Sandra‘s Closet

I truly adore the Miu Miu S/S 2020 collection, one of my favorites this season. Therefore I couldn’t resist this beautiful shearling-lined appliquéd suede vest below.

The ad campaign captures the sophisticated and playful mood of the runway perfectly. Imagine an artists’ colony. The colony is all female. The claustrophobic dramas of this colony take place within a sprawling, labyrinthine property; part stage set, part installation, part gallery, part home. Here, the events are hinted at, intimated and obliquely observed in the S/S 2020 Miu Miu campaign.

The house of Xavier Corberó: Casa Corberó

The mythology of the artists’ colony and its place within the past, present and future, is conjured at the Casa Corberó. Built by the Catalan artist Xavier Corberó, situated in Esplugues, close to the outskirts of Barcelona, his ‘casa sublim’ is characterised by elaborate, playful forms that still adhere to a certain strictness, discipline and utility.

These notions are reflected in the S/S 2020 Miu Miu collection itself, where creative freedom and expression – at times spattered and hand-painted, with mismatched buttons, ‘collaged’ ruffles, done and yet undone – is contrasted with the discipline of form, silhouette and utility found in the examples of workwear and the uniform, motifs Miuccia Prada turns to once again. Here it is ‘woman’s work’ that is reflected, both domestic and artistic, in the shape of pinafores, aprons and overalls.

TO SHOP MIU MIU ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
I hope you like it as much as I do…

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: Photos by Call This Number, Liz Collins, Lynette Garland
Creative Direction and Styling by Katie Grand
Models: Tomiwa Adeshina, Pia Ekman, Bo Gebruers, Bella Hadid, Tang He, Lea Julian, Jordan Leftwich, Lila Moss, Patrycja Piekarska, Alexis Sundman, Xiao Wen Ju, Kaila Wyatt
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Today is my birthday! I love birthdays, zodiac signs, birthstones and celebrations. Therefore I love this beautiful dainty jewelry pieces by German jewelry designer Saskia Diez.

Each pair of her stud earrings or delicate bracelets corresponds to a birthstone that holds a special meaning and power in astrology. Sophisticated in their simplicity, these single styles have been handmade at the brand’s atelier in Munich.

January / Rose Quartz: Love, emotional healing, compassion
February / Amethyst: Health, beauty, clarity
March / Aquamarine: Intuition, balance, wisdom
April / Rock Crystal: Awareness, amplifying energy, clarity
May / Chrysopras: Joy, healing, attracts love
June / Moonstone: Intuition, sensuality, safe travel
July / Onyx: Blocking negativity, patience, determination
August / Aventurine: Prosperity, well-being, good luck
September / Jade: Harmony, prosperity, healing
October / Turmaline: Love, emotional cleanser, healing
November / Citrine: Brightness, positive energy, clearing
December / Topaz: Centering, remove negativity, grounding

Pick from one of those stones above even if they fall outside of your zodiac or choose one as a thoughtful gift.

TO SHOP SASKIA DIEZ BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Now, I am off to enjoy my day… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Saskia Diez
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

For Resort 2020, many designers got inspired by the wild west radiated through fringe, beading, and even paillettes. Getting into the trend is as simple as choosing a suede jacket from Altuzarra or Balmain. I am invited in one week in the mountains for a western-themed party and cannot wait to transform myself into a cowgirl. Yee-haw!

LoL, Sandra

Cumberland fringed suede jacket by Altuzarra

Oversized fringed suede jacket by Miu Miu

Fringed textured-leather jacket by R13

Russell fringed suede jacket by IRO

Button-embellished fringed suede vest by Balmain

Belted fringed suede cardigan by Alanui

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Call me a true fashion lover. This look has become one of my favorites of the season, exaggerated houndstooth pattern, combined with a logo print cape and my new Hermès Himalaya Birking bag which is considered the holy grail in a handbag collection. It is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The name «Himalaya» is inspired by the delicate gradation of the colour that is resembling the majestic, snow-capped mountains. The process of dyeing the leather is exponentially more difficult as the shades lighten. It takes a lot of time and craftsmanship. I feel blessed to call one my own.

My look: Wool-jacquard cape by Gucci, bow-detailed houndstooth wool-blend sweater and houndstooth jacquard-knit shorts, both by Alexander McQueen, T-Rex shearling-lined logo-print coated canvas and leather ankle boots by Fendi, set of two silver-tone and crystal hair slides by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by CHANEL, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at The Dolder Grand on the terrasse of the Maestro Suite.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Those four brushes should be in every woman’s closet. Björn Axén has launched a collection called «Hairdressers’ Favourite»! Blow out, detangling, wet or volume – a brush for every occasion.

Volume Brush
Styling & Detangling

Use this light and convenient hair brush for creating volume at the roots, styling and detangling. Perfect for fine or thin and normal hair.
CHF 39.00

Wet Hair Brush
Detangling & Blowout

This detangling and blowout brush in one is perfect for blow-drying thanks to the vents that help reduce the drying time. It gently detangles wet and towel-dry hair and performs just as well on dry hair. The soft bristles are kind and gentle to your scalp.
CHF 39.00

Blowout Brush
Volume & Curls

This professional round styling brush is especially designed for blowouts. It creates volume, curls or gentle waves. It has strong bristles for rapid styling. The vented metal barrel makes styling easy. The handle is a unique design by Björn Axen to give you the best grip.
CHF 39.00

Detangling Brush
For All Hairtypes

This very effective detangling brush with flexible bristles and soft tips ensures minimum damage and kind and gentle scalp treatment. It is designed for dry or towel-dried hair. Suitable for all hair types.
CHF 39.00

For your new hair accessories to last longer, protect them from dust, dirt and damage by using the bag they come with (see photo above) at home or when travelling.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Björn Axén

Baby, it’s cold outside and so important to protect and nourish your skin during these freezing temperatures. Especially in the mountains, it is extremely dry and that makes your complexion suffer. Furthermore, you need a lot of sun protection. Here are some of my favorites that will help you survive your stay in St. Moritz or Gstaad or wherever in the cold you are planning to go… to shop click on the highlighted text.

Beauty on the slopes – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Perfect Moment Ski Cream, 30ml by Dr. Barbara Sturm
The extreme winds and temperatures on the slopes can be harsh on your complexion. Created in collaboration with Perfect Moment, this cream is an innovative, intensely nourishing water-in-oil formula that provides a protective shield, with active ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil and sunflower extract.

Rescue Diver – Multi-Level Hydration Cell Plumping Infusion, 30ml by Elixseri
This intensely hydrating gel-serum drenches your skin with moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with exclusive bio-regenerative technology, which blends light water with antioxidant gardenia meristem concentrate and prebiotic tropical papaya ferment. A few drops help to retain optimum moisture levels throughout the day and leave you with a dewy, glowing complexion.

In-Depth Hydration Face Mask, 50ml by Circumference
The brand’s products are developed based on two standards – healthy skin and an appreciation for natural ingredients. Blended with the sustainable and locally sourced botanicals, this hydrating face mask is formulated to replenish and rejuvenate dry and dull skin. Antioxidant-rich moringa oil and cactus flower extract help retain moisture, while hibiscus extract nourishes and smooths for a radiant complexion.

Hello Sunshine Sensitive Sunscreen SPF30, 40ml by Pai Skincare
Sarah Brown founded London-based brand Pai Skincare when she developed chronic urticaria and many products irritated her sensitive, acne-prone skin. Formulated with protective zinc oxide – which acts as a natural mineral filter and shields against UVA and UVB protection – this sunscreen is balanced with cotton extract to repair any damage caused by the sun’s rays, infrared and visible radiation. The light and non-greasy formula means you can wear it as a base for makeup, too.

Kosasport LipFuel – Baseline by Kosas
Kosas founder Sheena Yaitanes knows intense gym sessions can leave lips dry and cracked, which is why she came up with ‘Kosasport LipFuel’ – it’s infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to lock in moisture for a smooth, supple pout. Botanical konjac root extract protects against environmental aggressors, too, making it perfect for long runs. 

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The Year of the Rat has officially begun and I am celebrating the start of the lunar new year today with an outfit post inspired by Shanghai during the 1920s, at that time known as «The Paris of the East, the New York of the West», a melting pot of different nations and styles.

The photos were taken inside the Maestro Suite at The Dolder Grand in Zurich.

My look: Crystal-embellished ruched velvet gown by Paco Rabanne, ostrich feather-embellished taffeta clutch by The Attico, Edwige embellished satin sandals by Saint Laurent, marabou-trimmed crystal clip earrings and marabou feather headband, both by Alessandra Rich, and feather boa by Michael Kors Collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Fashion is a novel. And the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2020 collection embarks on a narrative journey where the garments tell their own tales.
These characters from our wardrobe set the scene for our days, our moods, our lives. This meeting of periods, stylistic movements and anachronistic combinations brings to life a rich cast of costumes.

In such a ‘wearable library’, each outfit writes its own chapter made up of romantic monologues. Peculiar dialogues between stylistic rebellion and fine crafts- manship. An account of sportswear’s encounter with tailoring. Taking the cultural references even further, Louis Vuitton has adorned one of the collection’s t-shirts with the original cover from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 cult science-fiction novel The Exorcist.

To illustrate this collection – a term that works just as well with fashion as it does with literature or on the big screen – the House’s muses proudly take to book covers or film posters as protagonists, fitting perfectly into Louis Vuitton’s history and brilliantly embracing the role of adventurer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton announces its participation together with Lucara Diamond Corporation and the HB Company of Antwerp, in a unique collaboration to transform a rare and exceptional diamond specimen, a 1758 carat diamond, the second largest rough diamond ever discovered.

April 19th, 2019 will go down as a history-making moment in the long story of the divine diamond: the day when the monumental 1758 carat rough diamond, now named Sewelô, meaning Rare Find in the Setswana language, was recovered at the Lucara Diamond Corp.’s 100% owned Karowe mine, Botswana. It is the second largest rough diamond ever discovered and the largest to come out of Botswana.

Roughly the size of a tennis ball, measuring 83mm x 62mm x 46mm, weighing 352 grams, the Sewelô is the second largest rough gem diamond in recorded history, eclipsed only by the Cullinan, at 3106 carats, discovered in South Africa in 1905, and fashioned into historic diamonds that are now in the British Crown Jewels and royal collection. The Sewelô is also the largest, exceptional rough diamond to be recovered from Lucara’s state-of-the-art Karowe mine in Botswana.

Remarkably, the diamond remained unbroken thanks to Lucara’s high-tech XRT circuit, a highly advanced recovery process that avoids crushing the diamond-bearing rock, a drawback of previous processes. Initial analysis of the Sewelô characterises the stone as ‘near gem quality’ with ‘domains of high-quality white gem’, while detailed studies of the stone, its composition, qualities and potential will continue for several months.

The Sewelô is spectacular not only for its immense size but also for its intriguing characteristics
of shape, colour, formation and composition. The rough crystal is largely covered in a very thin layer of black carbon, enveloping yet hinting at the 2 billion-year-old secrets hidden within; the full extent of variations in colour and clarity of the diamond yield is still unknown. This was exactly the kind of extreme rarity, unconventional and challenging, to appeal to Louis Vuitton’s sense of adventure and creativity: an extraordinary, idiosyncratic diamond specimen, a wondrous miracle of Mother Nature, mesmerizingly mysterious, with its contradictions of darkness and light, and hidden depths of beauty and lustre, waiting for the right expertise and sensibility to be revealed to the world.

Karowe, meaning ‘precious stone’, is Lucara’s 100% owned diamond mine that is situated on the northern fringes of the Kalahari Desert and came on stream in 2012. It is renowned for the quality and size of the diamonds it produces, specifically superlative Type IIA diamonds – chemically pure, and with exceptional limpidity – of over 10 carats. These have included the 1109 carat Lesedi La Rona, and the 813 carat Constellation.

Karowe uses the most advanced processing technology in the world, and puts corporate and social responsibility, sustainability and the safety and welfare of its workers, at the heart of the business. Boasting a workforce which is 98% comprised of Botswanan nationals, the huge success of the mine has brought great economic and social benefits to local communities. Lucara is committed
to ensuring the Sewelô has a positive, lasting impact on Botswana. As part of this mission, when the astonishing 1758 carat rough diamond was discovered last year, the mine invited the people of Botswana to submit ideas for a name. The winning submission, Sewelô, or Rare Find, one of 22,000 entries, was announced and the stone officially named at a gala event last summer in the presence of the President of the Republic of Botswana.

Louis Vuitton is working closely with master diamond cutters, HB Company, from Antwerp, studying the Sewelô in minute detail, using the very latest scanning and imaging technology to assess the final potential of the stone, and plan the optimum yield of individual finished, cut and polished diamonds. The first step is to open a window onto the stone, in order to gain visibility into the heart of the Sewelô, and plot various permutations of size, colour and shape. Diamond-cutting is an age-old, near-mystical blend of art and science, expertise and intuition. Advanced, cutting-edge technology will play a crucial role in the entire process from initial scanning and planning to the cutting and polishing which is estimated to take a year to complete. The unique properties of the Sewelô, its size and black surface coating, mean that new nano-technologies have to be used in place of standard equipment. In a spirit of creative collaboration with HB Company, Louis Vuitton will be involved at every stage, ensuring that the maximum light, life and fire, character and charisma will be unleashed from the magnificent rough crystal. The size of the diamond will enable production of Made-to-Order Louis Vuitton Cut diamonds, each complex, each skillfully fashioned in the form of one of Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram, the rounded flower and star-shaped motif.

Finally, in a characteristically barrier-breaking initiative of innovation and individuality, Louis Vuitton plans to use the extraordinary variety and abundance within the Sewelô to offer clients the opportunity to create bespoke, custom-cut diamonds. This industry disrupting move allows for the ultimate personalisation and exclusivity, remaining entirely in tune with Louis Vuitton’s heritage of special, made-to-order commissions. In this way, the client will be intimately involved in the entire creative process, in the life and story of an extraordinary, magnificent diamond from its source in the famous Karowe mine in Botswana, Africa, to a refined masterpiece, conceived and crafted in Paris, Place Vendôme – from the centre of the earth to the heart of High Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

After this week’s post about the 20 most important runway trends, you know that we will be wearing tropical prints, bermuda shorts or gypsy dresses. But what about our shoes, bags and accessories? The fashionable additions to the season’s best outfits have an equally polished attitude. A lot is to stay from the F/W 2019 season, such as chain necklaces, single earrings, head scarves, belts and platforms. Furthermore, the runways were mastered by XXL bags, Mary Janes, and vibrant sunglasses that complemented the looks. On the new side of things, I spotted rope belts and hats on many runways.

Enjoy this season’s unbridled fun and catch up on the season’s most covetable accessories below.

LoL, Sandra

The single most popular material of the entire season was humble raffia, plant-derived, biodegradable, promising that your new It bag will have less of an environmental impact.

If there’s one accessible trend to cop next season, it’s the rope belt – at least you can find one at your local hardware store.

Gold buckles, set with rhinestones, embellished with animals as lucky charms, belts play an important role. If you are among the fashion-forward, opt for colorful choices.

Flower pins elevate every summer look to new heights.

This summer, brighten up your wardrobe with sunny shades of yellow and green, or an unexpected shade of blue.

Dust off your silk scarf collection for the next season, as they were worn around the head on several runways.

When it comes to choose your new bag, think big and soft. Many beautiful XXL editions large enough to fit all of your life’s belongings.

This season, chains get bigger and bigger.

Earrings are going solo next season. Just look for a statement-making piece enough to stand on its own.

Hoop earrings never really left, but get ready to see them multiply in size next season.

Hats make a grand comeback and guarantee that all eyes are on you.

With the preppy trend all over the runways, loafers were seen modernized in different shapes.

Thanks to Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee for making strong square toes, the decade’s most experimental shoe silhouette are trending more than ever.

Another trend thanks to Daniel Lee, chain accents are a must for your summer footwear, consider them built-in anklets for your shoes.

Sunglasses come in all shapes with a focus on major color, enjoy those new fantastical shades in every hue under the sun.

If sneakers have lost their luster on the runways, ever-practical platform and flatform sandals have emerged as fanciful and comfortable alternatives.

The classic Mary Jane pumps have taken a backseat over the last decade, now they are making their comeback in bold, whimsical, and playful designs.

From espadrilles to sexy sandals, lace-up shoes are the move come spring and summer. If you really want to be trendy, lace them up right over your pants to be ahead of the fashion tribe.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands