Sandra‘s Closet

It is a HACK! The Hacker Project, first presented within Gucci Aria in April 2021, merges the iconic silhouettes and codes of Balenciaga and Gucci in unique creations as an exploration on ideas of authenticity and appropriation within the fashion industry. Among the hybrid universe of ready-to-wear and accessories, combining the aesthetics of Creative Directors Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia, emblematic styles come together to create something new — from the Jackie 1961 enriched with a diagonal Balenciaga print to the City bag in GG canvas and the Triple S sneaker reimagined with Gucci’s Flora print.

The range includes styles featuring the new jumbo GG motif, a maximalist version of the historic monogram.

The non-collaboration even includes a co-branded Triple S.

Available for two weeks only, the Balenciaga and Gucci’s Hacker Project will drop worldwide on November 15.

LoL, Sandra

Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director: Christopher Simmonds – Photographer and Director: Harley Weir – Make up: Thomas De Kluyver – Hair: Paul Hanlon

One jacket, two looks. Power shoulders have always made a strong statement in fashion and they work with pants and skirts. The strong shoulder is most associated with the 80s, but it first had a heyday in the 30s and 40s, as a sign of women’s liberation, when the female suit was primarily birthed. I love this versatile Balenciaga jacket that comes with a built-in skirt. One piece, many options and styles … statement fashion for the woman of the new 20s.

My look: Oversized plaid wool jacket with built-in skirt detail (2017) by Balenciaga, cropped high-rise wide-leg jeans by Stella McCartney, cashmere circles appliqué scarf and logo striped oversized silk shirt, both by Prada, New Abby tweed sailor cap by Maison Michel, JW-charm gold-plated choker by JW Anderson, bean embellished leather tote by Simone Rocha, Vita suede platform sandals by Amina Muaddi, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, and leopard face mask by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

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

Versace‘s iconic «Trésor de la Mer» motif celebrates the vibrancy of nature. Originally presented by  Gianni Versace for S/S 1992, the print shows a beautiful array of starfish, coral, and seashells. For S/S 2021, Donatella Versace seeked inspiration from her late brother’s breathtaking collection and created looks for the modern little mermaid. Here, you see me wearing it on my holidays in Santorini, Greece.

My look: Trésor de La Mer cropped embellished printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, Trésor de la Mer-print scoop-neck swimsuit, starfish-print cap, and white Rodeo pop-print shoulder bag, all by Versace, Double G matelassé wedge espadrilles, and vintage elastic belt with star buckle, both by Gucci, Power butterfly sunglasses by Balenciaga, and distressed denim shorts by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk / Sandra Bauknecht, NET-A-PORTER

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

Your next dream destination? It might be an intergalactic exploration if your budget allows for a 28$ million trip to space with Jeff Bezos or to accompany Richard Branson on another space test-flight. The global super-rich are taking joyrides in viewing our planet from above.

If you are a fashionista, your space race is on this season. Several designers have tapped into the «Living on Mars» trend, with BALENCIAGA offering the most authentic interpretation. Now you can look like you accompanied Bezos to space without spending millions of dollars, a few thousands are just enough.

The most insane and most expensive piece of the collection is the so-called Space Parka. First spotted in the label’s F/W 2021 video game presentation, this puffy coat takes inspiration from retro NASA spacesuits. It’s made from distressed white shell and has an oversized fit that’s almost gravity-defying. Playful finishing touches include appliqués, buckles and straps.

Interesting to know is that as authentic as some of the collection’s pieces look, they are not launched in collaboration with NASA. You can use the space center’s logo, even free of charge, as long as the design is submitted to the Multimedia Division of NASA’s Office of Communications and the agency approves the specific uses. Ranging from €95 to €3990, the Maison’s NASA capsule that includes also graphic tees, polos, hoodies, socks, and co-branded baseball caps, can be found at select stores or the brand’s website.

Certain pieces are only available for pre-order. If you love the Space Parka as much as I do (it definitely deserves a spot in my museum), you can order it now at NET-A-PORTER. Sorry guys, size FR34 went straight to me :-)…

Space lovers can get the full look with silver Chevalier 110MM Booties, cyberpunk aluminum sunglasses, and logo-bearing handbags.

Who doesn’t want to walk around looking like an astronaut?  And it probably leaves less carbon footprint than the hour-long joyride that will have a staggering impact on the planet.

LoL, Sandra

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

Last Monday, I watched the Euro 2020 game between Switzerland and France which was an absolute thriller, so captivating and good. I feel very blessed to have two nationalities which doubles the chances to win. After my home country Germany lost on Tuesday against England, all my hopes are pinned on Switzerland.

Hopp Schwiiz! Fingers are crossed for another amazing game on Friday against Spain. My outfit is ready – a playful take on soccer fashion.

My look: Oversized embroidered appliquéd printed neon mesh T-shirt, embroidered logo soccer pants, and soccer neon pink low-top sneakers, all by Balenciaga, fringed intarsia wool scarf by Miu Miu, cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, Barocco print soccer ball by Versace, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

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

Perched on the sixth floor, overlooking the city, the lake and the Alps, La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich’s La Muña restaurant is the place to be. Here you see me on the terrace dressed in an all-denim look. With the recent ’90s fashion revival, the matching jean-on-jean style is making a cooler-than-ever comeback this season and has been seen on several runways.

My look: Embroidered washed denim jacket (Look 38 pre-collection S/S 2021), matching denim top and jeans (Look 37 pre-collection S/S 2021), white organza blouse (Look 21 S/S 2021 runway collection), 80’s inspired chain earrings, all by CHANEL, faux pearl and satin clutch by Balenciaga, oversized cat-eye acetate sunglasses by Celine, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

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

These quirky-cute, child-like accessories (which are definitely a nostalgic nod to the ’90s) add an extra dose of fun to your outfits. Be the cool kid on the block and delve into a world of playful proportions. With Demna Gvasalia at the helm, Balenciaga retains its unique and innovative approach to fashion and plays a leading role in this trend that is suddenly everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Embroidered poplin-trimmed shirred floral-print cotton mini dress by Gucci

Toy silver-tone beaded choker and Toy silver-tone beaded bracelet, both by Balenciaga

Dummy drop earrings by Balenciaga

Sailor-collar lambswool bodysuit by Miu Miu

Toy logo coin purse by Etro

Toys print shoulder bag by Etro

Hello Kitty XXS embellished printed leather tote by Balenciaga

Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey top by Balenciaga

Bear-motif jumper by Moschino

Gummy Bear hoop earrings by Balenciaga

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Valentine’s Day will be different this year: with limited options for spontaneous getaways or romantic nights out, it is time to rethink the ways in which we can show appreciation for those who are dear to us. But when expectations are out the window, opportunities for new traditions arise. Let’s get creative! From small handwritten gestures to a beautiful gift. Treat your partner (or yourself!) with a Valentine’s Day surprise. Looking for inspiration? Have a look at my suggestions below:

Ruffled organza-trimmed printed silk crepe de chine dress by Rodarte

Bracelet As de Coeur by Hermès

Cherries T-Shirt by Miu Miu

GG and heart crystal-embellished choker by Gucci

Crystal-heart drop clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Happy Hearts 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Chopard

Valentine’s Day plate set by Louis Vuitton

Valentine cotton-jersey hooded sweatshirt by Balenciaga

Nike Air Force 1 Valentines Day 2021 for Women by Nike
I LOVE that they feature cute heart-shaped air holes on the top of the sneaker rather than the usual circle holes.

Nike Air Force 1 Valentine’s Day for Men by Nike
For the madly in love couples that love to match, there is also a sneaker for men.

Personalized chocolate by Toblerone

Besides all those fabulous gift ideas, there’s nothing quite like a handwritten Valentine’s Day card. Beautifully handcrafted, they’re ready to be filled with your love notes.

Love Valentine’s Day card by Smythson

Have a lovely Valentine’s weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

No matter if you need them or not, wearing glasses will give you a polished, distinguished and different look. Regardless of your outfit, glasses can help you enhance your unique style and improve how people perceive you in the process. Almost all psychologists agree that glasses-wearers look more qualified and trustworthy. I got myself a pair of glasses that filter out the blue light spectrum to cut down on digital eye strain, which was a great decision.

Below are some optical designer frames I truly like. Make them a statement! It is a little investment for a great output. The attention will be all yours…

Happy Friday 13th – I keep on packing!

LoL, Sandra

Round-frame tortoiseshell acetate optical glasses by Tom Ford
The ones I am wearing.

Cat-eye acetate optical glasses by Saint Laurent

Round acetate glasses by Celine

Core cat-eye acetate glasses by Cartier

Round-frame acetate optical glasses by Gucci

FF logo-print cat-eye acetate glasses by Fendi

Victoire cat-eye acetate glasses by Saint Laurent

Hexagonal acetate glasses by Loewe

BB-logo acetate glasses by Balenciaga

DiorSight03 square acetate glasses by Dior

Round acetate glasses by Bottega Veneta

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands – Photos of me: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Activewear is probably the biggest trend for 2020. Due to the current pandemic, customers prefer comfortable styles such as all-in-one bodysuits, tight leggings and workout gear. As women are flocking to stores to buy the latest in fashionable fitness clothing, Balenciaga has come up with the perfect combination of a skirt and a pair of shorts. I am in love with this skort. No more excuses to not exercise.

My look: Off-the-shoulder velvet mini skort dress, logo-appliqué cotton baseball cap
, Hello Kitty printed leather tote, and Triple S leather and mesh trainers, all by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.