Sandra‘s Closet

4th of April marks the start of the 64th annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, and one stand will definitely attract the crowds, as rare books dealer Lux Mentis has a very special treasure on display.

A signed first-edition copy of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been rebound in goatskin to feature one thousand white diamonds – totaling nearly 30 carats – and one showstopping two-carat emerald-cut sapphire in the shade of the iconic Tiffany blue. The book will eventually be valued at $1.5 million; a magnificent piece showcasing spectacular craftsmanship created to mark the centenary of the writer’s birth, a literary treasure.

Award-winning master bookbinder Kate Holland worked with a team of British craftspeople on the project, that was masterminded by Paul Suntup of US bookbinders Dragon Rebound, which specializes in rebinding first editions and rare books.

The book sits on a custom plinth by glass artist Jade Pinnell, inside a birdcage by Dominic Parish, referencing the birdcage in the story, which symbolizes the reluctance to be confined or restricted of the lead character Holly Golightly — famously played in Blake Edwards’ 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany’s film by Audrey Hepburn. The whole, including a portfolio of images by photographer David Attie, are housed in a custom trunk also by Parish, a British cabinetmaker and craftsman who has produced work for royal families and private collections. The trunk references Golightly’s peripatetic lifestyle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DRAGON REBOUND and Courtesy of David Attie Estate
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«It’s the scent of summer, the scent of happiness.» – Kilian Hennessy

Are you in the mood for summer? Then I recommend smelling the newest scent by KILIAN Paris, so- called Sunkissed Goddess. Being a reinterpretation of Monoi Oil, the traditional Polynesian elixir with a luxurious halo of warm sunlight and fresh narcotic florals, it heightens the multi-sensorial memories of your beach holidays. Think of tanning oil and the heat of the sun …it is an invitation to experience the sensations of summer all year round.

Olfative Family: The Narcotics
Top Notes: Ylang-Ylang Essence, Tiare Flower
Heart Notes: Coconut, Vanilla
Base Notes: Guaiac Wood, Cistus Labdanum

Available for CHF 260.00 in limited edition. I am obsessed! It is literally summer in scent, oil on body, sun kissing skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Kilian Paris
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First spotted on the S/S 2024 runway, the new LV Split Cat-Eye frames put a distinctive spin on an iconic sunglass style.

The mask features an original twist to classic sunglasses, with its lenses’ side edges floating out of the frame to reveal a sliver of space. Disguised behind the lens and at the center front of the face a subtle Monogram flower provides femininity, while a gold LV Circle signature adds a final touch to the temples.

Offered in classic black, chic cream, and a vivid orange that nods back to the runway scenography, the LV Split Cat-Eyes signal their sleek allure from afar. Up close, these new daring and sophisticated sunglasses make an instant impression.

In stores for CHF 475.-.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Congrats to my dear friend Mary Katrantzou, who announced today, that she will be the first ever Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories in the Roman high jeweller’s 140 year history. She will undertake the position alongside the continuing creative directorship of her eponymous brand.

With my dear Mary Katrantzou at the baptism of her son in Spetses.

«The rich cultural heritage and dual Greco-Roman roots of BVLGARI have played an integral part in my formation as a designer. I have always been inspired by the design codes and syncretism of BVLGARI, its mastery of colors and the depth of narrative. I’m deeply honored to be the first Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories, leading the creative vision for this new chapter and elevating everyday life into a form of art. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mireia Montoya for introducing me to the world of BVLGARI and to Jean-Christophe Babin for his trust in me and welcoming me to the family.» – Mary Katrantzou

With Mireia Montoya who is wearing one of Mary’s first designs for BVLGARI, and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Mary’s first couture show

The first time Mary collaborated with BVLGARI was for her first couture show at the Temple of Poseidon for the Elpida charity in 2019, when BVLGARI loaned her their incredible heritage high jewelry pieces.

BVLGARI x Mary Katrantzou – Part 1

Part 2

She launched two special bag collections afterwards in collaboration with the Roman house.

Personally speaking, I remember it so vividly when Mary launched her amazing initial bag collection and we presented it during the UBS Economy of Fashion in London in 2017.

Bauknecht or BVLGARI – the B is the most important and obviously I had a good feeling of what is coming up already in 2017. Mary and I had many years ago a long dinner conversation about which brand she would love to design for. I think she made a match made in heaven with BVLGARI! I cannot wait to see the outcome of Mary’s amazing creativity.

There is something about Mary, that we all love! So many friends came to her show at the Temple of Poseidon to celebrate her!

Mary’s debut collection for BVLGARI will be in stores globally in August 2024.
Mary, I am so proud of you!

LoL Sandra

Photos: © Bvlgari / Mary Katrantzou / Sandra Bauknecht
#Bvlgari #MaryKatrantzou #SerpentiMetamorphosis #MaryKatrantzouxBvlgari #NataliaVodianova #NakedHeartFoundation
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In December 2021, Billie Eilish announced an eco-friendly limited-edition vinyl version of «Happier Than Ever» made from recycled vinyl scraps. The collector’s item was available only at a number of Gucci stores around the world and included Gucci-branded nail stickers designed by the brand’s creative director at that time, Alessandro Michele. Needless to say it sold out in seconds and the market got flushed with fake stickers available on Amazon, Etsy and others.

However, the best is yet to come. The nail stickers set – created to celebrate House emblems through the GG monogram and lettering in multiple shades and styles – is available now for only CHF 20 without the vinyl. This is a true collector’s item for all beauty lovers. Comprised of 176 stickers, the set includes four designs that allow for endless creative combinations, infusing each look with brand recognition.

How to use: After allowing a base coat of your chosen nail color to dry fully, place the nail-art sticker of choice on the middle of each fingernail. Press it for a few seconds with a finger, and then release.

TO SHOP THE NAIL STICKER SET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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For the S/S 24 collection, Erdem partnered up with Barbour to create a show piece inspired by the late Duchess of Devonshire. Looking to the master couturiers who would have dressed Cavendish, Erdem reworked Barbour’s signature waxed cotton into a trapeze opera coat.

Deborah Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, (1920-2014) photographed by Mario Testino in a November 2010 issue of Vogue, was the grandmother of fashion model Stella Tennant (1970–2020) and aristocrat William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington. 

The coat highlights Cavendish’s love of the great outdoors. A decidedly feminine take on the iconic British jacket, it features a couture-inspired open neck and comes with a detachable quilted gilet made up of antique-inspired floral linens and cottons.

«My work has always been about creating pieces with a human hand and I felt there was real synergy in our approach to craftsmanship. It was wonderful to collaborate with a brand with such an extraordinary history,» says Erdem Moralioglu in the press release.

To shop the Erdem x Barbour convertible floral-print quilted corduroy-trimmed waxed-cotton coat, click here please.

I am completely obsessed with this piece and needless to say, it has found its way into Sandra’s Closet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Erdem x Barbour
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Snow bunny in Gstaad … inspired by the world of winter sports, the Prada On Ice collection presents technical ski wear blending specialized know-how with a distinctive style. Ski clothing and accessories mix with oversized jackets animated by colorful geometric and floral patterns, jersey outfits and mountain-inspired cashmere sweaters.

My look: Printed nylon down jacket, printed technical fabric ski pants, jacquard cashmere crew-neck sweater, printed stretch jersey top, quilted printed Re-Nylon scarf, and printed Re-Nylon bucket hat, all by Prada, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, and Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino.

Do you prefer spending Easter in the sun or in the snow? In today’s world you can have both and enjoy your new ski outfit for many months during the year. Therefore it makes sense to invest in a great look that keeps your warm but that is also fun to wear.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Gstaad Photography Raphael Faux 
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Greetings from South Africa! Sea Point is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. The neighbourhood offers stunning views of the ocean and the famous Lion’s Head, as well as some fantastic restaurants and pubs. Being an affluent neighbourhood, it is situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean with the popular promenade on the edge of the shore stretching all the way into Mouille Point passed Green Point. Here you see me at Queen’s Beach, which is more secluded than those beneath the main stretch of the promenade right after I arrived in my travel outfit. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish – ready to conquer the rest of the day! Do you sea my point?!

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, GG logo print knitted top in blue, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakers, and cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses, all by Gucci, black wide drawstring pants, (Look 33 Pre-collection Summer 2021) and wallet on chain, both by CHANEL, «Coaching» Forever Scarf 90 by Hermès, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Hair Ritual by SISLEY slogan says it all: «Haircare is the new skincare.» We all should treat our hair as we treat our skin. If you have fine hair lacking density and vitality, here is your solution.

Designed for men and women, and all hair types, the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo (Soin Lavant Fortifiant Densité) is the perfect complement to the Hair Rituel by SISLEY Revitalizing Fortifying Serum (Sérum Revitalisant Fortifiant) to support hair vitality. Its goal: to boost hair so that it is more resistant and has a visibly thicker and stronger look.

After having tried the product, I can say that my hair has appeared regenerated from the first application: looking thicker and fuller with body. With its continuous use, it is stronger and more resistant and has a radiant quality.

THE PERFECT PARTNER OF THE AWARD WINNING SERUM

The Fortifying Densifying Shampoo is the first step in a truly rejuvenating haircare ritual. Follow with the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum, a highly effective, concentrated product for even stronger, thicker hair.

THE YOUTH AND DENSITY RITUAL

AS A THREE-MONTH CURE:
Use the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo every time you shampoo.
Use the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum every other day for a month, then use it twice a week for two months.

TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY HAIR ALL YEAR AROUND:
Use the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo every time you wash your hair or alternate with a different shampoo.
Apply the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum continuously twice a week.

HOW TO USE

Fortifying Densifying Shampoo: add water to a small amount to form a foam.  Massage into the scalp. For best results, leave in for three minutes before rinsing.
Revitalizing Fortifying Serum: apply three pipettes, line by line, focusing on patches where hair has fallen out.

Fortifying Densifying Shampoo (Soin Lavant Fortifiant Densité)
Launch date: available from April 1, 2024
Price on sisley-paris.ch: CHF 78.50 (200 ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © SISLEY Paris
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Following my tradition, just a little later than usual, here are my favourite outfits of 2023 – a little retrospective recalling my most fashionable moments, photographed in amazing places around the globe.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2023: New Year’s Eve at the Palace

I am a Queen – Ultimate Style – Dolce at the Palace

Aries – Adventure Time

Painted Dots – Zodiac Lover

FEBRUARY 2023: Delicious Burger

Keep Going!! – Last Days of Winter – VIP Party Mood

Anagram – I am Enough – Hot Party in the Snow

MARCH 2023: Orient-Express

Egg-Citing – Unboxing Valentino – Boston Love

Boston, Boston, Boston – Classy With a Savage Side – Butterfly Effect

APRIL 2023: Did You Know?

Vitamin Sea – Enjoy Every Moment

Retweet – Pasta

MAY 2023: Share the Good Life

Coronation Weekend – Black and White – Pucci Pucci

Spring Is Here – Floral Camouflage – Timelapse

JUNE 2023: Help!

Paris Couture Week – La Vacanza – Art

Pastel Fun – Corsica

Royal Ascot – Parisian

JULY 2023: Greekaba

Remember – Ibiza Life – Freedom

Maruja Mallo – Monaco – Buzzing With Life

Make Change Together – Adorable

AUGUST 2023: Pucci on the Rocks

Tropézienne – Life Is Beautiful – Dioriviera

Los Angeles – Best Friend – Change Is Inevitable

Paris France – Queen of the Jungle

SEPTEMBER 2023: Well Red

Life Is Too Short To Wait – California Paradise – California

Black Tie – Body Talk – Saloni

OCTOBER 2023: Cocktail Hour

Barbados – Fun

Hollywood On The Tiber – DiorAlps

NOVEMBER 2023: Bondage Glam

Bahrain – Oversized – XXL

Cat Lady – Green with Purple

Brand Sparkling New – London

DECEMBER 2023: The Good Life

Dream More – Chapman’s Peak Drive – Loubishow

Forever – Maybe

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