Sandra‘s Closet

Just in time for the summer season, the Costa Smeralda is getting its most glamorous and quintessentially Italian makeover yet. Dolce & Gabbana has partnered with the legendary Hotel Cala di Volpe to transform one of Europe’s most storied luxury retreats into a sun-drenched stage set worthy of a Vogue editorial.

The Cala di Volpe needs little introduction. Designed in the 1960s by French architect Jacques Couëlle and nestled into a breathtaking Sardinian bay, the property has long been regarded as a sculptural masterpiece, its whitewashed terraces and terracotta rooflines evoking the romance of a traditional fishing village. It is, in short, the perfect canvas for Italian fashion’s most theatrical house.

At the heart of the collaboration is the iconic Majolica print, one of Dolce & Gabbana’s most beloved and enduring signatures. Rooted in the centuries-old ceramic tradition of Sicily, the motif draws directly from the hand-painted tiles of Caltagirone, a city whose majolica staircases and intricate decorative craftsmanship have defined the island’s visual identity since the Arabs brought the art form to Sicily in the 9th century.

Domenico Dolce, himself a Sicilian, has woven this heritage into the brand’s DNA since the print first gained widespread attention with the S/S 2016 collection. What makes the Majolica print so compelling is its characteristic bi-chromatic palette: elaborate botanical and arabesque motifs rendered in rich contrasting hues against a light ground, evoking the hand of a master ceramicist translated into fabric.

Each season, Dolce & Gabbana reinterprets the print in a new signature colour. Last summer, that colour was a luminous lemon yellow (gialla). This year, the house has moved on to a vibrant orange (arancione). And it is that very yellow, from the 2025 season, that forms the backdrop of the Cala di Volpe takeover, tying the hotel’s sun-soaked aesthetic directly to one of the most talked-about print stories in recent fashion memory. I have the perfect outfit for the occasion, click here to see it.

For this exclusive partnership, the Majolica Gialla pattern envelops the two terraces of the hotel’s iconic Atrium Bar, the chicest meeting point on the entire coastline. Elaborately decorated cabanas and hand-painted vases complete the immersive tableau, turning every corner into a moment.

Beyond the visual takeover, the brand has opened an exclusive pop-up store directly within the hotel, offering a curated edit of ready-to-wear and accessories conceived specifically for this setting. Think effortless summer dressing with the unmistakable DG sensibility: bold, sun-kissed, and unapologetically luxurious.

For anyone fortunate enough to be on the Costa Smeralda this season, a stop at Cala di Volpe is more than a hotel visit. It is a full Dolce & Gabbana lifestyle experience, set against one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular backdrops.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cala di Volpe and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Manhattan drowned in rain, I stepped out in CHANEL, because if New York City brings the storm, you bring the statement.

The rain? Survived.
The blizzard? Elegantly avoided.

Wet pavement, nylon covered boots, zero compromise.
In this city, the weather changes. Style doesn’t.

My look: 23P Black and blue tweed dress, matching Chanel 19 tweed bag, pearls and crystals large script brooch (Pre-fall 2019), 21K black nylon and patent leather interlocking CC knee high sock boots (F/W 2021/22 Act II), pearl necklaces and CC chain lambskin hoop earrings, all by CHANEL, black roll neck sweater by Dolce & Gabbana, and felt sailor cap by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Laguna Photography
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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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One month without my mother.
The sadness is still heavy, like a secret shadow I carry with me. I hesitated for a long time whether to share these pictures and words, because grief is intimate, and yet, it is part of life. And I believe it’s important to find light even in the darkest chapters.

«Grief is the price we pay for love.» – Queen Elizabeth II

She always wanted her farewell to be bright, colorful, and full of joy, no gloomy speeches, but laughter, champagne, and celebration. Because life continues, and she believed that death is not the end, only a checkpoint on our journey.

She wished for a forest burial, her final resting place embraced by nature. I carried her urn from the ceremony to the tree, sometimes smiling, sometimes crying, because grief is not one single face, but many. My sister said something in her speech that will stay with me forever: «The ashes become one with the tree, so I can embrace our mother again.»  A thought both heartbreaking and comforting, because it makes her presence eternal.

At her farewell I wore color because fashion is my language, my way of expressing love. A Dolce & Gabbana skirt whispering «Mama, I love you» in every language, and a matching bag with a mother, two daughters, a dog, and a cat, exactly her world. Through clothes I painted the immensity of my love for her.

What touched me deeply: my childhood friends traveled from far away to stand by my side. Their presence was a gentle reminder that love weaves us together across time and distance, and I am endlessly grateful.

She was extraordinary, and she taught me to embrace life with both elegance and humor. And so I honor her not only in grief, but in light. And now life moves forward, I’m on my way to Boston with my daughter, filled with gratitude and excitement for this new journey ahead.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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For this MY STYLE ROCKS gala evening, inspired by the theme «My Best Friend’s Wedding,» I envisioned the moment at the registry office, intimate, elegant, and full of emotion.
I chose a structured pink ensemble that merges classic romance with contemporary tailoring, a statement of joyful sophistication and modern femininity. The belt reads «L’amore è bellezza»,  a subtle detail that captures the spirit of the day.

Sometimes, fashion says yes long before the vows are spoken.

Worn in gala episode 124 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Pink lace dress and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, vintage pink fascinator by Dior, Greca embellished platform sandals by Versace, vintage silk satin clutch with colorful stones by Prada, white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino, and metal bow earrings with crystal embellishment by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @enesskulaberr
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For our MY STYLE ROCKS Dance Party special yesterday, I brought some Latin flair to the floor in classic black and red polka dots, and of course just the right amount of twirl built into every step. My shoes and bag? Straight from the Flamenca Collection by Louboutin – because if you’re going to dance, do it in a heel that says olé and a bag that claps back.

Worn in Gala Episode 119 «Dance Party» of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Off-the-shoulder cropped printed crepe top, and matching layered printed crepe midi skirt, both by Proenza Schouler, FLAMENCABA mini bag, and Deia Frou Alta macramé sandals, both by Christian Louboutin, flower brooch (worn in hair) by Gucci, gold red crystal scared heart earrings and matching velvet choker with heart pendant, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @enesskulaberr
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There’s nothing quite like summer, bright colors, warm sun, and good vibes all around. Wearing a colorful outfit instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel light and carefree. July is the perfect time to slow down, soak in the season’s energy, and just enjoy the moment. And Zurich? Unexpectedly amazing in July, full of charm, color, and little surprises that make summer here feel so special.

My look: Cutout neon swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana, Mare cropped printed mesh top, and Mare metallic crochet-knit wide-leg pants, both by Missoni, braided raffia sandals by Aquazzura, La Medusa beaded camera round bag by Versace, white floral sunglasses, logo chain belt and logo chain earrings, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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✨ Caribbean Night vibes as a juror at MY STYLE ROCKS. I couldn’t resist channeling the legendary Carmen Miranda! 🍍 I chose a tiered skirt and a playful ruffled blouse, crowned with a fabulous fruit hat, bursting with color and joy. To sweeten it even more, I carried a juicy watermelon clutch… and yes, I even took a bite for the camera. A look that’s truly good enough to eat! 🍍🍉🌴 Because when the theme is Caribbean, more is more! 🌴🍌

Worn in Gala Episode 103 MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2 «Caribbean Night».

My look: Lovestruck ruffled crepe cropped blouse, and Riders rickrack-trim cotton midi skirt, both by Zimmermann, striped belt by Marc Jacobs, rose brooch by Gucci, watermelon motif clutch bag by Moschino, patchwork print platform sandals, and gold-tone and wood hoop clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @whbeyaz
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As a juror on MY STYLE ROCKS, a recent gala theme was «Festival» – and while others reached for sequins and fringe, I chose to travel through time. Inspired by history’s grandeur, my look blends opulence and old-world charm, proving that even at a festival, elegance never goes out of style.

Worn in Episode 80 Gala «Festival» of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Embellished fringed tulle mini dress by Zimmermann, rose Dolce box bag in painted resin, nappa mordore gladiator sandals with studs and painted flower detailing, and embellished crown, all by Dolce & Gabbana, and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings in gold by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Futuristic gala mode at MY STYLE ROCKS: activated. Channeling cosmic chic with a NASA-inspired jacket that’s ready for lift-off. Space age meets runway rage—because fashion should always shoot for the stars.

As worn in Episode 56 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Space oversized appliquéd quilted distressed shell jacket, and mirrored sunglasses , both by Balenciaga, Emoji embellished cotton tank top by Coperni, faux-leather hooded gloves by Courrèges, high-rise extra long leggings in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, Tempest 170mm platform pumps by Versace, and Twister small metallic leather tote by JW Anderson.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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