Sandra‘s Closet

Knowing – Knowledge is everything. Knowledge sets you free. Knowledge is sexy. Knowledge is power. And so is the perfect scent. Just as knowledge can be enticing and powerful, so too can a fragrance leave a memorable impression. It speaks to how certain qualities – whether intellectual or sensory – have the ability to command attention, evoke emotion, and convey a sense of confidence or charisma. I have fallen in love with Knowing Legacy from the first spritz. Created by Frédéric Malle for the self-assured woman who knows who she is and what she wants, it is a sophisticated, luxurious and confident scent.

«Knowing Legacy is all about skin, fire and a long night.» – Frédéric Malle

Knowing Legacy expands the original rich and luxurious essence of smouldering amber and sandalwood, while notes of black currant and lavish orris push the sensual fragrance even further. It is seductive, full of feminine energy, for the «Eve» within you!

My look: Eve belted crystal-embellished crepe jumpsuit, and matching Eve embellished velvet tote, both by Clio Peppiatt, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

My scent: KNOWING LEGACY by Estée Lauder

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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@esteelauderswitzerland #esteelauderlegacy #fredericmalle #luxuryfragrance

All shades of green … Mauritius is called the green island in the Indian Ocean, thanks to the island’s rich vegetation, tropical forests, and the clear, emerald waters surrounding its coastline.

For the photos. I went to a scenic sightseeing spot up the hill of the village of Chamarel, which is one of the most visited spots on the island, blending in the vibrant, lush shades of green with my outfit.

My look: Cropped off-the-shoulder embellished stretch-jersey top, and matching embellished gathered stretch-jersey maxi skirt, both by Rabanne, Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, Crawford knotted silver and green leather platform sandals with crystals by Gucci, 36mm Oyster Perpetual Celebration by Rolex, and green logo sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Perfect match – wearing this beautiful vintage map print dress on a yacht cruising through the Mediterranean. I just love being on a boat, the air, the sea, the freedom gives me so much pleasure.

My look: High Tide map print dress by Zimmermann, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bag, and vintage white sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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Pink love – strolling through the secret gems inside the Byblos Saint Tropez, from Moroccan-style fountains to hidden gardens, the famous hotel invites you to discover the charm of the South of France.

My look: Pink belted cardigan with dark blue trompe-l’œil effect (Look 12 S/S 2021), soft pink slip dress, Chanel 19 bag in rose leather, tweed ballerinas, choker necklace for AirPods, and three long pearl necklaces, all by CHANEL, and embellished heart sunglasses by Gucci.

Fragrance: Comète – LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
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In a nod to its storied past, Gucci introduces the Gucci Tennis special collection, inspired by archival designs from the 1970s. After previewing at select stores in Paris in May, the collection is now making its full debut globally through a new campaign featuring tennis players Emma Cohen and George Loffhagen. Together, they embody the collection’s spirit, showcasing the pieces with their champion attitudes on and off the court. 

Blending tradition and modernity, the special selection pays homage to the House’s longstanding relationship with the game drawing inspiration from its archives dating back to the 1970s. During this era, the House expanded its repertoire of tennis-related products, particularly focusing on accessories and shoes, including the signature Tennis 1977 sneaker, one of the first ever sneakers to be produced by a luxury brand. This affinity for tennis transcended into the 1980s with a selection of ready-to-wear pieces that became favorites among athletes and lovers of the sport alike. 

Reimagining traditional tennis attire with contemporary elegance, the collection features sleek dresses, sophisticated polos, and matching sets for men and women, including shorts and skirts paired with tanks and knitwear. Accessories such as caps, wristbands, and leather items complement the outfits. Highlight pieces include a new duffle bag, racquet backpack, racquet bag, and shoe holder, all adorned with a white-on-white GG monogram and Web stripe details. The iconic Tennis 1977 sneakers appear in white canvas and leather, alongside Gucci Ace sneakers featuring the GG monogram. 

Central to the collection is the emblematic Web stripe, a signature code that weaves together the past and present of the House paying homage to its enduring legacy. This iconic detail weaves through the designs, infusing the collection with a uniform aesthetic that reflects the timeless elegance of classic sporting attire. 

The Gucci Tennis collection is now available at select stores globally featuring exclusive displays in Milan, London and Paris, as well as online at gucci.com. 

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno – Photographer: Davit Giorgadze  – Stylist: Melissa Levy – Make-Up: Stephanie Kunz – Hair: Ramona Eschbach – Talents: George Loffhagen and Emma Cohen – DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

So much traveling behind and ahead of me and I am loving it. Here you see me two weeks ago on my way to a fantastic night at Annabel’s in London enjoying the live performance of famous DJ Black Coffee. After that I left to Saint Tropez (definitely with this clutch in my suitcase) for some fun time with friends, followed by my school reunion in Frankfurt. Yesterday, I was back in Zurich, today I am in Wimbledon and then tonight off to Johannesburg. No matter where I am and what I am doing, my motto is shine and sparkle and enjoy life to the fullest.

My look: Sequinned flared tulle jumpsuit by Halpern, St. Tropez beaded leather clutch by Aquazzura, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, sunglasses by Celine, and laser-cut leather corset belt by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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I am happy as a bug back in my London home. The city has grown so much on me with its diverse and vibrant flair and I have made amazing friends here. Good vibes, good life!

My look: Braided metallic checked wool-blend bouclé jacket, silk-satin jacquard shirt, and matching cropped silk-satin jacquard wide-leg pants, all by Gucci, crystal drop choker necklace by Alessandra Rich, wallet on chain, and loafers with logo buckle, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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Greetings from South Africa! Sea Point is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. The neighbourhood offers stunning views of the ocean and the famous Lion’s Head, as well as some fantastic restaurants and pubs. Being an affluent neighbourhood, it is situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean with the popular promenade on the edge of the shore stretching all the way into Mouille Point passed Green Point. Here you see me at Queen’s Beach, which is more secluded than those beneath the main stretch of the promenade right after I arrived in my travel outfit. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish – ready to conquer the rest of the day! Do you sea my point?!

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, GG logo print knitted top in blue, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakers, and cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses, all by Gucci, black wide drawstring pants, (Look 33 Pre-collection Summer 2021) and wallet on chain, both by CHANEL, «Coaching» Forever Scarf 90 by Hermès, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Breaking news before the weekend: Valentino has named former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele its creative director. Only a week after designer Pierpaolo Piccioli exited the Roman couture house after 25 years, including 8 years as its sole creative director.

The brand will not show menswear or haute couture in June. Michele’s first show for the brand will take place during Paris Fashion Week in September.

«I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a maison de couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story, made of distinctive elegance, refinement and extreme grace,» Michele said in a statement.

Gucci S/S 2016 designed by Alessandro Michele

Rumors were that Michele would head to LVMH, so the news come a little unexpected. Valentino is owned by Mayhoola, the fashion group backed by the Qatari royal family that also owns Balmain and Pal Zileri. Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028». The former Gucci designer – a brand that also belongs to Kering – is a is known for its maximalist aesthetic that helped triple sales at the megabrand.

The designer will work once more with chief executive Jacopo Venturini, who previously led Gucci’s merchandising efforts alongside Michele and then-CEO Marco Bizzarri before joining Valentino.

«The reinterpretation of the maison’s couture codes and the heritage created by Mr. Valentino Garavani, combined with Alessandro’s extraordinary vision, will bring us moments of great emotion and will translate into irresistibly desirable objects,» Venturini said.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault added in a statement: «With his creativity, culture and versatile talent, Alessandro Michele will be able to interpret masterfully the unique heritage of this magnificent house and make it flourish.»

Valentino S/S 2024 ad campaign

It is an interesting choice and I am really looking forward to seeing how Michele will interpret the House of Valentino, which stands for sophistication, femininity and great tailoring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographer’s dream.

My look: Amy cowl-neck knotted asymmetric midi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red by Gucci, Jodie suede platform sandals and Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, vintage chain silver and gold necklace by Prada, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

Hout Bay, situated on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a twenty-minute drive from Cape Town.

Noordhoek Noordhoek, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a vibrant rural and artistic community village.

I ended the drive at «JAKES on the Common», that is nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with comfortable funky furnishings and plenty of detail without being intimidating. I can absolutely recommend it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!