Sandra‘s Closet

Rome is not just the Eternal City. For some of us, it is a place where life folds in on itself, past and present, joy and loss, beauty and farewell. This Valentino look was photographed here, in a city that meant more to Valentino Garavani than mythology or monument. Rome was never a backdrop for him; it was a language he spoke fluently, of restraint, confidence, and quiet power.

Yesterday, as the world said goodbye, this image took on another meaning for me. Rome was also the destination of my last journey with my father. A place where time slowed, where moments became memories without announcing themselves as such. Perhaps that is what true elegance does. It holds space, for love, for legacy, for absence. Valentino understood that. And Rome, as always, remembers.

My look: Polka-dot flocked wool-blend tweed jacket, and matching layered polka-dot wool-blend tweed shorts, VLogo bow shirt in white, and Roman Stud quilted leather shoulder bag, all by Valentino, St. Sulpice black pumps by Saint Laurent, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier, chain creole earrings by CHANEL, and EverDior oversized square metal sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Daydream Studio
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Continuing this beautiful intersection of design and everyday rituals, there’s yet another collaboration that truly caught my eye: Christofle × Saint Laurent, this time at the table.

I’ve always loved the idea that style doesn’t stop at fashion or interiors, but extends into the smallest daily gestures. Cutlery is something we use without thinking, yet in this collaboration it becomes intentional, bold, and unmistakably chic. Christofle’s craftsmanship meets Saint Laurent’s sharp, modern edge, turning something functional into a true design statement.

It’s elegant, slightly rebellious, and effortlessly cool, proof that even the act of eating can feel curated. A reminder that luxury isn’t always about excess, but about elevating the ordinary into something special. Style, after all, is in the details.

Available to order for € 5000 for a set of 24 pieces (6 knives, 6 forks, 6 large spoons, 6 coffee spoons in 30mm silver-plated nickel silver, 100% stainless steel steel) online here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Saint Laurent
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On my way to La Padrona, inside the new Raffles Boston.
Boston feels crisp, elegant, quietly confident, exactly my kind of energy.

Setting the mood before the first course: my guitar-shaped bag by Balmain. Sculptural, playful, and just the right amount of attitude. Some evenings start long before dinner.

My look: Two-tone silk-satin blouse, and asymmetric ruffled silk-chiffon wide-leg pants, both by Valentino, Torchon gold-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Anthem leather belt, and guitar shoulder bag, both by Balmain, and Jeanne embellished glossed-leather slingback pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Some pieces are simply too special to be worn only once. This Oscar de la Renta dress is one of them. I first wore it four years ago during Paris Fashion Week, for a special occasion hosted by Dr. Barbara Sturm.

With Dr. Barbara Sturm at Kaviar Caspia in Paris in 2021 wearing the dress for the first time.

Last week, I was wearing it again in a very different setting in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the National Palace in Santo Domingo on the occasion of Oscar de la Renta’s 60th anniversary.

Christmas tree camouflaging.
So perfectly decorated that I almost disappear into it.

The dress remains the same. I only changed the shoes and the earrings. And yet, it feels completely new.

My look in Paris: Open-back appliquéd tulle mini dress by Oscar de la Renta, vintage dark green stingray leather clutch, and platform sandals, both by Alaïa, oversized gold-tone, leather, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

My look in Santo Domingo: Open-back appliquéd tulle mini dress and dark green long beaded tassel earrings, both by Oscar de la Renta, vintage dark green stingray leather clutch by Alaïa, and Jodie rose-embellished white leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent.

With its iconic three-dimensional floral appliqués, a design made iconic by Taylor Swift, this gown is an absolute dream piece. And when you are lucky enough to own something this special, you should wear it again and again. Because every time you do, it feels like a Christmas gift all over again: familiar, yet still magical.

These images below were taken in Paris, but over the coming days I’ll also be sharing what I experienced with Oscar de la Renta in Santo Domingo. This is just the beginning. Merry Christmas and stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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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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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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My flight to Zurich is canceled tonight, so I get to enjoy one more evening in Boston. Against the city’s skyline in the golden sun, I’m wearing a seductive yet cool look: denim with lace cut-outs at the legs, paired with a matching lace top. A clutch with New York’s skyline adds a playful twist across borders.

Fashion always comes full circle, and brands from the ’90s and 2000s, think Blumarine, are experiencing a powerful revival. Today, I’m celebrating that spirit in my own way.

My Look: Floral Chantilly lace top, and lace-trimmed low-rise wide-leg jeans, both by Blumarine, Carmella NYC Skyline beaded clutch by Staud, embellished leather necklace by Alessandra Rich, sunglasses by CHANEL, and Jodie suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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One of my favorite outfits of the season, bold, playful, and full of character.
Wearing my go-to Balmain lipstick heels, a statement brooch, and this striking trompe l’oeil dress with a face motif. Fashion meets illusion and I’m here for it 💋

As worn in Episode 94 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Printed jacquard-knit mini dress, B-Buzz Dynasty Make Up tote bag, lipstick brooch, and 95mm Lipstick pumps, all by Balmain, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings by Saint Laurent, and hair clip by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @whbeyaz
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Zurich’s weather is currently somewhere between «meh» and «what is this humidity?» … but hey, the jungle vibes are free. With a bathing-suit-meets-dreamy-wrap-skirt combo, a bold hat, and my trusty bamboo stick, I’m fully embracing my inner Tarzan. This look is an instant vacation mood booster, even if the only wild adventure today is dodging summer rain.

My look: One-shoulder ruffled printed swimsuit, Tropical Agitations wrap-effect ruffled printed cotton-voile maxi skirt and We Are Human embellished tasseled belt, all by Johanna Ortiz, Santon grosgrain-trimmed straw hat by Jacquemus, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals and Apophis cuff, both by Saint Laurent, T printed textured-leather pouch by Loewe, and gold-tone bead earrings by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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Wrapped in the glow of moonlight, this look captures the magic of the night sky. The delicately embroidered cape shimmers like lunar rays, paired with a stunning, intricately detailed jumpsuit and a unique headpiece from Istanbul. A celestial moment, woven into fabric.

Worn in Episode 116 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Dancing Dragonfly jumpsuit, by Annie’s Ibiza x Clio Peppiatt, Moonray scalloped embellished tulle cape, and Nova embellished satin clutch, both by Clio Peppiatt, head piece by Gracia Stilo, black calf leather lace up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent, silver-tone crystal and pearl clip earrings, and crystal and pearl necklace, both by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

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