Sandra‘s Closet

Is there a miraculous formula for creating an It-bag? Probably as Tim Blanks pointed out in an interview with Business of Fashion recently about the biggest trend for the upcoming S/S 2018 season, it is all about «making the ordinary extraordinary».

Fendi‘s new Triplette clearly conveys that message. One bag is not enough. More is more is the motto! Three small clutches connected by a Fendi logo charm (the label’s new signifier) allow you to store your personal belongings in a very organized way. But pragmatism alone won’t make an It-bag. It is the combination of sizes, colors and finishes that make it an effortless option for day and night. Each pouch can be detached and styled solo. My advice? Get two and mix and match!

LoL, Sandra

Triplette in black with white piping

Triplette in red, black and navy

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Something really exciting to share with you… for one week only you will be able to purchase the Gabriela Hearst bags that you cannot buy 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.

The friends of Gabriella Hearst who were carrying the famous Nina bag as one of the first ones have caused a big hype: Miroslava Duma to the left and Brie Larson to the right.

My favorite: the Nina leather tote in cognac.

After having produced 20 of those must-have pieces for friends and family, the designer got so many requests that she created an It-bag without even thinking about it. Now, New York-based designer Gabriela Hearst has partner with NET-A-PORTER LTD to raise funds for Save the Children for the unprecedented hunger crisis and impending famine in Turkana, Kenya. The designer is committed to make a donation of $600,000. From the money raised, save the Children will provide cash transfers to those affected families, giving them the ability to purchase urgently needed food and clean water to help them survive the drought.

Gabriela Hearst …

… next to her beautiful Ella two-tone leather tote.

A trio of its own: the Nina, the Demi and the Ellie. Hard to decide… and not a lot of time left as they are selling out like crazy!

TO SHOP THE GABRIELA HEARST BAGS FOR ONE WEEK, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Please be aware that the proceeds from the sale of the bags by NET-A-PORTER will not be donated to Save the Children. Instead, NET-A-PORTER is helping to raise awareness about the important work that this charity does and the donation will be made by Gabriela Hearst directly. The donation is made up of the money Gabriela Hearst makes from wholesaling the bags to NET-A-PORTER.
Photos: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst and Net-à-Porter

This season’s bags are reminiscent of the Bauhaus movement. Forget slouchy hobos and complicated origami silhouettes; fall’s bag is decidedly geometric in form.

Printed leather pouch by Balenciaga

Small Nile leather bracelet bag by Chloé

Leather clutch by Calvin Klein 205W39NYC

Macy Ribbon acrylic clutch by Edie Parker

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

It is always a pleasure to be invited by Montblanc to one of their special events. This summer, it was Florence calling for the launch of the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection which takes its inspiration from safari travel and exploration.

With this beautiful vegetable-tanned leather collection that is finished with vintage gold hardware for the modern adventurer, Montblanc continues their story of innovation.
So gentlemen, whether you plan an excursion to the sandy dunes of Sahara or a safari to the plains of East Africa, this line is for you.

If you are rather an urban nomad, you will love those 1926 Montblanc Heritage piece as well as they offer an extremely chic and stylish way to carry personal items or technology around the city.

Ladies adventurers: Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc, and my humble self, exploring the launch event.

I am absolutely convinced that many ladies will fall for its vintage feel and the earthy, easy to combine desert hues, too. At the latest, when they spot the bright red printed lining that is inspired by the vibrant fabrics worn by the regal Maasai tribe.

Dubbed the Heritage 1926 collection in recognition of the year Montblanc added leather goods to its business with a small collection of pen cases, the new range features backpacks of different sizes, portfolios, document holders and brief cases, as well as a mid-size weekender and some fine stationery.

Hugh Jackman with me

The launch party took place at Europe’s largest private garden. Italian hospitality at its best with great music, fine food, beautiful displays to create a whole world around the new collection and a special guest that is a true adventurer: Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman who had flown in for this special occasion.

An Italian worker explaining how the tanning process of the leather works.

Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal explained to me that for the first time, Montblanc has been using traditional Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather that will take on a patina with age. An early trend for next summer has been spotted at Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence: Seventies-style bohemianism that plays exactly with that vintage feel that makes the products genuinely personal.

At Montblanc’s manufacture in Tuscany where the leather goods are produced.

The morning after the launch party, I visited the Montblanc manufacture in Tuscany and saw with my own eyes the leather craftsmanship that goes into each of those pieces. I was extremely impressed by the different steps that have to be applied in order to achieve the antique gold color finishing of the metal fittings or the bridge and clasp closing systems.

I am sure that the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection will be a full success among all gentlemen and ladies adventurers. Below you can enjoy some more of my impressions of this fantastic event in Florence …

LoL, Sandra

At the launch event in Florence dressed in Gucci.

The evening started with a cocktail reception in the largest private garden in Europe.

Every little detail was perfect.

Mr Hugh Jackman had fun as we did!

On our way inside the tent where dinner was served, we felt like adventurers on a safari.

You could feel the mood behind the collection perfectly.

Seated dinner

Beautiful ambiance

Pieces from the 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection on display.

Photos in Collage/Still: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Montblanc
All other photos from the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

With just enough room for your phone, keys and cards, mini bags are a fuss-free day-to-night option. Perfect for traveling light, these compact bags are just as stylish as their regular and oversized versions. From shoulder bags to cross-body, clutch and tote styles, mini bags come in a range of colorways and designs.

Look out for Givenchy‘s Antigona, Dolce & Gabbana‘s Sicily, Fendi‘s Peekaboo, Stella McCartney‘s Falabella and many more, for scaled-down versions of iconic bags.

Trend alert! Wear two or three at a time! Below are some of the best options to choose from.

LoL, Sandra

The Falabella tiny faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Galleria Baby textured-leather tote by Prada

Peekaboo mini whipstitched leather shoulder bag by Fendi

Lock small leather shoulder bag by Valentino

Sac De Jour Nano textured-leather tote by Saint Laurent

Antigona Mini leather shoulder bag by Givenchy

Sylvie mini chain-embellished leather shoulder bag by Gucci

The Marcie mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé

Sicily small embellished textured-leather tote by Dolce & Gabbana

Paloma nano spiked matte and patent-leather tote by Christian Louboutin

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pinterest, Fashionjunkiie, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar

For years I mocked myself that I didn’t like rose perfumes: too dusty, too old-fashioned, too grandma-like. What perfume planet was I on? One day I looked around my boudoir table and realised that a lot of my fragrances were based around the rose, just in a more subtle way.

Here are the best new launches to introduce the flower of love to your olfactory wardrobe now. The five fragrances you’ll be probably sniffing to prolong summer a little longer.

PRADA Les Infusion Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 136.76 (100ml)

A new edition to the collection Les Infusions de Prada. The fragrance interprets the note of rose in a new and different way, luminous and feminine. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada.

Notes: Turkish Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarine

BURBERRY My Blush
Eau de Parfum CHF 79.20 (30ml), CHF 120.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.60 (90ml)

A fruity floral Eau de Parfum with a sparkling twist.  Stepping back into a London garden awakening in the first light of day, My Burberry Blush captures the senses as blossoming flowers pop with spirited energy. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Christopher Bailey.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Lemon
Middle notes: Rose Petals, Apple
Base notes: Jasmine, Wisteria

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb Bloom
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.00 (30ml)

The addictiveness of Flowerbomb is rewritten with an airy twist. A new interpretation of the iconic fragrance, Flowerbomb Bloom is an explosion of fresh flowers caressed with a breath of cool mountain air. The floriental fragrance was created by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Mandarin
Middle notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Liquid Air
Base notes: Woods

BULGARI Splendida Rose Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 126.00 (50ml), CHF 177 (100ml)

The floral chypre Splendida Rose Rose is worn like a necklace of 45 fresh roses, those contained in its bottle. It evokes the Italian romance that Bulgari enjoys with women, the absolute embodiment of the superlative femininity. The scent was created by perfumer Sofie Labbé.

Top notes: White Mulberry, Mandarin
Middle notes: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Damask Rose
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk

GIORGIO ARMANI Sì Rose Signature
Eau de Parfum CHF 123.00 (50ml), CHF 156.00 (100ml)

Each spring, Giorgio Armani creates a limited edition bottle of the beautiful Sì Rose Signature scent. This year, it is reminiscent of an Haute Couture gown with its cute pink ribbon. Discover a floral fragrance that radiates beauty and passion. The fragrance was created by perfumer Julie Massé.

Top notes: May Rose, Damask Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, White Freesia
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Osmanthus, Iris, Ambrette Seed
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli

In case you are still not convinced about the rose fragrances, treat yourself to this beautiful clutch:

Printed metallic leather box clutch «I Love You» by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

First seen in March on the Miu Miu runway in Paris, the My Miu bag marks the first occasion in which the name of the brand features prominently both patched in psychedelic lettering and in the form of a large polished gold or palladium lock.

Star accessory of the new season, with its glittering fringes and jeweled buckles, the My Miu combines a respect for handcraftsmanship and the finest fabrications with a sense of femininity, irreverence and fun.

The My Miu show model is the most elaborate, presented in five different and highly distinctive combinations of precious materials: madras leather patched with python; python or ayers embellished with jewelled fringing; python or ayers finished with a jewelled buckle; matelassé leather with a python belt and jewelled buckle and fluffy fur with an ayers belt and jewelled buckle.

Colours range from classic – natural snake, black – to pop bright and pastel and, often, a juxtaposition of the three. All bags feature a removable and adjustable python or ayers strap allowing them to be carried cross body, on the shoulder or as a clutch.

The My Miu is also available in a slightly smaller size and fabricated to suit every occasion. Classic madras and ayers, matelassé and ayers and velvet and ayers bags come with a metal chain strap. The denim interpretation features a sporty nylon strap.

Completing the range, the mini My Miu is the simplest and most accessible version of the style. Light, easy and effortlessly elegant, it is crafted in signature matelassé leather and textile in a wide range of colours with a metal chain strap.

TO SHOP MIU MIU ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu – Backstage Images: © Carin Backoff

This accessories trend is pure fun and has become one of my favorites. Pompom embellished pieces have been popping up everywhere since last summer (remember those to-die-for pompom boho sandals?!). This colorful accent is fun and flirty – I adore the way these colorful little balls look hanging off the straps of a pair of beachy summer flats, on a straw hat or a great beach bag. It just puts me in a good mood.

Here are my favorite pompom-accented pieces that are sure to complete your summer wardrobe!
1 Maldives medium pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Nannacay
2 St Tropez embroidered woven straw tote by Kayu
3 Corozon pompom-embellished woven straw hat by Sophie Anderson
4 Claudie small pompom leather cross-body bag by Sophia Webster
5 Frika embellished cotton shoulder bag by Antik Batik
6 Beach Hair Don’t Care straw clutch by Rebecca Minkoff
7 Adorada mini pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Sophie Anderson
8 Pompom-embellished sandals by Elina Linardaki
9 Embellished lace-up suede pumps by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

And great news is these little pom-poms are here to stay for winter… for winter those cute balls come in all sorts of fur, best seen at Fendi:

By The Way pompom tote (1), mini leather bag strap (2), pompom wool cap (3), pompom charm (4), pompom sandals (5), pompom boots (6).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

2017 has become the year of the basket tote with the rise of Los Angeles-based label Cult Gaia’s structural bamboo bag from pretty cool to Instagram-famous within weeks.

The so-called ‘Ark’ clutch is a crescent-shaped bamboo clutch that feels offbeat yet timeless. Designer Jasmin Larian draws inspiration from vintage pieces and is committed to sustainable practices. Don’t miss the laser-cut acrylic version of the carryall in vibrant hues.

I thought to let you know there are many fabulous variations of the Cult Gaia bag. It might be not the most practical bag, but it is still the hottest accessory of the moment and extremely affordable.

1 Ark large bamboo clutch
2 Ark mini acrylic clutch in emerald green
3 Ark small bamboo clutch
4 Ark mini acrylic clutch in black

The Ark clutch is here to stay for the next season and will be launched in many colors. You can pre-order this small multi acrylic Ark clutch for Resort 2018 here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Fans of all over natural glow will love this summer’s bronze blush tones that made runway waves at many designers. Whether your personal style is bohemian or sophisticated chic, you can’t argue that naturally bronzed bone structure will make you look fresh-faced, which is perfect for the beach.

When you opt for some color, you should go for turquoise, wether on your eyes or your nails. You don’t have to be that dramatic, just a little turquoise liner is all you need to stay on trend this season. Here is what you will need (all limited edition):

ESTÉE LAUDER
Summer Look 2017 «Bronze Goddess»

Bronze Goddess Summer Look Palette – CHF 70.00
Bronze Goddess Summer Lip Glow in Sunlit Nude – CHF 34.00
Double Wear Highlighting Cushion Stick in Champagne Glow – CHF 44.00

GUERLAIN
Summer Look 2017 «Terracotta»

Terracotta Sun Tonic Waterproof Bronzing Powder – CHF 69.00
Météorites Baby Glow Touch CC Luminizer for easy strobing – CHF 45.00

LANCÔME
Summer Look 2017 «Summer Swing»

Belle de Teint Bronzer & Blush in 01 Patio Méditerranéen – CHF 75.00
Le Stylo Waterproof in 06 Tempo Méditerranéen – CHF 34.00
Vernis in Love in 103 L’Esprit Libre – CHF 26.00

By the way the straw bag is exactly the same one by Sensi Studio for Eden Being I showed you a few days ago (click here please for the previous post). On one side it says «Making Memories», on the other side it has this hand-painted palm and waves. My favorite!
TO SHOP IT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht