Sandra‘s Closet

Being back in my old home town was pure magic. Chicago, I love you. I had an amazing time celebrating a wonderful friend. I have always had a thing for tulle dresses, probably because they feel like playing dress up and are reminiscent of a ballet tutu.

My look: Strapless gathered silk-blend tulle mini dress by Monique Lhuillier, The Whirl leather clutch in pink by Bottega Veneta, transparent pumps Tan-Go by Valentino, lace tights by Calzedonia, earrings with pearls, and necklace, both by Alessandra Rich, and Dynasty oversized geometric-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Maria Verkalets @maria.verkalets
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King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this weekend, time to unleash my inner princess. For high-profile events, I love to wear Monique Lhuillier‘s intricately detailed and expertly crafted lavish gowns. The sparkling tulle fabric of this dress reflects the light so beautifully at the beautiful Gritti Palace in Venice, where the photos were taken.

My look: Cutout glittered tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, cropped jacket with feather print and fake fur by Moschino, necklace and earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch, and Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold, both by Cartier, Double Bow crystal-embellished glittered leather point-toe pumps by Mach & Mach, and Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Osvaldo for Antonia Sauter
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This was my outfit I wore to the Hot Party in the Snow at Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. When it comes to eveningwear, I am a huge fan of La-based designer Monique Lhuillier. The daughter of a French diplomat always admired the lavish gowns her mother and other stylish guests would wear to high-profile events, moving her to create her eponymous label. I adore her intricately detailed and expertly crafted designs.

My look: Crystal-embellished tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, Odette lace pumps in rose by Jimmy Choo, floral-clip earrings, floral-detail chain-link belt, and crystal-embellished choker necklace, all by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Max Unterharnscheidt @maxunterharnscheidt
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Every fall, the Zurich Film Festival takes place and provides a platform for the most promising filmmakers from around the globe. It aims to promote exchange between emerging directors, successful film workers, the film industry and the general public by showing the year’s greatest discoveries and most anticipated films.

Wearing a black Monique Lhuillier gown and Christian Louboutin shoes and bag.

I attended the opening night of the 18th Zurich Film Festival that kicked off at Zurich Convention Center with the European premiere of the inspirational Netflix production THE SWIMMERS. The film was presented personally by director Sally El Hosaini and actor Matthias Schweighöfer. The President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, who had just returned from NYC, emphasized the unifying effect of cinema on people and set the mood for the 11 festival days with his speech.

The cast of THE SWIMMERS as well as the real Yusra Martini on stage at the opening night.

I can absolutely recommend watching this amazing movie that tells the true story of sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, both talented swimmers, who were forced to flee the civil war sweeping their native Syria in 2015. They make the dangerous crossing to Europe in a refugee boat. When the engine fails on the open sea, they use ropes to pull the boat behind them for hours, saving numerous lives. Once in Germany, they met a swimming teacher (played by Matthias Schweighöfer) who trained them for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

«It is not just an inspirational film that reinforces our belief in the good of people,» explained Artistic Director Christian Jungen in his speech, «With war once again raging in Europe, it is also an extremely important film of our time, because it throws a spotlight on the plight of refugees. Cinema is the medium of empathy that allows us to view the world through the eyes of others.»

The Zurich Film Festival runs until October 2, showing 146 films, including a record 38 world and European premieres with star guests like Eddie Redmayne, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sir Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Til Schweiger, Daniel Brühl and Iris Berben in attendance.

Christian Jungen, Elke Mayer, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ignazio Cassis, Yusra Mardini, Sally El Hosaini, Nathalie Issa, Corine Mauch, Sven Spannekrebs at the Opening Night.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, THE SWIMMERS will be available on Netflix from November 23, 2022. Please watch the movie, it will change the way you look at the refugee situation tremendously.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ZFF, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Happy New Year 2022 to everyone! May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions!

I started the New Year very well at Gstaad Palace. To have less stress that night, I took the photos of my look at the Dolder Grand in Zurich before I left for the mountains. I hope that you will like my sparkly golden outfit.

My Look: Sequined silk-blend satin cape, and matching ruched sequined tulle midi dress, both by Monique Lhuillier, Odette lace pumps in rosa by Jimmy Choo, gold bar clutch by CHANEL, silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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I celebrated New Year’s Eve in grand style at the beautiful Gstaad Place hotel with friends. Towering over the village of Gstaad, the address offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, and always the best parties with unique service. Even if we weren’t allowed to dance, the celebration was great and we still managed to move on our seats.

I wore this beautiful black Monique Lhuillier gown inspired by classic ’50s couture. It has a guipure lace bodice trimmed with a waist-cinching satin sash and a frothy tulle skirt that’s discreetly padded to create all that volume.

My Look: Satin-trimmed guipure lace and tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, zodiac embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, crystal-embellished snake necklace, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, both by Alessandra Rich, bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

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

Today’s post is for a good cause, tonight taking place exclusively on Instagram (@thedigitalcarpet), I will wear one of my favorite gowns ever. The Digital Carpet is a live event and everyone can join. No matter where you are, it starts at 7pm sharp and will be a moment of virtual escapism and fashion fairytale mirroring iconic red-carpet moments. Choose a dress code, get ready, send your look and donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

For my dear readers, here is my look beforehand. A red stunning gown created by LA-based fashion designer Monique Lhuillier. The daughter of a French diplomat always admired the lavish gowns her mother and other stylish guests would wear to high-profile events, moving her to create her eponymous eveningwear label. Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift and Emma Watson are all fans of the intricately detailed and expertly crafted silhouettes.

My look: Embellished one-sleeve tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, gold bar clutch bag by CHANEL, gold red crystal scared heart earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

I hope that I will get to wear this gown soon on a real red carpet though and don’t need to wait for Christmas …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: The Dolder Grand #thedigitalredcarpet #stylesolidarity
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This weekend, the 31th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers. I am once more guest of Piaget and couldn’t be anymore excited about it. If you have a look at this post about last year’s event, you will understand immediately what I am talking about.

One year ago, the sun and stars were out on a Saturday afternoon at the 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, co-hosted by Piaget for the eighth consecutive year and held on the beach in Santa Monica. The event paid tribute to some of this year’s most important films and also attracted the biggest names in Hollywood, including the Swiss brand’s international brand ambassador and Best Supporting Female nominee for «A Most Violent Year,» Jessica Chastain, along with Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Matt Bomer, Emma Stone, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Munn, Miles Teller, Andy Samberg and Emmy Rossum.

I am sure that you are curious how such an award ceremony takes place. So let me walk you through the different steps.

Click here to get all details of me look.

First, it takes place during the day in Santa Monica. Many people are waiting outside of the fences at the beach to spot their favorite celebrities. You arrive and walk the red (in this case pink) carpet and feel like a star yourself…

Cate Blanchett in Schiaparelli Couture on the pink carpet

Julianne Moore dazzled in Dior Couture

Emma Stone donned a lace Monique Lhuillier dress.

With CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger

CEO of Piaget Philippe Leopold-Metzger framed by Swiss girls Lauriane Gillieron, Alizée Gaillard and myself.

Before the award ceremony itself takes place, you can enjoy the start of the event in Piaget’s VIP lounge. Featuring modern, luxurious details and a grand piano in the center, winners, nominees and friends of the House joined Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger for a celebratory glass of champagne and a peak at the High Jewellery Mediterranean Garden collection.

Actor Eric Roberts at the piano inside the lounge.

Piaget was the jeweler and watchmaker of choice for many of the attending stars, including my humble self, who wore stunning earrings from Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection, along with my Limelight Gala watch and a rose diamond ring.

During the Independent Spirit Awards, you can get really close to the stars and have a chat with them.

Ethan Hawke

I did an interview with Jessica Chastain (if you are interested in reading it, click here please).

Kerry Washington, who plays the Olivia Pope in «Scandal»

«Magic Mike» star Matt Bomer

Long-time friend of the House Emmy Rossum

Anne Heche

Sylvie Meis

Marcia Cross wore a long Piaget Rose sautoir in rose gold.

Inside the award tent.

As the ceremony takes pretty long in general, you are very thankful for food and drinks.

Cate Blanchett won Best Female Lead in 2014 and is nominated again tomorrow for «Carol», in 2015 she was presenting Best Feature which was «Birdman».

In 2015, Best Female Lead was the title for Julianne Moore for her amazing performance in «Still Alice».

 Jessica Chastain and Andy Samberg presented the winner of Best Male Lead: Michael Keaton for «Birdman».Patricia Arquette won as Best Supporting Female in «Boyhood».

 Oprah Winfrey introducing the clip from «Selma».Scarlett Johansson was presenting Best Director. Richard Linklater won for «Boyhood.»

And yes, there is a prompter in the tent…

… which everyone including the hosts of the ceremony, Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen, were using.

Alizée Gaillard, Mousse Jacquier and Lauriane Gilliéron

But the best about this trip is always to treasure the fun moments with your girlfriends and of course with you, my dear readers. I am so excited being back in my favorite city in the world and for tomorrow’s event! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget

In honor of the U.S. Open, which begins today, American Vogue has commissioned custom-made tennis balls. Eleven designers and one tennis legend have turned the classic yellow piece into a new and glamorous realm. Which one is your favourite? Do you prefer pearls, rhinestones, spikes, lace, or Maria’s ruby-red pout?

My favourite? Eddie Borgo‘s cones and spikes might scare off the opponent. Players, proceed at your own risk.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, © John Manno

The 69th Annual Golden Globes awards took place in Beverley Hills last night and for us it is a pleasure to see who wore which designer. Unfortunately, Madonna (in Reem Acra), Kelly Osbourne (in Zac Posen) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (in Monique Lhuillier) are NOT on my best dressed list. Please see who is below!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Elle MacPherson in a stunning gown by Zac Posen

Nicole Kidman in Versace

Zooey Deschanel in Custom Prada

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Natalie Portman in Lanvin

Evan Rachel Wood in a stunning Gucci Première gown.

The award for cuteness goes definitely to the dog from the “The Artist”. The movie that won BEST PICTURE. He was the top dog and certainly stole the show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, © WireImages, @ AP