Sandra‘s Closet

The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute in New York City and marks the grand opening of its annual fashion exhibit. Celebrating this year’s theme “China, Through The Looking Glass”, it seems to be one of the most challenging yet. See below who honored China’s heritage and its present culture on the red carpet best.

This year’s award to best dressed of the night goes to:

Rihanna wearing Chinese designer Guo Pei

The butt girls:

Jay Z and Beyoncé in Givenchy

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West in Roberto Cavalli

Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez, both in Atelier Versace.

Best Chinese inspirations:

Zendaya Coleman in Fausto Puglisi

Karolina Kurkova in Tommy Hilfiger

I am always looking forward to seeing Sarah Jessica Parker‘s outfit because she has never let us down in pulling off the best looks. And let’s just say the headpiece combined with her H&M dress is divine.

Georgia May Jagger in Gucci and Alessandro Michele

Chloë Sevigny in J.W. Anderson

Very sophisticated: Tom Ford and Rita Ora in his design.

Alexa Chung in Erdem

George Clooney and Amal Clooney in Maison Margiela

Not so inspired by the Chinese theme… but great to watch:

Jeremy Scott kissing Kate Perry‘s hand who is wearing Moschino.

Also Madonna wore Moschino.

Stella McCartney framed by Cara Delevingne, Sofia Richie, and Zhu Zhu, all dressed in her designs.

Alexander Wang kissed by Lady Gaga in Balenciaga

Miley Cyrus and Zoë Kravitz dressed in Alexander Wang.

Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection

Robert Pattinson and FKA twigs in Christopher Kane (definitely not my favorite gown of the night).

Supermodel Joan Smalls arrived at the Met Gala in a black tulle and purple silk one-sleeved Roberto Cavalli gown with cutouts and sheer paneling. Her date was the newly appointed designer of the Italian fashion house Peter Dundas. Isn’t this gown to die for?!

Anna Wintour in Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos via: Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com, Moschino, Vogue and Style.com

TOMMY HILFIGER shared his travel tips for Capri with us. The charming American fashion designer who took the word «preppy» to new heights had come to Zurich for the film festival last fall. During an entertaining interview, he told me some interesting things about the island where he likes to spend his holidays in Europe.

Your favorite summer destination?
I love CAPRI. I like the ambiance of the Italians loving life, fashion, food, wine and excitement.

Your favourite hotel?
The GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA. It’s so central.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite restaurant?
The RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA AURORA. The best pizza and pasta in the world. You had to try the Penne Arrabiata.
Via Fuorlovado, 18-22, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0181

Your favorite bar or nightclub?
The QUISI BAR AT THE GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA HOTEL – it’s such a cool place to sit outside and have a Bellini. I love watching people.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
ANACAPRI – the water, the rocks, the vegetation, everything is just so beautiful. It smells so amazingly.

Your perfect day in Capri?
Wake up on a YACHT, have a little breakfast, take a little swim, relax with my children, make a little shopping tour and have dinner at a nice place in the center.

Your favourite shop?
RUSSO UOMO – this is where I shop for myself.
RUSSO DONNA – the best fashion in the world (even if they don’t sell Hilfiger), I go there for my wife and daughters. They sell their own brands and offer the highest quality of baby cashmere, suede, and leather.
Via Camerelle, 33 – 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 8388200

Your must-have accessory?
CAPRI SANDALS – handmade, something I like to bring home as well.

Your favorite holiday book?
I like to read BOOKS ABOUT PEOPLE, to see how they tick, what makes them successful. I read for example the books about Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey and right now I am indulging in the story of Eric Schmidt.

Your guilty pleasure on the island?
A TIRAMISU and a LIMONCELLO after dinner. I eat pasta there every day which I wouldn’t do at home.

Thank you, Mr. Hilfiger, for sharing your insider scoop on Capri with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger, © Sandra Bauknecht and the different locations

Please excuse my absence from blogging! For ten days, Sandra’s Closet stood still due to severe problems with the newsletter system. Due to this update, you still might experience some difficulties. Bare with me. I have been very busy during those last weeks with the magazine and another new exciting project I will tell you more about tomorrow.

The June issue of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland dedicated to high jewelry is available from today with Lauriane Gilliéron on the cover wearing Tommy Hilfiger and featuring Piaget‘s amazing “Limelight Mediterranean Garden Collection” shot by David Shama in Los Angeles under my fashion direction. Stay tuned for some fun making of pics coming up soon!

Moreover, the first full issue of L’OFFICIEL Voyage is also at the newsstand today – yes, I’ve been busy!

LoL, Sandra

This is my daily mantra: I try to go with all my heart wherever I go. Putting effort and passion into my daily work is absolutely rewarding for me. Here you see me recently in a jovial mood on my way to interview Tommy Hilfiger who was in town for the Zurich Film Festival. He adored my cape (one of the biggest F/W 2014 trends) and looked at it with an expert eye. Stay tuned for some amazing travel tips on Capri he shared with me.

My look: Hooded crocheted wool-blend cape, sequin-embellished metallic tweed mini dress and ‘Babies’ mid-calf boots in silver, all by Saint Laurent, Cara Delevingne studded leather backpack by Mulberry, (for more infos on the Cara Delevingne x Mulberry bag collection, please click here), diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Tommy Hilfiger with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

OMG! This week had been so busy, that I have almost forgotten a very special day. On November 23, five years ago, the probably biggest adventure of my life has started, I published my first post and Sandra’s Closet was born. I am so grateful for all the amazing things that have happened since then. I travelled to the most distinguished places, met many celebrities and fashion designers (click here to see most of them) and appeared in many publications (check out the press section here).

Below I put together some of my personal highlights over the last five years:

Being the face of the Closed F/W 2011 campaign.

Walking a runway show during New York Fashion Week F/W 2012.

I designed this limited edition “Zurich” tee in collaboration with Closed.

The launch of Sandra Berry, my very own bespoke limited edition ink by Montblanc.

I went with Montblanc for the ultimate Oscar experience to Los Angeles in February 2013.

I became the ambassador for Piaget.

Being at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles with Piaget was an amazing experience.

In August 2013, we shot a fun social media campaign with MCM in Berlin to celebrate the limited edition collection: Craig & Karl – EYES ON THE HORIZON.

I hosted a fun event with MCM to celebrate the launch of their new backpacks in November 2013 in Zurich.

In December 2013, I hosted the Goldenized event at Patrizia Pepe‘s Zurich store.

Before becoming the editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland, I had for three years, from 2011-2014, a monthly column in SI Style magazine.

Being invited by Omega for a dinner with George Clooney in Shanghai in May 2014 (post coming up soon).

Hosting a lunch with IWC and star guest top model Karolina Kurkova during the Zurich Film Festival 2014 (post coming up soon).

Being an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger’s BHI campaign in October 2014 made me very proud.

Designing a Samsung tablet during the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Days Zurich 2014 that we will be raffled off soon here on my blog was an extremely fun project.

And last but not least something I am really proud of: I am in a book that was launched recently in German during Berlin Fashion Week and in English during London Fashion Week (a detailed post will be published shortly). Fashion Germany, the new coffee-table 208-page tome presents the country’s most important people in the world of fashion.

My blog has taken me on such a beautiful adventure and I would like to thank you all for following me and supporting my work. Without you, the success wouldn’t have been possible. Stay tuned during the next weeks as some amazing raffles will be coming up to thank you for all your time that you are spending on Sandra’s Closet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © David Biedert Photography, © Christoph Schemel and © Sandra Bauknecht

When Tommy Hilfiger approached me to work together on this special project, I was immediately hooked. The American brand’s continued support of Breast Health International for the eight consecutive year marks the launch of a new limited-edition handbag. As my own mum suffered from breast cancer and fortunately fought this horrible disease, I know how hard this phase of life can be for the patient but also for her family. Buying this fantastic bag means: “Building awareness, raising funds and making a positive impact on the lives of women who are affected by breast cancer around the world,” as Tommy Hilfiger states.

The limited-edition handbag will retail for €299, and €100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living. This global BHI initiative assists women with breast cancer by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that are not commonly covered by health insurance programs, such as transportation to a medical appointment or childcare during treatment.

The 2014 BHI campaign features no other than award-winning actress Naomi Watts photographed by Patrick Demarchelier. The handbag is available exclusively on tommy.com and in select Tommy Hilfiger stores around the world starting today.

For the social media campaign, I was asked to show the content of my bag. I truly love the different very useful features of this versatile fashionable companion such as many pockets, a keychain with red, white and blue tassels, a detachable tan strap that allows for use as a shoulder bag.

Here is what I in general carry around with me on a daily basis: Something to read like L’Officiel Switzerland, my iPad and iPhone (don’t you love my new Vanity mirror iPhone 5 cover by Moschino?!), a notebook by Smythson and my pen by Montblanc, a pair of sunglasses, credit cards and some cash, my make-up pouch filled with lipgloss, blush and a powder for quick retouches and of course my little Leica with which I capture all those moments I share with you on my blog.

I was asked to donate one item from the content of my bag and I would like to give this beautiful necklace with a key charm by Patrizia Pepe as a mojo. In the end of the social media campaign, one breast cancer patient gets the bag filled with little surprises from all around the globe.

Shopping for a good cause. Ladies, I am asking you what can be better?! Please help to support Tommy Hilfiger’s wonderful initiative and let’s all walk around with this must-have bag!
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

From September 26 to October 6, 2013, the 9th edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) took place with many amazing events. One of the biggest highlights of those days was surely the evening with Harrison Ford. As official partner of the 9th ZFF, Tommy Hilfiger invited members of the jury along with other VIP guests to a very intimate dinner followed by an after party at the store on Bahnhofstrasse.

Daniel Grieder (CEO Tommy Hilfiger) framed by Nadja Schildknecht (Managing Director ZFF) to the left and German actress Veronica Ferres to the right.

We got absolutely spoilt that night. Each guest was greeted at his seat by an iPad mini that we could keep and the food (by Franzoli Caterings) was absolutely divine. I stayed until late to great music and must say that this was one of the best nights out in Zurich in a long time.

Meeting a legend, Mr Harrison Ford in person, made me obviously very happy.

German-American TV entertainer Steven Gätjen with me. Very funny, we met for the first time 25 years ago… but still recognized each other.

Thank you, Mr Grieder, for such an amazing night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Spring 2014 combines East Coast prep with West Coast ease. It’s Melrose to Malibu. The West Coast represents a golden era of surf, sport, and optimism.” – Tommy Hilfiger

Vibrant, beautiful colours appeared on the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 runway, that was created like a beach scenery with sand dunes, surfboards and lifeguard chairs. When the cheerful music started, the audience was moving on their seats to the beats of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ song “Californication” and “California Girls” by the Beach Boys. The outfits were stunning, perfect for all surfer girls among you.

Personally speaking, the wetsuit was a great inspiration. Cool, modern, with a certain twist. As the American designer describes his collection: “I revisited iconic elements of California style – the polo, barracuda jacket, sports jersey, and bowling shirt – and reinvented them with the relaxed spirit of the West Coast in mind. From softly tailored denim and chambray to our signature Hawaiian prints to innovative neoprene-bonded leather, the season captures the ease and youthful attitude of Cali style.”

Having seen this amazing collection, I actually never want summer to end… It is surely going to be a huge hit among the cool kids!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

The Great Wall and the Imperial Tombs of the Ming Dynasty are both considered as having outstanding universal value by UNESCO and are therefore on the World Heritage List. I visited them today and truly enjoyed this sightseeing. The only negative aspect was the weather. However, after a bit of pouring rain and dense fog in the beginning of my tour that made it difficult to see anything at all, I was lucky that the sky opened up a little bit so that I could snap some photos of the beautiful scenery. But it felt like being in a steam bath…

My look: Homiés cotton T-shirt by Brian Lichtenberg, black stretch pants by Tommy Hilfiger, bangles by Sal y Limon and GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers.

The impressive Great Wall is the world’s largest military structure and stretches to over 6,700 km (4,160 miles) in total.

After my visit to the Great Wall, I went to see the Ming Tombs in Changling and the Shendao (God Street) of 13 mausoleums. The architectures are absolutely magnificent. My favourite were the stone statue groups delicately carved and beautifully shaped that looked in the dence fog absolutely mystically.

Today, I am off to Shanghai… more coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week I wore this look, that would work for many occasions. I like the mix of basic colours such as white, beige and blue spiced up with red lips matching the handles of the bag.

Silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, pants with silk stripes by Closed, statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, hoop earrings by H&M, ring by Cartier and limited edition tricoloured charity bag by Tommy Hilfiger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht