Sandra‘s Closet

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

Hello from Greece! I arrived in Athens for a very special celebration. My friend Themis Zouganeli is opening her new THEMIS Z flagship store in the Greek capital. Fond memories of her childhood in Athens and summers spent in Mykonos inspire her eponymous label.

Themis with me last January at The Gstaad Palace.

Each piece is conceived to reflect the relaxed yet sophisticated nature of Greek culture and handmade by artisans from the finest materials, which are sourced locally and under responsible conditions. Contemporary separates are showcased with clean lines and printed with geometric motifs and symmetrical patterns reminiscent of antique tile designs, translating the beauty of traditional Grecian dress into the everyday.

Don’t miss out on her tableware collection. Her unique creativity lies in the simple, clean lines she applies to her designs and patterns. It makes you feel like being on vacation at your own home.

At the Blue Palace, Resort and Spa at Elounda in Crete where I went last August, you can find a bespoke fine porcelain tableware adorned with individual hand-painted motifs reminiscent ent of the crystal hues of the Aegean Sea and inspired by the name of the hotel itself.

I am really looking forward to spending the next two days in Athens.

TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

«After rain there’s a rainbow, after a storm there’s calm, after the night, there’s a morning, and after an end, there’s a new beginning.»

When I was with my beloved Mary Katrantzou in Athens for her S/S 2020 show, I was reminded of this beautiful quote. The day of the event, we had a crazy storm followed by a rainbow, and then a beautiful calm afternoon and night. We shot the photos at my hotel, the Four Seasons Athens. that I can absolutely recommend.

For S/S 2017, Mary had looked back to her childhood visit to the ancient palace of Knossos, on Crete. I thought it is the perfect time to finally sport this dress with Minoan goddesses, Cretan murals and the silhouetted paintings on Greek vases and plates.

My look: Chariot print dress by Mary Katrantzou, platform leather pumps by Gucci, Vicky quilted patent leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and crystal aviator sunglasses by Chanel.

My last weeks were quite «stormy», but now I can feel the calm coming… so much to show you. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to my new category “Travel Insider” – your best source for your favourite destinations and fancy escapes. Famous fashion insiders will provide you with the best spots and places-to-be.

MARY KATRANTZOU

The fashion designer shares her tips for the best summer reads and the ultimate fish in the port of Piraeus.

Your favourite city in the world:
ATHENS
That is home.

Your favourite restaurant:
JIMMY AND THE FISH, Koumoundourou Coast 46, 18543 Piraeus – Mikrolimano, Phone: +30 210 – 4124417
Try the mini fried shrimps.

Your favourite shop:
SOTRIS, 41 Voukourestiou Street & Tsakalof Street, Kolonaki Athens, Phone +30 210 – 361 0662
They were the first in Greece to by my clothes beginning from my very first season.

Your favourite island:
SPETSES
I got christened there and spent my last 28 summers on that beautiful island.

Your favourite summer read:
SANDRA’S CLOSET (Thank you, Mary!)
and the next book on my to-read-list is: 
THE TIPPING POINT – How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
(The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.)

Three things you have to pack for Greece:
1. FLAT SHOES for the cobbled streets on the Greek islands.
2. SUN PROTECTION
3. A MARY KATRANTZOU SCARF for the windy nights.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your insider scoop on Greece with us!

LoL, Sandra