Sandra‘s Closet

Louis Vuitton’s passion for travel and daring creativity takes flight with the Montgolfière Aéro, a remarkable horological object that marks a new chapter for the Maison. Soaring to new heights, the Montgolfière Aéro is a precious fusion of the Maison’s distinct high jewelry and trunkmaking savoir-faire, combined to Swiss watchmaking.

The hot-air balloon – an imaginative, emblematic symbol of the Maison – now ascends into the world of Haute Horlogerie at Louis Vuitton, inspiring two incredible horological objects. Exploring a new way of telling the time, the piece’s creation began with a simple question: What is more precious than time ? As ever, the Maison looked to its dynamic, innovative founder. Before becoming a famed trunkmaker, Louis Vuitton himself cut his teeth as a packer, where he helped store and prepare his clients’ most cherished objects for travel, ensuring their safe and secure transport on their journeys.

A deep appreciation for adventure and discovery ensured that Louis Vuitton trunks were designed to be functional as well as elegant, innovative and expertly crafted. This led Louis Vuitton, in 1906, to create the Aéro Trunk, a state-of-the-art piece that attached to the basket of a hot air balloon. Light and durable, the trunk also featured a watertight seal, ensuring that in the event of a fall into the sea, the basket would float. Tapping into the fascination for hot air balloon flights, the Louis Vuitton Aéro Trunk captured the imagination of daring individuals keen to explore the world.

An invitation to dream
Two extraordinary Montgolfière Aéro horological objects now channel that very craft and creativity which enraptured Louis Vuitton over a century ago. A gorgeous balloon – in either traditional red and transparent glass, or another in precious wood – incorporates a Swiss mechanical clock. The balloon rests on a basket fashioned as a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk, which has been handcrafted using all the same centuries-old trunkmaking savoir-faire, completed with the Maison’s signature elements and design codes. The trunk also houses the movement’s winding mechanism. The clock embraces multiple codes of the Maison. A Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower indicates the hours and minutes, which are displayed on an upper and lower disc.

At the centre of the openwork balloon is a prominent Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower, while the underside of the trunk also features an Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower lever, which unfolds to wind the clock. An imaginative object that invites one to dream, the Montgolfière Aéro can be displayed in two ways. It’s either a table clock for a desk or shelf, or can be suspended from the ceiling. Floating in the air as the hot-air balloon intended. Designed by Louis Vuitton, the Montgolfière Aéro was manufactured with L’Épee 1839, the historic and award-winning Swiss clockmaker that this year celebrates its 185th anniversary.

A traditional balloon
With a playful transparent and white motif, the Montgolfière Aéro pays homage to a traditional object that has inspired Louis Vuitton campaigns and creations over the years. Each of the Montgolfière Aéro’s glass wings are fully handcrafted, meticulously and precisely made to fit the balloon’s structure. Like a watch or piece of jewelry, the structure incorporates different finishes, allowing for a wonderful play of light and reflections.

At the center of the balloon is a distinctive Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower, a dynamic motif that delightfully spins on its axis with a gentle push. Meanwhile, the remarkable Louis Vuitton trunk is among the smallest trunks ever created by the Maison. Though miniature in size, it retains all the codes of Louis Vuitton’s trunkmaking savoir-faire. Each trunk is entirely handmade from lozines embossing to nailing. The Maison’s emblematic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas adorns the trunk.

A precious Montgolfière Aéro
Limited to only eight pieces, an exceptional Montgolfière Aéro creation pays homage to the beauty of precious wood. Complementing this craftsmanship, time and patience is Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry savoir-faire. Two exquisite gemstones were directly sourced by Louis Vuitton’s in-house stone department, which has been custom cutting Louis Vuitton Monogram-shape diamonds for over 15 years. A magnificent 9.06-carat citrine briolette adorns the Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower at the heart of the openwork balloon. With a fiery orange and brown hue that recalls the bursting flame of a hot air balloon, the citrine emanates a brilliant play of light and transparency from 80 custom-cut facets.

Perfectly matching this stone is another square-cut citrine that’s set on the Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower that indicates the time. Meanwhile, additional preciousness comes courtesy of 1,200 diamonds that embellish the balloon’s structure. Finally, the bespoke trunk is also crafted in precious wood. Miniature in size, the trunk incorporates all the historic codes of the Maison’s trunkmaking expertise: coins, nails, even tiny Louis Vuitton signatures on the lozines.

To complement the preciousness of the Montgolifère Aéro, the trunk comes studded with diamonds – a first ever for the Maison. To accompany this exclusive clock, a trunk was specifically handcrafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic workshops in Asnières. A new milestone for Louis Vuitton, the Montgolfière Aéro embodies a fusion of the finest savoir-faire, where Swiss watchmaking meets high jewelry, further imbued with Louis Vuitton’s singular trunkmaking know-how. Channeling Louis Vuitton’s daring spirit and passion for travel, the Montgolfière Aéro joyously welcomes a new way of telling the time – and an exciting new adventure for the Maison.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Personally speaking, I am always in love with the watchmaking creations by Hermès. The round Arceau watch with its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs was created by Henri d’Origny in 1978 appears in a subtly reinvented interpretation. Vividly embodying the Hermès style, its slender gold and diamond case frames a silver embroidered horse, which free and untameable, rears up with a flowery coat adorned with silver-spangled enamel.

Inspired by the Robe Légère silk scarf designed by French artist Théo de Gueltzl, the deep navy-coloured dial highlights the rare and meticulous technique of paillonné enamelling, which consists of inserting silver flakes or spangles between enamel layers to create transparent, shimmering depth effects.

This evening version of the Robe Légère Scarf in silk twill with hand-rolled edges is hand-embroidered with glass micro-beads (100% silk) and requires over 45 hours of hand-embroidery.

The equestrian figure that appears to be rearing up in the wind reveals its swirling, sparkling finery. To create this flowery motif on the watch, the artisan uses a brush to apply a dark enamel base consisting of coloured glass powder that is ground, mixed with natural oils, dried and fired in a kiln to fix the pigments in place. The flowers are then shaped from silver leaf and applied to the enamel before setting the tiny spangles by successive firings.

The airy steed comes to life in a 38 mm white gold case set with 71 diamonds and powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. Crafted in accordance with the House’s leatherwork expertise, a matt abyss blue alligator strap accentuates the finesse of this 24-piece limited edition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Hermès/David Marchon
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The limited edition Dolce & Gabbana x STABILO set features three special versions of the STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL highlighter and a black marker.
The all-over design combines timeless Dolce & Gabbana patterns with the ink colors. The Carretto Siciliano print is paired with Milky Yellow, Leopard with Beige, while the Zebra and Blu Mediterraneo motifs correspond to the Black and Cloudy Blue models.

Encased in packaging adorned with the iconic Carretto Siciliano motif, this vibrant and original design serves as a perfect decorative element.

• The set includes three highlighters and a marker, each featuring different patterns and ink colors
• Dual tip sizes: 2mm and 5mm
• STABILO Anti-Dry-Out technology: lasts up to 4 hours without the cap
• Water-based ink for quick drying.
• Packaging Dimensions:183 x 15 x 35 mm

Available here for CHF 29.90. A great gift for a fashion lover.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana / STABILO
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 The latest creation from HUBLOT and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami is finally here – and it may well be the duo’s most eye-catching and exceptional creation to date. Introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, reimagining the artist’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture set with colorful gemstones and fitted with HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement.

Takashi Murakami in front of the Hublot Ginza Boutique with Julien Tornare, Hublot CEO

Transcending the preconceived notions of contemporary art, Takashi Murakami created his own art movement dubbed «Superflat», extending from fine arts such as painting, sculptures and installations to more commercial media such as fashion and animation. Blurring the line between high and low arts, Murakami melds the aesthetic of the Japanese artistic tradition with contemporary art and culture. Of all his works, the most iconic is the smiling flower, which HUBLOT has sought to bring into a watchmaking context through several collaborative pieces. 

The MP-15 is the symbol of a friendship in full bloom, born from a shared passion for breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations. HUBLOT first began working with Murakami in 2021, with a shared drive of breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations with their respective artforms. After his eponymous Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks paired with unique pieces, HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami took their partnership to the next level with the unveiling of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Reimagining one of Murakami’s most emblematic motifs, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon took on the «smiling flower» and transfigured it from Murakami’s signature aesthetic into a wearable sculpture that seamlessly merges contemporary art, avant-garde watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting; the latter of which HUBLOT has pioneered with unexpected techniques and a mastering of the perfect rainbow effect. This requires carefully selecting gemstones that work together in a perfect transition of tones. 

Meticulously crafted from a block of Sapphire crystal, the modestly sized 42mm smiling flower case features twelve petals. True to Murakami’s highly chromatic palette, the twelve petals feature polished Titanium inlays that are set with 444 colored gemstones in total, including brilliant-cut Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Amethysts, Blue Sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites and Yellow or Orange Sapphires. These stones are grouped together so that each petal is in a different vibrant color, just like the original Murakami smiling flower. 

More than just an incredible feat of gem-setting however, the MP-15 features a truly revolutionary mechanical caliber. At the heart of the HUB9015 calibre is the central flying tourbillon, which can be admired through the domed sapphire crystal engraved with two twinkling eyes and a smiling mouth. A first for HUBLOT, the central tourbillon is an exceedingly rare type of complication that demands advanced engineering and reimagining how a mechanical movement is built. In the MP-15, it is animated by means of a manual-winding caliber that boasts an exceptional power reserve of 120 hours – enough to run for nearly a whole week. To make the winding experience as effortless as possible, HUBLOT has created a special rechargeable stylus that’s placed on the crown, which winds the twin barrels in 100 revolutions. 

With this work of sculptural, wearable art, the notion of innovative and original watchmaking nonetheless takes center-stage. Surrounding the MP-15’s central flying tourbillon and keeping its view unobstructed, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around its periphery. The hands are actually positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, with just their tips bent upwards and outwards thanks to an intricate co-axial construction. Making the reading of time effortless and intuitive, the opening features a flange ring set with twelve baton hour markers, each continuing the color of the petal. The visual intrigue of the MP-15 is further enhanced by the fact that most of the movement’s components have been skeletonized, which appear as if floating in a vacuum. A true feat of superlative watchmaking. 

The finishing touch comes in the form of the strap, which is transparent and decorated with Takashi Murakami’s signature flower motif. Like the case, the deployant buckle is crafted in Sapphire crystal and Titanium. 

An artistic endeavor that’s bound to garner the appreciation of contemporary art lovers for its audacity and discerning watch aficionados for its complexity, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a limited edition of 20 pieces, available to HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers around the world upon request. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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After its huge success in 2023, Jimmy Choo x Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon returns. The second instalment of this bold collaboration delves deeper into the story of the Sailor Guardians, bringing to life five more beloved characters from the iconic manga series. The capsule collection featuring footwear, bags and accessories draws on inspiration from the celebrated magical girls und is in stores now.

Personally speaking I am obsessed with the footwear. So many cool pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo
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CARTIER LIBRE IS PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES AND PROVOKING UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS. DESIGNED WITH TOTAL FREEDOM BY THE CREATION STUDIOS, EACH YEAR A NEW COLLECTION DRAWS ON AN UNPRECEDENTED SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO UNVEIL PIECES THAT SURPRISE, PRODUCED IN LIMITED EDITIONS.

Cartier Libre questions form and design, and challenges expertise and savoir-faire in a constant pursuit of innovation. These creative explorations are part of the long-standing Cartier tradition of richly inspired collections from an insatiable and powerful curiosity. Creations of pure forms that defy limits and play with new perspectives of lines, volumes, contrasts and mobility. LIBRE Watchmaking, jewellery, accessories: all of the Maison’s realms of expression are electrified, re-explored and questioned. A creative, cultured mix, for collections free to express their style and spirit.

TUTTI TUTTI, THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE CARTIER LIBRE COLLECTION, IS BOTH BOLD AND SURPRISING.

With a single twist, the spirit of things shifts and astonishes. Beauty is viewed with the lightness of a sidestep: a ring flows freely like locks of hair and a watch creates bubbles with time, while a shower of golden marbles bursts into the air like laughter. Innovative designs, bright colours, contrasts, unexpected volumes, soft lines or material effects: the creative process is amplified in every sense to combine nature and design, aesthetics and surprise, lightness and preciousness. A new kind of tension – a joyful breath that evaporates mid-air in a burst of splendour.

I find those pieces extremely special and beautiful.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier
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No sweet tooth goes unsatisfied with this crazy collaboration. FENDI x Chupa Chups® is all about carrying your favorite lollipop in a fancy leather holder around your neck as a necklace or thanks to the adjustable strap attached to a bag.

Presented by Kim Jones at his Fendi F/W 2024 ready-to-wear show in Milan, the innovative and amusing design was created to enclose the exclusive FENDI x Chupa Chups® lollipop. Made of soft leather with details that recall the iconic Selleria technique and embellished with a metal FF logo, a magnetic closure, the adjustable, knotted strap allows you to attach the charm to any accessory, to customize every outfit with a special touch.
The charm includes an exclusive FENDI x Chupa Chups® box that contains five limited edition Cacao-Vanilla lollipops, a symbolic tribute to the five Fendi sisters.

This bag charm must-have will surely be seen among many fashion lovers. Treat yourself here!

The necklace is available here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi
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Now streaming for fall, OPI announces its largest collection of metallic shades to date, two vivid palettes of liquid metals, including 21 total shades. The Metallic Mega Mix collection is inspired by y2k trends and early 2000s pop culture mixed with space aesthetic and futuristic escapism. Every shade is a metallic mic drop made to create So. Mani. Hits. 

For the first time ever, OPI has created an exclusive song and music video, featuring singer and finger tutter @iam_dytto, to be available on OPI’s Instagram (@OPI_SWISS). Like the color palette, this track features a modern take on iconic y2k sounds. Lyrics capture OPI’s voice with nods to the collection’s hero shades. The world premiere of OPI’s first music video showcases the collection on @iam_dytto (she/her) and dancers Sydney Marie Skipper (she/her) and Andrew Tiamzon (they/them) in a finger tutting dance choreographed by Dytto. 

From millennium blues (Y2Slay, MillenniYUM) to rich nostalgic reds (Cyber Cherry on Top, CD Rom-antic, DeJa RoUgE), Metallic Mega Mix offers warm and cool tones that give nails serious pop. Color highlights include soft, reflective tones (You’ve Got Nail, Lip Pink Battle) mixed with futuristic space aesthetic hues (Liquid Fire, Funmetal). The palette ends on a high note with glowing metal shades (SaTURN Me On, 2000 Karats). 

«These jaw-dropping liquid metals give consumers and pros that elevated metallic look that’s perfect for fall. We’ve given the metallics a new fresh take with ethereal tones, iridescence, and dichroic finishes,» explains OPI Global Director of Color Equity Jill Bartoshevich. «One shade alone is a statement. Used in nail art, and you get something out of this world. Hero shade, Cyber Cherry on Top, is a cherry pink-red with rich pink tones that will compliment every fall outfit. Liquid Fire, another top color, is a beautiful burnt orange that will be a huge trend for fall.»

Launch date Switzerland: 12th August 2024 

Recommended retail price per Infinite Shine 15 ml: 24.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers)
Recommended retail price per Nail Lacquer 15 ml: 19.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers) 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © OPI #OPIMetallicMegaMix #OPISwitzerland
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Each year, NARS offers the perfect summer collection. The heat is on with bronzing essentials all inspired by award-winning shade Laguna. Get sunkissed in a swipe with sultry essentials for eyes, lips, and cheeks.

GOOD AS GOLD

Swipe, sculpt, and shade your way to sunlit seduction with the must-have limited edition Laguna Ultimate Face Palette. Summer awaits inside the all-in-one palette for eyes and cheeks inspired by the iconic bronze shade, featuring four eyeshadows, two bronzers, and one illuminating highlighter. Each eyeshadow creates high-impact color in one stroke while bronzing and highlighting powders softly diffuse to a warm, lit-from-within effect.

EYESHADOW SHADES: SPRITZ Shimmer rose gold – UNWIND Matte peach pink – HEAT SPELL Satin rust brown – SIZZLE Shimmer yellow gold

LAGUNA BRONZING POWDER SHADES: LAGUNA 02 (ORIGINAL) Light-medium bronze with neutral undertones – LAGUNA 04 Medium bronze with warm undertones

HIGHLIGHTER SHADE: DRIFT AWAY – Champagne shimmer

Available for CHF 75.00.

SWIPE. SMOLDER. SEDUCE.

Draw attention with the seductively smooth, ultra-creamy Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick that applies instant high-impact color and sets to an all-day, crease-resistant matte finish, which is also the perfect base for any eye makeup. Fueled by Flexi-Lock Technology, it forms a longwearing, flexible cream with an effortless smooth-glide application for comfortable, easy-to-blend, and buildable color that’s transfer- and smudge-proof. With shades that work across every skin tone, eight colors create limitless eye looks that stay in place for up to 16 hours.

SHADES:
ADULTS ONLY Matte apricot – DON’T TOUCH Matte milk tea brown – OBLIVION Matte medium caramel – STRIP DOWN Matte warm red brown – MAMBO Matte chocolate brown – REBELLION Matte rich dark brown – FATED Matte deep aubergine – ENIGMATIC Matte black

Available for CHF 49.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / NARS
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Each season, Christian Louboutin takes a bold leap into a design odyssey, honoring a region close to his aesthetic heart through his iconic tote collections. This year’s spotlight? Brittany. The BREIZCABA encapsulates a narrative of history, personal connection, and cultural preservation. Christian Louboutin, renowned for his iconic red-soled shoes and a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship, guides us through the rich mosaic of his familial ties to Brittany, a region that fuels his creative spirit.

Brittany is «a region unlike any other, brought alive by myths and legends which the Breton people still embrace today,» says Christian Louboutin.

The BREIZCABA bags are meticulously crafted at the historic Le Minor workshop in Brittany, where artisans blend century-old techniques with Louboutin’s visionary design. This workshop is a guardian of Breton embroidery techniques, increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced fashion scene, ensuring each needlework detail adds to the tote’s allure and keeps a dying art alive. The initiative behind the BREIZCABA also reaches into the realms of philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds from sales supports the restoration of the Georges Delasalle gardens on the island of Batz, which were severely damaged by a recent storm. This philanthropic effort holds a special place in Louboutin’s heart and underscores his deep commitment to Brittany.

How cute is this Breizcaba embellished embroidered felt and leather-trimmed canvas tote?!

Moreover, the BREIZCABA acts as a talisman, adorned with symbols of luck and spiritual motifs from Brittany. The Triskelion, an ancient Celtic symbol reinterpreted for the bag’s lining, represents life’s continuity and movement.

TO SHOP THE CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BREIZCABA COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.