Sandra‘s Closet

Here comes the coolest collaboration of this summer. Dior joins forces with Vespa to create an exclusive scooter and a range of matching accessories, celebrating the sunny spirit and art of living of the two houses that were founded in the same year, in 1946.

Out of this passionate dialogue, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter comes to life, its monohull architecture and subtle graphic lines paying tribute to the heritage of the two brands. A symbol of refinement, this object of desire reflects their shared commitment to the excellence of savoir-faire and virtuoso art of detail.

A contemporary version of the iconic Vespa 946 – presented in 2012 in Milan and recognized for its elegant, streamlined curves and technological innovation – the new model was designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections. The scooter is made in Italy, adhering to the exacting standards, commitment and precision of a couture atelier.

Echoing the design of the saddle, a top case patterned with the Dior Oblique motif – designed by Marc Bohan in 1967 – is specially designed to be fixed on the luggage rack, adding a distinctive allure. A helmet adorned with the same iconic motif rounds out the unique range.

Symbols of escape to new horizons, these limited-edition creations will launch in spring 2021 in Dior boutiques around the world and subsequently in a selection of Piaggio Group’s Motoplex stores. The accessories, including the helmet and top case, will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Please meet Bobby, my new It-bag. Presented first on the F/W 2020 runway, a new bag of timeless modernity and a subtle tribute to Christian Dior’s beloved pet dog. Another must-have piece created by Maria Grazia Chiuri that has found its place in my closet.

My look: Military patch jacket by Polo Ralph Lauren, «The Brutal Journey of the Heart» T-Shirt, and medium Bobby bag in latte, both by Dior, Jumpy ruffled leather skinny pants by Isabel Marant, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakers by Gucci, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

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

Gosh, how much I enjoy those hot and sunny temperatures. I am such a summer girl – wearing hot pants and a great top is always easy, comfy and fun. In case you’re wondering, where the term «hot pants» is coming from, here is a quick explanation. No, they aren’t called «hot pants» just because women look «hot» in them. Which we most certainly do, of course!

The name is aligned with a movement of women who broke out of the accepted forms of women’s dress embracing all their curves for the first time in the ’50s and rose to new heights in the ’70s. It was hot shocking hot news at that time! And still today, the style proves its place as one of the most diverse and controversial fashion trends.

In order to avoid crossing the fine line between fashion and faux pas when putting on those short shorts, consider the occasion well you are wearing them to! Having fun on the playground in my garden is definitely one that is suitable. Just saying….

My look: Udalia fringed paneled Lyocell and cotton-blend vest, Eneida frayed denim shorts, and shell and beaded bracelet, all by Isabel Marant, Go Logo Rider 35 leather ankle boots by Valentino, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Nina striped leather tote and matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover, both by Gabriela Hearst, J’adior bracelet set in black and white Dior Oblique cotton by Dior, chain necklace with heart charm by CHANEL, and Pasha C chronograph in steel (2000) by Cartier.

In order not to miss out, don’t forget that you can order those beautiful Gabriela Hearst totes only until July 13, 2020 HERE. 10% of the profits from the sale of the bags will go to The Save the Children Fund.

LoL, Sandra

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

Gentlemen, here are some Dior must-haves for you as well. For the men’s F/W 2020 runway show in Miami, Dior and Kim Jones partnered with Jordan Brand to unveil the limited-edition Air Jordan 1 High OG Dior sneaker. A collection of ready-to-wear and accessories completes the collaboration, and a low version of the Air Jordan 1 OG Dior rounds out the range.

«I love mixing together different worlds, different ideas – Jordan Brand and Dior are both emblematic of absolute excellence in their fields. To bring them together in this special collaboration is to propose something exciting and truly new,» states Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Dior men’s collections.

A palette of gentle shades brings together the House’s exceptional tailoring expertise with a 1980s American sportswear feel, inspired by the legendary Michael Jordan. The collection balances timeless silhouettes from the Jordan and Dior vaults while bringing new life to classic sport styles. Relaxed, minimalistic wool suits reflect the art of detail according to Dior. Punctuated with buttons signed with the Air Dior logo, the blazers sport subtle blue and white striped linings. A bomber jacket reprises the emblem on its back and displays the Jumpman logo – recognized the world over – on its sleeve. It is paired with silk shorts decorated with a graphic motif featuring the «CD» initials.

A gray suede hoodie also sports these new logos in perforated or embossed versions created using precise, meticulous techniques. The Dior Oblique motif – a powerful, timeless code – for the first time adorns the linings of the designs, made in Italy. Cashmere or sleeveless sweaters, shirts and polo shirts as well as pants affirm a new look, inspired by the NBA champion’s style and his sensitivity to twists of audacity coupled with elegance. Four leather goods pieces – including a pouch and a wallet – as well as bob hats, necklaces and jacquard ties complement these must-have looks, while square silk scarves subtly combine the toile de Jouy and Wings prints.

In stores now. You better hurry up…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior 

Dior has some renowned looks that you should consider adding to your wardrobe. The Bar jacket is one of them, an iconic New Look piece, created by Christian Dior in 1947. Reinterpreted by Maria Grazia Chiuri for S/S 2020, it is made from Tussah silk with Dior’s iconic textured houndstooth pattern. I love wearing it with the matching corolla skirt, as presented on the runway. So chic, so feminine and so French …

My look: Houndstooth tussah silk double-breasted bar jacket, and matching
Houndstooth jacquard midi skirt, and rope belt, all by Dior, tweed cap by CHANEL, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag by Hermès, Love bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here comes your next It-bag. Presented first on the F/W 2020 runway, Dior unveils Dior Bobby, a new bag of timeless modernity and a subtle tribute to Christian Dior’s beloved pet dog. Another must-have piece created by Maria Grazia Chiuri because the simplicity in its design is precisely what makes this bag so versatile.

The Dior Bobby is a hobo style showcasing sophisticated lines and harmonious proportions.
It’s available in three sizes – small, medium, large – and in four colours – black, white, camel, and of course, the signature blue Dior Oblique canvas that is still all the rage in fashion. It has a flexible suede interior, and is enhanced by antique gold-finish metal hardware. Its removable and adjustable shoulder strap has a military-inspired buckle, and allows it to be carried on the shoulder or crossbody, as well as by hand.

In stores Mid July! So get yourself on the wait list now! I am going for the middle sized one in camel below. Isn’t it so pretty?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Whether you consider them primarily as jewelry pieces or timepieces, rainbow watches have been adding some serious color to the luxury watch landscape lately. Here are the most beautiful rainbow watches to chase right now as the trend has been championed by the big major brands including Rolex, Chopard, and Hublot, which over the past few years have released timepieces with a florid gradient of precious or semiprecious stones on the bezel and even on the bracelet.

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW IN EVEROSE GOLD

Rolex SA helped pioneer the rainbow bezel trend on mechanical timepieces. With three versions of a rainbow Daytona watch in different types of gold, the ­company has racked up a waiting list for each since introducing them in 2012. In 2018, my favorite version in Everose gold was introduced at Baselworld.

Not only does the bezel present 36 baguette-cut sapphires, but the dial also sports 11 rainbow-colored sapphires as indexes. The 40mm timepiece gets an exclamation point by way of a midcase encrusted with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Price upon request.

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD DOUBLE BALANCE OPENWORKED RAINBOW

Presented in 2019 at SIHH, the 18-karat frosted-gold piece features 32 baguette-cut sapphires running in color sequence around the bezel. That’s 2.24 carats of precious stones on the 37mm skeletonized wristwatch.
Price upon request.

FRANCK MULLER RAINBOW INVISIBLE SETTING TOURBILLON

This stunning watch has 230 baguette diamonds and 61 baguette-coloured sapphires set in white gold. It incorporates 122 baguette-cut diamonds at 7.99 carats and 21 baguette-cut coloured sapphires at 2.48 carats into the dial alone, as well as another 108 7.27 carat baguette-cut diamonds and 40 baguette-cut 8.44 carat coloured sapphires into the case.

The exposed Tourbillon mechanism is surrounded by another round of colored sapphires. It contrasts against the glistening clear design of the diamond dial with touches of gold and silver-toned hardware detailing the mechanics. The complex horological movement is designed to improve accuracy and commonly features on some of the world’s most expensive watches.
Price upon request.

JACOB & CO BRILLIANT FULL BAGUETTE RAINBOW

Set in 18K white gold, the watch is invisibly set with 226 baguette multi-coloured sapphires at around 16.38 ct., the crown is set with 12 baguette multi-coloured sapphires and one rose cut sapphire at around 0.14 ct.. Limited to 18 individually numbered pieces.
Price upon request.

HUBLOT BIG BANG ONE CLICK RAINBOW KING GOLD

Almost all of these rainbow watches showcase the same clockwise color gradient: Red is at 12 o’clock, and the colors run around to violet at 11. Hublot SA’s 39-millimeter Big Bang variation runs counterclockwise. But truly, is there any one way to make a rainbow?

473 brilliant-cut gem stones in pop colors, this joyful watch also welcomes the colors of the rainbow onto its iconic strap, a fusion of natural rubber and alligator leather. Thanks to its patented «One Click» interchangeable strap, the 39mm Big Bang Rainbow can even match its color to that of your It-Bag with a snap of the fingers.
CHF 78.000

BREITLING LIMITED RAINBOW SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE ’57

Originally dating back to 1957, the SuperOcean was a laid-back and fun dive watch.

Decades later, the new SuperOcean Heritage ‘57, launched last week by Breitling in a limited edition of 250, embodies every bit of that Bohemian presence yet updates the watch with modern specs and some special rainbow colors. Sitting at 42mm on the wrist, it features a ceramic bezel ring, Breitling’s COSC-certified Caliber 10 movement (42 hours power reserve), and 100 meters of water resistance. The most reasonable in price of all those watches.
CHF 4550.00

CHOPARD IMPERIALE JOAILLERIE RAINBOW 

Flaunting 581 sapphires totaling 47.98 carats, it took more than 1,000 hours of work solely to get the gem-setting portion of this high-jewelry rose gold watch right. And it’s not just the 40mm case, bezel, and dial of the automatic Chopard Imperiale Joaillerie Rainbow that shines bright with a kaleidoscope of sapphires — the bracelet is a veritable work of art too, featuring links set with different hued gems to get the rich gradient effect.

The watch is powered by Chopard’s 01.03-C calibre mechanical self-winding movement, and features an excellent 60-hour power reserve.
Price upon request.

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER TONDA 1950 FLYING TOURBILLON DOUBLE RAINBOW

Parmigiani Fleurier SA, a smaller company known for elegance and complications, presents its new radiant tourbillon that illuminates a shower of diamonds, revealing a double rainbow over a scintillating aventurine night sky.

This haute horlogerie timepiece, driven by the in-house ultra-thin PF517 movement, features a double gradient of extraordinary colors and represents a fine example of Parmigiani Fleurier’s skill in marrying the arts of watchmaking and jewelry.

DIOR GEM DIOR SECRET WATCH

The dial on this outstanding piece, designed by Victoria de Castellane, hides behind a movable, jewelled facade and is an explosion of colour. The yellow-gold bracelet is set with a variety of shapes and sizes of tsavorite, spinel, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds and tanzanite.
Price upon request.

Isn’t one watch more beautiful than the other… let me know which one is your favorite! I am definitely going for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow in Everose Gold.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here is my recent interview for GLOBUS Magazine about my beauty favorites, available in German and French. Click here to read it online. My avid readers will know them already… below you find the six products that I cannot live without and why is that…

1 The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask x 6 by La Mer
My secret for an immediate glow, especially after a long distance flight.
2 The Moisturizing Soft Cream, 60ml by La Mer
My everyday must for the prefect hydrated skin.
3 Lavender Extrême Eau de Parfum, 50ml by Tom Ford
I have fallen in love with this very special scent as it reminds me of my beautiful trip to the lavender fields in Gordes.
4 So Intense Mascara – 1 Deep Black by Sisley Paris
My favorite mascara of all.
5 Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – Medium by NARS
The best base to make your eyeshadows last forever.
6 Lip Glow – 006 Berry by Dior
An amazing lip product to look fresh in one second.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht, © Virgile Guinard for Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Victoire de Castellane’s creations continue the sparkling story started by Christian Dior himself: a story of femininity, elegance and refinement, adorned with delicately rendered boldness.

«Yes… A word whispered in your ear, a muffled cry that lies upon your neck… The Oui collection reveals a selfish pleasure, a precious gift or a commitment to life.»
Victoire de Castellane

Oui earrings in yellow gold with diamonds, € 1500

Now, the jewelry designer expanded the Dior «oui» collection, which means «yes» in English, featurings rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces that spell out romantic French phrases.

Oui double ring in yellow gold with diamonds, € 1600

There’s for example a pink gold double ring that says «je t’aime» (I love you), dotted with diamonds; a pair of yellow gold earrings that feature the word «toi» (you) on one side, «moi» (me) on the other; and a diamond-embellished «oui» bracelet and necklace, which come in 18k gold in pink gold.

Oui earrings in yellow gold with diamonds, € 1500

Oui double ring in yellow gold with diamonds, € 1600

And don’t be shy. The cursive font used in the collection also lets you wear several pieces together,  make a statement by stringing together different rings, one on each finger.

Oui bracelet in pink gold with diamond, € 1000

Oui collier in pink gold with diamond, € 1200

I truly hope that my better half reads my blog 🙂 …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Last night, the awards season officially closed with the 2020 Oscars. The biggest ceremony of the year, now in its 92nd year, was once again being held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Renée Zellweger in Armani Privé

Some of our favorite A-list nominees were all in attendance, in the hopes of taking home one of the industry’s highest honors: that iconic golden trophy. Renée Zellweger (Judy) in Armani Privé and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) in the Stella McCartney suit he’s been wearing all season long, won the best actor categories this year.

Joaquin Phoenix in Stella McCartney

Phoenix was not alone showing his environmentalism. The entertainment industry’s push for a more sustainable awards season has made its way to the Oscars red carpet. Vintage dresses made an appearance, following past award show mandates this month, such as the BAFTAs, that have enforced a more eco-conscious dress code.

Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

Saoirse Ronan recycled part of her BAFTA’s Gucci dress for the 92nd Academy Awards red carpet.

Elizabeth Banks in Badgley Mischka

Pitch Perfect star Elizabeth Banks wore the same fire-red dress by Badgley Mischka that she had worn at the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She just had removed the jewelry straps in the back.

Kaitlyn Dever in Louis Vuitton

Kaitlyn Dever supported the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative in a custom red Louis Vuitton gown made with ethically sourced and sustainable materials.

Jane Fonda in Elie Saab

Jane Fonda repeated her Cannes Film Festival 2014 outfit at the Oscars 2020 and she has a solid reason to do so. Dressed in an Elie Saab F/W 2013 Haute Couture gown, Jane, ethereal as ever, presented the Best Picture Oscar on stage at the Dolby Theatre. She also carried a red coat that has a deeper meaning behind. In 2019, Fonda, who had been a lifelong activist, had been arrested five times in Washington, D.C. for civil disobedience during her climate action campaign. While addressing the crowd, Jane had said that she will refrain from buying new clothes henceforth. This is why she repeated not just her Cannes outfit at the Oscars but the coat as well. «You see this coat? I needed something red and I went out and found this coat on sale. This is the last article of clothing that I will ever buy,» Jane had said on November 1.

And there was another strong message, Jane Fonda sent down the aisle this award season. When the 82-year old stepped onstage, there was something different about her: Instead of the Hollywood legend’s natural brunette, or the sandy blonde hair colour, her new pixie cut was a beautiful shade of silver. Fair or not, gray hair is not considered an option in La La Land. Going against certain beauty norms in regard to aging in Hollywood, this move is fitting considering the actress is as radical as ever.

Natalie Portman in Dior

Natalie Portman made another important statement about the state of Hollywood, that was stitched into her beautiful cloak. The actress stepped onto the red carpet in a Maria Grazia Chiuri designed embroidered Dior gown and matching cape that paid tribute to cinema’s female creators who weren’t nominated, such as Lorene Scafaria, Greta Gerwig, and Lulu Wang.

The craftsmanship of Portman’s Haute Couture gown is breathtaking. Have a look at the behind the scene photos below… investing in a beautiful piece of clothing and keeping it is a message I have tried to convey since ever. Sustainability was the one theme that ran throughout the Oscars while there was no shortage of glamour.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior, via Vogue/Getty