Sandra‘s Closet

This weekend, I had the best time in Los Angeles celebrating the birthday of a dear friend of mine. The dress code said «chic rock’n roll» and this was what I came up with. I love wearing jumpsuits as those are great for dancing which is my favorite thing to do.

My look: Leather motorcycle jacket with chain detail by Balmain, jumpsuit with crystals, fingerless rhinestone-embellished gloves, crystal-embellished fringed-edge necklace, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, all by Alessandra Rich, sunglasses by CHANEL, and black calf leather lace up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @collagevintage2
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Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new faces of Gucci Valigeria. The House’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of «Gucci Ancora», as a celebration of the love that lies at the centre of Gucci’s community.

Shot in an airport, the meeting place where journeys begin, the campaign explores the intimacy of traveling together through the creative lens of Anthony Seklaoui. Stills capture the fleeting spirit of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s airport stroll, redefining the Jet Set glamour of the 1990s.

Effortlessly casual and chic looks complement the timeless elegance that defines the House’s travel collections. Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny carry items from the signature Gucci Savoy collection including GG Supreme duffle bags in different sizes, backpacks, rigid suitcases, and trolleys distinguished by a combination of heritage-infused design elements such as the GG monogram and/or the Web stripe. The campaign also introduces novel designs defined by fluorescent leather details alongside embossed GG rubberized leather styles.

Through this Valigeria campaign, Gucci pays tribute to its founding history and heralds a new era of adventure and luxury travel in line with the vision of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

I find this campaign really cute. And you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci  Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola Director: Nikita Kuzmeko Photographer: Anthony Seklaoui Make-Up KJ: Mary Phillips Make-Up BB: Mira Chai Hyde Hair: Paul Hanlon Stylist: Alastair McKimm Talents: Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny
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You might have seen the trend on social media where lots of celebrities and influencers have been posting ‘90s-inspired AI-generated yearbook photos using the Epik AI photo editing app lately. I got curious and wanted to try it myself. Yearbook photos are often looked back at with embarrassment, cringing over the awkward stages of our teenage years. But thanks to artificial intelligence, you have the opportunity for a redo.

The app’s AI Yearbook feature delivers you 60 different images using eight to 12 of your submitted selfies, showcasing different hair styles, outfits and poses. While the app is free to download, it costs between $5.99 to $9.99 (but as of now, it is discounted at $3.99 and $5.99) to access the photos. It’s become the latest AI trend to captivate the internet.

Curly long hair and denim – me in the ’90s…

Once you downloaded the app, you can upload your selfies into the program, select the gender and pay for either «standard» or «express» delivery. Standard wait times are up to 24 hours, while the express option delivers the photos in under two hours. Some are being prompted to try using the app later, due to the high volume of people trying out the feature.

Personally speaking, even that I tried the app myself, AI stuff is getting too crazy for me. I mean people, including me, are paying to train AI with own own pics. If you think about it, there are serious legal and ethical concerns. Especially the younger generations are growing up with a distorted self-image. The app seems preoccupied with giving huge boobs to every woman who uses it. AI is still now perfect. If you look closely at some of the images, you can see that the AI-generated art produces too many fingers or soulless eyes.

Look at the fingers holding the cup or the hands in the pocket below …

«AI Won’t Replace Humans — But Humans With AI Will Replace Humans Without AI, » emphasized Karim Lakhani, a professor at Harvard Business School who specializes in workplace technology and particularly AI.

The dress is not perfectly defined…

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in the world of science fiction for decades, and the idea of machines becoming self-aware and taking over the world has been a recurring theme in countless movies. Think about Blade Runner, Matrix or Terminator. Right now, AI can help with a variety of tasks, but it cannot replace human intelligence, creativity, or decision-making abilities. But one day, I am sure it will and then we might be in a scene of Terminator.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Panerai and Prada come together in a collaboration where style meets innovation.

Rooted in design and timepiece innovation, the new Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon collaboration by Panerai and Prada marks the coming together of two Italian names, masterfully fusing aesthetics to create an accessory that is stylish and functional.
Luminor Due’s slim, light and sleek proportions that express urban Italian sophistication are matched with exclusive straps crafted from Prada Re-Nylon material, a regenerated nylon fabric, reflecting Panerai’s pulse on the contemporary while continuously reinterpreting its storied origins of high-precision timepieces.

The new 38mm Panerai Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon with an Alabaster pink strap (PAM01425)

Prada Re-Nylon is a textile representing a ground-breaking evolution of Prada’s iconic material, nylon – an important part of the brand’s DNA as a purveyor of modern luxury, beauty, and contemporary life for more than four decades. Prada Re-Nylon is crafted from ECONYL®, a 100% recycled nylon from pre (50%) and post-consumer (50%) materials such as fishing nets, discarded nylon, carpet and industrial waste.

The straps are available in iron grey and navy blue for the 42 mm case and in alabaster pink and cornflower grey for the 38mm case and they all feature hot-printed logos of Prada Re-Nylon and Panerai to mark the collaboration. The cosmopolitan timepieces are all set in a polished steel case. PAM01425 and PAM01426 are paired with an elegantly sophisticated matte white sandwich dial filled with grey Super-Luminova™ that illuminates in green in the dark. PAM01428 features a white sun-brushed dial with beige Super-LuminovaTM while PAM01429 is set in a blue sun brushed dial with white Super-LuminovaTM. The date is shown at 3 o’clock with small seconds at 9 o’clock while a subtle Panerai inscription finishes the quintessentially modern look of the dial.

The light grey 38mm (PAM01426) model is paired with a sophisticated matte white sandwich dial.

Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon comes with the PAM Click Release system to allow for easy changing of straps, making the timepiece even more versatile and universal to suit different styles and moods. The Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon 42mm feature an adjustable buckle while the 38mm a pin buckle. The automatic P.900 calibre powers the Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon with a three-day power reserve.

The iron grey 42mm (PAM01428) model from the Panerai X Prada Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon collection.

Perfect as a spring wardrobe addition, the Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon reflects Panerai’s urban and contemporary portfolio. The pieces seamlessly blend the Maison’s distinctive watchmaking elements with modern style sensibilities, appealing to watch lovers who want the best of both worlds.
The collection is available worldwide in all Panerai boutiques and on panerai.com.

LoL, Sandra

The 42mm (PAM 1429) Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon in a stunning deep blue.

Photos: © Panerai/Prada
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An invitation to venture away and to enchantment, this year’s Dioriviera summer capsule, dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, reveals a sunny wardrobe. Delicate feminine creations are dressed in shades of pink and gray, dear to the founding-couturier. Promises of an endless summer and for me great memories of my stay at W Ibiza.

My look: Dioriviera mid-length lace dress, medium Lady D-Joy bag, toile de jouy sauvage 70 square silk scarf, and J’adior Ibiza bracelets, all by Dior, logo platform sandals by Gucci, logo charm necklace by CHANEL, and Dynasty oversized geometric-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Ivet Šudová 
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Horsehair marquetry and engraving weave a unique and precious equestrian face-off.

Framed by white gold, a pair of noble steeds sculpted in braided horsehair and engraved in rose gold highlight the union between Hermès style and expertise. Like yin and yang, the majestic horses in contrasting shades are revealed in the slender setting of the 45 mm round case, enhanced by protruding lugs.

Created in 2015 by Philippe Delhotal, the Slim d’Hermès expresses the ver yessence of Hermès: a singularity composed of rigorous discipline and a fine balance. Its sleek lines that are both modern and timeless highlight the remarkable handcrafted creations evoking the light-hearted, playful imagination typical of Hermès.

The cover and dial of this one-of-a-kind pocket watch reinterpret the Masan & Masan silk scarf motif by Thai designer Terawat Teankaprasith. The ancestral art of horsehair weaving – masan meaning «braided horse» in Thai – consists in collecting the prolific water hyacinth, drying it in the sun, then weaving it by hand to create objects such as baskets, hats, and or animal figurines.

Inspired by this oriental basket-making technique, the Slim d’Hermès Masan Masan combines engraving and horsehair marquetry in a subtle interpretation of the equestrian world cherished by Hermès. To create the weave on the cover and dial, the craftsman meticulously selects different shades of horsehair, cuts them and then glues them one by one, patiently composing the motif. Subtly combining brilliance and contrast, the engraver brings the second horse profile to life, forming reliefs and depths in gold created using traditional burins and chisels.

An expression of Hermès’ expertise both in watchmaking and in leather craftsmanship, this elegant and singular watch is powered by an ultra-thin Manufacture H1950 mechanical self-winding movement, fitted with a alligator cord strap highlighting its golden tones.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès
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Last week, I flew to Paris for a special event to celebrate the reunion between Swiss family-owned company Laurastar and Swiss fashion designer Kévin Germanier. This exclusive capsule collection is available now in a limited edition of 100 pieces. The launch took place during the 2023 Paris Fashion Week at Kévin Germanier’s own fashion show.

With Kévin Germanier backstage before the show.

COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO SWISS ICONS

As a privileged partner of haute couture for several years, Laurastar’s mission is to sublimate all textiles, even the most precious. As I studied fashion design, I know why ironing is so important in sewing.  Seams simply will not lie flat unless pressed, and you cannot achieve clean lines if your seams and hems are bubbling. Not ironing your fabric before cutting can result in inaccurate cuts, and as a result affect the overall fit and of course appearance of the garment. The same goes for your daily outfits. If they are not ironed well, they loose their sophistication.

Driven by the same quest for excellence and innovation, Laurastar and Kévin Germanier have chosen to collaborate to express a common ambition to create beauty while preserving the world around us. Kévin Germanier emphasizes: «Laurastar and I share Swiss origins and common values: a love for beauty, excellence, sustainability and the importance of family. Working together is an obvious choice for me.»

Trying the Laurastar Smart Germanier

A CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY 

By combining Kévin Germanier’s creativity with Laurastar’s expertise, each numbered piece in the collection is an embodiment of a shared vision and seamlessly blends both artistically and functionally. The multichrome color nuances of the collection, which change depending on the angle of ambient light, make the products unique. They are hand-painted in a studio specialized in luxury cars. The ironing board cover, inspired by ‘Fluid Art‘ design, is also hand-stitched in Italy.

As an exclusive addition to the collection, each product is accompanied by a heart-shaped Swarovski crystal jewel crafted from upcycled materials, symbolizing the connection between the two Swiss brands. Kévin Germanier drew his inspiration from the memory of the very first Laurastar product, the iconic ‘Asse di Cuore,’ used by his mother to create the heart symbol of the collaboration.

I am in love with the Laurastar Lift Germanier

The capsule collection features cutting-edge technology, specially developed by Swiss engineers at Laurastar. It includes two unique models carefully assembled by hand of which 90% are from upcycled parts. These products are an ironing system (Laurastar Smart Germanier), a steam generator (Laurastar Lift Germanier), and also available is a unique-designed cover (Universalcover Germanier) that fits most ironing boards on the market.
The collection is now available on laurastar.com and in selective department stores across the world.

A PRODIGIOUS TALENT IN COUTURE

Hailing from Valais, Kévin Germanier is now an iconic figure in both the Swiss and international fashion scenes. His journey has always diverged from conventions. From the outset, the designer disrupted the norms of the fashion industry. He positioned himself as a pioneer of upcycling, breathing new life into materials and fabrics.

Today, he creates dazzling collections and sets new standards in couture through his ethical and daring approach.

LAURASTAR AND SUSTAINABILITY

Since its creation, Laurastar has dedicated itself to innovation and excellence in the pursuit of beauty and durability. With its certified 10-year repair warranty ensuring the longevity of all its products, and its exclusive 100% natural Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) technology that restores the original beauty of fabrics, Laurastar extends the lifespan of your clothes. As a result, Laurastar is committed to a more sustainable fashion alongside brands and designers.

Still family owned: Michael Monney and his sister Julie manage the family business today.

ABOUT THE LAURASTAR GROUP

For the past 40 years, Laurastar has been relentless in its pursuit of innovation, developing products centered around the use of its exceptional steam. The Swiss group’s expertise in this field now extends from ironing and fabric care to hygienic steam systems aimed at protecting users and their loved ones. Its headquarters are located in Switzerland, and with its subsidiaries in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary, it employs approximately 250 employees.

I had a fantastic time in Paris with Laurastar and Germanier and cannot wait to show you the photos of the runway show. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Laurastar / Germanier and © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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This week I flew to Paris for an amazing experience with Laurastar and Germanier to celebrate their collaboration that I cannot wait to tell you all about. Here you see on my way to the show location, sporting this comfortable yet very stylish outfit with a touch of green.

My look: White oversized men’s jacket by Jacquemus, jumpsuit with mesh detail by David Koma, Tribute woven leather espadrille wedge sandals by Saint Laurent, green sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, metal glass pearls leather earrings (Cruise 2020) and star-shaped raffia bag in black (Coco Beach 2023), both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Who can forget Jennifer Lopez going viral on the Versace S/S 2020 catwalk in a fresh iteration of her iconic jungle-print dress? Tropical prints had been allover that summer and I have been waiting for the perfect moment to wear this stunning look. Finally the gown had its moment to get loud … as it was the perfect dress to wear to the Annabel’s For The Amazon Gala 2023.

My look: Cutout embellished printed silk-chiffon gown, green watersnake sandals, and Virtus embellished crossbody bag, all by Versace, crystal clip earrings, and matching necklace with glittering green and clear crystals, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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I am so proud to announce that I am a member of Annabel’s Membership Committee. The famous and iconic London members club is not only known for its outstanding decor and great parties, but also for creating charitable moments.

The beautiful façade of Annabel’s London this September.

This September, it is hosting the fourth annual Annabel’s for the Amazon month, dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to combat deforestation in the Brazilian Amazonian rainforest. The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF) continues to reforest with local traditional families, whilst also expanding their efforts to support indigenous communities more holistically alongside Brazil’s leading activists. This year’s façade highlights both the beauty and devastation of the Amazon rainforest. It stands as an artistic statement bridging the urgency of the deforestation crisis to London and the UK to remind us we all have a role to play in the safeguarding of our planet.

There is a global food crisis and a growing poverty gap. Amazonian deforestation is at a 15-year high, hurting local communities who are on the frontline. Violence against women and girls is widespread and growing.

The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF) is dedicated to improving the lives of women, with children at the heart of all that we do. We work to tackle child poverty, deforestation and domestic abuse, in the UK and Brazil, with our core focus remaining on women and children across these areas.

The club’s fourth Annabel’s For The Amazon gala is headlined by singer Seal and house group WhoMadeWho. The cocktail menu has been created in partnership with The Lost Explorer Mezcal, and each cocktail sold will plant 2.5 trees. It is a star-studded event with VIPs in attendance, including Andrew Garfield, James Corden, Douglas Booth, Wallis Day, Toheeb Jimoh, Harry Lawtey, Paul Forman, Chaneil Kular, and Ed McVey at the much-anticipated annual fundraising gala.

Amazing live performance by Seal

Throughout the campaign, the prestigious NFT Winds of Yawanawa is on display from Richard and Patricia Caring’s private collection. This first-of-its-kind co-creation between new media artist Refik Anadol and the Yawanawá community was commissioned by Impact One, as part of its Possible Futures programme. In the state of Acre, Brazil, The Yawanawa community neighbours communities supported by the ongoing works of The Caring Family Foundation.

True power couple: Richard and Patricia Caring

Patricia Caring, who is Brazilian and the Co-Founder of The Caring Family Foundation as well as Chairwoman of Annabel’s said, «Annabel’s for the Amazon was established four years ago and set out to raise awareness and funds for the crisis happening in the Amazon. We think about the Amazon for the trees but there is so much more that is affected by deforestation. Families strive to survive amongst the challenges, Mothers need to feed their children and communities are at the risk of extinction. Our work on the ground directly supports the livelihoods of the indigenous people in the Acre region who choose the species of trees planted by The Caring Family Foundation. It means they are able to grow, produce and generate income for their families, thereby giving them a chance to thrive.

Communities do their best to stand strong, but they need our support and protection. Together with the indigenous people, we can make a difference. They are the guardians of the Amazon rainforest, and we cannot forget that a healthier rainforest regulates our global climate and preserves biodiversity beyond Brazil. What happens in the Amazon has an impact on our world, but without the indigenous communities it’s hard for us to start thinking about hope for climate change, so that’s why The Caring Family Foundation and I stand for Brazil and for us.»

Richard Caring raising funds that night!

Annabel’s For The Amazon Gala 2023 stands as a shining example of the power of unity and commitment towards a crucial cause. Let us all take action, ensuring the protection and preservation of the Amazon rainforest for generations to come. Donate here!

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Lisa Tchenguiz and Mark Vandelli at the gala

Following the dress code of the Amazon… Harry Hazell in green velvet.
All details of my look will follow shortly.

With Alessandro Carra at the after party.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Annabel’s
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