Sandra‘s Closet

It’s my birthday. Wrapped in polka dots, I celebrate another year of becoming, lighter in laughter, sharper in vision. Not chasing time, but wearing it well. Elegance isn’t about age, it’s about presence. And today, I’m fully here turning 51.

My look: Bow-embellished ruffled polka-dot silk-crepe mini dress, earrings with pearls, and crystal-embellished fringed-edge necklace, all by Alessandra Rich, puff-sleeve leather jacket in black by Chloé, Brides de Gala Bandana a Pois scarf 70 by Hermès, wallet on chain by CHANEL, fishnet tights with rhinestones by Calzedonia, and studded Tan-Go platform pumps by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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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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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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There are moments when fashion, history, and place align in the most effortless way, and my time in Santo Domingo was exactly that.

Invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oscar de la Renta in the Dominican Republic, I found myself exploring the heart of the city in a beautiful Oscar look, wandering through the Colonial Zone with fresh eyes and a full heart. The streets felt alive with color, pastel façades, sun-warmed stone, and centuries-old buildings restored with such care that history doesn’t feel distant, but present.

Santo Domingo holds a special place in the story of the Americas. Often considered the oldest European-founded city in the New World, it stands as a living reminder of the moment when worlds first met in the Caribbean. Walking these streets, you feel that weight of history, softened by tropical light, music in the air, and the quiet elegance of tradition preserved.

To experience this city through the lens of fashion, heritage, and celebration made the journey unforgettable, a reminder that beauty lives not only in what we wear, but in the stories woven into the places we walk.

My look: Snake-effect cotton-blend poplin gown, letter gold-plated crystal necklace, and gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earrings, all by Oscar de la Renta, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, camera bag in white by CHANEL, bracelet Click H Hermès Factory in gold and lumière, and bracelet Click H in rose gold and marron glacé, both by Hermès, and white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

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