Cartoonification

From runways to capsule collections, the «cartoonification» trend is becoming a more noticeable fashion phenomenon. When the unruly American art collective For MSCHF‘s launched this spring a pair of Big Red Boots, that are taking inspiration from Dora the Explorer’s best friend Boots and Astro Boy, the cartoonish footwear immediately went viral.

Soft padded leather bag by Prada

But there is more… Prada‘s bags are cartoonishly puffy and Loewe featured some full-on «pixelated» looks on the runway. I mean those 8-bit hoodies look like their coming straight out of a video game.

Pixelated hoodie by Loewe

Fashion can be an escape and a source of joy and humor, while providing direction, creativity, and identity. It is a mirror to what is going on in this world. And let’s be frank, social media has become an all artificial blown-up world, that you can only survive with a sense of humor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Gucci Summer Stories

Gucci presents Gucci Summer Stories, a collection designed to capture the spirit of summer, exploration, and escape. Summer Stories evokes the collective joy that accompanies this season’s longer days and warmer nights.

Icons of the House such as the Jackie 1961 and the Horsebit 1955 are presented in woven raffia with leather details. The refined combination of textures is repeated on a timeless classic, the Horsebit loafers, declined in soothing earth tones. Weather it’s a weekend getaway or a long-haul holiday, the curated selection envisions solutions to travel in comfort and style. Jumbo GG leather duffle and tote bags of different sizes and colors from the Gucci Valigeria selection combine the House’s beloved motifs with its heritage, creativity, and innovation.

The collection will be distributed through designated stores and on Gucci.com. Additionally, special Pop-Ups inspired by beachside cabanas will also showcase the product offering in select resort locations.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP GUCCI SUMMER STORIES.icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #GucciSummerStories

CREDITS: Art Director: Kevin Tekinel & Charles Levai – Director: Harley Weir – Photographer: Harley Weir – Make up: Diane Kendal – Hair: Mustafa Yanaz Models: Sora Choi

Tutti Frutti

Fruits have been a source of inspiration for all sort of prints the past seasons. However, this summer, they take it up a notch and are worn in a 3D optic. AREA, the American luxury brand founded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczczyk, dedicated their S/S 2023 runway collection to «tutti frutti» and presented sculptural and crystal-embellished pieces from a 3D banana bustier top to a watermelon strapless mini, to a full look that resembles a slice of fresh lemon. The crystal embellishments are arranged to resemble seeds and glisten in the light for a juicy, liquid-like shine.

Another fun way to sport the trend is to wear a bag in the shape of a fruit. Scroll through the best options available now.

LoL, Sandra

Cropped open-back crystal-embellished wool-blend top,icon and matching asymmetric crystal-embellished wool-blend mini skirt, both by AREA

Fruit-charm layered necklace by Amir Shama

Watermelon Crescent crystal-embellished silver-tone clutchicon by Judith Leiber

Tangerine crystal-embellished gold-tone clutchicon by Judith Leiber

Fruit marbled box clutch by Kurt Geiger London

Fruittini leather strawberry cross-body bagicon by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht
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Lanvin – Tailoring Through Time

In 1926, Jeanne Lanvin was the first Parisian couturière to establish a tailoring atelier, opening Lanvin Tailleur Chemisier at 15 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It soon became known for its superlative blazers, tuxedos and shirts. Since 1901, Lanvin has outfitted many of the members of the Académie française including Edmond Rostang, Paul Valéry and Jean Cocteau.

Today, the Maison’s tailoring for women and men remains at the highest standard while reflecting a more contemporary sensibility. Rigour and refinement, pure lines, strong styling, and day-to-evening ease are all characteristics of Lanvin’s neo-tailoring. While suiting may now be worn with knitwear and sneakers, layered casually, or offered in a more relevant tonal palette, the Lanvin elegance remains embedded in the fabrics and the perfectly crafted cuts, and the heritage.

Contemporary tailoring considers both the evolution of what we wear and how we live, for men, the approach emphasises deconstruction by revising the silhouette to look and feel relaxed yet polished. Fabrics range from dry wool drill, S150 wool twill and flannel to mohair, elevated jersey and grain de poudre. Men’s jackets in fits spanning boxy to business feature central vents, notched lapels and adjusted waists, while trousers are also proposed in a variety of styles such as a slim cigarette, a shorter biker length and a more directional wide leg.

At the heart of the women’s tailoring offer is the notion of ‘radical elegance’ which takes shape as silhouettes merge masculine and feminine codes in sumptuous materials that signal everyday luxury. Tailored blazers, boxy jackets and sharp coats have been developed as key wardrobe pieces that convey subtle sophistication and cosmopolitan attitude. Whether tapered, flared or wide leg, women’s trousers emphasise fit over fleeting trends.

Lanvin’s neo-tailoring is styled to express both newness and timelessness – an ever-evolving vision grounded in an unparalleled Parisian legacy.

TO SHOP LANVIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Daniel Shea, Art Director/Stylist : Ludivine Poiblanc, Hair : Ramona Eschbach, Makeup : Petros Petrohilos, Nails : Anais Cordevant, Casting Director : Coco Casting, Cast : Lucas Lemaire and Amar Akway – DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Unboxing Valentino Event

A global unboxing. Expressing their creative vision, talented stylists have reinterpreted the amazing Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection through an interactive styling experience around the world. From Anna della Russo‘s vibrant approach in the Dubai Mall to Rebecca Corbin-Murray‘s floral windows in London and Clément Lomellini‘s progressive interpretation in Paris. In Switzerland, I had the honor to host the event. It was an amazing day filled with beautiful encounters, and fashionable talks.

Exploring the Unboxing Valentino collection under my creative proposal, clients discovered outfit combinations and different style tips catered to their personal needs.

What is Unboxing Valentino’s S/S 2023 collection about? Designed by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, it celebrates the «diversity and complexity within purity». Revealing the essence by «unboxing», hence its name, removing unnecessary things and creating new expressions on the diversity of body, face, history, colour and texture. A second skin is created; conveyed through a palette of sensuous fleshy tones, in beige, light camel and ebony.

Layering plays a key role in the collection, allowing the wearer to play around, to celebrate their own individuality and body type. One must-have is the bodysuit, the second-skin jersey offers the perfect base for every look created.

The Toile Iconographe pattern, first introduced in the S/S 2023 Pre-Collection, is worn head to toe. The VLogo aims at reproducing the effect of monochrome, like an iconographic canvas. The looks can easily be transformed from day to night. Being very versatile, those pieces will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Through a framework of couture, Piccioli and his team harmonized volume and shape in complex creations. Coats and jackets, preferably worn oversized, have an urban attitude and are blended with detachable feathers. Personally speaking my favorite is the nude androgynous blazer – I couldn’t resist this one. Following the «unboxing» principle, it is lined with an organza vest, revealing its immaculate sartorial craftsmanship.

Vibrant shades are also introduced, from red to violet blue, from teal green to yellow. Worn in combination with fleshy tones, the bicolor options offer a modern, yet sophisticated approach to the day and night wardrobe.

I have fallen in love with the dresses created in «oblique plissé» that allow its wearer to change their look just by removing the cape shoulder with a button placed on the center back. The shape of the dress is achieved just by the underpinned body which works as its only lining. Airy, light, dynamic and absolutely modern, those dresses are a must for summer.

Precious embroideries take center stage on separates and outerwear pieces. A new technique has been introduced that demands extreme precision and expertise, the «plissé embroidery». For the first time presented at the S/S 2023 show, it requires nine different craftsmanship steps to obtain these one-of-a-kind pieces. My stunner piece of the collection is the beautiful coat in aquarium color, it needed a place in Sandra’s Closet.

For night, I recommend pairing your look with one of the stunning sparkly bags that the Maison offers. Available in the most vibrant shades, they add the perfect touch to every outfit.

Fashion is a language that speaks to everyone, and this collection does just that. It celebrates individuality and diversity while emphasising the importance of removing the inessential to reveal the essence. The Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection inspires people to express themselves and their identities by capturing their own essence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht/ Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: Paid collaboration with Valentino. #PartnershipwithValentino #SuppliedbyValentino
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The Top 20 Runway Trends for S/S 2023

From New York to London, Milan and Paris, in this post I round up the biggest trends of the summer season. Color is very important, worn in a mostly monochrome way, from shades of beige, to magenta, red, lilac and baby blue. For the more daring, neon hues and cutouts are leading the way.

Cargo pants, biker jackets and fringes are absolute must-haves! Enjoy those beautiful collections.

LoL, Sandra

If you buy one thing for spring, make it a pair of multi-pocketed cargo pants. From their origins in the British army in the late 1930s to today, cargo pants have not aged a bit. This season they are elevated to fashion essentials.

Flannel shirts are an object of desire courtesy of Bottega Veneta and Dr Martens are still holding strong. Enjoy this ’90s grunge.

Denim takes up the Y2K mantle for spring, which means waistlines are down, bellies are exposed, and knee-high boots haven’t been spared either. Begin by reacquainting yourself with Alexander McQueen’s Bumsters, first debuted as part of his Taxi Driver collection for F/W 1993.

Fluorescent shades of blue, green and yellow boosted the summery allure of the silhouettes, which came with a futuristic aesthetic at Balenciaga or Miu Miu.

The baby blues, a soft chromatic mood tinted the second skin silhouettes, which were resolutely fluid and innocent.

For seasons on end, pops of purple have given way to sweeping, head-to-toe lilac looks. You better get used to it!

Magenta is the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, so no wonder shades of red are all over the runways. But it is nothing for the shy, the trend expects you to sport the vibrant shade head-to-toe. My favorite? Ferragamo’s all over sparkles.

The monochromatic silhouette came only in shades of beige. Miu Miu, Max Mara and Dior case fashion staples rather than statement pieces, daring to layer up classic basics in varying hues.

Blending craftsmanship and ’70s charm, crochet remains a failsafe option for summer.

The latest take on fringing is a far cry from its bohemian aesthetic, with the detail adorning even the most sophisticated pieces in your wardrobe.

Hints of fringing feathers and glitter details are bringing back the Roaring Twenties! However the ’20s glamour got a minimalist makeover, without compromising on elegance.

Let’s ride! From the street to the runway, the biker trend is showing no sign of slowing down.

Literal interpretations of the gothic style were replaced by a soft grunge talk on the aesthetic. Black dominates the goth girl look. Complete the vibe by playing on volume and transparency.

Transparency create a silhouette that is sexier than ever. The must-have black dresses of the season hinted at glimpses at several designers.

In what was an ingenious display of creativity, fashion played with optical illusions, unveiling troupe-l’oeil pieces that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Whether with a new twist on a bouquet or with lifelike tropical flowers, designers transformed simple garments into blossoming works of art.

Living out our costume-drama dreams has never been so easy, thanks to the return of 16th-century farthingales, 17th-century panniers and 19th-century crinolines.

Hoods are the strangely sexy accessory taking over the summer runways. Totally reminiscent of the most renowned Alaïa muse, Grace Jones, who triumphed this look in the ’80s.

Cutouts have moved to a very daring spot. Nothing for the shy…

As the world gets more inclusive, fashion is a welcome way to express your current mood. That means you can dress up as much as you like to get all the attention. References from previous decades are a welcome source of inspiration. Even the poodle skirt is back!

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Trending: Lace Pants

This is a trend that every fashionista will be rocking during those hot sun-kissed days to come: a pair of gorgeous black lace pants that will just reveal the right amount of skin. I put together the best ones available right now for you. Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Floral-lace detail flared trousers by Proenza Schouler

Floral lace cropped trousers by Valentino

Flared lace trousers by Elie Saab

Floral lace tailored trousers by Dolce & Gabbana

Belted crystal-embellished cotton-blend lace flared pants by Alessandra Rich

Straight-leg floral lace trousers by Saint Laurent

Embroidered-lace sheer trousers by Alberta Ferretti

Embroidered lace-design trousers by Tom Ford

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
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Pantone Color of the Year 2023

Welcome to the Magentaverse! The world’s color authority has spoken, and this year, the smoke that wafted up from the Pantone conclave was tinged a deep, pinkish red: All hail Viva Magenta, Pantone’s 2023 color of the year.

What is Viva Magenta?

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

«In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.

Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength

Leatrice Eiseman
Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

While the color has deep connections to both the past and the present, the institute wants to be clear that it’s also a color that’s undeniably fitting for the present, a shade that encourages all people to live life boldly in the moment. I like the message behind that shade that is in between red and blue. Let’s dig into the Magentaverse…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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