Sandra‘s Closet

I love Prada. The reason is that Miuccia Prada has been a real trendsetter from her early beginnings, a strong woman with a clear vision. She doesn’t go with the flow, she is the flow.
Being a feminist, her way of dressing is a fierce force of nature. She’s saying «bye-bye» to the dated rules of how a woman «should» dress, because she absolutely understands there is no right way to be a woman. Miuccia Prada knows how to set the rules, new rules, to combine the unexpected. This is exactly what I love.

Her looks exude a very confident, powerful energy so intoxicating that it’s palpable. Here I am wearing some cute girly-like pastel colors but if you look closely at my tops, you will stop and think what the hell is this devil doing there and collectively wonder: Who. Is. This. Girl?! She is wearing a bandeau top over a striped shirt and wait… both are inside out.

My look: Printed striped cotton-poplin shirt, and printed striped cotton-poplin bandeau top, and vintage embellished pink satin clutch, all by Prada, layered tulle midi skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, embellished satin pumps and gold glitter sunglasses, both by Miu Miu

A girl who chooses to embrace a fierce style is saying she doesn’t care if you think she’s «cute.» She just is! And most importantly she doesn’t care if people find her «intimidating.» She’s simply going as she feels like. There is nothing in the world sexier than going as yourself.

My summer inspiration? A chill day at the pool, working, embracing my feminine side while kicking some …! We should all dress not for men, nor even for other women, but for ourselves.

WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml

And the same goes for fragrances. If you like it, wear it. You are the one around it 24/7. This one «Prada Candy Sugar Pop» – 30ml (CHF 87.00) and 50ml (CHF 116.00) – has just come out in spring as part of the playful gourmand collection Prada Candy. Delicate notes of Peach and Vanilla mingle with airy Apple and Mahonial and shiny top notes of Bergamot and Green Citrus, comprising an unexpectedly substantial scent story: a sweet first impression cut with an ironic aside, Prada Candy Sugar Pop leaves the room on a high note.

I really like its sweetness, so contradictious to a fierce look. You just have to know how to do it, that’s all. And this, sweet kittens, is where I come in. Tell me about your summer inspiration (description or photo) and WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml. To participate, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «MY PRADA SUMMER INSPIRATION» to . All entries must be received until June 30, 2018. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – the contest is sponsored!
#mysweetaddiction, #pradafragrances, #pradacandysugarpop @prada

Today, the sale at NET-A-PORTER has officially started and I would like to share with you my personal favorites that you shouldn’t miss. Some of them are even marked down 50%. Have fun!

Fringed cotton-blend coat by Chloé (40% off)
A wonderful cover-up for a chilly summer night or the perfect piece to transition into the fall season.

Crystal, bead and felt clip earrings by Etro (50% off)
Nothing elevates a look better than a piece of statement earrings.

Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé (30% off)
Already a classic that is here to stay – now on sale!

Sequined mesh knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)
A great investment piece for the next holiday season.

One-shoulder stretch-knit jumpsuit by Stella McCartney (30% off)
One of my favorite pieces this S/S 2018 season, click here to see me wearing it.

Suede platform sandals by Miu Miu (50% off)
I love to dance the summer nights away in a pair of platform sandals. What else do you want to wear on the cobbled streets in St. Tropez?!

Tiered plissé-crepe, tulle and lace midi dress by Elie Saab (30% off)
Looking for an eye-catching summer dress? Here it is! It could be also perfect for a wedding celebration.

Polka-dot wool and cashmere-blend tank by Prada (50% off)
This piece works for many seasons to come. Don’t hesitate…

Happy Shopping! Doesn’t buying on sale feels so much better…:-)?!
TO SHOP THE FULL NET-A-PORTER SALE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Back from the amazing ASW Summer Weekend in St. Tropez, I am filled with many lovely memories that I will soon share with you. For the first evening, I wore this beautiful gown by my friend, Ukrainian-born, London-based designer Natasha Zinko who is one of the most talented designers I know. Her creations are beautiful, architecturally crafted pieces that play with proportions and cuts. Unexpected and different, exactly what I love!

My look: Point d’esprit strapless maxi dress by Natasha Zinko, Dioressence heels in dark blue cracked leather by Dior, bracelet by Anselm Reyle for Dior, My Own Code clutch by Valentino, Minimal Baroque sunglasses by Prada, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and laser-cut leather waist belt by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt.
Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Here is my look that I wore to the 10 years Atelier Swarovski dinner last Tuesday. As Viktor & Rolf were present, I decided that it would be nice to wear something from their previous collections. When I last met them in 2015 (click here for the previous interview), they stopped doing ready-to-wear to focus only on couture.

My look: Cropped leather-trimmed wool-gabardine blazer by Saint Laurent, silk crepe de chine blouse and strappy heels in nude, neon yellow and black, both by Miu Miu, yellow and nude printed A-line skirt and mini Bombette bag, both by Viktor & Rolf, and resin bead necklace by Marni. Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, orange, green and pink by Dior Joaillerie, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Christian Dancker – saltyimages.ch and © Sandra Bauknecht

The ’80s are back. But not everything is making a comeback, absolutely trending are sneakers, vibrant colors, strong-shouldered or asymmetric silhouettes and high side ponytails. I know, when you hear the term: side ponytail, hair nightmares of the ’80s may start dancing in your head, but I am here to change that. They are a welcome change from the hairstyles of today. Take this look as your guide on how to pay homage to the ’80s in 2018.

The message is clear «Girls just wanna have fun» exactly as Cindy Lauper warbled in 1983. And believe me, you will feel so young again…

My look: Cloudbust logo-embossed rubber and leather-trimmed mesh sneakers and asymmetric intarsia wool sweater, both by Prada, ruffled crinkled silk-chiffon blouse and Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, rickrack-trimmed stretch-cotton jersey track pants by Mira Mikati, and two heart-overlay round-frame sunglasses by Miu Miu and cocktail ring by Etro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Trends come and go all the time; while I am glad some are gone, I am ecstatic that a few good ones are back. The cropped top is one of those fashionable currants that found its way from where it started and this time it’s gotten better. Wear it with another ’80s revival the high-waist jeans that are on par with today’s trends.

My look: Trocadero wool-blend cardigan by Altuzarra, Nepos high-rise stretch-cotton twill skinny pants by Isabel Marant, velvet over-the-knee boots by Miu Miu, chain-embellished D-frame acetate sunglasses by Stella McCartney, Monogramme glittered canvas shoulder bag and wide-brimmed rabbit and cotton-blend felt fedora, both by Saint Laurent. T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold cuff by Tiffany & Co. and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Heart-shaped sunglasses are a must this summer! The most Instagrammable ones of the season will be probably Saint Laurent’s LouLous that combine a cheeky Lolita-style heart-shape with retro cat-eyes. I am in love and you?

LoL, Sandra

Heart-embellished cat-eye sunglasses by Gucci

Heart-shaped frame sunglasses by Gucci

New Wave 197 LouLou heart-shaped silver-tone mirrored sunglasses by Saint Laurent

New Wave 181 LouLou sunglasses by Saint Laurent

Classic SL 51 Heart sunglasses by Saint Laurent

Round heart sunglasses by Miu Miu

Poppy Love heart-shaped acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Chloé

Heart sunglasses by Miu Miu

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The belt bag is back, and modern iterations are so much cooler than its practical predecessors. I personally love Valentino‘s bold green leather ‘Rockstud’ version that  is covered in the label’s white pyramid studs and matching stitching (see below). Take your cue from different styling possibilities by wearing it slung over one shoulder.

LoL, Sandra

The Rockstud quilted leather belt bag by Valentino

Souvenir embellished leather-trimmed jacquard belt bag by Balenciaga

Pixie mini suede and textured-leather belt bag by Chloé

Anna leather belt bag by Wandler

Noomi color-block shell belt bag by Isabel Marant

Matelassé leather belt bag by Miu Miu

Printed leather belt bag by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last week in London, I wore one of my favorite dresses by Mary Katrantzou. The so-called Knight dress draws inspiration from vintage 1960s ties. Its striped bodice opens to a pleated skirt decorated with an array of typical animal prints you would see on an Hermès tie. Have you ever thought of transforming your hubby’s old ties into something new for you?! Might be worth the thought… If you are wondering why I am wearing such chunky boots, it was raining cats and dogs.

The photos were taken in my beautiful Belgravia Suite at the COMO The Halkin. A hotel review will be coming up shortly.

My look: Knight tie-neck graphic-print dress by Mary Katrantzou, Ceinture cut-out leather ankle boots by Balenciaga, black cardigan by Miu Miu, patchwork flap bag by Chanel (Resort 2011).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I was in London for Fashion Week and treated myself to the legendary Prêt-à-Portea designer afternoon tea experience at the Berkeley Hotel which is inspired by the world of fashion. I had already done it once 6 years ago (for the previous post click here please) and was curious to see the Collins Room after it had undergone renovations.

You might be wondering what is Prèt-à-Portea exactly? It is a menu of couture cakes especially designed for the respective season gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For F/W 2017-18, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has sent out a brand new collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways.

YOUR FASHIONISTA’S TEA INCLUDES
A delicate collection of cakes and fancies inspired by the world’s finest designers:

Gucci’s kimono, complete with a charming parasol, transformed into a pomegranate and grenadine bavarois, with cassis and apple compote topped with a crystallised edible flower and a chocolate parasol.

Balenciaga’s effortlessly luxe black-and-white flouncy dress reimagined as a moist chocolate cake, layered with white chocolate Grand Marnier mousse, crunchy ganache and a sexy orange leg.

Gianvito Rossi’s red-heeled boots, recreated as a fennel seed biscuit iced with burgundy red royal icing.

Bottega Veneta’s daring mustard-coloured suit, gracing the cakewalk as an iced speculoos chocolate biscuit.

Anya Hindmarch’s orange leather clutch as a dulce and ginger cake sandwiched within foxy orange chocolate.

Burberry’s sleek white feathered cape, recreated as a tonka bean cheesecake with cinnamon crumble base, covered with glossy white glaze and finished with a curvy white chocolate feather.

Miu Miu’s luxuriously warm coat transformed into a bûche of pistachio crémeux set on hazelnut sable and topped with waved meringue.

Christopher Kane’s ‘LBD’ taken to another level with stunning flowers and transformed into a chocolate moelleux cake with lacte café and Bailey’s cream, finished with sugar flowers.

Dolce & Gabbana’s stand-out dress, now an almond génoise complete with a mango & passion fruit insert and a cocktail caraibe mousse, topped with a rainbow of chocolate disks.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose from a large selection of loose leaf teas (I personally recommend the Ceylon & Rose tea) from the hotel’s extensive collection and treat yourself to a glass of bubbly like I did. Raise a toast in style!

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £70.00 per person.
A 12.5% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill.

Bookings
Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

THE PRET-A-PORTEA BOOK
There is also a great coffee table (I meant tea table book :-)) that I can recommend: «Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits» was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berkeley’s iconic afternoon tea with 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat. To buy the book, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Runway Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Photos Cover: Courtesy of the Berkeley Hotel