Sandra‘s Closet

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.

Presented for the first time at the S/S 2022 show, the CHANEL 22 bag is the House’s latest bag imagined by Virginie Viard. Like its predecessor – the CHANEL 19 created in 2019 – its name refers to both the year of its creation and a powerful symbol in CHANEL’s numerology: in 1922, N°22 was launched, the House’s second fragrance after N°5 created in 1921.

Anchored firmly in its time, the CHANEL 22 bag combines simplicity and comfort. Functional and light, made of an extremely supple yet resistant leather, this bag comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) and as a backpack version. For summer, it is available in navy blue, purple, and two shades of pink, white and black.

Ever loyal to Gabrielle Chanel’s desire to give women freedom of movement and spirit, the CHANEL 22 bag is a genuine ally for daily life. Its interior, sophisticated and practical, closes with a magnetic button and purse-like drawstrings. It features an inside zipped pocket and a removable pouch held in place by a snap hook.

The CHANEL 22 bag adopts the codes of the House, from the quilted leather and metal chain interlaced with leather to the «CHANEL» signature composed of gold or lacquered metal letters. Finally, it comes adorned with a «CHANEL Paris» medallion with an openwork double C. Modern and refined, the result of the House’s creative energy, it is destined to become a timeless CHANEL creation.

A veritable object of desire, the CHANEL 22 bag writes a new chapter in the history of the House, combining creativity and liberty. It will be available in boutiques from March 2022.

Ladies, get on the wait lists now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I am absolutely loving it.

Louis Vuitton revisits its iconic bags in Monogram Jacquard Denim.
A staple of every woman’s wardrobe, denim is a firm favourite in Louis Vuitton’s collections, especially when refreshed with the Monogram motif. This season, the timeless pattern adorns a chic and easy-to-wear leather goods collection.

From the Onthego tote bag to the Speedy, Loop and Dauphine models, Louis Vuitton’s iconic designs now come in Monogram Jacquard Denim. Embellished with Monogram, the washed denim look is achieved through a jacquard weaving technique exclusively developed for this collection.
As well as perfectly imitating the appearance of denim, this innovative method makes the material strong yet supple, and ensures that the colours and patterns won’t fade over time.

I love the Dauphine bag in Monogram Jacquard Denim.

With its top stitched leather trim, each model is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The lining’s fabric appears in negative, giving the impression that it is the reverse of the bag’s exterior design. The collection is available from now.

Cute little Nano Speedy in pink Monogram Jacquard Denim.

With the bags and small leather goods available in essential navy, three charming models will also boast a pink colour way: the Nano Speedy, Zippy wallet and Micro Pochette Accessoires. Five iconic models will be offered exclusively in China: Petit Noe, Square Bag, Dauphine Mini, Petite Malle and Nano Speedy.

Will undust my Mini Pleaty Monogram Denim bag from the 2000s.

If you are like me a longtime Louis Vuitton fan, you will remember the House’s iconic Denim Monogram collection from the mid-2000s. I am so happy that I have kept everything, now this jacquard feels incredibly fresh and modern again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

After Daniel Lee‘s success at Bottega Veneta releasing the uber fabulous The Pouch bag, there is the new hit in line. I am completely obsessed with The Point that is named for its triangular top handles, which are an established house signature.

Making a fashion statement: The Pouch in the large size.

As The Pouch – especially in the big size (which is the most recognizable fashion statement) – isn’t always the most practical when it comes to carrying as it doesn’t come with shoulder straps, I was really excited for The Point.

Available in a beautiful range of colours and textures in two sizes, small and medium, each one has a structured magnetic frame and knotted shoulder strap, which can easily be concealed inside if you prefer to carry it by the distinctive ‘V’ top handle.

I went for the small size, which I find perfect, in the lime color. Bottega Veneta is really great when it comes to colors. The shades are special and all so beautiful.

There are many different versions of The Point already, from the classic in a range of unexpected but delightful colors as well as other intricate interpretations like this one below in pink intrecciato woven leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter and Bottega Veneta, Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images, David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

If you are living in Switzerland, you will definitely know AVANZAR, the brainchild of Margarita Heredia Forster. The dual Ecuadorian-Swiss citizen established the Swiss-based foundation in 1999 to enable disadvantaged women in her home country Ecuador and their families to lead a self-determined life in economic independence by teaching them skills and know-how. The foundation is financed entirely by charitable donations from private individuals and institutions; numerous volunteers also support AVANZAR in its administration and daily work in the programs it offers.

Teamwork: Flo und Margarita

AVANZAR develops its own programs to meet the social and economic needs of underprivileged women who fall outside the scope of what the government and private sector offer. For example, Atelier Avanzar has been very successful in producing fashionable knitted bags. The designs are created in collaboration with the well-known Zurich accessory designer Florence Bachofen-Székely, and the bags are sold in the Atelier’s online store as well as at private sales and fairs.

This F/W 2021 season, the bags are extremely beautiful and I absolutely love the mood of the campaign.

GIORGIA
This yarn and leather crossbody bag with its sober design has the perfect size so you really want to carry it with you every day. The adjustable leather handle is attached to the bag with pretty brass-colored rings and rivets. The bag closes securely with a zipper that has a leather tassel detail. Inside there is a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

ADA FRINGES
This soft bag with its snap closure and eye-catching leather fringe detail is the perfect accessory to complement the trendy boho look. Thanks to its volume it is a practical and fashionable companion, always and everywhere. The easiest way is to squeeze it casually under your arm or carry it in your hand. In the spacious interior there is a zippered compartment in which valuables can be safely stored.

SELVA
This medium-sized handbag in leo pattern spices up any outfit! It can be worn comfortably with the adjustable nylon handle over the shoulder or as a crossbody. The short handles made from the softest leather make it pleasant to carry the bag by hand or in the crook of the arm. A zipper closes the bag securely, and inside it has a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

WUAPA VINTAGE
The embossed leather details on the side of this bag create this coveted vintage look. It has plenty of space and soft leather handles lie comfortably on the shoulder or over the arm. On the sides, this bag has decorative elements created from leather and hook closures, and it is lined with water-repellent nylon fabric. It closes with a magnetic closure. Inside it has a zippered compartment for valuables and a leather strap with a hook for your keychain.

LAURA
This bag is the perfect companion through everyday life. It impresses with subtle details and accents: Rivets and knitwear make it an easy statement piece. The shape reminiscent of a saddle bag offers generous space. Valuables are safely stowed in the zippered interior compartment, and thanks to two additional interior compartments, even small items will not get lost.My Swiss based readers can explore the collection live during the Atelier Days in the first week of November at Erlengut in Erlenbach / Lake Zurich, Erlengutstrasse 1a, where 20 labels will present their collections.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9 am – 6 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Avanzar / Atelier Avanzar
#DoGood #BuyGood

Louis Vuitton invites six new artists to join its Artycapucines collection.

The 2021 Artycapucines Collection sees six more leading contemporary artists bring their unique visions to Louis Vuitton’s timeless and feminine classic: the Capucines bag. The third chapter of Louis Vuitton’s limited-edition, artist-designed Artycapucines Collection is further proof of the bag’s ability to inspire unbridled creativity.

For this latest collection, six internationally acclaimed artists – Gregor Hildebrandt, Donna Huanca, Huang Yuxing, Vik Muniz, Paola Pivi, and Zeng Fanzhi – have transformed the blank canvas of the iconic bag named after Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, the Parisian street on which Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854.

After the first two Artycapucines chapters, the six new bags attest to the collection’s ability to blend the beauty and creativity of the artists’ talent with the ingenuity and absolute craftmanship of the House’s skilled artisans: Gregor Hildebrandt’s stunning black-and-white design with its screen-printed leather and LV signature inlaid with vinyl records; Donna Huanca’s precise, powerful and tactile bag with its hand-painted embroidery and piercing rings; the beautifully embroidered and brilliantly coloured fantasy landscape of Huang Yuxing’s Capucines; Vik Muniz’s characteristically joyful design with its effervescent trompe l’oeil effects and playful aesthetic; the complex leather marquetry and rich gold-leaf gilding of Paola Pivi’s creation; and Zeng Fanzhi’s reinterpretation of a Van Gogh self-portrait brought to life with over 700,000 remarkably worked embroidery stitches.

The Artycapucines Collection, which now contains 18 distinctive designs from celebrated artists including Henry Taylor, Beatriz Milhazes, Urs Fischer, Zhao Zhao, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Tschabalala Self, once again reveals the House’s long-running desire to use its innovative spirit and artisanal expertise to help creative minds bring their ideas to life.

Each bag embodies the House’s unending commitment to savoir-faire and craft, while affirming the Capucines as the ultimate expression of Louis Vuitton’s timeless elegance.

Each bag in the the Artycapucines collection will be available for CHF 7900 in a limited edition of 200 and released in stores worldwide at the end of October 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. I am absolutely in love with this collaboration.

A match made in heaven! Maison Ladurée and the Olympia Le-Tan brand have teamed up to create a collector’s edition macaron box and an exclusive collection of two embroidered book clutch bags.

Olympia Le-Tan took inspiration from its famous book clutch bags to design a macaron box shaped like a book with gilt-edge pages encasing a cheerful array of scrumptious Ladurée delights. The Ladurée pastry chefs have created a special citrus Rose Champagne macaron for this occasion.

«Le Buffet Festif» box with a selection of 9 macarons is available at Ladurée from September 8th.

The two limited edition Olympia Le-Tan x Ladurée embroidery book clutch bags will be available only from certain Olympia Le-Tan retailers and online olympialetan.com from September 15th.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan / Ladurée

In recent times, traveling has become something special. We are not taking it for granted anymore. Luxury is a way of life. This GUCCI knows very well, that is why the Italian brand has created a tote bag inspired by different summer hot spots in the world.

Crafted in the style of a retro postcard, each shopper is personalized with colors, trims and a leather tag unique to the location it represents. A bag as unique as the memories of that place and your way of showing where you have been besides your Instagram account. My mantra? Bags speaks louder than photos… haha!

Those shoppers are all exclusive editions, there are only a few pieces available of each model, which can only be purchased, of course, in the destination in which they are inspired. The exclusivity and uniqueness of each bag is aligned with its distinguished design, with beachy and somewhat vintage airs. Just a few models can be purchased on the GUCCI website along with some other limited edition ready-to-wear pieces and shoes as well as on NET-A-PORTER.

Cannes, Capri, Ibiza, Mykonos, Phuket, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, among others, GUCCI’s new tote bag travels the world, embodying the essence of different destinations; one of them, Saint Tropez where I have been spending part of my summer. This is the only model that doesn’t carry the main motif of the design, the name of the destination engraved in gold on leather in the center. The sales person at the GUCCI store in Saint-Tropez explained to me that they didn’t get permission of the city to use it. I found this one the most special beause of the exclusion and also because of the stunning color combination of pink and orange which I love.

Summer has been and always will be that invitation to enjoy the little things: enjoy the rays of the sun that become energy for our spirit or a breeze that refreshes our soul. Now you can carry a bag that was part of a summer that will hopefully always be worth remembering.

LoL, Sandra

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