Sandra‘s Closet

Outfit public, destination unknown. Would you go on a mystic tour, where the destination is unknown to you until the last moment? Ideal for adventurous travellers who enjoy the thrill of the unknown and trust the expertise of the travel planner, who will give you little insights about weather, season and activities beforehand so that you to know what to pack. The final reveal of your destination will happen while landing. I did it and I loved it!

My look: Denim chambray jacket with feather trim, and matching denim chambray wide leg pants with drawstring waist, both by Valentino, black and white printed long sleeve shirt (S/S 23 Look 1), sunglasses, and 23S denim mini flap bag, all by CHANEL, Nama low top sneakers by Chloé, porcelain earrings by Bulgari, straw hat, and book tote, both by Dior.

A very comfortable, yet stylish look to be ready for the adventure …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Last week, I attended the V&A Summer Party that celebrated the opening of the «Naomi: In Fashion» exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition is the first major museum show dedicated to a supermodel, honoring Naomi Campbell’s 40-year career in fashion.

The party drew a star-studded crowd, including fashion designers, celebrities, and industry insiders. Elizabeth Hurley, Tessa Thompson, Letitia Wright, Rina Lipa and more joined Campbell on the event’s red carpet.

«[It feels] overwhelming, but I just wanted everyone to get to know that side of me that they might not have known,» said Campbell.

She wore a custom dress from Boss, which sponsored her exhibition and the event. Top stylist Law Roach worked with the model on the design of the dress, which was accessorized with two diamond Bulgari snake necklaces.

The exhibition, titled «Naomi: In Fashion» spans four decades of her influential career and will run from June 22, 2024, to April 6, 2025.
Enjoy the impressions of the night!

LoL, Sandra

With interior designer Pernilla Bennet of House of Bennet

The performance of Boy George was really outstanding.

Wearing Christopher John Rogers at the opening party.

With Naomi’s mum Valerie Morris Campbell

With Imran Amed of Business of Fashion

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Congrats to my dear friend Mary Katrantzou, who announced today, that she will be the first ever Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories in the Roman high jeweller’s 140 year history. She will undertake the position alongside the continuing creative directorship of her eponymous brand.

With my dear Mary Katrantzou at the baptism of her son in Spetses.

«The rich cultural heritage and dual Greco-Roman roots of BVLGARI have played an integral part in my formation as a designer. I have always been inspired by the design codes and syncretism of BVLGARI, its mastery of colors and the depth of narrative. I’m deeply honored to be the first Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories, leading the creative vision for this new chapter and elevating everyday life into a form of art. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mireia Montoya for introducing me to the world of BVLGARI and to Jean-Christophe Babin for his trust in me and welcoming me to the family.» – Mary Katrantzou

With Mireia Montoya who is wearing one of Mary’s first designs for BVLGARI, and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Mary’s first couture show

The first time Mary collaborated with BVLGARI was for her first couture show at the Temple of Poseidon for the Elpida charity in 2019, when BVLGARI loaned her their incredible heritage high jewelry pieces.

BVLGARI x Mary Katrantzou – Part 1

Part 2

She launched two special bag collections afterwards in collaboration with the Roman house.

Personally speaking, I remember it so vividly when Mary launched her amazing initial bag collection and we presented it during the UBS Economy of Fashion in London in 2017.

Bauknecht or BVLGARI – the B is the most important and obviously I had a good feeling of what is coming up already in 2017. Mary and I had many years ago a long dinner conversation about which brand she would love to design for. I think she made a match made in heaven with BVLGARI! I cannot wait to see the outcome of Mary’s amazing creativity.

There is something about Mary, that we all love! So many friends came to her show at the Temple of Poseidon to celebrate her!

Mary’s debut collection for BVLGARI will be in stores globally in August 2024.
Mary, I am so proud of you!

LoL Sandra

Photos: © Bvlgari / Mary Katrantzou / Sandra Bauknecht
#Bvlgari #MaryKatrantzou #SerpentiMetamorphosis #MaryKatrantzouxBvlgari #NataliaVodianova #NakedHeartFoundation
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This week, I was invited by BVLGARI to celebrate the history and evolution of the Maison’s icon, Serpenti at Zurich’s Mascotte Club. Continually changing its skin through the creativity and vision of the master Roman jeweler, Serpenti has unfolded its transformative nature over the past 75 years. Always ready to take a hypnotic new form, the icon forever remains an emblem of eternal rebirth and bold metamorphosis.

Introduced in 1948 as jewelry-watches to be wrapped around the wrist, Serpenti creations made their debut with a supple, stylized body crafted with the iconic Tubogas technique. In the ’50s, the Bulgari serpent began to embrace a more realistic style, an evolution that culminated in the ’60s when its distinct turned into a canvas for creative experimentation sporting gemstones and colored enamels. Moving from one mesmerizing form to the next, Serpenti has offered stunning interpretations of its hexagonal scale motif, various levels of preciousness and unique combinations of exquisite gems, captivating design and creative craftsmanship.

Photo top right: Kristina Bazan and Photo bottom right: Christa Rigozzi

From left to right: Alex Lambrechts, Nicole Boghossian, Zoë Pastelle, my humble self, Kevin Lütolf and Jaz Brunner.

In the last 75 years, women have affirmed the right to be independent, cultivate their talents, pursue their dreams and live a life that aligns with their desires. From the red carpet to the office, Serpenti has been their faithful ally, evolving side by side with confident women proud to reveal their magnetic charm.

With Monica Brannetti who had flown in for the night from Rome.

We started the evening with a very interesting conversation between Christa Rigozzi, who lead through the evening, and Monica Brannetti from the Bvlgari Heritage Team about the amazing stories that have been told in the past decades through Serpenti jewelry and watch pieces.

The amazing Dora Live Band performed on stage and made sure that nobody stood still in the room. The final culmination of the night was the big birthday cake, followed by the sounds of DJ Tanja La Croix.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography, Bvlgari, Jaz Brunner
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The best way to prolong the warm season is a great floral summery fragrance that will immediately transport you to your favorite holiday destination in your mind. A new level of style is when your look matches your scent … I am loving it!

My look: Ruffled broderie anglaise-trimmed cotton-voile blouse by Saint Laurent, belted floral-print cotton-blend poplin maxi skirt by Mary Katrantzou, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, vintage ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari, aviator sunglasses by CHANEL, Diorette ring by Dior, and long floral drop earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

Scent: Bvlgari Omnia by Mary Katrantzou.

LoL, Sandra

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

This is industry news that I don’t want you to miss. Stéphane Bianchi, President of the LVMH Watch Division, and Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Bvlgari Group, are announcing the first LVMH Swiss Watch Manufactures Exhibition.

The event will take place at the Dubai Bvlgari Hotel in January 2020 and will include Bvlgari,
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. The four watch brands will introduce to the international medias and retail partners their watchmaking news 2020.

Dubai Bvlgari Hotel

«In between Geneva in January and Basel in March, we have had in the recent years two major product presentations in the first quarter. This early discovery of our strategies, news and novelties has allowed our media and retail partners to better plan the year ahead and as such we have decided on this set up for 2020 to balance the scheduling of the other events», declared Jean-Christophe Babin.

Watch news this month: TAG Heuer’s second of five limited-edition Monaco timepieces that mark the icon’s 50th anniversary. 

As previously announced, Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith are also confirming in parallel their presence at Baselworld 2020, late April/early May.

«We remain very supportive and loyal to Baselworld and the Swiss watchmaking industry. However, it was not possible for us to go 13 months without a global presentation of our products and brands. This additional event further confirms the LVMH commitment to the strategic and profitable watch category», said Stéphane Bianchi.

Hublot – proud official timekeeper of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.

Personally speaking, I find this idea very interesting. Let’s be frank, watch fairs are extremely expensive and not very flexible. In my post about SIHH 2019 from January, I told you already about several changes that are going to happen next year with many brands leaving Baselworld or the SIHH. Solutions were found though, with the Geneva- and the Basel-based shows uniting forces and coordinating their dates from 2020.

Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Adventure

Still, the situation isn’t ideal for everyone. I am curious to see LVMH’s own, private «Pre-Baselworld event» in Dubai, in January 2020. The location is an interesting choice as well… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

An example of Bvlgari’s new watch creations for 2019

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«Today is a good day», a mantra we should always tell ourselves. If we feel comfortable in our skin, it is most likely to be a great one. So let’s start with the perfect outfit in the morning. Here you see me on my way to the Bulgari fragrance presentation at Shui Tang in Zurich’s Niederdorf (click here for the previous post) happy as a bug… as I really love my new shoes!

My look: Eska cut-out leather seamed drape dress by Tibi, nude cardigan with elbow patches by Prada, belted leather jacket and fringed cracked-leather pumps, both by Gucci, Cara Delevingne studded leather backpack by Mulberry, «Dior Split» sunglasses and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A bridge between East and West, a bridge between the past and the present – something that perfume and tea share.

How can we overcome the transience of the body? How can we cross the boundaries between time and space? At Shui Tang in Zurich’s Niederdorf I learn more. The place has something magical, just like the owner Ms. Meng-Lin Chou, who transports me into her world with a wonderful ceremony of the traditional infusion beverage. The painstaking preparation is enough to make my to-go cup of morning coffee feel Philistine.

Creating rare moments for sharing and pleasure, tea is considered an alchemical and Taoist bridge. Life is a river with two banks, yin and yang, one side is male, the other female, one reflects the material, the other the spiritual world. Both are polar opposites to each other, yet related forces that form a whole perpetual cycle. Tea is like a ship that helps you float from bank to bank. While doing so, you can forget the time.

That’s what I’m doing at Ms. Chou. I am glued to her lips while I sip a delicious infusion. «The more cultivated a Chinese household is, the smaller the cup,» she says. «Many customers have claimed that sitting at the antique Chinese table, sipping the traditional Chinese Gongfu Tea is enough to infuse a magical power.» As I watch her when she prepares the tea, I believe that too, because time seems to stand still. Rare and precious moments that we easily forget in our fast-paced world.

Perfume used to be like tea a sacrificial offering in the past in order to manipulate the gods. Fragrance reflects the alchemy of the exterior, tea the interior. In Bulgari‘s latest creation, they become one.

In the most hidden corners of the province of Yunnan at an altitude of 3000m, the rare black tea, that is used for the fragrance, is harvested between 2000-year old trees. Just like in the 11th century it is produced without electricity from the village farmers. Hand-harvested at precipitous elevations and carefully dried in the sun, those tea leaves can fetch more money per ounce than gold.

Today, tea is a product in our affluent society, which stimulates thinking. 3000 years ago, it was used exclusively as medicine.
During the early ’90s, nobody would have thought that the traditional infusion could also be a perfume. But Bulgari has never followed current trends and launched in 1992 «Eau Parfumée au thé vert», inspired by the idea of ​​hospitality. First, the novelty was intended not as a traditional fragrance, but as refreshing ceremony for customers in the Bulgari shops.

The unisex revolution was a huge success and can now be found in many hotel rooms as amenities. Other tea inspired scents have followed (see the complete collection above). The new «Eau Parfumée au thé noir», a powerful interpretation of the exclusive type of tea from Yunnan, enriches the collection with a different olfactory territory and promises to become another bestseller.

Inspired by millennial Chinese black tea, it is an intense luxury fragrance for men and women that imprints itself indelibly on the skin with its floral and woody notes. The top notes are as palpable as those of a rose. The fluid and woody notes of black tea accord and patchouli strongly interact with the sensual and captivating harmonies of oud. Like yin and yang, an interplay, sensual and captivating.

EAU PARFUMÉE AU THÉ NOIR

WOODY – FLORAL
Top Notes: Rose Absolute – Bergamot Essence
Middle Notes: Black Tea Accord – Magnolia Essence
Base Notes: Oud Wood – Patchouli

Eau de Cologne Intense Spray
75ml (CHF 104.00) and 150ml (CHF 169.00)

Home & Bath Collection
200ml Body Lotion (CHF 63.00), 200 ml Shampoo & Shower Gel (CHF 52.00), 3 x 150g Soap Set (CHF 69.00), 15 x 12 gr Refreshing Towels (CHF 50.00), 325g Candle (CHF 99.00) and 600g Candle (CHF 168.00)

Guest Set
75ml EdC + 75ml Shampoo + 75ml Shampoo & Shower Gel + 75ml Hair Conditioner + 75ml Body Lotion + 75g Soap + 12g x 2 Oshibori (CHF 128.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari and © Sandra Bauknecht