Sandra‘s Closet

New for the F/W 2020 season, in its fabrication and appearance the Miu Belle bag brings together many of Miu Miu’s most iconic signatures.

The body of the bag is crafted in matelassé leather. By now synonymous with the Miu Miu name, the highly distinctive, rich texture of the skin combines sophisticated craftsmanship with innovation: panels of leather are paired with wadding and elastic cloth and then quilted. Although approximately 60 % more leather goes into the making of a matelassé bag it remains light: luxurious. In a similar vein, its unique artisanal finish is rivalled only by the malleability of the skin that stretches, adapting to any contents.

The Miu Miu Belle bag spotted on the F/W 2020 Runway 

The Miu Belle is further characterised by its polished metal frame and glossy black clasp which represent the perfect synthesis of glittering modernity and charmed nostalgia. Referencing jewellery, it is at once feminine and strong, purposeful and playful, its smooth, hard surface in direct contrast to the pleated skin.

The Miu Belle bag comes in a variety of seasonal and classic colours. The larger size has a tubular leather handle and detachable shoulder strap, a smaller pochette version may be hand held or worn on the shoulder via a tubular chain strap.

I love the pochette and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

With a new season arriving in stores, there’s no doubt we’re getting all excited about the newest must-haves of bags, shoes and accessories. Here is a summary what ruled on the runways and is guaranteed to be all over the feeds this winter season.

LoL, Sandra

Lengthy fringe finishes will ensure you receive lots of compliments for your new bag. Fringes are one of the biggest trends for the new season.

Considering the popularity of Bottega Veneta’s Pouch clutch, it was only a matter of time before other brands took on the trend for soft, handheld bags.

AirPod cases, mobile phone pouches or water bottle holders, those single-use mini bags are all the rage.

Why choose one fabric when you can have many? Patchwork featuring carefully spliced leathers and suedes were carried in a multitude of runway shows.

While chokers have been popular in seasons past, this fall sees chunky pieces with chains and mixed metals so you don’t have to choose between silver and gold anymore.

Harnesses are guaranteed to amplify any fall look, promise!

The tie is breaking down all current stereotypical gender norms.

This season, it’s finally time to invest in a pair of fab gloves you’ll keep for ages.

Get your snood ready. The head covering was everywhere for fall.

We will be staying warm this winter. Knee-high socks are a must this season.

A boot that lets you dominate in both the boardroom and bedroom.

The probably most instagrammable footwear trend: charming bows adorn the most beautiful heels.

From boots to heels, the popular chunky chain jewelry trend stays for another season.

Perfect for the next zoom meeting at home for work, this fluffy and furry footwear shows the current zeitgeist.

Chunky lug soles and nineties-style platforms and flatforms are here to stay.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

After last year’s first collection of six Capucines bags created by contemporary artists, Louis Vuitton unveiled a new edition of its Artycapucines project.

Beatriz Milhazes, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Josh Smith, Henry Taylor, Liu Wei and Zhao Zhao have all created beautifully imagined and stunningly worked versions of the iconic Capucines bag.

From the 30th October, each bag in the Artycapucines collection will be released in a limited edition of 200 in selected stores worldwide. Price per bag: CHF 7900.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Beatriz Milhazes
Based upon a new work created by Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes for the Artycapucines project, Milhazes’ bag is a technical and artisanal achievement. 18 different types of leather are worked to the same thickness and then inlaid onto the bag’s lambskin base using innovative and novel marquetry techniques. To complete the kaleidoscopic variety of the different textures and aspects, the bag also has two areas of gold leaf and an inlaid, injected silicone gel peace sign. The LV logo uses enamel marquetry and gel to match the exact colours of the design over which it is placed.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Jean-Michel Othoniel
Jean-Michel Othoniel’s Artycapucines is a graceful and joyous object. The bag’s main body is intricately hand-woven in raffia, while along the top edge of the bag is a hand-embroidered trim that uses a type of black satin silk more generally used in haute couture. The bag’s handle is made of large black resin beads that echo the French artist’s best-known large-scale works, such as his Le Kiosque des Noctambules Palais Royal Métro entrance in Paris. The bag is completed by a striking charm whose three resin beads act as an exclusive and portable Othoniel sculpture.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Josh Smith
New York-based artist Josh Smith’s design is based upon one of his signature «name» paintings. To recreate the work, the bag’s cotton canvas exterior is first embroidered with white-coloured stitches to replicate brushstrokes, creating a sensation of depth. The fabric and stitches are then painstakingly printed, before the letters of Smith’s name are embroidered across the entire bag. The LV signature is in metal inlaid with wood, while the handle is made of pure pear wood. Its silk inner lining is printed with Palm #3, another of Smith’s striking and brightly coloured paintings.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Henry Taylor
Henry Taylor’s Artycapucines brings together the Californian artist’s striking and expressive 2017 portrait A young master – a portrait of the late Noah Davis, the Black American artist and founder of LA’s Underground Museum – with the latest cutting-edge laser printing and traditional marquetry. Reproducing the painting on leather to replicate its original brushstrokes and varied textures required over 100 experiments to test different methods of 2D and 3D printing. The bag’s taupe Taurillon leather background was then used as a «blank canvas» into which this tactile portrait on leather was inserted using precise and demanding marquetry techniques. The result is a portrait that is also a remarkable sculptural bas-relief.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Liu Wei
Beijing-based artist Liu Wei is renowned for provocative, unclassifiable work that jumps between media. His Artycapucines is based upon Microworld, a large-scale sculptural installation shown at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Variously sized aluminium petals from this sculpture are recreated for the bag using five different types of silver-coloured leather that are meticulously thermo-moulded and inserted directly into the bag’s exterior or attached using Louis Vuitton-engraved rivets. The bag’s handle is made in black Plexiglas, which brings a retro-futuristic touch, and is held in place by rings covered in metal spheres, each individually attached and with a different finish to match those in the original artwork.

Louis Vuitton Capucines by Zhao Zhao
Chinese artist Zhao Zhao’s Artycapucines is based on his 2018 sculpture, In Extremis No.3. For his bag, the artwork’s metal components are transformed into 353 individual laser-cut patches made of 5 different types of leather, which are either hand-embroidered, machine-embroidered, printed – with seven different patterns – or worked into relief. They are then assembled and meticulously sewn together into a single panel that follows the precise design layout that Zhao created. The resulting pattern covers the entire surface of the finished bag to create the impression that the original work has been moulded to fit precisely around the Capucines.

Aren’t they all very special! I love when fashion meets art…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton 

More CHANEL to drool over. I am so in love with its Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 quilted gift box with 4 iconic mini bags.

Despite the high price of CHF 26250 per box, it won’t stop fashionistas around the world to add it to their collection. Personally speaking, it will be a great investment because those four mini iconic bags are smaller than the smallest bag of their line which makes them absolutely unique.

The four objects of desire included are: a Boy Bag, a Classic Bag, a Gabrielle Bag and the 2.55 Bag. All true gems of the Maison that will never go out of style. On top, the big box in diamond quilting is also one of a kind and I am convinced that the price for the collector box will skyrocket in the future. An investment you will never regret.

It is available in two versions, in black or pink/red shades. The Zurich store has a set in black… just saying!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: © CHANEL – Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Welcome to Paris: the city of lovers, artists and poets. Paying tribute to the City of Light’s splendor, the CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN launches its new signature tote: The Cabaraparis.

«Paris is my ultimate muse. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world, with some of the grandest architecture. I wanted to capture that fantasy element of Paris, not anchor the CABARAPARIS in reality.» Christian Louboutin

Marking the first artist collaboration on a seasonal tote, the Cabaraparis is typically tongue-in-cheek. Featuring five neoprene panels illustrated by the talented Hélène Tran, the city’s most timeless characters and iconic monuments are brought to life by her inimitable brushstrokes.

To shop the Cabaraparis Day tote, click here please.

Available in two precious strass-embellished styles, the Cabaraparis pays tribute to the City of Light’s two facets. By day, the Cabaraparis takes us on a whirlwind ride through the capital’s streets. Dotted throughout this dreamscape map of Paris, we discover a giant red-soled Corset stiletto pumps, flirtatious chimeras and crazed streetlamps, all more charismatic than the last. In a whimsical twist, love letters written by Christian to his beloved city line the Cabaraparis Day’s interior.

To shop the Cabaraparis Night tote, click here please.

Over on the Cabaraparis Night, the sun has set and the cabaret lights dazzle with their brilliance. Chimeras beguile and enchant Christian, turning him into a Parisian sphinx, half human, half leopard. High in the inky blue sky, a CL star twinkles with strass crystals whilst on rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, the Maison’s flagship boutique illuminates the darkened streets, drawing in curious passersby. On the tote’s lining, a feline Christian meows, «T’shoes me!».

Part of this amazing capsule collection are of course different high heels and sneakers – one pair more beautiful than the other.

A whirlwind of imagination and storytelling, the launch of the Cabarapariswas set to coincide with a retrospective exhibition at the famed Palais de la Porte Dorée, dedicated to the designer’s creative universe. Needless to say, Paris is always a good idea!

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

This is perfect way to sustainably update your Hermès bag, consider having an artist take a brush or needle and thread to them. Or have a look at the amazing work of Hong Kong based designer Jonathan Riss who has a passion of giving iconic bags a second life. His brand Jay Ahr (phonetic spelling of his initials) takes luxury bags to the next level.

Jonathan Riss with one of his works @jay_ahr_
« 1969 » Vintage Hermès Kelly bag, size 28

An array of pristine condition pre-loved Hermès bags presents the perfect canvas for this ancient yet modern artwork making every piece sustainable in product and process with a story to tell. Custom embroideries are layered and interwoven into each bag, with the art piece looking like they were part of the original leather design. Riss and his team deconstruct every bag before sending each separate piece of leather to the embroiderers. Once they are finished, the bag is sewn back together using the original yarn.

This vintage Hermès Birkin bag with Shunga embroidery was especially created on behalf of Maxfield LA’s 50th anniversary. Available for $55.000. To shop, click here.

There are so many amazing pieces, see below for more:

Bandana Brown – Hermes Birkin 35

This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in brown epsom leather first produced in 1999. The stamped- grain lightweight leather gives a structured relaxed contour. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure.

Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. From the Sanskrit word for «a bond», the bandana is inspired by the colourful Indian kerchiefs. The Bandana collection is paired with Jay Ahr’s tongue-in-cheek twist on the Hermès Twilly, in a matching bandana pattern.

$38.500 – To shop, click here.

Thangka Snake – Act 2 – Hermes Constance 24

A vintage Hermès Constance 24 in black box calf leather with gold plated metal hardware. The smooth box calf leather gives a glossy finish yet firm hold creating the bag’s structural lines. The bag features a versatile two-way shoulder strap and gilded ‘H’ front clasp closure.

Using this vintage Constance as a canvas, Jay Ahr presents a special interpretation of the Thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk appliqué. The central motif features an embroidered interpretation of the snake depicted in the Raktayamari Thangka, one of the world’s great textile treasures. One of the major landmarks of early Ming dynasty textile arts, the eight snakes represent the subjugation of various obstacles and the accomplishment of skillful activities.

US$28,600 – To shop, click here.

Welcome to the Jungle Hermès Birkin 35

This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in white canvas with a green trim first produced in 1996. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure. Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock.

On this seemingly light hearted beauty the exotic green plays host to the lyrics of Guns & Roses’ «Welcome to the Jungle». Shrouded by Jungle palm leaves creating a sense of mystery and voyeurism. The song exposes the dark side of Los Angeles many people encounter when they go there to pursue fame. The embroidered print is not contained to the canvas but carried across the bag onto the soft Ebène calf leather hiding the underworld conveyed by the song.

$38.500 – To shop, click here.

Nessun Dorma – Hermès Kelly Sellier 28

This bag is a vintage Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 first produced in 1973. Detailed with palladium plated hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. The bag stands tall on protective feet and is carried by a single padded top handle.

Marrying musical classics with vintage classics Jay Ahr has woven the lyrics to operas, ballads and anthems.  This piece is an ode to the Italian Opera. The lyrics to «Nessun Dorma» (None shall sleep), an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot – one of the best known tenor arias in opera – grace this stunning and rare Kelly, in an embroidered interpretation of wood block stamping.

$35.200 – To shop, click here.

Aren’t those bags so beautiful, when fashion meets art … masterpieces can be created.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jay Ahr and via Marie Van Damme
DISCLOSURE: This post DOES NOT include affiliate links and is not sponsored. I am just a fan of the products.

Featuring vivid hues and magnified ultra-graphic prints which play with the LV Monogram Giant motif, the LV Crafty collection expertly blends fine craftsmanship and pop style.
Its creations draw inspiration from two artistic movements from the second half of the 20th century: graffiti art and neo-expressionism. During the 1980s these urban, underground trends ventured into new and established creative territories, including New York museums and galleries.

NéoNoé bucket LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

Today, the LV Crafty collection is suffused with this graphic boldness which first adorned the Monogram canvas. The collection revisits a print chosen from the House’s archives and paired with the Monogram Giant motif in black. Available in two colour schemes, cream and red or the more autumnal cream and caramel, LV Crafty appears on the House’s most iconic pieces – Onthego, NéoNoé and Boite Chapeau Souple.

Boite Chapeau Souple bag LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

The Monogram Empreinte leather has also embraced the LV Crafty print, adding subtle and elegant touches around the chapes, on the handles and to the accessories, which brighten up and energise the sleek black or white leather.

Twist MM LV Crafty in black grained Epi leather, braided handle and printed cowhide charm

The collection will make its debut in all Louis Vuitton stores at the end of July, highlighting the House’s wide range of expertise for a full selection of trainers, accessories, ready-to-wear, travel and more to start off the fall season in style.

LoL, Sandra

Onthego tote LV Crafty caramel & cream, in Monogram coated canvas

Onthego tote LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

Onthego tote LV Crafty Monogram Empreinte black, in embossed supple grained cowhide leather

Metis bag LV Crafty Monogram Empreinte cream, in embossed supple grained cowhide leather

Photos: © Benoit Peverelli for Louis Vuitton

Here is your chance and you should better take it! In general, Gabriela Hearst bags cannot be bought in a store or online besides now. These bags are highly sought after and trying to get them is almost impossible with extremely high waiting lists – on average there is a waiting list of 1,500 client per bag at any given time. If you really want the bag, you have to email, hope and wait.
For a limited time period, Net-à-Porter is launching a pop-up boutique of Gabriela Hearst bags, which includes the exclusive «Patsy» and «Diana» styles along with the iconic «Nina» and «Demi» totes. First come, first serve.

Click here for the outfit post from March 2019.

Gabriela Hearst’s cult«Nina» tote has been spotted on the arm of Meghan Markle, Priyanka Chopra and Oprah Winfrey over the years. Crafted from smooth leather in the brand’s Italian studio, it has a globe shape with origami-like folds and a strap that can be carried in hand or the crook of your arm. It will make any outfit pop.

Click here for the outfit post from November 2018.

Gabriela Hearst puts a lot of thought into her bag designs to make sure they’re ethical, sustainable and totally unique. Inspired by ’40s lunch boxes, the «Patsy» tote opens to a minimalist interior that will hold your phone, cardholder and lipstick.

Are you curious what I got myself this time? I actually went for two bags….
Left: Nina striped leather tote with its matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover
Right: Diana leather-trimmed printed suede tote
Gabriela Hearst’s linstantly recognizable «Diana» tote is designed in a fresh monochromatic colorway that’s modern and cool. I adore its distinct accordion-inspired silhouette.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE HIGHLY LIMITED GABRIELA HEARST BAGS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst/Net-à-Porter
© Sandra Bauknecht and  © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here comes your next It-bag. Presented first on the F/W 2020 runway, Dior unveils Dior Bobby, a new bag of timeless modernity and a subtle tribute to Christian Dior’s beloved pet dog. Another must-have piece created by Maria Grazia Chiuri because the simplicity in its design is precisely what makes this bag so versatile.

The Dior Bobby is a hobo style showcasing sophisticated lines and harmonious proportions.
It’s available in three sizes – small, medium, large – and in four colours – black, white, camel, and of course, the signature blue Dior Oblique canvas that is still all the rage in fashion. It has a flexible suede interior, and is enhanced by antique gold-finish metal hardware. Its removable and adjustable shoulder strap has a military-inspired buckle, and allows it to be carried on the shoulder or crossbody, as well as by hand.

In stores Mid July! So get yourself on the wait list now! I am going for the middle sized one in camel below. Isn’t it so pretty?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

I am so proud to share with you today’s news which I have exclusively for Switzerland. Meet your new must-have: the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag, Louis Vuitton’s latest embodiment of effortless Parisian chic and a new symbol of its ongoing commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for both everyday and special occasions, this new design takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf, the oldest and most celebrated bridge that sits opposite Louis Vuitton’s headquarters in Paris. It also marks the first release of the House’s new LV Pont 9 leather line.

The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the exclusive Louis Vuitton Circle, a 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and used on both the bag’s flap – as a closure – and strap. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. A careful attention to detail is revealed in both the bag’s gusseted construction that adds both structure and extra space, in addition to subtle «hidden« features such as the novel Monogram flower-inspired magnetic closure.

The LV Pont 9 bag is available in a diverse range of striking colours. Alongside the understated and elegant Noir and delicate Crème is a palette of more vibrant tones: deep sunset-like Summer Gold; feminine and vibrant Rose Dahlia; and soft and dreamy Bleu Orage.
Contemporary, yet instantly classic, and superbly crafted, the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag is an enchanting addition to Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of innovative leather goods.

The LV Pont 9 shoulder bag launches today in Louis Vuitton stores around the world in Black, Crème and Summer Gold. And on June 26th in Blue and Pink.
Price: CHF 3’400.-

Below you will find some photos about the amazing craftsmanship that goes into each of these beautiful LV Pont 9 bags. A new classic just born.

The new must-have bag has been spotted at many celebrities around the world.
I will pick up mine today… which colour do you think I got?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht