Sandra‘s Closet

Fruits have been a source of inspiration for all sort of prints the past seasons. However, this summer, they take it up a notch and are worn in a 3D optic. AREA, the American luxury brand founded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczczyk, dedicated their S/S 2023 runway collection to «tutti frutti» and presented sculptural and crystal-embellished pieces from a 3D banana bustier top to a watermelon strapless mini, to a full look that resembles a slice of fresh lemon. The crystal embellishments are arranged to resemble seeds and glisten in the light for a juicy, liquid-like shine.

Another fun way to sport the trend is to wear a bag in the shape of a fruit. Scroll through the best options available now.

LoL, Sandra

Cropped open-back crystal-embellished wool-blend top, and matching asymmetric crystal-embellished wool-blend mini skirt, both by AREA

Fruit-charm layered necklace by Amir Shama

Watermelon Crescent crystal-embellished silver-tone clutch by Judith Leiber

Tangerine crystal-embellished gold-tone clutch by Judith Leiber

Fruit marbled box clutch by Kurt Geiger London

Fruittini leather strawberry cross-body bag by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht
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An instant emblem forged by a flame, the curved bamboo handle crowns a leather handbag in 1947, marking the House’s path as an innovator in craftsmanship and luxury. Today, the renowned design of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 is at the heart of the House’s signature bag collection, representing how a creative instinct propelled by profound know-how has led Gucci to where it is today.

In 1947 – amidst Italy’s post-war era in which traditional raw materials were difficult to come by – the enterprising founder, Guccio Gucci, with the help of the House’s visionary Florentine artisans, decided to use the lightweight and durable bamboo for the handle of a purse. The paradigm of design coherence and the authority of leather was gracefully challenged by the bamboo in a game of contrasts that defied the aesthetic rules of the time.

The bamboo top handle also ushered in an expansion of the House’s artisanal expertise, as there is a highly technical process behind crafting the curved stalk. A craftsman first selects the most unblemished pieces of bamboo, which are then softened and worked over an open flame by hand to manipulate the material into a semi-circular form. Once shaped, the handle is coated in multiple layers of lacquer, after which it is baked to achieve a shiny golden-brown finish.

Due to this meticulous process, not a single bamboo handle is ever the same. Following its debut, the ‘Bamboo Bag’ became a fixture among Hollywood’s leading ladies and the international jet set, consolidating the style’s status as an innovative icon around the world.

The current Gucci Bamboo 1947 is distinguished by interchangeable leather and Web straps, adding to the style’s functionality. Both straps are detachable and adjustable, making it a highly versatile accessory, suitable for myriad occasions. Presented in different combinations that evoke diverse attitudes, the top handle bag comes in varying sizes and materials. The line is presented in timeless color palettes as well as seasonal variations, and is enriched by refined evening styles and precious leather iterations.

TO SHOP GUCCI BAGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
Photographer & Director: David Sims – Make up: Thomas De Kluyver – Hair: Paul Hanlon
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A CHANEL ambassador since 2017, Blackpink’s JENNIE is the new face of the CHANEL 22 bag. To embody the mini version of CHANEL’s latest bag, the Korean singer, an iconic K-Pop artist celebrated worldwide, leads Inez & Vinoodh through the streets of Seoul.

Alongside Lily-Rose Depp, Margaret Qualley and Whitney Peak – who bring the tote and backpack versions of the CHANEL 22 bag to life – the campaign continues to make the codes of pop culture resonate with those of the House. For this fourth episode, Inez & Vinoodh have created an original story based around JENNIE’s own tastes and personality. The Korean capital is the latest backdrop following on from Los Angeles, Palm Springs and New York.

JENNIE is a woman of her time. She interprets it in a manner that is both singular and universal: «Inez & Vinoodh call me ‘My Girl’. It’s comforting because they see me as a young woman, not just «JENNIE» in the spotlight. As a member of BLACKPINK, I’m constantly in the spotlight, but these images are an accurate representation of who I really am.»

JENNIE represents the modernity of the CHANEL 22 bag. The style of a cosmopolitan and vibrant youth, capturing the beat of the world. My favorite version for this summer season is this one in denim. I am completely obsessed with it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: CHANEL – Inez and Vinoodh #CHANEL22 #CHANELHandbags
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Food for thought. You know that I have a thing for jovial accessories. Although I am not shopping in the men’s department in general, this one has definitely caught my eye. First seen on the Louis Vuitton S/S 2023 Paris Fashion Week runway, it is designed as a fun 2-in-1 accessory.

The collectible Fortune Cookie bag is made up of a cookie in calf leather, inside transparent packaging in PVC. Both pouches can be carried separately, the cookie with to its wristlet and the transparent pouch like a clutch. Inside each Fortune Cookie is a secret message, including one that reads, «Creativity listens to the heart,» as pictured in this post. Available in stores for $2310 / €1750.

It comes also as a Fortune Cookie Bag Charm & Key Holder for $ 585/ €445.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Every season, CHANEL releases what I like to call a unicorn bag, a very beautiful and special bag, which is hard to get and very desired. With the increase in pricing and the lessened supply, there is even a higher demand for CHANEL bags.

For the 23C (Cruise 2023) collection, it is in my opinion this stunning CHANEL Rainbow Classic Flap bag. As the name suggests, the classic flap comes in the colors of the rainbow, in yellow, orange to red, pink, purple and green. In one bag, you have many different colors, which means it is a very versatile model to carry. If you love vibrant colors, then this is a must-have for you.
The bag retails at CHF 11240.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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For Summer 2023, Louis Vuitton presents new additions to its popular Taigarama leather goods collection, revisited this season in a fresh, cool Eighties-inspired palette of neon yellow, Miami green and optic white.

Crafted in Louis Vuitton canvas and beautiful Taiga leather printed with the emblematic Monogram, the Taigarama collection of sporty essentials welcomes two new styles: the Duo Slingbag in neon yellow, an ideal everyday companion, as well as a versatile Weekend Tote that makes getting around a breeze.

The Duo Slingbag is a trend-forward crossbody style with a sleek yet soft and body-friendly shape that features a practical side zip, removable round zipped pouch, and adjustable strap for versatility of wear.

Inspired by a Maison classic, the supple Taigarama Weekend Tote offers a generous main compartment and three inside pockets for stowing essentials safely; double handles in smooth leather and a woven, adjustable,removable shoulder strap let it adapt to any occasion.

These pieces join iconic styles like the Keepall 50B, the Discovery Backpack, the Horizon 55 cabin bag and the Outdoor Messenger, which are also available in Summer 2023 colours. Small travel and everyday essentials such as a dopp kit, wearable wallet, travel pochette, pocket organizers, wallets and card holders round out the offer, while adjustable woven shoulder straps in this season’s neon yellow or Miami green make it possible to add a favorite touch of colour to certain styles.

The Summer 2023 Taigarama collection will be available in-store and online on March 2nd, 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Miu Miu celebrates its iconic matelassé leather collection for the new season with an intimate portraiture captured by Guen Fiore and a series of still life images by Deo Suveera showcasing the bags as protagonists. Merging a sense of protection with power the focus is on individuality and imagination as enriched by the respect for innovation and the finest craftsmanship that this product represents.

The timeless beauty of matelassé leather is reinvented both in terms of size and design. A matelassé treatment appears across all bags in a quietly neutral colour palette that is a perfect mirror to the understated and unconventional vision of luxury that the Miu Miu name evokes.

Shown for the first time on the Miu Miu runway in Paris for the F/W 2006 season, elaborately worked matelassé leather is by now so central to the brand’s handwriting that it barely needs a logo to be recognised. Combining sophisticated artistry and artisanal technique with experimentation, the highly distinctive, rich texture of the leather is the ultimate marriage between beauty and practicality.

Matalassé leather’s unique and eased finish is, in fact, achieved by a paradoxically rigorous process that entails pairing panels of elegant nappa leather with wadding and elastic cloth to achieve stretch. Such malleability effortlessly adapts to any contents, just as it does to the form of the person carrying it. Nestling close to the body, a plump surface is as comfortable as it is aesthetically appealing.

Available in Miu Miu stores and on www.miumiu.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
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For S/S 2023, the new Prada Moon bag revisits an iconic model of the 2000s in a modern, conceptual compendium of the brand’s distinctive features from its inestimable archive, bearing witness to Prada’s past, present, and future.

The Moon takes inspiration from multiple, apparently distant worlds, with a versatile yet coherent design that brings together the brand’s signature style, technical expertise honed over many decades and a one-hundred percent contemporary attitude.

Its personality is defined by the details: the large metal buckle in the center – a feature of the model since its first appearance in the S/S 2002 collection – takes on an emblematic character thanks to the enamelled metal triangle logo. Another of the brand’s favourite motifs, the grommet, borrowed from the sailing world, has a structural role, as well as providing a unique and idiosyncratic detail, presented in a metal version with a silver finish.

The unmistakeable nappa leather receives a fresh interpretation: a special treatment gives it a slightly padded appearance that accentuates its lightness.

With a curved silhouette and bold, decisive form, the Prada Moon is available in perfectly monochrome versions including blue, yellow, pink, and green.

It is enhanced by the handles, strap, and stylish removable keyring in matching colours. The compact and harmonious design makes it an eclectic essential – a new Prada classic. The Moon bag is now available at Prada stores worldwide and via prada.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada
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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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A timeless icon perpetually reinvented, the Lady Dior has enjoyed an extraordinary destiny. With its architectural lines exalting the cannage pattern, it encapsulates the very essence of Dior style, its audacious elegance.

Season after season, this emblem’s aura shines on, at the crossroads of modernity and excellence. It has become, more than ever, an object of art and desire, revisited by artists from around the world. Through the most fascinating detour, the Lady Dior is thus transformed into a unique oeuvre, merging heritage and creative visions.

For the seventh edition of the Dior Lady Art project, Ghada Amer, Brian Calvin, Sara Cwynar, Alex Gardner, Shara Hughes, Dorothy Iannone, Minjung Kim, Zhenya Machneva, Bouthayna Al Muftah, Françoise Pétrovitch and Wang Yuyang – from Egypt to the United States, from Qatar to China – have each risen to the challenge of reinterpreting and transforming the iconic bag.

A meeting between Dior and the cultures of the world, this new inspiring carte blanche showcases virtuoso techniques and craftsmanship, driven by a spirit of innovation and limitless inventiveness. Each detail, thought out with infinite meticulousness by the eleven artists, is a tribute to singularity and savoir-faire, opening the doors of the imagination. As a final touch, each of the exceptional reinventions extends the artistic expression to the inside of the bag, revealing several poetic surprises. A celebration of joy and freedom.

All bags are highly limited and in stores in January 2023.

LoL, Sandra

MINJUNG KIM

BRIAN CALVIN

FRANÇOISE PETROVITCH

ZHENYA MACHNEVA

ALEX GARDNER

DOROTHY IANNONE

BOUTHAYNA AL MUFTAH

SARA CWYNAR

GHADA AMER

WANG YUYANG

SHARA HUGHES

Photos: © Dior
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