Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I drove to Outletcity Metzingen to attend the VIP Luxury Night at Europe’s largest outlet center. My avid readers might remember when I went there the first time with German Vogue in 2018 or to attend the opening of the Boss flagship outlet store in 2019.

This time, I was invited by Outlicity Metzingen together with Taglierè to the big opening event of the new champagne bar Bollicine in the heart of the luxury area. At 4:30 p.m. the red carpet was rolled out and welcomed prominent special guests Michelle Hunziker and Frauke Ludowig among many others.

Two Swiss aquarius women: Michelle Hunziker with me

The new bar’s menu offers from the Italian breakfast to an all-day meal and snack menu. There is also a large selection of coffee specialties and cold drinks as well as an exquisite selection of champagne and champagne cocktails. «Bollicine» – which means sparkling bubbles in German – leaves nothing to be desired.

Besides a special show act and a tombola, the luxury shops were also open until 10pm. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to spend my shopping voucher to the fullest. At Bottega Veneta for example, certain pieces were marked down 90%. So amazing!

I can absolutely recommend visiting Outletcity Metzingen. It is a shopping haven with many luxury brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Versace and many more, having huge flagship stores filled with collections from previous seasons at great prices. And who doesn’t like a good deal?!

LoL, Sandra

With German entertainer Frauke Ludowig

Together with Petra Dieners, Leonie Hanne, Frauke Ludowig, and Violeta Prtenjaca.

Outfit post coming up soon…

Swiss media power … with Stefan Berger (Faces)

Talented twins: Tarkan and Luka Cidic

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Sage Press, Getty Images for Outletcity Metzingen / VIP Luxury Night
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Mykonos is known for its dry, windy climate, sandy beaches and world famous nightlife! While being on the island, you should definitely visit Chora, also called «Mykonos Town.» Located in the middle of the western shore, the walkable town is home to some of the island’s best attractions, including the former fishing village of Little Venice, iconic whitewashed windmills, the archaeological museum, and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. The neighborhood is best explored on foot; considering the small streets and slippery stone-paved alleys, I recommend flats or wedges.

From our hotel, the Santa Marina, the driver took us to the Belvedere Hotel, from there, we walked down the hill to the marble quays of the Old Harbour, where we started our exploration tour. The sunset started and the scenery was breathtaking. On the east side are the arcades of the Town Hall dating to the 1700s, in front of which is the tiny church of Agios Nikolaos, crowned with a blue dome.

There’s a string of bars and restaurants hugging the curve of the harbour, among them Jackie O’ – a must-visit bar. It is located just below Paraportiani church and is an ideal location for sunset cocktails and dancing all night long. Drag shows also take place, adding a spicy and fun note.

Leave your phone in your hand as around every corner, you will find another instagrammable spot. The most unique area in Mykonos Town is known as Little Venice. Small picturesque waterfront Cycladic houses with colorful, wooden balconies are kissed by the waves of Aegean, creating a photogenic seascape with a romantic atmosphere. Some of the restaurants and bars including Negrita have ideal locations in front of the sea which makes them the perfect spots to enjoy the sunset with a glass of champagne or a fancy cocktail. From this area you also get a great view of one of the most iconic spots of Mykonos, the famous windmills. They are considered the signature landmark of the island and are a truly wonderful sight.

After our sunset drinks in Little Venice, we went for a stroll through the heart of town, which is known by locals and tourists to be Matoyianni Street, the main street of a complex of pebbled streets in Chora. It is dominated by designer stores (you will find all big names here, from Hublot, Dior to Off-White and all sorts of concept stores), souvenir shops, and handmade jewelry designers.

During the summer months, most of Matoyianni’s shops and markets are open until 2 am, and you’ll never be short of things to do throughout the evening hours. If you investigate the side streets you’ll come across so many amazing little shops, shoulder to shoulder with quaint little churches like Agia Eleni and Agios Kirykos.

Dinner we had booked at La Maison de Katrin Restaurant, which instantly has become one of my favorite spots in Mykonos! The intense color of the bougainvillea above it is really mesmerizing and makes it a wonderful photo opportunity (best in the morning, when the restaurant is closed). Since 1971 until today, Katrin marries traditional Greek recipes with French gourmet cooking, warm hospitality with elegant surroundings. The moussaka is absolutely divine!

I ran into German-Greek singer Vicky Leandros that night, who is very famous in my home country Germany.

After dinner, we went for drinks to another fun place in the city, Interni Restaurant & Bar. Set in a secret garden in Matoyiannia, it is the synonym of the modern night culture à la Mykonos. A fun place where you can dance and enjoy great music outdoors.

Mykonos Town or Chora is definitely the heart of this majestic island – and with its fairytale environment not to be missed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Celebrating the spirit of summer captured in the TB Summer Monogram collection, Burberry journeys across the world for a series of immersive takeovers in iconic holiday destinations and striking pop-up shops, among them Loulou Ramatuelle. The restaurant and beach club belongs to my favorite destinations in Saint Tropez, as it offers the best of all, relaxation, great food, and party to the fullest.

For all fashion lovers, it is also the perfect place to be as the entire summer (until September 30, 2022), deckchairs, cabanas, cushions and parasols are dressed in the emblematic beige and the coat of arms of the British brand. And then if the desire to prolong the experience takes shape, a selection of pieces for men and women is offered in an entirely dedicated pop-up, where you can indulge in a beautiful selection of silk dresses, cotton shirts, swimwear and sunglasses for an elegant summer.

Other Burberry takeovers take place in:

ANANTI COVE, BUSAN
1 – 31 JULY

TANJONG BEACH CLUB, SINGAPORE
15 JULY – 27 JULY

CASA JONDAL, IBIZA
1 – 31 AUGUST

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Burberry
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Right now I am enjoying my holidays in Saint Tropez to the fullest. After a very long night at Les Caves du Roy, and only 3 hours of sleep, I pulled myself together and joined my dear Barbara Sturm and Ayda Field Williams at Dr. Sturm’s new St. Tropez Spa, located at 6 Traverse de la Gendarmerie, for an anti-inflammatory morning with cold pressed juices and mini express facials.

Inside the new Dr. Barbara Sturm spa in St. Tropez

On display was also the absolutely amazing new luxury activewear line AYDA launched by Robbie Williams‘s wife Ayda, who is as sweet as she looks. Designed with the most buttery fabrics, high-performance details, and athlete-tested functionality, those pieces will help you reach peak joy. Her motto is «Fucking Fantastic», life is too short for camel toes and visible panty lines! For sweats that make you feel sloppy or sports bras that feel like jail. Say bye bye to muffin tops and hello to odor-eating, sweat-wicking, equal pay promoting, always-has-your-back performance gear that never lets you down… and always holds the girls up!

Ayda is luxury activewear dedicated to bringing JOY into the everyday motions of life.

The idea for AYDA has bounced around founder Ayda Field Williams’s brain for years. After being stuck at home and in athleisure 24/7 during quarantine made her realize that she could work with a team to improve on what was out there. The voice that said «Yes!! You can!!» finally grew louder than the voice that said «No, you can’t.»

Team Ayda set out to create clothes that could seriously perform but didn’t sacrifice on the playfulness. Bright, bold colors. Inventive details. Undeniable comfort. Clothes that brought joy. Clothes that make you wanna skip. Clothes that feel like rainbow sprinkles!!

Having fun with Ayda Field Williams and Barbara Sturm.

There’s so much to love about every piece in the collection. Everything from the power mesh panels that elevate while providing support and stretch, to the adjustable velcro straps that are both comfortable and forgiving for those days when you need a little more. Team Ayda scoured the universe for Goldilocks of fabrics: soft, sculpting, with great recovery to last and last. You will surely love the collection as much as I do!

It was a fucking fantastic morning with many amazing women… thank you, Barbara and Ayda for having me!

LoL, Sandra

With amazing Kinga Lampert, who is the co-Chair @bcrfcure the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.

Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash also enjoyed the morning.

Presenter and model Sylvie Meis 

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © ShopAyda
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What better moment than the summer holidays to embark on a journey of meeting clients and building a relationship? At Cartier, it’s a tradition that began towards the end of the 19th century. At the time, the jeweller would set up shop on the Riviera, between Cannes and Monaco, from June to September. This summer, Cartier will arrive in Nammos Village, Mykonos.

More than simple pop-ups, these seasonal boutiques are meeting places full of life, with a product range focused on the season’s desire for travel and colour – summer jewellery or watches that can be personalised on the spot. Their collections build a connection to their sun-filled destinations: the new photovoltaic Tank watches and their deep blue bracelets, the brightly coloured stones of the Berlingots de Cartier jewellery, and the Double C de Cartier bags with their pastel enamelled initials.

From shining and engraving to cord changes for the Trinity bracelet, the summer services are joyful experiences from start to finish: the hand delivery by a Cartier groom. These unmissable experiences are brought to life by works from the artist Konstantin Kakanias, known for the refined fantasy and sophistication of his installations.

«I imagined fun summer days and nights, with a totally free spirit where we indulge in nature, light, water, love, and beautiful things. Collaborating with Cartier was a real privilege, the Maison has such a rich vocabulary and history, which I loved to work with.» Konstantin Kakanias, Illustrator

The sun-drenched encounters continue beyond the walls of the boutiques with a program of events to encapsulate the feeling of a summer holiday, moving to the beat of a seaside escape.

I will be in Mykonos in August and cannot wait to explore this fun new place.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier
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Last week, while visiting the Salone di Mobile in Milan as guest of Louis Vuitton, I also took the opportunity to explore the newly opened MARNI flagship store at Via Montenapoleone 26. The new boutique, coinceived as multi-disciplinary creative hub, presents an unprecedented design concept, allowing for an immersive brand experience across three levels. To mark its opening, a site-specific installation by one of Iceland’s leading contemporary artist Shoplifter was presented and clients had the chance to delve into Marni’s imaginative world through ART JAM, a series of workshops and customizations courtesy of artists Shoplifter and The Aluminum Group.

I have been a huge fan of the work of Shoplifter / Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, who is living between New York and Reykjavik, and I was looking forward to meeting her in person. Working with both synthetic and natural hair, her sculptures, wall murals and site-specific installations explore themes of vanity, self-image, fashion, beauty and popular myth. For Shoplifter hair is the ultimate thread that grows from our body. Hair is an original, creative fiber, a way for people to distinguish themselves as individuals, and often an art form. Humor plays a large role in her life and work, sometimes subtly, but at other times taking over.

Shoplifter represented Iceland at the Venice Biennale in 2019 and her installation Chromo Sapiens opened at the Icelandic Pavilion in May 2019 in Venice, Italy. The installation later traveled to Iceland opening at the Reykjavik Art Museum in January 2020.

It was a true pleasure getting to know her during the art session at the MARNI boutique where she created a beautiful charm for me as a gift.

Below you can find many more photos of the really cool new flagship.

Phone: +39 02 76317327

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Being part of the NET-À-PORTER family comes with many privileges. It is my favorite online shopping destination, not only because of the great selection and the absolutely wonderful and outstanding personal shopping team, that always takes the best care of me, but also for all the amazing experiences and trips, plus all the wonderful people I met during these journeys.

As one of NET-À-PORTER‘s most loyal clients and someone with a passion for Italian craftsmanship, I was invited to join the team for a one-of-a-kind trip to Solomeo, the homeland of Brunello Cucinelli. Alongside my guest of choice, which was my fiancé, I was invited to an intimate tour of the manufacture and opportunity to explore Solomeo – a beautiful hamlet meticulously restored over the last 20 years. In addition, the MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth co-hosted a dinner with Mr Brunello Cucinelli himself.

A warm welcome in our beautiful hotel room.

We arrived Thursday evening in Florence, where a car was waiting to take us to our hotel in Umbria, the Borgo Dei Conti Resort. After we quickly freshened up, we went down to meet the lovely NET-À-PORTER team for drinks ahead of a wonderful dinner.

Stay tuned for all my amazing experieneces during this trip. We had a private tour of Brunello Cuccinelli’s headquarters and manufacture, and  joined Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself for an intimate dinner in his home in Solomeo. On Saturday morning, we went on an incredible tour of Assisi, followed shortly afterwards by a lunch. In the evening we had another amazing dinner in the surroundings of Solomeo before departing on Sunday morning.

I am so grateful for all the memories and encounters during this weekend that I will happily share with you during the next days. Thank you, Brunello Cucinelli, MR PORTER and NET-À-PORTER, for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Gucci opened the doors to its fully renovated store in Zürich, Switzerland this month at a new location. The boutique spans over 746 square meters across two floors and a terrace and showcases a full array of Gucci’s products including men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, shoes, jewelry and watches, silks, eyewear as well as Décor and Lifestyle collections.

With a look that invites customers to feel welcome and relaxed, the interior design is discreet. It is a new concept, first presented in Zurich. Contemporary luxury is suggested not only by the employment of beautiful and idiosyncratic materials, but also through a determinedly spare use of space. In keeping with the elegant and contemporary eclecticism that characterises Gucci’s collections, the store sees the combination of traditional and modern, industrial, and romantic. This reflects in the refined marble staircase contoured by Bronzed aged brass railing and Salvia Green satin panels.

On the terrace of the new Gucci store in Zurich, dressed head to toe in the Italian brand.

The terrace on the first floor pays tribute to the original architectural features of the store. The existing historical window frames are complemented by dark green metal aviaries, inviting customers to take a seat and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by the greenery. The concept effortlessly complements the product-offer from the House.

The mood within the store is one of discretion, where understated drama is created by the surprising and unexpected combination of materials. Juxtaposition of this sort, where opposites forge a new connection, is repeated ubiquitously: technical, mechanical display contrast with the softness of the rich fabrics that adorn the rooms; round tables offset rectangular ones; Salvia Green and ivory satin panelling elegantly complement the optical marble flooring. Throughout the store, one finds sumptuous chairs and sofas while vintage oriental rugs are layered over each other for a textured effect. The result is a space that entices, surprises and feels personal to Gucci.

Gucci Zurich
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 39, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 19:00, Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00

Mark your calendar! The Gucci Cruise 2023 show will take place on May 16, 2022 at 8.00 pm CEST at Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy. You can watch it live here. It will be full moon and the invitation revealed a cosmological theme, so stay tuned for #GucciCosmogonie. On behalf of each guest, the House has adopted a star and registered it under their name. How cool is this?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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Last fall, Dolce & Gabbana presented their first line for furniture and needless to say, it was an immediate success. The Italian fashion house that is well known for its vivid colors and vibrant prints, presented over 300 pieces, from tables to sofas, with colorful Sicilian cart motifs and animalier lovebeds.

You can now discover the exquisite Carretto, Blu Mediterraneo, Leo and Zebra collections at the new Dolce & Gabbana Casa boutique dedicated to furniture in via Durini 23, Milan.

I am totally in love with this new line. As I am dedicating every room in our new house to a fashion designer, I have just realized that I will also need a Dolce & Gabbana room.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana
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Strike a pose with Aquazzura as Brown’s, a Rocco Forte Hotel, offers a new, exclusive suite shopping experience in collaboration with the famous luxury Italian women’s footwear brand, the so-called «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» package.

Aquazzura’s story of creating magical footwear, a brand favoured by many celebrities and fashion stars from around the world, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Olivia Palermo and more recently featured in the «Sex And The City» spin off, worn by Carrie Bradshaw. Founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011, the brand will be celebrating 10 years during 2022 coinciding with a yearlong celebration of Brown’s Hotel 185th Anniversary.

Aquazzura store in London

Guests who book the Brown’s «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» can choose either a one or two night stay in one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed suites. During their stay guests will be treated to a variety of bespoke experiences from the dedicated team at Aquazzura’s flagship store on Albemarle Street, just moments away from the hotel. One such experience will include a bespoke in-suite design consultation and shoe fitting. Guests will also receive an exclusive invitation to visit the Aquazzura store after hours for a VIP shopping experience as well as a pedicure at The Spa at Brown’s.

The Donovan Bar

What’s more, The Donovan Bar, Brown’s stylish drinking den, will display three of Aquazzura’s finest shoes from its latest collection, the Tequila Plexi Sandal 105, Temptation Crystal Sandal 105 and the Seduction Crystal Pump 105.

These three pairs of stunning heels will be dotted around the bar allowing guests to admire the shoes whilst sipping on delicious tipples from Salvatore Calabrese’s extensive cocktail menu, one of which is the ‘Tequila Scandal’ – created especially in celebration of this exclusive collaboration. ‘Tequila Scandal’ is a champagne style cocktail, made with Tequila, Calabreses’s Acqua Bianca liqueur and infused with home-made pineapple juice and green cardamom cordial.

As an add-on to the experience and as a last glimpse, Brown’s knowledgeable concierge team can purchase tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cinderella, that hit the stage in 2021, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, a short taxi ride from the hotel.

«Head over Heels with Aquazzura» at Brown’s Hotel starts from £1,300 and is based on double occupancy, valid from 11 January 2022 until 01 April 2022.

Includes the following:
– A one or two night stay from studio suites above.
– Breakfast in Charlie’s or in the comfort of your suite.
– Two ‘Tequila Scandal’ cocktails to enjoy at the Donovan Bar or in suite.
– One ‘Vital Pedicure’ treatment to enjoy at The Spa at Brown’s.
– VIP Welcome amenities including a bespoke gift bag from Aquazzura.
– Bespoke Aquazzura offerings including: 20% discount on any purchase, in-suite personalised shoe fitting, out of hours store visit including champagne to enjoy whilst shopping.

The perfect surprise gift for a fellow fashionista!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel, Aquazzura, Janos Grapow
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