Happy Lunar Year 2021! The Year of the Ox has officially started today and Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and more luxury brands welcome it in great style with Chinese New Year-inspired fashion. These collections will hit the Western markets during the next weeks, and it is your chance to add a festive touch to your closet.

Louis Vuitton welcomes the Year of the Ox with a special selection of gift-ready leather goods, accessories and other precious tokens. From the recently released SINCE 1854 Monogram Jacquard to the most iconic leather goods, Louis Vuitton’s gift selection has something to suit every style and sensibility.

The Fendi Chinese New Year Capsule Collection, launched in Greater China already in January, will be available in the rest of the world from April 2021. It is a beautiful collection of ready-to-wear and limited edition bags, featuring red and pink colors, as well as blossoms and other floral designs signature to the lunar year.

Burberry presents the New Year with a forward-looking fashion collection featuring supermodel Liu Wen with Wang Xiangguo in their campaign lensed by Feng Li.

In honor of Lunar New Year, Dior unveils a celebratory capsule collection of accessories and footwear in rich red and gold hues for women. For men, Dior launches an exclusive men’s capsule reinterpreting the powerful creative dialogue between Kim Jones and Californian artist Shawn Stussy.

In honor of the Year of the Ox, meet Ozzie – a symbol of strength and reliability. Tory Burch celebrates Lunar New Year with a beautiful collection dedicated to  health, happiness and prosperity that is featuring something red for good luck.

Gucci’s ode to the upcoming Lunar New Year is definitely one of the more fun collections. Featuring «Doraemon», the famous blue Japanese manga and anime character – a cat-robot, this special collection for men and women, you’ll see Doraemon in his classic blue colour and also dressed up in a brown colour and puts on his horns as well.

Versace’s Lunar New Year 2021 capsule collection focuses on local traditions and sees vibrant and uplifting prints that showcase new interpretations of the brand’s Medusa motif to celebrate the ox.

For more gift ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year, have a look at this previous post here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I got back from Marrakesh where I spent some amazing days among dear friends. The so-called «Jewel of the South» is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco and absolutely worth the visit with its beautiful colors, the vibrant streets and bazaars that spill over with artistry, whether it be in architecture, cuisine, crafts or fine art.

If you are interested, have a look at those great travel tips for the city that I have gotten from Aerin Lauder and Tory Burch, who designed the dress I am wearing in this post.

My look: Rosemary printed silk crepe de chine and jacquard dress by Tory Burch, leather platform pumps by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace and cocktail ring, both by Etro.
My scent: Tangier Vanille by Aerin, that is inspired by Marrakesh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

What do you wear on a cruise? Comfy swimwear and nice tunics are all you need. Enjoying the wind, the sun, the sea and visiting different spots each day. A great place to see is the Amalfi Coast in Italy with its picturesque towns like Positano and Sorrento as well as the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia.

My look: Embellished printed cotton-voile kaftan by Tory Burch, cutout bandage bikini by Hervé Léger, crochet-knit and printed silk-chiffon headband by Missoni, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack by Gucci, beaded necklace by Etro, and DiorOrigins1 round sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2017 season. Americana vibes, a powerful way to wear red, and vintage-inspired everything. Enjoy this comprehensive look at the pieces you’ll be wearing shortly. Deconstructed clothing is here to stay as well as florals and leisure suits. If you are looking at the new skirts, mid-length is the way to go.

I cannot wait for this beautiful season to arrive in stores.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2017 TREND 1: POWER RED
Givenchy – Fendi – Max Mara

F/W 2017 TREND 2: FUTURISTIC SILVER
Saint Laurent – Chanel – Comme des Garçons

F/W 2017 TREND 3: NEW TRANSPARENCY
Calvin Klein – Miu Miu – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2017 TREND 4: WILD WEST
House of Holland – Balmain – Alexander Wang

