Have a look at Prada`s new Print Collection, a limited-edition line that will be in stores mid-May. The vintage-inspired dresses, an ode to the fifties, will be available in cotton and silk materials with selected prints from the Prada`s archives starting at €490.-. Also very charming are the colourful chain strap bags (€790.-) and the bow embellished ballet flats.
What a lovely way to welcome spring…
LoL, Sandra
Are you looking for a great evening bag? I have one for you: The Pochette Rococo by Louis Vuitton. The fabric is amazing. Each sequin is printed with the iconic Monogram pattern. I am totally in love with this passion for detail.
The pochette will be available from May 1st for CHF 2110.- in three different colour combinations: black with gold, purple with silver and (my favourite) silver with purple Monogram print.
I got so many compliments on my Mini Noé Rococo bag from the Cruise 2010 collection when the stunning material was first introduced that I don`t want you to miss the new pochette.
Have a closer look at my Mini Noé Rococo bag. Aren`t those printed sequins so cute?
It is an opulent bag with an edgy accent that will work for a black tie gala as well as for a dinner in jeans and blazer. A perfect little piece of decoration for you.
Happy Sparkling!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
After my last Tuesday post, I have received so many e-mails from you asking me about my XXL Chanel bag that I wore on one of the photos.
The very large version of Chanel`s iconic 2.55 bag was presented last F/W 2009/10 for the first time in black vernis leather and was spotted immediately on stylist Rachel Zoe. For S/S 2010 the oversized model has appeared once more in grey denim but only a very limited number was produced. I am totally in love with this bag. It gives me a this “Alice in Wonderland” feeling being so big compared to my stature.
The story behind the legendary bag that has always been en vogue is magical. The 2.55 takes its name from the month and year when it was launched by Coco Chanel: February 1955. Her idea was to create a shoulder bag to free up her hands. The traditional hand-held bags were simply no longer practical. Therefore her introduction of the chain strap revolutionized fashion of its time.
In 2005, in celebration of the 2.55`s 50th anniversary, Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel`s designer since 1983) revived the bag exactly as Coco Chanel had made it and launched the Reissue. As a new member of the traditional Chanel 2.55 family, the updated version has got a turn clasp (Chanel term: Mademoiselle Lock) instead of the classic interlocking CC closure introduced in the `80s (Chanel term: Classic Flap) and a chain strap without the interwoven leather accent. Both variations are available each season in many different ways.
2.55 with Classic Flap
XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock
Interesting to know is that the bag arrives folded into the stores and can be packed like this for travelling which makes it very convenient (see photo to the left). It is said that Karl Lagerfeld found one of Coco`s previous 2.55 models on a shelf, squeezed together between some books. As the shape of the bag was still in perfect condition, he has adopted that idea for his relaunch.
In case those bags are appealing to you, go to the nearest Chanel store and have a look. If you are there, please do not miss out this summer`s It- shoes:
Chanel`s “5 O`clogs” (love that name) are the hottest ones of all.
To me, Coco Chanel deserves the Nobel Prize post mortem. We owe her the LBD (Little Black Dress), stretch materials, pants and the chain strap. By banishing the corsets, she has been the pioneer of modern wearable womenswear. Thanks, Coco!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via missylovely
Have a look at Miu Miu`s new S/S 2010 Special Edition of light and transparent handbags that will be available exclusively in Miu Miu Stores from May. The iconic bag has been reworked in plex with silkscreened birds and comes in five different colours. As transparency is a big trend this season, this would be a great piece to own.
LoL, Sandra
Are you tired of seeing your new bag hanging on other shoulders in the city? Would you love to have a designer bag in good quality just for yourself?
Fendi has the solution: The DIY Baguette Bag. The raffia (trend material this summer) bag in the iconic baguette shape comes in a pretty presentation box including a DIY embroidery kit with multicoloured threads, needles, thimbles and inspirations for your arts and crafts. I love the idea of creating an individual hand made piece and still having a brand accessory but I don`t agree with the price. Almost €800.- that I am doing most of the work myself is definitely too much.
Great concept – bad pricing!
LoL, Sandra
In the last two weeks, after the release of the Weltwoche Style edition, I have received so many lovely e-mails from my Swiss readers asking me about the black leather jacket that I am wearing in the photo.
It is from Balmain`s last F/W 2009 collection and definitely one of my favourite pieces in my closet. The sleek cut is divine and emphasises all the good parts of the body. The metal chain adorning one sleeve gives it a rock-chic appearance and can also be removed. Stylists around the world love this motorcycle jacket in supersoft leather as you can see above.
But no worries if you missed that one, Christophe Decarnin designed two other interesting variations for this summer. The cut has remained the same, but colours and materials follow the newest trends: military and denim. I can recommend both as those are the perfect stylish addition to your wardrobe.
Beyoncé was seen recently at a basketball game wearing Balmain`s canvas version in olive green paired with a pair of Balmain`s camouflage jeans and some rivet suede pumps by Brian Atwood. This military jacket is one of the season`s It-pieces. But be aware, there is no chance to hide in this stunning look !
Style icon Kate Moss was spotted several times in Balmain`s denim jacket that she combined with her beloved Superfine Blondie skinny jeans and her Kate Moss for Longchamp zebra print bag that she created in collaboration with the French house.
The Balmain pieces are available through www.net-a-porter.com or for the Swiss fashionistas at Trois Pommes and Designer am See.
LoL, Sandra
There has been a talk about the Fendi Peek-A-Boo bag since a few seasons, but all of a sudden it comes out of hiding and has reached the It-bag status. Created by Karl Lagerfeld and shown for the first time at the Fendi S/S 2009 runway, it has appeared in every Fendi show since then in different materials and colours. For the opening of their prestigious new shop in Las Vegas at the MGM Hotel, Fendi launched a limited Peek-A-Boo edition in 24 carats gold leaves (see picture above) for approximately $36.000. Spotted on many celebrities in various sizes, the shape of the bag is very Birkin-esque but with only one handle like the famous Kelly bag. It has a “kangaroo pouch” that can be draped open. The tote is very sophisticated but not looking to bourgeois like his Hermès forerunners plus the prices are far more attractive.
I am totally in love with them. Especially the unclasped look gives the bag a kind of sloughy cool appearance. My only problem is to decide which one I prefer as there are sooooo many beautiful versions out there. This summer my favourite model is the tapestry one but probably it is worth waiting with a view to the stunning yellow leopard version from the upcoming winter collection, see below.
For my Swiss based readers, Bongénie Grieder carries those bags.
Have you decided yet?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Fendi
I am welcoming spring today with my new Louis Vuitton Bohemian Monogram Cheche cross body bag. The textile is very soft and comfortable with dazzling hints of coloured leather that comes in red (like the one I am wearing) or blue. The fabric is innovative due to a new weaving process that creates the black-on-beige jacquard pattern with fluorescent and lurex threads woven through. The lining is made from bright soft calfskin leather and so pretty. On the runway the bags were presented with long attached tassels that are available seperately. Today I am finishing off the look with the matching colourful Monogram Cheche stole and a nautical dress from the cruise collection. It feels unbelievably fresh and summery.
Below you can find all different models of this line. I tried them all and my favourite was definitely the Bohemian. Which one will be yours? Have a look at your nearest Louis Vuitton store.
Bohemian Red
Bohemian Blue
Gypsy PM Vert
Gypsy GM Blue
Tuareg Blue
Probably you are wondering why I have been showing you so many Louis Vuitton bags recently. This season they are my absolute favourites. Great shapes, innovative materials and extraordinary colours with that little edgy New Age twist convinced me right away.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
Welcome spring with Louis Vuitton`s Cosmic Blossom collection – a new collaboration with Takashi Murakami. After the success of the Monogram Cerise, Eye Love Monogram, Monogramouflage and Monogram Multicolore, Louis Vuitton presents the cute smiling flowers (the blossoms have been the Japanese artist`s signature work for a long time) in three vibrant colours (rose, blue and violet) on leather goods, ready-to-wear and accessories. The collection is modeled by Daisy Lowe and will be available at Louis Vuitton stores on April 15th 2010.
Interesting to know is that Louis Vuitton has developed a new serigraphy technique to give the leather goods a superb glossy effect and intense colour.
Takashi Murakami`s artistic style is called “Superflat” and comments on “otaku“, the Japanese lifestyle with obsessive interests, particularly in anime, manga or video games as well as consumerism and fetishism. The printed artwork shows mostly flat planes of colour and graphic images involving characters from the Japanese comic world.
Some of my own Murakami - Louis Vuitton pieces that I collected over the years.
I love Louis Vuitton`s Cosmic Blossom flower power and will surely get a piece for my little Murakami collection!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
Katie Holmes was spotted in Jamaica on her way to a helicopter carrying the large Sofia top handle flap bag by Salvatore Ferragamo in the trend colour mercury. But what truly got my attention was the smaller version in the hands of her daughter Suri Cruise. The two bags were a Christmas present by the Italian fashion house.
But the twin look is no surprise. The 3-old and her mom are often seen dressed indentically, most of the time in outfits designed by Katie for her Holmes& Yang (her partner is the stylist Jeanne Yang) line of clothing that came out last year and is available exclusively at Maxfield, L.A. by special order (+1 310 274- 8800).
The Ferragamo bag comes in different colours and materials and has a “Kelly bag” style flap with signature hardware. If you like it, have a look at www.luisaviaroma.com. They sell a large variety. Some of the python models are even marked down and a great way of getting your hands on the trend material for accessories next summer: Snake skin! The “Sofia” is not an It-bag, but a classic companion for many seasons to come.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Ferragamo
