Sandra‘s Closet

At this year’s Paris+ par Art Basel, Louis Vuitton continues its longstanding commitment to the arts by exhibiting and showcasing a curated selection of creative collaborations and original artworks from leading international artists. The Maison is also revealing wave five of the Artycapucines collection.

The Louis Vuitton booth for Paris+ par Art Basel 2023, which runs from 20-22 October at the Grand Palais Éphémère, has been designed to resemble an oversized Louis Vuitton trunk. The exterior of the booth is inspired by the Copper Malle Courrier by Pharrell Williams, which was presented on the runway for his debut Louis Vuitton menswear collection, for S/S 2024. The booth’s interior walls feature the iconic malletage pattern, the refined crisscrossing motif that has padded the inside of the Maison’s trunks since Louis Vuitton founded his business in 1854. The booth is the perfect showcase for an exhibition of curated works by an ensemble of world-renowned artists, including collaborations on bags and canvas by Takashi Murakami; reworked, unique travel trunks by Damien Hirst; and Stephen Sprouse‘s Roses Monogram Alma bag.

Other original artworks on show include three paintings by Richard Prince; one by Takashi Murakami; a circular portrait of a young Louis Vuitton by Yan Pei-Ming; and an AI-data painting entitled Finding LV by Refik Anadol. Also included are seven new works by Yayoi Kusama, exhibited for the first time, each entitled Every Day I Pray for Love. The phrase has featured on the back of Kusama’s recent paintings, including this new series, which was begun in 2022 during the conception of the artist’s latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

At Paris+ par Art Basel, the Maison will also reveal five additions to its now iconic Artycapucines Collection. Since 2019, the collection has seen leading international artists – including Daniel Buren, Urs Fischer, Donna Huanca, Vik Muniz, Park Seo-Bo, Tschabalala Self, Kennedy Yanko, and Zhao Zhao – bring their unique creative visions to the blank canvas offered by the Capucines bag’s modern classic design. The five new bags on display at Paris+ par Art Basel are by Ewa Juszkiewicz, Liza Lou, Tursic & Mille, Ziping Wang, and Billie Zangewa, and reveal the ingenious creativity of their artist designers and the creative ingenuity of Louis Vuitton’s artisans who turned those visions into reality.

In 2023, following its successful presence at last year’s inaugural Paris+ par Art Basel, Louis Vuitton is now proud to become a global Associate Partner of Art Basel.
This additional support further confirms the Maison’s close and committed relationship to the arts, one that started nearly a century ago when Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandson, began commissioning artists to collaborate with Louis Vuitton on advertisements and perfume bottles.

Since 1988, Louis Vuitton has continued this legacy by collaborating with some of the biggest names in modern art and design, including Sol LeWitt, James Rosenquist, Cesar, and Olafur Eliasson. It has curated exhibitions by artists such as Sophie Calle,Dan Flavin, Alberto Giacometti and Gerhard Richter in its Espaces Louis Vuitton around the world (Tokyo, Munich, Venice, Beijing, Seoul and Osaka), and has more recently created innovative large-scale global art projects, such as the 2022 collaboration with Yayoi Kusama that included giant statues of the artist in Paris and London, an anamorphic billboard in Tokyo, and a capsule collection of bags, shoes, accessories, luggage, and fragrances. In 2014, the Maison opened the landmark Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, which further strengthened its continuing mission to bring the best modern and contemporary art to new audiences.

Louis Vuitton will present during Paris+ par Art Basel, which runs 20 – 22 October 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère, 2 Place Joffre, 75007 Paris, France.
From 13 October, the Louis Vuitton City Guide app will feature a new Contemporary Art «flânerie» – or stroll route – which will include a stop at Paris+ par Art Basel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Since 1898, RIMOWA has positioned itself as a pioneer of refined travel, combining expert craftsmanship, functional design, and an innovative spirit to create thoughtful travel tools for discerning travelers. Throughout this history, the German Maison has forged new frontiers with its creations, joining forces with visionary partners along the way to redefine the boundaries of travel. Today, RIMOWA continues this tradition with a new collaboration with global luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co.

Representing the union of two powerhouses in their respective industries, the new collaboration redefines the boundaries of travel for your most treasured items on your upcoming journeys.The collection features a new RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case, a RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin suitcase, and a RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case features a «Rock Cut» artwork that mirrors a diamond’s unique facets—a nod to Tiffany & Co.’s legendary designs—offering an intriguing and tactile experience when interacting with RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminium surface. Made in Germany using an aluminium-brushed technique, the distinctive «Rock Cut» design features a subtle nod to the renowned jewelry house, with its emblematic ‘T’ motif artfully inscribed within the pattern.

