Sandra‘s Closet

Zurich gets a new hot spot, or let me say several new hot spots in one. FIVE Zurich will open its doors on 30th of June, 2022. Dubbed the new dining and nightlife destination in Switzerland, the new luxurious lifestyle hotel is boasting 87 luxurious suites with glittering skyline city view or lush forest view. Reviving Zurich’s wild side, the new party and culinary hotspot boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Detox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool.

This stunning hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport within a 2-minute walk.

Recently shortlisted in the inaugural edition of the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2022 guide for two of its concepts, Maiden Shanghai and Cinque, FIVE is thrilled to expand its culinary offering to the discerning Swiss audience.

Delectable Dining
With breathtaking views of the vibrant city and magnificent mountains, these exclusive dare-to-be-different dining experiences include soul food meets street art at Soul St., imaginative Chinese at Maiden Shanghai, Japanese bites the FIVE Way at The Penthouse, a lounge for wine lovers at The Vault, a round-the-clock welcome at café and bar at Tune In and Zurich’s only out-of-doors Social Pool showcase a stellar line up culinary delights merged with FIVE’s legendary entertainment offerings.

Soul St.
Discover the art of global street food at this high energy immersive dining experience, which includes an open plan kitchen for guests to enjoy watching FIVE’s chef whip up fan favourite dishes. Diners can discover a selection of baos, authentic street tacos, a Vietnamese beef Pho, Chicken shawarma, the signature Nitro yoghurt bombs, Chicken tikka masala and Guacamole al mortero plated live on the table and a buzzing balcony bathed in fresh air, sunshine and lively tunes. With a vibrant mix of graffiti and art created by the most talked about International artistes such as Pichi Avo and Lau Rodriguez, this popular Instagram hotspot is known for its Global Street Food Party Brunch.
Soul St. Tip: Step into Soul St.’s eye-catching Volkswagen Van for an unforgettable in-van dining experience!

Maiden Shanghai
An MSG-free Chinese restaurant serving gourmet dishes, this 1920’s Shanghai-inspired restaurant boasts a stunning open air terrace, a high energy main dining room and a fun-dining, exclusive private dining room. Home to famed luxury lifestyle events including an award-winning brunch and weekly Ladies’ Night, this venue promises a glamorous take on traditional Asian cuisine with an exhilarating FIVE twist.

The Penthouse (Restaurant and Nightclub)
This day to night concept with evolving seasonal themes is all set to be Zurich’s most-coveted new destination for music and nightlife.
A distinctive venue that transforms from a restaurant serving a heavenly Japanese selection to a vibrant bar lounge and energetic nightclub with a stellar line-up of globally renowned DJs. Visitors can choose to sit indoors and be enveloped in the opulent décor of the fabulous restaurant area and private dining room or venture out on the terrace and marvel at picture-perfect skyline views and capture Insta-gold moments.

As twilight sets in, The Penthouse’s unisex, après hours bathroom bar will be the musical nucleus of FIVE until the early hours of the morning.
Dine on miso marinated black cod, salmon teriyaki or tempting sashimi, sushi and maki platters while sipping on FIVE’s one-is-never-enough signature cocktails such as The Mexican Cartel, Collins 2.0 and Sunset.

The Vault
An eclectic venue, which proudly houses Zurich’s greatest selection of Swiss wines, boasts of an in-house Master Sommelier that will guide guests through the perfect selection to suit their taste. The Vault will be a tantalizing retreat for wine lovers and novices alike along with an extensive cigar collection for cigar aficionados. The Vault’s tapas-style menu will focus on delectable wine and cheese pairings that’s FIVEs’ fun and feisty reinterpretation of traditional fondue.

Tune In
An all-day café and bar where visitors are warmly welcomed when they choose to pop in for a tasty takeaway or opt to sit in for an enjoyable tidbit and sip and watch the world go by from Tune Ins’ alfresco terrace garden. Serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast dishes, sweet treats in the form of luscious freshly baked pastries and scrumptious salads, pizzas and pastas for lunch and dinner, Tune In offers a playful plateful to fulfil any craving.

The Social Pool
Raising temperatures this summer, is our buzzing social pool. Framed by picturesque forest views, this stunning one-of-a-kind outdoor pool will host Zurich’s best pool days with live beats spun by globally renowned DJs, an integrated Jacuzzi space, tantalizing cocktails and delightful poolside nibbles – all served up with FIVE Flair!

«FIVE is thrilled to bring our pioneering dining and entertainment concepts to a brand new audience with the opening of FIVE Zurich. With revenge tourism taking centre stage on the global hospitality landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to build on our existing European clientele. ‘FIVERs’ come to us to indulge in the signature FIVE Vibe, which we’ve been celebrated for in Dubai – and which we will now introduce in Zurich.» – Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE.

To book call: +41 (0) 44 456 55 55
Email: fzh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of FIVE Zurich
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As the history of Louis Vuitton has been defined by innovation in travel, the Maison advances its Rolling Luggage series with the launch of Pégase, newly reimagined by Marc Newson. Among the most influential industrial designers of his generation, Newson has collaborated with Louis Vuitton on two previous designs since 2016: Horizon followed by the Horizon Soft duffle. With each chapter of Rolling Luggage, emblematic Louis Vuitton features combine with superior functionality.

Since the debut of his collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Newson reveals how savoir-faire, the hallmark of Louis Vuitton, benefits from a precise, forward-minded vision. «The objective for all three luggage collections was to have a consistent vocabulary between them and to share the same innovations,» says the designer.

Already, the Horizon and the Horizon Soft duffle stand out within the category. Beyond the recognisable Monogram or Damier canvas, the hard case and duffle shapes are both supported by an exterior trolley system and extra flat interior. For Pégase, Newson once again applied his expertise in materials and engineering, testing aluminium alloys used in aerospace to arrive at tubes of an unparalleled slimness. By reducing their interior protrusions, internal space is optimised throughout. Topped with an ergonomic handle, this latest trolley system excels in strength and manoeuvrability.

«This was one of the very first elements I wanted to address for the interior,» Newson explains. «You could say I approached this product from the inside out.» Meanwhile, in keeping with the spirit of Louis Vuitton himself, the option of packing cubes continues to offer a modular approach to the art of packing, compatible across the luggage collection.

In revisiting Pégase, Newson expands the Maison’s Rolling Luggage through rigorous and highly technical standards. The streamlined exterior is outlined with metallic zip hardware along the main compartment and an ample front compartment. The latter, newly sized for storing and protecting computers and tablets, is both an organisational and aesthetic feature that enhances overall convenience whether travelling for business or leisure. Two carrying handles are located on top and at the side for comfort of use, while two wheels offer an optimised interior volume. An integrated TSA combination lock and a removable TSA combination padlock keep belongings secured. The Pégase requires 28 operations to assemble its 89 distinct pieces and has been conceived so that components may be easily repaired and replaced accordingly.

True to the visual language of Louis Vuitton, the Pégase is offered in timeless Monogram, Monogram Eclipse, Damier Graphite and Taiga Leather. Underneath, the shell ensures that Pégase is at once lightweight and ultra-resistant. In this way, frequent travellers will appreciate that Newson has given equal consideration to exterior and interior.

As travel for any purpose becomes essential and exciting once again, Louis Vuitton Rolling Luggage collection delivers an elevated statement through design that is built to last.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Being part of the NET-À-PORTER family comes with many privileges. It is my favorite online shopping destination, not only because of the great selection and the absolutely wonderful and outstanding personal shopping team, that always takes the best care of me, but also for all the amazing experiences and trips, plus all the wonderful people I met during these journeys.

As one of NET-À-PORTER‘s most loyal clients and someone with a passion for Italian craftsmanship, I was invited to join the team for a one-of-a-kind trip to Solomeo, the homeland of Brunello Cucinelli. Alongside my guest of choice, which was my fiancé, I was invited to an intimate tour of the manufacture and opportunity to explore Solomeo – a beautiful hamlet meticulously restored over the last 20 years. In addition, the MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth co-hosted a dinner with Mr Brunello Cucinelli himself.

A warm welcome in our beautiful hotel room.

We arrived Thursday evening in Florence, where a car was waiting to take us to our hotel in Umbria, the Borgo Dei Conti Resort. After we quickly freshened up, we went down to meet the lovely NET-À-PORTER team for drinks ahead of a wonderful dinner.

Stay tuned for all my amazing experieneces during this trip. We had a private tour of Brunello Cuccinelli’s headquarters and manufacture, and  joined Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself for an intimate dinner in his home in Solomeo. On Saturday morning, we went on an incredible tour of Assisi, followed shortly afterwards by a lunch. In the evening we had another amazing dinner in the surroundings of Solomeo before departing on Sunday morning.

I am so grateful for all the memories and encounters during this weekend that I will happily share with you during the next days. Thank you, Brunello Cucinelli, MR PORTER and NET-À-PORTER, for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Life is bueno, life is good when you get to spend it in the Extreme Wow Suite at the W Barcelona. Featuring a Gaudí-inspired bar, foosball table and some fun relaxing areas where we took the photos, it also offers a jacuzzi on the huge terrace, and private sunbeds.
The dress is another fun rainbow colored one by Christopher John Rogers whom I presented you earlier this month (click here for the previous post).

My look: Rainbow striped long knit dress by Christopher John Rogers, coral brushed leather tote bag by Prada, Cindy sandals with fluorescent flowers and dalmatian spots by Sophia Webster, and resin bead necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Welcome to EL&N – London’s most Instagrammable hot spot. Everything here is irresistibly chic, pink perfection with flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes taking social media by storm.

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. I came across this place by coincidence when I was looking for a location to shoot. I couldn’t have worn a better outfit fitting the interior, don’t you think?
I went for a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, a rose flavored white hot chocolate covered with whipped cream, served with two Turkish delights, that was very yummy.

My look: Concert checked recycled woven blazer, matching Concert cropped checked recycled woven flared pants, Concert jacquard-knit merino wool, cotton and cashmere-blend tank, Concert striped silk-twill shirt, all by Zimmermann, Hippipump crystal appliqué suede ballet flats by Christian Louboutin, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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The Newbury Boston is one of my favorite hotels worldwide, a historic landmark in Boston, Massachusetts, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. It is also home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

Its slogan «a well-crafted life» fits its service and the beautifully decorated rooms perfectly. Here you see me in my corner suite with its stunning views, reading the iconic Bostonian children’s book «Make Way for Ducklings» by Robert McCloskey.

My look: Glitter jumpsuit, pearl necklace and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL, April silk-satin hair clip in pink by Jennifer Behr, and Fira velvet-trimmed suede and flocked tulle pumps in black by Jimmy Choo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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London nights are the best. I love those British vibes that combine tradition with trendy joyfulness. Here you see me leaving my hotel, The London EDITION, that I can absolutely recommend, as well the Berners Tavern restaurant inside.

My look: Off-the-shoulder double-breasted wool-twill coat by Valentino, lace-trimmed point d’esprit tulle and plissé-chiffon mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Botta Alta stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin, and Broadway lurex floral jacquard clutch by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
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Last weekend, I followed NET-A-PORTER and Purdey‘s invitation to go to the English countryside for a day of clay shooting – something that I had never done before. Being a very good customer at the online shopping destination means you get invited to very special experiences and this one was one of them.

As you might imagine, I was very excited about this trip and what to dress. I googled «Duchess of Cambridge in the countryside» and this inspired me to this country style look. As my house is still a big construction side, it became pretty challenging to find the boxes with my wellington boots and rain coats in storage. However I managed!

It’s important to dress appropriately, to make sure you stay warm, and dry throughout. You won’t have fun if you’re soaked through on the first drive, nor will you enjoy yourself if your swing is being hindered by your Mackintosh. I really liked my outfit that I put together with many layers that were comfortable and warm. A detailed post will follow.

Founded in England in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, is a British gunmaker based in London, specialising in high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Purdey holds three Royal Warrants of appointment as gun and rifle makers to the British and other European royal families. The company also produces ready-to-wear and accessories.

Twinning with my lovely Alli from the Net-à-Porter team.

Being always at the forefront of advances in the design and building of guns and rifles, Purdey took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, of which many were adopted by other gunmakers.

In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where the company remains to this day.

Whilst James Purdey & Sons is best known as a maker of shotguns, it also produces rifles, both double-barrelled and bolt-action. The guns are custom-made, largely by hand. They are extremely expensive. A new Purdey shotgun starts at around £89000 and can be customized with special engravings. This one in the photo above costs around £120000.

In 2018, Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes also the The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where the event took place. Located around 1.5 hours from Central London, the Shooting School is recognized as the finest facility of its kind, employing eight full time, professional shooting instructors and having one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.

As this was my first time shooting, I was accompanied by an instructor who provided me with the safety measures and guided me round the school to make sure I could access the full range of stands that are on offer. Shooting can become very addictive. I hit the clay on my third trial and was over the moon.

I had so much fun with Alli and Harry from my Net-à-Porter family.

Shooting is a sociable sport. It is best shared among friends, old or new. I loved spending the day together with my Net-à-Porter family and getting to know new people.

When the wind turned up, it got pretty chilly and I was very thankful for the warm tea and for the lovely lunch after the clay shooting. A huge thank you to Iona and her team for the great organization.

I had an amazing day filled with unforgettable memories.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Strike a pose with Aquazzura as Brown’s, a Rocco Forte Hotel, offers a new, exclusive suite shopping experience in collaboration with the famous luxury Italian women’s footwear brand, the so-called «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» package.

Aquazzura’s story of creating magical footwear, a brand favoured by many celebrities and fashion stars from around the world, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Olivia Palermo and more recently featured in the «Sex And The City» spin off, worn by Carrie Bradshaw. Founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011, the brand will be celebrating 10 years during 2022 coinciding with a yearlong celebration of Brown’s Hotel 185th Anniversary.

Aquazzura store in London

Guests who book the Brown’s «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» can choose either a one or two night stay in one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed suites. During their stay guests will be treated to a variety of bespoke experiences from the dedicated team at Aquazzura’s flagship store on Albemarle Street, just moments away from the hotel. One such experience will include a bespoke in-suite design consultation and shoe fitting. Guests will also receive an exclusive invitation to visit the Aquazzura store after hours for a VIP shopping experience as well as a pedicure at The Spa at Brown’s.

The Donovan Bar

What’s more, The Donovan Bar, Brown’s stylish drinking den, will display three of Aquazzura’s finest shoes from its latest collection, the Tequila Plexi Sandal 105, Temptation Crystal Sandal 105 and the Seduction Crystal Pump 105.

These three pairs of stunning heels will be dotted around the bar allowing guests to admire the shoes whilst sipping on delicious tipples from Salvatore Calabrese’s extensive cocktail menu, one of which is the ‘Tequila Scandal’ – created especially in celebration of this exclusive collaboration. ‘Tequila Scandal’ is a champagne style cocktail, made with Tequila, Calabreses’s Acqua Bianca liqueur and infused with home-made pineapple juice and green cardamom cordial.

As an add-on to the experience and as a last glimpse, Brown’s knowledgeable concierge team can purchase tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cinderella, that hit the stage in 2021, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, a short taxi ride from the hotel.

«Head over Heels with Aquazzura» at Brown’s Hotel starts from £1,300 and is based on double occupancy, valid from 11 January 2022 until 01 April 2022.

Includes the following:
– A one or two night stay from studio suites above.
– Breakfast in Charlie’s or in the comfort of your suite.
– Two ‘Tequila Scandal’ cocktails to enjoy at the Donovan Bar or in suite.
– One ‘Vital Pedicure’ treatment to enjoy at The Spa at Brown’s.
– VIP Welcome amenities including a bespoke gift bag from Aquazzura.
– Bespoke Aquazzura offerings including: 20% discount on any purchase, in-suite personalised shoe fitting, out of hours store visit including champagne to enjoy whilst shopping.

The perfect surprise gift for a fellow fashionista!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel, Aquazzura, Janos Grapow
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Do you feel this wanderlust, this strong desire to travel the world? I love travelling the world and hope that soon our lives will be back to normal and less restricted to explore the world. Gabriela Hearst created a sweater series this season that I have fallen in love with.

In her exploration of North, Central and South America this season, The designer wanted to translate some of the continent’s most beautiful places into colorful knitwear patterns. Knit in 100% cashmere for the ultimate in luxury and softness, the Ines Sweater depicts:

• the high mountains and ski runs in Aspen, Colorado
• the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
• the ancient mountain ridges and ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru (on my bucket list)
• Teotihuacán, the ancient Aztec pyramid known as the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City.

Knit and hand embroidered by artisans in Italy, those sweaters are as unique as they are beautiful.
To order just click on the highlighted texts above. Wouldn’t it be an amazing gift to surprise someone with a trip to one of the destinations and gift the sweater as a gift voucher…

LoL, Sandra

Aspen

Yellowstone

Machu Picchu

Teotihuacán

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Gabriela Hearst
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