Sandra‘s Closet

While visiting Arles yesterday, I passed by a Christian Lacroix store (photo at the end of this post) which immediately caught my eye as I had completely forgotten about the fashion house after it had been sold by LVMH to duty-free retailer Falic Fashion Group in 2005.

Visiting Arles yesterday – an inspiration for today’s post.

I had been a big fan of flamboyant Lacroix’s designs and even got married in one of his couture dresses. Personally speaking, when Christian opened his Maison, I started actively being interested in fashion and his creations inspired me a lot of what I do today.

The story of Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix was born in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône in Southern France. At a young age he began already sketching historical costumes and fashions. In April 1987, his dream came true and he founded his own fashion house in a private mansion at 73 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris. The House of Christian Lacroix was created by the Arlesian couturier and press agent Jean-Jacques Picart, with support from Bernard Arnault. Word quickly spread throughout Paris and Christian Lacroix’s name was on everyone’s lips.

A look from Lacroix’s F/W 1987 haute couture collection.

The following 26 July, Christian Lacroix unveiled his first Haute Couture collection for F/W 1987. This first collection was a radiant, opulent, virtuosic homage to the couturier’s roots; each look was infused with Mediterranean influences. The designer revisited traditional Arlesian outfits, drawing inspiration from the toreador’s cape. He highlighted southern France’s beauty, from the Camargue to Provence, in this 60-piece collection.

This first flamboyant fashion show was wildly successful, blowing the dust off the subdued world of 1980s high fashion and turning Parisian fashion of the day on its head. It was a departure from the minimalistic look of the influential Japanese designers en vogue at that time.

Christian Lacroix F/W 2004 Haute Couture collection

At a time when fashion was focused on simplicity, Christian Lacroix chose exuberance. When black became the standard, he opted for blood red, fuchsia pink and bright yellow.

With each new collection, Christian Lacroix designed pieces that combined unusual materials and colours, adorning looks with luxurious baroque touches. He brought back touches of folklore, history and theatre, infusing them with elegance and sophistication.

Very «Like a Prayer»: Anna Wintour chose for her first Vogue cover a Christian Lacroix couture jacket combined with a pair of jeans. It was photographed by Peter Lindbergh and  featured Israeli Model Michaela Bercu – US Vogue Nov 1988

Anna Wintour chose a Christian Lacroix Haute Couture jacket with a simple pair of jeans for her first American Vogue cover, photographed by Peter Lindberg in 1988. This look broke all the high fashion rules, pushing it into a younger and more liberated future.

After a spectacular debut, the Lacroix phenomenon spread as if propelled by the Mistral wind, and was soon featured prominently in all the most prestigious fashion magazines around the world.

Shalom Harlow in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture photographed by Bruce Weber for Vogue US, March 1995.

Throughout the 1990s, the brand continued to grow, diversifying its portfolio with household linen, tableware and more. This diversification continued to pick up speed in the following decade.

Between 2002-2005, Lacroix served also as the Creative Director for the Italian fashion house Emilio Pucci. He left on agreeable terms as he and the house believed that since he had other pursuits, it would be unfair to the house to not put in the energy required for future collections along with his other work.

Ad Campaign F/W 1997 featuring Karen Elson photographed by Paolo Roversi

In 2005, LVMH sold the House to its current owners, the Falic family, giving it new momentum as it explored other niches while continuing the House’s previous activities. In 2009, the fashion house put the business into administration and laid off all but 12 workers. Lacroix’s F/W 2009 Haute Couture was privately financed by Lacroix and each model was paid €50.

Final finale: Christian Lacroix and Vlada Roslyakova – Haute Couture F/W 2009

As Vogue editor Sarah Mower wrote: «It was one of the most poignant and emotionally fraught haute couture shows ever: a collection produced on a shoestring at the last minute, and only made possible by the collective will and donated time and skills of the seamstresses, embroiderers, jewelers, milliners, and shoemakers loyal to Christian Lacroix.»

«I didn’t want to cry,» said Lacroix «I want to continue, maybe in a different way, with a small atelier. What I really care about is the women who do this.» Lacroix said about his last Haute Couture collection. Throughout its history, the house never turned a profit and reported a €10 million loss in 2008.

When Christian Lacroix left his position as the House’s Artistic Director in late 2009, Sacha Walckhoff, who had worked at the House since 1992, was named Creative Director. Sacha continued the House’s transformation alongside President Nicolas Topiol, extending the creative focus to decoration and lifestyle collections.

Lacroix in 2018: Designing for Desigual

Lacroix, himself, started collaborating in 2011 with the Barcelona-based clothing brand Desigual. This year, he will launch 5 mini collections for the house.

Lacroix x Nymphenburg

He also collaborated with Nymphenburg for a limited edition collection of design objects.

Interior design by Christian Lacroix: Hotel Le Bellechasse in Paris 

Moreover, Christian Lacroix has completed interior design work at several landmark hotels, including the Hotel Le Petit Moulin in Spring, 2005; the Hotel Bellechasse, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris), in 2007 (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World); and in 2010 Le Notre Dame hotel just a step from the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Paris.

The newest hotel design project by Lacroix: Julius Caesar in Arles.

In 2014, formerly a 17th century Carmelite Convent, Julius Caesar in Arles opened its doors as a boutique hotel featuring décor designed by Christian Lacroix.

The Christian Lacroix store in Arles.

Lacroix without Lacroix… the House’s Studio still produces collections in men’s fashion, accessories (scarves, sunglasses, handbags, jewellery, watches and mobile phone accessories) and lifestyle (fabrics, wallpapers, cushions, rugs, tableware, candles and stationery). But unfortunately no women’s fashion… but to be honest that is also hard to imagine without Lacroix being there himself!

Lacroix, Sweetie, Lacroix! Your are a genius…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Lacroix, via Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, Kering announced that Tomas Maier, who has been creative director of Bottega Veneta since 2001, is leaving the Italian brand.

Tomas Maier with Lauren Hutton

The reason? Kering has been dissatisfied for quite some time as Bottega Veneta’s sales have struggled and younger consumers are not interested enough in the brand that focuses extremely on craftsmanship. Compared to another label of the luxury conglomerate, Gucci, Bottega Veneta has been all about understated luxury and still lives up to its motto from the 1970s: «When Your Own Initials Are Enough.»

On the S/S 2017 runway: Gigi Hadid arm in arm with Lauren Hutton

Lately, Tomas Maier made headlines with the model casting for his S/S 2017 runway show. He sent out 73-year-old Lauren Hutton together with 21-year-old Gigi Hadid, confirming that beauty has no age. The same year, the brand reissued the iconic intrecciato clutch worn by Hutton in the 1980 film American Gigolo.

Lauren Hutton carries a Bottega Veneta clutch in American Gigolo.

Reissued: Lauren 1980 intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta

In a statement, Francois-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, thanked Tomas for his work in the past 17 years: «It is largely due to Tomas’ high-level creative demands that Bottega Veneta became the house it is today. He put it back on the luxury scene and made it an undisputed reference. With his creative vision, he magnificently showcased the expertise of the house’s artisans. I am deeply grateful to him and I personally thank him for the work he accomplished, and for the exceptional success he helped to achieve.»

The new creative director has already been named. It is former Céline director of ready-to-wear, Daniel Lee. Until now, Lee has maintained a low profile at a number of historic design houses. He graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2011, worked at Maison Margiela and Balenciaga, before heading to Céline under Phoebe Philo.

I think that is an interesting choice. Kering has a track record of hiring lesser-known designers to top houses, which worked amazingly in the case of Alessandro Michele and Gucci.

TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta, via Grazia Magazine

Yesterday’s news really got me and my outfit post from Le Dîner en Blanc has to wait another day… Around 10am New York time, fashion designer KATE SPADE, 55, was found dead by a housekeeper in her bedroom at her Park Avenue apartment in N.Y.C. Apparently she hang herself with a red scarf from a doorknob. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to The New York Times.

The Spade family

What really gives me chills is the fact that she is survived by her husband of 24 years and her 13-year-old daughter. Being a mum myself, I cannot imagine the pain that has to be inside you to do this to your family. It is said that she left a note behind with messages for them to explain her actions. Her husband Andy was at home while their daughter was in school.

Message on the Kate Spade website 

KATE SPADE‘s story is a successful one at least when you read it. Neé Katherine Noel Brosnahan, founded her namesake brand in 1993 with husband Andy Spade after working in the accessories department at the fashion magazine Mademoiselle. While having dinner at a restaurant, both were identifying a market for quality stylish handbags which led to a fashion revolution in the 1990s by establishing one of the first modern accessories brands that did not rely on European roots.

Detachable tag tote by Kate Spade

Spade’s reasonably priced, box-shaped bags, covered in modest fabrics like microfiber and grosgrain, became quickly became popular, and the company expanded into other product lines, such as clothing and shoes.

Kate Spade amongst her handbags in 1999.

In 1999 she sold a 56% stake in KATE SPADE New York to Neiman Marcus Group; in 2006 she sold the rest of her shares, opting to focus on family over fashion as she had her daughter at quite a late age in 2005. «I needed a break and I really wanted to raise my daughter,» she told PEOPLE magazine in 2016. «People asked me, ‘Don’t you miss it?’ I really didn’t. I mean, I loved what I was doing, but I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I might.»

Pieces from Kate’s new label Frances Valentine 

Two years ago, she began another accessories brand, Frances Valentine, named for her daughter, Frances Beatrix, together with her husband. For this reason, she legally changed her name to Kate Valentine Spade to match her new label. «I thought it was important to distinguish who I am now,» she said. «I’m the same person, but there’s a difference.»

The difference might have killed her. R.I.P. Kate Spade! I am wishing the family a lot of strength to cope with this terrible strategy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kate Spade, © Sandra Bauknecht, Getty and People magazine

On Tuesday evening, I was invited to a lovely dinner in Zurich‘s new restaurant Ornellaia (absolutely worth the visit, I loved it!) to celebrate 10 years of ATELIER SWAROVSKI. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, who launched the brand in 2007, has collaborated since then with over 75 of the world’s most exciting contemporary designers of which two had come for the occasion to Switzerland: Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf.

Partners in shine: Rolf Snoeren, my humble self, Nadja Swarovski and Viktor Horsting.

Swarovski crystals and fashion are a never-ending love story. Nadja’s grandfather Martin Swarovski worked already closely with designers, such as Christian Dior, whom he helped to embellish the famous «New Look». Many fashion designers have used those famous crystals to embellish their collections.

«Working with crystal is like applying fairy dust to the collections.»
– Viktor & Rolf

From the new book «Brilliant: The Story of Atelier Swarovski»:

Left – Maggie Rizer in a look from Viktor & Rolf’s F/W 1999 «Russian Doll» collection, right – a necklace from Viktor & Rolf’s «Velvet Rock» collaboration with Atelier Swarovski in 2014 for which the duo used crystals on the jewelry embedded with velvet flocking.

In 2016 ATELIER SWAROVSKI added a home decor line, in 2017 the first fine jewelry collection first presented at the Oscars. The designs deriving from the versatile collaborations are truly special, adding to ATELIER SWAROVSKI’s success of today.

It was a lovely evening and I had a great time, especially with these two. Isn’t it great when your girlfriends are so beautiful and come in model sizes :-): Nadja Schildknecht and Mimi Mollerus, both wearing ATELIER SWAROVSKI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Christian Dancker – saltyimages.ch and © Sandra Bauknecht

Hailed as one of fashion’s rebels, Jeremy Scott creates decadent high fashion from American cultural obsessions. With a fanatical following of pop music’s biggest icons, the irreverent designer provokes and pushes into fashion’s outer limits. Scott’s collection for M·A·C introduces manic colour for eyes, lips and cheeks specially packaged in cheeky tribute to the days of mixtapes, boomboxes, new music and unhinged creative expression taking root on city streets.

What is your relationship with M·A·C and how did you choose M·A·C to partner with?
M·A·C has been my partner for creating the looks for my shows for so many years. They’ve been a wonderful partner whose support has helped me to create my own vision in so many different endeavors. M·A·C has not only supported my designs from a cosmetic perspective, but they’ve helped to bring my documentary to life, and their philanthropic efforts separate them from any other brand. M·A·C is really the makeup that’s used by professionals and comes from the origins of high fashion – the purest connection to fashion of any other makeup company. M·A·C is the real deal.

What is the inspiration behind your M·A·C collaboration?
Music is a constant in my life. When I’m prepping for my show or dressing a pop star for her tour, I put music on and we use it as a muse to bring these different images and visions to life. I thought I could take this idea of taking a makeup palette and turning it into a boom box, cassette, and CD and it would pay homage to music which I find so important. We created these pieces with the outer packaging box just like it. It doesn’t look like a makeup packaging box and,I think that’s the purist expression of my creativity right now. So much of my outlook on fashion and beauty is about what I do, the humor I have and the way I see things and how I alter them and blur these lines. I can’t wait to share this collection with the world.

Model Jasmine Sanders backstage at Jeremy Scott’s S/S 2018 show

What does makeup mean to you and how does it affect fashion?
Makeup is such a big tool for creating and fulfilling my life’s work. Models walking down the runway is a silent film showcasing my designs. Makeup captures the mood that I’m trying to express and helps me with the message. It’s a great way to change your mood. Putting on a bright lipstick or a bold smoky eye can impact a look so drastically. Pairing a statement makeup look can turn simple jeans and a T-shirt into a totally different look. There are many men around me that inspire me and many women that inspire me to see different things in my designs. It’s really important to let people interpret my work in their own way.
I put it out there as a proposal with my own inspirations behind it. It’s for everybody else to take and process it for it to become theirs. I love that different people can perceive my designs in different ways. For both beauty and fashion, I would encourage everyone to follow your own instinct. If you feel beautiful using a certain lipstick or colour or texture, that’s where you’re going to experience the triumph of the individual. Confidence is true beauty.

What defines beauty to you?
There is so much versatility in makeup. During a certain period of time it creates a different expression or emotion and goes even beyond what apparel can achieve. As a designer, I tell my story through my fashion shows. The models are silent, so we use the lighting, the makeup and the music of the soundtrack to bring it to life in the moment. It’s the moment I’m trying to capture for the viewers and want them to stay in it for as long as possible.
I really hope that this collection with M·A·C invites new customers to both M·A·C and Jeremy Scott. There are so many more people that we have to touch and think people can find themselves through the excitement and a part of the world that I created with M·A·C.

Karlie Kloss on the Jeremy Scott S/S 2018 runway

What do you predict will be the main trends of 2018?
Honestly, when I look at makeup I think of it as something that is so individual. It is really time for the person wearing it to be themselves. There are endless styles, tastes and opinionsthat you can tune into. This collection with M·A·C, undoubtedly has opened more people to be a part of my fashion world and to experience this expression. Fashion and beauty to me is so much more exciting than an “inor an out list.” People should follow their instincts, bold, fun, or personal.

What are some of your fashion tips for the everyday and for the runway?
I think fashion is so amazing because it’s so individual. Everyone has different body parts that they want to be shown or love to see. Fashion is about dressing for the things you find beautiful in a way you feel confident. Even when I’m doing a show, I’m constantly trying to find the right outfit for the model to convey and characterize the look. All of these beautiful women and personalities, it’s so fun to match them to particular pieces. It can really create a moment that is so individual just by the way that she carries the clothes and how it speaks to their reality.

Gigi Hadid on the Jeremy Scott S/S 2018 runway

Please describe the Jeremy Scott woman!
The Jeremy Scott woman is always musically involved. She’s the one that’s on stage at the concert, or she could be backstage. She could be the lead singer or a fan with the enthusiasm of a girl going to her first concert. Music is a constant inwho the Jeremy Scott girl is.

What is one motto that you choose to live by?
I guess it’s really to never wait for yourself. There was a time period when I was first starting out and I would tell myself things like “that’s for later when you have more success.” I would think that I needed to give it more time or that I wasn’t just ready for it yet. I recently came to realize that everyone needs to live their life in all of its capacities and not wait for your ideas. I constantly remind myself of that. It’s the right time to stretch out of your comfort zone and embrace the fear that comes with the unknown.

What is your favourite item in your collection with M·A·C?
If I really have to pick, I would choose the boombox which is my M·A·C Jeremy Scott Lo-Fi / Eye Shadow x 29. It’s so strong and bold withall of the different colours. It really makes a statement. It truly suits all of the different beauties who love and wear my clothes. Everyone’s skin colour is different and everyone’s personality is so unique. I wanted my products to represent many different moments and didn’t want to leave any of my beauties out. I wanted this collection to offer out diversity and versatility and what we created allows me to put my arms around so many people.

FUTURE EMOTION / LIP X 9
LIVING IN STERE: WARM NUDE (MATTE)
VIOLETTA: BRIGHT COOL PURPLE (AMPLIFIED)
WILD MEMORIES: WARM INTENSE RED (MATTE)
BREATHING FIRE: BRIGHT WARM PINK (MATTE)
NIGHT CLUB SCHOOL: DEEP WINE (AMPLIFIED)
CARMINE ROUGE: COOL DEEP RED (MATTE)
DIGGING IT: DEEP DUSTY BROWN (MATTE)
MORANGE: LOUDMOUTH ORANGE (AMPLIFIED)
HAPPY SONG: MID-TONE ROSY PINK (MATTE)
CHF 49.00 

ACOUSTICA / CHEEK X 3
HEAVEN IN YOUR SMILE IRIDESCENT POWDER: PALE FROSTY HIGHLIGHT (FROST)
ACOUSTICA BRONZING POWDER: WARM BROWN (MATTE)
WALL OF DESIRE POWDER BLUSH: MID-TONE PINK (SATIN)
CHF 49.00 

LO-FI / EYE SHADOW X 29
LO-FI: SOFT BEIGE WITH GOLD SHIMMER (SATIN)
CREATIVE COPPER: PEACHY GOLD WITH SHIMMER (LUSTRE)
BITE THE BEAT: MID-TONE WARM BROWN (MATTE)
ENDLESS FREQUENCY: MID-TONE PEACH (MATTE)
DISCO THERAPY: BRIGHT MUTED ORANGE (MATTE)
SUPERIOR SOUND: SOFT CREAMY PINK (FROST)
HAPPY SONG: BUBBLEGUM PINK (SATIN)
BIRD’S EYE VIEW: BRIGHT FUCHSIA PINK (SATIN)
WALKING HEARTBEATS: MID-TONE RED (MATTE)
VACATION SPEED ZONE: DEEP PLUM WITH RED PEARL (VLXP)
GHOST STORY: CREAMY WHITE WITH ICY SHIMMER (FROST)
MORNING TICKET: SILVER METALLIC FROST (VLXP)
US DANCE REMIX: FROSTY COOL GUNMETAL (VLXP)
SUBTLY ELEGANT: MUTED PALE GREY (MATTE)
BONUS TRACK: WARM BROWN WITH SILVER SPARKLE (FROST)
BEAUTIFULLY CHARRED: MID-TONE BROWN WITH GOLD SHIMMER (FROST)
RAVEN EYED: TRUE BLACK (MATTE)
VIDEO EMOTIONS: BLACK PURPLE (MATTE)
MEMORIES OF SPACE: BRIGHT TRUE YELLOW (MATTE)
REMIXOLOGY: MUTED LIME GREEN (MATTE)
BEATALLICA: DEEP FOREST GREEN (MATTE)
SYNTHESEYES: PALE MINT GREEN (SATIN)
OLDIE BUT GOODIE: LIGHT SEA FOAM (MATTE)
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: AQUAMARINE BLUE (SATIN)
AT THE TURNTABLE: SKY BLUE (MATTE)
ELECTRIC EEL: BRIGHT BLUE WITH SHIMMER (FROST)
SHE’S A MACHINE: LAVENDER WITH SHIMMER (FROST)
JAM SESSION: BRIGHT LILAC (SATIN)
NEW WAVE MIX: BRIGHT VIOLET PURPLE (MATTE)
CHF 148.00

Exclusively available at selected M·A·C Manor Counters and M·A·C Store Lucerne & Zurich and at www.maccosmetics.ch from today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
#MACJeremyScott

Momentum and possibility, movement and progression have always been the forces behind Shayne Oliver’s vision, driving the artistic direction of his collections and collaborations. These elements have informed Oliver’s overall point of view, which he brings to his new collaboration with Longchamp. The founder of New York-based cult menswear label HOOD BY AIR joined forces with the luxury French leather goods and fashion house, Longchamp, to develop an inventive capsule collection of travel accessories and ready-to-wear that merges the distinct creative spirit of both collaborators.

Taking the concept of travel gear into a new era, the collection Longchamp by Shayne Oliver merges Longchamp’s history of craftsmanship and French elegance with Oliver’s transformative aesthetic, resulting in a dynamic offering for both men and women. The collection includes leather goods, footwear, ready-to-wear and garment bags, as well as a new iteration of Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage® tote, reimagined by Oliver.

«I really like the idea of working with brands that are masters of their craft,» Oliver shared. «Longchamp has a prestigious history of providing luxury travel essentials with expert craftsmanship. It made total sense to work with them on my first all accessories project.»

Throughout the collection, proportions are challenged and silhouettes are altered, disrupting the preconceptions of modern day travel. Travel takes on a new art form, underscored by unwavering freedom and temporal mobility. «While this is not the first collaboration for Longchamp or Shayne Oliver, it was a particularly energizing experience to work with Shayne in order to offer an unexpected collection to our customers,» said Longchamp Artistic Director and granddaughter of the founder, Sophie Delafontaine. «Designing Longchamp product through Shayne’s lens was an exciting challenge that allowed us to create product that is truly original.»

Sophie Delafontaine and Shayne Oliver

ABOUT SHAYNE OLIVER

Trinidad and Brooklyn raised, Shayne Oliver is the founder of the creative cult label Hood by Air based in New York City. Oliver’s interest in fashion and experimentation began at an early age where he founded the HBA creative collective in an underground warehouse dance community that subsequently emerged as a major fashion house in 2013. After exponential success and collaborations with the brand, Oliver decided to expand his vision by guest designing at major fashion houses under the legacy series A.S.S.O. (As Seen by Shayne Oliver) in order to promote his core concepts of individuality, high/low juxtaposition and expression. 2018 sees A.S.S.O.’s major collaboration with French luxury fashion brand, Longchamp, in a redesign of the capsule. The A.S.S.O. series will continue to work with designers who are considered Masters of Craft in their industries. These partnerships will propel conceptions of Oliver while paying homage to the brands’ heritage and legacies.

 As a designer, how did this collaboration with Longchamp enrich your personal point of view? 

I like to challenge myself and do things that are unconventional, I think that can be very liberating. I liked how this project had a strong sense of heritage and a different perspective that was based in people’s everyday lives. I was inspired by this. For me, living in New York, Longchamp is part of the, dare I say, streetwear, because a lot of people own Longchamp bags. It has a language that feels very organic to me. 

New York is my home and it will always be what I am inspired but Paris is fashion. 

How did this collaboration with Longchamp come about? 

The first thing that interested me about the project was the garment bag and from there, and I began to think about how travel influenced me in my own collections from the past. I came to think about the travel ties that we did for my previous brand HOOD BY AIR. (HBA) and bringing that into the language of Longchamp via the graphic. 

What do the graphics symbolize? 

HIATUS means ‘a gap’ or ‘a break’. The HIATUS logo relates to the period when we began working on this collaboration, at the time it was very important that I took a break. It was specifically the right time for this collaboration to happen so I feel like it was a great way of speaking about what was going on in my life – about needing to take a hiatus from the project I was working on and focusing on where I was heading, which is this new project ‘by Shayne Oliver’ – a series of collaborations with brands that have great heritage and renowned craftsmanship and putting my own spin on it. 

These bags are meant for the realness of life, it is less about having it be logos. 

This capsule collection brings some interesting styles, what inspired them? 

The collection is made to be used in multiple different ways, it is multipurpose. This multi-functionality is how I like to live my life in general and so I tried to make that as much a part of this as possible. 

SLING BAG 

For one, a lot of things that were happening to me at the time that involved healing, including physically being injured. We used the idea of an arm sling, like a sling you use when you are healing yourself, and turned it into a bag but it can still be used both ways. 

DOUBLE LE PLIAGE® 

This came from the idea of having a bag that was more personal and having one bag that was more business. You know which side you are using by the graphic on the front. The HIATUS side is meant for having fun and the other is more business. I was trying to make the Le Pliage® consistent with this idea of the new world. 

T-SHIRT 

We introduced a t-shirt style for the collaboration that speaks to the usage of the Longchamp graphic. I felt like it was important for that to be printed on a t-shirt as part of this new aesthetic for the collaboration. We then added the handles from the iconic Le Pliage® so it is branded in a way that mixes the new idea of branding and the old idea of branding. 

Longchamp By Shayne Oliver will launch at select Longchamp stores including the Longchamp Soho store in the US and on Longchamp.com before rolling out to Longchamp stores internationally in early May 2018.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp

You might have heard the news already as they had been announced a few days ago:
H&M revealed their newest designer collaboration with MOSCHINO, this time through Instagram live.

I was in the champagne with Moët & Chandon for an outstanding experience that I had no time to write about it before. Nevertheless, you might have heard about it but you still haven’t read my opinion about it which you might find interesting.

Funny coincidence: I wore Moschino’s Barbie collection to the Alexander Wang x H&M launch party in NYC in 2014.

First of all, I think that the time for designer collaborations is over. Somehow the magic went missing. Why is that? Personally speaking, in times, where street style fashion, sneakers, track pants and so on are totally trending, being stylish can be easily achieved, even on a low budget. Jeremy Scott, Moschino’s Creative Director, for example had a fantastic collaboration with Adidas before where you could find his aesthetics for a great price. Moreover, there are many new brands coming up, raising to fame through today’s advertising channels of social media.

Another coincidence: I met Jeremy Scott for the first time at an H&M party – in 2012 Anna dello Russo’s Paradise Ball celebrated her collaboration with the Swedish fashion giant.

When I was eagerly waiting during the last years for H&M’s new collaboration to be revealed, this one hit me unexpectedly as I had just forgotten about it. Nevertheless, personally speaking, I have always liked Moschino’s fun approach to fashion, especially since 2013 when Jeremy Scott has started to inject his pop energy, reminiscent of what Franco Moschino was famous for. Depending on the pieces Jeremy will create, this can be a great collection. Moreover, he is a designer of celebrity status with millions of fans, many of whom are also friends, such as Kate Perry, Lindsay Lohan and many more.

One of his buddies, no other than Gigi Hadid, revealed the new project with an Instagram live call to her friend Jeremy Scott. Her call was projected on digital screens at the annual MOSCHINO party in Coachella, California and live broadcasted on @hm surprising guests with the big news after midnight. Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid, were dressed in the first looks from the MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection, a collection full of the vitality, playfulness and humour that has made the label one of the most beloved in fashion today.

«I am so excited about MOSCHINO [tv] H&M. My life’s work has been to connect with people through fashion, and with this collaboration I’ll be able to reach more of my fans than I’ve ever had the ability to do,» Jeremy Scott, Creative Director of MOSCHINO

For H&M, Jeremy Scott has designed new MOSCHINO collections for both women and men, as well as a full range of accessories and some extra surprises too. The collection will be available online and in select H&M stores worldwide from November 8, 2018.

The MOSCHINO [tv] H&M campaign is a radically innovative TV concept enmeshing social and traditional media to create a multi-platform takeover – a captivating new «zapping» experience for the digital world.

News were revealed last week at Scott’s annual Moschino Coachella Party: Jeremy Scott and Gigi Hadid dressed in the upcoming collection with Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor.

Below you can find some of my favorite Moschino looks and accessories I wore over the past years, to see the complete outfit posts, click on the highlighted links. Let’s see if Jeremy will be inspired by one of those…

One of my favorite Moschino looks of all times: Barbie Girl.

Top left to right:  Love Pink –  When Fashion Meets Art – Good Girl
Bottom left to right: The Jacket Bag – Fast Fashion – California Cool

Infused with pop art: Jacket quilted leather shoulder bag.

Fashion kills: Cigarette box-inspired leather bag.

Looking at my photos, I can imagine that Scott’s surreal-Pop aesthetic will find many fans…
… to be continued!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M/Moschino, © Sandra Bauknecht
#HMOSCHINO – INSTAGRAM @hm @moschino

Attico is a rising brand from Italian street style stars and designers Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio. «We wanted to make thrown-together appear dressed up, dressed-up feel everyday, and every entrance feel like the entrance,» they say of the brand’s aesthetic, which is inspired by classic peignoirs robes – expect embroidered silks, sparkling sequins and rainbow colors. One of their hottest accessories are the ankle cuffs that are available in several colors. Here you see Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in one of their stunning looks with the designer duo itself.

Get her look: Sequined tulle wrap mini dress, Baby patent-leather slingback sandals, and buckle fasten anklet, all by Attico.

By the way, I am proud of myself. This is the first collage I created with Photoshop and Indesign!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Instagram @rosiehw
Stills: Courtesy of Attico

LVMH has appointed Off-White designer Virgil Abloh, who came to prominence as Kanye West’s creative director, to lead men’s design at Louis Vuitton. His first show for one of the oldest and most powerful European houses in the luxury business will take place in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

The appointment, widely rumoured in recent months, follows the departure of Kim Jones, Abloh’s predecessor at Louis Vuitton, in January. Last week, it was announced that Jones would become the men’s designer at LVMH-owned Christian Dior, replacing Kris van Assche.

Kim Jones, Abloh’s predecessor at Louis Vuitton is now at LVMH-owned Christian Dior.

“Having followed with great interest Virgil’s ascent since he worked with me at Fendi in 2006, I am thrilled to see how his innate creativity and disruptive approach have made him so relevant, not just in the world of fashion but in popular culture today. His sensibility towards luxury and savoir-faire will be instrumental in taking Louis Vuitton’s menswear into the future,” said Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman & CEO.

Virgil Abloh with Naomi Campbell at his Off-White™ S/S 2018 show.

“It is an honor for me to accept the position of Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the House are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” stated Virgil Abloh.

Who is Virgil Abloh?

Born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980, Virgil Abloh is an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, and designer. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Madison, he completed a Master´s Degree in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in a curriculum founded by Mies van der Rohe. It was here that he learned not only about modernist design principles but also about the concept of multi-disciplinary working.

Virgil Abloh’s brand Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ was started in 2012 as an artwork titled “PYREX VISION.” In 2013, the brand premiered a seasonal men’s and women’s fashion label showing runway collections during Paris Fashion Week since 2015. Abloh has also presented his work at major design institutions around the globe by the likes of Harvard Graduate School of Design, Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 2019 he will have a major exhibition of past and current work at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, Illinois. In 2015, Virgil Abloh for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ is among the finalists of the LVMH Prize. He has been awarded various prizes, most recently winning the British Fashion Awards Urban Luxe award and International Designer of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2017.

Off-White™ S/S 2018

 For Off-White™ ‘s S/S 2018 collection, Virgil re-imagines what Princess Diana’s wardrobe would look like if she were alive today – right down to the much-anticipated shoe collaboration with Jimmy Choo, which is available to shop here.

Plastic-covered stilettos:  Jimmy Choo x Off-White collaboration campaign image.

Get the look: Crepe blazer, crepe mini skirt, Diana silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and C/O Jimmy Choo Anne 100 PVC-wrapped satin pumps, all by Off-White™.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Fabien Montique, Courtesy of Pyrexforsale and Off-White™

Last week, I was in Milan for another UBS Unique event that I am going to tell you more about soon. Here you see me in the garden of the Four Seasons Hotel wearing a one-of-kind kimono by Rianna + Nina who create contemporary pieces from vintage silk scarves to elegant effect. All designs, which are available at for example at Matchesfashion, Browns, and Moda Operandi are made in Berlin where the designer duo resides.

Framed by Rianna + Nina: Rianna Nektaria Kounou and Nina Kuhn.

My look: Vintage patchwork silk kimono coat and vintage silk belt, both by Rianna + Nina, ruffle-trimmed cotton-blend cady jacket, ruffled-hem silk and wool-blend skirt, ruffled-neck chiffon blouse, Queercore embellished leather ankle boots, and GG Marmont matelassé shoulder bag, all by Gucci. Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

A huge thank you to Tina Sturzenegger for taking the photos!