Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I would like to talk about one of my all-time favorite wardrobe staples — the denim jacket. Nothing makes you look younger than these bad boys, and let me tell you, they’re not going anywhere in 2024. In fact, I’d say they’re hotter than ever as designers bring unexpected twists on the classic by playing with different shapes, washes, and embellishments, and I’m here for it!

My personal favorite this season is the cropped version that I like to combine with dressier pieces as in this post here. However, I am also a fan of the blazer style or the lace embellishments. I put the best ones available together for you!

LoL, Sandra

MY CHOICE: Cropped denim hooded jacketby Alaïa

Cropped embroidered denim jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier

Cropped denim jacket by Self-Portrait

Nariida Charlie denim bomber jacket by Blazé Milano

Valette denim jacket by Isabel Marant

Janet denim jacket by Anine Bing

Lace-trimmed denim jacket by Stella McCartney

Ruffled denim peplum jacket by Alexander McQueen

Denim peplum jacket by Liberowe

Ruffled denim peplum jacket by Balmain

Rae double-breasted denim blazer by Polo Ralph Lauren

Denim blazer by Alexander McQueen

Embellished denim blazer by Versace

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

Regardless of the season, fashion’s attraction to denim is resolute. Designer jeans went from oxymoron to fashion fixture in the ‘80s, and this winter season, there is a distinct ’80s mood, and with that comes a looser, taper-leg trouser style.

 Personally speaking the piece of the season is this one by Alaïa. Pieter Mulier explored «sculpture through clothing» for the Maison’s F/W 202323 collection, and that’s exactly how I’d describe these jeans. Defined by their exaggerated proportions, they sit high on the waist and have balloon-like tapered legs. The light-blue denim has been stonewashed and faded by hand to give them a worn-in effect.

High-rise tapered jeans by Alaïa

Below I have rounded up the top denim pairs that are elevating your closet staple this season. Some come with more exaggerated proportions, some with less. It is now up to you to choose which one is your favorite.

LoL, Sandra

Horseshoe high-rise boyfriend jeans by Citizen of Humanity

Vetan tapered jeans by Isabel Marant

Metallic high-rise tapered organic jeans by Ganni

Cutout high-rise wide-leg jeans by Maison Margiela

Sanna Slice cutout high-rise tapered organic jeans by Agolde

Long Barrel high-rise tapered jeans by Frame

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

Your usual denim pants got bored and they’re making out with contrasting black jersey panels this season for a complete new look. Modeled on the runways with chic blazers and sunglasses, they are new must-haves this winter and spring.

LoL, Sandra

Deconstruct jersey-trimmed frayed high-rise straight-leg jeans by Christopher Esber

Paneled jersey and denim flared pants by Coperni

Denim and cotton-blend jersey jumpsuit by Alaïa

Harley denim and recycled leather-blend straight-leg pants by Agolde

Hybrid denim-trimmed leather flared jeans by Amiri

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

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

Inspired by the language of evening dressing, a vocabulary of scintillation – sequin embroidery, crystal strass, the lusters of satin and velvet – for its campaign, the Miu Miu Nuit collection by Miuccia Prada is captured after dark. The images serve as both portraits of individual women – the actors Ever Anderson, Ciara Bravo and KiKi Layne – and as document of the vista of the collective Miu Miu world.

Ciara Bravo for MIU MIU

Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, those campaign stars are poised in enclaves that speak of the night: a deserted bar, a draped antechamber, the illuminated entrance to a member’s club. Images seem loaded with the memory of celebrations just ended, or the promise of those about to commence – the clothes themselves reminders of parties too, embroidered and embellished, joyous and optimistic.

Ever Anderson for MIU MIU

Each star shines brightly – a new generation of female talent celebrated for their abilities to transform. Ever Anderson has gardened critical acclaim for her turn as the young Natasha Romanov in Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’: her latest role is the titular female lead of Disney’s ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’. Ciara Bravo debuted on the small screen but quickly transitioned to cinema: she delivered a revelatory performance in the Russo Brothers’ ‘Cherry’, and acclaim for her role in ‘Small Engine Repair’. KiKi Layne has been lauded since her screen debut as the female lead in Barry Jenkin’s 2018 Golden Globe-nominated feature If Beale Street Could Talk. Layne also starred in HBO’s ‘Native Son’, in 2019. Most recently, she starred in ‘The Old Guard’ for Netflix opposite Charlize Theron and featured in ‘Coming To America 2’ alongside Eddie Murphy.

KiKi Layne for MIU MIU

Here, these women both adopt other personas and, paradoxically, personify themselves – dressed in finery, caught in fleeting moments. They shift between realities, embody characters, make believe – to make us believe.

I am so obsessed with the denim pants… should I get them?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

DIESEL honors Genoa, the birthplace of jeans, and celebrates Made in Italy by presenting a reproduction of the oldest jeans fabric ever documented in history.

Dating back to 1760-80, local townspeople and laborers in Genoa were first seen (and depicted) wearing jeans as part of their daily wardrobes. Colors ranged from standard indigo to brown to white. A nativity figurine by Pasquale Navone (1746-1791), shows a man with denim trousers (woven diagonally, 2 to 1, in a blue cotton weft and white linen warp) that appear remarkably similar to iterations from the modern era. This sculpture represents the oldest historical instances of jeans; it may be viewed at Museo Giannettino Loxoro, which is situated in Genoa.

DIESEL has replicated the original fabric and garment as they existed three hundred years ago. It was done by using handmade Italian textiles and workmanship. The re-creation was exhibited this week at Genova Jeans fair in Genoa, where DIESEL was invited to celebrate the heritage of Made in Italy jeans. As to the accuracy of the denim’s reproduction and integrity, the fabric and garment are certified and verified by the art, textile and costume historian Marzia Cataldi Gallo.

The inaugural edition of the fair brings to life the history, evolution and innovation of jeans-making in a multifaceted showcase that, additionally, emphasizes sustainability; a series of immersive, informational experiences were on display. This includes a multi-part exhibition from DIESEL that centers on the heritage of its jeans, its journey towards a more sustainable denim product and practice, and how the company has utilized jeans to help transform the world of advertising.

Ultimately, this initiative serves as another spoke in DIESEL’s For Responsible Living strategy, which is a company-wide mandate to continuously shift its culture, business practices and footprint into a more sustainable arena. By participating in Genova Jeans, DIESEL further demonstrates its commitment to promoting and pushing for increased sustainability in the world of jeans.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Diesel

Ladies, step away from the sweatpants, we are falling back in love with denim this summer. From the bootcut to the rebirth of ’90s baggy jeans, the choices are versatile. One thing is for sure… say good-bye for now to the typical skinny jeans. Opt for versions with special details such as the Mugler ones.

I put together a selection of styles to simplify your search for summer jeans that all made it into my closet. Enjoy those patchwork styles, revived vintage models, and those new cuts and unexpected seams.

Levi’s Re-Edition 517 high-rise bootcut jeans by Valentino
Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino.

High-rise slim jeans, paneled low-rise straight-leg jeans, high-rise skinny jeans, all by Mugler
Personally speaking, the best jeans of the season. Different and new, and so sexy.

High-rise skinny jeans by Burberry
Those jeans are traced with contrast topstitching that depicts hearts at the front and back.


Denim shorts by Balmain
These shorts are meant to look like they’re being worn backwards. How cool is that?!

Frayed denim shorts by Saint Laurent
Those cargo-like pockets are a flattering detail with a distinctly vintage feel.

Belted high-rise boyfriend jeans by Balmain
Boyfriend jeans are the cut of the season and a cool alternative to all those skinny jeans we wore in recent years.

High-rise flared jeans by Alexander McQueen
Reminiscent of popular styles from the ’70s, they make your legs look 2 meters long.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

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

In yesterday’s outfit post I was wearing a denim dress, which is for me a closet staple. It will always make you look young, can be dressed up or down and is a comfy alternative that works for all seasons. With a return to retro 70’s and 90’s fashion trends, one style I have been seeing a lot of for 2021 is button-front, belted denim dresses, preferably in midi length. Combined with retro accents like embroidered collars, patchwork seams, and chest pockets, they look very stylish this season.

Here are my favorites. To shop, click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

Embroidered-collar belted denim shirt dress by Chloé

Jewel belted balloon-sleeve denim dress by Emilia Wickstead

Patricia pleated linen-denim dress by Gabriela Hearst

Belted cotton-blend denim dress by CO

Panelled denim shirt dress by MSGM

Kieran belted denim midi dress by Altuzarra

Demi crystal-button belted denim dress by Borgo de Nor

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

Upcycled by Miu Miu continues to pursue a sustainable ideology, now giving new life to pre-loved denim in collaboration with Levi’s®. A selection of classic denim pieces is re-fashioned by Miu Miu, seen through the brand’s maverick and determinedly playful eye and worn by Miu Miu muses, the actor Emma Corrin and models Lila Moss and Georgia Palmer, all portrayed by Johnny Dufort.

A celebration of iconic garments, this project includes vintage MADE IN USA men’s 501® jeans and Trucker Jackets from the 1980s and 1990s. Born out of American workwear and, from the mid-1950s onwards, a symbol of youthful rebellion, these iconic pieces have been customised and personalised by Miu Miu, in a play between masculinity and femininity, and aimed squarely at an equally free-spirited Miu Miu woman.

The vintage denim is hand-embellished with instantly recognisable Miu Miu crystal, pearl, floral and all-over diamanté embroideries, puffed sleeves and bold leather patches featuring Art Deco-inspired intarsia motifs. Jeans are cut off to the thigh or finished with ivory silk duchesse turn-ups while the Trucker Jackets are adorned with oversized white lace collars.

The iconic Levi’s® backpatch is re-invented in Miu Miu pink and carries the brand’s logo alongside. The finishing touch is a specially commissioned Miu Miu carrier bag stamped with the Levi’s® logo in return. Upcyled by Miu Miu in collaboration with Levi’s® is unveiled in London Selfridges and Shanghai IAPM mid-May. Afterwards, the collection will also be available online at miumiu.com, 18 select Miu Miu stores worldwide and Dover Street Market Los Angeles.

Inspired and inspiring – no two pieces in this collection are the same. Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, refreshed – renewed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
#UpcycledbyMiuMiu #LevisxMiuMiu

Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino. Don’t miss these limited-edition reworked denim pieces, putting a feminine spin on iconic vintage styles, that were first shown in September 2020 during the Valentino show in Milan. At that time, vintage 517 Levi’s pants were used with a slight alteration to the back label: VALENTINO was added.

So in love with this look.

Now, months later, the collab is available for purchase. The collaboration features the LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969) and the LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517, a special tag has been designed to celebrate the beginning of a new fashion exploration.

LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969)
It is fitting to note the collaborative vintage designs have been limited worldwide to just 517 units. Each piece of denim is a vintage, unaltered original that has been upcycled from previously-worn 517 jeans.

LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517
These denims are a re-elaboration of the original style, exclusively produced by Levi’s® in occasion of the collaboration with Maison Valentino.

It is definitely the most covetable denim to own this season – a must-have for all fashion lovers.
YOU CAN SHOP THE JEANS EXCLUSIVELY AT NET-À-PORTER HERE and also at Valentino.com.

The style is also available in a menswear iteration. Available at MR PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © VALENTINO and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.