Sandra‘s Closet

The magical opening evening of a birthday weekend in the Tuscan hills, dressed head to toe in white.

The first evening of the weekend, and the most special of all: Petra’s actual birthday, in the hills above Florence with the most enchanting theme: White Starry Night. Everyone, everything, was dressed in white, despite the beautiful table cloth that was reminiscent of Toile de Jouy by Dior, her favorite brand.

The setting was Villa I Collazzi, roughly thirty minutes from the centre of Florence, along the old road to Volterra in the hills above Scandicci. Arriving felt like stepping straight into a dream. A long approach lined with cypress trees standing like sentinels, and then the villa itself, rising on its hilltop terrace, majestic and serene against the Tuscan sky.

This is no ordinary house. Villa I Collazzi is one of the most celebrated Renaissance residences in all of Tuscany, its design long attributed by local legend to Michelangelo himself and later carried to completion by Santi di Tito. Built for the Dini family in the sixteenth century and lovingly cared for by the Marchi family since 1933, it holds centuries of history in its stone loggias and Italian gardens. From the terrace, on a clear evening, you can even glimpse Brunelleschi’s dome shimmering in the distance.

As the sun softened over the vineyards, the guests began to gather, and the effect was pure enchantment. Everyone in white, glasses of chilled wine catching the last of the golden light, laughter drifting across the gardens. The dress code did something quite wonderful: it turned a party into a living tableau, elegant and timeless, as though we had all wandered into the same beautiful painting.

Dinner unfolded beneath the stars, the villa glowing softly behind us, the warm Tuscan air carrying music long into the night. Petra, radiant as ever, had set the tone for the whole weekend, the kind of evening that reminds you why these gatherings of dear friends matter so very much.

And this was only the beginning. The White Starry Night was the opening chapter of a birthday weekend I will treasure for a long time to come. More on that very soon.

LoL, Sandra

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

A Weekend at Portrait Firenze: My Five Star Nest Above the Ponte Vecchio

Florence in celebration mode is a beautiful thing. I travelled to the city for my dear friend Petra’s birthday weekend, and while the festivities took me to some of the most magical corners of Tuscany, my home for two nights was a place I have to tell you about: Portrait Firenze, right on the Arno, with my suite overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.

The interiors are the work of Florentine architect Michele Bönan, who designed every house of the Lungarno Collection and drew his inspiration here from local craftsmanship and the birth of Italian haute couture in the 1950s, which explains the mid-century lines, the handmade furniture and that warm, quietly glamorous palette throughout my suite as you can see in the photos below.

Let me start with the feeling, because that is what sets this hotel apart. Portrait Firenze, which is part of Leading Hotels of the World, does not feel like a hotel at all. It feels like your own elegant Florentine residence. Even the check in happens as if you were sitting in a friend’s living room, relaxed, personal, without a classic reception counter in sight. You arrive, you sink into a beautiful chair, and from that moment on, you simply live there.

The service deserves its own love letter. On a Saturday, of all days, I ran into a little crisis: I could not download my photographer’s pictures from the birthday celebrations because I was missing a memory card reader. The team went above and beyond to track one down for me, on a weekend, in the middle of Florence. This is the kind of effort that turns a lovely stay into an unforgettable one.

And then, the food. Breakfast here is truly next level. You all know I am a devoted room service girl, and enjoying my morning coffee in the suite with the Ponte Vecchio glittering right outside the window was pure bliss. One more detail every woman will appreciate: my suite had mirrors in every single corner, even inside the shower.

Caffè dell’Oro, the bar directly in front of the hotel, also facing the bridge, is the perfect spot for a glass of Champagne (I am sorry, Bella Italia … I am not into Prosecco) while watching the Florentines and visitors stroll by. People watching at its most glamorous, I promise.

In the adjacent building, part of the neighbouring sister property, the 4-star Gallery Art Hotel, you will also find the fabulous 701 Rooftop Bar, and great art exhibitions. Portrait Firenze is currently being expanded even further, so there is more to come.

Now for the detail that will make every fashion lover’s heart beat faster: Portrait Firenze belongs to the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection. At check in, you receive a card with lovely privileges, including 10 percent off at Ferragamo and special benefits at the restaurants belonging to the group.

The bathroom amenities are all by Ferragamo, and the suite is filled with wonderful books, many of them dedicated to fashion. Flipping through beautiful fashion volumes with that view? My idea of the perfect day in.

Portrait Firenze is special in the truest sense of the word. Discreet, warm, impeccably run, and steeped in Florentine style and fashion heritage. My weekend there felt like nesting in the most luxurious way possible, a true five star nest experience in the heart of Florence.

Until my next Florentine adventure!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Oliver Rauh / Courtesy of Portrait Firenze
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Stepping into the timeless elegance of the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Firenze, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop to showcase one of this season’s most vibrant trends: buttercup yellow. Bathed in natural light and surrounded by historic grandeur, my look captures the spirit of spring’s joyful energy. This buttercup yellow gown, a true statement of optimism and modern glamour, feels right at home in such a breathtaking setting.

My look: Crystal-embellished tulle cape and strapless ruched tulle gown, both by Monique Lhuillier, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, Tribute sandals in silver python by Saint Laurent, wide cuff with CC logo by CHANEL, crystal-embellished necklace and long earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

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

Right now, I am in Florence as guest of Farfetch and Gucci for an outstanding private client experience. I will share many amazing moments with you, starting with an amazing dinner at the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant headed by the Italian three-Michelin-star chef.

The restaurant is part of Gucci Garden, that is also home to the brand’s gallery space. Opened in 2018 , it is situated in Florence’s central Piazza della Signoria, that also neighbors the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar.

With lovely Liz Parmar from the Frafetch team.

One of the key figures in the new Italian cultural Renaissance is Massimo Bottura of three Michelin star Osteria Francescana in Modena. He inspired Karime Lopez, who is ist the helm of Gucci Osteria in Florence, to free her creativity and evolve her cuisine beyond tradition: to be more imaginative, more open and more inventive. From Mexico City, to travelling the world and now Florence, she cooks Italy through her experience, full of travel, discovery and dazzling insights.

I was blown away by this amazing culinary experience in this beautiful location that comes with a contemporary spirit of an historic space. Karime Lopez creates her own culinary universe by interlacing the colours and flavours of Italy and beyond, with irreverent and poetic surprises.

Purple Corn Tostada
Purple Corn Tostada with Adriatic Marinated Bonito, a hint of spice & citrus

Taka’s Bun
Steamed Bun & Pork Belly of Cinta Senese

Memories of a Summer in Versilia
Crispy cod & Mediterranean flavors

Shining Through
Panettone, Clouds & Zacapa Rum

Still Hungry
Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream

I personally adored that the pasta dish was enjoyed after the dessert. That is a specialty of Massiomo Bottura.

In case I vetted your appetite, please find herewith the details of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura:

Piazza Della Signoria, 10
50122 . Firenze . Italy
T. +39 05575927038
M. gucciosteria.

More to come from Florence.
TO SHOP GUCCI X FARFETCH, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

It is always a pleasure to be invited by Montblanc to one of their special events. This summer, it was Florence calling for the launch of the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection which takes its inspiration from safari travel and exploration.

With this beautiful vegetable-tanned leather collection that is finished with vintage gold hardware for the modern adventurer, Montblanc continues their story of innovation.
So gentlemen, whether you plan an excursion to the sandy dunes of Sahara or a safari to the plains of East Africa, this line is for you.

If you are rather an urban nomad, you will love those 1926 Montblanc Heritage piece as well as they offer an extremely chic and stylish way to carry personal items or technology around the city.

Ladies adventurers: Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc, and my humble self, exploring the launch event.

I am absolutely convinced that many ladies will fall for its vintage feel and the earthy, easy to combine desert hues, too. At the latest, when they spot the bright red printed lining that is inspired by the vibrant fabrics worn by the regal Maasai tribe.

Dubbed the Heritage 1926 collection in recognition of the year Montblanc added leather goods to its business with a small collection of pen cases, the new range features backpacks of different sizes, portfolios, document holders and brief cases, as well as a mid-size weekender and some fine stationery.

Hugh Jackman with me

The launch party took place at Europe’s largest private garden. Italian hospitality at its best with great music, fine food, beautiful displays to create a whole world around the new collection and a special guest that is a true adventurer: Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman who had flown in for this special occasion.

An Italian worker explaining how the tanning process of the leather works.

Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal explained to me that for the first time, Montblanc has been using traditional Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather that will take on a patina with age. An early trend for next summer has been spotted at Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence: Seventies-style bohemianism that plays exactly with that vintage feel that makes the products genuinely personal.

At Montblanc’s manufacture in Tuscany where the leather goods are produced.

The morning after the launch party, I visited the Montblanc manufacture in Tuscany and saw with my own eyes the leather craftsmanship that goes into each of those pieces. I was extremely impressed by the different steps that have to be applied in order to achieve the antique gold color finishing of the metal fittings or the bridge and clasp closing systems.

I am sure that the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection will be a full success among all gentlemen and ladies adventurers. Below you can enjoy some more of my impressions of this fantastic event in Florence …

LoL, Sandra

At the launch event in Florence dressed in Gucci.

The evening started with a cocktail reception in the largest private garden in Europe.

Every little detail was perfect.

Mr Hugh Jackman had fun as we did!

On our way inside the tent where dinner was served, we felt like adventurers on a safari.

You could feel the mood behind the collection perfectly.

Seated dinner

Beautiful ambiance

Pieces from the 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection on display.

Photos in Collage/Still: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Montblanc
All other photos from the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last 48 hours I spent in beautiful and hot Florence for an event with Montblanc that I will tell you more about soon. At the moment the city is filled with fashionable people as it is Pitti Uomo: the most important international event for menswear and men accessories collections.

My look: Appliquéd distressed printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, pleated metallic striped stretch-silk midi skirt, and  Ace embroidered low-top leather trainers, all by Gucci, Kan I leather shoulder bag, flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi, floral sunglasses by Chanel.and 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, EDGARDO OSORIO combines his eye for drop-dead glamour, his passion for modern design and his hand for luxury craftsmanship into desirable footwear. After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first strides in the footwear world within some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Sigerson Morrison, René Caovilla, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after working in the industry for 10 years, and at just 25 years old, Edgardo launched his luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA. Striking the perfect balance between modern design and impeccable craftsmanship, Edgardo creates stylish yet wearable footwear for the modern woman. Today, he shares his insider scoop on the city he is living in with us!

Your favourite city?
FLORENCE – My home. My headquarters are situated in the historical Palazzo Corsini along with the Florentine flagship store (see photo above). Along the Arno River, in the heart of Florence and near the best shoemakers and craftspeople in the world.
Aquazzura Store, Lungarno Corsini, 42, 50123 Florence, Phone: +39 055 291242

Your favourite hotel?
J.K. PLACE FIRENZE – This small boutique hotel is the most stylish address to stay in Florence.
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 2645181

Your favourite restaurant?
BUCA MARIO – Traditional Florentine cuisine in the heart of the historic city centre, housed in a sixteenth-century buca. In Florence, buche were typical cellars situated beneath imposing historic palazzos often owned by aristocratic families. They were used to store salted meats, ham and salamis, and, above all, to house precious wine. Enormous oak vats lined the thick walls, which maintained an ideal temperature. As you make your way down the old entrance stairs of Buca Mario, it is impossible not to step into the past.
Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 214179

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
LA TERRAZZO LOUNGE BAR on the rooftop of HOTEL CONTINENTALE – From the rooftop bar you get a magical view of the cathedral and other historic buildings located in Florence.
Vicolo dell’Oro, 6R, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 27262

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The VASARI CORRIDOR, a hidden corridor used by the Medici family to get between the Pitti Palace and the Palazzo Vecchio. It is one of the most unique places in Florence, with a one of a kind collection of self-portraits from the 16th century.
Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze

Your favourite park?
BARDINI GARDENS – It has three sections: a great baroque flight of steps, fringed with irises. It ascends to a belvedere and with expansive views of Florence, an English garden with its Channel of the Dragon and a farming area with almost-medieval hillside terraces planted with olive trees.
Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 2006 6206

Your favourite shop?
OFFICINA PROFUMA FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA – It is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.
Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze, Phone: +39 055 216276

Your must-have accessory?
A BORSALINO PANAMA HAT – stylish and iconic.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Old italian songs by RAFFAELLA CARRA to put you in a great mood!

