Sandra‘s Closet

As promised, here is my outfit that I wore to the radiant dinner with Clé de Peau Beauté in Cannes. We went on a sunset cruise and had a beautiful evening in the gardens of Château de la Napoule. The dress code said «black tie» and as we were unlocking a new radiance, I thought putting on a lot of sparkles is the perfect match!

My look: Sequin tuxedo blazer with feathers, and purple sequin halter gown, both by Michael Kors Collection, crystal-embellished Tan-Go pumps and small VSLING crystal-embellished crossbody bag, both by Valentino, sunglasses by CHANEL, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Yesterday, I was invited by Valentino to an enchanting and mysterious evening. The dress code said: «Dark as Le Noir», reminiscent of the Maison’s F/W 2024 collection, for which Pierpaolo Piccioli presented pieces centered around a monochromatic black palette, exploring the depth and versatility of the color black.

The collection was marked by a sense of minimalism and elegance, focusing on silhouettes that ranged from structured to fluid. There was a mix of sharp tailoring and softer, more romantic elements, showcasing a balance between power and delicacy.  Accessories were kept minimal, allowing the garments to speak for themselves.

We started the evening at 6pm at the Valentino pop-up store located on the first floor of the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich. It was very hot and I have to admit that wearing an all black F/W 2024 outfit was not the most convenient choice but this is what you do for fashion :-).

After lots of shopping, lots of bubbly, and great conversations, we left for the secret location which was the LUX am See Restaurant in Zurich. I hadn’t been there before and was curious to explore something new.

I go to many events but I have to tell you that my Valentino family is truly special. The room is simply buzzing with great energy. The team is amazing and shopping at the Valentino store is always a fun experience.

Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon!
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Art or not?! This questions touches on the debate wether fashion is considered art and if it should be collected the same way art is. I have seen fashion as art all my life and have been collecting for over 30 years. Today, it shows that I was right. High-fashion items have appreciated in value over time, much like art, making them valuable collectibles, . If you visit the Sotheby’s Salon at Bucherer, you will find many treasures that are hard to get and that have increased in value. It is a shopping haven for all fashion lovers and collectors!

My look: Oversized double-breasted two-tone wool-blend crepe blazer, matching pleated wool-blend crepe shorts, and studded Tan-Go platform pumps, all by Valentino, lingerie shirt by Schiaparelli, Faubourg Birkin 20 in So Black matte alligator with black hardware by Hermès, and yellow diamonds pear shape earrings (25.31 carat fancy deep yellow, VS1, 25.33 carat fancy brownish Yellow, VVS1, 4.8 carat white diamonds, H-I, with GIA certificates), available at The Sotheby’s Salon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
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Outfit public, destination unknown. Would you go on a mystic tour, where the destination is unknown to you until the last moment? Ideal for adventurous travellers who enjoy the thrill of the unknown and trust the expertise of the travel planner, who will give you little insights about weather, season and activities beforehand so that you to know what to pack. The final reveal of your destination will happen while landing. I did it and I loved it!

My look: Denim chambray jacket with feather trim, and matching denim chambray wide leg pants with drawstring waist, both by Valentino, black and white printed long sleeve shirt (S/S 23 Look 1), sunglasses, and 23S denim mini flap bag, all by CHANEL, Nama low top sneakers by Chloé, porcelain earrings by Bulgari, straw hat, and book tote, both by Dior.

A very comfortable, yet stylish look to be ready for the adventure …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Being back in my old home town was pure magic. Chicago, I love you. I had an amazing time celebrating a wonderful friend. I have always had a thing for tulle dresses, probably because they feel like playing dress up and are reminiscent of a ballet tutu.

My look: Strapless gathered silk-blend tulle mini dress by Monique Lhuillier, The Whirl leather clutch in pink by Bottega Veneta, transparent pumps Tan-Go by Valentino, lace tights by Calzedonia, earrings with pearls, and necklace, both by Alessandra Rich, and Dynasty oversized geometric-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Maria Verkalets @maria.verkalets
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Snow bunny in Gstaad … inspired by the world of winter sports, the Prada On Ice collection presents technical ski wear blending specialized know-how with a distinctive style. Ski clothing and accessories mix with oversized jackets animated by colorful geometric and floral patterns, jersey outfits and mountain-inspired cashmere sweaters.

My look: Printed nylon down jacket, printed technical fabric ski pants, jacquard cashmere crew-neck sweater, printed stretch jersey top, quilted printed Re-Nylon scarf, and printed Re-Nylon bucket hat, all by Prada, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, and Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino.

Do you prefer spending Easter in the sun or in the snow? In today’s world you can have both and enjoy your new ski outfit for many months during the year. Therefore it makes sense to invest in a great look that keeps your warm but that is also fun to wear.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Gstaad Photography Raphael Faux 
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Breaking news before the weekend: Valentino has named former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele its creative director. Only a week after designer Pierpaolo Piccioli exited the Roman couture house after 25 years, including 8 years as its sole creative director.

The brand will not show menswear or haute couture in June. Michele’s first show for the brand will take place during Paris Fashion Week in September.

«I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a maison de couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story, made of distinctive elegance, refinement and extreme grace,» Michele said in a statement.

Gucci S/S 2016 designed by Alessandro Michele

Rumors were that Michele would head to LVMH, so the news come a little unexpected. Valentino is owned by Mayhoola, the fashion group backed by the Qatari royal family that also owns Balmain and Pal Zileri. Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028». The former Gucci designer – a brand that also belongs to Kering – is a is known for its maximalist aesthetic that helped triple sales at the megabrand.

The designer will work once more with chief executive Jacopo Venturini, who previously led Gucci’s merchandising efforts alongside Michele and then-CEO Marco Bizzarri before joining Valentino.

«The reinterpretation of the maison’s couture codes and the heritage created by Mr. Valentino Garavani, combined with Alessandro’s extraordinary vision, will bring us moments of great emotion and will translate into irresistibly desirable objects,» Venturini said.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault added in a statement: «With his creativity, culture and versatile talent, Alessandro Michele will be able to interpret masterfully the unique heritage of this magnificent house and make it flourish.»

Valentino S/S 2024 ad campaign

It is an interesting choice and I am really looking forward to seeing how Michele will interpret the House of Valentino, which stands for sophistication, femininity and great tailoring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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These are my kind of flowers, as they will be forever blossoming on my dress and heels. From fabric rosettes and plastic sculptures – this 3-d trend will continue to be in full bloom for a while.

The photos were taking in my suite at Hotel Maison des Champs-Elysées in Paris, before going to an amazing party with Delvaux during fashion week. Stay tuned for more!

My look: Riga double-breasted alpaca, wool and silk-blend jacket by Max Mara, appliquéd wool and silk-blend crepe mini dress, VSLING mini top handle handbag in black with sparkling embroidery,and 100 embellished leather sandals, all by Valentino, crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich, and fingerless leather gloves with bow by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Breaking news today. Pierpaolo Piccioli is parting ways with Valentino after eight ears as the Roman couture house’s sole creative director, according to a company statement which called the move a «joint decision.»

With Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2013.

Piccioli started his career at Valentino in 1999 where he oversaw accessories alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri. In 2007, the duo were handpicked by founder Valentino Garavani to lead the brand’s creative direction after his retirement. In 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri left for Dior leaving Piccioli as the sole creative director. During his tenure, Piccioli’s haute couture collections rose to fame exuding a certain poetry, which is missing often in today’s fashion world. Outstanding proportions and bold colours were styled with a sophisticated, youthful edge, the same concept he applied to his beautiful ready-to-wear collections I have loved so much.

Beautiful memory: a handwritten note from Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

«Not all stories have a beginning or an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines so bright that it won’t produce any shadows,» said Piccioli. «I’ve been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve existed and I’ve lived with the people who have woven the weaves of this beautiful story.»

Spread your wings and fly like me in Valentino S/S 2020.

A new creative configuration will be announced soon, the statement said.

«I am grateful to Pierpaolo for his role as creative director and for his vision, commitment and creativity that have brought the Maison Valentino to what it stands for today,» said Valentino chief executive Jacopo Venturini.

For F/W 2022 Pierpaolo created its own color Pink PP.
For the full look, click here.

«We extend our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of the Maison Valentino,» added Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Valentino chairman and chief executive of owner Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which controls Valentino.

Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028».

Pierpaolo walking his last finale for Valentino F/W 2024 earlier in March.

In 2023, former Valentino ready-to-wear director Sabato De Sarno’s departed to lead the designs at Gucci. The fashion wheel is turning and some big names are still out there, such as Alessandro Michele and Sarah Burton. In addition Givenchy and Lanvin are all currently missing a designer and Dries van Noten also announced this week that he is stepping down from his own brand.

Piccioli presented a black on black manifesto for F/W 2024 in Paris this month – probably a sign of his departure …

Thank you, Pierpaolo, for all your magic!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Valentino
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Theatrical and striking, Louis Vuitton’s XXL zippers put a fun twist on contemporary pieces. I wore this ensemble for tea time at Claridge’s Hotel in London where the Christmas tree was the perfect backdrop for this outfit.

My look: XXL Zip leather insert coat, XXL Zip tight fitting dress, and Petite Malle H27 bag, all by Louis Vuitton, studded Tan-Go platform pumps by Valentino,  gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Saint Laurent, button-embellished metallic jacquard-knit cardigan by Balmain, and pearl necklace by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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