Sandra‘s Closet

Ten years after its global collaboration, Louis Vuitton launches chapter two of its partnership with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, hitting stores worldwide in January 2023.

Since the creation of Louis Vuitton in 1854, the Maison has nurtured strong ties with the art world, collaborating with a series of artists who have brought their unique vision to Louis Vuitton. These close relationships have produced often radical reworkings of the Maison’s most iconic creations, in the process rewriting the rules of creative collaborations between luxury brands and artists. Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration in 2012 (Part one in July 2012 –  Part two in October 2012) flourished through various universes of the Maison, from exhibitions, products and a series of unique window installations, which included a startingly life-like mannequin modelled after the artist herself.

Finale at the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2023 show in San Diego and some detail shots:

Yayoi Kusama, born in March 1929, is an avant-garde artist whose perspective is expressed through myriad techniques from sculpture, painting, installation, filmmaking, photography, and happening, to writing in a variety of styles. She is regarded as a precursor to Pop and Minimal art, yet her diverse art practices resist any singular classification. Yayoi Kusama’s artworks originated from hallucinations such as where the red flower patterns on a dining table’s tablecloth started to spread across the walls, floor, and even across herself…She has been battling her inner fears and obsessions and pursuing the mysteries of life by depicting the hallucinations she has experienced since her childhood. Please click here for a post about her retrospective in Berlin last year.

Look 51 Louis Vuitton Cruise 2023

As a celebration of the Maison’s relationship with the artist and to mark the 10-year anniversary of the first collaboration, a handful of leather goods were premiered during Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière’s Cruise 2023 fashion show at the Salk Institute in San Diego. These exclusive bags feature a reinterpretation of the artist’s obsessive dots across Louis Vuitton signature shapes as well as on new models. A true first taste of a transversal collaboration that, come January 2023, will radiate through all Maison categories.

More information will be disclosed at a later date.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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PRADA THE SYMBOLE

Subjectivity, interpretation, perspectives. For the campaign celebrating the Prada Symbole handbag, three artists approached the same subject matters – the Symbole, and the actor Hunter Schafer – in a series of divergent and distinct portraits. Three artists, three sides of Prada, three points of view.
A triptych in its conception, the campaign is created by three of art’s modern masters: Catherine Opie, Thomas Ruff and Carrie Mae Weems, symbolic and powerful names, whose work has rarely, if ever, been printed in the form of a fashion campaign. While respecting the processes and meanings inherent to both art and fashion, each questions and challenges the other, to create works that explores the blurred boundaries between these disciplines through mutual exchange.

Catherine Opie

Each artist regards the same figure, and the same object, but their practices, methodology and results are wildly individual. Like the Symbole itself, different sides – different facets – are discovered. Each series of images connects to a cannon of artistic expression: Opie’s work revolves around the body and identity, new codes of beauty – her images seem to sculpt Schafer into a series of triangles, fusing woman and object, Ruff’s reinterprets ready-made images, distorting and manipulating reality – the objective value of a photograph, it questions our ideas of image. Weems connects her imagery to concepts of identity, representation, projection – notions of transformation and courage.

Thomas Ruff

Before each of their lenses, Schafer transforms – an act that, through the art of its creators, reflects her own craft as an actor. The campaign images become character studies – of Hunter Schafer, and the Symbole – composed of triangles, a graphic representation of the codes of Prada.

Carrie Mae Weems

THE PRADA SYMBOLE HANDBAG

A new type of logo, a new concept of an emblem – the Prada Symbole handbag is inspired by Prada’s iconic Triangle. Precise, direct, meaningful, it is a shape that resonates without words. Drawn from Prada’s heritage, it is reinvented for today – where the Triangle, alone, says Prada.
The Triangle was first used by Mario Prada – founder of the brand – in 1913, as a mark of quality and craft, a symbol of luxury. Today, it has become a shape immediately associated with Prada – echoing the shape of the ‘A’ of the brand’s name, a distinct and unique marker intrinsically tied to the history and identity of Prada.

In the Symbole, the Triangle becomes a luxurious jacquard – woven into the very fabric of the handbag. Geometric, modern, multi-faceted, it is a wordless assertion of Prada’s unmistakable persona. The Symbole couples this to a versatile tote, trimmed in Saffiano leather and proposed in a variety of sizes – a style as multi-faceted as its surface. Here, the Triangle retains its century- old role as a stamp of approval, expressing the highest level of craftsmanship synonymous with Prada.
The Symbole – like the Triangle itself – is a symbol of the ethos of Prada. Past, present, future.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada – Talent: Hunter Schafer
Artists: Catherine Opie, Thomas Ruff, Carrie Mae Weems Creative Director: Ferdinando Verderi

Wander – to roam, to explore, indulge curiosity. To discover. Those instincts inspire the Miu Wander handbag by Miuccia Prada, that I showed you for the first time in January (click here for the previous post), a rediscovery and re-exploration of the identity of Miu Miu, through a new perspective.

The Miu Wander delineates the codes of Miu Miu with a fresh attitude. Executed in the tactile Matelassé leather, simultaneously playful and sophisticated, that has become a Miu Miu hallmark, the curved lines of the Wander underscore an omnipresent femininity. The pillowy surface invites touch, yet the easy handle – punched through the body of the bag itself – offers innate practicality, fusing pragmatism with decoration. It gives you the freedom to wander at will.

In the same spirit, the actor Sydney Sweeney – of Euphoria and The White Lotus – stars as the face of the Miu Wander, within a campaign photographed by Tyrone Lebon. The spirit of rebellion embodied by Sydney’s characters mirrors the ethos of Miu Miu, a twisted luxury energised by youthful rule-breaking – the hallmark of the Miu Miu girl, here embodied anew.

Across the campaign, Sydney is reframed within her craft, captured in imagery that recalls classic film stills. These portraits seem like fragments of a wider narrative, enigmatic and elusive – switching between different contexts, different moods and feelings, they encourage the viewer to imagine scenarios, devise plots. They inspire the mind to wander.

TO SHOP THE MIU WANDER BAG ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu  – Talent: Sydney Sweeney – Photographer: Tyrone Lebon – Stylist: Lotta Volkova – Creative direction: Lina Kutsovskaya (BeGood Studios)
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Brigitte Bardot is one of our favorite Parisian style icons. This season, the legendary actress graces the covers of the latest Olympia Le-Tan book clutches.

With four designs, the Maison pays tribute to Brigitte Bardot’s cultural impact, from her glamorous signature choucroute hairstyle to her eye-catching winged eyeliners to her escapades in St. Tropez to even her role in Jean-Luc Godard’s Le mépris’ (Contempt).

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION BOOK CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Exuding the energy of a California spring, the Spring in the City collection delivers the perfect seasonal wardrobe, from city break to coastal getaway.

Adopting a colour gradient inspired by the vibrant palette of a spring sunrise, the new pieces feature Monogram-printed silk and Damier Graphite-printed denim. The collection is ideally complemented by Monogram Flower Louisette earrings. Guided by freedom and comfort, Louis Vuitton’s emblematic designs exude a sunny California glow. Iconic pieces such as the Papillon, Petit Sac Plat and Onthego bags dazzle in the collection, updated with a glossy 3D effect. The designs are dressed in shades of warm beige, powder pink and blush, colours reminiscent of a leisurely day at the beach.

From deserts to lush gardens, t-shirts printed with palm trees contrast with the collection’s high-waisted cargo pants and safari shorts, while raffia and embossed leather are a call to sit back and unwind. Like a second skin, the ultra-lightweight gradient nylon jacket complements the collection’s beachy silhouettes and warm sandy tones.

The designs, with their delicate yet striking colours and graphic lines, herald a radiant spring. Bright, urban and sunny, the collection is an invitation to a spring escape.

LoL, Sandra

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

Now that you know all about the S/S 2022 bag trends, I put together for you a list to shop each trend immediately off the runway. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the respective online shop. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

BOWLING BAG
Logo-print bowling bag by Diesel

BOXY
Small leather shoulder bag by Jil Sander

FANTASY
Bottle-shaped crossbody bag by Moschino

HEART
Heart biker leather crossbody bag by Moschino

MINIATURE
Hourglass mini crocodile-effect leather bag by Balenciaga

MULTIPLE
Esme small suede and leather pouch and Esme small suede and leather shoulder bag, both by Ulla Johnson

SLOUCHY
Luna Anagram-strap leather shoulder bag by Loewe

SQUARE
Medium Carolyn tote bag by Prada

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

After two years of being rather in lockdown than looking fancy on the streets, handbags are back to being a daily essential. Here is a summary which bags ruled on the S/S 2022 runways and are guaranteed to be all over the feeds this summer season.

LoL, Sandra

This 90s favorite makes its comeback this season.

Watch out for curvy lines and geometric shapes like those cylindrical bags reminiscent of our old pencil cases.

These bags lend a touch of fantasy to every silhouette.

Those heart shaped bags are great investments for many romantic dinners to come.

Classic designs slim down a size for maximum impact.

The more the merrier, carrying many bags is still trending.

Fashionistas will be seen with slouchy hobo bags slung over her arms this season.

Sleek, square bags instantly win a spot on the must-have wish-list.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

After two chapters of The North Face x Gucci (Chapter One – Chapter Two), the collaboration expands to Vault, Gucci’s experimental online space envisioned by Creative Director Alessandro Michele. With both brands embodying the spirit of exploration, The North Face x Vault collaboration presents a limited run of just 150 brightly colored Base Camp Duffels available exclusively on Vault’s website.

Launched in 2021, Vault continuously ventures into uncharted territories in luxury through unexpected collaborations with brands that speak to its forward-thinking ethos. From the moment its first store opened in San Francisco in 1966, The North Face has united travelers and adventurers across the globe. Known for its durable, ergonomic and high-performance designs, its apparel and equipment have become the choice of athletes and explorers from the metropolis to the mountaintop. Today, by merging their creative codes, The North Face and Vault propose a piece for those pursuing unique finds.

Legendary for its rugged construction, The North Face’s Base Camp Duffel is reimagined with a playful pattern inspired by Vault for the collaboration. Made from sustainable weather-resistant material, the bag features adjustable shoulder straps and padded side handles that can be carried or worn as a backpack.

LoL, Sandra

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

This S/S 2022 season, statement bags are coming in crystal. Although these crystal bags are ideal for a night out, they definitely don’t have to be limited to just your evening parties and black tie galas. Pair a crystal-embellished bag with a simple, neutral look to update your favorite pieces as a welcome twist.

Get shopping, below, on my choice crystal bags for going out or not, I promise they won’t disappoint.

LoL, Sandra

Embellished Cleo shoulder bag by Prada

Skull Four-Ring studded crystal clutch bag by Alexander McQueen

Hourglass crystal-embellished cross-body bag by Balenciaga

Cubo crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana

Crystal-embellished clutch bag by Benedetta Bruzziches

The Falabella mini crystal-embellished vegetarian brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Roman Stud medium crystal-embellished quilted suede shoulder bag by Valentino

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography, Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For the S/S 2022 season, Miu Miu introduces the Miu Wander bag.
A classic hobo design, the Miu Wander is crafted in lightweight Econyl, a regenerated material that testify the brand’s increased commitment to sustainability, here enriched by the iconic matelassé workmanship normally associated with Miu Miu’s best-loved leather goods. Emphasising the contrasts at the heart of the Miu Miu name, the utilitarian nature of the nylon is juxtaposed with the intricacy of the process involved to achieve the depth and plumpness of the matelassé surface.

The Miu Wander bag is available in Miu Miu stores, and online.

LoL, Sandra

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