Sandra‘s Closet

They were already a huge trend in 2012, when Kim Kardashian sported them in a nude beige and black: Givenchy‘s Shark Lock Boots. Now, they are back, and even in a full-on sparkly version (see last pair in this post)! The Maison’s most iconic silhouette is seducing It-girls all over the world who like to add a tough-luxe edge to their ensembles.

The sleeve of the boot that looks like part of the pants elongates legs to the extreme. So no wonder, other brands have been jumping on the trend. Here are the best ones available.

LoL, Sandra

DG buckle knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana

Suede leather boots with sleeve by CHANEL

Cowboy boots with sleeve by R13

Shark Lock leather knee-high boots by Givenchy

Shark Lock beige leather knee-high boots by Givenchy

x Disney® Shark Lock knee-high leather boots by Givenchy

Shark Lock embellished knee-high boots by Givenchy

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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Where others dream, Christian Louboutin turns fantasy into reality. Inspired by the Rouge Louboutin lipstick, this new bijou heel embodies the Maison’s exceptional savoir-faire.

The stiletto heels are sculpted in the form of the house’s signature precious lipstick gold cases for an ornate look.

LipChick 100 patent-leather pumps

LipChick 100 patent-leather sandals

I am sure that you’ll want to adorn yourself from top to toe with the sexiest lips and heels of the season. Needless to say, I got the pumps… a must for my collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin
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A girl can never have too many shoes. So what are the style we will be drooling over next season? Have a look at the F/W 2022 shoe trends below. With the new season arriving in stores, there’s no doubt we’re getting all excited about the newest must-haves footwear. Platforms and overknee boots are still on top of the list. Label of the moment for a shoe investment? Loewe! Jonathan Anderson created many trendy styles for the Spanish house that fashionistas around the globe will try to get their hands on. Don’t forget to put yourself on the  waitlist for the CHANEL wellington boots. A must!

LoL, Sandra

Summer season’s popular platform pumps have birthed a movement of sky-high, vampy-sweet shoes that will take us to new heights in winter.

From Loewe’s artsy metallic sandals to Jil Sander’s shimmering gold mules, metallic shine was everywhere this season.

The overknee boot is still holding very strong. However, you might need extra-long legs to wear this season’s best boots.

Designers went big on details with buckles going to the extreme.

Sneakers have gone from chunky dad styles to sophisticated styles. Be it a 3D-printed morph shoe at Stella McCartney, to a mule sneaker at Vuitton or a skate style at Loewe.

This boots are made for walking. Chloé, Dior, and others are betting on outdoorsy, walkable boots.

Designer are getting some fluffy action with footwear in soft textures and oversized volumes.

Stylish festival-goers were given a new welly to obsess over, courtesy of CHANEL.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Sneakers are still trending. Speaking of stylish, forget the ugly Dad sneakers, small details make a big difference this year. It’s more about the «unexpected». One model that has caught my eye is the Odissa – a new Versace sneaker style inspired in its architectural shape by celestial travel and the stars, in a distinctly positive take on futuristic design and fashion.

Basketball sneaker elements are cut-through with futuristic line punctuations and a 3D rubber Medusa plaque that defines the silhouette—its clean, sharp lines recalling the shape of an aerodynamic cycling helmet or dynamic future spacecraft. Seen styled with both casual and more formal looks in the Pre-Fall 2022 lookbook (see below) and Fall-Winter 2022 collection film, the sneaker’s volume and range of tonal colors—in black, white, ultramarine blue, pink, brown, and metallic silver—create an impactful visual identity.

To shop the Odissa sneaker for women, click here please and for men, here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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For all who couldn’t get their hands on the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh sneakers, here might be another option from the French Maison: the new version of its iconic LV trainer that pushes the concept of sustainability even further, with its utterly graphic silhouette made of 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials. Available in three colour variations, the LV Trainer is adorned with the Maison’s signature Sustainable Development logo.

A newcomer to the Louis Vuitton collection and the embodiment of the Maison’s innovative spirit, this unprecedented model created by Virgil Abloh marks a new chapter in eco-design. Manufactured in the Louis Vuitton workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy, using a highly complex process, the sneakers blend eco-design with fine craftsmanship, in accordance with the codes of circular creativity.

A true icon in the sportswear world, the LV Trainer is now breaking new records, without ever compromising Louis Vuitton’s standards for creativity and quality. The sole, a key component in terms of weight and comfort, is composed of an unparalleled 94% recycled polyurethane, with unchanged efficiency in terms of bounce, cushion and foot support – most notably thanks to the use of recycled cotton inner pads, and an insole made out of fully recycled polyurethane. As for the upper, it blends recycled polyester with a corn-based plastic material. The laces, made from used plastic, cross over the tongue, which is also recycled polyester, whereas the eyelets contain 91% regenerated polyurethane.

Available in sizes 4 to 15.5 (which means it is also available for women), this LV Trainer boasts the logo designed by Virgil Abloh. A visual example of Louis Vuitton’s upcycling philosophy, it has since become the symbol of the Maison’s commitment to sustainable development. The logo will be released in white with green accents from August, and then in red and black versions this September. The logo also features on the inside of the box, which is made out of entirely recycled and recyclable cardboard and which, thanks to an ingenious handle, turns into a bag – a strategy saving as much as 70% in materials to ensure the lowest environmental impact in terms of transportation and storage. Going even further, Louis Vuitton made the choice to use plant-based inks and to leave the inside of this unprecedented packaging in its original kraft.

Finally, a felt shoe bag in Tencel™ – renewable fibres from sustainably managed forests – acts as a layer of sustainable protection for the LV Trainer.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) programme. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

Shopping with a good conscience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Espadrille season is here. Consciously crafted in bold colors, embrace a free-spirited hippy attitude with the flat macramé by Loewe. Venture from the beach to the pool with Gucci‘s wedges, or go out at night with some fun high-heeled espadrille sandals by Castañer.

LoL, Sandra

Logo-embroidered espadrille sandals by Loewe x Paula Ibiza

Triangle logo striped-terry espadrilles by Prada

Logo-jacquard denim espadrilles by Miu Miu

Espananou raffia espadrilles by Christian Louboutin

Paloma heart-print wedge espadrilles by Saint Laurent

GG-canvas and raffia wedge sandals by Gucci

Carina 80 canvas & jute espadrille wedges by Castañer

Rockstud 105 leather wedge espadrilles by Valentino

Sweia 95 embroidered cotton espadrilles by Gucci

Amaia jute espadrille platform sandals by Castañer

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
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Dior presents the CD 1947 capsule

Dior is unveiling an exclusive new men’s capsule, CD 1947, celebrating the infinitely rich dialogue between Kim Jones and the legacy of Monsieur Dior. Inspired by the founding couturier’s love of nature and gardens, the creations are distinguished by their sportswear cuts and technically advanced materials, ideal for the outdoors; thick canvas and polar knits are combined in silhouettes that merge elegance and minimalist spirit.

T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts and Bermuda shorts are available in a palette of soft, luminous shades, from light blue to beige, including the Dior Gray, a favorite of the House. Emblazoning this new line, the «Christian Dior» signature and «1947» – the year of Monsieur Dior’s first fashion show – feature on ready-to-wear items and accessories.

A bob, a bandana, a belt or even B27 sneakers, reinvented in the colors of the capsule, are adorned with these essential symbols, also embroidered on the Saddle and Dior Lingot 50 bags. A jewelry series and a carabiner embellished with the initials «CD˚ complete this wardrobe, an invitation to travel and adventure.

The ultimate surprise, a gardening set pays tribute to Christian Dior’s passion for the art of gardening. This limited-edition ensemble is composed of a folding leather seat – evoking the curves of the Saddle – and a leather-clad shovel and rake, specially designed for this capsule with the finest craftsmanship; all objects of desire to be discovered from June 2022.

Dior and Birkenstock present an unprecedented collaboration Dior by Birkenstock

«Thankfully, there are flowers,» said Christian Dior. He was known as a gallery owner, an architecture enthusiast, and a passionate fashion designer, but he also delighted in gardening. It was in Granville, in the rose garden of the family home overlooking the sea, that this fascination with the interweaving of nature and culture blossomed in his childhood.

Alongside his mother, Madeleine, the young christian enriched his knowledge of botany among the roses, wisteria, maritime pines and reseda. «I loved more than anything else to learn by heart the names and descriptions of flowers in the color catalogs published by the Vilmorin-Andrieux house», wrote monsieur Dior in his memoirs.

For the Dior Men’s F/W 2022 collection, the house and Kim Jones pay tribute to this passion, joining forces with Birkenstock for the first time to reinvent two of its iconic models. Standing for function and quality, the German brand creates unique shoes – both in form and function – to support walking as nature intended, drawing from a heritage that can be traced back to 1774, the year when shoemaker brothers Johannes and Johann Adam Birkenstock set out on their orthopedically inspired footwear journey – a commitment to craftsmanship they passed down from one generation to the next.

The Milano, launched in 1965, was designed as an outdoor sandal for active people and nature lovers, whereas the Tokyo model was launched in 1987 as protective footwear for walking and professions requiring a lot of standing. Both of the collaboration’s felt or suede models are dressed in the season’s hues, in addition to essential Dior gray.

Celebrating the art of gardening, they serve up functional style thanks to rubber details and industrial buckles. The result of a unique creative dialogue, Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped orthopedic cork footbed is lined with smooth leather, while the outsole combines the Dior oblique pattern with the German brand’s signature bones graphic.

As a final surprise, an exceptional version of the Tokyo, hand-embroidered with delicate flowers, completes the show’s couture silhouettes, a new symbol of Christian Dior’s love for nature. A contemporary ode to functionality and elegance, reflecting several skills of excellence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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The second instalment to the sell-out collaboration, Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK issues a new collection of boundary-pushing icons.

The ultra-modern sensibility of the Arizona and the Boston are once again included in this collection, comprising of four new styles reinterpreted through Manolo Blahnik’s absolute and archetypal flair. The second drop introduces a newly designed style Rodra delivering eye-catching new editions in polka dot and PVC.

Rodra polka dot
The Rodra sandal in all-over polka dot is a new style created for BIRKENSTOCK by Manolo Blahnik, reflecting the playful attitude of the house. An elegant cross between the creativity of both brands, and a nod to the robust function of BIRKENSTOCK’s footbeds, the Rodra elevates the sandal for a new era.

Boston polka dot
Manolo Blahnik makes a bold statement with the polka dot print adorning calf hair Boston styles. This timeless polka dot is a signature of the collaboration and has featured across many of Blahnik’s past collections. The round-toed Boston slide has legendary status now amplified by the all-out ostentation of this new print.

Arizona pvc black & pvc white
The iconic PVC style of celebrated shoemaker Manolo Blahnik harks back to his classic 1970 designs, embodying a lightness in a structural and tactile sense. Now, Manolo Blahnik combines his transparent designs with a see-through spin on the Birkenstock Arizona sandal, arriving in two black and white PVC styles.

Presenting their most striking designs to date, the new styles in the Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK collection will be available June 23rd at 1774.com, manoloblahnik.com, all Manolo Blahnik retail locations, as well as selected retailers worldwide.

Prices will range between € 345 and € 395.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Birkenstock / Manolo Blahnik
#manoloblahnikxbirkenstock
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There is so much hype about the release of the Louis Vuitton and Nike «Air Force 1» designed by Virgil Abloh. Now, finally in June 2022, 9 editions of the sneaker – first presented as part of the S/S 2022 Men’s Collection – will be launched globally through an inclusive digital activation, with members of the Maison’s community offered early access to order the shoes.

Until May 31, 2022, the 47 editions of the «Air Force 1» imagined by Virgil Abloh were exhibited to the public in the showcase Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh in New York City. This event coincided with a number of corresponding art installations around the city. Manufactured in the Maison’s Manufacture in Fiesso d’Artico, Venice, Italy, each design fuses the sneaker’s original codes with the Maison’s finest leather, materials and insignia of Louis Vuitton, and the distinctive visual grammar of Virgil Abloh.

Celebrating its 40th year, the classic Nike «Air Force 1» was designed in 1982 and is one of the most successful shoes ever created. A cultural symbol in its own right, Virgil Abloh viewed the sneaker as an objet d’art emblematic of self-generated cultural provenance. The 47 expressions of the Nike «Air Force 1»  were created for a Louis Vuitton collection rooted in the Amen Break, a little-known drum break of a B-side created by the funk-soul group The Winstons in 1969, which would be sampled and go on to underpin the hip-hop and jungle genres, and splinter into thousands of the pop tracks most familiar to us today.

In June 2021, Virgil Abloh explained his approach: «The Air Force 1 is a sample like the Amen Break. A t-shirt is an ‘Amen Break’, a suit is an ‘Amen Break’. We’re all iterating on the same ideas. But, in my canon, the Air Force 1 puts the edge on the blade. This object happened way before me, but to get to a context where it’s adjacent to the t-shirt and the suit, its logic has been forty years in the making,» he said.

In February 2022, 200 pairs of the sneaker designs were sold at auction, to benefit The Virgil Abloh™ «Post-Modern» Scholarship Fund.

The 9 editions selected for Louis Vuitton in-store release cover mid-tops (EUR 2,500) and low-tops (EUR 2,000), and will be made available in Nike sizes ranging from 3.5 to 18. The launch includes the classic all-white sneaker embossed with the Louis Vuitton Monogram, and a riff on the same design in black suede. Two-tone editions in white with either green, red or blue detailing nod at the rainbow motif key to the work of Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton. Likewise, a metallic gold sneaker pays homage to the designer’s debut collection for the Maison, while patchworked multi-colour renditions celebrate his distinct graphic language.

Finally, a Damier edition is adorned with a «Louis Vuitton» graffiti motif created by the artist Ghusto Leone. The full launch includes:

• White mid-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• White low-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• Black low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede.
• White and Gym Green low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather.
• White and Comet Red low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• White and Team Royal Blue low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• Gold low-top in Monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Silver and multi-colour patchwork low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede and monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Sail and Multicolor mid-top in Damier leather with an Azur graffiti print (available in sizes 5-18)

As a way of building bridges between countries and cultures, the late Virgil Abloh merged the worlds of high fashion and streetwear. The Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh can be seen as another unifying motif. Hard to get your hands on, but absolutely worth it! It is a piece of fashion history. I attached for you the making of the sneakers. So interesting to experience the craftsmanship going into the shoes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Nike
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Another year, another adventure! Follow Christian Louboutin as he embarks on a modern-day Odyssey through Athens and the Cyclades.

Playing tour guide to the designer, Mrs. Tependris, and her faithful poodle Pepe – created by Konstantin Kakanias, Christian’s dear friend and multi-faceted artist and illustrator.

Inspired by the land and the sea, the two limited-edition styles of Greekaba also play out in a variety of sizes and silhouettes. A rich artwork that tributes to the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Mediterranean.

You didn’t think they’d forget the shoes, did you? Explore the capsule that puts Greece’s rich cultural heritage firmly in the spotlight.

Consider this your one-way ticket to Greece!
To shop Christian Louboutin online, 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.