Sandra‘s Closet

Today’s post is dedicated to the outfit that I wore to the Sioux x Til Schweiger Launch Event in Hamburg. It is all about fashion meets art, as Stella McCartney got inspired by the work of almost entirely unknown artist Joseph Henry Lynch, slightly better recognised by his signature, J.H. Lynch. Nevertheless, you might remember his most ubiquitous, mass-produced, kitsch portrait «Tina» (Tina, 1964, Artwork by J.H. Lynch in college above), named for the voluptuous, kohl-eyed subject, painted in the saturated, sensual style of a B-movie poster, that graces my jumpsuit and scarf.

My look: Tina jumpsuit, and matching Tina scarf, both by Stella McCartney, bomber jacket by Balenciaga, Monogram fringed shoulder bag and Paris metallic leather ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, golden disc earrings from the Paris – Bombay collection by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Sioux

Personally speaking, fashion month always seems to be never-ending, but the actual work starts after when I have to sift through the best of the best. Below, you will find my summary of the F/W 2019 trends that reigned supreme – the ones that are the most important to know right now.

Memorize some of them to impress your friends when they ask you what you’re looking forward to wearing this fall, and not so humbly reply, «Definitely a hint of lilac, everything punk from a transparent lace dress with combat boots to a tartan skirt with a chain choker, not to forget a cape and everything layered. You know, the essentials.»

In full transparency, there were tons of F/W 2019 trends that won my heart that you won’t see in this roundup as the edit would have been far too long, such as `70s inspired vintage shearling jackets or pleated skirts. As preached for the past few years, everything is possible. The runways this season were loud and clear on the fact that you can pick and choose what trend you would like to try. But very importantly, the fashion world is turning away from the casualness of athleisure and trading it in for the opportunity to get dressed up.

Enjoy this post and stay tuned as I will continue to cover forthcoming fall styles all season long.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2019 is a season of great outerwear, including the hero of it all, the cape. From military-inspired to classic lady-like or dramatic evening styles, you have a gazillion options to choose from.

I am definitely not a morning person, especially not during the cold season. Therefore I love this trend of outerwear reminiscent of my bedding, quilted and cozy.

Imagine classic pieces that somehow look too cool to be a basic wardrobe staple. They come with a twist, deconstructed, layered and so interesting to look at.

This season was filled with an air of punk-rock grunge in all ways. Fishnets, lace, leather, combat boots, chains and chokers, you know what I mean.

Tartan fabrics have always been a part of the punk movement, so it was obvious that the designers jumped on this trend for F/W 2019.

Layering has been around for a while now but this season it is undoubtedly about the art of layering all of your knits on top of each other. The more knitwear you staple, the better.

The legs of the models on the F/W 2019 runways looked literally like a crayon box. Bold hosiery in different colors came down the runway, paired with everything from frilly dresses to skirt suits.

Leather is a great cold-weather staple, especially with the right dose of color to cheer up grey winter days.

Animal prints have been around for many seasons, but finally, zebra stripes are having their well-deserved moment.

Lilac, interestingly enough, is making a resurgence now. Wearing pastel head-to-toe in winter is the ultimate sophistication.

Unleash your inner Jane Fonda and get ready to wear your ’80s aerobic gear for a fun night out.

Ready to go back in time? This season, the clothing proved to be taking inspiration from a period long, long ago, from boning on dresses and bustiers, to pretty puffy sleeves and Victorian neck ruffles.

One of the most festive fall trends is lamé and shiny metallic hues. This blast-from-the-past fabric gets you party ready in a second.

Inspired by everything you find in a museum, this stunning trend is truly one for the books. Imagine the portrait-gallery wing of your favorite exhibition brought to dresses and capes.

This trend truly seems to stay and gets elevated to new heights this F/W 2019 as every major collection had a small touch of black lace. Some of the prettiest lace dresses I have ever seen come with a rock or grunge allure. Transparent is a must!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

As I told you before in my travel insider about São Paulo, I was warned that tourists can become the target of scams and robberies while visiting the largest city in South America. Therefore I wanted to to blend in as much as possible in this urban metropole, and took note of how not to look like a tourist while being in town. In order not to flash my valuables, I didn’t wear any jewellery, watch, handbag or logo. I went for a pair of cargo pants that has several pockets that I filled with credit cards, money and my iPhone. I prepared some cash in one of them to be fast in case of a robbery.

In the end, I felt very safe, probably also because I was well prepared… if you get the chance, please visit São Paulo, it is such an amazing city!

My look: Printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, ribbed jersey tank by Derek Lam, cargo pants by DKNY, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, black leather belt by Prada, and sneakers by Prada Linea Rossa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
All photos at the pool were taken at my beautiful hotel: PALÁCIO TANGARÁ

After São Paulo, my next stop was London this week. I love being in the British metropole where I stayed again at the COMO The Halkin. On my way to meetings, we took these photos right next to the hotel at Belgrave Square. Karl Lagerfeld said: «Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.» It is probably one of the only quotes, I disagree with. You just have to find the right ones … and who can resist a velvet tracksuit?!

Another trend I like is that headbands are not only back in style, but they’re cooler than ever. And sometimes it is good not to take fashion too seriously. If you don’t like to see me in sweatpants, just pull down your headband!

My look: Embellished velvet top, embroidered velvet trousers, and Rylee leather ankle boots, all by Chloé, studded leather headband by Prada, Oblique Saddle bag, and shoulder strap, both by Dior, necklaces by Chanel, and diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know my travel insider section where fashion designers, celebrities and industry veterans share their tips for their favorite destinations with us. From now on, I decided also to post my personal recommendations for cities or areas I truly enjoyed visiting. My first one is dedicated to one of the most vibrant and populous cities in the world, SÃO PAULO. As Brazil’s financial center, it holds numerous cultural institutions and iconic buildings rich in architectural tradition.

ABOUT SÃO PAULO
SÃO PAULO reminds me a lot of my favorite place on earth, Los Angeles. Despite my expectations – I was told by some friends that the largest city in Latin America with one of the five largest populations on earth is very dangerous – I never felt unsafe and was truly amazed how clean this huge metropole is. As my tour guide said, there is a huge difference between tourists and travelers, meaning if you stick to certain rules, you will have a lot of fun exploring this lively metropole. Just keep in mind that São Paulo is, as the majority of other places in the world, divided in neighborhoods and you should stay away from certain areas or if you visit them, be extra careful, for example downtown São Paulo.

Be aware of crazy traffic jams as São Paulo has an incredible number of cars: over eight million! Best time to arrive or visit the city is over the weekend or during a holiday. Good Friday was honestly the perfect timing.

MY FAVORITE HOTEL
With no doubt PALÁCIO TANGARÁ, that is part of the Oetker Collection. With an exceptional location in the verdant surroundings of a tropical park, it is a peaceful retreat in a vibrant city. Enjoy some leisure time at the pool or train at the large gym before heading to São Paulo. If the traffic is good, it will take you around 25-30 minutes to the Jardins district. Personally speaking, I loved the hotel’s refined contemporary décor. The rooms are spacious and bathed in natural daylight. The service is outstanding and you are treated to a variety of culinary venues signed by Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Panamby, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904-4040

MY FAVORITE SPA
Palácio Tangará’s FLORA SPA BY SISLEY, an oasis of refined beauty and serenity. Interiors bathe in the inspiration of the green surroundings, while providing a while providing a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere that will nurture and awaken your senses. I had a wonderful deep tissue massage on my arrival day which was perfect to release any tension from the long flight. Don’t miss the photo-aromatic facials and body treatments.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Panamby, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904 4099, E-mail: flora.

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
One of the most sophisticated and renowned ones is D.O.M. (Latin abbreviation of Deo optimo maximo), a two-star Michelin restaurant run by Brazilian chef Alex Atala who researches the ingredients used in his restaurant and supervises production in various parts of Brazil. Some of these ingredients include tucupi juice, pirarucu and piraíba fishes, jambu and the tapioca from manioc flour. R. Barão de Capanema, 549 – Jardins, São Paulo – SP, 01411-011
Phone: +55 11 3088-0761

A must-visit is Michelin-starred restaurant TANGARÁ JEAN-GEORGES, located in the ground floor of the Palácio Tangará, overlooking the verdant expanse of the Burle Marx tropical park. In this beautiful and elegant setting (the same where breakfast is served) you can enjoy signature set meals as well as daily specials created by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His gastronomy, the first and only in South America, is inspired by lighter Asian methods that are now combined with a hint of Brazil and accompanied by a selection of locally inspired cocktails. Don’t miss the carefully curated list of over 180 different wines including some of the region’s best-kept secrets.
R. Dep. Laércio Corte, 1501 – Parque do Morumbi, São Paulo – SP, 05706-290
Phone: +55 11 4904-4072

A true insider tip, that I got from the concierge at Palácio Tangará, is another two-star Michelin restaurant, TUJU. A beautiful restaurant set in São Paulo’s Vila Madalena neighbourhood, it is well worth a visit for the urban garden and open kitchen. Chef Ivan Ralston is bringing sophisticated simplicity to Brazilian dining. Herbs are harvested in the backyard and everything is prepared fresh with local ingredients. I had the vegetarian 5-course market menu with wine pairing that I can absolutely recommend.
R. Fradique Coutinho, 1248 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP, 05416-001
Phone: +55 11 2691-5548

MY FAVORITE BAR
I love SKYE BAR & RESTAURANT located on the rooftop of the Unique Hotel. Boasting a crimson red pool and stunning views over Ibirapuera Park and the entire São Paulo skyline, DJs entertain the beautiful crowd with really great music, probably the best I heard in quite some time. I indulged in Brazil’s most famous cocktail, the caipirinha, which is supposed to be one of the best ones in town.
Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – SP, 01402-002
Phone: +55 11 3055-4702

MY FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD
This pie-like dish originating from the Levant was introduced in Brazil by Levantine immigrants, where it is known as ESFIRRA, a street popular food. Baked and folded into a triangular pastry, it is filled with different ingredients, from cheese, curd, lamb, beef to vegetables. So yummy!

For breakfast at Palácio Tangará, I loved having an AÇAI BOWL, the perfect boost for energy. They are also very popular as a pre or post-work out meal in Brazil. This dish is made of frozen and mashed açaí palm fruit, served as a smoothie in a bowl or glass, and commonly topped with granola and banana. Açaí na tigela (açaí in the bowl) is popular all over the country but the preparation differs from region to region. The original recipe, as eaten in the North, contains shrimp or dried fish and tapioca and is usually salty. The sweet variety is common in the southernmost parts of the country.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL DRINK
Besides the famous and dangerous caipirinhas, I love FRESH COCONUT WATER. Everywhere you go in São Paulo, you’ll find Coco stalls, places where you can buy a fresh coconut, have it chopped and prepared ready for that sweet nutritious milk. It’s a great experience to watch the preparation. I adored having mine at the pool of the Palácio Tangará hotel.

MY FAVORITE MARKET
The MUNICIPAL MARKET OF SÃO PAULO (Portuguese: Mercado Municipal de São Paulo), a large public market in São Paulo designed by the architect Francisco Ramos de Azevedo and inaugurated in January 1933 as a wholesale and retail post specializing in fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, spices and other food products. The market is located in the historic city center, a meeting point for locals and one of the most visited tourist spots in the city. The smell of fresh fruits is unbelievable. Here you can also find the best esfirra.
R. Cantareira, 306 – Centro, São Paulo – SP, 01103-200
Phone: +55 11 3313-3365

MY FAVORITE PARK
IBIRAPUERA PARK, a major urban park in São Paulo and one of South America’s largest city parks; it covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. Likened to New York City’s Central Park, it is a great cultural scene and a perfect area for leisure and exercise. My favorite photo spot was the illuminated giant Easter egg installed for the holiday in the park.
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050

MY FAVORITE MUSEUM
For those who would like to experience more of the art scene, I would suggest a visit to the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, University of São Paulo (MAC USP) (Portuguese: Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo). Being one of the largest art museums in the country, it is located in the main campus of the university and in Ibirapuera Park. With approximately 10.000 works, the museum collections cover a period that goes from the modernist Avant-Gardes in the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, both nationally and internationally. From the rooftop, you can enjoy a 360° view over the city of São Paulo. Don’t miss this spot for your souvenir pictures.
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, 1301 – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050
Phone: +55 11 2648-0254

MY FAVORITE STREET
AVENIDA PAULISTA, the main avenue and one of the city’s most famous postcards. Modern office blocks, high rise apartments and designer shops dominate so be prepared for a busy, hectic atmosphere. You’ll be amongst businessmen, fashionistas and shoppers – just about everyone turns up on this most important thoroughfare. Interesting to know is that near this iconic street, São Paulo has a huge coffee plantation. There are about 1,500 coffee plants rooted within the Instituto Biológico in the neighborhood of Vila Mariana.

MY FAVORITE AREA
The area known as JARDINS is one of the wealthiest districts in the Brazilian city. It takes its name from the magnificent parks in the area, such as Jardim Paulista, Jardim America, Jardim Paulistano and Jardim Europa. As this is also a chic and trendy district, you’ll find plenty of upmarket shops and some of the city’s finest restaurants here. The area also boasts over 200 bars, testimony to the bustling nightlife in Jardins. You will be amazed by the giant residences in this upper class region.

MY FAVORITE SIGHTSEEING SPOT
The NOSSA SENHORA DO BRASIL CHURCH (Portuguese: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Brasil) is a church located in the Jardim América district. Built in 1940, it is one of the most elegant places of worship I have seen with beautiful ceramic insert panels. The bible come to life with vibrant paintings on the ceiling and walls.

MY FAVORITE HISTORICAL SPOT
You shouldn’t miss the site where the city of São Paulo was founded in 1554: the PÁTIO DO COLÉGIO (in Portuguese School Yard, written in the archaic orthography Pateo do Collegio), which is the name given to the historical Jesuit church, the square in front and the school in downtown. Here you might see some homeless people. It is an area where you should be a little more careful.
Praça Pateo do Collegio, 2 – Centro, São Paulo – SP, 01016-040
Phone: +55 11 3105-6899

MY FAVORITE SHOPPING STREET
Reminiscent of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, RUA OSCAR FREIRE is a tree-lined shopping street in the Jardins district of São Paulo. For all shopaholics out there, this is a must-visit. It is the 2nd most luxurious street in the Americas, right behind 5th avenue in New York, and ranks 8th in the world. Aside from high-end international fashion brands, Brazilian fashion brands, such as Carlos Miele, Cavalera, Iódice, and Havaianas are present as well. If shopping isn’t your thing, there are also a handful of traditional restaurants and chic cafes, so-called «parking spots for bored hubbies.»

MY FAVORITE SOUVENIR
Definitely a limited edition pair of HAVAIANAS FLIP-FLOPS. The colourful rubber shoes have become synonymous with Brazil. A stop at the Havaianas flagship store is a must. You will find flip-flops in every imaginable design and hue – and so much cheaper (around 70% less) to what you pay in Europe.
Rua Oscar Freire, 1116 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP, 01426-000
Phone: +55 11 3079-3415

MY FAVORITE SHOPPING MALL
Once you enter JK IGUATEMI, you might think, you are dead and landed in shopping heaven. Situated in the heart of Itaim, not far from the Palácio Tangará, is by far the most luxurious shopping center in São Paulo with restaurants, cinemas, three office towers as well as local and international high end designer stores.
Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041 – Vila Olímpia, São Paulo – SP, 04543-011
Phone: +55 11 3152-6800

MY FAVORITE PHOTO SPOT
No matter how hectic your explorations in São Paulo may get, do not skip BECO DE BATMAN! Nicknamed after the famous comic character, which was painted on one of the walls around the 1980s, this winding alley in Vila Madalena has a very dense concentration of graffiti that is continually renovated by the local community. Only artists from the area are invited to embellish the walls, that are an instagram heaven, inviting you at every corner to start your photo diary.
R. Gonçalo Afonso – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP, 05435-000
Phone: +55 11 96846-7472

MY FAVORITE TOUR GUIDE
A huge thank you goes to DANILO VALISSERRA from Touring SP, who showed us around in São Paulo. Another great tip from Palácio Tangará’s concierge. He picked us up with his bulletproof car (he works for several embassies) at the hotel directly and drove us around the city to show us the most important spots. It was such a fun and entertaining tour.
Phone: +55 11 966-366-664, E-mail:

BEM VINDO A SÃO PAULO
I hope you enjoyed my travel tips for this amazing Brazilian city!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To accompany the launch of MIU MIU‘s newest fragrance TWIST that stars MIU-se Elle Fanning as the face of the campaign, the Italian fashion house has launched a limited edition collection of TWIST WITH ME T-shirts that celebrate the invigorating spirit of the MIU MIU girl.

Available from now in white in MIU MIU stores worldwide for €390, and from May 14th in black exclusively at miumiu.com. Will you Twist in it?!

Sensual and surprising, the new scent capture the quirky spirit of the MIU MIU girl according to her own Miu-d.

Fresh Top Notes: Vert de Bergamot & Apple Blossom
Sensual Heart Note: Pink Amber Accord
Irresistible Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Cedar Wood

The new Miu Miu TWIST is available for CHF160 (100ml), CHF110 (50ml) and CHF84 (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

B Blossom breaks new ground by introducing a fine jewellery collection inspired by the confident woman who leaves a mark in her way.
The star-shaped flower’s iconic design created by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896, is reimagined and emboldened in the guise of a stylish spherical stamp to meld attitude with playfulness.
Illuminated by diamonds, the pink and yellow gold range of rings, bracelets and cuffs, earrings, pendants and chain necklaces radiate the iconic flower’s rebirth in an ode to the precious matrix animating the Monogram’s potential for infinity.

Fashioned for the Louis Vuitton’s tribe, the Maison’s new interpretation of its signature Flower presides throughout this fine jewellery collection as the seal of a modern day avatar. Magnified by the power of gold, stones, and diamonds to redefine the signet ring and its play on heritage.

Seven playful rings offer a versatile interpretation of the House’s iconic design. Worn as single rings or stacked, they are available in malachite, onyx, white agate, pink opal, diamonds or plain gold in both yellow and pink gold. Complimented respectively by three statement signet rings, either in carved stone or the other in paveʼs diamonds.

These generous renditions emphasize the ring’s three dimensionality and its value as a statement piece. With the signature, Louis Vuitton star-shaped flower in diamonds set in white gold, these blossoms evoke Louis Vuitton’s unique know-how to heighten the preciousness of the materials, in a testament to elegant craftsmanship and multicoloured refinement.

Other iconic piece of the collection, a sumptuous bracelet in gold with sensual contour, encases in its curves, fives precious pearls paved of diamonds or in onyx. This impression strengthens the fierce beauty of the message in the stones and amplifies the impact of the design.

The collection’s approach to voluptuousness explores the geometric interplay by introducing a bead and a pendant monogram flower, set inside a single walled frame to be worn on short and long necklaces and bracelets. With earrings to compliment the contrasting shapes, these talismans add a minimalist feel to the iconic design, that exalt the sensuality of Louis Vuitton’s jewellery and exploit the harmony in the elements. Exquisitely sculpted mother of pearl, and the expert work on hard stones highlight the House’s approach to diamonds to showcase the essence of femininity. Set delicately off center, on a modern chain, the square frame can be paired with the rounded generosity of the bead to invite a modern interpretation of the monogram’s heritage.

As the adventurer it inspires, B Blossom finds its beauty in a finely nuanced metamorphosis
that encompasses the genesis of the original design, reinterpreted and sublimated
to entrust Louis Vuitton’s signature collection with a bold new attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

A wardrobe of classic Prada styles, in timeless black. The Italian fashion house’s The Little Black Bags comprise a precise edit of accessories – a selection of shapes and styles that resonate with an eternal appeal.

Prada Cahier Bag

The collection is composed of petite reiterations of an established cannon of modern classics: Prada Galleria, Prada Cahier, Prada Odette and Prada Panier. Refined and sophisticated, elevated and elegant, yet unexpected, unanticipated, these accessory families are a succinct summary of the meaning of Prada today.

Prada Panier Bag

Executed in a restrained palette and on an intimate, petite scale – unique, exclusive and never before offered – attention is focused on the power and distinction of every handbag’s instantly-recognizable form. Like silhouettes, they delineate the immediate characteristics, the topography of each of these Prada personae.

Prada Galleria Bag

Proposed in Saffiano, calf-leather or precious gloss crocodile, in pure black foremost but also other shades, The Little Black Bags underscore this array of Prada handbags as twenty-first century essentials.

Prada Odette Bag

Personally speaking, I love the Odette the most. A cool and sophisticated shape and almost indestructible in Saffiano leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

For this year’s Easter weekend, I flew to São Paulo and I cannot wait to share my experiences from this amazing, vibrant city. Here you see me at Zurich airport stretching a little before the long flight. When I am flying, I love to stay comfortable and in this case, I also went for a shirt with pockets to store the most important things close to my body. Everybody warned me how dangerous São Paulo is going to be but I have to admit I experienced it completely differently. Clean and safe. More to come soon….

My look: Fringed wool-jacquard cardigan by Etro, black oversized jersey dress by Miu Miu, oversized cotton military shirt by Balmain, Helda stretch-scuba leggings by The Row, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Gucci, vintage Muse Large leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent, and Triple S sneakers by Balenciaga.

Flying for 3 days to São Paulo and back can be challenging for your skin. My avid readers know my secret weapon: LA MER’s The Concentrate that helps with all sort of skin irritations. If you are shopping on the Swiss website, don’t forget to use the promo code sandralamer that has been extended until April 30, 2019. If you spent more than CHF 150, you will receive a LA MER Pouch with a Deluxe Soft Cream 7ml (CHF 45.00) and a Deluxe Cleansing Foam 30ml (CHF 30.00). PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ONLINE SHOP DIRECTLY.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, MONTBLANC introduced its brand new Montblanc x Pirelli collection of new lightweight trolleys created in partnership with the Italian motorsport pioneer.

«Mobility, performance and design are essential when it comes to business travel,» says Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO. «With this partnership, two European icons come together, striving for utmost innovation driven by the pioneering spirit of our founders. We would like our customers to experience our expertly designed travel companions in every step they take to stay connected with the world.»

Built for today’s most discerning and demanding globetrotters who expect efficiency and reliability, the trolleys feature high-performance ball-bearing wheels, a precision handle bar and a functional interior. The sleek aesthetics are enhanced with elegant details inspired by iconic Pirelli design cues including its distinctive tyre mark and an eye-catching yellow colour on the tag.

The Montblanc & Pirelli is limited to 5000 pieces each. Personally speaking, I love the color combination and design of these pieces. Both, the cabin with pocket trolley (CHF 890.00) and the cabin trolley (CHF 750.00) are in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc