Sandra‘s Closet

Introducing an iconic new designer collaboration … Mugler is teaming up with H&M to celebrate an ode to curves and lines of the body, with each piece possessing the incomparable Mugler appeal. Consisting of sheer details, reworked denim and sharp tailoring, and the usual suspects of sensual bodysuits and cut-outs, the collaboration will not skimp on the brand’s extravagance and its inclusive and boundary-pushing aesthetic. Having broken ground just before the house’s founder, Manfred Thierry Mugler, passed away in January 2022, the project was given an especially significant purpose in realising and honouring his vision.

Casey Cadwallader, who has lead the brand as creative director since 2018, has designed a dramatic and empowering collection that celebrates freedom, self-expression and diversity, featuring a mix of stunning new pieces and signature Mugler looks, including several archive remakes.

Amaarae, Shygirl, Eartheater and Arca worked with producer Ashland Mines to create an exclusive campaign anthem — a reimagined version of Stardust’s 1998 hit ‘Music Sounds Better with You’. The star-studded music video, featuring a brilliant cast of icons, artists and friends of the brand, was directed by Torso and styled by Haley Wollens.

Ann-Sofie Johansson and Casey Cadwallader

«We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Manfred Thierry Mugler with this collection,» says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M. «We were all honoured to get to know Manfred, and it feels very special that he was involved at the initial stages together with Casey and the house of Mugler. Casey has done such an incredible job at paying homage to history, and to the archive, while making the collection totally contemporary. Under him, Mugler has become one of the most innovative and exciting houses on today’s fashion landscape.»

Mugler H&M will give fashion lovers a chance to own a piece of the brand’s legendary history and become a part of its dynamic present.

«I was determined that this collection be true Mugler,» Casey Cadwallader emphasized. «The details and quality of every piece had to be exactly as we do them, and I wanted to showcase the energy of Mugler, which has always been about clothes that allow for personal liberation. You can be so many different versions of yourself in Mugler.»

Save the date: Mugler H&M launches globally at selected stores and hm.com on May 11, 2023 (local release dates may vary).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M
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Egg-citing news… In the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand, you can find an impressive floral Easter egg made of real flowers. Last year, it was created by Finish artist Jani Leinonen. For more information, click here please. This year, it is inspired by Peter Shire’s «Big Sur» Sofa that you can also find in the hotel (see my previous outfit post here). You can admire the installation, which is made of 12.000 carnations, until the end of the Easter vacations.

My look: Pink double-breasted blazer, front-zip off-shoulder top, transparent-panel midi skirt, and ombré high-top sneakers, all by Alexander McQueen, crystal-embellished Hourglass tote bag by Balenciaga, and silver-tone crystal choker by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Attila / Dolder Grand
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Boston, Boston, Boston, you have grown on me so much. I don’t want to leave. Wandering around Boston Common (America’s oldest public park, 1634) and the Public Garden ( America’s first botanical garden, 1837) is one of my most favorite things to do. Every morning, I wake up to this stunning view in my suite at The Newbury Boston.

Depending on the season, you can ice-skate on Frog Pond, play softball or tennis, or simply lounge with a book on the 50-acre Boston Common. Across Charles Street, the smaller Public Garden shines in its own right. It’s the perfect park, with pathways designed for promenading, formal flower beds and a petite lagoon fringed with weeping willows.

My look: Knit vest, knit cardigan, knit top and knit skirt (Look 7 Pre-Fall 2021 Le Château des Dames Métiers d’Art), quilted lambskin mini vintage classic flap bag, earrings and necklace, all by CHANEL, Dior Empreinte heeled boots by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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With these versions of the Day-Date 36, Rolex brings an unexpected creative twist to one of its iconic models. By displaying a new emotion each day, the watch brings an element of spontaneity into the wearers’ daily life and allows them to invest the reading of time with their changing mood. Rolex unveils three new variants of its Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36, full of joy and energy.

Crafted from 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, these watches have adopted an original face. Rather than showing the day of the week, the arc-shaped aperture at 12 o’clock displays an inspirational keyword in English – ‘Happy’, ‘Eternity’, ‘Gratitude’, ‘Peace’, ‘Faith’, ‘Love’ and ‘Hope’. The window at 3 o’clock reveals daily one of 31 exclusive emojis in place of the date.

Entirely created using champlevé enamelling, the dial is striking for the depth and intensity of its gleaming colours and decoration. The motif is inspired by a jigsaw puzzle. Turquoise blue, red, fuchsia, orange, green and yellow pieces fit together on a single-colour background, each representing one of the key moments in life. The hours are marked by 10 baguette-cut sapphires in six different hues set according to the main colour of the dial, which is turquoise blue on the 18 ct yellow gold and 18 ct white gold versions, and orange on the watch in 18 ct Everose gold.

The new versions of the Day-Date 36 are equipped with calibre 3255, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling them to display a special keyword each day of the week and an individual emoji each day of the month, as well as the hours, minutes and seconds.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Interesting to know is that at its launch in 1956, the Day-Date was a major innovation: it was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock on the dial – a technical feat at the time.

Worn by many of the world’s political figures, directors and visionaries, the Day-Date is instantly recognizable, in particular thanks to its emblematic President bracelet, whose evocative name, together with the eminent figures who have worn it, ensured the Day-Date became known as the ‘presidents’ watch’.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Rolex/JVA Studios and ©Rolex/Ulysse Frechelin
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I spent quite some time in Boston, Massachusetts during the past two years as my daughter studies here and I love to visit her. The city has grown on me so much and I have become an absolute fan. If you haven’t been here, I truly recommend coming to explore the town. Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Known as the «Cradle of Modern America,» the American Revolution started right here at the Boston Tea Party and it can still be felt at every cobblestone corner. It is also the only state capital in the contiguous United States with an oceanic coastline.

Where to stay when you come to visit? I absolutely love The Newbury Boston which is one of my favorite hotels worldwide. This historic landmark in Boston, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. High end luxury shopping is in front of the door, with iconic houses, such as CHANEL, Hermès and Bulgari being just across the hotel. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

The slogan is «a well-crafted life, a century in the making.» Being part of the «Leading Hotels of the World», the hotel embodies the very essence of Boston. Designed for both business and leisure travel, the concept is about approachable, everyday glamour, where modern comfort meets layered luxury in the heart of the vibrant city.

The rooms are stunning. I stayed in different categories and liked them all. Some suites even come with a cozy wood burning fireplace. However, I enjoy my Grand Suite accommodation the most with its spacious footprint and stunning views over the park. It features a separate living room with a large bay window, a seating area and large sofa plus extra chairs. At the entrance, there is a separate work area with a desk overlooking the prestigious tree-lined residential Commonwealth Avenue. The suite also has a mini kitchen with coffee maker, sink and fridge.

Next to the bedroom, there is a separate closet area with great mirrors on the way to the bathroom, which is huge with an elegant pale granite. You can enjoy a walk-in shower and a large bathtub in the middle. The whole concept of the suite feels like an actual apartment which I absolutely adore. Sitting in front of the large window at the table, working and indulging in the change of the season is absolutely stunning.

Personally speaking, the olfactory experience in luxury hotels is just as important as the interior design. Therefore, The Newbury Boston has partnered with Byredo to create a custom scent for the bath amenities. Inspired by The Boston Public Garden, Willow incorporates notes of the local flora – namely Bergamot, Aldehydes, Musk and Amber. It is such a beautiful scent to indulge in that also fills the rooms and corridors. Being evocative of the city and available only within the hotel walls, you can also buy it to transport you back to your memorable stay, even when you are at home.

The culinary concept at The Newbury Boston is extremely refined and offers great options. It is home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot, located on the 17th floor of the hotel with stunning views overlooking the city. The staff is extremely attentive. Contessa restaurant is a MUST when you are in town— a true see-and-be-seen spot! Don’t miss the famous squash carpaccio.

With Carlos Bueno – Managing Director – The Newbury Boston – at the Street Bar

If you prefer a quick bite, I recommend a cobb salad or the spicy pink lobster chowder at the Street Bar, which is another favorite of mine. Located next to the hotel entrance, this bar bridges past and present. Here you can enjoy the cozy interior while looking outside the window seeing the stylish Bostonian crowd passing by. It is also a great spot for having drinks at night.

If you are a tea time lover, you won’t be disappointed at The Newbury Hotel. Perched upon the second story, overlooking treetops and luxury boutiques on Newbury Street, The Newbury Salon is the setting for the signature Afternoon Tea, a ritual reclamation perfect for the ultimate every day and occasioned party.

After all these culinary experiences, you might want to hit the gym which is located on the 3rd floor. Being yery spacious, it is overlooking Commonwealth Avenue. Here, you can maintain your fitness routine at this state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Designed by Jay Wright, who is behind several high-end fitness centers in luxury residential projects, the space is equipped with Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment, Peloton bikes, TRX suspension trainers, yoga mats and blocks, free weights, resistance bands, and more.

The Newbury Boston is such a wonderful place to stay with a homey feel in a great part of the city that I can absolutely recommend. I am writing this post in front of the large window… and honestly never want to leave.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Prada announces the eleventh installment of their Timecapsule NFT Collection. Featuring a brand new design and in the style of a tank-top, the drop on April 6th continues Prada’s expansion into the Web3 community.

For drop #40 of the Timecapsule collection, Prada is offering the first of three unisex tank tops, inspired by the style of a basketball jersey, made with upcycled fabrics from the Prada archive. The April piece is a two-tone satin tank top in elegant and sophisticated colors, with multicolored knit borders made of silk yarns. Each shirt comes accompanied with its own gifted NFT, which serves as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community.

Prada continues to give behind-the-scenes opportunities as they offer Prada Crypted Discord community members access to unique events and experiences. For this April drop, Prada is inviting one fortunate NFT holder to attend Prada Frames in Milan on April 17th, 18th and 19th within the framework of the Salone del Mobile. The symposium, curated by designer duo Formafantasma, explores the complex interaction between design and the environment under the theme ‘Materials in Flux’, the concept of waste as matter in transformation. Further details on Prada Frames are available here.

In the continuous expansion of their Web3 community, those who purchased a Prada Timecapsule prior to the launch of the NFT initiative in June 2022 can retroactively claim past Timecapsule NFTs in sync with their existing physical product. More details can be found on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.

The drop is limited to 50 items, for 24 hours only, starting from April 6th, 2023 at 3pm CET.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Prada
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After the success of Prada Frames 2022, dedicated to the theme On Forest, the multidisciplinary symposium exploring the complex relationship between design and the environment, curated by Formafantasma, returns to Milan again this year.

The Milan symposium follows the Prada Frames held last March at the M+ museum in Hong Kong. The theme of Prada Frames Milan 2023 is Materials in Flux. Prada chooses to foster a reflection whose ethical and aesthetic implications have been central to the brand’s practice for some time: the potential for original creativity and opportunities for low-impact production opened up by the use of innovative recycled materials. The symposium’s work is based on the research by British anthropologist Tim Ingold, who views materials as interconnected, endlessly changing living entities. It aims to explore the concept of waste, investigate the dynamics that regulate waste infrastructure and their value systems, and analyse the complex relationship between materials and ecosystems.

On 17-19 April, a packed programme of six sessions over three days will bring together scholars and professionals from various fields of research, including Tim Ingold, Elizabeth Povinelli, Beatriz Colomina, Mark Wigley, Sophie Chao, Veena Sahajwalla and Hans Ulrich Obrist.

The event is being held at Teatro Filodrammatici, one of the oldest theatres in Milan, located just a short distance from La Scala and Piazza Duomo. The Accademia dei Filodrammatrici, founded in 1798, established its headquarters there in 1800, transforming the building at the beginning of the last century into the Art Nouveau style whose façade is still preserved today. The interior was redesigned by architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni in the 1960s, including work on the imposing entrance staircase and the mosaic floors, the latter created by sculptor Francesco Somaini.

Admission to Prada Frames Milan is free but with limited availability, subject to registration at prada.com from 6 April.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada
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Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are direct descendants of the original Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, on which Rolex has built its reputation since 1926. These timepieces benefit from all the fundamental features of the Oyster Perpetual collection – chronometric precision, a waterproof Oyster case, and self-winding of the movement via a Perpetual rotor.

Alive with colour, vitality and positivity, the new dials – presented at Watches & Wonders – of the Oyster Perpetual in 31 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm are dotted with many-coloured bubbles that joyfully reunite the five hues introduced to the range in 2020. Rolex brings in a new dial decoration for its Oyster Perpetual range, recognized for its pure lines and universal elegance.

Named «Celebration», this brand-new motif is available for the Oyster Perpetual 31, Oyster Perpetual 36 and Oyster Perpetual 41. Composed of differently sized bubbles fringed with black, it encapsulates the vivid colours of the lacquered dials introduced in 2020: candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green.

The Oyster Perpetual 31 is equipped with calibre 2232, while the Oyster Perpetual 36 and Oyster Perpetual 41 are both fitted with calibre 3230. These two movements at the forefront of watchmaking technology provide essential functions – hours, minutes and seconds.

Like all Rolex watches, these Oyster Perpetual models carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist. This status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Rolex/JVA Studios and ©Rolex/Ulysse Frechelin
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Food for thought. You know that I have a thing for jovial accessories. Although I am not shopping in the men’s department in general, this one has definitely caught my eye. First seen on the Louis Vuitton S/S 2023 Paris Fashion Week runway, it is designed as a fun 2-in-1 accessory.

The collectible Fortune Cookie bag is made up of a cookie in calf leather, inside transparent packaging in PVC. Both pouches can be carried separately, the cookie with to its wristlet and the transparent pouch like a clutch. Inside each Fortune Cookie is a secret message, including one that reads, «Creativity listens to the heart,» as pictured in this post. Available in stores for $2310 / €1750.

It comes also as a Fortune Cookie Bag Charm & Key Holder for $ 585/ €445.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Prada renews its partnership with Ubisoft, celebrating one year of collaboration, by offering new Prada Linea Rossa activities and gears to Riders Republic® players who once again will be able to discover unique experiences, through:

• Two new outfits, created exclusively for Riders Republic – The Chameleon, a suit whose color changes when the character moves, the Illusion and the Fluo Illusion: black and white or fluorescent yellow that glows at night.

• An early launch of the hoverboard discipline, with Tulip, a Prada Linea Rossa design board: this hoverboard sports a colorful and futuristic style, with neon strips that will light up during the race.• A new «PRADA UNLIMITED» event – Between adrenaline and contemplation, gravity and weightlessness, light and darkness, the unique hoverboard experience of the Prada Linea Rossa will take players on a new intense race in the Glacier region with unique FX effects. From the first week, players will be able to use the exclusive Prada Hoverboard and the Fluo Illusion outfit that will light up the event’s dark atmosphere.

This new collaboration is the latest example of Prada’s continuous exploration of – and interaction with – new and evolving scenarios and cultural languages.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada
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