Sandra‘s Closet

One of the biggest trends at the moment is SUSTAINABLE LUXURY and Gucci has hopped on board the green side of life by launching a new “Sustainable Soles” line of footwear made with biodegradable plastic, which is part of its pre-fall 2012 collection and said to hit stores by the end of June.

The collection will include two styles, both designed by Frida Giannini, Gucci’s Creative Director:

The “California Green” men’s sneaker, available in both low- and high-top versions, includes bio-rubber soles, vegetable-tanned calfskin uppers, bio-shoelaces, and tongues with the Gucci logo printed in green on recycled polyester labels.

The “Marola Green” slip-on, which features cutout details and Gucci’s trademark interlocking Gs, will be sold in a variety of glossy hues, including blush, taupe, and black.

The shoes are made from bio-plastic, a biodegradable material in compost which is used as an alternative to petrochemical plastic. The material also has a shorter degradation process compared to that of traditional plastic.

“This new project conveys the house’s mission to interpret in a responsible way the modern consumer’s desire for sustainable fashion products, all the while maintaining the balance between the timeless values of style and utmost quality with an ever-growing green vision.”

The news comes on the heels, as it were, of Gucci’s biodegradable “Liquid Wood” sunglasses, which are manufactured by Safilo with wood fibers from sustainably managed forests, lignin from the paper-manufacturing process, and natural wax. I was able to explore one of the first prototypes (see photo below) and I truly liked them.

“Biodegradable” is a new catchphrase at Gucci – an inspiring example of how to combine sustainability with luxury.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, Safilo and © Sandra Bauknecht

The evolution of the Rockstud collection continues with new explosive bags from the Va Va Voom series to must-have shoes, like the new pony hair iconic sling-backs below. Be the first to add an elegant edge toy our style this fall.

For the next three days you have the priviledge to shop these items before they are available to all customers. Just click on the highlighted text below to be transfered directly.

The booties shown on the photo above will be on every fashionista’s shopping list, so stay tuned as I will keep you posted once they hit the stores. In the meantime, enjoy these must-haves:

Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

Already a fashion classic since this must-have kitten heel was first spotted on all editor’s feet in the front row. Click here for some photos.

Animal printed Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

This newly introduced version will surely make your heart leap with joy.

Va Va Voom leather satchel in a rich shade of bordeaux by Valentino

I could not think of a better name for this lady-chic bag.

Textured leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino

Forest green is the It-shade for the F/W 2012 season. So you better get started now…

Rockstud patent loafers by Valentino

Such an amazing silhouette, stylish and comfortable in one.

Rockstud small leather tote by Valentino

Structured, sleek and with a cool-girl edge, Valentino’s Rockstud tote has been the editors’ bag of choice since its launch. What a stud. My must-have for F/W 2012.

LoL, Sandra

For its upcoming highly anticipated ‘fashion meets art’ collaboration, Louis Vuitton has teamed up with avantgarde painter, pop art artist, fashion designer, sculptor, street performer and poet, Yayoi Kusama. At the age of 82, she is an artist of many talents.

The preview is not even on the official website, the Louis Vuitton press offices keep everything secret. But thanks to WWD and Stylerumour, the first photos have emerged.

Here is your very exclusive and so exciting preview of what the Japanese dot-enthusiast and Marc Jacobs have come up with. Personally speaking, I am crazy for those polka dots, especially the red and white ones that remind me so much of Minnie Mouse. Also included in the collection are wave prints. The colours are yellow, red, black and white.

The collection will be unveiled Mid July 2012 in Louis Vuitton stores around the globe, with a second wave of goods arriving in October.

Ladies, get yourselves on the wait lists now!

LoL, Sandra

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity black

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Monogram Shawl Dots Infinity black

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Sunglasses Waves Rond White

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pareo Monogram Waves white

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Lockit GM Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Cuff Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Lockit MM Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pump Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity yellow

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity red

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Ballerina Monogram Nylon Dots Infinity red

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Montre Tambour Dots Infinity 28 mm

Yayoi Kusama Louis Vuitton Bangle GM Dots Infinity red

Photos: Via Stylerumour and Franck Mura via WWD

Most brides opt for designer heels  in white silk or satin for their big day. But boots? Ugg boots?

UGG Australia has released a range of bridal boots, the so-called „I Do wedding collection“. Think cosy UGGs embellished with crystal stones, sequins and blue ribbons.

Most likely to wear them for your pre- or after-wedding pampering than walking down the aisle in them, those sparkling eyecatchers will surely not only attract the future brides among us. Personally speaking, I love the sequined ones…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of UGG Australia

Christian Louboutin, the king of shoes and the creator of the iconic glossy red soles, has launched a special collection celebrating his brand’s 20th anniversary. Below you can enjoy and shop the amazing designs that will add instant glamour to your wardrobe. I love the fringed and the python boots (see last two photos below)!

If you would like to get to know Mr. Louboutin a little better, click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

20th Anniversary Rose Du Desert leather knee sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Neuron 120 suede cage sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Unzip 100 suede sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Isolde 160 patent-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Armadillo Bride 120 leather pumps by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Pigalove patent-leather ballet flats by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Highness Tina 160 fringed suede boots by Christian Louboutin

20th Anniversary Daf 160 python boots by Christian Louboutin

Needing little introduction, Diego Dolcini is a purveyor and creator of some of the finest shoes in the world. Having worked with Emilio Pucci, Bulgari, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana to name just a few, Dolcini knows the beauty of high-quality, high-fashion shoes.

Launched in 1994, the company currently operates out of Italy and references art, cinema and architecture as design influences. The end result no matter what, is always strikingly beautiful.

To shop Diego Dolcini’s beautiful S/S 2012 collection, click here.

LoL, Sandra

Diego Dolcini with me

Enjoy some of Diego Dolcinci’s best S/S 2012 pieces below:

Photos: Courtesy of Diego Dolcini and © Sandra Bauknecht

The windows of the Louis Vuitton store on New Bond Street in London looked so beautiful this week that I had to photograph them for you. Filled with the most beautiful objects of desire for the summer season, it was a true pleasure looking at them. I am in love with pastels and the feminine eyelet lace.

My absolute must-have is the tiara that will be in stores this month…

… along with the bi-colour pointed-toe mules (see photos below).

Happy window shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

My new shoe obsession: The confident colourblock OBSESSION pumps from the inimitable house of Yves Saint Laurent. I am head over heels for those leg-lengthening mega-platforms with removable triple ankle-wrap straps to convert into a sling-back, new in this week.

I couldn’t resist and got them in the all-suede version in brass, teal, light grey, black cherry and purple. Available at ysl.com.

And what do you think of this amazing colour combination below?

Obsession satin and suede pumps with gold-tone metal cap by Yves Saint Laurent
Team these sorbet-hued beauties with bare legs and fresh pastel-coloured separates for the most fabulous way to step into the new season.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

How amazing is this all over beads sandal by Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti? The only downside is that it is a little overpriced. You would have to splurge $6000 on a pair of shoes!

The designer’s friends Kim Kardashian and Chanel Iman were already spotted rocking these pieces of art. In case you love to buy the shoes and rock the tribal trend, they are available at LuisaViaRoma.com.

LoL, Sandra

Say hello to my new beautiful Miss Dior peep toes! I love the combination of fuchsia silk and black lace. I wore those beauties to the photo shoot for the launch of Dior Addict Extrême in Paris yesterday. More to follow…
Thank you, Dior, for this dream!

In the meantime, enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht