Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I would like to introduce you to Gucci Après-Ski – a selection of pieces envisioned for mountain leisure and beyond. Drawing from the easygoing allure of winter getaways, the offering expands upon the House’s vision of a travel-minded lifestyle while continuing the strand of surprise that runs through its collections.

Gucci Après-Ski encompasses the duality of sportier and refined aesthetics often seen off- piste, showcased in an assortment of skiwear-inspired coordinated sets, updated iterations of signature handbag lines including the Gucci Horsebit 1955, Gucci Diana, and GG Marmont, lug-soled boots inspired by cold-weather footwear, and ski mask silhouettes from Gucci Eyewear among other styles.

The lineup also introduces a special preview of ready-to-wear and accessories from a forthcoming chapter of adidas x Gucci as well as a set of aluminum hard-sided trolleys, created in collaboration with the Italian luxury luggage maker FPM Milano, in a continuation of the House’s Gucci Valigeria travel narrative.

The Gucci Après-Ski selection is captured through stills by Mark Peckmezian and a film by Akinola Davies Jr. in a new campaign that follows a cast of characters as they embark on an alpine escape. The friends unwind against the backdrop of scenic peaks and charming chalets within a retro-tinged film and imagery that embody the cozy conviviality of the offering.

Gucci Après-Ski will be available in Gucci boutiques, as well as on gucci.com, with special Pop-Ups in Courmayeur, Cortina, Courchevel, Verbier, and Kitzbühel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #GucciApresSki
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Campaign Credits: Art Director: Christopher Simmonds – Photographer: Mark Peckmezian – Director: Akinola Davies Jr – Make up: Daniel Sallstrom – Hair: Shiori Takahashi

As Fusalp marks its 70th anniversary, the French specialists in skiwear wished to celebrate by teaming up with Pucci for a collaboration of ski and leisure styles. This capsule conveys the enthusiasm and joy of two brands joined by a historic connection to skiing and the mountains.

Camille Miceli of Pucci and Mathilde Lacoste of Fusalp have reimagined a collection that includes three emblematic ensembles and Fusalp best-sellers – the Gardena jacket, the Elancia and Belalp ski pants and the Maria ski suit – with Pucci all-over prints.

«For the 70th anniversary of Fusalp, I wanted to convey the enthusiasm and joy embedded in our brand through its history. Only Emilio Pucci could bring these vibrant colours and iconic prints that convey such incomparable energy,» says Mathilde Lacoste.

«We were delighted to pay tribute to Fusalp through this collection of colourful ski creations. Our similar heritage, newly expressed through technical expertise and fashion genuinely celebrates the spirit of collaboration – and of our theme this season, La Famiglia,» says Camille Miceli.

Certain styles feature Marmo motifs in palettes such as multicoloured with black and shades of icy blue. The ski suit, swirled with the violet Iride pattern, transposes the Pucci vision into a high-performance piece. Fusalp takes a fully technical approach – from outer materials and thermal pieces that offer waterproof, warmth and extreme cold protection to shapes, which sculpt and highlight the body in motion. Exceptional materials include waterproof and protective Swiss softshell, technical nylons and feathers, in addition to thermals developed with «body mapping» which give the effect of a contoured figure.

The core skiwear offer comprises 8 pieces styled as 3 main looks, each characterised by 3 different colour ranges and print variations. The après-ski proposal includes 6 heavy knitwear items and 2 padded ponchos. Among the range of accessories accented with nylon Pucci trim are a cap, scarf, snood, ear warmers, and a polycarbonate helmet.

This collaboration reimagines the ‘70s glamorous, free and joyful spirit of Pucci’s signature prints with Fusalp’s technical elegance – the best of both worlds conceived for the slopes and beyond. The collaboration is available now, both online and in a selection of Pucci and Fusalp boutiques, as well as on Mytheresa.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fusalp #puccixfusalp
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Prada Linea Rossa is celebrating such a big revival. First released in 1995 as «Prada Sport» and closed in the mid-’00s, the luxury athleisure line has a rich and storied history, one that demonstrates the brand’s seemingly endless relevancy. Relaunched in F/W 2018, Prada’s sporty line has been an ongoing success.

Motion, transformation, perpetual change – forever shifting, along a line drawn between two points. The Prada Linea Rossa Fall/Winter 2022 campaign reflects a fundamental ethos of dynamic locomotion, ceaseless movement between different poles. And through that motion, clothing transforms, adapting itself to divergent terrain, disparate needs and demands. Constantly changing, ever evolving.

The campaign captures this endless mood of wanderlust, in a series of photographs and motion image created by Norbert Schoerner. Within each, two realities create an impossible hybrid, capturing Linea Rossa as it morphs between extremes, between mountain terrain and urban ecosystems. The protagonists sprint between these environs, captured in movement, their speed blurring the world until two polar realities fuse seamlessly into one.

The imagery reflects the identity of the Linea Rossa collection, the interlacing of different universes, racing between one reality and another. Pieces draw on winter sports – the streamlining and padded protection of skiwear, translated to metropolitan clothes recalibrated for city living. Fabrics are designed to adapt to differing locales, to new demands – mixes of nylon, techno-knit and Prada Extreme-Tex form chassis around the body, achieving delicate balance between disparate elements, fluctuating temperatures, and the demands of the everyday. In striking monochrome enlivened with the iconic Linea Rossa emblem, these pieces are also fusions, of Prada’s minimalized style with high- performance sportswear, timelessly engineered for bodies in dynamic movement. .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada – Credits: Photographer: Norbert Schoerner – Talent: Charli D’Amelio
Models: Emanuel Dostine, Aviana McClish, Sherry Shi, Sebastien White
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Hello from Crete! Finally I am on «real» vacation, which means for me, no make-up, curly hair, lots of sports, reading and sleeping. I am staying at the Blue Palace Resort, located between the small fishing village of Plaka and the increasingly chic port of Elounda in one of their Island Luxury Suites, that features a private pool, and a beautiful spacious outdoor area. I have barely left my room so far and exercised on my terrace in this fucking fanastic outfit!

My look: Pralù cropped embellished ribbed-knit cardigan, Valensole ribbed-knit bralette, and Arancia ribbed-knit shorts, all by Jacquemus, Double-Up hat, and Fucking Fantastic socks, all by Ayda, and Balenciaga Triple S sneaker by Balenciaga x adidas.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht
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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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Right now I am enjoying my holidays in Saint Tropez to the fullest. After a very long night at Les Caves du Roy, and only 3 hours of sleep, I pulled myself together and joined my dear Barbara Sturm and Ayda Field Williams at Dr. Sturm’s new St. Tropez Spa, located at 6 Traverse de la Gendarmerie, for an anti-inflammatory morning with cold pressed juices and mini express facials.

Inside the new Dr. Barbara Sturm spa in St. Tropez

On display was also the absolutely amazing new luxury activewear line AYDA launched by Robbie Williams‘s wife Ayda, who is as sweet as she looks. Designed with the most buttery fabrics, high-performance details, and athlete-tested functionality, those pieces will help you reach peak joy. Her motto is «Fucking Fantastic», life is too short for camel toes and visible panty lines! For sweats that make you feel sloppy or sports bras that feel like jail. Say bye bye to muffin tops and hello to odor-eating, sweat-wicking, equal pay promoting, always-has-your-back performance gear that never lets you down… and always holds the girls up!

Ayda is luxury activewear dedicated to bringing JOY into the everyday motions of life.

The idea for AYDA has bounced around founder Ayda Field Williams’s brain for years. After being stuck at home and in athleisure 24/7 during quarantine made her realize that she could work with a team to improve on what was out there. The voice that said «Yes!! You can!!» finally grew louder than the voice that said «No, you can’t.»

Team Ayda set out to create clothes that could seriously perform but didn’t sacrifice on the playfulness. Bright, bold colors. Inventive details. Undeniable comfort. Clothes that brought joy. Clothes that make you wanna skip. Clothes that feel like rainbow sprinkles!!

Having fun with Ayda Field Williams and Barbara Sturm.

There’s so much to love about every piece in the collection. Everything from the power mesh panels that elevate while providing support and stretch, to the adjustable velcro straps that are both comfortable and forgiving for those days when you need a little more. Team Ayda scoured the universe for Goldilocks of fabrics: soft, sculpting, with great recovery to last and last. You will surely love the collection as much as I do!

It was a fucking fantastic morning with many amazing women… thank you, Barbara and Ayda for having me!

LoL, Sandra

With amazing Kinga Lampert, who is the co-Chair @bcrfcure the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.

Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash also enjoyed the morning.

Presenter and model Sylvie Meis 

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © ShopAyda
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For Resort 2022, Maria Grazia Chiuri looked for sportswear as an inspiration and introduced a special sportswear line along the Dior Vibe sneaker. For the best shopping experience, Dior has been launching a series of pop-up stores around the world, which also present the new amazing Dior and Technogym Limited Edition series of home wellness products.

Within this new project Technogym and Dior have joined forces to devise these unique pieces, some of the most iconic of the brand – Technogym MyRun connected treadmill, Technogym multifunctional workout bench and Technogym exercise ball – reinterpreted in a white version enhanced with a Dior star, the founding couturier’s lucky charm, and the name «Christian Dior», the House’s emblematic signature, highlighted by five horizontal stripes in contrasting colors. Working out has just become so much more fun and stylish, don’t you think?!

The new Dior and Technogym Limited Edition products are available in Dior pop-up stores in Shanghai, Sanya, Beijing, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, London, Beverly Hills, Soho, and Tokyo, as well as in a selection of pop-ins – in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York and Seoul.

Please find below more information about the Dior and Technogym Limited Edition series:

TECHNOGYM MY RUN FOR DIOR

This stylish, compact and quiet treadmill connects to your tablet and offers a wide range of on-demand running and walking workouts. By simply placing a tablet on the MYRUN console users can choose the on-demand workout by their favorite trainer.

TECHNOGYM BENCH FOR DIOR

This innovative bench offers a maximum variety of exercises options in a small space. Its innovative design includes a series of dumbbells, elastics and knuckles that allow to perform over 200 exercises thanks to an extensive library of on-demand workouts available on the Technogym App. 

TECHNOGYM BALL FOR DIOR

Designed to keep you on the move even while sitting, Technogym Ball is both a seat and a wellness tool, with a complete exercise program for flexibility, toning and balance.

Produced in Italy at the Technogym Village, these special creations reflect a mutual commitment of inspiring a lifestyle that combines physical exercise and style to motivate people living a happier and healthier life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior/Technogym and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Balenciaga presented his off-schedule Resort 2023 show on Sunday in the Big Apple. It took place at The New York Stock Exchange – a place the fashion crowd normally doesn’t have access to – and began with the ringing of the opening bell.

The French brand embarked on the unusual timing for a company first, under Demna’s direction, to hold a show in NYC. The invitation was a fat stack of fake 100s. And one thing is for sure, you need a good income to get those new pieces that will surely become a hit as Balenciaga revealed his collaboration with adidas in the last part off the show. Latex bodysuits fully covered models’ faces and send all focus on Balenci-adidas. Classic adidas pieces like Three Stripes tracksuits, hoodies, jerseys, and tees get the Balenciaga treatment, boasting updated oversized silhouettes.

The Balenciaga Triple S sneaker comes with the famous adidas stripes, either in white/black and blue/white colorways for CHF 975. However, for me the best pieces of the collection and something that will make its way into Sandra’s Closet.

The tight classic mini dress costs CHF 55 the adidas way (left) and CHF 1390 with the Balenciaga treatment (right). Sorry guys, but this is ridiculous. There I am out!

Balenciaga x adidas is now available only for one week until May 29 on Balenciaga’s webstore. So, act fast, but save some money as Gucci x adidas will officially drop in June. Gucci and Balenciaga both belong to Kering and they obviously like the German manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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A fresh talent reflecting new horizons and showcasing different perspectives. Prada collaborates with the artist Cassius Hirst – known as Cass – to imagine the Prada America’s Cup sneaker anew, through a customised capsule collection of four styles, in 22 variables.

«I was painting shoes, taking photos, and turning those photos into complex vinyl stencils that became abstract designs. I would mask off part of the body of the shoe, and then wrap the whole shoe in the stencil. It looked crazy. I sent a photo to my dad [Damien Hirst], and then he sent a photo of that to Miuccia [Prada]. And she said, «This looks amazing, let’s do something» The best part about this project – this collaboration – was how willing Prada are to invest their time, to be open to ideas, to challenges. And to really commit to something new.» said Cassius Hirst.

Cassius Hirst painted his first pair of sneakers when he was 14 – a gift for his father, the artist Damien Hirst. Growing up in a household where exposure to art was inevitable, sneakers became his canvas: sculptural objects whose topographies were reworked through hand spray-painting, no two pairs exactly alike. His work has garnered a cult following, purchased by the likes of A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Offset, Rihanna, AJ Tracey and the late Virgil Abloh.

«The Cass x Prada collection finds parallels between the bold work of this fresh talent and the heritage of Prada – the sense of the hand, an excellence in manufacture, a constant search for innovation, a restless urge to re-examine and reinvent our history. Here, the iconic silhouette of the Prada America’s Cup sneaker becomes a canvas for creation, offered in a special capsule. Something unique, something new.» said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

In a unique project with Prada Linea Rossa, Cassius collaborates to reinvent the America’s Cup sneaker across a full range of special pieces, reconfiguring its distinct surfaces to rework a 20th century design classic for a 21st century generation. The capsule is showcased in a still and motion- image campaign by Axel Morin – a surreal performance invading a pristine space, showcasing the Cass x Prada sneaker styles and custom-made, one-of-a-kind masks – each character simultaneously anonymous, yet unique. The soundtrack to the campaign film features music specially created by Cass.

The four Cass x Prada sneaker styles draw their names from the world of music, reflective of the interests of Cassius and the passions of his fans. ATT4CK, D3CAY, SUST4IN, REL3ASE are all named after the ‘envelope‘ or life of a sound, the stages of its evolution, reflecting this new evolution of the America’s Cup sneaker. The title of each style suggests their look and feel: the hard-edged, molded spikes of ATT4CK, sprayed with neon; the distressed leather of D3CAY, stripped and intentionally faded; the solid brights of SUST4IN, with overpainted white relief details; and the neon- spray finish of REL3ASE.

All styles are hand-worked in Italy by Prada in a meshing of traditional craft and cutting-edge imagination – wholly unique, no two pairs exactly alike, with signature labels each with a distinct CASS signature. Each pair is sold in a co-branded Prada box, featuring the logo of Cassius Hirst – a scan of his brain.

«The brain scan represents hope and knowledge in a world of shadows and uncertainty. The brain is where the thoughts happen – for me it all became about creativity and the creative process. I’ve learned that sometimes we have to look inside ourselves to see what’s really going on. We shouldn’t be afraid of that.» declared Cassius Hirst.

At the core of each of the Cass x Prada styles is the iconic America’s Cup sneaker: invented in the late ’90s for the sailing crew of the Luna Rossa, in all-leather, or leather with distinctive cross-hatched breathable bike fabric inserts. Ergonomic, technically innovative, the silhouette is immediately recognizable – the perfect canvas for seemingly endless reinvention.

The Cass x Prada collection is an edition limited to 3,000 pairs globally, sold through a selection of Prada boutiques and via prada.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada
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