Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from Bagatelle Beach in St. Tropez, which is one of my favorite beach clubs in the world. Such great memories from a sunny weekend with ASW for the Asmallworld Summer Weekend. Wearing Missoni is always a great choice to cater to both, beach life and party.

My look: Ombré crochet-knit cardigan, Elisabetta crochet-knit wide-leg jumpsuit, and Elisabetta crochet-knit bandeau bikini, all by Missoni, Rockstud rubber sandals by Valentino, leather bag with logo by Moschino, Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors, key necklace, pearl necklace, candy necklace and matching candy bracelet, all by Chanel, Diorette daisy necklace and Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, pink, green and orange by Dior Joaillerie, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Balenciaga’s green dollar–print shirt offers a sublime example of Demna Gvasalia‘s reinvention of timeless house codes. Convertible and layered, it can be worn in different ways –  one of my favorite pieces of the season. In Switzerland you can find a great selection at Trois Pommes.

My look: Newspaper dollar bill print convertible layered poplin shirt, and Fuseau stirrup trousers, both by Balenciaga, black calf leather lace up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent, shopping tote (S/S 2009) and handbag raincoat, both by Chanel, and Le Chapeau Vallauris felt hat by Jacquemus, heart diamond necklace by Cartier, daisy necklace and Rose des Vents bracelet, 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise, both by Dior Fine Jewellery, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold cuff by Tiffany & Co. and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For a long time, the sun was the celestial body to be avoided. But, defiant and liberated from convention, Gabrielle Chanel decided that bronze would be her colour: one of freedom, leisure, and in a word, life. In Deauville, then in Biarritz and Cannes, the designer opened boutiques, located a few steps from the beachside. In love with the coast and outdoor life, a few years later in 1928 she acquired some land in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on which she had her villa La Pausa built and where she welcomed her family and artist friends.

Coco Chanel, Misia Sert and Mme Philippe Berthelot on The Beach, Lido Venice.

Gabrielle Chanel had started creating collections calibrated for the dolce vita of beachside resorts, jersey outfits in Deauville from 1912 and fluid knits with supple lines in Biarritz from 1915. Among them the silk blouses with wide collars, inspired by sailors and worn by the designer herself, become a signature of this lifestyle. With its view over the Mediterranean and vast Provencal garden, La Pausa was a home port, a stopover between stays on one of the yachts belonging to the Duke of Westminster and the perfect setting for this casual chic outdoor wardrobe.

Coco Chanel, wearing «beach pyjamas», with Duke Laurino of Rome, in 1930 – a great example how Breton tops and nautical style sailed into our wardrobes.

Today Karl Lagerfeld honours this art of living, so dear to Gabrielle Chanel. The designer gives it a renewed vision, infused with youth and stylish energy. While in every collection there’s been surf and paddleboards, ping pong bats and other summer sport accessories, now COCO BEACH DE CHANEL sees the light of day, a ready-to-wear and accessory collection conceived for the beach and seaside resorts.

Chanel S/S 2018

For S/S 2018, swimming costumes and two-pieces, dresses, playsuits and terrycloth shorts but also outfits in fringed denim or belted striped sailor tops in ecru and burgundy silk make up this sporty line. Buttons are stamped with marine anchors while the iconic quilting is printed on jersey, and red, pink or black denim. Sailor’s bags held with the classic chain interlaced with leather, bowling bags, camera cases and clutches, coloured espadrilles with black toe caps complete this collection of swimwear and beachwear.

Another look from Chanel’s  S/S 2018 runway. 

Dedicated to life by the sea, this COCO BEACH DE CHANEL collection will only be available in a selection of CHANEL boutiques, naturally located in beachside resorts: Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Cannes and Nice for France, then Barcelona and Capri for Europe. Other holiday resorts drenched in sun all year round like Palm Beach, Santa Fe, Honolulu and Dubai as well as certain spots in Australia, Brazil, Japan, China, Singapore, Korea and Turkey will also receive the collection, available from mid-June through to September.

Chanel’s pop-up boutique in St. Tropez

From that first dive into the ocean at dawn to toes buried in the sand at dusk, this collection encapsulates the sun, life by the beach and the great outdoors. It’s the signature of a lifestyle dedicated to sunlight.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Under the impetus of Karl Lagerfeld, CHANEL presents the first ever Coco Neige collection. A logical continuation of both Gabrielle Chanel’s love of the open air and the regular presence of sportswear in the CHANEL collections. A few years ago, the House even launched its own skis and snowboards. So today Karl Lagerfeld wanted to go a step further and create an entire line devoted to winter sports, designed for the slopes and the après-ski. 

Chanel skis and snowboards launched a few years ago

Coco Neige revisits the mountains by combining it with the codes of CHANEL: masculine/feminine inspiration, tweed and leather and quilting work set the tone for this line with its slender and sporty silhouettes. Satin, wool, fringed tweed, velvet, denim and leather are paired with waterproof and windproof materials, with heat-sealed seams and reinforced protection to take full advantage of the slopes and the après-ski terraces. Discretion is of course key: Coco Neige instils the attitude and the style of CHANEL through a palette of black and white with flashes here and there of blue and fuchsia. The camellia, the braid, the collar and pocket of the suit jacket all appear in a refined sobriety. 

Gloves in black leather and black and ecru tweed

Each item is made for skiing and boarding, allowing for maximum comfort and a great freedom of movement. The high collars of the parkas and the down jackets protect from the wind, the trousers and salopettes fit the legs beautifully, flaring out to cover ski-boots, while the jackets perfectly cover the lower back. 

Brooch in gold metal, black and white resin and white fantasy pearls

A hint of childhood memories is in the air with the slim-fit sweaters, the gilets with mountain motifs, the ribbed knit balaclavas, the crests and medals in the shape of snowflakes. Suede mittens, denim caps, nylon ushankas and wool berets add an urban touch to the collection. 

Short boots in beige leather

As for shoes, two-tone booties in shearling, mountain shoes with hooks and laces in tweed or in nylon, and boots in long-haired fur have all been designed for strolling through the ski resort. The bags play the high-altitude café terrace game: backpacks and shoppers in quilted nylon and shearling, and the 11.12 bag in suede braided with wool rub shoulders with a down-filled soft nylon line embossed tone on tone with the name CHANEL. 

Backpack in black leather and nylon and ecru wool

Finally, the eyewear, designed especially for the mountains. A pilot frame with 18-carat white gold lenses guarantees maximum protection against the rays of the sun and the luminosity of the snow. Its titanium structure ensures high impact resistance, protects the skin from the cold and is hypoallergenic. Its cable-style temples are curved for perfect support. Removable covers in quilted black, white, raspberry, pine green and grey blue lambskin embellish the frames. A pair of XS black ski goggles are elegantly simple with a CHANEL signed adjustable strap and can be worn with a helmet. When it comes to relaxing, a pair of sunglasses with a shield structure combine gradated black or silver mirror lenses with wide temples in black quilted leather embellished with the CC logo. 

Ushanka in navy blue polyamide and fuchsia tweed

With Coco Neige, Karl Lagerfeld imagines a collection that’s as aesthetic as it is sporty. Discover the nineteen silhouettes imbued with the style and the allure of CHANEL in boutiques from July 2018. 

LoL, Sandra

Brooch in gold metal, black and white resin and strass

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Greetings from beautiful and sunny Champagne where I spent some amazing days as guest of Moët & Chandon. I cannot wait to share with you this outstanding experience about champagne making. Here you see me in the Moët & Chardon L’Orangerie gardens in Epernay.

My look: Appliquéd cable-knit wool cardigan, tropical print silk cape shirt, tropical print pajama pants, and Ace embroidered low-top sneakers, all by Gucci. «Paris Cosmopolite» Pré-fall 2017 Métiers d’Art Gabrielle bag by Chanel and Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My search for the perfect day to night dress was over when I found this gorgeous embellished one. Mini stands in this case for minimal dressing effort with a huge effect. This showstopper makes a sharp and chic style statement. Combined with my favorite clutch ever, the Chanel cigar box, I love wearing it around the clock.

My look: Ruffle trimmed single breasted wool coat by Gucci, Showmanship Dark Rush dress by Mary Katrantzou, suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent, and cigar box clutch by Chanel from the Coco Cuba Croisière 2017 collection. Tribale earrings by Dior and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Last week in London, I wore one of my favorite dresses by Mary Katrantzou. The so-called Knight dress draws inspiration from vintage 1960s ties. Its striped bodice opens to a pleated skirt decorated with an array of typical animal prints you would see on an Hermès tie. Have you ever thought of transforming your hubby’s old ties into something new for you?! Might be worth the thought… If you are wondering why I am wearing such chunky boots, it was raining cats and dogs.

The photos were taken in my beautiful Belgravia Suite at the COMO The Halkin. A hotel review will be coming up shortly.

My look: Knight tie-neck graphic-print dress by Mary Katrantzou, Ceinture cut-out leather ankle boots by Balenciaga, black cardigan by Miu Miu, patchwork flap bag by Chanel (Resort 2011).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew back from London Heathrow filled with amazing memories from Fashion Week that I will soon share with you. When I am flying, I like to be comfy but still look stylish. Leather leggings and a striped sweater are one of my favorite combinations and the trending baker boy cap adds a little French touch!

My look: Double-breasted wool-blend felt coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere striped sweater by Chloé, skinny leather pants by Gucci, large classic flap bag in caviar leather and long bi-colour scarf, both by Chanel, metal chain necklace by Prada, baker boy cap by Dolce & Gabbana, and corset-style booties by Valentino. Trolley by Victorinox.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love Valentine’s Day and always enjoy prepping the ultimate outfit. While classic reds and pinks are a quintessential choice, I’m loving the subtle hearts and little pops of color. The unexpected message on the Dolce box bag will definitely steal your heart!

My look: Perfecto leather biker jacket and Janis leather platform pumps with chains, both by Saint Laurent, vintage heart print chiffon dress by Moschino Cheap & Chic, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, heart shaped earrings by Chanel and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

Don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day contest with Dyson!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht