Sandra‘s Closet

Breaking news! Burberry has appointed Daniel Lee as its new chief creative officer, replacing Riccardo Tisci, who is stepping down after presenting his final runway show for the British luxury brand on Monday. The end of Tisci’s near five-year tenure follows the arrival of Jonathan Akeroyd as Burberry’s new chief executive earlier this year who is supposed to accelerate growth.

Riccardo Tisci with me

Tisci was the creative force behind former chief executive Marco Gobbetti‘s strategy to elevate the position of the 166-year-old brand in the luxury sector. His designs, many of which featured a new Thomas Burberry «TB» monogram, attracted a younger and more diverse community of customers to the brand.

Tisci’s last show for Burberry

Lee, who was creative director at Italy’s Bottega Veneta for three years until 2021, and who has previously worked at Celine, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga and Donna Karan, was a «new kid on the block» when he was named creative director of Kering’s Bottega Veneta at age 32 in 2018.

A funny coincidence is that Lee was born in Yorkshire where Burberry manufactures its famous trench coats, and he said that «he was honoured to join the fashion house and build on Tisci’s legacy.» During a three-year tenure at the house known for its leather-weaving techniques and logo-free products, Lee created must-have bags and shoes fashionistas around the globe raved about. He used ultra-touchable materials, unexpected proportions and bold colors to create products that rapidly turned around Bottega Veneta’s sales, which has been slipping for several years. However, after he left Bottega Veneta, rumors were that he was horrible to work with and treated his colleagues not in a nice way. Of course, this is only a rumor and nobody officially addressed it.

Some of Lee’s designs for Bottega Veneta

The brand stated in a press release: «Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee are announcing their joint decision to end their collaboration.» «I am very grateful to Daniel for having brought his passion and energy to Bottega Veneta,» said Kering’s CEO Francois-Henri Pinault in the release. «His singular vision made the House’s heritage relevant for today and put it back to the center of the fashion scene.»

No matter what Lee does or did, his designs are amazing and this is what counts. I cannot wait to see what his vision is for Burberry!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottega Veneta, © Burberry and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Mykonos is also known as the «Island of the Winds». Indeed, Mykonos can be extremely windy. It is rare to find windless days in the islands but thankfully I was not affected unduly. However, of course, the day when we shot several looks, the wind was extreme as you can see.

I love this black and white look by Jacquemus. The label is the brainchild of Simon Porte Jacquemus, a thirtysomething designer‚ who is gaining more and more in popularity. His key to success? An innate ability to create viral hits and to quickly convert new collections into revenue at a price point unheard of in luxury fashion.

My look: Baci cropped gathered organic cotton-jersey T-shirt, and Draio cutout shell midi skirt, by Jacquemus, LV Link square sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, Niki mini studded quilted textured-leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, and quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @mykonos_alexandr / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Mykonos and Santorini are just a few of the Greek islands that promise unforgettable holidays. I just arrived in Mykonos. However those pictures were taken  in Santorini at the beautiful Mystique Hotel before. I love this pink and white checked outfit. It’s fresh and sophisticated. On top, the oversized jacket is perfect to resist the strong wind in the evening.

My look: Checked oversized tweed blazer, checked jacquard crop top, and checked jacquard mini skirt, all by Balmain, quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta, pearl earrings and Chanel 19 bag in rose leather, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©  Sandra Bauknecht
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Greetings from beautiful Umbria where I got to spend a weekend with Brunello Cucinelli and my beloved NET-À-PORTER and MR PORTER family. Unfortunately, the weather was not always the best and it started raining when we were taking the photos at the Borgo des Conti Resort. For me, a linen dress in combination with a beautiful cashmere stole is always a great choice.

My look: Tassel embroidered midi dress by Zimmermann, sequin-embellished scarf by Brunello Cucinelli, Valentino Garavani Upflair feather-trimmed leather sandals, all by Valentino, Tip macramé tote by Bottega Veneta, gold-tone crystal earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and EverDior oversized square metal sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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New Alaïa, new denim! I am such a huge fan of Pieter Mulier‘s first collection for Alaïa. Four years after Alaïa’s passing, the Belgian designer, who was Raf Simons right hand before, created a collection with so many amazing pieces that pay homage to Azzedine Alaïa‘s greatest hits, including body-sculpting knitwear, multi-strap corset belts, and hooded silhouettes evocative of Alaïa’s North African roots. As Pieter said, he wanted his first collection for the French house to be «a return to foundations.» I bought many pieces, among them this beautiful denim look that I photographed on the streets of Paris and that you will hopefully like as much as I do.

My look Hooded denim and stretch-knit thong bodysuit, and high-rise straight-leg jeans, both by Alaïa, Yigit silk-satin platform pumps by Amina Muaddi, Milena embellished metallic embroidered tulle and satin bra, and Milena black lace thong, both by Agent Provocateur, video tape clutch by Louis Vuitton, and cat-eye tortoiseshell-acetate sunglasses by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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With the Lunar New Year falling on February 1, the year of the tiger has officially arrived. Tigers symbolize strength, power and fearlessness so as we reach the Lunar New Year, I am channeling all of the tiger energy I can get (not so hard… haha, I was born in the Year of the Tiger).

As China is still a huge market in the fashion industry, many luxury brands have hopped on the train to release their festive capsules inspired by the Year of the Tiger and to promote the holiday on their global social channels, among them blockbuster brands such as Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Below you can find the best capsules collections of 2022:

The symbol of strength and bravery takes center stage in the new BALENCIAGA Year of the Tiger series, which largely consists of pre-existing seasonal lines updated with a new tiger motif.

BOTTEGA VENETA is going big for this Chinese Lunar New Year. The house has taken over a piece of the Great Wall of China in its latest large-scale activation celebrating the annual holiday. Bottega’s signature green shade mixed with a vibrant tangerine color (a symbol of luck in Mandarin) is digitally displayed across a massive chunk of one of the seven Wonders of the World.

BURBERRY evokes the power and strength of the tiger zodiac sign in this limited-edition collection dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

This year, the DIOR tiger will bring you strength and luck as he roams around the blooming garden, illuminated by glowing lanterns. For men, Dior Men’s Artistic director Kim Jones has teamed up with American artist Kenny Scharf to celebrate the New Year of the Water Tiger.

DOLCE & GABBANA pays homage  to the Year of the Tiger with a unique collection: the iconic print  is intertwined with the tiger pattern,  revived in different colors.

ETRO launches a capsule collection starring the strong and courageous Tigress, a character from the animated cartoon film Kung Fu Panda by DreamWorks Animation. Created in collaboration with Universal Brand Development and DreamWorks Animation, the unisex fashion and accessories collection reinterprets the symbolism of the tiger in a funny and unexpected way, portraying the heroic kung fu moves of the characters Ping Xiao Po, Tigress, Shifu, Mantis, Crane and Monkey on T-shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, scarves and a selection of bags, accessories and small leather goods made with the iconic Paisley print.

FENDI celebrates the Spring Festival and the Year of the Tiger with an exclusive capsule collection that updates the brand’s signature style codes with intense colours and a daring animal print.

In celebration of the holiday, different versions of the animal define a curated selection of ready-to-wear and accessories—highlighting the multifaceted nature of the GUCCI universe. Rich with significance for the House, the animal expresses the Creative Director’s fascination with the beauty of nature. For a detailed post, click here please.

For Chinese New Year 2022, LANVIN ‘s sculptural cat designed by Armand Albert Rateau that embellishes the Pencil Cat bag disguises itself as a tiger.

LOUIS VUITTON mounts a tiger tail at the new flagship store in Chengdu. The shop features original artworks and furniture crafted by Chinese artists and designers to showcase the house’s commitment to local art and culture. Meanwhile, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the house presented a special art installation that features a giant, textured tiger tail at the storefront, as well as a capsule collection.

In occasion of Chinese New Year, MARNI celebrates the Year of the Tiger through a capsule collection in collaboration with Venezuelan artist Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, a long-time friend of Marni. A limited series of accessories and ready-to-wear designs, across both female and male collections, turn Suarez’s distinctive illustrations into prints, embroideries and jacquards, bringing the artist’s imaginative work into the free-spirited world of Marni.

To celebrate the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, MIU MIU presents a collection of T-shirts printed with big cats in animation. They range in spirit from bouncy and cute to heroic, and from ubiquitous to unexpected.

Celebrating the Year of the Tiger, MOSCHINO‘s creative director Jeremy Scott has put together a special capsule collection featuring the icon of all frosted cereal flakes, Tony the Tiger. From ready-to-wear pieces such as oversized tees, hoodies and sweatshirts to bold accessories like the cereal box clutch, you’ll be the sharpest-looking tiger this CNY.

PRADA is celebrating the Lunar New Year with «Action in the Year of the Tiger», a combined campaign and project dedicated to safeguarding this legendary animal.
The Prada Group is also contributing to the conservation of endangered Amur tiger by making a donation to «Walking with Tiger and Leopard» Programme of China Green Foundation.

Tiger in Wonderland – to celebrate the Lunar New Year, FERRAGAMO has invited Chinese artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu to create a unique print inspired by the 2022 Zodiac Tiger. I am obsessed with the bag.

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, discover this exclusive capsule by STELLA MCCARTNEY honoring the occasion and the zodiac animal – with organic cotton pieces and cruelty-free accessories featuring prints by airbrush artist Albert Seleznyov, raising awareness for the conservation of these sacred creatures.

VALENTINO‘s first acquaintance with the tiger dates back to its Haute Couture F/W 1967 collection. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Italian Maison brings back the Valentino Tiger 1967 collection as a tribute to the Chinese heritage and a nod to its friendship with the country.

VERSACE beckons the Year of the Tiger with a classy capsule collection of new interpretation of the favourites of the Italian brand. A print showcasing the magnificent tiger resting within golden Baroque flourishes is introduced for the capsule, as well as a vibrant new year red colour that runs through it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter! May peace, joy, and love find their way under your Christmas tree.

Red and green, that color scheme has been associated with winter holidays for centuries.  I love wearing this combination in addition with gold for the festive season. It gives me immediately the Christmas cheers.

My look: Two-tone wool-blend bouclé-tweed blazer by Saint Laurent, black halterneck knit top with open back and knitted leggings, both by Balmain, Mount Small leather shoulder bag by Bottega Veneta, gold leather overknee boots by Valentino, Christmas tree earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, and Big Bang All Black Zermatt watch by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – The photos were taken at The Dolder Grand.
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That was a very quick move! Bottega Veneta has named Matthieu Blazy as its creative director with immediate effect after the unexpected departure of Daniel Lee, owner Kering said in a statement.

Set to present his first collection in February 2022, Blazy joined Bottega Veneta as its design director last year under Daniel Lee and was now promoted to the top position.

Matthieu Blazy

Blazy, who leaves between Antwerp and Milan, previously worked under Raf Simons at his namesake brand and at Calvin Klein, as well as doing stints under Phoebe Philo at Celine. He also served as the designer of Maison Margiela’s «Artisanal» couture line.

Bartolomeo Rongone

Bartolomeo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, said: «Matthieu Blazy is an extraordinarily talented individual, whom I am proud and excited to entrust with the creative helm of our luxury House. Bottega Veneta has always been equated with signature craftsmanship and distinctive creativity. Matthieu’s appointment will further enhance the modern relevance of our brand and accelerate our growth, while preserving the values that are at the core of Bottega Veneta.»

Good Luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

OMG! The latest breaking news in the world of fashion… according to BOF, designer Daniel Lee is set to leave Bottega Veneta. A surprise move the group described as a «joint decision», especially as according to Bain, sales rose 2.2 % to nearly €1.2 billion in 2019 under Lee who managed to keep the company growing slightly even during the pandemic in 2020.

Bottega Veneta has set a new standard for luxury since its birth in Vicenza in 1966. Inspired by Italian culture with a global outlook, the House is defined by a distinctly refined attitude. Bottega Veneta uses noble materials to create considered pieces that become part of their owner’s lives. The House embraces a core philosophy of style, innovation and luxury, applied to a full offer for women, men and home.

Daniel Lee was appointed Creative Director in 2018. Born in Bradford in the North of England, Daniel studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and graduated in 2011. Having worked for fashion Houses in London, New York and Paris throughout his career (for example in the studio of Phoebe Philo’s Celine and at Donna Karan), Lee bought a distinct understanding of modern luxury to Bottega Veneta.

He is the brainchild behind the new must-have color green. During his three-year tenure, he played with the texture and proportion of the house’s key intrecciato leather to create must-have bags, such as The Pouch or The Point, and shoes that fashionistas around the world drooled over. His designs have been copied not only by the high street labels but also from other luxury houses.

The must-have Lagoon bubble-insole leather sandals in green.

«My time at Bottega Veneta has been an incredible experience,» Lee said in a statement. «I am grateful to have worked with an exceptional and talented team and I am forever thankful to everyone who was part of creating our vision.»

One of Lee’s best designs for Bottega: The Pouch large gathered intrecciato leather clutch.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault thanked Lee for a «singular vision» that «made the House’s heritage relevant for today and put it back to the center of the fashion scene.»

Bottega Veneta Salon 01 S/S 2021

A new creative organisation for the brand will be announced soon, Kering said. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottega Veneta and by Streetstyleshooters / Getty Images
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After Daniel Lee‘s success at Bottega Veneta releasing the uber fabulous The Pouch bag, there is the new hit in line. I am completely obsessed with The Point that is named for its triangular top handles, which are an established house signature.

Making a fashion statement: The Pouch in the large size.

As The Pouch – especially in the big size (which is the most recognizable fashion statement) – isn’t always the most practical when it comes to carrying as it doesn’t come with shoulder straps, I was really excited for The Point.

Available in a beautiful range of colours and textures in two sizes, small and medium, each one has a structured magnetic frame and knotted shoulder strap, which can easily be concealed inside if you prefer to carry it by the distinctive ‘V’ top handle.

I went for the small size, which I find perfect, in the lime color. Bottega Veneta is really great when it comes to colors. The shades are special and all so beautiful.

There are many different versions of The Point already, from the classic in a range of unexpected but delightful colors as well as other intricate interpretations like this one below in pink intrecciato woven leather.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter and Bottega Veneta, Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images, David Biedert Photography
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