Sandra‘s Closet

While being in Seoul for the Frieze Art Fair, I was invited by MCM to explore The Upcycle Project, a 20-piece exhibit by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who is known for his playful design approach, at the MCM HAUS Flagship in Seoul.

Through emotion and perspective, the pieces in this collection converge at the junction of fashion and contemporary art. A true reflection of Ilori’s signature approach, the collaboration thrives on diverse color motifs, architecture, and spaces to encourage visitors to see new perspectives.

(Part 1) «There is Good in All of Us» on then ground floor of the store features an assortment of 10 renewed chairs that incorporate unused Visetos materials. By repurposing and revitalizing materials, the collaboration highlights the importance of environmental consciousness and responsible consumption.

«Complementing each artwork is a kaleidoscope, enticing visitors into a dance of colors and patterns.»
— Yinka Ilori

(Part 2) «Looking at Me», the latter half of the exhibit on the third floor of the shop, features a mix of Ilori’s older works alongside new ones from his most recent collection. The first six chairs reflect Ilori’s memories of growing up in London as a British Nigerian and explores heritage, culture and family.

The next four (from a new collection titled «All of Us») are bolder, more unapologetic and expressive to capture Ilori’s coming of age as an artist and designer.

«It’s an invitation to delve deeper, to discover the beauty beneath the overt, signifying an unending cycle of growth, balance, and rejuvenation.»
— Yinka Ilori

The pieces are on display at the MCM HAUS Flagship Store in Seoul from 4 September until 22 October, 2023. All works of art can be purchased at MCM HAUS, Seoul, after 22 October, 2023. For more information, please click here.

MCM HAUS
412 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
11am- 8pm
+82 2-540-1404

LoL, Sandra

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

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The Chinese New Year will start on February 12th, and it will last until January 31st of 2022. Many designers are celebrating Lunar New Year of the Ox with special collections, such as Gucci is featuring the famous Manga character Doraemon, the cat-type robot sent from the XXII century, appearing on ready-to-wear and accessories, or Moschino is showing a cute ox with the slogan «in love we trust».

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Ox is very hardworking and methodical. The upcoming 2021 will be the year of the Metal Ox, and its message couldn’t be clearer: Success will come to those who work hard. Like really hard! 2021 is going to be a year when work will get rewarded. Cheers to that!

LoL, Sandra

Chinese New Year Ox-embroidered clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Oversized embroidered printed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt by Chloé

New Year Ox charm keyring by MCM

Year of the Ox textured leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas tote by Gucci x Doraemon

 Year of the Ox limited edition fountain pen and roller pen by Caran d’Ache
Limited to 888 pieces.

Chinese New Year Ox tote bag by Anya Hindmarch

Perpetual Moon Year of the Ox by Arnold & Son 1764
CHF 49.900 – limited to 8 pieces

Bullchic horn-detailed Chinese New Year tote bag by Moschino

Chinese New Year logo-embroidered sweatshirt by Moschino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Easter is in two weeks which is right around the corner. Get ready for the holiday in style with these adorable outfit and gift ideas for any Easter activity you have planned! Whether you are hosting a brunch with friends and family, an egg hunt with the kids, or just chill at home for the holiday with your loved one, I have your wardrobe options covered. Thankfully, this season’s trends complement the Easter spirit perfectly, so no need to feel shy wearing your bunny all year long!

THE FASHIONABLE EASTER BUNNY

1 Embellished intarsia sweater by Gucci
2 Polka dot rabbit T-shirt by Peter Jensen
3 Rabbit intarsia jumper by Prada
4 Rabbit tote by Comme des Garçons Girl
5 Intarsia wool sweater by Gucci
6 Rabbit zip around wallet by MCM
7 Rabbit print wallet by Prada

THE GUCCI EASTER BUNNY

1 Embroidered wool cardigan by Gucci
2 Embroidered denim skirt by Gucci
3 Appliquéd cotton T-shirt by Gucci
4 Appliquéd cotton hoodie by Gucci
5 Embroidered denim jacket by Gucci

THE NAUGHTY EASTER BUNNY

1 Playboy bunny logo sweater by Moschino
2 Bunny gingham leather cross-body bag by Loewe
3 Bunny cap by Bernstock Speirs
4 Embellished swimsuit by Moschino
5 Heidi lace bunny ear headband by Maison Michel
6 Embellished Bugs Bunny sweater by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

OMG! This week had been so busy, that I have almost forgotten a very special day. On November 23, five years ago, the probably biggest adventure of my life has started, I published my first post and Sandra’s Closet was born. I am so grateful for all the amazing things that have happened since then. I travelled to the most distinguished places, met many celebrities and fashion designers (click here to see most of them) and appeared in many publications (check out the press section here).

Below I put together some of my personal highlights over the last five years:

Being the face of the Closed F/W 2011 campaign.

Walking a runway show during New York Fashion Week F/W 2012.

I designed this limited edition “Zurich” tee in collaboration with Closed.

The launch of Sandra Berry, my very own bespoke limited edition ink by Montblanc.

I went with Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience to Los Angeles in February 2013.

I became the ambassador for Piaget.

Being at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles with Piaget was an amazing experience.

In August 2013, we shot a fun social media campaign with MCM in Berlin to celebrate the limited edition collection: Craig & Karl – EYES ON THE HORIZON.

I hosted a fun event with MCM to celebrate the launch of their new backpacks in November 2013 in Zurich.

In December 2013, I hosted the Goldenized event at Patrizia Pepe‘s Zurich store.

Before becoming the editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland, I had for three years, from 2011-2014, a monthly column in SI Style magazine.

Being invited by Omega for a dinner with George Clooney in Shanghai in May 2014 (post coming up soon).

Hosting a lunch with IWC and star guest top model Karolina Kurkova during the Zurich Film Festival 2014 (post coming up soon).

Being an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger’s BHI campaign in October 2014 made me very proud.

Designing a Samsung tablet during the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2014 that we will be raffled off soon here on my blog was an extremely fun project.

And last but not least something I am really proud of: I am in a book that was launched recently in German during Berlin Fashion Week and in English during London Fashion Week (a detailed post will be published shortly). Fashion Germany, the new coffee-table 208-page tome presents the country’s most important people in the world of fashion.

My blog has taken me on such a beautiful adventure and I would like to thank you all for following me and supporting my work. Without you, the success wouldn’t have been possible. Stay tuned during the next weeks as some amazing raffles will be coming up to thank you for all your time that you are spending on Sandra’s Closet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © David Biedert Photography, © Christoph Schemel and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair. This year’s edition (September 20 – October 5, 2014) will be no exception. With some six million people attending every year, it is an important part of Bavarian culture.
Think Disneyland for adults. Think must do!

It’s very important to accessorize your look (great dirndls are available at Lola Paltinger). Here are some fun pieces, such as small purses, charms and sweet headbands:

1) iPhone 5 Cover Wiesn Edition by Iphoria
2) Wiesn stay-up by Falke
3) Printed scarf by Comma
4) Dirndl Charm by Thomas Sabo
5) Mia floral-embellished headband by Eugenia Kim
6) Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
7) Wiesn Charm by Tiffany & Co.
8) Flower-embellished straw headpiece by Piers Atkinson
9) Kamaris suede and lace ankle boots by Jimmy Choo
10) Lavelle stretch-silk satin push-up bra by Agent Provocateur
11) Salty Pretzel rose gold-tone cubic zirconia earrings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
12) Spatzl Tambourine Bag by MCM
Available from September 20, 2014 at the MCM Munich Flagship Store on Brienner Str. 1.
Limited to 50 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Celebrating the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer, many luxury brands are launching special edition pieces. Here are the best ones…

Louis Vuitton is taking part for the second time. After a first appearance on the football field in 2010 in South Africa, the Louis Vuitton case, specially designed to carry the famous trophy, will be on July 13th, the final day of the Cup, in the stadium of Maracana in Rio of Janeiro.

Paying tribute to this year’s host nation for the Fifa World Cup, Bvlgari launches the new Octo Bi-Retro Brazil in a 50-piece limited edition.

Donatella Versace has turned to the FIFA World Cup for inspiration in style and created a special t-shirt that combines the passions of football with the vivid iconography of the Versace DNA. A brand new Versace baroque print is created using the colors of a Brazilian carnival, decorated with repeated images of footballs and flowers. The T-shirt, in silk satin for her and cotton jersey for him, is available in selected boutiques now.

MCM has launched the limited edition ‘München Cute Monsters’ collection. Drawing on the vibrancy of Brazilian culture and the festivity of the ultimate football tournament on the planet, the collection features the two pop art characters Viktor & Viktoria as MCM’s monster mascots for the games.

TO SHOP THE MCM ‘München Cute Monsters’ COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

Last Thursday, I hosted with MCM together an event at their Zurich store to celebrate the brand’s ART OF BACKPACK. Enjoying some fancy cocktails by Campari and listening to the sounds of DJ Jason Storm, guests were able to get their picture taken with a backpack from the Visetos line that features a blue and white diagonal design enhanced with MCM’s logo and gold studs inspired by Zürich’s coat of arms.

Now, the photos are uploaded on MCM‘s Facebook wall. There will only be one lucky winner to receive a backpack and you can choose him or her – vote and like your top look of the season. Scroll through this post to see some more of my favorites at the end of this post!

Debora Zeyrek (diamondphoto.ch) took all the contest photos and I have to say I was impressed how well the gentlemen posed in front of her camera!

For Swiss male supermodel Fabian Pfenninger posing is daily business as you can see.

The girls were already fighting over the Visetos backpack…

No doubt that the cutest of all was little Cosmo!

It was a great night – a huge thank you to Bettina and the whole MCM team!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Debora Zeyrek (diamondphoto.ch) and © Sandra Bauknecht

Celebrating a great revival, the ’90s trend of leather backpacks continues this season and MCM designs some of the most desirable ones, available in different sizes to accommodate your personal lifestyle.

Large enough to fit your every essential, I love the the large models featuring the label’s signature logo print embellished with large pyramid studs. Great for traveling, those must-haves include a padded laptop or tablet compartment and multiple pockets. But also the smaller versions exude grandeur and flair sure to make a style statement that demands pure attention.

For previous posts in which I am wearing some of my favorite models, click on the links below:
One Day in Berlin with MCM
My Look: Hiking in Iceland
Luisaviaroma Style Lab – Grunge Flair

Tomorrow I will host a special event with MCM in Zurich, so please stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM and © Sandra Bauknecht

Between my recent trips to China and Iceland, I flew for one day to Berlin to shoot MCM‘ s amazing new collaboration with Craig & Karl: EYES ON THE HORIZON. I love the German capital (and that is not only because I was born in this country), it’s one of the most vibrant, energetic cities in Europe. It’s the combination of two facts that can be felt everywhere: its present anything-goes-and-anything’s-possible vibe and its somber past.

Let me take you on a tour around Berlin. I had so much fun with my very talented photographer Christoph Schemel. See for yourselves:

First stop: THE KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Known locally as the Ku’damm, one of the most famous avenues in the city is home to many shops, such as the MCM boutique, hotels and restaurants. It’s often considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin.

Second stop: DAS STUE
Located right next to the Tiergarten (central park of Berlin), the stylish design hotel Das Stue offers all the comforts of a quiet urban refuge within the heart of Berlin.

Third stop: CAFE AM NEUEN SEE
Christoph and I had a fabulous lunch at this fun place outside in the garden area with waiter service (there is also a self-service beer garden part directly by the lake) and planned the rest of our shoot. I had a piece of very yummy cheesecake (German cheesecake is the best) that went so fast I forgot to take a picture.

Fourth stop: SIEGESSÄULE
Berlin’s “Victory Column” is a famous monument and probably one of the best known symbols of the city. The “Golden Lizzie,” as it is known in local slang, was originally built around 1864 to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the German-Danish war.

Fifth stop: BRANDENBURGER TOR
Located at the heart of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is standing at the western end of the avenue Unter den Linden. It has been a symbol for both, the divided Cold War city and the country’s reunification. Today, it is one of the metropole’s most-visited landmarks.

Last stop: GRILL ROYAL
Before I flew back to Zurich, we went to Grill Royal for drinks. This see-and-be-seen restaurant is still, after opening a couple of years ago, the place-to-dine and very popular with the celebrity crowd. Below you see me before the entrance on Friedrichstrasse.

I hope that you have enjoyed my day in Berlin! Cannot wait to be back soon…

My look: Ivory blazer, cropped metallic leather motocross pants, both by Balmain, black top by Tom Ford, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, shoes by Gucci, key ring, clutch and backpack, all from the MCM x Craig & Karl Eyes on the Horizon collection. Rose necklace and ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos by Christoph Schemel