Sandra‘s Closet

Salut de Saint-Tropez and Happy Birthday, Switzerland! Today, August 1st, Switzerland celebrates its 730th Federal Holiday. A good reason to wear something red and white while being on holidays. Here you see me at the entrance of our hotel, the iconic Byblos Saint Tropez, on our way to the beach.

My look: Cassia Waterfall ruffled bikini, and tasseled floral-print slub cotton towel, both by Zimmermann, asymmetric draped linen-gauze midi skirt by Michael Kors Collection, quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta, beige multicolor Mizza embroidery book tote by Dior, soft pink terry cloth headband by Miu Miu, thin chain waist belt with small CC logos by CHANEL, Oscar seashell choker, long gold-tone and shell necklace, and gold-tone and shell earrings, all by Isabel Marant, bracelets by Cartier, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie
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 After a fashion show staged as a real fantasy – almost-impossibly presented in the landscape of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites Alps – the F/W 2021 Miu Miu collection designed by Miuccia Prada returns to the context of fashion, itself another fantasy of realities, exploring the power of clothes as a conveyance of character, an expression of strength. 

As this collection champions the notion of bravery and intrepid exploration, the hero of this Miu Miu campaign is the actor Emma Corrin – whose courage in her abandonment, whole-heartedly, to every role, has boldly powered her to international prominence. Acting requires innate courage – emotional bravery, the baring of one’s soul, to bring fantasies to life. 

An actor’s craft is to lend fact to fiction, to embody people other than themselves. Corrin’s career has been marked by the power of her performances – her paradoxical bravery in showing her own vulnerability, the strength of character she can convey. Here, Corrin is captured in a direct and arresting series of studio portraits, her gaze in each an echo of female archetypes – joyful and reflective, serious or seductive – photographed by Steven Meisel with creative direction by M/M Paris. Her personality projects onto every image – staring boldly from the picture plane, framed in a new context. 

Miu Miu celebrates bravery, boldness – it is rooted in and inspired by communities of women, in the power of the collective. Here, Corrin shifts between different identities, different sense of self – playful or powerful, fragile but strong. Accompanying the print campaign, a series of five short films allow Corrin to reinvent herself once more – as different characters, within different personae. Corrin reads aloud a series of anecdotes, recollections, remembrances – recounting memories, true and imaginary, in her own voice and those of others. Again, lines are blurred: is Corrin acting, or actual – are these her words, or a script? 

Throughout, both films and imagery constantly interrogate our ideas and ideals of reality and fantasy, the courage needed to traverse between the two. As Corrin gives her characters strength, Miu Miu clothes its wearers for brave endeavours. 

The first episode of ‘A BRAVE HEART’ films is online at miumiu.com. Watch the trailer HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu CREDITS: Creative Direction: M/M (Paris) – Photographer: Steven Meisel – Videographer: Benn Northover – Styling: Lotta Volkova – Talent: Emma Corrin

After a year of mostly being stuck at home, we are all craving for bright colors, and vibrant prints. In fact, all things retro have had a big influence on fashion and personally speaking I adore Emilio Pucci’s swimwear collections that are very reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s. Those kaleidoscopic patterns make me feel like being at a Mediterranean getaway immediately.

My look: Lilly-print silk-georgette maxi cape dress, Lilly-print stretch-jersey face covering, Lilly-print bikini top, mid-rise Lilly-print bikini briefs, and matching Lilly-print cotton-voile short sarong, all by Emilio Pucci, Mon Tresor mini leather-trimmed mesh bucket bag by Fendi, snake-effect leather platform sandals by Miu Miu, glass-beaded hoop earrings, and set of three glass-beaded chokers, both by Etro, Eva aviator-style rose gold-tone sunglasses by Tom Ford, charm bracelet with scissors and flower, and sautoir AirPods necklace by CHANEL, Intrecciato rubber iPhone 12 Pro Max case by Bottega Veneta, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Last Monday, I watched the Euro 2020 game between Switzerland and France which was an absolute thriller, so captivating and good. I feel very blessed to have two nationalities which doubles the chances to win. After my home country Germany lost on Tuesday against England, all my hopes are pinned on Switzerland.

Hopp Schwiiz! Fingers are crossed for another amazing game on Friday against Spain. My outfit is ready – a playful take on soccer fashion.

My look: Oversized embroidered appliquéd printed neon mesh T-shirt, embroidered logo soccer pants, and soccer neon pink low-top sneakers, all by Balenciaga, fringed intarsia wool scarf by Miu Miu, cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Bottega Veneta, Barocco print soccer ball by Versace, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Anouk Bauknecht
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Exploration, excitement, a voyage to new territories. Miuccia Prada toys with all the characteristics of a nautical atmosphere – colours, insignias, attitudes – to create a Miu Miu Maritime collection, refracting these archetypal and classic sartorial gestures into unexpected new forms.

Silhouetted against twin expanses of blue – the sky and the sea – the Miu Miu crew of feminine sailors are captured by Johnny Dufort, poised on the concrete ramparts of the Plage de Bon-Secours at Saint Malo – a bathing pool jutting into the sea, man meeting nature. At this point of embarkation, where land meets water, this Miu Miu crew gazes out to the distance in anticipation – of a new beginning, a different season, a different perspective, broadened horizons. As ever, these Miu Miu women are part of a collective, a group – here, they are a fleet, an admiralty, their clothing unifying them, signifying their bond.

The clothes are fresh, spirited, evocative of mariner attire yet exaggerated by the lens of fashion. Traditionally masculine gestures – the flap collar, wide shoulders, an air of utility – are abstracted to be fused with the inherently feminine, with softly rounded sleeves, lace detailing, ruffles, bows. Created for summer, the fabrics are crisp, light, honest: satin pois, popeline, hard-wearing cotton denim – in marine blue, white, palest pink, officer’s red. This visual language, inextricably tied to nautical attire, can simultaneously speak of other worlds – borrowed for children’s clothing and casual attire of the past, today those details evoke, in the subconscious, youthfulness, vacation, freedom.

Maritime speaks of possibilities – the commencement of a journey. The coastline is not the end of the land, but rather marks the start of something new. A collection of hope to enjoy this summer with hopefully a little bit of normality again …

For F/W 2020, Miuccia Prada already showed maritime influences on the runway. I got these two pieces that I absolutely love to wear.
Left: Sailor-collar lambswool bodysuit
Right: Sailor-collar cotton-poplin shirt

If I vetted your appetite for Saint Malo, have a look at the Thermes Marins de Saint Malo. The seaside resort launched their own skin-care line in 2005, that is an alliance of scientific research, naturalness, expertise and modern technology. In Switzerland the products are available at Import Parfumerie. Maritime cosmetics and maritime cosmetics go well together, don’t you think. Beauty, born of the sea…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu, © Thermes Marins de Saint Malo
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These quirky-cute, child-like accessories (which are definitely a nostalgic nod to the ’90s) add an extra dose of fun to your outfits. Be the cool kid on the block and delve into a world of playful proportions. With Demna Gvasalia at the helm, Balenciaga retains its unique and innovative approach to fashion and plays a leading role in this trend that is suddenly everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Embroidered poplin-trimmed shirred floral-print cotton mini dress by Gucci

Toy silver-tone beaded choker and Toy silver-tone beaded bracelet, both by Balenciaga

Dummy drop earrings by Balenciaga

Sailor-collar lambswool bodysuit by Miu Miu

Toy logo coin purse by Etro

Toys print shoulder bag by Etro

Hello Kitty XXS embellished printed leather tote by Balenciaga

Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey top by Balenciaga

Bear-motif jumper by Moschino

Gummy Bear hoop earrings by Balenciaga

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
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Today, I would love to show you the perfect gift idea for every cat-loving fashionista. From Alessandro Michele‘s cat prints for Gucci, to Miucci Prada‘s Miu Miu collection, the runways are replete with feline fantasies.

LoL, Sandra

Cat-print cotton-jersey T-shirt by The Vampire’s Wife

Guardians printed tie-dyed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Miu Miu

Check fil-à-fil cat-print shirt by Miu Miu

Cat-print tulle-trim T-shirt by MSGM

Cat-print appliqué wool sweater by Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

Appliquéd organic printed cotton-jersey T-shirt and embroidered-cat floral-print satin cushion, both by Gucci

Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey hoodie and oversized printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, both by Balenciaga

Cat-print pillow by Fornasetti

Chiavari cat-print chair by Gucci

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
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Say cheese! In Switzerland, you do that literally all the time, as it is the cheese capital of the world. Being such an integral part of its cuisine, the infamous cheese fondue and raclette are prime examples. During my stay at the Gstaad Palace, I ate at least once or twice a week at the so-called «Fromagerie» (French for cheesery), where those photos were taken. In case you wondering about the sausages, Swiss people like to start with a «Plättli» (little plate) of dry meat.

As this kind of food is pretty heavy and also very odorous, I recommend wearing something comfy. I love this mountain look, it is the perfect combination of being stylish, yet cozy. And the best is yet to come, the back of the sweater is open, so you don’t get too hot!

My look: Crochet-knit collar mohair-blend sweater, and crystal-embellished pleated wool tartan midi skirt, both by Miu Miu, crystal-heart drop clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, wide bow hair clip by Jennifer Behr, Aria 105 suede pumps in dark blue by Aquazzura, and Cassandra medium YSL-plaque dark green leather cross-body bag by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Miu Miu Famous Cats is a collection of five t-shirts, each carrying a film-still printed with different feline characters. Multi-faceted and free-spirited, these gorgeous creatures may be courageous, cowardly, aloof, playful, loving and at times, even mean.

The cats playing starring roles and featured in the collection include;
Jake – the extra-terrestrial cat from the 1978 American sci-fi comedy, The Cat From Outer Space. When forced to land his spaceship on earth, he leads various humans on a series of riotous escapades.

Jonesy – the mouse-chasing ginger cat resident on the ill-fated USCSS Nostromo in the 1979 blockbuster, Alien. With Ellen Ripley, he is the mission’s only survivor.

Three talking cats sit on Chibi-Usa’s shoulders from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, broadcasted Japanese animation series since 1992. Luna, Artemis and their daughter, Diana, are companions to the eponymous Sailor Guardians.

The nameless cat in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather was found wandering around the movie set, and was picked up and placed – impromptu – on Marlon Brando’s knee. His purring further obscured the actor’s famously muffled dialogue.

Finally, with her long lashes and crimson pout, Toodles Galore, from Hanna Barbera’s Tom & Jerry, reduces hapless Tom to a gibbering wreck every time he encounters her. And this despite the fact she never makes a sound.

Launching in March, t-shirts are available in plain white cotton and stills are printed alongside text contextualising their significance in big and small screen culture.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu

Chic happens – especially when you are in Gstaad even if you just go for a stroll … I am so happy to be back up in the mountains at my home away from home, the Gstaad Palace hotel. Injecting some color into your wardrobe is an immediate mood booster and elevates an outfit to new heights. You should try it …

My look: Fox fur spotted jacket in pink by Miu Miu, high-neck ribbed-knit sweater by Alexandre Vauthier, FF-jacquard fringed cashmere scarf, high-rise soft-shell skinny-leg ski trousers, and T-Rex shearling-lined logo-print coated canvas and leather ankle boots, all by Fendi, embellished square butterfly sunglasses by Celine, and Georgina embellished wool-felt fedora by Eugenia Kim.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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