Sandra‘s Closet

I love Prada. The reason is that Miuccia Prada has been a real trendsetter from her early beginnings, a strong woman with a clear vision. She doesn’t go with the flow, she is the flow.
Being a feminist, her way of dressing is a fierce force of nature. She’s saying «bye-bye» to the dated rules of how a woman «should» dress, because she absolutely understands there is no right way to be a woman. Miuccia Prada knows how to set the rules, new rules, to combine the unexpected. This is exactly what I love.

Her looks exude a very confident, powerful energy so intoxicating that it’s palpable. Here I am wearing some cute girly-like pastel colors but if you look closely at my tops, you will stop and think what the hell is this devil doing there and collectively wonder: Who. Is. This. Girl?! She is wearing a bandeau top over a striped shirt and wait… both are inside out.

My look: Printed striped cotton-poplin shirt, and printed striped cotton-poplin bandeau top, and vintage embellished pink satin clutch, all by Prada, layered tulle midi skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, embellished satin pumps and gold glitter sunglasses, both by Miu Miu

A girl who chooses to embrace a fierce style is saying she doesn’t care if you think she’s «cute.» She just is! And most importantly she doesn’t care if people find her «intimidating.» She’s simply going as she feels like. There is nothing in the world sexier than going as yourself.

My summer inspiration? A chill day at the pool, working, embracing my feminine side while kicking some …! We should all dress not for men, nor even for other women, but for ourselves.

WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml

And the same goes for fragrances. If you like it, wear it. You are the one around it 24/7. This one «Prada Candy Sugar Pop» – 30ml (CHF 87.00) and 50ml (CHF 116.00) – has just come out in spring as part of the playful gourmand collection Prada Candy. Delicate notes of Peach and Vanilla mingle with airy Apple and Mahonial and shiny top notes of Bergamot and Green Citrus, comprising an unexpectedly substantial scent story: a sweet first impression cut with an ironic aside, Prada Candy Sugar Pop leaves the room on a high note.

I really like its sweetness, so contradictious to a fierce look. You just have to know how to do it, that’s all. And this, sweet kittens, is where I come in. Tell me about your summer inspiration (description or photo) and WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml. To participate, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «MY PRADA SUMMER INSPIRATION» to . All entries must be received until June 30, 2018. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – the contest is sponsored!
#mysweetaddiction, #pradafragrances, #pradacandysugarpop @prada

Today, the sale at NET-A-PORTER has officially started and I would like to share with you my personal favorites that you shouldn’t miss. Some of them are even marked down 50%. Have fun!

Fringed cotton-blend coat by Chloé (40% off)
A wonderful cover-up for a chilly summer night or the perfect piece to transition into the fall season.

Crystal, bead and felt clip earrings by Etro (50% off)
Nothing elevates a look better than a piece of statement earrings.

Pixie small suede and textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé (30% off)
Already a classic that is here to stay – now on sale!

Sequined mesh knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)
A great investment piece for the next holiday season.

One-shoulder stretch-knit jumpsuit by Stella McCartney (30% off)
One of my favorite pieces this S/S 2018 season, click here to see me wearing it.

Suede platform sandals by Miu Miu (50% off)
I love to dance the summer nights away in a pair of platform sandals. What else do you want to wear on the cobbled streets in St. Tropez?!

Tiered plissé-crepe, tulle and lace midi dress by Elie Saab (30% off)
Looking for an eye-catching summer dress? Here it is! It could be also perfect for a wedding celebration.

Polka-dot wool and cashmere-blend tank by Prada (50% off)
This piece works for many seasons to come. Don’t hesitate…

Happy Shopping! Doesn’t buying on sale feels so much better…:-)?!
TO SHOP THE FULL NET-A-PORTER SALE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Back from the amazing ASW Summer Weekend in St. Tropez, I am filled with many lovely memories that I will soon share with you. For the first evening, I wore this beautiful gown by my friend, Ukrainian-born, London-based designer Natasha Zinko who is one of the most talented designers I know. Her creations are beautiful, architecturally crafted pieces that play with proportions and cuts. Unexpected and different, exactly what I love!

My look: Point d’esprit strapless maxi dress by Natasha Zinko, Dioressence heels in dark blue cracked leather by Dior, bracelet by Anselm Reyle for Dior, My Own Code clutch by Valentino, Minimal Baroque sunglasses by Prada, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and laser-cut leather waist belt by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt.
Photos: © David Biedert Photography

The ’80s are back. But not everything is making a comeback, absolutely trending are sneakers, vibrant colors, strong-shouldered or asymmetric silhouettes and high side ponytails. I know, when you hear the term: side ponytail, hair nightmares of the ’80s may start dancing in your head, but I am here to change that. They are a welcome change from the hairstyles of today. Take this look as your guide on how to pay homage to the ’80s in 2018.

The message is clear «Girls just wanna have fun» exactly as Cindy Lauper warbled in 1983. And believe me, you will feel so young again…

My look: Cloudbust logo-embossed rubber and leather-trimmed mesh sneakers and asymmetric intarsia wool sweater, both by Prada, ruffled crinkled silk-chiffon blouse and Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, rickrack-trimmed stretch-cotton jersey track pants by Mira Mikati, and two heart-overlay round-frame sunglasses by Miu Miu and cocktail ring by Etro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! I hope that you will be spoilt and have to time to relax on this very special day. Personally speaking, family means a lot to me and therefore I was very happy to spend the last weekend in my hometown Frankfurt in Germany to celebrate my nephew’s baptism. I am very blessed as I have amazing parents and a super duper little sister!

Frankfurt is a city full of contrasts. In the center, it is filled with skyscrapers that gave it the nickname «Mainhattan». If you head to the suburbs, you will find the most beautiful landscapes, green and picturesque. I am sure that you can feel the diversity in my pictures.

In this post, you see me wearing pieces from Prada’s S/S 2018 collection which I absolutely adore. Miuccia Prada collaborated with eight female illustrators who depict women in their own «uniquely empowering way» as the fashion show notes read. From manga to punk to sci-fi by artists such as Brigid Elva, Jöelle Jones, Stellar Leuna, and Trina Robbins among others, let the artwork do the talking!

My look: Tiger-print Misty-patch coat, comic-print one-shoulder cotton dress, frame comic-print leather bag, and appliquéd leather sneakers, all by Prada. Square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, Rose des Vents bracelet, 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise by Dior, Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Happy Easter to all of you! I couldn’t resist my own blog post and went for the Prada bunnies. So cute… I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

My look: Rabbit intarsia jumper, matching cashmere and wool scarf and feather-embellished velvet headband, all by Prada, skinny denim pant with embroidery and shearling-lined leather mules, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Easter is in two weeks which is right around the corner. Get ready for the holiday in style with these adorable outfit and gift ideas for any Easter activity you have planned! Whether you are hosting a brunch with friends and family, an egg hunt with the kids, or just chill at home for the holiday with your loved one, I have your wardrobe options covered. Thankfully, this season’s trends complement the Easter spirit perfectly, so no need to feel shy wearing your bunny all year long!

THE FASHIONABLE EASTER BUNNY

1 Embellished intarsia sweater by Gucci
2 Polka dot rabbit T-shirt by Peter Jensen
3 Rabbit intarsia jumper by Prada
4 Rabbit tote by Comme des Garçons Girl
5 Intarsia wool sweater by Gucci
6 Rabbit zip around wallet by MCM
7 Rabbit print wallet by Prada

THE GUCCI EASTER BUNNY

1 Embroidered wool cardigan by Gucci
2 Embroidered denim skirt by Gucci
3 Appliquéd cotton T-shirt by Gucci
4 Appliquéd cotton hoodie by Gucci
5 Embroidered denim jacket by Gucci

THE NAUGHTY EASTER BUNNY

1 Playboy bunny logo sweater by Moschino
2 Bunny gingham leather cross-body bag by Loewe
3 Bunny cap by Bernstock Speirs
4 Embellished swimsuit by Moschino
5 Heidi lace bunny ear headband by Maison Michel
6 Embellished Bugs Bunny sweater by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This season, it’s time to give your silhouette a sultry and unexpected spin, pulling down the sleeves for a shoulder-baring, décolletage-highlighting effect. What we best know from dresses and tops, comes now also for jackets and coats. Time to give the cold-shoulder in style!
To shop, just click on the highlighted text of the respective item below.

1 Cold-shoulder wool and cashmere coat by Prada
2 Could-shoulder wool and silk blazer by Prada
3 Cold-shoulder cotton top by Mugler
4  Cold-shoulder denim jacket by Alexander McQueen
5 Cold-shoulder cardigan by Prada
6 Cold-shoulder cashmere and silk top by Prada

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via mytheresa

«You can’t let someone else lower your self-esteem, because that’s what it is – self-esteem. You need to first love yourself before you have anybody else love you.»
– Winnie Harlow

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of inspirational women such as Winnie Harlow. I admire the Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and activist who shows us to love ourselves with all our little imperfections.

Role model Winnie Harlow posing naked on her Instagram @winnieharlow

She was diagnosed with vitiligo, the chronic skin condition, characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. Harlow was a victim of bullying by other children and was reportedly called a «cow, zebra, and all manner of other disparaging slurs» throughout her childhood. The verbal harassment led to her changing schools numerous times and dropping out of high school, after which she contemplated committing suicide.

Her life changed when Tyra Banks discovered her for the twenty-first cycle of the U.S. television series America’s Next Top Model. Winnie gained easily prominence as a contestant despite her skin condition and finished sixth place. From then, she has worked as a successful model and was the face for several campaigns.

Get her look she wore on the streets of New York City recently: Custom Crystal fox fur coat by M.A Skinz, feather-trimmed embellished printed crepe blouse and cropped chain-trimmed printed crepe straight-leg pants, both from Prada‘s Resort 2018 collection and D’orsay Marlene heels in petal by Roger Vivier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Vivier (Photo by Gotham/GC Images), via Winnie Harlow and stills courtesy of the brands