Sandra‘s Closet

Sending the internet into a frenzy, Alexander McQueen’s «Hoof Boots» are a striking and avant-garde footwear design introduced in the brand’s F/W 2024 collection under creative director Seán McGirr. I spotted them at the re-see after the show in March and knew that they needed a spot in Sandra’s Closet.

Giving the wearer an anthropomorphic feel, these boots are shaped to mimic horse hooves, complete with sculpted heels and sometimes even horseshoe-like embellishments. Inspired by McGirr’s Irish heritage, they embody the rebellious, theatrical spirit long associated with McQueen, echoing the brand’s iconic «armadillo» shoes worn by Lady Gaga.

Finished in brown calf hair, or with a sweeping silk ponytail, the «Hoof Boots» feature a mid-calf length and rear zip fastening, with a heel height of 145mm, offering both height and dramatic flair. These boots have quickly captured attention for their bold silhouette and have been described as a potential viral sensation due to their unique aesthetic.

To shop the hoof booties, click here please. In the next post, I will show you how I personally style them.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Alexander McQueen
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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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The 2000s staple is back, this time with a luxury twist. Its resurgence is evidence that the old school playbook for starting trends can still work in 2024 with this historic first-time collaboration between the Brazilian and Italian fashion icons featuring four unique styles combining signature Dolce & Gabbana prints with the unmatched design of Havaianas. Available for both, men and women.

However, those must-have flip flops sold out fast, but they will be back soon. To be notified of restocks, sign up here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana x Havaianas
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Be seduced by the vibrant atmosphere of the Aquazzura summer collection celebrating your favorite holiday destinations: a colorful, sunny, fruity selection that will make you dream of fashionable adventures.

You can choose between tote or clutch bag. Each is decorated with beads in a geometric pattern featuring the Mediterranean destination at the center, and made from raffia in a structured shape outlined in leather trims. Team it with the matching slides that will be a beautiful addition to your warm-weather wardrobe.

Whether you’re traveling to Ibiza, St. Tropez, Sicily, Mykonos or dreaming of making the trip, this collection will immediately boost your mood.

THE COLLECTION IS EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT NET-À-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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This collaboration explores the creative juxtaposition of femininity and utilitarianism, bringing to life new designs that combine Crocs’ practical DNA with Simone Rocha‘s signature aesthetic. The collaboration was shown alongside the S/S 2024 collection «The Dress Rehearsal» which explored notions of matrimony and ceremony. The styles reflect these ideas shown through tiered cake inspired embellishments in crystal and pearl that have become synonymous to the brand.

The collection includes three silhouettes – the Classic Clog, the Siren and the Quick Trail.

The Classic Clog was the signature starting point of the collaboration, exploring the idea of adorning the Crocs, pushing the style into a precious place in contrast to its practical nature.

The Siren is a new shape marrying the ideas of femininity and practicality.

The Quick Trail is rooted in Crocs’ authentic comfort, an archive style that has been reissued and reimagined.

The collection is available at Simone Rocha stores and online from April 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Simone Rocha
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What if something as delicate as a Ginkgo leaf could be turned into a heel? A seemingly impossible challenge, flawlessly pulled off by this original collection which perfectly embodies Christian Louboutin’s boundless creativity.

Resembling a precious jewel thanks to its golden appearance, the Ginko heel comes in two refined silhouettes, including a sandal and a pump, in a feminine palette of pastel hues.

It all starts with a sketch
From cutting the leather to stretching it over the last, placing the famous red sole and the molded golden heel, each Ginko pump is a hand-crafted work of love requiring the skill of an expert artisan.

A question of savoir-faire
Paying tribute to nature’s innate sophistication, the Ginko heel exemplifies the artisanal skill for which the Maison is renown. Meticulously crafted, each piece is assembled by hand like a ready-to-wear work of art.

TO SHOP THE GINKO HEEL, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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Ballet flats are in right now and here are some that you definitely should consider if you want to join the trend. Spotted on the Versace S/S 2024 sorbet-colored runway, this ballerina flat is one of the must-haves for the new season. Called the «Gianni Ribbon», this new line of ballerina flats is accented by an archival «nastro Gianni» satin ribbon bow. Which color to choose? Definitely silver! So chic!

TO SHOP THE GIANNI RIBBON BALLERINA FLATS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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Yesterday I had an amazing experience with Christian Louboutin, when I visited his small atelier, the famed L’Atelier Sur Mesure, on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which is reserved for private customers and one-of-a-kind creations. It is located just a few doors from the first-ever Christian Louboutin store.

Most of the footwear is manufactured and produced at his factory in Milan, but here dreams come true as you can enjoy a made to measure service. This is haute couture for your feet. Here your measurements matter when you start a meticulous 8-step process to achieving the perfectly sculpted pair of shoes.

When you arrive at Christian Louboutin’s Paris Atelier, your Cinderella journey starts. Several key points of your feet will be measured. After that, precise, three-dimensional imprints are made by stepping into foam moulds.

You will have to choose which silhouette will be your base, for example the Kate or the Pigalle pumps, and you are then spoilt for choice, with the opportunity to customize your preferred silhouette, heel height, toe shape, desired material and other embellishments.

Three-dimensional foot casts are sculpted, that help the artisans to create the shoe’s first draft by hand in leather before other specialists sew and assemble the final product. This process takes months as these drafts undergo multiple reassessments and adjustments before reaching their final, impeccably finished state. Every shoe is ultimately approved by Christian Louboutin, himself and you as a client are allowed immense involvement in the entire process, through the sharing of ideas and expectation.

I personally experienced the craftsmanship to apply Swarovski crystals to the satin base of the shoe. It is such a difficult procedure and you appreciate the skills of the artisans even more.

Visiting the L’Atelier Sur Mesure was an incredible experience especially as I am obsessed with shoes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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It’s not every day that Christian Louboutin takes over an iconic theatre to put on a show. Last night, the fashionable guests arrived at Le Trianon in Montparnasse. They were greeted by crowds of fans that were eagerly waiting for the K-pop stars to arrive for the event.

For last night’s F/W 2024 presentation, Louboutin threw what most people would call the party of a lifetime, the Loubishow. During the champagne reception, I indulged in the new collections on display, from amazingly embellished cowboy boots to denim models. I had also the chance to preview of the revered tradition of the annual cabas series, this year dedicated to Rio de Janeiro. Lots of sparkles and embellishments – exactly what I love!

At around 9.30pm, we were asked to go inside the theatre to enjoy the show. Sitting front row, it was a pleasure witnessing the mesmerizing dance performance happening in sparkly Louboutins. After that we enjoyed the after party. It was an absolutely amazing night.

Monsieur Louboutin on the balcony.

With my dear friend Jani Gerard.

And now time for new season shopping … Don’t forget, Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life. Below you can find my favorite new models for F/W 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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A dynamic design that exudes movement and agility, the Rush is the latest Louis Vuitton sneaker from Nicolas Ghesquière. Revealed as part of the Cruise collection that took place in Isola Bella, the LV Rush is a hybrid style that draws from vintage boxing boots and contemporary trail shoes.

The LV Rush is proposed as a sneaker boot that extends above the ankle as well as two sneakers – a higher version punctuated with bold red and a more monochromatic sneaker in white or black. With a bold upper in suede with rubberised and classic calf leather, the entire range is optimised for daily wear thanks to its lightweight inner construction and highly flexible sole. A metallic LV circle signals an elevated flourish in keeping with Louis Vuitton. The trail influence plays out on the main sneaker through details such as the lace stopper.

The graphic wave motif that undulates across the shoe contributes to its unique appearance, which corresponds to the collection’s overall inspiration: the modern mermaids of Lake Maggiore surrounding Isola Bella. Converging 18th-century rocaille ornamentation with an active attitude, the LV Rush is a standout sneaker that speaks to the Ghesquière’s unmatched vision.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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