Sandra‘s Closet

Shot on the streets of Bloomsbury in London, the «Wrapped In Burberry» campaign channels the joy of spending the holiday season with loved ones, featuring portraits of friends of the house old and new. Among them is US-based couple Drs. Herschel and Lilly Stoller @drsburberry, who were both picked to star in the campaign for their long-standing support of the brand, top clients of Burberry for the last 20 years.

Last September, I personally met them at the Burberry S/S 2025 show in London where I spotted them across from me front row. They caught my eyes immediately and without knowing who they were I posted a photo of them, not only for their amazing outfits but also for the way they looked so happy together.

Later at the intimate clients dinner, we were seated close to each other and started to talk. Both have been fans of Burberry for over two decades. They are such a fascinating couple, I was blown away by their energy. In daily life they are doctors  living in Nebraska who both share the mutual admiration for the brand. I love how Burberry shows their appreciation in return by featuring them in their campaign.

Me at the Burberry S/S 2025 show in September

Engaging with clients seems to be on the rise and I think it is a beautiful thing to do. In March, Miu Miu had invited their most loyal customer, Qin Hiulan, a 70 year old doctor from Shanghai, to walk for their F/W 2024 show.

Co-starring in the «Wrapped in Burberry« campaign are Nigerian-born London-based artist Slawn, and his partner Tallula Christie with their two children, as well as «Rivals» stars David Tennant and Alex Hassell.

Coinciding with the fun festive campaign, Burberry is introducing a new virtual scarf try-on experience. Shoppers can now explore the brand’s signature cashmere check and alpaca wool scarves in over 50 colourways online, in-store, and on their own devices, making it easier than ever to find the perfect piece to complement any winter wardrobe.

With Joshua Schulman at the intimate clients dinner during London Fashion Week.

Congrats to Joshua Schulman, Chief Executive Officer Burberry since July, for rolling out such a family affair and to Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer  Burberry, for creating those beautiful special Burberry pieces for us.

TO SHOP BURBERRY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Daniel Lee at the after party last September.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Burberry
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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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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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I just love this bag! Daniel Lee‘s blown-up take on Bottega Veneta‘s intrecciato weave creating perfectly shaped squares feels so modern and sophisticated. The structured, ’90-inspired silhouette is crafted from two layers of soft leather that’s thickly padded so it feels soft and puffy.

In my closet: Cassette small Intrecciato-leather cross-body bag in green

There are two options. First, wear the adjustable leather strap cross-body or tuck it inside to carry as a clutch as seen above or opt for the version with the chunky chain strap in gold (my favorite) or silver, which happens to be another new addition this fall, see below.

In my closet: Cassette chain-embellished padded intrecciato suede shoulder bag in dark brown

YOU CAN SHOP THE FULL VARIETY OF THE DIFFERENT PADDED CASSETTE BAGS HERE.

It is hard to decide, isn’t it?

LoL, Sandra

Photo brown bag: © Sandra Bauknecht. Photo green bag: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: © Bottega Veneta
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Leather culottes have been all the rage this S/S 2020 season. Cut from butter-smooth leather, these shorts are preferably shirred at the waist and kick out to wide cuffs. They hit just above the knee, so you can wear them with mules or boots alike. Thanks to Bottega Veneta‘s Daniel Lee who says he only wants to create clothes that will last a lifetime, we will surely enjoy those pieces for many years to come. Those shorts will age beautifully with you.

Amata leather culottes by RtA

Leather culottes by Brunello Cucinello

Leather culottes by Joseph

also available in yellow.

Shirred leather culottes by Bottega Veneta

also available in beige (my choice)and in a beautiful light blue.

Leather culottes by Tom Ford

Stay tuned! I will show you how I style them very soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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No doubt about it: 2019 has been the year of the clutch and The Pouch is the It-bag everyone is dying to get their hands on thanks to Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta, who is also responsible for the It-shoes of both seasons. He created this ultra modern must-have with its slouchy, oversized silhouette that’s big enough to hold your phone, wallet, sunglasses and more. Show it off in-hand or tucked in the crook of the arm.

The Pouch comes in many different colour options

Celebrities and street style stars have been carrying the new The Pouch’ bag on repeat, undoubtedly the reason why clutch bags have become a fashion staple. Whether worn with jeans and a sweater or a red carpet look, the clutch reached new levels of outfit possibilities.

My favorite: The Pouch in dark blue

It also comes in crocodile, metallic and intreccio.

It’s not just The Pouch that everyone is loving… there are many more Bottega Veneta bags you should have a look at. Keep scrolling to discover how the Italian Maison made its way back to become the label of the year! And the see the preview for S/S 2020 at the end of the post…

The Pouch fits a lot of things in the must-have large size.

Good news is that Net-à-Porter and Matchesfashion are expecting some serious restock of The Pouch. Stay tuned and keep on checking by clicking on the highlighted text or contact your personal shopper!

LoL, Sandra

For S/S 2020, The Pouch will also be available with a chunky chain. Very cool!

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta / Getty, @newbottega, @black_mag
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This summer, I promise you that you won’t be able to walk outside without seeing someone wearing those mesh heels or strappy sandals. Just released, they already have the fashion world at fever pitch scrambling to buy a pair before they’re sold out.

Leather sandals (available in different colors, such as turquoise, white and black)

The shoes in question are created by Bottega Veneta, the Italian designer label put firmly back on the map upon securing an alum of Phoebe Philo, the former Director of Ready-to-Wear at Céline, 32-year-old Daniel Lee, as its new creative director.

Embellished leather-trimmed mesh pumps

Daniel Lee’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta focused on an «elevated way of dressing for real life» – the designer referenced Milan’s elegant street style as his starting point. His new footwear has outstanding details thanks to the angular square toe and the rubber-injected base to add stability to the fluted heel. If your size is sold out, stay calm, restocks are expected later this month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bottega Veneta

This week, Kering announced that Tomas Maier, who has been creative director of Bottega Veneta since 2001, is leaving the Italian brand.

Tomas Maier with Lauren Hutton

The reason? Kering has been dissatisfied for quite some time as Bottega Veneta’s sales have struggled and younger consumers are not interested enough in the brand that focuses extremely on craftsmanship. Compared to another label of the luxury conglomerate, Gucci, Bottega Veneta has been all about understated luxury and still lives up to its motto from the 1970s: «When Your Own Initials Are Enough.»

On the S/S 2017 runway: Gigi Hadid arm in arm with Lauren Hutton

Lately, Tomas Maier made headlines with the model casting for his S/S 2017 runway show. He sent out 73-year-old Lauren Hutton together with 21-year-old Gigi Hadid, confirming that beauty has no age. The same year, the brand reissued the iconic intrecciato clutch worn by Hutton in the 1980 film American Gigolo.

Lauren Hutton carries a Bottega Veneta clutch in American Gigolo.

Reissued: Lauren 1980 intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta

In a statement, Francois-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, thanked Tomas for his work in the past 17 years: «It is largely due to Tomas’ high-level creative demands that Bottega Veneta became the house it is today. He put it back on the luxury scene and made it an undisputed reference. With his creative vision, he magnificently showcased the expertise of the house’s artisans. I am deeply grateful to him and I personally thank him for the work he accomplished, and for the exceptional success he helped to achieve.»

The new creative director has already been named. It is former Céline director of ready-to-wear, Daniel Lee. Until now, Lee has maintained a low profile at a number of historic design houses. He graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2011, worked at Maison Margiela and Balenciaga, before heading to Céline under Phoebe Philo.

I think that is an interesting choice. Kering has a track record of hiring lesser-known designers to top houses, which worked amazingly in the case of Alessandro Michele and Gucci.

TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta, via Grazia Magazine