Sandra‘s Closet

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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Breaking news before the weekend: Valentino has named former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele its creative director. Only a week after designer Pierpaolo Piccioli exited the Roman couture house after 25 years, including 8 years as its sole creative director.

The brand will not show menswear or haute couture in June. Michele’s first show for the brand will take place during Paris Fashion Week in September.

«I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a maison de couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story, made of distinctive elegance, refinement and extreme grace,» Michele said in a statement.

Gucci S/S 2016 designed by Alessandro Michele

Rumors were that Michele would head to LVMH, so the news come a little unexpected. Valentino is owned by Mayhoola, the fashion group backed by the Qatari royal family that also owns Balmain and Pal Zileri. Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028». The former Gucci designer – a brand that also belongs to Kering – is a is known for its maximalist aesthetic that helped triple sales at the megabrand.

The designer will work once more with chief executive Jacopo Venturini, who previously led Gucci’s merchandising efforts alongside Michele and then-CEO Marco Bizzarri before joining Valentino.

«The reinterpretation of the maison’s couture codes and the heritage created by Mr. Valentino Garavani, combined with Alessandro’s extraordinary vision, will bring us moments of great emotion and will translate into irresistibly desirable objects,» Venturini said.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault added in a statement: «With his creativity, culture and versatile talent, Alessandro Michele will be able to interpret masterfully the unique heritage of this magnificent house and make it flourish.»

Valentino S/S 2024 ad campaign

It is an interesting choice and I am really looking forward to seeing how Michele will interpret the House of Valentino, which stands for sophistication, femininity and great tailoring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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This week, I was invited to a special dinner at ORSINI in Zurich which is part of the newly opened Mandarin Oriental. Delivering exceptional Italian fine dining with authentic flavors in an intimate and sophisticated setting, it is led by award-winning Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, who was in town that night with his team.

Having previously won two-Michelin stars for Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, Guida has brought his unique talent to Zurich. Renowned for boundary-pushing culinary creations, Chef Guida’s authentic Italian dishes burst with flavour and ingenuity.

With hand-made porcelain art installation by artist Livia Marin, ORSINI invites you to appreciate the heritage of the Italian region whilst enjoying the unforgettable menu. Located in one of Zurich’s most historic buildings, ORSINI offers the perfect backdrop for a fabulous dining experience.

CAPASANTA
Lukewarm scallop with buffalo mozzarella cream, marinated cedar fruit and oyster sauce

RISOTTO
Risotto with raspberries, sage and herb cream

POLLO
Gruyère chicken with asparagus, Senise pepper puree and liver mousse

AMAZAKE MOUSSE
Amazake rice with rhubarb

Lunch
12 – 2pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Dinner
6:30 – 9:30pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Phone:  +41 435 883 888
Email: mozrh-

Enjoy the essence of Italian cuisine at ORSINI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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In the Spring of 2024, Fondation Louis Vuitton is reaffirming its mission: promoting the art of our time to the widest possible audience.. Committed to the presentation of ‘landmark works of modernity,’ the Fondation also undertakes to celebrate artists who, while having a connection with the history of modernity, have proposed new models and disrupted perceptions. At the same time, the Fondation supports contemporary creators who boldly set out to reinvent their times, while the Open Space program continues to support and disseminate emerging talent.

From May 4 to September 9, 2024, a landmark exhibition dedicated to The Red Studio (1911) by Henri Matisse (1869-1954) is being presented at the same time as a new retrospective of the work of Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) featuring paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings.

In addition, in the context of the Olympic Games in Paris, the Fondation presents a selection of works from the Collection which relate to sports, offering an alternative and poetic vision of this international event.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographer’s dream.

My look: Amy cowl-neck knotted asymmetric midi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red by Gucci, Jodie suede platform sandals and Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, vintage chain silver and gold necklace by Prada, 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.

Hout Bay, situated on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a twenty-minute drive from Cape Town.

Noordhoek Noordhoek, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a vibrant rural and artistic community village.

I ended the drive at «JAKES on the Common», that is nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with comfortable funky furnishings and plenty of detail without being intimidating. I can absolutely recommend it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The ever-present inspiration of travel across the universe of Louis Vuitton leads to a new Nautical Capsule. Elegant in design and effortless in attitude, the collection spans women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories and fashion jewelry. From relaxed tailoring and casual-chic seaside ensembles to marine-themed bags and breezy silk scarves, classic sailor elements are re-transcribed with a youthful allure.

As spring approaches, this transitional range signals a sophisticated spin on feminine sportswear. Naturally, the looks are anchored by white and navy, while stripes appear throughout – whether across T-shirt dresses, crisp shirting or plush knits. A double-breasted blazer worn with shorts or a bustier paired with trousers convey a certain polish suited to both city and coastal dressing.

How cute is this lighthouse? I am so in love with it!!!

In store starting March 22nd.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Tiffany & Co. announces the launch of its latest high jewelry capsule collection: Rainbow Bird on a Rock. The creations are bold expressions inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch, first introduced in 1965. Its timeless design is reinterpreted with a curated selection of colored gemstones, diamonds and pearls accented by rare paillonné enamel. Each exceptional work of art captures the personality and whimsical nature of the original brooch, highlighting the House’s artistry and extraordinary savoir faire, which continue to be the essence of Tiffany High Jewelry.

The unique brooches feature exceptional gemstones and craftsmanship, resulting in one-of-a-kind designs with intricate and unexpected details, embodying the essence of Jean Schlumberger’s legacy. Notable codes include Jean Schlumberger’s iconic 18k gold wirework beautifully integrated into the designs, as well as archival references with gemstone drops set en tremblant appearing to be suspended from the bird’s head.

Tiffany & Co. will debut its first eight Rainbow Bird on a Rock creations this spring. Among the unique designs is a brooch showcasing a rare black opal of over 35 carats featuring an exceptional play-of-color with flashes of red, orange and purple, and another with a stunning champagne yellow zircon of over 66 carats. Other designs playfully feature turquoise accents on the bird, one of which is set with a striking rubellite of over 68 carats and another with a blue tourmaline of over 56 carats, evoking a tropical ocean. Paillonné enamel details, also seen throughout the designs, are a tribute to Jean Schlumberger and his love of the material. During his time, the designer revived this 19thcentury technique, a complex process whereby layers of translucent colored enamel are fired over 24k gold foil, resulting in translucent, vivid hues.

The capsule collection is a tribute to Jean Schlumberger’s enduring vision. It celebrates and uplifts the expert craftsmanship and extraordinary design sensibility that continue to drive Tiffany High Jewelry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co.
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These are my kind of flowers, as they will be forever blossoming on my dress and heels. From fabric rosettes and plastic sculptures – this 3-d trend will continue to be in full bloom for a while.

The photos were taking in my suite at Hotel Maison des Champs-Elysées in Paris, before going to an amazing party with Delvaux during fashion week. Stay tuned for more!

My look: Riga double-breasted alpaca, wool and silk-blend jacket by Max Mara, appliquéd wool and silk-blend crepe mini dress, VSLING mini top handle handbag in black with sparkling embroidery,and 100 embellished leather sandals, all by Valentino, crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich, and fingerless leather gloves with bow by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Breaking news today. Pierpaolo Piccioli is parting ways with Valentino after eight ears as the Roman couture house’s sole creative director, according to a company statement which called the move a «joint decision.»

With Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2013.

Piccioli started his career at Valentino in 1999 where he oversaw accessories alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri. In 2007, the duo were handpicked by founder Valentino Garavani to lead the brand’s creative direction after his retirement. In 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri left for Dior leaving Piccioli as the sole creative director. During his tenure, Piccioli’s haute couture collections rose to fame exuding a certain poetry, which is missing often in today’s fashion world. Outstanding proportions and bold colours were styled with a sophisticated, youthful edge, the same concept he applied to his beautiful ready-to-wear collections I have loved so much.

Beautiful memory: a handwritten note from Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

«Not all stories have a beginning or an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines so bright that it won’t produce any shadows,» said Piccioli. «I’ve been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve existed and I’ve lived with the people who have woven the weaves of this beautiful story.»

Spread your wings and fly like me in Valentino S/S 2020.

A new creative configuration will be announced soon, the statement said.

«I am grateful to Pierpaolo for his role as creative director and for his vision, commitment and creativity that have brought the Maison Valentino to what it stands for today,» said Valentino chief executive Jacopo Venturini.

For F/W 2022 Pierpaolo created its own color Pink PP.
For the full look, click here.

«We extend our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of the Maison Valentino,» added Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Valentino chairman and chief executive of owner Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which controls Valentino.

Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028».

Pierpaolo walking his last finale for Valentino F/W 2024 earlier in March.

In 2023, former Valentino ready-to-wear director Sabato De Sarno’s departed to lead the designs at Gucci. The fashion wheel is turning and some big names are still out there, such as Alessandro Michele and Sarah Burton. In addition Givenchy and Lanvin are all currently missing a designer and Dries van Noten also announced this week that he is stepping down from his own brand.

Piccioli presented a black on black manifesto for F/W 2024 in Paris this month – probably a sign of his departure …

Thank you, Pierpaolo, for all your magic!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Valentino
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A new trio to adore!  The floral bouquet of J’adore is infused in Les Adorables: a series of perfumed gestures to enhance the skin with a body milk, a shower gel, and a hand, nail and décolleté cream being the latest additions.

Like their predecessors, these three new Adorables celebrate the luminous fresh and floral notes of J’adore, delivering intense pleasure directly to the skin.
Their sensual fragrance is joined by the expertise of Dior science. Elevated by sensorial textures, their formulas promise effectiveness as much as well-being.

The cases of this unique trio also add to the pleasure of the senses. With their rounded form inspired by the bead that tops the iconic perfume bottle, they take on the aesthetic codes of J’adore to transcend the traditional bath and body universe and become objects of desire to collect.

The Shower Gel – Enveloping
The shower gel combines the bath ritual with a fragrant moment of pleasure, illuminated by the notes of J’adore. Infused with jasmine extract, it envelops the body with a fine, light foam that leaves the skin silky and lightly scented.

The Body Milk – Hydrating
The Body milk enhances the skin with a caress thanks to its formula composed of 92% natural origin ingredients enriched with jasmine wax. Its creamy, soothing texture hydrates and nourishes the skin making it more supple. It feels softer and is subtly scented with the floral notes of J’adore.

The Cream for Hands, Nails and Décolleté – Soothing
With its nomad format, the Cream for hands, nails and décolleté is the perfect ally for a subtly scented touch of softness at any time of the day. Composed of 97% natural origin ingredients, infused with jasmine wax and cotton nectar, its nourishing and hydrating formula blossoms into a smooth delicate texture. With a single touch, it leaves the skin supple and satiny, enhanced by the floral scents of J’adore.

Adorably Irresistible
In addition to their irresistible scent and sensorial formulas that look after the skin, Les Adorables are a delight for the eyes. Presented in sophisticated and feminine cases, they are endlessly collectable. Showcasing a design that reinterprets the aesthetic codes of the cult perfume bottle, the iconic bead is transformed across three white cases accentuated with a touch of gold. The small format, especially for the the Cream for Hands, Nails and Décolleté, means it can be slipped in everywhere, for a moment of self-care at any time of the day.

As an introduction to the Adorables universe, the House of Dior has brought together miniature versions of the first 3 creations in the collection – the Body Cream, the Shimmering Body Gel, and the Shimmering Body Scrub – in an exclusive set available in a selection of boutiques and at Dior.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior @DIORBEAUTY
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