Sandra‘s Closet

Easter as Edible Art: Luxury Hotels Present Their 2026 Chocolate Creations

Every spring, some of Europe’s most prestigious grand hotels transform Easter into a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. In 2026, renowned pastry chefs once again unveil limited-edition chocolate creations that blur the line between fine pâtisserie and edible sculpture. From Paris to Zurich and Brussels, these exclusive Easter pieces combine tradition, artistry, and exceptional ingredients.

At Le Bristol Paris, pastry chef Maxence Barbot and chocolate chef Johan Giacchetti reinterpret the classic French Saint-Honoré dessert as a sculptural chocolate egg. The elegant design features flowing Chantilly-like waves crafted in dark Venezuelan chocolate. Inside, layers of caramel infused with tonka bean, Piedmont hazelnuts, and cocoa praline create a rich flavor profile, balanced with a touch of fleur de sel. The limited creation is available from March 18 to April 5.

In Zurich, the legendary Baur au Lac presents a delicate chocolate egg created by head pâtissier David Potier. Limited to just 25 pieces, the piece stands out with its intricate lattice shell made of dark chocolate. Inside sits a white chocolate egg filled with pistachio ganache, while pecan ganache at the base adds an unexpected final layer of flavor. Crafted with fine Ecuadorian Arriba chocolate and Madagascar vanilla, the creation reflects the hotel’s long-standing chocolate tradition under the «1844 Chocolat Baur au Lac» label.

Back in Paris, La Réserve Paris introduces an elegant Easter creation inspired by the classic Paris-Brest pastry. Chef pâtissier Jordan Talbot crafts a sculptural egg made from dark Peruvian chocolate, filled with vanilla marshmallows, almond praline, caramelized cocoa nibs, and salted caramel. Available exclusively by pre-order in March, the creation reflects the hotel’s refined and understated approach to gastronomy.

Meanwhile in Brussels, Hotel Amigo hosts the fourth edition of Bel’Œuf, an exhibition celebrating the creativity of Belgian chocolatiers. From April 2 to 8, around 40 chocolatiers present imaginative chocolate eggs inspired by this year’s theme, Pleasure in Motion. The exhibition, organized with chocolatier Marc Ducobu, showcases elaborate chocolate artworks, some of which are available for purchase, while proceeds from the event support cancer research.

Together, these limited Easter creations show how luxury hospitality continues to elevate seasonal traditions, turning chocolate into a form of culinary art.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the respective hotels
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By the lake in Zurich, wrapped in soft cream and sunlight. March, you’re treating us very well so far. The light, the warmth, the quiet promise of spring – I like you very much.

My look: Cream white cashmere sweater, and matching cashmere pants with buttons (both Coco Neige 2023), 1994 faux-pearl dangle CC clip-on earrings, all by CHANEL, medium Bobby bag in latte by Dior, cream felt hat with logo, and white butterfly tinted sunglasses , both by Valentino, vintage cream snow boots by Prada Sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Paris feels especially precise from the Prince de Galles, the Art Déco symmetry, the golden calm of the Suite d’Or, the sense that elegance here is simply part of the architecture.

Yesterday’s CHANEL show was, as always, a reminder that the house never stands still. And yet, I notice how naturally I return to the earlier language of the Maison, that quiet, impeccably composed kind of elegance that first defined its allure.

Perhaps the newest chapter simply hasn’t found me yet. But that, too, feels very CHANEL: a house vast enough for different rhythms of taste, different moments of recognition. And in a place like this, surrounded by Paris at its most timeless, the classics tend to speak the clearest.

My look: Black long vest with bow details (Look 62 – S/S 2021), knitted jumpsuit with arm warmers (Look 8 – S/S 2021), logo choker, long pearl necklace and matching wide pearl bracelet, small logo chain waist belt, large waist belt with logo letters, pearl metal hairband with CC logo, and rhinestone Coco handle gunmetal bag, all by CHANEL, and Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Some people order soup when they’re down with a stomach virus. I, apparently, order fashion.

Last week, somewhere between ginger tea, existential regret, and a heroic amount of electrolytes, I discovered the most perfect accessory for my current condition: a handbag that is, quite literally, a roll of toilet paper. Naturally, I now need it.

The piece comes from Moschino’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection, designed by Adrian Appiolaza, and it is everything one expects from the house that has never taken fashion – or life – too seriously. Crafted in leather but designed to look like an actual toilet paper roll, the bag hangs from a delicate chain. You open it exactly where you’d expect: by unrolling the «paper,» revealing the secret compartment inside. Functional. Conceptual. Slightly alarming.

But if this feels familiar, that’s because it is a very Moschino kind of déjà vu.

The idea itself isn’t entirely new in the Moschino universe. Jeremy Scott already sent a toilet-paper-roll purse down the runway for Moschino’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection, turning the most unglamorous household object imaginable into a luxury accessory. Very on brand for a designer who happily transformed cleaning supplies, fast food, and packaging into high fashion. 

Which brings us back to my current situation.

Nothing humbles you like a stomach virus. Your glamorous life collapses into a very specific triangle: the bed, the bathroom, and the vague hope that toast will stay where it belongs. And suddenly, Moschino’s toilet paper handbag stops looking like satire and starts looking like… preparedness.

In German there’s actually a phrase for situations like this: «die Arschkarte ziehen.»
Literally: to draw the ass card. – Meaning: you’re the unlucky one.

Which feels particularly appropriate considering the stomach virus… and the playing card in my Seletti mirror.

Call it survival chic.

Imagine the scene: you arrive at dinner, impeccably dressed, a gleaming leather roll of toilet paper swinging from your shoulder like the most unserious piece of couture ever created. Someone asks, «Is that… toilet paper?»

You smile mysteriously.
«Yes. And it’s designer.»

Fashion has always insisted that luxury lies in the unexpected. Moschino simply asks the obvious follow-up question: How unexpected are we willing to go?

Apparently, all the way to the bathroom.
And frankly – given my last week – I’ve never felt more seen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moschino and © Sandra Bauknecht
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A lunch filled with laughter, friendship, and inspiring women, a beautiful way to celebrate International Women’s Day.

To my readers, my friends, and every amazing woman I know: today is for you. Here’s to supporting, uplifting, and celebrating each other, today and every day!

My look: Memento batwing mini dress by Zimmermann, fleece-trimmed belted leather coat, gold-tone obsidian earrings, gold-tone jasper necklace, and logo-engraved belt, all by Chloé, PS1 leather clutch by Proenza Schouler, sunglasses by Alexander McQueen, and buckled leather knee boots by Burberry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This new generation mask is the ultimate solution for blonde, white and grey hair.
It cancels out brassy tones and enhances hair in a single step.

Three radiant yet delicate hair colours
Sunny, glamorous blondes, whites and greys are both radiant and elegant, but these proudly displayed lighter hair colours all have one thing in common, very little melanin. Melanin is a natural shield that protects against external aggressions. So, this type of hair is particularly vulnerable to UV rays, chlorine, water, pollution etc.

In this weakened state, blonde, white and grey hair is prone to unwanted yellow or brassy tones, ruining the overall effect of the colour. To eliminate unwanted tones and revive the beauty of these hair colours, purple pigments are used to counteract the yellow, as the two colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Sadly, adding these tones isn’t without its issues! Too much purple can stain the hair or leave an unnatural effect that’s far from subtle, and hair also needs to be cared for.

The Beautifying Hair Care Mask takes care of hair health and ensures beautiful colour with proven and particularly effective results. It has a triple action:
Sisley Laboratories innovation, Balsamin Phytoactive (planted and harvested in France exclusively for Hair Rituel by Sisley), works with Walnut Husk to correct the colour, neutralising brassy tones. The optimal dose of purple pigments ensures brassy tones are perfectly neutralised in an instant. Colour is corrected without worrying about purple patches.
● 100% of volunteers agreed that unwanted tones (yellow or brassy) were instantly neutralised**

The protective action is long-lasting and effective every time you use it.
To prevent the appearance of new unwanted tones, the formula is enriched with Artichoke Leaf extract to counter damage from UV rays, and with Myrtle to counter the damaging effects of pollution.
● The protective shield is strengthened: 36X stronger****

Lastly, and most importantly, the mask has a powerful restructuring complex to care for the hair. Ceramide-like molecules and Baobab proteins strengthen the hair fibre to reduce breakage (to ensure it is ready for the next balayage, colour or colour strip). Shea butter, Meadowfoam Oil and Pro-vitamin B5 form a protective barrier to ensure soft, supple, shiny hair.
● Expert tested: after 1 month of use, hair softness is
improved by +50%***
● +52% nutrition***

The Hair Rituel Beautifying Hair Care Mask is quick and easy to apply
The creamy enveloping texture has a bluish-purple tone, and should be applied to clean, towel-dried hair, twice a week, working from root to tip. Leave on for 3 to 5 mins, then rinse. The results are instant.

The Hair Rituel by Sisley Beautifying Hair Care Mask is the perfect combination: an intense treatment that instantly neutralises unwanted tones and enhances bleached or highlighted blondes, and natural grey or white hair. Colour is corrected, hair is protected, soft and radiant and appears stronger and healthier.

Available now for 200 ml | CHF 98.50.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sisley Paris
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**Satisfaction, 23 women with bleached blonde hair
***Clinical scoring by an expert on 23 women with bleached blonde hair, after
one month of use
****Hair strand test after 1 application

To mark International Women’s Day, Villa Igiea in Palermo presents «We Are All Whatever Singularities,» an exhibition by the conceptual feminist artist collective Claire Fontaine, on view from 7 March to 10 May 2026.

Inspired by philosopher Giorgio Agamben’s idea of the «singularity,» the exhibition reflects on the human condition and our potential to become many different things. Claire Fontaine presents three silkscreens referencing Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe portraits, reinterpreted with varying colours and overlaid phrases that question identity, authorship, and the ways digital networks connect and divide us. The exhibition also includes the sculpture Brickbat, transforming a book on Selinunte into a solid stone block, and the luminous installation Luminous Fountain, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life and memory.

Alongside the exhibition, Villa Igiea introduces the cultural program «Sicilian Matriarchy,» curated by Rocco Forte Hotels. Inspired by the legendary Sicilian icon Donna Franca Florio, the program invites guests to explore Palermo through experiences led by remarkable women.

These encounters include a visit to Claire Fontaine’s studio, a guided exploration of the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina through the stories of four historical queens named Constance, a meeting with artisan Carolina Guthman dedicated to preserving traditional Sicilian embroidery, and an intimate chamber concert performed by young female musicians in a Liberty-style palazzo.

Through art, history, and craftsmanship, Villa Igiea continues to position itself as a cultural meeting point where contemporary creativity and the spirit of Sicily come together.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels
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Meet two new ways to color your cheeks. Swipe on Juice Stick dewy gel blush for a juicy, hydrating glow or dot on Play Daze airy liquid blush for a stunning, soft-focus flush. Both are longwearing, smudge-proof, buildable, and blendable for effortless, flattering color. Whether you want to juice up your cheeks or play them up, that’s up to you.

JUICE STICK – dewy gel blush

There’s nothing like this fresh-squeezed flush. Juice Stick is a hydrating gel-cream blush that delivers instantly flattering juicy-sheer color in just one swipe. And with a deliciously dewy finish and an instant cooling sensation, it’s basically a popsicle for your cheeks.

• Juicy, dewy flush
• All-day wear & hydrating
• Sheer, buildable payoff
• Water-resistant, sweatproof & humidity-proof
• Blends seamlessly

What’s in the juice?
Goji berry seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-6 fatty acid, helps skin feel nourished.

Get juicy
Twist to open. Apply to cheeks. Build & blend. Seal Juice Stick with its inner cap to keep things fresh.

Available now at sephora.ch for 47,90 CHF

PLAY DAZE – airy liquid blush

Like an instant airbrushed flush, Play Daze’s transformative liquid-to-air formula goes on as a velvety soft liquid then sets into weightless cloud-like color with a natural-matte finish. This longwearing blush is effortlessly buildable for a soft-focus look that’ll leave your cheeks dazed.

• Diffused, cloud-like finish
• All-day wear
• Light, buildable payoff
• Waterproof, smudge-proof & transfer-resistant
• Feels weightless & blends seamlessly

What’s in the daze?
Microsphere Powder helps diffuse light & create soft-focus effect

Let’s play
Pump applicator up & down. Dot onto cheeks & blend.

Available now at sephora.ch for 41,90 CHF.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics
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Giorgio Armani x Alanui: A Journey Through Craft and Contemporary Luxury

The collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Alanui emerges as a refined dialogue between two distinctive visions of Italian luxury. Rooted in heritage yet guided by a contemporary sensibility, the project explores a new expression of effortless elegance. By bringing together Alanui’s artisanal mastery and free-spirited identity with the timeless, sophisticated aesthetic of Giorgio Armani, the collaboration results in a collection that feels both authentic and singular.

At its core, the collection translates the idea of travel into a wearable narrative. Each piece reflects an uncompromising attention to detail and a continuous pursuit of exceptional materials and craftsmanship, values deeply embedded in the DNA of both houses. The garments evoke movement, exploration, and cultural exchange while maintaining the understated refinement that defines the Armani universe.

With Nicolò Oddi

Founded in 2016 by Carlotta Oddi and her brother Nicolò Oddi, Alanui is an Italian luxury knitwear brand centered around the idea of the cardigan as a symbol of travel and identity. The name «Alanui,» meaning «great path» in Hawaiian, reflects the brand’s philosophy of journey and discovery. Known for its exceptional yarns, intricate craftsmanship, and distinctive patterns, Alanui blends Italian artisanal excellence with global cultural influences.

Within the capsule collaboration with Giorgio Armani, the cardigan once again takes center stage. These key pieces embody the meeting point between Alanui’s bold, handcrafted character and Armani’s refined minimalism. Presented during the Giorgio Armani Men’s F/W 2026/27 runway show, the cardigans introduced a new dimension to the collection, one where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly.

Ultimately, the Alanui x Giorgio Armani collaboration celebrates a shared dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style. It is a project that honors the heritage of Italian fashion while embracing a modern perspective, offering garments designed not only to be worn, but to accompany the wearer on their own personal journey.

TO SHOP THE GIORGIO ARMANI x ALANUI COLLABORATION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani x Alanui
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The Alpina Gstaad unveils an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with Los Angeles–based milliner Nick Fouquet, who might be the most handsome hatmaker I know. The limited-edition project marks the second partnership between the celebrated Swiss alpine hotel and the designer known for his distinctive, handcrafted hats.

Created specifically for The Alpina’s atmosphere and sense of place, the collection reflects the dialogue between the hotel’s refined alpine identity and Fouquet’s artistic approach to craftsmanship. Each hat is individually shaped and numbered, making every piece a true one-of-a-kind object.

The men’s selection features twenty felt hats in two deep tones, Anchor Blue and Dark Moss. Each design is hand-formed with a sculpted brim and finished with a French grosgrain band. Subtle cut-out leaf motifs reference «The Alpina’s emblem», lending the pieces a quiet connection to the landscape surrounding the hotel.

For women, the silhouettes are softer and slightly lower, crafted in delicate shades of Rose and Silverbelly. A central contrast stitch runs through the grosgrain ribbon, while signature Fouquet hardware pins and leather stamps appear along the crown and brim as understated markers of the designer’s craft.

Inside, every hat reveals a bespoke jacquard lining inspired by alpine ski trails, an intimate detail that quietly nods to Switzerland’s mountain heritage and the spirit of Gstaad.

The collection is available exclusively at The Alpina Gstaad, with each hat priced at CHF 1,800, an elegant expression of wearable craftsmanship shaped by place, tradition, and individuality. Phone orders are welcome!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtsy of  The Alpina Gstaad x Nick Fouquet
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