Sandra‘s Closet

As announced in June, this weekend, LuisaViaRoma hosted the fourth edition of the charity event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF. Unfortunately, due to my holidays in South of France, I couldn’t be there. What a pity as the event looked amazing.

Held in the magical Certosa San Giacomo of Capri, the unforgettable event featured a cocktail reception, a gala dinner and a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Mother of three: beautiful Karolina Kurkova

International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests from all over the world attended the night and helped raise more than 5 million euros to sustain UNICEF’s work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe.

Maria Sillandi, Andrea Panconesi and his daughter Luisa Panconesi

The event, hosted by Andrea Panconesi, CEO of LuisaViaRoma, Paolo Rozera, UNICEF Italia Executive Director, and Tommaso Chiabra, Fundraising Chairman UNICEF Italia, saw performances by Italian revelation singer Madame, as well as special live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning artist John Legend.

Katy Perry with her husband, actor Orlando Bloom

At the end of the night guests were treated to a very special surprise when John Legend joined Katy Perry on stage for a duet performance of Moon River.

Like mother, like daughter: Leni and Heidi Klum

The attendance of notable guests made the night even more special, amongst them: Orlando Bloom, Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Bakalova, Saweetie, Heidi and Leni Klum, Natasha Poly, Emily Ratajkowski, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Sydney Sweeney, Olivia Culpo, Sabrina Elba, Tina Kunakey, Cindy Bruna, Jon Kortajarena, Frida Aasen, Lais Ribeiro, Dylan Penn, Eiza González, Nat Kelley and Karolina Kurkova.

Emily Ratajkowski and Vanessa Hudgens

The incredible live auction included amazing lots such as Steve McQueen‘s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, Richard Orlinski, and a Pablo Picasso Drawing Notebook; a Yamaha Grand Piano played by John Legend during his performance; a week-long vacation on the new amels 74m superyacht Synthesis and a Portfolio of 10 iconic images from Capri and Amalfi coast by Slim Aarons.

During the evening, a stunning art performance took place, Franchise Freedom by DRIFT, a breathtaking display of hundreds of flying drones over the skies of La Certosa. The extravagant performance left guests speechless.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild

In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF’s programs in helping to make every child count.

LoL, Sandra

A family affair: Heidi’s husband Tom Kaulitz was also at the event.

Photos: © Getty Images for Luisaviaroma

7 years –  as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 84 months, which is around 2555 days, and this is my 3098th posts which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

Blogging is what I love to do most. I am independent, I can write whatever or wherever I am. It gives me so much freedom and joy. I love to do my collages and it has never ever been something I had to force myself to do.

To honour the occasion, I gifted myself with this new Chanel 2.55 bag from the «Front Row Only» collection. I think the attached hanger and the built-in hidden mirror on the back is too cute and it couldn’t be a better match to celebrate my closet.

As everything wouldn’t be possible without you, my dear readers, who have supported me over the last years, I have a gift for you, too. Please enjoy this special early access code BFLSU30 with 30% off on full priced orders over £300/€300 at LUISAVIAROMA.

Thank you from all my heart for your comments, your mails. With some of you I have even developed a relationship over the past years. I will continue to entertain you with your daily dose of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Recently, I have been thinking about doing a relaunch of my blog, a new layout for example but on the other side, I am loving my design, it looks different from others and I find it easy to navigate. Please shoot me an e-mail what you would change or if you prefer it the way it is to .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today is International Women’s Day! It’s time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of us women. Yet let’s also be aware that this tremendous progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity.

«Here is to good women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.»

In honor of International Women’s Day, LUISAVIAROMA provides you with this special promotion code: MDLSUK. Spend more and save more: 10% OFF $500, or 15% OFF $1000.
Applies to select full price products only. Excludes fine jewelry and items tagged ‘permanent‘ and ‘essential‘. This code is valid from now until March 16, 2016 (23:59 CET).

Get the look with 15% off: Pink dress with ruffles by Gucci, book clutch by Olympia Le Tan, pumps by Gianvito Rossi and leather bracelet by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Keep your dreams big and your aspirations high… Happy International Women’s Day!

LoL, Sandra

Vogue Italia interviewed some of us bloggers during Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever last month. And I feel very honoured to have been part of it.

Moreover, the Italian fashion bible featured my style labs. Thank you very much!
Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Style Lab: Style & Grace

Style Lab: Grunge Flair

Photos: Via Vogue Italia

Here is my last look from Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever style lab shot at the bar of the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. I am completely in love with Givenchy’s F/W 2013 collection (think about that gorgeous Bambi sweater…), a little punk, a little grunge all with a certain flair.

To order, just click on the highlighted text.

My look: Wool grain de poudre coat with golden details and sequined printed cotton fleece long sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, So Nice earrings by Reminiscence, calfskin metal plaque booties by Giuseppe Zanotti and studded backpack by MCM.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

Here is the second look from my Firenze4Ever style lab with Luisaviaroma, shot at the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. This one is actually my favourite outfit. I adore this amazing custom-made gown by Fausto Puglisi. The thigh-high slit is so sexy, revealing a lot of leg and combined with the headpiece, that you have to carry gracefully, it is all about drama.

To order just click on the highlighted text below:

My look: Embroidered tartan and wool crepe gown by Fausto Puglisi, ultra high suede platform pumps and red jeweled nappa leather clutch, both by Giuseppe Zanotti, mask with feathers by Idriss Guelai Atelier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

After all those posts from China in my sneakers, I thought that it is time again for some sophistication. Here is the first post about my Firenze4Ever Style Lab for F/W 2013 with Luisaviaroma. Since one of my favourite designers, Fausto Puglisi (click here for a previous post), has taken up the reigns at Emanuel Ungaro last year, I am in love with the collection.

All items can be ordered by clicking on the highlighted text below.

My look: Printed cady single button jacket and matching polka dot draped skirt, both by Emanuel Ungaro, waxed heavy lycra sweatshirt by MSGM, Rockstud black nappa leather bag by Valentino and star studded suede cage sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever was once again an outstanding experience. The sun was shining, blue sky over Florence and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Below are some backstage impressions and a little teaser of my photo shoot with Tommaso Fontanella.

A goody bag filled with amazing products from the likes of MCM and Sisley (my favourite mascara) among others waited for me.

LUISAVIAROMA goes punk!

Being interviewed by the lovely Kelly for Glamour and Vogue Italia.

My F/W 2013 selection: Fausto Puglisi, Emanuel Ungaro and Givenchy…

Tommaso showing me the first pics.

Very happy with the result of the shoot: Tom, Anna and me.
Stay tuned for the style labs coming up soon! Missing Florence already…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The closing night of LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever took place at the stunning Boboli Gardens (Giardini di Boboli), a park behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, that is home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities. It is amazing how LUISAVIAROMA always surprises us with another outstanding location.

Seated around the fountain in the Island Bassin (Vasca dell’Isola), we enjoyed a wonderful Tuscan dinner, a dance show, the amazing scenery followed by the after party with a private rock concert. The motto of the night was “Grunge Glam” and I went through my closet to find the most “punk-style” pieces that were in there.

My look: Cut-out knit dress, matching leggings and leather glove clutch, all by Alexander McQueen, choker by Louis Vuitton, bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès, strappy sandals by Gucci and statement rings by Roberto Cavalli. All pieces are from previous seasons.

Below you can enjoy all my impressions of the night.

LoL, Sandra

Familiar faces: Sung-Joo Kim (looking a little different than at the MCM Grand Opening in Zurich last month) and the MCM team came to present their newest collaboration: they teamed up with illustrators, Craig & Karl, for a limited edition collection of summer accessories.

Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever always feels like a summer festival, the days and nights are filled with amazing events and beautiful experiences. You get to meet famous designers, mingle with your fellow blogger colleagues and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence. Here you see me on the way to the store. More impressions coming up soon…

My look: Sheer plissé dress (50% off now) and cuff, both by Stella McCartney, Inga strappy sandals by Gucci and vine green Donna hobo bag by Alexander Wang.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht