Sandra‘s Closet

For more than 160 years, creative exchange has taken place in tandem with the heritage and innovation of Louis Vuitton. These artistic collaborations have expanded the Maison’s universe, enlivening collections with imagination and surprising expression. With LV DREAM, Louis Vuitton celebrates these inspiring ideas and their creators as an expansive exhibition within the building of the former La Belle Jardinière department store, alongside a café and chocolate shop in collaboration with the Cheval Blanc Paris Chef-pâtissier, Maxime Frédéric.

Beginning December 12th, 2022, LV DREAM welcomes visitors to discover a rich exploration of Louis Vuitton’s collaborations through time and across a broad range of historic and contemporary pieces. Comprised of nine rooms with many interactive components, this immersive journey revisits the highly original interpretations in constant dialogue with the Maison. The exhibition plays out with endless dynamism spanning the earliest artistic undertakings such as window displays and perfume bottles; specially commissioned trunks; iconic Monogram reworkings by renowned artists; the diverse range of ready-to-wear collaborations; and the first three chapters of the Artycapucines collection of reimagined Capucine bags.

Inside, visitors will follow a circuit arranged according to themes such as «Louis Vuitton: As Seen»; «The World of Louis Vuitton According to Rei», and «Leather Goods in Fashion». Among the highlights: two portraits of Louis Vuitton by Alex Katz and Mister Cartoon that have never been exposed to the public. The World of Vuitton According to Rei, a room dedicated to Rei Kawakubo, artistic director of Comme des Garçons, who envisioned two capsules for Louis Vuitton: Party Bags in 2008 and Bags With Holes in 2014. Here, the scenography encourages visitors to experiment with the scale to feel as though they are actually inside the bags. Interactive scenography can also be found in Art Meets Fashion, the final space where a digital wall projects motion-sensitive animations adapted from collaborations with Daniel Buren, NigoÒ, Grace Coddington and Christopher Nemeth.

To extend the experience, LV DREAM introduces «Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton» – a café and chocolate shop (Chocolaterie), both overseen by the renowned Chef-Pâtissier of the Cheval Blanc Paris. Among the leading names in the artistry of patisserie and chocolate-making, Maxime Frédéric honed his craft at the palace-hotels of Paris, including Le Meurice and George V, before joining the Cheval Blanc Paris in 2020 and winning the 2022 Gault & Millau Guide prize for Pastry Chef of the Year. Surrounded by tropical plants, the Café offers a lush respite for visitors with a specially developed selection of fresh pastries that play on the Maison’s motifs. The Chocolaterie, meanwhile, showcases a delightful assortment of chocolates that once again draw inspiration from Louis Vuitton codes, packaged in emblematic boxes.

Finally, in the gift shop, visitors can browse items developed with an exclusive LV DREAM design, along with a selection of small leather goods, accessories, fragrances, and publishing.

Conceived for Parisians and tourists alike, LV DREAM builds upon previous exhibitions that have explored the Maison’s history of collaborations. Here, imagination and creative output become an experience for all to discover.

Opening date: 12th December 2022
Location: 2 rue du Pont Neuf – Paris 1er (former Belle Jardinière department store)
Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm
Free admission to exhibition upon reservation via Louisvuitton.com
Free entry without reservation to «Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton» and gift store

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Originally debuting on the Exquisite Gucci runway, a mirror-filled space where historic emblems multiplied and metamorphized across sartorial streetwear, the first adidas x Gucci collection expands on the creative concept founded on an affinity for three stripes. Revealed in a lookbook released last month, the cross-category selection portrays the kaleidoscopic aesthetic of Alessandro Michele by mixing the codes of the House with those of the historic sportswear brand, and consequentially those of high fashion and streetwear.

For the launch, Alessandro Michele has envisioned a campaign that takes inspiration directly from an archival 1979 adidas catalogue. To animate the concept, a gridded template showcases a variety of moving imagery captured by Carlijn Jacobs. Against brightly colored backdrops, models stretch, run, or dance in place to a soundtrack of pensive phrases such as, «When your thoughts become reality, you understand what magic is.»

I am obsessed with the pink jumpsuit.

The assemblage plays out across women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, as well as on bags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and lifestyle pieces.

Throughout the selection, the GG monogram and Interlocking G mix with the adidas Trefoil in colorful prints, as well as on jacquard fabrics; while the red and green Web of Gucci complements the three stripes of adidas. Pushing the collection further into hybridized territory, ready-to-wear pieces echo the sporting attire of decades past while portraying an undeniable contemporary character. Additionally, conventionally formal pieces like leather heels, suede loafers, and silk scarves are marked with casual codes. Beyond the standard selection, the expansive offering also includes some lifestyle items including a golf bag in two different variations, a nod to the House’s heritage in leisure products.

Reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, progress, sustainability goals, and collective action, the collection features multiple pieces crafted with future-conscious material fabrications including polyester, cotton, and viscose. Furthermore, each piece comes with special packaging that features the adidas x Gucci logo and that was strategically designed to reduce environmental impact (All paper and cardboard come from sustainably managed forest sources, and an uncoated paper has been used to ensure it is fully recyclable. In addition, shopping bag handles are made of 100% recycled polyester while pouches and suit carriers are made of a mix of regenerated cotton and recycled polyester).

The collection will be distributed through designated stores, online on Gucci.com and through ephemeral Gucci Pop-Ups, where the spaces will be decorated with one of the geometric prints found in the offering. A dedicated product selection will also be available on the adidas CONFIRMED app.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #adidasxGucci
CAMPAIGN CREDITS Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer: Carlijn Jacobs
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Balenciaga presented his off-schedule Resort 2023 show on Sunday in the Big Apple. It took place at The New York Stock Exchange – a place the fashion crowd normally doesn’t have access to – and began with the ringing of the opening bell.

The French brand embarked on the unusual timing for a company first, under Demna’s direction, to hold a show in NYC. The invitation was a fat stack of fake 100s. And one thing is for sure, you need a good income to get those new pieces that will surely become a hit as Balenciaga revealed his collaboration with adidas in the last part off the show. Latex bodysuits fully covered models’ faces and send all focus on Balenci-adidas. Classic adidas pieces like Three Stripes tracksuits, hoodies, jerseys, and tees get the Balenciaga treatment, boasting updated oversized silhouettes.

The Balenciaga Triple S sneaker comes with the famous adidas stripes, either in white/black and blue/white colorways for CHF 975. However, for me the best pieces of the collection and something that will make its way into Sandra’s Closet.

The tight classic mini dress costs CHF 55 the adidas way (left) and CHF 1390 with the Balenciaga treatment (right). Sorry guys, but this is ridiculous. There I am out!

Balenciaga x adidas is now available only for one week until May 29 on Balenciaga’s webstore. So, act fast, but save some money as Gucci x adidas will officially drop in June. Gucci and Balenciaga both belong to Kering and they obviously like the German manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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What happened when Donatella Versace and Kim Jones switched roles?
Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace, two iconic collections that celebrate their friendship and the cultural impact of Versace and Fendi. For Pre-fall 2022, the two houses joined forces and created FENDACE, for women and men.

The show took place in the courtyard of the Versace family palazzo on Via Gesu in September last year. What went down is that Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi of Fendi (first part of the show) and Donatella Versace of Versace (second part of the show) swapped houses  for one night only to design 25 looks for their erstwhile rivals. Relive the surprise unveiling from Milan and shop the designs from May 12, 2022.

Fendi by Versace on the Versace website and Versace by Fendi on the Fendi website.

Below you can explore my favorite looks. I personally find Donatella’s take stronger than the one by Kim and Silvia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace / Fendi
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Renowned French Haute Couture label Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG) and stylist of the moment Lotta Volkova have collaborated on a ready-to-wear capsule consisting of bra dresses, corset tops and soft tailoring. As the in-house stylist for Vetements and Balenciaga, Volkova has been integral to the creative vision of both houses. In this capsule you will see her style fuse beautifully with the signature aesthetic JPG is known for.

There is a very limited distribution with this capsule collection, so please be fast… my favorites are the following from left to right:

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up crepe and satin leggings
 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up satin bralette
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up ruched velvet bralette

Jean Paul Gaultier’s conical bra is iconic – when Madonna wore one on stage during her 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition‘ tour, it went down as one of the most iconic moments in music and fashion history. From the brand’s latest collaboration with Lotta Volkova, there are several remakes, one made from plush velvet that’s ruched and corseted and has those iconic spiral cups and another one made from topstitched satin with matching leggings.

TO SHOP THE COLLABORATION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Lotta Volkova

Photos: © Johnny Dufort for JPG
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Spring is here and it is time to wear some fancy sandals. Great news is that Sophia Webster has teamed up with LoveShackFancy for a collection of beautiful romantic and playful footwear. Both brands are known and loved for their fabulous, flirty florals, now their designs have blossomed together, uniting through joy and optimism.

I am obsessed with these Lilico Sandals. Click here to see me wear them in a different color combinations.

The collection features some of Sophia Webster‘s most iconic silhouettes with LoveShackFancy‘s beautiful prints, which, together, have produced a line that is literally blooming with delight. This limited edition collection is super exclusive and there aren’t that many to go around!

TO SHOP THE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LoveShackFancy and © Sophia Webster
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This week, BIRKENSTOCK and iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik announced an upcoming collaboration, showcasing their mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. Inspired by quality and function – the core ingredients of BIRKENSTOCK, Manolo Blahnik unites with the house, furnishing his characteristic embellishments and creative dynamic symbols for iconic BIRKENSTOCK styles.

Two years ago, Manolo Blahnik and his niece, company CEO Kristina Blahnik, were featured in the BIRKENSTOCK S/S 2020 campaign. Photographer Jack Davison lensed the pair in Manolo Blahnik’s first store on Old Church Street, London, wearing their own Birkenstocks. It marked the starting point of an even deeper collaboration—the end result of which is this unique collection.

Manolo and Kristina Blahnik photographed by Jack Davison for the Birkenstock S/S 2020 campaign.

«Birkenstocks have been in my wardrobe since the very beginning (of time!!) – I have loved and worn mine for many years. I am thrilled that we have been able to collaborate, fusing the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic with the everyday comfort of Birkenstocks is simply wonderful!» – Manolo Blahnik

«BIRKENSTOCK share both brand and core design values much like our own and it has been a joy to bring this to life in the new Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK collection. Timeless, high-quality designs, crafted to be treasured and enjoyed is what we set out to create and I am delighted with the outcome. It is a privilege to cement our relationship further with BIRKENSTOCK through this collaboration, following the S/S 2020 Personality Campaign in which my uncle and I featured.» – Kristina Blahnik

The collection reinvents the BIRKENSTOCK style with its proudly glamorous detailing, featuring Manolo Blahnik’s trademark emphasis on all eye-catching details. The nonpareil flair for which Manolo Blahnik is renowned meets the premium craftsmanship of BIRKENSTOCK, creating a capsule at once radically modern and dynamic for both brands. Embellished with crystals and packaged in exclusive polka dot shoebox and dust bag following traditional Manolo Blahnik design, this richly coloured collection accommodates the best elements of both brands–for a remarkable, regal meeting of creative minds.

The first release of the collaboration is set to be unveiled at 1774.com, manoloblahnik.com, all Manolo Blahnik retail locations, as well as selected retailers worldwide from March 24th, 2022. The second release of styles will launch in June 2022.

Arizona crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
Playful glamour meets everyday style, in Manolo Blahnik’s show-stopping spin on the Arizona sandal. This rich new visions line sublimely reinvents the Arizona with luxurious upper in velvet, microfiber lined French piping, and the inspired embellishment of Birkenstock’s buckle with crystals. Marrying chic and comfort, Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK embraces a soulful spin on favourites. Paired with Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed, this Arizona shows the true potential and everyday glamour that you deserve from your favourite pair.

Boston crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
A super-star showcase of luxury design and versatile craft, the Boston Crystal Velvet reinvents a classic
for a whole new world of occasions. Inspired and designed by Manolo Blahnik, the premium buckle is
playfully embellished with crystals – marrying this new motif with an incredibly luxurious take on the
clog, including French piping in colour-matching smooth leather. Embrace this regal and remarkable new spin on a favourite shoe, in fuchsia and blue.

Arizona crystal smooth leather in black
The refinery of the iconic BIRKENSTOCK Arizona receives a sparkling twist, courtesy of Manolo Blahnik’s glamorous vision. With the anatomical shaped cork footbed in premium soft leather now accompanied by premium embellished crystals, the Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK collaboration envisions a regal and remarkable twist.

Boston crystal smooth leather in Black
Step into a new vision of luxury, thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s dazzling take on the classic Boston clog. Luxurious smooth leather accompanies the crystals now adorning BIRKENSTOCK’s signature buckle–the spirit of craftsmanship that both brands celebrate is glamorously shown. A master of detailing, Manolo Blahnik is the perfect partner for Birkenstock’s unrivalled approach to craftsmanship and style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Birkenstock / Manolo Blahnik
#manoloblahnikxbirkenstock
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Here is another fashion collaboration. VEJA, the sustainable sneaker brand, and MARNI, the Italian fashion house, introduce a collaboration, unveiling two new styles that are now available for pre-order. Through this collaboration, VEJA and MARNI offer an original interpretation to contemporary footwear, revisiting a slightly nostalgic design with a colorful, DIY-inspired look.

Known for its thoughtful yet playful approach, MARNI is a luxury brand recognized for its unorthodox take on fashion, and the collaboration with VEJA exemplifies the commitment of the brand to celebrate individuality through a creativity that is personal and connective at once.

VEJA’s V-10 and the newly introduced high-top V-15 welcome MARNI’s free-spirited aesthetic, expressed through a colorful scribbled motif that covers the upper shoe. At the intersection of craftsmanship and industrial work, each pair has been assembled by hand, with the right foot different from the left to further underline the sense of originality that underscores the design.

Each style comes with 2 pairs of 100% recycled polyester laces: one multi-colored and one all white. The leather is sourced in Uruguayan farms and tanned in Brazil, at a Gold-certified tannery by the Leather Working Group. VEJA’s attention to production standards is reflected through the materials – with tested and REACH-compliant leathers, reducing water waste during the tanning process.

The soles are composed of 31% Amazonian rubber, 22% rice waste, and 12% recycled rubber. Made in Brazil, the first release presents two colorways: the V-15 in Black and the V-10 in Marsala.

Now available for pre-order on VEJA-STORE.COM and MARNI.COM and from March 11th available in selected retailers across the world, as well as VEJA and MARNI flagship stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Veja
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A collaborative fusion of two house styles founded on visions of powerful femininity and daring glamour. Since it was announced, there has been a lot of buzz about Jimmy Choo joining forces with Mugler. The exclusive collection reveals a confident sensuality through a mix of strong colours, streamlined silhouettes and daring details.

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLABORATION ONLINE HERE or AT JIMMYCHOO.COM.

Personally speaking I love these Mugler embellished leather pumps…

… and am completely obsessed with these Mugler sock ankle boots.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / Mugler
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The North Face and Gucci collaborate on the second chapter of designs that celebrates the spirit of exploration and pushes the limits of tradition. The latest selection of ready-to-wear and accessories embraces self-discovery through a mix of bold logo prints, geometric patterns and forest-themed motifs.

From jackets and T-shirts to cats, from backpacks to tracking boots, a massive selection of 126 co-branded pieces with an outdoor-inspired feel is available now.

My absolute favorite piece from the second chapter is the hooded cotton-blend canvas-jacquard down jacket. The sizing runs pretty big. I am wearing an XXS.

The collection is colorful and vibrant. TO SHOP THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE NORTH FACE x GUCCI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Gucci
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