Sandra‘s Closet

This week, Donatella Versace presented her butterfly-filled Pre-Fall 2023 collection in Cannes, a collaboration with the pop star Dua Lipa titled «La Vacanza.» First used in Gianni Versace’s S/S 1995 runway collection, the butterfly is a motif which the pop star has worn throughout the years; it also seems to hold a special significance.

Must-have of the collection: Butterfly printed silk-twill shirt

«I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. This is the perfect summer collection—from lying by the pool in a fun printed bikini, to dressing-up to dance on hot summer evenings in the perfect evening dress—these clothes immediately make me think of my holidays and being in the sun. Dua loves Fashion, I love Music—we are the perfect duo! We felt like we were on vacation and that is exactly the spirit we want people to feel when they wear our clothes.» –Donatella Versace

It is Versace’s first see-now-buy-now fashion show on the French Riviera. The fashion show reflects an intimate Salon-style collection presentation, with Iván De Pineda as host to guests sat in the gardens of a French Riviera villa.

The collection is Donatella and Dua’s shared vision of an absolute modern elegance for «La Vacanza,» the Italian for «vacation,» and encompasses the full Versace lifestyle; from perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, to bikini and terry cotton beachwear. It is also typical Barbiecore. Think pink power suits, the Barbie bouffant hairdos, and the shiny metallic leathers and crystal embellishments.

La Vacanza is what your summer dreams are made of and you can shop it now HERE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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«When Lily got in front of the camera she transformed! Wearing the collection unlocked her own personal attitude and she took on a new energy and power. That’s exactly how you should feel when wearing Versace!» – Donatella Versace

The Versace F/W 2022 campaign sees Lily James with the new Greca Goddess bag; the actress interpreting a Versace goddess in images from well-renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

As in her films, where she has played roles from headstrong princesses to sex-symbols, Lily James’s impulsive and daring attitude is the epitome of Versace confidence. Lily is seen as equal parts mythological deity and contemporary rebel as she wears new season latex ready-to-wear in a campaign that clashes classical culture with empowered seduction.

Versace Men’s proposal of a modern opulence is visually clear, with the ornate flourishes of the classical surrounding contrasted with the collection’s contemporary content.

The Greca Goddess line of bags is introduced for F/W 2022. Very Versace contrasts within the campaign imagery fully reflect the new bag and its juxtaposition of rich craft and elegance with a totally contemporary and new energy. The new bag harnesses Versace’s culture of myth and luxury, finished with the brand’s Greca insignia.

I absolutely love Versace’s new collection for F/W 2022 and cannot wait to get my hands on it! The footwear is so divine…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace – CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER: Donatella Versace | CAMPAIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Ferdinando Verderi PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott | STARRING: Lily James, Sofiane Belaasri, Yilan Hua, Avanti Nagrath, Reece Nelson, Parker Van Noord, Lulu Wood, | CASTING DIRECTOR: Piergiorgio Del Moro | STYLIST: Jacob K | HAIR STYLIST: Karim Belghiran | MAKEUP ARTIST: Porsche Poon
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

What happened when Donatella Versace and Kim Jones switched roles?
Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace, two iconic collections that celebrate their friendship and the cultural impact of Versace and Fendi. For Pre-fall 2022, the two houses joined forces and created FENDACE, for women and men.

The show took place in the courtyard of the Versace family palazzo on Via Gesu in September last year. What went down is that Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi of Fendi (first part of the show) and Donatella Versace of Versace (second part of the show) swapped houses  for one night only to design 25 looks for their erstwhile rivals. Relive the surprise unveiling from Milan and shop the designs from May 12, 2022.

Fendi by Versace on the Versace website and Versace by Fendi on the Fendi website.

Below you can explore my favorite looks. I personally find Donatella’s take stronger than the one by Kim and Silvia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace / Fendi
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Twenty years ago, a green jungle print gown by Versace broke the internet, and Google Images was born. It was February 2000 when Jennifer Lopez wore the iconic dress, designed by Donatella Versace, to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony.

The sheer fabric was printed with a tropical leaf and bamboo pattern, and cut with a very low neckline that extended well past Lopez’s navel, while the waist of the dress was studded with citrines. Seemingly overnight it became a fashion legend, as well as the most popular search query Google had seen at the time. It was often described as a turning point in designer Donatella Versace’s career after the death of her brother, Gianni Versace.

But back in 2000, search results were still just a list of blue links. When the search team realized they weren’t able to directly surface the results that people wanted – a picture of the American recording artist and actress in the dress – they were inspired to create Google Images.

Left: Crystal-embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo wearing the original design in 2000 to the Grammys

Before it became famous on the red carpet of the Grammy Awards, the dress was presented on the catwalk by model Amber Valletta, and was also featured in Versace’s main advertising campaign that year; Steven Meisel also photographed it on Valletta.

Left: Cutout embellished printed silk-chiffon gown by Versace (available now)
Right: J. Lo with Donatella Versace on the S/S 2020 runway last fall

Two decades later, Donatella Versace showed off a new, revamped green gown in the print for her S/S 2020 collection, and a magic moment in fashion history took place when J. Lo modeled it as the final look of the runway presentation last fall. And is it only me? But I think that J. Lo looks even better than 20 years ago! Just wow!!!

Great news is that you can make these pieces of fashion history your own as both versions are available this season. TO SHOP BOTH VERSACE GOWNS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Can you guess which one I went for? I hope this quarantine will be over soon and I get to wear it to a special occasion…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace, Net-à-Porter and Google
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Last night, fashion’s most anticipated yearly event (yes, hotter than the Oscar’s), the MET GALA, offered a breathtaking red carpet that I will tell you all about today. It always takes place on the first Monday in May. But if you’re not an industry expert, you might be wondering why on earth there should be so much hype about it. First of all, Anna Wintour is hosting the night along some well-known co-hosts, which are all much-worshiped by the paparazzi: Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace. But there is more… many stars, models and fashion designers attend the night in showstopping outfits worthy of unforgettable photos.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, right, designer Donatella Versace, left, and Vogue US Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour  in Rome last February.

It is a huge night for fashion fundraising as it is dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995. It also celebrates the opening of the newest exhibition of which its theme sets the tone for the event and invitees have to dress accordingly. Personally speaking, I find this year’s motto extremely interesting, instead of being dedicated to the work of one designer, it is inspired by the dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art: «Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination».

In Anna’s recent «Letter of the Editor» in the May 2018 edition of US Vogue, she writes: «The exhibition itself has been years in the making, and it will be not only the largest Costume Institue show to date but the biggest show ever at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to not sound hyperbolic about it, but it is going to be an absolutely magnificent experience – spanning some 26 galleries and including work from the likes of Valentino, Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana along with more than 40 extraordinarily opulent liturgical garments and accessories on loan from the Vatican.

For curator Andrew Bolton, it required endless hours of patience dealing with the Vatican, given the labyrinthine way that it operates.»

Central to the conversation will be the papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican, even in the 1983 Met blockbuster, «The Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art».

An enduring influence of religion on fashion: for F/W 2010, church elements played a huge role on the catwalks. Have a look at this previous post: The Nun’s Story.

The display of these extraordinary ecclesiastical pieces will highlight the enduring influence of religion and liturgical vestments on fashion. Among the 150 or so ensembles that will be on display are pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, who was educated by nuns, and John Galliano, whose transgressive F/W 2000 Couture collection for Christian Dior opened with a mitred, incense-swinging pope-like figure who proceeded down the runway to a voice intoning: «Understand the concept of love.»

First look of Christian Dior Couture F/W 2000

Fashion is a way to express yourself and by placing clothes within the context of religion, you realize how much power the looks of Christianity have and that fashion has supported the way we feel the Catholic imagination.

Part of the exhibition
Left: Fragment of a floor mosaic with a personification of Ktisis, Byzantine, 500–550, with modern restoration, marble, and glass; right: Ensemble, Dolce & Gabbana, F/W 2013

Me in a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2013 look: A Byzantine Moment

«Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination» is on view May 10–October 8, 2018. A catalog with photographs by Katerina Jebb will accompany the exhibition.

Below you can enjoy some of my favorite looks of last night.

My personal winner: Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
She needed to arrive in a party bus to have enough space for her amazing gown!

Love this look as well: Jennifer Lopez in Balmain, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch.

Rare moment: The host of the night, Anna Wintour, caught smiling in Chanel.

Angel of the night: Katy Perry in Versace.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Co-host perfection: Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Christian Louboutin shoes, Maria Tash jewelry, Cartier jewelry, and a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Always an eye-catcher: Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fisher.

Heavenly: Anne Hathaway in a stunning red Valentino gown.

Icon: Lily Collins in Givenchy

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture

Simple and elegant, matching the theme:
Andreea Diaconu in Michael Kors Collection and Chopard jewelry

Beautiful print: Ariana Grande in Vera Wang.

Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto, both in Gucci

Curvy and beautiful: Kate Upton in Zac Posen

Rita Ora in Prada

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in custom Ralph Lauren Collection

So cute: Cardi B shows off her baby bump in Moschino next to designer Jeremy Scott.

Kate Bosworth recreated her bridal look in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry.

Beautiful in velvet: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren.

Definitely not the most sexy look, but matching the theme well: Greta Gerwig in The Row.

Stella Maxwell in Moschino and David Yurman

Sexy interpretation: Taylor Hill in Diane von Furstenberg

Best dressed man of the night: Chadwick Boseman in Versace.

I personally didn’t like this look at all, not matching the theme (as a co-host you would expect better) and the cut is not pleasing her beautiful shape: Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Melanie Galea, (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane DickFund and Fletcher Fund, 1998; Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Dodge Fund, and Rogers Fund, 1999 (1998.69; 1999.99) / © Metropolitan Museum of Art; Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana / Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Digital Composite Scan by Katerina Jebb, Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Gianni Versace in broad daylight in Miami Beach. I will never forget this moment when I saw the news on TV. I was studying fashion design and was at home working on one of my first assignments. At this time, Versace was big. We all dreamt of butterfly prints, safety pins, tight dresses and many more…

Gorgeous as her mother in the nineties… Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, on the Versace S/S 2018 catwalk.

This week, Donatella Versace chose to stage her S/S 2018 show at Milan’s Triennale museum as a tribute to her late brother’s Gianni’s inspirations and creations. And so, for the first time since being the creative director of the company, she seeked inspiration directly from the house’s archives with all the key prints and pieces from the years 1991–95.

Versace in the ’90s

As I said those years marked the highlights of Gianni Versace’s designs. His most iconic collections included Vogue, Warhol, My Friend Elton, Icons, Baroque, Animalia, Native Americans, Tresor de la Mer, Metal Mesh, and Butterflies.

Beautiful finale of the S/S 2018 Versace: Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen posing in classic Versace chainmail dresses.

To celebrate «a genius . . . an icon . . . my brother» as Donatella said, the show fulminated in a finale that brought tears to my eyes. Gianni’s favorite models, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen, appeared in golden gowns on stage, to the chorus of George Michael’s «Freedom! ’90.» Front row? Alessandro Michele, Anthony Vaccarello and Pierpaolo Piccioli applauded to Donatella’s tribute to the late master of fashion.

Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Christy Burlington lipsynching to George Michael’s «Freedom 90» for the finale of Gianni’s Versace’s F/W 1991 show. Back then fashion was truly fun!

The era of the top models: Gianni Versace surrounded by them in 1991.

A beautiful Versace ad campaign from the ’90s.

This moment reminded me why I chose many years ago the direction of fashion and how much the work of Gianni Versace in the ’90s had inspired me to do so.

Thank you, Donatella, for this little reminder, we all sometimes need in this busy life! And thank God that I have kept everything in my closet… time to dust the butterflies off…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com and Rex Features

This was breaking news this week, Riccardo Tisci is leaving Givenchy after 12 years with the brand and the house won’t show during Paris Fashion Week. His F/W 2017 menswear collection and S/S 2017 Haute Couture collection, shown together on the runway in Paris on January 20, were his last for the label.

Riccardo Tisci with Beyoncé photographed by Anton Corbjin for Vogue September 2015.

If you are one of Riccardo Tisci’s 1.8 million Instagram followers, then you probably already know that the Givenchy designer is loved by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna and many more… Ticsi’s exit finishes one of the fashion industry’s longest and most successful appointments.

Givenchy sequin dress and fox fur cape in US Vogue April 2014.

In the last year and a half, Dior, Valentino, Lanvin, Chloé, Saint Laurent, and more have seen their designers leave, which seems to lead to the fact that the short-term position for the creative director of around 3 to 4 years is becoming the new normal.

At the moment, the industry is changing anyway dramatically…

Givenchy ad campaign 2015 featuring Donatella Versace.

Concerning Tisci’s future, rumors are out that he will move to Versace, a brand that he has long expressed his admiration for, especially for the work of the late Gianni Versace. Ticsi has built up a close friendship with Gianni’s sister, Donatella, whom he invited to pose in a Givenchy ad campaign in 2015. Donated herself called Tisci’s F/W 2011 collection an homage to her brother. For a previous post, click here please.

To pay tribute to this fabulous designer, let’s indulge in some of his most amazing fashion moments, such as his famous Bambi sweater, his love for Rottweilers, and the most beautiful floral prints.

Have a look at some of my personal Givenchy highlights of the last years…
TRIBAL – WILD FLOWER – ON THE RED CARPET IN CANNES – DANCING ON MULHOLLAND DRIVE – DINNER AT L’ARC IN PARIS

For Riccardo Tisci, I think it is time to move on. Personally speaking, I have always been a great Givenchy fan, but change means new inspiration! And that is always good…

The fashion wheel is spinning again… let’s stay tuned!

TO SHOP TISCI’S LAST COLLECTION FOR GIVENCHY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue, Givenchy and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the first time in 17 years, Donatella Versace and Bruce Weber reunite for the Italian House’s F/W 2016 ad campaign. The photographer responsible for some of Versace’s most iconic images returns to the famed fashion brand for the first time since 1999. Starring Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Dilone in a series of tableaux, some real-life and some fantastical, the images were shot in Chicago and, in classic Weber style, womenswear and menswear are shown together. The large cast of men features real-world discoveries such as a bodyguard, a singer and dancers, as well as models Trevor Signorino, Charlie Kennedy and Marcus Watts.

Bruce Weber said, “When I first spoke with Donatella about going to Chicago she said, simply, – yes, let’s pack up and go! – Donatella has always been an adventurer and not only does she treat me like a prince, she treats me like family – and the feeling is mutual. The most important thing to me, after all these year, is that we can still laugh together”.

I used to live in Chicago and love this city, what a great choice.
TO SHOP VERSACE ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

Rumors had been going on already, but only last week we got the confirmation that Hedi Slimane is leaving Saint Laurent. It was only a four-year tenure, but the designer wove a serious fashion tale, definitely in my closet. I went crazy when his first collection (Cruise 2013) for the French Maison hit the shelves.

In 2012, when Slimane started, he first changed the name YSL to a simple Saint Laurent and ushered in rock ‘n’ roll influences. He included menswear into the women’s runway shows and created iconic pieces such as biker jackets, the Janis heels, the Sac de Jour bag that he presented every season in other shades. Due to this, he designs never went out of style but on the other hand, it got a little boring after a while.

Saint Laurent is under the helmet of the Kering giant and to add fuel to the fire, a likely successor might have been already chosen: Anthony Vaccarello, who was handpicked by Donatella Versace to spearhead the Versus brand, and was named its creative director last September.

French Fashion carrousel is turning as Raf Simons (Dior), Alber Elbaz (Lanvin) and Alexander Wang (Balenciaga) had left their posts last year.

Below you can enjoy some of my favourite outfits that I wore during the last years designed by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

March 2013: At the Valentino S/S 2013 Fashion Show

September 2013: Piaget Movie Night in Zurich

October 2013: Tartan

November 2013: Driven By Something

December 2013: It’s a Plaid, Plaid World

December 2013: I See You in the Stars

January 2014: Place Vendôme

January 2014: Sense on the Edge

January 2014: Birthday Girl

May 2014: Vampires Everywhere

May 2014: Dressing in Black and White

July 2014: Party Time in Marrakesh

October 2014: Leather Rebel

October 2014: Into the Wild

November 2014: Milan

November 2014: Glitz and Glam

December 2014: Wherever You Go

December 2014: Clash of the Tartans

January 2015: Is It Friday Yet?

February 2015: Shoot for the Moon

April 2015: Oh La La

April 2015: Leo

May 2015: Everyone Is Fighting a Battle

August 2015: At the Alpina Gstaad

August 2015: Rive Gauche Summer Party

November 2015: Acid Leopard

March 2016: Spring Picnic

Photos: Courtesy of Saint Laurent and © Sandra Bauknecht

Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian palace, Palazzo Versace Dubai, a Neoclassical masterpiece with subtle traces of Arabian architecture and the most luxurious hotel the Middle East has ever seen, has opened its doors this November. Artistic director Donatella Versace has exclusively designed the interiors and furniture for each of the 215 rooms, bringing the opulent universe of Versace truly to life.

Grande Suite

Every detail is exquisite, from the ceilings hand-detailed in gold, to the finest marbles and mosaics.
Throughout the design run the iconic motifs of the Italian fashion house, such as the Medusa head, the Greek Key and the legendary prints, with many designs created exclusively for the Palazzo Versace Dubai.

The impressive lobby.

The grand lobby features an extraordinary 1000sqm marble mosaic floor, with bespoke furniture and textiles decorated with peacocks, falcons and horses.

Vanitas restaurant

For all-day dining, the Giardino has marble flooring and columns, with the walls decorated in a special edition of the iconic Jungle print from Versace Wallpaper collection. Meanwhile the Vanitas restaurant is like a classical Italian palace, with handmade wall decorations featuring the Grottesche Italiane.

Residence Living Room

Palazzo Versace Dubai will also be home to 169 residences, ranging from one to six bedrooms, each decorated and furnished in the true Versace style.

The pool

Situated in the heart of the city, Palazzo Versace Dubai is at the centre of the new Culture Village, located on a prime waterfront plot with unobstructed views of the Dubai Creek.

Palazzo Versace Dubai Executive Suite

This is the second Palazzo. The first, on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is the world’s first fashion branded hotel concept. Following the opening of Palazzo Versace Dubai, the next Palazzo will be built in Macau.

Cannot wait to stay there the next time I will be in Dubai.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace