Sandra‘s Closet

Breaking news today. Roberto Cavalli (November 15, 1940 – April 12, 2024) has died at age 83. The «King of Bling», who has been synonymous with vibrant animal prints and sand-blasted denim, has died in his hometown Florence.

«Surround yourself with love, because love will be the beacon of your life.» – Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli launched his eponymous label in 1970 after his textile print studies and presented his first prêt-à-porter collection at age 30. He rose to fame extremely fast thanks to a revolutionary printing procedure on leather that he patented. He went on to open his first boutique in Saint-Tropez in 1972, and was soon after invited to present at the Sala Bianca in Florence.

With Roberto Cavalli in 2011.

Throughout his career, Roberto Cavalli created very sexy clothes in bright and bold colors. Animal prints were in his DNA as well as a very innovative approach to fabrics. He went on to introduce additional lines, including RC Menswear, Just Cavalli, which was marketed to a younger consumer, and a children’s collection. The brand also expanded into hospitality, opening its Cavalli Café in Florence in 2002, a concept it eventually brought to other cities, including Milan, Ibiza and Miami.

According to BoF, his company has faced a series of challenges in the last decade: In 2014, it began posting annual losses. In 2015, the Cavalli family sold 90 percent of the business to private equity firm Clessidra Capital Partners. In 2019, it closed its US stores and laid off 93 employees. It filed for bankruptcy in Italy in March 2019. The company went on to be acquired by Dubai-based real estate devloper Vision Investment Co. LLC later that same year.

With Fausto Puglisi in Café Cavalli in Milano in 2012.

The Cavalli collections are currently designed by Fausto Puglisi.

At the home of Roberto Cavalli were lots of animals.

Personally speaking, I met Roberto on several occasions and was invited to his house several times in Florence. He loved animals and was a very kind man who loved to host. RIP, Roberto, you will be missed and I feel privileged to have so many beautiful outfits from you in my closet.

In Roberto’s living room in his house in Florence.

If you are interested, I invite you to read an interview with him from 2011 here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli
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I will be off to the Salon del Mobile in Milano this week. As I am in the process of furbishing our new home, this is something very exciting and fun for me. Something that has caught my eye are the 20 limited-edition pieces from Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors, the so-called QUEEN OF CAVALLI CHAIRS, designed by my lovely Fausto Puglisi, the Italian brand’s Creative Director.

Fausto Puglisi with me at the Cavalli Club in Milan a few years ago.

The chair’s neoclassical structure is sculpted out of carved wood with a matt black finish and upholstered in fabrics printed with the artwork, focus on recent collections.

Animal print motifs representt the United States of Cavalli, celebrating the brand’s DNA alongside prints that explode with bright hues of sunshine yellow, fiery red, deep purple, the indispensable black and white, and a striking emerald.

Behind the backrest, a metal plaque with a brushed gold finish carries the name and series number of the chair, marking an extraordinary item that straddles the boundaries between art and design. The limited edition brings the synthesis of classic rigor and irreverence to the finest in Italian furniture, conveying the maximalist yet multifaceted style that disguises the brand collections.

The QUEEN OF CAVALLI CHAIRS will be officially presented as part of the Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors stand at the Milan Salon del Mobile. The limited edition may also be admired at the Roberto Cavalli Boutique in Via Montenapoleone, where it will star sth the centerpiece of a special installation.

LoL, Sandra

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

Happy Halloween weekend to everyone! It will be just me dancing with my skeleton friend due to the current pandemic.

My look: Arm-slit chantilly-lace cape, Frankenstein-print dress, lightning-bolt heel satin pumps, and devil earrings, all by Prada, red lips bag by Moschino, crystal-embellished cat-eye acetate sunglasses by Saint Laurent, skull ring and Swarovski toad ring, both by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Great news, the first luxury fashion designer has launched custom-print unisex medical-grade masks, the same kind doctors and nurses wear in the hospital. Peter Dundas has transformed what is typically in a shade of icy blue into something fun, and insisted on black straps instead of white. In vibrant florals and animal prints plucked from his runway collections, the face masks are extremely soft and comfortable to wear, much better than the usual medical-grade ones we know.

«We’ve always wanted to be a feel-good brand,» Dundas said to Vogue. «I truly believe our colors and patterns make you happier. They light up your life like a bouquet of flowers. Wearing a mask and hiding your face is a challenge, and if we can make people feel better about it, that’s a good thing.» I couldn’t agree more.

Peter Dundas with me

Dundas sat at the helm of Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Emanuel Ungaro, before he gave fans what they wanted by launching his own eponymous label. He made the announcement in such a cool yet unconventional way, debuting his first designs with three custom-made looks for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Created with partner Evangelo Bousis, the brand is inspired by the duo’s travels and the glamorous, jetsetting women in their inner circle.

After placing an order on dundasworld.com, the face masks arrived the next day from Italy. They will also launch on Amazon Fashion in the coming weeks. A pack of 50 masks costs €85.

He and Bousis are also donating boxes to children’s hospitals, the Art of Elysium, and the LGBTQ Center in New York, so health care workers and patients alike may have a little dose of that Dundas glamour all love! Bravo!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Dundas, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Norwegian designer Peter Dundas trained at Parsons in New York before moving to Paris in the early 1990s. He then moved to Italy where he worked his way to the top of Italian fashion, helming some of the country’s biggest design houses, such as Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Emanuel Ungaro.

With Peter Dundas

 So it was only a matter of time before he gave fans what they wanted by launching his own eponymous label. He made the announcement in such a cool yet unconventional way, debuting his first designs with three custom-made looks for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards, who was pregnant with twins at that time.

Beyoncé in Dundas at the 2017 Grammy Awards

Created with partner Evangelo Bousis, the brand is inspired by the duo’s travels and the glamorous, jetsetting women in their inner circle. Dundas’s designs became a red-carpet favourite thanks to his brand of high-octane glamour that championed feminine silhouettes and intricate embellishments – an aesthetic he carries through to his own label. The selection of thigh-skimming dresses, suits, and separates are a study in dramatic decadence.

You can shop Dundas at NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION, FARFETCH and MYTHERESA.
Here are some of my favorites available at the moment:

Ruched sequined tulle and lace mini dress by Dundas

Embroidered chiffon mini dress by Dundas

Lace-paneled embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Dundas

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dundas, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

Paul Surridge, Creative Director of Roberto Cavalli, designed 11 footballs for the Pitti Immagine Uomo 94 project “Fanatic Feelings- Fashion Plays Football“, a broad multimedia presentation that will highlight the pioneering impact football has had on the world of men’s fashion, curated by Marcus Ebner, founder of German fashion magazines Achtung Mode and Sepp Football Fashion and contemporary art critic Francesco Bonami.  These unique “one of a kind” footballs will be sold for charity in the dedicated “Market” pop up store.

“Men’s fashion is going through crazy times where the worlds of tailoring, sports, active and street wear are one big melting pot. Football Fashion as an expression of style will be manifesting itself more and more. Why not wear your team’s jersey with a great suit? The show will give weight to this argument” says Markus Ebner who has been one the football fashion trail since 2002.

The 11 footballs by Roberto Cavalli represent the powerful language of graphics in sport, especially in the football world and these prints are part of the S/S 2019 men’s collection. The flamboyant designs are a craft of very graphic and camouflage effects along with the prominent Roberto Cavalli logos.

Paul Surridge’s first collection for Roberto Cavalli Men S/S 2019

The footballs are made out of genuine leather and exotic python skins hand crafted one by one by the Italian artisans within the Roberto Cavalli supply chain. They are aspirational luxury design objects rather than sport gears.

Some of the 11 footballs will be showcased and retailed in top Roberto Cavalli flagship stores such as Milan, Rome, Paris, London and Berlin to celebrate the Soccer World Cup 2018.

The generated revenues will be donated to The Foundation “Together To Go ONLUS”, supporting children with a free of charge rehabilitation program to recover from affects by Central Nervous System lesions in Milan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Robert Cavalli and Pitti Imagine Uomo

Last Sunday, I attended the private viewing of the 16th edition of ART IN THE PARK in Zurich, followed by an extremely delicious lunch created by Michelin Star chef Laurent Eperon. It is truly impressive what GIGI KRACHT has achieved over the past years, bringing the most prestigious artists to the garden of the iconic Baur au Lac hotel. Every time, I am there, I am amazed by the beauty of this oasis in the middle of the city. For the 2018 edition, Gigi invited one of New York’s ultimate ingenious artists, DONALD BAECHLER, a prominent figure in the Neo-Expressionist and Pop Art movements during the 1980s. He had especially flown in for the occasion to share with us a unique glimpse into the stages of his practice.

My look: Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London, leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, sunglasses from the Cruise 2018 «The Modernity of Antiquity» collection and bangles, both by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace by Etro, long necklace in white and gold by Roberto Cavalli, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

With the lovely hostess, Gigi Kracht, who made this exhibition happen all by herself!
Bravo, Gigi!

Eight sculptures of Donald Baechler will be on display in the Park until August 3, 2018.

Even the lunch was inspired by the work of the American artist and we could spot the different sculptures on our plates or the table decorations. Loved it!

During lunch we were able to ask Donald Baechler questions.

«I started as a painter. One of the sculptures in the exhibition was made in 2002, based on a drawing from 1986. The first sculptures were exercises how to make things as I had not been a sculptor before. I was interested in learning, to teach myself about structure, how to hold up something without it collapsing.»
– Donald Baechler

Donald Baechler with me in the garden of the Baur au Lac.

«I’m interested in discreet and very mute objects, and I’ve never really been interested in narrative or psychology or these things which many people read into my paintings and probably into the sculptures,» Baechler remarked recently about his work.

Colour me impressed – don’t miss the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch – THANK YOU!
Photos of the food: © Sandra Bauknecht, me in front of the skull sculpture: Adam Sheffer

I love denim as it is one of the most versatile fashion pieces available. A pair of jeans is just so damn easy to style and the most worn-in one is probably super comfortable, too. That’s why every season, designers add new styles to their collections.

My look: Two-tone appliquéd denim coat by Roberto Cavalli, printed low-rise skinny jeans
and zip-detailed ribbed cotton-blend sweater, both by Givenchy, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Medium Pierce printed leather shoulder bag by J.W. Anderson, oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses and gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch, both by Gucci, heart shaped earrings and cocktail ring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Having an apartment in one of the most prestigious cities that has been designed by Roberto Cavalli sounds too good to be true? No, not at all, it will soon become reality. A new luxury tower in Dubai named «I Love Florence» will be the first in the world to carry the «Roberto Cavalli» brand, bringing the glitz and glamour of runway to private homes. For the first time, Roberto Cavalli designs the interiors of an iconic residential tower with a range of exquisite home accessories and ornate fittings from Cavalli interiors.

Gian Giacomo Ferraris, Chief Executive Officer of Roberto Cavalli, said: “We are excited to work on this project that combines the sophistication of fascinating Florence with the famed luxury of dazzling Dubai. The interiors of the lavish 34-storey waterfront skyscraper, located in one of the world’s greatest urban transformations, will offer its residents a refined living experience that also echoes the romantic vibes of the rustic streets of Florence.»

Work on the AED 800 million «I Love Florence» tower, developed by Dar Al Arkan, the largest listed real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and located on Dubai Water Canal in the Business Bay area, will commence in January 2018.
Yousef Bin Abdullah Al Shelash, Chairman of Dar Al Arkan, declared: «When we set out to draw our vision to become leaders in global real estate development, we decided to only settle for the best, hence our choice of Dubai Canal as a location, and the epitome of Italian luxury, Roberto Cavalli, to conceptualise and create truly outstanding living spaces, not only in the residential units, but across the tower’s amenities, including the lobbies, gym, swimming pool, yoga area, outdoor training area, and hallways. Residents and visitors will experience a true Florentine feeling.»

Towering over the 3.2 kilometres man-made waterway, the high-rise will combine stunning views of the canal’s vibrant outdoor and night scenes, with the elegance of the Florence’s Arno riverside, reflected in the interiors sketched by one of Italy’s most famed design houses. This is the first time ever that the iconic «Roberto Cavalli» fashion brand lends its name to a real estate development, anywhere in the world, to present rich interiors that project bespoke living.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Exposed shoulders have become the latest and personally speaking the chicest way to show some skin. Even a modest cold-shoulder aesthetic makes the difference. And unlike legs, this body part always looks good, which means, great news, you can skip a cardio class or two. But if the skirt is short, better not… just saying. I also like the color combination of sky-blue, peach and beige and hope you do, too!

My look: Sky-blue Sandringham cotton-gabardine trench coat and Bloomsbury bag in hand-painted leather, both by Burberry, Estelle cutout bandage mini dress by Hervé Léger, leather platform pumps by Gucci, cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and earrings by Chanel.

Happy Swiss National Day to all my Swiss readers! Let’s smile and have fun today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht