Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I spent an amazing four days with Net-à-Porter at the romantic 5-star luxury resort Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscan countryside. Situated near Siena, the hotel offers an incredible experience with a holistic spa, cooking school, Michelin-starred restaurant, 270-acre organic farm, vineyards and 13-acre beautifully manicured gardens where we shot the photos in this comfortable yet stylish crochet look. More coming up soon from Borgo Santo Pietro …

My look: Open-back paneled crocheted cotton-blend midi dress by Alexander McQueen, Tess small embossed two-tone leather shoulder bag by Chloé, beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, embellished square butterfly sunglasses by Celine, and letter gold-plated crystal necklace by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Andrea Sampoli @andrea_sampoli_fotografo

Animal prints have been trending since a long time, but this F/W 2019 season, it’s time for the zebras to cross. The black and white stripes were spotted on many runways, including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.

 Get ahead of the fashion tribe and indulge in the new zebra-print pieces that are all the rage these days. I put the best ones together for you! And don’t forget to scroll to the end for an amazing surprise…

Zebra-print silk kaftan by Oscar de la Renta

Tori zebra-print silk-satin headband by Jennifer Behr

Zebra-print mid-rise skinny jeans by Saint Laurent

Dumont zebra-print toquilla straw Panama hat by Sensi Studio

My favorite: Pussy-bow lace-trimmed zebra-print crepe de chine blouse and asymmetric zebra-print crepe de chine midi skirt, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Luna zebra-print calf hair shoulder bag by Wandler

Left: Embellished zebra-print satin maxi skirt by Versace,
Right: Zebra-intarsia knitted midi skirt by Hervé Léger

For the smart shoppers among you, here is the surprise. Some amazing zebra-print pieces are extremely marked down and perfect investments for the F/W 2019 season:

1 Lace-trimmed zebra-print satin top by Chloé (50% off and extra 20% at checkout)
2 Alma 85 zebra-print calf hair ankle boots by Aquazzura (60% off)
3 Shiva 105 cutout zebra-print calf hair pumps by Aquazzura (60% off)
4 Stafford belted zebra-print calf hair coat by Joseph (80% off)
5 Blossom tiger-print sequined chiffon wrap top by Rixo (70% off)
6 Leather-trimmed zebra-jacquard coat by Alexander McQueen (70% off)

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

If I say to you, just keep swimming, I am quoting a fish – a really famous fish and that is Dory from the movie Finding Nemo. If you keep swimming, you will not drown and might reach your next goal. Take action to survive, even if that is all you can do. And needless to say, do it with style!

My look: Floral-printed bikini and matching hibiscus-printed cotton hat, both by Etro, fringed plaid basketweave canvas maxi skirt by Proenza Schouler, heart-shaped turquoise bag by Balenciaga, leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta and sunglasses «Reflected» by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love going on vacation by car as you can pack as much as you like. On the other hand, with the right hand luggage, flying can be also very convenient. For me, there is nothing quite like my new chic Lexicon Hardside Global Carry-On by Victorinox to induce that sense of wanderlust. The champagne coloured trolley is not just impossibly pretty, but also unbreakable and packed with lots of smart features. These include an interior compression system which allows you to make the most of the space inside, TSA-approved lock, built-in battery pocket for charging your USB devices, as well as premium 360° wheels for a smooth, easy roll.

My look: Appliquéd cotton-twill jumpsuit by Mira Mikati, pink satin bow hairband
by Prada, vintage white black rasoir cut-off cat-eye sunglasses by Miu Miu, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, silver-tone beaded choker by Isabel Marant, Ace sneaker with crystals by Gucci, and Shopper Bistrot Panier S straw tote by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

There is a heat wave over Europe and this week has been tropical so far. Needless to say, I am loving it. Spending time at the pool in my garden, working yet chilling, feels like paradise for me.

My look: Printed eyelet lace dress, and matching printed triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, shell, faux pearl and crystal necklace by Etro, silver-tone beaded choker, gold-tone necklace with shell charms, gold-tone and shell choker, and gold-tone anklet, all by Isabel Marant, Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, orange, green and pink by Dior Joaillerie, embellished lace-up suede pumps by Dolce & Gabbana, vintage pink leather clutch with studs by Louis Vuitton, and embellished aviator sunglasses by Alexander McQueen.

Beat the heat in style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Red and turquoise create one of those unexpected color combinations that will turn heads. The reason? Red looks more brilliant next to turquoise than it does when paired with most other colors. Here you see me wearing this fabulous duo at a beach club in Saint-Tropez on a cloudy day.

My look: Embellished circus patch denim jacket and layered silk and multi-stone necklace, both by Etro, crocheted lace-trimmed silk crepe de chine maxi dress by Costarellos, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Candy metallic elaphe platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Cahier raffia crossbody bag by Prada, gold-tone and shell necklace by Isabel Marant, and cuff by Stella McCartney.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Yesterday, I introduced you to Dundas‘ high-octane glamour. Here you see me wearing one of his S/S 2019 runway dresses that opened the runway show in Paris in Saint-Tropez for a fun night out at L’Opéra. It’s cut from naturally stretchy tulle embellished with awesome sequins in a camouflage pattern to channel the designer’s «urban jungle chic» vision. It’s spliced with an embellished leopard-effect lace sleeve and has flattering ruching along one side.

My look: Ruched sequined tulle and lace mini dress by Dundas, camouflage fold over clutch by Valentino, metallic and matte leather pumps by Saint Laurent, bead and acetate clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta and Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

When visiting São Paulo, it is best never to rest as the city is so vibrant and full of life. Here you see me at the Palácio Tangará Hotel before heading to dinner.

My look: Octave ruffled tulle and corded lace mini dress by Peter Pilotto, mini pochette by Louis Vuitton, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Dioressence pumps in dark blue cracked leather by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

I love Toile de Jouy, abbreviated «toile», the type of decorating pattern consisting of a usually white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern in a single colour depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers. PLEASE don’t miss the end of this post…. it is naughty Sunday and I have the most exciting toile pattern for you.

Toiles were originally produced in Ireland in the mid-18th Century and quickly became popular in Britain and France. The term, Toile de Jouy, originated in France and literally means «cloth from Jouy-en-Josas», a town in the south-west suburbs of Paris.

A Dior window filled with toile pieces from the Resort 2019 collection.

Mostly associated with fabrics  for curtains and upholstery in particular as well as wallpaper, toile is also used on teapots, and beddings. For Resort 2019, many fashion designers have rediscovered the pattern that was widely worn on shirts in the ’70s. This season, the fabric looks stunning on long skirts and accessories. Don’t miss Dior‘s take on it. It is my favorite. Oscar de la Renta‘s Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are inspired by bridal registry china – the idea struck after the design duo flicked through a Wedgwood book by Rizzoli.

Enjoy the best pieces below:

Pleated floral-print cotton-blend midi skirt by Oscar de la Renta

TRO floral-print textured-leather shoulder bag by Oscar de la Renta

Isa toile double waist skirt by Tibi

Printed voile cotton skirt by Dior

Lady Dior Toile de Jour bag by Dior

When my manicurist Megan Biggi‘s moved to a new location (the best in Zurich, click here for her contact information), we were talking about the interior design of the room. During the conversation, I recommended this Toile de Jouy traditional pattern that is revisited with a new humoristic and pertinent approach, showing some erotic scenes that you only discover when you look closer. She loved the idea and now one wall in her spa is decorated with the high quality wallpaper as you can see below. I think it absolutely looks fantastic!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EROTIC TOILE WALLPAPER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht