Sandra‘s Closet

It’s all over town. I have enough of winter and cannot wait for the warm season to come… just a few more month to go during which I have to indulge in memories of days spent in the South of France. Here you see me on the rooftop bar of the Hotel de Paris in St. Tropez during the Asmallworld weekend … heaven on earth.

My look: Rinnaa pointelle trim bandage dress by Hervé Léger, Kan I Mini studded leather chain shoulder bag by Fendi, leather platform pumps by Gucci, long pearl earrings and sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

The last two weeks I travelled through Yucatán and I have so many impressions to share with you. My final destination was the luxe-hippie beach town of Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, a place I fell in love with. Beautiful white-sand beaches, active social life, and the laidback lifestyle of a beach town, it is somehow cosmic and natural at once. So the print of the dress and the color of the shoes were a perfect fit. As I am very particular about my clothes, I had promised myself not to bring anything expensive or too fancy. This is the most fashionable I got on this trip and between us it is definitely not Tulum style. As one told me: «Tulum is hippie, golden sandals». There is not one place you can wear high heels and funnily enough, I loved it!

My look: Printed midi dress and green heels, both by Zara, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings by Etro, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and quilted bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If some trips are in your horizon, it’s time to finally put aside your old suitcase and invest in some new luggage. Traveling can be stressful enough without having to consider what might happen when a zipper breaks or that tiny hole in the bottom suddenly becomes massive. New luggage that is coordinated and sleek might not upgrade you to first class, but it sure will help you feel like you’re already there. And with these colors, you will never loose your luggage again.

1 Horizon 50 Trolley in Monogram Canvas by Louis Vuitton
2 Leather Trimmed Carry-On Suitcase by Gucci
3 Medium Quilted Nylon Trolley by Moschino
4 Majolica-Print Leather Suitcase by Dolce & Gabbana
5 Metallic Calfskin Trolley with Gold-Tone Metal by Chanel

«For me, beautiful luggage is synonymous with the golden era of travel; the sophisticated voyage to an exotic destination should be a journey of refinement and elegance.» – Charlotte Olympia

My absolute favorite is Charlotte Olympia‘s collaboration of fantastic luggages with a vintage feel with Globe-Trotter, the British brand that specializes in leather travel goods. A globetrotter’s dream collection.

TO SHOP CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA X GLOBE-TROTTER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.» – Karl Lagerfeld

I love Christmas trees and my favorite one (besides my own) can be found at London’s Claridge’s Hotel where in the eighth consecutive year a creative visionary has been invited to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. This December, it is Karl Lagerfeld, one of the fashion world’s most influential creative forces, who created the stunning festive installation, a sixteen foot high inverted tree with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star which reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby. Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow. Under the centerpiece sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.The famous designer was inspired by his own childhood memories of Christmas.

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive Mayfair landmark, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent and ever-changing design. Scroll down to explore Claridge’s Christmas Tree designs through the years.

2016: SIR JONY IVE AND MARC NEWSON

2015: CHRISTOPHER BAILEY FOR BURBERRY

2014: DOLCE & GABBANA

2013: DOLCE & GABBANA

2012: KALLY ELLIS OF MCQUEENS

2011: ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANVIN

2010: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

2009: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR

Merry Christmas to all of you – may you all sparkle as these beautiful trees with joy, love and laughter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s

Prada presents PRADA SILVER LINE, an itinerant project offering customers the chance to acquire exclusive products – which are chosen for each leg of the journey – and presented inside an original installation.

For the Christmas Holiday, for one month, this imaginary railway station stops for the first time at the Galaxy shopping mall in Macau, hosting a selection of women’s luxury bags and accessories.

In particular, the Prada Cahier bag is reinterpreted in three new styles made of exotic leathers. A different selection of items will be developed for each future city of the itinerant retail space.

The concept is a reconstruction of an ideal train in which the various target is aesthetic themes are combined in a single design. The exterior is a metal shell reminiscent of the American Streamliners of the ’30s and ’50s. The interior features walls cover in floral-patterned red silk brocade to create a luxurious, romantic look. The setting is completed by the iconic black-and-white chequered floor which characterises Prada stores around the world since 1913.

Around and outside the train’s coach, a series of installations including life-size Prada robots and a ticket booth, which serves as a concierge service’s booth, finish off the perfect ambiance.

From January 2018, PRADA SILVER LINE will touch on several cities, including Dubai and later on some of the most important locations in Asia, Europe and the United States.

I am loving it… cannot wait for the PRADA SILVER LINE to hopefully stop in Zurich…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Gucci is pleased to announce the development of Gucci Places, its initiative designed to invite people to explore locations around the world that have inspired the House.
The very first Gucci Place, which was unveiled earlier this year was Chatsworth in Derbyshire, England, where Gucci supported House Style exhibition. Chatsworth was also the location of the Gucci Cruise 2017 advertising campaign.

Gucci Cruise 2017 advertising campaign

Now Gucci has chosen a variety of further locations that reflect the taste and values peculiar to the House, and designated these: Gucci Places. The idea is to encourage people to discover interesting and unexpected stories about these places, and so become part of a community. The Gucci Places programme is thus a network of locations connected to Gucci, all of which possess the quality of being able to surprise, arouse interest and inspire a creative response.

To bring the Gucci Places programme to life, the Gucci App has functionality that enables people to become involved in the story of each designated Place. It is configured to use the geolocation services of a user’s mobile device so that when you are in the proximity of a Gucci Place you will receive a push notification to invite you to visit the relevant location. When in the Gucci Place, the App allows users to check in and win a badge associated with it. You can thus collect the badges of all the Places recommended by Gucci, and can share these on social media.

The App also provides a detailed description of the Place, featuring texts, pictures and/or videos. Users can also access an information section, which enables them to contact the Place by email or phone, or visit its website. Each Place has a section on the App dedicated to the events it is staging, enabling you to browse the scheduled programme.

Furthermore, an exclusive selection of products, based on those in Gucci’s Courrier collection, is being created as part of the Gucci Places initiative. Special patches inspired by each Gucci Place have been developed and will feature on the products, which will be available for purchase at the relevant Gucci Place (when feasible) and at the nearest Gucci store.

The patches are inspired by the Place in question and reflect Gucci’s eclectic aesthetic, incorporating motifs that reference the location – a coat of arms, perhaps, or a design detail from a building.
The first products featuring the Chatsworth patch have been on sale at Chatsworth House and the Gucci flagship store in Sloane Street, London, since July.

The new Gucci Places are:

The Biblioteca Angelica, Rome, Italy. Founded in 1604, the this was the first public library in Europe and has a vast bibliographic collection, featuring manuscripts that belonged to the Augustinians. Gucci hosted a private party here to celebrate the publication of A Magazine Curated By Alessandro Michele, and it was also the setting of the Gucci Pre-Fall 2017 look book, shot by Derek Ridgers.

Castello Sonnino, Montespertoli, Firenze, Italy. A family home, historical wine estate and an international educational centre, Castello Sonnino was originally a customs post between the territories of Florence and Siena, and dates back to the 13th century. It was the location of the Gucci Cruise 2016 advertising campaign.

Moreover, Caterina de Renzis Sonnino, who lives and owns the Castle, has starred in the latest Gucci Cruise 2018 advertising campaign.

Maison Assouline, London, United Kingdom. Originally a banking hall designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922, this Grade II listed building is now home to the all-encompassing Assouline cultural lifestyle hub. The limited-edition Gucci book, Blind For Love, by Nick Waplington, documenting the Gucci Cruise 2017 collection, was published by Assouline and presented at this store at a special book signing by the artist.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, California, USA. In 2011, LACMA launched its first annual Art + Film Gala. Each year the event celebrates the work of an accomplished filmmaker and artist who have made significant contributions in art and film. Since its inauguration, Gucci has been the presenting sponsor of this benefit event.

Bibo, Hong Kong. An extraordinary restaurant with a 1930s feel. Here, seasonal French gastronomy is served in a space featuring the works of some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists, including Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. To celebrate the #GucciGram Tian digital art project, which took place during Art Basel Hong Kong 2016, Gucci held a private dinner at Bibo.

Waltz, Nakameguro, Tokyo, Japan. A shop specialising in cassettes, vinyl, VHS tapes and boomboxes, Waltz is a truly unique place. It also carries old magazine editions. The area of Meguro and its nostalgic atmosphere, where Waltz is located, evokes the set of the Fall Winter 2016 campaign which was shot in Tokyo by Glen Luchford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:Courtes of Gucci

Last week, I got back from Marrakesh where I spent some amazing days among dear friends. The so-called «Jewel of the South» is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco and absolutely worth the visit with its beautiful colors, the vibrant streets and bazaars that spill over with artistry, whether it be in architecture, cuisine, crafts or fine art.

If you are interested, have a look at those great travel tips for the city that I have gotten from Aerin Lauder and Tory Burch, who designed the dress I am wearing in this post.

My look: Rosemary printed silk crepe de chine and jacquard dress by Tory Burch, leather platform pumps by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace and cocktail ring, both by Etro.
My scent: Tangier Vanille by Aerin, that is inspired by Marrakesh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

British artist, designer and pro-skater Blondey McCoy has created three hand-painted murals in the Flatiron and Soho districts of Manhattan, designed exclusively for Burberry.

Blondey McCoy wearing a Burberry Car Coat photographed by Alasdair McLellan

The murals mark the first time Blondey’s work will be showcased in New York and include his largest artwork to date. The three murals are inspired by the dichotomy of modern life and the traditions of the holiday season and feature the artist’s signature mix of eclectic imagery and striking motifs alongside references to Burberry and British culture.

Burberry mural by Blondey McCoy, Clerkenwell, London, September 2017

This collaboration marks the evolution of the relationship between Burberry and Blondey, who most recently appeared in a portfolio of images for the brand captured by British photographer Alasdair McLellan. In September 2017, Blondey created an artwork for Burberry on the largest paintable wall in London, situated near the brand’s show venue in Clerkenwell.

