Sandra‘s Closet

It’s truly board game season … Balenciaga created a limited-edition Monopoly game with fashion-themed tokens (like scissors, mannequins) and properties, as an exclusive gift for VIP clients, part of a luxury trend where brands sell culture and nostalgia through unique experiences, not standard retail products, focusing on brand exclusivity and high-value storytelling.

The goal is to generate buzz, reinforce brand exclusivity, and offer a unique, desirable experience rather than a mass-market product.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Following the recent Instagram trend, I decided to dive back into 2016, when fashion went full volume. Before quiet luxury, before restraint became aspirational, 2016 was about impact.

This was the era of Vetements energy, Balenciaga proportions, and Gucci maximalism. Oversized silhouettes pushed to excess, hoodies and bombers worn like armor, chokers framing the neck with intention, distressed denim taken to extremes, thigh-high boots paired without hesitation. Logos weren’t whispered, they were declared.

Streetwear and high fashion didn’t just meet. They collided.

The current return to 2016 isn’t accidental. It follows a widely discussed ten-year cultural cycle, a moment when fashion and internet culture begin to reject hyper-curation and visual restraint. As the polished, controlled aesthetics of the early 2020s lose momentum, there is a renewed appetite for excess, imperfection, and emotional immediacy. What resurfaces isn’t a replica of the past, but the attitude of it: fashion that allows scale, provocation, and unapologetic presence.

For me, 2016 wasn’t a reinvention. It was a moment of alignment, when the dominant fashion language finally mirrored an intensity I had always embraced. Gucci’s eclectic maximalism, Vetements’ provocation, Balenciaga’s scale: the visual vocabulary of that year allowed fashion to be excessive, expressive, and unapologetically styled.

What followed didn’t soften. It intensified.

My style didn’t pivot after 2016, it escalated. Proportions became sharper, contrasts more extreme, statements more deliberate. Not in response to trends, but through a long-standing instinct to push silhouettes further rather than edit them down.

This post is a curated edit of my favorite looks from 2016, a year defined by volume, attitude, and fashion without restraint. If you like to see all the details of the respective looks, I invite you to visit the previous post MY FAVORITE OUTFITS OF 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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During Paris Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of joining Lanvin and designer Peter Copping for an intimate dinner, a night filled with conversation, creativity, and the quiet glamour that only Paris can offer. For the occasion, I wore a dress and cardigan from Lanvin’s current F/W 25 collection, pieces that perfectly capture the season’s understated sophistication. I styled them with vintage pearl necklaces and glossy red pumps from my own archive, adding a personal twist to the look. To complete the outfit, I carried a vintage Balenciaga bag, a subtle nod to Peter’s past at the house, and, as he shared with me that evening, to his many visits to Zurich during Demna’s early days there.

My look: Cropped open-knit cardigan, and matching paneled knitted midi dress, platform heels in red patent leather, long necklace with pearls, feathers, ribbon and rhinestones, and long multi-strand pearl necklace, all by Lanvin, and suede opera clutch bag by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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For our «City Girl» theme on MY STYLE ROCKS, where we asked contestants to create a look inspired by their favorite city, I simply couldn’t choose just one, so I wore them all.

I chose a fabulous Balenciaga dress printed with iconic skylines from Paris, London, Tokyo, and Berlin, paired with heels featuring the Big Ben and Eiffel Tower sculpted into the heels. To top it off, I carried a sparkling Eiffel Tower clutch bag, because every city girl deserves a little extra shine. 

Worn in Gala Episode 107 «City Girl» of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: City print dress by Balenciaga, leather wedges with city icons in heels by Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier, Eiffel Tower crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch by Judith Leiber Couture, New Wave 181 LouLou heart shaped sunglasses by Saint Laurent, silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and crystal drop choker necklace, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @yayhan
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This Sunday on MY STYLE ROCKS it’s K-POP madness – and your favorite juror (yes, me) showed up like a glitter explosion met a rainbow in Seoul. 🦄💥

I’m rocking:
🖤 A black tulle skirt with maximum drama.
👢 Platform boots that make me 2 inches closer to stardom.
🌈 A denim jacket in rainbow realness (yes, the back is a whole mood!).
💎 A glitter top because subtlety is not in the K-Pop dictionary.
🌙 Space buns? Of course. Iconic, intergalactic, indispensable.
(All details below, just click on the links to be transferred to the respective websites.)

And wait for it… one of the fabulous contestants dedicated a glowbiotic with schisandra to me. I’ve officially made it – skincare meets fan culture meets fashion fantasy.

You do not want to miss this episode. Fashion, fun, and fabulous chaos – just the way we like it.

📺✨ Tune in, scream, screenshot. K-pop your life up.

Worn in Gala Episode 97 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Denim jacket «Late» by Mira Mikati, tulle crop top with crystals by Prada, rainbow sautoir by Matthew Williamson, mini tulle skirt by Simone Rocha, strawberry clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, toy choker necklace, rainbow choker necklace with medal, and Hello Kitty printed leather tote, all by Balenciaga, necklace with pink bag charm, and leather gloves with bow, both by CHANEL, Aevitas leather platform boots in black by Versace, and round sunglasses in shiny pink by Loewe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @whbeyaz
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Plaid meets chambray, and a sweater joins the crew – casually tied around the waist, pulling the whole look together.
It’s all about smart layering and unexpected pairings that just work.
Every piece brings its own vibe, but together? A perfect match.
Texture, tone, and a touch of creativity – this is what true #TeamWork looks like.

Worn in Episode 71 of MY STYLE ROCKS.

My look: Chambray blouson jacket, check-pattern mini dress, boat-neck top with extra long sleeves, wool tube top, crystal logo hair clip, and poplin and lace logo scarf, all by Miu Miu, Xpander cat-eye frame sunglasses by Balenciaga, Santia Botta crystal-embellished suede knee boots, and  Palmette crystal-embellished suede cross-body bag, both by Christian Louboutin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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I was thrilled to hear about the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga. Having had the chance to meet him personally, I was deeply impressed not only by his creative vision but also by his warmth and humility. His work at Valentino was nothing short of exceptional — poetic, elegant, and deeply human.

I loved Valentino under Pierpaolo.

With a career spanning over two decades, Pierpaolo began as an accessories designer at Fendi before joining Valentino in 1999. He rose to become co-creative director alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, and later took the helm as sole creative director in 2016. Under his leadership, Valentino embraced a romantic, emotionally resonant aesthetic that combined timeless beauty with a strong message of inclusivity and humanity.

With Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2013.

Balenciaga, on the other hand, has long stood for radical innovation, architectural silhouettes, and a provocative spirit. Founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga — a true master of form and construction — the house has never been afraid to challenge norms and push boundaries. It is today owned by the Kering Group.

Balenciaga S/S 2025 Campaign 

Pierpaolo’s arrival marks a fascinating and bold shift. It’s not only a meeting of two strong creative identities — it’s also likely a turning point for Balenciaga itself. After years of dominating the streetwear conversation under the leadership of Demna, who is heading to Gucci, and pushing shock-value aesthetics, this move could signal the end of that era. With Piccioli, we may see a return to emotion, craftsmanship, and elegance — a more refined and soulful vision of luxury.

I believe this is a powerful, forward-thinking decision and an exciting new chapter for both Piccioli and the house of Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Balenciaga
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There’s something magical about the first warm days of the year — feeling the sun on your skin, seeing nature bloom, and simply enjoying the beauty around us. Switzerland has been especially stunning lately, and I’m thankful for every moment here before heading back to Istanbul for work. Even after challenging times, spring reminds us that new beginnings are always possible.

My look: Double-breasted leather coat in pink, and mid-rise skinny jeans, both by Valentino, Speed 2.0 knitted sneakers, and slap bracelet, both by Balenciaga, 2020 mini classic flap belt bag, large classic flap bag in caviar leather, chain earrings with logo, embellished sunglasses, and black and pink N°5 tank top (Look 34, S/S 2021), Denim Hotfix Embellished Overshirt, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Neon green – loud, unapologetic, and totally on trend.
Wearing bold colors isn’t out of the ordinary for me, and this neon green look was made for the spotlight. It’s a shade that’s been dominating the runways and street style lately – energetic, confident, and impossible to ignore. Exactly the vibe I wanted to bring to the jury panel.

Worn on MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2 Episode 37.

My look: Sequined feather-trimmed midi dress by David Koma, patent leather knee-high boots by Paris Texas, vintage floral clutch by Balenciaga, silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and crystal-embellished braided choker, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Channeling major girl scout energy—but make it fashion. Think badges of style, camp-core chic, and a playful mix of utility meets cuteness. This look is all about earning your fashion merit badge, one accessory at a time.

Worn on MY STYLE ROCKS season 2 episode 4.

My look: Poplin shirt with scarf  by Miu Miu, Natté mini skirt and Monolith 55mm leather loafers, all by Prada, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Alva bow embellished velvet barrette by Jennifer Behr, and crystal-embellished Hourglass tote bag by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.