Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday I had an amazing experience with Christian Louboutin, when I visited his small atelier, the famed L’Atelier Sur Mesure, on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which is reserved for private customers and one-of-a-kind creations. It is located just a few doors from the first-ever Christian Louboutin store.

Most of the footwear is manufactured and produced at his factory in Milan, but here dreams come true as you can enjoy a made to measure service. This is haute couture for your feet. Here your measurements matter when you start a meticulous 8-step process to achieving the perfectly sculpted pair of shoes.

When you arrive at Christian Louboutin’s Paris Atelier, your Cinderella journey starts. Several key points of your feet will be measured. After that, precise, three-dimensional imprints are made by stepping into foam moulds.

You will have to choose which silhouette will be your base, for example the Kate or the Pigalle pumps, and you are then spoilt for choice, with the opportunity to customize your preferred silhouette, heel height, toe shape, desired material and other embellishments.

Three-dimensional foot casts are sculpted, that help the artisans to create the shoe’s first draft by hand in leather before other specialists sew and assemble the final product. This process takes months as these drafts undergo multiple reassessments and adjustments before reaching their final, impeccably finished state. Every shoe is ultimately approved by Christian Louboutin, himself and you as a client are allowed immense involvement in the entire process, through the sharing of ideas and expectation.

I personally experienced the craftsmanship to apply Swarovski crystals to the satin base of the shoe. It is such a difficult procedure and you appreciate the skills of the artisans even more.

Visiting the L’Atelier Sur Mesure was an incredible experience especially as I am obsessed with shoes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Just nine days after officially becoming Moschino’s creative director, Italian fashion designer Davide Renne had died of an undisclosed sudden illness last fall. The Milan fashion scene was shaken.

This week, the House of Moschino announced the appointment of Adrian Appiolaza as the new Creative Director. He will make his debut with the F/W 2024 Women’s collection, which will be showcased on February 22nd at 6:00 PM CET at the Museo della Permanente during Milan Fashion Week.

Born in Argentina in 1972, he grew up in Buenos Aires where his grandmother owned a tailoring business that initiated his love for fashion. However, it was actually his love of music that made him move to Europe to be part of the Manchester music scene, rather than his affinity with fashion.

When he made the move to London in the early 90s, he studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins. He worked then at Alexander McQueen. However his career kicked off when Phoebe Philo invited hime to join her team at Chloé after noticing his graduate collection in 2002. From here, the designer worked under Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu from 2006, then headed to Louis Vuitton as senior designer for Marc Jacobs in 2010. A quick return to Chloé as Clare Waight Keller’s design director in 2012 saw him then move to Loewe in 2014, working closely with Jonathan Anderson as the brand’s ready-to-wear design director for a decade before starting his job at Moschino.

The designer is true fashion collector himself and his own personal collection contains rare pieces from Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela and Comme des Garçons to name just a few.

I think he is the perfect choice for Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moschino and via Instagram @adrianappiolaza
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Chloé becomes the inaugural collaborator for Atelier Jolie with a ready-to-wear capsule collection celebrating femininity​ that you don’t want to miss. Minimalistic sustainable luxury at its best.

Co-designed by Chloé Creative Director Gabriela Hearst and Atelier Jolie founder Angelina Jolie, the capsule collection spotlights authentic women-to-women connections and honours both brands’ respective commitments to improving social and environmental sustainability with greater transparency and accountability. ​

Parts of the collection showcase the work of artisans from a Fair Trade enterprise while multiple looks make use of deadstock and lower-impact materials. Drawing on Chloé’s network of international makers and reinforced by its B Corp certification, coupled with Atelier Jolie’s comprehensive founding principles regarding ethical and sustainable practice, the capsule collection incorporates a higher percentage of lower-impact materials than any previous collection from the Maison. ​

Chloé x Atelier Jolie is defined by fluid silhouettes and tactile details. With an eveningwear focus, it has a timeless aesthetic inspired by perennial pieces from Angelina Jolie’s own well-loved wardrobe.​

TO SHOP CHLOÉ X ATELIER JOLIE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé x Atelier Jolie
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Last night, I was invited by NET-À-PORTER for a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi, who had flown in from Italy for the occasion with his wife and his daughter Sofia, who both play key roles in the company, making the label a quintessential Italian family business.

With Alison Loehnis

In July, Richemont acquired a controlling stake in Gianvito Rossi, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the eponymous brand, who retains a stake in the company and continues to nurture and develop the Maison in partnership. Founded in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli and headquartered in Milan, the son of the legendary shoe designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito has created one of the world’s leading luxury shoe houses. It is recognised by clients all over the world for its sophisticated designs, unique savoir-faire and impeccable quality.

With Gianvito Rossi

… and his wife and daughter Sofia.

This fall, Gianvito Rossi debuts his first handbag, called the Valì, a key new development that was beautifully displayed for the event. The design is very sleek, very much in the spirit of Gianvito, the perfect blend of haute artisanal finish, and sophisticated, modern luxury. Its form with rounded angles does indeed evoke an old suitcase, it is available in four colors – black, peach, off white and violet.

On display was also an amazing suitcase that is can be special ordered in your dedicated shoe size holding your most beloved Gianvito Rossi shoe models. I am obsessed.
Enjoy the impressions of the night.

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Anthony Duong

With Sally Taylor

With Elena Radice and Iona Miller

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Drawing inspiration from her signature archival prints, Mary Katrantzou has created a series of mesmerizing rugs in collaboration with The Rug Company. Discover the full collection offering a distinctive fusion of bold patterns and timeless sophistication to enhance any interior space. I am literally obsessed and Sunray Pink is my favorite.

LoL, Sandra

Sunray Pink

Sunray Nude

Framis

Feather Marble Maroon

Feather Marble Midnight

Botanical Paradise

Bluebell Daydream

Photos: © Mary Katrantzou / The Rug Company
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The House of Moschino appoints Davide Renne as the new Creative Director. In his role, Renne, who has designed women’s collections for two decades for Gucci, eventually as Head Designer of Womenswear, will oversee the women’s, men’s and accessories for the Moschino main line, reporting to Massimo Ferretti, Executive Chairman of Aeffe SpA.

Davide will officially assume the role of Creative Director at Moschino on November 1st, 2023. His first collection will debut for F/W 2024 during February’s 2024 Milan Fashion Week.

«Franco Moschino had a nickname for his design studio: la sala giochi – the playroom. This resonates deeply with me: what fashion – Italian fashion especially, and the House of Moschino most of all, can achieve with its enormous power, should be accomplished with a sense of play, of joy. A sense of discovery, and experimentation», says Davide Renne. «I am very conscious of the honor that Mr. Ferretti – a gentleman who has been almost fatherly in his ability to listen and establish a dialogue during our encounters – has bestowed upon me in taking charge of the House founded by one of fashion’s great minds. So thank you, Mr Ferretti for giving me the keys to your playroom. I can’t wait to begin – we’ll have fun. Together.»

As a huge Moschino lover, I am looking forward to seeing the first collection designed by Renne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moschino
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This week, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU in the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau officially opened its doors, an opulent five-star hotel designed by the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, combining immaculate interiors with unrivaled hospitality.

Created with a bold vision for iconic accommodations and aesthetics, and as the world’s first and only hotel entirely designed by and named after the late fashion legend, the designer’s imaginative, inimitable style and ethos are infused into its very DNA, from its architectural elements to the specially commissioned furniture and art.

Each of the hotel’s 271 rooms and suites, as well as its Spa, Gym and pools feature Karl Lagerfeld’s bold, inspired blend of rock-chic aesthetics and elegant Chinoiserie elements. The signature restaurant, Mesa by José Avillez, translates his iconic tastes into an exquisite chic setting, while The Book Lounge is inspired by his home library in Paris. Discover fashion, luxury and beauty, fused together into a one-of-a-kind reflection of the world of Karl.

Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, said, «It’s incredible to see Karl’s vision translated into reality at THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU. It is truly a unique and immersive experience into Karl’s world. He often spoke about his fascination for Chinese culture and Karl has seamlessly combined elements from both East and West with his unique style and creative expression. In Karl’s own words, let’s “embrace the present and invent the future.»

Karl Lagerfeld’s design concept for THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU stemmed from a sophisticated reimagining of modern Chinoiserie fused with traditional craftsmanship, bold colors and patterns meet tailored silhouettes.

All rooms and suites showcase influences of both classic Chinese design and contemporary Western aesthetics: custom-created headboards were inspired by auspicious Chinese coins that represent good fortune, while porcelain vases were handmade in Jingdezhen and circular room dividers were inspired by traditional Chinese moon gates.

Reflecting Karl Lagerfeld’s passion for collaboration, specially commissioned furnishings include exquisite sculptures by Dutch artist Marcel Wanders and French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Terzani chandeliers.

For information about THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU and to book your stay, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Karl Lagerfeld Macau
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When I came back from Athens, I went immediately to Widder Hotel in Zurich where my Valentino girls, Gianfranca and Elisa, had prepared a beautiful surprise birthday dinner for our dear friend Albena Gateva.

Albena loves butterflies and the transformation. Therefore she made the animal her logo.

Albena and I had met at a CHANEL fashion show and have become immediately friends as we both share the same love for fashion. The Bulgarian born bombshell took her passion a step further and launched Albella Privè in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. Her project was to recreate the human connection that became unstable and uncertain during this difficult historical time.

Her purpose was to create communicative seams, weaves and plots for the most loved ones, her friends. Albena wanted to reinvent a pure and sincere expressive language through her clothes that speak of complicity, friendship, intuition, affection, beauty and being a woman: this is how Albella Privé was born.

For her birthday, her best friend Tula Schuker, who had just been the cover girl in Albella Privè for Glamour Bulgaria, and I wore Albella Privé brocade jackets.

Tula and me in Albella Privé.

At the moment you can find her designs at Blu Boutique in Lugano and on her website.

A beautiful nod to Valentino: The Rockstud birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Albena! I am sure we will see so much more from you soon…

LoL, Sandra

Albena framed by her best friends: Tula and Cristina Valcuende, who had flown in from Spain.

Bravo Elisa and Gianfranca! You organized the surprise so well!

Tula and Alena Bischofberger with me.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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In dedication to the world-famous Belgian-American fashion designer, The Diane von Furstenberg Suite has been unveiled at Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel located in the heart of Brussels.

Adorned with DVF’s signature touches, a bold zebra rug, two large silk scarves by Andy Warhol, and a collection of striking artwork that celebrates her legacy with her world famous style and influence.

The iconic wrap dress that made von Furstenberg famous, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in honour of this milestone, the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum is dedicating its new exhibition: Diane von Furstenberg, Woman before Fashion.

In celebration of the exhibition, Hotel Amigo has created a special offer for guests to Step into the World of Diane von Furstenberg from now through January 7, 2024 by staying in the DVF suite. Starting rate from € 2,640.

On arrival, delight in a box of Laurent Gerbaud chocolates as you explore the stylish suite. Venture out to the exhibition, Woman before Fashion, and immerse yourself in the timelessness of her designs. After delving into her illustrious career at the museum, return to your suite for a night of relaxation amid the unique DVF ambience.

Begin the following day with a complimentary breakfast, then enjoy a private visit to the DVF boutique. Experience first-hand the intertwining worlds of art, philanthropy and fashion that have shaped Diane von Furstenberg’s remarkable legacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rocco Forte Hotels
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For the first time in Europe, a fashion museum is dedicating an exhibition to Diane von Furstenberg. The exhibition at the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum, through a selection of more than 50 models and a vast iconography, presents the career, creations and personality of this extraordinary woman until January 7, 2024. Learn about the diversity and timelessness of the prints that have contributed to her fame, the freedom that inspires her work and her daily life, and the role played by art in her creations with works by friends such as Andy Warhol, Konstantin Kakanias and François-Marie Banier.

For this occasion and for the first time, the designer has opened the doors of her archives. Nicolas Lor, the curator, tells us about the nuggets unearthed in these vast textile, graphic and photographic collections and about the conception of the project. He also tells us about the many interviews conducted with Diane von Furstenberg. These rich interviews provide an original insight into the work of the designer and her famous wrap dress, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Brussels City
Phone Numbers: +32 2 213 44 50 and +32 2 279 43 67
Email: musea@​brucity.​be
www.fashionandlacemuseum.brussels

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DVF and Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
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