable days of empowerment, dialogue, and connection.

If you would like to be part of this remarkable gathering of women shaping the future, tickets are still available:
 creativewomen.co/creative-women-forum-saudi-arabia-2025

I look forward to reconnecting with inspiring minds from around the world and to celebrating the power of creativity, purpose, and female leadership in Riyadh.

With heartfelt gratitude, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Creative Women Platform / © Sandra Bauknecht 
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While I am spending time in Boston, I wanted to share a few memories from Seoul, South Korea. The city itself feels like a living artwork, especially during Frieze, with its vibrant streets, dazzling lights, and unique rhythm creating an atmosphere that is as inspiring as any gallery.

For this moment, I wore an outfit that also appeared on My Style Rocks. Sophisticated and stylish, it blended seamlessly into the dynamic backdrop of Seoul. Fashion, like the city itself, becomes a language of expression, sometimes effortless, sometimes lost in translation, but always full of energy and meaning.

As worn in Episode 117 of MY STYLE ROCKS SEASON 2.

My look: Logo silk shirt, and matching logo wide-leg silk pants, both by Versace, Marble Silk Constance III mini bag, Ex-Libris Marble silk twilly, H Equipe earrings and matching H Equipe pendant necklace, all by Hermès, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @travel_addict_mia
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Hotels have long been known for their signature scents, but now, Mandarin Oriental is going a step further by creating their own new signature color: Celadon Green, developed exclusively with the Pantone Colour Institute. Inspired by traditional Asian ceramics, the shade embodies calm, refinement, and cultural heritage—yet Mandarin Oriental has transformed it into something contemporary and experiential.

The color is not just part of the design language; it’s woven into every detail of the brand. Guests encounter Celadon Green in delicate pastries at The Mandarin Cake Shop, in mooncakes presented in elegant green boxes, and even in cocktails that reinterpret the hue with matcha and fresh herbal notes.

Fashion and travel collaborations extend the story further. Limited-edition Sunspel T-shirts at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Globe-Trotter luggage collections allow travelers to carry a piece of Mandarin Oriental’s identity beyond the hotel walls. At the spa, soothing tones of Celadon Green complement treatments designed to relax body and mind, turning color psychology into an integral part of the experience.

To celebrate the launch, Mandarin Oriental has also taken Celadon Green global with playful Pantone «chip» installations, creating stylish photo moments from London to Bangkok.

More than just a shade, Celadon Green is Mandarin Oriental’s way of turning design into lifestyle, luxury you can see, taste, wear, and feel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mandarin Oriental
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At London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, right at the heart of the terminal in front of the Louis Vuitton store, sits a striking pavilion: the Louis Vuitton Café. If you find yourself passing through, I highly recommend skipping the lounge and stopping by for a coffee instead, taking a few photos, and soaking in the atmosphere of this stylish oasis. Designed by Mark Fornes / THEVERYMANY, the futuristic, open structure draws the eye with its fluid, honeycomb-like forms and feels more like an art installation than part of an airport.

Inside, the café offers a calm, elegant space where you can pause and watch the flow of travelers. The menu, created by French chef Cyril Lignac, features delicate pastries alongside coffee. I chose a cappuccino, served with perfect foam and a subtle LV motif on top – but you’ll also find madeleines and signature desserts worth trying.

A beautiful spot for a quiet break, surrounded by design and craft, before boarding your flight.

Le Café Cyril Lignac at Louis Vuitton,
Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2,
Hounslow, United Kingdom

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / First Collage: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
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Welcome the Bobbi Brown Mini Bar, an exclusively curated selection of must-have beauty products – thoughtfully sized to fit perfectly into your busy travel days. You’ll find everything you need for effortless holiday glam: from the iconic Vitamin Enriched Face Base and the Skin Full Cover Conceealer to a luminous highlighter, and of course the famous Soothing Cleansing Oil to remove make-up after a long day.

All your favorites in mini format. Try them or take them them with you wherever you go. These minis bring a touch of ease and luxury to your travel adventures.

TO SHOP THE BOBBI BROWN MINI BAR, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Every year, the Claridge’s Hotel in London invites a designer to collaborate on the decoration of their iconic Christmas tree. Last year, it was Louis Vuitton, this year it is no other than Sir Paul Smith, who revealed a traditional 20ft Christmas tree sitting in a Signature Striped barrel and decorated with Paul Smith colourful baubles, ribbon and over 100 bespoke birdhouses.

Sir Paul has collaborated with two friends of the house on the decorations, British artist Nik Ramage, who has made a series of mechanical birdhouses, all with a playful Paul Smith twist, with roofs decorated in playing cards, postage stamps and dice. In Paul’s office, a miniature cable cart hovers overhead and Ramage took inspiration from this and engineered a flying bird to frame Claridge’s reception. Design studio Studiomama, have created a series of their whimsical ‘Off Cut Creatures’ to sit around the base of the tree.

Adding to the festive design, Paul Smith’s holiday Merrymaker fragrance will scent the lobby, and a chorus of birdsong is projected from the tree throughout the day to welcome guests into the lobby of the hotel. Sir Paul has even transformed the hotel lobby into his living room, with a geometric Paul Smith stripe Rug Company Rug, reupholstered Maharam by Paul Smith fabric pieces surround the fireplace to offer guests a warming retreat during the winter months.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without an element of festive fun and adding to the playfulness, Sir Paul has revealed ‘Paul’s Pick n Mix’ trolley, which will be available for guests to enjoy.

«My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years. We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair. It’s a great honour to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a bird house, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.»

Sir Paul Smith

I truly miss spending my time in London before Christmas, but due to my MY STYLE ROCKS project, I couldn’t find the time this year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s
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Exciting news for the South of France, Europe’s most luxury hotel brand, the Oetker Collection, is coming to St. Tropez. Optimally nestled between the iconic town and the beautiful beaches of Pampelonne in Ramatuelle (both an easy 5 mins drive away), the hotel will be reconstructed at the former site of Le Mas Bellevue St Tropez. Featuring 53 rooms and suites, each with a private terrace or patio, the site will be home to an oversized infinity swimming pool, an expansive wellness facility, an exciting bar and restaurant and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the sea.

Designed by architects Triptyque and with interiors by Gilles & Boissier, the hotel will be comprised of 11 interconnected houses conceived as a secluded hillside hamlet, all fully immersed in nature within beautiful landscaped gardens. Guests can look forward to an authentic Provencal experience full of local flavours and sights in an ambiance that exudes glamour and authentic elegance, with both the premises and the gardens showcasing natural materials, inclusive of aged tiles, local stones, climbing vegetation and wooden pergolas.

«The St Tropez hotel contains all the ingredients of a true masterpiece, and we look forward to creating an unparalleled haven that embraces both the laid-back authenticity and sophistication of the region.» says Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection.

Personally speaking, I am super excited for this new jewel in the South of France as St. Tropez has always been one of my favorite destinations in the world. The opening is foreseen for 2027.

I mean I just love everything that is holy, Saint Laurent, Sankt Moritz and Saint Tropez … wouldn’t you agree?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Oetker Collection, © Sandra Bauknecht / Michael HJ Lopez Photographie
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Welcome to the Mauritian Côte d’Azur and don’t let its name fool you, Cap Malheureux («Unlucky Cap») is a true paradise! Although its name sounds like a curse, this small fishing village located between Grand Baie and Anse la Raie, has a peaceful, pleasant coastline and is far from mass tourism. A must-see is the Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice Church also known as the Red Roof Church.

My look: Halliday lace-trimmed floral-print linen maxi dress by Zimmermann, Palm cutout embossed textured-leather bucket bag by Staud, Rockstud Torchon 105 leather espadrille wedge sandals by Valentino, green logo sunglasses by Miu Miu, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Created for and inspired by travel, Flight Mode returns as a women’s capsule that elevates lifestyle dressing from Louis Vuitton. Comprising ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes and accessories, the collection presents a wardrobe for the journey as well as the destination. From the functionality of a bag to the feeling of a fabric, Flight Mode continues to build a complete silhouette adapted to contemporary voyage.

The Neverfull Inside Out offers a useful spin on the beloved Louis Vuitton bag. Fully reversible, it can be flipped so that the original inside becomes the outside. A GM size Neverfull Inside Out comes patterned with Flight Mode travel stamps; the MM size is available with three lining colour options; and for both the MM and BB sizes, smooth calf leather is offered in chic and neutral shades. The classic Neverfull will also come in vivid Epi leather – each one endlessly versatile for everyday use, at home or away.

Other iconic bags are revisited in animations that nod to the season, whether the Noé cinched bucket style or the iconic Twist in Fauve, a reddish-brown Epi leather. The Speedy in a supple Monogram canvas makes a statement as three pre-embellished styles: a darker version with black calf trim and a gothic silver chain; a classic option with a golden chain, colourful lining, precious ostrich leather trim and thematic charms; and a craft-focused version with a chain of natural pearls and a special address tag. Additionally, several key shapes showcase the Mahina Monogram as a greyish Brume base with a gradient blue and white effect reminiscent of the changing skies.

Transported to a modernist house within a forested setting, the ready-to-wear shifts between outdoor and indoor. Like the Neverfull Inside Out, wrap coats are reversible and offer a soft yet sophisticated look in wool and silk. For a subtle signature touch, a variety of pieces recall the tonal Mahina pattern, while an all-over print of travel stamps introduces a lively touch of colour to padded vests, fluid silk skirts and light shell pieces. Casual silhouettes are loose yet put-together and include a Monogram grey denim ensemble; velvet jersey sets with colour-block detailing; and tech jersey coordinated looks that are at once sporty and feminine. As layering is integral to travel, the Flight Mode collection also encompasses embossed Monogram, mohair and cashmere knits and sumptuous shearling that can be styled for comfort and relaxed elegance.

Flight Mode footwear spans low impact activity to higher intensity. Sneakers are accented with eye-catching details. The LV Rush is a technical sneaker with a wavy graphic around the upper and elastic laces for an easy fit. Exuding ‘80s cool, the LV Stadium is a mid-top, bi-colour leather style juxtaposing green, rose or blue and white debossed with the mini Monogram. Louis Vuitton Paris curves around the lightweight sole.

Accessories that assure warmth play with the Maison’s codes. And as the weather transitions from fall to winter, a signature Corduroy cap, a LV Fluffy bucket hat, or even sporty socks add up to a total look.

Always channelling the spirit of voyage, Louis Vuitton envisions Flight Mode as a multi-faceted approach to dressing that is dedicated to travel and the ways this is integrated with everyday life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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