Sandra‘s Closet

One question I have been asked many times in my life is how I can stay slim while enjoying food so much. I think the key to success is to listen to your body and mine tells me constantly to feed it with Japanese food when possible. It is the best, it is healthy and you always feel light after, but full of energy.

Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa brings his delicacies to Munich.

When I was in Munich for Oktoberfest, I couldn’t wait to visit the Mandarin Oriental that has undergone an extensive refurbishment of the public areas in 2015 and has opened its doors to a new and innovative gastronomy concept, by introducing the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa to the Bavarian capital, and to Germany.

The restaurant follows the successful format of the chef’s original Matsuhisa Beverly Hills and his five other exclusive outposts around the world.

 Having arrived on the first floor, atop the new curved staircase, on my way to Matsuhisa Munich.

Offering Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned New Style Japanese-Peruvian cuisine as well as individual creations by Chef Loris di Santo the menu has an emphasis on seafood, featuring signature dishes such as the legendary Black Cod and Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños, alongside grilled lamb cooked over tealeaves with Peruvian Anticucho sauce, as well as traditionally prepared sushi.

One of my favorite starters: Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños.

So yummy! The iconic Blad Cod.

The sushi bar.

My all time favourite food – I could eat it every day.

The semi-private dining section.

The restaurant accommodates 95 guests including eight seats at the exclusive live cooking counter. Moreover it offers a semi-private dining section with space for up to 10 people. In this intimate setting, guests can experience Omakase, a bespoke culinary experience exploring the chef’s choice of tailor-made menus. Matsuhisa, Munich will also feature an exclusive eight-seat live cooking counter where skilled chefs will prepare a variety of Nobu’s famous Japanese-Peruvian dishes.

Designed by Amsterdam-based FG Stijl, Matsuhisa, Munich reflects Nobu’s Japanese origins. The luxurious and timeless decor provides provide a warm and inviting atmosphere in brown and gold, using natural materials including stone, leather and wood.

 Matsuhisa, Munich opens daily from 7 – 11:30pm (Mon-Sun). For reservations, call
+49 89 290 98 1875 (available from 10am to 6pm).

Great news for my Swiss readers, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy this very special cuisine. The hotel Baur au Lac celebrates 10 years Nobu Matsuhisa at Rive Gauche! The world-renowned kitchen of Nobuyuki „Nobu“ Matsuhisa will join the iconic restaurant until November 13, 2016.

Two seatings per evening – 6pm and 9pm. Reservations: +41 44 220 50 60.

I will be going and am looking forward to enjoying a fabulous dinner there…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Munich and © Sandra Bauknecht

“We wanted to really tell the story of the brand and of us.“
– HUMBERTO LEON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, KENZO

Hello from NYC where I am for the launch event of Kenzo x H&M and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I truly love what I have seen so far and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC
2015 H&M x Balmain in NYC

A little surprise waiting in my room…

This time, I am staying at The Roxy Hotel Tribeca which is the partner hotel of the iconic Soho Grand that opened in September 2015. Walking into the lobby, the space feels a bit more like a movie theater than a typical hotel lobby, with brick walls and a huge restaurant setting the tone.

The entrance of The Roxy Hotel Tribeca…

I am on the top floor and have a beautiful view over the neighborhood. So far, I am very happy and will be heading out now to enjoy the beautiful and sunny weather…

My view

Inside the hotel…

My room…

Another part of my view…

With Carol Lim, Creative Director Kenzo, backstage at her first Opening Ceremony show in 2013.

Now, I am about to leave my hotel for the interview with Carol Lim, Humberto Leon of Kenzo and Ann-Sofie Johansson of H&M. Enjoy some of my first impressions and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates! The show will be taking place on Wednesday evening at 7.45pm local time.

Below you can see some of my personal must-haves of the collection that will hit the stores on November 3, 2016.! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

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