Sandra‘s Closet

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

«Everyone deserves a bit of glamour.» – Jonathan Adler

Your summer is about to get a whole lot brighter, thanks to CLINIQUE’s new limited-edition collection with interior designer Jonathan Adler. The just-launched Clinique x Jonathan Adler Collection includes many of Clinique’s best-selling makeup products (including its Lip Pops, Lid Pops and Cheek Pops), in a rainbow of bold, vibrant hues and captures the jet-set glam of his favorite seaside destinations: Palm Beach, Capri, Santorini.

Who is Jonathan Adler?

Born in 1966, Jonathan Adler is an American potter, designer, and author who launched his first ceramic collection in 1993 at Barneys New York. Five years later he expanded into home furnishings, opening his first namesake boutique in Soho, Manhattan. He now has 30 stores and runs an eponymous design business. Adler lives and works in New York City together with his partner Simon Doonan, Barney’s Creative Director Ambassador at Large .

Enjoy this little talk with Jonathan Adler about the collection he created in collaboration with Clinique.

What inspired this collection?
Jet-set glamour. I always think about iconic destinations. Places where women look like their most glamorous selves. I wanted to capture that in makeup. I thought about diving into the Aegean Sea, and being in fabulous places: Palm Beach, Florida. Capri, Italy. Santorini, Greece.

How would you describe your design style?
I call my style modern American glamour. I always try to keep things fresh and new and modern. One of the lines in my manifesto is “We believe in irreverent luxury” and that captures a lot of what I’m about.

What do interior design and makeup have in common?
Good design has the power to transform your mood, like a big squishy sofa you plop into. Makeup is like that, too. It can transform a woman’s day.

What does Clinique mean to you?
Clinique is a classic, iconic brand. It’s always been in my life. I grew up with it in my mother’s and sister’s cabinets. That’s why I was so thrilled when this collaboration came about. My brand is very similar. We’re both about being classic, chic and refreshing.

If this collection had emotions, how would it feel?
It feels fresh! It feels like a trip to Capri. It feels like jumping into the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you love most about this collection?
This collection shows that tiny treasures can bring big pleasures. It’s very chic, very classic, very Clinique. I hope everyone enjoys using it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Thank you, Mr Adler, for giving us your insider scoop on this beautiful collection!

TO SHOP THE CLINIQUE x JONATHAN ADLER COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, © Jonathan Adler and © Sandra Bauknecht

The first evening in Capri was a «White Night», guests were asked to dress head to toe in white. Before leaving to dinner, I took these photos on the terrace of the Caesare Augustus Hotel in Anacapri with spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.

My look: White lace dress by Azzedine Alaïa, white «Duffle 6» bag, Alice T-strap studded sandals, both by Saint Laurent, «So Real» sunglasses by Dior, white cuff and earrings, both by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

If you are interested in some travel tips for Capri, click here for Tommy Hilfiger‘s insider scoop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One weekend ago, I went to Capri to attend the most beautiful wedding in the Garden of Augustus. The gardens, designed in terraces overlooking the sea, can be considered a testament to the rich flora of the island, with various ornamental plants and flowers such as geraniums, dahlias and brooms. A perfect spot to get married! The dress code was bohemian glamour – couldn’t have been better.

My look: Knitted long gown in gold beige by Azzedine Alaïa, fringed Monogram bag in gold, woven lurex tassel necklace, beaded bracelet and Bianca leather sandals, all by Saint Laurent, bohemian headpiece, earrings and necklace, all by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

 Patrick Liotard-Vogt with me

All the best to the newly weds!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

TOMMY HILFIGER shared his travel tips for Capri with us. The charming American fashion designer who took the word «preppy» to new heights had come to Zurich for the film festival last fall. During an entertaining interview, he told me some interesting things about the island where he likes to spend his holidays in Europe.

Your favorite summer destination?
I love CAPRI. I like the ambiance of the Italians loving life, fashion, food, wine and excitement.

Your favourite hotel?
The GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA. It’s so central.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite restaurant?
The RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA AURORA. The best pizza and pasta in the world. You had to try the Penne Arrabiata.
Via Fuorlovado, 18-22, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0181

Your favorite bar or nightclub?
The QUISI BAR AT THE GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA HOTEL – it’s such a cool place to sit outside and have a Bellini. I love watching people.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
ANACAPRI – the water, the rocks, the vegetation, everything is just so beautiful. It smells so amazingly.

Your perfect day in Capri?
Wake up on a YACHT, have a little breakfast, take a little swim, relax with my children, make a little shopping tour and have dinner at a nice place in the center.

Your favourite shop?
RUSSO UOMO – this is where I shop for myself.
RUSSO DONNA – the best fashion in the world (even if they don’t sell Hilfiger), I go there for my wife and daughters. They sell their own brands and offer the highest quality of baby cashmere, suede, and leather.
Via Camerelle, 33 – 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 8388200

Your must-have accessory?
CAPRI SANDALS – handmade, something I like to bring home as well.

Your favorite holiday book?
I like to read BOOKS ABOUT PEOPLE, to see how they tick, what makes them successful. I read for example the books about Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey and right now I am indulging in the story of Eric Schmidt.

Your guilty pleasure on the island?
A TIRAMISU and a LIMONCELLO after dinner. I eat pasta there every day which I wouldn’t do at home.

Thank you, Mr. Hilfiger, for sharing your insider scoop on Capri with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger, © Sandra Bauknecht and the different locations

The Mediterranean love story of Dolce & Gabbana’s LIGHT BLUE fragrances returns with a fascinating new chapter. This time, the two lovers chart a new course, with Italian model Bianca Balti cast as a classic Mediterranean beauty who takes the lead in a game of seduction. She is irresistible to the gorgeous David Gandy.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are extremely proud of Light Blue’s legacy, which includes several fragrance awards. Light Blue was also featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York as one of the century’s most groundbreaking scents.

Bianca Balti’s character portrays the Italian femme fatale in perfection.

Light Blue Pour Femme is available as EdT 50ml (€ 69), 100ml (€ 93), Shower Gel 200ml (€ 34), Body Cream 200ml (€ 36) and Deodorant Spray 150ml (€ 34).

David Gandy celebrates his third Light Blue advertising campaign with this episode.

Light Blue Pour Homme is available as EdT 40ml (€ 49), 75ml (€ 61), 125ml (€ 86), Shower Gel 200ml (€ 28), Deodorant Spray 150ml (€ 28) and Deodorant Stick 75g (€ 28).

The advertising campaign features the glittering sapphire blue waters of Capri and was shot by Mario Testino. This time the imagery has a retro Mediterranean look, with Bianca dressed in a 50s style bikini of high-waisted briefs and a balcony bra, like the seaside fashion of Capri when Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy holidayed there. The island has always been one of Italy’s most beautiful summer playgrounds and the backdrop to many great love affairs.

Below you can enjoy some exclusive behind the scenes shots. David and Bianca look so stunning together… I love it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

GABRIELLA SCARPA

The CEO and President of Acqua di Parma, Country General Manager for LVMH Italy Perfumes and Cosmetics and Dior Couture lives in Milan and travels a lot. Her favourite destination, of course, her home country: Bella Italia
“Wherever you are, the lifestyle is there.”

Your favourite region: TUSCANY
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There you have everything you want: The wonderful panorama with stunning hills, flowers and colours. You breathe good air and have fantastic restaurants, trattorias and nice people.

Your favourite restaurant: DA CAINO, Via della Chiesa, 4, Montemerano, 58050 Manciano (GR), + 39 3273594882
I love to go to Da Caino in South Tuscany, which is close to the Hotel Terme di Saturnia. It is rated two Michelin stars and very famous. It is in Montemerano, a pictoresque old little town where you can also find fantastic family-managed trattorias.

Your favourite place to stay in Italy: RELAIS TENUTA PALAZZACCIO, Asciano, +39 0577 718600
It is an old, recently restored tower of the fifteenth century, managed by a family with only few rooms that offer all the modern comforts without missing the charm and magic of its secular history. The panorama is to die for with the unique contour of the Crete Senesi embracing you. The best is to go there with friends and to take all the place. Moreover you have fantastic places to eat being in the midst of the Chianti and Montalcino area, the home the best red vines.

Your favourite souvenir: LOCAL PRODUCTS like red vine, prosciutto and olive oil

Your must-see in Italy: CAPRI
It is very fascinating.When you visit this small, beautiful island, you are going to live an experience. It’s different from other places, there is no mass tourism.

Your favourite hotel in Capri: HOTEL QUISISANA CAPRI SPA RESORT, Via Camerelle, 2, Capri, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite city in Italy: ROME
It has so much culture and an inspiring atmosphere.

Your favourite travel accessory: An ACQUA DI PARMA BAG, of course!
Those luggages are so easy to use, very practical, of great quality while being very elegant.

Thank you, Gabriella, for sharing your insider scoop on Italy with us!

LoL, Sandra

Anne Hathaway grabbed attention yesterday at the European Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in London in a stunning  shimmering gown from Gucci’s Resort 2013 collection. The long-awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is released worldwide tomorrow.

Speaking of Gucci Resort 2013, Frida Giannini seeked inspiration from a glorious 60s and 70s inspired getaway in Capri. Filled with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, the designer plays with the iconic Flora print. The colours are divine, from vintage-like sorbet shades to earthy tones of beige, brown and black. Embroideries and embellishments on the neckline resemble a summer bouquet. I would love to have every single look!

It is so Bon Chic. Bon Genre!

LoL. Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Getty Images