Sandra‘s Closet

Net-à-Porter has some amazing pieces on sale at the moment, up to 60% off. I put together a list of the must-haves I got for myself as I know I will treasure them for many seasons to come and so will you…

To shop, just click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

A beautiful and classic coat for many years to keep:
Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row (50%off)

Eye-catching and vibrant, this jacket will be your favorite this spring:
Double-breasted leather coat by Valentino (50% off)

Be prepared for the next Christmas celebration in style and any other party of course:
Lace-up satin mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

This piece will elevate every outfit to another level of style:
Grosgrain-trimmed wool-blend felt cap by Saint Laurent (30% off)

Classic polka dots are always a great choice:
Ruffled polka-dot silk-georgette mini skirt by Balmain (60% off)

The perfect pair of black boots:
Suede knee boots by The Attico (30% off)

A vintage-inspired dress is a great option for your next luncheon:
Ruffled polka-dot silk midi dress by Alessandra Rich (50% off)

The perfect pair of heels:
Aria 105 suede pumps by Aquazzura (40% off)

Get a pair of statement earrings for your next black tie event:
 Impatiens silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (30% off)

Try this trend now on sale (for the previous post, click here):
Tie-detailed leather tapered pants by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

On December 2nd, I was invited by Net-à-Porter to join a live event hosted by Alison Loehnis, President of NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER and Natacha Ramsay-Levi, Creative Director of Chloé to discuss the S/S 2021 collection. I was so keen on it and hoped to make it on time as the moving company was still unloading my boxes. However, all of a sudden I received a message in the morning of the 2nd that due to Natacha Ramsay-Levi being unwell, Net-à-Porter was regrettably cancelling the event with Chloé. Today, I found out why Natacha was not feeling well.

She is stepping down from her role at the Parisian luxury leather goods and apparel brand owned by Richemont after only 4 years. A new creative director was not named yet.

«Over the last months of health, social and economic turmoil, I have thought about the changes I want to see in our industry and how to better align them with my own creative, intellectual and emotional values,» Ms. Ramsay-Levi said in her statement. «It is this reflection that makes me consider my future differently and desire to pursue new opportunities.»

Me wearing some of Natacha’s key looks for Chloé

Personally speaking, I truly liked Natacha’s vision, who worked as a key deputy of Nicolas Ghesquière during his time at Balenciaga and during his early seasons at Louis Vuitton, as it was a less commercial take on the house’s bohemian and very feminine codes. However, what had been driving the most sales at Chloé previously, were all the It-bags under previous designers like Clare Waight Keller and Hannah MacGibbon, that have been lacking recently. Even that the collections were broadly well received by fashion lovers, they were ultimately lacking in strong-selling items unfortunately. Sometimes, it drives me nuts that people don’t understand the greatness of some pieces and that they opt for mainstream.

TO SHOP THE CHLOÉ F/W 2020 COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Chloé F/W 2020 finale

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

Starting from today, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER will be the privileged multi-brand online retailers of Watches & Wonders, a global concept that celebrates watchmaking excellence throughout the world. Hosting digital and offline events, this concept will bring some of the industry’s most revered luxury watch brands to the online shopping destination’s extensive customer base, starting from today. Fourteen watchmaking Maisons will feature as part of this initiative, together for the first time.

A great example for a super informative masterclass for Net-à-Porter’s EIP clients last June.

Over the course of the campaign, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER customers will be able to enjoy a calendar of activity, including exclusive EIP (Extremely Important Person) virtual events and small-scale appointment-based activity, virtual one-to-one appointments and interactive Instagram Live conversations hosted by NET-A-PORTER and PORTER’s Editor in Chief, Sarah Bailey, and MR PORTER’s Senior Watch Editor, Chris Hall.

In anticipation of the celebrated campaign, and in response to extensive customer research across both retailers, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER will also introduce a number of new website enhancements to the luxury watch shopping experience, including an improved size guide and the addition of trend-driven, occasion-based and material filters. Further developments will follow in the near future.

One of my favorite watches that I got at Net-à-Porter: Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch by Cartier

The arrival of Watches & Wonders on NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER marks a significant moment for the industry, bringing together the leading watch and jewellery players, and establishes the luxury retailers as the ultimate global shopping destinations for fine watches. Following on from the Watches & Wonders digital platform that occurred on NET-A-PORTER’s Tmall flagship store in April, this new initiative marks the beginning of a year-long programme and showcases a unique tri-fold industry approach to the fast-evolving luxury watch landscape.

With Alison Loehnis at a Net-à-Porter event

«By teaming up with the world’s premier watch showcase, we want to provide an international platform for the most exceptional timepieces, supporting an environment where their stories – and those of their iconic makers – can come alive and be accessed by watch lovers across the globe.»
– Alison Loehnis, President, NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER

NET-A-PORTER will introduce the latest creations from Cartier, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.

Bovet’s limited-edition Dimier Recital 27 Green that will launch at Mr Porter.

MR PORTER will host a curated offering of the most recent creations from across 13 prestigious watch Maisons including Cartier, HYT and Panerai, and will introduce two new brands: Ulysse Nardin and Bovet. Ulysse Nardin will launch with eight timepieces, including the Blast Rose Gold; Bovet will launch with four timepieces, including the limited-edition Dimier Recital 27 Green.

Another beauty in my closet shopped at Net-à-Porter: Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet

Personally speaking, I love being an EIP at Net-à-Porter. The personal shopping department is divine and the events I have been invited to were always superb. I bought two watches for myself and I am super happy with the service provided by my favorite online retailer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter, © Mr Porter © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Last night, I had the pleasure to enjoy a talk hosted by Net-à-Porter’s Global Beauty Director Newby Hands, arguably one of the most qualified experts in the game, and Dr. Nigma Talib ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, who is qualified to treat an array of health conditions such as allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, chronic fatigue and menopause. Furthermore, she is the author of the best selling book «Reverse the Signs of Ageing» and «Younger Skin Starts in the Gut».

To shop Dr. Nigma Talib’s books, click here please.

With over 15 years of experience in naturopathic practice, she is responsible for the radiant glow of some of Hollywood’s most famous faces, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Penelope Cruz. Based on the link between digestive health and premature ageing, her products target common skin concerns that are a result of our diet. Her passion for creating quality and science based supplements and skin care has reached consumers internationally and started in Net-à-Porter being one of the first pioneers to introduce vitamin supplements to the fashion industry.

For Nigma, it’s all about maintaining the right balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria that populate the gut. She explained that we have 100 trillions bacterias, good, bad and ugly ones. 70-80% of our immune system is in the gut. If it is unbalanced, we experience problems, such as bloating, constant chronic diseases, skin problems, fatigue and much more. Newby, who suffered from migraines before, told us that Nigma changed her life in only 36 hours.

Nigma’s daily tips:

– Eat slowly, never in front of a TV (try to chew a piece of bread very slowly and it will taste sweet because you break down the carbohydrates)
– Be 80% healthy and 20% you can cheat
– Take a probiotic (it is very important that the probiotic you take can survive the acidity of your stomach), collagen, Vitamin C, E, zink, and selenium (women in their 30s with thyroid problems mostly lack selenium).
– Stop eating salads at all, even for lunch. They are too hard to digest and don’t have a lot of nutrients. Opt for steamed vegetables, they are very good for your hormones, especially cauliflower, broccoli clean out your «dirty hormones».
– Especially in the cold season, your body needs warming food. Nigma even warms up her blueberries in the morning.

When you age, your stomach produces less acidity which can cause problems. Maintaining a healthy acid–alkaline balance means, that your blood levels should be alkaline, but your stomach acidy.

Your hormones are messengers. If they send the wrong message, you gain weight, you are moody or age prematurely. If your hormones go crazy in your late 30s or 40s, first make sure that your gut gets going. It will solve a lot of your problems.

Nigma explains: «Supplements are so helpful. I tested them on more than 1000 patients over so many years. They looked five years younger when they changed their diet and took them regularly.»

Nigma’s Vitamin C cocktail seems to be a true miracle product. Both, Newby and Nigma, were sipping this kind-of-looking-like-a-fancy-Bellini drink while talking. The sachet includes 1000mg of Vitamin C of which 90% will be absorbed by your body. This encourages collagen production and helps to get rid of dry skin. It will also boost your iron and energy levels (a little tip from Newby: take one sachet before going out and you will be in great form). Nigma’s Vitamin C supplement is not giving you diarrhea.

Something extremely interesting Nigma was explaining to us is that if you don’t drink enough water, you might be carving for sweets as the dehydration causes your sugar levels to sink. Too much sugar can cause skin sagging. It decreases the immune system because sugar sticks to collagen or the white blood cells.

Nigma divides the problems in different kind of faces:

The Dairy Face
– darkness under the eyes
– eye puffiness
– adult acne
Eliminate animal milk, and opt for nut milks with no sugar!

The Sugar Face
– sagging skin
– spots, pimples, redness
Too much sugar messes up the hormonal cycle.

The Gluten Face
– puffiness all over
– inflammation, redness
Like bread rises, your face gets puffy.

In terms of a healthy diet, Nigma recommends an ayurvedic lifestyle. Himalaya salt will help with your insulin levels. Look around your farmer’s market to find fresh and locally produced food. This in combination with the right supplements will improve your well-being in a short amount of time.

TO SHOP DR. NIGMA TABIL ND AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dr. Nigma Stabil ND, © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

I love elephants and will never forget my first encounter with these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. A memory I’ll treasure forever. To ensure that they remain in existence for many centuries to come, I joined the Matriarch Club, a group of 100 high profile women, in London last year, and will be leading the CoExistence charge as one of their Matriarchs. Due to the current pandemic, everything needed to be postponed but I hope that our USA adventure can take place in 2021. This powerful movement aims to build a $10m fund for human-wildlife-coexistence projects across Asia. Stay tuned, I will tell more about this great initiative soon.

I love this BURBERRY + Space for Giants suede-trimmed nylon jacket.

Much to my delight, I discovered that Net-à-Porter has teamed-up with Space For Giants and developed an exquisite capsule collection with several designers to support their amazing conversation work. As you will see, the collection is inspired by safari influences and you’ll find lots of linens and neutral tones and an overall utilitarian aesthetic. Ole Lynggaard has also designed 5 incredibly special Elephant charm pendants in 18 karat yellow gold with emeralds and diamonds.  All profits from this collection will benefit Space for Giants.

OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN x Space for Giants

By purchasing an item, you are answering the call of the wild and in this way you are making a supersonic effort that Africa’s ecosystems and the mega-fauna they contain are conserved. That means ending the poaching of elephants, because elephants are a keystone species and if they are thriving, their precious habitats are, too. And it means finding new ways to fund forever the protection of these landscapes so they can continue to bring their benefits for generations to come.

And if you are still not convinced, here are 10 reasons why to love elephants:

Elephants love deeply and are passionate about life.
Elephants are feminists! Elephant herds are matriarchal.
Elephants make great friends with strong social bonds.
Elephants are resourceful and can adapt to any situation easily.
Elephants are all about teamwork.
Elephants are fast learners and have one of the largest and most complex brains in the living world.
Elephants make great parents and are very protective and nurturing of their young.
Elephants are excellent communicators.
Elephants are environmentalists.
Elephants don’t forget, but they do forgive.

TO SHOP THE SPACE OF GIANTS CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
The perfect pieces for your next safari…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here is your chance and you should better take it! In general, Gabriela Hearst bags cannot be bought in a store or online besides now. These bags are highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists – on average there is a waiting list of 1,500 client per bag at any given time. If you really want the bag, you have to email, hope and wait.
For a limited time period, Net-à-Porter is launching a pop-up boutique of Gabriela Hearst bags, which includes the exclusive «Patsy» and «Diana» styles along with the iconic «Nina» and «Demi» totes. First come, first serve.

Click here for the outfit post from March 2019.

Gabriela Hearst’s cult«Nina» tote has been spotted on the arm of Meghan Markle, Priyanka Chopra and Oprah Winfrey over the years. Crafted from smooth leather in the brand’s Italian studio, it has a globe shape with origami-like folds and a strap that can be carried in hand or the crook of your arm. It will make any outfit pop.

Click here for the outfit post from November 2018.

Gabriela Hearst puts a lot of thought into her bag designs to make sure they’re ethical, sustainable and totally unique. Inspired by ’40s lunch boxes, the «Patsy» tote opens to a minimalist interior that will hold your phone, cardholder and lipstick.

Are you curious what I got myself this time? I actually went for two bags….
Left: Nina striped leather tote with its matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover
Right: Diana leather-trimmed printed suede tote
Gabriela Hearst’s linstantly recognizable «Diana» tote is designed in a fresh monochromatic colorway that’s modern and cool. I adore its distinct accordion-inspired silhouette.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE HIGHLY LIMITED GABRIELA HEARST BAGS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst/Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht and  © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

First of all, congrats to Net-à-Porter, my favorite shopping destination turns 20 this month and it never stops to amaze me. Last Thursday, I had the privilege too attend a very exclusive zoom meeting hosted by Net-à-Porter for their top clients to explore Masterpiece London, the world’s leading cross-collecting fair, before the official launch date today.

With Alison Loehnis to the right and Charlotte Olympia in the middle at another amazing Net-à-Porter event in London.

Our lovely host, Alison Loehnis, president of Net-à-Porter, was joined by experts from the art world for a virtual discussion on «Voyages of Discovery: journey, legacy and connection in art & design.»

Philip Hewat-Jaboor gave us some great insight into Masterpiece London.

Philip Hewat-Jaboor, chairman of Masterpiece and a distinguished collector himself of exceptional pieces from every category imaginable, including 18th-century and early-19th-century ceramics, marbles, furniture and antiquities, gave us a great introduction. What sets Masterpiece London apart from other art fairs is the juxtaposition of art and design from all periods and origins. It is the unmissable art fair at which visitors can view and buy the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery – from antiquity to the present day.

Emma Ward during the meeting in front of a Picasso painting.

«Art is incredibly subjective.» – Emma Ward

With almost 400 years of collective art world experience, Dickinson specialises in privately and discreetly handling rare Old Masters through to Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary masterpieces. Emma Ward, Managing Director, who runs the company, explained us how to navigate through today’s complex and fast-moving art world.

Stunning necklace by Fabio Salini

«I couldn’t find the perfect color combination. Therefore I divided the gems in two rows, into warm and cold colors.» – Fabio Salini

Gemologist and jewelry designer Fabio Salini worked for Bvlgari and Cartier before launching his own brand, creates original jewelry and events around the world. In 2004 he opened his Atelier in Rome, an elegant shop and design studio that has become the focal point of his work, representing the quintessence of his style. His keen interest in contemporary art as a form of expression and a source of inspiration has led to brilliant collaborations, like that with Fernando and Humberto Campana, rooted in a tantalizing mélange of jewelry, design and art. He sees himself as a contemporary artist, very much related to his emotions. He is a pisces, very moody, feelings change every single day.

Image of Rockefeller’s salon designed by Jean-Michel Frank in 1939, showing the Léger mural and Giacometti andirons.

«I believe that a less severe principle can be found—the mixing of styles. The noble frames that came to us from the past can receive today’s creations. The house that we build now can welcome ancient things of beauty.» – Jean-Michel Frank

Such a source of inspiration: Helena Rubinstein’s apartment.

«Re-editions can be problematic.» – Daniel Malarkey

Daniel Malarkey, art advisor, specialized in contemporary art and important design for collectors. I loved his advice and speech. He spoke about provenance and the designer’s work; how proportion, materials and form inspire contemporary design today: how then one commissions site-specific design for interiors and mixing 20th century with contemporary.

Van Cleef and Arpels Œillet handbag mirror. Unique piece, High Jewelry Collection, 2019
Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, pink sapphires, rubies, diamonds. £300.000

If this preview has whet your appetite, you can go even further with this online. Navigate on your own, you can do this from every corner of the globe. However, without the conversation with the exhibitors, you might be stuck. If you find something you like, make a telephone call, talk to the dealer, get engaged and learn more about the respective piece. Masterpiece’s exhibitors span all eras and disciplines and include many of the world’s most distinguished art dealerships.

Shopping art and design is actually similar to shopping at Net-à-Porter, do your homework. Understand the fabrics and materials, buy books and learn about iconic pieces. Buy the best you can afford, instead of buying 25 pieces, invest in THE one. You should feel comfortable in spending money so that you would like to do it again.

Chairs, ca. 1930, by Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941), Galerie Marcilhac

If you commission a piece, find a gallery, an artist or designer. Talk about the feeling of the house, work on the discussion and have an eye on proportion.

Invest in something you like. It might become an iconic piece. I am a collector myself, my collection of high end fashion pieces is my biggest passion that I have followed since over 25 years now. I buy what I personally adore and this is in general the best advice! In the meantime, my collection includes many museum-quality objects.

Do you remember the auction sale of the art collection put together by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé that was held from February 21-25 2009? Yves Saint Laurent was a tastemaker of his own who also got inspired by art, as you can see perfectly in the creation of the famous «Mondrian dress». It was the first ever auction sale to be staged in the Nave of the Grand Palais. The event turned out to be memorable with even 34.000 visitors. Record-breaking items were: the Brancusi sculpture, Madame L.R. which fetched 28.1 million euros. The Matisse Cuckoos went for a spectacular 32 million, smashing the estimated figure of 12 to 18 million euros. Marcel Duchamp’s Belle haleine, eau de voilette fragrance bottle fetched 7.9 million euros.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in their apartment with the famous dragon armchair.

Last but not least, a legendary item in the collection, Eileen Gray’s «dragon» armchair, defied all expectations, the sale price of 21.90 M€ being ten times the pre-sale estimate. This chair was absolutely different from her usual style, but you see how things can turn out surprisingly well.

Join Masterpiece Online (22 – 28 June 2020) for live panel discussions with leading cultural institutions, watch interviews and learn from experts, expert-led virtual tours or arrange a tailor-made private view for you and your friends.

Have a great start into the week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Rockefeller Foundation, Net-à-Porter and Masterpiece

Being an EIP (extremely important person) at Net-à-Porter, aka very good customer, is something I can only recommend. I have been a loyal client of the online shopping destination since many many years, and can only tell you that the customer service, the private shopping department and the invitations you get are outstanding. I have become friends with many of the team members. Net-à-Porter has become a family for me, and I am part of it.

Great memories: With Edgardo in 2013 and with Elizabeth last summer in Paris.

During quarantine, Net-à-Porter started an online event series for their top clients. As travelling has not been an option lately, we meet with the designers or beauty specialist, top chefs and others over Zoom. Yesterday, I had sunset cocktails with Edgardo Osorio of AQUAZZURA
and Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director Net-à-Porter and one of the most stylish women I know.

For Edgardo it was more like a morning juice as he spent his quarantine in Los Angeles in his beach house located next to the sea. He told us that his favorite thing to do has been planting flowers, mostly gardenias for the smell and lavender for the color. We might be seeing lots of floral details in his next collection as he has been drawing mainly nature.

«FASHION NEEDS TO MAKE PEOPLE DREAM.»

Edgardo is a people person and is truly looking forward to hugging his friends and family again. On Monday, he is going back to Italy as the stores and warehouses are opening again. For him, it was an absolutely new experience to be in one place for over 2 months. Usually, he is constantly on the go, and surrounded by his friends. AQUAZZURA shoes can be seen on the feet of trendsetters, Hollywood stars, European royalty and fashion insiders all around the globe.

Some of my new AQUAZZURA shoes, I got during quarantine.

How did he start his company? After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first step into the footwear world working with some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, René Caovilla, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after 10 years in the industry and at just 25 years old, he launched his luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA. His initial idea was to create shoes for dancing. The summer before he created his brand, he was invited to twelve weddings in one summer and was always placed next to the dance floor. No wonder, born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, he is always the first and last one on it. «Dancing lifts your mood, it’s the best exercise,» he says. On Spotify, you can even find the AQUAZZURA Happy Summer 2020 playlist. As his female friends were always complaining that they cannot find shoes comfortable enough to dance in, he decided to change this.

«COMFORTABLE WAS A DIRTY WORD.»

«You need to fall in love with your shoe. It becomes part of your body,» Edgardo explains. In the past nine years, AQUAZZURA has gained global recognition as an innovator in the footwear industry. «Nine years ago, when I started my brand, comfortable was a dirty word. You should never have to apologize for wearing flats. So I decided to create a flat you don’t need to apologize for.»

Click here for the outfit post with the Christy flats.

The so-called Christy flat immediately caused a frenzy among fashionistas. A classic flat gets dressed up with a pretty lace-up tie and brilliant metallic heel. What else could you dream of? Comfortable, feminine and chic in one.

«LUXURIOUS THINGS TAKE TIME TO MAKE.»

For Edgardo, «the definition of luxury is time. Fashion became too fast. Luxurious things take time to make. For a shoe, a millimeter makes the difference. Either it doesn’t fit or it is uncomfortable.» At AQUAZZURA, it takes around 6-12 months to make a new shoe model. Edgardo explains: «We have a fit model, we always work with. After around 5-7 fit trials, it goes into production. Then we make a size run.»

Edgardo’s sketch was all about yellow yesterday.

«I LOVE TO GIVE A PUMP MOVEMENT.»

At the moment, he has a thing for yellow. He loves India, Mexico, color, and crafts. His favorite details are fringes, tassels, everything that moves. «I love to give a pump movement». While we are in the Zoom meeting, he immediately grabs a pen and starts designing a shoe. Instantly, you can see how he combines his passion for modern design with impeccable luxury craftsmanship to create timeless footwear with a twist.

For his travel tips for Florence, click here please for the previous post.

What will be the first thing Edgardo will do once he is back in Florence? «I’ll grab an insane portion of gelato (ice-cream in Italian), pistachio and cookies & cream and watch the sunset on the bridge.» Where will he spend his summer? «I would love to do a road trip through Italy. I will definitely go to the Amalfi Coast and stay longer there. In August, I will go to Greece, one of my favorite places in the world.»

De Gournay x Aquazzura

«I LOVE MATCHIMALISM.»

When I asked him if we can expect more accessories, such as bags, belts and scarfs or even ready-to-wear as I love matching outfits, he laughed and said: «I also love matchimalism and completely understand what you mean. But before I launch ready-to-wear, I will focus more on tablecloths and home accessories following my collaboration with De Gournay. However, more accessories will follow and in fall, I am going to launch men’s footwear and my own tequila.»

Speaking of which, as we met for sunset cocktails, Edgardo showed us to prepare a margarita and a mocktail, which I loved. Edgardo is obsessed with ginger and includes it in everything he can. He likes it spicy. Cheers!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Net-à-Porter, Aquazzura
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The first famous victim in the fashion world has died at the age 84 from complications of the novel coronavirus: Italian shoe designer Sergio Rossi. Prior to his passing, he was hospitalized for a few days in Cesena, Italy, one of the nations hit hardest by the pandemic.

«Everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream,» Sergio Rossi Group chief executive Riccardo Sciutto wrote in a statement.  «Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year. His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business. He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.»

Don’t miss Sergi Rossi’s exclusive capsule at Net-à-Porter, featuring timeless crystal-embellished pumps, sandals and flats.

Sergio Rossi founded his eponymous footwear label in 1951, and quality craftsmanship has remained central to the brand’s identity ever since. Expertly handmade in the founder’s native San Mauro Pascoli, each pair of shoes is the product of a 120-step process and more than 14 hours of meticulous attention to detail. It was a family business: Rossi’s father was a shoemaker, and his son, Gianvito Rossi, went on to start his own successful accessories brand.

Gianvito said that his father put up a noble fight against the coronavirus. »He has always stood out for his class and his strong, charismatic, generous, courageous character: a natural leader, loved and respected at the same time by his collaborators, with whom, in the long journey of his life, he created one big family,« Gianvito Rossi wrote. «The family offers, with love, their last goodbye: With the unquenchable fire of your passion, you taught us that there are no limits for those who love what they do. Goodbye, maestro.»

Grazie Sergio!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sergio Rossi, Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Yesterday I really felt gloomy about the future, for the first time while being in quarantine. I was shocked in regards to my work when I received the news that after Net-à-Porter had closed its distribution centre in the US last week, the company is shutting down e-commerce operations for Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter in the UK/Europe/Middle East as well. The only space to shop left is the Asian site. It’s not clear when the websites will be back up and running. At the moment, they are not able to accept customer returns, and have extended the window for product returns to a timeframe of 60 days instead of 30.

For me, as I am working with e-commerce, this decision has hit me pretty hard. Somehow, preparing my posts, doing some online shopping or at least looking at the sites, gave me a sense of normality. Now, not being able to generate revenue as much as I used to, leaves me uncertain of what will be next.

The upcoming men’s and haute couture shows in Paris, that would have taken place in July 2020, have been cancelled and Milan’s next men’s fashion week has been postponed and will be merged with the city’s women ready-to-wear week in September 2020.

The retailers that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crash.

The question is should the fashion industry skip a season? A question, BoF is asking in today’s article. Many companies have not the possibility to work at the moment on their collections. Some might not be able to afford skipping a season but let’s be frank, what will happen with all the merchandise that is left now, that cannot be sold due to closed shops and shut down e-commerce websites. When stores eventually re-open, there will be so much unsold product in the market that analysts are predicting a wave of discounting similar to that seen in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008.

In terms of my blogging industry, I can see a tremendous shift happening. Some large fashion and beauty retailers have paused affiliate link programmes as the coronavirus pandemic depresses sales, throwing a fundamental element of the social media economy into turmoil. Right now, it is happening in the mass market, with houses like Dillard, Ulta and Macys, but I am convinced others will follow. Is this the end of the influencer era as affiliation programs are driving a lot of our income?

With so many questions arising, I am sure that we will have difficult times ahead, with also lots of new chances popping up. In the meantime, I am wishing you lots of good energy while enjoying yourself at home. I will try to entertain you as much as I can. Isn’t it quite ironic that we got the corona virus from China and now it is only the Asian warehouse that is open…

IF YOU LIKE TO SHOP ON NET-A-PORTER’S ASIAN SITE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Net-à-Porter and BoF
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