Sandra‘s Closet

This dress has been one of my favorites this summer and I wore it to many parties. Here you see me at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort at their Bond Beach Club in May where Net-à-Porter hosted the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch. By coincidence, I matched the decor with my accessories perfectly. If you are interested in the event, click here for more information.

My look: Faux pearl-embellished cutout stretch-jersey and lace maxi dress by PatBO, raffia small striped logo tote in tan and yellow, and matching striped raffia bucket hat, both by Prada, Almost Bare crystal-embellished PVC sandals by Aquazzura, and gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earring by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sandra Semburg Photography / @sandrasemburg
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Last week, before leaving to Johannesburg in the evening, I attended The Championships at Wimbledon for the first time as guest of Ralph Lauren x Net-à-Porter.

At Centre Court, British heritage takes a global stage – from the freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, and morning garden parties to the polished spectator style. As the Official Outfitter of The Championships at Wimbledon since 2006, Ralph Lauren has proudly celebrated the tournament’s rich traditions in sportsmanship and elegance.  The American fashion house is providing uniforms for on-court officials as well as stylish, yet functional, pieces that embody the prestigious and sophisticated atmosphere of the tournament.

I was invited to the Ralph Lauren suite that is elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Here I enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading to the game.

Here’s a glimpse into the unique fashion culture of Wimbledon:

Traditional Dress Code
Players: Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code for players, which dates back to the 1800s. At the time in Victorian England, sweat stains were seen as improper and unacceptable, and white would mask the stains the best out of every colored clothing. Once the rule was drawn up, Wimbledon has decided to keep the all-white dress code a tradition throughout the years, meaning that any visible clothing, including undergarments, must be white or almost white.
Spectators: While there’s no official dress code for spectators, the event often attracts a chic, garden-party look with summer dresses, blazers, and hats being common choices.

Celebrities and Royalty
Celebrity Sightings: The event attracts celebrities from various fields, including actors, musicians, and other sports stars, often dressed in stylish, sophisticated outfits.
Royalty: Members of the British royal family, especially Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was frequently seen at Wimbledon before her illness. Kate is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often opting for elegant dresses that respect the tournament’s refined atmosphere. My seat was next to the royal box where I spotted her parents front row.

Experience and Atmosphere
Strawberries and Cream: A quintessential Wimbledon experience includes enjoying strawberries and cream, served in the grounds, adding to the genteel, summery feel of the event.
Pimm’s and Champagne: These are popular beverages at Wimbledon, contributing to the festive and high-society atmosphere.
The Grounds: The carefully manicured lawns and flower arrangements provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the overall experience and making it a picturesque setting for both tennis and fashion enthusiasts.

Iconic Fashion Moments
Roger Federer and Serena Williams: Known for their stylish takes on the all-white rule, Federer’s sleek Nike outfits and Williams’ elegant and sometimes bold tennis dresses have left a mark on Wimbledon’s fashion history.
Anna Wintour: The US Vogue editor-in-chief is a regular at Wimbledon, often seen in the stands wearing stylish summer attire that combines elegance with comfort.

Wimbledon seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and fashion, making it a unique and stylish experience for both players and spectators. The tournament is taking place from July 1-14, 2024.

A big thank you to Iona Miller and her team at Net-à-Porter for this amazing day in Wimbledon!

The Ralph Lauren style tradition pays tribute to the timeless sophistication of tennis.
YOU CAN SHOP THE POLO RALPH LAUREN WIMBLEDON COLLECTION HERE.

LoL, Sandra

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

On our last evening at the beautiful One&Only Kéa Island Resort, we enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel’s Atria restaurant hosted by Net-à-Porter and YSSO, the London-based, Greek jewlery brand that I told you more about in the previous post.

The table setting with olives and green hues was once more breathtaking and the rising full moon made the scenery completely poetic. The dress code said «Greek Chic». Alexia Karides, who co-founded YSSO with her mother, explained us a little bit about her inspiration and limited-edition collaboration with the brand.

We received the iconic Flower Bud earrings as a gift. A blooming flower, captured in sweeping gold arches, the earrings depict the light and energy stored within a flower bud before opening.

An amazing trip – a huge thank you to Iona and her team –  for all these magic moments and memories to take home.

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

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

While being with Net-à-Porter at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, I discovered an interesting Greek London-based jewelry brand, called YSSO, which is celebrating craft, design and heritage.

Founded in 2020 by the mother-daughter duo, Alexia and Stalo Karides, who share the vision of modern jewlery with ancient beginnings. Combining their unique experiences — Stalo is an archaeologist and art historian with over 30 years experience in jewellery making and Alexia is an ex-corporate lawyer turned brand creative director — the two creatives tap into their Greek heritage to design organic and sculptural pieces, each handcrafted and completely unique.

«I AM PROUD TO WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH ARTISANS IN ATHENS, GREECE WHO USE AGE-OLD JEWELLERY MAKING TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES TO BRING OUR DESIGNS TO LIFE.» – ALEXIA KARIDES

MODERN GREEK DESIGN
YSSO is a celebration of balance and harmony; ancient and modern. Their work is defined by the rich history and natural beauty of Greece. Drawing inspiration from the home country’s diverse landscape — they are incorporating elements from the sea, mountains, and flora — and partner exclusively with Athenian workshops in order to highlight traditional Greek jewlery making and goldsmithing techniques.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRACTICES
Craftsmanship is at the very heart of the brand. They work exclusively with a workshop in Athens dedicated to preserving Greece’s goldsmithing and traditional jewlery making techniques. By taking a more considered approach, they aim to reduce the significant risks and challenges posed by mass production to the survival of artisanal skills and to the planet. YSSO jewellery carries on the stories of craftsmen and the knowledge passed down for generations. Each piece is as unique as the hands that made it. They also prioritize the use of recycled and locally-sourced materials in addition to employing environmentally conscious production techniques.

With Alexia Karides inside the shop at the One&Only Kéa Island

One&Only Kéa Island partnered with YSSO on an exclusive jewlery collection, paying tribute to Kéa’s rich heritage and landscape. Taking design inspiration from the island’s reverence for acorns, a symbol of fertility, renewal, and new beginnings; with elements of rope motifs, a nod to nautical lifestyle, and «tetras» coins representing the four ancient city-states of Ioulida, Korissos, Karthaia and Piiess.

A limited-edition collection handcrafted at YSSO’s Athens workshops and sold at the hotel’s boutique.

YSSO NOTTING HILL
If you are in London, you can discover YSSO at a 3-week summer pop-up on Ledbury Road.
79-81 LEDBURY ROAD, W11 2AG
4 JUNE – 24 JUNE, 2024

You can shop YSSO online at Net-à-Porter here.

LoL, Sandra

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

This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casa was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

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

While being in London, I had the pleasure to be invited by NET-À-PORTER and La Prairie to a beautiful dinner at Daphne’s restaurant.

Renowned Swiss clinic La Prairie first opened its doors in 1931 – since then, the brand has expanded to offer innovative skincare with the same effects as its in-office treatments. Backed by over 90 years of cellular science, the range uses proprietary active ingredients including its patented Exclusive Cellular Complex, an anti-aging elixir that boosts skin’s natural rejuvenation process.

During the evening, we learned a lot about the powerful ingredients and indulged in an extremely yummy caviar themed dinner. A new must-have product will launch in November that I will tell you all about in the next post.

TO SHOP LA PRAIRIE ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Newby Hands, Contributing Global Beauty Director Net-A-Porter

With Daniel Stangl, Director Innovation bei La Prairie Group

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

After NET-À-PORTER hosted a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi to celebrate the Italian Maison’s foray into the world of handbags, I wanted you to have a closer look at the new Valì bag, which I personally speaking find timeless and super fabulous.

SAY ‘CIAO’ TO VALÌ
Elevated Italian savoir-faire brings life to the new Valì bag, the result of Gianvito Rossi‘s well-known passion: the pursuit of perfection through minimalism and quality.

VALÌ NUANCES
Italian craftsmanship and smooth precious leather shape Valì’s truly distinctive silhouette, where minimal lines and sinuous curved edges meet.
Valì is a luxurious accessory for real quality connoisseurs, available in four nuances: the iconic Cipria pink colour, Black, Off-white and Violet.

A MINIATURE SUITCASE
Valì is inspired to an accessory that is close to the history of the brand, the personal suitcase used by Gianvito to carry his precious creations around the world.
The original idea was to reinterpret in a contemporary way that suitcase for celebrities and clients eager to travel with their footwear collections, but here came Gianvito’s deeper intuition: recreating a miniature and turning it into a modern, sophisticated, feminine bag in which women can treasure their precious belongings, just like Gianvito did with his collections.

A SMALL MODERN CHEST
«Thinking about my clients, I recreated a miniature version of the suitcase I carried around the world when travelling with the most precious things to me: my collections. A small modern chest where they can treasure their precious belongings.»
– Gianvito Rossi

TO SHOP THE GIANVITO ROSSI VALĪ BAG, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Last night, I was invited by NET-À-PORTER for a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi, who had flown in from Italy for the occasion with his wife and his daughter Sofia, who both play key roles in the company, making the label a quintessential Italian family business.

With Alison Loehnis

In July, Richemont acquired a controlling stake in Gianvito Rossi, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the eponymous brand, who retains a stake in the company and continues to nurture and develop the Maison in partnership. Founded in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli and headquartered in Milan, the son of the legendary shoe designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito has created one of the world’s leading luxury shoe houses. It is recognised by clients all over the world for its sophisticated designs, unique savoir-faire and impeccable quality.

With Gianvito Rossi

… and his wife and daughter Sofia.

This fall, Gianvito Rossi debuts his first handbag, called the Valì, a key new development that was beautifully displayed for the event. The design is very sleek, very much in the spirit of Gianvito, the perfect blend of haute artisanal finish, and sophisticated, modern luxury. Its form with rounded angles does indeed evoke an old suitcase, it is available in four colors – black, peach, off white and violet.

On display was also an amazing suitcase that is can be special ordered in your dedicated shoe size holding your most beloved Gianvito Rossi shoe models. I am obsessed.
Enjoy the impressions of the night.

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Anthony Duong

With Sally Taylor

With Elena Radice and Iona Miller

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

This week, I was invited to a great cocktail evening with my Net-à-Porter family to celebrate the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s Virtual Archives: The Craft. It was amazing to dive into this multi-sensory VR experience where I could discover the extraordinary craftsmanship of Manolo Blahnik. Celebrating artisans and artistry, the evening invited us to explore the latest feature of the virtual experience dedicated to exploring the mastery behind the men’s and women’s collections. The award-winning virtual archives examine the process from design through to techniques and construction, offering an insight into the craft of shoemaking.

From Manolo’s desk to the factory floor, take a journey into the wonderful world of shoes in this virtual experience. Book a slot for the London xydrobe experience here.

On display were also the newest collections and many of the beautiful sketches Manolo Blahnik is famous for.

TO SHOP MANOLO BLAHNIK x NET-À-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With my lovely hosts of the night: Elodie Bougenault, Chief Commercial Officer at Manolo Blahnik, and Vikki Kavanagh, Managing Director at NET-A-PORTER and Mr Porter.

Annabel Skamen and me love the Hangisi 105 embellished satin pumps.

Marilyn Monroe only wore CHANEL N°5 in bed, I only wear my Manolos … good night!

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

This week, I was invited by my dear Net-à-Porter family and London based jeweler David Morris for an amazing Royal Ascot experience.

David Morris’ iconic fine jewelry has been held in the highest esteem since the 1960s, so it’s no wonder the clientele includes everyone from Hollywood legends to modern royalty. Designed with a focus on balanced proportions and colorful precious gems, every exquisite piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques in its London atelier on the famed New Bond Street.

Needless to say, the invitation to the Royal Enclosure was opulent and distinguished. When you arrive in Ascot, you will definitely have to plan enough time. Traffic is crazy as everyone tries to get there at once. Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. The five-day event has been running since the early 1700s, after Queen Anne rode on horseback from Windsor Castle and declared the field to be a fine place to hold a race.

With Polyana Santos and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian in the box watching Tatiana’s horse in the race.

Steeped in tradition, a British monarch has attended yearly since 1825 – this year, I witnessed King Charles III‘s first opening of  the Royal Procession in a Windsor Grey horse-drawn carriage, followed by a clutch of royals, including everyone’s favourite newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Dress code perfection: Dorothy Constantin, my humble self, Polyana Santos, Becky Carson and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian

Royal Ascot is divided into four areas. First there is the prestigious Royal Enclosure, which is invitation-only and was established in 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup. Furthermore there is the Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and the Windsor Enclosure.

Being a centrepiece of the British social season, Royal Ascot is a unique place to experience magic. I enjoyed the beautiful green lawns and floral surrounds of the Royal Enclosure Gardens, which was the perfect spot for socialising with a glass of champagne, after we indulged in a beautiful lunch at Sandringham restaurant.

With my lovely hosts: John Lindsay Koulentianos ( Director of Wholesale & Franchise Development David Morris), Vikki Kavanagh (Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter Managing Director), Annabel Skamen and Michael Revenburg.

Best times with Iona Miller (Luxury Client Relations Lead Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter) and my dear friend Polyana Santos.

ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE

Whether you are attending Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village or Windsor Enclosure, be sure to check that your chosen style is perfect for the enclosure you are in by familiarizing yourself with the dress codes in advance. Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance. This is upheld by a dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right. The Dress Code set out to the right is to help you dress fittingly for the occasion. Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different Dress Code.

In the Royal Enclosure, formal daywear is a requirement and it defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
• Shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
• Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
• Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the shoulder strap requirements
• Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.

The following are not permitted:
• Fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm)
• Dresses and tops that are:
– Strapless or one shoulder
– Off-the-shoulder or bardot
– Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back)
– Spaghetti straps
– Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
• Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
• Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery)

I can only recommend a visit to Ascot, it was such a wonderful experience and I will surely be back next year! Thank you Net-à-Porter and David Morris for having me!

TO SHOP DAVID MORRIS AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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