Sandra‘s Closet

I have been a Prada fan since almost 30 years. My first buy was a nylon bag, and over the decades many amazing pieces have landed in my closet. I have kept everything and love to mix and match them with new pieces. Here you see me last week at the Prada show space in Milan discovering the beautiful new S/S 2021 collection that I will tell you all about over the weekend.

I am wearing Prada pieces from different seasons. The dress for example is from Resort 2018. The bag was sported on the F/W 2005 runway and featured in the Hollywood movie «The Devil Wears Prada». I love how the outfit seems to be derived from one collection!

Left: A scene from «The Devil Wears Prada» movie, in which the bag was featured
Right: Meryl Streep photographed by Karl Lagerfeld for Elle France October 2006

My look: Green marabou feather coat, Cigaline contrast-panel pleated organza dress, frame handle spazzolato leather bag, and patent leather pumps with silver chain details, all by Prada, dangling crystal earrings by Miu Miu.

Please don’t forget, what I am always telling you. Keep your pieces, there will always be a time for them again… you never know, you might have invested into something that will become part of fashion history like my fab Prada bag …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission

In November 2019, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. For the previous post, click here please.

Yesterday, after months of speculation, LVMH has called off its planned mega-merger with the American jeweler. The result? Tiffany sinks 11% and is now suing the French luxury conglomerate to keep the acquisition on track. The jewelry giant alleged LVMH sought to leverage US social justice protests and the coronavirus pandemic to «avoid paying the agreed price for Tiffany shares.»

LVMH explained that the deal’s contract set a November 24 deadline, and that requests from Tiffany and the French government to delay the deal led to its pulling out. In return, Tiffany accused LVMH of not doing its part to win approval of the deal from antitrust authorities.

Tiffany’s famous 5th Avenue store in New York City

More details can be found in LVMH’s press release from yesterday: «After a succession of events which undermine the acquisition of Tiffany & Co, the Board of LVMH met to review the situation relating to the contemplated investment in light of these recent developments.

The Board learned of a letter from the French European and Foreign Affairs Minister which, in reaction to the threat of taxes on French products by the US, directed the Group to defer the acquisition of Tiffany until after January 6th, 2021. Furthermore, the Board noted Tiffany & Co.’s requested to extend the «Outside Date» in the Merger Agreement from November 24th to December 31st, 2020.

As a results of these elements, and knowledge of the first legal analysis led by the advisors and the LVMH teams, the Board decided to comply with the Merger Agreement signed in November 2019 which provides, in any event for a closing deadline no later than November 24th, 2020 and officially records that, as it stands, the Group LVMH will therefore not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co.»

Key figure: Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co.

In course of Tiffany & Co.’s lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SE and related entities («LVMH»), Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board, said, «We regret having to take this action but LVMH has left us no choice but to commence litigation to protect our company and our shareholders. Tiffany is confident it has complied with all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and is committed to completing the transaction on the terms agreed to last year. Tiffany expects the same of LVMH.»

He stated further, «We believe that LVMH will seek to use any available means in an attempt to avoid closing the transaction on the agreed terms. But the simple facts are that there is no basis under French law for the Foreign Affairs Minister to order a company to breach a valid and binding agreement, and LVMH’s unilateral discussions with the French government without notifying or consulting with Tiffany and its counsel were a further breach of LVMH’s obligations under the Merger Agreement. ‎Moreover, this supposed official French effort to retaliate against the U.S. for proposed new tariffs has never been announced or discussed publicly; how could it possibly then be an effort to pressure the U.S. into revoking the tariffs? Furthermore, as we are not aware of any other French company receiving such a request, it is all the more clear that LVMH has unclean hands.»

Tiffany CEO Alessandra Bogliolo in 2018

Tiffany emphasized that its business remained strong, with sales in the last three months of 2020 expected to exceed the same period last year and that the COVID-19 pandemic has not prevented other parties from making antitrust filings on a timely schedule.

Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Bogliolo underlined, »The fundamental strength of Tiffany’s business is clear. The company has already returned to profitability after just one quarter of losses, and we expect our earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 will actually exceed the same period in 2019.»

The famous movie scene: Audrey Hepburn in «Breakfast at Tiffany’s».

Tiffany is seeking to expedite the Delaware proceedings to obtain a ruling prior to November 24, 2020 ordering LVMH to comply with its obligations and complete the transaction on the agreed terms.

An unpleasant turnaround of what we thought would become a love story of the luxury industry. I am very curious to see the outcome. I mean if LVMH walks away completely, Kering or Richmond might jump on the deal and acquire Tiffany. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Funny composite from the NY Post
Photos: Tiffany & Co., LVMH, Getty

Breaking news from LVMH this morning, Kim Jones will join Fendi as artistic director for womenswear collections. In his first substantive foray into womenswear, he will oversee haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur. The designer will continue in his role as artistic director at Dior Homme, another LVHM-owned Maison.

I loved Kim’s first Dior Homme campaign for S/S 2019: shot by the legendary Steven Meisel, models were posing in relaxed tailoring. 

Previously, Jones worked as menswear director at Louis Vuitton, before he moved to Dior’s menswear in 2018 where he invigorated the House by mixing sports and streetwear references with skillful luxury tailoring. Jones even reinterpreted some of the iconic pieces like the Bar Suit for men. Born in 1973 in Hammersmith, London, he is a graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design. He was raised in Kenya, where his father worked as a hydrogeologist. Throughout his childhood, he also traveled through Ecuador, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Botswana, and brought this wanderlust into his adult life. He claims to have visited Japan «around 70 or 80 times.»

Celebrity friend: David Beckham wore a Dior Homme suit designed by Kim Jones for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

Jones knows the industry from all angles. As well a being a designer, he’s worked as a stylist and art director for Dazed & Confused, Arena Homme+, Pop, AnOther, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, 10 Men, V Man, i-D, Numéro Homme, and Fantastic Man.

While streetwear’s and activewear’s presence in the luxury fashion sphere might seem normal these days (especially during the recent pandemic), it hasn’t always been the case. However, Kim Jones was one of the first designers to preempt the merge.

Karl Lagerfeld with Silvia Venturini Fendi

With the death of Karl Lagerfeld last year, Fendi lost its designer of more than 54 years. This was the longest time ever, a designer had reigned at a fashion house. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who had stepped into Lagerfeld’s role in the interim, will return to focusing on accessories and menswear collections, Fendi’s statement said.

Punk meets couture: Dior Homme’s ad campaign for F/W 2019

«Kim Jones has continuously proven his ability to adapt to the codes and heritage of the LVMH houses while revisiting them with great modernity and audacity,» said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns both brands.

According to Fendi, Jones will present his first ready-to-wear collection for the label in the F/W 2021 during Milan Fashion Week in February, that will hopefully take place.
Are you ready for the next level of FENDIMANIA?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi / Dior

The story of Serge Lutens is a very special one, emotional and deep. Loss can lead to extraordinary ways to cope with pain. For Serge Lutens it has created the foundation to become this extraordinary designer and true artist. A visionary of beauty in all its forms, he has led many revolutions in the world of beauty and perfume. For him, «perfume is illuminating, affirming, the ultimate final touch».

Building on his success, in 2000 he created his own brand, Serge Lutens. The brand reflects its authentic, bold creator who conceives his fragrances, designs his bottles and considers every detail of his creations without concession. To date, he has created around 70 perfumes in timeless collections: the Collection Noire, Exclusive Bottles, Section d’Or, Gratte-Ciel and more. His perfumes for men and for women reveal something of the wearer’s character and bring out their true identity.
He has also launched a makeup line bringing together beauty essentials, with an expert selection of cosmetics for a high-definition makeup finish.

Discover the story of Serge Lutens, a genius living in his own world.

LIVING AT A DISTANCE

Serge Lutens was born during the war, on March 14th, 1942 in Lille, in northern France. Separated from his mother when he was just weeks old, his personality was indelibly marked by this original abandonment. Permanently torn between two families, he lived life at a distance and through his imagination. He was a dreamer. At the École Montesquieu, they said he was «on the moon»: he paid no attention, although his teachers recognised that he was a gifted storyteller.

A STYLE IS BORN

In 1956, at the age of 14, he was given a job against his will – he would have preferred being an actor – in a beauty salon in his native city. Two years later, he had already established the feminine hallmarks that he would make his own: eye shadow, ethereally beautiful skin, short, plastered down hair. He also became known for the colour black, from which he never deviated. He confirmed his tastes and his choices with the female friends of his whom he photographed. He was 18 when he was called up to serve in the army during the Algerian War. He was remoulded. This was an important break that led him to make his decision: to leave Lille and head for Paris. This was 1962. Helped by a friend, Madeleine Levy, and bearing large prints of his photographs of his friends, Serge Lutens, experiencing his first years in Paris at a time of insecurity and want, contacted Vogue magazine. For him, this magazine represented the essence of beauty: a sort of convent that he mythologised. Three days later, he collaborated on the Christmas issue. The creator of a vision through make-up, jewellery and extraordinary objets, Serge Lutens quickly became the person to call, and the fashion magazines made no mistake: Elle, Jardin des Modes, Harper’s Bazaar were constantly after him: he worked with the greatest photographers of the time, all the while pursuing his own photographic work. During these years, his talent was fully acknowledged.

THE DIOR YEARS

In 1967, Christian Dior, who was preparing to launch its make-up line, called upon him. For the House of Dior he would create colours, style and images. Finally, his vision was unified through photography. In the early 1970s, the famous editor-in-chief of US Vogue, Diana Vreeland, was unstinting in her enthusiasm: «Serge Lutens, Revolution of Make-up!» His success was resounding. Serge Lutens became the symbol of the freedom created through make-up, for a whole new generation. In 1974, mirroring his taste for films and the legendary actresses in them, he made a short: «Les Stars.» During this period, he travelled widely, exploring Morocco and later Japan. These two countries, with their rich and yet so different cultures, came together in him and confirmed his way of seeing and feeling.

THE SHISEIDO YEARS

He recalled them some years later, in 1980, when he signed on with Shiseido for a collaboration that was to enable the Japanese cosmetics group, until then unknown on the international scene, to establish such a powerful visual identity that it became one of the world’s leading market players in the 1980s and ‘90s.

MARRAKECH, THE AWAKENING OF THE SENSES

Although this first perfume made its mark on the 1980s, it was the creation of «Féminité du bois» and the opening of the Palais Royal shop – with its dreamlike décor – in 1992 which stamped Serge Lutens’ first olfactory revolution on the perfume world. Deeply moved by his discovery of Morocco, more specifically Marrakech (where he bought an old house in the heart of the Medina in 1974), this was where Serge Lutens established his perfume business. Waxes, cedarwood, orange blossom…, Marrakech provided the inspiration for his first perfumes: Ambre sultan, Cuir mauresque, Chergui… Now well-established, at the time they wrote a whole new chapter in the history of essences. In 2000, Serge Lutens took the logical step of creating the brand which carries his name and embodies his uncompromising style. Perfumes, make-up… distributed through specialist retail channels and, for the select few, his own network of shops.

THE SERGE LUTENS FOUNDATION

In 2007, Serge Lutens received the «Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters» accolade and went on to receive many awards for his multifaceted talent, before he set up the Serge Lutens Foundation in 2014. Based in the house he purchased in 1974, in the historical heart of the Medina in Marrakech, this vast museum-like space of over 3,000 m2 is today a vibrant testimony to an artist who breaks norms and never rests on his laurels.

I had the chance to interview Serge Lutens in 2012. If you are interested, click here to read the post. It is absolutely worth it!

Stay tuned, I will also show you Serge Lutens’ newest perfume creations this week.
TO DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SERGE LUTENS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos and information: Courtesy of Serge Lutens
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Fashion talks a big game when it comes to inclusion, but few brands can actually back it up. In September 2018, Feriel Moulaï shot to fame making her debut as the first hijabi model in history to walk at Paris Fashion Week when she appeared on the Koché S/S 2019 runway and Fendi casted Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser for its F/W 2020 runway show in Milan. They were the first «plus size» models to walk in a Fendi show ever. Such a breath of fresh air…

Halima Aden in a Tommy Hilfiger burkini for the Sports Illustrated last month.

This weekend, Tommy Hilfiger, one of America’s most well known fashion labels, has just unveiled its first hijab. Joining the multi billion-dollar modest fashion industry, this is not the first time the brand has designed with modesty in mind, however, as it recently dressed hijabi model Halima Aden in a custom-made burkini.

Hilfiger’s first-ever hijab

Launching on 24 August for purchase globally in select stores and online, Hilfiger’s hijab will come in a fine, woven jacquard boosted with light shimmer via a glittering metallic thread dubbed as soft lurex. Decorated with the initials TH in a tumbling block pattern, the hijab serves up a breathable, lightweight and chic option for the everydays.

Early adopter: in 2016, Dolce & Gabbana launched a collection of hijabs and abayas.

The decision for the launch is surely business-driven as the State of the Global Islamic Economy report presents the continued momentum of the Islamic economy, projecting the modest fashion industry to be worth an estimated £226 billion worldwide.

A number of luxurious brands, such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and DKNY, have all produced pieces or entire collections aimed specifically at the modest market.

The Japanese company Uniqlo has unveiled a collaboration for F/W 2020 with British hijabi designer Hana Tajima. Embodying a rich sense of cultural diversity, this exclusive collaboration line features elegantly simplistic yet considered pieces, offering comfortable, versatile clothing for all women of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, culture or belief.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © TOMMY HILFIGER, @HALIMA

Gosh, how much I enjoy those hot and sunny temperatures. I am such a summer girl – wearing hot pants and a great top is always easy, comfy and fun. In case you’re wondering, where the term «hot pants» is coming from, here is a quick explanation. No, they aren’t called «hot pants» just because women look «hot» in them. Which we most certainly do, of course!

The name is aligned with a movement of women who broke out of the accepted forms of women’s dress embracing all their curves for the first time in the ’50s and rose to new heights in the ’70s. It was hot shocking hot news at that time! And still today, the style proves its place as one of the most diverse and controversial fashion trends.

In order to avoid crossing the fine line between fashion and faux pas when putting on those short shorts, consider the occasion well you are wearing them to! Having fun on the playground in my garden is definitely one that is suitable. Just saying….

My look: Udalia fringed paneled Lyocell and cotton-blend vest, Eneida frayed denim shorts, and shell and beaded bracelet, all by Isabel Marant, Go Logo Rider 35 leather ankle boots by Valentino, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Nina striped leather tote and matching Nina striped crocheted cashmere tote cover, both by Gabriela Hearst, J’adior bracelet set in black and white Dior Oblique cotton by Dior, chain necklace with heart charm by CHANEL, and Pasha C chronograph in steel (2000) by Cartier.

In order not to miss out, don’t forget that you can order those beautiful Gabriela Hearst totes only until July 13, 2020 HERE. 10% of the profits from the sale of the bags will go to The Save the Children Fund.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Oh, how wonderful spring is! With its bees, flowers, sun and now finally rain, it is my favorite season. One tradition I truly adore is the gifting of lilies of the valley on the first of May as a symbol of springtime and to wish happiness which is very popular in France. In many countries, the first of May is also National Labor Day. As a result, it is a public holiday that we get to enjoy.

My first of May outfit: Lily of the valley-print pussy-bow silk blouse and Lily of the Valley-print pleated silk skirt, both by Valentino

Legend has it that the custom began on May 1, 1561 when King Charles IX received a sprig of the tiny flower as a token of good luck from knight Louis Girard. It is said that whoever finds a lily of the valley with 13 small bells will be particularly lucky.

The king liked the idea so much that he decided to start a tradition and presented a bouquet of lilies of the valley to each of the ladies of his court each year on the same day. And thus began the Fête du Muguet as it is called in France, or May Day.

Christian Dior dedicated his whole Spring 1954 collection to his favorite flower.

The lily of the valley was also Christian Dior’s favorite flower and one of his lucky charms. Faithful to tradition, he offered it each May 1st to all his petites mains and clients. Christian Dior so cherished this spring flower that his florist, Madame Dedeban, grew it for him year-round in a specially heated greenhouse!

The Dior Hommes Fall 2014 collections full of lily of the valley details.

Thus, summer or winter, he was never without a sprig of it in his buttonhole. He also kept some in a finely-wrought box in his pocket. During preparations for his fashion shows, he would ask his petites mains to sew some sprigs of lily of the valley into the hem of a sleeve or a dress. Being the talisman it was, he was also prone to pinning it to the underside of the lapel of the suits worn by his models.

The original Diorissimo bottle of 1956

His beloved flower was also present in his collections each season. He devoted an entire line to it for spring 1954, and, two years later, with Edmond Roudnitska, the couturier realized his dream of capturing its green and floral fragrance. And so, 1956 saw the launch of his third opus, Diorissimo, a triumph of olfactory prowess.

Dior Haute Couture S/S 2016

Lily of the valley has inspired the House’s perfumes and designs ever since, as it did the S/S 2016 haute couture collection. Sprigs of lily of the valley, traced out in beads and sequins, bloomed across a white Bar jacket, the result of over three hundred hours of embroidery.

Kirsten Dunst at the 69th Festival de Cannes in 2016

Later in 2016, at the 69th Festival de Cannes, Kirsten Dunst ascended the famous steps in a white silk gazar Dior haute couture dress embroidered with 300 lily of the valley flowers.

The famous dress Muguet from 1957 was on display at the amazing V&A exhibition «Christian Dior Designer of Dreams»

This special creation was inspired by the dress Muguet, designed by Christian Dior for his S/S 1957 collection in which the flower also blossomed on a dress named Mois de Mai.

Surprise for my daughter today: The beautiful Lucky scent engraved with her name and sign.

In 2018, the Maison launched Lucky as part of their Maison Christian Dior Collection – another fragrance that features lily of the valley, in combination with white flowers and ozonic notes. The nose behind is Francois Demachy, Parfumeur-Créateur Dior, who says:. “Christian Dior was very superstitious and would stitch a stem of lily of the valley into the seam of his dresses for good luck. I wanted to represent the perfume of this hidden lily of the valley, sewn into metres of silk, with a profusion of white flowers and freshness. The scent of his favourite flower gradually reveals itself. Lucky is a good luck charm and the perfume to wear whenever you want to cross your fingers.”

Dior’s new Lily of the Valley china is so beautiful, click here for more infos. 

And last but not least, a very sweet fairytale tells of the affection between the lily of the valley and a nightingale. Once upon a time, every night, the nightingale would come to the garden to sing. However, the lily of the valley was shy and hid herself from the bird. The nightingale was lonely and said he would no longer sing unless the lily of the valley revealed herself, and promised to bloom every May for all to see. And so she does.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, Giambattista Valli, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Twenty years ago, a green jungle print gown by Versace broke the internet, and Google Images was born. It was February 2000 when Jennifer Lopez wore the iconic dress, designed by Donatella Versace, to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony.

The sheer fabric was printed with a tropical leaf and bamboo pattern, and cut with a very low neckline that extended well past Lopez’s navel, while the waist of the dress was studded with citrines. Seemingly overnight it became a fashion legend, as well as the most popular search query Google had seen at the time. It was often described as a turning point in designer Donatella Versace’s career after the death of her brother, Gianni Versace.

But back in 2000, search results were still just a list of blue links. When the search team realized they weren’t able to directly surface the results that people wanted – a picture of the American recording artist and actress in the dress – they were inspired to create Google Images.

Left: Crystal-embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo wearing the original design in 2000 to the Grammys

Before it became famous on the red carpet of the Grammy Awards, the dress was presented on the catwalk by model Amber Valletta, and was also featured in Versace’s main advertising campaign that year; Steven Meisel also photographed it on Valletta.

Left: Cutout embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo with Donatella Versace on the S/S 2020 runway last fall

Two decades later, Donatella Versace showed off a new, revamped green gown in the print for her S/S 2020 collection, and a magic moment in fashion history took place when J. Lo modeled it as the final look of the runway presentation last fall. And is it only me? But I think that J. Lo looks even better than 20 years ago! Just wow!!!

Great news is that you can make these pieces of fashion history your own as both versions are available this season. TO SHOP BOTH VERSACE GOWNS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Can you guess which one I went for? I hope this quarantine will be over soon and I get to wear it to a special occasion…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace, Net-à-Porter and Google
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Another fashion blockbuster to add to your diary – the V&A is going off-brand after the must-see exhibitions about Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Mary Quant and has dedicated an entire show to the ultimate symbol of Japan: the KIMONO, the traditional garment worn by men, women and children.

Fashionable brocade patterns of the Imperial Palace, woodblock print, made by Utagawa Kunisada, 1847-1852, Japan. Museum no. Circ.636 to Circ. 638– 1962. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

In kimono it is the pattern on the surface, rather than the cut of the garment, that is significant. Indications of social status, personal identity and cultural sensitivity are expressed through colour and decoration. The kimono worn by women, particularly the young, were the most richly decorated and it is generally these that survive in collections like that of the V&A.

The exhibition entitled ‘Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk’ traces the traditional Japanese garment’s universal appeal, rich history and ever-evolving style. It is the first major exhibition in Europe with such a focus and reaches from 17th-century rarities to 21st-century streetwear.
Tracing its influence across the work of couturiers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Star Wars costume designers, this demonstrates kimono’s evolving story as well as its rich history.

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk
29 February – 21 June 2020
Gallery 39 and the North Court

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of V&A

Since my teenage years, I had been dreaming about receiving a LOVE bracelet by CARTIER one day. Of course, I could have bought it myself but to be gifted with one and its love message behind is so much more meaningful. Now, I was blessed twice and got a rose gold one with diamonds from my love and a small white gold one from my girlfriends for my birthday.

What makes CARTIER bracelets so special? As some of the most recognizable luxury jewelry items, often stacked up the wrists and sparkling on our favorite celebrities, this is what has made it a luxury staple over the past few years. The LOVE bracelet for example has been apart of the Cartier DNA as one of the brand’s heritage designs for around four decades.

LOVE BRACELET in rose gold with four diamonds

Created in 1969 by Italian jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo in the New York workshops of the French luxury jewelry house, the iconic jewelry piece was modeled after medieval chastity belts, so-to-say «locked into love» and can only be opened or closed with a screwdriver that comes with the bracelet. For the first time, a fine jewelry piece was meant to be worn day and night. At the time of the original release, CARTIER started a kind of influencer marketing and gifted bracelets to a curated list of some of the defining It-couples of the century to publicize the romantic symbolism. Among them were for example Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and Ali McGraw and Steve McQueen. Only in 2017, CARTIER launched the smaller sizes so that it has become easier for the wearer to create the stacked look everybody wants today.

LOVE BRACELET SM in white gold

Aldo Cipullo wearing his iconic creations, the LOVE and JUSTE UN CLOU bracelets.

While the LOVE bracelet was Cipullo’s first design, he went on to design another equally popularized design – JUSTE UN CLOU (just a nail) – only three years later in 1971. Encircling the wrist in a thick nailhead, this creation is actually my favorite, not only because it is easier to remove. By the way, the diamond encrusted versions of the LOVE bracelets come with a clip closure and don’t need to be closed with a screwdriver. Can you imagine that today, most hospital emergency rooms are equipped with the latter to be able to remove the jewelry piece in case of any medical crisis…

CARTIER flagship store at Fifth Avenue in NYC

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamond pavé

In 2012, to commemorate CARTIER’s 165th anniversary, the brand opened an exhibit at the CARTIER Maison on Fifth Avenue to celebrate Cipullo’s work in the 1970s and released an entire collection of earrings, necklaces, rings based on the JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet.

CLASH DE CARTIER SM bracelet in rose gold

Last year, a completely new collection was launched with the name CLASH DE CARTIER, that’s all about duality, and contradictions, celebrating the modern woman. For the previous post, click here please. I feel blessed to wear all three lines at my wrist that make me happy every day…

JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier and © Sandra Bauknecht; Courtesy of Toteone