Sandra‘s Closet

Between covering the new Art in the Park edition and the beautiful Assouline book dedicated to this iconic house, I found myself feeling wonderfully nostalgic. So consider this post a small homage, one that has been quietly waiting to be written for some time.

My Look: Must-Have

The Baur au Lac is not simply a hotel to me. Having had the privilege of knowing the Kracht family over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary care, vision and quiet dedication that goes into everything this house represents. That connection makes every visit feel personal in a way that is difficult to put into words.

My Look: Magic Weekend

Over the years, some of my most memorable moments on the Zurich social calendar have unfolded here. Art in the Park is one of them. The Kispi Ball, that most glamorous of charitable evenings, was another, along with the annual Rive Gauche Summer Party. And then there is Street Parade, when Zurich transforms into something wonderfully wild and the Baur au Lac somehow remains the most elegant spot in the city.

My Look: Kispi

The garden terrace holds a particularly special place in my heart. There is nowhere quite like it on a warm Zurich days, and I have spent many of those evenings there, dressed up and grateful to be exactly where I am.

My Look: Beauty Sleep

And yes, I have stayed the night more than once. Because sometimes the only right thing to do is not to leave.

My Look: Roman Studs

Come winter, the magic shifts indoors and into the park in an entirely different way. The Chalet au Lac, a charming rustic retreat tucked into the hotel grounds, is one of Zurich’s most enchanting seasonal secrets, perfect for an unhurried fondue evening when the city slows down and candlelight feels like the only appropriate light source.

My Look: Denim & Brocade

And then there is Baur’s, one of my absolute favourite restaurants in the city. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki , the same visionary behind Annabel’s in London – where I am part of the membership committee – , the interior is simply a dream. That particular alchemy of warmth, glamour and timeless elegance that Brudnizki conjures so effortlessly feels entirely at home here.

My Look: Modern Marie Antoinette

What you will find in this post is a collection of outfits photographed at the Baur au Lac across all of these occasions and all of these years. Fashion and place are inseparable for me, and this hotel has been one of the most beautiful backdrops my wardrobe has ever known. Consider this a love letter in looks.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

LoL, Sandra

My Look: Chill

My Look: Girls’ Night

My Look: My Funny Valentine

My Look: Kispi 2018

My Look: Rive Gauche Summer Party 2016

My Look: New Style

My Look: Art in the Park

My Look: Street Parade

My Look: Street Parade 2024

My Look: Baby It’s Cold Outside

My Look: Lesage

My Look: Fab

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography and André Hengst
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Few hotels carry a story quite like the Baur au Lac. Since opening its doors in 1844, Zurich’s most legendary address has been shaped by seven generations of the same family, a thread of continuity rare in the world of luxury hospitality. Now, that story has been immortalised in A Legacy by the Lake, a new coffee table book published by Assouline as part of its Hospitality Collection.

Andrea Kracht and his daughter, Marguita «Muki» Kracht, are the 6th and 7th-generation owners and operators of the legendary five-star luxury hotel.

Written by James Reginato, Writer-at-Large at Vanity Fair, contributor to Sotheby’s Magazine, and the author behind The Carlyle, the book traces the vision of founder Johannes Baur through to the family Kracht, who own and run the hotel to this day. What began as one man’s idea has grown into one of Europe’s most revered hotel addresses, without ever losing the spirit of deeply personal service and attention to detail that defined it from the start.

Set within a private park at the heart of historic Zurich, with the Swiss Alps and the lake as a backdrop, Baur au Lac has long been a discreet refuge for the world’s most notable guests, from Empress Elisabeth of Austria to Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Elton John. Its culinary landmarks, Brasserie Baur’s and the Mediterranean inspired Marguita, and the beloved outdoor sculpture exhibition Art in the Park, complete a picture of a house where culture and hospitality have always been inseparable.

The book brings all of this to life through archival and contemporary imagery, with the people at its heart, guests, staff and the Kracht family, as its true protagonists.

A Legacy by the Lake is available from May 2026, priced at CHF 135 / EUR 120.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac
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Easter as Edible Art: Luxury Hotels Present Their 2026 Chocolate Creations

Every spring, some of Europe’s most prestigious grand hotels transform Easter into a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. In 2026, renowned pastry chefs once again unveil limited-edition chocolate creations that blur the line between fine pâtisserie and edible sculpture. From Paris to Zurich and Brussels, these exclusive Easter pieces combine tradition, artistry, and exceptional ingredients.

At Le Bristol Paris, pastry chef Maxence Barbot and chocolate chef Johan Giacchetti reinterpret the classic French Saint-Honoré dessert as a sculptural chocolate egg. The elegant design features flowing Chantilly-like waves crafted in dark Venezuelan chocolate. Inside, layers of caramel infused with tonka bean, Piedmont hazelnuts, and cocoa praline create a rich flavor profile, balanced with a touch of fleur de sel. The limited creation is available from March 18 to April 5.

In Zurich, the legendary Baur au Lac presents a delicate chocolate egg created by head pâtissier David Potier. Limited to just 25 pieces, the piece stands out with its intricate lattice shell made of dark chocolate. Inside sits a white chocolate egg filled with pistachio ganache, while pecan ganache at the base adds an unexpected final layer of flavor. Crafted with fine Ecuadorian Arriba chocolate and Madagascar vanilla, the creation reflects the hotel’s long-standing chocolate tradition under the «1844 Chocolat Baur au Lac» label.

Back in Paris, La Réserve Paris introduces an elegant Easter creation inspired by the classic Paris-Brest pastry. Chef pâtissier Jordan Talbot crafts a sculptural egg made from dark Peruvian chocolate, filled with vanilla marshmallows, almond praline, caramelized cocoa nibs, and salted caramel. Available exclusively by pre-order in March, the creation reflects the hotel’s refined and understated approach to gastronomy.

Meanwhile in Brussels, Hotel Amigo hosts the fourth edition of Bel’Œuf, an exhibition celebrating the creativity of Belgian chocolatiers. From April 2 to 8, around 40 chocolatiers present imaginative chocolate eggs inspired by this year’s theme, Pleasure in Motion. The exhibition, organized with chocolatier Marc Ducobu, showcases elaborate chocolate artworks, some of which are available for purchase, while proceeds from the event support cancer research.

Together, these limited Easter creations show how luxury hospitality continues to elevate seasonal traditions, turning chocolate into a form of culinary art.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the respective hotels
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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
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Finally after three years, the Kispiball (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) took place again at the wonderful Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I danced all night long in my Dolce & Gabbana gown and enjoyed being among my dear friends.

My look: Strapless polka-dot silk-organza gown, and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, pink double bow satin pumps by Mach & Mach, Tro crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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This year, for the 20th anniversary of Art in the Park at the Baur au Lac in Zurich, Hauser & Wirth presents five bronze sculptures by celebrated artist Camille Henrot, one of the most influential voices in contemporary art today. The outdoor installation of major bronze works is organized in partnership with the Baur au Lac and Gigi Kracht, curator, collector, writer and founder of the Art in the Park.

With Gigi Kracht 

Born in 1978 in Paris, France, Camille Henrot lives and works between Berlin and New York City. She is married and has two little sons that are 4 and 1 year old. The practice of the French artist moves seamlessly between film, painting, drawing, bronze, sculpture, and installation. Henrot draws upon references from literature, psychoanalysis, social media, cultural anthropology, self-help, and the banality of everyday life in order to question what it means to be both a private individual and a global subject.

With Camille Henrot during the lunch.

A 2013 fellowship at the Smithsonian Institute resulted in her film «Grosse Fatigue,» for which she was awarded the Silver Lion at the 55th Venice Biennale and that was also on show at the Gucci Museo in Florence in 2014. She elaborated ideas from «Grosse Fatigue» to conceive her acclaimed 2014 installation »The Pale Fox» at Chisenhale Gallery in London. The exhibit, which displayed the breadth of her diverse output, went on to travel to institutions including Kunsthal Charlottenburg, Copenhagen; Bétonsalon – Centre for art and research, Paris; Westfälischer Kunstverein, Münster, Germany; and Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan. In 2017, Henrot was given carte blanche at Palais de Tokyo in Paris – a beloved location for fashion shoes – , where she presented the major exhibition »Days Are Dogs,» She is the recipient of the 2014 Nam June Paik Award and the 2015 Edvard Munch Award, and has participated in the Lyon, Berlin, Sydney and Liverpool Biennials, among others.

Next to «Mon Corps de Femme» (2019) displayed in the Baur au Lac gardens

Henrot has had numerous solo exhibitions worldwide, including the New Museum, New York; Schinkel Pavilion, Berlin; New Orleans Museum of Art; Fondazione Memmo, Rome; Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan, among others.

«Undelivered Message» (2016)

In the Baur au Lac gardens, three sculptures from Henry’s Monday series (2016-2017) are on display, as well as the impressive «Mon Corps de Femme» sculpture (2019) from the Attachment series (2018-2022) that is a resembling a body caught between two opposite forces; the rising flames reminiscent of Flamboyant Gothic architecture and the meting, heaviness of a sagging belly.

«Retreat From Investment» (2025)

As every year, Gigi Kracht invited us to her wonderful Art in the Park luncheon in the two Michelin star Pavillon restaurant during which we could talk to the artist. Before the lunch, we had the chance to stroll through the wonderful gardens and preview the pieces beforehand.

With Kenny Schachter, artist, critic and curator based in New York City, at lunch.

The show can be enjoyed at the Baur au Lac garden until July 17, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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I am enjoying a few days at the beautiful Baur au Lac, where I can chill and work at the same time. This maritime look is cozy, yet stylish and the perfect transitional outfit for fall.With the jacket closed, it is very conservative. Once you show the bralette, it gets a sexy twist.

My look: Knitted double-breasted bar jacket with stripes, sailor pants, bralette in navy blue and ecru Dior Oblique technical cotton, and Oblique saddle bag, all by Dior, Rose Céleste necklace, Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste necklace, Astro Dior aquarius necklace, Rose Céleste medaillon necklace, all by Dior Fine Jewelry, and Kurillos chain-embellished leather pumps by Manolo Blahnik.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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As promised here is are all the details of my outfit I wore in yesterday’s post. Perfect for slipping on after a bath for relaxing evenings at home, while indulging in your beauty routine or after a dip in the pool, Fendi‘s hooded robe is cut from naturally absorbent cotton-terry. It’s trimmed with black velour and features the brand’s logo on one pocket. For the ultimate style statement, wear it with the matching face covering, silk eye mask and slippers.

My look: Cotton-terry hooded bathrobe, silk-satin face covering, silk-satin eye mask, and FF-logo shearling slippers, all by Fendi. Rose Céleste necklace, Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste necklace, Astro Dior aquarius necklace, Rose Céleste medaillon necklace, and Oui bracelet, all by Dior Fine Jewelry.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

«Impeccably imperfect» – that is the new catchy slogan that the new Baur’s plays with. Imagined by Andrea Kracht and created by trendsetting interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who designed the elite nightclub «Annabel’s» in London as well as the «Beekman Hotel» in New York City and «Fortum & Mason» in Hong Kong, this hot spot in Zurich will finally reopen its doors in September this year.

I had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful interior during a guided art tour as guest of Gigi Kracht followed by a beautiful intimate ladies lunch on the terrace of the Baur au Lac.

Gigi Kracht (center with green jacket) surrounded by her girlfriends.

«Take a set, grab a treat» – the classic brasserie concept is elevated to a whole new level, blending contemporary chic with international grace in an artful, inviting ambience. The colors blend in perfectly, the retro vibe delivers a certain twist. I adore the interior design of the Baur’s. It gives me this international flair that we are sometimes missing in Zurich.

As I am at the moment designing my new home, color is also a must for me along with stunning wallpapers to create the perfect ambiance. The Baur’s has it all. I am not a minimalist and white rooms don’t make me feel at home. I couldn’t agree more with Brudnizki who says: «When I enter a white space, I feel like I’m being deprived of something. Color infuses my life.»

The best is yet to come. The green color combined with the coral red of the armchairs serves as the perfect backdrop for the highlight of the restaurant: the private art collection. Drawing on the expertise of Gigi Kracht, Andrea Kracht’s wife, that my avid readers know well from her Art in the Park events, the room is filled with selected works from the world’s most popular painters: thirty-three originals by artists such as Rashid Johnson, Rita Ackermann, and Martin Creed to photographs by the iconic Annie Leibovitz, to intimate art work by Louise Bourgeois who shares a raw look at female pain.

Painting by Louise Bourgeois

Even that these simple yet cruel images contain a sensual sense of loss and the often unspoken sorrow of miscarriage, they seem to belong there, to this place of happiness and relaxation among dear friends or business partners, providing the bar area with a certain coziness.

Photographs by Annie Leibovitz

Cigar aficionados will enjoy the cigar lounge that is decked out from top to toe in Baur’s green and decorated with artwork by Swiss artist Dieter Roth, who took tablecloths, or even the floor as his canvas to scribble on.

Painting by Dieter Roth 

Playing all together, the new Baur’s is a feast for all senses. Vive la Brasserie! Vive le Baur’s!

LoL, Sandra

Artwork by Martin Creed

Painting by Rita Ackermann

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Such a magic weekend … yesterday, I attended the Kispiball 2019 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that always takes place at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. I felt very honored to draw the four exclusive raffle prizes, such as a Chopard watch or a beautiful fine jewellery ring by Bucherer.

My look: Gena embroidered silk chiffon dress by Costarellos, Dionysus pink velvet super mini bag, and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Miu Miu and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
A few photos in the collages © Sandra Bauknecht