Sandra‘s Closet

Here is the glorious family of bags and luggage, the House’s fascinating icons that carry the whole Louis Vuitton saga with them. They proudly sport the Monogram, the renowned trunk-maker’s seal, a canvas created by Georges Vuitton in 1896 in homage to his father, the founder.

Nicolas Ghesquière has brought it to life in a thousand different ways, taken it to the limit, and crafted it in all the colours of the rainbow! «It’s the House icon to be treated with the utmost respect,» he explains. «It has real graphic purity. And I like giving it other personalities, which renew its desirability.» With Nicolas Ghesquière, it has been switched around for the Monogram Reverse and given oversized expression with the Monogram Giant. Always driven by a love of beauty, it is passed down from generation to generation.

The Monogram Speedy Bandoulière
Created in 1930, the iconic Speedy today features a shoulder strap for even greater freedom of movement around town and wherever you go.

The Monogram Giant Boîte Chapeau Souple
The perfect little city bag with a charming style, reminiscent of elegant and grand travels around the globe.

The Monogram and Monogram Reverse Dauphine Bumbag
A charming version of the Dauphine allowing for freedom of movement.

The Monogram and Monogram Reverse Dauphine
A marvel straight from the seventies, an impeccable House creation that is more up-to-date than ever, playing on all the Monogram’s variations.

The Monogram NéoNoé
A great House classic, initially created in 1932 to hold champagne bottles. Indelibly linked to the pleasures of a gentle stroll and adding a little sparkle to life.

The Monogram Petite Malle
Inspired by photographer Albert Kahn’s trunk, it is already a House icon. The Petite Malle is a timeless classic, now and always.

The Monogram Giant Onthego Tote Bag
The best friend of women who want to keep everything close at hand. It draws admiring glances with the brand new Monogram Giant design.

LoL, Sandra

© Photographer: Craig McDean
Fashion: Marie-Amélie Sauvé

Working out of French ateliers, HERMÈS has earned a reputation for using the finest leathers in the world—not to mention, each bag is crafted by the same pair of hands, from start to finish. In partnership with Heritage Auctions, MODA OPERANDI brings you a mix of classic and more contemporary shapes, as well as incredibly rare styles that prove there’s an HERMÈS bag to suit every woman. Think Birkins, Kellys, and more in pretty much every colour under the rainbow and every size produced.

Whether you are in mind to shop or browse, click HERE now to view the collection as styles are selling out. The prices are high, you see, those bags are an investment.
Below are my personal favorites:

Designed in the late 19th century, this was the precursor to the infamous Birkin. You won’t find a more fabulous weekender anywhere else: HERMÈS 40cm Lime Evercolor Leather And Toile Birkin HAC.

If you are a Kelly girl, than this will be a must. The owl print dates back to 1990 and is a one-off, meaning only a few were ever produced: HERMÈS 20cm Rouge Vif Calf Box And Silk Kelly.

My personal favorite: a work of art, only the most skilled artisans are able to weave the delicate wicker (and Hermès no longer makes this size): HERMÈS 35cm Osier And Fauve Osier Wicker And Barenia Leather Kelly Picnic.

Tell your hubby you found an extremely savvy investment: pink in an exotic skin sells for the highest prices at auction: HERMÈS 28cm Rose Tyrien Ostrich Sellier Kelly.

Classic and absolutely beautiful in a vibrant colour: HERMÈS 35cm Blue Zanzibar Togo Leather Birkin.

The bags will ship within two weeks from order date.
Expected to ship Nov 16, 2018 – Dec 30, 2018.

TO SHOP THE LARGE SELECTION OF VINTAGE HERMÈS BAGS, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

My first Prada moment was in my French class in school when I spotted my teacher with an interesting bag in nylon (how I looked at that time you can see above, blonde as hell…). It must have been in 1989 or 1990. The Italian fashion house had just launched its first women’s ready-to-wear collection and was on its way due to its originality to become one of the most influential fashion houses and a premium status symbol of the ’90s. The designs came to be known for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts as well as the use of unusual fabrics. Prada has always been an emotional brand for me. Probably because I started to collect it from the first season. Most men don’t understand Miuccia’s style and I had many funny discussions about it as I was always drawn to it. It made me feel independent and strong while of course feeling extremely fashionable.

One of my first Prada pieces I got was the famous «Vela» nylon backpack in black that accompanied me through my high school years (see photo above). For being over 20 years old, it looks pretty fantastic! Launched in 1984 in an “industrial-weight nylon used for army tents,” according to Vogue, the utile house classic evolved into its best-known form in 1987.

Vela Backpack by Prada

Now the label’s signature backpack is back on the streets and on its way to become again a must-have. Just as coveted as in the early ‘90s, this sporty-chic style will take you through off-duty dressing on a decidedly chic note. The Vela is just roomy enough to hold all your essentials safe, while keeping you supremely stylish and the nylon material is great when you hit the rain.

The modern version of 2016: Robot Backpack by Prada

Great news is that Prada finally made it into the world of online shopping and is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter and Mytheresa.com.

This post inspired me to show you in the near future a Prada look of each season that I collected over the years. Going down memory lane can be quite emotional, especially as I link events to outfits and scents. I may not remember your name but I will never forget what you wore when we met… it is just the way my brain is structured, embracing a deep love of fashion that I hopefully spread with this blog!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Vogue/Hans Feurer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I arrived in Cuba and was greeted by CHANEL in my hotel room with a lovely surprise: a very cute straw hat created in collaboration with Maison Michel, the famous hat-maker and milliner that was acquired by the House of CHANEL as one of its specialty ateliers.

The first thing popping up in my mind was, how is this shape called? Is it a Panama or a Havana hat, a feodora or a trilby…? Here is a little guide for you so that you will become a real insider.

The easiest thing to remember is that the rim of a fedora curls up while the rim of a panama hat is straight. A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat which in shape resembles the Tyrolean hat.

Straight rim: straw Panama hat by Rag & Bone.

The rim curls up: grosgrain-trimmed woven paper fedora by Melissa Odabash.

Narrow-brimmed: gradient trilby hat by Diesel.

Trendy, the floppy brim: sunny sequined straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim.

Straw hats in all shapes have already become a must-have accessory for fashionistas everywhere as they are the perfect addition to a summery look. So ladies, hold on to your hats, many exciting things are waiting for you during the next days!

Ernest Hemingway wears the look of the successful novelist in Paris, in 1927, just after his book, “The Sun Also Rises,” hit the bestseller list. (AP Photo/Charles Scribner Sons)

I am leaving now an a Hemingway tour which will take me on a journey, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers here in Cuba. In 1940 Hemingway, with his new wife Martha, purchased a home outside Havana where he would live for the next twenty years. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

DIOR has become synonymous with its trendy must-have fashion items—the Tribale double pearl earrings, the So Real mirrored sunnies favored by celebrities around the world. And now the buzz is about the new DIORESSENCE – the French Maison’s most perfect pump!

The flattering décolleté and the pointed extremity elongate the leg and underscore the arch of the foot; the heel, done entirely in leather, which accentuates its delicateness, height and pitch elongates the silhouette and highlights the curve of the leg. Slightly impertinent, Dioressence is the new Dior stiletto.

Making of the new Dioressence pump

Made a few kilometers outside of Venice, Italy, where shoemaking know-how is a story of passion and regroups more than 100 manufacturing steps, Dioressence heels come in a variety of materials – in satin-finished lamb, patent or iridescent calf leather –, and a wide array of colors, including two essential shades closely associated with the Maison: Black, which Christian Dior considered the most elegant of colors, and pale pink, which he considered “the color of happiness and femininity.”

For the more daring, this shoe comes in ochre, military green, cognac, Trafalgar red, bronze, white, anthracite gray and shades of blue from ink and azure to navy and midnight.

The colorful Dioressence signs a silhouette and elevates it, making it even more sublime.

“A touch of color can be enough to change your appearance. Heels go with everything.”
Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Fashionistas love fashionable and oh-so practical tote bags. Whether classic or reinvented, this handbag shape should be atop your must-have accessory wish list. A keeper forever!

1 Monogramme Cabas medium leather tote by Saint Laurent
2 Bamboo Shopper medium textured-leather tote by Gucci
3 Liberty leather tote by Victoria Beckham
4 Paloma small spiked leather tote by Christian Louboutin
5 Le Dix Cabas textured-leather tote by Balenciaga
6 Intrecciato leather tote by Bottega Veneta
7 Joy medium textured-leather tote by Tod’s
8 The Rockstud medium leather tote by Valentino

My avid readers have seen me a gazillion times with my Bamboo Shopper large textured-leather tote by Gucci. I adore this bag, so practical, stylish and easy to carry. Perfect for travelling!

More than 30 years after it was introduced, it is still one of the most exclusive tote bags in the world: the Hermès Birkin Bag, a true classic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The House of Yves Saint Laurent celebrates a half-century of fragrance creation. Fifty years marked by unforgettable elixirs, fragrances that have become references, benchmarks, icons.

This fall, «Le Vestiaire des Parfums» will launch, a wardrobe of fragrances, that includes 5 new scents that are inspired by the house’s iconic fashion creations.

THE TRENCH

Trench coat from Yves Saint Laurent’s  F/W 99 collection.

Trench is a citrusy fragrance with dry cedar and iris.

THE CABAN JACKET

The first cabin jacket in 1962.

Caban is a sensual fragrance with notes of pink pepper, rose and tonka bean.

THE SAFARI TOP

Veruschka in YSL Safari Ensemble by Franco Rubartelli, Vogue Paris July/ August 1968.

Saharienne is fresh due to its ingredients of neroli, wild herbs and white musk.

THE CAFTAN

Yves Saint Laurent loved Morocco and caftans himself.

Caftan is an oriental scent that contains incense, benzoin, galbanum and musk.

THE TUXEDO

Created in 1966, the ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo suit for women was the first of its kind to earn attention in the fashion world. Photo by Helmut Newton.

Tuxedo is the most masculine among the five with notes of patchouli and a spice accord.

Available from November 2015 for CHF 350 (125ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Since its launch last year, Bottega Veneta KNOT has become a huge success and once you smell it you will understand why. It is so airy and abounds in floral sparkling notes. After my first spritz, I have been hooked ever since.

The name is an homage to the Italian brand’s beloved KNOT clutch and the cap of the bottle echoes the bag’s iconic knot-shaped closure. Being one of the brand’s signature pieces, it has been a «collector’s item» since its launch in 2001.

Bottega Veneta KNOT is inspired by the amazing fresh air of the Italian Riviera, the scent of flowers, such as peonies from the garden and clementine trees from the hills nearby and clean laundry whose scent comes through the open windows.

As KNOT wears, you will explore the dry and crisp dimension of orange blossom that ends in a richer dimension thanks to tonka bean and musk.

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT
Top notes: Clementine tree accord (based on mandarin, lime, neroli and orange blossom)
Middle notes: Peony, white rose and lavender
Base notes: Musk and tonka bean
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 98.00), 50ml (CHF 145.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 72.00)

Great news is that there is a new flanker to be launched this month: Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE that will be available now exclusively at Marionnaud.

The new floral scent conjures the next chapter of the Mediterranean interlude, this time set in the villa’s flower garden where fragrant roses and peonies transport their visitors into a private sanctuary that gives comfort and relaxation. “I wanted the fragrance to capture an awakening of the senses though an escape to the garden,” says Tomas Maier, Creative Director Bottega Veneta. “It is these quiet moments of respite that I believe are the ultimate luxury.”

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT EAU FLORALE
Top notes: Mandarin orange, neroli and lavender
Middle notes: Rose and peony
Base notes: Tonka bean and cedar
Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 140.00) and 75ml (CHF 165.00).

Personally speaking, Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE is the perfect way to take a little bit of summer into fall.

Steeped in the traditions of Italy’s master leather craftsmen and renowned for its extraordinary leather goods, Bottega Veneta stands for individuality and self-confidence, a philosophy expressed in its famous motto, “When your own initials are enough”, and of course in the highest quality materials.

TO SHOP THE LATEST KNOT CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta and © Sandra Bauknecht

“White is the color of perfection” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Institute. No other color – and yes, white is a color – has the range of moods that white does. Produced by the combination of all the colors of the visible spectrum, it can be warm and embracing, crisp and clean, or change its character according to the time of day or the time of year. It is most often associated with innocence, perfection, honesty, cleanliness, the new, neutrality and lightness. Whatever your trajectory, this is your blank canvas to run with.

Get the look: Chain-embellished wool-blend felt coat by Victoria Beckham, sequin-embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Saint Laurent, Espey crystal-embellished elaphe box clutch by Kotur and Matilda sandals in white textured-leather by Givenchy.

CLINIQUE Aromatics In White

Clinique has dedicated its newest fragrance launch to the color white. A very interesting edition, a successor of the Aromatics Elixir classic. A sensual and powdery scent that offers strength and an unquestionable magnetism.

CHYPRE MUSK
Top notes: Violet Leaf Accord, Cistus and Sichuan Pepper
Middle notes: Rose Water, Orange Blossom and Patchouli
Base notes: Amber Gris, Musk and Benzoin

Clinque Aromatics In White is expected to make its appearance in most key markets now while in Switzerland supply is anticipated from January 15, 2015 exclusively at Marionnaud before other retailers will follow in March 2015.
CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 78.00 (30ml).

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via http://bubbelsoda.tumblr.com

The covetable ‘PS1‘, Proenza Schouler’s leather clutch is a must-have accessory and has become already a classic. This iconic style offers enough room for your wallet, smartphone and lipstick, its sleek design is perfect day or night.

My favorite version this season:

PS1 printed leather clutch for S/S 2014
It features a geometric motif and a photorealistic-print lining, epitomizing the label’s collage-inspired vision for spring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Proenza Schouler, Luisaviaroma