Sandra‘s Closet

Some pieces are simply too special to be worn only once. This Oscar de la Renta dress is one of them. I first wore it four years ago during Paris Fashion Week, for a special occasion hosted by Dr. Barbara Sturm.

With Dr. Barbara Sturm at Kaviar Caspia in Paris in 2021 wearing the dress for the first time.

Last week, I was wearing it again in a very different setting in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the National Palace in Santo Domingo on the occasion of Oscar de la Renta’s 60th anniversary.

Christmas tree camouflaging.
So perfectly decorated that I almost disappear into it.

The dress remains the same. I only changed the shoes and the earrings. And yet, it feels completely new.

My look in Paris: Open-back appliquéd tulle mini dress by Oscar de la Renta, vintage dark green stingray leather clutch, and platform sandals, both by Alaïa, oversized gold-tone, leather, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

My look in Santo Domingo: Open-back appliquéd tulle mini dress and dark green long beaded tassel earrings, both by Oscar de la Renta, vintage dark green stingray leather clutch by Alaïa, and Jodie rose-embellished white leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent.

With its iconic three-dimensional floral appliqués, a design made iconic by Taylor Swift, this gown is an absolute dream piece. And when you are lucky enough to own something this special, you should wear it again and again. Because every time you do, it feels like a Christmas gift all over again: familiar, yet still magical.

These images below were taken in Paris, but over the coming days I’ll also be sharing what I experienced with Oscar de la Renta in Santo Domingo. This is just the beginning. Merry Christmas and stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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There are colors that carry emotion within them and burgundy is one of them. Deep, romantic, quietly powerful. When I wore this look during Paris Fashion Week, I felt wrapped in its warmth, unaware that life was about to shift again.

These photographs were captured in a moment of light, laughter, beauty, and that fleeting Parisian magic. I look at them now, from the stillness of a hospital room, sitting beside my father on the palliative ward, and they whisper something different. They remind me that happiness is delicate, that life can change in the time it takes to exhale, and yet, beauty remains.

Since losing my mother, I’ve learned that love and loss often live side by side. In caring for my father, in the quiet hours between worry and tenderness, I return to these images to edit, to write, to remember. It’s my way of breathing through the heaviness. This post isn’t just about fashion. It’s about the contrast, between fragility and strength, between what fades and what endures. Burgundy became a reflection of my heart: graceful, bruised, but still beating.

My look: Cropped cashmere-blend turtleneck sweater, pleated knitted cashmere-blend midi skirt, and Le Teckel small leather-trimmed suede shoulder bag, all by Alaïa, vintage sunglasses in burgundy with stingray leather by Louis Vuitton, lace tights by Calzedonia, Rossy 160 patent leather platform sandals, and hoop-drop clip earrings, both by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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Marking the beginning of a new month and celebrating Switzerland’s National Day right where I am, in the heart of it. Dressed in Alaïa, inspired by the graceful spiral of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, curves, structure, and movement. Art and architecture translated into fashion.

My look: Cropped asymmetric denim jacket, matching pleated denim mini skirt, and thin spiral gold-tone earrings, all by Alaïa, key charm with pearls by Simone Rocha, Arcadie leather mini bag, doll technical yarn trick, trick key chain with lock, leather, cord and metal trick, and cord bracelet, all by Miu Miu, embellished aviator-style recycled-acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, and Nama Leather-trimmed embroidered suede and mesh platform sneakers by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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Buttercup Yellow is having a moment, bold and soft at once, and full of life. I built this look around a relaxed-fit, slightly transparent pant in the season’s most radiant hue, and let the color echo in the details: soft yellow nails and a basket bag with a matching pop of sunshine. It’s a tone that turns heads without trying too hard, just like summer should feel.

My look: Stretch-jersey bandeau bra and briefs set, pleated georgette peplum tapered pants, and patent leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats, all by Alaïa, beehive basket bag by Loewe, vintage black braided cord necklace by Emporio Armani, and Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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Wanderlust meets high fashion in today’s look. I’m setting off in style with a bold mix of classic luxury and playful details – think statement patches, a travel-ready Louis Vuitton bag, and my new favorite: wide, offbeat Alaïa jeans that redefine the silhouette. Whether it’s the city streets or a faraway escape, this outfit is all about embracing the journey with confidence and character.

Worn in Episode 88 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Travel patch bomber jacket, and matching Side Trunk MM bag, both by Louis Vuitton, white tank top by Alexandre Vauthier, high-rise tapered jeans by Alaïa, Nama suede-trimmed leather platform sneakers by Chloé, hoop-drop clip earrings by Saint Laurent and round sunglasses in shiny pink by Loewe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @whbeyaz
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‘Tis the season to be jolly … Merry Christmas to all of you! The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and festive cheer, and my outfit reflects just that! I am so happy to be spending the festive days with my family in Zurich.

My look: Wool-jersey bodysuit, bubble wool-blend cuffs, and bouclè wool-blend mini skirt, all by Alaïa, vintage fox fur cape by Givenchy, black Medusa Aevitas platform pumps with studded heel by Versace, crystal-embellished sunglasses by Gucci, gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, and Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Party time in Athens with my dear friend Mary Katrantzou. Great memories of a legendary night and the start of an amazing new adventure. My white jumpsuit couldn’t have been a better choice, like a plain white canvas waiting to be filled with something exciting.

My look: White jumpsuit with crinoline legs by Alaïa, Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bagby Gucci, Tribute woven leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, and bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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Alaïa is participating to Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life, taking place from September 1st to September 30th, at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, in Venice.

This renowned event, curated by Michelangelo Foundation (a non-profit institution based in Switzerland, which champions craftspeople worldwide with the aim of promoting a more human, inclusive and sustainable future) under the art direction of Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini, showcases the finest in contemporary craftsmanship. In immersive exhibitions staged across the magnificent spaces of Fondazione Giorgio Cini, you can discover hundreds of handcrafted objects made by talented craftspeople from all over the world. Meaningful milestones will be celebrated with special objects handcrafted by skilled artisans according to specific techniques. From childhood to travel, romance to dreams, Homo Faber 2024 will showcase the craftsmanship behind the objects that accompany life’s most precious moments. Enjoy exceptional scenography, live artisan demonstrations and unique experiences from culinary ones to special tours. This year, Alaïa will present 30 knitted dresses that embody the Maison’s devotion to femininity.

Knitting is one of the essences of the House of Alaïa. Born from the savoir-faire of its ateliers, developed with its historical suppliers, Alaïa’s meticulous craftsmanship transforms knitted fabric is transformed into a prestigious source of pure beauty.

To book your private visit, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Alaïa / Homo Faber 2024
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Following some requests, this post is dedicated to everything «mini». Zurich weather is so beautiful at the moment, that we can finally sport the mini skirts again. For chilly evenings, sport them with a cropped denim jacket that adds a bit of an edge to every outfit.

My look: Cropped denim hooded jacket by Alaïa, check-pattern knitted crop top, and matching buttoned gingham knitted mini skirt, both by Balmain, LV Link square sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, Aevitas pointy stud leather platform pumps by Versace, small logo bag in burgundy (S/S 2023,Look 44), and ring, both by CHANEL, and gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Last weekend, nearly a million techno music fans came to Zurich for the 31st Street Parade. The world’s largest techno party always takes place on the second Saturday in August. More than 200 DJs took part in the festivities, letting the electronic and techno music fans dance around Zurich’s lake basin. In the evening, the event continues in the city’s clubs. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun time at the Baur au Lac hotel, my favorite place to be during the festivities. It is a great way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park.

My look: Tattoo Collection mesh crop top, and matching flared tulle pants, both by Jean Paul Gaultier, silver-tone crystal body chain by Area, Tribute woven leather espadrille wedge sandals, and New Wave 181 LouLou heart shaped sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, Le Coeur leather shoulder bag, both by Alaïa, and necklace, by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

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