Sandra‘s Closet

In December 2021, Billie Eilish announced an eco-friendly limited-edition vinyl version of «Happier Than Ever» made from recycled vinyl scraps. The collector’s item was available only at a number of Gucci stores around the world and included Gucci-branded nail stickers designed by the brand’s creative director at that time, Alessandro Michele. Needless to say it sold out in seconds and the market got flushed with fake stickers available on Amazon, Etsy and others.

However, the best is yet to come. The nail stickers set – created to celebrate House emblems through the GG monogram and lettering in multiple shades and styles – is available now for only CHF 20 without the vinyl. This is a true collector’s item for all beauty lovers. Comprised of 176 stickers, the set includes four designs that allow for endless creative combinations, infusing each look with brand recognition.

How to use: After allowing a base coat of your chosen nail color to dry fully, place the nail-art sticker of choice on the middle of each fingernail. Press it for a few seconds with a finger, and then release.

TO SHOP THE NAIL STICKER SET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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For the S/S 24 collection, Erdem partnered up with Barbour to create a show piece inspired by the late Duchess of Devonshire. Looking to the master couturiers who would have dressed Cavendish, Erdem reworked Barbour’s signature waxed cotton into a trapeze opera coat.

Deborah Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, (1920-2014) photographed by Mario Testino in a November 2010 issue of Vogue, was the grandmother of fashion model Stella Tennant (1970–2020) and aristocrat William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington. 

The coat highlights Cavendish’s love of the great outdoors. A decidedly feminine take on the iconic British jacket, it features a couture-inspired open neck and comes with a detachable quilted gilet made up of antique-inspired floral linens and cottons.

«My work has always been about creating pieces with a human hand and I felt there was real synergy in our approach to craftsmanship. It was wonderful to collaborate with a brand with such an extraordinary history,» says Erdem Moralioglu in the press release.

To shop the Erdem x Barbour convertible floral-print quilted corduroy-trimmed waxed-cotton coat, click here please.

I am completely obsessed with this piece and needless to say, it has found its way into Sandra’s Closet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Erdem x Barbour
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Snow bunny in Gstaad … inspired by the world of winter sports, the Prada On Ice collection presents technical ski wear blending specialized know-how with a distinctive style. Ski clothing and accessories mix with oversized jackets animated by colorful geometric and floral patterns, jersey outfits and mountain-inspired cashmere sweaters.

My look: Printed nylon down jacket, printed technical fabric ski pants, jacquard cashmere crew-neck sweater, printed stretch jersey top, quilted printed Re-Nylon scarf, and printed Re-Nylon bucket hat, all by Prada, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, and Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino.

Do you prefer spending Easter in the sun or in the snow? In today’s world you can have both and enjoy your new ski outfit for many months during the year. Therefore it makes sense to invest in a great look that keeps your warm but that is also fun to wear.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Gstaad Photography Raphael Faux 
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Greetings from South Africa! Sea Point is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. The neighbourhood offers stunning views of the ocean and the famous Lion’s Head, as well as some fantastic restaurants and pubs. Being an affluent neighbourhood, it is situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean with the popular promenade on the edge of the shore stretching all the way into Mouille Point passed Green Point. Here you see me at Queen’s Beach, which is more secluded than those beneath the main stretch of the promenade right after I arrived in my travel outfit. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish – ready to conquer the rest of the day! Do you sea my point?!

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, GG logo print knitted top in blue, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakers, and cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses, all by Gucci, black wide drawstring pants, (Look 33 Pre-collection Summer 2021) and wallet on chain, both by CHANEL, «Coaching» Forever Scarf 90 by Hermès, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Hair Ritual by SISLEY slogan says it all: «Haircare is the new skincare.» We all should treat our hair as we treat our skin. If you have fine hair lacking density and vitality, here is your solution.

Designed for men and women, and all hair types, the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo (Soin Lavant Fortifiant Densité) is the perfect complement to the Hair Rituel by SISLEY Revitalizing Fortifying Serum (Sérum Revitalisant Fortifiant) to support hair vitality. Its goal: to boost hair so that it is more resistant and has a visibly thicker and stronger look.

After having tried the product, I can say that my hair has appeared regenerated from the first application: looking thicker and fuller with body. With its continuous use, it is stronger and more resistant and has a radiant quality.

THE PERFECT PARTNER OF THE AWARD WINNING SERUM

The Fortifying Densifying Shampoo is the first step in a truly rejuvenating haircare ritual. Follow with the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum, a highly effective, concentrated product for even stronger, thicker hair.

THE YOUTH AND DENSITY RITUAL

AS A THREE-MONTH CURE:
Use the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo every time you shampoo.
Use the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum every other day for a month, then use it twice a week for two months.

TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY HAIR ALL YEAR AROUND:
Use the Fortifying Densifying Shampoo every time you wash your hair or alternate with a different shampoo.
Apply the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum continuously twice a week.

HOW TO USE

Fortifying Densifying Shampoo: add water to a small amount to form a foam.  Massage into the scalp. For best results, leave in for three minutes before rinsing.
Revitalizing Fortifying Serum: apply three pipettes, line by line, focusing on patches where hair has fallen out.

Fortifying Densifying Shampoo (Soin Lavant Fortifiant Densité)
Launch date: available from April 1, 2024
Price on sisley-paris.ch: CHF 78.50 (200 ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © SISLEY Paris
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Following my tradition, just a little later than usual, here are my favourite outfits of 2023 – a little retrospective recalling my most fashionable moments, photographed in amazing places around the globe.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2023: New Year’s Eve at the Palace

I am a Queen – Ultimate Style – Dolce at the Palace

Aries – Adventure Time

Painted Dots – Zodiac Lover

FEBRUARY 2023: Delicious Burger

Keep Going!! – Last Days of Winter – VIP Party Mood

Anagram – I am Enough – Hot Party in the Snow

MARCH 2023: Orient-Express

Egg-Citing – Unboxing Valentino – Boston Love

Boston, Boston, Boston – Classy With a Savage Side – Butterfly Effect

APRIL 2023: Did You Know?

Vitamin Sea – Enjoy Every Moment

Retweet – Pasta

MAY 2023: Share the Good Life

Coronation Weekend – Black and White – Pucci Pucci

Spring Is Here – Floral Camouflage – Timelapse

JUNE 2023: Help!

Paris Couture Week – La Vacanza – Art

Pastel Fun – Corsica

Royal Ascot – Parisian

JULY 2023: Greekaba

Remember – Ibiza Life – Freedom

Maruja Mallo – Monaco – Buzzing With Life

Make Change Together – Adorable

AUGUST 2023: Pucci on the Rocks

Tropézienne – Life Is Beautiful – Dioriviera

Los Angeles – Best Friend – Change Is Inevitable

Paris France – Queen of the Jungle

SEPTEMBER 2023: Well Red

Life Is Too Short To Wait – California Paradise – California

Black Tie – Body Talk – Saloni

OCTOBER 2023: Cocktail Hour

Barbados – Fun

Hollywood On The Tiber – DiorAlps

NOVEMBER 2023: Bondage Glam

Bahrain – Oversized – XXL

Cat Lady – Green with Purple

Brand Sparkling New – London

DECEMBER 2023: The Good Life

Dream More – Chapman’s Peak Drive – Loubishow

Forever – Maybe

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Breaking news before the weekend: Valentino has named former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele its creative director. Only a week after designer Pierpaolo Piccioli exited the Roman couture house after 25 years, including 8 years as its sole creative director.

The brand will not show menswear or haute couture in June. Michele’s first show for the brand will take place during Paris Fashion Week in September.

«I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a maison de couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story, made of distinctive elegance, refinement and extreme grace,» Michele said in a statement.

Gucci S/S 2016 designed by Alessandro Michele

Rumors were that Michele would head to LVMH, so the news come a little unexpected. Valentino is owned by Mayhoola, the fashion group backed by the Qatari royal family that also owns Balmain and Pal Zileri. Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028». The former Gucci designer – a brand that also belongs to Kering – is a is known for its maximalist aesthetic that helped triple sales at the megabrand.

The designer will work once more with chief executive Jacopo Venturini, who previously led Gucci’s merchandising efforts alongside Michele and then-CEO Marco Bizzarri before joining Valentino.

«The reinterpretation of the maison’s couture codes and the heritage created by Mr. Valentino Garavani, combined with Alessandro’s extraordinary vision, will bring us moments of great emotion and will translate into irresistibly desirable objects,» Venturini said.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault added in a statement: «With his creativity, culture and versatile talent, Alessandro Michele will be able to interpret masterfully the unique heritage of this magnificent house and make it flourish.»

Valentino S/S 2024 ad campaign

It is an interesting choice and I am really looking forward to seeing how Michele will interpret the House of Valentino, which stands for sophistication, femininity and great tailoring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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This week, I was invited to a special dinner at ORSINI in Zurich which is part of the newly opened Mandarin Oriental. Delivering exceptional Italian fine dining with authentic flavors in an intimate and sophisticated setting, it is led by award-winning Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, who was in town that night with his team.

Having previously won two-Michelin stars for Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, Guida has brought his unique talent to Zurich. Renowned for boundary-pushing culinary creations, Chef Guida’s authentic Italian dishes burst with flavour and ingenuity.

With hand-made porcelain art installation by artist Livia Marin, ORSINI invites you to appreciate the heritage of the Italian region whilst enjoying the unforgettable menu. Located in one of Zurich’s most historic buildings, ORSINI offers the perfect backdrop for a fabulous dining experience.

CAPASANTA
Lukewarm scallop with buffalo mozzarella cream, marinated cedar fruit and oyster sauce

RISOTTO
Risotto with raspberries, sage and herb cream

POLLO
Gruyère chicken with asparagus, Senise pepper puree and liver mousse

AMAZAKE MOUSSE
Amazake rice with rhubarb

Lunch
12 – 2pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Dinner
6:30 – 9:30pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Phone:  +41 435 883 888
Email: mozrh-

Enjoy the essence of Italian cuisine at ORSINI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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In the Spring of 2024, Fondation Louis Vuitton is reaffirming its mission: promoting the art of our time to the widest possible audience.. Committed to the presentation of ‘landmark works of modernity,’ the Fondation also undertakes to celebrate artists who, while having a connection with the history of modernity, have proposed new models and disrupted perceptions. At the same time, the Fondation supports contemporary creators who boldly set out to reinvent their times, while the Open Space program continues to support and disseminate emerging talent.

From May 4 to September 9, 2024, a landmark exhibition dedicated to The Red Studio (1911) by Henri Matisse (1869-1954) is being presented at the same time as a new retrospective of the work of Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) featuring paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings.

In addition, in the context of the Olympic Games in Paris, the Fondation presents a selection of works from the Collection which relate to sports, offering an alternative and poetic vision of this international event.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographer’s dream.

My look: Amy cowl-neck knotted asymmetric midi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red by Gucci, Jodie suede platform sandals and Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, vintage chain silver and gold necklace by Prada, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

Hout Bay, situated on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a twenty-minute drive from Cape Town.

Noordhoek Noordhoek, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a vibrant rural and artistic community village.

I ended the drive at «JAKES on the Common», that is nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with comfortable funky furnishings and plenty of detail without being intimidating. I can absolutely recommend it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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