Sandra‘s Closet

Congrats to my dear friend Mary Katrantzou, who announced today, that she will be the first ever Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories in the Roman high jeweller’s 140 year history. She will undertake the position alongside the continuing creative directorship of her eponymous brand.

With my dear Mary Katrantzou at the baptism of her son in Spetses.

«The rich cultural heritage and dual Greco-Roman roots of BVLGARI have played an integral part in my formation as a designer. I have always been inspired by the design codes and syncretism of BVLGARI, its mastery of colors and the depth of narrative. I’m deeply honored to be the first Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories, leading the creative vision for this new chapter and elevating everyday life into a form of art. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mireia Montoya for introducing me to the world of BVLGARI and to Jean-Christophe Babin for his trust in me and welcoming me to the family.» – Mary Katrantzou

With Mireia Montoya who is wearing one of Mary’s first designs for BVLGARI, and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Mary’s first couture show

The first time Mary collaborated with BVLGARI was for her first couture show at the Temple of Poseidon for the Elpida charity in 2019, when BVLGARI loaned her their incredible heritage high jewelry pieces.

BVLGARI x Mary Katrantzou – Part 1

Part 2

She launched two special bag collections afterwards in collaboration with the Roman house.

Personally speaking, I remember it so vividly when Mary launched her amazing initial bag collection and we presented it during the UBS Economy of Fashion in London in 2017.

Bauknecht or BVLGARI – the B is the most important and obviously I had a good feeling of what is coming up already in 2017. Mary and I had many years ago a long dinner conversation about which brand she would love to design for. I think she made a match made in heaven with BVLGARI! I cannot wait to see the outcome of Mary’s amazing creativity.

There is something about Mary, that we all love! So many friends came to her show at the Temple of Poseidon to celebrate her!

Mary’s debut collection for BVLGARI will be in stores globally in August 2024.
Mary, I am so proud of you!

LoL Sandra

Photos: © Bvlgari / Mary Katrantzou / Sandra Bauknecht
#Bvlgari #MaryKatrantzou #SerpentiMetamorphosis #MaryKatrantzouxBvlgari #NataliaVodianova #NakedHeartFoundation
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Drawing inspiration from her signature archival prints, Mary Katrantzou has created a series of mesmerizing rugs in collaboration with The Rug Company. Discover the full collection offering a distinctive fusion of bold patterns and timeless sophistication to enhance any interior space. I am literally obsessed and Sunray Pink is my favorite.

LoL, Sandra

Sunray Pink

Sunray Nude

Framis

Feather Marble Maroon

Feather Marble Midnight

Botanical Paradise

Bluebell Daydream

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou / The Rug Company
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Today is the birthday of my dear aquarius friend Mary Katrantzou. who launched a beautiful scent with BVLGARI, that reminds me of those warm, endless summer days.

Inspired by the joyful spirit, vibrant allure and unbridled exuberance of Omnia, fashion designer Mary Katrantzou created an exclusive new fragrance in collaboration with Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas.

«Growing up, we had gardenia trees in my home in Greece, Alberto Morillas realized my dream of capturing the scent of this living flower. For this collaboration, I imagined the Omnia bottle as a sculptural vase holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, creating this universe of optimism and sincerity.» – Fashion Designer Mary Katrantzou

Reminiscent of Mary’s childhood memories and conjuring Italy’s love affair with spectacular floral, Omnia by Mary Katrantzou is «a beautiful universe that awakens our olfactory and visual senses.»

This new fragrance, a colorful floral Eau de Parfum, is a caress to the soul and an infusion of optimism, exploding with the brightness of Mandarin and accords of Gardenia and Fig leaf. A celebration of life’s purest pleasures: an ultra-lush flower bouquet, the smell of an unforgettable bloom, the joy of colours.

Flashy Sparkling Top Notes
Mandarin Essence, Fig Leaf accord

Kaleidoscopic Floral Heart Notes
Gardenia accord, Orange Flower

Prismatic Dry Down Notes
Blond Woods accord, Musk accord

THE BVLGARI OMNIA COLLECTION
The three iconic fragrances of the collection are given a new look inspired the new fragrance Omnia by Mary Katrantzou. A specially designed collection, reimagining the Omnia universe with its spectacular colourful flower dresses.

The bottles and packaging are so beautiful, colorful, vibrant, full of life. An optimistic and uplifting scent – captivating the energy of nature’s wonders and the amazing spirit of my dear friend Mary!

Happy Birthday, Mary, may all your dreams come true!

Click here for yesterday’s post with all the details of my outfit.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © BVLGARI/Mary Katrantzou, © Sandra Bauknecht and Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The best way to prolong the warm season is a great floral summery fragrance that will immediately transport you to your favorite holiday destination in your mind. A new level of style is when your look matches your scent … I am loving it!

My look: Ruffled broderie anglaise-trimmed cotton-voile blouse by Saint Laurent, belted floral-print cotton-blend poplin maxi skirt by Mary Katrantzou, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, vintage ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari, aviator sunglasses by CHANEL, Diorette ring by Dior, and long floral drop earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

Scent: Bvlgari Omnia by Mary Katrantzou.

LoL, Sandra

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

Birkenstock’s partnership with London fashion institution Central Saint Martins is launching the result of a two-year project with the BA Fashion History & Theory and MA Fashion courses. Releasing four designs and Birkenstock’s first-ever Archive style. Initiated in 2018, the project saw the CSM BA Fashion History & Theory course research and enrich Birkenstock’s prolific archive. Enabling students to immerse into Birkenstock’s culture and legacy to finally extract and define the core elements of Birkenstock’s history spanning over 250 years. The result of this research translated into a second project with the MA Fashion course. Inviting students to give their interpretation of emblematic styles in their contemporary way, thus shaping the future of the iconic German brand.

The four winning students with Fabio Piras.

One year later a jury of 12 renowned industry leaders led by Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert, MA Fashion Course Director Fabio Piras and fashion critic Sarah Mower MBE, were invited by Birkenstock to review all student portfolios and selected a shortlist of 10 finalists awarded as the winning designs with a first bursary award.

My favorites: Moto Sandal by Alex Wolfe.

Over a year of product development, four of the student designs have qualified for serial production.  Each design has the student’s name embossed in the iconic Birkenstock footbed. Experiencing the challenge to realize the product innovation delivered by these students is a good challenge. «We are proud to have a proven impact on these early careers and are counting this as one of our most relevant projects», states CEO Oliver Reichert.

Bukarest style in white by Alecsander Rothschild

The release of the collection is supported by a short film, seeing the jury and the professors exchange their views on the final product with the students. The jury was headed by Sarah Mower MBE and included CSM alumni Mary Katrantzou and Roksanda discussing with Gert Jonkers, Claudia Croft, Mimma Viglezio, Osman Ahmed, and Nick Vinson.

THE COLLECTION

Moto Sandal by CSM graduate Alex Wolfe (1991*)
Using Birkenstock’s expertise in orthopaedic shoe design Wolfe’s take on the Rotterdam Moto sandal challenges us with urban graphic as well as a striking upper leg design. Relying on Birkenstock’s very own eudermic material Birko-Flor he creates a flexible shield, whereas the foot lining of Nappa leather and suede offers a soft and soothing bed.

Cosy style by CSM graduate Dingyun Zhang (1995*)
Zhang’s pillow like version of the Arizona sandal takes inspiration from futuristic outerwear and oversized puffers. As a homage to comfort Cosy transforms the Arizona into a supportive, timeless classic. Its monochrome, contrasting color choice of snow white straps and black sole (and vice versa) fortifies the long-lasting design approach.

Terra style by CSM graduate Saskia Lenaerts (1993*)
As a reference to the classic Milano sandal, Terra’s prominent stitches replicates footlines, while Suede, Nappa and Nubuk leather offer comfort. Using contrasting colours like black/white and black/ultra blue the designer recreates the shadow play of an engraved footprint in the sand.

Bukarest style by CSM student Alecsander Rothschild (1992*)
Inspired by Brancusi’s contrasting use of different materials and textures Rothschild works equally with three kinds of leather to express his version of Birkenstock: Rustic black oiled nubuck leather or innocent white debossed leather, Rothschild offers a third version in shiny Silver.

Tallahassee Archive Style
To complement the student designs, the iconic Birkenstock Tallahassee Style from the 1990s sees a rebirth in contrast color designs. Uniting an artistic touch with long practiced craftsmanship the Tallahassee ornaments the foot without compromising comfort. As a woven coat the debossed leather enrobes the wearer like a second skin.

The collection is available with select stores worldwide and on 1774.com from now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Birkenstock, © Walter Pfeiffer
#BIRKENSTOCKxCSM

When food meets fashion! Belonging to different luxury fields, Mary Katrantzou and Galateo & Friends have joined forces and created a limited-edition luxury gift box, containing a selection of excellent quality olive oils and vinegars to brighten up any table setting.

This four-piece gift set contains:
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil «Cultivar Taggiasca»
– Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
– «Flamingo» Rosé Wine Vinegar
– A gourmet condiment based on Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fresh LemonMary Katrantzou «dressed» each bottle and the sustainable and elegant gift box with colourful stamp prints, inspired by her signature postage stamp print. The perfect addition to the home of any food and fashion lover, specifically designed to please you both visually and gustatorily.

TO SHOP THE GIFT SET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I am just loving it!

With this warm forecast set for September, we will all spend as much time outdoors as possible. Even though we might not be jetting off to some beautiful tropical island, that doesn’t mean we cannot wear those vibrant holiday prints at home. Tropical patterns have been a huge trend this summer. I think they match perfectly with Swiss apple trees and green meadows, don’t you agree?

My look: Juliette strapless knotted tiered printed linen maxi dress by Zimmermann, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, red ruffle 90 sandals by Aquazzura, Mary Mare Under The Sun printed cotton-blend hat
by Mary Katrantzou, polarized pilot sunglasses by CHANEL, LOVE bracelets by Cartier, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings by Etro, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet and Lucky Virtue 18-karat and silk bracelet by Carolina Bucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This morning, I woke up to the cutest message on Instagram. My beloved Mary Katrantzou had dedicated a post to me and named me among her #MaryMareMuses.

Her new capsule collection is capturing the same high-octane colors and whimsical spirit as her main line, Mary Mare is her playful take on vacation dressing, from swimsuits and accessories, to amazing cover-ups and dresses all are inspired by different sun-soaked destinations like the French Riviera, Portofino and the islands of Greece.

Wearing Mary Mare: World Oceans Day – Mary Mare.

I feel so honored to be named among her #MaryMareMuses. It was love at first sight when I spotted a dress from Mary’s first collection. Since then I have been collecting her amazing and dreamlike creations. We met the first time in Switzerland ten years ago when she won the Swiss Textiles Award and since then we have been friends. Our birthdays are just two days apart and we are both aquarius women. We had so many beautiful und fun moments together. I will never forget the chills I had during the S/S 2020 show at the Temple of Poseidon in Greece last year. Below you can enjoy a trip down memory lane, of 10 years of great friendship!

November 2010: The day we first met. Mary had won the Swiss Textiles Award and I was already a big fan of her work. My blog was just one year old.

November 2011: We had lunch in London and one week later Mary won the Emerging Talent Award (ready-to-wear) at the British Fashion Awards.

January 2012: Me wearing the famous Jewel Tree dress for the launch event for the «Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp» collection at Colette in Paris.

March 2012: Mary and I played dress up in Paris that day and I literally tried every single piece from the fabulous F/W 2012 collection. Those pieces are still among my all-time favorites in my closet.

March 2012: Mary and I at lunch in Paris where she answered the first travel insider I have ever had on my blog.

September 2012: Mary and I at Anna dello Russo’s Paradise Ball in Paris.

January 2013: In the Paris showroom to have a closer look at Mary’s S/S 2013 collection.

March 2013: Exploring Mary ‘s F/W 2013 collection in her Paris showroom.

July 2014: Dinner with Net-à-Porter in London

February 2017: UBS Unique event in London

February 2017: A closer look right after the show at Mary’s F/W 2017 that took place at Tate Modern.

June 2017: At Waddesdon Manor for the launch of Creatures and Creations.

February 2018: Backstage at her F/W 2017 runway show in London.

October 2018: With Mary and Eugenie Niarchos at Matchesfashion in London for Mary’s 10 Year Anniversary Party.

October 2019: The evening before Mary’s most beautiful S/S 2020 show in Greece.

October 2019: In front of the Temple of Poseidon with Erica Pelosini right after the show celebrating our dear Mary.

Thank you, Mary, for 10 years of great friendship! Thank you or always inspiring me and for making Sandra‘s Closet so much more colorful! To many more years to come…

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Mary Katrantzou and Sandra Bauknecht
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Beyoncé wore Mary Katrantzou for the single «Water» featuring Pharrell Williams and Salatiel, in her latest visual album «Black is King», styled by Zerina Akers.

The piece was inspired by electric lightning storms and the painterly colours in the sky after rain. A mix between sunrise and sunset.

The dress is a tech-organza base, selected for its high iridescence and intense shine, printed with a multicolour «rave cloud» which has merging colours of fuchsia, peach, citrus, ocean blue and sea green.

Hundreds of laser-cut oyster ruffles are then tulle bound by hand in correlating colours, amounting to around 500 meters. These are hand tucked into place to create the perfect form of sculpted ruffles. The ruffles are print placed to make the dress bleed from colour to colour across the body.

The embroidery consists of stacked micro sequins and crystal, built up in a 3D style which give them an ombré effect. This is accompanied by thousands of singular ostrich feathers, which are hand dyed in ombré colours, grading to up to three colours in each strand. They are then matched to correlate with the perfect place in the print, to mimic the soft drift of clouds after a storm. The embroidery was partly done in India, with finishing touches by our London atelier, amounting to 7 days of embroidery work on the dress.

Beyonce wore the finale look from the F/W 2019 collection, draped around her shoulders. Also looks 34 & 35 were featured in the same video.

For bespoke enquiries please contact .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou

My beloved Mary Katrantzou is giving me wanderlust while enjoying my staycation. Mary Mare is a seasonless, year-round capsule line, inspired by sunny, oceanfront destinations: Cannes, Nice, Greece, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Venice, Dubrovnik, the Côte d’Azur, and more. You saw me already sporting the sea-shell print in June (for the previous post, click here please).

Now, it is time to enjoy my newest pieces at the pool in my new house. I especially adore the signature Postage Stamps print, alluding to the nostalgia of writing postcards to our loved ones while on vacation. Taking inspiration from the 10th anniversary collection, this print was reimagined in her London studio and adorns my bathing suit.

My look: Côte d’Azur striped silk-georgette cover up, Ibiza postage-stamp print swimsuit, Mykonos striped triangle bikini, all by Mary Katrantzou, Tallow cat-eye sunglasses by Zimmermann, Loubi Bee Alta 130 leather platform sandals by Christian Louboutin, pink embossed leather shoulder bag by Fendi, floppy straw hat by Louis Vuitton (Cruise 2011), Ras Du Cou silver-tone, shell and beaded necklace, and Aimable gold-tone horn necklace, both by Isabel Marant.

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. #MaryMare #WishWeWereThere