The new Jewelry Case features the iconic Tiffany Blue® hue throughout its exterior, on its handle and its sealing. Made to safeguard treasured jewelry at home or during travel, the case spans three levels. Opening from the top for easy access, travelers will first find a large mirror with a silver plaque underneath which can be engraved. The case opens to a topmost sealed tray with five compartments to store rings and other jewelry. Featuring specially designed leather loops, the middle tray is designed to hold necklaces and bracelets while the below tray features three large spaces designed to store cherished pieces.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin Suitcase features the intricately patterned «Rock Cut» artwork as well. To complete the design, the Classic suitcase takes on a new look with its handles, luggage tag, and wheels in Tiffany Blue®. The suitcase’s interior is also embellished with the iconic hue, featuring Tiffany Blue® straps and leather details that feature the two brands’ logos.

RIMOWA’s signature polycarbonate takes on the color of Tiffany Blue® entirely in the creation of the new RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal. Adopting a new function, the case’s interior—which is harmoniously saturated in the distinctive hue—features six jewelry compartments to store your most precious belongings during travel. Its exterior features RIMOWA and Tiffany & Co.’s logos at its center, inscribed between two Tiffany Blue® leather straps.

The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin (RRP €2900 / CHF 3080), the RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case (RRP € 3900 / CHF 4140), and the RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal (RRP € 1800 / CHF 1910) will be made available at select RIMOWA stores worldwide and online at RIMOWA.com. The RIMOWA x Tiffany & Co. collection will also be available in the U.S. at the Tiffany & Co. Landmark in New York City and on Tiffany.com in Greater China via WeChat.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rimowa
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The GO-14 bag is unique in Louis Vuitton’s history of leather goods. It is the nexus of entwined passions: a designer’s inspiration, a trunk-maker’s secrets, an artisan’s ingenuity… The GO-14 is both a commencement and a culmination.

The GO-14 is an initiatory bag, one of Nicolas Ghesquière’s first designs – hence its coded name: Ghesquière October 2014, the date it first appeared on the runway for the debut of the Women’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton. It is re-emerging in 2023 in full spirit with a unique characteristic: malletage.

The malletage brings in the spirit of historical trunk-making. This refined crisscrossing pattern pads the insides of trunks. The galon trim was a simple ingenuity that kept documents in their place regardless of the twists and turns of travelling.

Nicolas Ghesquière rediscovered this Louis Vuitton innovation and featured it in his first collection, reawakening and revealing this invisible luxury: «There are some universal codes that exist solely in Louis Vuitton. It was about reappropriating and transposing them into a new setting.» Nicolas Ghesquière turned it into a striking signature, a graphic design language for clothes and accessories. A narrative thread.

Today, the GO-14 is a generous, sensual padded lambskin bag. It is covered in this bouncy, infinitely soft malletage with overstitching highlighting the design’s curves and cushiony feel. It comes in every shade, from the starkest black and white to the diluted, nuanced, toasted shades that reveal the subtleties of its texture.

The GO-14 is a versatile bag that can be worn in many different ways to match every woman’s mood: on or over the shoulder with its new jewel chain as supple as a gold necklace; on the arm or handheld, as the chain can also be doubled thanks to a brand new groove system – like two precious commas. Finally, a handle reaffirms the bag’s position as a classic. The GO-14 exudes sophistication at all times.

The GO-14 is a feat of skill and the epitome of thriving heritage. The malletage that pads the bag – ever-evolving since the earliest trunks in a quest for enhancement and ultimate elegance – is a real challenge for artisans. The creative process requires more than 20 different steps, including the utmost meticulousness on the patina to ensure a satin or toasted finish and to perfect the colour’s subtle gradations.

A highly precise technique for depositing the 17-metre-long trim is also needed for the rounded malletage of each GO-14. A more complex savoir- faire than for traditional quilting is also paramount. GO-14’s perfect harmonies resonate with all the expertise of Louis Vuitton’s ateliers. Available from August 25, 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Being still every influencer’s favourites, Prada’s S/S 2023 raffia accessories are a must. There’s rarely a piece such as an It-bag that makes it past the three-year mark, but Prada just set an the exception. Since its launch back three years ago, as part of the brand’s S/S 2020 collection, the raffia tote has won every social media feed, and adorned many arms of different celebrities. The reason is clear. Lightweight and so easy to pack, they are the perfect companions for your beach holidays. I couldn’t resist the raffia small striped logo tote in tan and yellow and matching striped raffia bucket hat.

The verity is huge as the accessories come in all sorts of colors to choose from.

TO SHOP THE PRADA SHOPPERS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
TO SHOP THE PRADA RAFFIA BUCKET HATS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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We all remember the hype about CULT GAIA‘s iconic Arc clutch back in 2017. Two years later, the brand launched also an amazing ready-to-wear collection.

This summer, the brand has caught my eye especially because of their clutch bags. They are different, unique and come at a great price point. I put together a great selection to choose from. Some of them could also work as the perfect wedding accessory.

TO SHOP CULT GAIA CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Cult Gaia
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I love Rimowa‘s seasonal colors for their Essential collection. They are always limited and special. In addition, their glossy finish ensures, that the luggage is always easy to spot. This summer’s hues are inspired by cherry blossom trees and deep dark forests, called Petal, a delicate nude pink shade, and Cedar, a dark brown with a green undertone.

When I spotted the Petal shade, I knew this has to be part of my travel collection. I bought three sizes, Essential Cabin, Essential Check-In L, and Essential Trunk Plus. They are so perfect for traveling and I can only recommend the line.

I am ready for my next summer vacation… Mykonos here I come!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rimowa © Sandra Bauknecht
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Since the collaboration between Fendi and Tiffany & Co. hit the runway for Resort 2023, fashionistas around the globe have been craving for those exclusive re-editions of the iconic Baguette bag in the signature Tiffany Blue™, that is embellished with a Return to Tiffany™ circular bag pendant and a sterling silver label engraved with «The Tiffany Baguette».

However no need to cry if you missed out on the opportunity to order one. There are plenty of stunning turquoise bags on the market to accompany you through the summer and the next years to come.

LoL, Sandra

Turquoise logo embossed medium Baguette bag by Fendi

Small Lola crossbody bag by Burberry

Small First clutch bag by Fendi

Goya small puffer bag by Loewe

Nano Speedy by Louis Vuitton

Cassette small intrecciato leather shoulder bag by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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After the mystical CARACABA and last year’s ever-whimsical GREEKABA, get ready to say ¡Hola! to Christian Louboutin’s annual limited-edition cabas offering, the FLAMENCABA: a fiery celebration of all the creativity, charisma and exquisite craftsmanship that Andalusia has to offer, developed in collaboration with the inimitable Rossy de Palma, actress and long-time friend of Christian’s.

It was inspired by the region’s rich culture and flamenco tradition, and it features men’s and women’s shoes, fans, and bags. The key pieces include the FLAMENCABA small tote that highlights the savoir-faire of local craftsmen with ornate detailing inspired by Flamenco dresses. On the base of the handles, CARASPIKES become gold-toned SEVILLANA spikes, inspired by Seville’s architectural heritage and bringing an added touch of opulence to this everyday tote bag.

Another highlight is the FLAMENCABA mini bag, that was inspired by the iconic shawls worn by Andalusian bailaoras.

Christian Louboutin will donate part of the profits from the capsule collection to Centro Coreografico Maria Page, an organization that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.

Launching in May 2023, this year’s Flamencaba collection continues in the footsteps of the annual cabas series with a true ode to craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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Now that you know all about the S/S 2023 bag trends, I put together for you a list to shop each trend immediately off the runway. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the respective online shop. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

OVERSIZED BAG
Logo-plaque tote bag by Prada

WRISTLET
Pochette Clés XL by Louis Vuitton

BARBIECORE
Pink medium First bag by Fendi

PAILLETTES
Locò small sequinned-leather shoulder bag by Valentino

RED ALERT
Wanda crystal-embellished mini bag by Ferragamo

PUNK
Small Repeat shoulder bag by Versace

FORM FUNCTION
Denim peplum belt bag by Miu Miu

NOVELTY BAG
Inflatable-crab shoulder bag by Moschino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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Who doesn’t like to buy a new handbag?! From the rebirth of the oversized shoulder bag to girly-like pink, there’s a spring bag for every aesthetic among the runway collections. The S/S 2023 collections offer a great amount of choices – have fun exploring the new bag trends.

LoL, Sandra

After years of micro bags, designers seem to be gravitating toward more functional full or even oversized silhouettes (think messenger and massive slouchy bags).

If you’re into safety, this is the style for you. Wrapped around your wrist, those bags come in all sizes this season.

Barbie’s signature pink celebrates fantasy and femininity and is an absolute must this summer!

What a better way to unleash your inner party girl than sporting one of those must-have sparkly bags?!

Red leads the way head to toe so don’t forget your matching bag.

Studs, spikes and heavy-duty chains celebrate a new-punk movement.

Mini bags have been all the rage for years now, but finally, a more functional and fashionable bag trend is taking over this spring’s style

In today’s realm of the internet, novelty bags are loved for their eye-catching appearance. Taking the shape of a dool house or an inflatable floating device, this season runways are increasingly seeing various objects.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!