My first internship in the world of fashion was at Sonia Rykiel in Paris in her design office. It was a very intense time, where I learnt a lot at the side of the famous French designer who was known for her knit pieces, earning her the nickname «the Queen of Knits.» I especially loved all her marabou jackets and coats. The way she always put an extra touch of feathers to elevate a look to new heights of chic has inspired me a lot. Rykiel passed away in August 2016, leaving behind an empire of homeware, childrenswear, and more.

Sonia and Lola Rykiel

I remember meeting her daughter Nathalie Rykiel with her daughter Lola, who must have been around 12 at that time, during my internship. Today, Lola Rykiel is creating her own line of clothes, and is shaking up the status quo with a bold new athleisure collection, called Pompom, inspired by her famed designer grandmother, the late Sonia Rykiel, and her past as a ballerina under the instruction of the inimitable Martha Graham.

«Naked… with rhinestones.»

«The collection incorporates the velours that my grandmother loved as well as stretch Lycra materials and playful detailing,» Lola Rykiel explains, referring in part to a basketball jersey complete with mermaid-esque paillettes.

Lola Rykiel introduces «Sonia» bodysuit and «Wonder Woman» T-Shirt.

«I wanted to invent some workout clothes that would be luxe and chic, to do pilates, yoga , dance without being afraid to bump into your ex or your boss. These outfits are perfect to get a drink, go party or chill at home too. I used my grandmother’s Sonia famous velours and the best lycra materials there is today.»

This year Lola Rykiel opened the first boutique for her Pompom label in a space in Paris at Rue Grenelle that used to belong to her grandmother, Sonia Rykiel — and she is putting her stamp on it by bedazzling everything from the curtains to the cash register.

To see the whole PomPom collection visit : www.pompom-paris.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pompom

11 years – as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 132 months, which is around 4015 days, and this is my 4559th post which means I wrote at least one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

To honor the occasion, I thought I would share 10 fashionable fun facts about me that you might not know yet.

1. I went to a Catholic girl’s school and took my teachers shopping on class trips. In Rome for example, they bought the Moschino logo belt that has gone into style a few years ago again. Speaking of great investments.

2. Before my fashion design studies at ESMOD, I studied law. During an internship at court, I worked with the customs agents at Frankfurt airport and was really good in spotting counterfeits.

3. My first foray into working in fashion was an internship at Sonia Rykiel in Paris where I worked alongside the late designer. A very challenging yet unforgettable experience. I designed bags and T-shirts that were actually produced and have a proud spot in my closet.

4. Preferring to write about and style fashion, I started as a booking assistant at German Marie Claire magazine after my studies, and worked myself up pretty fast to fashion editor.

5. Before mytheresa.com was an online shopping platform, I created catalogs for them, the concept, layout and text.

6. Speaking of which, my favorite thing about blogging is the graphic design part, as you can see in my collages. My techniques are primarily self-taught which makes me proud. I also love drawing.

7. I was named among the most influential German fashion people in the coffee table book «Fashion Germany» along Claudia Schiffer, Peter Lindbergh, Jil Sander and many more…

8. I have started my fashion collection at the age of 16 and have kept everything. Every piece has its story and I always remember where I got or wore it.

9. I haven’t been without nail polish, both on my fingers or toes, since I am a teenager. Not one single day!

10. I have lived in Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chicago before Zurich and my biggest dream is to open a fashion museum with my collection.

I hope you have enjoyed this little insight about my life before starting the blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

When it comes to ’90s trends, we’ve beaten the horse dead. But sorry to tell you, here is one more coming, and good news is more stylish than ever. Another item you loved as a tween, if only to justify my new obsession: plaid pants. From tartan checks to madras plaid, you have to get one now! Here are the best ones available now… straight from the runway.

Checked woven straight-leg pants by Versace

Cropped tartan wool straight-leg pants by Michael Kors Collection

Jana crepe wide-leg pants by Emilia Wickstead

Layered tartan wool-blend slim-leg pants by Burberry

Tartan wool-blend flared pants by Michael Kors Collection

Checked wool-felt flared pants by Sonia Rykiel

Pleated tartan wool wide-leg pants by Marc Jacobs

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Nothing has changed since last winter… more is more is still the motto, this is what the S/S 2017 season is all about! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, kitten heels are back, earrings were bigger than ever, and one bag is definitely not enough. New? The marriage of socks and boots. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: EXTRAVAGANT SUNGLASSES
Céline – Dolce & Gabbana – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 2: SOCK BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Emilio Pucci

S/S 2017 TREND 3: WRAP BELTS
Balmain – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Isabel Marant

S/S 2017 TREND 4: STATEMENT EARRINGS
Delpozo – Alexander McQueen – Altuzarra

S/S 2017 TREND 5: KITTEN HEELS
Chloé – Prada – Dior

S/S 2017 TREND 6: ONE BAG IS NOT ENOUGH
Stella McCartney – Valentino – Marni

S/S 2017 TREND 7: THE BIGGER THE BETTER
Givenchy – Chanel – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 8: FLATFORMS
Salvatore Ferragamo – Versace – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SUPERSIZED BAGS
Sonia Rykiel – Mulberry – Ports 1961

S/S 2017 TREND 10: ARM CUFFS
Roberto Cavalli – Louis Vuitton – Rodarte

Photos: via Vogue.com

Last week, I had a little fashion challenge as I got a last minute invite to a «Roaring Twenties» party. Thank God, Sandra’s Closet is full of little treasures that I have collected over many years… here is what I came up with. 1920s fashion is considered one of the most glamorous decades in fashion history. It was all about short flapper dresses in loose fitting that allowed women to literally kick up their t-bar shoes in new dances like the Charleston. The hair was worn shorter. One of the first trendsetter of this style was Coco Chanel.

My look: Gold fringed flapper dress by Bottega Veneta (Runway F/W 2007), feather stole, satin evening bag with fake fur trim, choker and earrings, all by Dior, long pearl and feather necklace
by Lanvin, t-bar shoes by Yves Saint Laurent, head piece with rhinestones by Sonia Rykiel,
 diamond ring and bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The S/S 2016 catwalks have provided us with the beautiful colours of the rainbow. To work the trend, you preferably include the full spectrum, from yellows to sharp shots of orange and pink, and beyond. Call it the rainbow connection — loveliness wins!

Get the look: Metallic-striped cotton-blend terry jacket by Sonia Rykiel, appliquéd cady mini dress by Red Valentino, Set of 10 stretch-lace Brazilian briefs by Hanky Panky, Rainbow leather shoulder bag by Anya Hindmarch and amber lace-up suede peep-toe ankle boots by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo.

Enjoy some of the best runway looks below.

LoL, Sandra

Mara Hoffman S/S 2016

Chloé S/S 2016

Christopher Kane S/S 2016

Photos: Via Vogue.com and Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. Let’s be honest, there is nothing really new, but that is the beauty of our century. Everything is possible!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2016 TREND 1: SWEET GIRLS
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dries Van Noten

S/S 2016 TREND 2: SLEEPWEAR
Balenciaga – Loewe – Alexander Wang

S/S 2016 TREND 3: ARM CANDY
Dior – Fendi – Céline

S/S 2016 TREND 4: OFF THE SHOULDER
Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

S/S 2016 TREND 5: ROMANTICISM
Alexander McQueen – Saint Laurent – Etro

S/S 2016 TREND 6: TRIBAL
Balmain – Prada – Valentino

S/S 2016 TREND 7: JUNGLE
Roberto Cavalli – Versace – Bottega Veneta

S/S 2016 TREND 8: TIE-DYE
Narciso Rodriguez – Altuzarra – Paco Rabanne

S/S 2016 TREND 9: FINE LINES
Salvatore Ferragamo – Stella McCartney – Tommy Hilfiger

S/S 2016 TREND 10: STARS & STRIPES
Lacoste – Marc Jacobs – Max Mara

S/S 2016 TREND 11: BOYISH OVERALLS
Louis Vuitton – Isabel Marant – Ralph Lauren Collection

S/S 2016 TREND 12: NEW DENIM
Derek Lam – Chloé – Chanel

S/S 2016 TREND 13: DISCO SPARKLE
Lanvin – Vetements – Nina Ricci

S/S 2016 TREND 14: SILVER
Victoria Beckham – Tom Ford – Courrèges

S/S 2016 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT EMOTIONS
Dolce & Gabbana – Emilio Pucci – Burberry Prorsum

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Just recently I visited one of my favorite lunch spots on earth, the famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. It is located at the heart of Eze, a picturesque little village between Nice and Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The delightful setting and the amazing gardens surrounding the 5-star hotel are already worth the drive. If you haven’t been there, it is really one of those places you must see in your life.

My look: Golden leather jacket with the slogan «Votez Coco», fringed macrame bag, earrings and necklace from the Dubai collection, all by Chanel, backless denim wide-leg overalls by Sonia Rykiel, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, printed leather, raffia and canvas wedge sandals by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A huge thank you to my friend Nadine Arton of GlamOnYou for taking them!

As always, I would like to keep you ahead of the game and put together the most important S/S 2015 runway trends! Scroll through my forecast to see what will stay and which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season.

S/S 2015 TREND 1
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Tom Ford – Saint Laurent – Louis Vuitton

Sequins and metallics are here to stay and will surely make you feel sexy under the disco ball next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 2
PRIMA BALLERINA
Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet

Soft and pastel, the long tutu tulle skirts and dresses seen gracing the runways were inspired by ballerinas. A must for your next red carpet moment.

S/S 2015 TREND 3
LUXURIOUS HIPPY 
Chloé – Emilio Pucci – Etro

70s inspired looks seemed like a common theme throughout the fashion weeks. Long, light and flowing dresses or lace materials are the way to work the luxury bohemian trend. My favorite!

S/S 2015 TREND 4
JUMPSUITS 
Christian Dior – Céline – Sonia Rykiel

Fashion-forward utilitarian looks, the jumpsuit might not be the most comfortable piece of clothing but next summer definitely the the most up-to-date one.

S/S 2015 TREND 6
KIMONO GIRLS 
Gucci – Marni – Alexander McQueen

Ethnical prints and long silhouettes tied at the waist, the kimono was a huge source of inspiration for a number of fashion houses this season.

S/S 2015 TREND 7
KHAKI – THE HUE TO STAY 
Chanel – Marc Jacobs – Ralph Lauren

Call it haute safari gear for the wilds of the shopping streets. Khaki has become a fashion classic and is here to stay. It is up to you if you opt for for a safari-style or military-inspired look.

S/S 2015 TREND 8
DENIM – HEAD TO TOE 
Prada – Burberry Prorsum – Fendi

It is all about denim head to toe. Next season the beloved fabric is reinvented in in all sorts of blues and with eye-catching stitchings.

S/S 2015 TREND 9
POP ART
Peter Pilotto – Balmain – Junya Watanabe

Some of the world’s leading pop-artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Mondrian and Sonia Delaunay were the force behind a lot of collections. Circle motifs, bright colors and bold, intersecting stripes gave the runway an energetic vibe.

S/S 2015 TREND 10
POLKA DOTS
Marc by Marc Jacobs – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

A simple and extremely joyful print, the polka dot, hasn’t lost its impact over the last seasons.

S/S 2015 TREND 11
ANDROGYNOUS & ASYMMETRIC TAILORING
Anthony Vaccarello – Jean Paul Gaultier – Maison Martin Margiela

Conquering the male wardrobe, the designers used the codes of masculine suits, but added a touch of sexy. The trend reveals itself in the asymmetric cuts which are a must next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 12
PATCHWORK BABYDOLLS
Rodarte – Stella McCartney – Mary Katrantzou

The babydoll makes its comeback in an array of fabrics and lace patterns. Patchwork is the key to success!

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK MESH
Balenciaga – Akris – Proenza Schouler

Worn all-over or a as a single piece, mesh is next summer’s answer to sportswear. The sheer fabric works day and night and has been spotted all over the catwalks.

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK AND WHITE
Narciso Rodriguez – Givenchy – Thakoon

Black and white – the probably most classic color combination. This season, designers set about experimenting with the codes of femininity through black and white suits and used this ultra-refined palette for maximum optical effects.

S/S 2015 TREND 14
MIX AND MATCH
Giambattista Valli – Fausto Puglisi – Prabal Gurung

Conceptual and experimental, the next season silhouettes take center stage with pieces in an array of different colors and all sorts of materials. The probably most modern trend of all.

S/S 2015 TREND 15
HEMLINES
Matthew Williamson – Versus Versace – Elie Saab

Business in the front, party in the back, the new hemlines play with length.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com

In the mood to shop the floral trend for S/S 2012?
Here are the best pieces available at the moment.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly! Happy Shopping!

DRESSES

1 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Dolce & Gabbana
2 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Sonia Rykiel
3 Floral-print silk-chiffon dress by Jason Wu

SKIRTS

1 Floral-print silk-georgette skirt by Proenza Schouler
2 Embroidered tulle skirt by Marc Jacobs (my personal must-have)
3 Floral-print ruched silk-chiffon skirt by Jason Wu

TOPS

1 Floral-print jacquard blazer by Etro
2 Rose-print silk blouse by Prabal Gurung
3 Shay floral-print silk scarf by Jimmy Choo

GOWNS

1 Lucietta floral-print silk crepe de chine gown by Erdem
2 Draped floral-print silk-chiffon gown by Roberto Cavalli

LoL, Sandra