Sandra‘s Closet

After Lion’s Run, I drove directly to Gstaad for an amazing birthday party with the motto «Wild West». Everybody got dressed in olde-Western-style and we partied until the early morning. I had a lot of things in my closet matching the fun theme, that was loved by both, men and women.

My look: Button-embellished fringed suede vest, cropped fringed sequined denim top, and fringed embellished mid-rise straight-leg jeans, all by Balmain, Paris metallic leather ankle boots by Saint Laurent, Tess small embossed two-tone leather shoulder bag by Chloé, earrings and Paris-Dallas western necklace, both by CHANEL, rodeo style belt by Ralph Lauren, fur tail by Dolce & Gabbana, and matte logo embossed cowboy hat by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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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

Call me a true fashion lover. This look has become one of my favorites of the season, exaggerated houndstooth pattern, combined with a logo print cape and my new Hermès Himalaya Birking bag which is considered the holy grail in a handbag collection. It is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The name «Himalaya» is inspired by the delicate gradation of the colour that is resembling the majestic, snow-capped mountains. The process of dyeing the leather is exponentially more difficult as the shades lighten. It takes a lot of time and craftsmanship. I feel blessed to call one my own.

My look: Wool-jacquard cape by Gucci, bow-detailed houndstooth wool-blend sweater and houndstooth jacquard-knit shorts, both by Alexander McQueen, T-Rex shearling-lined logo-print coated canvas and leather ankle boots by Fendi, set of two silver-tone and crystal hair slides by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by CHANEL, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at The Dolder Grand on the terrasse of the Maestro Suite.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

A celebration of femininity with a punk undertone – something that Christopher Kane knows how to deliver best. This dress is one of my new favorites – worn here in the kitchen of the Maestro Suite at The Dolder Grand. Topped of with this fun Moschino bag, it definitely makes heads turn…. housewife chic at its best!

My look: Lace and duchesse silk-satin mini dress by Christopher Kane, orange ostrich feather cape by Gucci, Betty patent-leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, washing machine round leather tote bag by Moschino and marabou-trimmed crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

You might spend a significant portion of your day at your desk. So it’s probably a good idea to make it a place that looks as fashionable as you. Let me promise you one thing, having a nice desk is extremely powerful and it will make you feel more positive and creative about your work.

Pencil case and measuring tape set by FENDI
Fendi’s pink stationery set will make a feminine and preppy addition to your day-to-day routine. Crafted in Italy from butter-soft leather, it consists a compact pencil case with a zipped top and black canvas lining and is hallmarked with a polished gold-toned F logo plaque that echoes the measuring tape – note the push button and soft retractable tape.

Cork and stainless steel globe by BRUNELLO CUCINELLO
Keep track of your world travels with this khaki-brown globe from Brunello Cucinelli’s classic homeware collection. It’s crafted by artisans in Italy from a combination of natural cork and stainless steel, then lasered to depict a map of the world, which can be marked with the provided pins. Perfect for your desk for textural appeal.

Cobra brass bookends by HOUSE OF HACKNEY
Depicting the label’s eclectic sensibilities, these brass cobra bookends reference the serpent as the guardian of sacred spaces. They’re hand-painted in gold, green and black tones to accentuate the sculptural shape and realistic texture of the engraved scales. 

Intrecciato-leather letter holder by BOTTEGA VENETA
Look to Bottega Veneta’s brown letter holder for a refined homeware piece for your desk. It’s woven with the label’s signature Intrecciato technique, and crafted with two sections defined with sculptural separators that increase in height.

Gekko gold-plated magnifying glass by L’OBJET
This 24kt gold-plated gekko magnifying glass is crafted with red Swarovski-crystal set into the eyes, and set with a rounded magnifying lens. Keep it on a desk next to other equally statement-making pieces.

Deco pen-shell paperweight by BLUE CARREON
This black and gold paperweight features elongated stripes across the curved body that take inspiration from the simplicity of Art Deco interiors. It’s crafted by hand with inlays of natural cracked pen shell to offset the polished gold-tone metal hardware. Use it to bring a decorative, vintage accent to your desk.

Eye-print porcelain tray by GUCCI
Gucci’s exquisitely crafted white tray takes the shape of a pair of hands held closely together to create a cupped silhouette. It’s made from Richard Ginori porcelain, adorned with pink tassels and decorated with an alluring eye print framed by red lightning bolts and yellow stars. Place it on your desk to hold trinkets.

Brass letter opener by CARL AUBÖCK
Handmade from polished brass, the sophisticated piece has a flat edge on one side and features a looping grip on the other to double up as a bookmark.

Valentina large velvet photo frame by AERIN
Aerin’s green Valentina photo frame is from the label’s romantic velvet collection. It’s crafted with a wide border and gold-plated brass edges for an elegant mood. Choose it to display your most cherished memories.

Popotin ceramic vase by ANISSA KERMICHE
This grey speckled ceramic Popotin vase will bring a joyful note to minimalist or maximalist interiors alike. It takes the shape of a woman’s derrière with a tactile uneven surface and is finished with a printed logo on the base. Place it on your desk as an artistic flourish.

Milan cube box by BLUE CARREON
This cube box is crafted using stone inlays by artisan craftsmen in the Philippines, showcasing the eponymous designer’s love for naturally occurring materials. Spruce up your desk by using it as an aesthetically pleasing organiser.

Intrecciato leather paper basket by BOTTEGA VENETA
Crafted from the house’s hallmark Intrecciato handwoven leather, this brown paper basket imparts Bottega Veneta’s discerning and contemporary aesthetic. Let it bring an artisanal riff to a simple desk setting.

Rossetti Flora-scented porcelain diffusing sphere by FORNASETTI
This diffusing sphere offers floral notes of ivy, lily of the valley iris and sandalwood and is housed in an elegant porcelain vase, printed with a Pop Art rendition of Lina Cavalieri’s lips – opera singer and the house’s enduring muse. Place it as focal point of your work space and let it fill your desk with the welcoming scent.

I hope that you have enjoyed my ideas for your desk …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

PANTONE has declared its Color of the Year for 2020 to be Classic Blue, or Pantone 19-4052. So it’s time to blue something as we’re all about to be incredibly blue. The high court of color has chosen a shade which is probably the truest of blue. The closest description might be cobalt or royal blue, but it’s a little calmer than that, not as bold. Yves Klein Blue or Yves Saint Laurent would have surely loved this anti-anxiety hue.

Dry pigment and synthetic resin on paper mounted on canvas 62 x 111 1/2 inch
Centre Georges Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne, Paris, France
© The Estate of Yves Klein c/o ADAGP, Paris

«Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond dimensions, whereas the other colors are not. They are psychological spaces; red, for example, presupposing a hearth releasing heat. All colors bring forth specific associative ideas, tangible or psychological, while blue suggests, at most, the sea and sky, and they, after all, are in actual nature what is most abstract.» – Yves Klein, Lecture at la Sorbonne, June 3rd 1959, Paris

This artwork is showcasing the «true blue» pigment in perfection: the 17th-century painting The Virgin in Prayer by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato.

Another great example in the art world is by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. His famous work from 1665, Girl with a Pearl Earring,  shows classic blue as the only bold burst of colour – in the form of a headscarf – among beiges, browns and a dark background.

You might be asking yourself, how did PANTONE land on this color? The color authority looks at trend forecasts, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, political views, media, street art, travel destinations, new technologies, and new textures — to name just a few of the categories they consider. Then it’s time to narrow it down to a color family, in this case it was a blue mood, «a reassuring presence instilling calm, confidence and connection».

This enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, it re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.

As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colors that are honest and offer the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. Associated with the return of another day, this universal favorite is comfortably embraced.

On the S/S 2020 runways, Classic Blue was omnipresent in all sorts of variations. As we all know, there is not «one» blue. In the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, gives a detailed speech about the varying shades of the colour blue, after Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs laughably questions how they could be distinguishable.

«… what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.»

This year marks the first time Pantone has introduced a multisensory approach to its Colour of the Year, partnering with several brands to showcase the taste, texture, scent and sound of Classic Blue.

Below you can shop some beautiful pieces in the Color of the Year 2020 –  time to get ahead of the fashion game. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

The Rockstud Spike medium quilted leather shoulder bag in Classic Blue by Valentino

Two-tone patent-leather sandals in Classic Blue by Miu Miu

Viola cropped embellished chiffon jacket by Jenny Packham

Quilted shell down jacket by Moncler

Intarsia wool cardigan by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Artists, and via NY Post

Today I would like to show you the most exceptional jewelry boxes for the connoisseur in your life this Christmas. If you like to collect jewelry, it is also important where you keep it. Security aside, beloved treasures deserve a home as beautiful as they are… and below are some very sophisticated choices to choose from!

LoL, Sandra

Facettes Jewelry Box by Hermès

Beauvais velvet jewellery box by Aerin

Grosvenor leather jewelry box by Smythson

Flora print jewelry box by Gucci

Studded leather-trimmed striped jacquard jewelry box by Fendi

Monogram Canvas Jewelry Box by Louis Vuitton

Mara printed croc-effect leather jewelry box by Smythson

Botanical Heirloom Jewelry Box by Jenny McCormack (comes with the jewelry)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last weekend, I flew to Frankfurt am Main in Germany to attend my 25 year class reunion. It feels always nice to be home, seeing my family and indulging in childhood memories. Here you see me in my parents’ garden in my favorite hidden corner. I love anything zodiac, therefore this sweater was a must for me. I was definitely born under a lucky star… feeling grateful.

My look: Embroidered wool cape, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, skinny denim pant with embroidery, embellished oversized square-frame sunglasses, and Ultrapace mid-top sneaker, all by Gucci, neon pink cashmere scarf by Ralph Lauren Black Label and astro cashmere sweater by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«After rain there’s a rainbow, after a storm there’s calm, after the night, there’s a morning, and after an end, there’s a new beginning.»

When I was with my beloved Mary Katrantzou in Athens for her S/S 2020 show, I was reminded of this beautiful quote. The day of the event, we had a crazy storm followed by a rainbow, and then a beautiful calm afternoon and night. We shot the photos at my hotel, the Four Seasons Athens. that I can absolutely recommend.

For S/S 2017, Mary had looked back to her childhood visit to the ancient palace of Knossos, on Crete. I thought it is the perfect time to finally sport this dress with Minoan goddesses, Cretan murals and the silhouetted paintings on Greek vases and plates.

My look: Chariot print dress by Mary Katrantzou, platform leather pumps by Gucci, Vicky quilted patent leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and crystal aviator sunglasses by Chanel.

My last weeks were quite «stormy», but now I can feel the calm coming… so much to show you. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Designed especially for the holidays, the limited-edition Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison shades are collectable objects of desire. Delivering intense, explosive color with one application, the glittery formula is blended with ultra-reflective pearls, releasing full tone and shine.

The two shades of Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison featured are the classic red hue 25 «Goldie Red» and 710 «Fay Turquoise», an unexpected shade of blue-green.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI GLITTER LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci