Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, before leaving to Johannesburg in the evening, I attended The Championships at Wimbledon for the first time as guest of Ralph Lauren x Net-à-Porter.

At Centre Court, British heritage takes a global stage – from the freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, and morning garden parties to the polished spectator style. As the Official Outfitter of The Championships at Wimbledon since 2006, Ralph Lauren has proudly celebrated the tournament’s rich traditions in sportsmanship and elegance.  The American fashion house is providing uniforms for on-court officials as well as stylish, yet functional, pieces that embody the prestigious and sophisticated atmosphere of the tournament.

I was invited to the Ralph Lauren suite that is elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Here I enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading to the game.

Here’s a glimpse into the unique fashion culture of Wimbledon:

Traditional Dress Code
Players: Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code for players, which dates back to the 1800s. At the time in Victorian England, sweat stains were seen as improper and unacceptable, and white would mask the stains the best out of every colored clothing. Once the rule was drawn up, Wimbledon has decided to keep the all-white dress code a tradition throughout the years, meaning that any visible clothing, including undergarments, must be white or almost white.
Spectators: While there’s no official dress code for spectators, the event often attracts a chic, garden-party look with summer dresses, blazers, and hats being common choices.

Celebrities and Royalty
Celebrity Sightings: The event attracts celebrities from various fields, including actors, musicians, and other sports stars, often dressed in stylish, sophisticated outfits.
Royalty: Members of the British royal family, especially Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was frequently seen at Wimbledon before her illness. Kate is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often opting for elegant dresses that respect the tournament’s refined atmosphere. My seat was next to the royal box where I spotted her parents front row.

Experience and Atmosphere
Strawberries and Cream: A quintessential Wimbledon experience includes enjoying strawberries and cream, served in the grounds, adding to the genteel, summery feel of the event.
Pimm’s and Champagne: These are popular beverages at Wimbledon, contributing to the festive and high-society atmosphere.
The Grounds: The carefully manicured lawns and flower arrangements provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the overall experience and making it a picturesque setting for both tennis and fashion enthusiasts.

Iconic Fashion Moments
Roger Federer and Serena Williams: Known for their stylish takes on the all-white rule, Federer’s sleek Nike outfits and Williams’ elegant and sometimes bold tennis dresses have left a mark on Wimbledon’s fashion history.
Anna Wintour: The US Vogue editor-in-chief is a regular at Wimbledon, often seen in the stands wearing stylish summer attire that combines elegance with comfort.

Wimbledon seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and fashion, making it a unique and stylish experience for both players and spectators. The tournament is taking place from July 1-14, 2024.

A big thank you to Iona Miller and her team at Net-à-Porter for this amazing day in Wimbledon!

The Ralph Lauren style tradition pays tribute to the timeless sophistication of tennis.
YOU CAN SHOP THE POLO RALPH LAUREN WIMBLEDON COLLECTION HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Getty
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this week, much to the delight of fervent royalists and street-party fans alike. The coronation itself will be held on Saturday 6 May in Westminster Abbey, and it’s been confirmed the King and Queen Consort are set to be crowned during this regal ceremony.

For all royal fans, I put together some fun souvenirs to buy right now, from a commemorative handbag, tea cup, umbrella, to the Gadroon plate from Royal Crown Derby. All pieces will commemorate the coronation of King Charles III for many years to come.

LoL, Sandra

Large King’s Coronation Tote Bag by Harrods

King Charles III Coronation Gadroon Plate by Royal Crown Derby

Vintage 2008-2009 Union Jack shoulder bag by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Union Jack Bear by Harrods

King Charles III Coronation Teacup and Saucer by Harrods

Coronation Blend English Breakfast Tea (50 Tea Bags) by Harrods

Crowning Glory Folding Umbrella by Harrods
Coronation Cuvée 2023 Impérial Champagne NV Magnum 1500ml by Moët & Chandon

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Yesterday Meghan Markle, now to be known as the Duchess of Sussex, enjoyed her big day as she married Prince Harry in a lovely ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Fashionistas all over the world had been waiting eagerly for her wedding dress to be revealed. And it was surprisingly Givenchy. Clare Waight Keller, who designed the dress, became the first female artistic director of the French Maison last year after a long time at the helm of Chloé.

Per the official statement from the Palace:

«Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design. The dress epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.
True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.»

The gown was surprisingly simple, but elegantly classic, with a bateau neckline, long sleeves, a drop waist and a stunning monarch-length veil which some may found quite unusual considering Meghan’s strong feminist views.

However, the five-meters long silk tulle veil had a special, symbolic meaning behind it that relates to Prince Harry’s appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and featured a unique flora from every Commonwealth country with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers.

Moreover the bride opted for a filigree tiara with a center stone for her wedding day which originally belonged to Queen Mary. It is a classic, antique piece that has long been a part of the royal collection.

For all future brides, click on the highlighted text to get her look:
Crystal and faux-pearl embellished gown by Givenchy, Rosita crystal headband by Jennifer Behr, Marie embroidered tulle veil by Needle & Thread, and
Portrait of a Lady crystal-embellished grosgrain slingback pumps by Aquazurra.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Getty Images, Courtesy of Givenchy

«Fashion stole my smile» is actually hard to believe when you think that Victoria Beckham received yesterday the Order of the British Empire ceremony as the designer’s and former pop star’s contributions to the national fashion industry were honored at Buckingham Palace. Wouldn’t we all be grinning if we received such a recognition from Prince William?! Dressed in one of her iconic ladylike knit dresses, she was accompanied to the palace by her parents and husband, David Beckham, who was granted the same title 13 years ago.

The dress was really beautiful and cozy. Its bouncing hem gave her a young school girl-like look that she paired with her signature sky-rocketing stilettos for a posh overall look.

Still the question, which she hates the most, is there: Why doesn’t she ever smile?

«I’m smiling on the inside—I feel I have a responsibility to the fashion community.» – Victoria Beckham

Recently she was spotted at LAX airport in a T-shirt from her Victoria, Victoria Beckham Pre-fall 2017 line, that has almost sold out in a second. It should put the issue to rest once and for all.

The slogan tee «Fashion Stole My Smile» is available now for £95.00 online in black and white and in her London store at 36 Dover Street.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF VICTORIA BECKHAM ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victoria Beckham, © Getty Images

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

Penhaligon‘s London‘s new fragrance VAARA was inspired by no other than the Royal House of Marwar-Jodphur in Rajasthan. The composition started life as the passion of His Highness Gaj Singh II who wanted to reflect his family’s deep love and connection with Jodhpur and to celebrate his granddaughter Vaara’s birthday. It offers a unique and beautiful glimpse into this aromatic world of the Maharaja. Perfumer Bertand Duchaufour’s journey to Jodhpur provided him with an abundance of inspiration for the fragrance and the end result, VAARA, cleverly captures the spirit of this fascinating part of India.

ORIENTAL

Top notes: Quince, Rosewater, Carrot Seed, Coriander Seed, Saffron
Middle notes: Moroccan Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Oil, Freesia, Indian Magnolia, Peony, Iris
Base notes: Honey, White Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Benzoin Resin, Tonka Bean

In stores now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 180.00) and 100ml (CHF 250.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Penhaligon’s London

Sunday, I flew to Paris for Fashion Week and went straight to the Akris S/S 2014 show. A huge highlight of the evening was the cocktail reception at the Swiss brand’s beautiful showrooms in the presence of H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, who was extremely lovely and charming to talk to. A truly amazing woman!

My look: White sculptural fitted crepe blouse, black waistcoat and buttoned skirt, all by Balenciaga (I am in love with Alexander Wang‘s designs and think that he is a great choice for the French brand), lace sleeves by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Pashli mini satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim and rose ring by Piaget.

Below are some impressions of the night! Enjoy and stay tuned for many updates from PFW!

LoL, Sandra

Me with my beloved hair stylist Charles Aellen who creates Charlène’s look.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Mischa, for taking them!)

Yesterday, Princess Madeleine of Sweden married her American love Chris O’Neill in a beautiful and moving wedding ceremony at the glorious Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The bride was breathtakingly stunning in a pleated silk organza gown with ivory-coloured Chantilly lace detailing created by Mr. Valentino himself.

The waist was emphasized by small vertical pleats that opened and spread out on the full skirt with a 4-meter long train. The six metre long silk organdie veil was edged with tulle “point d’exprit” with an application of Chantilly lace flowers. The royal tiara was decorated with fresh orange blossoms.

“Working with Princess Madeleine has just been so easy,” said Mr. Valentino. “She is very lovely girl. She is modern, fun, full of energy and enthusiasm, and she is so beautiful! It has been a pleasure and an honor.”

Mr. Valentino, a master couturier, officially retired from fashion in 2008, though most recently, in 2012 he created the wedding dress for Anne Hathaway. Throughout his career he has created wedding dresses for aristocrats and royals, most notably including Jacqueline Onasiss, Queen Maxima of Holland and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece’s gown.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via kungahuset.se, Getty

Such beautiful photos! H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco wears Akris on the cover of the current issue of VOGUE Japan Health & Beauty and throughout a 6-pages feature about the charitable educational sports program for children organized by her „Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation“. The Princess was styled by Albert Kriemler, Akris Creative Director, and her hair was down my very own Zurich based hair stylist Charles Aellen.

This is what I would call Swiss power… I love her clothes, her look and of course her hair!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Lauren Dukoff – Editor: Mayumi Nakamura – Styling: Albert Kriemler – Hair: Charles Aellen – Makeup: Tiziana Raimondo

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue Japan

As with any royal occasion, I am always curious about the outfits. Today, Dutch King Willem-Alexander took the oath next to his wife Queen Máxima during a religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk church in Amsterdam, marking the abdication of Queen Beatrix and the investiture of her eldest son. He became the first king of the Netherlands since 1890.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wore for the inauguration of her husband, a custom royal-blue gown by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. Her floor-sweeping lace embellished dress was combined with a matching floor-sweeping cape, which reminded me a lot of Gwyneth Paltrow’s 2012 Tom Ford Oscar gown appearance.

But I couldn’t take my eyes of Willem-Alexander’s royal mantle, decorated with silver lions and ermine fur, it is a piece of art. The original dates to 1815, but it has been repaired and altered over the past century, and had been also worn for the investitures of his mother and grandmother.

I would love to have such an outerwear and thought immediately of Valentino‘s beautiful F/W 2013 collection where I spotted something similar on the runway, like a modernized version of the royal coat, made of red mink with an ermine collar.

I am sure that I would feel like a real princess in it. More of Valentino will be coming up soon, so please stay tuned. It has been one of my favourite collections for the next season and I took some great pictures in the showroom in Paris as you can see in this little preview below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: REUTERS/Lex Van Lieshout/Pool, Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht