Sandra‘s Closet

On good authority from Lady Whistledown, a social event not to be missed is coming to the ton this season…

Dust off your Regency best, as I present a new afternoon tea experience inspired by Bridgerton. The latest in the innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, the limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.

Setting the scene, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated Regency dining room in Knightsbridge, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.

Carefully crafted by our Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3 and is comprised of a selection of finger sandwiches and pastry tartlets, delectable scones, cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats.

Bridgerton will return for an ultra-lavish and highly anticipated season 3 this year, which follows the long-awaited friends-to-lovers romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This season celebrates the blossoming of the ton’s resident wallflower and will be split into two 4-episode parts, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, 2024, followed by Part 2 on June 13, 2024 on Netflix.

Served exclusively at The Lanesborough in London from 16th May 2024. Make haste, and secure your booking – it would be quite the scandal to miss it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough
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Lights, camera, action! Introducing the new must-have for the summer season: meet the CHANEL Camera bag, a fresh addition to the S/S 2024 collection. While CHANEL has always been known for its iconic camera bags, this season brings a playful twist – a literal camera bag with a mirror in the lens. Seen on the runway in classic black, beige, white, and burgundy red, this fun design carries a touch of nostalgia. Featuring a timeless chain shoulder strap, the bag was showcased both crossbody and on the shoulder of runway models.

It’s one of the investment pieces you should get your hands on! I went for the white one… happy as a bug!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Balenciaga brand ambassador Nicole Kidman showcases the Rodeo Bag in a new campaign photographed by Mario Sorrenti, alongside Chinese actor and singer Yang Chaoyue, and American model Amelia Gray. The exquisitely crafted instant icon, named for a Drive in Beverly Hills, is customized with a selection of charms.

Their individuality is on display, set against a soft grey field in striking portraits. The Balenciaga Rodeo Bag is crafted in exquisite calfskin with a matte finish. Its one-of-a-kind construction and versatile closure options effect a relaxed attitude. Pre-worn pleats, softened piping, and raw edges call to mind a favorite item worn daily, or an heirloom passed between generations.

Included in the campaign are a selection of charms that are individually added for customization and differentiation purposes. The decorations or their absence imbue each Rodeo Bag with its own unique personality, complementing its wearer’s.

On the S/S 2024 runway, there was also a fully customized limited edition, that is available for € 9500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Separate from the traditional seasonal collection releases is the latest series in Balenciaga’s brand – It’s A Different Campaign. The assortment boasts the likings of unconventional proportions, melded archetypes and homages to the typical silhouettes. Among the featured items are the Rodeo Bag and the Collector Rodeo Bag, along with a distressed Sock-On-Heel and Cargo Sneakers in silver and gold accents.

Collector Rodeo Bag and Rodeo Bag (S/S 2024)

Tape Bracelet (F/W 2024)

Personally speaking, Balenciaga is now like a new kind of Moschino, sporting this tongue-in-cheek humor I adore in fashion. Demna Gvasalia takes it even up a notch by selling polyester and daily appliances for a lot of money, such as the tape bracelet spotted on the F/W 2024 runway that is said to cost around $3300 and that has had the internet roaring. It is merely the latest in Balenciaga’s long, proud, provocative tradition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga / Instagram
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F1 Arcade has arrived in the USA with Boston being the first spot to experience all the excitement, drama, and glamour of Formula 1 and Washington D.C later in the year. In Europe, you can find the experience in London and Birmingham.

However, if you find yourself hoping over the pond, I recommend visiting the US venue in the Boston Seaport district. F1 Arcade is a thrilling new simulation racing experience, and probably the only place in the world where you can get drunk driving. Not that I recommend this, but here you can bar, dine and race at once.

Featuring full-motion racing simulators, typical American food and a selection of enticing drinks, this is truly unrivaled social gaming. Racing is thirsty work. You can grab a much-needed pit stop at the really cool cocktail bar, that is featuring an impressive list of vintage Champagne cocktails. So, Anouk and I decided not to wait any longer and assemble our pit crew, grab a cocktail, and take the wheel of an F1 simulator for an electrifying experience we’ll never forget.

To book your racing experience, click here please.

F1 ARCADE SEAPORT DISTRICT
87 Pier 4 Blvd Boston MA 02210 United States

Even the restrooms match the theme and feature different light installations of race tracks in every cabin.

Racers, start your engines!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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TAG Heuer is bringing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 back with the singular American lifestyle brand Kith in new, upgraded materials. Kith (sometimes stylized as KITH) was established in New York City in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg.

The duo is embarking on a cutting-edge collaboration to reintroduce the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 originally released in 1986. The new collection of timepieces features the beloved TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 10 bold colourways inspired by standout models from TAG Heuer’s past. Alongside Kith, TAG Heuer is reintroducing an ‘80s icon built on strong design codes and standout colours.

In a groundbreaking move, for the first time in TAG Heuer’s illustrious history, the luxury Swiss watchmaker is merging its logo with a collaborative partner. TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith features a reworked version of the insignia that combines Kith and Heuer on the dial, rubber strap, and caseback.

With the original TAG Heuer Formula 1, TAG Heuer helped countless collectors fall in love with watches. Now, they are invited to become infatuated with this distinctive, incredibly stylish model all over again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © TAG Heuer
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Boston weather can be quite challenging. On Sunday, it was chilly and rainy on my daughter’s graduation. The next day, I woke up to the most beautiful sunny weather and decided to wear my new silk dress made from sustainable organic silk from the Chloé x Atelier Jolie collection for a walk around the Public Garden.

My look: Organic silk crepe de chine maxi dress by Chloé x Atelier Jolie, Jodie knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, dark brown suede sandals by Aquazzura, choker and medallion necklace, both by CHANEL (S/S 2023 Pre-collection).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht
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Welcome to the new Dubai wellness haven: the Dior Spa The Lana. Opening its doors in spring 2024, it is the first Dior Spa in the UAE. Being a place of incomparable beauty and exceptionally soothing treatments, it is an exquisite sanctuary of holistic wellbeing infused with a visionary spirit and the Dorchester Collection’s latest gem.

Bathed with natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that artfully frame views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dior Spa The Lana provides an unprecedented wellbeing experience with five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into treatments, featuring Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion, and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask, which is renowned for its ability to promote intense cell regeneration, the spa also offers a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments, and a dedicated beauty room. Each cocoon possesses distinctive characteristics, adeptly adapting to the unique desires of every guest while upholding an unwavering commitment to privacy.

Elevating the experience further, Iyashi Dôme technology introduces customisable sauna sessions, providing both relaxation and slimming effects. This is complemented by an impressive array of facial treatments thoughtfully curated for men and a personalised programme of hand and foot treatments.

Three signature treatments will be exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.

Escale is a tribute to the inaugural Dior Spa set ‘amongst the clouds’. This unique Japanese-inspired ritual defies the laws of gravity, inviting guests to unwind on a futon on the floor, where a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative relation methods embrace both body and mind. The treatment seamlessly blends kneading, friction and percussion and full body stretching. Deep, slow, and unforgettable massage strokes traverse from head to toe, releasing muscle and joint tensions to foster a sense of tranquillity. The final touch involves a precise, sensorial sequence of massage movements transporting guests to a realm of ultimate relaxation.

For a truly refined experience, guests can delve into the Dior Stone Therapy treatment. This sophisticated massage harmonises energy flow with meticulous attention, utilising semi-precious stones strategically placed on the body. The indulgence extends with facial micro-abrasion, employing sapphire crystals while the skin revels in the rejuvenating glow of the Dior Skin Light led therapy mask.

D-Sculpt, a body massage with firming and slimming properties, skillfully combines the traditional benefits of wood, dry brushing and toning techniques, with those of the manual «skin lift» method, offering anti-cellulite effects.

The Lana and the Dior Spa, which stays faithful to the vision of iconic French designer who had a special relationship with Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, home of Dior Spa Plaza Athénée, will work closely together to craft personalised well-being escapes for each guest, tailored to their desires, needs and preferences. From a memorable half-day experience combining cocktails, lunch, as well as a sports session and treatment, to a full day journey where the hotel’s Rolls-Royce collects guests to ensure a seamless transition from their preferred location to and from the hotel, The Lana will take wellbeing to new heights.

Dior Spa The Lana will also present an elegant boutique showcasing Dior’s product lines including Dior Prestige, renowned for its creams, serums, and face lotions infused with Rose de Granville, L’Or de Vie, a Dior skincare ritual featuring anti-aging skincare creations, Rouge Premier, the quintessence of haute couture lipstick and La Collection Privée Christian Dior, a luxurious line of Dior’s unisex fragrances.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit the website.

Photos: Courtesy of Pierre Mouton © DIOR
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Fine, delicate, and imperceptible formulas that become one with the skin. Simple, free, and intuitive application. With LES BEIGES by CHANEL, recreate a radiant healthy glow, as if you had spent the day in the great outdoors.

LIGHT CHANGES, BUT RADIANCE STAYS
The new LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER, featuring fresh, energizing shades, offers a radiant complexion no matter the season.

HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER PLAY WITH LIGHT AND COLOR
A trio of shades that can be worn individually or blended, designed to illuminate your face, warm up your complexion, and bring out the color in your cheeks. Its fine, silky formula leaves behind a veil of light. A sun-kissed healthy glow effect that lasts up to 8 hours, as if you had spent the day in the great outdoors. Flawless and tailor-made, all year round. A generously sized creation presented in the rounded square case that is emblematic of CHANEL.

EACH HARMONY CONSISTS OF 3 LUMINOUS SHADES:
One bronzer – One blush – One highlighter

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER Poudre Belle Mine Ensoleillée CHF 105.-
5 teintes
Light Coral / Medium Coral / Deep Rose Gold /
Deep Mauve / Medium Rose Gold

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW FOUNDATION HYDRATION AND LONGWEAR

RADIANCE MORE NATURAL THAN EVEN NATURE COULD CREATE
A moisturizing and protective 90% skincare-based product whose imperceptible formula, infused with jasmine extract, offers a radiant complexion in any light. After 1 month of use, skin appears twice as radiant.

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW FOUNDATION HYDRATION AND LONGWEAR Teint Belle Mine Ensoleillée CHF 72.-
This fluid foundation is available now in 42 shades.

All products will be available from Mid May 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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When the irresistible iridescent finish of Huile Prodigieuse® Or meets the uplifting floral notes of Huile Prodigieuse® Florale, the result is the new gem of French pharmacy: Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale. Discover the era of a new shimmering rosegold glow that beautifies all skin types while infusing them with the benefits of the iconic dry oil.

Radiant appeal: each and every one can choose their own desired glow, with 2 products that perfectly adapt to all skin types and complexions. Both shimmery ‘Or’ oils provide a different finish: the new iridescent rosegold glow of Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale has cooler highlights that subtly lift the skin, perfect to freshen the complexion, for example. Huile Prodigieuse® Or contains golden pearly particles with warmer tones to create an iridescent golden glow that beautifies all skin types and enhances a tan.

HOW TO USE
Indulge in the irresistible new floral gold to moisturize, smooth and illuminate your face, body and hair in a single step.

Face
You can use these oils as part of your make-up, to give your skin an instant illuminating boost. Dab a few drops gently over your face using your fingertips or a flat brush. Focus on areas that capture the light, such as the top of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose or the middle of your forehead.

Body
Pour a few drops of golden oil into the palms of your hands or onto a kabuki brush and distribute evenly. Apply as a veil to your legs or as highlights on key points (shoulders, collarbones, décolleté…), its iridescent finish will give your body a beautiful glow all day or all night long.

Hair
Scrunch a few drops into the lengths and sprinkle sparingly over the ends to create pretty highlights that blend into your hair.

Often copied, never rivalled, skin is satin smooth and beautiful. Its dry touch allows you to get dressed quickly after application and its finish on the skin makes the senses melt with pleasure. The uplifting notes of Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale include zesty Grapefruit, a luminous floral harmony of Orange Blossom/Magnolia and a velvety base of white Musk to create an irresistibly fragrant trail. I love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nuxe
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