Sandra‘s Closet

Valentine’s Day is coming up and heart shoes are a February must have. This season’s heart-themed shoe trend is the best way to show your betrothed how loved-up you’re feeling, as well as earning you plenty of style points.

LoL, Sandra

Amora heart-print ballerinas by Sophia Webster

Heart plaque lace pumps by Dolce & Gabbana

Heart 95 crystal-embellished satin sandals by Mach & Mach

Crystal-heart sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Heart-plaque slingback pumps by Love Moschino

Mules Cœur with crystals by Alaïa

Heart-print platform sandals by Saint Laurent

 Triple-heart satin pump by Mach & Mach

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht
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The heart shape as a motif is impossible to ignore in fashion right now. Already in June last year, I posted about the heart shaped bag trend. Fans of the heart bag may not intrinsically realize it, but the motif speaks to a psychological comfort during a time when things are still incredibly uncertain.

CHANEL debuted pastel quilted flap bags in the shape of chunky hearts on the S/S 2022 runway and they immediately sold out everywhere. I found one for you pre-owned in great condition, that is 15% off right now, please see below.

2022 Heart diamond-quilted crossbody bag by CHANEL Pre-Owned

The shape of a heart is so beautiful, but also gives good energy and in some ways, hopefully, spreads love. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I thought you might get inspired. However heart shaped bags aren’t just for Valentine’s Day and weddings, just saying… happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Le Cagole Heart mini studded crinkled-leather shoulder bag by Balenciaga

Pearl Heart medium bag by Simone Rocha

Heart-shaped biker crossbody bag by Moschino

Heart shaped shoulder bag by Blumarine

Metal Devotion crystal-embellished bag by Dolce & Gabbana

L’Amour Petite Cœur crystal-embellished clutch bag by Judith Leiber

Le Coeur heart-shaped leather shoulder bag by Alaïa

Heart pillow clutch by Alexander Wang

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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For Valentine’s Day, the House of Hermès not only puts the human hand at the heart of its creations, but also puts your heart in the hands of its craftsmen. The selection of love-ready objects made with passion is designed to surprise you and ignite passion.

From a fascinating and large selection of gift ideas, you can surprise your partner and write the rules of love new. A little, a lot, or very passionately; look him or her in the eye at a beach racquet game, go to the midnight ball to find out who owns the forgotten pump, tuck love notes in your fanny pack or have a picnic hand-in-hand with your wicker Birkin.

Make your and a loved one’s heart beat faster and fall in love with Hermès objects for a wonderful Valentine’s Day, full of love and surprises.

LoL, Sandra

Belt in lizard, Swift calfskin and Epsom calfskin

Magellan portable backgammon set in mahogany and printed Swift calfskin

«Après la Vague» beach racquets in printed beech and cork

Ballerina in suede goatskin

«Grand Jeté» two-band ring in rose gold, diamonds and pink tourmaline

Headband in silk twill 

Balusoie bag in «Panoplie Equestre» printed silk and Hunter cowhide 

Birkin Picnic bag in Swift calfskin and wicker

Toupet bag in alligator and feathers

Scarf 70 «Jungle Love au Tampon» in vintage silk twill

Bracelet in enamel and gold metal

Scarf 70 «Rendez-vous Galant» in vintage silk twill

Rouge Hermès limited editions

Double-face scarf «Epaulettes de Gala» 90 in silk twill

Photos: © S/S 2023 Objets Hermes © Studio des Fleurs / © Maud Remy-Lonvis
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First unveiled in June last year, Louis Vuitton’s Spirit high jewelry collection continues its odyssey into the next and final chapter, featuring 30 unique pieces that pulse with a distinctive graphic energy and the iconic codes of the Maison, embodying the emanating strength of the Louis Vuitton woman.

Spirit is the fourth high jewelry collection designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, the Maison’s Artistic Director for Watches and Jewellery. Francesca Amfitheatrof has always believed that jewellery and its wearer are inextricably linked. «I don’t think anything else in the world has the power to hold the spirit of the person so much as jewellery does,» she said.

Destiny Bracelet and Ring

That ethos continues in Spirit Chapter II, where masterfully executed creations channel the singular design codes of the Maison – and which, like Chapter I, are set across four universes that reflect the values of the house: Destiny, Liberty, Fantasy and Radiance.

Destiny Necklace

Destiny is an ode to the ruby, in the most luminous, perfect red hue, with stones that seem to emit their own special power. The Destiny universe is anchored in the geometric energy and symbol of the Louis Vuitton V, which channels the dynamism of the Maison, propelling its legacy and vision into the future.

Liberty Medaillon and Ring

Freedom to explore and discover. To travel and to open up to new horizons and to venture into unknown territories both physically and metaphorically. The Liberty theme embodies the desire for freedom that has always guided Louis Vuitton like a light.

Fantasy Necklace and Earrings

The world of Fantasy embodies the imagination of Louis Vuitton and evokes the pioneering spirit of the founder of the House; the creative genius and the creative genius and vital force of a man who never stopped innovating, dreaming and pushing back the boundaries.

Radiance Necklace

Since her very first Louis Vuitton Haute Joaillerie collection, Francesca Amfitheatrof has imagined her creations as armor, a second skin that protects a woman’s identity and soul as she courageously moves forward in her journey. The new Radiance necklace exudes a bold energy highlighted by mirror yellow gold triangles that set the stage for a geometry of pyramids and diamond-paved Vs.

My personal favorite: The Liberty Trunk Pendant

Made exclusively in the House’s Parisian workshops, Louis Vuitton’s Spirit Chapter II Haute Joaillerie collection is the latest in a series of striking pieces that are both singular and unique.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton – Laziz Hamani /Solve Sundsbo
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Sporting a head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana floral look at Gstaad Palace. I absolutely adore how the gloves and overknee boots blend in with print of the jumpsuit.

Great news is that Mid February the Italian Maison will take over the Palace for two weeks, host a gala, and present their Alta Moda collection as well as their stunning high jewelry inside the hotel’s Salle Baccarat to the distinguished clientele.

My look: Long floral-print down jacket, jersey Turlington blazer with rose print, power jersey jumpsuit with rose print, overknee boots with rose print, jersey gloves with rose print, and rose-print logo-plaque headband, all by Dolce & Gabbana, 2001 eagle plaque flap shoulder bag, and matching 2001 eagle logo earrings, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography 
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As a result of their new collaboration, Hublot and Takashi Murakami present thirteen new NFTs and thirteen unique timepieces featuring the iconic smiling flower that is central to the Japanese artist’s work. It is a continuation of past projects, by rewarding the first buyers of the watches and collectors of the first NFTs through an exclusive approach.

«When my collaboration with Hublot was announced, we made it known that we would be adopting new forms of artistic expression. After creating all the timepieces together, as well as the digital works of art, we are now imagining new ways of accessing contemporary art.»
TAKASHI MURAKAMI

The thirteen unique NFTs are inspired by Japanese video games & TV from the 1970s as well as the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black, the first collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and Takashi Murakami launched in January 2021. These NFTs are linked to a limited edition of 13 new and unique Classic Fusion watches that will be at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. Twelve of these watches will be available for purchase exclusively online on hublot.com, which can only be accessed by owners of at least one of the 324 NFTs issued in April 2022 as part of the third collaboration between Hublot and Takashi Murakami.

These 324 NFTs were originally offered to owners of one of the two Hublot x Takashi Murakami watch models (Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black & Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow), before they were allowed to be exchanged on the decentralized NFT trading platform, OpenSea. The period between the announcement of the project in New York in February 2023 and the start of sales in early April 2023 in Geneva will allow any collector interested in one of the new watches to collect one of the NFTs available on OpenSea. Each buyer lucky enough to purchase one of the 12 new unique watches will receive a corresponding exclusive NFT.

Hublot and Takashi Murakami take the watch as a work of art to a new level, by bridging the art of fine watchmaking with digital art. The 13th watch of the collection is the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow and it is also the masterpiece. Taking inspiration from the two previously launched pieces, this watch reinterprets the iconic emblem of Takashi Murakami: the smiling flower. Here, the 12 petals of the flower form a perfect gradient of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and topaz. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers, the petals create a dizzying spectacle of colour as they spin on an axis with each movement. The kinetic effect of the petals creates a striking effect against the 45mm black ceramic case. The center of the smiling flower is placed on top of the sapphire glass to create a three-dimensional effect.

The twelve other references, which will be available for purchase by holders of the NFTs on the dedicated ecommerce platform, recall the master flower and represent one of the petals. Twelve references for twelve hours on the dial, and twelve NFTs.

The heart of the watch beats with the manufacture Unico calibre set in the emblematic Classic Fusion design, a unique movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. As the third watch collaboration between Hublot and the Japanese artist, this launch is proof of the incredible collectability of this partnership.

As the second step, collectors will then have a period of one year during which they will have the opportunity to trade the twelve NFTs on the OpenSea platform. In April 2024, at the end of this period, only the collector who has managed to collect all 12 of the new unique NFTs will be eligible to purchase the thirteenth and most sought-after watch: the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow. In the event that no single person has managed to gather all twelve NFTs, the watch will be auctioned by Hublot to raise funds for charity.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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Grey, midnight blue, amber, red, pink, green… Colour is central to the DNA of the House of Dior. Among the different olfactory universes, La Collection Privée is the one that regularly includes nods to Monsieur Dior’s passion for colour.

To mark the event, Galeries Lafayette has partnered with the House of Dior to create a spectacular display in the store’s legendary windows. Seven iconic fragrances from La Collection Privée are featured in the windows along Boulevard Haussmann, with each sleek-yet-colourful scene reflecting the chromatic identity of each scent. Because every fragrance in this luxurious collection evokes not only a specific colour but also a particular narrative and its own distinctive atmosphere.

The display stretches across eight windows in total, retracing the history of iconic fragrances from La Collection Privée – Gris Dior, Ambre Nuit, Oud Ispahan, Lucky, Rouge Trafalgar, Bois d’Argent and Sakura – and showcasing the façade of 30 Montaigne, the House of Dior’s historic headquarters.

This unique and eye-catching presentation draws people in and guides them towards the store’s Mogador entrance, where the installation reaches its climax – an all‐new immersive olfactory experience dedicated to the iconic perfume Gris Dior.

You can discover the windows and an exclusive pop-up located at the main entrance of the Paris Haussmann store until February 19, 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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Hortus Deliciarum — meaning «Garden of Delights» in Latin — blends Gucci’s rich heritage in Italian craftsmanship and its ever-distinctive creativity in one-of-a-kind masterpieces distinguished by unique artistry, exceptional quality, and acute attention to detail. The current chapter, the third since the collection’s launch in 2019, draws inspiration from the world of travel and the memorable moments that every journey can bring.

The new additions to the Hortus Deliciarum collection include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and multi-finger rings, divided into different themes. The designs explore tantalizing facets of the natural and animal kingdom, placing jewelry artistry center stage. These pieces evoke distant, exotic, and magical worlds, exciting the imagination of Gucci’s signature painterly approach to high jewelry craftsmanship. A selection of pieces features fresh interpretations of Gucci’s distinctive Lion Head and Tiger Head motifs, symbolizing strength, courage, and passion. Flawless, fancy cut vivid gemstones, from aquamarines to yellow sapphires, add vibrant touches to these dynamic designs.

The collection includes several new creations showcasing a captivating combination of multicolored stones that are inspired by the concept of prismatic beauty and specifically designed to catch the light. These include a brilliant multi-finger ring – the result of 100 hours of meticulous production – crafted in yellow gold with a beautiful 38.8 carat green tourmaline centerpiece surrounded by diamonds. An equally stunning yellow gold cuff earring offers an elegant explosion of garnets, yellow beryl, rubellite, and diamonds. Here, Gucci blends the modernity of a cuff style with the exquisite beauty of warm-toned gems and dainty, flowing lines.

Other stunning pieces are distinguished by cascades of dancing diamonds, inspired by the beauty of shooting stars and the sparkling torrents of a waterfall. A highlight of this selection is a parure comprising a dazzling white gold necklace and matching drop earrings. Involving 300 hours of production, the necklace features diamond-embellished starbursts trimmed with lady-like diamond bows, while the earrings reveal diamond- encrusted bows and chandelier-like crystal droplets around two teardrop cut diamonds with a total of 16.7 carats.

A yellow gold bracelet, meanwhile, showcases a diamond-embellished chevron pattern and an oval-shaped 16 carat rubellite tourmaline, offering a striking geometric interplay of straight lines and smooth curves. This exceptional creation takes 200 hours to produce.

Intricately crafted and full of surprising details, an ornate diamond parure pays homage to the majestic beauty of natural landscapes. A diamond-encrusted geometric chain necklace is teamed with a stunning round-cut mandarin garnet pendant embellished with dainty emerald leaves. This can be teamed with a matching pair of jacket earrings, also in fresh and surprising shades of green and mandarin, offering a dazzling 40.5 carats of jewels for the necklace and 15.3 carats for the earrings.

To complete the collection, new diamond-embellished solitaire rings shine in an array of hues that resemble the changing colors of the sky. A sculpted, white gold design mesmerizes with a hexagonal 14.7 carat tanzanite centerpiece, while three other white gold rings each present a heart-shaped gemstone in a vivid color: a 9 carat blue tourmaline, a 12.6 carat peach tourmaline, or an 11.5 carat pink tourmaline.

The Hortus Deliciarum High Jewelry collection, launched in Paris in 2019, was followed by a second chapter presented on Italy’s Lake Maggiore in 2021 while the third and current collection was initially unveiled in Rome in 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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Turquoise watch dials have been all the rage lately. Audemars Piguet is jumping on the trend and is unveiling for the first time a new version of its 37 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model, entirely crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and illuminated by a natural turquoise dial.

Cut to form a slender disc, the turquoise has then been ground, sandblasted and polished before being integrated into a gilded brass outer casing. The overall thickness is just 0.75 mm. Each dial is one of a kind because every stone has its own natural composition, texture and colour, thus reacting differently to different machining operations or finishes. Originating from Mexico, the turquoise carefully selected to adorn this new model features a discreet pattern in a darker hue, making the appearance of each dial unique. Already used by the Egyptian and Chinese civilisations more than 3,000 years ago, turquoise is among the world’s oldest stones. This combination of historical heritage and vibrant colour makes it one of the jewellery industry’s most precious and sought-after gems. It is also reputed to have many spiritual benefits while bringing health, good luck and protection.

This is the first 37 mm Royal Oak variation in yellow gold since 2018. The case, bezel and integrated bracelet feature the Manufacture’s trademark touch in terms of hand-finishing with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces performed by the artisans in Le Brassus. Framed by this yellow gold case, the natural turquoise dial brings ocean-like intensity. Its blue shade strikes a contrast with the yellow gold hands and hour-markers featuring a luminescent coating enabling optimal readability in the dark. The turquoise is embellished by the polished yellow gold applique bearing the «Audemars Piguet» signature, which has been affixed to the dial with tiny feet specially designed to fit the thickness of the stone. The date window in the same colour as the stone ensures pleasing aesthetic harmony.

This new reference also showcases the design evolution that marked the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary by reinforcing its ergonomics as well as its visual impact. The corresponding developments visible on this 37 mm model include larger chamfers, trapeze-shaped first links on the tapering bracelet showing a pronounced decrease in thickness, along with a sapphire caseback slightly more integrated into the case middle.

This Royal Oak model is equipped with the latest selfwinding hour, minute, seconds and date movement from the Manufacture, Calibre 5900, which first appeared in 2022 on certain 37 mm references. This movement combines a slim 3.9 mm thickness, a high 4Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve. The mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback revealing the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight along with the refined decorations adorning the components, such as the polished angles, vertical satin brushing, Côtes de Genève, circular graining and chamfering.

While mineral or precious stone dials emerged on pocket watches in the late 19th century, it was not until the 20th century emergence of smaller-diameter wristwatches that the use of these fragile dials became more common. Stone dials flourished at Audemars Piguet between the late 1960s and the 1990s, at a time characterised by a revival of creativity in wristwatch design. The timepieces were thus adorned with a multitude of colours thanks to tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, aventurine, garnet, mother-of-pearl, opal, ruby, amethyst and jasper.
The new 37 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model extends this creative heritage by combining the natural brilliance of turquoise with a case entirely crafted in yellow gold, giving life to a timepiece with a resolutely sunny personality and positive vibes. Available for CHF 55.000.

I am absolutely in love with this model.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Audemars Piguet 2023
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I am such a zodiac lover. Therefore Zimmermann‘s F/W 2022 collection, called Stargazer, caught my eyes immediately. Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann created the most beautiful collection moulded around the mysticism of the zodiac. It is a fairytale decadence dedicated to our unique place in the universe; it is for a decadent heroine who’s meandering a maze of fantasy both light and dark. I loved the print and the orange hues dedicated to the sign of the aries. As I gave birth to one, I couldn’t resist to get this look.

My look: Kaleidoscope Aries cotton-blend shirt dress, and Kaleidoscope Aries printed leggings, both by Zimmermann, Aevitas Pointy satin platform pumps by Versace, Cleo crystal-embellished shoulder bag by Prada, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery, 1994 faux-pearl dangle CC clip-on earrings, and pearl necklace, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography  – The photos were taken at Gstaad Palace.
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