Sandra‘s Closet

Last weekend, I followed NET-A-PORTER and Purdey‘s invitation to go to the English countryside for a day of clay shooting – something that I had never done before. Being a very good customer at the online shopping destination means you get invited to very special experiences and this one was one of them.

As you might imagine, I was very excited about this trip and what to dress. I googled «Duchess of Cambridge in the countryside» and this inspired me to this country style look. As my house is still a big construction side, it became pretty challenging to find the boxes with my wellington boots and rain coats in storage. However I managed!

It’s important to dress appropriately, to make sure you stay warm, and dry throughout. You won’t have fun if you’re soaked through on the first drive, nor will you enjoy yourself if your swing is being hindered by your Mackintosh. I really liked my outfit that I put together with many layers that were comfortable and warm. A detailed post will follow.

Founded in England in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, is a British gunmaker based in London, specialising in high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Purdey holds three Royal Warrants of appointment as gun and rifle makers to the British and other European royal families. The company also produces ready-to-wear and accessories.

Twinning with my lovely Alli from the Net-à-Porter team.

Being always at the forefront of advances in the design and building of guns and rifles, Purdey took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, of which many were adopted by other gunmakers.

In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where the company remains to this day.

Whilst James Purdey & Sons is best known as a maker of shotguns, it also produces rifles, both double-barrelled and bolt-action. The guns are custom-made, largely by hand. They are extremely expensive. A new Purdey shotgun starts at around £89000 and can be customized with special engravings. This one in the photo above costs around £120000.

In 2018, Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes also the The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where the event took place. Located around 1.5 hours from Central London, the Shooting School is recognized as the finest facility of its kind, employing eight full time, professional shooting instructors and having one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.

As this was my first time shooting, I was accompanied by an instructor who provided me with the safety measures and guided me round the school to make sure I could access the full range of stands that are on offer. Shooting can become very addictive. I hit the clay on my third trial and was over the moon.

I had so much fun with Alli and Harry from my Net-à-Porter family.

Shooting is a sociable sport. It is best shared among friends, old or new. I loved spending the day together with my Net-à-Porter family and getting to know new people.

When the wind turned up, it got pretty chilly and I was very thankful for the warm tea and for the lovely lunch after the clay shooting. A huge thank you to Iona and her team for the great organization.

I had an amazing day filled with unforgettable memories.

LoL, Sandra

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

Do you feel this wanderlust, this strong desire to travel the world? I love travelling the world and hope that soon our lives will be back to normal and less restricted to explore the world. Gabriela Hearst created a sweater series this season that I have fallen in love with.

In her exploration of North, Central and South America this season, The designer wanted to translate some of the continent’s most beautiful places into colorful knitwear patterns. Knit in 100% cashmere for the ultimate in luxury and softness, the Ines Sweater depicts:

• the high mountains and ski runs in Aspen, Colorado
• the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
• the ancient mountain ridges and ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru (on my bucket list)
• Teotihuacán, the ancient Aztec pyramid known as the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City.

Knit and hand embroidered by artisans in Italy, those sweaters are as unique as they are beautiful.
To order just click on the highlighted texts above. Wouldn’t it be an amazing gift to surprise someone with a trip to one of the destinations and gift the sweater as a gift voucher…

LoL, Sandra

Aspen

Yellowstone

Machu Picchu

Teotihuacán

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

Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the F/W 2021 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley Hotel in London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with a striking ensemble from Balenciaga Couture – reimagined as a velvety mandarin cheesecake, topped with an oversized chocolate hat. While a delicately spiced and intricately iced biscuit – complete with red lipstick and oversized glasses – is our pastry team’s fitting tribute to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday.

Seasonal flavours are firmly on the menu, with the cassis mousse with blackcurrant jelly, depicting Stella McCartney’s psychedelic jumpsuit. A Pink Lady apple pavlova is a refreshing nod to Giambattista Valli’s avant-garde look, and a hazelnut dacquoise with salted caramel sees cult Danish brand Ganni make its Prêt-à-Portea debut.

The season’s centrepiece is a made-to-share red velvet mascarpone mousse, finished with a chocolate truffle riding hat – straight from Gucci’s 100th anniversary collection.

As always, your tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from our extensive collection.

Until 2 January 2022, festive Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as festive treats and your choice of a mocktail, a glass of champagne or a glass of mulled wine.

From 11 – 14 Feburary, 26 & 27 March and 15 – 18 April 2022, the seasonal Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as seasonal treats and your choice of a glass of champage or a mocktail.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Named «The Celestial Snow Globe», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2021, has been created by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections. This unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.

Evoking the idea of a magnificent snow globe, this year’s dazzling tree is an enchanting object of desire, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes, travelling across the surface. State-of-the-art holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior Haute Couture Ateliers, while traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior Ateliers «petites mains». These projections radiate from the base, upwards and beyond the tree, creating magical visuals around the space and up the famous staircase, all set against an atmospherically lit lobby.

«It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas Tree for Claridge’s and thus brought Dior, London and the Christmas spirit together in this iconic place.» – Kim Jones

In another nod to the House’s heritage, the Christmas baubles, that seem to float in orbit around the tree, reflect Dior’s iconic motifs. These include, stars – Monsieur Dior’s celestial good-luck charm – and miniature perfume bottles in the form of Monsieur Dior’s dog, Bobby, who was symbolically reinterpreted and celebrated by Kim Jones for his first Dior show.

This whimsical homage to the House’s founder continues with Kim Jones’s faithful canine companion, Cookie, perched on top of the 6.5 meter tree, delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The star echoes the shape of the talisman that Monsieur Dior treasured in his office – a decisive sign of his destiny that played a key role in his decision to create his couture house in 1946.

So beautiful and different… and by the way, I could totally see Kim Jones becoming the new Artistic Director of CHANEL. Lagerfeld started at Fendi, too. Just saying…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s

On 12 and 13 of November, Prada will present the sixth iteration of Prada Mode at the Levenson Mansion in Moscow featuring an installation by artist Damien Hirst. A traveling social club with a focus on contemporary culture, Prada Mode provides members with a unique art experience along with music, dining, and conversations.

Pharmacy exterior © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

For Prada Mode Moscow, Damien Hirst will transform the historic building with his installation, Pharmacy. Hirst created Pharmacy restaurant in Notting Hill, London in 1998, six years after the inaugural installation of the same name at the Cohen Gallery New York.

Pharmacy was conceived as a fully functioning restaurant and bar in an installation of Hirst’s floor-to-ceiling medicine cabinets, and specially made butterfly paintings. Hirst designed furniture, architectural details such as a huge molecular model in its window, light boxes, and a wallpaper design taken from a catalogue of prescription medicine.

© Tate, London 2012 © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

In Moscow, Hirst will present the third iteration of Pharmacy restaurant, the second being installed at his Newport Street Gallery, London. It is fitting for this to be made especially for Prada Mode: the artist’s long-time friend Miuccia Prada designed the staff uniforms for the original restaurant.

«I’m so excited to be invited by Miuccia to recreate Pharmacy for Prada Mode in Moscow,» said the artist. «I’m pulling out all of the stops to make this amazing, and the four floors of the historic Levenson building will provide the perfect place for it. I can’t wait to get going! I’ve always thought great restaurants can be art, and Pharmacy is a living breathing artwork, best filled with people and art as one.»

One of the most extravagant houses in Moscow… Levenson Mansion.

The Levenson Mansion is a private residence on Moscow’s Patriarch Ponds. The Art Nouveau landmark was designed by architect Fyodor Shechtel in 1900 for the A.A. Levenson Skoroprinting Company, an official purveyor of his majesty Emperor Nicholas II’s Imperial Court.

Last year, Fondazione Prada and Damien Hirst came together in aid of Save The Children.

Prada Mode Moscow will welcome members to access the club at any time over the course of the two-day project to participate in morning and afternoon panels and discussions as well as nightly events featuring exhilarating performances and live music, sampling specialty cocktails and dining throughout. Pharmacy installation will then open to the public from November 14th to 20th 2021.

LEVENSON MANSION
9, TRYOKHPRUDNY LANE
MOSCOW
NOV 12–13 2021

Update on October 21, 2021: Due to today’s news, please be informed that the Prada Mode Moscow event is now postponed. The new dates will be announced soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and © Damian First if not stated otherwise

«What makes this hotel so unique is its location, with the unobstructed view of the lake, its 19th century architecture and the spaciousness of its suites. The Woodward is very different from most contemporary hotels. I would sooner call it a prestigious residence than a boutique hotel.»
– Pierre-Yves Rochon

Oetker Collection is set to open The Woodward, the first all-suite hotel in the heart of Geneva, on 1 September 2021. The collection’s first Swiss masterpiece hotel will elevate the hospitality offering in the city, with exceptional interiors by leading designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon. Sitting directly on the shores of Lake Geneva with awe-inspiring views of majestic Mont Blanc, the post-Haussmann-style hotel dating back to 1901 is located on Quai Wilson, and has been transformed by world-renowned architect, Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Classic meets contemporary
Pierre-Yves Rochon is a leader in luxury interior design, whose portfolio includes iconic hotels such as The Savoy Hotel in London, and Domaine Les Crayères in Reims. The Woodward is the perfect showcase of Rochon’s expertise, offering a sense of modernity that accentuates the Belle Époque architecture of the listed 19th century building in Geneva. Simultaneously classic and contemporary; discreet and vibrant; inspired by the world and yet deeply rooted in Geneva’s history, The Woodward caters as much to an international clientele as it does to residents of the city.

Pierre-Yves Rochon has sought to combine five-star hotel standards with the warmth of a private residence with The Woodward‘s interior design, incorporating stylish furniture, palatial fabrics, and exquisite craftsmanship. The tone is set at the entrance, with an immense wrought iron door that is entirely covered by hand-laid gold leaf. Just a few steps away from the reception desk is the main lounge, where Rochon’s plush velvet sofas interplay with a large, hand-knotted Nepalese rug and lure guests through. The reception areas have been designed like a private mansion, ensuring guests feel the atmosphere of true, unpretentious residential luxury. The lobby walls, which are dressed in Macassar ebony, give the room a feeling of deep warmth that is enhanced by a magnificent Maison Delisle chandelier and a fresco depicting a stormy sky. The 1930s-style furniture contrasts with other elegant modern touches such as a bronze table by Hervé Van der Straeten and Ralph Lauren armchairs.

An opulent yet cosy atmosphere
Spanning five floors, the hotel’s 26 spacious suites have been designed to the highest specification. While each is different, they all share a harmonious and soothing beige colour palette, contrasted by touches of blue. The colours brighten and deepen as the sunlight’s reflection on Lake Geneva shifts throughout the day. Every detail has been carefully considered to optimise space and streamline movement throughout the suites, and the sophisticated décor is made up of truly unique elements from straw marquetry sliding doors and wardrobes, to handmade wallpaper, Lalique door handles, majestic marble fireplaces and beautiful bookcases.

The furniture has been cleverly selected, blending the classicism of a Taillardat chest of drawers with the clean lines of Christian Liaigre tables and armchairs. In the living rooms of the suites, guests can simply open the door of a lacquered cabinet, decorated with hand-painted spring flowers and mother-of-pearl inlay, to discover a dazzling ‘Experience Bar’ crafted by Atelier Anne Midavaine in five unique colour schemes. Lighting has been designed by Japanese firm, Akari-Lisa Ishii, to enhance the artwork chosen for each suite and throughout the rest of the hotel. The stairwell is accentuated by black and white photographs and the bar is home to an abstract painting by Aigana Gali. In the lobby, gold leaf paintings by Nantes-based artist, Nancy Gaiss delicately echo the opulent interior design.

L’Atelier Robuchon

Two restaurants, two distinct designs
The Woodward offers two exquisite culinary experiences, L’Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardinier, both have been meticulously designed to offer entirely distinct atmospheres. Le Jardinier is located underneath two verandas, bathing the restaurant in an abundance of natural light at all times of the day. The space has been decorated in summery hues to reflect its fresh, plant-rich cuisine. From the seat cushions to the tapestries, floral motifs evoke the verdant atmosphere of a winter garden.

Le Jardinier

Through Le Jardinier’s windows, guests can admire The Woodward’s magnificent façade, which is now listed in the historic register and has been completely restored. Just one floor down, L’Atelier Robuchon has taken up residence under the masterful direction of Executive Chef Olivier Jean. Here, subdued lighting and a warm colour palette create an atmosphere resembling that of a private club, oriented around a 36-seat chef’s counter. The counter showcases a custom-made artwork by Pierre-Yves Rochon’s studio depicting several different spices – a nod to the restaurant’s Asian influences.

In addition to its world-class dining experiences, the hotel will also be home to two bars and a tearoom, as well as a private digestif and cigar lounge.

A spa of wellbeing
In keeping with Oetker Collection’s commitment to wellbeing, The Woodward will also be home to Club Woodward featuring a 1,200m2 Guerlain Spa and a 21-metre indoor swimming pool – the longest in Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Oetker Collection

With love from Saint Tropez … enjoying these carefree days and sporting my Gucci resort exclusive shopper for the first time on Place des Lices. Here, each Tuesday and Saturday, a provençal market takes place that I highly recommend for you to visit.

My look: Mae belted ruffled printed linen midi dress, and matching printed linen-twill bucket hat, both by Zimmermann, slide sandal with Double G, and Saint Tropez striped tote bag, both by Gucci, embellished necklace with coin charm by Oscar de la Renta, Rose Céleste necklace, Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In recent times, traveling has become something special. We are not taking it for granted anymore. Luxury is a way of life. This GUCCI knows very well, that is why the Italian brand has created a tote bag inspired by different summer hot spots in the world.

Crafted in the style of a retro postcard, each shopper is personalized with colors, trims and a leather tag unique to the location it represents. A bag as unique as the memories of that place and your way of showing where you have been besides your Instagram account. My mantra? Bags speaks louder than photos… haha!

Those shoppers are all exclusive editions, there are only a few pieces available of each model, which can only be purchased, of course, in the destination in which they are inspired. The exclusivity and uniqueness of each bag is aligned with its distinguished design, with beachy and somewhat vintage airs. Just a few models can be purchased on the GUCCI website along with some other limited edition ready-to-wear pieces and shoes as well as on NET-A-PORTER.

Cannes, Capri, Ibiza, Mykonos, Phuket, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, among others, GUCCI’s new tote bag travels the world, embodying the essence of different destinations; one of them, Saint Tropez where I have been spending part of my summer. This is the only model that doesn’t carry the main motif of the design, the name of the destination engraved in gold on leather in the center. The sales person at the GUCCI store in Saint-Tropez explained to me that they didn’t get permission of the city to use it. I found this one the most special beause of the exclusion and also because of the stunning color combination of pink and orange which I love.

Summer has been and always will be that invitation to enjoy the little things: enjoy the rays of the sun that become energy for our spirit or a breeze that refreshes our soul. Now you can carry a bag that was part of a summer that will hopefully always be worth remembering.

LoL, Sandra

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

Greetings from Saint-Tropez! I am so happy to be back in this picturesque town where you can party day and night. This was my outfit that I wore to the birthday luncheon of a dear friend at Gigi Ramatuelle, a new place that I can absolutely recommend. Lovely ambiance, great food, fun music and a fantastic crowd.

My look: La Medusa lace-trimmed printed silk-twill bustier top, La Medusa pleated printed satin midi skirt, Trésor de la Mer silk hat, Trésor de la Mer face mask, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal choker, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal bracelet, and Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal earrings, all by Versace, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, and long gold-tone and shell necklace, by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Patrick!)
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.