Sandra‘s Closet

Happy Lunar Year 2021! The Year of the Ox has officially started today and Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and more luxury brands welcome it in great style with Chinese New Year-inspired fashion. These collections will hit the Western markets during the next weeks, and it is your chance to add a festive touch to your closet.

Louis Vuitton welcomes the Year of the Ox with a special selection of gift-ready leather goods, accessories and other precious tokens. From the recently released SINCE 1854 Monogram Jacquard to the most iconic leather goods, Louis Vuitton’s gift selection has something to suit every style and sensibility.

The Fendi Chinese New Year Capsule Collection, launched in Greater China already in January, will be available in the rest of the world from April 2021. It is a beautiful collection of ready-to-wear and limited edition bags, featuring red and pink colors, as well as blossoms and other floral designs signature to the lunar year.

Burberry presents the New Year with a forward-looking fashion collection featuring supermodel Liu Wen with Wang Xiangguo in their campaign lensed by Feng Li.

In honor of Lunar New Year, Dior unveils a celebratory capsule collection of accessories and footwear in rich red and gold hues for women. For men, Dior launches an exclusive men’s capsule reinterpreting the powerful creative dialogue between Kim Jones and Californian artist Shawn Stussy.

In honor of the Year of the Ox, meet Ozzie – a symbol of strength and reliability. Tory Burch celebrates Lunar New Year with a beautiful collection dedicated to  health, happiness and prosperity that is featuring something red for good luck.

Gucci’s ode to the upcoming Lunar New Year is definitely one of the more fun collections. Featuring «Doraemon», the famous blue Japanese manga and anime character – a cat-robot, this special collection for men and women, you’ll see Doraemon in his classic blue colour and also dressed up in a brown colour and puts on his horns as well.

Versace’s Lunar New Year 2021 capsule collection focuses on local traditions and sees vibrant and uplifting prints that showcase new interpretations of the brand’s Medusa motif to celebrate the ox.

For more gift ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year, have a look at this previous post here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

What I truly love about staying at the Gstaad Palace Hotel during lockdown is that I can use the gym every day. Here you see me working out in my new Burberry sportswear which is functional and stylish in one. By the way, I shot all the photos again by myself with my iPhone and the timer function. Don’t you think that I am getting better from day to day… ?!

My look: Printed merino wool-blend cardigan, paneled printed stretch sports bra, and paneled printed stretch leggings, all by Burberry, 123 Run spiked leopard-print neoprene, leather, satin and grosgrain sneakers by Christian Louboutin, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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There’s a long history of chic women sporting the beret. It is one of the accessories that immediately transforms an outfit into something truly outstanding and it will make you look very Parisian! Not only has it graced fashionistas allover the world, but it’s also continued to be a major accessory on the catwalks. Furthermore, there are some seriously amazing berets on the market right now for you to shop as you can see below.

LoL, Sandra

D-Dream leather beret by Dior

RB Girl logo-patch canvas beret by Ruslan Baginskiy

Mosaic-embellished beret by Burberry

Coco wool-felt and mesh beret by Eugenia Kim

Leopard-print shearling beret by Yves Salomon

Wool-felt beret by Dolce & Gabbana

Idaho striped straw beret by Maison Michel

Billy vinyl-trimmed houndstooth tweed beret by Maison Michel

Crinoline and straw fascinator beret by Stephen Jones

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

Yes, it is your passion that makes any work successful. If you are not passionate about anything, dont do it. It will just waste your time. Fashion makes me happy, therefore writing this blog gives me a lot of pleasure. Being in isolation due to my positive COVID-19 test, I am grateful for all the pre-shot material that I can share with you now.

Burberry’s classic heritage check is back in fashion and looking fresher than ever. When in doubt about print clashing, just go for the double check. I think it looks fabulous!

My look: Shearling jacket by Chloé, embroidered cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater, pleated printed crepe skirt, and check stretch knit sock boots, all by Burberry, beaded drop earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Daily Multi Pocket belt bag by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

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

This fall season, most outfits have one thing in common, a face mask, as we now can’t enter most shops and events without them. However, besides thinking about your look, it’s an important item for practical purposes. High-street retailers have been selling masks for several months now, but most major luxury fashion brands have stayed away from creating face masks for commercial purposes so far. Finally, numerous designers, such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni and Fendi, have started to produce fashionable face coverings with vivid prints so that you can coordinate them with their outfits. Find my favorites below, to shop click on the highlighted product description. The mask in the cover photo is by Burberry and can be found here.

LoL, Sandra

Leopard-print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana

Majolica print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana

Heart monogram-print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana

Baroque polka-dot print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana

Stripe print face mask by Missoni

Abstract-print face mask by Missoni

Astract print face mask by Marni

Checked face mask by Marni

Floral face mask by Marni

Silk logo-print face mask by Fendi

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
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I love elephants and will never forget my first encounter with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. A memory I’ll treasure forever. To ensure that they remain in existence for many centuries to come, I joined the Matriarch Club, a group of 100 high profile women, in London last year, and will be leading the CoExistence charge as one of their Matriarchs. Due to the current pandemic, everything needed to be postponed but I hope that our USA adventure can take place in 2021. This powerful movement aims to build a $10m fund for human-wildlife-coexistence projects across Asia. Stay tuned, I will tell more about this great initiative soon.

I love this BURBERRY + Space for Giants suede-trimmed nylon jacket.

Much to my delight, I discovered that Net-à-Porter has teamed-up with Space For Giants and developed an exquisite capsule collection with several designers to support their amazing conversation work. As you will see, the collection is inspired by safari influences and you’ll find lots of linens and neutral tones and an overall utilitarian aesthetic. Ole Lynggaard has also designed 5 incredibly special Elephant charm pendants in 18 karat yellow gold with emeralds and diamonds.  All profits from this collection will benefit Space for Giants.

OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN x Space for Giants

By purchasing an item, you are answering the call of the wild and in this way you are making a supersonic effort that Africa’s ecosystems and the mega-fauna they contain are conserved. That means ending the poaching of elephants, because elephants are a keystone species and if they are thriving, their precious habitats are, too. And it means finding new ways to fund forever the protection of these landscapes so they can continue to bring their benefits for generations to come.

And if you are still not convinced, here are 10 reasons why to love elephants:

Elephants love deeply and are passionate about life.
Elephants are feminists! Elephant herds are matriarchal.
Elephants make great friends with strong social bonds.
Elephants are resourceful and can adapt to any situation easily.
Elephants are all about teamwork.
Elephants are fast learners and have one of the largest and most complex brains in the living world.
Elephants make great parents and are very protective and nurturing of their young.
Elephants are excellent communicators.
Elephants are environmentalists.
Elephants don’t forget, but they do forgive.

TO SHOP THE SPACE OF GIANTS CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
The perfect pieces for your next safari…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
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I am truly counting down the days until life will hopefully back to normal. I miss travelling, a good party among friends, going dancing and dressing up not only for the bathroom… This Ralph & Russo sweater has become my absolute favorite spring piece as you can change its look so easily. Cut from the softest white cashmere, it detaches at the asymmetric neckline and blouson sleeve, depending on how you want to style it.

My look: Convertible asymmetric cashmere sweater by Ralph & Russo, fake fur fox toy stole by Moschino, appliquéd merino wool-felt beret by Burberry, chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps by Bottega Veneta, dark blue leather pants and Mini Dauphine bag, both by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
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Yesterday marked the launch of Louis Vuitton‘s LV Pont 9 shoulder bag. The Maison’s most important bag debut of the year is available in five colours. I went for blue which will officially launch on June 26. This French-chic shoulder bag takes cues from both the past and present, and got its name from the famous Pont Neuf bridge in Paris. The design is a classic silhouette of a flap bag, with smooth curved edges and a vintage appeal.

My look: Coated cotton-blend midi dress and chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps, both by Bottega Veneta, wool-jacquard cape by Burberry, LV Pont 9 shoulder bag in blue by Louis Vuitton, and Aurora oversized butterfly acetate sunglasses by Zimmermann.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Vacation plans may be on pause, but sunshine is not. Make the most of the warmer weather closer to home with the most beautiful beach towels that will make you feel like being in a 5-star hotel in your own garden or during sundowners on the balcony.

LoL, Sandra

From left to right:
Floral-print cotton-terry beach towel by Dolce & Gabbana
Majolica-print beach towel by Dolce & Gabbana
Zebra and plant-print beach towel by Dolce & Gabbana
Rose print beach towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Crete de Fleur beach towel by Versace

Vivara-print cotton-terry beach towel by Emilio Pucci (available in 4 colours)

Monogram Print Cotton Towel by Burberry

Babar print beach towel by Lanvin

Top left and right, below:
Beach towels by Hermès 

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

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

Monkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem

Sequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dress by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earrings by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirt by Valentino

Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberry

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry

Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2

Medium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bag by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

Soleia printed cotton-voile pajama set by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.