Sandra‘s Closet

Marni takes over the Sunset Beach Hotel on the sands of Shelter Island, New York, Marni-fying the hotel’s outdoor and indoor areas through Marni Marine’s playful and imaginative universe, a celebration of summer. Until Labor Day weekend, the ground floor spaces will be re-imagined through fabrics hailing from the Marni archives, giving a new and vibrant guise to the rooms, embellished with the signature colors, furnishings and design objects of Marni Markets.

Through Marni Marine, the cozy ambience of Sunset Beach Hotel blends with the eclectic and creative spirit of Marni in a place that invites guests to dream, relax and get lost in the idyll of a seaside hideaway.

A combination of warm tones and jubilant prints pervades the rooms while preserving the atmosphere of the hotel. The external façade will be underscored by a sculptural, red metal MARNI logo, finished with baby blue display elements that resemble waves – which serve as home for bags and beach hats – ridden by fishes and boats that pay homage to the sea.

The hotel’s boutique, with revamped orange and yellow walls, will host women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories from Marni’s S/S 2021, in a space where red and white striped benches, covered with cushions and featuring maxi dots evoking stones, reverberate their playfulness through to the fitting room curtain and on a glass display case. The maxi dots will also characterize the display cases arranged along the corridor housing pieces for the Marni lifestyle. The walls will be redefined with light brown and pink tones, giving new light to the area.

Inside the game room, cozy sofas will be wrapped in a spring of floral prints juxtaposed to pink and light brown walls. Here, it will be possible to relax on hand-woven Marni chaise lounges, rocking chairs, benches and stools.

The spirit of Marni will also pervade the suite room that will be decorated with Marni Market furnishings, including bird-shaped chairs with an exclusive Marni frisky pink umbrella displayed on the terrace.

The selection of Marni Market design objects and accessories for sale and available in limited edition will also include a series of baskets, vases, magazine racks and sculptures, as well as necklaces, hats, bags – and fans conceived exclusively for the hotel.

The pop-up, envisioned in collaboration with Sunset Beach, will allow guests to immerse into the creative philosophy of Marni. In this experiential place overlooking the ocean, guests can relax and enjoy sun-kissed long days absorbed in summer dreams, getting inspired by the universe of Marni Marine.

I hope that we can travel soon again to the US. I miss it so much.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

Ahoy Capri! I adore this Italian island so much. As one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous destinations, Capri is famous for many reasons. It has jaw-dropping natural beauty, delicious cuisine and world-class shopping. It’s also a place to see and be seen – there’s a reason why so many celebrities anchor their yachts in Marina Grande, where I took these photos.

My look: Peggy tie-detailed paisley-print linen midi dress by Zimmermann, Spin Me Around elaphe sandals by Aquazzura, J’adior Capri striped sweater by Dior (with motifs of the Dior Around the World inspired by sketches of Roman artist Pietro Ruffo), Devotion mini embellished metallic leather tote, and plissé sunglasses, both by Dolce Gabbana, patchwork face mask by Natasha Zinko, layered silk and multi-stone necklace by Etro, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Umberto for Sandra Bauknecht
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Today I am on my way to Ischia and Capri for the weekend and I am so much looking forward to being back. Last time I was there was for the opening of the Aquazzura store one year ago. The brand’s founder & creative director, Edgardo Osorio, invited us to the island for a weekend of pure fun that I have only shared in my IG stories so far. Here is my outfit that I wore for the first night. We enjoyed sunset cocktails at the beautiful JK Place Capri. A magical place for Edgardo and his partner Ricardo. Here the name Aquazzura was created during a sunset dinner overlooking the bay. It comes from the words ‘acqua’ and ‘azzurra’, which means blue water in Italian. Edgardo has always been in love with the sea and the sun, and wanted the name of his brand to both evoke his love for Italy and to remind him of Capri.

My look: Cropped button-embellished jacquard-knit blazer (also available in beige), cropped button-embellished pointelle-knit top (also available in peach), and button-embellished ribbed stretch-knit midi skirt (also available in peach), all by Balmain, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, earrings by CHANEL, Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This week my favorite hotel, my home away from home, the famous Gstaad Palace hotel opens its doors again for the summer season. Such great news as I cannot wait to be back. We have already booked our stay in winter. Hopefully, the GreenGo club will also be open again by then. Personally speaking it is one of my favorite night clubs in the world and I am looking forward to dancing again to the sound of DJ Jim Leblanc. With its unparalleled design, an unbelievable dancefloor floating above a swimming pool, every night is one to remember. My outfit is definitely ready …

My look: Green double-breasted checked wool blazer, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, and gold-tone necklace, all by Saint Laurent, Patent-leather and tulle bodysuit, and paneled patent-leather and crepe leggings, both by David Koma, Palmette crystal-embellished suede cross-body bag by Christian Louboutin, glitter face mask by Missoni, and Cha Cha crystal-embellished suede pumps by Alexandre Vauthier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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At the very tip of Cap d’Antibes in the South of France stands one of my favorite hotels in the world, the majestic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which also belongs to the Oetker Collection.

In celebration of the hotel’s 150th anniversary and to pay tribute to its exquisite natural surroundings, the ‘Grande Dame’ has collaborated with Maison Christian Dior on a signature Eden-Roc fragrance – a fusion of two emblems of French art de vivre: the inimitable Parisian elegance of Dior and the sun-bathed luxury of this iconic palace.

«When creating Eden-Roc, I was imagining an arrival at the hotel by sea. The salt, the sun, the rocky shore and the lush vegetation… The sillage is an olfactory image of this magnificent refuge. The accords express the fullness of the Mediterranean: the seawater, the flowers and citrus fruits, the aromatic herbs and maritime pines. The beauty of Eden-Roc under the warm sun is distilled in this irresistible daily ritual. It is a delight of a fragrance, inspired by the serenity of this unparalleled destination and custom designed in its honour.» – François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator.

The Eden-Roc fragrance is a burst of emotion that lingers in the air like a gentle Mediterranean breeze. A bright encapsulation of the Riviera, its balanced blend of mineral and plant essences invoke the feeling of discovery in a landscape of paradisiacal beauty.

To accompany the fragrance, François Demachy has transposed his melodious notes of seawater, wood and floral blossoms into a candle, a liquid hand soap and a body cream. These three essentials are sensuous conduits of simple, everyday luxury. At bath time or simply for a moment of relaxation, each of these creations communicate the sweetness of life in this corner of paradise.

Eden-Roc by Maison Christian Dior is available worldwide in Maison Christian Dior boutiques for  € 220 euros (125ml), € 315 euros (250ml), and €400 (450ml).

Cannot wait to be back in the South of France … soon!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Dior

Exploration, excitement, a voyage to new territories. Miuccia Prada toys with all the characteristics of a nautical atmosphere – colours, insignias, attitudes – to create a Miu Miu Maritime collection, refracting these archetypal and classic sartorial gestures into unexpected new forms.

Silhouetted against twin expanses of blue – the sky and the sea – the Miu Miu crew of feminine sailors are captured by Johnny Dufort, poised on the concrete ramparts of the Plage de Bon-Secours at Saint Malo – a bathing pool jutting into the sea, man meeting nature. At this point of embarkation, where land meets water, this Miu Miu crew gazes out to the distance in anticipation – of a new beginning, a different season, a different perspective, broadened horizons. As ever, these Miu Miu women are part of a collective, a group – here, they are a fleet, an admiralty, their clothing unifying them, signifying their bond.

The clothes are fresh, spirited, evocative of mariner attire yet exaggerated by the lens of fashion. Traditionally masculine gestures – the flap collar, wide shoulders, an air of utility – are abstracted to be fused with the inherently feminine, with softly rounded sleeves, lace detailing, ruffles, bows. Created for summer, the fabrics are crisp, light, honest: satin pois, popeline, hard-wearing cotton denim – in marine blue, white, palest pink, officer’s red. This visual language, inextricably tied to nautical attire, can simultaneously speak of other worlds – borrowed for children’s clothing and casual attire of the past, today those details evoke, in the subconscious, youthfulness, vacation, freedom.

Maritime speaks of possibilities – the commencement of a journey. The coastline is not the end of the land, but rather marks the start of something new. A collection of hope to enjoy this summer with hopefully a little bit of normality again …

For F/W 2020, Miuccia Prada already showed maritime influences on the runway. I got these two pieces that I absolutely love to wear.
Left: Sailor-collar lambswool bodysuit
Right: Sailor-collar cotton-poplin shirt

If I vetted your appetite for Saint Malo, have a look at the Thermes Marins de Saint Malo. The seaside resort launched their own skin-care line in 2005, that is an alliance of scientific research, naturalness, expertise and modern technology. In Switzerland the products are available at Import Parfumerie. Maritime cosmetics and maritime cosmetics go well together, don’t you think. Beauty, born of the sea…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu, © Thermes Marins de Saint Malo
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Even that we cannot travel as much as we used to, we might plan ahead for the time after lockdown. Let’s get ready for space and discover this stunning range of luggage and travel accessories inspired by otherworldly destinations from RIMOWA.

Inspired by far-off destinations, the RIMOWA Mars & Mercury collections celebrate two new versions of the iconic aluminium RIMOWA Original and select special edition travel accessories that captivate the attention, imagination, and spirit of boundary-pushing exploration. Mars, a bright and vibrant orange, and Mercury, a refined, medium grey tone with subtle hints of blue. These galactic-inspired colours will be available on the Cabin and Trunk Plus sizes for Mars, and Cabin and Check-In L for Mercury.

I personally adore the galaxy-inspired space sticker set that helps you to make your suitcase a one-of-a-kind.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rimowa and © Sandra Bauknecht

CHANEL will present its Cruise 2022 collection with a show that will take place on Tuesday, May 4th 2021 at the Carrières de Lumières, located in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in the south of France.

A photo I took inside the Carrières de Lumières.

These white limestone quarries were notably used as the backdrop for the 1959 film Le Testament d’Orphée (Testament of Orpheus), directed by Jean Cocteau, who was friends with Gabrielle Chanel. The Cruise collection has been anchored in the history of the House of CHANEL since the early 1920s, when Gabrielle Chanel first offered her clients lightweight and comfortable designs for various sunny destinations including the Riviera and the beaches of the Lido in Venice.

Scenes from Le Testament d’Orphée

Personally speaking, I adore the Carrières de Lumières and have been there many times, especially because it is located just a few minutes from one of my favorite restaurants in the world, L’Oustau de Baumanière, a three Michelin stars restaurant, known for their amazing ingredients from their organic vegetable gardens and produce from local farmers. I always choose the vegetable surprise menu, which is to die for. Hopefully we can enjoy the show in person in May and the lockdown will finally be over…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#CHANELCruise

Gstaad is one of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury ski resorts and definitely my favorite winter destination. Last weekend, I indulged in a very special experience and enjoyed winter and nature in and around Gstaad from close up.

It started at the Gstaad Palace with a beautiful and very romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautiful village of Gstaad up to the unspoiled snowy countryside. I leaned back and felt the calming rhythm of the horses. I loved the tranquillity of nature from the carriage.

However unfortunately, at one point we had stop as it would have been to steep for the horses and we were driven in a jeep up the snowy roads to a rural and charming chalet. Inside a delightfully cheesy experience awaited us. It’s a Swiss tradition to spend some cosy and convivial hours together on the steaming caquelon, eating a rustic and authentic cheese fondue.

Something that should be on your bucket list if you are not living in Switzerland. Important to know… don’t drink anything but these three beverages: Sip only white wine (or in my case champagne), kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea with your fondue meal. Water might cause stomach pain in combination with the cheese.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – my favorite champagne nicely chilled in the snow.

The chalet is so charming, don’t be afraid of the outhouse, it is quite an experience.

If you had too much cheese, you can walk back to the hotel, it takes around 2.5 hours to the Palace. Otherwise, you will be driven back with the jeep to your starting point.

It is a truly unique and special experience that you can book via EXPERIENCE event agency.
E-mail: info @experience.ch, Phone: +41 33 748 86 66.

I will be doing it again next weekend … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As a proud ambassador for the Oetker Collection, I am more than happy to announce that spring 2021 will see the addition of The Woodward, a new hotel in the heart of Geneva, to its exclusive portfolio of masterpiece hotels. It will be the tenth hotel in the outstanding collection.

A historic transformation creates Geneva’s first all-suite hotel designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with restaurants by Michelin-Starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and vegetable driven Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli as well as a 1,200 sq metre Spa by Maison Guerlain.

Rooted in classic French techniques, Chef Verzeroli, who has maintained for 11 consecutive years seven stars in the Michelin guide for Joël Robuchon’s three restaurants in Tokyo, is renowned for creating innovative dishes where vegetables play a starring role, many of which are vegan, and dairy and gluten-free.

Owned by Bastion Holdings, the hotel sits directly on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Originally built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, in a post-Haussmann style, the hotel is located on Quai Wilson. Bastion Holdings and Bastion Management are part of The Bastion Collection group which owns 15 unique restaurant & food concepts globally and the masterpiece water-front hotel in Geneva – The Woodward.

Each of the 26-suites have been carefully curated to possess their own distinct character and individual design details with signature flourishes including marble fireplaces and bookcases. 21 of the suites have a full lake view. The jewels in the crown are the Presidential Suite, designed in elegant ivory tones and offering panoramic lake views from every room with a private dining room and loggia, and the Royal Suite, reached by private lift and designed to resemble a chic Parisian apartment.

The Woodward will offer two bars and a tea-room, as well as a private digestif lounge, which takes the buildings history as a bank into the modern-day through the transformation of a former vault. In keeping with Oetker Collection’s commitment to wellbeing, a 21-metre indoor swimming pool invites guests to indulge and relax. It will be the longest swimming pool in Geneva. There will be a state-of-the-art gym, two saunas, two steam-rooms, two Swedish baths and a jacuzzi. Guests will be able to enjoy exclusive treatments by Guerlain across six wellness suites, including one for couples and a corner dedicated to men.

I am so excited for this beautiful addition to Geneva!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Oetker Collection