Sandra‘s Closet

Being back in St. Moritz is always fun! Especially if some amazing things are happening in the Engadin mountains. Moncler hosted a star-studded show in the snowy woods and it was also the start of the 117th edition of the International Horse Races this weekend.

Photo: @alex_lambrechts

The so-called White Turf, which has been held annually since 1907, is a top-class event: it combines exciting horse racing, fine catering, attractive music and art performances set against a unique mountain backdrop on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. In 2010, I reported for the first time about it. If you are curious, click here for the previous post.

Giving interviews …

In 2024, the event will take place on 4, 11 and 18 February and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from all over the world. The St. Moritz Racing Club is behind the organisation, while the main sponsors are UBS, Genesis and DC Aviation Group.

The weekend was fantastic. Crisp blue skies, and lots of sunshine were the perfect backdrop to enjoy the first race Sunday with over 45 horses from four countries competing in the three disciplines of galloping, trotting and skikjöring on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. However, the temperatures were almost too warm and due to the lack of precipitation throughout the previous week, the racecourse had also to be covered with artificial snow.

For families, I recommend the White Turf Family Days which take place on the Saturdays before the races – 3, 10 and 17 February – to celebrate young racing talent. The programme includes pony, trotting and flat races as well as mounted UBS Kids Skikjöring and duathlon competitions.

I wore head to toe DiorAlps (for the details, click here please).

In case you are wondering about the dress code, the more glam the better. Fur is seen everywhere (however, lots of fake fur in comparison to previous years), even on the dogs of the attending high society. If you are not into horses, you will still enjoy the scenery and watching people on the frozen lake. An event in Switzerland not to be missed!

Tickets for White Turf St. Moritz 2024 are available online here.
The VIP packages are almost sold out.

Below you can enjoy some more impressions… I ended the beautiful day with drinks at the new Grace hotel.

LoL, Sandra

With hat designer Fabienne Breederland @fabienne_breederland, who designed a special «White Turf» edition, that I am wearing in the photo.

With my friend Jasmin Brunner @jazbrunner, who has her own cashmere brand that is available at Jelmoli.

Having fun with Annakarina Goldkind @goldkind_annakarina.

My dear friend and colleague Jorge Guerreiro @jorge_jsbg_guerreiro and our lovely host Tina Seiler of Oppenheim & Partner at the after party.

With artist Ginny Litscher @ginnylitscher, who designed a special artwork for the White Turf, and event sponsor Irene Franco @ifra77 of Genesis Europe.

With Jorge and champagne expert Dan Roznov @champagnespy, who took my favorite photo of me at the event below.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of The White Turf
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! #whiteturf #horseracing #skikjöring #stmoritz #winners

Yesterday, I arrived at the Carlton St. Moritz for a weekend of fun. The White Turf is taking place and the Moncler Grenoble show.

Stunning views over the White Turf and St. Moritz from my suite.

Happy me arriving at The Carlton St. Moritz.

The mighty forests of the Engadin make an appearance at the Carlton Hotel. With unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountains and frozen Lake St. Moritz, my beautiful hotel suite is not only spacious, but ultra luxurious.

I started the evening with drinks at the bar in front of one of the carefully restored open historic fireplaces, followed by a dinner at the Grand restaurant. The newly developed menu gives pride of place not only local produce but to wild products from the surrounding forests. Both the look and flavor of dishes are inspired and enhanced by these gifts of the outdoors, which are picked and collected seasonally before being expertly prepared. The ingredients embody and authentic connection to the region.

I am wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Via Johannes Badrutt 11
7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 836 7000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – First Collage Photos Courtesy Carlton St. Moritz
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Just nine days after officially becoming Moschino’s creative director, Italian fashion designer Davide Renne had died of an undisclosed sudden illness last fall. The Milan fashion scene was shaken.

This week, the House of Moschino announced the appointment of Adrian Appiolaza as the new Creative Director. He will make his debut with the F/W 2024 Women’s collection, which will be showcased on February 22nd at 6:00 PM CET at the Museo della Permanente during Milan Fashion Week.

Born in Argentina in 1972, he grew up in Buenos Aires where his grandmother owned a tailoring business that initiated his love for fashion. However, it was actually his love of music that made him move to Europe to be part of the Manchester music scene, rather than his affinity with fashion.

When he made the move to London in the early 90s, he studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins. He worked then at Alexander McQueen. However his career kicked off when Phoebe Philo invited hime to join her team at Chloé after noticing his graduate collection in 2002. From here, the designer worked under Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu from 2006, then headed to Louis Vuitton as senior designer for Marc Jacobs in 2010. A quick return to Chloé as Clare Waight Keller’s design director in 2012 saw him then move to Loewe in 2014, working closely with Jonathan Anderson as the brand’s ready-to-wear design director for a decade before starting his job at Moschino.

The designer is true fashion collector himself and his own personal collection contains rare pieces from Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela and Comme des Garçons to name just a few.

I think he is the perfect choice for Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moschino and via Instagram @adrianappiolaza
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My birthday is coming up on the 30th of January, which means a brand sparkling new year is laying ahead of me! My last year was like a detox. A cleansing process that I see as a jumpstart into the new year ahead. I lost some friends but I also found amazing new ones. Lots of new possibilities, adventures, memories to be made, I celebrate the strength I’ve found in myself and the love I’ve received from those around me.

My look: Double-breasted two-tone crepe blazer, and off-the-shoulder ruched crystal-embellished crepe mini dress, both by Balmain, Ursina crystal-embellished leather pumps by Amina Muaddi, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and silver-tone crystal choker, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Clinique La Prairie.
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In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. Sometimes, it feels just wonderful to be spoilt. This can be a memorable experience you’ll be able to look back on fondly, a love letter, someone taking good care of you or a precious item that you will treasure for a lifetime and hand over to the next generation. As we know today, some items are truly investment pieces.

In terms of those must-haves, I would wish for something from this list below … just putting it out in the universe as my birthday is coming up. You never know what the fairy birthday godmother might bring … if you need help, just ask for Jean-Gilles, Antinea, Faby or Martin :-)! And now it is time for celebrations.

LoL, Sandra

Panthère de Cartier ring by Cartier

LOVE bracelet, 18K rose gold with diamonds by Cartier

Matte Alligator Birkin Faubourg 20 handbag by Hermès

Birkin Disco Faubourg 20 bag by Hermès

Mini Vert Yucca Epsom Kelly 20 by Hermès

Gilbert & George Lady Dior Art Bag #8 by Dior

Day Date 36 Oyster Everose gold with diamonds and rainbow dial by Rolex

Day Date 36 Oyster in yellow gold with diamonds and turquoise dial by Rolex

Oyster Perpetual Day Date 36 Puzzle by Rolex

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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Here comes another must-have from the House of Louis Vuitton. For his first collection for the Maison, Pharrell Williams elevates a daily accessory to give lunchtime a fancy makeover. The S/S 2024 collection for men (on the runway were also female models) has landed in boutiques worldwide, and this is by far one of the most attention-grabbing pieces.

You are all familiar with the brown paper sack. However, in the Vuitton case, it is made from supple cowhide leather in exactly the same color as the brand’s iconic shopping bags. It features the same «Louis Vuitton» and «Maison Fondée En 1854» lettering found on the bags. Inside there’s a zipped pocket and a double flat pocket to keep things organized.

The price tag is £2460. This might seem a lot, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s worth the price tag as it value will only rise being a true collector’s item.
For more information on the LOUIS VUITTON sandwich bag, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Adorned with textured mother-of-pearl, midnight blue lacquer and sparkling diamonds, the Arceau Petite Lune watch in gem-set steel extends an invitation to embark a journey beneath the starry canopy of space.

The Arceau watch designed by Henri d’Origny in 1978 combines understatement with creativity in a round shape resting on a stirrup, a nod to the brand’s equestrian roots. Its steel case featuring asymmetrical lugs and a gem-set crown is adorned with 70 diamonds using a cut-down setting technique that highlights the diamonds’ many facets. This setting frames a celestial dial that captures the gaze and propels it into a star-studded night sky.

In a play on chiaroscuro effects, the textured mother-of-pearl reveals its nuances and reliefs in shades of blue lacquer. The moon appears in an iridescent glow, while a constellation of seven diamonds lights up the surrounding darkness. Swept over by slender leaf-shaped hands, this starlit universe is brought to life by the Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement powering the hours and minutes as well as the moon-phase functions appearing between 10 and 11 o’clock. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the circular-grained, snailed and satin-brushed finishes, as well as the ‘sprinkling of Hs’ motif adorning the bridges and oscillating weight. This timepiece with its fascinating deep hues is fitted with a sapphire-blue alligator strap crafted in accordance with the brand’s saddlery and leather goods expertise.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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Congrats to my friend Tamara Ralph on her collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Both unveiled a new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon. Inspired by the Haute Couture designer’s aesthetic merging bold femininity, boundless creativity and timeless elegance, this limited edition in 18-carat pink gold shimmers with Frosted Gold and takes on a unique palette of graded hues ranging from brown and bronze to golden tones. This collaboration, which will be revealed on 22 January 2024 during Tamara Ralph’s runway show in Paris for the S/S 2024 Haute Couture Fashion Week, celebrates the natural synergies between Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture, while furthering the strong ties that Audemars Piguet has woven with creative worlds over the years.

Tamara and I at lunch at Gigi Ramatuelle in the summer

INSPIRING SYNERGIES
Believing in the power of creativity to feed culture, connect people and broaden horizons, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer has always looked to the larger world for inspiration. Over the years, the Manufacture has fostered enriching dialogues amongst fields of creative practice, including Haute Couture, with which it shares a strong commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship, precision and excellence. In 2020, Audemars Piguet began its partnership with designer Tamara Ralph, pairing several of its watches with her S/S 2021 Prêt-à-Porter collection. Pursuing their enduring relationship, Audemars Piguet and Tamara Ralph have collaborated this year on the design of a Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon inspired by Ralph’s Couture universe.

«My intention for the design of this piece is for it to capture the spirit and craftsmanship ofboth my brand as well as Audemars Piguet. The complications of watchmaking orchestrate a foundation which can be played with in terms oftextures, colours and designs, allowing for the savoirfaire of couture to shine through. Rich materials, unique colour palettes and ultimate precision are combined, creating an exquisite limited edition of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, inspired by Haute Couture.»
Tamara Ralph – Creative Director and Founder of Tamara Ralph

A REFINED PLAY OF TEXTURES AND LIGHT
The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon «Tamara Ralph» Limited Edition showcases an 18-carat pink gold case adorned with Frosted Gold. This ancient Florentine jewellery technique was revisited by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and adapted by Audemars Piguet artisans in 2016 to decorate the Manufacture’s timepieces. Tiny indentations are created on the gold surface with a diamond-tipped tool, giving a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. lts visual power is accentuated by the polished bevel outlining the octagonal bezel, while the case’s satin-brushed flanks provide added contrast. The juxtaposition of finishing techniques-a meticulous operation which required perfect alignment between the hammered, brushed and polished surfaces-gives sumptuous texture to the case, while bestowing it with endless plays of light. For its part, the caseback’s glareproofed sapphire crystal is held in place by an 18-carat pink gold octagonal frame, finished with satin brushing and polished chamfers and engraved with «Royal Oak Concept Limited Edition.» Lastly, the hexagonal crown, whose shape recalls the stainless steel screws punctuating the bezel, also plays with light thanks to its satin-brushed and polished finishing. lts translucent cabochon-cut sapphire adds yet another touch of feminine elegance to the case design.

A HARMONY OF COLOURS AND LAYERS
The multi-layered dial takes inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Tamara Ralph’s Couture creations. lt is composed of four overlapping circular pink gold plates, creating a ripple effect as they emanate from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Each layer presents a different colour, evolving from brown in the centre to bronze in the middle, to reach golden tones towards the dial’s extremity. While the brown and golden colours have been achieved through galvanic treatment, the bronze layer is covered with bronze lacquer. The dial is finished with a continuous sunburst satin-finishing radiating from the hands outwards, in seamless alignment from one plate to the other. Pushing details to the limit, each plate is adorned with a thin diamondpolished gold thread that adds depth to the dial. Matching with the circular, multi-layered architecture of the dial, the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock merges technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetic.

The cage’s upper frame incorporates three rings radiating from a decentred disc paved with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 0.04 carats). lts pink-gold-toned hue echoes the 18- carat pink gold hour and minute hands, both filled with luminescent coating for optimum legibility in the dark. At 12 o’clock, the applied pink gold AP monogram adds the final touch. Hour-markers have been left out to accentuate the purity and harmony of the dial design. The timepiece comes with a bronze-toned hand-stitched «large square scale» alligator strap. lt is also supplied with an additional brown alligator strap recalling the centre of the dial for a refined look. The two straps are decorated with a pearly finishing adding subtle elegance and glamour. The timepiece’s glittering hues and intricate details will catch the eye from up close and afar, just like a Couture piece would.

I am absolutely in love with this timepiece!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht
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I have to admit that I love everything vanilla. The ingredient has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for centuries. That is why it is of no surprise that it is one of the scents that men find attractive in women.

However there’s an intrinsic paradox to vanilla: One of the world’s most rarefied spices, it has also become shorthand for blandness in everything from food to sex. Within the fragrance world, it’s generally associated with sweet body sprays from Victoria’s Secret rather than a high-end perfume. Tom Ford is about to change this with its newest fragrance launch VANILLA SEX!

Addictive by nature, glamorous by design, a captivating interplay of deep and bright vanilla notes star in VANLLA SEX. An unforgettable experience, this new fragrance is an icon of sensual pleasure that is far from innocent.

Vanilla Tincture India, an ingredient created specifically for VANILLA SEX, exudes a soft sensuality. Vanilla reveals a pristine glamour, warmed by mysterious florals and bitter almond essence. A timeless sandalwood quality mingles with enticing tonka absolute and an exquisite Ultravanil™ molecule.

The bottle is featuring an opaque, cream-colored inner lacquering, a honey-tinted outer layer, and a caramel-hued plaque, the Private Blend bottle is an extravagant monument for any vanity/grooming area.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy
Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands
Key Notes: Vanilla Tincture, Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood

In Switzerland available at Globus for CHF 358.00 (50ml) and CHF 221.00 (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Tom Ford
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«The LaQuan Smith muse is a woman who appreciates glamour; someone who is not afraid to dress up in the middle of the day just to run her errands “like a boss woman should.”» – Laquan Smith

I am such a big fan of the work of Laquan Smith. His clothes are sexy and fun to go out with. Here you see me on the streets of London, my happy place, during the day, running some errands before going out. My favorite coat of the season is keeping me nicely warm.

My look: Belted padded hooded shell coat by Alaïa, cold-shoulder twill halterneck midi dress by LaQuan Smith, limited edition Maria Frou Alta satin platform pumps, and Paloma mini bag with flamenco strass, both by Christian Louboutin (Flamencaba collection), Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold by Cartier, embellished leather belt, embellished clip-on earrings, embellished choker, and heart necklace, all by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @georgiashane
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