Sandra‘s Closet

Louis Vuitton reveals its F/W 2020 campaign directed and photographed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections and I am loving the pieces.
Representing total creative investment in a very personal collection, the campaign expresses contemporary freedom and the pure pleasure of clothing that is open to all manner of audacity.

To photograph this campaign, Nicolas Ghesquière invited Louis Vuitton’s friends and family to his photography studio, a creative laboratory on the Quai Voltaire in Paris: among them were close friends whose personality inspires him, kindred spirits, and favourite faces. Celebrity friends, beloved models, astonishing artists and athletes include Léa Seydoux, Marina Foïs, Noémie Merlant, Akon Changkou, Stacy Martin, Dina Asher-Smith, Lous and the Yakuza and Sora Choi. In all, 20 personalities he wished to represent in their essence. The same holds true of the House’s iconic bags that accompany this stylistic exercise — the Capucines, the Twist, the Pont 9 and the Dauphine.

With the same candor, Nicolas Ghesquière incorporates the new line «SINCE 1854.»
A precious jacquard inscribed with a fundamental date, 1854, sprinkled among Monogram flowers in a nod to the year the House was created. Already iconic, this Monogram distills the Louis Vuitton spirit on timeless pieces such as the Dauphine, the Neverfull and the Petit Noé. The signature «SINCE 1854» also figures on a wardrobe of essentials and accessories.

Says Nicolas Ghesquière of the campaign, «I thought it would be interesting to extend my work to photography, to follow through to the end of the creative process and give the collection its final punctuation. In this portrait gallery, everyone is there for my own personal reasons, and I liked discovering new connections with people I knew already. I also wanted to bring unity to different aspects of the House, a circular vision of what happens here. To give a timeless aspect to creations that are very anchored in the season. For me, moving into photography came from a desire to reflect the feeling we share when we’re working on a collection.»

The campaign will be unveiled in September 2020 publications worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Black is prized for its understated elegance and endless wearability, but it’s not always the obvious choice when it comes to summer dressing. However, worn correctly, it has year-round appeal. Add a fancy logo and a little sparkle to this iconic color and mercury rises…

My Look: Cropped sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed jacket, sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed midi skirt, cropped sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed top, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, all by Alessandra Rich, Elephant mini crystal-embellished suede shoulder bag by Loewe, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and crystal-embellished cat-eye metal sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Recently, I discovered the 4protection Novigel 2% concentrate with 2% OM24® through a dear friend who recommended it for all sorts of skin concerns and it is truly a miracle product. Its active complex neutralizes free radicals, inhibits collagenase and repairs skin tissue – as proven by ETH study. It provides an intensive regeneration of skin changes and irritations, and reduces age spots and pimples. Furthermore, it promotes deep acting recovery of stressed skin. The oil free and pH-neutral formulation is also suitable for children. You can apply it to the skin as often as needed.

Novigel 2% Intensive Repair Serum is available for example at my favorite pharmacy at Paradeplatz in Zurich for CHF 38.90 (40ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Omni Medica
This post is not sponsored. I am just a fan of the product.

Last Sunday, we took a beautiful boat and cruised around the island of Capri. One stop that I truly recommend for every fashion lover not to miss is the amazingly beautiful DIOR pop-up store which is set up at Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club, part of the Capri Palace Jumeirah.

Arriving by tender through the stormy sea is quite an experience. The location will take your breath away. From the cliff, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, this unique setting on a balcony is perched on the rock.

Paying an ode to la dolce vita, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s capsule summer collection, titled Dioriviera, includes alongside exclusive Dior Maison objects, sailor tops and summer accessories, such as the iconic Dior Book Tote, Saddle and Diorcamp bags. The must-have pieces are revisited with the motifs of the Dior Around the World line, inspired by the sketches of Roman artist Pietro Ruffo.

This signature joins Toile de Jouy and bayadère stripes on the cushions, parasols and personalized beach cabins of the lounging area, entirely redecorated by the House for the occasion as a testament to the irresistible lure of sun-drenched escapism and an evocation of the good life.

J’adior Capri! Stay tuned for the little souvenirs I got… and just saying the shopping bag itself that you get when you buy something, is worth the spree!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today I would love to introduce you to the Miu Miu Wonder Woman T-shirt capsule collection.

Crafted in clay by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, and afforded magical powers by the Greek gods, Wonder Woman – aka Princess Diana of Themyscira and, in civilian identity, Diana Prince – is the ultimate female superhero. Originally inspired by early campaigners for women’s rights and by Margaret Sanger, pioneer of the birth control movement, in particular, she made her debut in All Star Comics in 1941.

Since the subject of myriad reinventions, both in still and moving imagery, illustrated and as played by mere human kind, now the wondrous woman generations of young girls have grown up wanting to be has found her way onto the fronts of three new Miu Miu T-shirts. Striking preternaturally athletic poses, playing the archetypal Amazonian pin-up and effortlessly battling dinosaurs, as appropriated by the Miu Miu community she will doubtless continue to wow.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu

Close is a collection of visual studies on the theme of proximity, in which each photographer has created a series of visual statements on the unique and intimate relationship they share with their subject. It highlights the significant role that personal distance plays in an image-maker’s treatment and understanding of what and who they are photographing.

As one of those models in the show, Gigi Hadid enjoyed the greatest access and freedom of movement in the backstage environment that any photographer could possibly have. Her work documents the experience of preparing a Miu Miu collection for the catwalk in an unprecedentedly honest and thorough way.

Lila Moss is photographed at home by Nikolai von Bismarck, imbuing the images with an affinity only achievable within a familial context; the Polaroid format highlights the informal candour of the setting. Kate Moss offers a personal perspective on the Miu Miu collection, styling the looks with Katie Grand.

With a particular focus on accessories, Steve Mackey shot London model Kasper Kapica wearing the collection on both film and Polaroid on location in a local public park. The Polaroids have been given a hand-painted treatment by Patrick Waugh, the signature of his brushstrokes evident in the texture of the paint.

Backstage at the show where the collection was presented, Liz Collins captured the character of the models in her close-up portraits, taken in private moments as they prepared to set forth on the catwalk.

For digital media, Amber Pinkerton photographed young Londoners on the day they reemerged to engage with the physical social space after a period of withdrawal, while Douglas Irvine was given exclusive access to Miu Miu’s F/W 2020 set, where he shot individual models dressed in the looks they wore for the show.

Finally, Anthony Turner, Luella Bartley, Silvia Prada and Chantal Stracey express their personal interpretations of both the mood and detail of the collection through distinctive hand-drawn illustrations and animations.

The result is a collective effort from a broad range of creatives working across various media. Their work has been assembled in collages using physical techniques of cut and paste – the touch of human hand at play in their production, proposing an intimacy that is all the more precious in a time of increased separation and isolation.

Everyone participating in this project is already a part of Miu Miu’s extended family. The participants’ familiarity both with their subjects and with the broader world of Miu Miu
gives Close a profoundly personal and proximate quality at a moment in history that has required us to reevaluate our understanding of personal distance.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu

I am here in CAPRI to celebrate life and EDGARO OSORIO‘s new island adventure, the beautiful new shop located in the city center. Here, the story of the famous shoe brand began during a sunny summer day on the terrace of JK Place. The view of the bright blue color of the sea inspired the name AQUAZZURA. The light, sun, colors and sea of this unique island embody mood and unmistakable vibe of the brand’s lifestyle. Today, Edgardo shares his travel tips for Capri.

Your favourite holiday destination?
CAPRI is one of my favourite places to holiday in Italy, with its rugged coastline, the Blue Grotto and delicious food, this island is a treat for all the senses. The island is particularly close to my heart as it is where I came up with the name and concept for Aquazzura. Like Capri, Aquazzura should remind you of the Dolce Vita and of a fabulous summer holiday.

Your favourite hotel?
When I am in Capri my home is always the JK PLACE HOTEL.
Via Marina Grande, 225, 80076 Capri NA, Phone: +39 081 838 4001

Your favourite restaurant during the day?
For lunch my favourite restaurant is IL RICCIO in Anacapri.
Via Gradola, 4, 80071 Anacapri NA, Phone: +39 081 837 1380

Your favourite restaurant at night?
For dinner, I love restaurant DA PAOLINO.
Via Palazzo a Mare, 3/4, 80076 Marina Grande NA, Phone: +39 081 837 6102

Your favourite night club?
After I dance the night away at TAVERNA ANEMA E CORE, a really unique night club with a retro vibe.
Via Sella Orta, 1, 80076 Capri NA, Phone: +39 081 837 6461

Your favourite gelateria?
If you are looking for the best ice cream in Capri, you have to visit GELATERIA BUONOCORE, my favourite.
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 35, 80073 Capri NA, Phone: +39 081 837 7826

Your favourite day activity?
During the day I love chilling at LA FONTELINA BEACH CLUB.

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
When you are in Capri, you cannot leave without visiting the beautiful VILLA LYSIS, you will be amazed by the best view of Capri. It is a unique and enchanting spot, closely tied to the life and tastes of Jacques d’Adelswärd Fersen, a Parisian count who withdrew to the island of Capri in self-imposed exile to escape a series of scandals in his home country.
Via Lo Capo, 12, 80076 Capri NA

Your favourite shop?
Of course for the best shoes, you cannot miss the new AQUAZZURA boutique!
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 5, 80073 Capri NA, Phone: +39 081 1807 3010

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
A book that always reminds me of Capri is THE EXILE OF CAPRI, the story of a young eccentric aristocrat that used to live in the historic VILLA LYSIS that exiles in Capri and finds love.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
To better feel the atmosphere of this amazing island I love listening to the song TU VUÒ FA’ L’AMERICANO, the version sang by FIORELLO that is the soundtrack of one of my favourite movies, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY shot at the Amalfi Coast.

Thank you, Edgardo, for sharing your insider scoop on Capri with us!

If you are interested, don’t miss Edgardo’s travel tips for his hometown Florence. Click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via the respective locations, © Aquazzura and © Sandra Bauknecht

The perfect look for a late afternoon coffee meeting during those hot summer temperatures in the city. Airy and sophisticated, white with a touch of color, one of my favorites this season.

My look: Suraya cutout crochet-trimmed Swiss-dot silk maxi dress by Zimmermann, embellished necklace with coin charm by Oscar de la Renta, Ambra plateau sandals by Gianvito Rossi, Maya fringed woven tote bag by Sophia Webster, crystal-embellished round acetate sunglasses by Gucci, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Clash de Cartier ring large model in pink gold with amazonite, and LOVE bracelets, all by Cartier, and Big Bang Millennial Pink watch by Hublot.

Off to Capri today, my first flight after lockdown… I am so excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Yesterday evening, I was invited by Dior to an intimate ladies dinner at Hotel Widder in Zurich to watch live the Dior Cruise 2021 from Lecce. The way fashion shows are presented has changed due to  the current pandemic, but the excitement stays the same.

The collection was revealed with poetry and enchantment, behind closed doors in the emblematic Piazza del Duomo, in the heart of Lecce, Puglia, a region close to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s heart. Spanning fashion, traditional craftsmanship and committed contemporary art, the silhouettes appeared amid a spellbinding scenography illuminated by the mesmerizing glimmer of Luminarie, fanciful traditional light installations reinterpreted here by Marinella Senatore.

A summer landscape with Baroque architecture bathed in sunlight, Lecce is more than just a dream destination. For her cruise collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri pays homage to this land of the heart and its virtuoso craftsmanship. An enchanting ode to Italy – a country Christian Dior celebrated as early as 1947 – which has become a constant source of inspiration, a passionate creative history.

«During this period, I sought to give collective efforts a new dimension. Despite the disadvantages of distance, bringing a different perspective to our daily lives has given us strength and imagination,» says Maria Grazia Chiuri, who for this Cruise show has chosen to reconnect her creative passion with the region of Puglia, a place close to her heart. Texts by the anthropologist Ernesto De Martino dedicated to the region’s traditions – which have influenced authors including Germano Celant and Georges Didi-Huberman – led her to explore their roots. Puglia and its different energies, where magical beliefs such as Tarantism (disease or form of hysteria that appeared in Italy in the 15th to the 17th century and that was obscurely associated with the bite of the tarantula spider; victims seemingly were cured by frenzied dancing) live on, have become in this particular context a concrete form of utopia, a new reading of the world.

A true celebration of Puglia’s traditional arts and crafts, the Dior Cruise 2021 collection highlights the excellence of these priceless skills. The 90-look collection was proof how one can combine the bohemian and the haute. There were pinafore dresses, blanket-fringe skirts, and hand-knit sweaters, models wore handkerchiefs in their hair combined with flat boots. and of course there was another Book Tote. When you look closer, you will detect the embroideries and craftsmanship that went into every single outfit. The handmade natural leather corsets added this certain twist that I adore. A really beautiful collection that will hit the stores in October 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Mademoiselle Chanel’s favourite flower, the camellia, lends itself to every style. Also known as the «Japanese rose», the beautiful flower is mostly found in Asian countries and symbolises long-lasting devotion and became an element of her style in 1913. Its geometric curves encourage endless creativity; its perfect roundness expresses pure femininity. More than a flower, the camellia is an inspiration.

Coco Chanel liked the simplicity of the bloom that has no thorns or fragrance, which means that that it would never clash with her iconic No. 5 fragrance. Furthermore, she loved the shape of the flowers and its white color that stood out against her famous little black dresses. Word has it that she developed the fondness the moment she was presented with a bouquet by her lover, Boy Capel.

I am so in love with my CHANEL Pétales de Camélia ring.

The yellow gold collection, CHANEL Pétales de Camélia, inspired by the designer’s favorite flower was launched last year and I truly love every single piece. Perfect as an everyday jewelry choice, the Camélia collection remains inextricably linked to CHANEL’s spirited personality and creative diversity.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL, © Sandra Bauknecht and © David Biedert Photography