Sandra‘s Closet

Royal Ascot is almost as famous for its fashion as it is for racing. Needless to say, I had so  much fun dressing up for it. The dress code for the Royal Enclosure is quite strict, women are required to wear a modest dress and a hat with a base no smaller than four inches (10cm).

As I had to pack the hat in my hand luggage, I went for this one that fit perfectly in my little suitcase. The horsebit print of the dress was a nod to the races. I hope that you will like this outfit as much as I do. For the post about my day at Royal Ascot, click here please.

My look: Bow-detailed pleated printed silk-twill midi dress, cropped jacquard-knit wool and cashmere-blend cardigan, Horsebit 120 leather slingback platform pumps, GG-logo cat-eye acetate sunglasses, and Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bag, all by Gucci, and black sculptural hat by Philip Treacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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This week, I was invited by my dear Net-à-Porter family and London based jeweler David Morris for an amazing Royal Ascot experience.

David Morris’ iconic fine jewelry has been held in the highest esteem since the 1960s, so it’s no wonder the clientele includes everyone from Hollywood legends to modern royalty. Designed with a focus on balanced proportions and colorful precious gems, every exquisite piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques in its London atelier on the famed New Bond Street.

Needless to say, the invitation to the Royal Enclosure was opulent and distinguished. When you arrive in Ascot, you will definitely have to plan enough time. Traffic is crazy as everyone tries to get there at once. Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. The five-day event has been running since the early 1700s, after Queen Anne rode on horseback from Windsor Castle and declared the field to be a fine place to hold a race.

With Polyana Santos and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian in the box watching Tatiana’s horse in the race.

Steeped in tradition, a British monarch has attended yearly since 1825 – this year, I witnessed King Charles III‘s first opening of  the Royal Procession in a Windsor Grey horse-drawn carriage, followed by a clutch of royals, including everyone’s favourite newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Dress code perfection: Dorothy Constantin, my humble self, Polyana Santos, Becky Carson and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian

Royal Ascot is divided into four areas. First there is the prestigious Royal Enclosure, which is invitation-only and was established in 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup. Furthermore there is the Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and the Windsor Enclosure.

Being a centrepiece of the British social season, Royal Ascot is a unique place to experience magic. I enjoyed the beautiful green lawns and floral surrounds of the Royal Enclosure Gardens, which was the perfect spot for socialising with a glass of champagne, after we indulged in a beautiful lunch at Sandringham restaurant.

With my lovely hosts: John Lindsay Koulentianos ( Director of Wholesale & Franchise Development David Morris), Vikki Kavanagh (Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter Managing Director), Annabel Skamen and Michael Revenburg.

Best times with Iona Miller (Luxury Client Relations Lead Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter) and my dear friend Polyana Santos.

ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE

Whether you are attending Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village or Windsor Enclosure, be sure to check that your chosen style is perfect for the enclosure you are in by familiarizing yourself with the dress codes in advance. Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance. This is upheld by a dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right. The Dress Code set out to the right is to help you dress fittingly for the occasion. Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different Dress Code.

In the Royal Enclosure, formal daywear is a requirement and it defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
• Shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
• Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
• Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the shoulder strap requirements
• Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.

The following are not permitted:
• Fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm)
• Dresses and tops that are:
– Strapless or one shoulder
– Off-the-shoulder or bardot
– Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back)
– Spaghetti straps
– Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
• Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
• Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery)

I can only recommend a visit to Ascot, it was such a wonderful experience and I will surely be back next year! Thank you Net-à-Porter and David Morris for having me!

TO SHOP DAVID MORRIS AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Here they are the craziest shoes of the season. An art gallery’s worth of the weird, wacky and wonderful walked onto the runway for S/S 2023. Moschino’s pumps resembled miniature blow-up flamingo pool floats, one of Loewe’s sandals was entirely made of a huge 3-D petal and JW Anderson joined forces with Wellipets for some whimsical frog aesthetic. Heels, in particular, had a surreal feel, most notably seen in Alaïa‘s cabaret version and Sophia Webster‘s flamingo heels.

LoL, Sandra

Frog round toe clogs by JW Anderson x Wellipets

White coin purse heels by Pushbutton

Cabaret sandals by Alaïa

Flamingo-heel sandals by Sophia Webster

Flamingo-detail 100mm pumps by Moschino

Floral detail high-heel sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Petal 90 leather sandals by Loewe

Froufrou Alta 150 satin sandals by Christian Louboutin

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Courtesy of the Brands
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From runways to capsule collections, the «cartoonification» trend is becoming a more noticeable fashion phenomenon. When the unruly American art collective For MSCHF‘s launched this spring a pair of Big Red Boots, that are taking inspiration from Dora the Explorer’s best friend Boots and Astro Boy, the cartoonish footwear immediately went viral.

Soft padded leather bag by Prada

But there is more… Prada‘s bags are cartoonishly puffy and Loewe featured some full-on «pixelated» looks on the runway. I mean those 8-bit hoodies look like their coming straight out of a video game.

Pixelated hoodie by Loewe

Fashion can be an escape and a source of joy and humor, while providing direction, creativity, and identity. It is a mirror to what is going on in this world. And let’s be frank, social media has become an all artificial blown-up world, that you can only survive with a sense of humor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
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The eternally-glamorous red lip has recently undergone a seriously racy makeover, thanks to trailblazing makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench. Her eponymous beauty brand Isamaya Beauty has just launched its third collection, entitled LIPS, that literally screams «read my lips.»

We all know that packaging is important in our days, and Isamaya Beauty seems to have heard the call for action. Sex sells … therefore the latest product additions are head-turning phallus-inspired lipstick tubes, a playful take on the sexual innuendo marketing tactic that beauty brands have deployed forever.

But be careful, your better half might be jealous how many times per day you enjoy this glow job …

TO SHOP THE LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Isamaya Beauty
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Pastel colors are always beautiful to wear. I love combining two shades. Soft pink in combination with baby blue is very common, but partnering the feminine shade with mint green is a new take. On board of Christina O I wore this look for our first dinner.

PatBO is a brand, I can highly recommend if you want something you can take from the beach to a night out. Stay tuned I will soon give you a full insight into the amazing Brazilian brand and ist story.

My look: Stretch-jersey and crochet-knit maxi dress by PatBO, Double G matelassé wedge espadrilles by Gucci, mint green bag with charm chain, pink credit card holder on chain, choker and medallion necklace, all by CHANEL (S/S 2023 Pre-collection), crystal bead embellished earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Dynasty oversized geometric-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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This week, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU in the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau officially opened its doors, an opulent five-star hotel designed by the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, combining immaculate interiors with unrivaled hospitality.

Created with a bold vision for iconic accommodations and aesthetics, and as the world’s first and only hotel entirely designed by and named after the late fashion legend, the designer’s imaginative, inimitable style and ethos are infused into its very DNA, from its architectural elements to the specially commissioned furniture and art.

Each of the hotel’s 271 rooms and suites, as well as its Spa, Gym and pools feature Karl Lagerfeld’s bold, inspired blend of rock-chic aesthetics and elegant Chinoiserie elements. The signature restaurant, Mesa by José Avillez, translates his iconic tastes into an exquisite chic setting, while The Book Lounge is inspired by his home library in Paris. Discover fashion, luxury and beauty, fused together into a one-of-a-kind reflection of the world of Karl.

Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, said, «It’s incredible to see Karl’s vision translated into reality at THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU. It is truly a unique and immersive experience into Karl’s world. He often spoke about his fascination for Chinese culture and Karl has seamlessly combined elements from both East and West with his unique style and creative expression. In Karl’s own words, let’s “embrace the present and invent the future.»

Karl Lagerfeld’s design concept for THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU stemmed from a sophisticated reimagining of modern Chinoiserie fused with traditional craftsmanship, bold colors and patterns meet tailored silhouettes.

All rooms and suites showcase influences of both classic Chinese design and contemporary Western aesthetics: custom-created headboards were inspired by auspicious Chinese coins that represent good fortune, while porcelain vases were handmade in Jingdezhen and circular room dividers were inspired by traditional Chinese moon gates.

Reflecting Karl Lagerfeld’s passion for collaboration, specially commissioned furnishings include exquisite sculptures by Dutch artist Marcel Wanders and French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Terzani chandeliers.

For information about THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU and to book your stay, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Karl Lagerfeld Macau
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

La Vacanza, Versace’s capsule collection in collaboration with singer Duo Lipa, is what your summer dreams are made of. Beautiful colors, uplifting prints, everything you need for your next trip to the beach. Here I am wearing some pieces on board of Christina O.

My look: Printed chiffon coverup, printed metallic triangle halterneck bikini top, and printed bikini briefs, all by Versace, Impatiens acrylic and bead clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta, logo-embellished acetate sunglasses by CHANEL, gold-tone, tassel and stone necklace by Etro, and Tropical Tan logo-print shoulder bag by Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

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

Meet the most instagrammable suncare brand on the market: DARLING! «Your skin will alway be your best dress,» and using sunscreen is the first step to a successful anti-aging routine. Simplicity is the essential characteristic of the texture of the products: white and silky. Beauty is in the packaging: pastel colours and essential shapes.

A complete skin care line perfect for taking care of your skin on sunny and relaxing days as well as busy city life. The Italian brand’s philosophy is based on the concept of the sun protection factor as an essential element of daily skin care. For DARLING, SPF stands for «stay pretty forever».

Darling is for every skin type and every skin tone. High quality and know-how are in the performance of the products and their formulas. All products are anti-aging, anti-oxidant, hydrating, with light textures and easy application, 100% vegan, cruelty free, no parabens, nickel tested, and produced with 100% recyclable materials.

DARLING is available at NISHES and FARFETCH.

LoL, Sandra

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

Hublot loves to surprise, invent, innovate. With the highest expectations from the manufacture, in every possible domain: from the sapphire case, to the movement, complications and design, and, of course, the universe of its ambassadors. Only this time, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold, Hublot has returned to basics.

It all starts with the Big Bang, today instantly recognisable in the world of watchmaking. The iconic 44 mm case, the «sandwich» construction, large pushers, bezel with 6 visible, unaligned, functional screws, case and pusher guard, skeleton dial and interchangeable rubber strap which uses the brand’s own One Click system. The aesthetic is powerful, modern, disruptive. The dial features the full complement of Big Bang signatures: Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands, beneath which lies the manufacture chronograph movement, the self-winding UNICO 2.

Then, there is the exterior. Hublot has skilfully transformed this, raising it to the ranks of a true complication: stronger, more brilliant, more innovative. Always first, unique and different: Magic Gold is the embodiment of this philosophy. The unique alloy has been sublimed in this limited edition of 200 pieces, where the Magic Gold is featured on both the case and bezel. Its hues are echoed on the indices, counters and hands, in satin-finished and microblasted 3N gold. The contrast with the rest of the components of the case is all the more powerful: the titanium pushers, guards, and screws and the rubber strap are all in the deepest black.

The contrast will stay eternal. Why? Because that is how Magic Gold was designed to be. It is exclusive to Hublot. Unveiled in 2011, it is a true fusion of 24-carat gold – the ultimate noble and natural material – with the most high-tech mastery of ceramic. The result is 18K gold that is patented, unalterable and scratchproof. To give an idea of its hardness, traditional gold has a rating of 400 Vickers. Hardened steel, 600 Vickers. Magic Gold, 1000 Vickers. By injecting liquid gold into the cold-pressed boron carbide components at very high pressure, Hublot has managed to create a completely unique material, composed of gold and ceramic, that can only be scratched by diamond.

Technical accomplishment also lies at the heart of the watch, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold being driven by the new UNICO 2 manufacture movement (HUB 1280). Thinner, more precise and more innovative than the UNICO 1, its successor offers a power reserve of 72 hours and a 2-year warranty, extended to 3 years when registering for an Hublotista account.

The subject of several patent applications, the UNICO 2 boasts a gentler and quieter winding system. Its chronograph does not jump at the start, and it no longer quivers, thanks to a brand-new clutch mechanism. The UNICO 2 also offers better resistance to shocks. Furthermore, it has retained all of the aesthetic characteristics from its predecessor that are so loved by collectors – the highly technical and illustrative open worked design, and the signature «H» for Hublot. This results in a movement which requires less maintenance, and offers more operational efficiency following services, ultimately benefiting the customer.

FULL MAGIC GOLD 421.MX.1130.RX – Limited to 200 pieces.
Available for CHF 36900 / € 40600 / $ 38800 / £ 33500.

Stay tuned. I will be with Hublot in Monaco next week and I am so excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!