Sandra‘s Closet

For the first time, Louis Vuitton will debut a collection dedicated to newborns. Soft and enveloping, elegant yet playful, this timeless offering will accompany babies through their earliest days.

Comprised of clothing, shoes, accessories and objects, the collection brings together several Louis Vuitton métiers with exceptional quality, sweetness and joy. Maison signatures are transcribed whimsically, at once familiar and fresh. The primary motif, Meli-Melo, rearranges the Monogram with a touch of insouciance. Louis Vuitton’s iconic flowers appear as perforations on leather shoes, as a 3D knit in the finest cashmere, and as a discreet label affixed to many of the pieces. With the addition of luxurious coverings, emblematic items in silver, small travel cases and even a Louis teddy bear, Louis Vuitton has imagined a beautiful world where every piece will play a part in the baby’s life. Embodying over 160 years of tradition, a specially designed wardrobe trunk signifies the ultimate lifetime gift.

The idea for a baby collection was birthed from various elements of Louis Vuitton’s history, contemporary spirit, and visual identity. Gaston Louis Vuitton introduced toys to the Maison’s universe with a Salon de Jouets inside Champs-Elysées store in the 1930s. More recently, the wonderment and limitless discovery that begins in childhood guided the Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign. This baby offering strengthens the Maison’s emotional connection, as symbolic moments become precious memories.

The collection represents a thoughtful range of everyday pieces and special occasion styles, of first toys that can become life-long keepsakes. Anchored by milky white, sandy dune and tonal greys, motifs in pastel hues are enlivened with a bold splash of yellow.

Clothing, sized up to 12 months, includes onesies, coordinating ensembles, essential bodies, pyjamas, a dress, and a double-faced hooded coat that boasts Monogram flowers on the pockets and the Meli-Melo motif inside. In these complete outfits, babies will be effortlessly enveloped and adorably chic. Details are delicately and meticulously considered, whether mother-of-pearl buttons on cotton cashmere cardigans, small embroideries on bloomers and bodies, or the subtle appearance of the Monogram as a jacquard and printed on grosgrain.

Two shoe styles embellished with Monogram perforations bring extra cuteness to each look: Mary Janes or Babies in white and pink, and booties in white or dune with yellow laces. Knitted slippers and flower beanies will keep little feet and ears extra cosy. Bibs, socks and other small accessories – all given discreet Louis Vuitton signatures – are proposed as perfect gift sets.

Babies can indulge in the warmth of textile accessories such as a plush sleeper in natural silk with embroidered flowers, a knitted Monogram blanket, and a thicker, double-sided Meli-Melo blanket that can be laid out as a colourful mat. Two cases – a small suitcase and a toiletry pouch – rework the traditional toile as tonal jacquard with leather accents and yellow piping. Engraved with different Maison motifs, a silver tumbler, a souvenirs case, and a rounded rattle combine refinement and functionality. The Louis teddy bear covered in jacquard with Monogram flower eyes and an affectionate smile will become a beloved friend.

Comforting in feel and meant to last, materials have been discerningly selected in line with Louis Vuitton’s commitment to responsible sourcing. Environmental standards include organic cotton and LWG-certified leather. Cashmere and sheep’s wool originate from partners that guarantee animal welfare.

With enduring creation at the heart of the Louis Vuitton, pieces can be passed down and treasured, thus perpetuating the generous and joyous intention of the collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Prada announces the ninth installment of their Timecapsule NFT Collection. The drop on February 2nd continues to expand Prada’s reach to the Web3 community, allowing for unique experiences for NFT holders.

The latest NFT drop is #38 in the Timecapsule collection. This is the second, in a three-part series of shirts featuring special prints by Italian photographer Enzo Ragazzini from his archive from the 70s’.

Titled INTERFERENZA OTTICA ART PRINT BY ENZO RAGAZZINI 1975, the February shirt will feature a design made in 1975 from Enzo Ragazzini with the optical interference technique, using mechanical devices of his own invention (the «rotating plane» for the circular patterns and the «rotating drum» for horizontal patterns). This work was then digitized in 2017.

The shirt is in popeline, featuring the Prada enameled triangle logo with «FEBRUARY» transferred on the back of the shirt. Each shirt comes accompanied by its own gifted NFT, which serves as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community.

As an extension to this month’s announcement, Prada is extending their Web3 community to those who have purchased a Prada Timecapsule before the NFT initiative launched back in June 2022. First launched in December 2019, these Timecapsule collection holders can now claim their own Timecapsule NFT, in sync with their existing physical product. More details will be shared on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.

Prada continues to give behind-the-scenes opportunities as they offer «Prada Crypted» Discord community members access to unique events and experiences. For last month’s drop, one Prada Timecapsule NFT Holder and guest were hosted in Milan for a Prada exclusive experience which included an invitation to the Prada Menswear Fall/Winter 2023 fashion show. Once again, Prada is offering one NFT holder the chance to enjoy an unparalleled experience for its upcoming Prada Womenswear F/W 2023 fashion show on February 23rd.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Prada
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«Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.» – Mark Twain

January is my birthday month and I love having my big day. My friends keep wondering why I don’t fear turning one year older. Personally speaking, aging is a gift not everyone gets to receive in life. Happiness is a mental and emotional state of being; it comes as a result of the choices we make. It’s all about attitude, perspective, and what we make age mean to us. We all are what we believe. If nobody sees how old you really are, how can you be afraid of aging?!

Time is the most precious asset we’ve got. It means life, and it’s never coming back. So use it wisely. Invest in yourself, in your wellbeing, treat your body as your precious vehicle that gets your everywhere you want to go. I have always invested in me-time and taken care of my skin. My skincare routine is precious to me.

My favorite product line is with no doubt GENAISSANCE DE LA MER™. This ultimate time-transcending collection accelerates skin’s renewal and means total transformation. It is exceptionally crafted with the potent Crystal Miracle Broth™, which is the purest expression of LA MER’s legendary Miracle Broth™ elixir. It infuses your skin with the healing energies of the sea, transporting it to a more ageless dimension. For me, it is an elevated ageless ritual that turns back time all day long and deeply into the night.

The Infused Lotion
The velvety primer softens, nourishes, and begins the power of Genaissance de la Mer™.

The Serum Essence
This silken serum measurably reduces the look of lines and wrinkles and boots skin’s elasticity.

The Eye & Expression Cream
The ultra-sumptuous cream visibly fades fine lines and dark circles with plumping, healing hydration.

The Concentrated Night Balm
This ampoule-strength treatment gives skin a firmer feel and helps visibly reverse lines and wrinkles while you sleep.

The Concentrated Night Balm is such a game changer for the skincare routine. Each evening before sleep, I apply it with the moon-shaped applicator to scoop a small amount and apply the product to the face and neck, gently smoothing into the skin. My morning and evening routines are always followed by the application of my favorite moisturizer, the iconic The Moisturizing Cream. Don’t forget to warm up the product between your fingertips before applying it.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GENAISSANCE DE LA MER™, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

«Growing older is inescapable; aging is optional.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! ©lamer #GenaissancedelaMer #LoveLaMer #CrystalMiracleBroth

I like to spend the whole month of January at my happy place, the Gstaad Palace. The hotel’s spa is one of my favorite parts of the hotel with its cozy fireplace, gym, heated outdoor pool and the best spa treatments. Here we photographed this fun look featuring the new Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection.

I chose a bag from the «Painted Dots» as I adore its artisanal approach. Louis Vuitton’s craftspeople developed a special technique to make some of the 3D paint daubs look «wet,» as if they’d just been painted by Kusama’s hand.

My look: Double-breasted cloth jacket with feather detail by Prada, pussy-bow cotton-poplin shirt by Valentino, layered stretch jersey-trimmed low-rise straight-leg jeans by Alexander Wang, Kate 100 black suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Painted Dots Monogram scarf, and Painted Dots Monogram Onthego PM, both Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama.

Stay tuned as my birthday is coming up and I will explain to you why I am not afraid of turning one year older…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Kering and Gucci announced that Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director for the House. De Sarno will present his debut runway collection at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023.

In his new role, De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, with the responsibility for defining and expressing the House’s creative vision across the women’s, men’s, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections.

Past & Future: GUCCI Cruise 2023 Ad Campaign shot by Mert and Marcus

Sabato De Sarno was raised in Naples, Italy. He began his career at Prada in 2005, moving to Dolce & Gabbana, before joining Valentino in 2009, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, finally being appointed Fashion Director overseeing both men’s and women’s collections. Sabato De Sarno will start in his new position as soon as he will have completed all his obligations in his current role.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci / © Riccardo Raspa / © Mert and Marcus
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Sledding into the weekend… something I can only recommend when being in Gstaad. Take this refreshing break! Even the ride up to the Eggli with the modern gondola lift designed by Porsche is an unforgettable experience. It effortlessly covers the 500 meters in altitude in just 5 minutes and offers breathtaking views of Gstaad and the mountain panorama surrounding the village. You can rent the sleds when you buy your ticket for the gondola ride and take it with you up the mountain. Just make sure that you are dressed with several layers as it can be very cold.

However before sledding down the Eggli Run back to Gstaad, enjoy a fondue on the terrace of the Bergrestaurant Eggli that offers delicious food and drinks for all tastes. There is also a very instagrammable spot with the #Gstaad.

Opening hours: December 16, 2022 until March 12, (daily 9:00 am – 4:30 pm)
Reservations at +41 33 748 95 59 or rest.eggli@bergbahnen-gstaad.ch.

Another great experience is the «Fondue Night on Eggli». When the sun goes down and the lights go on in the valley, peace has returned to the Eggli. On this special occasion, you have the unique opportunity to enjoy this unique atmosphere on the mountain. After enjoying a fondue à discretion (meaning as much as you like), you can sled down the Eggli Run back to Gstaad.

Dates: Every Thursday in February, 02/09/16 and 23, 2023. Reservations are required.
For more information, visit the website please.
If you like my outfit, click here for more information.

LoL, Sandra

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

Something you shouldn’t miss this season: Alanui x Moon Boot have joined forces to create three styles together. It is the first collaboration between the two Italian companies, and with their shared vision and love of nature.

Alanui, created by Nicolò Oddi in dialogue with his sister Carlotta, luxury Italian label Alanui translates to «large path» in Hawaiian – the pieces are designed to accompany you on your journey through life. The «Cardigan», part garment, part artwork, is considered a blank canvas that’s continuously reinterpreted through patterns, colors, materials and knitting techniques to translate the emotion of life experiences. This season, through their collaboration with Moon Boot, there are three styles to accompany your look.

The Icon High is made of waterproof virgin wool knits with jacquard suede patterns, knit laces, recycled plastic beads, and embroidery on the back. Available in four colorways, the aesthetic of the shoe is reminiscent of Alanui’s Icon patterned quilts and the historic design that made Moon Boot famous.

The Icon Low, on the other hand, is the lower version of the boot and features fringe detailing, laces adorned with recycled beads.

The third and latest model, the Full Moon Bandana, is a slip-on nylon shoe suitable for urban use, available in five colors: cobalt blue, military green, black, red and pink.

My favorite style from the collaboration.

The three styles echo Alanui’s signature tribal motifs and prove versatile, allowing them to be worn both in the mountains and in the city. The result of the collaboration is bold and features an aesthetic dedicated to the outdoors. It reflects the pristine images of nature, such as magical snow-covered landscapes, eternal ice and the search for authenticity. Don’t miss the cozy styles, which will only get better with every wear and memory made.

TO SHOP ALANUI x MOON BOOT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

The Cartier brothers, who travelled extensively, observed, and drew inspiration from the beauty of the world, preserving it, and above all, enriching it. The Maison’s latest high jewelry collection BEAUTÉS DU MONDE continues this tradition. From the perfect arrangement of a bird’s feathers to the abstraction of a traditional Japanese motif, Cartier never ceases to marvel at all the beauty in the world and convey it through its sumptuous and spirited High Jewellery creations.

THE OCELLE NECKLACE
OF ALL BIRDS, THE PEACOCK IS POSSIBLY THE MOST FASCINATING

It was through his passion for the Islamic arts that Louis Cartier perceived the power of blue and green. For him, the discovery of this chromatic combination was so powerful that it became part of the Maison’s palette under the name of «peacock motif.» This combination quickly became a Cartier signature. The Ocelle necklace from the Beautés du Monde collection pays tribute to the bird with two opals weighing 16.59 and 6.19 carats respectively, and a 21.18-carat Zambian emerald. In addition to the colours, the necklace incorporates the form of the eyespots that characterise the peacock’s plumage. These are miniaturized, multiplied and highlighted by an onyxtrim. Partly overlapping each other and mobile, these small feathers bring great suppleness. The fluidity of the ensemble attests to the excellence of the Cartier workshops, as does the custom cuts of the opals and emerald, which are mounted on their culasse to create an invisible setting. The upper opal detaches to be worn as a brooch.

THE SPLENDENS NECKLACE
FAITHFULLY REPLICATING THE UNDULATING FINS OF A FIGHTING FISH

Was never the intent of this necklace, which introduces a new animal into the Cartier bestiary; rather, it was the desire to abstractly represent the delicate nature of their floating fins while creating a High Jewellery necklace. A creative stroke of handiwork made with a cascade of spinel beads selected for their harmony of colours and increasing size. Each bead is held within a type of invisible cap by a tiny nail whose surface plays with the light like water would over the scales of a fish. This exceedingly supple bib necklace is lined with nine oval and pear spinels totalling 27.79 carats. Remarkable for its chromatic uniformity, the ensemble is studded with square- and lozenge-shaped diamonds that electrify this fluid necklace, which seems to flow along the body’s curves.

THE CAMAIL NECKLACE
CARTIER CAN SEE BOTH LIFE AND MOVEMENT IN NATURE’S PERFECTION

A bird’s plumage thus becomes the abstract motif of a choker. Inspiration came to the artisans as they gazed in wonder upon the 42.44-carat ensemble of five Zambian emeralds, remarkable in their pear-shaped beauty. Each gem is highlighted by a curve of square diamonds trimmed with custom-cut onyx. The design thus creates a strong sensation of movement. Behind this rhythmic composition lie two feats of jewellery-making prowess: first, the necklace’s suppleness and second, the prong-less settings of the emeralds which seem to rest on top of the diamonds. In reality, each stone is precisely fitted onto a crescent-moon paved with diamonds that is integrated into the border. This creation renews and explores the chromatic harmony between white, green, and black that appeared around 1910 and has since become an emblematic combination of the Maison. The black of onyx, lacquer and enamel provides contrast, suggests volume and depth, and highlights geometric motifs. This combination heralded the Art Deco movement, of which Cartier was a pioneer.

THE OBI NECKLACE
FOR CARTIER, THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD IS ALSO THE BEAUTY OF TRADITIONS

Drawing inspiration small calibrated rubies. Thanks to from Japanese fabrics the very delicate custom-cut onyx decorated with inserts,the angles are marked, the rising sun motif, the Obi necklace pays tribute to the culture of Japan, an inspiring land cherished by the Maison for more than a century. A rare ensemble composed of eight cabochon-cut emeralds, including a 12.53-carat specimen from Zambia, provides the starting point. The gemstones become the heart of the radiant motifs, linked together. The roundness of the cabochons contrasts with the motif ’s geometry, which is punctuated by volumes accentuated, and the entire necklace gains depth. Green, red, and black: a signature chromatic harmony for Cartier, which since the beginning of the 20th century has dared to create unprecedented combinations. The colour black represents a new modern entry into the Cartier universe, and is now emblematic of its style. In keeping with Cartier’s tradition of transformable pieces, the pendant motif detaches to be worn as a brooch.

Below you can enjoy some making of photos that show the amazing craftsmanship behind those pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CARTIER
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A spectacular book published by Thames & Hudson to celebrate the exceptional CHANEL High Jewelry creations, from the launch of Gabrielle Chanel’s first collection in 1932 to the most contemporary pieces.

«I used my penchant for all that shines to try and reconcile elegance and fashion in a set of jewelry.»
Gabrielle Chanel

From Gabrielle Chanel «Bijoux de Diamants» collection to the newest interpretations of her signature signs and symbols by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, CHANEL High Jewelry remains eternally modern and true to the spirit of her enterprise.
Breathtaking new photography and classic images from the CHANEL archives brings together revealing combinations in a stunning visual narrative, privileging aesthetic form over 4 chapters: the origins, the symbols, the spirit, and the allure. Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for fabulous and improbable marvels is celebrated here in a covetable book-object that pays tribute to the House’s unparalleled insistence on luxury and refinement, creativity, and beauty.

Based on extensive research and exploring Chanel’s inspirations and art through some of the most precious of all her creations and the eternally modern ideas they have inspired, the book features superb photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, François Kollar, Roger Schall, George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, André Kertész, Sarah Moon, Koto Bolofo, Karim Sadli, Dominique Issermann, and many others. It is also illustrated with images from CHANEL’s archive and sketches that express the creativity and joie de vivre of the world’s finest High Jewelry collections.

Retail price: £150 / 150€ / $200
Publication dates: France / United Kingdom: December 2022
China / Japan / Korea: January 2023
United States: March 2023

LoL, Sandra

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

When Gabrielle Chanel adopted tweed as her own, it was to gift its comfort to elegant, sporty and resolutely modern women. When Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, took his inspiration from it in 2020, it was to create the first High Jewelry collection dedicated to tweed, with as its central masterpiece the « Tweed Couture » necklace.

Positioning the elements of the strands of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace on the sheet before setting.

Re-created today, this technical and aesthetic tour de force now forms part of the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine. And it assures tweed a definitive place among the major inspirations of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio.

Assembly of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

Taming tweed. Transforming its softness, reinterpreting its weave and the irregularities that deepen its fleecy qualities, and mastering its suppleness in gold, pearls and gemtones. This is the dream that is realized in the « Tweed Couture » necklace. Unfolding in a host of radiating lines of varying lengths, it evokes a dense yet astonishingly light weave, created through a number of innovative processes.

Threading the chain that creates the horizontal weave of the tweed through the strands. First mounting of the chain before dismantling it for setting of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

The first of these is the articulation of rose gold and platinum threads to create minuscule hinges, rings and joints that infuse the whole structure of the necklace with suppleness. They are complemented by settings of equal lightness, in which each stone appears to be freed from claws or beads, to be fully revealed in the light.

Assembly of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

Rows of infinitely delicate pink sapphires, intense and crystalline red spinels, velvet-smooth pearls and diamonds of dazzling clarity weave the warp and weft of the tweed to re-create its downy thickness. A row of pearls, meanwhile, punctuated in the center by a 10.20 carat DIF type IIa cushion-cut diamond, delicately accentuates the base of the neck. Finally, the back of every element has been polished to ensure the necklace is as light and comfortable as tweed.

Adjustments of the center stone, a cushion-cut diamond of 10,20 carats of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

In its perfect embrace of the curve of the neck and its re-creation of the tweed weave, the « Tweed Couture » necklace elevates suppleness to the level of a creative principle, as exalted by the mastery and savoir-faire of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Atelier. In its freedom and inventiveness, it celebrates the uncompromising boldness of Mademoiselle and takes its place in the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine.

«The « Tweed Couture” necklace, which combines most of the technical challenges we had to face in 2020, was the most ambitious piece in this High Jewelry collection. For example, more than 980 articulations were assembled to create the exceptional suppleness of the necklace. That’s why today, CHANEL is proud to donate this exceptional piece to the Patrimoine department as a precious testimony of our creativity and savoir-faire.» – Patrice Leguéreau

Gabrielle Chanel and the tweed jacket of her English Duke lover changed fashion for ever. The fabric was also the inspiration for Virginie Viard’s F/W 2022 collection for CHANEL.

TWEED BY CHANEL

In the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel had a love affair with the Duke of Westminster and discovered the lifestyle of the English aristocracy.
The Duke had an indisputable influence on the designs of Mademoiselle, who notably borrowed his tweed jackets to offer reinterpretations of them in her collections.
Tweed is a thick, soft woolen fabric that takes its name from the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. While it has been part of the CHANEL vocabulary of style since the 1920s, it entered the Maison’s world of jewelry in 2020, with an initial collection of 45 High Jewelry pieces.

Work on « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

The most expensive piece in the 2020 collection, the « Tweed Couture » necklace has been reproduced for the occasion in order to join the pieces in the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine department, such as the « 55.55 » necklace from the “N°5” High Jewelry Collection.

LoL, Sandra

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