Sandra‘s Closet

Alessandro Michele kickstarted «The Hacker Project» of Balenciaga’s design codes for its Gucci Aria Collection earlier in April. In June, Demna Gvasalia hit back when he presented his Resort 2022 collection for the French fashion house where 14 looks were inspired by Gucci details. Both lines hit the stores on November 15, 2021.

Besides launching crossbranded merchandise with Gucci, selected Balenciaga stores will have their windows «Gucci-fied».

The must-have collector pieces come with a mashup of the GG monogram with double-B logos to create a one-of-a-kind crossbranded motif that appears on ready-to-wear, accessories and bags. To shop the collection, click here.

My favorite bag comes with a graffiti slogan «This is not a Gucci bag».

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga

It is a HACK! The Hacker Project, first presented within Gucci Aria in April 2021, merges the iconic silhouettes and codes of Balenciaga and Gucci in unique creations as an exploration on ideas of authenticity and appropriation within the fashion industry. Among the hybrid universe of ready-to-wear and accessories, combining the aesthetics of Creative Directors Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia, emblematic styles come together to create something new — from the Jackie 1961 enriched with a diagonal Balenciaga print to the City bag in GG canvas and the Triple S sneaker reimagined with Gucci’s Flora print.

The range includes styles featuring the new jumbo GG motif, a maximalist version of the historic monogram.

The non-collaboration even includes a co-branded Triple S.

Available for two weeks only, the Balenciaga and Gucci’s Hacker Project will drop worldwide on November 15.

LoL, Sandra

Creative Director: Alessandro Michele – Art Director: Christopher Simmonds – Photographer and Director: Harley Weir – Make up: Thomas De Kluyver – Hair: Paul Hanlon

This is definitely the year of designer collaborations. I can barely keep track, haha! Versace partnered with Fendi for FENDACI, Gucci tapped both The North Face and Balenciaga, while Chloé teamed up with Fusalp for a collection of skiwear. Now comes another collaboration that might sell out immediately: Kim Jones and Kim Kardashian West have joined forces for FENDI x SKIMS.

A creative clash of two seemingly opposing visions, united by a shared appreciation for empowered femininity and modern luxury. The signature FENDI style codes and the revolutionary aesthetic of SKIMS come together in an exclusive limited-edition edit of ready to wear and accessories.

«The innovation in fabrics and fit typical to Skims paired with the luxury and quality of Fendi may feel unexpected to some people, but the similarities between our creative vision and goals are so closely aligned,» Kardashian West said in the original press release. «It’s that tension that excites me.»

This partnership makes complete sense and forgive me, father, for liking FENDI & SKIMS. Kim’s obsession for body-conscious silhouettes and Fendi’s iconic logo and elevated sportswear, this is a match made in marketing heaven.

Shop the collection at fendiskims.com from Monday, November 9 at 3pm CET and in FENDI boutiques worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

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

This holiday season, Nespresso is collaborating with Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, to enchant coffee lovers with the launch of its annual Festive collection, inspired this year by the forest.

Inspired by the beauty and depth of Nature’s forests, Nespresso’s ‘Gifts of the Forest’ collection encapsulates the brand’s devotion to the precious environment coffee is grown in. The collection features a range of limited-edition coffees for both the Original and Vertuo systems, along with festive infused accessories, making for delightful and inspiring gifts for family and friends. Coffee lovers can also gift this festive season knowing Nespresso is giving back to the forest, as the brand goes beyond its agroforestry commitments, by helping to protect 10 million trees in the Amazon.

To bring the design of their limited-edition collection to life, Nespresso has partnered with Colombian luxury fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, whose innovative designs and interplay between nature and sustainability truly transports coffee aficionados into Nespresso’s festive universe.

Johanna Ortiz says «For me, design and nature go hand in hand which is why this collaboration resonated personally. Colombian coffee also has a truly special place in my heart and as an active supporter in the fight against climate change, knowing that Nespresso is going beyond its agroforestry commitments by supporting the protection of 10 million trees in the Amazon, it was another huge reason why this collaboration made perfect sense. When designing the collection, I took the idea of capturing the beauty of the forest throughout every piece, by incorporating rich forest canopies and dark earthy tones within my designs. It’s been an amazing process and partnership which I have deeply enjoyed.»

Explore and wander through Nespresso’s Forest Variations coffees. From forest fruits to luscious canopies of trees, this year’s Festive coffee range includes two flavored coffees and one black coffee.

Uncover the hidden flavors of Forest Black
A canopy of trees shelters Forest Black’s coffees to protect the flavor hidden in each bean. Discover this blend of shade-grown coffees from Colombia and beyond. A spicy espresso, its exotic woody notes will transport tastebuds to the depths of the forest.

Taste the berries of the Forest with Forest Fruit Flavour
Like gems that light up the forest floor, forest fruits are the gifts trees give us. Juicy berry aromas run through this season’s flavoured espresso as the South American Arabicas’ lingering cereal character takes on a festive sweet pastry note.

Delight in the treasures of the trees with Forest Almond Flavour
Forest Almond Flavour is the forager’s delight of the season. With the sweet, nutty flavour tucked into this espresso’s South American Arabicas, get ready to uncover almond notes marked by vanilla and a light fruitiness in this coffees’ smooth cereal character.

Nespresso lovers can also surprise and delight guests with delicious Gifts of the Forest coffee cocktail recipes, specially crafted to enhance the sensory experience. Each coffee-infused recipe has been curated by Nespresso with the Gifts of the Forest collection in mind, bringing a taste of nature and sophistication to each glass.

Moreover, there is a beautiful range of limited-edition accessories and gifts this festive season to surprise loved ones. You can countdown in style with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz advent calendar. For this edition, its stunning packaging has been designed by Johanna Ortiz as part of her festive collaboration. Available for both Vertuo and Original coffee lovers, this year’s advent calendar will take Nespresso lovers through a different coffee each day from December 1 to 23, with a special gift on the 24.

You can also add a burst of color with the Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz NOMAD travel mug, which blends well into nature as it comes in a ‘Deep Cherry’ shade, emulating the rich ripe berries of the forest.

In addition to its coffee offer, there are two exclusively designed items for the festive season. Shoppers can get their hands on an alluring reversible organic-cotton tote bag as well as a useful notebook made from sustainable materials. Both are decorated with the signature Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz pattern showcasing sweeping forest canopies and capturing the true essence of the forest.

For coffee lovers who like a touch of sparkle on the go, Nespresso is also revamping its iconic Touch travel mug, that will be available in a golden colorful a limited time only.

Nespresso is also proud to be partnering with Conservation International to gift back to the forest this Festive season. For almost 20 years Nespresso has been focused on protecting nature through agroforestry projects to protect the ecosystems its coffee farms rely on. To take this further beyond coffee farming and support the local communities that call the forest home, Nespresso is also announcing its contribution to protecting 10 million trees in the Amazon Forest in La Pedrera, Colombia. The effort is in collaboration with Conservation International and La Pedrera’s Madroño community. Forest conservation plays a huge role in Nespresso’s sustainability vision, which is to create a cup of coffee that has a positive impact on the world – from the coffee cherry to the cup.

The limited edition Gifts of the Forest collection is now available on www.nespresso.com and in selected boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nespresso

Prada presents the eleventh drop of the new Prada Timecaspule, an exclusive product for men and women: exclusively at prada.com the first Thursday of every month, for 24 hours only.

Reminiscent of vintage silhouettes, the new Timecapsule wool sweater is animated by an original graphic blending a ’70s-tinged aesthetic with modern takes on classic knitwear motifs. Traditional argyle geometries transform into an unexpected, pixel-inspired jacquard pattern, while a triangular macro inlay evoking retro skiwear designs adds striking contrast.

An exclusive product for men and women: a limited number of articles, exclusively online, for 24 hours only November 4, 2021, the new drop of Prada Timecapsule is signed with a serial number that makes it unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Jacquard knit – Chevron intarsia – Unisex fit with a vintage-inspired silhouette – Crewneck – Regular shoulder – Ribbed knit trims – Jacquard logo – Price: € 1500.

The sweater is available here. Next drop will be on December 2, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

Last week, I attended an interactive digital event to celebrate the awe of nature with the new Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim Holiday Collection.

Barbara De Laere, Aveda Global Brand President, and Phillip Lim, Co-Founder and Creative Director of 3.1 Phillip Lim, shared firsthand the inspiration behind the collection, their favorite holiday traditions, and what they see as the future of sustainability for their respective industries. The event was hosted by Aveda’s Global Advocate for Sustainability, Arizona Muse.

«Our shared values to protect and care for the planet will manifest beauty. It is a beautiful cycle, a cycle of gifts.» – Phillip Lim

Aveda’s collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim is inspired by a mutual awe of nature, each element a celebration of botanical forms and expressions. The power of nature is in full bloom this holiday season as those two like-minded brands are bringing the botanical world of beauty to life thorough special-edition accessories and gift packaging created with sustainability at heart. The Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration includes four covetable, limited-edition hair accessories – a hair towel wrap & carrying bag, scrunchie trio, detangling comb, and wooden paddle brush –  as well as special-edition gift packaging, all featuring striking prints that combine the joyful colors of the holiday seasons with those found in the natural world.

Made with no compromises, the detangling comb for example is produced with recycled materials as post-consumer recycled polypropylene, and the hair towel wrap is made from 100% organic cotton.

The most amazing part are the gift boxes that can be reused and are made with 100 % recycled paper.  As they are so beautiful, you don’t need extra wrapping paper. Less layers that make the box a gift itself. The artwork that is featured was designed in collaboration with botanical artist, Sophie Parker.

Available globally beginning November 1st at Aveda salons, spas, stores, select retail partners and online, each element of the Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim collection pulses with botanical-inspired graphics and vivid colors from nature for a joyous and unexpected expression of the holiday season.

Botanical Repair Light Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Rich Set – CHF 68.00
Botanical Repair Strengthening Collection – CHF 84.00
Cherry Almond Softening Hair & Body Essentials – CHF 51.00
Hand Relief & Foot Relief Home and Travel Essentials – CHF 77.00
Moisturizing Travel Trio – CHF 36.00 / CHF 28.00
Feed My Lips Lip Gloss Duo – CHF 24.00

As Phillip said, «it is about the 3 Ps. The people, the planet and the products.»

Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aveda, © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure to fly to Paris with Hublot for the launch event of the House’s collaboration with DJ Snake, who has such a huge presence in today’s musical landscape that he needs no introduction. The electronic music star first came to public attention with the track «Turn Down For What», released in 2013. Since then, the hits have racked up: «Lean On», «Loco Contigo», «Let Me Love You» with Justin Bieber, and «Selfish Love» with Selena Gomez. Diplo, Kanye West, Lil Jon… the collaborations keep on coming!

Framed by Ricardo Guadalupe to the left and DJ Snake to the right.

He became the first French artist to have two songs with over a billion plays on Spotify, and the awards have rained down: Billboard Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, and no fewer than three NRJ Music Awards. Hublot and DJ Snake have been partners since January 1st 2018, when he presided over the decks at Hublot’s closing evening during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There is something else that needs no further introduction… when Hublot invites, there is always a dazzling party. The evening started with a cocktail reception at the Accor Arena in Paris.

The big reveal during the cocktail reception.

The exclusive Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake was revealed at exactly at 9:30 p.m., when Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe and the watch’s namesake, DJ Snake, presented the 100-piece limited model for the first time to the invited guests, among them Adriana Lima, Iris Mittenaere, Didi Stone and Richard Orlinski.

Afterwards, DJ Snake, the most streamed French artist in world and Hublot ambassador since 2018, heated up the crowd with his international hits.

«To be able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch which reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the start of my partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to have been able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the fantastic watchmakers and technicians at this Swiss brand.»
DJ Snake

The Big Bang DJ Snake is a vibrant watch boasting myriad facets, just like the talented artist who inspired it. The instantly recognisable iconic design of the Big Bang here gleams with a thousand coloured reflections. The bezel and the six titanium components of the 45-mm case are adorned with a «Newton’s Rings» effect. This process, which is technically similar to a black PVD treatment, is achieved through charging with colours and precisely orienting the components to a certain position to obtain the required colour.

At the DJ put: DJ Snake wearing the Big Bang DJ Snake and me wearing the Big Bang Unico Summer.

The result is an optical effect in which the colors change depending on the light and when viewed from different angles. Not only that, but the surface of the parts was hardened before the iridescent treatment in order to improve its adherence. This operation is a complex one as it is difficult to obtain the same gradation of colour on each of the 100 watches being produced. The cut-outs on the outer edge of the bezel were designed by DJ Snake himself. These notches make the Big Bang DJ Snake immediately recognisable, distinguishing it from other collections. An illustration of the «Art of Fusion» philosophy so dear to Hublot!

The upper face of the sapphire dial features a map of the world in the same colours as the case. This globe acts as DJ Snake’s signature. A nod both to his travels across the planet for his concerts and to the fact that his hits have made the world his home. The lower section is skeletonised and treated to create sections with a black fumé finish.

This semi-transparent finish allows a glimpse of the famous calibre HUB1242 UNICO movement, a flyback chronograph with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Bang DJ Snake will be supplied with two straps which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented One Click system. The first is made from rubber, with a grey, black and purple camouflage pattern which echoes the myriad colours reflected by the watch case. The second, also rubber, has a black ribbed structure. The clasp on these straps also features the same «Newton’s Rings» effect as the case and bezel.

I am loving it and hope, that you will do too. Please enjoy more impressions of that fantastic night below. I feel so honored to be photographed by famous photographer German Larkin for Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

With German Larkin who photographed…

Adriana Lima and…

and my humble self for Hublot! I love those photos.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hublot, © German Larkin

I am obsessed with this F/W 2021 limited make-up collection: Bobbi Brown x Ulla Johnson – a match made in heaven. Being a huge fan of the Manhattan-born designer that honed her signature style on the streets of New York and when traveling to far-flung destinations on vacation, I was very curious to explore those beauty must-haves. Like her clothing designs, they come with an emphasis on the artisanal and attention to detail. Her bohemian collections are defined by «natural fibers, beautiful finishing, and ease of fit and form,» and so his this beautiful packaging of the make-up collection.

Highlighter Powder in Pink Glow
CHF 69.00 / Mini CHF 36.00

Face Brush
CHF 60.00

Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
in Opal & Golden Pink or Sun Petal & Soft Bronze
CHF 48.00

Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink, Bare Nude and Bare Punch
CHF 46.00

Crushed Lip Color in LouLou, Babe, Bare
CHF 39.00

The collection is available now with products ranging from CHF 36.00 to CHF 69.00 at Globus Zurich, Geneva, Glatt, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Globus online. as well as Bobbi Brown online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to try them.
#BobbiBrownCH

Prada presents the tenth drop of the new Prada Timecaspule, an exclusive product for men and women: exclusively at prada.com the first Thursday of every month, for 24 hours only.

Halloween‘s distinctive color palette and eerie atmosphere inspire the graphic of the new Timecapsule shirt, featuring spiders and webs in a vivid play of black and orange. Faded and irregular along the edges, the placed print creates a distinctive, vintage look, emphasizing each piece’s uniqueness. The shirt is also enriched by a contemporary rubber badge logo on the chest pocket.

An exclusive product for men and women: a limited number of articles, exclusively online, for 24 hours only. The garment is decorated with a special logo created by OMA, the architecture firm founded by Rem Koolhaas, and with a serial number that makes it unique.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Oversized – Short sleeves – Bowling collar – Breast pocket – Straight hem – Mother-of-pearl buttons – Rubber badge logo on the front pocket – 100% Cotton – Sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL). Made In Italy. Price: CHF 995.

The shirt is available here. Next drop will be on November 4, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

Louis Vuitton invites six new artists to join its Artycapucines collection.

The 2021 Artycapucines Collection sees six more leading contemporary artists bring their unique visions to Louis Vuitton’s timeless and feminine classic: the Capucines bag. The third chapter of Louis Vuitton’s limited-edition, artist-designed Artycapucines Collection is further proof of the bag’s ability to inspire unbridled creativity.

For this latest collection, six internationally acclaimed artists – Gregor Hildebrandt, Donna Huanca, Huang Yuxing, Vik Muniz, Paola Pivi, and Zeng Fanzhi – have transformed the blank canvas of the iconic bag named after Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, the Parisian street on which Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854.

After the first two Artycapucines chapters, the six new bags attest to the collection’s ability to blend the beauty and creativity of the artists’ talent with the ingenuity and absolute craftmanship of the House’s skilled artisans: Gregor Hildebrandt’s stunning black-and-white design with its screen-printed leather and LV signature inlaid with vinyl records; Donna Huanca’s precise, powerful and tactile bag with its hand-painted embroidery and piercing rings; the beautifully embroidered and brilliantly coloured fantasy landscape of Huang Yuxing’s Capucines; Vik Muniz’s characteristically joyful design with its effervescent trompe l’oeil effects and playful aesthetic; the complex leather marquetry and rich gold-leaf gilding of Paola Pivi’s creation; and Zeng Fanzhi’s reinterpretation of a Van Gogh self-portrait brought to life with over 700,000 remarkably worked embroidery stitches.

The Artycapucines Collection, which now contains 18 distinctive designs from celebrated artists including Henry Taylor, Beatriz Milhazes, Urs Fischer, Zhao Zhao, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Tschabalala Self, once again reveals the House’s long-running desire to use its innovative spirit and artisanal expertise to help creative minds bring their ideas to life.

Each bag embodies the House’s unending commitment to savoir-faire and craft, while affirming the Capucines as the ultimate expression of Louis Vuitton’s timeless elegance.

Each bag in the the Artycapucines collection will be available for CHF 7900 in a limited edition of 200 and released in stores worldwide at the end of October 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. I am absolutely in love with this collaboration.