The Red Night at The Connaught

Last week, I was invited by Christian Louboutin to a Red Night at The Connaught in London Mayfair. The evening started with drinks at the brand’s flagship store on Mount Street. As my plane was delayed, I missed that part and went straight to the party that was filled with many treats and a special tarot session.

Among fashion designers, Christian Louboutin stands out as one of the most influential, thanks to his ability to transform extraordinary shoes into true icons, all thanks to his distinctive signature: the red sole.

The dress code said a touch of red and for me that not only included the soles of my shoes but also a little touch of red on my jacket. The red sole of Louboutin shoes has become a symbol of luxury, style, and status, representing a fashion statement that doesn’t go unnoticed.

With beautiful Anna Lange, Christian Louboutin Store Manager Mount Street, at the event.

My gorgeous bag from the Flamencaba collection.

Spoilt to the fullest with this beautiful red quilt.

This holiday season, Christian Louboutin has a huge range of fantastic footwear, must-have accessories, and stocking fillers. I attached you some of my favorites available now below.

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier

I am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration featuring global pop star Kylie Minogue in the campaign. Fusing two creative identities and being born from a shared vision of femininity, empowerment and confidence, the capsule collection is co-designed by Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi and JPG’s creative director, Florence Tétier. It revisits archive pieces from the Parisian fashion house, adapting them to contemporary tastes.

«Fashion for me has always been about collaboration with like-minded creatives, and pure personal self-expression. Jean Paul Gaultier and Jimmy Choo have both been part of my fashion journey, and I’m thrilled to work with both of them to celebrate this exceptional collection,» says Kylie Minogue of the partnership. «It’s our collective histories fusing, to create something fresh and new,» she adds.

Acting as an evolution of the longstanding relationship between Kylie and both brands, the campaign follows a long line of made-to-measure Gaultier looks and custom Jimmy Choo shoes. The campaign sees Kylie showcasing the new footwear collection and transforming into a modern-day pin-up.

My favorite pair of the collection: The black leather wedge pumps show both the icons of the cities that are home to the brands, the Eiffeltower and Big Ben, in their plexiglass heels.

For Jimmy Choo, the collaboration follows its recent team-up with Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi and for JPG, the collection follows its recent release with the corset-loving London ready-to-wear label KNWLS, alongside news of its next guest designer: Simone Rocha.

TO SHOP JIMMY CHOO x JEAN PAUL GAULTIER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / JPG
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Party with NET-À-PORTER & Gianvito Rossi

Last night, I was invited by NET-À-PORTER for a wonderful cocktail party at Nikita in London with Gianvito Rossi, who had flown in from Italy for the occasion with his wife and his daughter Sofia, who both play key roles in the company, making the label a quintessential Italian family business.

With Alison Loehnis

In July, Richemont acquired a controlling stake in Gianvito RossiFounder, CEO and Creative Director of the eponymous brand, who retains a stake in the company and continues to nurture and develop the Maison in partnership. Founded in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli and headquartered in Milan, the son of the legendary shoe designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito has created one of the world’s leading luxury shoe houses. It is recognised by clients all over the world for its sophisticated designs, unique savoir-faire and impeccable quality.

With Gianvito Rossi

… and his wife and daughter Sofia.

This fall, Gianvito Rossi debuts his first handbag, called the Valì, a key new development that was beautifully displayed for the event. The design is very sleek, very much in the spirit of Gianvito, the perfect blend of haute artisanal finish, and sophisticated, modern luxury. Its form with rounded angles does indeed evoke an old suitcase, it is available in four colors – black, peach, off white and violet.

On display was also an amazing suitcase that is can be special ordered in your dedicated shoe size holding your most beloved Gianvito Rossi shoe models. I am obsessed.
Enjoy the impressions of the night.

TO SHOP GIANVITO ROSSI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Anthony Duong

With Sally Taylor

With Elena Radice and Iona Miller

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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GUCCI Horsebit 1953 Loafer

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!

LOEWE x On Cloudtilt

When I first heard at the beginning of last year that LOEWE and Swiss brand On were working on a trainer together. I thought, just another collab, However, what nobody really expected though, was just how popular this collection would become. And now, after two projects together, the duo are reuniting once again for the LOEWE x On Cloudtilt.

Blending craft and technology to provide ultimate all-day comfort, this sneaker is about as luxe as a running shoe can get, made to move, featuring sequentially collapsing clouds that adapt to the wearer’s movement.

You will be walking on air. The Cloudtilt is precision-crafted to provide superior cushioning, featuring computer-generated midsole technology that offers a smooth, ultra-lightweight ride. Available in All White, All Black, and Lime Green with additional shades of Khaki Green and Forever Blue for men, and Purple Rose and All Navy for women.

TO SHOP THE LOEWE x ON CLOUDTILT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Loewe
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Celebrating Manolo Blahnik and Net-à-Porter

This week, I was invited to a great cocktail evening with my Net-à-Porter family to celebrate the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s Virtual Archives: The Craft. It was amazing to dive into this multi-sensory VR experience where I could discover the extraordinary craftsmanship of Manolo Blahnik. Celebrating artisans and artistry, the evening invited us to explore the latest feature of the virtual experience dedicated to exploring the mastery behind the men’s and women’s collections. The award-winning virtual archives examine the process from design through to techniques and construction, offering an insight into the craft of shoemaking.

From Manolo’s desk to the factory floor, take a journey into the wonderful world of shoes in this virtual experience. Book a slot for the London xydrobe experience here.

On display were also the newest collections and many of the beautiful sketches Manolo Blahnik is famous for.

TO SHOP MANOLO BLAHNIK x NET-À-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With my lovely hosts of the night: Elodie Bougenault, Chief Commercial Officer at Manolo Blahnik, and Vikki Kavanagh, Managing Director at NET-A-PORTER and Mr Porter.

Annabel Skamen and me love the Hangisi 105 embellished satin pumps.

Marilyn Monroe only wore CHANEL N°5 in bed, I only wear my Manolos … good night!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Valentino New Rockstud Ballerinas

As part of Valentino’s Pre-fall 2023 collection, the French house spotlights its signature Rockstud accessories in the new «I mean…it’s Rockstud!» campaign featuring a pair of must-have Rockstud ballerinas that I don ‘t want you to miss and that might have already spotted in yesterday’s outfit post.

These flats come with the statement studs lining the exterior, balancing style and wearability while being ultra stylish. Available in different colourways and an alternative model with a strap running up the mid-calf, which I also couldn’t resist, the design highlights Valentino’s seamless ability to inject classic items with a bold twist.

This is your chance to chime in nicely with the current balletcore trend.
TO SHOP THE NEW VALENTINO ROCKSTUD BALLERINAS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Valentino
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The Craziest Shoes of the Season

Here they are the craziest shoes of the season. An art gallery’s worth of the weird, wacky and wonderful walked onto the runway for S/S 2023. Moschino’s pumps resembled miniature blow-up flamingo pool floats, one of Loewe’s sandals was entirely made of a huge 3-D petal and JW Anderson joined forces with Wellipets for some whimsical frog aesthetic. Heels, in particular, had a surreal feel, most notably seen in Alaïa‘s cabaret version and Sophia Webster‘s flamingo heels.

LoL, Sandra

Frog round toe clogs by JW Anderson x Wellipets

White coin purse heels by Pushbutton

Cabaret sandals by Alaïa

Flamingo-heel sandals by Sophia Webster
icon

Flamingo-detail 100mm pumps by Moschino

Floral detail high-heel sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Petal 90 leather sandals by Loewe


Froufrou Alta 150 satin sandals by Christian Louboutin

iconPhotos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Courtesy of the Brands
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

It Takes Two to Tan-Go

It takes two to tango – and shoes should never come alone. VALENTINO‘s iconic Tan-Go shoe has been on every fashionista’s wishlist lately. First launched in 2012 as a more modest version, the new take as skyrocketing platforms are now available in many versatile options, not only super stylish, but also ultra comfortable to dance the nights away.

My collection has become pretty extensive … it takes two to tango, or probably three, four, five …

LoL, Sandra

The classic one: Tan-Go patent leather platform pumps

The lower heel: Tan-Go platform pumps

The pointy one: Tan-Go patent leather platform pump 165mm

The open toe: Tan-Go 155 patent-leather platform sandalsicon

The bootie: Tan-Go leather ankle boots

The embellished version: Tan-Go embellished leather platform pumps

All clear: Tan-Go transparent pumps

The ultra high one: Discobox 180mm platform pumps

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia KrawieckaDavid Biedert Photography
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Flamencaba

After the mystical CARACABA and last year’s ever-whimsical GREEKABA, get ready to say ¡Hola! to Christian Louboutin’s annual limited-edition cabas offering, the FLAMENCABA: a fiery celebration of all the creativity, charisma and exquisite craftsmanship that Andalusia has to offer, developed in collaboration with the inimitable Rossy de Palma, actress and long-time friend of Christian’s.

It was inspired by the region’s rich culture and flamenco tradition, and it features men’s and women’s shoes, fans, and bags. The key pieces include the FLAMENCABA small toteicon that highlights the savoir-faire of local craftsmen with ornate detailing inspired by Flamenco dresses. On the base of the handles, CARASPIKES become gold-toned SEVILLANA spikes, inspired by Seville’s architectural heritage and bringing an added touch of opulence to this everyday tote bag.

Another highlight is the FLAMENCABA mini bagicon, that was inspired by the iconic shawls worn by Andalusian bailaoras.

Christian Louboutin will donate part of the profits from the capsule collection to Centro Coreografico Maria Page, an organization that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.

Launching in May 2023, this year’s Flamencaba collection continues in the footsteps of the annual cabas series with a true ode to craftsmanship.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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