Sandra‘s Closet

Designer collaborations have had their time. Today, it is more trendy that two brands team up together, such as The North Face x Gucci, Jimmy Choo x Marine Serre and many more. However, H&M, the Swedish retailer, that made designer collaborations fashionable, is sticking to its concept, not as loud as before, but definitely something for the fashion-loving customer around the globe, as for the first time, the Simone Rocha universe is opened up and extended to everyone. Meet the London-based Irish designer and get a glimpse of what this year’s collaboration will bring.

Fashion Designer Simone Rocha

History and heritage. Details and fabrications. Family and community. The many facets of womanhood. For fashion designer Simone Rocha, born in Dublin in 1986, her work and collections are a tribute to what she holds dear. She began her career as part of the talent hub Fashion East, where her take on modern beauty won praise as she reclaimed ‘girlish’ elements — florals, embellishments, collars, pearls — in a nuanced manner. Since debuting at London Fashion Week in 2010, she has become internationally renowned for her intricate and meticulously-researched collections, always with a nod to her own heritage: Ireland and Hong Kong.

In creating the collection for H&M, Rocha spent time reflecting on and revisiting her brand’s archive, combing her past collections and carefully reworking beloved pieces into unexpected new designs that feel right for now.

«To be honest, it was really emotional going through all the pieces — it was a wonderful chance to reflect on seasons I was especially proud of, and to revisit collections that felt like milestones, and little gems of ideas that we maybe didn’t push as far as we wanted to the first-time round. The archive is so important to the way I work as a designer anyway. We are not a brand that abandons ideas each season — we often look back on past propositions or continue to evolve a silhouette, or shape,» says Rocha.

The Simone Rocha x H&M collection includes her signature womenswear alongside menswear and kidswear, marking the first time she has offered a wardrobe for the whole family. All the garments are designed to be in conversation with each other. So, what to expect from this year’s awaited collaboration? Delicate tulle dresses, tartan tailoring, beaded shirting, cable knits, outerwear such as trench coats and signature accessories like sparkling jewellery and pearl-embellished shoes. The entire range comes in Simone Rocha’s identifiable and poetic colour palette that mixes cream, pink, red and black. The majority of the Simone Rocha x HM women’s collection goes up to size EUR L=44/46 and UK L=16/18 and US XL=48/50.

«My approach at every stage of the design process was to remember that for some this would be an introduction to Simone Rocha, a chance to enjoy the brand for the first time, while for others this will be a chance to recall the history of a brand that they have followed for a while. Maybe they will be able to buy a version of a piece that they missed the first time, or a piece they always wanted but didn’t get. Through H&M, they will be able to access a new, timeless, special piece to mix in with their existing items from past runway collections. I really hope there is something for everyone — every woman, every guy, the whole family,» says Rocha.

Family is of utmost importance to Rocha, as well as her community of friends and collaborators. Therefore, the Simone Rocha x H&M story is brought to life by the people who surround and inspire her. To name a few: stylist, collaborator and close friend Robbie Spencer, model and friend Tess McMillan, sisters Adwoa and Kesewa Aboah, activist and artist — and acclaimed actress Daisy Edgar-Jones.

«Any time that I’m on set with Simone, or behind the scenes at a show, you just feel this certain warmth — there’s never any stress, and you can tell that she fills her work space with people who really inspire her in her everyday life, and that’s what brings this certain sense of community, and certain sense of ease. I always just feel so comfortable, because you are surrounded by people who are just really fun to be around. I have worked with her for four seasons now, and every time I’m just so excited to see everyone — to see the designers, the stylist, all the people who help me get dressed, it’s the same faces. It’s a really, really amazing community, truly. And I always look forward to laughing and catching up,» says McMillan.

The Simone Rocha x H&M collection launches 11 March.
I love the campaign… reminds me so much of a Jo Malone ad. To see me wearing Simone Rocha, have a look here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M

On March 4th, 2021, the third drop of the Prada Timecapsule new series, dedicated to knitwear, will be launched on prada.com – at 3pm CET – for 24 hours only. Prada Timecapsule is an exclusive product drop of 50 items, occurring once a month, each first Thursday.

This wool sweater is characterized by a «vintage» shape and an original graphic and modernist motif that combines two contrasting patterns from the Prada archive. The Prada logo is reinterpreted on the front of the item and the triangle with the drop date stands out on the back.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Double pattern – Unisex fit with a vintage inspired silhouette – Ribbed collar – Regular shoulder – Ribbed cuffs and hem – Jacquard logo. Made In Italy. Price: € 1.100.

Next drop will be Thursday, April 1st, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

2020 was both Wolford’s 70th anniversary and Helmut Newton’s 100th birthday, so to mark the occasion the Austrian brand is releasing three limited-edition T-shirts featuring his work.

ICONIC

Helmut Newton, one of the great photographers of the 20th century, left a lasting impression on fashion photography. His collaboration with Wolford in the late 1990s was a major event and the images that he created during that period remain some of the most famous shots in the history of the brand.

NEWTON T-SHIRT

Made from 100% high-quality cotton with a loose and contemporary fit these shirts are the perfect way to celebrate perhaps the most famous collaboration in Wolford history.

The famous photographs that have graced billboards and art galleries around the world can now be a part of your own wardrobe. But don’t delay, these stylish shirts are only available in limited quantities. Pick your favorite shot, or grab all three, and reserve yours today.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRTS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford, © Helmut Newton for Wolford, © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

For the occasion of the Tank Cintrée’s 100th birthday, Cartier presents a limited edition of 150 numbered pieces, all sold before the launch, illustrating the success of the new editions of Cartier watchmaking’s signature designs. A very faithful tribute to the original model that marks its entry into the 21st century. Its simple and curved design, the scope of its vertical case and the elegance of its «eggshell» dial made it destined for aesthetes from the outset. For this new watch, the Tank was elongated and is characterised by the curvature of its case. Comfort and ergonomics, its name comes from its curved shape which allows the watch to mould itself naturally to the wrist.

Tank Cintrée in 1921

While the thickness of its case measures 6.40 mm today, all of its signature aesthetics remain: the «rail track», Roman numerals, apple-shaped hands, beaded winding crown set with a sapphire cabochon and ardillon buckle bracelet. An aesthetic signature that remains unchanged since its creation in 1921, it is a watchmaking classic that is now equipped with a Manufacture movement with manual winding, the calibre 9780 MC.

LoL, Sandra

Limited to 150 pieces: Cartier Tank Cintrée (2021)

Photos: © Cartier and © Sandra Bauknecht

Florentine luxury brand Emilio Pucci is continuing to welcome creative voices to interpret the DNA of the Maison; for S/S 2021 the brand has invited Japanese designer Tomo Koizumi to create a unique capsule collection which will be available at Net-à-Porter for a two-week exclusive preview from now.

The collaboration is a creative dialogue between Pucci’s clean and dynamic designs and Koizumi’s spectacular shape. Both sides are united by their shared passion for color, a strong vision of woman and a graphic and bold approach to silhouettes. The result is a capsule collection that honors the union of creative universes and brings to life sculptural handmade pieces, conferring Pucci an unexpected three-dimensional vibe.

A stunning statement piece from the collaboration: Ruffled tulle mini dress

In harmony, Pucci’s vibrant colors blend with Koizumi’s spectacular, frothing creations. The bold silhouettes are cheerful and unrestrained iterations of Pucci’s clean aesthetic, with color taking center stage, inspired by the archive «Vetrate» print.

The capsule collection is composed of 11 sculptural organza outfits; an amusing pouch, fancy T-shirts and charming «pompon» sandals adding a fun twist.

The most wearable piece of the collection: Cotton-jersey and ruffled tulle T-shirt

Setting off the tone, Tomo Koizumi’s artistic proposition accompanies the Pucci S/S 2021 collection which explores the rich stylistic heritage from the Marquis Emilio Pucci and redefines it for a contemporary wardrobe.

Thank you, Tomo Koizumi and Net-à-Porter for this beautiful illustration!

«This is a dream coming true. I have always desired to collaborate with a fashion house with such a rich heritage like Pucci. It has been a great pleasure to have the opportunity to get inspired by the timeless beauty of the Marquis Emilio Pucci styles and the perfect harmony of the brand’s colors.» – Tomo Koizumi

To shop the Tomo Koizumi x Emilio Pucci collection exclusively at Net-à-Porter, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tomo Koizumi, Emilio Pucci, Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The highest light. The deepest glow. Enter a new dimension of beauty with a collection of luminizing essentials for eyes, lips, and face. Featuring Euphoric Color Complex, an exclusive blend of light-reflecting pearls and pure color pigments that imparts a natural glow and sheer wash of color to skin. Eyes illuminate. Lips scintillate. Skin exhilarates. A total aura of euphoria.

THE COLLECTION
EUPHORIA FACE PALETTE  – CHF 79.90
Glow to another dimension. Turn skin on with a limited-edition palette of eight eyeshadows in a range of satin, matte, and glittering finishes, with three glistening shades of highlighter. Build and blend your way to an irresistible sheen that catches light from every angle.

SHADES:
• EYESHADOW SHADES:
o EYE TO EYE (matte light taupe)
o PHAEDRA (shimmering white with pink pearl)
o DREAM STATE (shimmering magenta with blue reflective pearl)
o ATHENE (matte light peach)
o ILLUMIA (shimmering medium gold with red undertones)
o OUT OF BOUNDS (shimmering chocolate brown)
o SLOW BURN (shimmering hot pink)
o DARK SKY (matte chocolate brown)
• HIGHLIGHTING POWDER SHADES:
o TEORAMA (shimmering medium peach)
o SPELL (shimmering medium gold with yellow undertones)
o SOLARIS (shimmering light pink)

EUPHORIA FACE DEW – CHF 42.-
Dew more. Boost your skin with a lightweight, multipurpose liquid luminizer that instantly creates the look of dewy, super-hydrated skin with reflection and light – no sparkle. Skin appears translucent. Transcendent. Transformed. Create an instant glassy glow by applying to high points of the face, over makeup or on top of bare skin.

AFTERGLOW LIP SHINE – CHF 36.-
Surreal feel. Divine shine. Introducing a new, comfortable lip gloss that effortlessly glides on a veil of lustrous color and mirror-like shine. Infused with Raspberry Seed Oil and Pomegranate Extract to hydrate and protect against environmental aggressors. Lips appear fuller. Luminescent. Iridescent. Available in a spectrum of five gleaming shades.

SHADES:
o DEEP REALM (glossy neutral peach)
o EGOISTE (glossy bright peach)
o LA CHAMADE (glossy bright pink)
o DARK DEEDS (glossy fuchsia)
o BROKEN GLASS (shimmering clear base with reflective pearl)

In stores now for a limited time.
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: © Nars, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

When food meets fashion! Belonging to different luxury fields, Mary Katrantzou and Galateo & Friends have joined forces and created a limited-edition luxury gift box, containing a selection of excellent quality olive oils and vinegars to brighten up any table setting.

This four-piece gift set contains:
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil «Cultivar Taggiasca»
– Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
– «Flamingo» Rosé Wine Vinegar
– A gourmet condiment based on Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fresh LemonMary Katrantzou «dressed» each bottle and the sustainable and elegant gift box with colourful stamp prints, inspired by her signature postage stamp print. The perfect addition to the home of any food and fashion lover, specifically designed to please you both visually and gustatorily.

TO SHOP THE GIFT SET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I am just loving it!

Here is your exclusive early access to Jimmy Choo x Marine Serre. This collaboration is fusing two brands with unique identities. The resulting collection combines feminine aesthetic, futuristic vision and the signature Marine Serre crescent moon print to create limited-edition boots, heels and trainers that prove comfort and elegance go hand-in-hand.

For 24 hours only, you can buy those must-have footwear ahead of everyone else here. From tomorrow, it will also be available at Mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / Marine Serre, Mytheresa

Happy Lunar Year 2021! The Year of the Ox has officially started today and Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and more luxury brands welcome it in great style with Chinese New Year-inspired fashion. These collections will hit the Western markets during the next weeks, and it is your chance to add a festive touch to your closet.

Louis Vuitton welcomes the Year of the Ox with a special selection of gift-ready leather goods, accessories and other precious tokens. From the recently released SINCE 1854 Monogram Jacquard to the most iconic leather goods, Louis Vuitton’s gift selection has something to suit every style and sensibility.

The Fendi Chinese New Year Capsule Collection, launched in Greater China already in January, will be available in the rest of the world from April 2021. It is a beautiful collection of ready-to-wear and limited edition bags, featuring red and pink colors, as well as blossoms and other floral designs signature to the lunar year.

Burberry presents the New Year with a forward-looking fashion collection featuring supermodel Liu Wen with Wang Xiangguo in their campaign lensed by Feng Li.

In honor of Lunar New Year, Dior unveils a celebratory capsule collection of accessories and footwear in rich red and gold hues for women. For men, Dior launches an exclusive men’s capsule reinterpreting the powerful creative dialogue between Kim Jones and Californian artist Shawn Stussy.

In honor of the Year of the Ox, meet Ozzie – a symbol of strength and reliability. Tory Burch celebrates Lunar New Year with a beautiful collection dedicated to  health, happiness and prosperity that is featuring something red for good luck.

Gucci’s ode to the upcoming Lunar New Year is definitely one of the more fun collections. Featuring «Doraemon», the famous blue Japanese manga and anime character – a cat-robot, this special collection for men and women, you’ll see Doraemon in his classic blue colour and also dressed up in a brown colour and puts on his horns as well.

Versace’s Lunar New Year 2021 capsule collection focuses on local traditions and sees vibrant and uplifting prints that showcase new interpretations of the brand’s Medusa motif to celebrate the ox.

For more gift ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year, have a look at this previous post here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

On February 4th, 2021, the second drop of the new series of Timecapsule dedicated to knitwear will be launched on prada.com – at 3pm CET – for 24 hours only. Prada Timecapsule is an exclusive product drop of 50 items, occurring once a month, each first Thursday.

The wool sweater is defined by an original graphic pattern – inspired by the Prada archive motifs – and presents modernist details linked to the world of sports. The Prada logo is reinterpreted on the front of the item, while the triangle with the date of the drop stands on the back.

Enabled by the new Prada e-commerce platform, the Timecapsule section is available in Europe
(Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom),
Japan, South Korea, China, USA, Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and UAE. Prada Timecapsule will reach other markets over the course of 2021 following the new prada.com layout-relaunching calendar.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Jacquard pattern – Unisex fit with a vintage inspired silhouette – Ribbed collar – Regular shoulder – Ribbed cuffs and hem – Inlay logo. Made In Italy. Price: € 1.100.

Next drop will be on March 4th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada