Sandra‘s Closet

NEW OPENING: THE VÖLKERS HOUSE
Richard Meier Designs an Extraordinary Country Estate in the Southeast of Mallorca

Between the rolling hills of Campos and the artist-filled lanes of Santanyí, a new kind of refuge has arrived in the southeast of Mallorca. THE VÖLKERS HOUSE, set on a 28-hectare estate, is the realised vision of Christian Völkers, founder of the global real estate company Engel & Völkers, and his wife Ninon Völkers: a modern country estate that brings architecture, nature and Argentine savoir-vivre into an extraordinary dialogue.

Shaped by the designs of Pritzker Prize laureate Richard Meier, the estate unites visionary architecture with the authentic beauty of Mallorca. Light, space and landscape merge into an atmosphere of remarkable lightness. Instead of a conventional hotel experience, guests discover a sanctuary that celebrates calm, privacy and the art of conscious travel.

With just 15 generous suites with oasis-like gardens, spread across four houses, THE VÖLKERS HOUSE remains deliberately exclusive. Days begin with views over the island’s fields, unfold into long lunches al fresco and end in the warm glow of the Mediterranean evening sun. The culinary heart of the estate is its restaurant LA CANCHA, where Mediterranean traditions meet Latin American influences, following a farm-to-table philosophy with regional produce and herbs and vegetables from the estate’s own garden.

Argentine equestrian culture defines the identity of the property and forms the heart of the grounds. With its elegant Equestrian Centre, a grandstand overlooking the polo field and nearly 100 horses, THE VÖLKERS HOUSE continues the tradition of the great country estates and gives it a contemporary interpretation.

Wellbeing comes courtesy of the in-house spa, curated by Celia Forner Venturi, founder of the international skincare brand ALLEVEN. The first spa of its kind, it offers a luxurious menu of treatments for skin and body, complemented by sports and individually curated island experiences, always far from standard programmes and entirely in tune with each guest’s own rhythm.

THE VÖLKERS HOUSE translates the spirit of Mallorca into a contemporary idea of luxury: pared back yet generous in its architecture, close to nature and consistently personal in every experience.

To book or for more in formation, please visit www.thevoelkershouse.com / @thevoelkershouse.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: James McDonald, Harry Weber, Ana Adriana and The Völkers House
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Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht