Sandra‘s Closet

Last night’s Christmas cocktail at Valentino in Zurich felt like a beautiful pause in time, a celebration not only of the season, but of friendship, creativity, and the unmistakable warmth of the Valentino family. Surrounded by shades of deep red, festive, sensual, and powerful, it was a joy to finally gather again, laugh together, and share a moment that felt both intimate and elevated.

With Gianfranca, Albena and Wei.

As a fashion observer at heart, my eye inevitably wandered to the clothes. Under Alessandro Michele’s creative direction, Valentino is entering a fascinating chapter. Michele once said, «Clothes are a form of self-definition, a way of declaring who you are without having to speak.» That philosophy is clearly present, rich, expressive, unapologetically emotional. And yet, one cannot help but feel that his signature is so strong, so personal, that it almost longs for a universe entirely of its own. Alessandro Michele doesn’t just design collections; he builds worlds.

I fell in love with the hat from the F/W 2025 collection.

That said, Valentino currently offers truly beautiful pieces to discover, highlights from the F/W 2025 collection can be found with up to 40% off, and the new Resort collection has arrived with fresh, desirable silhouettes that feel both joyful and timeless.

Valentino Resort 2026

The evening itself was filled with lightness: exquisite catering, endless conversations, and a room full of women clearly enjoying themselves. The photos capture it perfectly, elegance without stiffness, glamour without effort, and the simple pleasure of being together again.

Tanja, Thea, Wei and me.

Fashion, after all, is never just about clothes. It’s about moments like these.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion is calling…

… and my favorite dinner is served.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Valentino
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On the second day of the Creative Women Forum in Riyadh, I wore one of my favorite looks from this trip, a beautifully balanced outfit that blends Western sophistication with Middle Eastern elegance. The centerpiece was a graceful head scarf, styled in a way that felt both culturally respectful and effortlessly chic.

There was something powerful about walking through Riyadh dressed in a look that carried elements of two worlds I love. The tailored lines and modern silhouette spoke to my Western side, while the textures, colors, and the way the scarf framed my face echoed the timeless beauty of Middle Eastern style.

This outfit wasn’t just fashion, it was a reflection of connection. A way of honoring the culture around me while staying true to my own aesthetic. And in that moment, surrounded by inspiring women from across the globe, it felt like the perfect expression of who I was that day: confident, curious, and beautifully in between.

My look: Belted crystal-embellished crepe kaftan with headscarf by Simkhai, bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich, Farrah leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, and Roman Stud quilted leather shoulder bag by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Aiman Fekri @aiman.ph
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On my way to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday, I chose an outfit that felt both unusual and comforting, a soft, easy ensemble paired with a beautifully detailed vest, platform sneakers, and touches of rose gold shimmering through my shoes, my bag, and the vest itself.

Since losing my mother, life has felt like an endless attempt to find my way back. Grief makes even the smallest things heavy, and yet fashion gives me little sparks of light, a reminder that creativity, beauty, and self-expression can gently guide me forward. It’s not always easy, but these small steps every day matter.

My look: Embellished wool and silk-blend twill vest and Open Disco leather wedge sneakers, both by Valentino, printed mesh top, and matching printed mesh flared trousers, both by Jean Paul Gaultier, Screen rectangular sunglasses by Loewe, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, and Nina leather bag by Gabriela Hearst.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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There’s something dangerously luxurious about slipping into a fabric that does all the talking. Today’s look? Tailored, fluid, unapologetically refined. A shirt and trousers that don’t cling, they glide. That don’t shout, they suggest quiet confidence.

Why choose this fabric? Because it doesn’t wrinkle under pressure – and neither do I.
Light as air, smooth as confidence, and cool enough to keep up with a busy schedule (or a graceful exit). Perfect for days when you want to feel composed on the outside, even if your inbox says otherwise.

Style should feel good. This one feels incredible.

My look: Tallow silk shirt, and matching Tallow relaxed pants, both by Zimmermann, Cassette medium padded intrecciato leather shoulder bag in porridge, and Intrecciato rectangular sunglasses in green/brown, both by Bottega Veneta, deep gold Rockstud metallic flat sandals by Valentino, 18-karat gold, sapphire and diamond necklace by Suzanne Kalan, and gold necklace with charms by Foundrae.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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For this MY STYLE ROCKS gala evening, inspired by the theme «My Best Friend’s Wedding,» I envisioned the moment at the registry office, intimate, elegant, and full of emotion.
I chose a structured pink ensemble that merges classic romance with contemporary tailoring, a statement of joyful sophistication and modern femininity. The belt reads «L’amore è bellezza»,  a subtle detail that captures the spirit of the day.

Sometimes, fashion says yes long before the vows are spoken.

Worn in gala episode 124 of MY STYLE ROCKS Season 2.

My look: Pink lace dress and «’L’Amore È Bellezza» ribbon belt, both by Dolce & Gabbana, vintage pink fascinator by Dior, Greca embellished platform sandals by Versace, vintage silk satin clutch with colorful stones by Prada, white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino, and metal bow earrings with crystal embellishment by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @enesskulaberr
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Effortlessly chic and comfortably bold – this look is all about contrasts that complement. A cozy knit co-ord set with drawstring trousers meets edgy mesh gloves and a soft sweater. Topped with a statement turban and feather stole for that extra flair.

Because style should feel as good as it looks, mon Chérie!

As worn in MY STYLE ROCKS Episode 69.

My look: Pointelle-knit wool sweater, ribbed wool and pointelle-knit track pants, wool hat, embellished cotton-blend fishnet gloves, feathers scarf with turkey and pheasant feather, and Tan-Go platform pumps, all by Valentino, cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses by Gucci, Knot padded clutch by Bottega Veneta, knotted mesh oversized pearl necklace, and multistrand pearl necklace, both by Lanvin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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There’s something magical about the first warm days of the year — feeling the sun on your skin, seeing nature bloom, and simply enjoying the beauty around us. Switzerland has been especially stunning lately, and I’m thankful for every moment here before heading back to Istanbul for work. Even after challenging times, spring reminds us that new beginnings are always possible.

My look: Double-breasted leather coat in pink, and mid-rise skinny jeans, both by Valentino, Speed 2.0 knitted sneakers, and slap bracelet, both by Balenciaga, 2020 mini classic flap belt bag, large classic flap bag in caviar leather, chain earrings with logo, embellished sunglasses, and black and pink N°5 tank top (Look 34, S/S 2021), Denim Hotfix Embellished Overshirt, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Happy Tuesday to everyone! I am on my way back to Istanbul to film more episodes of MY STYLE ROCKS.

Today’s outfit post shows the look I wore last week in Episode 39 of Season 2.

With this combination, I wanted to embody confidence, creativity, and a touch of bold elegance. This look is all about power dressing with a twist – a statement oversized suit paired with a signature turban. Effortlessly sharp, unapologetically expressive.

My look: Belted textured-wool blazer, and matching Alina textured-wool wide-leg pants, both by Victoria Beckham, VLogo leather-trimmed jacquard shoulder bag, and matching twisted floral-brocade headband, both by Valentino, Jeanne embellished glossed-leather slingback pumps by Saint Laurent, logo earrings by CHANEL, and statement ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Power dressing, but make it personal. Today’s look is all about owning every step with confidence and unapologetic style. Because capable never goes out of fashion. For the ones chasing dreams, breaking norms, and showing up strong – this look is for you.

My look: Pussy-bow feather-trimmed silk and metallic cotton-blend tweed jacket by Balmain, metallic jacquard-trimmed high-rise wide-leg jeans by Valentino, camera bag in white by CHANEL, Leander bow-detail faille barrette by Jennifer Behr, bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich, and Kurillos chain-embellished leather pumps by Manolo Blahnik.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Let’s party and celebrate the 50th episode of MY STYLE ROCKS, that aired this week. I wore this look for the first time and adore the color combination of light blue that is blending seamlessly with the richness of burgundy and a touch of pink. By adding a sprinkle of vintage glamour with the turban, the outfit got a fun and quirky edge, bringing the old-fashioned alive with a fresh perspective. Let the past inspire the future – style reimagined, bold, and make it uniquely yours, where timeless elegance meets a playful twist!

My look: Ruffled fil coupé cotton wrap skirt, and matching fil coupé cotton blouse, both by Marc Jacobs, The Whirl leather clutch in pink by Bottega Veneta, gathered silk-satin head scarf by Valentino, horsebit-embellished logo-debossed leather platform slingback pumps by Gucci, and earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @aydogmus.ea
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