Sandra‘s Closet

Pack a slice of Asia wherever you go and beat the heat with the most stylish leather and horn fans, you might have ever seen! Handmade by skilled artisans and inspired by the market stalls of Java, Putri Soediono launched Pubumésu, after cutting her teeth designing theatrical accessories for Vivienne Westwood.

Putri Soediono

A third culture kid with a traditional and eccentric Asian upbringing, she holds a degree in Fashion Accessories from London Cordwainers. For her designs, that also include bags, she combines the traditional shadow puppet making of her native Indonesia with a passion for statement pieces.

Banana leaf printed leather and horn fan

Conch shells printed leather and horn fan

Watermelon leather fan

Pineapple printed leather and horn fan

Here you can enjoy some photos of the outstanding craftsmanship that goes into the fans. Every cut, stitch, shaping, forming, and treatment is conducted in the brand’s Indonesia – based factory, involving a team of classically skilled craftsmen and women, dedicated to the art of leather craft.

The team uses 100% tanned leather from cattle locally sourced on the island of Java, that is carefully treated to provide you the signature distressed look for that little edge of punk. The outcome, an entirely handcrafted piece of leather accessory you can call your own.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pubumésu, Instagram @pubumesu

With this new high jewelry collection, LOUIS VUITTON pays tribute to the powerful vision that impelled so many medieval heroines to transcend their limitations and forge their own destiny. These women made a lasting mark on the man’s world they inhabited, shaping their fate. They are the very embodiment of determination and independence, values that reflect the LOUIS VUITTON woman.

In homage to them, the House conjured up a suit of armour made of light, a luminous blaze that expresses the inner radiance of she who wears it. It irradiates outwards in a luminous choreography of glittering gems and diamonds – tens of thousands of them, initially in a line of some fifty designs, to be extended in due course with fifty more pieces.

One jewel foregrounds a beautifully velvety royal blue sapphire weighing 19.31 carats, set against a luminescent mesh woven with some 1,600 diamonds. The Royaume has refined, architectural lines that borrow from design components of a medieval fortress, such as a portcullis, chains, and a drawbridge.

With a shape inspired by the gorget – a special piece of armour designed to protect the throat – the Royaume is remarkable for its exquisitely delicate enamelling and the supple way it drapes against the skin. A richly vibrant royal blue sapphire – the most regal of gemstones – takes centre stage to symbolise the protection of the Kingdom.

Another piece, the Cavalière necklace, showcases spinel, a precious gem that symbolises ardour and courage. Here, it is cut after setting to contrast with diamonds. Spinels are distinctive for their deep red colour, infused with flashes of orange.

This amulet features a central medallion of Lapis Lazuli, polished to an infinitely silky finish that sets off the emerald’s crystalline brilliance and highlights the lapidary’s painstaking work. A carefully crafted complementarity between round – and baguette – cut stones amplifies the play of light, while the intricate delicacy of a bracelet’s settings conceal the promise of love. It took many months to assemble the 70 sapphires and 100 emeralds that combine
to encircle the neck.

The narrative force of this collection gives free rein to design, in a sculptural collection that overturns all frames of reference. With its visual vocabulary of pure lines, chiaroscuro light-play, sensual loops, and rigorous symmetries contrasting with asymmetries, it directs the spotlight firmly at the spectacular gemstones.

On the Reine necklace, nine dazzling aquamarines of a Santa Maria – like blue – combined weight 153 carats – evoke the magnificence of dynastic jewels and sovereign power.

The bezels are handcrafted to precisely fit each of the stones. They feature a unique symbol, sculpted and mounted on a pavé chain set with 24 carats of diamonds. La Reine – the Queen – was a leading figure in Medieval times, and appears in this collection as an independent and determined woman in control of her own destiny.

A wealth of detailing distinguishes this new opus, attesting to such virtuosity as only the most accomplished of jewellers possess. The Riders of the Knights collection achieves an immersive aesthetic drawn from medieval codes of chivalry and heraldic crests.

Each of these figurative pieces – Le Royaume, La Cavalière, La Reine – tells a story where the House’s many creative facets find expression, whether in the architectural simplicity of a fortress, the luminescent transience of intuition, or the protective aura of a talisman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

You snooze, you lose… I don’t let my readers miss out on hundreds of items by Tom Ford, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo and more – all now in final sale.

Shop up to 80% off at NET-A-PORTER – plus enjoy 20% off all ‘Sale Must-Haves’! Here are the 10 pieces on sale you shouldn’t miss:

Silk-chiffon headscarf by Tom Ford
A piece that will elevate every look to new heights and will be your friend on a bad hair day!

Asymmetric gathered stretch-crepe gown by Givenchy
A runway piece that moved like a flowing waterfall as it made its way down the S/S 2019 runway. An investment piece for a great piece that works for all seasons.

Dolce Box crystal-embellished acrylic clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
A clutch decorated with glistening crystals in a striking leopard pattern will never come out of fashion.

Maureen 85 leather-trimmed zebra-print satin mules by Malone Souliers
Zebra print is THE trend among animal prints for the F/W 2019 season. This is your chance to get ahead of the fashion tribe!

Love 100 glittered checked leather pumps by Jimmy Choo
Another great transition piece. A must for winter!

Belted marbled intarsia-knit jacket by Balmain
A wonderful cardigan for cold summer nights and a daily companion for winter.

Gold-tone clip earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
Would you have guessed that those earrings are now Marked down to less than €30?

Fringed jacquard-knit wrap by Etro
This wool-blend jacquard wrap is exactly what you want to reach for on chilly days.

Loulou medium leather and jute-trimmed quilted printed cotton shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
A seasonal but fun piece you shouldn’t miss! Bohemian luxe at its best.

Printed silk-twill scarf by Versace
A classic that makes a great gift as well.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is your anti-gloom remedy, a cheerful interpretation to be creative. Meet the fun universe of SOLINOTES and their eaux de parfum that were specifically developed to be worn alone, or layered to create a unique signature scent. With a collection of 15 unique fragrances, a multitude of scented combinations can be created to suit your personality, style and mood. A simple concept which, like a fashion accessory, gives each woman the freedom to flaunt her own identity and express her femininity!

My favorite combination for summer: Tiare and Vanilla

How does it work?

1. Pick up two fragrances you would like to mix
2. Spray on your skin to associate the fragrances together
3. Enjoy your unique perfume

The Essentials: Orange Blossom, Vanilla, Tiare, Cherry Blossom
Floral Scents: Frangipani Flower, Jasmin Blossom, Iris Blossom, Fig Tree Blossom
Novelties: Pink Grafruit, Yuzu, White Tea, Pomegranate
Timeless Perfumes: Musk, Rose, Blackberry

To get off to a faultless start, I recommend to spice up a floral bouquet with citrus, or to mix a fruit note with vanilla.

In Switzerland, the collection is exclusively available at Manor for CHF 15.90 (50ml) and CHF 9.90 (15ml) each. Create your own perfume book and write a new chapter each day depending on your mood!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Solinotes, © Sandra Bauknecht

NET-A-PORTER hosted cocktails in Paris during Haute Couture Fashion Week to celebrate a collection of its high jewelry designers. Private gallery Hôtel du Grand Veneur was the setting for a beautiful mirrored spiral shaped installation which housed over 20 rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from the world’s most renowned high jewelry maisons, including Chopard, Piaget, Buccellati, Lorraine Schwartz, Boehmer et Bassenge, Boghossian, Giampiero Bodino, Nadia Morgenthaler, Ana Khouri, Repossi, De Grisogono, Bina Goenka and many more.

With my beloved Lupe Puerta, Global Director of VIP Client Relations at NET-A-PORTER

NET-A-PORTER offers great service for their EIP (Extremely Important Person) customers, now taking it one step further with EIP Privé. The new high jewelry pieces are part of this new concept that was introduced to a selected clientele during Paris Fashion Week. In general, the EIPs can request to see exquisite one-of-a-kind creations via private appointments and «try before you buy», so that the jewel might never be seen by another customer again.

With lovely Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director of NET-A-PORTER.

To give the best service possible, NET-A-PORTER‘s dedicated team of personal shoppers receive comprehensive diamond and gemstone education from the Gemological Institute of America.

Amazing piece, a combination of ring and bracelet, by Bina Goenka.

Good to know is that the iconic online shopping destination adheres to the Kimberley Process, a certification scheme committed to the removal of conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. It was established in 2003 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting its creation.

Jewelry creations by Chopard.

Since 2014, NET-A-PORTER has also been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council – the only retailer to stake this claim. In addition, all fine jewelry sold over the site is tested, marked and certified according to the Hallmarking Act 1973, which guarantees the purity of precious metals.

A huge thank you goes to my personal shopper who does the best job! I am a huge fan of the EIP service and I can only recommend buying at NET-A-PORTER.

Enjoy more impressions of the night below!

LoL, Sandra

Alison Loehnis, President of NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER, with actress Mandy Moore.

With Alberto Cibrario, Sales Department Operations Manager at de GRISOGONO.

On display: high jewelry pieces by de Grisogono.

Chabi Nouri, CEO, Piaget

Gaia Repossi, Jewelry Designer

Ana Khouri, Jewelry Designer

Photos: © François Durand / Getty Images for Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Saint Tropez at the French Riviera. I love this contradictory place with its jet setter elegance and quaint old town French style. One of my favorite brands at the moment is Zimmermann. Their luxe bohemian clothing is sure to evoke wanderlust and all of their offerings for the perfect beach wardrobe.

My look: Verity floral-print linen maxi dress and floral-print cotton headband, both by Zimmermann, Saffiano double handle mini satchel by Prada, round sunglasses with triple chain by Chanel, The Rockstud 105 leather sandals by Valentino and rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After Mykonos, Capri and Porto Cervo, HUBLOT conquered another Mediterranean jewel last week, inaugurating a pop-up boutique on Ibiza for the summer. It was also an opportunity to unveil the Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza, an innovative watch in blue ceramic, limited to only 50 pieces, that draws its creative inspiration from the island, its festive nature and its symbolism.

Ibiza the white island; like its immaculate traditional fincas, stands out against the pure azure sky and overlooks the crystal-clear blue sea. This Mediterranean pearl, imbued with bohemian nonchalance, harbours elegant, intimate places and radiates the festive atmosphere of the season.

HUBLOT has set up shop here for summer 2019, dedicating its blue-and-white Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza model to the island. Crowned with a blue ceramic bezel, the 45-mm case encloses a chronograph movement, held on a bi-material strap in blue rubber and white alligator. As a nod to the hippy spirit that is part of Ibiza’s charm, the Peace and Love symbol features on the seconds counter drawn at 3 o’clock on the dial.

A horological dedication to the enchantment of Ibiza, and a way to treat yourself to celebrate the summer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © HUBLOT

This summer, I promise you that you won’t be able to walk outside without seeing someone wearing those mesh heels or strappy sandals. Just released, they already have the fashion world at fever pitch scrambling to buy a pair before they’re sold out.

Leather sandals (available in different colors, such as turquoise, white and black)

The shoes in question are created by Bottega Veneta, the Italian designer label put firmly back on the map upon securing an alum of Phoebe Philo, the former Director of Ready-to-Wear at Céline, 32-year-old Daniel Lee, as its new creative director.

Embellished leather-trimmed mesh pumps

Daniel Lee’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta focused on an «elevated way of dressing for real life» – the designer referenced Milan’s elegant street style as his starting point. His new footwear has outstanding details thanks to the angular square toe and the rubber-injected base to add stability to the fluted heel. If your size is sold out, stay calm, restocks are expected later this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottega Veneta

Today’s post is dedicated to the new luxurious drops for the sporty girls – a must for extreme athletes who are into high fashion. These items may be too precious for actual use but can serve as the perfect decor for sport lovers.

Ping Pong Set James Monogram Eclipse Canvas by Louis Vuitton (€1500)

Table tennis, anyone? Ideal for travel, this sporty set includes two professionally designed ping-pong paddles, regulation balls in a custom holder, and an exclusive cover crafted of masculine Monogram Eclipse canvas, accented with an LV Circle medal.

Basketball by CHANEL (€1990)

As part of the accessories of the Métiers d’Art Paris-New York 2018/19 collection, this basketball is available in black with either silver or gold detailing. It comes with the matching harness that’s either detailed with silver or gold hardware on the black leather sling. Let’s start playing basketball…

Skateboard by CHANEL (Price on request, on the US website $7700)

With this, the skateboard has officially become a luxury item. The cruiser-style must-have by CHANEL is crafted from black lacquered wood that is accented with a white interlocking logo. Its underside features an embossed quilting pattern referencing the French house’s signature technique.

Surfboard by CHANEL (Price on request, on the US website $8900)

On the surfboard you can see a standout silver detail on the board which is made from aluminum, glass and polyurethane.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

From flats and kitten heels to something a little higher, these backless shoes will score instant cool points and are so perfect for a sexy walk to the pool!

LoL, Sandra

Paige knotted leather mules by Cult Gaia

Quart 80 suede mules by Christian Louboutin

Crawford knotted leather mules by Gucci

Croisette crystal-embellished leather and suede sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Maureen 100 leather mules by Malone Souliers

Lyn 105 python mules by Gianvito Rossi

Smokey 100 crystal-embellished glittered leather mules by Jimmy Choo

Donata Swarovski crystal-embellished leopard-print suede mules by Aquazzura

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands