Sandra‘s Closet

Breaking news! Today, GUCCI announced that Alessandro Michele is exiting the House after nearly eight years with the brand. The Roman designer was hired by Tom Ford and worked than after Frida Giannini before taking over the helmet himself. With his maximalist vision, he changed the look of fashion and brought colorful looks to the runway. Unexpected color combinations, animals such as tigers, lions and bees were his favorites.

The Hacker Project, 2021

Michele had a flair for rule-breaking hookups. There was the F/W 2021 Hacker Project with Demna of Balenciaga, a Kering «colleague» and then a year later he collaborated with adidas collab. However, the brand was hit during corona and numbers haven’t been on the rise recently. GUCCI seems to suffer from brand fatigue.

Gucci x adidas, 2022

In a statement GUCCI CEO Marco Bizzarri said, «I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Alessandro at the end of 2014, since then we have had the pleasure to work closely together as Gucci has charted its successful path over these last eight years. I would like to thank him for his 20 years of commitment to Gucci and for his vision, devotion, and unconditional love for this unique House during his tenure as Creative Director.»

S/S 2023 Welcome to Twinsburg show.

Alessandro Michele said: «There are times when paths part ways because of the different perspectives each one of us may have. Today an extraordinary journey ends for me, lasting more than twenty years, within a company to which I have tirelessly dedicated all my love and creative passion. During this long period Gucci has been my home, my adopted family. To this extended family, to all the individuals who have looked after and supported it, I send my most sincere thanks, my biggest and most heartfelt embrace. Together with them I have wished, dreamed, imagined. Without them, none of what I have built would have been possible. To them goes my most sincerest wish: may you continue to cultivate your dreams, the subtle and intangible matter that makes life worth living. May you continue to nourish yourselves with poetic and inclusive imagery, remaining faithful to your values. May you always live by your passions, propelled by the wind of freedom.»

Personally speaking, I felt that GUCCI has become kind of arrogant lately. Its loyalty towards people who have been supporting the brand since a very long time has kind of disappeared. Let’s hope that the there will be a new prosperity in all ways, also on a human level as I love the brand a lot!

Thank you, Alessandro, for all the magic!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Originally debuting on the Exquisite Gucci runway, a mirror-filled space where historic emblems multiplied and metamorphized across sartorial streetwear, the first adidas x Gucci collection expands on the creative concept founded on an affinity for three stripes. Revealed in a lookbook released last month, the cross-category selection portrays the kaleidoscopic aesthetic of Alessandro Michele by mixing the codes of the House with those of the historic sportswear brand, and consequentially those of high fashion and streetwear.

For the launch, Alessandro Michele has envisioned a campaign that takes inspiration directly from an archival 1979 adidas catalogue. To animate the concept, a gridded template showcases a variety of moving imagery captured by Carlijn Jacobs. Against brightly colored backdrops, models stretch, run, or dance in place to a soundtrack of pensive phrases such as, «When your thoughts become reality, you understand what magic is.»

I am obsessed with the pink jumpsuit.

The assemblage plays out across women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, as well as on bags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and lifestyle pieces.

Throughout the selection, the GG monogram and Interlocking G mix with the adidas Trefoil in colorful prints, as well as on jacquard fabrics; while the red and green Web of Gucci complements the three stripes of adidas. Pushing the collection further into hybridized territory, ready-to-wear pieces echo the sporting attire of decades past while portraying an undeniable contemporary character. Additionally, conventionally formal pieces like leather heels, suede loafers, and silk scarves are marked with casual codes. Beyond the standard selection, the expansive offering also includes some lifestyle items including a golf bag in two different variations, a nod to the House’s heritage in leisure products.

Reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, progress, sustainability goals, and collective action, the collection features multiple pieces crafted with future-conscious material fabrications including polyester, cotton, and viscose. Furthermore, each piece comes with special packaging that features the adidas x Gucci logo and that was strategically designed to reduce environmental impact (All paper and cardboard come from sustainably managed forest sources, and an uncoated paper has been used to ensure it is fully recyclable. In addition, shopping bag handles are made of 100% recycled polyester while pouches and suit carriers are made of a mix of regenerated cotton and recycled polyester).

The collection will be distributed through designated stores, online on Gucci.com and through ephemeral Gucci Pop-Ups, where the spaces will be decorated with one of the geometric prints found in the offering. A dedicated product selection will also be available on the adidas CONFIRMED app.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #adidasxGucci
CAMPAIGN CREDITS Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer: Carlijn Jacobs
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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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Jennifer Lopez and Shakira dazzled audiences during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show wearing bespoke Swarovski crystal outfits by fashion designers Versace and Peter Dundas.
Two of the world’s biggest musical icons, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, took to the famous Super Bowl stage at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for a unique performance elevated with bespoke Swarovski-crystallized looks.

Shakira opened the show in a sparkling three-piece set with fringe details featuring fiery red Swarovski crystals, created by Norwegian designer Dundas, with boots crystallized by The Dan Life. Over 123,000 crystals in three shades of red were incorporated into the look and applied by hand, while 70,000 jet hematite Swarovski crystals encrusted Shakira’s Gibson guitar to add a glamorous rock ‘n’ roll feel to the show.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance during Shakira’s set, wearing a Swarovski crystal outfit by Berlin-based designers Last Heirs featuring the artist’s iconic third eye logo.

Jennifer Lopez lit up the Hard Rock stadium in two bespoke Versace looks embellished with over 75,000 Swarovski crystals. The singer’s 11-year old daughter Emme was also one of the 60 young girls who joined Lopez on stage wearing outfits with Swarovski crystal.

The dazzling duo closed the show with Lopez in Versace’s Swarovski crystal-encrusted costume and the Columbian star wearing a gold crystal embellished two-piece set and matching bomber jacket designed by Dundas along with Swarovski-covered Adidas Superstar trainers.

Jennifer Lopez’s stylist and long-time collaborator of Swarovski, Rob Zangardi commented: «Swarovski has always been top of mind for any Jennifer Lopez performance. For this year’s Super Bowl, we are extremely excited to collaborate once again.»

Shakira’s stylist Nicolas Bru, who enlisted Swarovski to add the sparkling touch, commented: «Shakira embodies the word ‘superstar’ so Swarovski crystals were an obvious choice. The crystals are the perfect balance between sophistication and playfulness, just like Shakira».

With a long history dressing the world’s most legendary musical talents, Swarovski has recently added trademark crystal embellishment to costumes for Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party Tour, the Spice Girls’ Spice World’s Tour and Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour.

Please have a look at the video below to enjoy the show of the two Latinas. I watched it now many times, it just puts me in an amazing mood…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Swarovski

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A partnership to begin a partnership. The first release – Prada for adidas Limited Edition – is an homage to adidas, championing an emblematic adidas Originals shoe – the Superstar sneaker, originally launched in 1969 and still a lynchpin of adidas Originals style. It also introduces a new bag silhouette, the Prada Bowling bag for adidas, which echoes the Prada Bowling bag as well as the adidas gym bag, in and of itself referencing the world of sports, a style that serves to illustrate the shared narratives and intersecting heritages of Prada and adidas.

Prada for adidas Limited Edition – an homage to timeless classics that transcend generations – is offered for woman and man in exclusive limited editions of 700 pieces, both footwear and accessories numbered with a unique serial.
The duo retails online through adidas.com and prada.com, and at selected Prada stores worldwide from December 4, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada / adidas #pradaforadidas

In a special tribute to RICHARD NICOLL, London Fashion Week February 2017 salutes his talent with a colour dedicated to him, NICOLL BLUE. Chosen by a group of close friends, the blue is said, by Laurie Pressman of the Pantone Color Institute who developed the colour, to embody “the elegance and sensitive spirit of this much beloved designer whose innate kindness, loving soul and good natured sense of humour held a special allure to all that entered into his orbit.“

The Arundel St and main entrance to The Store Studios, 180 Strand; the central hub of LFW, have been painted in Nicoll Blue to honour the designer after his sudden passing in October, 2016. The 39-year old died from a heart attack in his home town Sydney.

ABOUT RICHARD NICOLL

Born in London and brought up in Australia, Richard Nicoll graduated from Central Saint Martins MA in 2002. His entire graduate collection was famously purchased by Dolce & Gabbana right after. He launched his eponymous label in 2005 and quickly found fans in the likes of Kylie Minogue, Kate Bosworth, and Julianne Moore. He emerged as a member of the new wave of London talent, whose original take on modern sportswear fused with relaxed tailoring won him NEWGEN sponsorship in 2006 and three Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM) awards. His experience beyond his eponymous label included freelance design for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, the creative direction of Cerruti 1881, Fred Perry and later of youth label Jack Wills. In June 2012 he launched his debut menswear line at London Collections Men (now London Fashion Week Men’s). In 2015, he shuttered his namesake company and moved from London to Sydney.

Before his death, he had been preparing to start a new job as creative director at adidas in January 2017.

Richard Nicoll loved blue, here a look from his F/W 2014 collection.

To honour Richard, a minute’s silence will be observed just before the Central Saint Martins MA show on Friday 17th February. Plans are underway for a multifaceted, retrospective exhibition of the designer’s work to launch later in the year.

YOU CAN SHOP SOME OF THE LAST PIECES OF RICHARD NICOLL AT THE OUTNET BY CLICKING HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Richard Nicoll (courtesy of Jack Wills),  Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com

Mary Katrantzou has been on the scene for less than six years yet her designs that are mostly inspired by flamboyant prints have become must-haves among fashionistas around the globe. I have been a huge fan of her work from her first collection and am over the moon about her newest success story: The Greek designer is to collaborate with Adidas.

Statement sweatshirt (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

The line that will comprise clothing and footwear is said to launch in November being a long-term union. Katrantzou follows in the footsteps of Raf Simons and Stella McCartney among others by joining forces with Adidas.

Oxenda silk-jersey dress (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

Looking at her S/S 2014 designs inspired by shoe laces and sporty sneakers, it is obvious why the German sportswear brand has been eager to bring her amazing aesthetic to the house.

Cocktail dress with sneaker print (S/S 2014) by Mary Katrantzou

Trompe l’oeil in a really fun way, we will surely get a kick out of it this winter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou