Sandra‘s Closet

The defining knit dress. An instant outfit solution. This season’s knitwear goes beyond cozy, think silhouettes that deliver polish and ease. Here is the outfit that I wore to the Lanvin S/S 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week in October.

My look: Embellished draped wool-blend turtleneck midi dress, vintage fringed bag in python leather, and vintage Gloria resin, Swarovski pearl and crystal necklace, all by Lanvin, Lisa square-frame metal sunglasses, and black suede booties, both by Saint Laurent, «L’AMOUR D’UN GITAN» hat by Jacquemus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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«Some days you’re the pigeon, some days you’re the statue.»

Lately, I’ve been living in the space between those two, standing still while life leaves its marks, yet still refusing to lose my grace. Fashion has always been my quiet form of resilience, a language beyond words. Today I wear Tom Ford, a silhouette sculpted with the kind of strength I need right now. Haider Ackermann’s vision for the house speaks of poetry and precision, softness wrapped around steel and I love how he translates that into something as simple yet refined as a cashmere jogging pant: effortless, elegant, and impossibly comfortable. And in my hand, a pigeon clutch by JW Anderson, a symbol of both peace and fragility, and a reminder that even stillness can have wings.

My look: Wool-blend sweater, jersey tapered trackpants, gold-tone choker, and gold-tone cuff, all by Tom Ford, pigeon resin clutch by JW Anderson, Torchon gold-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, LV Link square sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and Jeanne embellished glossed-leather slingback pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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There are colors that carry emotion within them and burgundy is one of them. Deep, romantic, quietly powerful. When I wore this look during Paris Fashion Week, I felt wrapped in its warmth, unaware that life was about to shift again.

These photographs were captured in a moment of light, laughter, beauty, and that fleeting Parisian magic. I look at them now, from the stillness of a hospital room, sitting beside my father on the palliative ward, and they whisper something different. They remind me that happiness is delicate, that life can change in the time it takes to exhale, and yet, beauty remains.

Since losing my mother, I’ve learned that love and loss often live side by side. In caring for my father, in the quiet hours between worry and tenderness, I return to these images to edit, to write, to remember. It’s my way of breathing through the heaviness. This post isn’t just about fashion. It’s about the contrast, between fragility and strength, between what fades and what endures. Burgundy became a reflection of my heart: graceful, bruised, but still beating.

My look: Cropped cashmere-blend turtleneck sweater, pleated knitted cashmere-blend midi skirt, and Le Teckel small leather-trimmed suede shoulder bag, all by Alaïa, vintage sunglasses in burgundy with stingray leather by Louis Vuitton, lace tights by Calzedonia, Rossy 160 patent leather platform sandals, and hoop-drop clip earrings, both by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Erika Kostialova
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Wednesday night I had the privilege of joining my dear friend Carmen Busquets in her beautiful Paris home to celebrate Lanvin and its creative director, Peter Copping. Just the day before, I attended the Lanvin S/S 2026 show, an unforgettable experience that once again reminded me why I have always admired this house so deeply.

Lanvin is not only the oldest continuously operating fashion house in France, but also one with a truly unique spirit. Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, a visionary couturière who began by designing dresses for her daughter, the house has always been rooted in elegance, intimacy, and a profound sense of artistry. That maternal tenderness and refined craftsmanship continue to resonate in Lanvin’s DNA today.

With Therese Westin, Founder of VINST, and Lupe Puerta, Founder of THE FLOORR, who co-hosted the evening (thank you for having me!)

Peter Copping’s S/S 2026 collection captured this heritage with such grace. His inspiration draws both from the timeless codes of the house and from his own refined sensibility. There was a lightness, a sense of fluidity and romance in the pieces, yet always anchored by Lanvin’s signature sophistication. What struck me most was how seamlessly he honored Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy while making it feel entirely relevant for the present.

Beyond his undeniable talent, Peter himself is one of the kindest and most humble people I have met in fashion, qualities that make his creations shine even brighter. His modesty and warmth are rare in this industry, and they infuse the collection with an additional layer of beauty.

Vintage Lanvin necklaces from my own archive #sandrascloset.

For the evening, I wore a look from Lanvin’s current F/W 2025 collection, styled with vintage Lanvin accessories and shoes. It felt like a personal way of connecting past and present, echoing the house’s long history while celebrating its modern vision.

With Peter Copping and Carmen Busquets, who co-founded NET-A-PORTER and is one of the most stylish ladies I know.

Lanvin is more than a brand; it is a story of artistry, heritage, and enduring elegance. And with Peter Copping at the helm, that story continues to evolve in the most beautiful way.

LoL, Sandra

It was such an inspiring evening with many amazing women.

Next to me was lovely Christine D’Ornano, who is Managing Director at SISLEY Paris, the beauty empire that belongs to her family.

With Brazilian influencer Camila Coutinho…

… and Martina Kojic Reiter, who just launched her own clothing label Maison Maxima.

The Queen of Eyebrows, Anastasia Soare, came from LA with her daughter Norvina.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Dries Van Noten announces a company insider, Julian Klausner, as the new creative director of his eponymous label, marking a significant transition after Van Noten’s 38-year career. Klausner, who has been with the brand since 2018 and served as the head of womenswear, will oversee its creative direction moving forward. Known for his deep understanding of the brand’s DNA, Klausner aims to honor its legacy while introducing fresh ideas to keep the label evolving.

Leaving behind a three-decade legacy of design that is celebrated worldwide, Van Noten announced he would be stepping back from his namesake label in March 2024. The Belgian-born designer, known for his innovative eye, revealed his decision in a letter, explaining that the decision has been on his mind for a while. Always bringing together an eclectic mix of textures, prints, and silhouettes, the creative director has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional style, earning him a special place on the Paris Fashion Week schedule.

Dries Van Noten expressed confidence in Klausner’s vision, describing him as a natural choice to continue the brand’s innovative and artful approach. The 33-year-old Belgian designer will present his first women’s collection on 5 March in Paris.

TO SHOP DRIES VAN NOTEN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

In Dries Van Noten this year in Boston, for the full outfit post click here please.

Photos: Courtesy of Dries Van Noten / Sarah Piantadosi, © Sandra Bauknecht
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It’s not every day that Christian Louboutin takes over an iconic theatre to put on a show. Last night, the fashionable guests arrived at Le Trianon in Montparnasse. They were greeted by crowds of fans that were eagerly waiting for the K-pop stars to arrive for the event.

For last night’s F/W 2024 presentation, Louboutin threw what most people would call the party of a lifetime, the Loubishow. During the champagne reception, I indulged in the new collections on display, from amazingly embellished cowboy boots to denim models. I had also the chance to preview of the revered tradition of the annual cabas series, this year dedicated to Rio de Janeiro. Lots of sparkles and embellishments – exactly what I love!

At around 9.30pm, we were asked to go inside the theatre to enjoy the show. Sitting front row, it was a pleasure witnessing the mesmerizing dance performance happening in sparkly Louboutins. After that we enjoyed the after party. It was an absolutely amazing night.

Monsieur Louboutin on the balcony.

With my dear friend Jani Gerard.

And now time for new season shopping … Don’t forget, Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life. Below you can find my favorite new models for F/W 2024.

LoL, Sandra

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

STELLA McCARTNEY AND VEUVE CLICQUOT COLLABORATE ON NEXT-GEN LEATHER ALTERNATIVE AND WORLD-FIRST LUXURY ACCESSORIES CRAFTED FROM GRAPE WASTE

Stella McCartney and Veuve Clicquot have collaborated on a pioneering grape-based alternative to animal leather – embodying both LVMH Maisons’ shared values and long-term commitments to sustainability, circularity and regenerative practices. The next-gen material is made from the by-products of Veuve Clicquot’s harvest and has been used to handcraft six Stella McCartney accessories, a selection of which debuted at the S/S 2024 runway show during Paris Fashion Week. Stella McCartney is additionally the guest of honour at Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Woman Award 2023 in Paris.

Both Maisons were founded by pioneering women who disrupted and drove change within their respective fields, with legacies rooted in craftsmanship, passion and innovations that created new, better possibilities. Stella McCartney is widely regarded as fashion’s conscience – inspiring others within the industry and beyond to pursue cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives, having never used leather or fur, whilst Madame Clicquot contributed to the shape of the modern champagne bottle and invented the riddling table, which is still in use today. Her innovations revolutionised the champagne industry, which additionally included the creation of vintage champagne and blended rosé champagne, and she has been recognised by her peers as ‘La Grande Dame de la Champagne’.

Continuing this legacy of innovation, Veuve Clicquot has been exploring next-generation materials for the past decade, with disruptive packaging made from vegetal waste since 2010 and now produces all its gift boxes from hemp, a soilregenerative and CO2-fixing plant. The by-product used in the new material consists of manually collected grape stems. These elements are sourced with full traceability from the environmentally certified Grand Cru vineyard of Bouzy in Champagne, which Madame Clicquot herself purchased 200 years ago.

«I AM SO THRILLED TO BE PART OF THIS FIRSTOF- ITS-KIND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A FASHION HOUSE AND A CHAMPAGNE MAISON – CONNECTED BY OUR SHARED PASSIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION. THIS COLLABORATION IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF MY CRUELTY-FREE VISION WITH VEUVE CLICQUOT’S INCREDIBLE NATURAL INGREDIENTS, USING WASTE TO CIRCULARLY CREATE A LUXURIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO ANIMAL LEATHER THAT CAN BE EASILY SCALED AND CHANGE THE INDUSTRY. YOU TRULY CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE; THIS IS A BETTER WAY.» STELLA McCARTNEY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF STELLA McCARTNEY

The grapes are grown using regenerative practices, helping to restore local biodiversity, soil health and sequester carbon, and are handpicked to ensure the highest quality of the material. Stella McCartney has also pioneered regenerative agriculture in fashion, having supported the SOKTAS regenerative cotton project in Turkey since 2019, in partnership with LVMH. The Maison also launched the world’s first regenerative cotton luxury garment at its S/S 2023 runway show. Stella McCartney will use the Veuve Clicquot grape-based alternative to craft three iconic Frayme bags, a bottle holder housing a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and two Elyse sandals, which additionally have a platform wedge made from recycled cork collected from Veuve Clicquot as a mix of pre- and post-consumer waste from its cellars in Reims.

The vegan accessories will be made available for pre-order soon, delivering in March 2024. The material solves for LVMH’s leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions, leather and winemaking, and was created in under 18 months – an incredible feat and speed in the innovation space. Multiple studies have shown that vegan alternatives can have less than half the carbon footprint of animal leather, which kills over 1 billion creatures annually (PETA) and is driving the destruction of key ecosystems like the Amazon (WWF). By creating a next-gen biobased material using waste, Stella McCartney and Veuve Clicquot are pioneering a better way that is kinder to animals, the environment and is both scalable and sustainable.

«THIS COLLABORATION WITH STELLA MCCARTNEY EMBODIES OUR COMMITMENT FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE FUTURE. FROM THE VINEYARDS TO OUR PRODUCT INNOVATIONS, OUR DRIVING FORCE IS ARTICULATED AROUND SHARED, OPENED AND COLLECTIVE PROGRESS. REINVENTING A NEW CIRCULAR MATERIAL REUSING THE RESOURCES OF OUR VINEYARDS GROWN IN REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE IS ONE OF THE KEY PROJECTS THAT DEMONSTRATE OUR CLIMATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SPIRIT.» –  JEAN-MARC GALLOT, CEO OF VEUVE CLICQUOT

Available for pre-order at Stella McCartney boutiques and Selfridges from December 2023, and for purchase in-store from March 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Stella McCartney x Veuve Cliquot
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. Please drink responsibly.

Before showing you the details of one of my favorite outfits for F/W 2022, I would like to take you to the moment when it all started. In March 2022, I attended the Valentino F/W 2022 presentation. The invite, created with artist and writer Douglas Coupland, was beautifully done in pink and my gut feeling told me to wear something in this color family.

Beautiful show invitation and surprises from Valentino

The moment I entered the show location at Carreau du Temple in Paris, I perfectly blended in. The hall was decorated in all pink – giving the audience a hint of what would be coming up. However, I think nobody would have expected the full spectrum.

Details of my look coming up shortly… it’s all Valentino from different seasons.

For Valentino‘s F/W 2022 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli focused on a single color, hot pink. A shade, developed in collaboration with Pantone, and exclusive to Valentino, so catchy and energetic that it deserves its own name, Valentino Pink PP. Right before the show started, Zendaya, the Maison’s muse, arrived in a pink power suit with floral appliqués from the new collection. The American star is also the face of the Valentino Pink PP Collection campaign.

For the designer, «it was a monochromatic journey into the realm of possibility.» Every look on his runway was pink or it was black. Needless to stay, the vibrant fuchsia tone stole the show. The Pink PP collection emphasized textures, materials, and precious items details.

Radical. Monochromatic. Beautiful. Valentino’s La vie en rose presented couture and oversized silhouettes created with interesting materials, from silk faille, to silky wool, to feather embellishments Piccoli is known for. Jumpsuits with graphic necklines, cargo trousers, transparent blouses, knitwear made with sequins, 3D floral embellishments, cut-out bustiers, and spectacular dresses encrusted with crystals, flowers and/or bows. The looks were completed by full-length tights in the respective color and vertiginous platforms, that gave the impression of ultra long legs. Something we all want.

Thus Valentino moved from the signature red to pink and that translated also into the labels and shopping bags this season. The collection has been ultra successful so far, selling out like crazy.

My favorite dress from the collection. It was love at first sight when I saw it on the runway (left) and the next day in the showroom(right).

When you buy a Valentino Pink PP piece, each item will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (available only for pink items) to celebrate its unique identity.

Pink PP charisma takes the globe. The Maison celebrates the new Valentino Pink PP collection, making its mark with installations in cities around the world. I shot my first look (yep, I got many… this collection is too good!) in front of the store at 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, that was wrapped all in pink during Paris Fashion Week.

Landed in pink paradise when I visited the showroom the next day to see everything close up.

Below you can see more impressions from the show, my showroom visit and some of the celebrities who attended the runway show.

LoL, Sandra

American actress Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical )

Gilda Ambrosio (The Attico – a brand I love)

My lovely host Libby Page, Market Director at NET-A-PORTER

Obsessed with these heels!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Valentino 
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With a history rooted in haute couture and a reputation for hosting some of the world’s famous fashion houses, experts and guests might explain why Paris is my favourite fashion week city. The final leg of the big four (New York, London, Milan, Paris), Paris Fashion Week (PFW) traditionally provides the most drama with designers creating the most spectacular runway shows. Stay tuned for some of my adventures!

My look: Paris Fashion Week printed hoodie, asymmetric-hem washed cotton-jersey T-shirt dress, and Strike matte-leather ankle boots, all by Balenciaga, sunglasses and printed fabric multicolor flap bag in printed fabric and gold-tone metal by CHANEL, and croc-embossed buckle belt by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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During Paris Fashion Week, I had the chance to visit the L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped – a temporary artwork for Paris, that was on view for 16 days from September 18 – October 3, 2021. As I was extremely busy those days, I only went on the last Sunday.

In between shows, I put on this comfy look (my kind of tourist look) and explored this incredible installation. That evening, the light was absolutely magical, showing the Arc de Triomphe wrapped in 25,000 square meters of recyclable polypropylene fabric in silvery blue, and with 3,000 meters of red rope, in all sort of shades.

With my friend, Berlin artist Johanna Keimeyer, who invited me to this beautiful terrace overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped.

In 1961, three years after they met in Paris, Christo and Jeanne-Claude began creating works of art in public spaces. In 1962, he made a photomontage of the Arc de Triomphe wrapped, seen from the Avenue Foch and, in 1988, a collage. 60 years later, the project was finally concretized, an homage to the late artists and to the city of Paris.

My look: Two-tone intarsia wool-blend cardigan by Balmain, Relax mesh-trimmed tech-jersey leggings, and Relax cropped mesh-trimmed tech-jersey top, both by Alaïa, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, Lou mini quilted textured-leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, and grey pearl necklace with gold and green metal glass charm by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

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