BLONDEY FOR BURBERRY
ABOUT THE ARTWORKS

Flatiron, Broadway and 22nd Street
Spanning over 80ft, the mural tells the story of a British Christmas Eve party. Beginning with the chime of the clock at midnight signalling the start of Christmas, the mural cascades down the wall with traditional holiday references including mistletoe, holly and Champagne, ending with children tucked up in a bed fashioned from a Burberry Vintage check scarf and presents waiting to be unwrapped.

A fashionable must-have that has been inspiring Blondey’s murals:
House-check cashmere-blend scarf by Burberry

Soho, Lafayette Street and Broome Street
The 17ft mural illustrates the importance of family during the holiday season, portraying three figures exchanging gifts alongside a personal photograph of Blondey’s family.

Soho, Lafayette Street and Spring Street
Featuring two hands meeting, the 15ft mural symbolises the act of gifting and exchange.

All three murals will be up until the end of December 2017. Cannot wait to be back in December in NYC to see them live…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry, © Alasdair McLellan

Last month, when I visited Milan with my daughter, I took her to the Teatro alla Scala, the famous opera house in Milan, which is regarded as one of the leading theatres in the world. Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have appeared at La Scala. We enjoyed the German opera «Der Freischütz» by Carl Maria von Weber. Being considered the first important German Romantic opera, especially in its national identity and stark emotionality, it was a true pleasure to see it in our mother tongue surrounded by the stunning ambiance of La Scala.

My look: Ruffle-trimmed single-breasted wool coat, ruffle bow dress, embellished leather pumps, and Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, all by Gucci. Choker with evil eye symbol by Chanel, diamond rose ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

My scent: Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum, which is the first fragrance developed wholly under Alessandro Michele’s creative vision and blended by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. The beautiful powdery floral scent features tuberose and jasmine combined with rangoon creeper, also called Chinese honeysuckle, which is a unique flower discovered in South India that is being used for the first time in perfumery to create a rich fragrance that transports its wearer to an imaginary garden.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A big thank you to my daughter for taking them!

Flying to the UK for lunch on Monday sounds crazy to you? It might be. But if you are invited by SURF AIR to celebrate the launch of regular flights between London and Zurich, it is worth the time, especially that «saving time» is what SURF AIR is all about. It is private aviation with a regular schedule, «AIR WITHOUT LINES» is the slogan.

The first private plane being water arched in Zurich on Monday: A wet welcome to celebrate the launch of SURF AIR in Switzerland.

This first private air travel club of its kind is offering all-you-can-fly service for one monthly fee of CHF 3950 and is providing an effortless flying experience that saves valuable time with every trip. Operating a fleet of Embraer Phenom 300 Jets and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, they fly to and from convenient airports in Europe and along the US West Coast and Silicon Valley, with additional regions and destinations to follow.

On our way to London in an Embraer Phenom 300 Jet, SURF AIR CEO Simon Talling-Smith with me.

You can arrive just 15 minutes before your flight. How amazing is that? No long lines, just hopping on the plane in style. As Simon Talling-Smith, CEO SURF AIR Europe, brings it to the point, compared to the hassle you sometimes experience at check-in or security at the commercial airport, SURF AIR is all about «being treated like a human being.»

Arrival lounge at London Luton airport.

For SUR FAIR‘s CEO, «Zurich is one of the most important airports that will be seeing the most flights in the near future.» Right now, there are 3 flights per week to London Luton and back, which are planned to be extended to 10 times per week. The company is also working on routes to London City airport to be a little closer to the city center than Luton airport.

SURF AIR’s Embraer Phenom 300 Jet that landed on Monday in Zurich.

Until March 2018, you will be able to fly to Munich, Luxemburg, Milan and Cannes from Zurich, followed by cities such as Frankfurt or Berlin. Also weekend getaways, such as Ibiza, are an interesting subject for SURF AIR.

Relaxing on board and saving time, probably one of the biggest luxuries of today’s world.

It is very convenient as you can book your spot on short notice depending on availability as often as you wish. All is included in the flat rate. Your luggage allowance is 15 kg. If this is not enough, you can get extra suitcases picked up at your home and delivered to your final destination. According to Talling-Smith, at the moment, SURF AIR has around 200 customers in Europe with one third being a female clientele.

Leaving Zurich from the private aviation terminal without the hassle of a commercial airport.

Personally speaking, if the route network is extended, it will be an amazing opportunity to use this service if you are traveling constantly to one of the mentioned destinations.

The narrow space allows great conversations.

When you become a member, you will have to pay a onetime entry fee of CHF 1300 plus the monthly flat rate of CHF 3950. Great news is that you can also book the service for just two months in the summer when you might be flying around more and then pause your membership for a few months. Moreover, you can book guest passes for family members, friends or business partners joining you on a flight.

Wishing SURF AIR a great start! I had a wonderful experience. To apply, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Surfair, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Murat Temel