Sandra‘s Closet

Tapping into the Balletcore trend for S/S 2025, Christian Louboutin revisits the classic ballet pump with the Cassia Lace Up heel‘s square toe and satin ties. A testament to the shoemaker’s ‘savoir-faire’ and inspired by ballet slippers, they are made entirely from black or nude crepe satin. Enhanced by a grosgrain trim, they sit on a 100 mm stiletto heel and tie around the ankle with a ribbon.

To shop the Cassia 100 bow-detailed grosgrain-trimmed satin-crepe pumps, click here please.

 Have fun staying en pointe! I just adore them!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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Louis Vuitton and renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their era-defining collaboration with the launch of an extensive re-edition collection.

Some of my own Louis Vuitton – Murakami pieces that I have collected over the years.

My avid readers know, that I have kept every single piece I have invested in for over 30 years. I have always believed that they will be back in style and predicted the era of re-editions and the sustainability movement. I still have the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami items from 20 years ago and now it is time to unpack them again. For a long time, they seemed outdated as they had been copied too much. However keeping fashion items is a smart choice because trends often come full circle, with styles being reintroduced or reimagined over time. What may seem outdated today can become a statement piece tomorrow. By holding onto well-crafted items, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste. Fashion reeditions give old favorites a new life, proving that timeless pieces never truly go out of style.

Takashi Murakami

Twenty years after Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami first came together for what became an era-defining collaboration, the House and the Japanese artist are proud to announce the arrival of Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and celebratory re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. Consisting of more than 200 uplifting creations, the project acts as a modern-day showcase for an enduring creative bond, defined by artistic vision, remarkable feats of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and the timeless appeal of this seminal moment in early 21st-century pop and collector culture.

Actor and singer Zendaya stars in the campaign for Louis Vuitton x Murakami created by renowned Dutch photographers, Inez and Vinoodh.

For Louis Vuitton × Murakami, the playful, yet profound works that the artist created for the original collaboration, initiated by the House’s then Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs – including a kaleidoscopic reinterpretation of the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern, the first time in its history that it had been reworked – are now celebrated and featured across a wide-ranging assortment of the House’s most renowned and coveted women’s leather goods and accessories.
The renditions have their own respective label, which I love as it will distinguish the original from the reeditions.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami reedition will be celebrated within a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays to pop-ups and pop-ins, as well as innovative in-store activations and a dedicated advertising campaign. Louis Vuitton × Murakami will be available to order worldwide from now. A second chapter will be launched in March 2025 and focus on the artist’s perfect-for-spring Cherry Blossom pattern.

I love when old things feel brand new and the original is always better than the re-edition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
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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
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

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

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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