Sandra‘s Closet

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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Celebrating the spirit of discovery and being all wrapped up in some of the must-have The North Face x Gucci pieces, I would be hard to lose in a snowstorm such as we experienced in the end of last week. Just in one day, my garden transformed into a winter wonderland. The perfect backdrop to sport the vibrant colors, and prints inspired by garments from the ‘70s.

My look: Printed down vest, and ankle boots, both by The North Face x Gucci, rose-embroidered cotton-blend socks by Gucci, Phillipe cashmere-blend bouclé sweater, matching Pablo cashmere-blend bouclé midi skirt, and colour-block tasselled cashmere scarf, all by Gabriela Hearst, FF-jacquard shearling-lined ski headband by Fendi, and pochette Métis by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This will be probably THE collaboration of 2021! A collaboration which connects two brands with similar history and values, The North Face x Gucci celebrates the spirit of exploration in select locations around the world. Both brands have rich archives, and favoured pushing innovation and breaking the rules. The resulting collection features pieces with unique and distinguishing details to be kept for a lifetime.

We all are dreaming of getting away. Especially in the midst of a global pandemic that has so many of us huddled close to home constantly, it’s an alluring collection, in which we could go camping and hiking in style. I mean who wouldn’t like to sleep in a The North Face x Gucci tent!

The launch has happened very exclusively with just a few clients having the opportunity to shop the collection starting on the 8th of January online. I was among those fashion victims (haha) that clicked on the «add to basket button» and was lucky to get the must-have logo bomber jacket that sold out in seconds.

The collection is also available in a Gucci Pin – pop-up shop in Berlin from the 9th of January and in a few other uniquely designed spaces around the globe. From the end of January, the collection will be available to the public.

Real world meets virtual world: The North Face x Gucci collection is also available for avatars in Pokémon GO. Do you like the ready-to-wear, soft accessories, luggage, and shoes, as well as unexpected items for your next adventure?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci