Sandra‘s Closet

This week, Donatella Versace presented her butterfly-filled Pre-Fall 2023 collection in Cannes, a collaboration with the pop star Dua Lipa titled «La Vacanza.» First used in Gianni Versace’s S/S 1995 runway collection, the butterfly is a motif which the pop star has worn throughout the years; it also seems to hold a special significance.

Must-have of the collection: Butterfly printed silk-twill shirt

«I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. This is the perfect summer collection—from lying by the pool in a fun printed bikini, to dressing-up to dance on hot summer evenings in the perfect evening dress—these clothes immediately make me think of my holidays and being in the sun. Dua loves Fashion, I love Music—we are the perfect duo! We felt like we were on vacation and that is exactly the spirit we want people to feel when they wear our clothes.» –Donatella Versace

It is Versace’s first see-now-buy-now fashion show on the French Riviera. The fashion show reflects an intimate Salon-style collection presentation, with Iván De Pineda as host to guests sat in the gardens of a French Riviera villa.

The collection is Donatella and Dua’s shared vision of an absolute modern elegance for «La Vacanza,» the Italian for «vacation,» and encompasses the full Versace lifestyle; from perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, to bikini and terry cotton beachwear. It is also typical Barbiecore. Think pink power suits, the Barbie bouffant hairdos, and the shiny metallic leathers and crystal embellishments.

La Vacanza is what your summer dreams are made of and you can shop it now HERE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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Last week before the amazing Great Gatsby party, I flew with a small little helicopter from Cannes to Ramatuelle to attend a lovely luncheon at Club Les Palmiers hosted by a great friend from Switzerland. I have to admit that I am a really big fan of the transparent fashion trend – so light and perfect for the hot temperatures!

My look: Layered stretch-jersey dress by Emilio Pucci, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings, hippie-style bag and matching belt with multicolored tassels and coins, all by Etro, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Rose des Vents bracelets by Dior Joaillerie, and Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

MIU MIU’s woven basket bag is the perfect summer companion. Classic with a little retro touch, it’s embroidered with the label’s logo, topped with vibrant red, blue and black-striped grosgrain handles, and fitted with a zipped pocket at the canvas-lined interior.

My own limited edition woven basket from Cannes (there was only one, sorry :-)!).

If you want to prove your true jet-setting spirit, look for one of the limited edition versions that MIU MIU has launched in small quantities for some of their shops around the globe. A red tag is attached to the bag that indicates the location where you bought it.

Limited edition woven basket that is still available in MIU MIU’s newly opened St. Tropez boutique.

Those limited editions are available at the following MIU MIU stores around the globe: Madrid, Barcelona, Capri, Porto Cervo, Forte dei Marmi, Cannes, St. Tropez, Miami and Hawaii.

My personal summer essentials: Woven basket bag, frayed St. Tropez embroidered straw sunhat, and suede platform sandals, all by MIU MIU.

The perfect pieces to breeze effortless style from town to beach and back again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: first one courtesy of Matchesfashion, all others © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look that I wore to the de Grisogono gala «Folies in Cannes» during the 69th Cannes Film Festival at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. I love wearing Hervé Léger gowns as they are comfortable, sexy and ladylike at once and the best is that they are great to pack in a suitcase as they don’t wrinkle.

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, Isidora emerald green gown by Hervé Léger, leather clutch by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, rose diamond ring by Piaget, earrings by Chanel, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The special seaside edition of SI Style magazine is available now featuring my column about my trip to Cannes with Chopard.

While you are reading this, I am off for one month to China. Hopefully I will have access to my blog, other social media platforms might be hard to use. Stay tuned for photos of my new adventure… Beijing, here I come!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

One evening in Cannes, I was invited by Chopard to the “Somebody to love” party at Canal+. Mark Ronson, face of Fan di Fendi pour Homme, whom I had met in 2011 at the Versace for H&M Launch Party in NYC, was the DJ for the night. I have to admit that I had far too much fun so unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos…

My look: Pink marabou jacket by Emilio Pucci, ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, gold python pumps by Tom Ford, earrings by Chanel, crocodile clutch by Nancy Gonzalez and Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

The Silver Glam stay-ups by Wolford are just perfect for adding that special something to your outfit, incorporating the pattern du jour: dots.

Looking gorgeous: Mark Ronson in Givenchy Homme

Spotted that night: Belgian martial artist and actor Jean-Claude van Damme

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I spent a beautiful day on a yacht in Cannes with Chopard. I was very excited to be among the first ones to hear about the new partnership between Chopard and Happy Hearts Fund. A charity organization founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she had survived the devastating tsunami in Thailand in 2004. She had broken her hip four times and for many months it was unsure if she could ever walk again. She is definitely one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, from the inside and the outside!

And we had something in common, we both wore Dolce & Gabbana head to toe… (for all details of my look, please click here).

To raise money for her foundation, Chopard will launch this beautiful and delicate bracelet “Happy Baby” with a heart-shaped pink sapphire inside. An amazing present for a lady, girl, or baby. The beautiful piece of jewelry will be in stores in the end of June 2013 and will be sold for CHF 1000.-, of which CHF 250.- will go to the Happy Hearts Fund, that rebuild schools in areas devastated by natural disasters.What a gorgeous initiative!

That is a bracelet with heart – literally… enjoy some impressions from the yacht below!

Lovely pick-up for the yacht.

View from the tender before the arrival on board.

On board: My humble self, Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard, Anna Netrebko, famous opera singer and Petra Nemcova.

Having fun with lovely Anna who wanted to have a picture with me because she loved my Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana. What an honor!

A little photo shoot.

It looks lovely if you are wearing two or three bracelets together as seen on Petra.

Gosh, I wished all press conferences could be held like on a yacht next to a jacuzzi. Repeating myself, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Cannes, I spent one day on a gorgeous yacht chartered by Chopard in the presence of some famous celebrities. While allowing myself to enjoy the sunshine and a glass of bubbly, I got to know an amazing project that I will be revealing soon.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress, bucket bag featuring a floral and face print, matching heels, sunglasses and Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After a relaxing flight over the Alps, I arrived in Cannes where the sky is blue and the sun is shining. What a treat! I spoiled myself with some yummy ice-cream before getting ready now for the red carpet. Tonight, I am attending the film viewing of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who will be both present, followed by the movie party at the Chopard Terrace at Hotel Martinez. Below is a little teaser of my dress… any idea which designer I am going to wear?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
Please have a look at the recent issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column. This time, I am telling you more about my trip to the Film Festival in Cannes with Chopard last May.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht