Sandra‘s Closet

Remember … you are the star of your own life! Make the most out of it! Bondage is only for fun – no one should live a life in chains. The secret to living is giving and even forgiving. What seems to be negative at first sight might end up as your biggest blessing! To a fantastic 2024!

My look: Black latex bondage gown by Christopher Kane, Kelly Pochette Cut clutch in black Swift leather with gold hardware by Hermès, large CC logo gold Goossens earrings by CHANEL (Cruise 2011), and Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Graced with pearls, sequins and coloured leather, the Arceau watch appears decked out in festive finery inspired by Polish folk culture.

The Arceau watch created in 1978 by Henri d’Origny mingles classicism with singularity. Its round shape set on a stirrup lends itself to infinite expressions of creativity and expertise. Framed by this case with asymmetrical lugs, the Arceau watch embodies the Hermès style and highlights original forms of craftsmanship. Miniature painting, leather marquetry and sequins reinterpret the Costume de Fête silk scarf designed by Warsaw-born artist Jan Bajtlik.

Two versions – one in white gold, the other in rose gold – set with 82 diamonds feature a dial combining craft techniques as creative as they are demanding, expressed through colours varying according to two respective palettes. The lively, joyful equestrian motif is inspired by Polish folk culture. Illustrator, typographer and graphic designer Jan Bajtlik’s imagination is nurtured by traditional Krakow costumes and ornaments. His characters, animals and flowers draw on his native country’s popular art of paper cut-outs (wycinanki).

Miniaturised to dial size, the horse comes to life at the hand of Hermès artisans. Brightly coloured beads take shape on a sculpted metal base that is uniformly painted, a process punctuated by innumerable layers of micro-paint successively applied with a brush.

Emerging from this floral decoration, the spirited steed is revealed through equally meticulous piece of work: leather marquetry. Slim tesserae cut from different coloured leathers previously trimmed to just 0.5 mm thick are individually juxtaposed on the dial. This patient craftsmanship is complemented by delicately applied sequins. Six tiny, precisely selected shiny discs are pierced and sewn together with copper wire. As a final touch, the details of the harness are meticulously hand-painted on the leather.

Housed in a case measuring 38 mm in diameter, the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement reveals the finishing and the ‘sprinkling of Hs’ pattern adorning its bridges and oscillating weight through the sapphire crystal caseback. A sakura pink or electric blue Swift calfskin strap complements the lively tones of these two watches, respectively issued in 24-piece editions.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
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Fun times ahead! Back to London next week, I packed my beloved Fendi boots and this super practical cashmere coat that actually feels like a cardigan. The dress is from Valentino’s Black Tie F/W 2023 collection and one of my season favorites.

My look: Leisure belted cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend cardigan by Max Mara, wool and silk-blend halterneck mini dress by Valentino, logo-embellished leather biker boots by Fendi, grooved cabochon clip earrings by Saint Laurent, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and Kelly Cut clutch in black Swift leather with gold hardware by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @georgiashane
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An ode to joy and movement. A dial where time dances and gives life to the mischievous, colourful Arceau Belles du Mexique.

There are two core elements in any dance: movement and rhythm. The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch pays tribute to the men and women who perpetuate the tradition of the hat dance. Originally from Jalisco, the central Mexican region on the shores of the Pacific, it features these dancers, renowned for the relative immobility of their torsos contrasting with frantic footwork. They are depicted from above on a Hermès silk scarf released in 2017. The virtuoso design celebrates dance, movement and exhilaration.

The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch places this motif inside in a round, 38 mm-diameter white gold case. The dancers’ agility is showcased, as seven of them arranged around the hours and minutes are mobile and whirl freely in step with wrist movements. Watchmakerchoreographer Hermès thus stages a show combining body movement mastery with total freedom of expression – the very def inition of a choreography whose gestures are codif ied and that each dancer executes according to his or her own sensitivity. This free, colourful circle dance is performed around a ring of 23 diamonds surrounding the central hours and minutes hands. Like the seven others surrounding them, these dancers are entirely hand-crafted. Their relief is created by successive individual layers of paint. All fourteen dancers are then applied to the base of a painted dial.

The seven central figures are mounted on a free axis that makes them twirl at the slightest movement. The other seven catch and hold the light emanating from a bezel set with 82 diamonds. They are the motionless spectators of a central scene where the hat dance vies with the dance of time for the privilege of ticking off the hours and minutes. Beneath the stage beats a selfwinding movement that perpetually charges the watch with new energy. The poet Virgil was so right when he wrote that spirit endows matter with movement.

Numbered limited edition of 12.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HERMÈS
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Let your body talk with a fun trompe l’oeil silhouette. Spice it up with some vibrant accessories and you will surely turn heads.

My look: Ribbed metallic merino wool-blend midi dress by Jean Paul Gaultier, Hangisi 105 embellished satin pumps by Manolo Blahnik, Rainbow classic flap bag by CHANEL, «Rendez-Vous Galant» scarf 70 in Bleu / Jaune / Rose Vif, and Gina headband in silk twill with «Wild Singapore» print and interior Rocabar ribbon in Lagon, both by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

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

Horsehair marquetry and engraving weave a unique and precious equestrian face-off.

Framed by white gold, a pair of noble steeds sculpted in braided horsehair and engraved in rose gold highlight the union between Hermès style and expertise. Like yin and yang, the majestic horses in contrasting shades are revealed in the slender setting of the 45 mm round case, enhanced by protruding lugs.

Created in 2015 by Philippe Delhotal, the Slim d’Hermès expresses the ver yessence of Hermès: a singularity composed of rigorous discipline and a fine balance. Its sleek lines that are both modern and timeless highlight the remarkable handcrafted creations evoking the light-hearted, playful imagination typical of Hermès.

The cover and dial of this one-of-a-kind pocket watch reinterpret the Masan & Masan silk scarf motif by Thai designer Terawat Teankaprasith. The ancestral art of horsehair weaving – masan meaning «braided horse» in Thai – consists in collecting the prolific water hyacinth, drying it in the sun, then weaving it by hand to create objects such as baskets, hats, and or animal figurines.

Inspired by this oriental basket-making technique, the Slim d’Hermès Masan Masan combines engraving and horsehair marquetry in a subtle interpretation of the equestrian world cherished by Hermès. To create the weave on the cover and dial, the craftsman meticulously selects different shades of horsehair, cuts them and then glues them one by one, patiently composing the motif. Subtly combining brilliance and contrast, the engraver brings the second horse profile to life, forming reliefs and depths in gold created using traditional burins and chisels.

An expression of Hermès’ expertise both in watchmaking and in leather craftsmanship, this elegant and singular watch is powered by an ultra-thin Manufacture H1950 mechanical self-winding movement, fitted with a alligator cord strap highlighting its golden tones.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès
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Greeting from Mykonos where the Meltemi, a dry northern wind blows over the Aegean during summer strongly. A headscarf is then a great idea to keep hair in place and prevent it from tangling.

Shopping sustainably starts with investing in the right pieces and keeping them for many years to come. An Hermès silk carré is a great example for such an item. My grandmother gifted me with my first one when I was a kid. If you take good care of your collection, you can hand them over to the next generation. Making change together is all about making little transformations within your own behaviors toward a more beautiful and happier life. Trust me on that!

My look: Embellished tulle-trimmed stretch-jersey and open-knit maxi dress by PatBO, Tess small embossed two-tone leather shoulder bag by Chloé, bead-embellished flat sandals by Saint Laurent, «Caparacons de la France et de L’Inde» 90cm silk twill scarf (designed by Philippe Ledoux, first launched in 1959, re-editions in 1997 and 2008) by Hermès, leopard print lens sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, Ras Du Cou silver-tone, shell and beaded necklace, and gold-tone and shell earrings, both by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @mykonos_alexandr / © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 collection introduces three new limited-edition colors. A summer palette with a new, glossy finish, like a veil of delicately tinted light on the lips. The melting texture gives a luminous, translucent finish. The objects designed by Pierre Hardy, are adorned with contemporary seaside stripes, evoking an invitation to escape.

THE COLORS
06 – Corail Parasol
Corail Parasol, a fresh, subtle coral infused with light.

10 – Beige Croisette
Beige Croisette, a warm and natural, subtle pink-toned beige.

22 – Brun Yachting
Brun Yachting, a light brown that warms the lips with a healthy glow.

The three objects in the Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 limited-edition collection are refillable with any other shade from the Rouge Hermès permanent collection.
Each lipstick is available for CHF 82.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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I love Hermès scarves. This essential accessory complements any outfit. It can be worn many ways – around your neck, as a top, at the waist or as a headscarf!

This year, for the first time, the French Maison is launching the so-called «forever scarves» (carrés de toujours). They are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in all their simplicity, true to the original drawing of the artist.

Each year from now three designs will follow, in 2023 those ones below are available:

GRAND APPARAT Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Jacques Eudel in 1962
Color: Crème / Gold / Multicolore

This design showcases various pieces of ceremonial harnesses and saddles, which were adornments used for parades and celebrations. The luxuriousness of these embossed leather ceremonial harnesses, trimmed with fringes or braids and adorned with bronze elements, laurel leaves, royal emblems and coats of arms, indicates the nobility of the person being transported as well as the importance of the event. Held together by pyramid studs and braiding, the central picture was inspired by the design of a horse harnessed to a carriage, which was created for the coronation of Louis XVIII.

COACHING Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Julie Abadie in 1976
Color: Rouge / Vert / Blanc

This design is composed of different elements used for harnessing a horse. It depicts Hermès’ original expertise as a harness maker, as well as the elegant equestrian world for which the Maison has become renowned. The background features a blanket lined with a wide wool braid. In the lower right and upper left corners, dress sheets are revealed: blankets which are thrown over horses after exercise or racing to protect them from the cold. In the 17th century, coaches were imposing horse-drawn carriages driven by coachmen that transported passengers and luggage.

ASTROLOGIE Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Françoise Façonnet in 1973
Color: Bleu Cobalt / Vieil Or / Blanc

It was in Mesopotamia that the first calendar was born, around the third millennium BC, followed by the signs of the zodiac. They segmented the sky into twelve sequences which the sun takes one year to pass through. Linked to the lunar cycle and particular planets in the galaxy, they inspired many beliefs and shaped our measurement of time. Here, Gianpaolo Pagni adds stamped motifs to an emblematic scarf designed in 1963 by Francoise Faconnet, inspired by a Renaissance-era astrological table conserved at the Musee de l’Observatoire in Paris. The Italian illustrator’s geometric prints overlap with complex symbols which only the enlightened can decipher.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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This feed was in terrible need of some Vitamin Sea. Who else is excited for those carefree days at the beach?! I love wearing vibrant colors that complement sun-kissed skin the best. A great way to protect your hair from the wind, while looking super stylish, is a silk scarf tied around your head. I sported this styling trick a lot at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort.

My look: Jeannie terry midi dress by Zimmermann, Almost Bare metallic leather sandals by Aquazzura, Colorama flap bag in quilted watercolor (S/S 2014) by CHANEL, cutout acetate butterfly sunglasses in shiny black smoke by Fendi, long beaded tassel earrings in forest green by Oscar de la Renta, shell and beaded bracelet by Isabel Marant, Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue dial by Rolex, and «Le Géographe» vintage silk scarf 90 designed by Sandra Laroche (1992) by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht taken by Munko at Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands
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