Sandra‘s Closet

In November 2019, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. For the previous post, click here please.

Yesterday, after months of speculation, LVMH has called off its planned mega-merger with the American jeweler. The result? Tiffany sinks 11% and is now suing the French luxury conglomerate to keep the acquisition on track. The jewelry giant alleged LVMH sought to leverage US social justice protests and the coronavirus pandemic to «avoid paying the agreed price for Tiffany shares.»

LVMH explained that the deal’s contract set a November 24 deadline, and that requests from Tiffany and the French government to delay the deal led to its pulling out. In return, Tiffany accused LVMH of not doing its part to win approval of the deal from antitrust authorities.

Tiffany’s famous 5th Avenue store in New York City

More details can be found in LVMH’s press release from yesterday: «After a succession of events which undermine the acquisition of Tiffany & Co, the Board of LVMH met to review the situation relating to the contemplated investment in light of these recent developments.

The Board learned of a letter from the French European and Foreign Affairs Minister which, in reaction to the threat of taxes on French products by the US, directed the Group to defer the acquisition of Tiffany until after January 6th, 2021. Furthermore, the Board noted Tiffany & Co.’s requested to extend the «Outside Date» in the Merger Agreement from November 24th to December 31st, 2020.

As a results of these elements, and knowledge of the first legal analysis led by the advisors and the LVMH teams, the Board decided to comply with the Merger Agreement signed in November 2019 which provides, in any event for a closing deadline no later than November 24th, 2020 and officially records that, as it stands, the Group LVMH will therefore not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co.»

Key figure: Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co.

In course of Tiffany & Co.’s lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SE and related entities («LVMH»), Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board, said, «We regret having to take this action but LVMH has left us no choice but to commence litigation to protect our company and our shareholders. Tiffany is confident it has complied with all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and is committed to completing the transaction on the terms agreed to last year. Tiffany expects the same of LVMH.»

He stated further, «We believe that LVMH will seek to use any available means in an attempt to avoid closing the transaction on the agreed terms. But the simple facts are that there is no basis under French law for the Foreign Affairs Minister to order a company to breach a valid and binding agreement, and LVMH’s unilateral discussions with the French government without notifying or consulting with Tiffany and its counsel were a further breach of LVMH’s obligations under the Merger Agreement. ‎Moreover, this supposed official French effort to retaliate against the U.S. for proposed new tariffs has never been announced or discussed publicly; how could it possibly then be an effort to pressure the U.S. into revoking the tariffs? Furthermore, as we are not aware of any other French company receiving such a request, it is all the more clear that LVMH has unclean hands.»

Tiffany CEO Alessandra Bogliolo in 2018

Tiffany emphasized that its business remained strong, with sales in the last three months of 2020 expected to exceed the same period last year and that the COVID-19 pandemic has not prevented other parties from making antitrust filings on a timely schedule.

Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Bogliolo underlined, »The fundamental strength of Tiffany’s business is clear. The company has already returned to profitability after just one quarter of losses, and we expect our earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 will actually exceed the same period in 2019.»

The famous movie scene: Audrey Hepburn in «Breakfast at Tiffany’s».

Tiffany is seeking to expedite the Delaware proceedings to obtain a ruling prior to November 24, 2020 ordering LVMH to comply with its obligations and complete the transaction on the agreed terms.

An unpleasant turnaround of what we thought would become a love story of the luxury industry. I am very curious to see the outcome. I mean if LVMH walks away completely, Kering or Richmond might jump on the deal and acquire Tiffany. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Funny composite from the NY Post
Photos: Tiffany & Co., LVMH, Getty

Breaking news from LVMH this morning, Kim Jones will join Fendi as artistic director for womenswear collections. In his first substantive foray into womenswear, he will oversee haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur. The designer will continue in his role as artistic director at Dior Homme, another LVHM-owned Maison.

I loved Kim’s first Dior Homme campaign for S/S 2019: shot by the legendary Steven Meisel, models were posing in relaxed tailoring. 

Previously, Jones worked as menswear director at Louis Vuitton, before he moved to Dior’s menswear in 2018 where he invigorated the House by mixing sports and streetwear references with skillful luxury tailoring. Jones even reinterpreted some of the iconic pieces like the Bar Suit for men. Born in 1973 in Hammersmith, London, he is a graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design. He was raised in Kenya, where his father worked as a hydrogeologist. Throughout his childhood, he also traveled through Ecuador, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Botswana, and brought this wanderlust into his adult life. He claims to have visited Japan «around 70 or 80 times.»

Celebrity friend: David Beckham wore a Dior Homme suit designed by Kim Jones for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

Jones knows the industry from all angles. As well a being a designer, he’s worked as a stylist and art director for Dazed & Confused, Arena Homme+, Pop, AnOther, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, 10 Men, V Man, i-D, Numéro Homme, and Fantastic Man.

While streetwear’s and activewear’s presence in the luxury fashion sphere might seem normal these days (especially during the recent pandemic), it hasn’t always been the case. However, Kim Jones was one of the first designers to preempt the merge.

Karl Lagerfeld with Silvia Venturini Fendi

With the death of Karl Lagerfeld last year, Fendi lost its designer of more than 54 years. This was the longest time ever, a designer had reigned at a fashion house. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who had stepped into Lagerfeld’s role in the interim, will return to focusing on accessories and menswear collections, Fendi’s statement said.

Punk meets couture: Dior Homme’s ad campaign for F/W 2019

«Kim Jones has continuously proven his ability to adapt to the codes and heritage of the LVMH houses while revisiting them with great modernity and audacity,» said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns both brands.

According to Fendi, Jones will present his first ready-to-wear collection for the label in the F/W 2021 during Milan Fashion Week in February, that will hopefully take place.
Are you ready for the next level of FENDIMANIA?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi / Dior

Whenever I receive a press preview from JO MALONE LONDON, I am totally excited. The photos and the stories behind the launches are always dreamlike and so beautiful. This fall, we are invited to enter the ancient Hanging Gardens and indulge in a lost moment in time, reimagined in the present to inspire two new fragrances. Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne, bright and luscious. Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, smooth and noble. Together they capture the fragrant essence of this majestic scene.

FIG & LOTUS FLOWER COLOGNE

A new light floral Cologne inspired by the luscious figs and lotus flowers of the ancient Hanging Gardens. Honoured in many parts of the world for its loveliness, the lotus flower is an elegant water blossom and the perfect pairing for juicy fig in Jo Malone’s latest Cologne.

Top Note: Fig Leaf
Middle Note: Lotus Flower
Base Note: Vetiver

FIG LOVE

Plump, juicy and luscious, figs are known as the «fruit of the gods» – and with good reason. The fig has long featured in stories, poems and paintings across many civilisations. Said to be the world’s oldests planted tree, the fig tree. The season for the tree’s bounty is, however, fleeting– a moment of perfection, condensed and concentrated. A succulent pearl in nature’s treasure trove that few can resist.

Originally cultivated in Asia Minor around 9400 BC, where they lapped up the dry heat, figs are believed to be the first domesticated crop. A member of the mulberry family, the fig is a flowering tree – but not as one might imagine. The flowers grow secretly within the fruit, known as syconiums. A complex little secret to add to their magic. A tree mysterious enough for the Buddha to have found enlightenment beneath, a branch of which was supposedly taken by the emperor of India’s daughter to Sri Lanka, where it was replanted in 288 BC. Still alive today, it is the oldest planted tree in the world.

Many have been captivated by their siren call. In Greek mythology, it is said Apollo turned a crow’s feathers from pure white to black to punish it for dawdling by a tree or ripening figs while fetching him water. Alexander the Great is believed to have sought refuge from the heat under a huge fig tree when he arrived in India in 326 BC. And then, of course, they are said to have been grown in the legendary Hanging Gardens. A majestic wonder to fathom, a terraced garden adjoining a royal palace, planted with fruit trees complete with shaded walkways and cool streams to admire. Where the bountiful fig trees are believed to have stood water-splashed and abundant with temptingly plump figs alongside it’s the prized lotus flower.

We have paired the vibrant, juicy fig with lotus flower, luscious and crystaline, for a light floral fragrance that is water-splashed and graceful, that embodies the allure of this ancient wonder of the world. A place built by a king for a queen he adored. A timeless love to echo through the ages.

CYPRESS & GRAPEVINE COLOGNE INTENSE

An evergreen woody scent inspired by the statuesque trees of the ancient Hanging Gardens. Discover the story of the cypress, the slender and spellbinding tree that brings its aromatic notes to Jo Malone’s new Cologne Intense.

Top Note: Cypress
Middle Note: Grapevine
Base Note: Moss

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

The allure of the grape is not to be underestimated. Depicted dangling over the mouths of adoring Gods, heroes, emperors and kings in art, in pottery, in poems and beyond, they are the symbol of opulence, decadence and the desire for more, as ancient as civilisation itself. Droplets of temptation, easily plucked from the vine that burst with sweetness in one bite.

In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, transformed a lost lover into a grapevine. In fact, mythologies, folklore and religions across many cultures all have tales to tell of the grapevine’s prized gift to the world. Symbolising abundance and prosperity, the ancient world could never get their fill of these juicy jewels, the red and black varieties are said to be particularly rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Cultivated since 6,000 BC, grapevines spread their tentacles through Egypt to Asia Minor, flourishing across the Roman Empire and captivating all who whose paths they crossed with all the forms they could take.

The sap from the vines was traditionally used by folk healers in hope of soothing skin ailments and treat eye infections, while the leaves were applied to wounds to stem bleeding. A natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory ointment of sorts, it was said to bring a radiance to the skin and to detoxify the liver. A veritable jack of all trades.

With such a distinguished history, it’s only right that the grapevine takes a starring role in Jo Malone’s new collection. Said to have been grown in the Hanging Gardens where a noble king created a special garden for his beloved queen full of lush greenery. A paradise to escape to, with its glimmering waterfalls and wondrous verdant terraces. Where fruits from the grapevines are said to be enjoyed during social receptions. By pairing the unusual entwined grapevine note, woody with a hint of warm amber and juicy grape notes with the freshness of the Cyprus, it is bringing a twist on the classic fougère. A reimagining of a scented garden, famed throughout the world for its astonishing beauty and created as a gesture of overwhelming love.

FRAGRANCE COMBINING™

Like a true love story, those two new fragrances can be combined with each other, also great in combination with WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT.

Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.–
Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne 100ml, CHF 135.–
Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 50ml, CHF 116.–
Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 100ml, CHF 165.–
Cypress & Grapevine Exfoliating Shower Gel 200ml, CHF 47.–
Available now at all Jo Malone London counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone and © Sandra Bauknecht
Follow: @JoMaloneLondon #LOSTINWONDER

I would consider myself a fashionable bookworm. In my house, I have my own little library, filled with all sorts of books. Reading is so much more my thing than watching TV. During quarantine I indulged in so many captivating books – psychological thrillers are my favorite genre. You can find my reading list on my Amazon x Sandra’s Closet book shop. Stay tuned, as I will upload a new section very soon. Don’t forget, fashion can be as imaginative as your favorite stories.

My look: Peggy paisley-print ramie midi dress by Zimmermann, Sundance 140 metallic vegan leather platform sandals by Aquazzura, embossed leather shoulder bag by Fendi, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Pétales de Camélia ring in yellow gold with diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewellery, Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Many of you have been asking me lately how I stay fit and in shape. First of all, part of it is eating a healthy diet, so I make sure I am consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. I eat everything in moderation and listen very carefully to my body. However, I also indulge in my guilty pleasures, which means for me a piece of cake or a glass of bubbly.

The other part of staying fit is exercising on a regular base. As I used to dance ballet professionally many years ago, my body still has memory how to maintain a good posture. My so-called powerhouse is engaged subconsciously, which burns calories. In case that you are not familiar with this term. Created by Joseph Pilates, the powerhouse is the center of the body and comprised of a group of muscles; abdominals (upper an lower), lower back, buttocks and the hip. It is the core of pilates. For him, the extremities, such as arms, legs and shoulders, is a muscular network that extends from this powerhouse.

What distinguishes pilates from most other exercise modalities is strength in movement is achieved through interconnectivity versus isolation, thereby the body is strengthened with more control and stability. Learning how to breathe correctly while exercising, also helps to calm your mind. Breath is a very important part of pilates. My avid readers already know that I love pilates.  I work out at least twice a week at PILATESwiss – premium, ecologically responsible studios for pilates and yoga. After my summer travels, I am so happy to be back to train.

In 2004 the first studio opened right on Lake Zurich, in Seefeld, which was doubled the size in 2011. This May, in the «vineyard of Zurich», sunny Höngg, a new studio opened its doors and I was curious to explore the new space that also offers wall classes with patented and locally produced PILATESwiss Boards.

The owner of PILATESwiss, Canadian-born Karolina Schmid, who is in my opinion definitely the best in business, designed the wall boards to further underscore her personal commitment to providing her clients with innovation and quality. I love to train with her and I can also recommend the whole PILATESwiss team of 25 quality-conscious trainers who are constantly perfecting their teaching skills.

In fact, PILATESwiss is the only company in German speaking Europe to achieve both PILATES Method Alliance accreditation (PSI) for its teacher training program and at same time YOGA alliance (YA) accreditation for its teacher training program. Globally, there is no higher independent, non-fiduciary test of quality available.

Today, personal training in environmentally «clean» spaces is something truly amazing. Besides their line of low carbon footprint machines that are made in Switzerland, PILATESwiss uses toxin-free or vegan cleaning products, and trains on ecologically conscious surfaces and textiles.

My outfit is by CASALL, a brand that is exclusively available at PILATESwiss. The tights consists of 78% recycled Polyamide and 22% Lycra. This sustainable fabric is made of 100% regenerated Polyamide fiber from post-consumer materials like old fishnets and others. It is super stretchy with a high Lycra®XtraLife percentage making it extra durable and flexible.

The crossback tank is made of 100% Tencel® fabric that is very soft and fluid. This fabric comes with natural antibacterial features and has good moisture absorption properties. Made of cellulosa fibres from sustainable tree farms, it is biodegradable. A conscious choice!

Shop my look: Iconic sports bra in black, Ease cross back tank in focus beige, and Better high waist tights in belonging beige, all by CASALL.

PILATESwiss
Studio Seefeld, Seefeldstrasse 225, 8008 Zürich
Studio Höngg, Ackersteinstrasse 207, 8049 Zürich
E-mail:
Phone: +41 78 891 03 17

See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Karolina Schmid
The photos were taken at Studio Höngg.

Spend the last sunny days well protected. I have tried many different products over this summer and those ones here have become my personal favorites and I will explain you why.

LA ROCHE POSAY’s ANTHELIOS is a pioneering player in the suncare market, recommended by Swiss dermatologists more than any other brand. Its broad-spectrum, very high protection is the result of more than 25 years of advanced clinical research into suncare and sun sensitive skin.
Here comes the newest innovation:

ANTHELIOS INVISIBLE SPRAY SPF50+ FOR SENSITIVE AND REACTIVE SKIN
A very high broad-spectrum protection preventing damage caused by UVA, UVB Infrared-A and pollution. Ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand. Anti-eye stinging. Light-weight, non-sticky texture, leaving no white marks. Its formula is also respectful to marine life.

CHF 35.00 (200ml)

ANTHELIOS INVISIBLE FLUID SPF50+ FOR SENSITIVE AND REACTIVE SKIN
This non-perfumed fluid is the highest UVA protection in Anthelios history, providing a broad-spectrum protection preventing damage caused by UVA and UVB and Infrared-A and pollution. Ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand. Anti-eye stinging. Light-weight, non-sticky texture, leaving no white marks. Its formula is also respectful to marine life.

CHF 28.00 (50ml) – now also available with SPF 30

VICHY’s CAPITAL SOLEIL sun care provides expert sun protection. There are two new innovations that I love. Offering very high broad spectrum, both suncare sprays SPF50 for face and body have a radical lightweight solar water formula that hydrates and protects while feeling comfortable on the skin. One provides extra hydration while the other one helps you to enhance your tan. I personally hate applying sun care products but those ones are easy, lightweight and fun while being respectful to marine life.

CAPITAL SOLEIL SOLAR PROTECTIVE WATER SPF 50 HYDRATING
CAPITAL SOLEIL SOLAR PROTECTIVE WATER SPF 50 ENHANCED TAN

CHF 31.00 (200ml)CAPITAL SOLEIL MATTIFYING 3-IN-1 SPF 50
This new anti-blemish, mattifying sun lotion with SPF 50 protection protects, absorbs and controls shine with green clay and bifidus extract. Perfect for someone with oily skin.

CHF 26.00 (50ml)

All products are available at pharmacies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Stills: Courtesy of La Roche Posay and Vichy

Yesterday was probably one of the most emotional days in my life. My daughter went off to college, flying to the US by herself as I was not allowed to accompany her due to the current pandemic. This truly breaks my heart. Not only letting her go is pretty tough on me, but not being there for her to settle in is even harder. However, I know that she will be fine, she grew into an amazing and independent woman and I am proud of her.

We took those photos this week, when she caught me thinking on my balcony. Not only I am loosing my daughter at home, but also my photographer. That is also pretty tough for me!

My look: Dioraura cashmere sweater, and medium Bobby bag in latte, both by Dior, ribbed modal and cotton-blend jersey tank by Saint Laurent, chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps, both by Bottega Veneta, chain-trimmed mid-rise skinny jeans by Gucci, Monogram denim shawl in blue yellow fluo and Nanogram whistle pendant, both by Louis Vuitton, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

Empty nest syndrome? I prefer to think of it as Martin Luther King Day… «Free at last!» Life is just in front of me, that is the beauty of having been a young mum!

LoL, Sandra

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

Today, the monthly Prada Timecapsule drop will be launched on prada.com – at 3pm CET – for 24 hours only. Prada Timecapsule is an exclusive product drop of 50 items, occurring once a month, each first Thursday.

The classic boxy shirt, one of Prada’s wardrobe essentials, is presented as unisex in an original printed version. The print’s motif is inspired by a theme related to the month of launch and includes a specific limited edition number 1/50, 2/50….

For this release,Prada offers a cotton popeline shirt for both women and men, characterized by bright colors and a new inspired print to the world of motor racing: yellow, orange and red play in contrast with black and white, drawing a lively geometric pattern. Available in XS, S, M, L, XL for €790,00 here for only 24h.

Next drop will be on October 1st, 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

As promised in yesterday’s post, here are the two new fragrances created by Serge Lutens that will hit the shelves in September 2020. Two special creations that I don’t want you to miss. Poetic, eclectic – just as their creator himself.

FILS DE JOIE

«A laugh awaits a sentence, a word or a situation to proclaim itself. A laugh may burst forth or be stifled by a hand that tries to contain it. But if it is sincere, it cannot be contained. On the skin, its fragrance is Lady-of-the-Night, a paradoxically radiant scent!»
Serge Lutens

Dominant notes
Jasmin – Ylang ylang – Musc
Olfactory impressions
Radiant, intimate, nocturnal

This nocturnal and sensual fragrance plunges us into the exhilaration of laughter. A rare and intimate, yet significant side of Serge Lutens’ personality. Childhood memories of the surreal atmosphere in a bar in northern France leave a lingering taste of excitement tinted with disillusionment. Loud hoarse voices and «making ends meet upstairs». This mundane yet murky and boisterous life finds its reflection in mesk ellil, or night-blooming jasmine. A profound and haunting fragrance.

Black collection – Fils de joie
100ml – 180€ / 50ml – 120€
Discover the 2020 limited edition of «Fils de Joie» : a Moorish designed packaging signed by Serge Lutens.

PÉRILLEUSEMENT VÔTRE

«Despite the risks, we stand at the brink of dizziness on the edge of a cliff weathered by salt water. At this moment, we entrust our fate to what awaits us. Whether we tread on dangerous ground or lose sight of the way, rose stays true to itself and oud overpowers all else!»
Serge Lutens

Dominant notes
Oud – rose
Olfactory impressions
Determined, courageous, splendid!

A fragrant psychoanalysis. An uncompromising creation which reflects the need to take great personal and creative risks and to seek the singularity which society perceives as dangerous. The moment to embark on a personal journey. What defines us, our uniqueness, or our destiny? At what moment of the journey does the artist bloom? An intimate and personal olfactory creation which lays its creator bare.

Gratte-ciel collection – Périlleusement vôtre
100ml – 290€

Both fragrances are available at the Palais Royal and Saint-Honoré Boutiques, on Serge Lutens website sergelutens.com, and in selected points of sale.

TO DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SERGE LUTENS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Beautiful interior design inside the Serge Lutens Palais Royal Boutique

Photos: © Serge Lutens
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The story of Serge Lutens is a very special one, emotional and deep. Loss can lead to extraordinary ways to cope with pain. For Serge Lutens it has created the foundation to become this extraordinary designer and true artist. A visionary of beauty in all its forms, he has led many revolutions in the world of beauty and perfume. For him, «perfume is illuminating, affirming, the ultimate final touch».

Building on his success, in 2000 he created his own brand, Serge Lutens. The brand reflects its authentic, bold creator who conceives his fragrances, designs his bottles and considers every detail of his creations without concession. To date, he has created around 70 perfumes in timeless collections: the Collection Noire, Exclusive Bottles, Section d’Or, Gratte-Ciel and more. His perfumes for men and for women reveal something of the wearer’s character and bring out their true identity.
He has also launched a makeup line bringing together beauty essentials, with an expert selection of cosmetics for a high-definition makeup finish.

Discover the story of Serge Lutens, a genius living in his own world.

LIVING AT A DISTANCE

Serge Lutens was born during the war, on March 14th, 1942 in Lille, in northern France. Separated from his mother when he was just weeks old, his personality was indelibly marked by this original abandonment. Permanently torn between two families, he lived life at a distance and through his imagination. He was a dreamer. At the École Montesquieu, they said he was «on the moon»: he paid no attention, although his teachers recognised that he was a gifted storyteller.

A STYLE IS BORN

In 1956, at the age of 14, he was given a job against his will – he would have preferred being an actor – in a beauty salon in his native city. Two years later, he had already established the feminine hallmarks that he would make his own: eye shadow, ethereally beautiful skin, short, plastered down hair. He also became known for the colour black, from which he never deviated. He confirmed his tastes and his choices with the female friends of his whom he photographed. He was 18 when he was called up to serve in the army during the Algerian War. He was remoulded. This was an important break that led him to make his decision: to leave Lille and head for Paris. This was 1962. Helped by a friend, Madeleine Levy, and bearing large prints of his photographs of his friends, Serge Lutens, experiencing his first years in Paris at a time of insecurity and want, contacted Vogue magazine. For him, this magazine represented the essence of beauty: a sort of convent that he mythologised. Three days later, he collaborated on the Christmas issue. The creator of a vision through make-up, jewellery and extraordinary objets, Serge Lutens quickly became the person to call, and the fashion magazines made no mistake: Elle, Jardin des Modes, Harper’s Bazaar were constantly after him: he worked with the greatest photographers of the time, all the while pursuing his own photographic work. During these years, his talent was fully acknowledged.

THE DIOR YEARS

In 1967, Christian Dior, who was preparing to launch its make-up line, called upon him. For the House of Dior he would create colours, style and images. Finally, his vision was unified through photography. In the early 1970s, the famous editor-in-chief of US Vogue, Diana Vreeland, was unstinting in her enthusiasm: «Serge Lutens, Revolution of Make-up!» His success was resounding. Serge Lutens became the symbol of the freedom created through make-up, for a whole new generation. In 1974, mirroring his taste for films and the legendary actresses in them, he made a short: «Les Stars.» During this period, he travelled widely, exploring Morocco and later Japan. These two countries, with their rich and yet so different cultures, came together in him and confirmed his way of seeing and feeling.

THE SHISEIDO YEARS

He recalled them some years later, in 1980, when he signed on with Shiseido for a collaboration that was to enable the Japanese cosmetics group, until then unknown on the international scene, to establish such a powerful visual identity that it became one of the world’s leading market players in the 1980s and ‘90s.

MARRAKECH, THE AWAKENING OF THE SENSES

Although this first perfume made its mark on the 1980s, it was the creation of «Féminité du bois» and the opening of the Palais Royal shop – with its dreamlike décor – in 1992 which stamped Serge Lutens’ first olfactory revolution on the perfume world. Deeply moved by his discovery of Morocco, more specifically Marrakech (where he bought an old house in the heart of the Medina in 1974), this was where Serge Lutens established his perfume business. Waxes, cedarwood, orange blossom…, Marrakech provided the inspiration for his first perfumes: Ambre sultan, Cuir mauresque, Chergui… Now well-established, at the time they wrote a whole new chapter in the history of essences. In 2000, Serge Lutens took the logical step of creating the brand which carries his name and embodies his uncompromising style. Perfumes, make-up… distributed through specialist retail channels and, for the select few, his own network of shops.

THE SERGE LUTENS FOUNDATION

In 2007, Serge Lutens received the «Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters» accolade and went on to receive many awards for his multifaceted talent, before he set up the Serge Lutens Foundation in 2014. Based in the house he purchased in 1974, in the historical heart of the Medina in Marrakech, this vast museum-like space of over 3,000 m2 is today a vibrant testimony to an artist who breaks norms and never rests on his laurels.

I had the chance to interview Serge Lutens in 2012. If you are interested, click here to read the post. It is absolutely worth it!

Stay tuned, I will also show you Serge Lutens’ newest perfume creations this week.
TO DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SERGE LUTENS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos and information: Courtesy of Serge Lutens
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.