Sandra‘s Closet

First presented during the Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture fashion show in Rome, Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli showed some insane platform boots and heels. Reminiscent of stripper boots, they represent a conscious exaggeration and a proud demonstration of personality, inspired by Lady Gaga. Considering no one else has really presented big platform soles lately, which I totally miss, those Valentino shoes immediately caught me eye during Paris Fashion Week.

Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture

Bright, bold, and as ultra high, those incredibly shiny gold boots are really «couture». The leather is shaped in a ruffled slouchy way that stays perfectly in shape. The boots are surprisingly light and easy to balance on. Along this key style, there is also an ankle-strap platform pump, and a golden wedge.

Love at first sight in the Paris Avenue Montaigne store.

The special packaging

Presented with a special packaging dedicated to Valentino Code Temporal collection, these bold shoes are only available in selected Valentino boutiques worldwide: Tokyo Ginza, Beijing Shin Kong Place, Shanghai Plaza, Madison Avenue New York, The Dubai Mall, Milan Montenapoleone, Rome Piazza di Spagna, Paris Avenue Montaigne and Monte Carlo. A huge thank you to the Zurich store for getting them for me!

The new Valentino Garavani platform shoes and boots set a new step for couture and found their place in Sandra’s Closet.

For those, who like platforms but don’t want to go that high, Valentino has also a more modest version available. CLICK HERE TO SHOP.
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LoL, Sandra

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

May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter! May peace, joy, and love find their way under your Christmas tree.

Red and green, that color scheme has been associated with winter holidays for centuries.  I love wearing this combination in addition with gold for the festive season. It gives me immediately the Christmas cheers.

My look: Two-tone wool-blend bouclé-tweed blazer by Saint Laurent, black halterneck knit top with open back and knitted leggings, both by Balmain, Mount Small leather shoulder bag by Bottega Veneta, gold leather overknee boots by Valentino, Christmas tree earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, and Big Bang All Black Zermatt watch by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken at The Dolder Grand.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

If you’re sorting through which trends are worth investing for winter, then don’t overlook this Instagram-worthy style: cutout sweaters. Preferably oversized, these minimal yet revealing details are a welcome departure from the tight and slinky cutouts of past, making them both stylishly unexpected and actually wearable.

Celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian have been sporting the trend lately, which means cutout knits have staying power in your wardrobe well into the season, even when the weather takes a turn for the cold temperatures. Here are my favorites:

Cutout embellished cashmere and cotton-blend sweater by Area

Oversized cutout ribbed wool sweater by Valentino

Cutout wool and cashmere-blend and satin sweater by JW Anderson

Cutout cashmere-blend turtleneck sweater by Victoria Beckham

Crystal-fringed cutout wool sweater by Christopher Kane

I went for Valentino and Area and cannot wait to show you how I wear them … stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Instagram
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Contrary to popular belief, rubber boots can be fashionable and are ultra trending this F/W 2021 season. Waterproof and stylish, these pairs of boots below are the ultimate investments to stay chic in the rain. Forget the traditional Wellington boots (named in honor of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington), and update your wardrobe with one or two of those stylish options.

LoL, Sandra

Chain metallic-rubber boots by JW Anderson

Puddle glittered rubber ankle boots by Bottega Veneta (my choice)

Julian matelassé and rubber boots by Cecilie Bahnsen x Diemme

Betty knitted-cuff rubber ankle boots by Chloé

Atelier Shoes 03 Rose Edition 3D rubber knee boots by Valentino (my choice)

Horsebit rubber boots by Gucci

Tess rubber boots by Balmain

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

(V) Vaccinated – Valentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

The Met Gala is typically held on the first Monday in May, but this year, the event was postponed due to COVID-19 and falls right in the middle of fashion month. As Iris Apfel once said: «When we were small children, we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time, so why stop?». This is how Met Gala is for me, a huge party for everyone who loves to dress up and has never stop to indulge in fashion.

Ensemble, Christopher John Rogers (American, born 1993), F/W 2020; Courtesy Christopher John Rogers. Photo: HAPPYMONDAY / Courtesy of the Costume Institute

Also referred to as «fashion’s biggest night out,» the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the Costume Institute will host its first two-part exhibition, on the theme of American fashion, during 2021 and 2022. Part one, «In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,» will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18, 2021, and will remain on display when «In America: An Anthology of Fashion,» opens on May 5, 2022 in the period rooms of the American Wing. Both shows will run through September 5, 2022.

Below, you will find my personal selection of outfits, that I loved or didn’t like and hope you will enjoy it.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion that makes us dream – my favorite look of the gala: Iman in Harris Reed

Cracking the codes: Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture and Maria Tash jewelry and A$AP Rocky in ERL

Wild West: Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Fitting the American theme of the upcoming exhibitions perfectly: Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams in CHANEL

Sporting the American flag: Debbie Harry in and with Zac Posen

Trio infernal with an American «Statue of Liberty» touch: Sienna Miller in Gucci, Hamish Bowles in Thom Browne, and Emily Blunt in Miu Miu

Feathers were also a trending theme: Serena Williams in Gucci

One of my favorites last night: Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

And another one of my favorite looks: Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

Hailee Steinfeld in Iris Van Herpen

Donatella Versace in Versace

Whoopi Goldberg, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Carey Mulligan in Valentino

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

Literally eye-catching: Hunter Schafer in Prada

Gigi Hadid in Prada

A great look, but somehow not for her: Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung and Jimmy Choo shoes

Beautiful: Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang

Mmh… definitely not my favorite look: Vera Wang in Vera Wang

Playing dress-up: Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Making a statement: Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior

Flowers were a huge theme: Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

LOVE: Irina Shayk in Moschino

YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager), who came out as transgender last year, paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this «pay it no mind» sash.

Anna Wintour wore a floral Oscar de la Renta gown.

Stunning in Oscar de la Renta: Karlie Kloss and designer Wes Gordon

Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta. Her bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces.

Dan Levy in Loewe

Designer Virgil Abloh in Off-White

And here comes the golden king in his amazing outfit that revealed different layers: Lil Nas X in Versace

Photos: via Vogue.com

The bucket hat has perhaps had one of the biggest fashion glow-ups in the accessories market. Personally speaking, I love this relaxed style that has become a summer must-have for me, easy to pack and very lightweight, much easier than a big straw hat that hardly fits in your suitcase.

High-fashion brands, like Celine, Etro and Kate Spade took the bucket hat to the S/S 2021 runway, showing how trendy it is.

There’s no one way to wear a bucket hat anymore, as the style is as brilliant paired with a mesh beach cover-up as it is with a luxurious tropical print dress. Below you can find my favorites.

Happy Monday! To shop, just click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

Mesh small brin bucket hat by Dior

Printed linen-twill bucket hat by Zimmermann

Roman Stud faux straw bucket hat by Valentino

Printed cotton-terry bucket hat by Dries Van Noten

Haley embroidered cotton twill bucket hat by Isabel Marant

Faux straw bucket hat by Fendi

Asymmetric printed canvas bucket hat by JW Anderson

Leather-trimmed embroidered cotton-blend bucket hat by Loewe

Logo embroidered woven bucket hat by Prada

White bucket hat by CHANEL

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie, © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Ladies, step away from the sweatpants, we are falling back in love with denim this summer. From the bootcut to the rebirth of ’90s baggy jeans, the choices are versatile. One thing is for sure… say good-bye for now to the typical skinny jeans. Opt for versions with special details such as the Mugler ones.

I put together a selection of styles to simplify your search for summer jeans that all made it into my closet. Enjoy those patchwork styles, revived vintage models, and those new cuts and unexpected seams.

Levi’s Re-Edition 517 high-rise bootcut jeans by Valentino
Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino.

High-rise slim jeans, paneled low-rise straight-leg jeans, high-rise skinny jeans, all by Mugler
Personally speaking, the best jeans of the season. Different and new, and so sexy.

High-rise skinny jeans by Burberry
Those jeans are traced with contrast topstitching that depicts hearts at the front and back.


Denim shorts by Balmain
These shorts are meant to look like they’re being worn backwards. How cool is that?!

Frayed denim shorts by Saint Laurent
Those cargo-like pockets are a flattering detail with a distinctly vintage feel.

Belted high-rise boyfriend jeans by Balmain
Boyfriend jeans are the cut of the season and a cool alternative to all those skinny jeans we wore in recent years.

High-rise flared jeans by Alexander McQueen
Reminiscent of popular styles from the ’70s, they make your legs look 2 meters long.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

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

I am so excited to share with you the latest news. Next Tuesday, I will host with MATCHESFASHION, the luxury shopping destination, an intimate live virtual discussion with their Chief Commercial Officer Elizabeth von der Goltz, as she talks about the power of dressing, the season’s most iconic pieces and the retailer’s S/S 2021 exclusives.

Elizabeth von der Goltz with me during Paris Fashion Week

Great news is that you can win to join this live session. You will also be gifted with a one-to-one virtual styling appointment after the event, where you will receive a tailored consultation and a gift voucher of €200 to spend at MATCHESFASHION. I promise you, you will love this personal shopping experience.

The virtual zoom event will take place next Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30PM (CEST) 5:30PM (BST).

Cosima wears VALENTINO for MATCHESFASHION.
Styled by Chris Hobbs, Photographed by Danny Kasirye.

So many great pieces in my closet are available at MATCHESFASHION.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with the header «MATCHESFASHION» to . You have to be fast! All entries must be received until June 7, 2021 at 5:00 PM (CEST). No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. This contest has no restriction where you live, you can join internationally and there are two spots available. The winners will be contacted by e-mail.

Good luck! Will hopefully see you on Tuesday…

LoL, Sandra

Zinnia Kumar wears ZIMMERMANN for MATCHESFASHION.
Styled by Calvin Opaleye, Photographed by Jodie Herbage.

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

Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino. Don’t miss these limited-edition reworked denim pieces, putting a feminine spin on iconic vintage styles, that were first shown in September 2020 during the Valentino show in Milan. At that time, vintage 517 Levi’s pants were used with a slight alteration to the back label: VALENTINO was added.

So in love with this look.

Now, months later, the collab is available for purchase. The collaboration features the LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969) and the LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517, a special tag has been designed to celebrate the beginning of a new fashion exploration.

LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969)
It is fitting to note the collaborative vintage designs have been limited worldwide to just 517 units. Each piece of denim is a vintage, unaltered original that has been upcycled from previously-worn 517 jeans.

LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517
These denims are a re-elaboration of the original style, exclusively produced by Levi’s® in occasion of the collaboration with Maison Valentino.

It is definitely the most covetable denim to own this season – a must-have for all fashion lovers.
YOU CAN SHOP THE JEANS EXCLUSIVELY AT NET-À-PORTER HERE and also at Valentino.com.

The style is also available in a menswear iteration. Available at MR PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © VALENTINO and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.