Sandra‘s Closet

This weekend I flew to London for my dear friend Lisa Tchenguiz’s birthday party that took place at the new jewel in London’s nightlife crown, Lío London. Being known for its Ibiza glamour, Lío is a global phenomenon that delivers high octane cabaret for the 21st Century.

With the lovely birthday girl Lisa Tchenguiz

The fully immersive experience combines a Mediterranean inspired menu with extraordinary acts and world class performers from dance, theatre, erotica, and acrobatics to create the pinnacle of theatrical dining.

Last year, Lío London opened its doors as the first permanent site in the capital for the Pacha Group. I can only recommend a visit as it is a spectacular, sassy and sexy modern show restaurant that brings pulsating performances to experience while you taste some delicious dishes. The food offering is an exquisite journey through Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Attila Kalanyos – former Executive Chef of Kensington Palace.

You enter the fantastic location on an original 1924 double-sided staircases. Mirrored ceilings, a moveable DJ booth, next to the restaurant section add to the ambiance of the room. After dinner on Fridays and Saturdays the main room transforms into a club for diners to continue the party hosted by big name DJs, London favourites and Lío owned nights.

Lisa’s birthday party had it all, stunning performances, yummy food, an excellent crowd of friends and some great music. Thank you for having me! London times are always good times.

Lío London, 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL
@liolondonofficial #loveliolondon
Phone number: +44 203 535 0000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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My apartment in London is just across from one of my favorite hotels in the city, the Claridge’s Hotel. Each year, the hotel collaborates with a fashion house to decorate their Christmas Tree. This year’s installation by Louis Vuitton brings together two illustrious names who have long celebrated the Art of Travel, and crossed paths throughout their respective histories after both being founded in 1854.

This magnificent sculptural creation is immersed within two large open, emblematic wardrobe trunks towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres. Each signature trunk is adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers of yesteryear and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag.

Exuding a festive charm, the tree is composed of 15 vertically placed chrome trunks of varying heights that tower to create the silhouette of a traditional Christmas tree. Scattered atop the silver trunks and amidst the snowy landscape of the tree are 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, all found within the hotel’s distinguished black and white marbled lobby.

The hotel’s Louis Vuitton trunk envelopes the magical Claridge’s Christmas Tree, just as the Maison’s iconic Malle Vestiaire or «Wardrobe Trunk», a hard-sided case created in 1875, was dedicated to transporting one’s most personal and precious effects.

«What an honour it is to welcome such a legendary house as Louis Vuitton to design our Claridge’s Christmas Tree this year. Christmas is the most magical time of year for us here at the hotel and we look forward to welcoming guests and seeing visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world.» – Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson

With my Louis Vuitton outfit, I couldn’t have blended in better … all details coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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You know how much I love iconic hotels, such as Gstaad Palace or the Byblos in St. Tropez. After last weekend, I can add another one to my list. From its idyllic setting in Barbados, overlooking a tranquil coral sand beach, to its fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, Sandy Lane is widely acclaimed the premier and most iconic luxurious address in the Caribbean. The first glimpse of the sea through the marbled lobby is one you won’t soon forget, especially now with its beautiful Christmas decoration in sophisticated colors.

I went there this weekend and was blown away by its ambiance and colors. Set on white powdery coral sands and turquoise waters within an ancient mahogany grove, elegant Palladian buildings, 113 rooms and suites and a stunning private villa stud the property. Here you’ll find exceptional golf, exquisite gourmet dining, an outstanding spa, a gorgeous pool area and endless recreation all alongside authentic and magically warm Barbadian hospitality.

For more than sixty years, discerning travellers have chosen this distinguished address as their Caribbean ‘home’ to experience decadent relaxation, exclusive privacy, and unrivalled leisure…

I recommend having lunch at the hotel’s casual Bajan Blue restaurant that features Caribbean, European and Asian-influenced cuisine served beachside. This informal restaurant offers all-day dining, a famous, elaborate Sunday Brunch and spectacular themed buffet evenings. Features include a modern wine bar – ideal for pre-dinner drinks – a sushi station and state-of-the-art grill.

The color combination of hot pink and turquoise add so much sophistication to the ambiance. Love, love, love it!

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to the amazing shop inside the hotel that carries high end brands such as Zimmermann and Melissa Odabash, along personalized De Siena shoes, a brand from Switzerland.

The pool area of the hotel is just insane.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Right now, I am in Florence as guest of Farfetch and Gucci for an outstanding private client experience. I will share many amazing moments with you, starting with an amazing dinner at the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant headed by the Italian three-Michelin-star chef.

The restaurant is part of Gucci Garden, that is also home to the brand’s gallery space. Opened in 2018 , it is situated in Florence’s central Piazza della Signoria, that also neighbors the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar.

With lovely Liz Parmar from the Frafetch team.

One of the key figures in the new Italian cultural Renaissance is Massimo Bottura of three Michelin star Osteria Francescana in Modena. He inspired Karime Lopez, who is ist the helm of Gucci Osteria in Florence, to free her creativity and evolve her cuisine beyond tradition: to be more imaginative, more open and more inventive. From Mexico City, to travelling the world and now Florence, she cooks Italy through her experience, full of travel, discovery and dazzling insights.

I was blown away by this amazing culinary experience in this beautiful location that comes with a contemporary spirit of an historic space. Karime Lopez creates her own culinary universe by interlacing the colours and flavours of Italy and beyond, with irreverent and poetic surprises.

Purple Corn Tostada
Purple Corn Tostada with Adriatic Marinated Bonito, a hint of spice & citrus

Taka’s Bun
Steamed Bun & Pork Belly of Cinta Senese

Memories of a Summer in Versilia
Crispy cod & Mediterranean flavors

Shining Through
Panettone, Clouds & Zacapa Rum

Still Hungry
Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream

I personally adored that the pasta dish was enjoyed after the dessert. That is a specialty of Massiomo Bottura.

In case I vetted your appetite, please find herewith the details of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura:

Piazza Della Signoria, 10
50122 . Firenze . Italy
T. +39 05575927038
M. gucciosteria.

More to come from Florence.
TO SHOP GUCCI X FARFETCH, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This week, I had the best time visiting Langebaan, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the eastern shore of Langebaan Lagoon, situated 120 km north of Cape Town. I visited South Africa last time 23 years ago and was really happy to be back.

The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of the city. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make Langebaan popular for sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing and fishing, and the town offers numerous holiday facilities for water sport enthusiasts. As you can see, the wind conditions were perfect for kitesurfing that day, and bad for my hair :-).

Bird-watchers also love to visit the area to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park. The park is most busy during the spring flower season (August to September) when the wild flowers are in bloom. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

After kitesurfing, I recommend having a Savanna Dry, South Africa’s most loved cider that is best enjoyed with a slice of lemon, at the Wunderbar. As the place offers an unspoiled view of the lagoon, it is beautiful to enjoy a sundowner there.

For dinner, I went to Queens Cottage Wood-Fired Kitchen. If you are a meat lover, you are in the right place to enjoy a mouth-watering, wholesome and flavorful wood-fired cuisine.

To burn off the calories, I went sokkie dancing at Die Watergat.  It is a style of social ballroom dance with a partner, also referred to in Afrikaans as «langarm».

I had the best time in Langebaan, and cannot wait to hopefully be back soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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In homage to the Maison’s trunk-making heritage, the Flight Mode capsule collection celebrates Louis Vuitton’s spirit of travel with timeless designs. Created to accompany this season’s escapades, the series of enveloping pieces reveal sumptuous, cozy materials.

Perfect travel outfits for your next flight – cozy, yet stylish, I am in love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Since 1898, RIMOWA has positioned itself as a pioneer of refined travel, combining expert craftsmanship, functional design, and an innovative spirit to create thoughtful travel tools for discerning travelers. Throughout this history, the German Maison has forged new frontiers with its creations, joining forces with visionary partners along the way to redefine the boundaries of travel. Today, RIMOWA continues this tradition with a new collaboration with global luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co.

Representing the union of two powerhouses in their respective industries, the new collaboration redefines the boundaries of travel for your most treasured items on your upcoming journeys.The collection features a new RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case, a RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin suitcase, and a RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case features a «Rock Cut» artwork that mirrors a diamond’s unique facets—a nod to Tiffany & Co.’s legendary designs—offering an intriguing and tactile experience when interacting with RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminium surface. Made in Germany using an aluminium-brushed technique, the distinctive «Rock Cut» design features a subtle nod to the renowned jewelry house, with its emblematic ‘T’ motif artfully inscribed within the pattern.

The new Jewelry Case features the iconic Tiffany Blue® hue throughout its exterior, on its handle and its sealing. Made to safeguard treasured jewelry at home or during travel, the case spans three levels. Opening from the top for easy access, travelers will first find a large mirror with a silver plaque underneath which can be engraved. The case opens to a topmost sealed tray with five compartments to store rings and other jewelry. Featuring specially designed leather loops, the middle tray is designed to hold necklaces and bracelets while the below tray features three large spaces designed to store cherished pieces.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin Suitcase features the intricately patterned «Rock Cut» artwork as well. To complete the design, the Classic suitcase takes on a new look with its handles, luggage tag, and wheels in Tiffany Blue®. The suitcase’s interior is also embellished with the iconic hue, featuring Tiffany Blue® straps and leather details that feature the two brands’ logos.

RIMOWA’s signature polycarbonate takes on the color of Tiffany Blue® entirely in the creation of the new RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal. Adopting a new function, the case’s interior—which is harmoniously saturated in the distinctive hue—features six jewelry compartments to store your most precious belongings during travel. Its exterior features RIMOWA and Tiffany & Co.’s logos at its center, inscribed between two Tiffany Blue® leather straps.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin (RRP €2900 / CHF 3080), the RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case (RRP € 3900 / CHF 4140), and the RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal (RRP € 1800 / CHF 1910) will be made available at select RIMOWA stores worldwide and online at RIMOWA.com. The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. collection will also be available in the U.S. at the Tiffany & Co. Landmark in New York City and on Tiffany.com in Greater China via WeChat.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rimowa
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Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new faces of Gucci Valigeria. The House’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of «Gucci Ancora», as a celebration of the love that lies at the centre of Gucci’s community.

Shot in an airport, the meeting place where journeys begin, the campaign explores the intimacy of traveling together through the creative lens of Anthony Seklaoui. Stills capture the fleeting spirit of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s airport stroll, redefining the Jet Set glamour of the 1990s.

Effortlessly casual and chic looks complement the timeless elegance that defines the House’s travel collections. Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny carry items from the signature Gucci Savoy collection including GG Supreme duffle bags in different sizes, backpacks, rigid suitcases, and trolleys distinguished by a combination of heritage-infused design elements such as the GG monogram and/or the Web stripe. The campaign also introduces novel designs defined by fluorescent leather details alongside embossed GG rubberized leather styles.

Through this Valigeria campaign, Gucci pays tribute to its founding history and heralds a new era of adventure and luxury travel in line with the vision of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

I find this campaign really cute. And you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci  Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola Director: Nikita Kuzmeko Photographer: Anthony Seklaoui Make-Up KJ: Mary Phillips Make-Up BB: Mira Chai Hyde Hair: Paul Hanlon Stylist: Alastair McKimm Talents: Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny
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If you are in Mykonos, a shopping trip to NAMMOS VILLAGE is a must for every fashion lover. Just picture this: your favourite brands in the whole world await in an amazing location under the sun at the famous Psarou beach.

12.000 m2 full of green and water elements with special art pieces create the ideal essence of luxury, 10’ away from Mykonos town, combining the Nammos beach life and gastronomic adventure with a high end shopping catwalk.

Each year on July 17, the iconic NAMMOS VILLAGE Party takes place where the high end fashion houses invite their top customers from all over the world for a night under the stars. I was guest of VALENTINO and flew in for this occasion.

After a wonderful cocktail reception and some shopping, we enjoyed a seated dinner outside before burning of the calories to the sounds of Alessandro Ristori. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for the outfit post, click here please.

NAMMOS VILLAGE

Psarou Beach 84600 Mykonos, Greece
T: +30 22890 22440
M: +30 694 4722064
E-mail:

LoL, Sandra

With Marco Moscato from the Valentino family.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Opened in June 2020, CASA JONDAL has immediately become my favorite lunch place in Ibiza. When you arrive from the parking lot, it looks like a simple finca at first glance. But as soon as you enter inside and look to sea, or take a side look at the lounge area, you feel transported to a different and magical place.

CASA JONDAL, located in the middle of the eponymous beach, is considered the best restaurant on the island and is certainly one of the most exclusive. A winning combination of exceptional product quality and an excellent location that you can both enjoy while sitting on the beautiful, shady terrace under the twining savin juniper trees.

The food is amazing and it is the perfect location to enjoy lunch among dear friends as you can actually talk, because there is no music. I love the Caesar salad, the tomatoes with spring onions and the catch of the day. The absolute CASA JONDAL highlight on the dessert menu and culinary hard to beat is their cheesecake!

This summer season at CASA JONDAL is set in style with an exquisite Off-White™ takeover. Capturing the spirit of the iconic beach location, this limited-edition capsule collection embodies the carefree vibes of Ibiza while staying true to Off-White™’s visionary style. Among the standout pieces in the collection are espadrilles featuring the iconic Jondal-red stitching, along with two tote bags crafted from raffia and canvas, both adorned with captivating «CAN’T WAIT» graphics through printing and embroidery. Adding a touch of contrast to the warm tones, a macramé sarong in natural shades perfectly complements the stylish swimsuits available for both men and women.

CASA JONDAL is also the perfect place to spend the day at the beach, when you prefer not being blasted with loud music. On the massive wooden beach beds you have a fantastic view over the entire bay to the open sea. The location and view of the yachts there can hardly be surpassed and you can spend a wonderful time here until late in the evening. Towels, benches, and other elements are carefully designed to also showcase Off-White™’s iconic logos, arrows, and a blend of ecru and Jondal-red accents, creating an immersive experience for all fashion lovers.

It is really hard to get a table, so book in advance …
WhatsApp: +34 699 184 954 Email:

LoL, Sandra

A frequent guest at CASA JONDAL: DJ Sven Väth from my hometown Frankfurt!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht @casajondal
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