Sandra‘s Closet

I just got back from Seoul, South Korea after an amazing week. One of my highlights was the WWD Art Gala that took place at my Hotel Josun Palace.
Hosted by WWD Korea and parallel to the opening of Frieze Seoul, this illustrious event celebrated the vibrant and diverse world of art and fashion, while honoring the achievements of remarkable artists across all genres, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. This year’s gala featured captivating ballet performances  and several live acts, while fostering cultural exchange, and providing a platform to connect with luminaries in the creative communities of art, culture, entertainment and fashion.

The curated exhibition on display presented beautiful artworks for the live auction hosted by the famous Simon de Pury, captivating performances, an elegant cocktail reception and a gastronomically delightful dinner. I tried really hard to get one work but got outbidding by the wonderful Mrs Sung-joo Kim, who is the founder, chairwoman and chief visionary officer of the Sungjoo Group and MCM Holding AG.

Sun-joo Kim with my humble self at the gala. Such an inspiring woman.

«Women are often discriminated by age, especially in Asia. I am trying to represent a new kind of trendy woman, who is not victimized by fashion but rules over it!»
– SUN-JOO KIM.

The culmination of the night was the announcement of the winner of the Art Prize of the Year. Personally speaking, it was a great opportunity to engage with fellow art connoisseurs, meet amazing artists and collectors, forge meaningful connections, and immerse myself in the beauty and creativity that Korea has to offer, while supporting the arts.

Please enjoy my impressions of the night. I already marked my calendar for 2024!

LoL, Sandra

Most stunning floral decoration at the gala by LA based floral artist Gina Kim Park.

With wonderful Yuna Kim, CEO & Publisher WWD Korea

Live auction by Simon de Pury.

I sat next to digital artist Mike Winkelmann, alias Beeple, who sold «Everydays: The First 5000 Days,» an NFT-linked digital collage at Christie’s for $69.3 million two years ago.

And yes, we had a lot of fun!

With my dear friend Susan Shin, Art Advisor to WWD Korea, who helped organizing the event, and Jamie QQ Wu.

From left to right: Yuna Kim, a guest, my humble self, Kim Robson Ortiz, Amy Kim Young, Kim Heirston, Susan Shin and a guest.

Always inspiring Nataliya Pissarro.

With artist Dustin Yellin, who wore a traditional festive Korean outfit.

Amazing goodie bag with lots of Korean beauty products!

Photos: Courtesy of WWD Korea, © Sandra Bauknecht and Photo of me at photo wall: @photo_hola_
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A CHANEL ambassador since 2017, Blackpink’s JENNIE is the new face of the CHANEL 22 bag. To embody the mini version of CHANEL’s latest bag, the Korean singer, an iconic K-Pop artist celebrated worldwide, leads Inez & Vinoodh through the streets of Seoul.

Alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Margaret Qualley and Whitney Peak – who bring the tote and backpack versions of the CHANEL 22 bag to life – the campaign continues to make the codes of pop culture resonate with those of the House. For this fourth episode, Inez & Vinoodh have created an original story based around JENNIE’s own tastes and personality. The Korean capital is the latest backdrop following on from Los Angeles, Palm Springs and New York.

JENNIE is a woman of her time. She interprets it in a manner that is both singular and universal: «Inez & Vinoodh call me ‘My Girl’. It’s comforting because they see me as a young woman, not just «JENNIE» in the spotlight. As a member of BLACKPINK, I’m constantly in the spotlight, but these images are an accurate representation of who I really am.»

JENNIE represents the modernity of the CHANEL 22 bag. The style of a cosmopolitan and vibrant youth, capturing the beat of the world. My favorite version for this summer season is this one in denim. I am completely obsessed with it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: CHANEL – Inez and Vinoodh #CHANEL22 #CHANELHandbags
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

My trip to Seoul was so amazing and I have so much to show you. Today, I want to introduce you to the popular Korean fashion brand Stylenanda and their stunning Pink Hotel in Myeongdong, the city’s famous shopping district. It is not actually a hotel even that it looks like one, it is a shopping haven on six levels of surprises. Imagine a spice of Grand Budapest Hotel meeting a 50’s housewife or let me better say princess vibe.

When you enter the narrow shopping street, the powder-pink facade already stands out. The hotel-themed flagship store is no doubt a must visit stop if you are heading to Seoul anytime soon.

Level 1: Lobby

Styled to look like a hotel lobby with hotel room keys on the wall and a bed hanging from the ceiling, you are welcomed by the staff behind a little concierge desk to a beauty shopping experience.

Level 2: Spa

A makeup room for the ladies with a row of mirrors and vanity basins in the middle that invite to try their large selection of beauty products. The highlight at the end of the corridor is a flower filled bathtub.

Level 3: Rooms

But most importantly what’s a hotel without hotel rooms? On this level, Stylenanda’s apparel can be found along a corridor with rooms on both sides. At the end, you can rest on the sofa area and try shoes on that are all displayed on the shelves just next to it. Here you can get a better view of the bed hanging from the ceiling as well.

Level 4: Laundry Room

Here you can find more clothing, denim and a large selection of accessories from hats, socks, and jewelry. I adore how the stacked laundry machines are giving the impression of a real laundry shop with all the detergent and washing powders displayed on the shelves.

Level 5: Pool

Here comes the best! A pretend pool with a real cafe that looks like it jumped out of a ’50s movie with its blue and pink tiles, outdoor chairs and tables with umbrellas to protect you from the sun. In the shower cabin, you can try the clothes.

Rooftop: Terrace

In case you need a rest after all these photo-taking and shopping options of the 5 floors, I recommend taking a break at the pink rooftop terrace. Snuggle in the giant pillows thrown all over and enjoy the view over Seoul’s skyline.

Address:
66-2, Chungmuro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul Korea
서울특별시 중구 충무로2가 66-2
Opening hours: 11:00am~11:00pm
Phone: +82-(0)2-752-4546
Website: stylenanda.com

By the way, Stylenanda opened their second «hotel» in Bangkok last November.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you are following me on Instagram, you know already that I spent the last week in South Korea. It was an amazing trip and I am filled with great memories that I cannot wait to share with you. Here you see me on the streets of Seoul in an ensemble by my friend Ukrainian-born, London-based designer Natasha Zinko that I adore a lot.

My look: Zip front hooded jacket, matching track pants, and plaid and denim bustier top, all by Natasha Zinko, ribbed stretch-cotton jersey tank by Les Girls Les Boys, graffiti-print backpack by Chanel, baseball cap with NY Yankees™ patch and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci, Cloudbust logo-embossed rubber and leather-trimmed mesh sneakers by Prada, and teddy bear necklace by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht