Sandra‘s Closet

Being back in St. Moritz is always fun! Especially if some amazing things are happening in the Engadin mountains. Moncler hosted a star-studded show in the snowy woods and it was also the start of the 117th edition of the International Horse Races this weekend.

Photo: @alex_lambrechts

The so-called White Turf, which has been held annually since 1907, is a top-class event: it combines exciting horse racing, fine catering, attractive music and art performances set against a unique mountain backdrop on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. In 2010, I reported for the first time about it. If you are curious, click here for the previous post.

Giving interviews …

In 2024, the event will take place on 4, 11 and 18 February and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from all over the world. The St. Moritz Racing Club is behind the organisation, while the main sponsors are UBS, Genesis and DC Aviation Group.

The weekend was fantastic. Crisp blue skies, and lots of sunshine were the perfect backdrop to enjoy the first race Sunday with over 45 horses from four countries competing in the three disciplines of galloping, trotting and skikjöring on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. However, the temperatures were almost too warm and due to the lack of precipitation throughout the previous week, the racecourse had also to be covered with artificial snow.

For families, I recommend the White Turf Family Days which take place on the Saturdays before the races – 3, 10 and 17 February – to celebrate young racing talent. The programme includes pony, trotting and flat races as well as mounted UBS Kids Skikjöring and duathlon competitions.

I wore head to toe DiorAlps (for the details, click here please).

In case you are wondering about the dress code, the more glam the better. Fur is seen everywhere (however, lots of fake fur in comparison to previous years), even on the dogs of the attending high society. If you are not into horses, you will still enjoy the scenery and watching people on the frozen lake. An event in Switzerland not to be missed!

Tickets for White Turf St. Moritz 2024 are available online here.
The VIP packages are almost sold out.

Below you can enjoy some more impressions… I ended the beautiful day with drinks at the new Grace hotel.

LoL, Sandra

With hat designer Fabienne Breederland @fabienne_breederland, who designed a special «White Turf» edition, that I am wearing in the photo.

With my friend Jasmin Brunner @jazbrunner, who has her own cashmere brand that is available at Jelmoli.

Having fun with Annakarina Goldkind @goldkind_annakarina.

My dear friend and colleague Jorge Guerreiro @jorge_jsbg_guerreiro and our lovely host Tina Seiler of Oppenheim & Partner at the after party.

With artist Ginny Litscher @ginnylitscher, who designed a special artwork for the White Turf, and event sponsor Irene Franco @ifra77 of Genesis Europe.

With Jorge and champagne expert Dan Roznov @champagnespy, who took my favorite photo of me at the event below.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of The White Turf
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! #whiteturf #horseracing #skikjöring #stmoritz #winners

Yesterday, I arrived at the Carlton St. Moritz for a weekend of fun. The White Turf is taking place and the Moncler Grenoble show.

Stunning views over the White Turf and St. Moritz from my suite.

Happy me arriving at The Carlton St. Moritz.

The mighty forests of the Engadin make an appearance at the Carlton Hotel. With unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountains and frozen Lake St. Moritz, my beautiful hotel suite is not only spacious, but ultra luxurious.

I started the evening with drinks at the bar in front of one of the carefully restored open historic fireplaces, followed by a dinner at the Grand restaurant. The newly developed menu gives pride of place not only local produce but to wild products from the surrounding forests. Both the look and flavor of dishes are inspired and enhanced by these gifts of the outdoors, which are picked and collected seasonally before being expertly prepared. The ingredients embody and authentic connection to the region.

I am wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Via Johannes Badrutt 11
7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 836 7000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – First Collage Photos Courtesy Carlton St. Moritz
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

You might have already seen the internet being bombarded with photos of the most beautiful glamping tent in the world … LOUIS VUITTON has created this stunning Pop-Up space designed in the style of a yurt, which is the traditional tent of the nomads, in St. Moritz.

Complementing the pop-up store’s location, customers are able to purchase the Maison’s must-have pieces, rare collector’s items, as well as the ski collection which offers a complete wardrobe, designed for both style and performance. I personally fell in love with the beautiful exotic leather pieces in sparkly hues never seen before.

The iconic Louis Vuitton emblems adorn the outside wall of the yurt. Inside, on the other hand, nothing reminds you of camping. Light wood, off-white seating and a cone-shaped open fireplace invite you to spend a cozy time. The interior is reminiscent of an apartment. There is also a huge seating area outside where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of bubbly snuggled in a logo embellished cashmere blanket.

In addition to the main LOUIS VUITTON Store, the Yurt Pop-Up is open until April 10, 2023 and has the same opening hours as the Louis Vuitton Store, which means Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pop-Up is located on Via Maistra (next to Kulm Country Club & Bar). Absolutely worth the visit!

LoL, Sandra

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

Gucci Paradiso reopens for the Winter Season 2022/2023 at the Paradiso Mountain Club in St. Moritz. Mountain Club members have exclusive access to the Gucci Paradiso lounge.

With a look that invites guests to feel welcome and relaxed, members are swept away with spectacular mountain views. The interior design remains discreet in keeping with the elegant and contemporary eclecticism that characterizes the leading luxury fashion brand. Sumptuous velvet chairs and sofas from the House’s Décor collection provide with a place to dine, drink and relax while the tartan carpet adds to the space’s cozy atmosphere.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci by Pamela Bargnesi – #GucciParadiso #GucciParadisoStMoritz
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Do you enjoy skiing in the most luxurious and sought-after resorts in Switzerland? The dilemma of whether to go to Gstaad, or St. Moritz comes down to personal preference. I used to spend my winters in St. Moritz for many years but today I prefer Gstaad.

The beautiful Gstaad Palace is my home away from home and those photos were taken inside the La Fromagerie restaurant that offers delicious cheese treats and other Swiss specialities. The Alpine resort’s blend of glamour, lifestyle, sport and pristine nature outshines everything. However you are far more certain of getting snow in December in St Moritz than Gstaad. Both have a high profile social scene. St. Moritz, touted as the ski resort «on top of the world,» and Gstaad advertises with «come up and slow down». The choice is yours and the look would work for both.

My look: Argyle-pattern rollneck jumper and matching argyle jacquard midi skirt, both by Balmain, St. Moritz Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch by Olympia Le Tan, Alminette red suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and classic large Impatiens earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

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

Adored by the literary-loving fashion elite, French brand Olympia Le-Tan re-imagines classic book covers and transforms them into artisanal clutches and accessories. It can take skilled artisans up to 300 hours to embroider and appliqué one of those numbered limited edition styles. From the painstaking hand embroidery to the Liberty-print lining, every detail is carefully considered. For Resort 2020, Olympia Le-Tan seeked inspiration from glamorous holiday destinations.

Where are you off to this winter?

LoL, Sandra

St. Barths Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

St. Moritz Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Hamptons felt-appliquéd canvas clutch

Gstaad appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Côte D’ Azur appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Photos: Courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan

Mid February, St. Moritz hosted for the first time a Swiss Red Cross Gala, also marking the 150th anniversary of this institution. In celebration of this great cause, the iconic White Turf tent was supposed to be the stunning location on the frozen lake to welcome over 300 guests from the business, economic, political and cultural worlds. Unfortunately due to the warm weather conditions, the event had to shift to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, ice cube bag and pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

The evening’s theme was: «clean water for every day». The gala’s proceeds will therefore go towards helping the victims of forgotten disasters and the water program in Nepal.
Clean drinking water and functioning sewage treatment systems are things we take for granted in Switzerland. They are part of our lives. However, the daily lives of well over 700 million people around the world are very different. They have no access to even a minimum of clean water.

If you would like to donate something to the Swiss Red Cross, please find herewith the details:

Credit Suisse AG, 8070 Zurich
BIC: CRESCHZZ30A IBAN: CH35 0483 5082 7306 1100 1
Endorsement: SRC Gala 2016

Thank you for your donation!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have some fun news for you. The famous Crazy Horse Paris is coming to Switzerland as part of their Forever Crazy World Tour. On Friday, 7th March 2014 the 10 Crazy Girls from the classic Parisian revue theatre are to hold two performances in Badrutt’s Palace Hotel of their show with unique and sensuous choreography. Combined with stunning lighting effects, original music and daring outfits, you can expect a show that has no equal.

ABOUT CRAZY HORSE PARIS
60 years ago, the founder of the Crazy Horse cabaret, Alain Bernardin, was fascinated by American show girls and women in general. He was driven by a single idea – to make feminine beauty and artistic creation his focus. Over the years he developed his own particular style. This includes the tradition upheld to this day that each dancer is christened with her own unique stage name before her first Le Crazy performance. So the troupe is made up of names such as Shiny Shadow, Loa Vahina and Lila Magnetic.

CRAZY FACTS & FIGURES
• It takes a dressmaker on average one week to make a single costume
• Each dancer has at least six pairs of specially made shoes
• Each dancer uses 500 litres of body make-up, 300 lipsticks in Crazy Red, 720 pairs of false eyelashes and 2,500 pairs of stockings every year
• It takes three months of intensive training for a classically trained dancer to be ready to slip into the role of a Crazy Girl
• World renowned fashion designers such as Paco Rabanne, Loris Azzaro, Karl Lagerfeld, Emmanuel Ungaro and Azzedine Alaia have designed Crazy costumes
• Christina Aguilera drew inspiration for her music video »Hurt« from the Crazy dancers
• Christian Louboutin designed various shoes for the shows
• Dita Von Teese became the first guest star at Le Crazy in October 2006 in Paris, followed amongst others by Pamela Anderson in February 2008

Performances on 7th of March, 2014 begin at 7.30pm and 10pm in the ›Embassy Ballroom‹. 
Tickets from CHF 220.00 – To book and for further information please call:+41 (0)81 837 2659 or
send an e-mail to: .

If you cannot make it to St. Moritz, I recommend anyone in Paris to go see it. The show is absolutely amazing.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Crazy Horse Paris

Thank you for your sweet comments regarding my recent outfit post “Amazing Grace“. So many of you liked my Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland. The iconic brand was founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry. From the beginning technical innovation has led to the creation of knitwear as outerwear, the signature argyle pattern and the classic twinset.

For the first time, Pringle of Scotland is set to trial a new retail format focusing on cashmere editions, its expertise in knitwear and show casing the current collections with the opening of a seasonal store in St.Moritz, Switzerland, that will be open from now to April 2014. Catering to the resort’s discerning global clientele, it will showcase exclusive Scottish handknits, luxurious cashmere and fur accessories and special re-editions exclusive to the Engadin store.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland

Last fall, I attended SAM’s Tribute to Photography Night that took place in St. Moritz at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. The event started with a cocktail reception, followed by a gala dinner. It was such an amazing evening for me as I was able to meet some of the most renowned photographers of our times such as Lucien Clergue, Jock Sturges (see photo on top to the left with me), Matteo Basilé, Amedeo M. Turello, Steve McCurry and Albert Watson among others.

Let me share my favourite moments with you:

MEET ALBERT WATSON

Personally speaking, I have been adoring Albert Watson‘s work since many many years. Born in 1942, the Scottish photographer is an icon in the world of fashion, celebrity and art photography. He has shot over 250 covers for Vogue magazine around the globe since the mid-’70s and his works have been featured in countless other publications.

His first celebrity photo took place in the year 1973, a portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a dead goose with a ribbon around its neck, which he shot for that year’s Harper’s Bazaar’s Christmas issue, became one of the most famous photos around the globe. As well as the iconic shot of Steve Jobs that went around the world after he died. Albert was the official Royal Photographer for Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson and he photographed dozens of posters for major Hollywood movies, such as “Kill Bill,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “The Da Vinci Code.”

He is such a gentleman, in a very charming way, he took me on a tour around his fabulous artwork.

Albert explained me that this shot of a tattooed guy was taken in a penitentiary while the prisoner was working on a damaged car.

Us in front of his famous shot of Steve Jobs.

Albert Watson and Amedeo M. Turello

MEET YOSSI LOLOI

Either you love or hate Italian photographer Yossi Loloi‘s Full Beauty project, for which he has only photographed extremely overweight women. He plays with the idea of beauty and form, fashion and attraction, like and dislike. I couldn’t help but being fascinated by his work from the first second. He told me that he always had a special relationship with larger women, and that he likes how those women bloom in front of his camera, how they enjoy their Rubenesque body.

So it was a true honor for me to give the laudatory speech for the talented photographer.

I was sitting at Monty Shadow‘s table, who founded of the St. Moritz Art Masters. It was the best table, you can imagine, framed by…

…the late Claude Nobs…

…and Jeffrey Deitch, Director Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

What an amazing event! Stay tuned for the photos that Steve McCurry and Amedeo M.Turello took of me during those days and of course the detailed post regarding my outfit.

And save the date! This year, SAM will bring China, its art and culture to the Engadin from August 23 – September 1, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht