Sandra‘s Closet

After my last Tuesday post, I have received so many e-mails from you asking me about my XXL Chanel bag that I wore on one of the photos.

The very large version of Chanel`s iconic 2.55 bag was presented last F/W 2009/10 for the first time in black vernis leather and was spotted immediately on stylist Rachel Zoe. For S/S 2010 the oversized model has appeared once more in grey denim but only a very limited number was produced. I am totally in love with this bag. It gives me a this “Alice in Wonderland” feeling being so big compared to my stature.

The story behind the legendary bag that has always been en vogue is magical. The 2.55 takes its name from the month and year when it was launched by Coco Chanel: February 1955. Her idea was to create a shoulder bag to free up her hands. The traditional hand-held bags were simply no longer practical. Therefore her introduction of the chain strap revolutionized fashion of its time.

In 2005, in celebration of the 2.55`s 50th anniversary,  Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel`s designer since 1983) revived the bag exactly as Coco Chanel had made it and launched the Reissue. As a new member of the traditional Chanel 2.55 family, the updated version has got a turn clasp (Chanel term: Mademoiselle Lock) instead of the classic interlocking CC closure introduced in the `80s (Chanel term: Classic Flap) and a chain strap without the interwoven leather accent. Both variations are available each season in many different ways.

2.55 with Classic Flap

XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock

Interesting to know is that the bag arrives folded into the stores and can be packed like this for travelling which makes it very convenient (see photo to the left). It is said that Karl Lagerfeld found one of Coco`s previous 2.55 models on a shelf, squeezed together between some books. As the shape of the bag was still in perfect condition, he has adopted that idea for his relaunch.

In case those bags are appealing to you, go to the nearest Chanel store and have a look. If you are there, please do not miss out this summer`s It- shoes:
Chanel`s “5 O`clogs” (love that name) are the hottest ones of all.

To me, Coco Chanel deserves the Nobel Prize post mortem. We owe her the LBD (Little Black Dress), stretch materials, pants and the chain strap. By banishing the corsets, she has been the pioneer of modern wearable womenswear. Thanks, Coco!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via missylovely

On the one hand sheer, body-conscious, even naked looks and on the other hand romantic, young aspects created by crystal embroideries and graphic prints with little dogs, cats, swallows and flowers. The accessories are extremely beautiful, to me the platform shoes in particular.

The American model Lindsey Wixon was the perfect choice for the advertising campaign. She has that perfect combination of power and vulnerability. The sixteen-year-old was rejected by several casting directors before signing the contract with Marilyn. The agency had a good eye. After the opening slot at the Prada show in Milan and the presentation of the last look on the Miu Miu runway in Paris, she has become the new shooting star. Her signature feature is her sweet very tiny mouth with incredibly full lips. We will see her in a lot of editorials in the near future.

For my Swiss readers, I recommend a visit to the new Miu Miu shops in Zurich and St. Moritz. Have fun exploring this beautiful collection!

LoL, Sandra

Another trend originally imposed by Hippies in the 70s celebrates its come back in a very chic way: Clogs! So many different luxury versions were seen, in linen, printed canvas (Miu Miu) or more sophisticated in suede (Louis Vuitton), some even with a Japanese attitude in studded leather (Céline).

Karl Lagerfeld`s sample for Chanel with wooden high heels is an amazing modern take on the Dutch classics and my favourite as I adore the touch of Bavarian folly very much! I cannot wait to hear the sound of clogs tapping on the asphalt of the streets waking up early summer.

LoL, Sandra

A modern take on Marie Antoinette in Versailles and a tribute to the milkmaids in the Alpine countries, that is how I would like to describe Karl Lagerfeld`s Chanel runway show for S/S 2010. A harvest of everything, dirndl meets Chanel tweeds– only Lagerfeld can manage to take you elegantly to the country, inventing a new and younger style for the fashion house.

The collection has been amazingly balanced between classic elements like those signature chains plus Chanel-famous little jackets with contrasting edges and current season tendencies like rough textures, transparency, lace and wodden clogs. The look is fresher than ever and Lily Allen performing on a hoedown platform was the perfect addition to the barnyard spectacle.

Stay tuned and find out more in the next days about all the different trends at Chanel!

LoL, Sandra