Sandra‘s Closet

On June 8th we celebrate UN WORLD’S OCEANS DAY, that is supported by LA MER and the LA MER BLUE HEART OCEANS FUND. A cream that is good for your skin and the ocean… find out more in this blog post about the brand’s commitment and the newest collectible design.

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. Our blue planet, our beating hearts: Water comprises both in almost-equal amounts, a proportion so perfectly aligned that it’s impossible to call it coincidence. Faced with this fact, it’s clear that we cannot separate ourselves from our seas. The ocean’s wellbeing is our wellbeing, and protecting it ensures a bright future for us all.

THE OCEAN IN ALL OF US
No matter where we live—landlocked or lakeside, temperate or tropical— the ocean’s tides touch everything and everyone, connecting us as a global community whose future depends on the sea’s wellbeing.

Facts and what we can do ourselves to make it better:

50% of earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean
Protect the organisms that produce it by supporting the planting of mangroves and seagrass.

The sea has become 30% more acidic in the past 200 years due to carbon emissions.
Take fewer car trips and save one pound of carbon for every mile not driven.

80% of marine pollution originates inland.
Get involved in your neighborhood clean-up programs – local acts have a global impact.

LA MER’S IMPACT & COMMITMENT
The sea is the source of so many wonders: oxygen that sustains us, food that nourishes us, even the kelp that fuels our formulas. In return for these gifts, LA MER promises protection—honored through over 15 years of support for ocean conservation efforts around the world. And they’re just getting started.

2017 LA MER launches the LA MER BLUE HEART OCEANS FUND as a way to make charitable contributions that support ocean preservation efforts.

Chimney of the new vent field where hydrothermal activity is visible.

2018 Support for the Oceano Azul Foundation leads to the discovery of the LUSO Hydrothermal Field in the Azores, one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, a unique zone of biological, geological and chemical importance that is now declared a Marine Protected Area.

Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea.

2019 With LA MER’s assistance, The Nature Conservancy plants 400.000 mangroves in the Caribbean.

2020 EarthEcho‘s 30×30 initiative aims to build a global youth movement to protect 30% of our ocean by 2030.

PLUS, BY THE END OF 2025…
Over 75% of the LA MER packaging will be recycled, recyclable. reusable, refillable or recoverable.

In LA MER’s latest, limited-edition commemorative decorative jar, this luxuriously rich cream deeply soothes and moisturizes to help heal dryness and leave skin looking naturally vibrant. Miracle Broth™—the legendary soothing elixir that flows through all of LA MER—infuses skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. This year’s collectible design takes inspiration from bioluminescent corals, a glowing reminder of both the ocean’s magical power and the healing energy of Crème de la Mer.
Available now here for CHF 360.00 (60ml).

Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the respective organizations,  © Sandra Bauknecht and © LA MER
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

Enter an oasis of colour and vibrancy: MARNI brings its exclusive collection of limited-edition, artisanally crafted home accessories and bags to MATCHESFASHION, and it is sure to bring joy to the everyday, inside and out.

The Italian powerhouse created eclectic roving markets to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014, instantly making the brand more accessible, and ever since, they’ve been constantly evolving. Now, following pop-ups in Hong Kong, Venice and Tokyo, MARNI MARKET has landed in London for the first time, and this is MATCHESFASHION’s spin on it.

For spring, the MARNI MARKET products offer ideas for decorating interiors and outdoor spaces, or renewing outfits with liveliness and color. Stools—which become coffee tables—cushions, rugs, baskets, trays and bags—many of which can also be used as plant pots—bring the playful soul of MARNI to the stage through unpredictable shapes and materials. The products of the collection feature a design that differs with irony from traditional canons, igniting imagination.

MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND sees the introduction of new hand-woven BASKET BAGS, emblematic designs of the Marni Markets, together with the STRIPE BAGS. With this Marni Market, debut the WOLLY BAGS: winking at the retro-inspired lines of the CROCHET BAGS, they are entirely covered in soft wool. The Market also presents the HAMMOCK BAGS available in a wide range of colored rainbows and in a sophisticated version with floral print, as well as cotton BOAT BAGS, characterized by timeless textures and oval PVC handles.

The MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND collection also includes the BUCKET BAGS and the MOICANA BAGS, entirely made of natural fique fiber, as well as the crochet FISH BAGS inspired by old blankets, available in a sophisticated version with elongated profiles, featuring distinctive prints of the Marni archives.

The Market welcomes a series of new metal and PVC knick knack trays and cake holders, to combine with fruit baskets, vases and magazine racks, made of the same material. The new striped crochet rugs and the HAMMOCK PILLOWS join the furnishing accessories, bringing a touch of joy to moments of relax through their colors.

Each product is one-of-a-kind and is the result of a collaborative venture with Colombian artisans who have been working with Marni for many years. Through MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND, Marni renews its commitment in engaging with local communities, in the attempt to actively preserve artisanal traditions and propel them into the present. All products creatively merge Marni’s aesthetic codes with the language of local traditions, attesting to the Colombian artisans’ visionary perspective in experimenting with materials and colors inspired by the natural world.

TO SHOP MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND PRODUCTS AT MATCHESFASHION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MARNI, 2nd Picture © MATCHESFASHION /Photo: Jermaine Francis, styling by Chris Hobbs – #MarniMarket
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

It is finally time to dress up and go out in style as restaurants are open again in Switzerland. One of my favorite spots to eat in Zurich is La Muña at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich that serves Japanese Peruvian specialties. Designed by Philippe Starck, it is a treasure chest, mingling imaginary memories of moments spent on the lake with extraordinary objects found in the city and around the world beneath the hotel’s spectacular dome.

As we have experienced lots of rain in Switzerland recently, my new wool-blend coat is the perfect cover-up for those chilly days. It works for going out as well as snuggling on the couch.

My look: Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row, cutout striped pleated wool-blend midi dress by Gabriela Hearst, Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings, and flower pendant cable-chain necklace, both by Dolce & Gabbana, two-tone slingback pumps by Prada, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

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

I am so excited to share with you the latest news. Next Tuesday, I will host with MATCHESFASHION, the luxury shopping destination, an intimate live virtual discussion with their Chief Commercial Officer Elizabeth von der Goltz, as she talks about the power of dressing, the season’s most iconic pieces and the retailer’s S/S 2021 exclusives.

Elizabeth von der Goltz with me during Paris Fashion Week

Great news is that you can win to join this live session. You will also be gifted with a one-to-one virtual styling appointment after the event, where you will receive a tailored consultation and a gift voucher of €200 to spend at MATCHESFASHION. I promise you, you will love this personal shopping experience.

The virtual zoom event will take place next Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30PM (CEST) 5:30PM (BST).

Cosima wears VALENTINO for MATCHESFASHION.
Styled by Chris Hobbs, Photographed by Danny Kasirye.

So many great pieces in my closet are available at MATCHESFASHION.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with the header «MATCHESFASHION» to . You have to be fast! All entries must be received until June 7, 2021 at 5:00 PM (CEST). No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. This contest has no restriction where you live, you can join internationally and there are two spots available. The winners will be contacted by e-mail.

Good luck! Will hopefully see you on Tuesday…

LoL, Sandra

Zinnia Kumar wears ZIMMERMANN for MATCHESFASHION.
Styled by Calvin Opaleye, Photographed by Jodie Herbage.

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

Following the success of the first two seasons, the partnership between BIRKENSTOCK and RICK OWENS is set to continue. The original and first project for BIRKENSTOCK re-emphasizes the importance of this project, being more than a collaboration.

The designs of the Rick Owens Arizona and Boston styles with extended straps, as well as the Rotterdam were updated with black metal rivets and hardware. All styles come in classic black, varying smooth, soft leather. Additionally, the Arizona and Boston are available in iridescent foiled leather.

«For our continuation with BIRKENSTOCK, in addition to the longer straps from our first season together, I’ve added a sprinkling of riveting on sandals that could have come from one of my favorite Fritz Lang movies», states Rick Owens.

The collection features the anatomically shaped BIRKENSTOCK cork latex footbed, covered with smooth premium Nappa Leather and the Rick Owens co-branding.

«Rick Owens continues to play an important role in our partnerships, his voice being totally unique and more relevant than ever. We are proud to partner with this independent designer on such level», states BIRKENSTOCK CEO Oliver Reichert.

The collection is available now to shop at NET-À-PORTER, and MATCHESFASHION.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @birkenstock1774 @rickowensonline #birkenstockxrickowens
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Another fun and cheeky collaboration from Olympia Le-Tan who joined forces with Portuguese artist and illustrator Rita Gomes a.k.a. Wasted Rita who has been amassing a huge following since starting her blog «Rita Bored» through her self-styled «natural born agent provocateur».

Emotional Iceberg, Girls Just Want to Cum or Sex Toys? Whatever you choose, please, louder for the people in the back!

To shop the collection, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan and © Wasted Rita

On June 3th, 2021 the monthly Prada Timecapsule drop will be launched on prada.com – at 3pm CET – for 24 hours only. Launched for the first time on December 5, 2019 in Europe, Prada Timecapsule presents a new item on the first Thursday of every month, an online exclusive for just 24 hours.

Tropical vibes and dynamic lines juxtapose in a bold graphic pattern for the new drop of Timecapsule, reinterpreting Prada’s iconic «Ibiscus» print. Vivid hues and chromatic contrasts add a contemporary accent to the vintage inspired bowling shirt. Available exclusively online for 24 hours only, the eighteenth drop of Prada Timecapsule features a serial number that makes it unique, for both women and men.

A special logo created by OMA, the architectural studio founded by Rem Koolhaas, together with a serial number and sophisticated dedicated packaging, makes each drop unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Oversized – Short sleeves – Bowling collar – Breast pocket – Straight hem – Mother-of-pearl buttons – 100% Cotton – Sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). Made In Italy. Price: CHF 950.

Next drop will be on July 1st, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

«Take care of your mind, your body will thank you.
Take care of your body, your mind will thank you.»

A sentence that is very true. Taking time for yourself is so important. Spending a night or a weekend in a beautiful hotel room by myself is pure luxury for me. Putting on a comfy look, enjoying a bath, reading without any distraction recharges my batteries immediately. Here you see me in my room at the La Reserve Eden au Lac, sporting my new Hermès Kelly Danse in different ways. Happy, relaxed and fully energized for many projects coming up this month.

My look: Selma ribbed-knit cardigan, Aeris ribbed-knit bralette, and Tala tie-front ribbed-knit wide-leg pants, all by Jonathan Simkhai, Kelly Danse II in Verso Blush/Rose Jaipur Evercolor leather with silver hardware by Hermès, iridescent lambskin sandals in light bronze by CHANEL (Cruise 2021), Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer, and silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

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

In the 1930s, Robert Dumas, son-in-law of Émile Hermès, whom he succeeded at the head of Hermès (1951-1978), created the women’s bag with straps. He designed a trapezoid shape with two triangular gussets, a cutout flap, a handle and two side straps, and with it he brought the house into the era of boldness and modernism.

In the late 1950s, legend has it that Grace Kelly, a Hollywood star turned princess of Monaco, was photographed holding the bag over her stomach to conceal the early signs of her pregnancy.
The bag shot to international fame and was renamed the Kelly.

The Kelly bag comes in different sizes and styles (like the Kelly Pochette or Kelly Ado for example), offering different aesthetics. There is no «right» size or shape. Although right now smaller bags are the rage, the size for you is the size you choose.

Recently, I have added a Kelly Danse to my Hermès collection. Originally released in 2007 by Jean-Paul Gaultier, who was at the helmet of Hermès at that time, Kelly Danse is a more casual and multi-functional version of the iconic Hermès Kelly. Without the top handle, and with a long strap, you can wear it seven different ways: around the waist, as a crossbody bag, a shoulder bag at two different lengths, as a wristlet, a clutch and even as a backpack!

Danse means dance in French. The idea behind its creation was to attract a younger audience: young ladies who like to dance while having their hands free. Kelly Danse was a revolutionary design for the brand. However, it was discontinued in 2013 because the shape was too «advanced» and fashion-forward. Comfortable cross-body bags were not so trendy at that time.

However, as it often happens, after the bag has been discontinued, the bag has quickly turned into a rare collector’s item and was re-introduced in 2019. Known today as the Kelly Danse II, the bag is around 22 cm in length and 17 cm in height. In terms of dimensions, the Kelly Danse II is very similar to its predecessor.

I chose my Kelly Danse II in Verso Blush/Rose Jaipur Evercolor leather (a leather that is very resilient to wear and tear) with silver hardware and love it, as it is without a doubt, the most versatile of all Hermès bags.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: AP, Courtesy of Hermès, © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I own and love this bag!

At the very tip of Cap d’Antibes in the South of France stands one of my favorite hotels in the world, the majestic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which also belongs to the Oetker Collection.

In celebration of the hotel’s 150th anniversary and to pay tribute to its exquisite natural surroundings, the ‘Grande Dame’ has collaborated with Maison Christian Dior on a signature Eden-Roc fragrance – a fusion of two emblems of French art de vivre: the inimitable Parisian elegance of Dior and the sun-bathed luxury of this iconic palace.

«When creating Eden-Roc, I was imagining an arrival at the hotel by sea. The salt, the sun, the rocky shore and the lush vegetation… The sillage is an olfactory image of this magnificent refuge. The accords express the fullness of the Mediterranean: the seawater, the flowers and citrus fruits, the aromatic herbs and maritime pines. The beauty of Eden-Roc under the warm sun is distilled in this irresistible daily ritual. It is a delight of a fragrance, inspired by the serenity of this unparalleled destination and custom designed in its honour.» – François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator.

The Eden-Roc fragrance is a burst of emotion that lingers in the air like a gentle Mediterranean breeze. A bright encapsulation of the Riviera, its balanced blend of mineral and plant essences invoke the feeling of discovery in a landscape of paradisiacal beauty.

To accompany the fragrance, François Demachy has transposed his melodious notes of seawater, wood and floral blossoms into a candle, a liquid hand soap and a body cream. These three essentials are sensuous conduits of simple, everyday luxury. At bath time or simply for a moment of relaxation, each of these creations communicate the sweetness of life in this corner of paradise.

Eden-Roc by Maison Christian Dior is available worldwide in Maison Christian Dior boutiques for  € 220 euros (125ml), € 315 euros (250ml), and €400 (450ml).

Cannot wait to be back in the South of France … soon!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Dior