F/W 2017 TREND 5: FOLKLORE
Gucci – Etro – Maison Margiela

F/W 2017 TREND 6: EVENING VELVET
Jason Wu – Alberta Ferretti – Erdem

F/W 2017 TREND 7: RETRO FUR
Louis Vuitton – Michael Kors – Loewe

F/W 2017 TREND 8: ’70s PLAID
Tory Burch – Marni – Hermès

F/W 2017 TREND 9: FEATHERS
Prada – Mary Katrantzou – Elie Saab

F/W 2017 TREND 10: LEISURE SUITS
Chloé – Marc Jacobs – Ashish

F/W 2017 TREND 11: BROAD SHOULDERS
Dries Van Noten – Jacquemus – Isabel Marant

F/W 2017 TREND 12: RECYCLING
Dolce & Gabbana – Moschino – Junya Watanabe

F/W 2017 TREND 13: LACE OVERLAY
Stella McCartney – Burberry – Alessandra Rich

F/W 2017 TREND 14: WALLPAPER FLORALS
Mulberry – Emilia Wickstead – Balenciaga

F/W 2017 TREND 15: DENIM SUITS
Sacai – Christian Dior – Esteban Cortazar

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Casual days at the pool, comfy evenings at home, today I would like to present you the most exquisite versions of the basic slip-on sandals.

1 Embellished slip-on sandals by Chloé
2 Ode embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi
3 Slidy Viv leather slip-on sandals by Roger Vivier
4 Kerenn flat shearling mule by Chloé
5 Egg shearling and mink fur slip-on sandals by Anya Hindmarch
6 Velvet slides by Dolce & Gabbana
7 Beth slip-on sandals by Ganni
8 Isle Slide embellished slip-on sandals by Tory Burch
9 Printed slides by Givenchy
10 Embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi

Aren’t those Dolce & Gabbana velvet hotel slides hilarious? A funny sense of humor…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2017 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From dresses in brilliant shades of fuchsia, strawberry, rose, and bubble gum to buzzy words on slogan tees. Don’t expect the high-volume sleeve to disappear anytime soon, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: THINK PINK
Hermès – Valentino – Céline

S/S 2017 TREND 2: HIGH-VOLUME SLEEVES
Dolce & Gabbana – Marc Jacobs – Kenzo

S/S 2017 TREND 3: 80’s LAMÉ
Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 4: OP ART
Akris – Mary Katrantzou – Louis Vuitton

S/S 2017 TREND 6: 70’s FLOWER POWER
Prada – Chloé – Christopher Kane

S/S 2017 TREND 7: SQUARE-SHOULDERED
Jil Sander – Balenciaga – Jacquemus

S/S 2017 TREND 8: SWIM ADDICT
Max Mara – Fendi – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SLOGAN TOPS
Dior – Paco Rabanne – Stella McCartney

S/S 2017 TREND 10: BRALETTES
Victoria Beckham – Alexander McQueen – Alexander Wang

S/S 2017 TREND 11: SPORT SPIRIT
Moschino – Courrèges – DKNY

S/S 2017 TREND 12: DEEP SEA METALLICS
Maison Margiela – Chanel – Balmain

S/S 2017 TREND 13: GRAPHIC STRIPES
Mulberry – Lanvin – Tory Burch

S/S 2017 TREND 14: MODERN RUFFLES
Givenchy – Erdem – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT
Alberta Ferretti – Giambattista Valli – Emilio Pucci

 Photos: via Vogue.com

Last week, I flew to Abu Dhabi to greet the winner of the amazing contest with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg won a shopping spree at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and we truly had a great time.

Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination offers a world-class shopping experience while absorbing panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some impressions of our shopping spree in the Middle East below.

Having fun at Dior

Nadya looking all fabulous in this Ralph Lauren look.

A happy Sandra in shopping heaven who just adores her job!

A must-have for a well equipped closet: a cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London. Nadya fell immediately in love with it!

While shopping at Burberry, I spotted myself on the big screen front row at the S/S 2015 runway show in London.

We browsed almost every store in The Galleria and put many things aside. Then we had a drink and decided which pieces would be the best. Needless to say we had to get the fabulous cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London first.

Nadya was looking for great pieces she could wear during the day for work that would translate easily into evening wear. This tunic blouse by Tory Burch offered both in perfection.

Mission accomplished!

Filming a little behind the scenes video for The Galleria with lovely Maria Bosenko.

Thank you Journey Feng and Maria Bosenko of the hospitality team at The Galleria for accompanying us and taking all the pictures. We had a lot of fun with you, guys!

Our lovely day ended with a yummy dinner at Cipriani and another round of drinks at Iris. Nadya, it was lovely meeting you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – thank you Maria Bosenko for taking them!

In 2014, only 10 years after the launch of her eponymous label, Tory Burch was listed as the 79th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. Her empire seems to have their hands in everything fashionable and luxurious, from new store openings, a perfume and makeup launch, a book release to a brand new watch collection, created in collaboration with Fossil.

When I met her last year for the store opening in Munich, I was impressed by her charisma. This woman is amazing. She even took the time to write me a handwritten note for Christmas and send me this fabulous gift.

A super-chic cuff watch inspired by one of Tory’s favorite pieces of vintage jewelry, the SAWYER as it’s called makes a statement in polished gold-tone stainless steel. The inlaid square case features a sunray dial that’s detailed with graphic etching and the iconic double-T logo.

All Tory Burch watches are Swiss Made – the selection features seven styles with versatile color and material iterations, available online at TORYBURCH.COM. The styles are named after members of the designer’s family. I am sure this new launch will be another success story for Tory… I love my new baby in Sandra’s Closet.

TO SHOP TORY BURCH’S FABULOUS READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Tory Burch, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As of 2014, American fashion designer, business woman, and philanthropist, TORY BURCH is listed as the 79th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. Despite being extremely busy, she has found the time to share her travel tips for one of the most magical places on earth with us.

Your favorite city?
MARRAKECH is one of my favorite places. You always discover something new, whether it’s interesting architecture or colorful spices. A friend once told me to always look up in Marrakech—you’ll see something unexpected. It’s true.

Your favorite hotel?
LA MAMOUNIA, where my parents honeymooned 50 years ago. I recently returned with my mother and it was amazing to hear her stories about their trip—we did many of the same things, from visiting riads to exploring the souks.
Rue Bab Ahmar, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-88600

Your favorite restaurant?
DAR MARJANA for traditional tea service and DAR YACOUT for a great dinner on the rooftop—beautiful and unforgettable.
Dar Marjana, 8, Derb Qori Sidi Ben Slimane, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-85110
Dar Yacout, 79, Derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-82929

Your favorite sightseeing spot?
The MAJORELLE GARDENS —seeing the bright blue buildings against the green desert plants always inspires me.
Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-01894

Your favorite park?
It’s not a park per se, but BELDI COUNTRY CLUB has beautiful gardens, from roses and bougainvillea to cacti and orange trees.
KM6 Route du Barrage, BP 210, Marrakech, Marocco, +212 5243-83950

Your favorite beach?
ESSAOUIRA, a few hours from Marrakech.

Your favorite shop?
I could never choose just one. I love exploring the many cool home and antique shops in the INDUSTRIAL ZONE. It’s lesser known and has some incredible finds.

Your must-have accessory?
SUNGLASSES for eye protection

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Our travel playlist in our book TORY BURCH: IN COLOR. It includes everything from “Lively Up Yourself” by Bob Marley and “The Payback” by James Brown to “Strong” by London Grammar and “Oh La La” by The Faces.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE – one of my favorite books of all-time. Gabriel García Márquez’s writing has a mystical quality that transports you.

The perfect scent to wear there?
NONE needed. There are so many incredible scents to take in as you walk through the medina and the souks.

Thank you, Tory, for sharing your insider scoop on Marrakech with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Noa Griffel and © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Sardinia! I am here at the famous Costa Smeralda for the 6th edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2014. Enjoying the glistening waters of Porto Cervo, I am guest of Loro Piana. During the last two days, I have already experienced some outstanding moments, indulding into the world of the Italian brand and their longstanding passion for sailing. I had the opportunity and honor to interview Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana, who takes part in this major sailing event with his own 25-metre yacht My Song. Here you see me at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Stay tuned for more photos coming up soon!

My look: Vintage striped dress by Missoni, turquoise suede sandals by Prada, Marion quilted leather backpack by Tory Burch, sunglasses by Tom Ford and Amulette necklace by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht