Sandra‘s Closet

Vienna, Served in London

This spring, The Lanesborough offers a refined taste of Viennese tradition with an exclusive dessert pop-up in the Withdrawing Room. Created in collaboration with the iconic, family-owned Hotel Sacher Wien, the experience celebrates two timeless classics: the Original Sacher Torte and the traditional Apple Strudel.

Meticulously handcrafted and steeped in history, these legendary desserts are served daily from 10 February until the end of May – paired with Sacher-style coffee or elevated by a perfectly balanced Negroni. A quietly decadent afternoon ritual, where Old World elegance meets London polish.

Menu & Prices
• Original Sacher Torte – £16 per slice
• Apple Strudel – £18 per slice
• Sacher Cube – £8 per cube

Dessert & Coffee
• Coffee with Original Sacher Torte – £25 per person
• Coffee with Apple Strudel – £27 per person

For Two
• Two coffees with one Original Sacher Torte and one Apple Strudel – £52
• Two Negronis with one Original Sacher Torte and one Apple Strudel – £98

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Lanesborough
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Amangati: Aman’s First Luxury Yacht Sets Sail in 2027

With the unveiling of its first itineraries, Aman officially enters the world of ultra-luxury yachting. Bookings are now open for Amangati, the brand’s first ocean-going motor yacht, marking the launch of Aman at Sea. From spring 2027, Aman’s signature sense of calm, privacy, and pioneering spirit will extend beyond land and onto the open sea.

A Superyacht Designed for Space and Serenity

Currently under construction, Amangati will measure 180 meters in length and span nine decks. Designed around Aman’s core principles – space, tranquility, and discretion – the yacht will host just 94 guests across 47 expansive suites. Sizes range from 68 to an impressive 354 square meters, and every suite features a private terrace, an exceptional level of generosity rarely found at sea.

Despite its relatively intimate guest count, Amangati is conceived to feel even more spacious. Interiors draw inspiration from the restrained elegance of a Japanese ryokan, with clean lines, natural materials, and a strong visual connection to the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows and open terraces.

Wellness at the Heart of the Experience

Wellbeing is central to life on board. The Aman Spa spans two decks and nearly 1,200 square meters, offering eight sea-view treatment rooms, hammam and banya facilities, outdoor whirlpools, and dedicated relaxation areas. Daily yoga and meditation sessions, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a Medi Spa, Medical Centre, and Beauty Lounge further support a holistic approach to health and restoration.

For those drawn to the water, the Selora Marina and Lounge provides direct sea access with water sports equipment, open pools, and sun decks.

Refined Dining and Thoughtful Entertainment

Culinary offerings emphasize seasonality, provenance, and craftsmanship. Guests can choose from four restaurants, including Mediterranean all-day dining at Alira, Japanese washoku and teppanyaki at Akari and Hiori, and the Aman Grill. In-suite dining is available 24/7, with menus sourced directly from the onboard restaurants. Evenings can be spent in the jazz club, private cinema, or youth lounge, depending on mood and company.

Mediterranean Routes with a Slower Rhythm

Amangati’s debut season features five- to eight-day journeys through the Mediterranean, tracing iconic coastlines while calling at smaller, less-frequented ports such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Routes explore culturally rich regions, from the Roman heritage of the Dalmatian coast to Moorish influences in southern Spain and the elegance of the French Riviera.

True to Aman philosophy, the itineraries favor longer stays over rigid schedules. Late departures and overnight moorings allow guests to experience destinations more deeply. Selected voyages coincide with landmark events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, while a standout moment will be Amangati’s passage through Venice’s historic Canal Grande, gliding past St. Mark’s Square before returning to open waters.

Curated Experiences, On Shore and On Board

On land, a carefully curated program of cultural, artistic, and historical experiences complements each journey, supported by a dedicated concierge team. Logistics are seamlessly handled via two helipads and six tender boats, while every guest benefits from the attentive service of a personal Suite Host throughout the voyage.

Aman, Reimagined at Sea

With Amangati, Aman translates its distinctive lifestyle into a true superyacht experience, one defined by water, stillness, and refined privacy. It’s not simply a cruise, but a private sanctuary in motion.

Bookings for Amangati are now open via amanatsea.com, by phone at +1 (754) 345-2339, or by email at .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aman
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There are moments when fashion, history, and place align in the most effortless way, and my time in Santo Domingo was exactly that.

Invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oscar de la Renta in the Dominican Republic, I found myself exploring the heart of the city in a beautiful Oscar look, wandering through the Colonial Zone with fresh eyes and a full heart. The streets felt alive with color, pastel façades, sun-warmed stone, and centuries-old buildings restored with such care that history doesn’t feel distant, but present.

Santo Domingo holds a special place in the story of the Americas. Often considered the oldest European-founded city in the New World, it stands as a living reminder of the moment when worlds first met in the Caribbean. Walking these streets, you feel that weight of history, softened by tropical light, music in the air, and the quiet elegance of tradition preserved.

To experience this city through the lens of fashion, heritage, and celebration made the journey unforgettable, a reminder that beauty lives not only in what we wear, but in the stories woven into the places we walk.

My look: Snake-effect cotton-blend poplin gown, letter gold-plated crystal necklace, and gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earrings, all by Oscar de la Renta, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, camera bag in white by CHANEL, bracelet Click H Hermès Factory in gold and lumière, and bracelet Click H in rose gold and marron glacé, both by Hermès, and white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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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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