Sandra‘s Closet

Last season, in a project looking back to the untold story of Gucci’s ‘British roots’, Globe-Trotter has produced a collection of distinctive luggage for the Italian fashion house.

In the Gucci Garden museum in Florence, there is a gallery called Cosmorama. Here visitors will find displays of luggage and travel paraphernalia going back to the founding of the House in Florence in 1921. Part of this exhibition is an exploration of a distinctive emblem that Gucci has used over time of a bellboy wearing a pillbox hat and carrying luggage.

The origins of this peculiar motif lie in the history of the House itself, when founder Guccio Gucci worked as a porter at London’s prestigious Savoy hotel. The story goes that he was so inspired by the beautiful luggage of the hotel’s distinguished guests that he moved back to his hometown to start making leather travel bags and accessories under the Gucci name.

Globe-Trotter GG carry-on

Now, almost a century later, Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele revisited the brand’s British connection. The designer has for many years travelled the world with his trusty Globe-Trotter which inspired him to create a collection of luggage in several different styles and sizes that incorporates signature Gucci motifs such as the double-G supreme pattern and the famous green-red-green web stripe as well as bold new prints in collaboration with the English luggage brand.

This must-have carry-on suitcase is expertly handcrafted from fiberboard and leather in the heritage brand’s Hertfordshire, England atelier, it’s printed with painterly blooms, dainty stars and the Italian house’s signature red and green stripes.

It has a canvas-lined interior that’s perfectly sized to stow weekend essentials. Boarding your flight will be a breeze, thanks to the 360-degree wheels.

YOU CAN SHOP THE CARRY-ON SUITCASE FROM TOMORROW HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

If you are in NYC or planning a spontaneous trip, I absolutely recommend to surprise your loved one with a stay at The Mark Hotel and indulge at their special Valentine’s Day Menu.

The boutique hotel located in New York’s Upper East Side at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street spreads «Love» with a Sensuous Special Room Service Menu not only for Valentine’s Day but the whole upcoming weekend! Romance is in the air…. and in your suite.

The offering includes  love potion cocktails paired with natural aphrodisiac bites prepared by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Optional add-ons include a Sexual Satisfaction Grade Card, a pair of Agent Provocateur Panties, and The Mark Eye Mask.

Moreover, you can enjoy 24/7 shopping at Bergdorf Goodman and have access to The Mark Sailboat, a 70-foot vessel available to guests to sail around the New York Harbor. I also recommend getting a special treatment by hairstylist Frederic Fekkai and perfumer Frederic Malle.

Warning: This menu may cause too much passion and lust.
Pure luxury, pure satisfaction, this is what #LifeAtTheMark is all about!
There is a reason it is New York’s most boldly lavish hotel…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Mark Hotel

My dear readers, with all my heart I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas 2018 with the iconic Claridge’s Christmas Tree, that is designed this year by fashion icon and long-time friend of the hotel, Diane von Furstenberg.

«Claridge’s is my favourite hotel in the world and my home in London. I was so excited to be invited to create its legendary annual Christmas Tree. My tree is «The Tree of Love», celebrating all aspects of love and life.»
Diane von Furstenberg

This is the ninth time that Claridge’s has invited a distinguished guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. For the previous collaborations, click here please.

«The Tree of Love» is inspired by Diane’s passion and strong belief in the power of love, symbolising life and nature, and drawing particularly from the creative influences of the astrological world. This six-metre sculptural tree is coloured with a blue iridescent lustre and shimmer, and is decorated with over 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts.

It plays host to six different silver-leafed abstract designed animals – an owl represents knowledge and wisdom, a dove symbolises peace, a horse conveys strength and endurance. Highlighting the importance of nature within «The Tree of Love», a sculptural deer representing gentleness sits at the base, a peacock representing beauty, and nestled gently sleeping, is a silver-leafed mouse to symbolise curiosity.

The idea of the tree is that all is derived from the universe and the tree winds its way upwards towards the heavens from its roots. Diane has also included important, symbolic words that have long been her mantra including Peace, Harmony, Knowledge, Truth, Freedom, Enlightenment and Wisdom. In order to make this a fully immersive experience, the iconic London hotel’s lobby has been reimagined under her creative vision with a magical midnight blue skylight covered in dazzling stars and astrological star signs from the constellation.

To a magical Christmas time filled with love and laughter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s London

Two young renegades from Louis Vuitton have revived the tradition of furniture trunks with contemporary accessories, Sonos speakers for one. These trunks are the sort that a porter carries into your first class cabin on the Titanic or velvet clad Pullman couchette. T.T.TRUNKS opened in a new Paris boutique on Faubourg St. Honoré where the world’s most elegant travellers come to stay at Le Bristol Paris. EDEN BEING have curated a collection of these revivalist trunks inspired by five of the Oetker Collection hotels: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris, Eden Roc – St Barths, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, and The Lanesborough London. Each trunk model below comes in 5 different color combinations which are designed for one of the designated hotels.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Millésime trunk
€ 120,000

Farewell to the drinks cabinet, introducing the drinks trunk. Closed it exudes an air of mystery, opened it is an invitation to party. A masterful example of intelligent design by French malletiers, the T.T.Trunk’s Millesime stores everything the wine and cocktail connoisseur might think of. There is an easily portable case incorporated with space for a bottle and two glasses, to disappear together at a moments notice. An Eden Being limited edition designed for Eden Rock – St Barths lined in Goya Red with a discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Dandy trunk
€ 39,000

A trunk for today’s dandy, for the man about the world, with a zest for life’s many amusements. These cases will keep you uber organised on your travels with excellent compartmentalisation for cufflinks and sunglasses, ensuring you have the right watch at the right time. There is an inbuilt charging unit for phones and ipads, and Sonos speaker. Nickel clasps, smooth cowhide and craftsmanship exude first class luggage. This Eden Being limited edition is designed, in marine cowhide with vibrant sky blue interior and a discreet logo, for Eden Rock – St Barths, where the Dandy owner would be completely at home in the splashy surroundings, from yacht to pool party.

T.T.Trunks
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Havana trunk
€ 9,400
Designed for the cosmopolitan traveller and cigar smoker who appreciates all the craftsmanship synonymous with this mellifluous pleasure. Paying homage to the finest Havanas, this trunk ceremoniously transforms a languid smoke with a stylish assemblage of accessories, while intelligent design makes capacity. An Eden Being limited edition for Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in blue with discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
The Lanesborough Mademoiselle trunk
€ 7,500
Glamorous world travelers can carry a selection of their treasures with them across cities and continents in refined style. This case is a work of artisanal perfection conceived by the two Parisian malletier behind T.T.Trunks. It opens up to display your jewels and watches in colourful order, making the choice all the more enticing. An Eden Being limited edition for The Lanesborough in shades of lilac, and with discreet logo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of T.T.Trunks and Eden Being

A wonderful walk along the beach, from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, is something you have to do once in your life. Embark on a stroll in the California sunshine as you explore those iconic seaside communities filled with tarot card readers, sand sculptors and collage artists, performance artists, street hustlers, and bodybuilders. It’s definitely one of the best places in Los Angeles for people watching. I started from my favorite hotel «Shutters on the Beach» and went all the way to Muscle Beach.

My look: Appliquéd wool-blend and ribbed crochet-knit coat by Mira Mikati, appliquéd distressed printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, Ace embroidered low-top sneakers, and Linea G 2 leather-trimmed canvas shoulder bag, all by Gucci, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, and Vogue Tribute sunglasses by Versace.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Madrid where I spent the most amazing weekend one week ago! On Saturday the sun was shining and we went on an interesting sightseeing tour through the city visiting the Royal Palace, the Museo del Prado and all the must-see places of the Spanish capital.

My look: Shearling and leather coat by Balmain, kickback trousers by Alexander McQueen, cream white wool sweater by Givenchy, Susanna leather ankle boots by Chloé, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, necklaces and quilted lambskin mini 2.55 vintage classic flap bag, both by Chanel.

You have heard it a gazillion times from me, but I would like to emphasize it again. If you have enough space to store your pieces, keep them, there will always be a time again. Speaking about my mini 2.55 vintage flap bag by Chanel for example, this size was discontinued. I got mine from my parents when I turned 18 (Thank you for always spoiling me!). The bag is still sold on the internet in pre-owned conditions and in very high demand. Some consignment stores will even put you on a long waiting list.

The name of the 2.55 classic flap bag refers to February 1955; the month and year in which the style was introduced. This mini one is made from lambskin and has a single flap with a double C turnstile lock. A single chain strap can be worn either on your shoulder or in cross body. Talking about vintage… it looks like it just has hit the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My trip to Seoul was so amazing and I have so much to show you. Today, I want to introduce you to the popular Korean fashion brand Stylenanda and their stunning Pink Hotel in Myeongdong, the city’s famous shopping district. It is not actually a hotel even that it looks like one, it is a shopping haven on six levels of surprises. Imagine a spice of Grand Budapest Hotel meeting a 50’s housewife or let me better say princess vibe.

When you enter the narrow shopping street, the powder-pink facade already stands out. The hotel-themed flagship store is no doubt a must visit stop if you are heading to Seoul anytime soon.

Level 1: Lobby

Styled to look like a hotel lobby with hotel room keys on the wall and a bed hanging from the ceiling, you are welcomed by the staff behind a little concierge desk to a beauty shopping experience.

Level 2: Spa

A makeup room for the ladies with a row of mirrors and vanity basins in the middle that invite to try their large selection of beauty products. The highlight at the end of the corridor is a flower filled bathtub.

Level 3: Rooms

But most importantly what’s a hotel without hotel rooms? On this level, Stylenanda’s apparel can be found along a corridor with rooms on both sides. At the end, you can rest on the sofa area and try shoes on that are all displayed on the shelves just next to it. Here you can get a better view of the bed hanging from the ceiling as well.

Level 4: Laundry Room

Here you can find more clothing, denim and a large selection of accessories from hats, socks, and jewelry. I adore how the stacked laundry machines are giving the impression of a real laundry shop with all the detergent and washing powders displayed on the shelves.

Level 5: Pool

Here comes the best! A pretend pool with a real cafe that looks like it jumped out of a ’50s movie with its blue and pink tiles, outdoor chairs and tables with umbrellas to protect you from the sun. In the shower cabin, you can try the clothes.

Rooftop: Terrace

In case you need a rest after all these photo-taking and shopping options of the 5 floors, I recommend taking a break at the pink rooftop terrace. Snuggle in the giant pillows thrown all over and enjoy the view over Seoul’s skyline.

Address:
66-2, Chungmuro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul Korea
서울특별시 중구 충무로2가 66-2
Opening hours: 11:00am~11:00pm
Phone: +82-(0)2-752-4546
Website: stylenanda.com

By the way, Stylenanda opened their second «hotel» in Bangkok last November.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Every trip is experienced three times: when you dream it, when you live it and when you remember it.»

Last week, I attended the FALCONERI show in Verona, which took place at the Calzedonia Headquarter. The group auditorium turned into a real airport for the event, transporting us – the audience – into the waiting atmosphere of the departure.

Amazing atmosphere before the show.

Front row with my German colleagues: Annette Weber and Viktoria Rader, both of Glamometer.

The music started and the models walked, some accompanied by dogs, next to treadmill baggage, suitcases trolleys and chairs reminiscent of a boarding situation. A beautiful journey through the new F/W 2018 color palette of the brand which goes from neutral beige and grey to colorful hues of pink, lilac, sky blue and turquoise. The collection is perfect for travelling and everyday life, comfortable but stylish, modest but luxurious. Perfect looks to fly to the destinations where FALCONERI is present today, such as Milan, Rome, Moscow, Athens, Munich, Vienna, Bern and now opening Lisbon.

The collection is divided in three parts:

• «Natural Performance» is dedicated to sportswear, as cashmere meets the active world.
• «Knitwear Lovers» is for the customer who is looking for warmth and softness in comfortable sweaters and coats to wear both, day and night.
• «Orient Express» celebrates Asian elegance by presenting coats and jackets with natural textures and kimonos in precious paisley fabrics. The most trending part of the collection.

On the men’s runway, there were lots of noble and sophisticated materials for sweaters and warm, enveloping jackets – a modern and dynamic look for today’s jet-setting connoisseur, a new concept of clothing created for all situations from daily commitment to leisure time.

Located in Avio, Trentino region, FALCONERI was acquired in 2009 by the Calzedonia Group. In 2013, the production has been brought back to Italy. Since 2014, thanks to the cutting-edge Shima Whole Garment technology, the brand can directly produce a complete item without seams.

For more information about FALCONERI, I invite you to visit the brand’s homepage.

After the show, lovely Elena Ciuprina sketched me in my FALCONERI outfit. What a beautiful and fun memory. Then, it was time to kiss and fly back home to Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Falconeri and © Sandra Bauknecht 

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of its iconic aluminum suitcase, RIMOWA unveiled an exclusive collaboration with FENDI in the end of last year.

Together, the two brands created transformed the iconic carry-on case with the help of sophisticated FENDI styling details, including the emblematic FENDI double F logo in brushed aluminum that changes perspective in different lighting, as well as a web belt that runs across the case, into something every fashionista is dying to travel with. The case is finished with stickers and a nametag that can be personalised by its owner.

In the second phase of a collaboration this year, the collection adds three new colours; red, blue and yellow – an addition to the black and brown version that was originally introduced in November 2017.

For all models, FENDI’s artisanal savoir-faire is featured in Cuoio Romano leather handles and the black neoprene interior lining, also embossed with the double F logo. The case is a concentrate of RIMOWA innovations too, fitted with the silent Multiwheel® system for optimum maneuverability and the Flex-Divider system for the most efficient possible packing, as well as TSA approved locks for security.

Available in FENDI and RIMOWA stores and online HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rimowa and Fendi

Last week before the amazing Great Gatsby party, I flew with a small little helicopter from Cannes to Ramatuelle to attend a lovely luncheon at Club Les Palmiers hosted by a great friend from Switzerland. I have to admit that I am a really big fan of the transparent fashion trend – so light and perfect for the hot temperatures!

My look: Layered stretch-jersey dress by Emilio Pucci, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings, hippie-style bag and matching belt with multicolored tassels and coins, all by Etro, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Rose des Vents bracelets by Dior Joaillerie, and Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht