Sandra‘s Closet

This upcoming Saturday, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum‘s hotly-anticipated new fashion exhibition will officially open its doors. Dedicated to ‘The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014‘, it illustrates the history of Italian Fashion from the Second World War to the present day, and will be held until July 27th 2014. It features many looks from the archives of different Italian designers which pay tribute to the quality of the Made in Italy style.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7, +44 (0)20 7942 2000

To celebrate the opening, NET-A-PORTER and the The Victoria & Albert Museum present a 22-piece limited edition jewelry collection that will be available as an online exclusive with 10% of all sales being donated to the V&A. Below you can explore my favorite pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Gold-plated, resin and macramé lace clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana + V&A

Swarovski crystal and resin necklace by Marni + V&A

Set of two gold-plated knuckle rings by Moschino + V&A

Gold-tone agate clip earrings by Etro + V&A

Set of three palladium-plated woven bracelets by Missoni + V&A

Photos: Courtesy of NET-A-PORTER and The Victoria and Albert Museum

Global color authority Pantone announced its official shade for 2014: RADIANT ORCHID, a captivating and enigmatic purple! “While the 2013 color of the year Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

Feeling inspired? Shop the trending colour to your wardrobe with my picks:

1 Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil by Aromatherapy Associates
2 Studded wool sweater by Versace
3 18-karat gold amethyst ring by Pippa Small
4 Queen Vic – Nail Polish by Butter London
5 Polished-leather and satin pumps by Lanvin

Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter!

My favourite accessory: Nouveau suede fringe shoulder bag by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

This was my outfit I wore to the Piaget Rose Garden Party at my place. I kept it very simple to draw attention to the beautiful diamonds. The semi-sheer style of my dress is precisely lined to provide coverage exactly where it’s needed and to show skin in the right spots.

Shop my look: Crochet-knit gown by Missoni, Tribute patent-leather sandals and Betty leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, diamond rose ring, necklace and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sad news today: The founder of the famous Italian fashion house Missoni, Ottavio Missoni, died this morning at his home in Sumirago at the age of 92.
Born in 1921 in Ragusa on the Dalmatian coast, he had a natural gift as he was a very talented runner which gave him the nickname “son of Apollus.” At the age of 16, young Missoni made the Italian national team, and still today, he held the national 400-meter record for a 16-year-old.

After he had met his lifelong partner, Rosita Missoni, in 1948, the couple founded the company in the 1950s and their famous zigzag knits have been considered Italian sophistication in perfection for many decades since today. Among their fans have been celebrities such as Lauren Bacall, Marcello Mastroianni, Madonna and Diana Vreeland, the legendary Vogue editor.

Rosita and Ottavio have three children which have been all working in the family business. A blow to the family came earlier this year as Vittorio, the oldest son, who was in charge of the management of the company, was aboard a small airplane that went missing in Venezuela.

Rest in peace, Mr Missoni and thank you for the beautiful colourful knits. Your legend will live on…

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Davide Maestri, © Jürgen Teller

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Have you been looking for the perfect gift for a beloved one?
What about something stylish and special for the home? Below, you will find some oh-so luxe ideas that are tailored for the haute couture inspired taste. If you are interested, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop!

LoL, Sandra

Giles illustration Leah plate by Giles

Nador velvet down and feather-filled cushion by Missoni

Nerja floral-print modal and cashmere-blend throw by Missoni

Miss Lanvin 34 porcelain figurine by Lanvin

Set of six Russian dolls by Lanvin

Mirrored stainless steel champagne bucket by Maison Martin Margiela by L’ATELIER d’Exercises

Monogrammed wool-blend blanket by Gucci

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

With this cold weather outside, I just can’t get enough of spring’s vibrant bold colours. I am absolutely crazy for this neon lace-sleeve wool-blend crepe dress by Christopher Kane. It is such a great investment piece that you could wear for many different occasions.

Work the neon trend by adding the studded neon pink leather pumps by McQ Alexander McQueen and the contrast leather-trimmed neoprene clutch by Pierre Hardy. This is colour blocking par excellence.

You can achieve a completely new look just by changing the accessories. Here are some ideas how to combine the gorgeous dress:

1 CONCERT IN THE PARK
Frayed tweed shoulder bag by Miu Miu and leather and crochet-knit platform sandals by Missoni.

2 SUMMER NIGHT 
Leather and woven straw charm bag by Lanvin and python pumps by Alexandre Birman.

3 FIRST DATE
Happicolo leather shoulder bag by Lanvin and colour-block patent-leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

4 COCKTAIL PARTY
Sweet Charity python and leather shoulder bag by Christian Louboutin and Claudia embroidered suede pumps by Brian Atwood.

5 LADIES LUNCH
Madeleine patent-leather duffle bag by Chloé and Yolanda 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Red is a must next summer and in combination with nude and beige just irresistible. 
Clare Waight Keller, who has replaced Chloé‘s Hannah MacGibbon, shows for her debut collection this colour combination in perfection.

If you are in the mood for shopping, have a look at this stunning outfit below, perfect for the cold temperatures now.

I personally absolutely adore the colour combination of red and nude, so French and so chic!

This rosette-embellished silk top by Lanvin will be a great addition to your wardrobe. It works best partnered with a simple pencil skirt or this trendy pleated leather skirt by Marc Jacobs. Stay warm during winter time with a cozy cardigan by Missoni and the gorgeous red flared wool princess coat by Issa. Add a classic bag such as the nude vitello bow-embellished leather tote by Miu Miu and some killer heels like thestudded open toe sandals by Valentino and you will me make heads turn.

LoL, Sandra