Sandra‘s Closet

Sometimes I like to keep life simple, also in terms of fashion choices. Gabriela Hearst’s designs for Chloé are the perfect option when it comes to easy and cozy looks that will last for many years to come. Sustainable fashion at its best!

I am so in love with fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé.

My look: Quilted shell-paneled fringed striped cashmere and silk-blend poncho, striped recycled cashmere-blend maxi dress, Jorge fringed striped recycled cashmere-blend shoulder bag, and Wavy striped recycled cashmere-blend and shearling slides, all by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Dolder Grand.
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With the Lunar New Year falling on February 1, the year of the tiger has officially arrived. Tigers symbolize strength, power and fearlessness so as we reach the Lunar New Year, I am channeling all of the tiger energy I can get (not so hard… haha, I was born in the Year of the Tiger).

As China is still a huge market in the fashion industry, many luxury brands have hopped on the train to release their festive capsules inspired by the Year of the Tiger and to promote the holiday on their global social channels, among them blockbuster brands such as Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Below you can find the best capsules collections of 2022:

The symbol of strength and bravery takes center stage in the new BALENCIAGA Year of the Tiger series, which largely consists of pre-existing seasonal lines updated with a new tiger motif.

BOTTEGA VENETA is going big for this Chinese Lunar New Year. The house has taken over a piece of the Great Wall of China in its latest large-scale activation celebrating the annual holiday. Bottega’s signature green shade mixed with a vibrant tangerine color (a symbol of luck in Mandarin) is digitally displayed across a massive chunk of one of the seven Wonders of the World.

BURBERRY evokes the power and strength of the tiger zodiac sign in this limited-edition collection dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

This year, the DIOR tiger will bring you strength and luck as he roams around the blooming garden, illuminated by glowing lanterns. For men, Dior Men’s Artistic director Kim Jones has teamed up with American artist Kenny Scharf to celebrate the New Year of the Water Tiger.

DOLCE & GABBANA pays homage  to the Year of the Tiger with a unique collection: the iconic print  is intertwined with the tiger pattern,  revived in different colors.

ETRO launches a capsule collection starring the strong and courageous Tigress, a character from the animated cartoon film Kung Fu Panda by DreamWorks Animation. Created in collaboration with Universal Brand Development and DreamWorks Animation, the unisex fashion and accessories collection reinterprets the symbolism of the tiger in a funny and unexpected way, portraying the heroic kung fu moves of the characters Ping Xiao Po, Tigress, Shifu, Mantis, Crane and Monkey on T-shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, scarves and a selection of bags, accessories and small leather goods made with the iconic Paisley print.

FENDI celebrates the Spring Festival and the Year of the Tiger with an exclusive capsule collection that updates the brand’s signature style codes with intense colours and a daring animal print.

In celebration of the holiday, different versions of the animal define a curated selection of ready-to-wear and accessories—highlighting the multifaceted nature of the GUCCI universe. Rich with significance for the House, the animal expresses the Creative Director’s fascination with the beauty of nature. For a detailed post, click here please.

For Chinese New Year 2022, LANVIN ‘s sculptural cat designed by Armand Albert Rateau that embellishes the Pencil Cat bag disguises itself as a tiger.

LOUIS VUITTON mounts a tiger tail at the new flagship store in Chengdu. The shop features original artworks and furniture crafted by Chinese artists and designers to showcase the house’s commitment to local art and culture. Meanwhile, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the house presented a special art installation that features a giant, textured tiger tail at the storefront, as well as a capsule collection.

In occasion of Chinese New Year, MARNI celebrates the Year of the Tiger through a capsule collection in collaboration with Venezuelan artist Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, a long-time friend of Marni. A limited series of accessories and ready-to-wear designs, across both female and male collections, turn Suarez’s distinctive illustrations into prints, embroideries and jacquards, bringing the artist’s imaginative work into the free-spirited world of Marni.

To celebrate the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, MIU MIU presents a collection of T-shirts printed with big cats in animation. They range in spirit from bouncy and cute to heroic, and from ubiquitous to unexpected.

Celebrating the Year of the Tiger, MOSCHINO‘s creative director Jeremy Scott has put together a special capsule collection featuring the icon of all frosted cereal flakes, Tony the Tiger. From ready-to-wear pieces such as oversized tees, hoodies and sweatshirts to bold accessories like the cereal box clutch, you’ll be the sharpest-looking tiger this CNY.

PRADA is celebrating the Lunar New Year with «Action in the Year of the Tiger», a combined campaign and project dedicated to safeguarding this legendary animal.
The Prada Group is also contributing to the conservation of endangered Amur tiger by making a donation to «Walking with Tiger and Leopard» Programme of China Green Foundation.

Tiger in Wonderland – to celebrate the Lunar New Year, FERRAGAMO has invited Chinese artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu to create a unique print inspired by the 2022 Zodiac Tiger. I am obsessed with the bag.

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, discover this exclusive capsule by STELLA MCCARTNEY honoring the occasion and the zodiac animal – with organic cotton pieces and cruelty-free accessories featuring prints by airbrush artist Albert Seleznyov, raising awareness for the conservation of these sacred creatures.

VALENTINO‘s first acquaintance with the tiger dates back to its Haute Couture F/W 1967 collection. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Italian Maison brings back the Valentino Tiger 1967 collection as a tribute to the Chinese heritage and a nod to its friendship with the country.

VERSACE beckons the Year of the Tiger with a classy capsule collection of new interpretation of the favourites of the Italian brand. A print showcasing the magnificent tiger resting within golden Baroque flourishes is introduced for the capsule, as well as a vibrant new year red colour that runs through it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

A new chapter opens in the iconic LV Volt collection designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director for Jewellery and Watches.

The L and V initials instil a vibrant energy into the very heart of the latest creations, reinvigorating the Maison’s beloved aesthetic. A highlight of the new collection, the LV Volt Upside Down Play bracelet blends the beauty of contemporary design with the impact of a joyful, rhythmic pattern. The bracelet’s interchangeable cord celebrates renewed connections with two graphic clasps.

Available in store starting now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

«It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.»
– Abraham Lincoln

I am feeling a little bit more diva-ish than usual today. Must be … because it’s MY freaking BIRTHDAY that I am spending at the beautiful Gstaad Palace hotel.

Don’t forget: Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, but also the youngest you’ll ever be again. So my motto is, celebrate each day as if it was your birthday!

My look: Embellished black mink jacket, floral bustier top, matching high waisted briefs , ruched tulle skirt, wallet bag with detachable chain belt, and mini leather shoulder bag, and Astra sandals by Sophia Webster.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Recently, I gave this tip to a friend in Gstaad who was really happy about the result, so that I have decided to post it again. She was complaining that during the cold temperatures, her eyes were tearing so that the eye make up wouldn’t last. I recommended the NARS Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

This lightweight eye primer creates a seamless canvas to keep cream and powder eyeshadows looking brilliant, fresh, and just-applied. It is available in a neutral shade as well as in four tinted versions. I am wearing Medium.

For other beauty favorites, click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Today is the birthday of my dear aquarius friend Mary Katrantzou. who launched a beautiful scent with BVLGARI, that reminds me of those warm, endless summer days.

Inspired by the joyful spirit, vibrant allure and unbridled exuberance of Omnia, fashion designer Mary Katrantzou created an exclusive new fragrance in collaboration with Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas.

«Growing up, we had gardenia trees in my home in Greece, Alberto Morillas realized my dream of capturing the scent of this living flower. For this collaboration, I imagined the Omnia bottle as a sculptural vase holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, creating this universe of optimism and sincerity.» – Fashion Designer Mary Katrantzou

Reminiscent of Mary’s childhood memories and conjuring Italy’s love affair with spectacular floral, Omnia by Mary Katrantzou is «a beautiful universe that awakens our olfactory and visual senses.»

This new fragrance, a colorful floral Eau de Parfum, is a caress to the soul and an infusion of optimism, exploding with the brightness of Mandarin and accords of Gardenia and Fig leaf. A celebration of life’s purest pleasures: an ultra-lush flower bouquet, the smell of an unforgettable bloom, the joy of colours.

Flashy Sparkling Top Notes
Mandarin Essence, Fig Leaf accord

Kaleidoscopic Floral Heart Notes
Gardenia accord, Orange Flower

Prismatic Dry Down Notes
Blond Woods accord, Musk accord

THE BVLGARI OMNIA COLLECTION
The three iconic fragrances of the collection are given a new look inspired the new fragrance Omnia by Mary Katrantzou. A specially designed collection, reimagining the Omnia universe with its spectacular colourful flower dresses.

The bottles and packaging are so beautiful, colorful, vibrant, full of life. An optimistic and uplifting scent – captivating the energy of nature’s wonders and the amazing spirit of my dear friend Mary!

Happy Birthday, Mary, may all your dreams come true!

Click here for yesterday’s post with all the details of my outfit.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © BVLGARI/Mary Katrantzou, © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The best way to prolong the warm season is a great floral summery fragrance that will immediately transport you to your favorite holiday destination in your mind. A new level of style is when your look matches your scent … I am loving it!

My look: Ruffled broderie anglaise-trimmed cotton-voile blouse by Saint Laurent, belted floral-print cotton-blend poplin maxi skirt by Mary Katrantzou, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, vintage ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari, aviator sunglasses by CHANEL, Diorette ring by Dior, and long floral drop earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

Scent: Bvlgari Omnia by Mary Katrantzou.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Celebrate the arrival of the Spring Festival with this new MAC collection of Lunar New Year beauty must-haves, there’s something to suit everyone. Whether you are looking to treat someone special or simply spoil yourself, these Chinese New Year gifts will truly get you in the mood to celebrate.

The limited edition makeup brings together all the favourite products but with an added touch of sparkle. Available from now for a limited time only on maccosmetics.ch.

POWDER KISS LIPSTICK / LUNAR LUCK
Enveloped In Luck Neutral pink
Push Your Luck Neutral orange
If Wishes Were Roses Vibrant pinky red
Pure Luck Dirty red
CHF 30

POWDER KISS LIQUID LIPCOLOUR / LUNAR LUCK
Fortune Tell Me Light pink-neutral
Peachy Party Pumpkin
Token Of Affection Red
Luck Be A Lotus Dark rose
CHF 34

EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH / LUNAR LUCK
Lunar Lights Beigey gold
CHF 42

EYESHADOW PALETTE X 9: MADE MY FORTUNE
Shell We Celebrate? Warm neutral (Powder Kiss)
Sunkissed Orange Camel (Powder Kiss)
Born To Rule Warm bronze (Dazzleshadow Extreme)
15 Minutes Of Flame Deep orange (Powder Kiss)
Made My Fortune True gold (Dazzleshadow Extreme)
Propitious Poppy Red (Powder Kiss)
Plum What May Plum (Powder Kiss)
Supreme Harmony Pinky lilac (Dazzleshadow Extreme)
Wish Me Luck! Medium deep brown (Dazzleshadow Extreme)
CHF 60

BRUSHES
217S Blending Eye Brush / Lunar Luck
CHF 34
159S Duo Fibre Blush Brush / Lunar Luck
CHF 54

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MAC Cosmetics

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
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For the S/S 2022 season, Miu Miu introduces the Miu Wander bag.
A classic hobo design, the Miu Wander is crafted in lightweight Econyl, a regenerated material that testify the brand’s increased commitment to sustainability, here enriched by the iconic matelassé workmanship normally associated with Miu Miu’s best-loved leather goods. Emphasising the contrasts at the heart of the Miu Miu name, the utilitarian nature of the nylon is juxtaposed with the intricacy of the process involved to achieve the depth and plumpness of the matelassé surface.

The Miu Wander bag is available in Miu Miu stores, and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.