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
«SAVING ITALY» by Robert M. Edsel – An unforgettable story of epic thievery and political intrigue, a testament to heroism on behalf of art, culture, and history.

Thank you, Edgardo, for sharing your insider scoop on Florence with us!

TO SHOP AQUAZZURA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the different locations, © Edgardo Osorio/Aquazurra and © Sandra Bauknecht

Up the style stakes in this dazzling bottle green pocket watch dress from Dolce & Gabbana’s fairytale-inspired F/W 2016 collection that I wore to the launch event of Audemars Piguet‘s new Royal Oak Frosted Gold at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence last week. Couldn’t this be a better match? It definitely made me feel like Alice in Wonderland…

My look: Pocket watch-appliqué crepe midi dress and Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, black jacket, goat hair-trimmed leather pumps and drop flower earrings with green crystals, all by Gucci, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As the women’s Royal Oak celebrates its 40th anniversary, I was invited last week by Audemars Piguet to join them for the unveiling of the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold in Florence at Palazzo Vecchio, which is the town hall of the Italian city.

The dinner was held inside the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento that has a length of 52 m (170 ft), is 23 m (75 ft) broad and dates back to 1494. On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena by Giorgio Vasari. You immediately understand why it plays such a key role in Dan Brown’s «Inferno».

Interesting to know is that before the entrustment of Vasari, the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, were commissioned for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room. Leonardo started working on the «Battle of Anghiari», while Michelangelo focused on another portion of the wall for the «Battle of Cascina», but none of their work was ever completed. Attempts made to find Da Vinci’s original work behind the Vasari fresco have so far been inconclusive.

Two creative minds united: Jacqueline Dimier and Carolina Bucci

Personally speaking: The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold was love at first sight for me.

Coming back to the shining reinvention of an iconic design, that fast first created in 1976 for women by Jacqueline Dimier, the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold has been reinvented in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. Both attended the gala dinner along with Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer, model Arizona Muse, as well as actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto.

With Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias

With Freida Pinto

Power Ladies: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor in Chief Style Magazine/Bolero, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Audemars Piguet and Dominique Lohm, PR Audemars Piguet/The Pool with my humble self

Beautiful table setting

Having a great time with Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm, Editor-in-Chief Style Magazine/Bolero and David Pantillon, Country General Manager Switzerland

Chef Annie Féolde and her team framed by Freida Pinto and François-Henry Bennahmias

After a sensational dinner imagined by local 3* Chef Annie Féolde, the evening ended with a showcase concert by Brocken Back, sending us off in the crisp Florentine night with lots of amazing memories.

Live performance by Broken Back

The next day my adventure continued. I flew with a private jet back to Switzerland to visit Audemars Piguet’s manufacture in Le Brassus.

Stay tuned for more for more details on the visit and the new Royal Oak Frosted Gold that has captured my heart in a second as well as an amazing interview with Carolina Bucci and Freida Pinto.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet and © Sandra Bauknecht

For all fashion lovers with a sweet tooth! Have a look at ROBERTO CAVALLI’s Easter Eggs, that are available at the Caffè Giacosa in Florence, Italy, and online at www.caffegiacosa.it. The Italian designer has created those special treats in his iconic animal designs. It is up to you if you prefer giraffe or zebra eggs. Each one, is made of high-quality cocoa beans and contains a surprise by Roberto Cavalli.

Caffè Giacosa, Via della Spada 10, Firenze, Italia. Tel. +39 055 2776328 

If you have fallen in love with designer chocolates, there is more for you all year around. Roberto Cavalli adds another string to his bow with sumptuous chocolates rounding off the brand’s covetable lifestyle offering. Featuring six tiers of mouth-watering pralines in milk, white and dark chocolate, this 150-piece selection is housed in a striking zebra print box – an instant moniker of the house of Cavalli.

TO SHOP ROBERTO CAVALLI CHOCOLATES ONLINE AT HARRODS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli