Sandra‘s Closet

Gucci proudly commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Horsebit 1953 loafer, an enduring emblem of the House’s heritage and savoir-faire, with a new campaign starring actor and Ambassador Paul Mescal and Global Brand Ambassador Xiao Zhan.

Gucci Catalog in 1968

Introduced in 1953, the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer revolutionized the world of footwear, blending sophistication with comfort. Its distinctive design, featuring a miniaturized horse bit—a double ring connected by a bar—soon became a hallmark element of the House effortlessly bridging the gap between the heritage of the past and contemporary fashion. Over the decades, the Gucci loafer has evolved into an essential part of the wardrobe thanks to its ability to seamlessly blend Italian craftsmanship, the American outdoor lifestyle, and the classic British equestrian aesthetic.

Ad Campaign in 1990

The legendary Horsebit 1953 loafer encapsulates Gucci’s rich history, with its enduring appeal that transcends generations, it serves as an example of Italian design excellence and elegance.

The new campaign showcases the timeless yet contemporary allure of this style, as both Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan are captured at ease wearing the original design from 1953. Their portraits elegantly demonstrate how the heritage hardware and silhouette continue to inspire and captivate generation after generation.

Below you can enjoy some making of photos.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci – Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno – Art Director: Riccardo Zanola – Photographer & Director: Heji Shin DoP: Karol Jurga – Styling: Felicity Kay – Grooming: Josh Knight – Set Design: Danny Hyland DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

HUBLOT’S SIGNATURE MECHANICAL WATCH MAKES ITS PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT
THE CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH PREMIER LEAGUE TAKES OVER FROM THE BIG BANG E LAUNCHED IN 2021.

To the delight of millions of football fans worldwide, the Premier League season is once again underway. Hublot Loves Football, and the house couldn’t miss the opportunity to release a new limited edition to celebrate the return of the most competitive and compelling football competition- introducing the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League.

The launch of the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League demonstrates Hublot’s commitment to the beautiful game, the largest partnership ever by a watch brand and an association with football that has gone from strength to strength since it started in 2006.

As the official timekeeper of the Premier League since 2020, Hublot has always been an ardent supporter of the world’s most popular football league. The Premier League is broadcast to 900million homes in 189 countries and is followed by 1.66bn people who interact at least weekly through the media.

But a story is only worth telling if it benefits the present, or indeed the future. So, on 8 and 9 October, Hublot will assemble its greatest ambassadors and contemporary icons of the game for a unique event as part of the Arsenal vs. Manchester City match.

A top-flight match, the world’s most prestigious football league and legendary football guests… What more could Hublot want for launching an exclusive range? With a limited run of just 100 individually numbered pieces, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League is Hublot’s vibrant testimony to all the League’s fans and its greatest champions. This is the first mechanical chronograph ever created by Hublot for the Premier League.

Following in the footsteps of the Big Bang which was created for the Premier League in 2020, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League also sports the distinctive intense purple colour adorning the strap and dial which displays the two iconic Classic Fusion counters. At 3 o’clock, the counter indicating the seconds is struck by the iconic crowned lion, the proud emblem of the Premier League. The crowned lion can also be found on the rear glass, and above the individual number belonging to each of the 100 lucky owners. This is a piece for collectors for whom passion, tradition, performance and excellence go hand in hand.

«We were the first to give the Premier League its own smart watch, and now we’re the first to give it its very first Swiss Made mechanical chronograph! It’s strongly symbolic, combining the talent of a team and the precision of a chronograph: mechanical excellence, total cohesion, and perfect timing.» – Ricardo Guadalupe HUBLOT CEO

The Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League is available for CHF 11700 in a limited edition of 100 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
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TAG Heuer partners for the first time with Team Ikuzawa. «The Choice of Racing Enthusiasts» a name that is synonymous with motorsport and represents today a cultural force. The collaboration is embodied within a watch that brings together the unmatched expertise of TAG Heuer and the extraordinaire customizer George Bamford, as well as the bold and artistic vision of Mai Ikuzawa, who carries on the proud Ikuzawa legacy.

The legacy of Tetsu Ikuzawa, a racing driver with an illustrious career defined by pivotal victories through his life and later a famed team owner, forms the cornerstone of this collaboration. Born the son of an artist, Tetsu entered his first motorcycle race at 15 and while he finished last, he was given the «Fighting Spirit Award» for his perseverance, a fitting way for him to commence his career.

In 1963 he would switch from two wheels to four wheels, entering the first Japanese Grand Prix for sports cars at Suzuka having signed with Prince Motor Company to race the Skyline Sport Coupe, and in 1964 he was competing again with the team in a race that would launch the Skyline GT racing legend into the dynasty it is today.

In 1967, Tetsu having no longer a car to race in, he stopped his contract with Nissan and leased a Porsche 906 from the Japanese importer. Tetsu defied the odds and beat the domestic entries to win the race, instantly making Porsche a household name in Japan and beginning a lifelong relationship between Ikuzawa and the marque.

In the late 1960s, Tetsu competed in Europe, drawn by its motor racing prominence. Despite a limited knowledge of English, he raced in the British Formula Three Championship in 1966. In 1967 Stirling Moss introduced Tetsu to Brands Hatch based Motor Racing Stables, and by 1968, he competed for Frank Williams. He then joined Porsche as a works driver, becoming a pioneering Japanese racer at Le Mans and in Formula 2. Tetsu later founded i&i Racing Development, now known as Team Ikuzawa. The team’s iconic red and white livery, featuring a red-crowned crane reflects the family’s artist inclination.

Now, stepping gracefully into the spotlight, Mai seamlessly weaves her heritage and passion for the automotive industry with the sensibilities of fashion and culture acquired during studies at the renown Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design and two decades as a Creative Director across a plethora of disciplines.
She has emerged as a prominent figure in the vibrant Japanese design culture and artistic scene, working closely with influential designers and tastemakers, most famously the legend Hiroshi Fujiwara who has also collaborated with TAG Heuer in the past. At the same time, she is one of the world’s most influential automotive ambassadors and her mission is to inject a creative edge and a fresh perspective into special projects she has executed in the car space. Mai embodies the perfect harmony of her father’s racing provenance, her distinctive sense of style, and her Japanese cultural background. It is this symphony that blends together and brings Mai as the ideal partner for TAG Heuer in the creation of a new timepiece – one that honors her father’s racing legacy while infusing it with her own unique style and cultural influences.

Completing the puzzle with finesse is George Bamford, a revered customizer and design connoisseur renowned for his impeccable skill in harmonizing aesthetics and functionality. George’s profound admiration for TAG Heuer, coupled with his deep-rooted familial love of cars, seamlessly aligns him as the ideal partner for this extraordinary collaboration, and a chance for him to collaborate with Mai, a long-time friend of Bamford.

Together, these visionary forces unite, fusing TAG Heuer’s unparalleled expertise, George Bamford’s boundless creativity, and Mai Ikuzawa’s artistic vision. The outcome is an unparalleled combination of horology, elegance, and racing resonance that will be recognized by those who know.

The centerpiece of this collaboration is an outstandingly crafted watch in red and white – honouring Team Ikuzawa and its culture. The dial features a white opaline finish with a striking red 60-second/minute scale, complemented by two white and red contrasting chronograph counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. Rhodium-plated, polished indexes and hands, adorned with white Super-LumiNova® and red lacquer, exude a sporty yet sophisticated essence.

The «Team Ikuzawa Choice of Racing Enthusiasts» and «SWISS MADE» insignia proudly grace the dial, showcasing the exclusivity and Swiss craftsmanship of this limited-edition Japanese racing masterpiece. Encased within a finely brushed and polished 42mm steel case, the watch exudes elegance and durability, powered by the in-house Heuer 02 movement. The beveled, domed sapphire crystal with double anti- reflective treatment ensures optimal legibility and protection. With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, this timepiece is ready to accompany racing enthusiasts on any adventure.

Completing the ensemble is a steel three-row bracelet with a folding clasp, adorned with the iconic TAG Heuer shield. For added versatility, the watch comes with an additional white fabric strap, featuring the distinctive «Team Ikuzawa» marking and a velcro closure. Each timepiece bears a special steel screw-down sapphire case back, proudly displaying the «XXX/100», «Team Ikuzawa» logo, and «BAMFORD WATCH DEPT.» imprint.

Limited to just 100 pieces, this exclusive collaboration holds immense significance. The numbers one and 100 have been reserved for Tetsu and Mai Ikuzawa, respectively. This unique timepiece is presented in specially designed, co-branded TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa packaging adorned with vivid white and red colours. As an homage to Tetsu’s racing prowess in Japan, the box also includes a Porsche miniature, encapsulating the spirit of his remarkable achievements with the Porsche 906 at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix.

Embodying the perfect blend of heritage, style, and craftsmanship, this exceptional collaboration stands as a testament to the unifying power of passion, innovation, and relationships. With the release of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph X Team Ikuzawa by Bamford, TAG Heuer celebrates the fusion of racing, culture, and Swiss watchmaking excellence, creating a truly distinctive and timeless masterpiece.

Available for CHF 6’250.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tag Heuer
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A true demonstration of the craftsmanship and expertise of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the two new Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon «Poinçon de Genève» complete the colour palette of this exceptionally transparent family of watches.

This year, the watches, crafted from single blocks of synthetic sapphire, will come in fluorescent green or yellow cases. These transparent creations are true feats of technical and artistic know-how, the first of their kind in the history of watchmaking to bear Geneva Seal. They herald a new era, revealing all the secrets of their skilfully openwork Manufacture movement driven by a flying tourbillon.

There is great potential in using cases cut from a block of coloured synthetic sapphire. This pure and precious mineral is obtained by heating aluminium oxide at temperatures of around 2000° Celsius. Ever since the early 20th century, when this manufacturing process was invented by French chemist Auguste Victor Louis Verneuil (1856-1913), the watch industry has been using it to produce rubies for mechanical movements. By dint of progress in its development during the 1980s, the industry succeeded in producing the first sapphire crystals for sports watches and, a decade later, the first complete cases.

Virtually unalterable like pure gold or platinum, with a hardness only surpassed by diamonds, synthetic sapphire is one of those precious materials over which time has no control. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton immediately grasped its potential, using it to protect the LV90 calibre from external stresses. It provides an impenetrable barrier to all but the eye and ensures that the exceptional openwork movement, regulated by a flying tourbillon, will have a virtually unlimited life span, provided that it receives regular care.

The Manufacture’s engineers have been experts in its application ever since the launch of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon «Poinçon de Genève» watches in clear, blue and pink sapphire. This year, these artists, a bit of alchemists, have found the right formulas and the purest metal oxides in secretly guarded proportions.
They have created two new exceptional pieces with daringly translucent shades, so intense that they give the impression of being fluorescent. The first features an electric yellow sapphire case and the second comes in warm green accents.

To obtain a case middle, a case-back and a bridge bearing the LV logo in a strictly identical colour for each watch, a cylinder, 50 mm in diameter and 150 mm long, had to be extracted from the centre of a block of mass-tinted sapphire from Japan weighing nearly 200 kg. Each component is therefore cut from this sapphire crystal bar using diamond tools to obtain the pieces final dimensions. All the elements are then delicately polished to reveal their transparency and the richness of the two meticulously selected colours.

The entire synthetic sapphire case of each watch requires 420 hours of complex operations on digitally controlled machines working with diamond tools. The 10 mm thick monobloc part alone, comprising the case middle, the bezel and the glass, requires 100 hours of milling and 150 hours of polishing. The case back needs 50 hours of machining and 60 hours of hand and machine finishing to become fully transparent and ready for assembly. Finally, the transparent bridge bearing the LV logo takes 20 hours of cutting and 40 hours of manual finishing to let the light pass through flawlessly.

Constant and meticulous attention is given to every detail throughout the entire manufacturing process. The 12 letters forming LOUIS VUITTON are engraved on the outer side of the concave case middle of the Tambour Moon, which appeared in 2017. Like the indexes on the bezel flange, whose design gives the timepiece a very open face, they are delicately lacquered in white for the green sapphire version, and black for the yellow sapphire model. The two horns, in black PVD-treated titanium, are attached by screws. Finally, to protect the delicate movement from external stresses, this 42.5 mm case with a thickness of 9.9 mm is guaranteed water- resistant up to 30 metres. This is achieved via a transparent gasket positioned between the case middle and the screw-down case back.

Everything on this timepiece has been carefully considered, right down to the appearance of the hands, which are light and hollowed out, floating over the circles from which they seem to spring. Like the previous versions of the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, these two spectacularly light and transparent watches are, to date, the only models in the world to have a sapphire case and bear the Geneva Seal. Their sheer complexity means they are produced in very limited series every year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Food for thought. You know that I have a thing for jovial accessories. Although I am not shopping in the men’s department in general, this one has definitely caught my eye. First seen on the Louis Vuitton S/S 2023 Paris Fashion Week runway, it is designed as a fun 2-in-1 accessory.

The collectible Fortune Cookie bag is made up of a cookie in calf leather, inside transparent packaging in PVC. Both pouches can be carried separately, the cookie with to its wristlet and the transparent pouch like a clutch. Inside each Fortune Cookie is a secret message, including one that reads, «Creativity listens to the heart,» as pictured in this post. Available in stores for $2310 / €1750.

It comes also as a Fortune Cookie Bag Charm & Key Holder for $ 585/ €445.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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HENNESSY X.O UNVEILS MASTERPIECE COLLABORATION WITH KIM JONES

In a first for the Maison, the acclaimed fashion designer transcends couture and cognac in a special collection featuring a collectible sneaker, Masterpiece decanter, and Limited Edition bottle.

Hennessy is pleased to announce a collaboration with the world-renowned British Artistic Director Kim Jones. In an audacious meeting of two icons, the Hennessy X.O x Kim Jones collection bridges street and luxury in a unique celebration of the legendary blend’s impact on culture. Interweaving the richness of Hennessy X.O’s 150-year heritage with Kim Jones’ creative vision, the collaboration features the Hennessy X.O Masterpiece designed by Kim Jones, the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition bottle by Kim Jones, and in a first for the brand, the HNY Low by Kim Jones. This also marks the first time Maison Hennessy has partnered with a fashion designer, and that Kim Jones collaborates with a spirits brand.

HNY Low by Kim Jones

«We are thrilled to embark on a new odyssey blending cognac-making and couture with Kim Jones, a creative master of our time,» said Laurent Boillot, Hennessy CEO. «Inspired by the emblematic personality of Hennessy X.O, Kim has developed a resolutely contemporary collection that is destined to make an impact on culture today and in the future.»

For Hennessy X.O, Kim Jones pays tribute to cognac-making and couture, two processes that touch on an understanding of science and the natural world as well as artisanal craftsmanship and savoir-faire. He follows in the footsteps of a formidable lineage of great masters who have helped cement Hennessy X.O’s cultural resonance over the years, including Frank Gehry, Cai Guo-Qiang and Ridley Scott.

«I’m fascinated by the rich heritage of Hennessy, a household name behind which artisans have spent hundreds of years creating this special cognac,» says Kim Jones. «Storytelling is very important for me regardless of what I’m designing or who I’m collaborating with – I want my designs to educate and inspire people through the stories they tell.»

WHERE COGNAC MEETS COUTURE: THE HENNESSY X.O MASTERPIECE AND HENNESSY X.O
LIMITED EDITION DESIGNED BY KIM JONES

Designed exclusively for Hennessy by Kim Jones, produced using 3D printing technology, and finished by hand, the sculptural Hennessy X.O Masterpiece has been produced in a limited edition of just 200 examples. The decanter demonstrates how humanity and technology can work together to create something unique, «like a piece of bespoke couture for a bottle,» the designer notes.

The Hennessy X.O Masterpiece

The Hennessy X.O Masterpiece draws inspiration from the making of Hennessy X.O, an art perfected by eight generations of Master Blenders. A specially developed titanium casing entirely encapsulates the bottle like an architectural second skin. Its twisting folds evoke both the couture technique of draping and the way in which, at the turn of the 20th century, Hennessy bottles were carefully hand-enveloped in tissue paper as a way of protecting their fragile parchment paper labels. Its base, an undulating oak plateau, nods to the barrels used to age eaux-de-vie that would eventually be blended to create Hennessy X.O.

While the bottle is entirely obscured from view, the cognac can be extracted using the fusil designed by Kim Jones, an elegant and playful ritual to serve a glass of the Hennessy X.O blend. As a finishing touch, the decanter itself has been dipped in gradient colors, an effect inspired by the shades of the different eaux-de-vie selected by the Master Blender to compose Hennessy X.O.

Says Kim Jones: «When I saw how the vintage Hennessy bottles were wrapped, it spoke volumes to me about how precious each one is, and how they were handled. I was particularly touched by their history, and the sense of how generations have dedicated their time to making each step of the process better and better. That same process also holds true with fashion.»

The Hennessy X.O Limited Edition

The third element of the collaboration is the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition ‘ready-to-wear’ version of the decanter specially imagined by Kim Jones. The Hennessy X.O bottle is encased in an aluminum second skin, its structure showcasing the signature shape of the bottle while evoking a couture silhouette. A true representation of the merger of fashion and culture with excellence and legacy, the limited edition bottle is the final piece of the Hennessy X.O x Kim Jones partnership.

The Hennessy X.O Limited Edition by Kim Jones is available exclusively at Globus for CHF 241.50 now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hennessy
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In unveiling the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton continues its journey through the exclusive world of high watchmaking timepieces with automata. Paying tribute to the Sichuan Opera’s Bian Lian, the virtuoso decoration of this specific watch presents a traditional mask that comes to life and changes expression on demand.

An artistic performance driven by a virtuoso movement entirely conceived, developed, and assembled by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
After the Tambour Carpe Diem, which won the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève in 2021, Louis Vuitton has left Europe and its expressive Vanitas and embarked on a new journey in China, the land of Bian Lian. This «art of changing masks» characteristic of the Sichuan Opera is a major source of inspiration for the Tambour Opera Automata watch.

In the same vein as the Carpe Diem figure that changed expression on demand, the Tambour Opera Automata highlights a remarkable discipline requiring unwavering dexterity. During the opera, the performers can put on up to twenty different masks in a fraction of a second, revealing their wide range of expressions. Each has their own technique for making these painted silk figures appear and disappear with a quick hand gesture or a graceful fanning motion. In the 21st century, very few actors still master the ancient art of Bian Lian.

To transpose this mysterious interplay of faces to a watch case, Louis Vuitton enlisted the help of the greatest contemporary craftsmen. Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, Master Watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps, created this exceptional watch movement, while Anita Porchet, Master Enameller, and Dick Steenman, Master Engraver, decorated the timepiece with virtuoso design.

«We wanted the Tambour Opera Automata to reflect the striking aesthetics and expressive movements of Bian Lian», explains Michel Navas.«This extremely challenging art remains a secret, just as automaton mechanisms require a perfect knowledge of traditional watchmaking skills.»

Originally, jacquemarts were automata designed to strike the hour on church bells. When watchmakers miniaturised them on watches, they became essentially decorative, animating dials with theatrical scenes, while the time was still traditionally marked by classic hands.

Unprecedented expression
With the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton continues – in Asia – the daring journey it initiated in Europe in 2021 by creating of the Tambour Carpe Diem Automata dedicated to the Vanitas. By choosing to celebrate the Sichuan Opera today, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is taking its mastery of contemporary fine watchmaking to the next level. Indeed, this timepiece, which is the subject of several patents, took over two years to develop. As with the Tambour Carpe Diem, the time is only displayed on the dial – by means of a jumping hour and a retrograde minute mechanism – by activating the automaton. This calibre LV 525, totalling 426 components, has a power reserve of 100 hours.

As for the automaton mechanism, its five animations create a unique and unforgettable 16-second watchmaking spectacle, driven by this exceptional calibre with jumping hours and retrograde minutes. When the latch is pushed, the engraved pink gold dragon’s head rises to reveal the jumping hours inscribed on the forehead of the cloisonné enamel Bian Lian, while its tail indicates the retrograde minutes.

The mask’s expression changes dramatically – its eyebrows frown, its eyelid closes over its left eye, and the pupil of its right eye retracts to reveal a pointed Monogram flower. Going from joy to sadness through the movement of its chin, the Bian Lian mask expresses a wide range of emotions. The beauty of the dial and the lively rhythm of this miniature theatre leave the viewer spellbound.

The excellence of craftsmanship
To root this Tambour Opera Automata in the 21st century, Louis Vuitton has combined traditional Chinese symbols with the brand’s emblematic design elements, such as the canvas pattern and the Monogram flowers enamelled on the dial. Reigning supreme, the imperial dragon, a mythical creature associated with ancient Chinese emperors, represents strength, power and nobility.

The fan by its side is a sign of wisdom and authority. As for the clouds, they symbolise good luck, and the gourd in the shape of a calabash is believed to protect people from evil spirits. As an ultimate refinement, the Asian unlucky number 4 in the time display is replaced by a four-petalled Monogram flower.

Crafted in white, red and black cloisonné enamel separated with white gold threads, the mask owes its flawless workmanship to the master enameller Anita Porchet. The fan is given remarkable depth through the champlevé enamel technique, which involves removing some material from the surface in order to deposit colour pigments. The enamelling of the dial and crown took over seven days to complete.

Crafted over a period of nearly two weeks by the famous Swiss engraver Dick Steenman, the details engraved in the precious metal give the Tambour Opera Automata an unparalleled level of relief. The pink-gold dragon displays its expressive character in the smallest of details (piercing ruby eyes, engraved and sandblasted scales, etc.). So much so that it appears to literally leap out of the Bian Lian’s mask to reveal, open-mouthed, the time display.

The push button of the automaton depicting a dragon’s head, as well as the winding crown and adorned with a champlevé enamel fan, are entirely hand-made. Finally, pushing sophistication and technicality to the extreme, Louis Vuitton has reproduced the shape of the Chinese mask on the back of the movement, contrasting a shot blasted finish with a perfect mirror polish, without the slightest flaw.

With the Tambour Opera Automata, Louis Vuitton has amplified the technical complexity of the automaton watch with a bold, powerful and contemporary aesthetic. Personally speaking, diving into the craftsmanship behind this beautiful watch, I feel so much appreciation for the work that went into every little detail. A choice for the dedicated watch connoisseur.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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When the likes of Robert Pattinson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonah Hill and Rihanna want to rock that fresh-off-the-building-site style, there’s only one traditional workwear brand they turn to – CARHARTT WIP.

CARHARTT WIP stands for Work In Progress and forms a division of the American brand Carhartt, one of the first companies to pioneer workwear in the USA. Established by Edwin Faeh in Europe in 1994, who became the exclusive distributor of Carhartt in Europe, it was over 100 years after Hamilton Carhartt had established his business in Detroit. CARHARTT WIP has been carefully adapting and modifying Carhartt’s core product characteristics for a different audience of consumers who value refined design and quality while still remaining true to Carhartt’s brand origins.

Since the beginning, CARHARTT WIP have built a strong, organic relationship with unknown, inspiring, provocative and upcoming figures in music and sport, becoming an iconic and well respected brand in underground scenes, from hip-hop to skate, from graffiti to cycling, as well as working with labels such as A.P.C., Neighborhood, Patta, Vans, Junya Watanabe and many more.

This season, the artistic, color-savvy world of MARNI meets CARHARTT WIP for the first time, offering an original wardrobe rooted in utilitarian silhouettes.
Founded also in 1994, MARNI is recognized as the most artistic, color-savvy, life embracing, off-beat brand in the luxury segment. Renowned for its subversive collections, MARNI has consistently challenged the traditional codes of fashion and the seriousness of dressing up, celebrating individuality through its distinctive approach to materials and colors, combined with a unique taste for prints and shapes.

Consisting of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, the collection reinterprets Carhartt WIP’s signatures with a fresh gaze, lending workwear-inspired archetypes a new guise through MARNI’s unique flair for colors, prints and shapes.

MARNI x CARHARTT WIP introduces new material combinations, all-over prints and generous volumes, combining the substantiality of authentic utility wear with the light-hearted approach of MARNI. A two-tone clover print is applied to canvas Carhartt WIP archetypes such as the Active Jacket, as well as a short-sleeve work shirt, and a work pant offered in a loose silhouette. Bucket hats, chunky slip-on sneakers, and a robust canvas tote bag are also emblazoned with the same print. Meanwhile, jersey tops hybridize the shape of a tee with the iconic silhouette of a basketball tank top, and feature a bold iteration of Carhartt WIP’s «C» Logo.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP color-block shearling jacket

In addition, shearlings and soft calfskins add a tactile richness to typically rugged styles like the four-pocket Michigan Coat and Vest, while heart shaped gold-tone buttons offer an additional element of detail, referencing buttons that could be found on Carhartt products as far back as 1889. An interplay of corduroy and canvas appears on items including a car coat and overshirt, further elevated by MARNI’s signature flair for color, while pockets bear a co-branded motif that utilizes a unique single thread embroidery technique. Together, these styles deftly combine a sense of functional pragmatism with MARNI’s avant-garde codes.

The accompanying campaign stars the seminal funk artist Bootsy Collins – formerly of Parliament-Funkadelic – whose signature driving basslines helped propel the genre forward. He is joined by his wife Patti, his grandson Vincent and musician Babyxsosa in their Cincinatti home, in a series of images shot by Lengua, with styling by Haley Wollens. #funknotfight.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP floral-print cotton-canvas slip-on sneakers

MARNI and CARHARTT WIP will mark their collaboration with an in-store jam session at the Marni Montenapoleone flagship during Milan Fashion Week, kicking off Marni Jam, a multidisciplinary program that will further unfold globally.

TO SHOP MARNI x CARHARRT WIP, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Photographer / Videographer: Lengua – Models: Bootsy Collins, Patti, Vincent & Babyxsosa – Styling: Haley Wollens
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GG-encoded in those two simple letters is a storied system of values, and not just for Gucci. Since the 1960s, the monogram of the House’s founder Guccio Gucci has been featured across collections as a nod to its heritage. The initials similarly surface over and over again at the end of multiplayer games as competitors suddenly turn back into companions, saluting each other with the abbreviation for «good game.» This is the point of connection that Gucci Good Game explores, and that is celebrated in a special new capsule collection presented by the House.

Embraced in 2019, Gucci Good Game is the motto for the House’s ventures into the world of gaming as it creates hubs for play, self-expression, talent, freedom, and individuality – spotlighting the positive principles that are pivotal in making an enjoyable gaming experience possible. Encompassing the full spectrum of gaming from fun to professional, Gucci’s forays into the arena share a collaborative approach, involving various creators in the development of authentic experiences that aim to establish close and deep connections with gamers.

Over the years, the initiatives have seen the brand building a multifaceted presence in a select number of games as well as in immersive gaming platforms, including Roblox, The Sandbox, Zepeto, Hot Wheels Unleashed, Pokémon GO, Animal Crossing, Tennis Clash, The Sims – or partnering with XBOX to offer a limited-edition bundle. The GG initials reworked as the Gucci Good Game logo debuted with the Gucci Gaming Academy – itself a significant manifestation of the House’s principles in this field, and were prominently displayed in Gucci Town on Roblox, the persistent digital space for the Gucci Community on the platform.

Now bringing the spirit of Good Game into the House’s foundational landscape— fashion—the collection further celebrates the link between Gucci and gaming. With its double meaning, the GG becomes the defining motif of this casual-minded capsule. From bowling shirts and hoodies to slides and sneakers, metallics combine with rainbow hues to create an iridescent effect across items emblazoned with the monogram.

Echoing the exploration of new landscapes and meetings of worlds, the collection takes center stage in a visual narrative envisioned by King Kong Magazine, a collaborative project shot by photographer Piczo.

The Gucci Good Game collection will be available online at gucci.com, as well as in select Gucci Stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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As FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ fever takes hold, Hublot announced a dedicated the official «Hublot Loves Football» campaign with 15 football icons and 15 one-of-a-kind football designs created by my beloved friend fashion designer Mira Mikati.

Hublot will serve as the tournament’s official timekeeper, timing all 64 matches, right through to the final in Doha’s Lusail Stadium on December 18. With more than 1 billion viewers, the FIFA World Cup™ tournament is the world’s most watched sports event.

Designer Mira Mikati and Kylian Mbappé  during a creative session for Hublot Loves Football.

To illustrate the campaign, Hublot’s love of football, and the brand’s commitment to beauty in diversity, Hublot invited Lebanese fashion designer Mira Mikati to design a special, happy, colourful «Hublot Loves Football» campaign logo that brims with optimism. Her hand-drawn and painted design captures a youthful, hopeful enthusiasm and communicates a spirit of unity.

Mira with me during Paris Fashion Week.

«Play is at the heart of all my designs. When I’m not playing with colour, I’m playing with words. Just as football sparks joy on the pitch, I want my work to be a constant supply of happiness. Dreams really can come true. Meeting Hublot’s ambassadors and discussing their dreams, passions and how far these drivers can take you was very special. By interpreting every player’s dream, with Hublot we want to inspire other to dream just as big. Whether it’s playing for your country or designing your own collection, we want to inspire the next generation to believe they can achieve anything.» – MIRA MIKATI

In addition, Hublot brought Mira together with 15 Hublot Ambassadors and Friends of the Brand to create 15 unique designs to represent the football of their dreams. Each is a one-off, a piece of art created to capture the themes of hope and universal respect, as well as the individual personalities of the football stars and their shared passion for football. Some are hand-drawn and painted, others crocheted, representing the human element in football. Football is the people’s sport.

My Mira Mikati looks: Back to the ’80s – Santa Monica – Greetings from Verona – Vacation – Never Rest – Mira Mikati

The colors of the rainbow, playful, happy and above all else, colorful – something that perhaps best describe my lovely Mira Mikati. Her designs exude happiness in every detail and love wearing her creations. I am so proud of her for designing those footballs in a rather male dominated field.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Hublot/ Mirą Mikati and © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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