Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, I was invited by Christian Louboutin to a Red Night at The Connaught in London Mayfair. The evening started with drinks at the brand’s flagship store on Mount Street. As my plane was delayed, I missed that part and went straight to the party that was filled with many treats and a special tarot session.

Among fashion designers, Christian Louboutin stands out as one of the most influential, thanks to his ability to transform extraordinary shoes into true icons, all thanks to his distinctive signature: the red sole.

The dress code said a touch of red and for me that not only included the soles of my shoes but also a little touch of red on my jacket. The red sole of Louboutin shoes has become a symbol of luxury, style, and status, representing a fashion statement that doesn’t go unnoticed.

With beautiful Anna Lange, Christian Louboutin Store Manager Mount Street, at the event.

My gorgeous bag from the Flamencaba collection.

Spoilt to the fullest with this beautiful red quilt.

This holiday season, Christian Louboutin has a huge range of fantastic footwear, must-have accessories, and stocking fillers. I attached you some of my favorites available now below.

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Life is too short to wait … I decided not waste time on unimportant matters or unworthy emotions. Life is also too short to wait for a special event to wear a fabulous outfit. During my month here in London – I am having such a good time in this vibrant city – I love to dress up and go out.  This has become one of my favorite looks.

My look: Lace turtleneck bodysuit, matching lace leggings, croc-effect vinyl mini skirt, and laser-cut leather corset belt, all by Alaïa, Cherry leather platform ankle boots by Saint Laurent, and black satin pochette (Métiers d’Art 2023 Collection Paris – Dakar) by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

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

Named «The Diamond», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2022 is designed by long-time friend of the hotel, Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo, and realised by set designer Simon Costin.

This magnificent sculptural creation is crafted from reflective mirrors and accented with light which pulses and undulates. The diamond has long been a special icon in the world of Jimmy Choo with Sandra often dreaming of what it would be like to step inside one – therefore the tree is created for guests to actually enter and stand inside to take in a magical and shining, diamond-refracted space. The tree is finished with a giant, glittering bow topper – a nod to one of the key design themes of the brand’s winter collection.

«Claridge’s is a London icon. The perfect blend of glamour and decadence – great things happen at Claridge’s. There’s a magic energy as you enter the doors that’s contagious, from the warmth of the staff to the discreet buzz of guests in the lobby. And at night the hotel invites you to party. Claridge’s is a London jewel, it’s multifaceted, like the diamond that inspired our tree, like Jimmy Choo.» – Sandra Choi

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s ©/ Darren-Gerrish
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the S/S 2022 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Lanvin to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with Oscar de la Renta – a striking orange gown crafted with apricot bavarois, salted Manuka honey and apricot ganache, topped with a meringue frill. A hero handbag from Michael Kors – whose bags were seen filled with flowers on the catwalk – has been created as a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry jam, wrapped in an Opalys chocolate cylinder with flowers intricately piped with lime butter cream.

Gucci’s pink silk tuxedo has been reimagined in bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge, layered with peach compote and glazed with shimmering pink icing. This is finished with a thin chocolate jacket and bow tie. Meanwhile, Lanvin’s towering floral platform heels will stomp down the cakewalk made from chocolate biscuit, painstakingly piped with royal icing.

Schiaparelli’s couture golden mini dress combines caramel sponge, dark Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut praline, all topped with a shimmering, chocolate oversized collar. Richard Quinn’s buttercup yellow gown is immortalised in ice cream – chocolate wafer cones are filled with fresh fruit compote and pineapple and star anise sorbet, topped with bright yellow chocolate waves.

Finally, the Prêt-à-Portea pastry team have created a showstopper of a cake – designed to share – paying homage to Saint Laurent’s floral jumpsuit. An oversized red rose made of lychee mousse with fresh raspberry is set on a glossy white coconut cake, and finished with a green chocolate leaf.

As always, the tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from the extensive collection.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sunday: 1pm – 5.30pm.

Cannot wait to be back in London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Welcome to EL&N – London’s most Instagrammable hot spot. Everything here is irresistibly chic, pink perfection with flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes taking social media by storm.

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. I came across this place by coincidence when I was looking for a location to shoot. I couldn’t have worn a better outfit fitting the interior, don’t you think?
I went for a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, a rose flavored white hot chocolate covered with whipped cream, served with two Turkish delights, that was very yummy.

My look: Concert checked recycled woven blazer, matching Concert cropped checked recycled woven flared pants, Concert jacquard-knit merino wool, cotton and cashmere-blend tank, Concert striped silk-twill shirt, all by Zimmermann, Hippipump crystal appliqué suede ballet flats by Christian Louboutin, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

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

Great memories from London where I spent the last November weekend. After that I had to be in quarantine, as the travel restrictions had changed over night, which was an unpleasant ending of a great time.

Despite the rain, I truly enjoyed being back in London. I absolutely love the energy and the buzz of the city. Wearing one of my favorite winter looks, I had a real Mary Poppins moment when the wind wanted to take my umbrella. I shot the first time with Sinbad Phgura which was a real pleasure. He captures real life moments like a fashion story. See for yourself… I hope you like the photos as much as I do.

My look: Velvet puffer jacket, roll-neck jacquard jumpsuit, jacquard knit bucket hat, Re-nylon reversible scarf with pocket, Cleo jacquard-nylon shoulder bag, zipped pouch short gloves, and black suede boots, all by Prada, black leather belt with fringes by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Named «The Celestial Snow Globe», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2021, has been created by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections. This unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.

Evoking the idea of a magnificent snow globe, this year’s dazzling tree is an enchanting object of desire, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes, travelling across the surface. State-of-the-art holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior Haute Couture Ateliers, while traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior Ateliers «petites mains». These projections radiate from the base, upwards and beyond the tree, creating magical visuals around the space and up the famous staircase, all set against an atmospherically lit lobby.

«It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas Tree for Claridge’s and thus brought Dior, London and the Christmas spirit together in this iconic place.» – Kim Jones

In another nod to the House’s heritage, the Christmas baubles, that seem to float in orbit around the tree, reflect Dior’s iconic motifs. These include, stars – Monsieur Dior’s celestial good-luck charm – and miniature perfume bottles in the form of Monsieur Dior’s dog, Bobby, who was symbolically reinterpreted and celebrated by Kim Jones for his first Dior show.

This whimsical homage to the House’s founder continues with Kim Jones’s faithful canine companion, Cookie, perched on top of the 6.5 meter tree, delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The star echoes the shape of the talisman that Monsieur Dior treasured in his office – a decisive sign of his destiny that played a key role in his decision to create his couture house in 1946.

So beautiful and different… and by the way, I could totally see Kim Jones becoming the new Artistic Director of CHANEL. Lagerfeld started at Fendi, too. Just saying…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s

Last weekend, I celebrated several occasions in London and had a fantastic time. Before I left for dinner at The Arts Club, we took these photos in my Park Suite at the Como Metropolitan hotel. Completed renovated in fall 2015, this luxury minimalist boutique hotel is perfectly located in Mayfair. If you stay there, don’t miss the Asian-style spa, Nobu restaurant and the slinky cocktail bar.

My look: Double-breasted embellished crepe blazer, embellished crepe mini dress and champagne bottle bag, all by Moschino, metallic and matte leather pumps by Saint Laurent, and logo earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s  tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin.

This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.

Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.

«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin

The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.

I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin

Streamlined, innovative, technical, real – Prada Linea Rossa is engineered to modern living.
Exploring the metropolitan and urban roots of Linea Rossa – the fusion of overground and underground, of different lives and experiences – on 7 October 2019, Prada Linea Rossa collaborated with the musician and artist Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, to stage a performance moment. This unprecedented live, raw and spontaneous set staged at a station along the Central Line on London’s Tube, the ‘Linea Rossa’ running through the capital, brought the F/W 2019 Linea Rossa line to life.

This act was designed to make an everyday commute into an extraordinary experience. Completely unannounced to the audience, impossible to plan for, yet documented real-time and instantly shared, this moment was a celebration of the transient nature of our real life experiences, the spontaneous beauty of chance: the performance of our everyday.

In today’s urban world, a ‘Linea Rossa’ – a red line – is universal, a uniting emblem, simple yet complex, coded and deep. Irrespective of nationality, designed to function beyond language, it can be immediately recognized in the context of our major cities – a line through all of them, each ‘Linea Rossa’ represents travel, speed, dynamic energy. These ‘Linea Rossa’ draw individuals together, build communities – the inspiration behind the Willow Smith Linea Rossa performance.

Prada Linea Rossa has always been inspired by reality, by the demands of modern living – bodies and movement, urban reality, metropolitan clothing. Linea Rossa reflects that in clothes engineered for bodies and lives, technologically advanced, active wear designed for outstanding performance, everyday.

Such a cool marketing idea!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and via Instagram