Sandra‘s Closet

Gucci announces the reopening of its newly renovated boutique in Saint-Tropez. Located at 72, rue François Sibilli, between the port and the place des Lices, the space spans over 200 square meters across two floors and carries a wide array of pieces comprising ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women. Guests are welcomed to discover the House’s signature handbags lines including the Jackie 1961, the Bamboo 1947 and the Horsebit 1955 along with a curated selection of precious jewelry pieces. In addition, the boutique showcases items from the Gucci Valigeria collection envisioned for the perfect get-away.

Situated in a classic Saint-Tropez house characterized by the typical green shutters that define the surrounding landscape, the boutique is crowned by a private garden designed around an old well providing guests with a space to relax, enjoy the greenery and immerse themselves in the beautiful atmosphere of the French Riviera.

The design of the interiors complements the outdoors evoking the unique beauty of the Cote D’Azur through light-toned hues and the implementation of local materials and finishes. Floors are adorned with Liberty style mosaics recreating curved volutes designs typical of the early 20th century. Natural oak panels found across walls harmoniously complement woven rattan finishes in a nod to local craftmanship traditions.

Envisioned to make guests feel at home, the store is framed with newly designed racks inspired by classic brass designs associated with drawers reminiscent of hard sided trunks inspired by the House’s luggage offer. Carpets and curtains match the boutique’s sophisticated palette evoking the light-hearted spirit of warm summer days. Ensuring the most comfortable and intimate shopping experience, guests may reserve a dedicated room within the store to enjoy privacy and special services tailored to their specific needs.

As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new boutique is designed using LEED guidelines and principles; monitor and promote energy efficiency.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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While being with Themis Z in Athens, I visited the Acropolis. Join me on this photo walk, I’ll give you my thoughts on how to make the most of a visit here.

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts.

The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.

Be early … this is NOT crowded! Can you imagine?!

Personal tips:

• The marble stoned pathways are very slippery. Wear some solid footwear. No high heels are allowed on the hill.
• Try to come early in the day. There are many tourists visiting and you want to avoid the crowds.
• Book a guided tour. Your guide will surely show you the best photo spots.
• Wear a flown dress or skirt – this will help you get a great photo in front of the monument.
• After you visited the Acropolis, go to the New Acropolis Museum (inaugurated in 2009), in which most of the original sculptural and/or architectural pieces of the monuments are conserved. The architecture of the building itself is worth seeing.

To get your ticket and for more information, visit the Acropolis website here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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During our amazing ASMALLWORLD summer weekend in St. Tropez this month, we went for lunch to one of my favorite beach spots, Bagatelle Beach Club.

«Boire, n’est pas pêcher» is written across the wall of the beach club, which means drinking is not a sin. With good conscience, we sipped exotic cocktails and world-class champagne while indulging in a delicious Mediterranean lunch among dear friends at Pampelonne beach. Afterwards we burnt the calories off during Bagatelle’s signature afternoon beach party in the sun.

With our dear friends Elettra Lamborghini and Afrojack.

The gorgeous hats with the slogan «Share the good life» can be bought the boutique inside the beach club. Stay tuned for more and of course all details of my look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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In dedication to the world-famous Belgian-American fashion designer, The Diane von Furstenberg Suite has been unveiled at Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel located in the heart of Brussels.

Adorned with DVF’s signature touches, a bold zebra rug, two large silk scarves by Andy Warhol, and a collection of striking artwork that celebrates her legacy with her world famous style and influence.

The iconic wrap dress that made von Furstenberg famous, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in honour of this milestone, the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum is dedicating its new exhibition: Diane von Furstenberg, Woman before Fashion.

In celebration of the exhibition, Hotel Amigo has created a special offer for guests to Step into the World of Diane von Furstenberg from now through January 7, 2024 by staying in the DVF suite. Starting rate from € 2,640.

On arrival, delight in a box of Laurent Gerbaud chocolates as you explore the stylish suite. Venture out to the exhibition, Woman before Fashion, and immerse yourself in the timelessness of her designs. After delving into her illustrious career at the museum, return to your suite for a night of relaxation amid the unique DVF ambience.

Begin the following day with a complimentary breakfast, then enjoy a private visit to the DVF boutique. Experience first-hand the intertwining worlds of art, philanthropy and fashion that have shaped Diane von Furstenberg’s remarkable legacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rocco Forte Hotels
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For the first time in Europe, a fashion museum is dedicating an exhibition to Diane von Furstenberg. The exhibition at the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum, through a selection of more than 50 models and a vast iconography, presents the career, creations and personality of this extraordinary woman until January 7, 2024. Learn about the diversity and timelessness of the prints that have contributed to her fame, the freedom that inspires her work and her daily life, and the role played by art in her creations with works by friends such as Andy Warhol, Konstantin Kakanias and François-Marie Banier.

For this occasion and for the first time, the designer has opened the doors of her archives. Nicolas Lor, the curator, tells us about the nuggets unearthed in these vast textile, graphic and photographic collections and about the conception of the project. He also tells us about the many interviews conducted with Diane von Furstenberg. These rich interviews provide an original insight into the work of the designer and her famous wrap dress, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Brussels City
Phone Numbers: +32 2 213 44 50 and +32 2 279 43 67
Email: musea@​brucity.​be
www.fashionandlacemuseum.brussels

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DVF and Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
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My stay in Athens with THEMIS Z started already with a brilliant night at THE ISLAND, a landmark for more than thirty years when it comes to partying at the Athens Riviera. The dinner took place at the Gallery, one of the Island Art and Taste‘s private event spaces.

Friend of the designer, American actress Kelly Rutherford, who had flown in from L.A. for the event.

Offering the pleasures and privileges of a luxurious private estate on the coast, Themis hosted us in style with the most beautiful table setting.

Entering through exceptionally pretty bougainvillea-framed gates, the space with its extensive gardens is styled in the tradition of a classic Greek island house. The stone terrace, served by an open kitchen, leads to lawns framed by fragrant eucalyptus and chic box hedges planted with rosemary, lavender and aromatic flora.

The garden is cascading down to a picturesque chapel overlooking rocky coves so these landmark moments can be accompanied by the sound of waves on the shore below.

We indulges the the most amazing traditional Greek food, while being entertained by a local guitar player. I enjoyed spending time with old friends while making new ones.

With our lovely host Themis Zouganeli in one of her beautiful designs.

More to come… TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Next level of style: Ester is matching her outfit to the tableware.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Last month, I took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna as guest of Louis Vuitton. Once I arrived in the Austrian capital, I visited the new Maison’s new store that has relocated to an expanded space on Graben in the heart of the city. Occupying four floors of a historic building, this new store presents the Louis Vuitton universe within a beautiful Viennese backdrop.

The store is the latest realisation of the design concept developed by Peter Marino for locations such as New Bond Street, Los Angeles and Ginza. Among the largest in Europe, it benefits from Vienna’s status as a dynamic cultural destination and a nexus for travel.

Designed by Max Kröpf, Oskar Laske and Viktor Fiala, the building dates to 1898-99. Its listed façade is ornamented with reliefs depicting long-distance trade and coats of arms from such cities as Hamburg, Trieste and London.

A spacious layout showcases the full Louis Vuitton offer and Peter Marino signatures, including striking art, objects and furniture that correspond with the design heritage of Vienna. Defined by curving walls and open sightlines, the store is organised around an exceptional staircase that unfurls with floating steps in four tonal varieties of stone. At once sculptural and a means of circulation, it is juxtaposed with a statement wall, panelled in commissioned works by well-known Austrian artist, Erwin Wurm. Bright and graphic, the eight paintings are composed of abstracted words: Form, Love, Body, Beauty and more.

As the history of Vienna is inextricably linked to its progressive movements in art and design, both figure significantly in the store’s expression. Notably, a pyramid of trunks has been hand-painted in the spirit of Gustav Klimt and other artists of the Vienna Secession. Vintage extends to contemporary – from an Alvar Aalto daybed and a Carl Malmsten modular sofa to Matt Gagnon’s Custom Light Stacks and Fernando Daza’s Four Intercepted Circles. With its flower-shaped bubbles, Atelier Biagetti’s Flower Tower lamp stands as a glass totem at once decorative and whimsical.

If you are in Vienna, this new store is a must-see, not only for the things to shop, but for its design!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Louis Vuitton 
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England is busy gearing up for King Charles’ coronation and if you were planning on taking a short trip to the royal nation, the first week of May would be the perfect time and I have a great suggestion what to do and where to stay.

In celebration of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation (6 May 2023), Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has specially curated a series of bespoke experiences and events to mark this special moment in British history. Guests of the hotel are invited guests to enjoy and celebrate the occasion with its opulent accommodation suite experience ‘A Very Royal Occasion’ to rejoice this remarkable event.

A Very Royal Occasion is available from 1 May to 31 May 2023 with prices starting at £4,000 inc VAT and includes the following:
· A stay to remember in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites
· A regal welcome amenity fit for kings and queens
· ‘King’s Caviar’ breakfast with Oscietra caviar and Full English breakfast where guests may catch a glimpse of the Royal Horse Guards passing by or breakfast enjoyed in the privacy of their suite.
· Two-Michelin starred, 4-course ‘Royal Cooking’ lunch or dinner for two at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
· A specially curated Highgrove Hamper filled with a selection of exquisite tea and preserves
· A 50ml bottle of Laphroaig whisky – His Majesty’s favourite malt whisky
· Additional benefits available when becoming Fans of M.O.

The Royal Cooking Menu – 2* Michelin Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is marking the special occasion with a creative menu of reinvented dishes that were served at British Coronation banquets throughout the years including an additional dessert in celebration of His Majesty. The exclusive 4-course ‘Royal Cooking’ Menu includes: Coronation Chicken Tart; King James II (1685) – Veal Sweetbread; King George IV (1821) – Fillet of Beef Royale and King Henry V (1413) and King Henry V (1413) – Fflampayne. The Trifle; HM King Charles III (2023).
Priced at GBP155* per person, with an optional wine pairing at GBP125 per person, the ‘Royal Cooking’ menu is available from 1 May until 31 May 2023.

Time For Tea with Highgrove – Inspired by the best of British heritage and quintessential afternoon tea dishes served at the Royal table, The Rosebery is offering guests an unforgettable Coronation Afternoon Tea in partnership with Highgrove – the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort.

Time For Tea with Highgrove is lovingly prepared by Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London’s talented pastry chefs and includes: The King’s Coronation Chicken, Clarence Court egg truffle sandwich, The King’s Cypher, freshly baked scones and plenty more. Carefully selected tea will also be offered including the estate’s organic English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Time For Tea is available until 14 May 2023.

A Royal Toast – As guests raise a glass to His Majesty King Charles III – The Aubrey and Mandarin Bar has created a special menu in partnership with Laphroaig. Three different whiskey cocktails will be available at both outlets from 1 May to 9 May 2023.

Your Royal Invitation – Guests of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, as well as passers-by, are invited to enjoy:

The Coronation lollipop infused with flavours of vanilla and whisky decorated with the King’s cypher. Vanilla flavoured lollipops will be offered to children. These lollipops will be available outside the Ballroom entrance on 7 May 2023 from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. – for all to enjoy on a complimentary basis.

The Coronation canapés will be offered to guests at The Rosebery and Mandarin Bar between the hours of 19.48 p.m. and 20.23 p.m. (marking the life of King Charles from his birth year to the year of his Coronation) over the Coronation weekend.

The façade of the hotel will be illuminated in a beautiful deep blue colour – the prime colour that has been chosen for His Majesty King Charles’s Coronation Emblem to mark this celebratory occasion.

Get to know His Majesty King Charles III – hotel guests will have the opportunity to embark on a journey with the aim to get to know the King better. A specially created map including the King’s favourite haunts all of which have been granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty. Guests will be able to venture out on a self-guided tour to visit establishments including Lock & co, Berry Bros & Rudd, Floris, John Lobb, Ettinger, Gieves & Hawkes and plenty more. The map will be available from Concierge and be offered to guests booking ‘A Very Royal Occasion’.

The Royal Glow – guests are encouraged to visit The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and enjoy the hotel’s signature treatment – ‘English Rose Massage’ – known for its beautiful rose scent and its calming, yet uplifting, effects on the body.

Royal Connections – Since 1902 Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has had the honour of welcoming members of the Royal Family on multiple occasions, whether it was for charity events or prestigious banquets. To learn more, guests are encouraged to visit the ‘If Walls Could Talk’ exhibit permanently located at the hotel.

Enjoy this special moment in British history in style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mandarin Oriental
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If you are scrolling through Instagram, odds are good that you’ve seen at least one «floating breakfast.» In case you’re not familiar with them, here’s what to know: they’re a typical luxury hotel room service breakfast – think avocado toast, eggs, fruits, colorful smoothies, coffee and the like – served in a pool or hot tub instead of in bed. Usually, they’re placed on large platters or baskets that have a floating cushion under them, then accessorized with tropical flowers to make them even more photogenic.

These breakfasts are particularly popular in Asia and the Pacific, especially at warm-weather private villa resorts in places like Phuket, Bali and the Maldives. I enjoyed mine at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort. It was absolutely breathtaking to start my day with a delicious floating breakfast while enjoying the stunning view of our water villa pool.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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This feed was in terrible need of some Vitamin Sea. Who else is excited for those carefree days at the beach?! I love wearing vibrant colors that complement sun-kissed skin the best. A great way to protect your hair from the wind, while looking super stylish, is a silk scarf tied around your head. I sported this styling trick a lot at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands resort.

My look: Jeannie terry midi dress by Zimmermann, Almost Bare metallic leather sandals by Aquazzura, Colorama flap bag in quilted watercolor (S/S 2014) by CHANEL, cutout acetate butterfly sunglasses in shiny black smoke by Fendi, long beaded tassel earrings in forest green by Oscar de la Renta, shell and beaded bracelet by Isabel Marant, Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue dial by Rolex, and «Le Géographe» vintage silk scarf 90 designed by Sandra Laroche (1992) by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht taken by Munko at Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands
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