Sandra‘s Closet

One thing you should not have missed when visiting Gstaad, is the outdoor sculpture MIRAGE GSTAAD. Until this month, the mirror house designed by Los Angeles-based artist Doug Aitken stands on the hiking trail between Schönried and Gstaad and can only be reached on foot.

With every available surface clad in mirror, it both absorbs and reflects the landscape around in such ways that the exterior will seemingly disappear just as the interior draws the viewer into a never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection. With the help of my tripod, I shot this outfit post by myself – a comfortable look that is perfect for hiking around Gstaad.

My look: Lawrence space-dyed cashmere sweater, and Lauren fringed space-dyed cashmere wrap, both by Gabriela Hearst, skinny jeans «Kate» by Dolce & Gabbana, Biker II leather boots by Jimmy Choo, Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses by Saint Laurent, Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier, and waist belt by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Today, the House of Chloé has already announced its new designer after Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s exit was announced last week. It is no other than Uruguay-born, New York–based designer Gabriela Hearst, whose eponymous extremely successful label turned five this year.

Gabriela Hearst’s famous It-bags have been successful from the beginning.

While Ramsay-Levi’s designs were much appreciated by industry insiders, the brand’s heat with consumers, especially in terms of It-bags, cooled under her reign. That might be one of the reasons why Gabriela Hearst has been chosen. She is bringing a track record of success with handbags. Her iconic «Nina» style has been a huge hit from the beginning, followed by models such as «Patsy», «Diana» and «Demi». These bags are all highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists.

A true rancher by heart: Gabriela Hearst  

Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s 17,000-acre ranch, Santa Isabel in Paysandu, Uruguay, surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep, where the notion of luxury meant things were beautifully crafted and made to last. Her approach to «slow and conscious luxury», which is defined in her craft-forward aesthetic and focus on sustainability might be the other reason for being Chloé’s lead candidate.

Chloé’s new CEO Riccardo Bellini

CEO Riccardo Bellini, who joined from Martin Margiela in late 2019, who welcomed Hearst in a statement this morning. had already indicated in an interview with WWD last month, that Chloé was seeking B Corporation certification for its social and environmental performance and was creating an advisory board to hold the company accountable.

Hearst’s first runway show for F/W 2017 was produced to have as low as an environmental impact as possible, and from there her commitment to the issue has only grown. Now, she opts for eco-friendly fabrics and chooses to use recycled yarns whenever she can.

Power couple: Gabriela and Austin Hearst

Hearst’s lead investor is her husband, publishing heir Austin Hearst, whom she married in 2013. She opened her first store in New York in 2018, followed by another in London the following year, and made her Paris Fashion Week debut in September. In 2019, LVMH Luxury Ventures, an investment arm of LVMH, took a minority stake in Gabriela Hearst, making it the only American brand other than Marc Jacobs in which the global luxury conglomerate is invested.

My two favorite looks from the Gabriela Hearst F/W 2020 runway.

I am loving her cashmere knitted pieces. Incredibly soft and each piece has a tag where you can explore its garment journey. Stay tuned for many outfit posts coming up! Honestly speaking, I am truly looking forward to seeing her at the helmet although I liked Natacha’s designs a lot.

TO SHOP GABRIELA HEARST ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Gabriela’s first collection for Chloé will be presented next March. All the best, I am sure it will be different and fabulous!

LoL Sandra

Wearing Gabriela Hearst dress and Nina bag

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Gabriela Hearst
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The new modern: micro shorts in classic fabrics worn with a vest, a cropped blazer and knee boots. The perfect twist for a great fall outfit. Add a chain necklace for the ultimate style factor.

My look: Cropped double-breasted wool-twill blazer, grain de poudre wool and silk-satin vest, pinstriped wool-twill shorts, and Grace bow-embellished knee boots, all by Saint Laurent, JW-charm gold-plated choker by JW Anderson, interlocking G charm round-frame sunglasses by Gucci, tights by Wolford and Patsy textured-leather tote by Gabriela Hearst.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

In January I told you about this must-have sweater for fall the first time (click here for the previous post). Rosie Assoulin‘s «Thousand In One Ways» sweater is named for its seemingly endless styling options – the sleeves can be shrugged off your shoulders, knotted neatly around your waist or detached completely, which turns it into a cropped camisole. It’s been cable-knitted in Italy from a luxuriously soft blend of wool and cotton and has a relaxed fit.

To shop click on the highlighted product description.

My look: Thousand in One Ways convertible cropped cable-knit wool and cotton-blend sweater by Rosie Assoulin, Albi ribbed-knit stirrup leggings by Jacquemus, Fiona sandals by The Attico, Diana leather-trimmed printed suede tote by Gabriela Hearst,  GG jacquard pastel shawl by Gucci, and cat eye frame glasses a tortoiseshell effect by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

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.

Here is your chance and you should better take it! In general, Gabriela Hearst bags cannot be bought in a store or online besides now. These bags are highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists – on average there is a waiting list of 1,500 client per bag at any given time. If you really want the bag, you have to email, hope and wait.
For a limited time period, Net-à-Porter is launching a pop-up boutique of Gabriela Hearst bags, which includes the exclusive «Patsy» and «Diana» styles along with the iconic «Nina» and «Demi» totes. First come, first serve.

Click here for the outfit post from March 2019.

Gabriela Hearst’s cult«Nina» tote has been spotted on the arm of Meghan Markle, Priyanka Chopra and Oprah Winfrey over the years. Crafted from smooth leather in the brand’s Italian studio, it has a globe shape with origami-like folds and a strap that can be carried in hand or the crook of your arm. It will make any outfit pop.

Click here for the outfit post from November 2018.

Gabriela Hearst puts a lot of thought into her bag designs to make sure they’re ethical, sustainable and totally unique. Inspired by ’40s lunch boxes, the «Patsy» tote opens to a minimalist interior that will hold your phone, cardholder and lipstick.

Are you curious what I got myself this time? I actually went for two bags….
Left: Nina striped leather tote with its matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover
Right: Diana leather-trimmed printed suede tote
Gabriela Hearst’s linstantly recognizable «Diana» tote is designed in a fresh monochromatic colorway that’s modern and cool. I adore its distinct accordion-inspired silhouette.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE HIGHLY LIMITED GABRIELA HEARST BAGS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst/Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht and  © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Summer, like every year, just passed too fast. But what is more beautiful than to wrap yourself in warm coats on cold days? Remember the insanely popular teddy coats of your childhood? They are back and are all you’ll want to wear this winter.

Whether you want an oversize style – reminiscent of the ’70s – a cropped big shoulder version – reminiscent of the ’80s – or a teddy coat in a color that’s not exactly subtle, there’s bound to be one that you love. Shop my favorites for F/W 2019 below, just by clicking on the highlighted text:

Oversized faux fur coat by Balenciaga

Oversized faux fur coat by Balenciaga

Teddy Icon camel hair and silk-blend coat by Max Mara

Teddy Bear alpaca-blend coat by Max Mara

Anarchy faux fur teddy coat by Vetements

Teddy faux-fur coat by Luisa Cerano

Oversized faux fur coat by Deveaux

Happy double-breasted faux fur coat by Stine Goya

Belted faux fur teddy coat by Vince

Faustine oversized belted double-breasted faux fur coat by Stand Studio

Pavlovna belted wool, silk and cashmere-blend coat by Gabriela Hearst

Oversized faux-fur coat by Comme des Garçons Comme des Garçons

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Summer florals are nothing new in fashion, but this year one particular flower is taking over: the orchid. I have fallen in love with Zimmermann‘s flourishing, vibrant interpretation.
Enjoy this trend in full bloom.

My look: Corsage orchid-print linen-blend midi dress by Zimmermann, embellished lace-up suede pumps by Dolce & Gabbana, Nina leather tote in cognac by Gabriela Hearst, large butterfly sunglasses by Prada, bracelets by Chanel, Tortue 18-karat rose gold, alligator and diamond watch by Cartier, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The micro bag-as-necklace concept is such a great and practical trend for F/W 2019. Being hands-free and carrying all your valuables around your neck is the perfect option when hitting the dance floor. Furthermore, it makes you look like a young girl… remember when you left to your school trip with that pouch dangling from your neck and you hated it?!

Now, it is time to make peace with these stylish options below:

Studded pouch necklace by Saint Laurent

Le Pitchou mini textured-leather pouch by Jacquemus

Tri-pouch necklace by Loewe

Maria small leather pouch by Gabriela Hearst

Purse pouch necklace by Y’s

Which one is your favorite? I went for Gabriela Hearst… so sophisticated and stylish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last week, you could find me in Milan for the launch of ACQUA DI PARMA‘s new home collection. The beautiful event location was next to Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch in the Sempione Park. I will tell you more about the Italian brand’s new scented candles and diffusers, that bring a touch of Italy to your home, next week in detail due to the embargo date. In the meantime, I invite you to enjoy some impressions of the night.

My look: Vintage embellished cropped wool jacket by Prada, Unbridled Tempest asymmetric cutout floral-print silk-blend dress by Zimmermann, Nina leather tote in cognac by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps by Gucci, and earrings by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht