Sandra‘s Closet

Let me introduce you to the first capsule collection from Totême, the brand that was established in 2014 by Swedish couple Elin Kling and Karl Lindman.

The style queen presents American sportswear mixed with an effortless European sensibility. The collection of 14 perfect staple pieces, inspired by her every day New York wardrobe, will see you from city life to your next resort getaway.

My favorite: Havana stretch-crepe dress by Totême

Stay cool and look chic in silky separates, easy-breezy tailoring and luxe lightweight knits.
SHOP THE WHOLE CAPSULE COLLECTION EXCLUSIVELY HERE AT NET-A-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Totême and Net-à-porter

Oh La La! Saint Laurent‘s Cruise 2015 collection, named “Psych Rock’s New Rising“, is just to die for. Bohemian looks, layered hippie-chick necklaces, fringed boots, and everything a luxe hippie could dream of.

My look: Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress, embellished velvet vest, Anita fringed suede shoulder bag, fringed studded suede ankle boots, woven lurex tassel necklace, Patti beaded suede necklace and infinity belt, all by Saint Laurent. Cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ups, I did it again… I just cannot resist Chanel accessories and the ones from the Dubai Cruise 2015 collection are to die for. You will never regret to invest in a piece of Chanel fashion jewelry as those objects of desire never go out of style, they are seasonless.

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”  ― Coco Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in London, I spotted the new Miu Miu Astro Running sneakers in their store on New Bond Street. Transforming the classic running shoe into a piece of style, they come with unprecedented lightness and are one of the must-haves for the next season. Sneakers appeared on many runways.

The articulated rubber sole, sourced in the Miu Miu archive, has been reinvented with the addition of little round nubs – part baby hedgehog, part sea creature in appearance. The upper is crafted in a technical satin that is entirely hand-embroidered with constellations of sequins and crystal.

The neck of the shoe is cut in neoprene, sock-like, to ensure a perfectly close fit. Apparently contrasting elements are brought together to make the world a more lovely place to be: light-footed, light-hearted and sparkling with touches of light.

TO SHOP MIU MIU SHOES ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE. (Those sneakers will arrive shortly in stores around the world).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

For Cruise 2015, Charlotte Olympia introduces a new theme inspired by the atmosphere, traditions, and spice of Mexico. The colourful and textured styles of Down Mexico Way are a vibrant portal for your winter escape. I just adore every single piece.

1 Piñata raffia and leather shoulder bag

2 Kahlo embellished Perspex clutch
3 It Makes You Happy brass clutch
4 ‘Senorita Magazine’ clutch
5 Taquera suede-trimmed embellished raffia clutch
6 Calavera Swarovski crystal-embellished Perspex clutch

7 Hibiscus embroidered satin sandals
8 Chili Pandora Perspex clutch

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and via Teen Vogue

I was still in Shanghai for Omega’s amazing event with George Clooney (post coming up soon) when in Monaco around 300 fashionable people moved their way up the steep, winding streets of the city to enter the transparent tent with custom-made Pierre Paulin seats in the Place du Palais to attend Nicolas Ghesquière‘s second show for Louis Vuitton: his Cruise 2015 presentation.

CEO of Louis Vuitton Michael Burke, Delphine Arnault, fashion designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Princess Charlène of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco

On the runway appeared beautifully embellished but still very wearable pieces, mismatched prints, embroidered lace with tiny seed beads, and a very well played game of colors that established Ghesquière’s very own key LV codes that he had started back in March during his F/W 2014 show.

The French powerhouse is always about accessories and those spiky silver belts, gladiator boots and the new, wide-opened bucket bag will surely find their fans all over the world.

I attached you my favorite looks herewith!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Jürgen Teller and © Rindoff/Le Segretain/Getty Images for Louis Vuitton

Those who have been following me on instagram have got already an impression how fabulous my trip to Dubai was this week. Karl Lagerfeld had chosen the Emirates destination as the place to present the Chanel Cruise 2015 collection. You would imagine that past presentations in St. Tropez, Dallas and the Palais de Versailles among others would be hard to top. Think again. It’s Karl Lagerfeld. It was a feast for the eyes, an amazing experience, like the fairytale of One Thousand and One Nights.

The guests, among them celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Vanessa Paradis, Freida Pinto and Tilda Swinton, were brought by junks to a manmade island off the coast of Dubai where an enormous golden hangar covered in an interlocking double C’s lattice awaited us. From far away it looked like traditional Islamic fretwork.

We were asked to wear flat shoes (even that flats are trending at the moment, this was a challenge for me) as we walked through the sand. With an outdoor temperature of around 36°C, it felt like a beautiful evening in the desert. We were greeted in the souk tents with refreshing lemonades and Arabic coffee while enjoying the Dubai skyline.

Inside comfy, cushioned seating around the catwalk, yummy hors d’oeuvres, champagne and gigantic fake palm trees awaited us.

In the middle of the location, the food was on display that we enjoyed after the show, from mini pita-shawarmas and falafel with date chutney to pistachio baklava.

The show was beautiful, Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up his “idea of a romantic, modern Orient, a new One Thousand and One Nights.” He mixed precious and costume jewelry and played with the sickle-moon motif. Those pearl crescent-moon hair pieces and Bedouin-inspired cuffs are divine. Aladdin’s slippers, harem pants, ghutra-pattern-inspired jackets, mosaiced skirts, necklines and embroidered leather camellias bring the Arabian culture into the Chanel style in a respectful and culturally sensitive way.

It wouldn’t be Karl Lagerfeld though if he didn’t add some humor to his collection. I adore the tunic tops hemmed in a sequined version of the Dubai skyline and the golden jerrycan bag will surely be on many shopping lists.

After the dinner, we enjoyed a private concert by Janelle Monáe.

Vanessa Paradis with me after the show

Sweet Dakota Fanning

Tilda Swinton giving an interview outdoors

When we walked back to the boats through the candle-lit sandy path, it felt like a million-and-one Arabian nights. Thank you, Chanel, for this beautiful night. In the September issue of L’Officiel Switzerland, you will find an exclusive report and some amazing pictures. Stay tuned!

While you are reading this, I am already on my way to the next adventure. For one evening, I fly to Shanghai with Omega for an exceptional dinner with George Clooney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Chanel