Sandra‘s Closet

I am a passionate traveller and quite frankly of course I love to fly Business or First Class and stay in amazing hotels. But needless to say, I also like not to spend too much. Recently, ASMALLWORLD created the ultimate travel memberships for the discerning traveller of which two have caught my attention.

First the PRESTIGE membership that helps you to travel the world in style. Here is a summary of what is included in this package for €5200:
• 250000 Miles & More or Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status (with Etihad only)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘SilverSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Platinum’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Gold for sign-ups until July 2nd

Travelling in style in First Class

Personally speaking, as I am living in Zurich, the Miles & More offer included in the PRESTIGE membership seems extremely attractive as they buy you up to 2 return Business Class Tickets from Zurich to Los Angeles which would normally cost around €13000 which means you have already redeemed the fee you paid for the whole package.

Always worth a trip: California

The additional perks are also amazing such as the SPG Gold status which gives you upgrades and late check-outs in a wide range of hotels from the cool W hotels to the distinguished St. Regis resorts of the world.

Second the SIGNATURE membership which is the ultimate by invitation only travel membership and provides you with the following features for €19950 + €2000 induction fee:
• 1 Million Etihad Guest Miles
• Etihad Guest ‘Gold’ status for yourself and your
nominee (two in total)
• World’s Finest Clubs ‘Premium Private’ membership
• DragonPass airport lounge access ‘Prestige’
• Global Hotel Alliance ‘Discovery Black’ status
• Mr & Mrs Smith ‘GoldSmith’ status
• SIXT ‘Diamond’ status
• ASMALLWORLD membership
• Limited-offer: SPG Platinum for sign-ups until July 2nd

Enjoying a drink on board while flying to the Middle East

The SIGNATURE membership is definitely the right choice for members travelling to the Middle East as it comes with 1m Etihad Guest Miles which buy you up to 5 First Class return flights from Zurich to Abu Dhabi. On top, you enjoy the SPG Platinum status which is the royal status of all hotel programs.

ASW Members enjoy the good life! This is why ASMALLWORLD offers their members many exclusive privileges from great partners. If you are interested in an invitation to ASMALLWORLD or the travel memberships, apply online or send me an e-mail to as I am happy to provide Sandra’s Closet readers this amazing opportunity (Disclosure: I know the Chairman of ASMALLWORLD very well :-)).

Stay tuned as I will be in St. Tropez for the ASW Summer Weekend end of May… life is so much better when you can travel and share the good moments and memories!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ASMALLWORLD, © David Biedert Photography
© David Shama and © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, the 11th Zurich Film Festival came to an end. I was invited by Etihad Airways to attend the Award Night at Zurich’s opera house, followed by a dinner and the after party. To honor my host of the night, I went for an oriental look combined with some vintage Chanel accessories that I got many years ago in Monaco. Red is always a great choice for an evening gown, are you RED-y or not?

© Adityans Photography

My look: Jewel-embellished stretch-crepe gown by Alexander McQueen, wide studded belt by Matthew Williamson, vintage clutch and earrings with eagle embellishments, both by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images / Luca Teuchmann, © Getty Images/ Andreas Rentz, © Adityans Photography, © Zurichsee Connections, © Sandra Bauknecht

Born in Paris, CATHERINE SARR was raised in France in a Beninese home from where her interest in jewellery began. After graduating, her passion led her to venture to London where she discovered and promoted the art of craftsmanship from around the world. She worked for various luxury brands, including several years spent at De Beers Group where she curated one-of-a-kind international jewellery collections. Inspired by the history of ancient kingdoms and Africa’s rich ornament heritage, her newly launched brand ALMASIKA (available at Colette in Paris and Meister in Zurich among others) fuses iconic motifs with an international sensibility. Living part time in ABU DHABI, she shares her favourite spots with us.

Your favourite city?
ABU DHABI is one of my favourite places. I like the tranquil feel and outstanding venues.

Your favourite hotel?
The ST REGIS HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND. The open sea view when you enter the resort is simply outstanding! You feel rested just by looking at the turquoise water.
Saadiyat Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 498 8888

Your favourite restaurant?
Michelin star restaurant – CATALAN at the Rosewood Hotel in Sowwah Square. The restaurant serves fantastic seafood.
Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 813 5550

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
CARAMEL LOUNGE – You can have a drink or dine with the best 90’s RnB live mix.
The Collection – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saaydiyat Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 678 3344

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE – It is one of the most beautiful mosque in the world. Whatever your religion, you feel spiritual when you enter.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 419 1919

Your favourite park?
The CORNICHE PARK – It stretches 5 km along the Abu Dhabi coast. It’s perfect for a family day. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many stations.
UAE, Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd W, Al Khalidiyah

Your favourite beach?
NURAI ISLAND – It is one of the most exclusive private island resort in the world, few minutes off the coast of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The beach has beautiful soft white sands.

Your favourite shop?
THE GALLERIA – It is more than a shop it is a exclusive destination with selected fashion, jewellery and watches but also dining and curated shows.
Al Falah St – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 616 6999

Your must-have accessory?
ALMASIKA Le Cauri Endiamante diamond necklace. It takes me from day to evening.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
TOUMANI DIABATE – Elyne Road. He is a master kora player. My favorite instrument.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
JUST READ IT! It’s a book by Emirati rising star Omar Al Busaidy. I can’t tell you what it is about, ‘Just Read It‘.

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your insider scoop on Abu Dhabi with us!

By the way, this month Etihad Airways has introduced its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Abu Dhabi – Zurich route, offering the airline’s industry-leading First Suites, Business Studios, and Economy Smart Seats, and providing travellers with unparalleled comfort and innovation.
Safe travels!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alaska Fine Jewellery, © Etihad Airways, © Dave Peabody Dave Peabody/PR, © St Regis Hotel, © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I flew to Abu Dhabi to greet the winner of the amazing contest with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg won a shopping spree at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and we truly had a great time.

Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination offers a world-class shopping experience while absorbing panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some impressions of our shopping spree in the Middle East below.

Having fun at Dior

Nadya looking all fabulous in this Ralph Lauren look.

A happy Sandra in shopping heaven who just adores her job!

A must-have for a well equipped closet: a cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London. Nadya fell immediately in love with it!

While shopping at Burberry, I spotted myself on the big screen front row at the S/S 2015 runway show in London.

We browsed almost every store in The Galleria and put many things aside. Then we had a drink and decided which pieces would be the best. Needless to say we had to get the fabulous cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London first.

Nadya was looking for great pieces she could wear during the day for work that would translate easily into evening wear. This tunic blouse by Tory Burch offered both in perfection.

Mission accomplished!

Filming a little behind the scenes video for The Galleria with lovely Maria Bosenko.

Thank you Journey Feng and Maria Bosenko of the hospitality team at The Galleria for accompanying us and taking all the pictures. We had a lot of fun with you, guys!

Our lovely day ended with a yummy dinner at Cipriani and another round of drinks at Iris. Nadya, it was lovely meeting you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – thank you Maria Bosenko for taking them!

On Monday morning, I boarded Etihad Airways flight EY47 to Abu Dhabi. When I left, I enjoyed a spectacular view over Zurich. The time flew, due to strong winds, we arrived one hour ahead of time. The service on board was great and I can absolutely recommend this luxurious airline.

As my avid readers know, the reason why I am here is the amazing contest that all of you were able to enter in the beginning of February (for the previous post click here please).

I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was really tough for the Etihad team to choose the winner.

Here she is, congrats to Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg, who posted this beautiful entry. I am looking forward to meeting you today and to taking you for a serious shopping spree!

We are staying at the Yas Viceroy hotel that I can absolutely recommend. The rooms are big, the interior of the hotel is stylish and its seven restaurants offer everything a gourmet’s heart would ask for.

Yesterday, I met my friend Catherine Sarr who lives between London and Abu Dhabi. She has just launched her jewelry collection Almasika Fine Jewellery (the golden bangles at my wrist) that can be found already at Colette and soon in Zurich at Meister.

Catherine took me to the Saddiyat Beach Club, a great place to chill when you are in the area.

I am wishing you a lovely day! I am off shopping at the Galleria at Mariyah Island in Abu Dhabi… Nadya, get ready to get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet! It will also be featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Etihad Airways, Nadya Toncheva

My dearest readers, here is a kind reminder for you that time is flying and you only have one week left to enter the amazing contest with Etihad and L’Officiel Switzerland: win the ultimate shopping experience in Abu Dhabi with me. You will get amazing gift vouchers for the most luxurious shops. Just tell us what your #EtihadEssential travel item is? Mine would definitely be my Victorinox trolley that I love to take on all my travels.

For all information how to enter, please click HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Etihad

My dear readers, this is by far the coolest contest I have published so far! You can win an amazing trip to Abu Dhabi with Etihad, the ultimate shopping experience with me: “Get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet“! And moreover you will be featured in L’OFFICIEL Switzerland…

What is your #EtihadEssential travel item?

Being also the editor-in-chief of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland, I promise you that you’ll be treated to a luxurious experience including:

• A Business Class return ticket from Switzerland to Abu Dhabi* and limousine transfers
• Two nights at Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi
• Shopping vouchers to create your new wardrobe
• Exclusive tips and style advice from Sandra Bauknecht
• Dinner at Cipriani
• 1-year subscription to L’OFFICIEL magazine

All you have to do is share a photo of you and your most indispensable travel item – so get creative!

How To Enter

1. Take a picture of you with your favorite travel item
2. Upload it to Instagram or Twitter with #EtihadEssential and…
3. Submit your photo HERE, along with a short caption explaining your choice
4. The best picture wins the shopping trip of a lifetime to Abu Dhabi. Simple!

*The winner will be required to travel between 15 March 2015 and 20 March 2015, traveling together with Sandra Bauknecht.

Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Last Wednesday, the official opening of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich took place. It was a fun evening filled with lots of fashionable moments and surprises. Many people like to complain that the MBFDZ are not comparable to New York, Paris or Milan and of course they are right, but why should they?

Isn’t it great that we have something like this in Switzerland where you can enjoy runway shows, international designers, drink champagne and enjoy great food (the Park Hyatt Zurich served some amazing dishes) while meeting interesting people and see your friends. I wished all fashion weeks were like that… because in general they are definitely not as convenient as here in Zurich.

The main sponsors of the event, such as Mercedes-Benz, Paul Mitchell, H&M and Etihad Airways, had their own booths in the VIP tent during the Fashion Days Zurich.

An amazing surprise is waiting for you during the next weeks in collaboration with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Make sure to stay tuned.

Giving an interview for Glanz & Gloria.

Photo call in front of the Samsung booth where I would reveal the tablet I designed the next day.

Here with the lovely two winners of the contest I posted last week.

Front row with fabulous Theo Grigoriadis (Trois Pommes).

First show of the night: the Berlin-based label Lala Berlin. The desert and nomadism inspired Leyla “Lala” Piedayesh for her S/S 2015 collection. I liked her embellished denim pieces (see picture below).

Swiss designer Julian Zigerli has enjoyed an enormous media attention since being selected a few seasons back by Giorgio Armani to present at the Armani Theater. For S/S 2015, he showed his iconic graphic prints and innovative cuts.

Turkish designer Lug Von Siga presented a fierce S/S 2015 collection at the opening night. Colourful and feminine, many pieces caught my eyes. Definitely a designer to watch!

My absolute favorite show of the night was Bibhu Mohapatra (see the photo below) S/S 2015. His gowns were dreamlike, but also the day offerings were particularly strong this season. Feminine and fitted, eclectic and sophisticated, the NYC-based label is surely on the rise.

I was a little disappointed by Max Mara. The Italian house showed some looks from their F/W 2014 collection and some pieces that are available in the store, which made it feel more like a trunk show than a runway presentation and definitely not like something new. What a pity!

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon as well as my reports about the other nights.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, © David Biedert Photography © Andrea Monica Hug (Chic in Zurich), © Pascal Uehli Photography, © Ralf Eyertt, © Charles Aellen and © Sandra Bauknecht