Sandra‘s Closet

While being in Cuba with Chanel I attended a dinner party at Atelier restaurant. This is an iconic restaurant in Vedado with great food and decorated by original art.
Calle 5ta., No. 511 altos, entre Paseo y 2 | Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba, + 537 836 2025

My look: Floral print dress with lace ruffles by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, black cardigan by Miu Miu, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, gold-tone crystal bracelet, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal, all by Gucci and pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I had come back from Havana right on time for Mother’s Day. My daughter really spoilt me on Sunday and I am so proud to be her mum. To celebrate the occasion, I chose this outfit as Dolce & Gabbana’s collections are often celebrating the Italian famiglia and the print on my skirt is based on drawings by the designers’ nieces and nephews.

My look: Neon pink silk top by Balenciaga, printed silk-satin midi skirt and Sicily medium appliquéd embellished textured-leather tote, both by Dolce & Gabbana, feather-winged suede sandals by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo, feline earrings with crystals by Gucci, bangles by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One week offline… internet in Cuba is characterized by a low connections, limited bandwidth, censorship, and high cost. But now I am back from Havana and filled with amazing memories that I cannot wait to share with you. The city is full of beautiful colors and the vibrant walls were the perfect background to shoot this beautiful Temperley London dress that was inspired by Cuba.

My look: Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London, fringed tweed bag, candy necklace and bracelet, all by Chanel, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen, Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel

Many of my readers have been asking me about a business look with a certain twist. As one of the big summer trends is incorporating lingerie in your daily wardrobe, I exchanged the stereotype white shirt into a feminine lace top which looks sophisticated and elegant under a blazer. A great selection of such camisoles can be found at ZIMMERLI. The one I am wearing in this post has some small pieces of art hidden within the airy embellished ribs. The light and breathable fabric is soft as silk and pliant as cashmere.

My look: Tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, lace top by Zimmerli, cropped wool-crepe pants by Alexander McQueen, Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi, Christy leather point-toe flats by Aquazzura, tote bag by Karl Lagerfeld, pearl earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The first days of spring, this is a time I truly adore. Here you see me on my way to a spring picnic with friends. Bohemian, hippy style has been all the rage lately. I have always been a huge fan of long floral dresses, perfect for the change of the seasons.

My look: Leather-trimmed shearling gilet, printed silk-chiffon dress, lace-up suede knee boots, studded leather belt and Monogram fringed shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, «Dior Split» sunglasses by Dior, earrings and cocktail ring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Cara Delevingne as the face of the S/S 2016 CHANEL eyewear campaign. Since 2012, the young actress has been a close friend of the House and of Karl Lagerfeld. She has walked the runway several times and appeared in different campaigns.

For the S/S 2016 eyewear campaign, she sports a very urban and contemporary look wearing pieces from the CHANEL AIRLINES ready-to-wear collection. The new must-have shades have been presented on the catwalk last October during the S/S 2016 show: an ultra-graphic, mirrored mask with a quilting effect engraved by laser.

Other eyewear models for this summer are:

The Plein Soleil 2016 collection revisits the two-tone – an emblematic House signature – and is inspired by tie-dye motifs. The colours subtly melt into the acetate, sliding progressively from black into blue on the cat-eye sunglasses, and from black into white on an oval optical.

The Bijou 2016 eyewear collection draws inspiration from another CHANEL code: the camellia. The temples of the butterfly shaped sunglasses and a cat-eye optical are adorned with an abundance of camellias in metal and enamel.

The campaign has been shot by Karl Lagerfeld and is expected to be released in April 2016.

#ChanelSunglasses
#ChanelSpringSummer2016

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Mid February, St. Moritz hosted for the first time a Swiss Red Cross Gala, also marking the 150th anniversary of this institution. In celebration of this great cause, the iconic White Turf tent was supposed to be the stunning location on the frozen lake to welcome over 300 guests from the business, economic, political and cultural worlds. Unfortunately due to the warm weather conditions, the event had to shift to Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, ice cube bag and pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

The evening’s theme was: «clean water for every day». The gala’s proceeds will therefore go towards helping the victims of forgotten disasters and the water program in Nepal.
Clean drinking water and functioning sewage treatment systems are things we take for granted in Switzerland. They are part of our lives. However, the daily lives of well over 700 million people around the world are very different. They have no access to even a minimum of clean water.

If you would like to donate something to the Swiss Red Cross, please find herewith the details:

Credit Suisse AG, 8070 Zurich
BIC: CRESCHZZ30A IBAN: CH35 0483 5082 7306 1100 1
Endorsement: SRC Gala 2016

Thank you for your donation!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

Oh yes, Los Angeles is for lovers… for lovers of all things beautiful. This special ambiance the city on the West Coast has is unbeatable. Here you see me at my hotel Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood and later at my favorite restaurant for lunch, Ivy on Roberston Blvd.

My look: Cropped fine-knit cardigan by Alaïa, embellished silk dress and metallic leather boots, both by Gucci, velvet Boy Bag in burgundy and sunglasses, both by Chanel, jewelry and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Some of my readers might recognize this dress and the clutch as well as the coat, but you have never seen me wearing it together. I love when I spot great new combinations in my closet. Sometimes we think we desperately need something new and forget about all the treasures hidden in our wardrobes. Happy searching!

My look during Haute Couture Week in Paris in the end of January: Soft pink mink coat with flower intarsia and red leather boots, both by Prada, Aubine embellished satin-twill dress and Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney, heart earrings by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Would be a lovely Valentine’s Day outfit as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht