Sandra‘s Closet

Another festive décor not to miss in London is to be found at THE LANESBOROUGH, that takes on a touch of couture with the unveiling of a Ralph & Russo inspired Christmas Tree installation, as imagined by creative genius, Tony Marklew.

Inspired by the heritage of the British luxury house and the intricate detailing portrayed in Ralph & Russo’s most recent F/W 2019 couture collection, the artistic installation brings to life the magic of couture, enchanting onlookers with a canopy of chandelier-like crystals and ornate leaf embellishment, adorned with silk petal flowers in bold hues of raspberry and ruby red.

Tamara Ralph

Established in London in 2010 by duo Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, Ralph & Russo is an international luxury brand revered for producing designs that are contemporary, timelessly elegant and sought after worldwide. In 2014, Ralph & Russo became the first British guest member in almost a century to be invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show their first runway collection as part of the S/S 2014 couture season.

Ralph & Russo Couture F/W 2019

Ralph & Russo is loved all over the world for its bold and unapologetically glamorous silhouettes, and famously dressed Meghan Markle in her engagement portraits. Its first ready-to-wear collection launched exclusively with Net-à-Porter, and each piece is made using the same exquisite craftsmanship, modern artistry and detail as its couture pieces.

Bringing the glamour and personal touch of a truly couture Christmas to every hotel guest this festive season, of which the resident cat, Lilibet, is of no exception. To honour the hotel’s most loved resident and her first Christmas at THE LANESBOROUGH, Ralph & Russo have hand-crafted a bespoke collar bearing the crown sigil.

Lilibet arrived in June 2019 and is the latest addition in what is becoming something of a trademark among the sister Oetker Collection properties. Lilbet is a Siberian Forest Cat which means she has very fluffy fur. Siberians are fun-loving, energetic felines and hypoallergenic.
Lilibet joins Burmese cat Fa-Raon from Le Bristol Paris and Kléopatre from Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden.

The hotels have a small team of cat-loving employees, known as the Cat Committee who have kindly volunteered to look after the house cats.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough Hotel and © Ralph & Russo

Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s  tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin.

This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.

Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.

«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin

The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.

I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin

Last weekend, I flew to Frankfurt am Main in Germany to attend my 25 year class reunion. It feels always nice to be home, seeing my family and indulging in childhood memories. Here you see me in my parents’ garden in my favorite hidden corner. I love anything zodiac, therefore this sweater was a must for me. I was definitely born under a lucky star… feeling grateful.

My look: Embroidered wool cape, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, skinny denim pant with embroidery, embellished oversized square-frame sunglasses, and Ultrapace mid-top sneaker, all by Gucci, neon pink cashmere scarf by Ralph Lauren Black Label and astro cashmere sweater by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Marni renews its commitment to support philanthropic activities by promoting a charity initiative in collaboration with the OTB Foundation.

Throughout the holiday season, Marni will present a special blown glassware collection consisting of glasses, vases and bottles, which will be on sale in selected mono-brand boutiques across the globe starting from tomorrow, November 28th.

The initiative aims to support the «Future Brain» project – www.progettoheal.com – promoted by the Heal Onlus Association and dedicated to children hospitalized at the pediatric oncology department of the Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome.

Each product is entirely handmade in Colombia through a meticulous artisanal process that requires time and care for every detail.

Through this initiative, Marni intends to promote permanent psychological assistance to young patients and their parents, through educational and recreational activities at the department.

Shopping for a good cause is a great reason to shop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

Last week was crazy. Monday Dubai, Tuesday Abu Dhabi, Wednesday London and Thursday back in Zurich for one night to celebrate my 10 year blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli before leaving again for Frankfurt. The evening was fantastic and I cannot wait to show you everything!

In honor of LA MER, my outfit was inspired by the sea and I went for this wave-printed top and a seashell clutch in shades of the ocean.

My look: Grosgrain-trimmed printed stretch-jersey turtleneck top by Kenzo, embellished leather-trimmed pleated cady maxi skirt by Christopher Kane, Donna crystal-embellished leather sandals by Prada, faux pearl and satin clutch by Balenciaga, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan

A partnership to begin a partnership. The first release – Prada for adidas Limited Edition – is an homage to adidas, championing an emblematic adidas Originals shoe – the Superstar sneaker, originally launched in 1969 and still a lynchpin of adidas Originals style. It also introduces a new bag silhouette, the Prada Bowling bag for adidas, which echoes the Prada Bowling bag as well as the adidas gym bag, in and of itself referencing the world of sports, a style that serves to illustrate the shared narratives and intersecting heritages of Prada and adidas.

Prada for adidas Limited Edition – an homage to timeless classics that transcend generations – is offered for woman and man in exclusive limited editions of 700 pieces, both footwear and accessories numbered with a unique serial.
The duo retails online through adidas.com and prada.com, and at selected Prada stores worldwide from December 4, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada / adidas #pradaforadidas

This morning, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. There had been rumors for a long time about this blockbuster purchase. The largest luxury deal gives the famous French group, that is the world’s largest luxury conglomerate and Europe’s second-most valuable company, a bigger presence in jewelry and strengthen its position in the US.

Object of desire: An engagement ring by Tiffany & Co.

Jewelry is one of the best-performing luxury categories and is predicted to grow. The deal also allows LVMH to compete further with Swiss conglomerate Richemont, which owns Piaget, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, and a lot of watch brands.

Nevertheless, Tiffany & Co. has been facing weak demand and will likely need heavy investment to revamp its business. It will be an interesting journey we will surely follow… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tiffany and © Sandra Bauknecht

10 years – as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 120 months, which is around 3650 days, and this is my 4193rd post which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

On Thursday, I pre-celebrated my blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli, I was so proud to welcome some of my Swiss readers, confident, beautiful and smart women, who came from all over the country. I cannot wait to show you the photos. A huge thank you to everyone for coming and all the surprises, I truly felt loved.

Me in the senior yearbook in 1994.

After a crazy week, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London, I am at the airport again, ready to leave for Frankfurt in Germany as I have my 25-year class reunion today. I am so happy to be reunited with all my girls.

Thank you all for the journey! More to come…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Each year we have tackled different Arts and Crafts heroes of mine,» says creative director Jonathan Anderson. «For me it was a very natural process to do William De Morgan, he was a big collaborator in the Arts and Crafts movement and a true fantasist in that moment.»

Loewe’s seasonal collection this year is inspired by British ceramicist William De Morgan (1839-1917) and follows in the footsteps of previous capsules based on Arts and Crafts masters William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

My favorite: Gate mini embroidered leather shoulder bag by Loewe

William De Morgan was renowned for his richly coloured decorative tile designs, and this collection celebrates his signature motifs of fantastic creatures and floral arabesques across a range of ready-to-wear, accessories and charms for men and women.

In keeping with the Arts and Crafts creed of experimentation, the collection showcases a range technical craft processes, including leather marquetry, hand embroidery and thickly layered weaves. De Morgan’s illustrations are reimagined in new mediums, details are exaggerated, and certain garments remake the wearer as the creature itself. This is a collection in which the imagination is set free and the magical is blended with the everyday.

TO SHOP THE LOEWE CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Loewe

Hair colorist Christophe Robin’s award-winning products protect tresses from the damaging effects of highlighting and coloring. More often than not, hair prone to frizz tends to be damaged. When hair cuticles are sealed, hair is healthy and strong. Therefore, I love the Care X Style range from Christophe Robin, and its two new bespoke additions dedicated to nurturing curls and fighting frizz.

Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk, 150ml

This ‘Rescue Milk’ is the solution for frizzy, unmanageable tresses. Enriched with Shea Butter, vitamins and Omega 3 and 6 to nourish hair, this lightweight, non-sticky formula smooths flyaways by sealing cuticles for up to 48 hours. You can use it to touch-up blowouts in-between washes, too.

Luscious Curl Cream, 150ml

Christophe Robin knows that curls can sometimes be hard to manage, so he created this cream to help tame and enhance your tresses. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s infused with Fatty Acids and Flaxseed Oil to nourish and smooth away frizz. The result? Shinier, healthier, more beautiful waves.

Both products are made from 99% natural-origin ingredients, suitable for all hair types and free from silicone, alcohol and artificial fragrance.

TO SHOP CHRISTOPHE ROBIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christophe Robin
 @christopherobinparis