Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from beautiful Bordeaux where I spent the last two days as guest of CAUDALIE, the French beauty brand that is committed to delivering all natural, anti-aging skincare with the power of the vine. The port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France is home to the vineyard-inspired luxury house.

Despite the cold temperatures and the rain, I walked around the streets of this extremely picturesque town that is the world’s major wine industry capital. Its historic part is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the 18th century.

I had so much fun that I was jumping around…

Water mist effect

Located between the Garonne and beautiful 18th century architecture of the Place de la Bourse, the Mirroir d’Eau is the most-photographed site in Bordeaux and is listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by Unesco. Designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud, it alternates a mirror effect and artificial misting in an extraordinary way.

Pool mirror effect

In front of the fountain at Place de la Bourse

Place de la Bourse, also known as Place Royale, is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful squares.

The cutest stores can be found in the streets of Bordeaux.

At the Place de la Comédie

Place de la Comédie is a place where the main streets of Bordeaux converge, including the 1200 meters long promenade Sainte Catherine, which is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in all of France. Mind the trams and settle on the terrasses to enjoy the beautiful sight of la vie bordelaise going by. A huge statue of a woman’s face, so-called «Sanna» by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, has been standing there since 2013.

Walking towards the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande.

The name loosely translates as the «Church of Our Great Lady». It is an 11th century Gothic church located at Rue Marbly and one of the city’s most popular buildings. Built by Pierre Duplessy, a renowned architect and town planner in the late 17th century, it is a listed historical monument.

Bordeaux is an extremely beautiful city that I can only recommend to visit. Stay tuned as I will tell you more about my hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie and all my little adventures here soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, I had the honor to visit the Omega House in Ipanema. It’s just beautiful with different corners to explore the identity of the brand. Located in front of the famous Ipanema beach, I paid a visit to this iconic Brazilian spot. As it’s still quite dangerous, I didn’ t wear any jewelry. Don’t you think that my new dress designed by my friend from Dubai, Nadine Arton, brainchild of Glamonyou, is just perfect for Rio?

My look: Selma short dress by Nadine Arton, Blooms GG Supreme leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas shoulder bag by Gucci, Rockstud kitten heel leather pumps by Valentino and Aviator gold-tone sunglasses by Ray-Ban.

With my host Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of Omega. 

Stay tuned for more coming up from my amazing trip to Rio de Janeiro last week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you, Adriana Bavuso, for taking the pictures!

Today, I landed in Rio de Janeiro to visit the Olympic Games as guest of Omega Watches. The Swiss brand assumes its role as the Official Timekeeper and is the name behind the clock that is «recording Olympic dreams» when every split second counts.

During the next days, I will be able to follow many athletes who strive for victory in their respective sport fields.

Stay tuned as I will be so happy to share with you this adventure. Here are some first impressions from my room at the newly opened Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from NYC! I arrived Wednesday and had to go straight to my first meeting with Piaget. After a quick change at my hotel, the Park Hyatt, I took those photos in two minutes as it started drizzling. It was extemely hot and humid but I couldn’t wait to put on my new crochet-like cardigan. I adore its logo-embossed faux pearl buttons and lace Peter Pan collar that both add to its heritage feel.

My look: Metallic lace-trimmed cotton-blend cardigan and blue knitted dress, both by Gucci, dark blue suede strappy sandals by Miu Miu, metallic patchwork camera bag by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Right now, I am so much dreaming about a sunshine getaway. Honestly, I cannot wait for the holidays to start. Great news is that Ancient Greek Sandals has the right footwear made for us. The gorgeous shoe brand has collaborated with Caravana – the brand founded by Francesca Bonato, owner of famous Tulum resort Coqui Coqui – meaning that for the first time the sandals will be made in Mexico rather than in Greece.

The collection is sold in the Coqui Coqui boutique in Tulum and at www.net-à-porter.com.

Thais Tulum feather-embellished leather sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals + CARAVANA

Ikaria Tulum feather-embellished leather sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals + CARAVANA

Antigone Tulum feather-embellished leather sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals + CARAVANA

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter and Coqui Coqui Resort

While being in Cuba with Chanel I attended a dinner party at Atelier restaurant. This is an iconic restaurant in Vedado with great food and decorated by original art.
Calle 5ta., No. 511 altos, entre Paseo y 2 | Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba, + 537 836 2025

My look: Floral print dress with lace ruffles by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, black cardigan by Miu Miu, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, gold-tone crystal bracelet, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal, all by Gucci and pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Indulge loved ones or yourself with Net-à-Porter‘s fashionable vacation kits, packed with a host of chic and cool pieces that have been specially selected for their cult status. All sets come impeccably wrapped in the House’s signature packaging and are finished with a neat bow.

THE BALI KIT
Curated for exotic destinations, the ‘Bali Box‘ includes four luxurious travel essentials. The Upside‘s stylish swimsuit and matching towel are perfect for days in the surf, while Soleil Toujours’ SPF45 sunscreen protects your complexion against harmful rays and its body shimmer enhances bronzed skin with a beautiful glow.

THE IBIZA KIT
The ‘Ibiza Kit‘ contains everything you need to prepare for a relaxing yoga escape or recreate the benefits of one at home. This carefully edited set includes a matching sports bra, leggings and a high-performance mat featuring an exclusive print by Mara Hoffman, as well as This Works beauty products that will help you to achieve a healthy glow and restful sleep.

HAMPTONS KIT
Get set for an active summer with the ‘Hamptons Kit‘. This must-have box comes complete with everything you need to stay sun-safe and stylish on the tennis court – including L’Étoile Sport‘s breathable stretch-lace dress, to Hampton Sun’s silky-smooth and lightweight ‘SPF15 Gel’.

Which one is your favorite and suits your holiday destination the best?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

During my trip to Cuba with CHANEL, I went on a Hemingway tour, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers.

My look: Denim top and matching culottes, both by Stella McCartney, Tian slip-on sneakers and Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, sunglasses by Chanel, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen and Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

First stop was Finca Vigía, the only «real home» the author had in his lifetime. The house is located in a small, modest suburb of Havana named San Francisco de Paula, not too far from the capital city. Today it is a museum. You can only see the rooms from the outside looking inside the windows. It is very impressive to see the place where many masterpieces were written. In the garden there is even a small cemetery where Hemingway had buried his favorite dogs.

Second stop was the charming fishing village Cojímar that was the background for one of Hemingway’s most important works «The Old Man and the Sea» that is based on a real character living in town. The writer came here often by boat and had drinks at the local bar La Terraza. Today, one table with a stunning view from the seaside dining room is still reserved honoring Hemingway. For true literature aficionados, it’s a must see visit.

«But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.»
– Ernest Hemingway

Last stop of my Hemingway Cuba tour was El Floridita, a lovely bar in the center of Havana where the writer enjoyed many of the world’s famous daiquiris. Right to the left when you enter, you will find a life-sized bronze statue of Hemingway leaning his elbow on the mahogany countertop remembering their well-known guest.

On my Hemingway tour Cuba I have learned al lot about the writer’s past and his relationship with the Caribbean country and I can only recommend it! I feel blessed to have experienced the country before it will loose its old-world charm.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Penhaligon’s has unveiled their very first gourmand fragrance, EQUINOX BLOOM, inspired by the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, and the transitional moment when day turns to evening and when cold winter yields to spring.

Created by Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp, Equinox Bloom plays with an olfactory palette inspired by the delights of high tea, accompanied by the heady bouquet of the first sweet spring flowers.

Perfumer Olivier Cresp

“During one of my recent visits to London, I enjoyed an incredible brunch in a smart, refined place, where the magnificent atmosphere of the rooms, furnished with opulent floral compositions, ensnared my senses almost at once. While admiring the floral scenery, my brunch included delightful toasts topped with honey and marmalade and these gourmand facets inspired me to bring to Equinox Bloom a trendy, modern inflexion to the generous floral bouquet. To me, this luxurious and abundant refinement reflects Penhaligon´s generosity in fragrances in a perfect way.” – Olivier Cresp, Perfumer.

A subtle, sweet treat from Penhaligon’s, Equinox Bloom plays on the country’s favourite traditions and pleasing transitions – day to night, winter to spring – offering up a delicious and distinctive blend of gourmand and floral infusions to truly delight the senses.

GOURMAND FLORAL

Top Notes: Neroli Bigarade Essence, Violet Leaves Absolute, Chantilly Accord
Middle Notes: Frangipani, Orange Blossom Absolute, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrox, Benzoin Siam Absolute, Brown Sugar Accord

Equinox Bloom is available now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (€ 139.00) and 100ml (€ 189.00).

And if you are happen to be in Hong Kong, please enjoy Penhaligon’s special afternoon tea at The Four Seasons Hotel.

The hotel’s pastry chef Ringo Chan designed a new selection of treats inspired by the new scent Equinox Bloom, among them jasmine lemon cake pops, rose and pink praline éclair, and aqua sphere and white peach verrine, as well as a selection of afternoon tea buffet items.

The Lounge, G/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196-8820

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Four Seasons, © Penhaligon’s and © Conor Beary 2016

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel