Sandra‘s Closet

Following the success of the first two seasons, the partnership between BIRKENSTOCK and RICK OWENS is set to continue. The original and first project for BIRKENSTOCK re-emphasizes the importance of this project, being more than a collaboration.

The designs of the Rick Owens Arizona and Boston styles with extended straps, as well as the Rotterdam were updated with black metal rivets and hardware. All styles come in classic black, varying smooth, soft leather. Additionally, the Arizona and Boston are available in iridescent foiled leather.

«For our continuation with BIRKENSTOCK, in addition to the longer straps from our first season together, I’ve added a sprinkling of riveting on sandals that could have come from one of my favorite Fritz Lang movies», states Rick Owens.

The collection features the anatomically shaped BIRKENSTOCK cork latex footbed, covered with smooth premium Nappa Leather and the Rick Owens co-branding.

«Rick Owens continues to play an important role in our partnerships, his voice being totally unique and more relevant than ever. We are proud to partner with this independent designer on such level», states BIRKENSTOCK CEO Oliver Reichert.

The collection is available now to shop at NET-À-PORTER, and MATCHESFASHION.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @birkenstock1774 @rickowensonline #birkenstockxrickowens
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

First presented during Virgil Abloh’s debut S/S 2019 show for Louis Vuitton, this season the LV TRAINER inspires new style variations in keeping with its exacting standards: each pair requires at least seven hours of manufacturing.

Drawing inspiration from vintage basketball sneakers, held dear by Virgil Abloh, and set on a technical rubber sole injected with gel and encrusted with contrasting Monogram flowers, this new version will add a lively touch to all the memories summer 2021 has in store for you. The House’s identity stands out once again with the LV signature on the tongue and side and the #54 signature on the back, recalling 1854, the year Louis Vuitton was founded.

As always, the Monogram pattern is in the spotlight, whether reinvented on denim or embossed on grained calfskin, nubuck or smooth leather. But with its blend of materials and patterns, each LV Trainer boasts its own identity in a rainbow of vivid hues, symbolising all the colours of a summer under the sun of optimism, from dawn to sunset.

Burgundy lit up by sunny orange, blue enhanced with black accents, green contrasted with yellow details… The colours are galvanised on a grained and smooth leather design. The collection also showcases the essential white leather sneaker, adorned with the hand-written Louis Vuitton signature, and the denim canvas one, this time beige-tinted, alongside a reflective silver leather model.

This season, three versions in suede leather and denim take on neon pink and yellow shades, echoing the ready-to-wear line. One of them is entirely covered with pink rhinestones, to attract light and style at every step. While the white leather sneaker is bound to last, each colour and style variation will be subject to a limited drop launch.

Lastly, a pair of sandals, available in identical neon shades, adds the finishing touch to the collection. Fitted with the same sole as the sneaker, it is light and supple, the perfect variation of a model designed to be worn at any time of the day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Fortune favors the bold. Let me introduce you to the Christian Louboutin Tarot de Marseille capsule collection that highlights the designer’s interest in folkloric arts and is notable for its urban style.

«I have been travelling in my head since I was a kid, looking at travel agencies magazines and imagining months of backpacking, booking fake hotel nights and train tickets, meeting people from all over the world, learning unknown languages. From there, I made this dream my everyday life. But recently, I’ve been travelling in a totally different way – without moving at all.» – Christian Louboutin

Inviting us to take an imaginary journey through the designer’s creative universe, the Maison’s latest offering is featuring an eclectic all-over tarot card print, inspired by the House’s love for travel and traditional craftsmanship. Let’s put our faith in the cards, shall we?

Caracaba small leather-trimmed appliquéd patchwork canvas tote

I have a feeling you are destined to get your hands on the new signature Cabas. Personally speaking, it has become a collector’s piece for me, every year I try to get one of the special pieces for my collection.

Iriza pumps with tarot print

I see some stylish things in the future… like the new Tarot print pieces.

My choice this season: Caracaba mini leather-trimmed appliquéd patchwork canvas tote.
I am feeling lucky and you?

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin / Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Today, on May 3rd, we celebrate Two Different Colored Shoes Day. Probably you have never heard of that special day before that is set to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of humanity. Where the simple and lighthearted act of purposely wearing two different colored shoes demonstrates the courage to «take a risk» and step outside of ones daily routine.

A daring combination: 105 crystal-embellished metallic leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi and Moon 105 crystal-embellished leather sandals by Aquazzura.

The easiest way to do it is to combine two shoes that have the same height and a similar structure. If you are one of those people, who likes to buy your favorite pair of shoes in different colors, you will have a blast mixing your footwear.

A safe way to celebrate Two Different Colored Shoes Day is to mix neutral shades and the same shoe model as those Kate 100 leather pumps by Christian Louboutin.

The day was created by Dr. Arlene Kaiser, an educator and public speaker, who has a profound love for diversity and has always been encouraging people to be who they are and not to concern themselves with being what society tells them they should be.

I wear today Jodie suede platform sandals in black and  Jodie rose-embellished white leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent.

Remember that Two Different Colored Shoes Day is about celebrating your individuality, so wear whatever you love, and enjoy your own fashionable creativity. The world can use a little more color, and there’s nothing wrong with everyone being as diverse and as different as they are.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
#TwoDifferentColoredShoesDay

Dear Anouk, from the day you came into this world, I was as proud as can be, blessed with you as my beautiful daughter. So every year we had been celebrating this very special day together to mark another milestone in your life. This year is the first time we are separated due to the current pandemic. I am wishing you all the happiness in the world, celebrate to the fullest! Happy Birthday, Anouk, I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again and will always treasure the moment when I held you for the first time 19 years ago, on April 4th, 2002 at 12.34pm.

You laugh with me at ordinary things, you share my thoughts and understand the things I do and say. As you inspire me every day, your name has also inspired many designers to name their creations after it. I love you!

LoL, Sandra

Anouk hooded belted quilted ski jacket by Fusalp

Anouk Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick by Nars

Anouk woven textured-leather clutch by Akris

Anouk sling-back pumps by Gianvito Rossi

Anouk leather tote bag by Tsatsas

Anouk sandals by Saint Laurent

Anouk small textured-leather tote by Oroton

Anouk cotton-jersey track pants by Ernest Leoty

Anouk pumps by Jimmy Choo

14kt gold-plated Anouk heart locket necklace by Sasha Samuel

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

Birkenstock’s partnership with London fashion institution Central Saint Martins is launching the result of a two-year project with the BA Fashion History & Theory and MA Fashion courses. Releasing four designs and Birkenstock’s first-ever Archive style. Initiated in 2018, the project saw the CSM BA Fashion History & Theory course research and enrich Birkenstock’s prolific archive. Enabling students to immerse into Birkenstock’s culture and legacy to finally extract and define the core elements of Birkenstock’s history spanning over 250 years. The result of this research translated into a second project with the MA Fashion course. Inviting students to give their interpretation of emblematic styles in their contemporary way, thus shaping the future of the iconic German brand.

The four winning students with Fabio Piras.

One year later a jury of 12 renowned industry leaders led by Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert, MA Fashion Course Director Fabio Piras and fashion critic Sarah Mower MBE, were invited by Birkenstock to review all student portfolios and selected a shortlist of 10 finalists awarded as the winning designs with a first bursary award.

My favorites: Moto Sandal by Alex Wolfe.

Over a year of product development, four of the student designs have qualified for serial production.  Each design has the student’s name embossed in the iconic Birkenstock footbed. Experiencing the challenge to realize the product innovation delivered by these students is a good challenge. «We are proud to have a proven impact on these early careers and are counting this as one of our most relevant projects», states CEO Oliver Reichert.

Bukarest style in white by Alecsander Rothschild

The release of the collection is supported by a short film, seeing the jury and the professors exchange their views on the final product with the students. The jury was headed by Sarah Mower MBE and included CSM alumni Mary Katrantzou and Roksanda discussing with Gert Jonkers, Claudia Croft, Mimma Viglezio, Osman Ahmed, and Nick Vinson.

THE COLLECTION

Moto Sandal by CSM graduate Alex Wolfe (1991*)
Using Birkenstock’s expertise in orthopaedic shoe design Wolfe’s take on the Rotterdam Moto sandal challenges us with urban graphic as well as a striking upper leg design. Relying on Birkenstock’s very own eudermic material Birko-Flor he creates a flexible shield, whereas the foot lining of Nappa leather and suede offers a soft and soothing bed.

Cosy style by CSM graduate Dingyun Zhang (1995*)
Zhang’s pillow like version of the Arizona sandal takes inspiration from futuristic outerwear and oversized puffers. As a homage to comfort Cosy transforms the Arizona into a supportive, timeless classic. Its monochrome, contrasting color choice of snow white straps and black sole (and vice versa) fortifies the long-lasting design approach.

Terra style by CSM graduate Saskia Lenaerts (1993*)
As a reference to the classic Milano sandal, Terra’s prominent stitches replicates footlines, while Suede, Nappa and Nubuk leather offer comfort. Using contrasting colours like black/white and black/ultra blue the designer recreates the shadow play of an engraved footprint in the sand.

Bukarest style by CSM student Alecsander Rothschild (1992*)
Inspired by Brancusi’s contrasting use of different materials and textures Rothschild works equally with three kinds of leather to express his version of Birkenstock: Rustic black oiled nubuck leather or innocent white debossed leather, Rothschild offers a third version in shiny Silver.

Tallahassee Archive Style
To complement the student designs, the iconic Birkenstock Tallahassee Style from the 1990s sees a rebirth in contrast color designs. Uniting an artistic touch with long practiced craftsmanship the Tallahassee ornaments the foot without compromising comfort. As a woven coat the debossed leather enrobes the wearer like a second skin.

The collection is available with select stores worldwide and on 1774.com from now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Birkenstock, © Walter Pfeiffer
#BIRKENSTOCKxCSM

Here is your exclusive early access to Jimmy Choo x Marine Serre. This collaboration is fusing two brands with unique identities. The resulting collection combines feminine aesthetic, futuristic vision and the signature Marine Serre crescent moon print to create limited-edition boots, heels and trainers that prove comfort and elegance go hand-in-hand.

For 24 hours only, you can buy those must-have footwear ahead of everyone else here. From tomorrow, it will also be available at Mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / Marine Serre, Mytheresa

When the holiday season rolls around, everybody needs a cozy yet stylish pair of warm slippers or slides. Ladies, don’t fight what’s warm and fluffy! This winter, for all the time we spend at home, complete your loungewear look, head-to-toe, with a warm and toasty slip-on.

Whether it’s Christmas morning, a Zoom call, or just a lazy weekend day, you might consider snagging one of these stylish pairs for yourself or as a gift to your loved ones ahead of the holiday.

Channel your inner cozy girl.

LoL, Sandra

FF-logo shearling slippers by Fendi (my choice)

So Dream shearling slides by Aquazzura

Fria shearling-lined houndstooth tweed slippers by Gucci

Berkley daisy-appliqué shearling-lined slides by Fabrizio Viti

Hotel Vivier Strass satin slippers by Roger Vivier

Doris shearling and suede slides by Net-à-Porter x ATP Atelier (worn in cover collage)

Homey flat mules by Louis Vuitton

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and Net-à-Porter x ATP Atelier
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Santa is coming early this year and in form of our favorite shoe fairy, Sophia Webster. Win your wishlist! In case you ever dreamed of celebrating the end of 2020 in your favorite pair of SW’s? Well, now is your chance! Sophia Webster will be giving some lucky shoe lovers the chance to win their favorite footwear this Christmas each day until December 22, 2020.

To be in with a chance of winning you will need to: ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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1. Follow @SophiaWebster on Instagram. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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2. Sign up to the Sophia Webster mailing list.
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3. Create a Sophia Webster account via sophiawebster.com⁣.⁣⁣⁣

On my personal wishlist: Astra platforms

4. Add to your wishlist by 22 December (2pm GMT) to win up to the value of CHF‌645.00.⁣⁣⁣
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5. Upload a grid post to your Instagram of the item top of your wishlist. Tag @SophiaWebster and use the hashtag #SWWinYourWishlist
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6. Like the last Instagram posts of Sophia Webster.
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T&C’s can be found here!

Good luck to you! I will join the fun as well, as I am such a big Sophia Webster fan! Below you can find even more inspiration what to put on your wish list…

LoL, Sandra

I also adore the Astra sandals.

Left: Chiara sandals – Right: Boss Lady pumps

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Sophia Webster
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored! We don’t earn a commission. We just love it!

In 2009, Valentino caused a fashion frenzy when its creative directors at that time power duo, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, came up with what would be one of the maison’s most fortuitous accessories: the Rockstud sandals. With their dainty shape and small pyramidal studs, the shoes were immediately loved by fashionistas around the globe.

Me with some Rockstud details

Now in the creative directorship solo, Piccioli is celebrating the style’s 10th anniversary with a new program called Valentino Garavani Rockstud X. Categorized as an «open lab» the series will see Piccioli collaborate with a rotating cast of guest designers on the Rockstud. First up: the conceptual British designer Craig Green (see cover photo). Already known for his partnerships with Moncler and Adidas, this is the first time Green has reached the upper echelons of the fashion world, where arguably Valentino reigns. The Valentino x Craig Green collaboration product will be unveiled in early January 2021 while the product is set to launch in stores around late February 2021.

However, you don’t need to wait until February to get your hands on something very beautiful from Valentino. For S/S 2021, Piccioli is making the Valentino Rockstud bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions, embellishing gladiator sandals and bags that will be a big hit. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences.

TO SHOP THE NEW ROMAN STUDS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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