Sandra‘s Closet

Chunky sneakers are trending as never before – that is a fact! But over the past couple of months, you may have noticed the term «dad sneaker»all over. If you follow the fashion world, you’ll be well aware what this is. However some of you may still be in the dark, therefore I am about to inform you with this post. Meet the most important version: Balenciaga’s sneakers «Triple S» are the epitome of dad shoes that are sold out everywhere (still popping up from time to time).

Triple S sneakers by Balenciaga

Those sneakers perfectly capture the street-style look of the moment. The toe is embroidered with the size of the shoe, while the side has the brand name embroidered for recognition.

Triple S low-top trainers by Balenciaga

How did the «Triple S» got its name?
Taken from running, basketball and track shoes, molds were stacked to create the silhouette of this heavily padded, triple-soled design. The name «Triple S» comes from its three layers of soles. The shoe was originally presented at the Balenciaga men’s F/W 2017 show by artistic director Demna Gvasalia in Paris.

Multi-coloured Triple S sneakers by Balenciaga

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Yesterday Meghan Markle, now to be known as the Duchess of Sussex, enjoyed her big day as she married Prince Harry in a lovely ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Fashionistas all over the world had been waiting eagerly for her wedding dress to be revealed. And it was surprisingly Givenchy. Clare Waight Keller, who designed the dress, became the first female artistic director of the French Maison last year after a long time at the helm of Chloé.

Per the official statement from the Palace:

«Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design. The dress epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.
True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.»

The gown was surprisingly simple, but elegantly classic, with a bateau neckline, long sleeves, a drop waist and a stunning monarch-length veil which some may found quite unusual considering Meghan’s strong feminist views.

However, the five-meters long silk tulle veil had a special, symbolic meaning behind it that relates to Prince Harry’s appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and featured a unique flora from every Commonwealth country with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers.

Moreover the bride opted for a filigree tiara with a center stone for her wedding day which originally belonged to Queen Mary. It is a classic, antique piece that has long been a part of the royal collection.

For all future brides, click on the highlighted text to get her look:
Crystal and faux-pearl embellished gown by Givenchy, Rosita crystal headband by Jennifer Behr, Marie embroidered tulle veil by Needle & Thread, and
Portrait of a Lady crystal-embellished grosgrain slingback pumps by Aquazurra.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Getty Images, Courtesy of Givenchy

Finally there is something that really gets me excited for football. LOUIS VUITTON celebrates the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ with three unique projects of which one has really caught my eye. Gosh, I would love this to be my new living room centerpiece…

The FIFA World CupTM Official Match Ball Collection Trunk is a remarkable
celebration of the shared savoir-faire of Louis Vuitton and adidas’s. The result of this collaboration is an instant collector’s item based on Louis Vuitton’s classic wardrobe trunk. Handmade in the workshops at Asnières, the new trunk is covered in Monogram canvas and has traditional brass corners and lock. Once opened, however, it reveals its surprising contents of 14 footballs: 13 specially made reeditions of all the Official adidas Match Balls used at the FIFA World Cup™ – from the original, iconic Telstar first made in 1970 to this year’s Official Match Ball – each displayed on a shelf made of beech wood and with descriptive tags in Louis Vuitton’s trademark natural cowhide leather.

An additional Louis Vuitton football made in natural cowhide leather will accompany the collection. Only the second football ever made by Louis Vuitton, the ball will also be available to purchase separately.

Since 2010, Louis Vuitton provides a travel case for one of the world’s most sought-after, legendary trophies of the world which will be unveiled when the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is presented at the opening match and at the final of this year’s tournament. Thanks to intelligent openings at the top and the front of the case, the trophy can be easily accessed when it is presented before the final in Moscow on July 15th.

But this is not enough. Moreover Louis Vuitton launches for the first time a 2018 FIFA World Cup™ official licensed product collection – a new leather good collection inspired by the legendary official match ball of the 1970 FIFA World Cup™, the capsule will showcase unique versions of Keepall and Apollo bags, and a selection of small leather goods.

Made with the House’s iconic Epi leather first introduced in the 1920s, most of the styles will be proposed in 3 colour combinaisons. The hexagon design is created using a three-stage embossing procedure that is both innovative and based upon the House’s historic savoir-faire, allowing each coloured hexagon to have a richly textured feel, reminiscent of classic footballs.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The ’80s are back. But not everything is making a comeback, absolutely trending are sneakers, vibrant colors, strong-shouldered or asymmetric silhouettes and high side ponytails. I know, when you hear the term: side ponytail, hair nightmares of the ’80s may start dancing in your head, but I am here to change that. They are a welcome change from the hairstyles of today. Take this look as your guide on how to pay homage to the ’80s in 2018.

The message is clear «Girls just wanna have fun» exactly as Cindy Lauper warbled in 1983. And believe me, you will feel so young again…

My look: Cloudbust logo-embossed rubber and leather-trimmed mesh sneakers and asymmetric intarsia wool sweater, both by Prada, ruffled crinkled silk-chiffon blouse and Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, rickrack-trimmed stretch-cotton jersey track pants by Mira Mikati, and two heart-overlay round-frame sunglasses by Miu Miu and cocktail ring by Etro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Based in Monaco, in the vivid and inspiring light of the French Riviera, Lancaster‘s laboratories are continuously mastering the science of light and its interaction with the skin, creating products for sensual pleasure and maintaining a healthy tan. The full-light technology, which targets 100% of the light spectrum (UVB + UVA + VISIBLE LIGHT + INFRARED), allows all women to enjoy the sun without risking skin damage. For over 70 years, Lancaster has been giving its customers a golden, radiant complexion and helping them every day to enhance their beauty.

Once again this year, you will be able to enjoy new launches, which LANCASTER has developed for you with the latest technologies. After having tried them, I can absolutely recommend those sun products.

FACE
Sun Sensitive Comforting Face Cream SPF 50+ – CHF 46.00 (50ml)
Sun 365 Bronzing Powder SPF 10 – CHF 47.00 (18g)
Sun Sensitive Compact Invisible Cream SPF 50 – CHF 36.00 (9g)
Sun Sensitive BB Cream SPF 50 – CHF 46.00 (50ml)

BODY
Lancaster Sunrise EDT – CHF 59.00 (100ml)
Sun Beauty Fast Tan Oil SPF 30 or 50 – CHF 51.00 (150ml)
Sun Sensitive Softening Body Milk SPF 30 or 50 – CHF 57.00 (125ml)
Sun 365 BB Body Cream SPF 15 – CHF 39.00 (125ml)
Sun Sensitive Tan Maximizer – CHF 55.00 (200ml)

In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancaster and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am a passionate traveller and quite frankly of course I love to fly Business or First Class and stay in amazing hotels. But needless to say, I also like not to spend too much. Recently, ASMALLWORLD created the ultimate travel memberships for the discerning traveller of which two have caught my attention.

First the PRESTIGE membership that helps you to travel the world in style. Here is a summary of what is included in this package for €5200:
• 250000 Miles & More or Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status (with Etihad only)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘SilverSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Platinum’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Gold for sign-ups until July 2nd

Travelling in style in First Class

Personally speaking, as I am living in Zurich, the Miles & More offer included in the PRESTIGE membership seems extremely attractive as they buy you up to 2 return Business Class Tickets from Zurich to Los Angeles which would normally cost around €13000 which means you have already redeemed the fee you paid for the whole package.

Always worth a trip: California

The additional perks are also amazing such as the SPG Gold status which gives you upgrades and late check-outs in a wide range of hotels from the cool W hotels to the distinguished St. Regis resorts of the world.

Second the SIGNATURE membership which is the ultimate by invitation only travel membership and provides you with the following features for €19950 + €2000 induction fee:
• 1 Million Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status for yourself and your
nominee (two in total)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘GoldSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Diamond’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Platinum for sign-ups until July 2nd

Enjoying a drink on board while flying to the Middle East

The SIGNATURE membership is definitely the right choice for members travelling to the Middle East as it comes with 1m Etihad Guest Miles which buy you up to 5 First Class return flights from Zurich to Abu Dhabi. On top, you enjoy the SPG Platinum status which is the royal status of all hotel programs.

ASW Members enjoy the good life! This is why ASMALLWORLD offers their members many exclusive privileges from great partners. If you are interested in an invitation to ASMALLWORLD or the travel memberships, apply online or send me an e-mail to as I am happy to provide Sandra’s Closet readers this amazing opportunity (Disclosure: I know the Chairman of ASMALLWORLD very well :-)).

Stay tuned as I will be in St. Tropez for the ASW Summer Weekend end of May… life is so much better when you can travel and share the good moments and memories!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ASMALLWORLD, © David Biedert Photography
© David Shama and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am in Cannes for the Film Festival. Before I left, my daughter had taken these photos in Zurich for a school project, making me dance in front of tourists. The jumpsuit is one of my favorite pieces from this S/S 2018 season. I adore the cut (so ’70s) and the color so much. The sunglasses are around 20 years old. When I bought them two decades ago, everybody was making fun of me how big they were and told me I looked like a bug. So funny, compared to today’s models, those ones are tiny… time changes, tastes differ.

My look: Belted wool and silk-blend cady jumpsuit, white oval vintage sunglasses, and platform leather pumps, all by Gucci, quilted leather crossbody bag by Balenciaga, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On my way to Cannes for the Film Festival with my GLAMGLOW #Glittermask GRAVITYMUD™ Firming Treatment. An out of this world innovative peel off mud treatment that instantly leaves skin feeling firmer and more lifted comes now in glitter to take it to the next level.

The more product you put on with the help of the included applicator brush, the longer it takes to dry. You don’t need a lot to sparkle and firm but if you want the perfect selfie, drying time may take 30-45 minutes. Then peel it off (might hurt a little, be prepared) and wipe off any excess that remains. Beauty knows no pain!

In Switzerland available for around CHF 59.90 at Marionnaud or Manor among others.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! I hope that you will be spoilt and have to time to relax on this very special day. Personally speaking, family means a lot to me and therefore I was very happy to spend the last weekend in my hometown Frankfurt in Germany to celebrate my nephew’s baptism. I am very blessed as I have amazing parents and a super duper little sister!

Frankfurt is a city full of contrasts. In the center, it is filled with skyscrapers that gave it the nickname «Mainhattan». If you head to the suburbs, you will find the most beautiful landscapes, green and picturesque. I am sure that you can feel the diversity in my pictures.

In this post, you see me wearing pieces from Prada’s S/S 2018 collection which I absolutely adore. Miuccia Prada collaborated with eight female illustrators who depict women in their own «uniquely empowering way» as the fashion show notes read. From manga to punk to sci-fi by artists such as Brigid Elva, Jöelle Jones, Stellar Leuna, and Trina Robbins among others, let the artwork do the talking!

My look: Tiger-print Misty-patch coat, comic-print one-shoulder cotton dress, frame comic-print leather bag, and appliquéd leather sneakers, all by Prada. Square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, Rose des Vents bracelet, 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise by Dior, Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tap into the Ibizan hippy chic way of life. This season LOEWE collaborates with PAULA’S IBIZA for a second time (for the previous post about the first collaboration and for more information in general, click HERE please), adding the label’s island ethos to classic summer styles. Crafted in Spain and inspired by Paula’s impressive print archives, Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson turns holiday memories into pieces that channel the amazing vibe of the iconic White Isle and its iconic boutique.

From left to right: Fringed leather tote, Elephant Mermaid Mini shoulder bag, Dorfman hat, and Mermaid printed scarf.

One of my personal favorites from this collaboration: Puzzle shoulder bag

Great for the beach or a stroll through the old town: Mermaid small tote

Mixing prints from Paula’s Ibiza’s archives: Sequined patchwork denim jacket

«Paula’s is part of the bohemian Spanish culture.»
– Jonathan Anderson of Loewe

If you are looking for the right make-up to live up to this amazing vibe, look no further than to the summer collection by BY TERRY with the eponymous name: HIPPY CHIC.

«The sun is a true love story between the skin and the light,» says BY TERRY founder Terry de Gunzburg, «and so I created powders to give a warm, healthy glow – with or without a holiday!»

To the left: Sun Designer Palette (available in different color combinations)
Featuring both matte and satin-finish colors, this multitasking palette allows you to create a sun-kissed look that’s totally customizable. It has six shades – including three blushers – which can be blended or used separately to contour, brighten, sculpt and correct. Use yours as the perfect space saver for your next vacation.

To the right: Twist-On Lip (available in eight different shades)
A dual lipstick that helps you plump and contour. Also perfect for touch-ups all day long.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe, By Terry, Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht