Sandra‘s Closet

THE MAGIC OF A MEDITERRANEAN AWAKENING
The Italian fashion brand forte_forte celebrates Mirto di Panarea
forte_forte and Acqua di Parma are teaming up for the first time in an all- Italian love story. The «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» moniker is the result of the collaboration between a fashion house with a dreamy allure, focused on creating timeless designs filled with emotions, and a Maison symbolic of the most refined Italian style. The two houses share a passion for craftsmanship and for Made in Italy culture, for the atmospheres of Italian landscapes and for a pure and spontaneous beauty inspiring a revitalising rebirth. They come together to celebrate Mirto di Panarea, one of Acqua di Parma’s most loved fragrances.
More than just another capsule collection, «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» evokes the magic of Spring and its rebirth, inspired by the aromas and colours of the fascinating Aeolian island. This kaleidoscope of emotions radiates a new freedom, fluttering on the wings of a butterfly and a dragonfly. An iridescent atmosphere, vibrating with light and energy.

forte_forte aims to eliminate the distance between clothes and the wearer, by placing the focus on feelings and emotions. This joint project between the brother and sister team of Giada and Paolo Forte began in 2002 with a limited collection of hand-finished tee shirts. The fashion house creates special designs in which the Made in Italy is represented by the quality of the garments and a constant research driven by the desire to create pieces that are in complete symbiosis with the wearer’s body. This concept perfectly matches with Acqua di Parma’s core values.

What does a fashion design share with a fragrance?
«In this exciting story, the alliance between a fashion design and a fragrance generates a dynamic choreography that transports us into a dreamlike world, filling our senses with emotions and magic. Together, they create an intimate and special bond with our soul and body, enveloping it in a wonderful embrace.» – Giada Forte

A mythical landscape that lives in the delicate and dreamy design created by forte_forte for the Maison. Butterflies and dragonflies spread their coloured wings, in a fluttering flight that celebrates freedom and rebirth and that is reflected in a kaleidoscope of flowers abloom. The radiant yellow Parma tones alternate with the violet of myrtle berries, the symbol of an island suspended in time, on an aquamarine background with pearlescent reflections. Everything vibrates with life, whilst in the air you can breathe the scents of aromatic herbs that grow spontaneously and free-flowing in the Mediterranean scrub ecosystem.

The heart of the collection is the Mirto di Panarea fragrance in the novel 100ml format. The luxurious aesthetics of forte_forte dialogues with the regenerating notes of the fragrance. The aromatic warmth of myrtle is combined with basil, sparkling citrus accents of lemon and bergamotto di Calabria. In the heart of the fragrance accents of sea breeze meet jasmine and rose. The base notes intensely shine with mastic and juniper combined with cedar and amber.

Joyful and modern, the motif wraps around the cylinder box and the green coloured glass bottle that calls to mind the fragile beauty of ceramics. Made with a bright and special iridescent paper, the packaging, like a forte_forte dress, surprises and makes you dream, creating an intimate and exciting bond with those who opt for this fragrance. The outer cylinder is embellished with a small crochet decoration, its shape recalls a warm and bright sun. The charm scoubidou around the bottle cap in cobalt blue and fluorescent yellow tones and with a precious gold medallion, can be transformed into a bracelet or an anklet, a hair clip or a colourful and joyful keychain.

Apart from the fragrance, «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» includes the Discovery Set with the three fragrances Mirto di Panarea, Arancia di Capri and Fico di Amalfi in 12ml vials. The box, entirely covered with forte_forte designs, invites you to discover the authentic essences of the Italian Mediterranean. The Mirto di Panarea scented candle, a unique interior design element, with the glass decorated with the kaleidoscopic motif of flowers and butterflies embossed also on the packaging, will fill the house with the sparkling awakening notes of the Mediterranean nature.

«forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» also embraces sustainability in line with the programme of the Maison «Acqua di Parma Futura». The outer packaging is made of fine paper approved by FSC, an international certificate for responsible forest management throughout the world.
The fragrance bottle, with a recycled plastic cap, features a separable dispenser to make recycling easier. «forte_forte loves Acqua di Parma» is a fragrant dream that unites two Italian stories in a tale of emotions.

Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette 100ml: CHF 153
Candle 200gr: CHF 87
Discovery Set: CHF 75

I am off to Italy today with Brunello Cucinelli… so excited for another love story!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Acqua di Parma
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Today, Rituals Cosmetics announces its biggest investment yet to support the wellbeing of the planet by planting, protecting or restoring a tree for every refill sold. In collaboration with its partners, the brand aims to grow 5 million trees globally by the end of 2022. The initiative is part of Rituals’ bigger Clean, Conscious & Caring Strategy in which Rituals commits to reduce its environmental footprint. Rituals became a Certified B CorporationTM earlier this year, and this commitment marks another important step in Rituals’ continuous journey to sustainable wellbeing.

WITHOUT TREES, THE PLANET CANNOT SURVIVE
The United Nations defines trees to be key in reaching sustainable development goals. From cleaning the air that people breathe and promoting biodiversity to preventing soil erosion, there are numerous reasons why trees are fundamental to the planet’s existence. Moreover, forests are one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, as trees capture CO2 from the air, which makes them crucial in combating the climate crisis. Over the next year, Rituals will support multiple reforestation initiatives to help prevent climate change and mitigate its effects.

USING BUSINESS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD
Supporting carbon capture via reforestation initiatives is part of the wider Clean, Conscious & Caring Strategy in which Rituals commits to reduce its environmental footprint. The wellbeing company has pledged to transition its personal care range to 90% natural origin ingredients by 2023, shift all of its packaging to 100% recyclable/refillable or made with recycled materials by 2025. In addition, Rituals aims to reduce its carbon footprint in line with the scale of reductions required by the Paris Climate Agreement. To accelerate its impact, Rituals now commits to growing 5 million trees.

JOIN THE REFILL MOVEMENT
Rituals aims to balance pampering its customers and help them take care of their wellbeing, while acting responsibly at the same time. The brand’s Refill Collections operate on that exact intersection by allowing customers to keep using beautiful, luxury products at home while being mindful of the planet too.

«Rituals is all about wellbeing – we value people’s personal wellbeing as much as the environmental wellbeing. With our refill movement we help our customers to make conscious decisions. In 2021 alone, we saved 434.138 kg in materials, thanks to our loyal customers choosing our wide range of eco-chic refills», explains Director of Innovation & Sustainability Niki Schilling. «Understanding the crucial role that trees play in the future of our planet, we introduced the Buy One Refill, Grow One Tree Program, to trigger proactive changes that support our environment.»

Throughout this year, Rituals will plant, protect or restore a tree for every refill sold. To encourage customers to join this refill movement, the beauty brand is offering customers a discount on any refill they buy throughout Earth Week.

GROWING MANGROVES IN INDIA AND IN KENYA
To realize its commitment to growing 5 million trees by the end of 2022, Rituals will partner up with EARTHDAY.ORG and ClimatePartner and focus on planting, protecting and restoring mangroves in India and Kenya. Not only are mangroves one of the most important natural carbon sinks on the planet, but they are also a haven for diverse flora and fauna and the first line of defence for coastal areas from both ocean tides and cyclones that often impact these regions. The collective projects are supporting local communities and their livelihoods by building back the loss of tree cover from deforestation and protecting nearby forest reserves and natural preserves. Throughout the year, Rituals will be partnering up with additional organizations to support its reforestation initiatives.

Great initiative, shopping for a good cause.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rituals Cosmetics
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Here is another fashion collaboration. VEJA, the sustainable sneaker brand, and MARNI, the Italian fashion house, introduce a collaboration, unveiling two new styles that are now available for pre-order. Through this collaboration, VEJA and MARNI offer an original interpretation to contemporary footwear, revisiting a slightly nostalgic design with a colorful, DIY-inspired look.

Known for its thoughtful yet playful approach, MARNI is a luxury brand recognized for its unorthodox take on fashion, and the collaboration with VEJA exemplifies the commitment of the brand to celebrate individuality through a creativity that is personal and connective at once.

VEJA’s V-10 and the newly introduced high-top V-15 welcome MARNI’s free-spirited aesthetic, expressed through a colorful scribbled motif that covers the upper shoe. At the intersection of craftsmanship and industrial work, each pair has been assembled by hand, with the right foot different from the left to further underline the sense of originality that underscores the design.

Each style comes with 2 pairs of 100% recycled polyester laces: one multi-colored and one all white. The leather is sourced in Uruguayan farms and tanned in Brazil, at a Gold-certified tannery by the Leather Working Group. VEJA’s attention to production standards is reflected through the materials – with tested and REACH-compliant leathers, reducing water waste during the tanning process.

The soles are composed of 31% Amazonian rubber, 22% rice waste, and 12% recycled rubber. Made in Brazil, the first release presents two colorways: the V-15 in Black and the V-10 in Marsala.

Now available for pre-order on VEJA-STORE.COM and MARNI.COM and from March 11th available in selected retailers across the world, as well as VEJA and MARNI flagship stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Veja
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Sometimes I like to keep life simple, also in terms of fashion choices. Gabriela Hearst’s designs for Chloé are the perfect option when it comes to easy and cozy looks that will last for many years to come. Sustainable fashion at its best!

I am so in love with fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé.

My look: Quilted shell-paneled fringed striped cashmere and silk-blend poncho, striped recycled cashmere-blend maxi dress, Jorge fringed striped recycled cashmere-blend shoulder bag, and Wavy striped recycled cashmere-blend and shearling slides, all by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Dolder Grand.
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For the S/S 2022 season, Miu Miu introduces the Miu Wander bag.
A classic hobo design, the Miu Wander is crafted in lightweight Econyl, a regenerated material that testify the brand’s increased commitment to sustainability, here enriched by the iconic matelassé workmanship normally associated with Miu Miu’s best-loved leather goods. Emphasising the contrasts at the heart of the Miu Miu name, the utilitarian nature of the nylon is juxtaposed with the intricacy of the process involved to achieve the depth and plumpness of the matelassé surface.

The Miu Wander bag is available in Miu Miu stores, and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
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adidas and Prada return to introduce a new chapter of their ongoing collaborative partnership – blending Prada’s expert craftsmanship with adidas’ lineage of sportswear innovation. Today, both brands pursue shared commitments to crucial sustainability goals while celebrating two timeless icons: the adidas Originals Forum and Prada’s Re-Nylon fabric.

Demonstrating this partnership’s commitment to innovation, the adidas for Prada Re-Nylon collection reimagines luxury sportswear through a more sustainable lens. For the first time in the collaboration’s history, this collection includes ready-to-wear, accessories, and bags, as well as elevated takes on the adidas Forum High and Low silhouettes. Each piece has been made in Italy by Prada, composed of the brand’s signature, infinitely recyclable Re-Nylon fabric.

First launched in 2019, Prada Re-Nylon is a groundbreaking textile created through the recycling of plastic waste collected from oceans and textile fiber waste – it can be purified and recycled indefinitely, with no loss of quality. Prada Re-Nylon is a fundamental reflection of Prada’s environmentally conscious ideology and commitment to sustainable practices – woven into the very fiber of its signature fabric. This celebration of Prada Re-Nylon through the adidas for Prada collection underscores a landmark: the shift of the entire Prada production from virgin nylon to Re-Nylon, achieved by the end of 2021.

adidas and Prada are also set to celebrate the inherently innovative spirit of their latest collection with a unique digital activation, bringing brands and people together in a radically inclusive manner. Collaborative by nature, fans of the collection will be invited to participate in the metaverse with adidas and Prada through open-source co-creation.

The adidas for Prada Re-Nylon collection launches globally on January 13th, 2022 via Prada boutiques, prada.com and adidas.com/prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada #adidasforPrada
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Chloé is making strides in sustainable fashion thanks to its new creative director, Gabriela Hearst. Meet the Nama, the French fashion house’s lower impact sneaker. 

The purpose of the Nama’s design is to lower the overall environmental impact of Chloé sneakers. Lower-impact materials including recycled materials and components make up 40% of the sneaker’s materials in weight. Upscaling lower-impact materials is part of Chloe’s purpose-driven commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.

Shop a wide selection of the Nama sneaker HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé
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Two years after her first THE BEATLES capsule collection, Stella McCartney reveals a new collaboration with the famous band, timed to Peter Jackson’s documentary, «The Beatles: Get Back», which debuted on Disney+ this Thanksgiving weekend. The three-part film chronicles – with cuts from over 60 hours of never-before-seen footage and unheard recordings – covers the making of the Beatles’ 1970 album «Let It Be», which had the working title of «Get Back».

For the occasion, Stella, who is the daughter of Beatles Paul McCartney, developed a limited collection using a mix of iconic and less-familiar Beatles images and graphics, all produced to the same rigorous, sustainable standards as her main line.

It is featuring graphic prints and off-duty silhouettes, the new genderless Get Back capsule celebrates music, community and positive change. Every piece is unisex and is available exclusively in Stella McCartney stores and on Net-à-Porter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Stella McCartney
DISCLOSURE: All products featured on Sandra’s Closet are independently curated by me. However, when you buy something through the retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

After severe testing of several advent calendars, I have found my favorite one: An immersive advent calendar with the best of Yves Saint Laurent including travel and full size products from top-selling fragrances, high fashion lipsticks, nourishing sumptuous skincare, and much more.

It is the perfect gift for yourself or a fellow luxury beauty lover who has everything else. Unwrap a new surprise all month long for the ultimate couture experience. The advent calendar is plastic-free, made of 100% cardboard sourced from sustainably managed forests.

TO SHOP THE CALENDAR, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Spoiler alert, if you scroll further, you will see the content of the calendar with a detailed description.

This set includes 17 miniature products, 6 full-sized goods and an additional YSL gift:
• Touche Éclat Blur Primer 10ml
• Black Opium Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Mon Paris Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Libre Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
• Le Vestiaire Des Parfums Tuxedo & Saharienne 7.5ml
• Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte 101, 107, & 112
• Rouge Pur Couture 93
• Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm 91
• Rouge Volupté Rock’n Shine 5
• Water Stain 618
• Deluxe Mini Rouge Pur Couture 21, 83, and 1966
• Deluxe Mini Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream 201
• Pure Shots Hydra Bounce Lotion 10ml
• Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum 7ml
• Pure Shots Light Up Brightening Serum 7ml
• Deluxe Mini Curler Mascara
• Deluxe Mini Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
• Mini Dessin du Regard Eyeliner Pencil 01
• Kabuki Brush

Enjoy this holiday season to the fullest!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken inside the new Globus.
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

Hublot welcomes one of the best chefs in the world, Eneko Atxa, who holds five Michelin stars with his various restaurants, to its «family». Born in Amorebieta (Vizcaya, Basque Country, Spain), he became one of the youngest chefs to be awarded three Michelin stars at his restaurant Azurmendi. His cuisine continues to grow and evolve, giving way to new proposals such as international projects ENEKO and BASQUE or the Eneko Shop, a delivery service through which the chef has adapted to the new ways of living and working in times of pandemic. With Eneko Atxa, who perfectly embodies the values Hublot holds most dear, namely passion, excellence and creativity, the brand further strengthens its ties with the leading visionaries of the world of gastronomy.

Conquering the world, with restaurants in Larrabetzu (Bilbao), Tokyo, Karuizawa, London, Lisbon, Seville and Brussels, his creative cuisine, inspired by his surroundings, always weaves in an unwavering commitment to sustainability and the environment. In this context of social responsibility, the Basque chef has won the Repsol Guide Sustainable Sun award, which values harmonious coexistence with nature, using proximity resources, working together with local producers and strongly advocating sustainability as part of the business approach.

The chef and his flagship restaurant, Azurmendi, lead the way in these matters, having been awarded 3 Suns by the Repsol Guide and 1 Michelin Green Star for his commitment to sustainability, at his restaurant Eneko. True to its philosophy of «First, Unique and Different», Hublot has boldly explored ground-breaking expertise while preserving classic Swiss watchmaking traditions. The Maison is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and traditional concepts to create futuristic masterpieces with unique craftsmanship and cutting-edge design.

«I use gastronomy to achieve a more sustainable, healthier and fairer society, but also to spark emotions. In this sense, as a member of the great Hublot family, I feel fortunate to be able to merge my culinary art with this manufacture in which all the talents and skills work in unison to create unique timepieces that unleash strong emotions». Eneko Atxa

At 44, the chef has already built a long career. He trained at the Catering School in Lejona (Vizcaya, Basque Country, Spain). He later worked in various restaurants in the Basque Country, such as Baserri Maitea and Martín Berasategui‘s restaurant Andra Mari in Galdácano. He is the Spanish champion of signature cuisine for young chefs. His restaurant Azurmendi, which opened its doors in 2005, has twice been considered the most sustainable restaurant in the world and has 3 Michelin stars. It was also named the “Best Restaurant in Europe” by to OAD (Opinionated About Dining) and designated the “Best Restaurant in the World” by the luxury magazine Elite Traveler. He has received the Madrid Fusión Sustainability Award, the 2015 National Gastronomy Award, the 2018 National Healthy Gastronomy Award in the Outstanding Personality category, was named 2019 European Chef of the Year by Madrid Fusión, and has been a member of the European Young Leaders Programme. Hublot welcomes Eneko Atxa, who next year will return to Bilbao in style, to the Hublot family of great international chefs. The new restaurant will be a fusion of Basque and Japanese cuisine, whose name will use the phonemes that make up Eneko’s name, with an oriental ring to it. This same concept of a Basque-Japanese fusion restaurant will also move to Madrid next year under the umbrella of the Radisson Hotel Group chain.

I will definitely go there soon as I love gastronomic experiences and will surely keep you posted.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot