Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

As I told you before in my travel insider about São Paulo, I was warned that tourists can become the target of scams and robberies while visiting the largest city in South America. Therefore I wanted to to blend in as much as possible in this urban metropole, and took note of how not to look like a tourist while being in town. In order not to flash my valuables, I didn’t wear any jewellery, watch, handbag or logo. I went for a pair of cargo pants that has several pockets that I filled with credit cards, money and my iPhone. I prepared some cash in one of them to be fast in case of a robbery.

In the end, I felt very safe, probably also because I was well prepared… if you get the chance, please visit São Paulo, it is such an amazing city!

My look: Printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, ribbed jersey tank by Derek Lam, cargo pants by DKNY, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, black leather belt by Prada, and sneakers by Prada Linea Rossa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
All photos at the pool were taken at my beautiful hotel: PALÁCIO TANGARÁ

After São Paulo, my next stop was London this week. I love being in the British metropole where I stayed again at the COMO The Halkin. On my way to meetings, we took these photos right next to the hotel at Belgrave Square. Karl Lagerfeld said: «Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.» It is probably one of the only quotes, I disagree with. You just have to find the right ones … and who can resist a velvet tracksuit?!

Another trend I like is that headbands are not only back in style, but they’re cooler than ever. And sometimes it is good not to take fashion too seriously. If you don’t like to see me in sweatpants, just pull down your headband!

My look: Embellished velvet top, embroidered velvet trousers, and Rylee leather ankle boots, all by Chloé, studded leather headband by Prada, Oblique Saddle bag, and shoulder strap, both by Dior, necklaces by Chanel, and diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A wardrobe of classic Prada styles, in timeless black. The Italian fashion house’s The Little Black Bags comprise a precise edit of accessories – a selection of shapes and styles that resonate with an eternal appeal.

Prada Cahier Bag

The collection is composed of petite reiterations of an established cannon of modern classics: Prada Galleria, Prada Cahier, Prada Odette and Prada Panier. Refined and sophisticated, elevated and elegant, yet unexpected, unanticipated, these accessory families are a succinct summary of the meaning of Prada today.

Prada Panier Bag

Executed in a restrained palette and on an intimate, petite scale – unique, exclusive and never before offered – attention is focused on the power and distinction of every handbag’s instantly-recognizable form. Like silhouettes, they delineate the immediate characteristics, the topography of each of these Prada personae.

Prada Galleria Bag

Proposed in Saffiano, calf-leather or precious gloss crocodile, in pure black foremost but also other shades, The Little Black Bags underscore this array of Prada handbags as twenty-first century essentials.

Prada Odette Bag

Personally speaking, I love the Odette the most. A cool and sophisticated shape and almost indestructible in Saffiano leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

It’s a PVC party!  If you feel like you’ve been spotting see-through everything lately, you’re not alone. But this season, designers step up their game by choosing vibrant colours, studs, laces or even lucite heels filled with surprises to attract the attention.

Clearly the most stylish shoes of the season!

LoL, Sandra

Logo-perforated PU and faux leather mules by Stella McCartney

Metallic leather and PVC sandals by Prada

Amber Ghost patent-leather and PVC sandals by Alexandre Vauthier

105 patent leather-trimmed leopard-print PVC slingback pumps by Gianvito Rossi

PVC and leather sandals by Dries Van Noten

Faridaravie 100 embellished PVC and mirrored-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

Milos 105 leather and PVC sandals by Aquazzura

Peggy sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

Paradise leopard-print wood & PVC clogs by Sophia Webster

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«We want to make simulation racing accessible to everyone, everywhere.»
– Francisco Fernandez

Friday night, I was invited to the Formula V launch event at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. My avid readers know that besides fashion, I really love cars and driving fast (must be my German side). Therefore I was curious about this new project where you can live the same sporting experience of top race drivers with their original training simulator. You can choose a track as well as a car and race straight away without the risk of injuring yourself. While exercising a fantastic driving experience, you will definitely be challenged mentally and physically.

With Francisco Fernandez, founder and chairman Formula V, and his wife Natalie Gromova Fernandez.

Furthermore, Formula V wants to focus on finding new talents and giving them the opportunity to train. Regular race car driving is very expensive and it is hard to find sponsors when you get started. The gaming factor also plays and important role. Via the Formula V app, spectators can bet on their favorite driver or even interact with the race themselves by adding rain or letting a cat cross the virtual track. The first competition, a historical date for Swiss e-sport, will be held on May 25, 2019, for more information click here.

Matching the motto of the night, I went for this Moschino race dress from the S/S 2016 collection. Finally, I had a great opportunity to literally sport it.

My look: Sleeveless leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, racing-style dress by Moschino, cadillac clutch and red leather boots, both by Prada. Diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

German actress and model Sophia Thomalla is Formula V’s celebrity ambassador.

If I vetted your appetite for virtual car racing, I invite you to experience the Formula V world class racing simulation in the comfort of the first lounge that opened last weekend in Cham. The Formula V instructors will prepare everything for your perfect race. Alone, with friends, for entertainment or to compete and train, just use the Formula V app to book a time, duration, car and racetrack and you will be welcomed with everything ready to go!

Zurich, Madrid and many more locations will open soon. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)

Last week, you could find me in Milan for the launch of ACQUA DI PARMA‘s new home collection. The beautiful event location was next to Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch in the Sempione Park. I will tell you more about the Italian brand’s new scented candles and diffusers, that bring a touch of Italy to your home, next week in detail due to the embargo date. In the meantime, I invite you to enjoy some impressions of the night.

My look: Vintage embellished cropped wool jacket by Prada, Unbridled Tempest asymmetric cutout floral-print silk-blend dress by Zimmermann, Nina leather tote in cognac by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps by Gucci, and earrings by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Once a year, the Wiener Staatsoper turns into the world’s most beautiful and elegant ball room for the Vienna Opera Ball: a glamorous gala of unique splendour and allure, the ball of all balls, much-copied around the world. It had been on my bucket list since a long time, it is something you should have experienced once in your life.

My dear friend Ljuba Manz invited me for this spectacular night where around 300 debutantes make their dream come true and dance the first polonaise on this unique ballroom floor. After that, it’s Alles Walzer or “Let the waltz begin!“. For more information about the history and the strict dress code, click here for a previous post.

My look: Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London, cropped shearling jacket with mink and embellishments and Saffiano double handle mini satchel, both by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, diamond ring and diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Tonda 1950 clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Music and dance all over the opera building, sumptious floral decorations, ladies in elaborate gowns, and gentlemen in elegant tailcoats, made the Vienna Opera Ball an unforgettable event for me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Some of the photos were taken before the gala at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Vienna.

’90s-inspired hair accessories have been everywhere recently, and those pieces below will add just the right amount of retro style to any outfit. From scrunchies to hair clips, and hair bows, all  look equally as good with a high bun as they do with a messy low ponytail. Here is your chance to satisfy your inner tween without letting her take over completely.

LoL, Sandra

Vintage logo hair barrette by Chanel

Crystal-embellished silver-plated hair clip by Dolce & Gabbana

Vara hair clip by Salvatore Ferragamo

Vintage CC hair barrette by Chanel

Kennedy bow-shaped cotton-faille hair clip by Emilia Wickstead

Velvet hair bow by Jennifer Behr

Set of two Kelly glittered resin hair clips by Valet

Pearl logo hair tie by Chanel

Mallory floral-print silk-twill hair crunchie by Eugenia Kim

Rockstud leather hairclip by Valentino

Charron check scrunchie by Ganni

Velvet hair scrunchie by Jennifer Behr

Satin headband by Prada

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

There are two things I love most, fashion and travelling. When they are combined, it is heaven. Here you see me at the Bayerischer Hof in Munich inside the Gottschalk Suite 672 that gives a glimpse into the mind of German entertainer Thomas Gottschalk. Reserved for him at all times, the suite can also be booked by other hotel guests on request, enabling them to plunge into a design world like no other. With a stylish mix of private pieces, elegant materials and designer furnishings, you indulge into a truly unique urban rock ’n’ roll loft atmosphere.

My look: White printed sweater by Christopher Kane, leather zipper-pocket shorts and fur stole, both by Fendi, black suede knee boots by Prada, and orange Birkin bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht