Sandra‘s Closet

If you spent any time scrolling through Instagram this summer, chances are you probably felt compelled to buy a basket bag. HEIMAT ATLANTICA offers among other accessories a collection of basket bags that stand out among the rest.

Launched by designer Montserrat Alvarez in 2016, accessories label Heimat Atlantica is a study in the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Each style is inspired by the colours and culture of northern Spain and Portugal, and is then hand-woven on looms by artisans from the regions under the supervision of a master craftswoman. The craft was originally utilized for making reed baskets that helped local fishermen and farmers transport their goods.

Driven by passion, Montserrat Álvarez wanted to create a 100% made in Europe brand which works to preserve and transform specific know-hows of craft women living in the Atlantic coast of north Spain and Portugal.

HEIMAT ATLANTICA x Comme des Garçons

From the rainbow-like colourways to the luxury leather and delicate ceramic charms, the label’s elegant bags – including basket styles and pouches – have an inherently exotic flair. Heimat Atlantica has gained international presence with well known stockists and launched an exclusive bag in collaboration with the Japanese label Comme des Garçons.

Heimat Atlantica, from Galician artisanal brand to luxury object of desire worldwide.

To shop HEIMAT ALTLANTICA online, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©  Heimat Atlantica
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Le Byblos St. Tropez is so much more than a hotel, it is a whole way of life. It is one of my favorite spots in the world and I always feel home away from home. What is the Gstaad Palace in winter for me, is the Byblos Saint Tropez in summer.

Finally, I can take some holiday feeling back home with the beautiful Byblos scented candle that is created in collaboration with the oldest candlemaker in the world – the House of Trudon.

The candle is made in a colour exclusive to Byblos and is limited to only 55 numbered pieces, an homage to the 55th anniversary of the Byblos. Each candle is a reflection of extraordinary know-how and is recognisable by the emblems of both houses as well as its highly unusual orange glass. The Cyrnos fragrance, with its lemon, lavender and pine notes, resonates with the joie de vivre that permeates life on the French Riviera. Available as 270g for CHF €130.

To shop the candle, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Byblos St. Tropez / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

St. Tropez nights are just amazing – one of my favorite spots is the terrace of my hotel, the Byblos St. Tropez. On my way from my suite to the pool area, I always pass the Galerie Palmer. The paintings were the perfect backdrop to shoot this vibrant Fendace look.

My look: Fendace Wild Baroque cropped top with lace, and matching Fendace Wild Baroque ruched midi skirt, and black leather double platform sandals, all by Versace, V-Logo leather shoulder bag by Valentino, Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier, logo earrings by CHANEL, and Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
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Sneakers are still trending. Speaking of stylish, forget the ugly Dad sneakers, small details make a big difference this year. It’s more about the «unexpected». One model that has caught my eye is the Odissa – a new Versace sneaker style inspired in its architectural shape by celestial travel and the stars, in a distinctly positive take on futuristic design and fashion.

Basketball sneaker elements are cut-through with futuristic line punctuations and a 3D rubber Medusa plaque that defines the silhouette—its clean, sharp lines recalling the shape of an aerodynamic cycling helmet or dynamic future spacecraft. Seen styled with both casual and more formal looks in the Pre-Fall 2022 lookbook (see below) and Fall-Winter 2022 collection film, the sneaker’s volume and range of tonal colors—in black, white, ultramarine blue, pink, brown, and metallic silver—create an impactful visual identity.

To shop the Odissa sneaker for women, click here please and for men, here please.

LoL, Sandra

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

A piece of contemporary design created from the awareness of a modern attitude and of the intentional revival of a historical object from the archive: Gucci Attache is a bag that reinterprets tradition and the system of House codes while transporting a silhouette, which draws from an intuition and an attitude of the 1970s, into the present through a narrative and gesturality outside the confines of gender, feminine or masculine.

Attache, like the French word for «hook,» like the geometry with which, through the power of symbols, can be defined as onomatopoeic because it closes onto itself like a hook. Or like the metallic hook that attaches the two corners. Attache, therefore, is the bag that progresses from a half-moon design encompassed by the Web, distinguished by a metal G that opens and closes its silhouette.

Versatile as a symbol, in shape, and in volume, the Gucci Attache is presented as the essence of a very current attitude and gesturality. Both in its medium and small sizes and in the diverse ways it can be worn, either on the shoulder or across the body, the line presents that appeal that only objects with dual functions can have.

«I was fascinated by the bag after having laid upon it a casual and fleeting glance while I was in the archive… Immediately, a desire took shape to reinterpret it and include it in the Love Parade collection for the fashion show in Los Angeles because its silhouette, typical of the Seventies, projects a very modern attitude that convinced me to draw out an eclectic symbol that could express the idea of a dual function. It is its G-shaped clasp detail, with its mechanical origin, that makes it the joining link between a bourgeois spirit, typical of an object of this kind, and the functionality of the world of utility,» says Alessandro Michele, Creative Director of Gucci.

With its interchangeable straps, in leather or the Web, that allow it to become both a shoulder bag and a handbag, the Gucci Attache is an item of design that is both transportable and ergonomic, living in contact with the body, a perfect silhouette to add to a hypothetical collection of objects of desire. In other words, of those wonderful, useful, inseparable objects that in the culture of contemporary living, have become bags.

The Gucci Attache is featured in a campaign that Art Director and photographer Max Siedentopf shot against a metropolitan backdrop, underlining the same symbols that form the meaning of this bag: references and perspectives that together, know how to create that glam-utility that is the expression of a culture of appearance and practicality. Two elements that create a desire for beauty.

TO SHOP GUCCI ATTACHE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #GucciAttache – Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director: Max Siedentopf – Ph & director: Max Siedentopf – Make up: Camilla Romagnoli – Hair: Andrea Martinelli
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For all who couldn’t get their hands on the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh sneakers, here might be another option from the French Maison: the new version of its iconic LV trainer that pushes the concept of sustainability even further, with its utterly graphic silhouette made of 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials. Available in three colour variations, the LV Trainer is adorned with the Maison’s signature Sustainable Development logo.

A newcomer to the Louis Vuitton collection and the embodiment of the Maison’s innovative spirit, this unprecedented model created by Virgil Abloh marks a new chapter in eco-design. Manufactured in the Louis Vuitton workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy, using a highly complex process, the sneakers blend eco-design with fine craftsmanship, in accordance with the codes of circular creativity.

A true icon in the sportswear world, the LV Trainer is now breaking new records, without ever compromising Louis Vuitton’s standards for creativity and quality. The sole, a key component in terms of weight and comfort, is composed of an unparalleled 94% recycled polyurethane, with unchanged efficiency in terms of bounce, cushion and foot support – most notably thanks to the use of recycled cotton inner pads, and an insole made out of fully recycled polyurethane. As for the upper, it blends recycled polyester with a corn-based plastic material. The laces, made from used plastic, cross over the tongue, which is also recycled polyester, whereas the eyelets contain 91% regenerated polyurethane.

Available in sizes 4 to 15.5 (which means it is also available for women), this LV Trainer boasts the logo designed by Virgil Abloh. A visual example of Louis Vuitton’s upcycling philosophy, it has since become the symbol of the Maison’s commitment to sustainable development. The logo will be released in white with green accents from August, and then in red and black versions this September. The logo also features on the inside of the box, which is made out of entirely recycled and recyclable cardboard and which, thanks to an ingenious handle, turns into a bag – a strategy saving as much as 70% in materials to ensure the lowest environmental impact in terms of transportation and storage. Going even further, Louis Vuitton made the choice to use plant-based inks and to leave the inside of this unprecedented packaging in its original kraft.

Finally, a felt shoe bag in Tencel™ – renewable fibres from sustainably managed forests – acts as a layer of sustainable protection for the LV Trainer.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) programme. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

Shopping with a good conscience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Don’t shampoo this summer, because headwraps will salvage dirty hair days more than just any other trending accessory. On top, they are the perfect tool to absorb sweat during these hot temperatures. While being in Saint Tropez, they are my on-the-go item when I don’t have time to fix my hair after the beach. Put it on and it’s literally a wrap.

A-listers like Beyoncé, Chrissy Teigen, and Sarah Jessica Parker love them and even that they have never truly left, they’re now on-trend. While you may think headwraps are a daring accessory, wearing one is easier than you might think – and in the end, how you wear it will depend on your own personal style. Headwraps are a versatile garment, pairing well everything from your favourite jeans or leather jacket, to skirts and sneakers. Below is my selection of the best ones available at the moment.

LoL, Sandra

Silk satin headband by Saint Laurent

Marin leopard stretch-silk headband by Jennifer Behr

Printed headband by Pucci

Floral cotton headband by Erdem

Floral jersey headband by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed silk twill headband by Gucci

Knit headband by Missoni

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie and Rian Davidson / Courtesy of the Brands
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While being on holidays and talking to my friends, I have realized that not so many people know about Apple‘s new hero product, the Apple AirTags. In times when airlines are loosing just too many pieces of luggage, this small, circular tile-like item will be your savior. It allows you to track objects – from your luggage, to keys to your wallet – within Apple’s ‘Find My’ app and is working with Apple’s existing software. So on your next flight, you will already know if your suitcase has been loaded or not. One Apple AirTag costs CHF 35. Personally speaking a great deal for this kind of security. Just put it in your suitcase and you will know where it is.

However, my excitement goes further as you can update your gadget as the marriage of Hermès’s first-class savoir-faire and Apple’s advanced technology, that started in 2105, does not stop there this summer. The new collection comprises of a leather bag charm (CHF 299), a travel tag (CHF 449), a luggage tag (CHF699) and a key ring (CHF 349).

Inspired by a horse-racing token holder created by Hermès in the early 20th century, Apple AirTag Hermès is available in Barénia calfskin or Swift calfskin.

Pro equally demonstrated Hermès’s commitment to innovation, and its awareness of the fruits of fusing craft and computers. The Apple AirTag Hermès is the perfect exemplar of cutting-edge technology and artisanship – available online at Apple or Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès / Sandra Bauknecht
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«Seduction, Stripped Down» is the name Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons gave to the collection.
In her S/S 2022 runway notes, Prada said, «We thought of words like elegant—but this feels so old-fashioned. Really, it’s about a language of seduction that always leads back to the body. Using these ideas, these references to historical pieces, the collection is an investigation of what they mean today.»

In this case the very feminine color red is paired with seductive lace fabric and spiced up with unconventionally placed corsetry boning. The belt is worn inside cinching the waist. Can you imagine that I wear nothing under this dress?! This is modern sexiness that only Prada can do!

My look: Guipure-lace belted cotton-blend midi dress, crystal-embellished leather clutch, leather-trimmed PVC sandals, buckle-embellished arm cuff, all by Prada, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
The photos of the look were taken at Byblos St. Tropez.
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Do you know La Plonche? It is one of my favorite parts of Saint Tropez, hidden away from the masses at the port. Sitting close into the buildings of the old town, the small beach is fronting the oldest part of the French village and offers stunning sea views. You need to walk round a small coastal path to reach it. It is a legendary, fairytale place. Brigitte Bardot was a regular at the iconic Hôtel de la Ponche around the corner.

I absolutely love to wear Zimmermann dresses in Saint Tropez. It is the perfect brand for the Riviera.

My look: Estelle belted paisley-print linen and ramie midi dress by Zimmermann, yellow and orange Deauville beach tote by CHANEL, Naomi buckled leather mules by The Attico, yellow beaded earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.