The Vanity Bag

There is no doubt that the vanity bag – preferably in burgundy – is the F/W 2024 staple in the wardrobes of those in the know. While the rich burgundy hue appears every fall and winter to replace summer’s brights and pastels, the shade has gotten new life.

Rising designer prices had been prompting Gen Z to repurpose vanity bags as clutches. I mean for a modest cost, you can buy beauty products and receive a complimentary designer vanity bag, enjoying the same luxury experience. High end designer brands transform these shapes now into the new must-have handbags, needless to say for a higher amount, as demonstrated by iconic designs such as the Loro Piana Pouch Bag and Bottega Veneta’s latest Bang Bang style.

This is how a trend is born, these bags perfectly combine style and utility. Below are the best ones available at the moment.

LoL, Sandra

Gaby Vanity leather shoulder bagicon by Saint Laurent

Bang Bang Vanity mini intrecciato leather toteicon by Bottega Veneta

Mini pouch bagicon by Loro Piana

Mini camelia shoulder bag by Furla

Burgundy velvet vanity bag by Roger Vivier

Shoulder bag in GG leather by Gucci

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands
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My Look: Color Blocking

One episode of My Style Rocks Germany was about «color blocking,» when two or more colors are combined or stacked in blocks in mostly bright colour. I pushed the accelerator on the provocation with this bold color palette of orange, yellow and blue, featuring new pieces and vintage ones from my closet. Those vibrant hues combined stimulate energy and happiness.

My look: Orange silk jacket, blue silk shirt, and matching bag with leather tassels, all by Gucci (S/S 2011 Collection), yellow pants by Moschinohoop-drop clip earringsicon by Saint Laurent, Aevitas Pointy satin platform pumps by Versace, and silk hair band by Prada (Resort 2019).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht /  Beyza Babacan
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My Look: Montreux

Greetings from Montreux where fashion meets art at the lake. Ken Price (1935 – 2012) was a Californian artist, born and raised in Los Angeles, whose esoteric style defied categorization. Calling on eclectic influences from Mexican folk art to erotica and surf culture, his output included vibrant landscapes that have become the focus of Loewe’s capsule collection – a selection of limited edition ready-to-wear, iconic bags and accessories.

When Price died in 2012, his obituaries universally acknowledged the scale of his impact on modern and contemporary art. The New York Times described him as «one of the outstanding artists of postwar America», while the Washington Post noted his role in «expanding orthodox definitions of American and European sculpture.»

My look: Cropped asymmetric denim jacketicon, and Tread Slick canvas and rubber exaggerated-sole ankle bootsicon, both by Alexander McQueen, printed cotton hoodieicon, and matching small La Palme Heel bagicon, both by Loewe x Ken Price, track pants in salmon by Moschino, wide bow hair clip by Jennifer Behr, and crystal-embellished sunglasses by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Party Time

Party time in Athens with my dear friend Mary Katrantzou. Great memories of a legendary night and the start of an amazing new adventure. My white jumpsuit couldn’t have been a better choice, like a plain white canvas waiting to be filled with something exciting.

My look: White jumpsuit with crinoline legs by Alaïa, Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bagiconby Gucci, Tribute woven leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, and bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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We Will Always Have London

Gucci unveils «We Will Always Have London», a new campaign by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno to present the Gucci Blondie bag and Cruise 2025 collection. Debbie Harry and Kelsey Lu, captured by the visionary Nan Goldin, are the protagonists of a story of people, places and moments, an ode to the timeless allure of London, and the House’s deep connection to the city. 

With a creative vision that evolves and deepens each season, from the discreet setting of S/S 2024 to the exploration of new sensuality in F/W 2024, Sabato De Sarno’s latest campaign for Gucci introduces new languages of artistry and romance. This latest chapter in a voyage through various dimensions of stylistic expression is set in London, an eternal muse for music, art, and culture, and where the Cruise 2025 collection debuted, embodying the creative spirit of the House’s ongoing love affair with the city. It was here, over a century ago, that a young Guccio Gucci, working as a liftboy at The Savoy hotel, first encountered the elegance and sophistication of the international elite. This experience sparked his ambition and led to the founding of his eponymous leather goods house in 1921, forging an enduring bond with London. This connection continues to shape Gucci’s creative journey, celebrated in the Cruise 2025 collection and in the «We Will Always Have London» campaign. 

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Nan Goldin, brings her distinctive vision to the campaign. With honors such as France’s prestigious Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 2006, and a 2023 Academy Award nomination for her documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, Goldin is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of our time. For «We Will Always Have London,» her documentary-style approach infuses the imagery with an intimate, rare power. Goldin’s skill in capturing the raw essence of her subjects weaves a story where fashion transcends the runway, embodying the free-spirited energy at the core of Sabato De Sarno’s vision. The campaign follows its protagonists through various locations in the city under a mysterious nighttime ambiance, creating a cinematic narrative that melds timeless influences with a contemporary edge. 

Cultural icon Debbie Harry, co-founder and frontwoman of Blondie – whose rebellious spirit, trailblazing style, and enduring musical influence continue to inspire generations, stars alongside one of today’s most esteemed performing artists, cellists, and composers, Kelsey Lu.

These two women, though from distinct generations, share an undeniable creative spirit. Together, they symbolize the fusion of past and future that Gucci so often explores, and they embody the spirit of the Gucci Blondie bag, a timeless icon reimagined in the Cruise 2025 collection. The campaign features moments in London’s iconic cabs and atmospheric  spaces. Joining them are Alaato Jazyper, the face of Gucci’s F/W 2024 campaign, and Yanan Wan, who opened the Cruise 2025 runway at Tate Modern. As they explore the spaces of London’s home of modern art, they bring the collection’s narrative to life. 

At the heart of the campaign is the Gucci Blondie bag, not merely an accessory, but a piece of the House’s legacy reimagined for today’s world. First introduced in the early 1970s, the bag’s signature rounded emblem, crafted from leather or enamel, echoes the liberated spirit in the era of its origins, while its sleek, spacious silhouette speaks to today’s aesthetic. 

A collection that reflects the bold and the subtle, the Gucci Cruise 2025 collection continues this dialogue between past and future, weaving together contrasting elements in a celebration of opposites. Embroidered embellishments and delicate laces meet structured, precision-cut outerwear in a captivating exploration of dualities. 

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: © Gucci – Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno  – Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola  – Director: Benoît Delhomme with Nan Goldin  – Photographer: Nan Goldin  – Stylist: Francesca Burns  – Casting Director: Piergiorgio Del Moro  – Make Up: Brigitte Reiss-Andersen  – Hair: Jimmy Paul  – Talent : Debbie Harry, Kelsey Lu  DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

My Look: Knowing

Knowing – Knowledge is everything. Knowledge sets you free. Knowledge is sexy. Knowledge is power. And so is the perfect scent. Just as knowledge can be enticing and powerful, so too can a fragrance leave a memorable impression. It speaks to how certain qualities – whether intellectual or sensory – have the ability to command attention, evoke emotion, and convey a sense of confidence or charisma. I have fallen in love with Knowing Legacy from the first spritz. Created by Frédéric Malle for the self-assured woman who knows who she is and what she wants, it is a sophisticated, luxurious and confident scent.

«Knowing Legacy is all about skin, fire and a long night.» – Frédéric Malle

Knowing Legacy expands the original rich and luxurious essence of smouldering amber and sandalwood, while notes of black currant and lavish orris push the sensual fragrance even further. It is seductive, full of feminine energy, for the «Eve» within you!

My look: Eve belted crystal-embellished crepe jumpsuiticon, and matching Eve embellished velvet toteicon, both by Clio Peppiatt, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, and crystal-embellished snake necklace by Alessandra Rich.

My scent: KNOWING LEGACY by Estée Lauder

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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@esteelauderswitzerland #esteelauderlegacy #fredericmalle #luxuryfragrance

My Look: Mauritius Green

All shades of green … Mauritius is called the green island in the Indian Ocean, thanks to the island’s rich vegetation, tropical forests, and the clear, emerald waters surrounding its coastline.

For the photos. I went to a scenic sightseeing spot up the hill of the village of Chamarel, which is one of the most visited spots on the island, blending in the vibrant, lush shades of green with my outfit.

My look: Cropped off-the-shoulder embellished stretch-jersey top, and matching embellished gathered stretch-jersey maxi skirt, both by Rabanne, Devotion mini bag in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, Crawford knotted silver and green leather platform sandals with crystals by Gucci, 36mm Oyster Perpetual Celebration by Rolex, and green logo sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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My Look: Boat Love

Perfect match – wearing this beautiful vintage map print dress on a yacht cruising through the Mediterranean. I just love being on a boat, the air, the sea, the freedom gives me so much pleasure.

My look: High Tide map print dressicon by Zimmermann, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bagicon, and vintage white sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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My Look: Pink Love

Pink love – strolling through the secret gems inside the Byblos Saint Tropez, from Moroccan-style fountains to hidden gardens, the famous hotel invites you to discover the charm of the South of France.

My look: Pink belted cardigan with dark blue trompe-l’œil effect (Look 12 S/S 2021), soft pink slip dress, Chanel 19 bag in rose leather, tweed ballerinas, choker necklace for AirPods, and three long pearl necklaces, all by CHANEL, and embellished heart sunglassesicon by Gucci.

Fragrance: Comète – LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie / Sandra Bauknecht
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Gucci Tennis

In a nod to its storied past, Gucci introduces the Gucci Tennis special collection, inspired by archival designs from the 1970s. After previewing at select stores in Paris in May, the collection is now making its full debut globally through a new campaign featuring tennis players Emma Cohen and George Loffhagen. Together, they embody the collection’s spirit, showcasing the pieces with their champion attitudes on and off the court. 

Blending tradition and modernity, the special selection pays homage to the House’s longstanding relationship with the game drawing inspiration from its archives dating back to the 1970s. During this era, the House expanded its repertoire of tennis-related products, particularly focusing on accessories and shoes, including the signature Tennis 1977 sneaker, one of the first ever sneakers to be produced by a luxury brand. This affinity for tennis transcended into the 1980s with a selection of ready-to-wear pieces that became favorites among athletes and lovers of the sport alike. 

Reimagining traditional tennis attire with contemporary elegance, the collection features sleek dresses, sophisticated polos, and matching sets for men and women, including shorts and skirts paired with tanks and knitwear. Accessories such as caps, wristbands, and leather items complement the outfits. Highlight pieces include a new duffle bag, racquet backpack, racquet bag, and shoe holder, all adorned with a white-on-white GG monogram and Web stripe details. The iconic Tennis 1977 sneakers appear in white canvas and leather, alongside Gucci Ace sneakers featuring the GG monogram. 

Central to the collection is the emblematic Web stripe, a signature code that weaves together the past and present of the House paying homage to its enduring legacy. This iconic detail weaves through the designs, infusing the collection with a uniform aesthetic that reflects the timeless elegance of classic sporting attire. 

The Gucci Tennis collection is now available at select stores globally featuring exclusive displays in Milan, London and Paris, as well as online at gucci.com. 

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno – Photographer: Davit Giorgadze  – Stylist: Melissa Levy – Make-Up: Stephanie Kunz – Hair: Ramona Eschbach – Talents: George Loffhagen and Emma Cohen – DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.