Sandra‘s Closet

I am already missing summer so much that I want to show you one of my favorite looks shot at the beach of the Blue Palace Elounda hotel in Crete. In the background you can see the small island Spinalonga. It is actually a pretty creepy place, also known as the Leper Island, as that is where Greek lepers were quarantined until 1957.

My look is very colorful. The sunglasses are from the recent Loewe F/W 2022 collection. I adore the inflated style, it feels new. The Maison’s broken egg sandals are definitely a piece for the museum – I am completely obsessed. My bucket bag is from The Collector, a Geneva based brand, that is specialized in high end bags, preferably in exotic leathers.

My look: Lola cropped tie-front paneled linen top, matching Lola belted paneled linen midi skirt, and fringed faux raffia sunhat, all by Zimmermann, Broken egg sandals, and inflated oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses, both by Loewe, coral earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and bucket bag by The Collector.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht
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Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the S/S 2022 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Lanvin to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with Oscar de la Renta – a striking orange gown crafted with apricot bavarois, salted Manuka honey and apricot ganache, topped with a meringue frill. A hero handbag from Michael Kors – whose bags were seen filled with flowers on the catwalk – has been created as a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry jam, wrapped in an Opalys chocolate cylinder with flowers intricately piped with lime butter cream.

Gucci’s pink silk tuxedo has been reimagined in bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge, layered with peach compote and glazed with shimmering pink icing. This is finished with a thin chocolate jacket and bow tie. Meanwhile, Lanvin’s towering floral platform heels will stomp down the cakewalk made from chocolate biscuit, painstakingly piped with royal icing.

Schiaparelli’s couture golden mini dress combines caramel sponge, dark Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut praline, all topped with a shimmering, chocolate oversized collar. Richard Quinn’s buttercup yellow gown is immortalised in ice cream – chocolate wafer cones are filled with fresh fruit compote and pineapple and star anise sorbet, topped with bright yellow chocolate waves.

Finally, the Prêt-à-Portea pastry team have created a showstopper of a cake – designed to share – paying homage to Saint Laurent’s floral jumpsuit. An oversized red rose made of lychee mousse with fresh raspberry is set on a glossy white coconut cake, and finished with a green chocolate leaf.

As always, the tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from the extensive collection.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sunday: 1pm – 5.30pm.

Cannot wait to be back in London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
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As promised here is the outfit post featuring the very daring Mugler dress with the Fendi wallet on chain, shot in Mykonos where I spent a great time in August. The fusion of the rocky landscape and the dark blue sea creates a special atmosphere. The sunsets are divine and every spot seems to be extra picturesque.

My look: Cutout paneled tulle midi dress by Mugler, limited edition FF Vertigo Continental leather chain wallet by Fendi, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura,  gold-tone crystal earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @mykonos_alexandr / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Do you know La Plonche? It is one of my favorite parts of Saint Tropez, hidden away from the masses at the port. Sitting close into the buildings of the old town, the small beach is fronting the oldest part of the French village and offers stunning sea views. You need to walk round a small coastal path to reach it. It is a legendary, fairytale place. Brigitte Bardot was a regular at the iconic Hôtel de la Ponche around the corner.

I absolutely love to wear Zimmermann dresses in Saint Tropez. It is the perfect brand for the Riviera.

My look: Estelle belted paisley-print linen and ramie midi dress by Zimmermann, yellow and orange Deauville beach tote by CHANEL, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, yellow beaded earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
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Nobody does fun statement earrings like Oscar de la Renta. The American designer has long championed the category with colorful, textured pieces. Always lightweight and easy to wear, you can build your forever wardrobe with this must-have fashion jewelry. Below you can find some of my favorites available this summer. To shop, click on the highlighted text please.

LoL, Sandra

Flower drop earrings

Pitanga gold-tone resin earrings

Woven flower-pendant earrings

Impatiens gold-tone, bead and crystal clip earrings (marked down 30%)

Ombre-print floral earrings

Tassel drop earrings

Gold-tone crystal clip earrings

Crystal-embellished earrings

Beaded tassel earrings

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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Here is the outfit I wore to the dinner with Brunello Cucinelli in Solomeo last week. As seen on the S/S 2022 runway, Valentino’s three piece ensemble was inspired by Valentino Garavani’s all-white collection from 1968. I love the monochrome colourway that gives the garment a timeless feel, whilst the 3D detailing adds a creative and contemporary edge.

My look: Cropped appliquéd wool and silk-blend jacket, appliquéd wool and silk-blend bralette, embroidered appliquéd wool and silk-blend crepe mini skirt, Tan-Go platform pumps, and One Stud nappa bag with chain in ultra marine green, all by Valentino, classic large Impatiens earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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What would you wear for a tropical date? I went for this beautiful high-low dress. It is a form of asymmetrical dress, typically longer at the back, and shorter at the front. The ruffles add to the tropical vibe. The photos were taken in Puerto Rico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a resort I can only recommend and that I will show you more about very soon.

My look: Off-the-shoulder ruffled printed metallic fil coupé silk-blend georgette dress by Dundas, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, small La Medusa top handle bag by Versace, python leather buckle belt by Saint Laurent, and dark blue clip-on stone drop earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Do you enjoy skiing in the most luxurious and sought-after resorts in Switzerland? The dilemma of whether to go to Gstaad, or St. Moritz comes down to personal preference. I used to spend my winters in St. Moritz for many years but today I prefer Gstaad.

The beautiful Gstaad Palace is my home away from home and those photos were taken inside the La Fromagerie restaurant that offers delicious cheese treats and other Swiss specialities. The Alpine resort’s blend of glamour, lifestyle, sport and pristine nature outshines everything. However you are far more certain of getting snow in December in St Moritz than Gstaad. Both have a high profile social scene. St. Moritz, touted as the ski resort «on top of the world,» and Gstaad advertises with «come up and slow down». The choice is yours and the look would work for both.

My look: Argyle-pattern rollneck jumper and matching argyle jacquard midi skirt, both by Balmain, St. Moritz Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch by Olympia Le Tan, Alminette red suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and classic large Impatiens earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Munich has always been my happy place. I absolutely adore this city in which I had lived for eight years before moving to Chicago and then Zurich. Therefore I was so happy to be back to see my friends, to enjoy Bavarian food and to walk around the famous Maximilianstrasse for some serious shopping damage.

My look: Aliane patchwork floral-print linen midi dress by Zimmermann, Bougainvillea 105mm sandals by Aquazzura, gold-tone necklace by Saint Laurent, yellow beaded earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and denim tie dye cannage small Caro bag by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Markus Wachter
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The Met Gala is typically held on the first Monday in May, but this year, the event was postponed due to COVID-19 and falls right in the middle of fashion month. As Iris Apfel once said: «When we were small children, we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time, so why stop?». This is how Met Gala is for me, a huge party for everyone who loves to dress up and has never stop to indulge in fashion.

Ensemble, Christopher John Rogers (American, born 1993), F/W 2020; Courtesy Christopher John Rogers. Photo: HAPPYMONDAY / Courtesy of the Costume Institute

Also referred to as «fashion’s biggest night out,» the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the Costume Institute will host its first two-part exhibition, on the theme of American fashion, during 2021 and 2022. Part one, «In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,» will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18, 2021, and will remain on display when «In America: An Anthology of Fashion,» opens on May 5, 2022 in the period rooms of the American Wing. Both shows will run through September 5, 2022.

Below, you will find my personal selection of outfits, that I loved or didn’t like and hope you will enjoy it.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion that makes us dream – my favorite look of the gala: Iman in Harris Reed

Cracking the codes: Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture and Maria Tash jewelry and A$AP Rocky in ERL

Wild West: Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Fitting the American theme of the upcoming exhibitions perfectly: Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams in CHANEL

Sporting the American flag: Debbie Harry in and with Zac Posen

Trio infernal with an American «Statue of Liberty» touch: Sienna Miller in Gucci, Hamish Bowles in Thom Browne, and Emily Blunt in Miu Miu

Feathers were also a trending theme: Serena Williams in Gucci

One of my favorites last night: Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

And another one of my favorite looks: Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

Hailee Steinfeld in Iris Van Herpen

Donatella Versace in Versace

Whoopi Goldberg, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Carey Mulligan in Valentino

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

Literally eye-catching: Hunter Schafer in Prada

Gigi Hadid in Prada

A great look, but somehow not for her: Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung and Jimmy Choo shoes

Beautiful: Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang

Mmh… definitely not my favorite look: Vera Wang in Vera Wang

Playing dress-up: Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Making a statement: Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior

Flowers were a huge theme: Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

LOVE: Irina Shayk in Moschino

YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager), who came out as transgender last year, paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this «pay it no mind» sash.

Anna Wintour wore a floral Oscar de la Renta gown.

Stunning in Oscar de la Renta: Karlie Kloss and designer Wes Gordon

Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta. Her bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces.

Dan Levy in Loewe

Designer Virgil Abloh in Off-White

And here comes the golden king in his amazing outfit that revealed different layers: Lil Nas X in Versace

Photos: via Vogue.com