Sandra‘s Closet

It’s my birthday. Wrapped in polka dots, I celebrate another year of becoming, lighter in laughter, sharper in vision. Not chasing time, but wearing it well. Elegance isn’t about age, it’s about presence. And today, I’m fully here turning 51.

My look: Bow-embellished ruffled polka-dot silk-crepe mini dress, earrings with pearls, and crystal-embellished fringed-edge necklace, all by Alessandra Rich, puff-sleeve leather jacket in black by Chloé, Brides de Gala Bandana a Pois scarf 70 by Hermès, wallet on chain by CHANEL, fishnet tights with rhinestones by Calzedonia, and studded Tan-Go platform pumps by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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End of an Era at Hermès: Véronique Nichanian Steps Down – What Comes Next?

In a major moment for luxury fashion, Véronique Nichanian (71), the longtime creative force behind Hermès menswear, has officially stepped down, closing one of the most enduring chapters in modern fashion history.

A Legendary Tenure: 37 Years at Hermès

Véronique Nichanian’s career at Hermès is nothing short of extraordinary. Joining the French luxury house in 1988, she built and defined Hermès’s menswear identity from the ground up after being recruited from Cerruti by Jean-Louis Dumas.

Over her 37-year tenure, she became known for a design philosophy rooted in understated elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, hallmarks of the Hermès aesthetic. Rather than chasing trends, Nichanian favored subtle refinement: beautifully constructed garments that married functionality with quiet luxury.

Her longevity also made her one of the longest-serving creative directors in fashion, a rare figure of continuity in an industry often defined by rapid change and designer turnover. With a 37-year tenure, Nichanian even surpasses Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary 36-year run at Chanel, making her one of the longest-serving creative directors in modern luxury fashion history.

Nichanian’s final collection for Hermès was presented during the January 2026 runway season, marking the end of an era both for her and for the brand’s menswear division.

Passing the Torch: Grace Wales Bonner Takes Over

Hermès has chosen British designer Grace Wales Bonner as Nichanian’s successor in the menswear creative director role. The announcement marks a bold, yet thoughtful, new chapter for the storied French maison.

At 35 years old, Wales Bonner brings fresh energy and a unique artistic perspective to one of fashion’s most iconic houses. She founded her eponymous label, Wales Bonner, in 2014 and has been celebrated for her work that bridges fashion, culture, and intellectual inquiry — earning awards and global recognition along the way.

Her appointment to Hermès also carries symbolic weight: she becomes one of the few Black women to lead design at a major luxury fashion house, a milestone in an industry still grappling with representation and diversity.

Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès is slated to debut in January 2027, giving her an entire year to shape her vision for the brand’s menswear future.

Will It Be a Fresh Wind or a Seamless Transition?

The shift at Hermès is significant not just because of Nichanian’s tenure, but because it highlights Hermès’s careful balance between heritage and evolution.

Nichanian’s legacy is rooted in quiet power, precision tailoring, and a measured, less overtly trend-driven approach. Her work embodied Hermès’s dedication to craftsmanship and enduring style rather than seasonal spectacle.

Grace Wales Bonner’s design ethos, by contrast, leans into cultural narratives, global references, and artistic collaboration, which many expect to inject a fresh creative energy into the house. Her work often explores identity, music, art, and African diaspora influences, which might introduce new dimensions to Hermès menswear without disrupting the brand’s core values.

Fashion industry commentators see this move as potentially expansive rather than disruptive: a way for Hermès to evolve its menswear identity thoughtfully while retaining its signature DNA of refinement and quality.

Looking Ahead

As Hermès prepares for this new creative era, all eyes will be on Wales Bonner’s first runway collection in January 2027. Will it stay true to classic Hermès restraint? Will it redefine the brand’s codes for a new generation? Only time will tell  but the appointment certainly suggests a dynamic future ahead for one of fashion’s most revered maisons.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hermès, © Grace Wales Bonner
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A typical morning in my Mayfair apartment, wrapped in a comfy Balmain tracksuit, I had one of those quiet moments that remind me how much I love being at home. There’s something about starting the day in comfort while still feeling put together, effortless, but intentional.

Fun fact about me: I can give up almost anything. Alcohol? Easy. Sugar? No problem. But coffee? That’s my guilty pleasure, and I own it. Coffee is non-negotiable. It’s the very first thing I need in the morning, before conversations, before plans, before the world starts asking questions. Until that first sip, I’m on pause. Coffee isn’t just a drink for me, it’s a ritual, a mood, and honestly… my favorite part of the day.

My look: Button-embellished quilted jersey sweatshirt, and matching button-embellished cotton-jersey track pants, both by Balmain, logo-embellished leather biker boots by Fendi, hand belt in black and antique gold by Khaite, Anagram embroidered ribbed-knit tank by Loewe, Kelly Cut clutch in black Swift leather with gold hardware by Hermès, Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, Coco Crush necklace in beige gold with diamonds, and Pétales de Camélia ring in yellow gold with diamond, all by CHANEL, bracelets by Cartier, and gold necklace with charms by Foundrae.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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Last week, on a sunlit day in Henley-on-Thames, I wore this knitted ensemble by Loewe for the first time. The 13th century market town is considered one of the most beautiful towns in England, and I couldn’t agree more, the river, the light, the ambiance are special. Henley is known for the Henley Royal Regatta, when style becomes bold, competitive, and visually charged. Even outside of that spectacle, the town carries a sense of quiet elegance, a perfect counterpoint to a look that commands attention.

And speaking of which, the Loewe knit was anything but understated. Heavy, sculptural, and unapologetically luxurious, the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t blend in, it asserts itself. I wore this ensemble straight through the day and onto my flight to Boston. A reminder that true luxury doesn’t need to be toned down to travel, it carries its presence wherever it goes.

My look: Ribbed wool-blend cardigan in green, and ribbed wool wide-leg pants in green, both by Loewe, Nama suede-trimmed leather platform sneakers by Chloé, Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton, pearl necklace by CHANEL, Couvertures et Tenues de Jour Forever Scarf 90 in Crème / Rouge H / Bleu / Multicolore, and scarf ring 90 Régate, both by Hermès, Aquanaut Luce in khaki green by Patek Philippe, and oval frame burgundy sunglasses by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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There are moments when fashion, history, and place align in the most effortless way, and my time in Santo Domingo was exactly that.

Invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oscar de la Renta in the Dominican Republic, I found myself exploring the heart of the city in a beautiful Oscar look, wandering through the Colonial Zone with fresh eyes and a full heart. The streets felt alive with color, pastel façades, sun-warmed stone, and centuries-old buildings restored with such care that history doesn’t feel distant, but present.

Santo Domingo holds a special place in the story of the Americas. Often considered the oldest European-founded city in the New World, it stands as a living reminder of the moment when worlds first met in the Caribbean. Walking these streets, you feel that weight of history, softened by tropical light, music in the air, and the quiet elegance of tradition preserved.

To experience this city through the lens of fashion, heritage, and celebration made the journey unforgettable, a reminder that beauty lives not only in what we wear, but in the stories woven into the places we walk.

My look: Snake-effect cotton-blend poplin gown, letter gold-plated crystal necklace, and gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earrings, all by Oscar de la Renta, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, camera bag in white by CHANEL, bracelet Click H Hermès Factory in gold and lumière, and bracelet Click H in rose gold and marron glacé, both by Hermès, and white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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The day I forgot my trousers. At least, that’s what it looked like.

The first outfit post of the year began on one of those icy Zurich mornings where the air feels almost unreal. It was bitterly cold, birds were circling around me, and for a moment the whole scene looked like something generated by AI, perfectly surreal, but completely real.

I was wrapped in a knitted ensemble that instantly steals the spotlight. A crystal-embroidered coat, a matching sweater, and the most unexpected piece of all: a tiny knitted short that almost looks like underwear. Bold, playful, and definitely not what winter dressing usually looks like.

This is exactly what I love about fashion, the tension between classic elegance and daring proportions. The craftsmanship feels timeless, while the short length of the knit adds a modern, almost cheeky twist. Unexpected combinations like this create the most exciting silhouettes.

The day itself felt just as special as the outfit. My daughter invited me for tea time at Mandarin Oriental Savoy, and I can only recommend it. Warm interiors, beautiful details, and a sense of calm luxury, the perfect contrast to the freezing streets outside.

An outfit that surprises, a moment that feels cinematic, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to start a new year is by breaking a few styling rules… or at least pretending you forgot your trousers.

My look: Gianni embellished wool-blend coat, Coraline embellished wool and cashmere-blend sweater, and Georgie crystal-embellished wool and cashmere-blend shorts, all by Simkhai, Brides de Gala forever scarf 90 in Noir / Crème / Gold, and scarf ring 90 Trio in Palladié, both by Hermès, Georgina embellished wool-felt fedora by Eugenia Kim, velvet over-the-knee boots by Miu Miu, vintage logo shopper and square sunglasses with heart mirrors at the side, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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While I am spending time in Boston, I wanted to share a few memories from Seoul, South Korea. The city itself feels like a living artwork, especially during Frieze, with its vibrant streets, dazzling lights, and unique rhythm creating an atmosphere that is as inspiring as any gallery.

For this moment, I wore an outfit that also appeared on My Style Rocks. Sophisticated and stylish, it blended seamlessly into the dynamic backdrop of Seoul. Fashion, like the city itself, becomes a language of expression, sometimes effortless, sometimes lost in translation, but always full of energy and meaning.

As worn in Episode 117 of MY STYLE ROCKS SEASON 2.

My look: Logo silk shirt, and matching logo wide-leg silk pants, both by Versace, Marble Silk Constance III mini bag, Ex-Libris Marble silk twilly, H Equipe earrings and matching H Equipe pendant necklace, all by Hermès, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @travel_addict_mia
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Let your soul shine and your style speak – this boho-inspired look is all about freedom, flow, and a little bit of magic. With earthy tones, dreamy textures, and effortless vibes, this outfit is made to wander, dance, and spread good energy wherever you go.

As worn in MY STYLE ROCKS Gala Episode 68 «Boho Style».

My look: Postcard embroidered dress by Zimmermann (Resort 2022), Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag, logo-embellished leather and suede platform sandals, and Carlina round-frame gold-plated sunglasses, all by Chloé, silk scarf 90«Cavalier en Formes» by Hermès, gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earring, and embellished necklace with coin charm, both by Oscar de la Renta, Oscar seashell choker, and gold-tone necklace with shell charms, by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Channeling timeless romance in a flowy floral dress and a statement headpiece – because sometimes fashion should feel like a love story.

Worn in Episode 59 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Eden flounce floral lace-trimmed silk gown by Zimmermann, gold-tone and resin necklace by Chloé, headpiece with bow and embellished heart sunglasses, both by Gucci, Toy crystal-embellished suede pumps by Loewe, and In-The-Loup 18 bag in Mauve Sylvestre by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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A little tribute to Jonathan Anderson, who truly grasps something essential about fashion — the pure joy it sparks when it surprises us with something we never knew we needed, yet instantly love the moment we see it. «We have to start loving fashion again,» he once told Vogue. «We don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring. So let’s enjoy it!» I couldn’t agree more.

Wishing you all a joyful Easter weekend — and dreaming of another beautiful escape to Clinique La Prairie sometime soon. Preferably, of course, in the most fashionable way possible.

My look: Appliquéd embroidered jacquard-knit wool cardigan, and matching printed high-rise wide-leg jeans, both by Loewe (S/S 2021), Falling Apart embroidered jersey bodysuit by Johanna Ortiz, black mesh ballerinas with strap by CHANEL, floral earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Birkin 35 Togo orange by Hermès, and Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine.

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.