Sandra‘s Closet

Last season, in a project looking back to the untold story of Gucci’s ‘British roots’, Globe-Trotter has produced a collection of distinctive luggage for the Italian fashion house.

In the Gucci Garden museum in Florence, there is a gallery called Cosmorama. Here visitors will find displays of luggage and travel paraphernalia going back to the founding of the House in Florence in 1921. Part of this exhibition is an exploration of a distinctive emblem that Gucci has used over time of a bellboy wearing a pillbox hat and carrying luggage.

The origins of this peculiar motif lie in the history of the House itself, when founder Guccio Gucci worked as a porter at London’s prestigious Savoy hotel. The story goes that he was so inspired by the beautiful luggage of the hotel’s distinguished guests that he moved back to his hometown to start making leather travel bags and accessories under the Gucci name.

Globe-Trotter GG carry-on

Now, almost a century later, Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele revisited the brand’s British connection. The designer has for many years travelled the world with his trusty Globe-Trotter which inspired him to create a collection of luggage in several different styles and sizes that incorporates signature Gucci motifs such as the double-G supreme pattern and the famous green-red-green web stripe as well as bold new prints in collaboration with the English luggage brand.

This must-have carry-on suitcase is expertly handcrafted from fiberboard and leather in the heritage brand’s Hertfordshire, England atelier, it’s printed with painterly blooms, dainty stars and the Italian house’s signature red and green stripes.

It has a canvas-lined interior that’s perfectly sized to stow weekend essentials. Boarding your flight will be a breeze, thanks to the 360-degree wheels.

YOU CAN SHOP THE CARRY-ON SUITCASE FROM TOMORROW HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

My avid readers know how much I love London. Personally speaking, a weekend trip to the British metropole is one of my favorite things to do, as the city offers everything you can dream of, culture, shopping, nightlife, and great restaurants.

Happy me at The Lanesborough wearing Mary Katrantzou .

One of my favorite hotels to stay is THE LANESBOROUGH that belongs to the Oetker Collection. Perfectly positioned between Knightsbridge and Mayfair, just a short walk from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and London’s exclusive Sloane Street, this grand mansion overlooking Hyde Park Corner has undergone an inspired renovation by the famed interior designer Alberto Pinto. The hotel is home to 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, the vibrant Library Bar and Garden Room and the magnificent Lanesborough Club & Spa.

About the latter I would like to tell you a lot more as this is one of the many reasons to stay at this hotel! It is a true sanctuary of health and relaxation in the city and was crowned the World’s Best New Hotel Spa 2017 at the World Spa Awards™. This private 1600 m² members’ fitness and health clubs and spa with its divine interior, is offering members and hotel guests access to internationally recognised experts in the fields of fitness, beauty and wellness.

The spa’s hydro pool area

A must for all spa lovers: the steam room and sauna.

Beautifully designed: the ladies’ changing room

A sanctuary of relaxation in the city: the private area for spa members

The so-called «Painting Room» serves for manicures and pedicures.

You can enjoy some of the finest spa therapy treatments with products from much-loved spa and beauty brands ila and La Prairie, as well as the expertise of facial and beauty expert Anastasia Achilleos. Good to know is that for non-members, day passes can also be combined with treatment bookings for access to the exceptional facilities.

The restaurant and bar of the Lanesborough Club & Spa

Moreover, The Lanesborough Club & Spa has its own restaurant, offering all-day healthy dining, developed by Michelin-starred Chefs Eric Frechon and Executive Chef Florian Favario in collaboration with Clean & Lean nutritional guidance from Bodyism founder James Duigan. High-protein snacks, smoothies and juices are available throughout the day, and all personal training sessions will finish with a bespoke blended drink to complement each members’ workout.

The hotel’s exquisite rooms and suites, are all uniquely refurbished with stylish, luxurious interiors and responsive technology seamlessly interwoven, including in-room tablets and powerful WiFi. Each room, not only suites, has a round-the-clock, dedicated butler service so that you can be assured that your needs are well served.

The seven-bedroom Royal Suite is a residence fit for a king, queen or head of state.

If you love food, you will enjoy the hotel’s Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant (see photo below) with its richly decorated dining room in light blue and yellow hues, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.

Beautiful ambiance at the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant

Moreover, I recommend the award-winning afternoon tea service, the seductive Library Bar and for the cigar aficionados among you one of London’s best cigar and Cognac lounges – The Garden Room. You see that THE LANESBOROUGH caters to all tastes…

I love having breakfast in the room… the first thing that makes my day…

One of my favorites in London is tea time which is served at the hotel’s «Withdrawing Room».

I am a big fan and hope that you will enjoy your stay at THE LANESBOROUGH as much as I do!

And if you become a fan, I recommend getting this beautiful Globe Trotter The Lanesborough Suitcase, that is only available at Eden Being.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Lanesborough Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht

If some trips are in your horizon, it’s time to finally put aside your old suitcase and invest in some new luggage. Traveling can be stressful enough without having to consider what might happen when a zipper breaks or that tiny hole in the bottom suddenly becomes massive. New luggage that is coordinated and sleek might not upgrade you to first class, but it sure will help you feel like you’re already there. And with these colors, you will never loose your luggage again.

1 Horizon 50 Trolley in Monogram Canvas by Louis Vuitton
2 Leather Trimmed Carry-On Suitcase by Gucci
3 Medium Quilted Nylon Trolley by Moschino
4 Majolica-Print Leather Suitcase by Dolce & Gabbana
5 Metallic Calfskin Trolley with Gold-Tone Metal by Chanel

«For me, beautiful luggage is synonymous with the golden era of travel; the sophisticated voyage to an exotic destination should be a journey of refinement and elegance.» – Charlotte Olympia

My absolute favorite is Charlotte Olympia‘s collaboration of fantastic luggages with a vintage feel with Globe-Trotter, the British brand that specializes in leather travel goods. A globetrotter’s dream collection.

TO SHOP CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA X GLOBE-TROTTER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands