Sandra‘s Closet

DIESEL honors Genoa, the birthplace of jeans, and celebrates Made in Italy by presenting a reproduction of the oldest jeans fabric ever documented in history.

Dating back to 1760-80, local townspeople and laborers in Genoa were first seen (and depicted) wearing jeans as part of their daily wardrobes. Colors ranged from standard indigo to brown to white. A nativity figurine by Pasquale Navone (1746-1791), shows a man with denim trousers (woven diagonally, 2 to 1, in a blue cotton weft and white linen warp) that appear remarkably similar to iterations from the modern era. This sculpture represents the oldest historical instances of jeans; it may be viewed at Museo Giannettino Loxoro, which is situated in Genoa.

DIESEL has replicated the original fabric and garment as they existed three hundred years ago. It was done by using handmade Italian textiles and workmanship. The re-creation was exhibited this week at Genova Jeans fair in Genoa, where DIESEL was invited to celebrate the heritage of Made in Italy jeans. As to the accuracy of the denim’s reproduction and integrity, the fabric and garment are certified and verified by the art, textile and costume historian Marzia Cataldi Gallo.

The inaugural edition of the fair brings to life the history, evolution and innovation of jeans-making in a multifaceted showcase that, additionally, emphasizes sustainability; a series of immersive, informational experiences were on display. This includes a multi-part exhibition from DIESEL that centers on the heritage of its jeans, its journey towards a more sustainable denim product and practice, and how the company has utilized jeans to help transform the world of advertising.

Ultimately, this initiative serves as another spoke in DIESEL’s For Responsible Living strategy, which is a company-wide mandate to continuously shift its culture, business practices and footprint into a more sustainable arena. By participating in Genova Jeans, DIESEL further demonstrates its commitment to promoting and pushing for increased sustainability in the world of jeans.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Diesel

Perched on the sixth floor, overlooking the city, the lake and the Alps, La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich’s La Muña restaurant is the place to be. Here you see me on the terrace dressed in an all-denim look. With the recent ’90s fashion revival, the matching jean-on-jean style is making a cooler-than-ever comeback this season and has been seen on several runways.

My look: Embroidered washed denim jacket (Look 38 pre-collection S/S 2021), matching denim top and jeans (Look 37 pre-collection S/S 2021), white organza blouse (Look 21 S/S 2021 runway collection), 80’s inspired chain earrings, all by CHANEL, faux pearl and satin clutch by Balenciaga, oversized cat-eye acetate sunglasses by Celine, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Upcycled by Miu Miu continues to pursue a sustainable ideology, now giving new life to pre-loved denim in collaboration with Levi’s®. A selection of classic denim pieces is re-fashioned by Miu Miu, seen through the brand’s maverick and determinedly playful eye and worn by Miu Miu muses, the actor Emma Corrin and models Lila Moss and Georgia Palmer, all portrayed by Johnny Dufort.

A celebration of iconic garments, this project includes vintage MADE IN USA men’s 501® jeans and Trucker Jackets from the 1980s and 1990s. Born out of American workwear and, from the mid-1950s onwards, a symbol of youthful rebellion, these iconic pieces have been customised and personalised by Miu Miu, in a play between masculinity and femininity, and aimed squarely at an equally free-spirited Miu Miu woman.

The vintage denim is hand-embellished with instantly recognisable Miu Miu crystal, pearl, floral and all-over diamanté embroideries, puffed sleeves and bold leather patches featuring Art Deco-inspired intarsia motifs. Jeans are cut off to the thigh or finished with ivory silk duchesse turn-ups while the Trucker Jackets are adorned with oversized white lace collars.

The iconic Levi’s® backpatch is re-invented in Miu Miu pink and carries the brand’s logo alongside. The finishing touch is a specially commissioned Miu Miu carrier bag stamped with the Levi’s® logo in return. Upcyled by Miu Miu in collaboration with Levi’s® is unveiled in London Selfridges and Shanghai IAPM mid-May. Afterwards, the collection will also be available online at miumiu.com, 18 select Miu Miu stores worldwide and Dover Street Market Los Angeles.

Inspired and inspiring – no two pieces in this collection are the same. Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, refreshed – renewed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
#UpcycledbyMiuMiu #LevisxMiuMiu

Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino. Don’t miss these limited-edition reworked denim pieces, putting a feminine spin on iconic vintage styles, that were first shown in September 2020 during the Valentino show in Milan. At that time, vintage 517 Levi’s pants were used with a slight alteration to the back label: VALENTINO was added.

So in love with this look.

Now, months later, the collab is available for purchase. The collaboration features the LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969) and the LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517, a special tag has been designed to celebrate the beginning of a new fashion exploration.

LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969)
It is fitting to note the collaborative vintage designs have been limited worldwide to just 517 units. Each piece of denim is a vintage, unaltered original that has been upcycled from previously-worn 517 jeans.

LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517
These denims are a re-elaboration of the original style, exclusively produced by Levi’s® in occasion of the collaboration with Maison Valentino.

It is definitely the most covetable denim to own this season – a must-have for all fashion lovers.
YOU CAN SHOP THE JEANS EXCLUSIVELY AT NET-À-PORTER HERE and also at Valentino.com.

The style is also available in a menswear iteration. Available at MR PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © VALENTINO and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Yesterday was probably one of the most emotional days in my life. My daughter went off to college, flying to the US by herself as I was not allowed to accompany her due to the current pandemic. This truly breaks my heart. Not only letting her go is pretty tough on me, but not being there for her to settle in is even harder. However, I know that she will be fine, she grew into an amazing and independent woman and I am proud of her.

We took those photos this week, when she caught me thinking on my balcony. Not only I am loosing my daughter at home, but also my photographer. That is also pretty tough for me!

My look: Dioraura cashmere sweater, and medium Bobby bag in latte, both by Dior, ribbed modal and cotton-blend jersey tank by Saint Laurent, chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps, both by Bottega Veneta, chain-trimmed mid-rise skinny jeans by Gucci, Monogram denim shawl in blue yellow fluo and Nanogram whistle pendant, both by Louis Vuitton, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

Empty nest syndrome? I prefer to think of it as Martin Luther King Day… «Free at last!» Life is just in front of me, that is the beauty of having been a young mum!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

I love denim as it is one of the most versatile fashion pieces available. A pair of jeans is just so damn easy to style and the most worn-in one is probably super comfortable, too. That’s why every season, designers add new styles to their collections.

My look: Two-tone appliquéd denim coat by Roberto Cavalli, printed low-rise skinny jeans
and zip-detailed ribbed cotton-blend sweater, both by Givenchy, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Medium Pierce printed leather shoulder bag by J.W. Anderson, oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses and gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch, both by Gucci, heart shaped earrings and cocktail ring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

An amazing cool capsule collection by denim cult brand CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, consisting of six pieces, has hit the virtual shelves of online retailer mytheresa.com. The lineup includes distressed denim as well as trucker jackets and slim-fitting jeans. Citizens of Humanity founder Jerome Dahan, women’s creative director Catherine Ryu and the mytheresa.com team were inspired by the heavy metal scene of the ’80s and early ’90s. To emphasize this source of inspiration, model Jessica Miller was photographed by her husband Lars Ulrich, drummer and founding member of cult band Metallica, wearing this exclusive capsule collection.

Trucker denim jacket

Trucker distressed denim vest

Agnes Mid-rise Slim Straight jeans

Mid-rise Slim Straight distressed jeans

Lars Ulrich and his wife Jessica Miller
TO SHOP THE EXCLUSIVE CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mytheresa

Durable, up-to-date and irresistibly stylish, new season denim gives a nod to the past and a sharp look into the future. High waisted or ripped and ragged like Saint Laurent or all patched up like Dsquared, pair your picks with Lucchese boots and a Pucci belt or a fringed leather bag by Antik Batik and a Michael Kors watch for just the right mix of uptown charm and new season western-style allure.

1 High-rise denim shorts by Saint Laurent
2 Destroyed cotton denim jeans by Saint Laurent
3 Pat super patch watch cotton denim jeans by Dsquared2
4 Lucchese Romia suede western boots by Lucchese
5 Embellished suede belt by Emilio Pucci
6 Bertil fringed suede drawstring bag by Antik Batik
7 Lexington rose gold-tone stainless steel chronograph watch by Michael Kors

LoL, Sandra

I love to make my flights as comfortable as possible and as I am frequently traveling around the world, I have some favorites to wear. This season it is definitely my Chanel backpack that even holds my laptop and the phone holder. They are stylish yet very practical and give you the opportunity to have your hands free.

My Look: Printed T-shirt by Ralph Lauren Black Label, mid-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, graffiti backpack, metallic patent phone holder and matching booties, all by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose ring and necklace, all by Piaget and Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While few, including myself, can resist the intoxicating frivolity of fashion’s flights of fancy, the essential basics of a stylish wardrobe have a more utilitarian character. It is these humbler pieces – often derived from work wear, military uniform or sports gear – that Louis Vuitton’s Icons collection elevates to new levels of luxury. Preserving their functional essence, it endows them with the allure of exquisite cut, fine fabrics and sophisticated detailing.

The result: every season, a collection of pieces to return to again and again, experiencing each time the dual thrill of their unrivalled comfort and timeless elegance.

1. THE MESH

A simple sweater in a classic shade and softest cotton is sure to be one of the hardest-working items in any woman’s wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s version comes with the added luxury of an embellished collar, hand-embroidered with Swarovski beads and LV studs. In a touch typical of the Icons collection, it can also be removed, taking a look from precious to pared-down in seconds.

2. THE TRENCH

The feather-light sensation of nylon faille – sensual as silk, but a whole lot more practical, and not merely because it’s water-resistant – plus the irresistible allure of the Stephen Sprouse leopard print, now in a new scaleddown version. Louis Vuitton’s neo-trench has all the emblematic details, from the belt (wear nonchalantly knotted) to the epaulettes, but it comes luxuriously long and with ultra-feminine bracelet sleeves. Pure silver screen glamour for the 21st century.

3. THE MACINTOSH

With its new cropped cut and cute collar, the season’s mac – the epitome of the Icons collection – holds more than a hint of the Swinging Sixties. The perfect cover-up against a spring shower, it doubles up as a neat boxy jacket. Polished gold buttons playfully reference the military, while the lining is pure Louis Vuitton: the legendary Stephen Sprouse leopard print, interspersed with mini Monograms.

4. THE JEANS

For S/S 2013, the perfect pair of jeans morphs into the must-have Capri pant. Stonewashed for an instantly worn-in feel, with a casually loose yet impeccably chic cut, it combines style and attitude. The iconic detail? The Monogram jacquard yoke, to be concealed or revealed depending on mood and moment.

5. THE PERFECTO

Louis Vuitton transforms a staple of bad-boy style into an icon of luxurious femininity. To the rugged sex appeal of the classic perfecto, this sleek design opposes the refinement of smooth stretch leather, enhanced by eloquent details like multiple zippers, signature rivets and – the quintessential couture touch – a half-belt at the back.

6. THE LEATHER DRESS

Leather never felt like this. Unimaginably supple, lightweight lambskin lends itself to the simplest yet most sensual of cuts: a dress like an oversize T-shirt that suggestively skims the body. Raw edges, diagonal zippers and military-style suede patches on the shoulders provide the modern, real-life details. Dress it up with heels or down with leggings, the leather dress – now in bold, beautiful red – remains both sporty and sophisticated.

My personal must? The red leather dress! See you at Vuitton…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton